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pubmed_22_15112
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Since the early 20th century, onychomycosis originated with the onset of war, the use of occlusive footwear, and the mass migration of people by transportation in the United States. Even though onychomycosis has a high prevalence in the US, other parts of the world including Canada, West Africa, Southeast Asia, Northern Australia, and Europe have been well documented with cases of fungal toenail infection in their environments. Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum) is the major dermatophyte responsible for toenail fungal infection and is typically diagnosed in conjunction with tinea pedis, especially in individuals older than 60 years. Gender roles, age, cultural habits, shoe gear, sports activities, and genetic predisposition all contribute to the different presentation of onychomycosis in these areas where organisms like dermatophytes, candida, and molds were isolated in a variety of cases. Despite the differences in isolated pathogens, treatment outcomes remained consistent. This literature review discusses the influence of tinea pedis, genetics, shoe gear, sports, and age on the development of onychomycosis.
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10.3390/jof1020211
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pubmed_1113_21825
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CONTEXT
Clinically enlarged cervical lymph nodes in patients with a history of thyroid cancer are usually assessed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) followed by cytology with or without tissue core. Thyroglobulin (Tg) is frequently elevated in malignant FNAB needle-wash specimens and may possibly augment or replace cytology. Furthermore, the combination of undetectable serum Tg and an innocuous ultrasound might altogether obviate the need for biopsy.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the study were to: 1) determine an appropriate diagnostic cutoff for Tg levels in FNAB; 2) assess the diagnostic performance at this cutoff; and 3) compare serum Tg and FNAB needle-wash Tg levels to determine whether serum Tg levels predict positive Tg FNAB.
DESIGN
This was a retrospective study of 122 FNAB samples in 88 athyrotic thyroid cancer patients.
RESULTS
Fifty of 52 nonmalignant FNAB samples (96.2%) had Tg 1 ng/ml or less. All 70 malignant FNAB had Tg greater than 1 ng/ml. Of 103 specimens with diagnostic cytology, five (4.9%) had discordant Tg results; in four of these FNAB Tg was concordant with the final diagnosis. Eighteen of 19 (94.7%) FNAB with nondiagnostic (n = 16) or absent (n = 3) cytology were correctly classified by FNAB needle-wash Tg. Undetectable (<0.1 ng/ml) serum Tg was associated with a negative diagnosis in 21 of 23 biopsies (91.7%); the two cancer-positive samples were both serum Tg autoantibody positive and classified as suspicious by ultrasonography.
CONCLUSIONS
Nodal FNAB needle-wash Tg measurements complement cytology in thyroid cancer follow-up and might substitute for it. The combination of unremarkable ultrasonography and an undetectable serum Tg in Tg autoantibody-negative patients might obviate the need for FNAB.
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10.1210/jc.2007-1075
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pubmed_223_12201
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We aimed to assess antibiotic usage and knowledge regarding antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among undergraduate students of the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), public university located in Brunei Darussalam. A cross-sectional study was performed using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was adapted from the World Health Organization's (WHO) "Antibiotic resistance: Multi-country public awareness" survey distributed online. Students at the UBD were invited to participate in the online survey through internal email. The questionnaire consisted of five sections: demographic information, antibiotic usage, knowledge on antibiotics, antibiotic resistance (AMR), and use of antibiotics in agriculture. The data were analyzed descriptively and appropriate inferential statistics were used accordingly. A total of 130 students returned a completed questionnaire. The result of the study found that 51% (n = 66) of the students had good level of knowledge of antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance with a mean total knowledge score of nine out of 14. Of note, 76% (n = 99) of the respondents mistakenly believed that antibiotic resistance is the result of the body becoming resistant to antibiotics. Only 14% (n = 18) of the respondents were found to have poor knowledge on antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance in the study. Misconceptions in regards to the use of antibiotics for conditions related to viral illnesses like cold and flu (41%, n = 53) were noticed among the respondents in our study. Thus, improving knowledge on antibiotics is crucial to address these beliefs.
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10.3390/antibiotics9060349
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pubmed_734_14204
|
It is known that memory T cells (mT cell) and memory T follicular cells (mTfh) play vital roles in the IBD pathogenesis. Sishen Pill (SSP) is a classic prescription used to treat chronic ulcerative colitis (UC). However, it is still unclear whether SSP can regulate immune homeostasis induced by mT cell and mTfh to treat IBD. In this study, we measured mT cell and mTfh level to explore the conceivable mechanism of SSP-treated IBD. The mice colitis were induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and were treated by SSP for 7 days. The therapeutic effect of SSP was evaluated by macroscopic and microscopic observation; the mT cell, mTfh, and their subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. Activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway was analyzed by using a Western blot. In the present study, SSP significantly reversed weight loss and colonic injury (colon weight increase and colonic length shortening) caused by 3% DSS in physiological saline solution. Flow cytometry showed that the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ expressions on central memory T cells were enhanced after SSP treatment, while the CD4+ T cm, CD4+ mTfh (memory T follicular helper) cells and their subpopulations were also significantly increased. Moreover, SSP inhibited the expression of JAK/STAT signaling pathway proteins JAK1, PIAS3, STAT5, p-STAT5, BIM, BAX, caspase-3, and β-casein and promoted the expression of JAK3, PISA1, Bcl-2, and caveolin-1. In summary, SSP can regulate immune homeostasis induced by mT cell and mTfh in DSS-induced colitis, which is potentially correlated with JAK/STAT signaling pathway activation.
|
10.1155/2022/6446674
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pubmed_106_17569
|
Perforation is a serious complication of diverticular disease. The sigmoid is the main affected anatomic site of perforated diverticulitis and sigmoid resection followed either by Hartmann procedure or primary anastomosis are the standard surgical approaches. Surgery, however, does not cure diverticular disease. About 50% of patients have residual diverticula. The morbidity of residual diverticula appears to be low [1]. However, adequate follow-up studies on recurrent diverticulitis after surgery are lacking. We report a rare case of recurrent perforated diverticulitis in the subcutaneous tissue in proximity of the colostomy after a Hartmann procedure for perforated diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon.
|
10.1089/109629603766957031
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pubmed_115_9111
|
In this study, we assessed the results of the Dutch breast cancer screening programme for women aged 70-75, and discussed the current upper age limit of the women invited. We compared the main outcome parameters of the screening programme 1998-2000 for women aged 70-75, with those in women aged 50-69. Breast cancer detection rates were also compared with prediction from 2 variants of a simulation model of breast cancer screening, assuming the mean sojourn time, i.e., the duration of the preclinical detectable phase, to increase or not with age above the age of 65. The underlying idea is that an increase of the sojourn time with age will lead to a less favourable balance between screening benefits and harms from a certain age on. Of the 315,103 women (aged 70-75) invited, 65.6% participated. The attendance increased from 1998 to 2000. For women aged 74 and 75 years, this increase was almost 10%. As a result of the 187,207 screening examinations performed within this age group, 18.3 per 1,000 women were referred and 10.3 per 1,000 breast cancer were diagnosed. Detection rates in both initial and subsequent screens increased steadily with age and got close to those model-simulated rates, which assume a continuously increasing sojourn time with age. A major finding of this study is that the screening participation among elderly women is high. The outcomes of our study suggest a steadily increasing sojourn time of breast tumours beyond the age of 69, leading to a strong increase in detection of cancers, and therefore, disfavouring the balance with the benefits of screening. At present, 75 years of age can be regarded as an appropriate upper age limit for the Dutch programme.
|
10.1002/ijc.21560
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pubmed_703_5848
|
Density functional theory calculations are reported that reveal the role of aromatic interactions in the additions of aryl-substituted silyl enol ethers to a chiral oxazolinium ion. Aryl-substituted silyl enol ethers give the opposite diastereomer of the adduct than do aliphatic silyl enol ethers, due to a combination of attractive cation-π and CH-π interactions, reduced steric repulsion, and lower torsional strain in the more "crowded" transition state.
|
10.1021/ol202911v
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pubmed_325_5873
|
Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a destructive disease in wheat caused by Fusarium graminearum (F. g). It infects during the flowering stage favored by warm and highly humid climates. In order to understand possible wheat defense mechanism, gene expression analysis in response to F. g was undertaken in three genotypes of wheat, Japanese landrace cultivar Nobeokabouzu (highly resistant), Chinese cv. Sumai 3 (resistant) and Australian cv. Gamenya (susceptible). For microarray analysis, 3 and 7 days after inoculation (dai) samples were used in Agilent wheat custom array 4x38k. At 3 dai, the highest number of genes was up-regulated in Nobeokabouzu followed by Sumai 3 and minimum expression in Gamenya. Whereas at 7 dai, Sumai 3 expressed more genes compared to others. Further narrowing down by excluding commonly expressed genes in three genotypes and grouping according to the gene function has identified differentially high expression of genes involved in detoxification process such as multidrug resistant protein, multidrug resistance-associated protein, UDP-glycosyltransferase and ABC transporters in Nobeokabouzu at 3 dai. However in Sumai 3 many defense-related genes such as peroxidase, proteases and genes involved in plant cell wall defense at 7 dai were identified. These findings showed the difference of molecular defense mechanism among the cultivars in response to the pathogen. The complete data was accessed in NCBI GEO database with accession number GSE59721.
|
10.1016/j.gdata.2015.06.020
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pubmed_932_2313
|
A novel analytical procedure for the identification of metal (Hg, Cd, Cu, Zn) complexes with individual metallothionein (MT) isoforms in biological tissues by electrospray MS/MS was developed. The sample preparation was reduced to three rapid steps: the two-fold dilution of the sample cytosol with acetonitrile, the recovery of the supernatant containing MT-complexes by centrifugation and its concentration under nitrogen flow. The replacement of reversed phase HPLC by hydrophilic interaction LC (HILIC) allowed the preservation of the unstable and low abundant metallothionein zinc-mercury mixed complexes (MT-Zn(6)Hg). The MT complexes eluted were detected by ICP MS and identified in terms of molecular mass by electrospray high resolution (100,000) MS. The identification was completed by on line demetallation and the determination of the molecular mass of the apoform, followed by amino acid sequencing in the top-down mode using high energy collision fragmentation (HCD). The method was applied to the identification of MT complexes in a white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus) liver homogenate. The Zn complex of the N-acetylated MT2 isoform was found to be predominant, the presence of mixed complexes with Cd, Cu and, for the first time ever, Hg, was demonstrated. The latter finding has the potential to shed new light on the mercury detoxification mechanism in marine organisms.
|
10.1039/c2mt00006g
|
pubmed_1105_7046
|
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the incidence and prognostic significance of postoperative pulmonary embolism after gynecologic oncology surgery.
METHODS
All patients who underwent gynecologic oncology surgery from June 2001 to June 2003 and received venous thromboembolism prophylaxis with only intermittent pneumatic compression and early ambulation were identified from our database. Patients were grouped by procedure (major/minor abdominal or nonabdominal surgery), diagnosis (malignant/nonmalignant), and cancer subtype. Groups were compared by chi2 analysis and logistic regression. Survival was studied with the Kaplan-Meier method and Mantel-Byar test.
RESULTS
A total of 1,373 surgical patients were identified over the 2-year period, including 839 major abdominal surgery cases and 534 minor abdominal surgery or nonabdominal surgery cases. Of the 839 patients, 507 had a diagnosis of cancer, and 332 were benign. The incidence of pulmonary embolism among cancer patients undergoing major abdominal surgery was 4.1% (21/507) compared with 0.3% (1/332) among patients undergoing major abdominal surgery with benign findings (P < .001, odds ratio [OR] 13.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-102.1). The incidence of pulmonary embolism among patients undergoing minor/nonabdominal surgery was 0.4% (2/536). Cancer diagnosis and age more than 60 years were identified as risk factors for pulmonary embolism (P = .009, OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.13-0.74). One-year survival for patients with and those without pulmonary embolism were 48.0% +/- 12% and 77.0% +/- 2%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Patients with cancer undergoing major abdominal surgery and using pneumatic compression for thromboembolic prophylaxis had a 14-fold greater odds of developing a pulmonary embolism compared with patients with benign disease. Randomized studies are needed to determine whether additional prophylactic measures may benefit this high-risk group of patients.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
II-3.
|
10.1097/01.AOG.0000200046.28199.ae
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pubmed_715_14852
|
The Tbx family of transcription factors are prominently expressed in the early cardiac primordium throughout the animal kingdom. Mutations in Tbx genes result invariably in defective formation and function of the heart, including congenital heart disease in humans. Similar to their vertebrate counterpart, the Drosophila Tbx20 gene pair, neuromancer1 (nmr1, FlyBase:H15) and neuromancer2 (nmr2, Flybase:mid), exhibits a dynamic expression pattern, including in all contractile myocardial cells. Deletion mutants of nmr1 combined with mesoderm-specific knock-down of nmr2 exhibit phenotypes that suggest nmr is critical for correct specification of the cardiac progenitor populations as well as for morphogenesis and assembly of the contractile heart tube. Loss-of-nmr-function causes a switch in cell fates in the cardiogenic region, in that the progenitors expressing the homeobox gene even skipped (eve) are expanded accompanied by a corresponding reduction of the progenitors expressing the homeobox gene ladybird (lbe). As a result, the number of differentiating myocardial cells is severely reduced whereas pericardial cell populations are expanded. Conversely, pan-mesodermal expression of nmr represses eve, while causing an expansion of cardiac lbe expression, as well as ectopic mesodermal expression of the homeobox gene tinman. In addition, nmr mutants with less severe penetrance exhibit cell alignment defects of the myocardium at the dorsal midline, suggesting nmr is also required for cell polarity acquisition of the heart tube. In exploring the regulation of nmr, we find that the GATA factor Pannier is essential for cardiac expression, and acts synergistically with Tinman in promoting nmr expression. Moreover, reducing nmr function in the absence of pannier further aggravates the deficit in cardiac mesoderm specification. Taken together, the data suggest that nmr acts both in concert with and subsequent to pannier and tinman in cardiac specification and differentiation. We propose that nmr is another determinant of cardiogenesis, along with tinman and pannier.
|
10.1016/j.ydbio.2005.01.013
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pubmed_82_15736
|
The aim of this project was to determine the effectiveness of sterilisation methods for dental enamel for use in intra-oral cariogenicity tests, and their possible effect on the degree of demineralisation of enamel. Bovine incisors were cut vertically into five portions and each assigned to one of five groups. Group 1 was used as a control while the other four groups were subjected, respectively, to gamma irradiation ( congruent with 25kGy), steam autoclaving (121 degrees C for 15 min), sodium hypochlorite (12% w/v for 24h) and povidone-iodine (7.5% w/v for 24h). Total viable counts of microorganisms remaining following sterilisation of the specimens were performed following incubation of the specimens for 24h at 37 degrees C. Caries-like lesions were produced in each specimen using an acidic buffer solution (pH4.5). Sections were cut from each specimen, ground to 80-microgram thickness, and microradiographed. Mineral loss and lesion depth were quantified using transverse microradiography. Statistical analysis was by ANOVA. Dunnett's and Tukey's tests. Microbial growth (Staphylococcus aureus and bacilli) was observed only in control specimens in both brain heart infusion broth and on blood agar plates. The sterilisation methods affected the enamel surface as follows: gamma irradiation (cream discolouration), NaOCl (bleaching), and povidone-iodine (white spot-like lesion). Compared with the control, there was no significant difference in mineral loss and lesion depth with any of the groups, but the numerical values of mineral loss and lesion depth in groups can be ranked as follows: gamma irradiation <povidone-iodine <control <autoclave <NaOCl. In conclusion, the four sterilisation methods were all effective to sterilise enamel, but gamma irradiation proved the most acceptable method for enamel to be used in cariogenicity tests having the least adverse effect.
|
10.1159/000016485
|
pubmed_781_9261
|
AIMS
Inflammatory pseudotumour-like follicular dendritic cell (FDC) tumour is an extremely rare neoplasm. Herein, we report 10 cases of inflammatory pseudotumour-like FDC tumours in the abdomen and analyse their clinicopathological features.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Seven patients were male, and three patients were female. The patients' age ranged from 28 years to 68 years (mean age, 52.9 years; median age, 51.5 years). Grossly, the tumour was usually solitary, well circumscribed, and solid, ranging from 23 mm to 233 mm in greatest diameter. Microscopically, the tumour was composed of variable amounts of spindle tumour cells with intense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. Unusual morphological findings, including eosinophils focally aggregated in one tumour admixed with multinucleated histiocytes in small clusters, fibrinoid deposits in the walls of ectatic blood vessel with occasional perivascular cuffs of lymphocytes, hyalinized fibrosis, and epithelioid granuloma, were identified. The tumour cells were immunoreactive for CD21, CD23, CD35, smooth muscle actin, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded latent membrane protein 1 (7/10, 70%). EBV-encoded small RNA was positive in all cases by in situ hybridization. The recurrence rate was 10% with a median follow-up of 19 months.
CONCLUSIONS
Inflammatory pseudotumour-like FDC tumour should be differentiated from inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour, Hodgkin lymphoma, interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma, and gastrointestinal stromal tumour.
|
10.1111/his.12851
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pubmed_827_16137
|
Permanent magnet ac (PMAC) motors have existed in various configurations for many years. The advent of rare-earth magnets and their associated highly elevated levels of magnetic flux makes the permanent magnet motor attractive for many high performance applications from computer disk drives to all electric racing cars. The use of batteries as a prime storage element carries a cost penalty in terms of the unladen weight of the vehicle. Minimizing this cost function requires the minimum electric motor size and weight to be specified, while still retaining acceptable levels of output torque. This tradeoff can be achieved by applying a technique known as flux weakening which will be investigated in this paper. The technique allows the speed range of a PMAC motor to be greatly increased, giving a constant power range of more than 4:1. A dynamic model reference controller is presented which has advantages in ease of implementation, and is particularly suited to dynamic low inertia applications such as clutchless gear changing in high performance electric vehicles. The benefits of this approach are to maximize the torque speed envelope of the motor, particularly advantageous when considering low inertia operation. The controller is examined experimentally, confirming the predicted performance.
|
10.1016/s0019-0578(07)60024-x
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pubmed_235_12085
|
Individuals, who score high in self-reported intolerance of uncertainty (IU), tend to find uncertainty anxiety-provoking. IU has been reliably associated with disrupted threat extinction. However, it is unclear whether IU would be related to disrupted extinction to other arousing stimuli that are not threatening (i.e., rewarding). We addressed this question by conducting a Pavlovian reward conditioning task with acquisition and extinction training phases (n = 58). In the Pavlovian reward conditioning task, we recorded liking ratings, skin conductance response (SCR), and corrugator supercilii activity (i.e., brow muscle indicative or negative and positive affect) to learned reward (CS+) and neutral (CS-) cues. Typical patterns of reward acquisition and extinction training were observed for liking ratings. There was evidence for conditioning in SCR during the extinction training phase but not the acquisition training phase. However, no evidence of conditioning in either the acquisition or extinction training phase was observed for the corrugator supercilii. IU was not related to any measures during the acquisition or extinction training phases. Taken together, these results suggest that the current Pavlovian reward conditioning task was not sufficient for eliciting a reliable conditioned reward response, and therefore, further research with optimized reward conditioning designs are required to test whether IU-related deficits occur during the extinction of reward.
|
10.1111/ejn.15173
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pubmed_347_6392
|
The analysis of the non-linear and time-dependent viscoelasticity of the periodontal ligament (PDL) enables a better understanding of the biomechanical features of the key regulator tissue for tooth movement. This is of great significance in the field of orthodontics as targeted tooth movement remains still one of the main goals to accomplish. The investigation of biomechanical aspects of the PDL function, a difficult area of research, helps towards this direction. After analysing the time-dependent biomechanical properties of pig PDL specimens in an in vitro experimental study, it was possible to confirm that PDL has a viscoelastic anisotropic behaviour. Three-dimensional finite element models of mini-pig mandibular premolars with surrounding tissues were developed, based on micro-computed tomography (μCT) data of the experimental specimens. Tooth mobility was numerically analysed under the same force systems as used in the experiment. A bilinear material parameter set was assumed to simulate tooth displacements. The numerical force/displacement curves were fitted to the experimental curves by repeatedly calculating tooth displacements of 0.2mm varying the loading velocities and the parameters, which describe the nonlinearity. The experimental results showed a good agreement with the numerical calculations. Mean values of Young's moduli E1, E2 and ultimate strain ε12 were derived for the elastic behaviour of the PDL for all loading velocities. E1 and E2 values increased with increasing the velocity, while ε12 remained relatively stable. A bilinear approximation of material properties of the PDL is a suitable description of measured force/displacement diagrams. The numerical results can be used to describe mechanical processes, especially stress-strain distributions in the PDL, accurately. Further development of suitable modelling assumptions for the response of PDL under load would be instrumental to orthodontists and engineers for designing more predictable orthodontic force systems and appliances.
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10.1093/ejo/cjs103
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pubmed_40_10553
|
Scant research has examined customers as sources of workplace incivility, despite evidence suggesting that mistreatment is more common from organizational outsiders, including customers, than from organizational members (Grandey, Kern, & Frone, 2007; Schat & Kelloway, 2005). As an important step in extending the literature on customer incivility, we conducted two studies to develop and validate a measure of this construct. Study 1 used focus groups of retail and restaurant employees (n = 30) to elicit a list of uncivil customer behaviors, based on which we wrote initial scale items. Study 2 used a correlational survey design (n = 439) to pare down the number of scale items to 10 and to garner reliability and validity evidence for the scale. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses show that the scale is unidimensional and distinguishable from measures of the related, but distinct, constructs of interpersonal justice and psychological aggression from customers. Reliability analyses show that the scale is internally consistent. Significant correlations between the scale and individuals' job satisfaction, turnover intentions, and general and job-specific psychological strain provide evidence of criterion-related validity. Hierarchical regression analyses show that the scale significantly predicts three of four organizational and personal strain outcomes over and above a workplace incivility measure adapted for customer incivility, providing some evidence of incremental validity. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.
|
10.1037/a0032753
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pubmed_147_7206
|
OBJECTIVE
To prepare dental ulcer powder by using particle design technology, and compare the effect on the micromeritic property of dental ulcer powder with regular grinding and ultrafine grinding methods.
METHOD
Above three methods were respectively used to make dental ulcer powder, in order to evaluate their difference in appearance character, grain size distribution, specific surface area and porosity, contact angle, micro-morphological character and borneol's stability.
RESULT
Compared with normal powder, ultrafine powder and particle design showed increase in color uniformity and decrease in sour taste, and the particle design powder smells almost no borneol. Their grain size distributions were significantly less that of normal powder (P < 0.01), with the same grain size distribution in ultrafine powder and particle design powder. Their specific surface areas and porosities were significantly more than that of normal powder (P < 0.01), with the highest figures in ultrafine powder. Their contact angles were significantly more than that of normal powder (P < 0.01), with the highest figure in particle design powder. The surface of normal powder was smooth, with a few of small particle adhered. The surface of ultrafine powder was partially coated with small particles, where as the surface of particle design powder was mostly coated with particles. There was difference in micro-morphological character and surface attachment among the three. The 10-day accelerate stability experiment showed that normal power, ultrafine powder and particle design powder lost borneol by 90. 13% , 66. 48% and 40.57%, respectively. Particle design powder showed the highest stability, followed by ultrafine powder and normal powder.
CONCLUSION
The preparation process can affect the micromeritic properties, by changing microscopic structure of the powders. We can design the macroscopic property of powder by regulating the formation of the microscopic structure with particle design technology.
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pubmed_147_7206
|
pubmed_117_10038
|
The highly contagious nature of Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) resulted in a global pandemic. Due to the relatively slow and taxing nature of conventional testing for Covid-19, a faster method needs to be in place. The current researches have suggested that visible irregularities found in the chest X-ray of Covid-19 positive patients are indicative of the presence of the disease. Hence, Deep Learning and Image Classification techniques can be employed to learn from these irregularities, and classify accordingly with high accuracy. This research presents an approach to create a classifier model named StackNet-DenVIS which is designed to act as a screening process before conducting the existing swab tests. Using a novel approach, which incorporates Transfer Learning and Stacked Generalization, the model aims to lower the False Negative rate of classification compensating for the 30% False Negative rate of the swab tests. A dataset gathered from multiple reliable sources consisting of 9953 Chest X-rays (868 Covid and 9085 Non-Covid) was used. Also, this research demonstrates handling data imbalance using various techniques involving Generative Adversarial Networks and sampling techniques. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity obtained on our proposed model were 95.07%, 99.40% and 94.61% respectively. To the best of our knowledge, the combination of accuracy and false negative rate obtained by this paper outperforms the current implementations. We must also highlight that our proposed architecture also considers other types of viral pneumonia. Given the unprecedented sensitivity of our model we are optimistic it contributes to a better Covid-19 detection.
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10.1007/s13246-020-00952-6
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pubmed_194_4321
|
Fifty-one patients underwent 71 carbon dioxide laser procedures under general anesthesia for various intralaryngeal pathology. Anesthesia was induced with thiopental sodium, followed by succinylcholine to facilitate endotracheal intubation. For maintenance of anesthesia, 70% nitrous oxide was supplemented with halothane, enflurane or small doses of fentanyl. Succinylcholine, d-tubocurare or pancuronium were used to maintain muscular relaxation of jaw, pharyngeal and laryngeal muscles for a smooth lasing procedure. Small diameter (16-22 Fr.), red rubber, cuffed endotracheal tubes provided maximum working space, facilitated the controlled ventilation and reduced the explosion hazard of the anesthetic gases. Safely eyeglasses were used by all the personnel in the operating room against accidental injury to the cornea by the laser beam. Anesthetic management provided excellent operative conditions with maximum safety to the patient and the personnel in the operating room.
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10.1288/00005537-197606000-00012
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pubmed_834_14641
|
BACKGROUND
An improved survival rate is a consequence of successful reperfusion of the infarct-related artery. This double-blind, randomized trial investigated the potential of Hirulog, a direct thrombin inhibitor, to improve the early patency rates obtained with streptokinase and aspirin.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Angiographic patency of the culprit coronary artery lesion was assessed 90 and 120 minutes after the initiation of streptokinase and aspirin and again after 4 +/- 2 days in 68 patients with acute myocardial infarction. Patients were randomized to Hirulog 0.5 mg/kg per hour for 12 hours followed by 0.1 mg/kg per hour (low dose), Hirulog 1.0 mg/kg per hour for 12 hours followed by placebo (high dose), or to heparin 5000 U bolus followed by 1000 U/h titrated to an activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) 2 to 2.5 times control after 12 hours. At 90 minutes, TIMI flow grade 2 or 3 was observed in 96% of patients treated with the low dose of Hirulog, in 79% with the high dose, and in 46% with heparin (P = .006) and TIMI flow grade 3 was observed in 85%, 61%, and 31% of patients, respectively (P = .008). At 120 minutes, these figures were 100%, 82%, and 62% for TIMI flow grades 2 and 3 (P = .046) and 92%, 68%, and 46% for TIMI flow grade 3 (P = .014). At 90 minutes, the relative risk for restoring TIMI flow grade 3 was 2.77 with Hirulog 0.5 mg/kg per hour compared with heparin (95% confidence limits, 1.21 to 6.35; P < .001) and 1.4 compared with Hirulog 1.0 mg/kg per minute (95% confidence limits, 1.00 to 1.51; P = .04). Patients who received a placebo infusion after 12 hours experienced more clinical events and reocclusion during the following 4 days than patients in the other two groups.
CONCLUSION
Hirulog yields higher early patency rates in the culprit coronary artery than heparin when used as adjunctive therapy to streptokinase and aspirin in the early phase of acute myocardial infarction. High doses are not required and may be less effective than lower doses, which suggests that too much thrombin inhibition may be harmful.
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10.1161/01.cir.91.8.2132
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pubmed_975_13388
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Nitric oxide is an important element that has been found in multiple biological systems, including the gastrointestinal tract. The nitric oxide function is reviewed, and its possible clinical use is commented.
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pubmed_975_13388
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pubmed_704_11291
|
BACKGROUND
Datum from electronic sources has accumulated and resulted in the establishment of big data and data science. Big data consists of data sets that are larger than traditional data processing applications can manage. Data science is the research method used to analyze big data. Researchers are applying research methods to harness large and complex data sets to increase our understanding of population health by creating predictive models of patients using a variety of key variables or characteristics. Evidence-based practice relies on the appraisal of research to ensure rigor prior to implementation in clinical settings. Consistent with other research methods, papers based on data science should be subject to appraisal for determination of best evidence. The purpose of this paper is to present a tool that can be used to appraise research papers based on large data sets and data science research methods.
METHODS
The following approach was used to develop the Data Science Appraisal Tool (DSAT). Despite an exhaustive search, we were unable to locate an appraisal tool for papers based on data science research methods. We then synthesized the extant literature to form the tool. The tool is based on the common characteristics of big data: (a) verification that the data set is representative of big data; (b) preparation of the data for analysis; (c) methodology used for data analysis; (d) results; and (e) theoretically based.
LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION
Appraisal tools currently exist for traditional and well-known research methods. The DSAT provides a method to appraise papers based in data science for best evidence.
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10.1111/wvn.12460
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pubmed_530_2183
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Transient complete heart block (TCHB) is defined as complete interruption of atrioventricular conduction (AVC) after cardiac surgery followed by return of conduction. This study aimed to assess the risk for the development of late complete heart block (LCHB) after recovery of TCHB and to examine the electrocardiographic and electrophysiologic properties of the AVC system after TCHB. Of the 44 patients in this study who experienced TCHB, 37 recovered completely. Seven patients progressed from TCHB to intermittent CHB or LCHB requiring pacemaker implantation. Preoperative, early postoperative, and late postoperative electrocardiograms as well as postoperative atrial stimulation were obtained. The results showed that the median duration of TCHB was 5 days in the TCHB group compared with 9 days in the LCHB group (p = 0.01). All 37 subjects with TCHB recovered AVC within 12 days, but only two with LCHB did so (p = 0.02). The risk of LCHB for the patients with 7 days of postoperative TCHB or longer was 13 times greater than for the patients with fewer than 7 days of TCHB (p = 0.01). The median late postoperative PR interval was slightly but significantly longer in the LCHB group than in the TCHB group (p = 0.02). In contrast, the electrophysiologic properties between the two groups did not differ significantly. From those findings, we concluded that delayed recovery of AVC after surgical TCHB (≥7 days), but not electrophysiologic properties of recovered AVC assessed early in the postoperative period strongly, predicts risk of LCHB. Follow-up evaluation of AVC is particularly indicated for the delayed recovery group.
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10.1007/s00246-012-0595-y
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pubmed_553_3579
|
The authors examined if the radiation risk (after X = irradiation with 0.94 Gy or 3H-thymidine treatment with 0.5 kBq/ml) in embryos of mice of the preimplantation stage in vitro is increased by the presence of actinomycin D (0.3 nM for 112 hours or 100 nM for 90 minutes) or ethidium bromide (0.5 microM for 112 hours). The influence of these substances on the radiation effect was determined by microscopic observation of the development of embryos and by investigation of the cell proliferation. The radiation risk was regarded to be increased if the combined effect was significantly higher than the total amount of the individual effects. The radiation risk for the morphologic development of the embryos was significantly increased by actinomycin D; the combined effects were about 1.3 times higher than the total amount of the individual effects. There was no increased risk for the cell proliferation. Ethidium bromide did not modify the radiation risk neither with respect to the morphologic development nor regarding the cell proliferation.
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pubmed_553_3579
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pubmed_1057_903
|
INTRODUCTION
Vietnam is among the countries with the highest smoking prevalence among male adults, as well as high prevalence of secondhand smoke exposure at indoor places. In many countries, including Vietnam, exposure to tobacco smoking is greatest in restaurants/bars and hotels. This study aims to analyze the compliance of hotels and restaurants to smoke-free environment regulations before and after an intervention.
METHODS
Direct observations were done at the receptions, conference rooms, designated smoking areas, restaurants, and lobbies of 140 hotels and the dining rooms, kitchens, and toilets of 160 restaurants before and after an intervention. The intervention was a training course conducted by police officers followed by 3 monthly supervision visits by police officers. Compliance with smoke-free enviornment regulations was observed and assessed to generate a compliance score for each location and overall. Tobit regression was used to examine the relationship between compliance scores and the intervention and other variables such as hotel and restaurant characteristics.
RESULTS
Before the intervention, the highest compliance rates were found for "no tobacco advertisement" and "no cigarette selling" regulations (95%-100%) in almost all sites in hotels and restaurants. The lowest compliance rates were found for "having nonsmoking signs." The rate of compliance with all regulations was only 5% for hotels and 0.06% of restaurants. Improvement after intervention was clearly observed, in the rate of compliance with all regulations by more hotels (15.7%) and overall compliance scores of hotels and restaurants.
CONCLUSIONS
The intervention with participation of the police officers proved to be effective in improving compliance with smoke-free regulations. It is recommended to continue this intervention in the same areas as well as to expand the intervention to other areas.
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10.1177/1178630220939927
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pubmed_875_6580
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Hyperglycemia, as well as diabetes mellitus, has been shown to trigger cardiac cell apoptosis. We have previously demonstrated that myricitrin prevents endothelial cell apoptosis. However, whether myricitrin can attenuate H9c2 cell apoptosis remains unknown. In this study, we established an experiment model in H9c2 cells exposed to high glucose. We tested the hypothesis that myricitrin may inhibit high glucose (HG)-induced cardiac cell apoptosis as determined by TUNEL staining. Furthermore, myricitrin promoted antioxidative enzyme production, suppressed high glucose-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in H9c2 cells. This agent significantly inhibited apoptotic protein expression, activated Akt and facilitated the transcription of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated protein (heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1) expression as determined by Western blotting. Significantly, an Akt inhibitor (LY294002) or HO-1 inhibitor (ZnPP) not only inhibited myricitrin-induced HO-1/NQO-1 upregulation but also alleviated its anti-apoptotic effects. In summary, these observations demonstrate that myricitrin activates Nrf2-mediated anti-oxidant signaling and attenuates H9c2 cell apoptosis induced by high glucose via activation of Akt signaling.
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pubmed_875_6580
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pubmed_279_8430
|
The kinetics of gas exchange at the on-transient of exercise are appreciably slowed in older individuals. Eight older men (72 yr) completed 6 months of aerobic cycle training. Ventilation and gas exchange kinetics were determined at the onset of a below threshold (ventilatory threshold, V(E)T) square wave exercise function and compared with control values (N = 4, age 70 yr). Gas exchange data were measured breath-by-breath and signal averaged data were fit with a monoexponential function to determine the time constants (tau). The training group showed significant increases in VO2max (20%) and VO2 at V(E)T (21%). The tau for oxygen uptake kinetics decreased significantly (62.2 +/- 15.5 to 31.9 +/- 7.0 s). The tau VCO2 (70.9 +/- 10.9 to 43.8 +/- 11.4 s) and tau VE (89.2 +/- 18.0 to 50.4 +/- 11.3) also were significantly faster posttraining; however, tau HR (38.1 +/- 20.5 to 28.6 +/- 7.2) was not significantly altered. Thus, with a vigorous training program, the kinetics of gas exchange of older individuals were faster, and approached values reported in fit young subjects.
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pubmed_279_8430
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pubmed_461_196
|
The pill and sterilization were the main methods used by U.S. married couples in 1976 to prevent pregnancy. In 1973 the poor were more likely than the more affluent, and blacks as likely as whites, to use the most effective methods. By 1976 this was no longer true, because more blacks turned to traditional and folk methods and the sterilization increase was largely limited to more affluent whites.
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pubmed_461_196
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pubmed_176_15089
|
This paper reviews the arguments for maintaining a separate series of statistics for the white and nonwhite populations of the United States; only by maintaining factual data will it be possible to document inequality and discrimination. It then summarizes some white-nonwhite differentials: fertility, life expectancy, health, school attendance, educational attainment, and income. The human, social, and political implications are then reviewed.
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10.2307/2060180
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pubmed_103_13904
|
Multiple signaling pathways regulate cell proliferation and survival and are therefore important for maintaining homeostasis of development. The balance between cell growth and death is achieved through orchestrated signal transduction pathways mediated by complex functional interactions between signaling axes, among which, PI3K/Akt and Ras/MAPK as well as JAK/STAT play a dominant role in promoting cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. In clinical cancer therapies, drug resistance is the major challenge that occurs in almost all targeted therapeutic strategies. Recent advances in research have suggested that the intrinsic pro-survival signaling crosstalk is the driving force in acquired resistance to a targeted therapy, which may be abolished by interfering with the cross-reacting network.
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10.1007/164_2017_4
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pubmed_718_5425
|
Under study were effects of intravenous infusions of a new emulsion, alpha-tocopherol, on the development of diabetic microangiopathy, platelet alpha-tocopherol level, ADP-induced platelet aggregation level, exogenic (from 14C-arachidonic acid) thromboxane (TxA2) biosynthesis in suspension of washed platelets and of prostacyclin (PgI2) one in isolated aortic rings of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Six-week injections of alpha-tocopherol in a dose 100 mg/100 g b. w. with 48 h intervals immediately after development of streptozotocin-induced diabetes prevented the development of diabetic angiopathy but did not normalize platelet functional activity and PgI2/TxA2 balance in vessels and platelets. Similar injections of alpha-tocopherol in the presence of developed angiopathy resulted in its regressive development and normalization of the before-said prostanoid balance and platelet characteristics.
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pubmed_718_5425
|
pubmed_635_17198
|
Tropical forests are highly diverse systems involving extraordinary numbers of interactions between species, with each species responding in a different way to the abiotic environment. Understanding how these systems function and predicting how they respond to anthropogenic global change is extremely challenging. We argue for the necessity of 'whole-ecosystem' experimental manipulations, in which the entire ecosystem is targeted, either to reveal the functioning of the system in its natural state or to understand responses to anthropogenic impacts. We survey the current range of whole-ecosystem manipulations, which include those targeting weather and climate, nutrients, biotic interactions, human impacts, and habitat restoration. Finally we describe the unique challenges and opportunities presented by such projects and suggest directions for future experiments.
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pubmed_635_17198
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pubmed_636_10780
|
Based on the time dependent theory, FDTD algorithm was used to numerically solve Maxwell's equations and rate equations. By dividing the two-dimension random medium, the emission spectra of different region under different pumping intensities were obtained. The calculated results show that the emission spectra of different region are different, the energy of emission is mainly distributed in some certain region, and the pumping efficiency is different. Also spatial extent overlap of modes is reproduced. With this method, the dependence of random distribution on lasing can be analyzed and it should be useful for the preparation of pseudo-random medium.
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pubmed_636_10780
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pubmed_329_17290
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On activation, platelets release vesicles called microparticles (MPs). MPs are heterogeneous with regard to the presence or absence of mitochondria. We quantified MPs in platelet concentrates (PCs) taking their mitochondrial content into account. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), buffy coat (BC) and apheresis (AP) PCs were tested through 7 days of storage. A combination of flow cytometry and spanning-tree progression analysis of density-normalized events (SPADE) was used to determine MP and mitochondrial release during storage. All the PC biochemical parameters complied with transfusion standards at all times. Platelet activation markers increased during storage and were higher for PRP than other types of PCs. Concentrations of MPs and extracellular mitochondria interpreted by SPADE algorithm were significantly higher in PRP than other in PCs and were stable throughout storage. The mode of preparation, rather than storage duration, impacts the release of MPs and mitochondria in PCs.
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10.1080/09537104.2016.1218455
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pubmed_720_8442
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Almost all the inorganic carbon on Earth is converted into biomass via the Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle. Here, the central carboxylation reaction is catalyzed by ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RubisCO), which can be found in numerous primary producers including plants, algae, cyanobacteria, and many autotrophic bacteria. Although RubisCO possesses a crucial role in global biomass production, it is not a perfect catalyst. Therefore, research interest persists on accessing the full potential of yet unexplored RubisCOs. We recently developed an activity-based screen suited to seek active recombinant RubisCOs from the environment-independent of the native host's culturability. Here, we applied this screen to twenty pre-selected genomic fosmid clones from six cultured proteobacteria to demonstrate that a broad range of phylogenetically distinct RubisCOs can be targeted. We then screened 12,500 metagenomic fosmid clones from six distinct hydrothermal vents and identified forty active RubisCOs. Additional sequence-based screening uncovered eight further RubisCOs, which could then also be detected by a modified version of the screen. Seven were active form III RubisCOs from yet uncultured Archaea. This indicates the potential of the activity-based screen to detect RubisCO enzymes even from organisms that would not be expected to be targeted.
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10.1038/s41396-019-0439-3
|
pubmed_595_17746
|
A dynamical "test-wave" model has been developed to study transport phenomena within oceanic internal wave fields. This model is extended here to describe effects of a mesoscale flow field on internal wave transport. Previous work with weak-interaction perturbation theory has suggested a substantial enhancement due to mesoscale currents. Extension to the strong-interaction regime in the present paper suggests a relatively small effect due to mesoscale interactions.
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10.1073/pnas.80.4.1144
|
pubmed_1061_25352
|
The genome-wide analysis of gene transcription using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) has become the method of choice for characterizing and understanding transcriptional regulation in yeasts. RNA-seq has largely supplanted microarray based approaches in recent years due to improved accuracy and flexibility in the high-throughput identification and quantification of transcripts. The improvements associated with a sequencing approach compared to one based on hybridization, however, are accompanied by new experimental considerations related to both the collection and the analysis of the transcriptome data. Consensus approaches for processing and analysing the RNA-seq data in particular have yet to be arrived at, and it is possible to feel overwhelmed when surveying all the software tools that have been developed and recommended for these tasks. This chapter considers these issues in the context of providing general guidelines to help achieve best practice in yeast RNA-seq studies, and recommends a small number of the best performing tools that are currently available.
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10.1007/978-1-4939-9736-7_7
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pubmed_214_17437
|
A novel heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification (HN-AD) strain CY-10 was isolated and identified as Sphingopyxis sp. When ammonium, nitrate or nitrite was used as the sole nitrogen source (300 mg/L), the maximum nitrogen removal efficiency of strain CY-10 were 100%, 91.1% and 68.5%, respectively. The optimal salinity for ammonia nitrogen removal by strain CY-10 was in the range of 0-5%. At the salinity of 5%, a maximum nitrogen removal rate of 6.25 mg/(L·h) was realized. Metabonomics data showed that the metabolic levels of sucrose and D-tagatose increased significantly at 5% salinity condition, enabling the strain to regulate osmotic pressure and survive in high-salt environments. Functional genes were successfully amplified by quantitative PCR, and HN-AD pathway of strain CY-10 followed NH4+-N → NH2OH → NO2--N → NO → N2O → N2. These findings show that strain CY-10 has great potential in nitrogen removal treatment of saline wastewater.
|
10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127353
|
pubmed_527_19097
|
We investigated the effects of a calmodulin (CaM) inhibitor, W-7, on the expression of lignin peroxidase (LiP) and manganese peroxidase (MnP) genes in Phanerochaete chrysosporium to consider the role of cam gene, which was upregulated in parallel with the total activities of LiP and MnP in our previous transcriptomic analysis. The addition of 100 μM W-7 to the fungal cultures repressed the total activities of LiP and MnP, whereas the addition of 100 μM W-5, which is a control drug of W-7, retained approximately half of them, indicating that the effect of W-7 was attributable to CaM inhibition. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that most of lip and mnp isozyme genes predicted from whole-genome data were significantly inhibited by W-7 at the transcription level (P ≤ 0.05). These results suggest that CaM has an important role for the expression of isozyme genes of LiP and MnP at the transcription level.
|
10.1007/s00294-010-0309-z
|
pubmed_737_22969
|
A highly sensitive and specific electrochemical aptasensor for Cu(2+) detection based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is presented. In this work, AuNPs offered a big surface area to immobilize a large number of aptamers and excellent electrochemical signal transduction. Its high sensitivity, low detection limit, and wide detection range are the main advantages over our former copper aptasensor. The peak current increased proportionally to the Cu(2+) concentration over the range from 0.1 nM to 10 μM with a detection limit of 0.1 pM. The presence of other divalent metal ions did not affect the detection of Cu(2+), which indicates a high specificity of Cu(2+) detection could be detected. Rapidity, simplicity, and excellent selectivity make it suitable for practical use in determination of Cu(2+) from lake samples.
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10.1016/j.talanta.2011.04.056
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pubmed_908_9122
|
OBJECTIVE
Newcomb-Benford's Law (NBL) proposes a regular distribution for first digits, second digits and digit combinations applicable to many different naturally occurring sources of data. Testing deviations from NBL is used in many datasets as a screening tool for identifying data trustworthiness problems. This study aims to compare public available waiting lists (WL) data from Finland and Spain for testing NBL as an instrument to flag up potential manipulation in WLs.
DESIGN
Analysis of the frequency of Finnish and Spanish WLs first digits to determine if their distribution is similar to the pattern documented by NBL. Deviations from the expected first digit frequency were analysed using Pearson's χ2, mean absolute deviation and Kuiper tests.
SETTING/PARTICIPANTS
Publicly available WL data from Finland and Spain, two countries with universal health insurance and National Health Systems but characterised by different levels of transparency and good governance standards.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Adjustment of the observed distribution of the numbers reported in Finnish and Spanish WL data to the expected distribution according to NBL.
RESULTS
WL data reported by the Finnish health system fits first digit NBL according to all statistical tests used (p=0.6519 in χ2 test). For Spanish data, this hypothesis was rejected in all tests (p<0.0001 in χ2 test).
CONCLUSIONS
Testing deviations from NBL distribution can be a useful tool to identify problems with WL data trustworthiness and signalling the need for further testing.
|
10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022079
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pubmed_953_18668
|
Bacterial endotoxin (LPS)-mediated sepsis involves severe, dysregulated inflammation that injures the lungs and other organs, often fatally. Vascular endothelial cells are both key mediators and targets of LPS-induced inflammatory responses. The nuclear hormone receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) exerts anti-inflammatory actions in various cells, but it is unknown whether it modulates inflammation through actions within endothelial cells. To determine whether PPARγ acts within endothelial cells to diminish endotoxemic lung inflammation and injury, we measured inflammatory responses and mediators in mice with endothelial-targeted deletion of PPARγ. Endothelial cell PPARγ (ePPARγ) knockout exacerbated LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation and injury as shown by several measures, including infiltration of inflammatory cells, edema, and production of reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokines, along with upregulation of the LPS receptor TLR4 in lung tissue and increased activation of its downstream signaling pathways. In isolated LPS-stimulated endothelial cells in vitro, absence of PPARγ enhanced the production of numerous inflammatory markers. We hypothesized that the observed in vivo activity of the ligand-activated ePPARγ may arise, in part, from nitrated fatty acids (NFAs), a novel class of endogenous PPARγ ligands. Supporting this idea, we found that treating isolated endothelial cells with physiologically relevant concentrations of the endogenous NFA 10-nitro-oleate reduced LPS-induced expression of a wide range of inflammatory markers in the presence of PPARγ, but not in its absence, and also inhibited neutrophil mobility in a PPARγ-dependent manner. Our results demonstrate a key protective role of ePPARγ against endotoxemic injury and a potential ePPARγ-mediated anti-inflammatory role for NFAs.
|
10.4049/jimmunol.1201487
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pubmed_788_24031
|
The success of ligand-based virtual-screening calculations is influenced highly by the nature of target-specific structure-activity relationships. This might pose severe constraints on the ability to recognize diverse structures with similar activity. Accordingly, the performance of similarity-based methods strongly depends on the class of compound that is studied, and approaches of different design and complexity often produce, overall, equally good (or bad) results. However, it is also found that there is often little overlap in the similarity relationships detected by different approaches, which rationalizes the need to develop alternative similarity methods. Among others, these include novel algorithms to navigate high-dimensional chemical spaces, train similarity calculations on specific compound classes, and detect remote similarity relationships.
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10.1016/j.drudis.2007.01.011
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pubmed_516_23203
|
Temperature gradient capillary electrophoresis (TGCE) is a high-throughput method to detect segregating single nucleotide polymorphisms and InDel polymorphisms in genetic mapping populations. Existing software that analyzes TGCE data was, however, designed for mutation analysis rather than genetic mapping. Genetic recombinant analysis and mapping assistant (GRAMA) is a new tool that automates TGCE data analysis for the purpose of genetic mapping. Data from multiple TGCE runs are analyzed, integrated, and displayed in an intuitive visual format. GRAMA includes an algorithm to detect peaks in electropherograms and can automatically compare its peak calls with those produced by another software package. Consequently, GRAMA provides highly accurate results with a low false positive rate of 5.9% and an even lower false negative rate of 1.3%. Because of its accuracy and intuitive interface, GRAMA boosts user productivity more than twofold relative to previous manual methods of scoring TGCE data. GRAMA is written in Java and is freely available at http://www.complex.iastate.edu .
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10.1007/s00122-006-0282-6
|
pubmed_99_14633
|
Five breeds of sheep, Romney Marsh, Dorset Horn, Border Leicester, Peppin Merinos and Saxon Merinos were examined for their susceptibility to foot-rot by exposure to natural transmission of infection on irrigated pasture or by the application of pure cultures of Bacteroides nodosus to each foot in a pen experiment. On pasture, the sheep encountered a moderate challenge and the British breeds were more resistant than Merinos to the development of severe foot-rot. Resistance was manifested by a rapid resolution of relatively benign lesions in the interdigital skin, rather than a reduction in the number of feet affected. However, under more severe challenges with foot-rot in pens, all breeds were equally susceptible. There was little difference between resistant and susceptible sheep in the kinetics and magnitude of their antibacterial immune responses indicating that resistance did not depend on pre-existing antibody or a more rapid induction of antibody production. In each experiment, humoral immune responses against B. nodosus were not greatly elevated until under-running lesions of the hoof developed.
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10.1111/j.1751-0813.1984.tb15524.x
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pubmed_932_3826
|
CONTEXT
Although relatively rare, testicular cancer is the most common solid organ malignancy in young men and remains a leading cause of cancer death in this population. Different types of testicular tumors are treated differently, with an overall very high cure rate with proper management. Pathologists must, therefore, be familiar with important diagnostic pitfalls in testicular pathology, particularly those that result in different treatments or prognoses.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize key diagnostic features and useful ancillary tools for the most frequently encountered problems in testicular tumor pathology.
DATA SOURCES
Current texts, PubMed (National Library of Medicine) articles, and archives at Indiana University School of Medicine and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center were all reviewed.
CONCLUSIONS
Problematic differential diagnoses include seminoma versus nonseminomatous germ cell tumors, germ cell tumors versus non-germ cell tumors, intratubular germ cell neoplasia versus atypical germ cells with maturation arrest, pseudolymphovascular invasion versus real lymphovascular invasion in germ cell tumors, and macroscopic Sertoli cell nodules versus Sertoli cell tumors. In almost all cases, awareness of the differential diagnostic possibilities based on routine light microscopic features permits application of either additional, directed observations or immunohistochemical studies that lead to an accurate diagnosis.
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10.5858/arpa.2011-0475-RA
|
pubmed_414_22119
|
OBJECTIVE
To determine prevalence of thyroid antimicrosomal and antithyroglobulin antibodies among patients with primary thyroid disorders.
DESIGN
Descriptive cross-sectional study.
SETTING
Kenyatta National Hospital, July 2003 to August 2004.
RESULTS
Antimicrosomal antibodies (anti-TPOAbs) were detected in 51.4% of all the patients while 36.1% tested positive for the antithyroglobulin antibodies (anti- TgAbs). Among the hyperthyroid patients, anti-TPOAbs and anti-TgAbs were in 50.8% and 33% respectively while 53.3% and 46.7% of the hypothyroid patients tested positive for anti-TPOAbs and anti-TgAbs respectively. Most of the patients who showed positivity for anti-TgAbs (88.5%) also tested positive for anti-TPOAbs.
CONCLUSION
More than half of the patients with primary thyroid disorders show presence of autoimmune thyroid markers, with anti TPO antibodies being more prevalent.
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10.4314/eamj.v85i9.117086
|
pubmed_989_3339
|
Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a syndrome characterized by elevated heart rate without hypotension and most commonly occurs in young females (generally <35 years of age). The prevalence of POTS is on the rise, but the etiology is still under investigation, and there appear to be multiple potential physiologic causes. The majority of these patients experience a multitude of gastrointestinal (GI) and systemic symptoms and conditions that may contribute to functional debility and poor quality of life. Although symptoms generally improve with age, they can still lead to significant issues meeting nutrition and hydration needs. This paper summarizes the understood potential pathophysiology of POTS, associated GI and nutrition issues, general treatment of POTS, and strategies to assess and meet the unique nutrition and hydration needs of these patients.
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10.1002/ncp.10564
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pubmed_33_20499
|
Most research on partners' experiences of living with a person with MND is questionnaire-based with no qualitative study focusing on the period between diagnosis and end-of-life care. This study aimed to provide an in-depth qualitative exploration of the experience of living with, and caring for, a partner with MND. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight individuals, and transcripts analysed from an interpretative phenomenological perspective. Two main themes were derived. 'Impact on life' included having concern for partner's safety, having social restrictions, being continually tired, struggling with anger and frustration, loss of intimacy and uncertainty around the future; while 'Adjusting to the situation' included trying to be strong, retaining a sense of normality, appreciation of specialist services, adopting a problem-solving approach, living day to day and ability to remain positive. In conclusion, experiences of stress and loss are illustrated in this sample of partners of those with MND, and it is suggested both these aspects should be integrated into understanding of carers' experiences. Carers appear to inhibit their grief in order to appear strong. Greater understanding of the consequences of this would help in providing appropriate emotional support.
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10.3109/17482968.2012.719236
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pubmed_939_8870
|
Medical cannabis (MC) utilization continues to expand in the United States, as a growing body of evidence supports the use of cannabis and cannabinoids in the treatment of a range of chronic conditions. To date, gender-related differences in MC use are not widely reported, and little is known regarding physicians' support of patients' use of MC to address symptoms associated with chronic conditions. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of MC users in Illinois (n = 361). We summarized participants' qualifying conditions, symptoms treated with MC, perceived physician support for MC use, use of MC and prescription medications, then analyzed differences by participant gender. Bivariate analyses indicate that men report higher levels of support for MC use from both specialist and primary care physicians. Women were significantly more likely to increase use of cannabis after acquiring an MC card, and to discontinue prescription medications through MC use. Multivariable analyses indicate that being a woman, using MC to treat multiple symptoms, and reporting higher levels of support for MC use from a primary care provider significantly increased the likelihood of discontinuing prescription medication through MC use. Women are more likely to report decreased use of prescription medications to treat symptoms, and report lower levels of support from physicians for MC use. Future research on gender differences in this population may benefit from more detailed data related to symptomology, utilization, dosing, and outcomes associated with MC, and interactions with the health care system to extend these findings.
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10.1089/jwh.2020.8437
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pubmed_161_11211
|
Ascorbic acid is found strikingly to decrease the activity of bovine kidney alkaline phosphatase in vitro. The inhibition of alkaline phosphatase is a function of ascorbic acid concentration and is time and temperature dependent. The presence of the substrate protects the enzyme against the inhibitory action of the vitamin.
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10.1159/000469564
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pubmed_458_23170
|
Successful motor skill learning requires repetitive training interrupted by rest periods. In humans, improvement occurs within and between training sessions reflecting fast and slow components of motor learning [Karni A, Meyer G, Rey-Hipolito C, Jezzard P, Adams MM, Turner R, et al. The acquisition of skilled motor performance: fast and slow experience-driven changes in primary motor cortex. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1998;95:861-8]. Here, these components are characterized in male and female rats using a model of skilled forelimb reaching and are compared to time scales of instrumental learning. Twenty female and 14 male adult Long-Evans rats were pre-trained to operate a motorized door (via a sensor in the opposite cage wall) to access a food pellet by tongue. Latencies between pellet removal and door opening were recorded as measures of instrumental learning. After criterion performance was achieved, skilled forelimb reaching was requested by increasing the pellet-window distance to 1.5cm. Reaching success was recorded per trial. Mean latencies decreased exponentially over sessions and no improvement within-session was found. Skill learning over eight training sessions followed an exponential course in females and a sigmoid course in males. Females acquired the skill significantly faster than males starting at higher baseline levels (P < 0.001) but reaching similar plateaus. Within-session improvement was found during the sessions 1-3 in females and 1-4 in males. Performance at the end of session 1 was not carried over to session 2. Learning curves of individual animals were highly variable. These findings confirm in rat that motor skill learning has fast and slow components. No within-session improvement is seen in instrumental learning.
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10.1016/j.bbr.2004.04.025
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pubmed_876_4635
|
BACKGROUND
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), the clinical hallmark of familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHCM), is absent in a significant number of subjects with causal mutations. In transgenic rabbits that fully recapitulate the FHCM phenotype, reduced myocardial tissue Doppler (TD) velocities accurately identified the mutant rabbits, even in the absence of LVH. We tested whether humans with FHCM also consistently showed reduced myocardial TD velocities, irrespective of LVH.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We performed 2D and Doppler echocardiography and TD imaging in 30 subjects with FHCM, 13 subjects who were positive for various mutations but did not have LVH, and 30 age- and sex-matched controls (all adults; 77% women). LV wall thickness and mass were significantly greater in FHCM subjects (P<0.01 versus those without LVH and controls). There were no significant differences in 2D echocardiographic, mitral, and pulmonary venous flow indices between mutation-positives without LVH and controls. In contrast, systolic and early diastolic TD velocities were significantly lower in both mutation-positives without LVH and in FHCM patients than in controls (P<0.001). Reduced TD velocities had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 93% for identifying mutation-positives without LVH.
CONCLUSIONS
Myocardial contraction and relaxation velocities, detected by TD imaging, are reduced in FHCM, including in those without LVH. Before and independently of LVH, TD imaging is an accurate and sensitive method for identifying subjects who are positive for FHCM mutations.
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10.1161/01.cir.104.2.128
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pubmed_634_6149
|
A colorimetric test is described for the rapid detection of Staphylococcus aureus (SA). Gold nanorods (AuNRs) are first labeled with urease and yolk immunoglobulin (IgY). This probe can specifically bind SA. In the next step, nonspecific magnetic beads and sample are added. This leads to the formation of the AuNR-IgY-SA-nMB immunocomplex which is then magnetically separated. Finally, a solution of urea is added to the supernatant. Ureases catalyzes the decomposition of urea which results in an increase in the pH value. The increase in the pH value is detected by using a phenolphthalein test paper which undergoes a color change from white to pink. The analytical process can be completed within 20 min. The method is highly specific and can detect as little as 476 cfu·mL-1. It was verified by analyzing contaminated Chinese cabbage and beef samples, and 1000 cfu·mL-1 of SA were accurately detected. Graphical abstract Schematic representation of a colorimetric method for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus based on the immunocomplex formed from dual-labeled gold nanorod (AuNR) probe, bacteria and non-specific magnetic bead (nMB). This method can be completed within 20 min.
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10.1007/s00604-019-3722-0
|
pubmed_678_2633
|
Inflammation plays a major role in the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Interleukine-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine involved both in the beneficial acute inflammatory response and in the detrimental chronic low-grade systemic inflammation. Large genetic human studies, using Mendelian randomization approaches, have clearly showed that IL-6 pathway is causally involved in the onset of myocardial infarction. At the same time, IL-6 pathway is divided into two arms: classic signaling (effective in hepatocytes and leukocytes) and trans-signaling (with ubiquitous activity). Trans-signaling is known to be inhibited by the circulating soluble glycoprotein 130 (sgp130). In animal and in vitro models, trans-signaling inhibition with sgp130 antibody clearly shows a beneficial effect on inflammatory disease and atherosclerosis. Conversely, epidemiological data report inconsistent results between sgp130 levels and CV risk factors as well as CV outcome. We have reviewed the literature to understand the role of sgp130 and to find the evidence in favor of or against a possible clinical application of sgp130 treatment in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
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10.1155/2017/1396398
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pubmed_542_8683
|
Much can be done for the patient with atrial fibrillation. In general, therapy is safe, effective, and at its best when the arrhythmia is not regarded as an entity unto itself. Atrial fibrillation does not usually occur de novo. When it is found in the absence of any disease, it is often an incidental discovery and usually a well-tolerated condition that needs no treatment. Indeed, in such instances, it may be the therapy rather than the arrhythmia that produces the difficulty. Atrial fibrillation is commonly found in the presence of other diseases; thus its treatment is predicated on the nature of the accompanying disease and its effect on the heart. There may be acute precipitating factors--such as an acute myocardial infarction, alcohol abuse, thyrotoxicosis, or circulatory congestion--control or relief of which could result in the disappearance of the atrial fibrillation. There may be electrolyte or volume depletion, which, if corrected, may also be followed by disappearance of atrial fibrillation. When atrial fibrillation is acute, there is an excellent chance that it will disappear spontaneously. Therefore, if a drug is employed in such a situation, it is best to employ one with a proven record, with the likelihood of benefit, and with few or no adverse effects. For this reason, it is best to begin with digoxin given orally to reduce the ventricular rate, except in atrial fibrillation associated with the WPW syndrome, for which digoxin is contraindicated and intravenous procainamide preferred. There is no advantage in adding other drugs to digoxin to help reduce ventricular rate, at least under initial conditions. There is also no need to consider restoration of sinus rhythm, because it can occur spontaneously, possibly abetted by digoxin. Moreover, chemical conversion, if done immediately, is accompanied by adverse effects and offers less chance of benefit than if done after stabilization. Certainly, if there is hemodynamic deterioration, direct-current cardioversion should be performed and will usually be effective and well tolerated. With chronic atrial fibrillation, the drug of choice is digoxin; helpful adjuncts are calcium blockers and beta-blockers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
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pubmed_542_8683
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pubmed_159_17189
|
RATIONALE
Regression of atherosclerosis is an important clinical goal; however, the pathways that mediate the resolution of atherosclerotic inflammation and reversal of plaques are poorly understood. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to be atheroprotective, yet the numbers of these immunosuppressive cells decrease with disease progression, and whether they contribute to atherosclerosis regression is not known.
OBJECTIVE
We investigated the roles of Tregs in the resolution of atherosclerotic inflammation, tissue remodeling, and plaque contraction during atherosclerosis regression.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Using multiple independent mouse models of atherosclerosis regression, we demonstrate that an increase in plaque Tregs is a common signature of regressing plaques. Single-cell RNA-sequencing of plaque immune cells revealed that unlike Tregs from progressing plaques that expressed markers of natural Tregs derived from the thymus, Tregs in regressing plaques lacked Nrp1 expression, suggesting that they are induced in the periphery during lipid-lowering therapy. To test whether Tregs are required for resolution of atherosclerotic inflammation and plaque regression, Tregs were depleted using CD25 monoclonal antibody in atherosclerotic mice during apolipoprotein B antisense oligonucleotide-mediated lipid lowering. Morphometric analyses revealed that Treg depletion blocked plaque remodeling and contraction, and impaired hallmarks of inflammation resolution, including dampening of the T helper 1 response, alternative activation of macrophages, efferocytosis, and upregulation of specialized proresolving lipid mediators.
CONCLUSIONS
Our data establish essential roles for Tregs in resolving atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and provide mechanistic insight into the pathways governing plaque remodeling and regression of disease.
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10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.119.316461
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pubmed_83_9080
|
Loeffler's endocarditis is a rare form of restrictive cardiomyopathy associated with eosinophilia and endomyocardial fibrosis. It manifests most commonly as diastolic dysfunction or valvular abnormalities due to eosinophilic infiltration and degranulation. Herein, we chronicle a case of left ventricular involvement with Loeffler's endocarditis. We emphasize the utility of multimodality imaging including two-dimensional echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in providing diagnostic information, as there is no standardized diagnostic criteria to date.
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10.7759/cureus.10061
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pubmed_441_13633
|
The basic disorder in sinoatrial disease is a functional and/or anatomical defect in the sinus node and the atrium respectively. The clinical feature includes palpitations, angina pectoris, heart failure, giddiness and systemic emboli. Associated diseases are coronary heart disease, hypertension, diphtheria, myocarditis or rheumatic fever. Diagnosis is primarily made by clinical symptoms and conventional or long term ECG-monitoring. However, impaired sinus node function including sinusbradycardia, sinus arrest, sinoatrial block and the bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome cannot easily be assessed, when rhythm disturbances are occurring intermittently, as the recording of electrical activity of sinus node pacemaker cells is not available in man. Therefore methods of provocative atrial stimulation (rapid atrial stimulation, premature atrial stimulation) have been developed for (indirect) estimation of sinus node recovery time and sinoatrial conduction time. Treatment depends on symptoms. In most cases implantation of an electric pacemaker is mandatory since drug treatment usually is unsatisfactory. The natural history of the sinoatrial disease is imperfectly known but probably covers 5--10 years.
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pubmed_441_13633
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pubmed_809_19335
|
BACKGROUND
Cognitive deficits are core features of schizophrenia that have been associated reliably with functional outcomes and now are a focus of treatment research. New rating scales are needed to complement current psychometric testing procedures, both to enable wider clinical use, and to serve as endpoints in clinical trials.
METHODS
Subjects were 35 schizophrenia patient-and-caregiver pairs recruited from the UCLA and West Los Angeles VA Outpatient Psychiatry Departments. Participants were assessed with the Clinical Global Impression of Cognition in Schizophrenia (CGI-CogS), an interview-based rating scale of cognitive functioning, on 3 occasions (baseline, 1 month, and 3 months). A computerized neurocognitive battery (Cogtest), an assessment of functioning, and symptom measures were administered at two occasions (baseline and one month).
RESULTS
The CGI-CogS ratings generally showed a high level of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=.69 to .96), adequate levels of inter-rater reliability (ICC's=.71 to .80), and high test-retest stability (ICC's=.92 to .95). Correlations of caregiver and rater global (but not "patient only rating") CGI-CogS ratings with neurocognitive performance were in the moderate range (r's=-.27 to -.48), while most of the correlations with functional outcome were moderate to high (r's=-.41 to -.72). In fact, the CGI-CogS ratings were significantly more correlated with Social Functioning than were objective neurocognitive test scores (p=.02) and showed a trend in the same direction for predicting Instrumental Functioning (p=.06). We found moderate correlations between CGI-CogS global ratings and PANSS positive (r's=.36 to .49) and SANS negative symptoms (r=.41 to .61), but not with BPRS depression (r's=.11 to .13).
CONCLUSIONS
An interview-based measure of cognition demonstrated high internal consistency, good inter-rater reliability, and high test-retest reliability. Caregiver ratings appear to add important clinical information over patient-only ratings. The CGI-CogS showed moderate validity with respect to neurocognitive performance and functional outcome, and correlations of CGI-CogS with functional outcomes were stronger than correlations of objective neurocognitive performance with functional outcomes. The CGI-CogS appears to offer a reliable and valid method for clinical rating of cognitive deficits and their impact on everyday functioning in schizophrenia.
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10.1016/j.schres.2007.07.025
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pubmed_289_744
|
BACKGROUND
Anterior spinal fusion with instrumentation is used for the treatment of thoracolumbar/lumbar scoliosis. The aim of this long-term, retrospective, hospital-based cohort study was to determine the outcomes of anterior dual-rod instrumentation in a consecutive series of patients with thoracolumbar/lumbar adolescent idiopathic scoliosis managed by a single surgeon at a single institution.
METHODS
A consecutive series of thirty-two patients with Lenke type-5C thoracolumbar/lumbar adolescent idiopathic scoliosis were included. Outcome measures included patient demographics, radiographic measurements, adjacent-segment degeneration, pulmonary function, and Scoliosis Research Society outcome instrument (SRS-30) scores. Perioperative and postoperative complications were recorded.
RESULTS
Thirty patients were followed for a mean of 17.2 years (range, twelve to twenty-three years). The mean thoracolumbar/lumbar Cobb angle correction rate and correction loss at the time of the latest follow-up were 79.8% and 3.4°, respectively. The average percent-predicted forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second were 91.8% and 81.8%, respectively. The average total SRS-30 score was 4.2. Mild degeneration below the fusion mass was observed in 23% of the patients. No instrumentation failure, pseudarthrosis, surgical site infection, or clinically relevant neurovascular complications were observed. Two patients required surgical revision with posterior spinal instrumentation, one because of subjacent disc wedging and the other because of progression of the thoracic curve deformity.
CONCLUSIONS
Radiographic findings, pulmonary function, and clinical measures were satisfactory at the time of follow-up, at a minimum of twelve years. Anterior dual-rod instrumentation remains a useful surgical treatment for Lenke type-5C thoracolumbar/lumbar adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
|
10.2106/JBJS.L.00781
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pubmed_103_11831
|
STUDY DESIGN
Retrospective review.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the safety and accuracy of the freehand technique versus stereotactic navigation for placement of iliac screws.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA
Iliac screw fixation is often used to augment lumbosacral reconstruction in advanced spine disease to increase the likelihood of successful arthrodesis. Iliac screws can be placed with image guidance, using either intraoperative fluoroscopy or computed tomography (CT) to guide navigation. However, these imaging modalities add radiation exposure and can disrupt workflow. The freehand technique is an alternative strategy that decreases radiation exposure and workflow disruption but may compromise safety and accuracy.
METHODS
A retrospective review was performed for a consecutive series of adult patients with degenerative spine conditions who underwent posterior reconstruction with iliac screw placement between 2011 and 2016. Clinical and radiographic data were collected and analyzed. The accuracy of iliac screw placement was determined with either intraoperative/postoperative CT imaging or anteroposterior/lateral radiography when CT was not performed.
RESULTS
Bilateral iliac screws were placed in all 111 patients, for a total of 222 iliac screws. Eighty screws were placed with the freehand technique and 142 with the intraoperative navigation technique. CT imaging was used to assess placement accuracy of 124 screws (46 freehand [37%], 78 navigated [63%]). Accuracy was similar for the freehand group (89%, 41/46) and the navigated group (96%, 75/78) (P = 0.12). For patients without intraoperative/postoperative CT imaging, radiography was used to assess placement accuracy of 98 screws (34 freehand, 64 navigated) and the placement accuracy rate for the freehand group (100%, 34/34) was comparable to that for the navigated group (98%, 63/64) (P = 0.46). No complications attributable to iliac screw placement occurred in either group.
CONCLUSION
Overall, there was no difference in the safety and accuracy between the freehand and navigated techniques.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
4.
|
10.1097/BRS.0000000000002108
|
pubmed_634_1867
|
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the prevalence of cesearean sections (C-sections) in Ecuador and their distribution between private and public health centers.
METHODS
An observational population-based study was conducted of patients discharged from public and private hospitals in Ecuador after a C-section or vaginal delivery. Data were collected by the Ecuadorian National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) between 2001 and 2013.
RESULTS
The overall national C-section rate in the private health care system is double the rate in the public health care system. Over the 13 years of the study, C-sections accounted for 57.5% of births in the private sector, while the public sector proportion did not exceed 22.3%. Countrywide, less than 36% of C-sections were found to be clinically justified by parallel analysis of absolute or relative indications. Acute fetal distress (AFD) was more frequently reported in private centers compared to public ones (446 per 10 000 live births versus 274 per 10 000). Since 2001, the number of births by cesarean section increased by more than 50% (R2 = 0.7306, P < 0.05), with an annual growth rate of 4.03%. In Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador, up to 74% of live births occurred by C-section.
CONCLUSION
National data show that C-sections are performed more frequently in Ecuador than the rate recommended by the World Health Organization, especially in the private health care system. Private centers also report higher rates of AFD, which implies that this diagnosis is either overused in private centers or underrecognized in public centers. Although several factors might be influencing these trends, no data are available to determine the relative importance of economics, practicality, and medical or personal concerns of mothers and physicians in deciding which method of delivery should be used.
|
10.26633/RPSP.2017.15
|
pubmed_912_3906
|
Population estimates projects a significant increase in the geriatric population making elderly trauma patients more common. The geriatric trauma patients experience higher incidence of pre-existing medical conditions, impaired age-dependent physiologic reserve, use potent drugs and suffer from trauma system related shortcomings that influence outcomes. To improve adjustments for older age in pre-hospital assessment and care, several initiatives should be implemented. Decision-makers should make system revisions and introduce advanced point-of-care initiatives to improve outcome after trauma for the elderly.
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10.1186/1757-7241-21-4
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pubmed_189_6494
|
Paired-like homeodomain 2 (PITX2) functions as a transcription factor to participate in vertebrate embryogenesis, and dysregulated PITX2 expression was associated with the progression of various cancers. The functional role of PITX2 in tumorigenesis of liver cancer remains unknown. Western blot analysis showed that expression levels of PITX2 were enhanced in the liver cancer tissues and cells. siRNAs targeting PITX2 induced downregulation of PITX2 in liver cancer cells. siRNA-induced knockdown of PITX2 decreased liver cancer cell viability and proliferation, while promoting cell apoptosis by increasing cleaved-PARP, cleaved caspase 3, and cleaved caspase 9. The knockdown of PITX2 repressed liver cancer cell migration and invasion. In conclusion, elevated PITX2 expression was associated with liver cancer progression through repression of cell apoptosis and promoting cell proliferation and metastasis, and silencing of PITX2 might serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of liver cancer.
|
10.1515/biol-2021-0133
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pubmed_733_4851
|
Earlier studies established that dimethyldioxirane (1a) reacts with sulfides 2 in two consecutive concerted electrophilic oxygen-transfer steps to give first sulfoxides 3 and then sulfones 4. The same sequential electrophilic oxidation model was assumed for the reaction of sulfides 2 with the strongly electrophilic methyl(trifluoromethyl)dioxirane (1b). In this paper we report on a systematic and general study on the mechanism of the reaction of simple sulfides 2 with DMDO (1a) and TFDO (1b) which provides clear evidence for the involvement of hypervalent sulfur species in the oxidation process. In the oxidation of sulfides 2a-c, diphenyl sulfide (2d), para-substituted aryl methyl sulfides 2e-i, and phenothiazine 2k with 1b, the major product was the corresponding sulfone 4, even when a 10-fold excess of sulfide relative to 1b was used. The sulfone:sulfoxide 4:3 ratio depends among other factors on the dioxirane 1a or 1b used, the sulfide substitution pattern, the polar, protic, or aprotic character of the solvent, and the temperature. The influence of these factors and also deuterium and (18)O tracer experiments performed allow a general mechanism to be depicted for these oxidations in which the key step is the reversible cyclization of a zwitterionic intermediate, 6, to form a hypervalent sulfur species, 7. The classical sequential mechanism which establishes that sulfides are oxidized first to sulfides and then to sulfones can be enclosed in our general picture of the process and represents just those particular cases in which the zwitterionic intermediate 6 decomposes prior to undergoing ring closure to afford the hypervalent sulfurane intermediate 7.
|
10.1021/ja025868z
|
pubmed_778_17978
|
BACKGROUND
Despite published guidelines and availability of many effective lipid-altering therapies, dyslipidemia in the United States remains largely underdiagnosed and undertreated.
METHODS
This study used data from the 1999-2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to assess the current state of dyslipidemia management in the US adult population compared with guidelines issued by the Third Adult Treatment Panel of the National Cholesterol Education Program. Percentages were weighted to reflect population estimates, computed using SUDAAN (Research Triangle Institution, Cary, NC).
RESULTS
Among 1,425 respondents aged > or = 20 years with complete data, 29.5% were eligible for therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLCs, 16.0%) or lipid-lowering drug therapy (LDT, 13.4%). Among high-risk adults, 79.3% were eligible for either TLC (35.7%) or LDT (43.6%). Only 43.7% of treatment-eligible adults reported ever being diagnosed with dyslipidemia. Of those diagnosed, 77.4% reported being told to undertake TLC, and 34.2% reported being told to take LDT. Of adults eligible for drug therapy, the average percentage reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) required to reach goal was 28.0% (standard error [SE] 1.1), and 41.9% required a reduction of > 30% in LDL-C to reach goal. Of high-risk adults eligible for drug therapy, the average required reduction was 36.9% (SE 1.4), and 76.3% required a reduction of > 30% in LDL-C.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite advances in dyslipidemia therapy and changes in guidelines over the last decade, LDL-C continues to be inadequately managed among US adults. Of particular concern is the undertreatment of high-risk patients and failure of many treated patients to achieve LDL-C goal.
|
10.1016/j.ahj.2004.09.039
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pubmed_1131_9765
|
INTRODUCTION
There have been inconsistent findings from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews on the efficacies of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as the first-line treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Besides inconsistencies among randomised controlled trials (RCTs), their risks of bias and evidence grading have seldom been evaluated in meta-analysis. This study aims to compare the efficacy of SSRIs by conducting a Bayesian network meta-analysis, which will be the most comprehensive evaluation of evidence to resolve the inconsistency among previous studies.
METHODS AND ANALYSES
SSRIs including citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline and vilazodone have been selected. Systematic database searching and screening will be conducted for the RCTs on drug treatment of patients with MDD according to pre-specified search strategies and selection criteria. PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, the US Food and Drug Administration Website, ClinicalTrial.gov and WHO Clinical Trials will be searched. Outcome data including Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) from eligible RCTs will be extracted. The outcomes will be analysed as ORs and mean differences under a random-effects model. A Bayesian network meta-analysis will be conducted with WinBUGS software, to compare the efficacies of SSRIs. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis will be performed to explain the study heterogeneity and evaluate the robustness of the results. Meta-regression analysis will be conducted to determine the possible factors affecting the efficacy outcomes. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool will be used to assess the RCT quality, and the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation will be used to assess the strength of evidence from the meta-analysis.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
No ethical approval is required because this study includes neither confidential personal patient data nor interventions with patients.
PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42015024879.
|
10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010142
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pubmed_156_20952
|
Animals differ widely in the phasing of their daily rhythms with respect to daily environmental rhythms. While birds are predominantly day-active, nocturnal activity is a characteristic feature of the order Strigiformes (owls). To study the evolution of owl night-activity cDNA sequences encoding the circadian core oscillator (CCO) proteins BMAL1 and CLOCK were obtained from barn owl (Tyto alba). The predicted proteins showed high sequence identity with their Galliform homologues (BMAL1: 99%; CLOCK: 95.6%). A computer-predicted chicken BMAL1 casein kinase-1 phosphorylation site is absent from T. alba BMAL1, but also absent from homologues of other six bird species (5 orders) (night-active (n=2), day-active (n=4)) indicating no evolutionary association with night activity. Sequence differences between T. alba and Galliform CLOCK frequently involved serine and threonine residues suggesting potential differences in their phosphorylation. The length of a poly-glutamine string in the CLOCK C-terminus varied between and within 25 species (6 orders) examined, however, no discernible feature distinguishing day and night active species was found. No differences were found between day (n=5) and night (n=7)-active species (12 species, 6 orders) in a region of the PER2 protein implicated in altered rhythm phasing in humans. In conclusion the avian CCO components examined showed strong evolutionary conservation. Molecular evolution associated with owl night-activity may have involved alterations in the CCO relationship with 'output' genes rather than in the molecular structure of the CCO itself.
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10.1016/s1096-4959(03)00276-8
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pubmed_419_2359
|
BACKGROUND
A recent meta-analysis suggested that using physical activity calorie equivalent (PACE) labels results in people selecting and consuming less energy. However, the meta-analysis included only 1 study in a naturalistic setting, conducted in 4 convenience stores. We therefore aimed to estimate the effect of PACE labels on energy purchased in worksite cafeterias in the context of a randomised study design.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
A stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted to investigate the effect of PACE labels (which include kcal content and minutes of walking required to expend the energy content of the labelled food) on energy purchased. The setting was 10 worksite cafeterias in England, which were randomised to the order in which they introduced PACE labels on selected food and drinks following a baseline period. There were approximately 19,000 workers employed at the sites, 72% male, with an average age of 40. The study ran for 12 weeks (06 April 2021 to 28 June 2021) with over 250,000 transactions recorded on electronic tills. The primary outcome was total energy (kcal) purchased from intervention items per day. The secondary outcomes were: energy purchased from non-intervention items per day, total energy purchased per day, and revenue. Regression models showed no evidence of an overall effect on energy purchased from intervention items, -1,934 kcals per site per day (95% CI -5,131 to 1,262), p = 0.236, during the intervention relative to baseline, equivalent to -5 kcals per transaction (95% CI -14 to 4). There was also no evidence for an effect on energy purchased from non-intervention items, -5 kcals per site per day (95% CI -513 to 504), p = 0.986, equivalent to 0 kcals per transaction (95% CI -1 to 1), and no clear evidence for total energy purchased -2,899 kcals per site (95% CI -5,810 to 11), p = 0.051, equivalent to -8 kcals per transaction (95% CI -16 to 0). Study limitations include using energy purchased and not energy consumed as the primary outcome and access only to transaction-level sales, rather than individual-level data.
CONCLUSION
Overall, the evidence was consistent with PACE labels not changing energy purchased in worksite cafeterias. There was considerable variation in effects between cafeterias, suggesting important unmeasured moderators.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The study was prospectively registered on ISRCTN (date: 30.03.21; ISRCTN31315776).
|
10.1371/journal.pmed.1004116
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pubmed_227_1425
|
In this study, the edible mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. were sequentially extracted by petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol and ultrasonic water-bath (75 degrees C), and the water extract was further isolated by Sephadex G-100 to afford a petroleum ether extract (PE), ethyl acetate extract (EAE), ethanol extract (EE), glycoprotein (GP) and a purified polysaccharide (PS). In combination with component analysis, the isolated PS showed d-Glc, d-Man, l-Ara and d-Gal in a molar ratio of 8:90:1:1. The average molecular weight of PS was determined as approximately 8.3 x 10(4). The immunomodulatory potentials of these samples (PE, EAE, EE, GP and PS) at three dose levels on the cellular and humoral immune responses of ICR mice against ovalbumin (OVA) were studied. ICR mice were immunized subcutaneously with 100 microg OVA alone or with 100 microg OVA dissolved in saline containing these samples (100, 200 or 400 microg) on days 1 and 15. Two weeks later (day 28), concanavalin A (Con A)- and OVA-stimulated splenocyte proliferation and OVA-specific antibody in serum were investigated. These samples, except for PS, significantly enhanced the Con A- and OVA-induced splenocyte proliferation in OVA-immunized mice at a suitable dose (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). OVA-specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2b antibody levels in serum were significantly enhanced by these extracts and PS compared with the OVA control group (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 or p < 0.001).
|
10.1002/ptr.1921
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pubmed_1051_1422
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Fatty acid profiles may affect the flavor of milk. The diversity of volatile compounds in raw milk with different ratios of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids (8:1, 4:1, and 3:1) was studied. Gas chromatography-ion mobility spectroscopy (GC-IMS) is a promising technology for the accurate characterization and detection of volatile organic compounds in agricultural products, but its application in milk is rare or even unavailable. In this experiment, GC-IMS fingerprints along with principal component analysis (PCA) were used to study the flavor fingerprints of fresh milk samples with different percentages. Thirty-four typical target compounds were identified in total. A diversity of flavor compounds in raw milk with different n-6/n-3 was observed. After reduction of the proportion, the concentrations of volatile compounds, such as hexanoic acid (dimer and monomer), ethyl acetate, and 2-methylpropanoic acid (dimer and monomer) decreased, while those of 4-methyl-2-pentanone, pentanal, and acetone increased. We carried out PCA according to the signal strength of the identified volatile compounds, and the examination showed that it could precisely make a distinction among the samples in a comparative space. In conclusion, the results show that the volatile compounds are different as the proportion is different. The volatile compounds in raw milk are mainly hexanoic acid, ethyl acetate, and 2-methylpropanoic acid. After adjustment of the ratio, the flavor substances of the medium-ratio (MR) group were mainly ketones, while those of the low-ratio (LR) group were aldehydes. Therefore, in production, reducing the impact on volatile substances while adjusting the proportion of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids to obtain functional dairy products should be taken into consideration.
|
10.3390/ani12030252
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pubmed_516_10661
|
OBJECTIVES
Although of great importance for all those involved in liver transplant, in literature there is no consensual description on its hemodynamic behavior. This study intends to describe the hemodynamic behavior during and in the first 48 h after liver transplant .
METHODS
A prospective and consecutive study of 61 patients was carried out; 50 were male, with average age of 49 years (18-70 years). Hemodynamic measurements were followed up at the beginning of the surgery, 30 minutes after revascularization of the graft and afterwards 6 hours up to 48 h post revascularization. Weight was obtained upon hospital admission and at 6 o'clock on the first and second postoperative days.
RESULTS
mean arterial pressure starts to increase soon after surgery, reaching significantly higher values 24 h after revascularization. Cardiac index increases significantly soon after revascularization, progressively returning to preoperative values. Likewise the systemic vascular resistance falls significantly immediately after revascularization, reaching values similar to the preoperative ones 24 h after revascularization. The pulmonary wedge pressure rises significantly 6 hours after revascularization and there is a significant weight increase at the end of the first postoperative day.
CONCLUSIONS
During the first hours after liver transplant an intense hemodynamic variation is noted with progressive increase in the systemic arterial pressures and in the pulmonary wedge pressure. Furthermore, significant although transitory variations of the cardiac index and of the systemic vascular resistance demand continuous surveillance to minimize their consequences.
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10.1590/s0104-42302006000200022
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pubmed_791_13976
|
To analyze magnetic resonance imaging features of nodular fasciitis and redefine the system for classifying this class of lesions.Twenty-seven patients with nodular fasciitis and 71 patients with other soft tissue lesions who underwent surgery or biopsy were retrospectively analysed. Demographic information, medical history, and magnetic resonance imaging features were collected. Classification of nodular fasciitis was performed based on a redefined system. Comparison between 2 groups was performed with Chi-square or Fisher exact test.For nodular fasciitis, the longest average lesion diameter was 1.87 cm (range, 0.52-5.46 cm), and 40.7% of lesions were located in the upper extremities, while 29.6% were located in the head and neck. Compared with skeletal muscle, most lesions exhibited isointensity on T1-weighted imaging and hyperintensity on T2-weighted imaging, and 45.5% of the lesions exhibited rim enhancement, 40.9% showed obvious homogenous enhancement, while 13.6% showed no enhancement or slight enhancement. The subcutaneous type accounted for 25.9% of cases, the fascial type 25.9%, the intramuscular type 29.6%, and the unclassified type 18.5%. The "fascia tail sign" was more frequently observed in nodular fasciitis than in other soft tissue lesions (P < .001). Nodular fasciitis was slightly more likely to present with the "inverted target sign" and "solar halo sign" than other soft tissue lesions (P > .05). The "cloud sign" only appeared in nodular fasciitis (P < .05).The "fascia tail sign" and "cloud sign" could help differentiate nodular fasciitis from other soft tissue lesions. A new classification may improve understanding about nodular fasciitis.
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10.1097/MD.0000000000022906
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pubmed_344_5642
|
There is a causal association between Helicobacter pylori (Hp) gastric infection and the development of gastric MALT lymphoma. In contrast, the link between Hp gastric infection and the development of extragastric lymphoma has not been thoroughly investigated. We, therefore, studied the prevalence of gastric Hp infection at initial diagnosis of ophthalmologic and nonophthalmologic extragastric lymphoma patients. Three cohorts of patients were studied: a first one of 83 patients with OAL, a second one of 101 patients with extraophthalmologic extragastric lymphoma, and a third one of 156 control individuals (control) without malignant lymphoma. Gastric Hp infection was investigated by histopathological analysis and Hp-specific PCR assay on gastric biopsy tissue samples. We found gastric Hp infection in 37 OAL patients (45%), in 25 extraophthalmologic extragastric lymphoma cases (25%), and in 18 controls individuals (12%) (P < 0.0001 OAL/C and P < 0.01 OAL/extra-OAL cases). Gastritis was found in 51% and 9% of Hp-positive and Hp-negative lymphoma patients, respectively (P < 10(-4)). Gastric Hp infection only correlated with MALT/LPL lymphoma (P = 0.03). There is a significant association between gastric Hp infection and MALT/LPL OAL. This suggests a novel mechanism of indirect infection-associated lymphomagenesis whereby chronic local antigen stimulation would lead to the emergence of ectopic B-cell lymphoma.
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10.1002/ajh.21765
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pubmed_5_5959
|
This analysis evaluated the association between sleep disturbance and gastrointestinal symptoms in women with and without irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and examined the role of psychological distress in this relationship. Women with IBS (N = 82) reported considerably higher levels of sleep disturbance compared to controls (N = 35), using both retrospective seven-day recall and daily diary recall for two menstrual cycles (P < 0.05 on 8 of 10 measures). We used daily diary data to estimate the association between sleep disturbance and gastrointestinal symptoms, both across women (ie, whether women with high average sleep disturbance have higher average gastrointestinal symptoms) and within woman (ie, whether poorer than average sleep on one night is associated with higher than average gastrointestinal symptoms the following day). The regression coefficients for the across-women effect are large and highly significant in both groups (IBS, beta +/- SE = 0.46 +/- 0.08, P < 0.001; controls, 0.57 +/- 0.13, P < 0.001). The regression coefficients for the within-woman effect are considerably smaller and statistically significant only in the IBS group (IBS, 0.06 +/- 0.02, P = 0.006; control, 0.01 +/- 0.03, P = 0.691). These regression coefficients showed little change when daily psychological distress or stress was controlled for, the one exception being the coefficient for the across-women effect in the IBS group, which decreased substantially but still remained highly significant. Because it is possible that gastrointestinal symptoms could, in fact, cause poor sleep, we also fitted the temporally reversed model to evaluate the association between gastrointestinal symptoms on one day and sleep disturbance that night. The within-woman regression coefficients were nonsignificant in both the IBS and control groups. In conclusion, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that poor sleep leads to higher gastrointestinal symptoms on the following day among women with IBS.
|
10.1023/a:1005581226265
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pubmed_1138_10733
|
Assessing the functional outcome of peripheral nerve suture in the hand requires a battery of tests which are valid, reliable and comprehensively evaluate cutaneous sensibility. This study explores the relationship between a battery of sensory tests and the patient's capacity to perform everyday functional activities. An analysis of the interrelationship between all outcome variables reveals that the tests of sensibility do not predict the patients' ability to use their hands in everyday activities, thus indicating that patients are able to compensate for sensory deficit through the use of vision and bilateral use of the hands. An assessment of outcome should therefore include an additional measure of performance on daily living tasks.
|
10.1016/0266-7681(93)90019-c
|
pubmed_524_5348
|
BACKGROUND
Daily new COVID-19 cases from January to April 2020 demonstrate varying patterns of SARS-CoV-2 transmission across different geographical regions. Constant infection rates were observed in some countries, whereas China and South Korea had a very low number of daily new cases. In fact, China and South Korea successfully and quickly flattened their COVID-19 curve. To understand why this was the case, this paper investigated possible aerosol-forming patterns in the atmosphere and their relationship to the policy measures adopted by select countries.
OBJECTIVE
The main research objective was to compare the outcomes of policies adopted by countries between January and April 2020. Policies included physical distancing measures that in some cases were associated with mask use and city disinfection. We investigated whether the type of social distancing framework adopted by some countries (ie, without mask use and city disinfection) led to the continual dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 (daily new cases) in the community during the study period.
METHODS
We examined the policies used as a preventive framework for virus community transmission in some countries and compared them to the policies adopted by China and South Korea. Countries that used a policy of social distancing by 1-2 m were divided into two groups. The first group consisted of countries that implemented social distancing (1-2 m) only, and the second comprised China and South Korea, which implemented distancing with additional transmission/isolation measures using masks and city disinfection. Global daily case maps from Johns Hopkins University were used to provide time-series data for the analysis.
RESULTS
The results showed that virus transmission was reduced due to policies affecting SARS-CoV-2 propagation over time. Remarkably, China and South Korea obtained substantially better results than other countries at the beginning of the epidemic due to their adoption of social distancing (1-2 m) with the additional use of masks and sanitization (city disinfection). These measures proved to be effective due to the atmosphere carrier potential of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings confirm that social distancing by 1-2 m with mask use and city disinfection yields positive outcomes. These strategies should be incorporated into prevention and control policies and be adopted both globally and by individuals as a method to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
|
10.2196/20699
|
pubmed_704_25621
|
Soft tissue sarcomas are common neoplasms accounting for 1% of all adult malignancies; however, soft tissue sarcomas infrequently arise from the abdominal viscera. Many case reports discuss gastric and esophageal neoplasms. In the group of gastrointestinal liposarcomas, primary duodenal liposarcomas are among the rarest, with only three previous cases reported in the literature. Herein, we discuss a case of primary duodenal liposarcoma. A 59-year-old woman presented with symptoms consistent with anemia raising suspicion for an upper gastrointestinal bleed. Upper endoscopy revealed an ulcerated mass in the first portion of the duodenum. The patient underwent a segmental duodenal resection and distal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction. A diagnosis of dedifferentiated liposarcoma was rendered on the resected specimen. At 16 months' follow-up, the patient remains without evidence of disease recurrence. We have presented a case of primary duodenal liposarcoma, which is among the rarest locations for gastrointestinal sarcomas with only three previous reports in the literature. Liposarcomas should be included in the differential for submucosal masses of the duodenum.
|
10.1159/000507479
|
pubmed_1098_5225
|
Bioplastics have been suggested as more sustainable alternatives to conventional, petroleum-based plastics. In this work, the available studies comparing effects of biopolymers and petroleum-based plastics were reviewed to improve the knowledge on the sustainability of biobased polymers, providing a benchmark regarding their ecotoxicological effects, as well as to highlight research priorities in this field. The literature review shows that, only a small number of the available biopolymers have been tested highlighting the need for more research diversifying the tested polymers. Overall, the available studies support the idea that bioplastics are likely to cause physiological impairments (feeding, reproduction, or locomotion) as well as cellular (proteome and enzyme activity) effects on biota. Furthermore, the studies on bioplastic degradation under realistic conditions report changes in water and sediment quality, which may also have consequences to biota. It is evident that some reservations must be kept regarding conventional plastics substitutions by bioplastics.
|
10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136810
|
pubmed_171_9594
|
The objectives of this study were to assess the risk associated with proportion Brahman inheritance, cow age, dystocia, and birth date weather conditions on calf vigor at birth (n = 3,253) and preweaning mortality (n = 3,631), and to estimate heritabilities for these traits. Calves that had poor vigor at birth and calves that died before weaning were coded 1, and those that had adequate birth vigor or survived to weaning were coded 0. Traits were analyzed using GLM. Year (1951 to 2002), cow age, calfgender, minimum temperature on date of birth (two levels: < 5.6 degrees C; or > 5.6 degrees C), and occurrence of dystocia were main effects in models. The proportion of Brahman inheritance in calves was modeled as a covariate. Males had greater odds of poor birth vigor (odds ratio = 1.44, 95% confidence interval = 1.14 to 1.82). The odds of death before weaning for steers relative to heifers approached significance (P = 0.07; odds ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval 0.97 to 2.04). Calves born to young (3-yr-old) or very old (13 yr or older) cows had greater (P < 0.05) odds of poor vigor and death before weaning than calves of 5-yr-old cows. Calves with difficult births had 2.59 times greater odds of poor birth vigor (95% confidence interval 1.40 to 4.79) and 12.9 times greater odds of death before weaning (95% confidence interval 8.14 to 20.39) than calves born with no dystocia. Calves born on days with minimum temperatures of 5.6 degrees C or less had greater odds of poor vigor (odds ratio 1.97, 95% confidence interval 1.50 to 2.59) and of death before weaning (odds ratio 1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.27 to 2.13) than did calves born on days with higher minimums. The occurrence of rainfall on date of birth did not influence calf vigor at birth or preweaning mortality (P > 0.85). Purebred Brahman calves had 24.7 times greater odds (95% confidence interval 8.23 to 73.97) of poor vigor than 2/3 Brahman calves. The regression coefficient estimate for fraction of Brahman inheritance approached significance (P = 0.07) for preweaning mortality. Estimates of direct and maternal heritability were 0.09 +/- 0.05 and 0.10 +/- 0.04 for birth vigor, and 0.06 +/- 0.05 and 0.09 +/- 0.04, respectively, for preweaning mortality. Some exploitable genetic variation exists for these traits, but management of other factors may yield more immediate improvement than selection.
|
10.2527/2004.8261581x
|
pubmed_795_21654
|
Abnormal testes and uterus were observed in 13 males (33%) and one female (3%) out of 40 common minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the western North Pacific. Similar lesions were found in testis and ovary, respectively, in one male (2%) and female (2%) out of 43 Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni) in the western North Pacific. Grossly, granular lesions with caseation and calcification were main pathological signs, and they were restricted to reproductive organs of mature whales. Chronic purulent or granulomatous orchitis was observed by microscopic analysis. Antibodies to Brucella species were detected in the serum samples of 15/40 (38%) of common minke whales and 4/43 (9%) of Bryde's whales. Neither pathological nor serological change was found in the examined sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in the western North Pacific and Antarctic minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis). These results strongly suggest that Brucella infection was involved in two species of baleen whales (Mysticeti) in the North Pacific.
|
10.1016/s0147-9571(02)00036-x
|
pubmed_527_13266
|
Pancreatic tumor (PT) is a neuroendocrine neoplasm that usually origin metastases in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. The presence of peptide receptors at the cell membrane of PT constitutes the basis of the clinical use of specific radiolabeled ligands for its diagnosis and targeted therapy. Substance P (SP), an 11-amino acid peptide which has an important role in modulating pain transmission trough neurokinin type 1 (NK1r) and 2 receptors (NK2r), may play a role in the pathogenesis of PT, because approximately 10% of these tumors overexpress NK1r. The aim of the present work was to produce a pure and stable SP analog (DOTA-SP) radiolabeled with lutetium-177 ((177)Lu), and to evaluate its in vivo target to AR42J pancreatic tumor cells in Nude mice, in other to verify if SP can be used in this pancreatic tumor detection and treatment. Substance P was successfully labeled with high yield (>99%) at optimized conditions and kept stable for more than 72 hours at 2-8 degrees C and 4 hours in human plasma. Biodistribution studies showed that SP excretion was mainly performed by renal pathway. In addition, (177)Lu-DOTA-SP showed higher uptake by tumor than normal pancreas, indicating the presence of NK receptors in AR42J pancreatic tumor.
|
pubmed_527_13266
|
pubmed_281_9800
|
During routine dissection of the superficial face in an 81-year-old male cadaver, an unusually large caliber transverse facial artery (TFA) was observed bilaterally. Further dissection revealed the presence of a hypoplastic facial artery (FA) that passed deep to depressor anguli oris and gave off the inferior labial artery. Bilaterally, the TFA gave rise to the superior labial artery, lateral nasal artery, and ended as the angular artery. Anastomosis of the branches of the TFA, FA, and infraorbital artery was noticed at the buccal area. To our knowledge, there are no previous reports of this anatomical variation. Documentation of variations in the arterial supply of the face will be helpful in further minimizing complications during facial surgery and cosmetic procedures.
|
10.7759/cureus.30511
|
pubmed_524_11980
|
Sample components can not only be changed but also activated or inactivated via enzymatic or metabolic reactions. Identifying such activity conversions is the challenge. Up to now, the instrumental complexity and required bioanalytical effort have hindered progress in understanding such mechanisms. The newly developed all-in-one nanoGIT+active system substantially extends, and at the same time, miniaturizes the state-of-the-art technology. It combines all relevant steps on the same adsorbent surface. On-surface metabolization, immediate separation, multi-imaging, and effect-directed detection is performed as all-in-one system. Such a compact, miniaturized nanomolar system was exemplarily developed for well-known food systems. The proof-of-concept showed not only the miniaturized simulation of the coordinated processes of all digestion segments, but also bioactivity changes. The results presented as images were easily understandable. The conversions on surface were verified by comparison with state-of-the-art in vitro assays (analyzed by the same method). With new bioanalytical tools, new insights will open up. Activity changes and effects on metabolization pathways can now be identified more comprehensively and cost-/time-efficiently, if compared to status quo procedures (requiring in vitro digestion assays, column chromatographic separation systems, multiple detectors and in vitro effect-directed assays). This is attractive for nutritional, health and pharmaceutical science, drug development, medicinal research and for lean laboratories.
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10.1016/j.aca.2021.338307
|
pubmed_461_11563
|
From 25 samples of water taken in the course of 1975 from different points of the river Simeto have been isolated 11 strains of atypical mycobacteria, classifiable in Runyon's II, III and IV group. M. fortuitum has been most frequently found (6 strains), while M. gordonae, M. smegmatis, M. chelonei, M. engbaekii have been isolated only once. An unclassifiable strain belonging to Runyon's 3rd group has also been isolated. The importance of research of atypical mycobacteria in the environment from an epidemiological and epizootological point of view has been discussed.
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pubmed_461_11563
|
pubmed_403_14582
|
Filopodia are slender actin-rich plasma membrane protrusions that function to drive cell migration and invasion. Despite the observation of defective filopodia formation in many malignant tumors, the regulation mechanism remained unknown to date. In the present study, for the first time, we demonstrate that RAB5A, a Rab GTPase family protein, is a potent regulator of filopodia formation in pancreatic cancer cells. High expression of RAB5A was associated with filopodia formation and migration in pancreatic cancer cells. Overexpression of RAB5A promoted filopodia formation and migration in CF Pac-1 cells. In contrast, down-regulation of RAB5A expression in SW1990 cells with a high endogenous RAB5A expression level impeded the formation of filopodia. Further analysis indicated that RAB5A was required for cdc42 activation in CF Pac-1 and SW1990 cells. Moreover, to investigate the underlying mechanism by which the activation of cdc42 mediates RAB5A-induced filopodia formation, the active state of β1-integrin was examined in cells with different expression levels of RAB5A. We observed that RAB5A regulated the accumulation of the active β1-integrin. We demonstrated that down-regulation of the expression of β1-integrin strongly suppressed filopodia formation and cdc42 activation mediated by RAB5A. These results indicate the important role of RAB5A in the regulation of filopodia formation in pancreatic cancer cells, which is dependent on the activation of cdc42 and β1-integrin.
|
10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.12.022
|
pubmed_1121_10530
|
Emblica officinalis Gaertn. syn. Phyllanthus emblica L., universally known as 'Amla' or 'Aonla' or 'Indian gooseberry', is a popular fruit tree belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae and order Geraniales. It is said to be the very first tree that originated on earth, as claimed by age-old Indian mythology. Almost all parts of the tree i.e., root, bark, leaf, flower, fruit and seed are utilized in Ayurvedic and Unani medicinal formulations to improve the overall digestive process, decrease fever, act as a blood purifier, relieve asthma and cough, improve heart health, etc. This tree contains major secondary metabolites like emblicanin-A and emblicanin-B, and also is an affluent source of vitamin-C. Additionally, some other secondary metabolites like tannins, gallic acid, pyrogallol, and pectin are also present in significant amounts. Conventional propagation has been improved via suitable interventions of agrotechnology both in production and protection areas. However, the rate of propagation remains slower; therefore, attempts have been made for biotechnological advancements on E. officinalis. The present review makes an attempt to highlight the botanical description, geographical distribution, ethnopharmacological importance, conventional propagation and protection of this medicinal tree, describing the in vitro-based plant organ and tissue culture methods like direct and indirect organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis along with interventions of molecular marker-based biotechnology and nanotechnology. Further, the prospect of the yet-to-be-explored biotechnological methods for secondary metabolite enhancement like cell suspension, protoplast culture, genetic transformation, etc. and their potential for enhanced emblicanin production have also been discussed in this appraisal.
|
10.1007/s13205-020-02615-5
|
pubmed_1141_13516
|
We have identified 149 hybridization probes at 10-cM intervals in the mouse and have confirmed their order and linkage by fluorescence in situ hybridization. These probes represent a new resource for mapping in the mouse and can be used to correlate linkage and cytogenetic maps, to map novel sequences to within a few centimorgans, to relate cytogenetic abnormalities to the genetic map, and to make cross-species comparisons.
|
10.1159/000015511
|
pubmed_415_1727
|
BACKGROUND
Chronic graft-versus-host disease is a common late complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Corticosteroids are the standard initial treatment. Second-line treatment has not been well defined. We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of low doses of alemtuzumab plus low doses of rituximab in the treatment of steroid-refractory chronic graft-versus-host disease.
DESIGN AND METHODS
Ten men and 5 women were prospectively included in the study. All patients received one cycle of subcutaneous alemtuzumab 10 mg/day/3 days and intravenous rituximab 100 mg on Days +4, +11, +18 and +25. The therapeutic response was measured on Days +30, +90 and +365 of the protocol.
RESULTS
Median age was 41 years. The main site involved was the oral mucosa (86.7%) followed by the eyes (66.7%), liver (60%), skin (53%), lungs (13.3%) and intestinal tract (6.7%). The overall response was 100% at Day +30 evaluation: 10 patients (67%) had partial remission, 5 (33%) had complete remission. At Day +90 evaluation, 7 (50%) patients had partial remission, 4 (28%) had complete remission; 3 (21%) had relapsed chronic graft-versus-host disease and one patient did not reach the evaluation time point. So far, 5 patients have reached the Day +365 follow-up evaluation; 2 (40%) had partial remission, 2 had complete remission and one experienced chronic graft-versus-host disease progression. Adverse effects were mainly infections in 67% of patients; these were all quickly solved, except for one patient who died from pneumonia.
CONCLUSIONS
This combination therapy appears to be an efficacious and safe treatment for steroid-refractory chronic graft-versus-host disease. Longer follow up to determine the durability of response and survival is required (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01042509).
|
10.3324/haematol.2011.054577
|
pubmed_644_5805
|
BACKGROUND
An underlying premise of occupational science and occupational therapy is that humans do better with a balanced lifestyle. What life balance means, how to design it, and to recognize when one has it have not been defined.
PURPOSE
Our intention is to offer another perspective on life balance, one that we believe is at the root of what the term means.
KEY ISSUES
We suggest the notion underlying life balance is the extent to which a person designs and lives in integrity with his or her own personal values, strengths and what has meaning for them. The term we propose is occupational integrity and that it be regarded as an essential precondition to life balance.
IMPLICATIONS
Occupational integrity expands the focus of therapy beyond "doing" to interventions at the level of the person and identity, helping clients to identify their strengths, values and purpose, what is meaningful and satisfying for them, and then designing and living their lives in congruence with that.
|
10.1177/000841740807500304
|
pubmed_822_1433
|
The article presents the basic principles of health care, health care measures and strategic objectives of these measures in Croatia. The health of the population does not depend solely on the activities of the health care system but also on various demographic indicators. Our success in implementing health care depends largely on the structure of health facilities and health workers. The Croatian health system in late 2013 had permanently employed 74,489 workers. Out of these, 77% were health care workers. Most health care workers had only secondary school education (37.7%); physicians represented 17.4% of the workforce. On assessing the health of the population, certain health indicators are of utmost importance. The leading cause of deaths were circulatory diseases (in 2012, 24,988 persons died, 585.5/100,000). Neoplasms were the cause of death in 13,940 persons (326.6/100,000), then injuries and poisoning (69.1/100,000), diseases of the gastrointestinal system (53.1/100,000), and respiratory diseases (50.4/100,000). Data are presented on the basis of diseases reported from several national registries (cancer, psychoactive drug abuse, the disabled, diabetes, and suicides). The importance of vaccination for the control of infectious diseases in Croatia is especially emphasized, as well as the experience and excellent results achieved in this area. The epidemiological situation in Croatia in terms of infectious diseases can be assessed as favorable. This is due to the general living conditions, which contributed to the entire health system, making Croatia equal to other developed countries of Europe and throughout the world.
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pubmed_822_1433
|
pubmed_418_818
|
The biogenic amine content of various foods has been widely studied because of their potential toxicity. Biogenic amines, such as tyramine and β-phenylethylamine, have been proposed as the initiators of hypertensive crisis in certain patients and of dietary-induced migraine. Another amine, histamine, has been implicated as the causative agent in several outbreaks of food poisoning. Histamine poisoning is a foodborne chemical intoxication resulting from the ingestion of foods containing excessive amounts of histamine. Although commonly associated with the consumption of scombroid-type fish, other foods such as cheese have also been associated with outbreaks of histamine poisoning. Fermented foods such as wine, dry sausage, sauerkraut, miso, and soy sauce can also contain histamine along with other biogenic amines. Microorganisms possessing the enzyme histidine decarboxylase, which converts histidine to histamine, are responsible for the formation of histamine in foods. One organism, Lactobacillus buchneri , may be important to the dairy industry due to its involvement in cheese-related outbreaks of histamine-poisoning. The toxicity of histamine appears to be enhanced by the presence of other biogenic amines found in foods that can inhibit histamine-metabolizing enzymes in the small intestine. Estimating the frequency of histamine poisoning is difficult because most countries do not regulate histamine levels in foods, nor do they require notification when an incident of histamine poisoning occurs. Also, because histamine poisoning closely resembles a food allergy, it may often be misdiagnosed. This review will focus on the importance of histamine and biogenic amines in cheese and other fermented foods.
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10.4315/0362-028X-54.6.460
|
pubmed_990_6533
|
Bilateral dysgenetic polycystic disease of parotid glands is an extremely rare pathologic condition in which salivary parenchyma is partially replaced by multiple epithelial-lined cysts arising from intercalated ducts. Review of the fourteen cases published in literature shows that it affects nearly exclusively women with an history of asymptomatic progressive enlargement of almost always both parotid glands. We report here the first case, to our knowledge, of a polycystic disease involving both submandibular salivary gland in a man.
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pubmed_990_6533
|
pubmed_450_2512
|
We carried out this meta-analysis to assess the effects of renal denervation (RDN) on resistant hypertension patients. According to the collaborative review group search strategy, we searched MEDLINE (1996 to 2015.10); EBCO (1996 to 2015.10) and CNKI. A meta-analysis was carried out using RevMan 5.0. We identified 11 reports that fulfilled the inclusion criteria for our review. Controlled trials reporting systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure in RDN, and control groups at the 6-month follow-up in patients with resistant hypertension were systematically reviewed. Pooled analysis of all 11 included studies showed significant reductions in SBP (weighted mean difference -13.9 mmHg, 95% confidence interval -21.17 to -6.63, P=0.00025, I=93%) and diastolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference -4.41 mmHg, 95% confidence interval -6.95 to -1.88, P=0.004, I=90%) compared with the control group at the 6-month follow-up. Six controlled trials reported specific values of ambulatory SBP that showed no significant difference between two groups. It has also been found that RDN has benefits in protecting cardiac and renal function compared with the control group without increasing adverse events. In conclusion, this meta-analysis shows that RDN is superior to the control group in lowering office blood pressure rather than ambulatory SBP, and might have other potential benefits to protect heart and renal function.
|
10.1097/MBP.0000000000000177
|
pubmed_24_10435
|
We present a case of proliferative glomerulonephritis with peculiar IgM deposition associated with sarcoidosis. A 62-year-old woman, who had been diagnosed with sarcoidosis 3 years previously because of abnormalities on chest X-ray radiophotographs and lymph node pathology, was admitted to our hospital for the evaluation of proteinuria and microscopic hematuria. Laboratory findings showed renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance, 52 ml/min), a moderate range of urinary protein (1.51 g/day), and increased serum lysozymes (20.7 microg/ml; normal range, 3.4-8.6 microg/ml). Serum calcium level was within the normal range. Renal biopsy revealed immune complex glomerulonephritis (IgM deposition type) with a membranoproliferative pattern, without granuloma or calcium deposition. Corticosteroid (initial dose of prednisolone [PSL], 1 mg/kg per day) was administered, but neither renal function nor urinary protein improved. She then became nephrotic and her renal function gradually deteriorated. To our knowledge, among uncommon glomerulonephritides with sarcoidosis, five cases of immune complex glomerulonephritis with IgM deposition have been reported. Immune complex glomerulonephritis with IgM deposition is unusual and could be related to sarcoidosis; it may be a characteristic pathology which could provide a clue to elucidate the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis.
|
10.1007/s10157-005-0390-7
|
pubmed_543_8905
|
The roles of protein kinase C (PKC) in regulation of the plasmalemmal vacuolar-type H(+)-ATPase (V-ATPase) and Na(+)-H+ exchanger (NHE) of rabbit alveolar macrophages (m phi) were investigated using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). At an extracellular pH (pHo) of 7.4 (nominal absence of CO2-HCO3-), PMA caused a dose-dependent increase in the rate of cellular H+ extrusion with little change in intracellular pH (pHi). PMA caused a prolonged cytosolic acidification at pHo < or = 6.8. PMA-induced changes in pHi were sensitive to bafilomycin A1, but were insensitive to amiloride. Studies of pHi recovery following intracellular acid challenge showed that both V-ATPase and the NHE were up-regulated by PMA. An inactive analog, 4 alpha-phorbol, had no detectable effects on pHi homeostasis. These data indicate that (a) PKC is involved in regulation of V-ATPase and the NHE of resident alveolar m phi and (b) V-ATPase is the predominant mechanism for pHi homeostasis in unstimulated and PMA-activated m phi.
|
10.1002/jlb.57.4.600
|
pubmed_1017_19254
|
Transparent electrodes (TEs) have attracted significant scientific, technological, and commercial interest in recent years due to the broad and growing use of such devices in electro-optics, consumer products (touch-screens for example), solar cells, and others. Currently, almost all commercial TEs are fabricated through "top-down" approaches (primarily lithography-based techniques), with indium tin oxide (ITO) as the most common material employed. Several problems are encountered, however, in this field, including the cost and complexity of TE production using top-down technologies, the limited structural flexibility, high-cost of indium, and brittle nature and low transparency in the far-IR spectral region of ITO. Alternative routes based upon bottom-up processes, have recently emerged as viable alternatives for production of TEs. Bottom up technologies are based upon self-assembly of building blocks - atoms, molecules, or nanoparticles - generating thin patterned films that exhibit both electrical conductivity and optical transparency. In this Feature Article we discuss the recent progress in this active and exciting field, including bottom-up TE systems produced from carbon materials (carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene-oxide), silver, gold, and other metals. The current hurdles encountered for broader use of bottom-up strategies along with their significant potential are analyzed.
|
10.1016/j.jcis.2016.07.079
|
pubmed_602_22797
|
We investigated the effects of age on adriamycin-induced nephropathy in mice. Disease was produced by a single intravenous injection of adriamycin (doxorubicin hydrochloride) (AD, 20 mg/kg) in female Balb/C mice of 5 and 12 weeks of age. Urinary protein and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 concentrations were measured and the extent of glomerular sclerosis/hyalinosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis was scored. Decorin and fibromodulin expression was quantified using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In normal mouse kidneys, urinary TGF-beta1 excretion and decorin and fibromodulin mRNA did not change with age. When nephropathy was induced, the 12-week-old group demonstrated significantly greater proteinuria, urinary TGF-beta1 excretion, and interstitial fibrosis ( P<0.05) than the 5-week-old group. Decorin and fibromodulin expression was not significantly different between the groups. We conclude that 12-week-old mice develop more severe nephropathy than the younger mice following administration of the equivalent weight-based dose of AD. Decorin and fibromodulin do not play a role in this difference.
|
10.1007/s00467-004-1487-z
|
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