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pubmed_1046_3195
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New methods for delivering proteins into the cytosol of mammalian cells are being reported at a rapid pace. Differentiating between these methods in a quantitative manner is difficult, however, as most assays for evaluating cytosolic protein delivery are qualitative and indirect and thus often misleading. Here we make use of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) to determine with precision and accuracy the relative efficiencies with which seven different previously reported "cell-penetrating peptides" (CPPs) transport a model protein cargo-the self-labeling enzyme SNAP-tag-beyond endosomal membranes and into the cytosol. Using FCS, we discovered that the miniature protein ZF5.3 is an exceptional vehicle for delivering SNAP-tag to the cytosol. When delivered by ZF5.3, SNAP-tag can achieve a cytosolic concentration as high as 250 nM, generally at least 2-fold and as much as 6-fold higher than any other CPP evaluated. Additionally, we show that ZF5.3 can be fused to a second enzyme cargo-the engineered peroxidase APEX2-and reliably delivers the active enzyme to the cell interior. As FCS allows one to realistically assess the relative merits of protein transduction domains, we anticipate that it will greatly accelerate the identification, evaluation, and optimization of strategies to deliver large, intact proteins to intracellular locales.
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10.1021/acscentsci.8b00446
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pubmed_1021_14567
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To investigate the usefulness of ascitic fluid protein and lactic dehydrogenase activity separating uncomplicated portal hypertension related ascites (PHRA) from non PHRA and complicated PHRA, 58 patients with full diagnosis of the cause of ascites were prospectively studied. Ascitic fluid protein led to misclassify 30% of non PHRA and complicated PHRA, and 13% uncomplicated PHRA. Ascites/serum protein ratio did not improve the diagnostic efficacy of ascites protein concentration alone. Lactic dehydrogenase activity classified properly all uncomplicated PHRA but only 64% of non PHRA and complicated PHRA. All PHRA without complications and 92% of non PHRA and PHRA with complications were correctly allocated by ascites/serum dehydrogenase activity ratio. This criteria had higher sensitivity and efficiency than total protein concentration (p < 0.05). Our data suggest that ascites/serum lactic dehydrogenase ratio may offer advantages over ascites total protein concentration discriminating uncomplicated PHRA from non PHRA and PHRA with complications in the initial approach to a peritoneal effusion.
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pubmed_1021_14567
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pubmed_1044_20464
|
COVID‑19 has swept through mainland China by human‑to‑human transmission. The rapid spread of SARS‑CoV‑2 and its variants, including the currently prevalent Omicron strain, pose a serious threat worldwide. The present review summarizes epidemiological investigation and etiological analysis of genomic, epidemiological, and pathological characteristics of the original strain and its variants, as well as progress in diagnosis and treatment. Prevention and control measures used during the current Omicron pandemic are discussed to provide further knowledge of SARS‑CoV‑2.
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pubmed_1044_20464
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pubmed_397_24040
|
The development and widespread clinical use of coformulated abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine (ABC/3TC/ZDV) as Trizivir represented an important advance in the management of HIV-infected patients, especially those with adherence challenges. With a low pill burden, no food restrictions, limited drug-drug interactions, and a favorable resistance profile, ABC/3TC/ZDV remains an alternative option in the US Department of Health and Human Services Consensus Panel Guidelines as initial treatment in antiretroviral-naive patients. Recent data have shown ABC/3TC/ZDV to be less efficacious in suppressing and/or maintaining suppression of virologic replication compared with efavirenz-containing antiretroviral therapy. Although triple-nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (t-NRTI) combinations that do not contain a thymidine analog (ZDV or stavudine) have recently shown high virologic failure rates in clinical trials and clinical practice, t-NRTI regimens containing a thymidine analog have consistently been shown to be efficacious.
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pubmed_397_24040
|
pubmed_738_15858
|
In the original paper, the total number of included studies was n = 20 and is n = 17 in the revised version. Also, in the original paper, the total number of participants was n = 352, while it is n = 332 in the revised paper.
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10.3390/nu12051263
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pubmed_188_17367
|
The effectiveness of strategies targeting professional integration and reintegration strongly depends on the experiences of participants. The aim of this systematic literature review is to synthesize European qualitative studies exploring views and experiences of persons with chronic conditions regarding strategies for integration and reintegration into work. The systematic search was conducted in Medline, PsycINFO, CDR-HTA, CDR-DARE and Cochrane Systematic Reviews. Overall, 24 studies published in English between January 2011 and April 2016 were included. Most studies were carried out in Nordic countries or in the UK, and most participants were persons with either mental or musculoskeletal disorders. Ten themes emerged: individual and holistic approach, clarity of strategy and processes, timing of rehabilitation processes, experience with professionals, at the workplace and with peer groups, changes in the understanding of health and work, active involvement in the process, competencies development and motivating aspects of work. Findings highlight, among others, the need to actively involve participants in the return to work process and to provide timely and clearly structured processes and interventions. This review provides stakeholders key information to develop, plan, implement and evaluate interventions to integrate and re-integrate persons with chronic conditions into work in Europe.
|
10.3390/ijerph15051022
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pubmed_609_14807
|
We evaluated whether a knowledge-based system (KBS) connected to a ventilator in pressure support mode could correctly predict the ability of patients to tolerate total withdrawal from ventilatory support. The KBS was designed to continuously adapt ventilatory assistance to the needs of the patient, to manage a strategy of gradually decreasing ventilatory assistance, and to indicate when the patient was able to breathe without assistance. Thirty-eight patients for whom weaning was being considered were evaluated using a conventional battery of parameters, including weaning criteria, tolerance of a T-piece trial, and outcome 48h after permanent withdrawal of ventilation. The results of this evaluation were compared with the suggestions made by the KBS at the end of a period of KBS-driven mechanical ventilation inserted in the conventional weaning procedure. The positive predictive value of the KBS was 89%, versus 77% for the conventional procedure and 81% for the rapid shallow breathing index alone. The KBS correctly predicted the course of five patients who tolerated a T-piece trial but required ventilation within 48 h. We conclude that our KBS ensured appropriate patient management during the weaning period and improved our ability to predict responses to weaning.
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10.1164/ajrccm.153.3.8630586
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pubmed_390_10540
|
Charcoal and resin hemoperfusion or hemodialysis can accelerate theophylline elimination. Their benefit in the treatment of poisoned patients has been accepted on the basis of case reports. We reviewed the treatment of 26 patients with acute theophylline intoxication to determine how much of an effect hemoperfusion or hemodialysis had on the hospital course and outcome of the overdose. Eighteen patients received supportive care and eight patients hemoperfusion (HP) or hemodialysis (HD). The HP/HD patients had more severe theophylline intoxication on the basis of admission and peak theophylline levels, degree of hypotension and occurrence of arrhythmias. During HP/HD, theophylline concentrations decreased, heart rate slowed, blood pressure increased and evidence of central nervous system effects diminished. Despite the severe intoxication in the HP/HD groups, duration of clinical toxicity was shorter (13.5 +/- 7.1 vs. 21.6 +/- 14.1 hr) than in the control group. Seizures occurred in patients in both groups, but there was higher mortality or neurological morbidity in the supportive care (3/4) than in the HP/HD (1/5) group. Our study provides evidence that HP/HD can reduce the duration of clinical intoxication and probably reduces mortality and morbidity in patients with severe theophylline intoxication.
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10.3109/15563658408992572
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pubmed_322_22951
|
BACKGROUND
Epilepsy can be a large economic burden in countries where appropriate treatment is not taken due to religious and psychosocial beliefs. The objective of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of patients with epilepsy attending their treatment at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital about their illness and treatment.
METHODS
A qualitative exploratory design with an in-depth interview was followed. Fourteen purposively selected patients were used until saturation of key emerging themes was achieved.
RESULTS
The finding showed that study participants expressed perceptions towards their illness including about its cause, timeline, severity and psychosocial consequences which at times may be considered different from the biomedical version. They also expressed concerns about their treatment, reported about social and psychological issues and in certain cases dissatisfaction with their healthcare providers. Such issues may have led to delays in treatment-seeking and non-adherence to recommended treatment regimens and as well use of traditional medicine and spiritual healing. On the other hand, reasons that were reported to positively influence their treatment experiences include necessity perceptions about their medications, family support and use of spiritual healing alongside their biomedical treatment.
CONCLUSION
The healthcare provision should improve to cater to these groups of patients including instituting chronic care management and appropriate health education provision.
|
10.4314/ejhs.v31i3.15
|
pubmed_205_22020
|
It has been generally believed that hard core interaction is irrelevant to absorbing-type critical phenomena because the particle density is so low near an absorbing phase transition. We study the effect of hard core interaction on the N-species branching annihilating random walks with two offspring and report that hard core interaction drastically changes the absorbing-type critical phenomena in a nontrivial way. Through a Langevin equation-type approach, we predict analytically the values of the scaling exponents, nu( perpendicular) = 2, z = 2, alpha = 1/2, and beta = 2 in one dimension for all N>1. Direct numerical simulations confirm our prediction. When the diffusion coefficients for different species are not identical, nu( perpendicular) and beta vary continuously with the ratios between the coefficients.
|
10.1103/PhysRevLett.85.1682
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pubmed_498_20563
|
Quantitative structure-property/activity relationships (QSPRs/QSARs) are an important component of modern science. Validation of the QSPR/QSAR is the basis for applying. The system of self-consistent models is a new approach to validate QSPR/QSAR. The principle 'QSAR is a random event' means that an approach may be recognized as robust only if the statistical characteristics of models obtained by this approach for different splits (training/test) are reproduced. The above principle applies to the case of the nano-QSAR, also. Here, the cellular uptake of nanoparticles in pancreatic cancer cells examines as the endpoint. Groups of models for different splits (training/test) are compared. This comparison gives the possibility to formulate the system of self-consistent models as a way to assess the predictive potential for an arbitrary QSPR/QSAR and/or nano-QSPR/QSAR. The correlation intensity index (CII) has been tested as a tool to improve the quality of models for the cellular uptake of nanoparticles in pancreatic cancer cells (PaCa2). It has shown, that the CII can be useful, but only incorporating with the Index of ideality of correlation (IIC).
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10.1080/17435390.2021.1951387
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pubmed_765_17325
|
Background Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of worldwide cardiac morbidities and mortalities. Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common complication of MI. The severity of ischemic MR (IMR) can range widely, both clinically and hemodynamically. Mitral valve (MV) repair by lifting annuloplasty is a surgical procedure used to correct the pathology of IMR. The immediate outcomes of this technique have not yet been determined. The present study, therefore, evaluated the immediate results of MV annuloplasty performed to complement MV repair in patients with IMR. Methodology All adult patients with IMR who underwent lifting posterior mitral annuloplasty (LPMA) plus concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were included. Immediate outcomes were evaluated by transesophageal color Doppler echocardiography. The frequency of successful outcomes was compared in patients with different baseline characteristics. Results Posterior mitral annuloplasty was successful in 93.1% of patients, including in 92.8% of men and 94.1% of women. The percentages of successful immediate outcomes differed significantly in patients with and without diabetes and hypertension, and in patients with two- and three-vessel disease. Conclusion LPMA resulted in a high percentage of successful immediate outcomes in patients with IMR. Further studies should compare rates of immediate, intermediate, and late outcomes of this technique.
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10.7759/cureus.8419
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pubmed_517_5635
|
Complications associated with the performance of a colonoscopy are low. Splenic tearing or trauma postcolonoscopy is a rare but serious complication. Identification of a splenic injury is difficult because of the nonspecific nature of the patient's symptoms. A meta-analysis approach was used to identify common risk factors, onset and presentation of symptoms, and procedural difficulty associated with splenic injury postcolonoscopy. A review of 10 published case studies and 1 case presented by the author were compared with published findings for patients sustaining a splenic injury following colonoscopy. Potential common signs and symptoms as well as common risks factors were identified. Nursing considerations for the identification of high-risk patients and postprocedure symptoms are outlined. Early detection of this rare complication is difficult, but having a high level of suspicion can help to identify patients at risk for sustaining a splenic injury during colonoscopy.
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10.1097/SGA.0b013e318229bc7a
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pubmed_302_6138
|
OBJECTIVE
To examine the clinical utility of two brief assessment tools, the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) and the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R). We hypothesized that these measures would predict continued need for supervision and functional outcome at discharge.
DESIGN
In this retrospective review, 44 patients with stroke who were admitted for acute inpatient rehabilitation were measured on five variables: WASI, HVLT-R, length of stay, FIM discharge scores, and need for supervision on discharge.
RESULTS
Performance on the HVLT-R and WASI matrix reasoning subtest of the WASI was predictive of cognitive discharge scores on the FIM and need for supervision on discharge. The WASI similarities subtest was not associated with outcome.
CONCLUSIONS
WASI matrix reasoning and HVLT-R are brief neuropsychological measures that are predictive of need for supervision and functional outcome in the acute stroke rehabilitation setting.
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10.1097/00002060-200203000-00011
|
pubmed_579_21253
|
A new analytical strategy was developed that integrates a generic sample preparation into a liquid chromatography-multistage ion trap/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-IT(MS(n))/TOF), allowing for large-scale screening and qualitative confirmation of wide-scope illegal adulterants in different food matrices. Samples were pretreated by a fast single-tube multifunction extraction for accurate multistage mass measurement on the hybrid LC-IT/TOF system. A qualitative validation performed for over 500 analyte-matrix pairs showed the method can reduce most of the matrix effects and achieve a lower limit of confirmation at 0.1 mg/kg for 73% of the target compounds. A unique combination of dual-polarity detection, retention time, isotopic profile, and accurate MS(n) spectra enables more comprehensive and precise confirmation, based on the multiparameter matching by automated library searching against the user-created database. Finally, the applicability of this LC-IT(MS(n))/TOF-based screening procedure for discriminating coeluting isobars, identifying nontarget adulterants, and even tentatively elucidating unexpected species in real samples is demonstrated.
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10.1021/acs.jafc.5b02222
|
pubmed_212_12983
|
One hundred eighty-five rats reared in either an enriched or restricted environment were tested during adulthood to determine the influence of gender and rearing environment on 3 related response characteristics, activity, overresponsiveness, and exploratory behavior. Eight experiments were performed. It was found that although females are more active than males, rearing environment does not influence behavior in the running wheel or open field. When tested in a complex compartmentalized open field, females in general and restricted rats are significantly more active than enriched males. In addition, over subsequent testing, restricted animals are increasingly responsive and fail to habituate to the testing stimuli. When tested and retested for maze learning ability, males excel over females; enriched rats maintain their ability to outperform restricted rats, although both groups had previously learned the problem. Moreover, enriched rats demonstrate a greater tendency to explore and make irrelevant section entries on a maze that is problem free. Restricted rats, specifically, and females generally, have difficulty suppressing a learned repetitious pattern of rewarded responding when it is subsequently punished; restricted rats were deficient in the ability to passively avoid or escape noxious stimuli. These experiments, as well as supporting evidence in the literature, indicate that rats reared in a restricted environment develop a limited behavioral repertoire which is characterized by a generalized tendency to overrespond, a propensity towards perseverating in repetitious patterns of limited and circumscribed responding, and a failure to habituate to repeated contact with novel stimuli.
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10.1002/dev.420130512
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pubmed_234_1625
|
The goal of the present investigation was to assess the relative involvement of nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors in the neuronal control of catecholamine secretion from the chromaffin tissue of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). This was accomplished by first developing and validating a nerve-stimulating technique able specifically to activate the nerve fibres innervating the chromaffin cells in order to elicit secretion of catecholamines. Using an in situ saline-perfused posterior cardinal vein preparation, it was demonstrated that whole-body field stimulation caused specific voltage-dependent neuronal stimulation of adrenaline and noradrenaline secretion. The contribution of non-specific depolarization was negligible. Several experimental results confirmed the specificity of the field stimulation technique. First, pre-treatment with neostigmine (an anticholinesterase) prolonged and more than doubled the amount of adrenaline secreted in response to electrical stimulation. Second, pre-treatment with the nicotinic receptor antagonist hexamethonium inhibited the electrically evoked secretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline. Third, perfusion with Na+-free saline or removal of the spinal cord abolished secretion of both catecholamines in response to the electrical stimulus. By using the field stimulation technique, this study is the first to demonstrate conclusively a role for muscarinic receptors in catecholamine secretion from trout chromaffin cells. Specifically, muscarinic cholinergic stimulation enhances nicotinic-evoked secretion of catecholamines and, under intense stimulation, may directly cause secretion. The results of the present study suggest the presence of muscarinic receptors on rainbow trout chromaffin cells with a functional role in the cholinergic control of catecholamine secretion.
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10.1242/jeb.202.15.2059
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pubmed_387_11961
|
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transrectal sonography of 27 patients with biopsy-proved carcinoma of the prostate were performed to compare the sensitivity of these modalities to each other for diagnosis and to computed tomography (CT) for staging. Sonography was superior to MRI for the detection of intraglandular carcinoma and capsular disruption. MRI was superior to both sonography and CT for evaluating seminal vesicle invasion, and slightly better than CT for detecting lymphadenopathy.
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10.1016/0090-4295(88)90226-9
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pubmed_926_2513
|
Advances in computational materials have paved a way to design efficient solar cells by identifying the optimal properties of the device layers. Conventionally, the device optimization has been governed by single or double descriptors for an individual layer; mostly the absorbing layer. However, the performance of the device depends collectively on all the properties of the material and the geometry of each layer in the cell. To address this issue of multi-property optimization and to avoid the paradigm of reoccurring materials in the solar cell field, a full space material-independent optimization approach is developed and presented in this paper. The method is employed to obtain an optimized material data set for maximum efficiency and for targeted functionality for each layer. To ensure the robustness of the method, two cases are studied; namely perovskite solar cells device optimization and cadmium-free CIGS solar cell. The implementation determines the desirable optoelectronic properties of transport mediums and contacts that can maximize the efficiency for both cases. The resulted data sets of material properties can be matched with those in materials databases or by further microscopic material design. Moreover, the presented multi-property optimization framework can be extended to design any solid-state device.
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10.1038/s41598-017-12158-0
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pubmed_310_13772
|
One Cu(II)-containing ligand and two Cu(II)-Ag(I) mixed-metal coordination polymers have been synthesized. [Cu(2-methylpyrazine-5-carboxylate)2(H2O)].3H2O (1) was obtained as a molecular complex with two uncoordinated nitrogen donors by the reaction of 2-methylpyrazine-5-carboxylate sodium with CuCl(2).2H2O in water. Compound 1 crystallized in the triclinic space group P1, with a = 10.498(2) A, b = 11.000(2) A, c = 8.1424(16) A, alpha = 98.33(3) degrees, beta = 101.83(3) degrees, gamma = 66.68(3) degrees, and Z = 2. Reactions of 1 with silver(I) salts have been studied. Two Cu(II)-Ag(I) mixed-metal coordination polymers, namely, Ag[Cu(2-methylpyrazine-5-carboxylate)2.(H2O)2](BF4) (2) and Ag[Cu(2-methylpyrazine-5-carboxylate)2.(H2O)2](NO3) (3), have been generated by treating 1 with AgBF4 and AgNO3, respectively. Compound 2 crystallized in the monoclinic space group C2/c, with a = 25.827(5) A, b = 9.6430(19) A, c = 7.4525(15) A, beta = 94.74(3) degrees, and Z = 4. Compound 3 also crystallized in the monoclinic space group C2/c, with a = 25.855(5) A, b = 9.782(2) A, c = 7.1201(14) A, beta = 96.90(3) degrees, and Z = 4. The main structural feature in both 2 and 3 is a zigzag Cu(II)-Ag(I) mixed-metal chain, in which the alternating Cu(II) and Ag(I) centers are linked by 2-methylpyrazine-5-carboxylate spacers. The effect of the nitrate counterion was illustrated by compound 3, in which a novel [Ag+...NO3-] coordination chain has been found which acts as the connector to cross-link the one-dimensional zigzag chains into a three-dimensional network. In addition, an identical interchain O-H...O hydrogen bonding system has been found in both 2 and 3 and has been shown to play a significant role in directing the alignment of the one-dimensional mixed-metal polymer chains in the crystalline state. The magnetic susceptibilities of 2 and 3 were measured and found to follow the Curie law (mu eff = 1.85 for 2 and 1.83 for 3).
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10.1021/ic991475y
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pubmed_594_18825
|
In undergraduate and postgraduate nursing studies, the essay type assignment is commonly used to assess student learning. The literature suggests that of the alternatives for the assessment of learning, the use of portfolios may be an effective tool. A portfolio is generally conceptualized as a collection of the students best work or a collection of work that evidences incremental development. For a particular unit of learning, 'Nursing Business', second year undergraduate students in the Bachelor of Nursing programme were required to complete a portfolio. The assessment directed the students to meet specific criteria which in turn reflected the learning outcomes. Therefore the portfolio in this study is more appropriately described as a standards based portfolio (SBP). A SBP is a series of student work that seeks to address pre-determined learning outcomes. This study is an evaluation of student perceptions of a SPB and of interest to the study was the relationship between theory and practice, the availability of resources to complete the assignment and the contribution the portfolio made to the process of learning.
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10.1054/nedt.2001.0649
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pubmed_389_8384
|
The objective of this work was to determine levels of inorganic contaminants in 30 samples of five commercial brands of canned tuna, acquired on the local market in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, in the year of 2015. Total mercury and methylmercury (MeHg+) were determined by atomic absorption with thermal decomposition and amalgamation; and cadmium, lead, and tin were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Results indicated that 20% of the tuna samples surpassed limits determined by the Brazilian and European Commission legislation for cadmium; for lead, the maximum value found was 59 µg kg-1 and tin was not detected in any samples. The maximum values found for total Hg and MeHg+ were 261 and 258 µg kg-1, respectively. As from the results obtained, it was estimated that the consumption of four cans per week (540 g) of tuna canned in water could surpass the provisional tolerable monthly intake for MeHg+ by 100%.
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10.1080/19393210.2017.1311379
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pubmed_1119_4969
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The effect of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) with an MPL9000 lithotriptor on renal hemodynamics and urine flow was investigated by 99mTc-DTPA renal scintigraphy. In the first-pass scintigrams obtained within 1 min after injection of 99mTc-DTPA, there was no significant change in the time to the maximum radioactivity level and the maximum radioactivity ratio at 1 day before ESWL and 1 day or 1 month after ESWL. However, analysis of 30-min scintigrams showed that urinary clearance of radioactivity was delayed in the treated kidney 1 day after ESWL, particularly in the region targeted by shock waves, despite the absence of overt urinary tract obstruction by residual stone fragments. This change was reversible and was no longer noted 1 month after ESWL. These results suggest that ESWL with the MPL9000 lithotriptor induces a focal and temporary decrease in urine flow in the treated kidney, but has little or no effect on renal hemodynamics.
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10.1159/000282695
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pubmed_33_6093
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RATIONALE
Stable nitrogen isotope (δ(15)N) values of bone collagen are routinely used to inform interpretations of diet and trophic positions within contemporary and ancient ecosystems, yet the underlying physiological and biochemical factors which contribute to the bulk collagen δ(15)N value remain little understood. Determination of individual amino acid (AA) δ(15)N values in animal and plant proteins can help to elucidate the cycling of nitrogen and inform predictions of palaeodiet and ecology.
METHODS
In this study we present a methodology for the measurement of amino acid δ(15)N values using gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS). Amino acid standards of known δ(15)N values were derivatised to their N-acetylisopropyl (NAIP) esters and purified through Dowex ion-exchange resin to determine any isotopic fractionation associated with derivatisation and ion-exchange chromatography. The effect of starch on AA δ(15)N values was also determined by hydrolysing bone collagen with and without the presence of starch.
RESULTS
The amino acids derivatised to their NAIP esters give values within ±0.8‰ of their δ(15)N values measured separately by elemental analyser (EA)-IRMS, with a precision of better than 0.8‰. The δ(15)N values of AAs after Dowex ion-exchange chromatography were within ±0.9‰ of their values prior to ion-exchange chromatography. The AA δ(15)N values of bone collagen hydrolysed with and without starch were within ±0.8‰.
CONCLUSIONS
Hydrolysis of lipid-extracted plant material followed by purification of AAs using Dowex ion-exchange resin and derivatisation to their NAIP esters is a suitable protocol for the accurate determination of individual plant and animal AA δ(15)N values by GC-C-IRMS.
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10.1002/rcm.6322
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pubmed_1020_20730
|
BACKGROUND
Individuals with deafblindness experience a combination of hearing and vision impairments. The World Health Organization has developed a global framework referred to as the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to describe health and functioning. From the full ICF classification, a selection of categories, referred to as ICF Core Sets, provide users with a tool to describe functioning and disability in specific health conditions. There has been no ICF Core Set created for deafblindness. Given that core sets are instrumental in improving clinical practice, research, and service delivery, the aim of this study is to develop an ICF Core Set for deafblindness.
METHODS
As part of the preparatory phase in the ICF Core Set development, there are four studies that will be conducted. This includes the [1] systematic literature review that examines the researcher's perspective, [2] qualitative study focusing on the individuals with deafblindness experience, [3] experts survey that looks at health professional's perspective, and [4] empirical study that examines the clinical perspective. The studies will be conducted using the principles outlined by the ICF Research Branch for the development of ICF Core Sets. The systematic literature review protocol was submitted for registration on PROSPERO CRD42021247952.
DISCUSSION
An ICF Core Set created for deafblindness will benefit individuals living with deafblindness who are often excluded from social participation, policies, and services. An ICF Core Set for deafblindness will have a significant impact on healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, service providers and individuals with deafblindness by facilitating communication among all stakeholder to support the functioning of those with deafblindness.
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10.1371/journal.pone.0261413
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pubmed_866_322
|
T- and NK-cell lymphoproliferative disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are uncommon, but are important to recognise as there may be morphological and immunophenotypic overlap between lymphoid lesions with vastly different clinical outcomes. Recent data have led to the reclassification of some lymphomas and inclusion of new entities in the 2016 revision of World Health Organization (WHO) classification of lymphoid neoplasms. It has become clear that enteropathy associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL), formerly thought to be composed of two subtypes known as type I and type II, are distinct entities. Type I EATL is now simply classified as EATL; it is strongly associated with coeliac disease and occurs mainly in Western populations. Type II EATL has been renamed monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL); it shows no definite association with coeliac disease and occurs worldwide with a predominance in Asian populations. There is also a group of aggressive intestinal T-cell lymphomas which do not meet criteria for EATL, MEITL, extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma of nasal type or anaplastic large cell lymphoma. These neoplasms are now designated intestinal T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified. Indolent T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder of the GI tract has been included as a provisional entity in the most recent WHO classification. It is a clonal T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (CD4+ or CD8+) with an indolent clinical course. Finally, benign NK-cell proliferations of the GI tract, variably designated 'NK-cell enteropathy' and 'lymphomatoid gastropathy' have also been recognised in the last two decades but have not been included in the WHO classification as their neoplastic nature is not established. This review covers the aforementioned lymphoid proliferations, emphasising their salient clinicopathological features and genetic abnormalities. It also provides practical insights into resolving difficult differential diagnoses in daily surgical pathology practice.
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10.1016/j.pathol.2019.10.001
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pubmed_378_173
|
Despite recent advances in management of severe blunt liver trauma, the operative mortality rate in patients with complicated blunt liver trauma (grades IV and V) is still high. The purpose of this study was to assess the results of anatomic liver resection for severe liver trauma in the institution in which liver transplant surgeons are responsible for the management of liver injuries.
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pubmed_378_173
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pubmed_1081_1851
|
The ability to measure the orbital angular momentum (OAM) distribution of vortex light is essential for OAM applications. Although there have been many studies on the measurement of OAM modes, it is difficult to quantitatively and instantaneously measure the power distribution among different OAM modes, let alone measure the phase distribution among them. In this work, we propose an OAM complex spectrum analyzer that enables simultaneous measurements of the power and phase distributions of OAM modes by employing the rotational Doppler effect. The original OAM mode distribution is mapped to an electrical spectrum of beat signals using a photodetector. The power and phase distributions of superimposed OAM beams are successfully retrieved by analyzing the electrical spectrum. We also extend the measurement technique to other spatial modes, such as linear polarization modes. These results represent a new landmark in spatial mode analysis and show great potential for applications in OAM-based systems and optical communication systems with mode-division multiplexing.
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10.1038/lsa.2016.251
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pubmed_261_2404
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Stereotyped axonal pruning and growth cone repulsion, modulators of neuronal connectivity, share many ligands and receptors systems. Riccomagno et al. (2012) show in Cell that common ligands can link functionally specialized downstream pathways, demonstrating that the Rac GAP β2-Chimaerin is needed in Semaphorin-mediated axonal pruning but not growth cone repulsion.
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10.1016/j.devcel.2012.07.001
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pubmed_977_20147
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Tea-oil Camellia species as edible-oil producing trees are widely cultivated in southern China. Camellia anthracnose that is mainly caused by Colletotrichum fructicola is a major disease of tea-oil trees. However, rapid detection and precise quantification of C. fructicola in different Camellia species that are crucial for the fundamental study of this pathosystem and effective disease management remain largely unexplored. Here, we developed a sensitive, rapid and accurate method for quantifying C. fructicola growth in different Camellia species using a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay. Amplified C. fructicola DNA using ITS-specific primers is relatively compared to the amplification of Camellia olerifera using TUB gene. We determined that the fungal growth is tightly associated with the disease development in Camellia olerifera following C. fructicola infection in a time-course manner. This assay is highly sensitive as fungal growth was detected in six inoculated different tea-oil Camellia species without visible disease lesion symptoms. In addition, this method was validated by quantifying the Camellia anthracnose in orchards that did not show any disease symptoms. This assay enables the rapid, highly sensitive, and precise detection and quantification of C. fructicola growth in different tea-oil Camellia species, which will have a practical application for early diagnosis of C. fructicola-induced anthracnose disease under asymptomatic conditions in Camellia breeding and field, and will facilitate the development of tea-oil trees and C. fructicola interaction as a mold system to study woody plant and fungal pathogens interaction.
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10.1094/PDIS-04-22-0901-RE
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pubmed_180_10750
|
OBJECTIVES
Prevalences of bile duct injury (BDI) following laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) remain unacceptably high. There is no standardized method for performing an LC. This study aims to describe a standardized technique for LC that will allow for the development of a concept LC checklist, the use of which, it is hoped, will decrease the prevalence of BDI.
METHODS
A standardized method for LC was developed based on previously published expert analysis supplemented by video error analysis of operations in which BDI occurred. Established checklist methodology was then used to construct an LC-specific concept checklist.
RESULTS
A five-step technique for the safe establishment of the critical view was created to guide the development of the checklist. The five steps are: (i) confirm the gallbladder lies in the hepatic principal plane and is retracted to the 10 o'clock position; (ii) confirm Hartmann's pouch is lifted up and toward the segment IV pedicle; (iii) identify Rouvière's sulcus; (iv) confirm the release of the posterior leaf of the peritoneum covering the hepatobiliary triangle, and (v) confirm the critical view with or without intraoperative cholangiography.
CONCLUSIONS
A standardized approach to LC would allow for the creation of an LC-specific checklist that has the potential to lower the prevalence of BDI.
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10.1111/hpb.12161
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pubmed_648_9808
|
INTRODUCTION
Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a kidney disease that affects both children and adults. Glucocorticoids have been the primary therapy for >60 years but are ineffective in approximately 20% of children and approximately 50% of adult patients. Unfortunately, patients with steroid-resistant NS (SRNS; vs. steroid-sensitive NS [SSNS]) are at high risk for both glucocorticoid-induced side effects and disease progression.
METHODS
We performed proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) metabolomic analyses on plasma samples (n = 86) from 45 patients with NS (30 SSNS and 15 SRNS) obtained at initial disease presentation before glucocorticoid initiation and after approximately 7 weeks of glucocorticoid therapy to identify candidate biomarkers able to either predict SRNS before treatment or define critical molecular pathways/targets regulating steroid resistance.
RESULTS
Stepwise logistic regression models identified creatinine concentration and glutamine concentration (odds ratio [OR]: 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.99-1.02) as 2 candidate biomarkers predictive of SRNS, and malonate concentration (OR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.89-1.00) as a third candidate predictive biomarker using a similar model (only in children >3 years). In addition, paired-sample analyses identified several candidate biomarkers with the potential to identify mechanistic molecular pathways/targets that regulate clinical steroid resistance, including lipoproteins, adipate, pyruvate, creatine, glucose, tyrosine, valine, glutamine, and sn-glycero-3-phosphcholine.
CONCLUSION
Metabolomic analyses of serial plasma samples from children with SSNS and SRNS identified elevated creatinine and glutamine concentrations, and reduced malonate concentrations, as auspicious candidate biomarkers to predict SRNS at disease onset in pediatric NS, as well as additional candidate biomarkers with the potential to identify mechanistic molecular pathways that may regulate clinical steroid resistance.
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10.1016/j.ekir.2019.09.010
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pubmed_312_329
|
A fibrinolytic defect is common in chronic back pain syndromes. Its role in the chronicity of these conditions is not fully understood. To elucidate the possible mechanisms, 11 patients with acute low back pain were studied over 12 months and compared with controls. The patients showed prolongation of the euglobulin lysis time throughout the study; the fibrin plate lysis area was initially normal but became abnormal within 2 weeks. In five patients, the symptoms resolved and the initial fibrinolytic defect improved. In contrast, the fibrinolytic defect remained in six patients with persistent pain. These results suggest that the fibrinolytic defect is secondary to mechanical damage but, if persistent, may become a secondary pathogenic factor associated with the chronicity of some back pain problems.
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10.1097/00007632-198711000-00014
|
pubmed_2_24755
|
A novel and potent small molecule glucagon receptor antagonist for the treatment of diabetes mellitus is reported. This candidate, (S)-3-[4-(1-{3,5-dimethyl-4-[4-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]phenoxy}butyl)benzamido]propanoic acid, has lower molecular weight and lipophilicity than historical glucagon receptor antagonists, resulting in excellent selectivity in broad-panel screening, lower cytotoxicity, and excellent overall in vivo safety in early pre-clinical testing. Additionally, it displays low in vivo clearance and excellent oral bioavailability in both rats and dogs. In a rat glucagon challenge model, it was shown to reduce the glucagon-elicited glucose excursion in a dose-dependent manner and at a concentration consistent with its rat in vitro potency. Its properties make it an excellent candidate for further investigation.
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pubmed_2_24755
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pubmed_615_12753
|
Clonorchiasis, caused by Clonorchis sinensis, is a key foodborne zoonosis, which is mainly found in China, Korea and Vietnam. Detection of this parasite from the second intermediate host, the freshwater fish is the common method for epidemiological surveys of this parasite, but is time consuming, labour intensive and easily leads to misdiagnosis. In this study, we have developed a rapid, sensitive and reliable molecular method for the diagnosis of C. sinensis from its first intermediate hosts, freshwater snails, based on a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method. The specific amplified fragment from genomic DNA of C. sinensis did not cross-react with those from other relevant trematodes and a range of hosts (freshwater fish, shrimps and snails) of C. sinensis living in similar environments. The detection limit of the LAMP method was as low as 10 fg which was 1000 times more sensitive than conventional PCR, which was also demonstrated by successful application to field samples. These results show that the LAMP method is a more sensitive tool than conventional PCR for the detection of C. sinensis infection in the first intermediate hosts and, due to a simpler protocol, is an ideal molecular method for field-based epidemiological surveys of this parasite.
|
10.1017/S0031182013000498
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pubmed_948_8796
|
This study of person-environment patterns of people with coronary heart disease was undertaken as an explication of Margaret Newman's theory of health as expanding consciousness. A method of cooperative inquiry was used involving eleven clients in a cardiac rehabilitation center, a cardiovascular nursing specialist, and the investigators. The clients were asked to describe the most meaningful times in their lives. Narratives of the evolving patterns based on the clients' descriptions were confirmed or revised by the clients. Similarities among patterns were supportive of some of the previously reported behaviors associated with coronary heart disease: the need to excel, a tendency to be repressed and externally controlled. Differences between individuals were explained by their position on Arthur Young's spectrum of human development. The mutual process of pattern recognition engaged in by nursing researchers and clients is seen as a model for practice.
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10.1177/089431849100400408
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pubmed_106_7043
|
Strains from anal swabs and chronic otitis externa in dogs were shown to be phylogenetically related to the Enterococcus faecium species group. They shared a number of phenotypic characteristics with these species, but they could be easily differentiated by biochemical reactions. In addition, the canine strains were unusual in their nearly complete failure to grow on sodium azide-containing enterococci-selective media and in their Voges-Proskauer reactions (usually negative). By using 16S rRNA sequencing and DNA-DNA hybridization of representative strains, as well as tDNA interspacer gene PCR and SDS-PAGE of whole-cell proteins, the group of canine strains was shown to constitute a novel enterococcal species. The name Enterococcus canis sp. nov. is proposed for this species, with LMG 12316T (= CCUG 46666T) as the type strain. Concurrently, the taxonomic situation and nomenclatural position of Enterococcus porcinus were investigated. As no phenotypic or genotypic differences were found between this species and Enterococcus villorum, the name E. porcinus is considered to be a junior synonym of E. villorum.
|
10.1099/ijs.0.02549-0
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pubmed_416_23001
|
The aim of this work was to study in the same microbiological conditions and for the first time the inhibitory action of eight class IIa bacteriocins against 23 Gram-positive bacteria in which some of them are industrially used as starters and against the eight class IIa bacteriocins producing strains themselves. The sensitivity of each strain was determined after MPA using the mathematical model described by Cabo et al. (1999, J. Appl. Microbiol. 87, 907-914). Therefore, the principal component analysis realized led to a strong correlation between spectrum and extra-disulfide bridge and a minor correlation between spectrum and isoelectric point of each bacteriocin.
|
10.1016/j.fm.2005.02.001
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pubmed_341_12395
|
Despite the advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, a proportion of chronic myeloid leukemia patients in chronic phase fail to respond to imatinib or to second-generation inhibitors and progress to blast crisis. Until now, improvements in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for chronic myeloid leukemia transformation from chronic phase to the aggressive blast crisis remain limited. Here we present a large parallel sequencing analysis of 10 blast crisis samples and of the corresponding autologous chronic phase controls that reveals, for the first time, recurrent mutations affecting the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2A gene (UBE2A, formerly RAD6A). Additional analyses on a cohort of 24 blast crisis, 41 chronic phase as well as 40 acute myeloid leukemia and 38 atypical chronic myeloid leukemia patients at onset confirmed that UBE2A mutations are specifically acquired during chronic myeloid leukemia progression, with a frequency of 16.7% in advanced phases. In vitro studies show that the mutations here described cause a decrease in UBE2A activity, leading to an impairment of myeloid differentiation in chronic myeloid leukemia cells.
|
10.3324/haematol.2017.179937
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pubmed_74_12444
|
To observe and analyze the therapeutic efficacy of minocycline hydrochloride ointment in the treatment of early peri-implantitis. A total of 180 patients with early peri-implantitis and treated at our hospital were enrolled. The patients were divided into control group and research group, with 90 patients in each group. Of those, patients in the research group were treated with minocycline hydrochloride ointment, while 10% of iodine was placed around the teeth in patients of the control group. The therapeutic efficacy was observed and compared between both groups. By comparing the plaque index of both groups after treatment, results showed that the improvement of the research group was obviously better than that of the control group (p<0.05). By comparing the probing depth and sulcus bleeding index, results showed that the situation of the research group was significantly superior than that of the control group (p<0.05). Application of minocycline hydrochloride ointment in the treatment of early peri-implantitis could significantly improve the therapeutic efficacy.
|
pubmed_74_12444
|
pubmed_926_9611
|
Experienced anaesthetists can be confronted with difficult or failed tracheal intubations. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to ascertain if the literature indicated if videolaryngoscopy conferred an advantage when used by experienced anaesthetists managing patients with a known difficult airway. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials up to 1 January 2017. Outcome parameters extracted from studies were: first-attempt success of tracheal intubation; time to successful intubation; number of intubation attempts; Cormack and Lehane grade; use of airway adjuncts (e.g. stylet, gum elastic bougie); and complications (e.g. mucosal and dental trauma). Nine studies, including 1329 patients, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. First-attempt success was greater for all videolaryngoscopes (OR 0.34 (95%CI 0.18-0.66); p = 0.001). Use of videolaryngoscopy was associated with a significantly better view of the glottis (Cormack and Lehane grades 1 and 2 vs. 3-4, OR 0.04 (95%CI 0.01-0.15); p < 0.00001). Mucosal trauma occurred less with the use of videolaryngoscopy (OR 0.16 (95%CI 0.04-0.75); p = 0.02). Videolaryngoscopy has added value for the experienced anaesthetist, improving first-time success, the view of the glottis and reducing mucosal trauma.
|
10.1111/anae.14057
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pubmed_1090_20022
|
The authors presented a 61-year-old patient after the spontaneous epidural hemorrhage in the spinal canal. Her state has improved after the surgical intervention. The authors attach call attention to the atypic clinical course of this disorders. Because paraclinical diagnostic is not complicated, the effective surgical aid immediately after the origin of the motility disorders may mean the significant rescue of the patient's health.
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pubmed_1090_20022
|
pubmed_588_16338
|
BACKGROUND
Fournier's gangrene is an aggressive form of necrotizing fascitis of the perineal, perianal or genital regions, caused by a polymicrobial infection that includes virulent organisms.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Eleven cases of Fournier's gangrene were treated in our department during the last 20 years. Portals of entry were ischiorectal abscess, perirectal abscesses, scrotal abscess and trauma in the perianal area. The documents were analyzed according to clinical and epidemiologic patterns.
RESULTS
We dispensed systemic chemotherapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics, and performed surgical debridement for all patients. In addition, one patient was treated by local use of 100% oxygen, with excellent results in wound healing. All patients made a full recovery, except one who died of sepsis.
CONCLUSION
These cases are presented with some notes underlying the reasons for the persisting incidence and mortality of this disease.
|
10.1007/s11255-005-2946-6
|
pubmed_402_13106
|
This study compares age at enrolment in Primary School with a range of nutritional measures for 8-9 year old and 12-13 year old children in Ghana (n = 1566) and Tanzania (n = 1390). The results show that short stature (height-for-age z-score), but not other nutritional variables (weight-for-age and weight-for-height z-scores and haemoglobin concentration), is strongly associated with late enrolment. This relationship holds for both age group, sexes and countries, and is independent of socio-economic status in Tanzania (where this parameter was assessed). The relationship between stature and age-appropriate grade becomes less marked with progression through school, which is compatible with a higher drop out rate for more stunted children. These results suggest an important role for health in education; that stunted children enrol later in school and are more likely to drop out earlier.
|
10.1016/s0277-9536(98)00382-7
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pubmed_247_16310
|
A previously developed serum reference sample containing the antinuclear factor (homogeneous) in a standard dilution 1:40 was used to estimate the working dilution of commercial lots of diagnostic fluorescing immunoglobulins against human IgG (H) (IGF). Use of a working dilution of IGF in the diagnostic titer helps optimize the immunofluorescence test and save IGF.
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pubmed_247_16310
|
pubmed_1111_7850
|
Ecological stoichiometry has advanced food web ecology by emphasising the importance of food quality over food quantity for herbivores. Here, we focus on the effects of abiotic factors such as nutrients and light (known to influence food quality) on grazer growth rates. As model organism we used the mudsnail Potamopyrgus antipodarum that is native to New Zealand but invasive elsewhere. In a stream channel experiment in New Zealand, we manipulated light (two levels) and nutrients (four levels) to achieve a range of primary producer carbon: nutrient ratios and added mudsnails (3 densities + ungrazed control) to 128 periphyton covered stream channels in a 2 × 4 × 4 full factorial design. We measured snail growth rate and activity, food quality and nutritional imbalance, to test the predictions that (1) less light and more nutrients increase periphyton food quality and thus snail growth rates, and (2) less crowding leads to higher food availability and thus higher snail growth rates. We found that snail growth rates were higher under low light than under high light intensities and this difference increased with increasing nutrient addition. These changes in growth rate were not mediated by food quality in terms of periphyton nutrient ratios. Furthermore, experimental treatments strongly affected snail behaviour. Snails grazed more actively in the low light treatments, and thus it is more likely that snail growth rates were directly affected by light levels, maybe as a result of innate predator avoidance behaviour or as a reaction to high UV intensities. We conclude that in our stream channels snail growth rate was limited by factors other than food quality and quantity such as UV exposure, algal defences or the relatively low ambient water temperature.
|
10.1007/s00442-011-1963-7
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pubmed_553_1873
|
The authors present a case of biliary peritonitis due to biliary suffusion from the gall bladder. The suffusion was caused by a non lithiasic obstacle of the main biliary tree, primary sclerosing cholangitis. Aside from its unusual presentation, the authors insist on the fact that it was associated with ulcerative colitis. At this occasion they have reviewed the literature in order to aid diagnosis and treatment of these two rare diseases.
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pubmed_553_1873
|
pubmed_1114_10200
|
BACKGROUND
Although obesity is an independent risk factor for heart failure (HF), once HF is established, obesity is associated with lower mortality. It is unclear if the weight loss due to advanced HF leads to this paradoxical finding.
OBJECTIVES
This study sought to evaluate the prognostic impact of pre-morbid obesity in patients with HF.
METHODS
In the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities) study, we used body mass index (BMI) measured ≥6 months before incident HF (pre-morbid BMI) to evaluate the association of overweight (BMI 25 to <30 kg/m(2)) and obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m(2)) compared with normal BMI (18.5 to <25 kg/m(2)) with mortality after incident HF.
RESULTS
Among 1,487 patients with incident HF, 35% were overweight and 47% were obese by pre-morbid BMI measured 4.3 ± 3.1 years before HF diagnosis. Over 10-year follow-up after incident HF, 43% of patients died. After adjustment for demographics and comorbidities, being pre-morbidly overweight (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58 to 0.90; p = 0.004) or obese (HR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.56 to 0.87; p = 0.001) had a protective association with survival compared with normal BMI. The protective effect of overweight and obesity was consistent across subgroups on the basis of a history of cancer, smoking, and diabetes.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results, for the first time, demonstrate that patients who were overweight or obese before HF development have lower mortality after HF diagnosis compared with normal BMI patients. Thus, weight loss due to advanced HF may not completely explain the protective effect of higher BMI in HF patients.
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pubmed_1114_10200
|
pubmed_642_1701
|
ATP competitive inhibitors of DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV have great therapeutic potential, but none of the described synthetic compounds has so far reached the market. To optimise the activities and physicochemical properties of our previously reported N-phenylpyrrolamide inhibitors, we have synthesized an improved, chemically variegated selection of compounds and evaluated them against DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes, and against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The most potent compound displayed IC50 values of 6.9 nM against Escherichia coli DNA gyrase and 960 nM against Staphylococcus aureus topoisomerase IV. Several compounds displayed minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against Gram-positive strains in the 1-50 μM range, one of which inhibited the growth of Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, S. aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes with MIC values of 1.56 μM, 1.56 μM, 0.78 μM and 0.72 μM, respectively. This compound has been investigated further on methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and on ciprofloxacin non-susceptible and extremely drug resistant strain of S. aureus (MRSA VISA). It exhibited the MIC value of 2.5 μM on both strains, and MIC value of 32 μM against MRSA in the presence of inactivated human blood serum. Further studies are needed to confirm its mode of action.
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10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.02.004
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pubmed_982_15982
|
Observational studies have consistently reported a reduced incidence and superior survival for female patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These results were corroborated by different national cancer database reports and confirmed in recent prospective trials. Whether improved survival for women is attributable to increased comorbidities in men, better response and/or tolerance of therapy in women or an intrinsic difference in the molecular biology of the disease (or a combination thereof) is unknown. It is through prospective trials that evaluate known molecular, genetic and clinical prognostic predictors that one will better understand these differences and determine whether treatment should be tailored to biological clinical profiles or more to sex.
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10.1080/10428190600555819
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pubmed_470_16403
|
This paper describes a GC analytical method for nitroquanidine propellant instead of the tranditional methylviolet method. Operating conditions were as follows: TDX-01 packed column, 150-200 mesh, 800 mm x 3 mm i.d., at 150-170 degrees C with TCD. Released gases, CO2 and N2O contents in a sealed vessel packed with nitroquanidine were calculated according to the normalization of corrected peak areas of air, CO2 and N2O. Thus, the change in the chemical stability of nitroquanidine during the period of storage and thermal aging could be observed.
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pubmed_470_16403
|
pubmed_86_20392
|
The permselectivity of the upper portion of long descending limb of Henle (LDLu) was investigated with electrophysiological methods in the isolated perfused tubule preparation of hamster kidney. The diffusion potential (Vt) was determined in three different protocols. In protocol 1, the tubules were initially perfused with modified Krebs Ringer's solution on both sides of the epithelium. Then the bath solution was exchanged consecutively with another solution in which 50 mmol/l NaCl replaced by 50 mmol/l KCl, RbCl, NH4Cl, CsCl, LiCl, NaBr, NaNO3, NaI, Na acetate or 75 mmol/l NaCl replaced by mannitol. The permeabilities for these ions relative to chloride were calculated by Goldman's constant field equation. The segment was found to be cation selective, with all cations being 5-9 times more permeable than all anions. The sequence of permeability was K+ greater than Rb+ greater than Li+ greater than NH+4 = Cs+ greater than or equal to Na+ much greater than Cl- greater than or equal to Br- greater than or equal to NO3- greater than or equal to I- greater than Acetate-. In protocol 2, pure 150 mM NaCl was used for the basal solution to avoid interference by other ions. The bathing solution was exchanged by other solutions which contained 150 mmol/l KCl, NH4Cl, CsCl, RbCl, LiCl, NaI, NaBr, NaNO3, Na acetate or 75 mmol/l NaCl with mannitol. Thus simple biionic substitution was performed. Again, the segment was found to be cation selective, with all cations being 4-10 times more permeable than all anions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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10.1007/BF00640914
|
pubmed_895_19847
|
The aims of this study were to investigate wrist postures and forces while operating the shovel during tree planting and to determine if different tree unloading techniques result in variations in wrist postures and forces. Experienced tree planters performed the planting task in a laboratory environment for three conditions: (1) symmetric tree unloading, and asymmetric unloading resulting in (2) right-loaded planting bags and (3) left-loaded planting bags. An optoelectric system and a shovel instrumented with strain gauges captured wrist posture and forces at the wrist, respectively. Wrist extension of up to 45° was observed, and this posture, in combination with varying degrees of wrist deviation, may be a primary risk factor for musculoskeletal pain. Average resultant forces at the wrist were moderately high (>30 N) for each unloading condition, indicating increased risk for the development of repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. No significant differences in wrist posture or forces existed between unloading conditions.
PRACTITIONER SUMMARY
Wrist pain is a major musculoskeletal complaint among tree planters. This study measured wrist postures and forces at the wrist while operating the shovel during tree planting. The wrist extension observed, in combination with deviation, may be a key risk factor for musculoskeletal pain. Forces at the wrist indicate increased risk for repetitive strain injuries.
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10.1080/00140139.2013.824615
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pubmed_132_24264
|
The deferrization mechanism of apoferritin was established, and the spectra variation of apoferritin was compared with that of holoferritin. Sodium hyposulfite is a strong reducing agent, therefore, was applied to deoxidize holoferritin to release iron ion, and connection of iron of buffer was measured by the 2,2-dipyridyl. Apoferritin was detected by ICP-MS. Holoferritin was found to have no absorption compared with apoferritin by UV analysis, and have no fluorescence emission spectra in contrast with apoferritin by fluorescence analysis.
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pubmed_132_24264
|
pubmed_629_19741
|
Golubitsky, Stewart, Buono and Collins proposed two models for the achitecture of central pattern generators (CPGs): one for bipeds (which we call leg) and one for quadrupeds (which we call quad). In this paper we use symmetry techniques to classify the possible spatiotemporal symmetries of periodic solutions that can exist in leg (there are 10 nontrivial types) and we explore the possibility that coordinated arm/leg rhythms can be understood, on the CPG level, by a small breaking of the symmetry in quad, which leads to a third CPG architecture arm. Rhythms produced by leg correspond to the bipedal gaits of walk, run, two-legged hop, two-legged jump, skip, gallop, asymmetric hop, and one-legged hop. We show that breaking the symmetry between fore and hind limbs in quad, which yields the CPG arm, leads to periodic solution types whose associated leg rhythms correspond to seven of the eight leg gaits found in leg; the missing biped gait is the asymmetric hop. However, when arm/leg coordination rhythms are considered, we find the correct rhythms only for the biped gaits of two-legged hop, run, and gallop. In particular, the biped gait walk, along with its arm rhythms, cannot be obtained by a small breaking of symmetry of any quadruped gait supported by quad.
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10.1007/s00285-006-0021-2
|
pubmed_83_1121
|
OBJECTIVES
Functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) usually occurs with previous cardiovascular surgery, which causes right-side heart failure and affects patient prognosis. Thus, we aimed to assess the risk and outcomes of isolated tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) after cardiovascular surgery.
METHODS
We reviewed our hospital medical records and found 107 patients, who had undergone TVR following cardiovascular surgery from June 2009 to November 2017. Follow up was performed by telephone calls, with a mean follow up of 51 months (one to 120 months). Previous surgical procedures of all patients were recorded, and we compared the differences in baseline and preoperative characteristics between the survival and non-survival groups by univariate analysis. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors. The variables with a P value < .05 on univariate analysis were entered into a multivariate analysis using stepwise selection.
RESULTS
TVR was performed in 107 patients, including 89 survivors and 18 non-survivors during the follow up. There were 38 male and 69 female patients, and the mean age was 53.55 years. Hospital mortality was 16.8% (18/107). The APACHE II (P < .001) and mechanical ventilation time (P = .001) were higher in the non-survival group. The values of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), total bilirubin (TB), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) before and after the operation and some preoperative values were different between the two groups (P < .05). The logistic regression analysis showed that APACHE II score, mechanical ventilation time, preoperative albumin, and postoperative TB were risk factors for TVR after cardiovascular surgery.
CONCLUSIONS
Reoperation tricuspid valve replacement is associated with high operative mortality. High APACHE II scores, mechanical ventilation time and postoperative TB were associated with increased short-term mortality risk, while high preoperative albumin levels decreased the risk. Positive reoperation for tricuspid valve prosthesis dysfunction can obtain satisfactory therapeutic effects, and survivors could benefit from the surgery.
|
10.1532/hsf.2981
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pubmed_648_10670
|
STUDY DESIGN
Meta-analysis to collect relevant studies to assess the association between COL11A1 and GDF5 genetic variants and susceptibility to IDD.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess whether or not COL11A1 and GDF5 genetic variants were associated with susceptibility to IDD.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA
IDD or LDH is a major public health problem. There have been several studies evaluating the relationship between COL11A1 and GDF5 genetic variants with risk of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, the studies were limited in discrete outcome and sample size, and some of the results were contradictory.
METHODS
We systematically searched the relevant publications in electronic databases. Eligible studies were included based on the defined criteria. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with its 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were received using STATA 15. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, publication bias, and the "Trim and fill" method were performed in the meta-analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 3287 IDD cases and 5115 controls were incorporated into the meta-analysis. Our results demonstrated that COL11A1 rs1676486 was significantly associated with increased IDD susceptibility under all genetic models (allele model T vs. C: OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.23-1.59, P = 0.000; homozygote model TT vs. CC: OR = 1.89, 95%CI 1.40-2.56, P = 0.000; dominant model TT+TC vs. CC: OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.29-1.80, P = 0.000; recessive model TT vs. TC + CC: OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.18-2.12, P = 0.002). However, GDF5 rs143383 was not (allele model T vs. C: OR = 1.15, 95% CI 0.91-1.44, P = 0.244; homozygote model TT vs. CC: OR = 1.22, 95% CI 0.75-2.00, P = 0.429; dominant model TT vs. CC+CT: OR = 1.22, 95% CI 0.95-1.57, P = 0.112; recessive model TC + TT vs. CC: OR = 1.12, 95% CI 0.73-1.73, P = 0.594). Subgroup analysis indicated ethnicity was not the source of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis, publication bias, and the "Trim and fill" method demonstrated the meta-analysis was of reliability.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggested that COL11A1 rs1676486 was significantly associated with IDD and the T allele was a risky factor. However, GDF5 rs143383 was not.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
1.
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10.1097/BRS.0000000000003371
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pubmed_934_13558
|
PURPOSE
The feasibility of applying the Fit fOR The Aged (FORTA) list, a drug classification combining positive and negative labeling of drugs, should be studied in geriatric patients and medication quality and clinical endpoints measured. FORTA labels range from A (indispensable), B (beneficial), C (questionable) to D (avoid).
METHODS
A prospective randomized controlled pilot trial was performed in hospitalized geriatric patients in whom the FORTA instrument or standard care was applied. Patients were randomly admitted to an intervention and a control ward. Changes of FORTA label distributions between admission and discharge, over- and under-prescription rates, clinical endpoints including the number of falls during the hospitalization, and Barthel Index (BI) at admission and discharge were measured.
RESULTS
Polypharmacy persisted in both groups. At discharge, a higher rate of A drugs was prescribed in the intervention group (58 patients, median age 84 years) vs. standard care (56 patients, median age 83 years, p < 0.02), and both over- and under-prescriptions were significantly lower in the FORTA than in the control group (p < 0.03). Two (3.4%) intervention, but 12 (21.4%) control, patients fell at least once (p < 0.001). The fall rate per 1,000 patient years was 1.5 ± 8.3 in the intervention and 10.6 ± 25.4 in the control group (p < 0.004).
CONCLUSIONS
This pilot study shows that the application of the FORTA list is feasible in geriatric patients. In this small study, the medication quality improved in the intervention group, but polypharmacy persisted in both groups. The fall rate was significantly lower in the intervention group. These encouraging results must be interpreted carefully.
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10.1007/s00228-014-1731-9
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pubmed_510_9668
|
Before a new diagnostic modality can be introduced in clinical medicine, the validity of both a normal and abnormal test result have to be assessed prospectively in an appropriate patient group. We have evaluated the clinical validity of a new computerized impedance plethysmography (CIP) in the diagnostic management of 381 consecutive patients with clinically suspected venous thrombosis. In patients with serially normal CIP results, the diagnosis of venous thrombosis was refuted and, consequently, they were not treated with anticoagulant therapy and all were followed up for a period of 6 months to estimate the occurrence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism. The study was prematurely terminated by the safety monitoring committee because of an unacceptably high incidence of confirmed venous thromboembolism (10 patients, 3.2%; 95% confidence interval: 1.6% to 6%), including 4 episodes of fatal pulmonary embolism. In a subsequent explanatory study using ultrasonography in 29 other symptomatic patients who had at least 2 repeated normal CIP test results, the failure of CIP to detect proximal vein thrombosis was confirmed in 4 patients (14%). The reasons for this failure are probably related to the use of a modified device to measure impedance in the CIP apparatus, resulting in a lower ability to separate patients without venous thrombosis from those with the disease. We concluded that CIP is insensitive for the detection of proximal vein thrombosis and, therefore, not clinically useful in the diagnostic management of patients with suspected venous thrombosis.
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pubmed_510_9668
|
pubmed_81_22196
|
Acupuncture anesthesia has been practiced in China since about 1960. In Japan, Hyodo reported 30 cases of acupuncture anesthesia in 1972. However, from around 1980, the direction of acupuncture investigations turned from anesthesia to analgesia. Acupuncture analgesia is presently considered a way to activate the body's endogenous analgesic system. Recently, with the rise of acupuncture as one of the most well known CAM therapies, acupuncture or moxibustion treatment has been reported for both acute and chronic pain. Even so, few clinical reports and original articles have been reported in Japan. This review illustrates how acupuncture is being used in Japan for acute pain such as surgical operations, post- operative pain (POP), neuropathic pain, pain associated with teeth extractions and after the extraction of impacted wisdom teeth.
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10.1093/ecam/nem056
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pubmed_372_5620
|
BACKGROUND
Scientific knowledge regarding alpaca dentistry is relatively limited despite its clinical implications. The present gap in available supportive data leads to limited treatment options for dental pathology in alpacas in comparison to other species. The main goal of this study was to gain novel insights into the general and pulp morphology of maxillary cheek teeth to allow development of more advanced treatment strategies in the future. Also, the risk of causing pulp exposure when floating maxillary cheek teeth was of particular interest. Concurent research focusing on the anatomy of mandibular cheek teeth has been performed accordingly. The results obtained in mandibular teeth are expected to be non-extrapolatable because of the structural differences between mandibular and maxillary teeth.
RESULTS
Pulp morphology of maxillary cheek teeth showed great variation. A common pulp chamber was identified in 46/83 (55.4%) teeth with a mean dental age of 2 years and 7 months (± 2 years and 5 months). Pulpal segmentation was more commonly observed in teeth of increasing age. Full columnar segmentation was seen in 33/69 teeth (47.8%), whereas within-column segmentation was observed in 36/83 teeth (43.4%). Age and degree of segmentation of the pulpal tissue varied greatly according to Triadan position. Physical contact between roots of adjacent teeth was found in the majority of examined molars (range 82-94%) which resulted in morphological adaptations at the level of the root tips. The measured sub-occlusal dentinal thickness was as low as 0.46 mm above pulp horn 2 in a 14 years and 11 months old Triadan 09, emphasizing the risk of pulp exposure attributed to dental floating.
CONCLUSION
This study offers an objective description of age-dependent maxillary cheek teeth pulp morphology in alpacas. Current findings are of great value to provide a basis for the development of tooth-saving techniques as a treatment for dental disease in this species. Observed physical contact between the roots of different examined molars may be a facilitating factor in the spread of apical infection in chronically diseased cases. Finally, a conservative approach regarding dental floating is recommended in order to avoid iatrogenic damage to pulp tissue.
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10.1186/s12917-021-03039-w
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pubmed_271_12624
|
Human pancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive disease, which has been recapitulated in transgenic animal model that provides unique opportunity for mechanistic understanding of disease progression and also for testing the efficacy of novel therapeutics. Emerging evidence suggests deregulated expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in human PC, and thus we investigated the expression of miRNAs in pancreas tissues obtained from transgenic mouse models of K-Ras (K), Pdx1-Cre (C), K-Ras;Pdx1-Cre (KC), and K-Ras;Pdx1-Cre;INK4a/Arf (KCI), initially from pooled RNA samples using miRNA profiling, and further confirmed in individual specimens by quantitative RT-PCR. We found over-expression of miR-21, miR-221, miR-27a, miR-27b, and miR-155, and down-regulation of miR-216a, miR-216b, miR-217, and miR-146a expression in tumors derived from KC and KCI mouse model, which was consistent with data from KCI-derived RInk-1 cells. Mechanistic investigations revealed a significant induction of EGFR, K-Ras, and MT1-MMP protein expression in tissues from both KC and KCI mouse compared to tissues from K or C, and these results were consistent with similar findings in RInk-1 cells compared to human MIAPaCa-2 cells. Furthermore, miR-155 knock-down in RInk-1 cells resulted in the inhibition of cell growth and colony formation consistent with down-regulation of EGFR, MT1-MMP, and K-Ras expression. In addition, miR-216b which target Ras, and forced re-expression of miR-216b in RInk-1 cells showed inhibition of cell proliferation and colony formation, which was correlated with reduced expression of Ras, EGFR, and MT1-MMP. These findings suggest that these models would be useful for preclinical evaluation of novel miRNA-targeted agents for designing personalized therapy for PC.
|
10.1002/jcp.24036
|
pubmed_710_7312
|
Nanomedicine has matured significantly in the past 20 years and a number of nanoformulated therapies are cleared by regulatory agencies for use across the globe. Transplant medicine is one area that has significantly benefited from the advancement of nanomedicine in recent times. However, while nanoparticle-based therapies have improved toxicological profiles of some drugs, there are still a number of aspects regarding the biocompatibility and toxicity of nanotherapies that require further research. The goal of this article is to review toxicological profiles of immunosuppressant therapies and their conversion into nanomedicine formulations as well as introduce future challenges associated with current in vitro and in vivo toxicological models.
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10.2217/nnm-2019-0192
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pubmed_285_4657
|
Increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance have left a significant gap in the standard antimicrobial armament. Nanotechnology holds promise as a new approach to combating resistant microbes. Chitosan, a form of deacetylated chitin, has been used extensively in medicine, agriculture and industry due to its ease of production, biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity. Chitosan has been studied extensively as a main structural component and additive for nanomaterials. Specifically, numerous studies have demonstrated its potent microbicidal activity and its efficacy as an adjuvant to vaccines, including mucosally administered vaccines. In this review, we present fundamental information about chitosan and chitosan nanoparticles as well as the most recent data about their antimicrobial mechanism and efficacy as a nanotechnology-based drug delivery system.
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10.2217/nnm.15.7
|
pubmed_646_2154
|
Many flavonoids extracted from higher plants, synthesized or purified flavonoids, and their aglycones showed anti-tumor activity. Using purified or synthesized flavonoids, we studied the effect of the chemical structure of 2-benzoic flavone on the growth of human tumor cells (HCT-15 in vitro. The type of sugar combined with the A phenol of flavonoids played an important role in the tumor suppression; i.e., glucose attachment at the A phenol caused suppression of tumor cell growth, but other sugars such as rhamnose and lutinoside at that position did not suppress the growth of the cells. OH groups bonded to the B phenol also had a great effect on the growth. Flavonoids with OH groups conjugated to the 3', 4', and 5' of B phenol were stronger in anti-tumor effect than those with the OH groups attached at the 3' and 4' or 4' only, although anthocyanins were generally more effective than the other flavonoids.
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10.1089/cbr.1996.11.247
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pubmed_615_21779
|
Patterned sapphire substrates (PSS) have been widely used to enhance the light output power in GaN-based light emitting diodes. The shape and feature size of the pattern in a PSS affect its enhancement efficiency to a great degree. In this work we demonstrate the nanoscale fabrication of volcano-shaped PSS using a wet chemical etching approach in combination with a colloidal monolayer templating strategy. Detailed analysis by scanning electron microscopy reveals that the unique pattern shape is a result of the different corrosion-resistant abilities of silica masks of different effective heights during wet chemical etching. The formation of silica etching masks of different effective heights has been ascribed to the silica precursor solution in the interstice of the colloidal monolayer template being distributed unevenly after infiltration. In the subsequent wet chemical etching process, the active reaction sites altered as etching duration was prolonged, resulting in the formation of volcano-shaped nano-patterned sapphire substrates.
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10.1088/0957-4484/24/33/335301
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pubmed_283_1836
|
Cyclin-dependent kinase 2-associated protein 1 (CDK2AP1), a growth suppressor that negatively regulates CDK2 activity, has been implicated in various types of cancer; yet its role in lung cancer remains unclear. In the present study, a lentivirus-based system was used to specifically downregulate or upregulate CDK2AP1 expression. A549 lung cancer cells were treated with RNAi (RNA interference) or lentiviral vectors for overexpression. Ectopic overexpression of CDK2AP1 in A549 cells in vitro greatly impaired their proliferation and colony-forming ability and enhanced their chemosensitivity to cisplatin and paclitaxel and caused cell cycle arrest at G1/S transition accompanied by the reduction of expression of CDK4 and CDK7. Injection of the ectopically CDK2AP1-overexpressing A549 cells into nude mice resulted in growth arrest of solid lung cancer tumors in vivo. Knockdown of CDK2AP1 in A549 cells, however, gave rise to the opposite effects including promoting cell proliferation/growth, cell cycling in vitro and enhancing tumorigenesis in vivo. These results suggest that CDK2AP1 plays an important role in modulating the growth and tumorigenesis of lung cancer cells and also has significant effects on the chemosensitivity of pulmonary malignancies to chemotherapeutics. Hence, this study extends our knowledge on the relationship between CDK2AP1 and oncogenesis of lung cancer, indicating that CDK2AP1 may serve as a new molecular target for future lung cancer therapy.
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10.3892/ijo.2013.1813
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pubmed_946_5689
|
Important cardiac manifestations in the idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome include mitral regurgitation and peripheral embolization. To determine the anatomic basis of these abnormalities, real-time, wide-angle, two-dimensional echocardiography (2-D echo) was performed in 21 patients with the hypereosinophilic syndrome. Nine patients (43%) had clinical evidence of mitral regurgitation, and each had localized thickening of the posterobasal left ventricular wall behind the posterior mitral leaflet and absent (seven patients) or diminished (two patients) motion of the posterior leaflet. Anatomic observations at operation or necropsy in four patients with mitral regurgitation demonstrated that the echocardiographic abnormalities resulted from posterior mitral leaflet thickening and adherence of the leaflet to the underlying mural endocardium of the posterobasal wall. On 2-D echo, each of the six patients with peripheral emboli had either apical left ventricular echo-dense targets consistent with thrombus or thickening of the posterobasal wall of the left ventricle, and these findings were validated at autopsy or operation in three patients. Hence, in patients with the hypereosinophilic syndrome, 2-D echo is useful in identifying the probable etiology of two important cardiac manifestations. Thickening of the posterobasal wall is usually associated with impairment of posterior mitral leaflet function, resulting in mitral regurgitation. Because the hypereosinophilic syndrome is associated with peripheral embolization, thrombus formation and subsequent endocardial scarring, the noninvasive identification of intracavitary ventricular thrombi may be important.
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10.1161/01.cir.67.3.572
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pubmed_631_15032
|
OBJECTIVE
To identify and prioritize innovative strategies to address the health concerns of vulnerable migrant populations.
DESIGN
Modified Delphi consensus process.
SETTING
Canada.
PARTICIPANTS
Forty-one primary care practitioners, including family physicians and nurse practitioners, who provided care for migrant populations.
METHODS
We used a modified Delphi consensus process to identify and prioritize innovative strategies that could potentially improve the delivery of primary health care for vulnerable migrants. Forty-one primary care practitioners from various centres across Canada who cared for migrant populations proposed strategies and participated in the consensus process.
MAIN FINDINGS
The response rate was 93% for the first round. The 3 most highly ranked practice strategies to address delivery challenges for migrants were language interpretation, comprehensive interdisciplinary care, and evidence-based guidelines. Training and mentorship for practitioners, intersectoral collaboration, and immigrant community engagement ranked fourth, fifth, and sixth, respectively, as strategies to address delivery challenges. These strategies aligned with strategies coming out of the United States, Europe, and Australia, with the exception of the proposed evidence-based guidelines.
CONCLUSION
Primary health care practices across Canada now need to evolve to address the challenges inherent in caring for vulnerable migrants. The selected strategies provide guidance for practices and health systems interested in improving health care delivery for migrant populations.
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pubmed_631_15032
|
pubmed_786_15244
|
Gene expression profiling using cDNA microarrays has the potential to improve current lymphoma classification schemes by establishing a molecular diagnosis of these malignancies. The use of this technology led to the discovery of biologically and clinically distinct subtypes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Gene expression data can also be used to formulate powerful mathematical algorithms that predict the clinical outcome in patients with DLBCL and mantle cell lymphoma. In B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, gene expression profiling identified ZAP70, an important prognostic marker whose expression correlates with the mutational status of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene and, therefore, with survival in these patients. These examples illustrate that gene expression profiling may pave the way for detailed molecular characterization of lymphoid malignancies that will ultimately lead to tailored, disease-specific therapies.
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pubmed_786_15244
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pubmed_369_19840
|
It has been spectroscopically monitored that a mononuclear nickel(II)-Schiff base complex {[NiL]·CH(3)OH=NSC} exhibits greater binding affinity for bovine serum albumin (BSA) than that of its human counterpart (HSA). Moreover the modes of binding of NSC with the two serum albumins also differ significantly. Docking studies predict a relatively rare type of 'superficial binding' of NSC at domain IIB of HSA with certain mobility whereas for BSA such phenomena has not been detected. The mobile nature of NSC at domain IIB of HSA has been well correlated with the spectroscopic results. It is to be noted that thermodynamic parameters for the NSC interaction also differ for the two serum albumins. Occurrence of energy transfer between the donor (Trp of BSA and HSA) and acceptor (NSC) has been obtained by means of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). The protein stability on NSC binding has also been experimented by the GuHCl-induced protein unfolding studies. Interestingly it has been found that NSC-HSA interaction enhances the protein stability whereas NSC-BSA binding has no such impact. Such observations are indicative of the fact that the conformation of NSC is responsible in recognizing the two serum albumins and selectively enhancing protein stability.
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10.1016/j.saa.2012.02.060
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pubmed_444_12166
|
Electrostatic interactions between point charges embedded into interfaces separating dielectric media are omnipresent in soft matter systems and often control their stability. Such interactions are typically complicated and do not resemble their bulk counterparts. For instance, the electrostatic potential of a point charge at an air-water interface falls off as r^{-3}, where r is the distance from the charge, exhibiting a dipolar behavior. This behavior is often assumed to be generic, and is widely referred to when interpreting experimental results. Here we explicitly calculate the in-plane potential of a point charge at an interface between two electrolyte solutions with different, finite dielectric permittivities and Debye screening lengths, such as oil and water. We show that the asymptotic behavior of this potential is neither a dipole, which characterizes the potential at air-water interfaces, nor a screened monopole, which describes the bulk behavior in a single electrolyte solution. By considering the same problem in arbitrary dimensions, we find that the physics behind this difference can be traced to the asymmetric propagation of the interaction in the two media. Our results should be relevant to understand the effective potential acting between interfacial proteins in biofilms, and the self-assembly of charged colloids at droplet surfaces in oil-water emulsions.
|
10.1103/PhysRevE.102.020801
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pubmed_980_21525
|
We report on electrically driven InP-based photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers (PCSELs), which possess a deep-air-hole photonic crystal (PC) structure underneath an active region formed by metal-organic vapor-phase-epitaxial (MOVPE) regrowth. Single-mode continuous-wave (CW) lasing operation in 1.3-μm wavelength is successfully achieved at a temperature of 15°C. It is shown that the enhancement of lateral growth during the MOVPE regrowth process of air holes enables the formation of deep air holes with an atomically flat and thin overlayer, whose thickness is less than 100 nm. A threshold current of 120 mA (threshold current density = 0.68 kA/cm2) is obtained in a device with a diameter of 150 μm. A doughnut-like far-field pattern with the narrow beam divergence of less than 1° is observed. Strong optical confinement in the PC structure is revealed from measurements of the photonic band structure, and this strong optical confinement leads to the single-mode CW lasing operation with a low threshold current density.
|
10.1364/OE.404605
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pubmed_989_5687
|
Increasing numbers of biodegradable medical devices may be used in the circulatory system. The effects of the released degradation products from these medical devices on the blood may be gradual and cumulative. When they reach critical levels, they may cause thrombosis and other complications. For this reason, it is important to evaluate the blood compatibility of degradation products for quality control and development of these devices. In the present study, we evaluated the degradation products of four biodegradable materials (collagen, polylactic acid, calcium phosphate ceramics, and magnesium) using platelet activation molecular markers that are associated with thrombosis. We found that the degradation products activate platelets to a certain extent, and that the degradation products produced during various degradation time periods activate platelets to varying degrees. This platelet activation occurs via several mechanisms, most of which are associated with the physicochemical properties of the degradation products, including ion concentration, pH, molecular microstructure, and molecular weight. Our findings not only provide a clearer understanding of the effects of degradation products from blood-contacting biodegradable devices, but also provide material for screening of degradation behavior so as to improve quality control for these devices.
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10.1039/d0tb01685c
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pubmed_278_12585
|
Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an acute inflammatory process resulting in rheumatic carditis, one of the most common acquired heart diseases in youth. Among the clinical manifestations of carditis, pathologic valve regurgitation and atrioventricular block are included in the criteria for the diagnosis of ARF. Besides atrioventricular block, ARF may often present with other arrhythmias, such as junctional tachycardia (JT). However, JT is currently not recognized as a criterion for the diagnosis of ARF. Three adolescents presented in our hospital with JT, polyarthralgia, and laboratory signs of inflammation with evidence of preceding group A Streptococcus infection. None of the patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of ARF. On the basis of the presumed diagnosis of ARF, all 3 patients were treated with intravenous steroids. Steroid therapy was given, and JT converted to sinus rhythm within an average of 62 hours. Subsequent electrocardiograms revealed variable degree of atrioventricular block in all 3 patients, providing clinical evidence and fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of ARF. Patients were monitored for a total 2 to 8 days before discharge on standard antiinflammatory treatment. Follow-up electrocardiograms and Holter monitoring revealed resolution of the atrioventricular block and lack of JT recurrence in all patients. On the basis of these sentinel cases, we propose that JT should be included as a diagnostic criterion for the diagnosis of ARF.
|
10.1542/peds.2020-049361
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pubmed_222_7066
|
Following unilateral 6-OHDA lesions of the striatum, systemic dopamine agonists produce rotation due to receptor supersensitivity. Rotation following intrastriatal dopamine agonists in intact rats also has been reported, although these studies are few and contradictory. Dorsal striatal injection (0.5 microl) of the direct dopamine agonist apomorphine failed to caused rotation. In addition, neither the D1 agonist SKF 81297, the cAMP analogue Sp-cAMPS, nor the D2 agonist quinpirole affected rotation. In contrast, the dopamine releaser amphetamine (1.1, 10.9, 108.7 mM) caused significant contralateral rotation. This effect was reversed by coinjection of the D1 antagonist SCH 23390 (3.1 mM) but not by the D2 antagonist eticlopride. Rotation was also reversed by TTX coinjections (100 microM) but not by the NMDA antagonist AP7 or the kainate/AMPA antagonist CNQX. Thus, direct dopamine agonists in the striatum failed to cause behavioral asymmetry, whereas amphetamine induced contralateral rotation. This effect is mediated primarily by D1 receptors and requires concurrent neuronal activation that appears to be independent of glutamate receptor stimulation. These results are consistent with studies of Fos induction in normosensitive animals following dopamine agonists and are discussed in terms of changes in basal ganglia output pathway activity.
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10.1016/s0091-3057(97)00293-1
|
pubmed_820_19854
|
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this systematic review was to determine the effect of lumbar spine-strengthening exercises on outcomes for people with chronic low back pain.
METHODS
Two independent reviewers followed Cochrane Back Review Group and QUORUM Statement guidelines to complete this systematic review. Exercise effects were reported as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals.
RESULTS
Thirteen high-quality randomized controlled trials were included. For chronic low back pain, trunk strengthening is more effective than no exercise on long-term pain (SMD 0.95 [0.35-1.55]; intensive trunk strengthening is more effective than less intensive on function (pooled SMD: short-term, 0.58 [0.22-0.94]; long-term, 0.77 [0.33-1.20]). Compared with physiotherapy or aerobics, effects are comparable on pain and function. Motivation strategies increase effectiveness. After disk surgery, effects are significant for function (pooled SMD: short-term, 1.08 (0.76-1.41); long-term, 0.53 (0.03-1.04). For severe degeneration, trunk strengthening is less favorable than fusion on long-term pain (SMD, -0.50 [-0.99 to -0.01]) or function (SMD, -0.76 [-1.25 to -0.26]). Intensive trunk strengthening is less effective than McKenzie exercises for pain reduction (SMD: short-term, -0.29 [-0.54 to -0.05]; long-term, -0.31 [-0.55 to -0.06]). We estimated that moderate effect sizes (0.5) indicate that approximately 50% of participants and large effect sizes (0.8) indicate that approximately 80% of participants would achieve important improvement.
CONCLUSIONS
Trunk strengthening appears effective compared with no exercise. Increasing exercise intensity and adding motivation increase treatment effects. Trunk strengthening, compared with aerobics or McKenzie exercises, showed no clear benefit of strengthening. It is unclear whether observed benefits are due to tissue loading or movement repetition.
|
10.1016/j.jmpt.2005.12.011
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pubmed_770_1453
|
Treatment results on 48 patients with "recurrent" craniopharyngioma treated by surgery or/and radiation are analyzed. Median relapse-free survival time was 43.6 months in patients treated initially with radiation and 22.2 months without. Operative death occurred in 17% of all patients and in 3 out of six patients after total removal. The five- and ten-year survival rates were 91.7% and 66.8%, respectively, for 14 patients treated with combined surgery and radiation therapy. For 26 patients treated with surgery, the survival rates were 20.3% and 10.1%. All of 6 patients, who had received both initial and later radiotherapy, were well 1/2 to 18 years later without clinical evidence of radiation injury. These results lead us to the following conclusions: 1) A radical surgery in recurrent cases has the higher risks of mortality and morbidity than that of the first radical surgery. 2) Radiation therapy improved the survival rate of patients with "recurrent" craniopharyngioma. 3) After initial radiation therapy, additional irradiation was allowed based on the scale of nominal standard dosage and the estimation of "decay factor".
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pubmed_770_1453
|
pubmed_905_12180
|
AIMS
This study evaluates the relative importance of two components of QRS prolongation, myocardial conduction velocity and travel distance of the electrical wave front (i.e. path length), for the prediction of acute response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in left bundle branch block (LBBB) patients.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Thirty-two CRT candidates (ejection fraction <35%, LBBB) underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging to provide detailed information on left ventricular (LV) dimensions. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) was used as a primary measure for path length, subsequently QRSd was normalized to LV dimension (i.e. QRSd divided by LVEDV) to adjust for conduction path length. Invasive pressure-volume loop analysis at baseline and during CRT was used to assess acute pump function improvement, expressed as LV stroke work (SW) change. During CRT, SW improved by +38 ± 46% (P < 0.001). The baseline LVEDV was positively related to QRSd (R = 0.36, P = 0.044). Despite this association, a paradoxical inverse relation was found between LVEDV and SW improvement during CRT (R = -0.40; P = 0.025). Baseline unadjusted QRSd was found to be unrelated to SW changes during CRT (R = 0.16; P = 0.383), whereas normalized QRSd (QRSd/LVEDV) yielded a strong correlation with CRT response (R = 0.49; P = 0.005). Other measures of LV dimension, including LV length, LV diameter, and LV end-systolic volume, showed similar relations with normalized QRSd and SW improvement.
CONCLUSION
Since normalized QRSd reflects myocardial conduction properties, these findings suggest that myocardial conduction velocity rather than increased path length mainly determines response to CRT. Normalizing QRSd to LV dimension might provide a relatively simple method to improve patient selection for CRT.
|
10.1093/europace/euw265
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pubmed_484_2931
|
Mice of the O'Grady strain which were inbred for susceptibility to audiogenic seizures were found to be more sensitive to pentamethylenetetrazol (Metrazol) convulsions than mice of the parent Swiss-Webster strain from which they were originally derived. A dose of 35 mg/kg Metrazol was required to produce a 50% convulsive response (CD50) in O'Grady mice and 50 mg/kg in the control parent strain. No differences in convulsive thresholds to Metrazol were obtained, however, between untreated Swiss-Webster mice and mice of the same strain made audiosuseptible by rubidium chloride intake or magnesium deficiency.
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pubmed_484_2931
|
pubmed_475_9074
|
Biohybrid antennas built upon chromophore-polypeptide conjugates show promise for the design of efficient light-capturing modules for specific purposes. Three new designs, each of which employs analogs of the β-polypeptide from Rhodobacter sphaeroides, have been investigated. In the first design, amino acids at seven different positions on the polypeptide were individually substituted with cysteine, to which a synthetic chromophore (bacteriochlorin or Oregon Green) was covalently attached. The polypeptide positions are at -2, -6, -10, -14, -17, -21, and -34 relative to the 0-position of the histidine that coordinates bacteriochlorophyll a (BChl a). All chromophore-polypeptides readily formed LH1-type complexes upon combination with the α-polypeptide and BChl a. Efficient energy transfer occurs from the attached chromophore to the circular array of 875 nm absorbing BChl a molecules (denoted B875). In the second design, use of two attachment sites (positions -10 and -21) on the polypeptide affords (1) double the density of chromophores per polypeptide and (2) a highly efficient energy-transfer relay from the chromophore at -21 to that at -10 and on to B875. In the third design, three spectrally distinct bacteriochlorin-polypeptides were prepared (each attached to cysteine at the -14 position) and combined in an ~1:1:1 mixture to form a heterogeneous mixture of LH1-type complexes with increased solar coverage and nearly quantitative energy transfer from each bacteriochlorin to B875. Collectively, the results illustrate the great latitude of the biohybrid approach for the design of diverse light-harvesting systems.
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10.1007/s11120-014-9993-8
|
pubmed_540_20125
|
Objective
Glioblastoma is one of the most common malignant tumors in the brain, and these glioblastoma patients have very poor prognosis. Ferroptosis is involved in the progression of various tumors, including the glioblastoma. This study aims to determine the involvement of microRNA (miR)-147a in regulating ferroptosis of glioblastoma in vitro.
Methods
Human glioblastoma cell lines were transfected with the inhibitor, mimic and matched negative controls of miR-147a in the presence or absence of ferroptotic inducers. To knock down the endogenous solute carrier family 40 member 1 (SLC40A1), cells were transfected with the small interfering RNA against SLC40A1. In addition, cells with or without the miR-147a mimic treatment were also incubated with temozolomide (TMZ) to investigate whether miR-147a overexpression could sensitize human glioblastoma cells to TMZ chemotherapy in vitro.
Results
We found that miR-147a level was decreased in human glioblastoma tissues and cell lines and that the miR-147a mimic significantly suppressed the growth of glioblastoma cells in vitro. In addition, miR-147a expression was elevated in human glioblastoma cells upon erastin or RSL3 stimulation. Treatment with the miR-147a mimic significantly induced ferroptosis of glioblastoma cells, and the ferroptotic inhibitors could block the miR-147a mimic-mediated tumor suppression in vitro. Conversely, the miR-147a inhibitor prevented erastin- or RSL3-induced ferroptosis and increased the viability of glioblastoma cells in vitro. Mechanistically, we determined that miR-147a directly bound to the 3'-untranslated region of SLC40A1 and inhibited SLC40A1-mediated iron export, thereby facilitating iron overload, lipid peroxidation, and ferroptosis. Furthermore, miR-147a mimic-treated human glioblastoma cells exhibited higher sensitivity to TMZ chemotherapy than those treated with the mimic control in vitro.
Conclusion
We for the first time determine that miR-147a targets SLC40A1 to induce ferroptosis in human glioblastoma in vitro.
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10.1155/2022/2843990
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pubmed_734_1763
|
Sex hormone-dependent cancers, including breast, ovary, and prostate cancer, contribute to the high number of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Steroid hormones promote tumor occurrence, development, and metastasis by acting on receptors, such as estrogen receptors (ERs), androgen receptors (ARs), and estrogen-related receptors (ERRs). Therefore, endocrine therapy targeting ERs, ARs, and ERRs represents the potential and pivotal therapeutic strategy in sex hormone-dependent cancers. Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are a novel strategy that can harness the potential of the endogenous ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) to target and degrade specific proteins, rather than simply inhibiting the activity of target proteins. Small molecule PROTACs degrade a variety of proteins in cells, mice, and humans and are an emerging approach for novel drug development. PROTACs targeting ARs, ERs, ERRs, and other proteins in sex hormone-dependent cancers have been reported and may overcome the problem of resistance to existing endocrine therapy and receptor antagonist treatments. This review briefly introduces the PROTAC strategy and summarizes the progress on the development of small molecule PROTACs targeting oncoproteins in sex hormone-dependent cancers, focusing on breast and prostate cancers.
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10.3389/fendo.2022.839857
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pubmed_861_21188
|
Benefit-cost analysis is widely used to evaluate alternative courses of action that are designed to achieve policy objectives. Although many analyses take uncertainty into account, they typically only consider uncertainty about cost estimates and physical states of the world, whereas uncertainty about individual preferences, thus the benefit of policy intervention, is ignored. Here, we propose a strategy to integrate individual uncertainty about preferences into benefit-cost analysis using societal preference intervals, which are ranges of values over which it is unclear whether society as a whole should accept or reject an option. To illustrate the method, we use preferences for implementing a smart grid technology to sustain critical electricity demand during a 24-hour regional power blackout on a hot summer weekend. Preferences were elicited from a convenience sample of residents in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. This illustrative example shows that uncertainty in individual preferences, when aggregated to form societal preference intervals, can substantially change society's decision. We conclude with a discussion of where preference uncertainty comes from, how it might be reduced, and why incorporating unresolved preference uncertainty into benefit-cost analyses can be important.
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10.1111/risa.13338
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pubmed_611_11202
|
We used whole-cell patch clamp recordings combined with intracellular dye-filling to examine the morphological and electrophysiological properties of atypically oriented pyramidal cells located at the layer 1/2 border of the juvenile rat neocortex. Orientation of the apical dendrite varied from oblique (>20 degrees from vertical) to truly horizontal (90 degrees from vertical). The length of the apical dendrite ranged from 150 to 400 microm. The total horizontal domain of the dendritic tree (including basal dendrites) of the longest horizontal pyramids exceeded 500 microm, but we also found short horizontal cells with horizontal dendritic domains of less than 300 microm. In addition, atypically oriented pyramids had long horizontal axon collaterals in layer 1/2. Electrophysiologically, atypically oriented pyramidal cells had intrinsic membrane properties similar to regularly oriented pyramids that have been described in the superficial layers at this age in the rat. Cells that fired repetitively were all regular spiking. In addition, we identified a subgroup of neurons (20%) in this sample, which were unable to fire more than a few spikes at the beginning of the current pulse. We suggest that the unique orientation and size of their dendritic trees and the length and arrangement of their local axons collaterals make atypically oriented pyramids in layer 2 ideally suited to perform horizontal integration of synaptic inputs in the neocortex.
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10.1016/s0306-4522(00)00430-9
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pubmed_245_12163
|
BACKGROUND
Sternoclavicular joint infection (SJI), to include septic arthritis (SA), is a rare cause of chest pain and is often found in patients with significant risk factors and sources for SA. Most acute care laboratory results lack significant sensitivity to rule out SA. Radiographic findings in common acute care imaging often does not reveal findings of SA and osteomyelitis in the acute phase of the infection.
CASE REPORT
We present a patient without significant risk factors for SA, who initially presented with 3 days of pain to the left chest, left neck and shoulder. He had fever and was treated with a short course of antibiotics for possible pneumonia. His symptoms recurred along with fever 36 days after the initial onset of symptoms and was then diagnosed radiographically with left-sided SJI. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This case reinforces the need to maintain a broad differential diagnosis in the evaluation for chest pain and pursue advanced imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging, when the pretest probability of SJI is high, especially in the acute phase of the infection.
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10.1016/j.jemermed.2017.11.026
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pubmed_1096_3009
|
BACKGROUND
This article surveys a representative sample of adults to assess their knowledge of stroke, its vascular risk factors and warning symptoms, illness perception, and attitude toward strokes.
METHODS
A representative sample of the region population was selected using a double randomization design. Previously trained medical students carried out face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire with open- and closed-ended questions.
RESULTS
In all, 2411 subjects were interviewed. Seventy-three percent reported at least 1 correct warning sign of stroke, whereas only 12.2% reported 3. The most frequently mentioned were sudden weakness, dizziness, and headache. Only 59.2% named at least 1 correct risk factor for stroke. Smoking and hypertension were mainly named. Forty percent of the respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge of stroke. Tellingly, prevalence of adequate knowledge was significantly lower in subjects with previous stroke (29.3% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 19.7-40.3], P = .049), hypertension (35.0% [95% CI, 31.1-39.1], P = .009), diabetes (31.9% [95% CI, 25.9-38.3], P = .011), hypercholesterolemia (35.8% [95% CI, 31.8-39.9], P = .03), and obesity (28.2% [95% CI, 23.8-33.0], P < .001). Illness perception was generally correct. In the final logistic regression model, younger age, urban area of residence, higher educational level, higher family income, normal pressure, normal weight, and family history of stroke were associated with adequate knowledge of stroke.
CONCLUSIONS
Basic knowledge of stroke is insufficient among the general population of Extremadura. There is a discrepancy between theoretical stroke knowledge and illness perception. These findings have implications for public health initiatives for stroke.
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pubmed_1096_3009
|
pubmed_667_2210
|
Buckwheat protein product (BWP) has a strong hypocholesterolemic activity in rats fed a cholesterol-enriched diet. In this study, we examined the influence of BWP on fecal excretion of sterols and nitrogen in rats fed a diet containing 5 g/kg cholesterol and 1.25 g/kg sodium cholate, and we examined whether the cholesterol-lowering activity of BWP is due to its low digestibility. In Experiment 1, rats fed BWP for 3 wk had significantly lower concentrations of plasma cholesterol and enhanced excretion of fecal total neutral sterols and nitrogen compared with rats fed casein. There was a significant correlation between fecal total neutral sterols and nitrogen (r = 0.89, P < 0.01). Fecal excretion of acidic sterols was unaffected by BWP. In Experiment 2, plasma cholesterol in rats fed trypsin-digested BWP for 2 wk was significantly higher than that in rats fed intact BWP. In Experiment 3, rats were fed BWP, low-molecular-weight fraction of the digest of BWP (LMF ) or high-molecular-weight fraction of the digest of BWP (HMF ) for 3 wk. Plasma cholesterol was lower in the BWP group than in the LMF group (P < 0.05), whereas that in the HMF group was intermediate. The in vitro digestibility of BWP with pepsin and pancreatin was significantly lower than that of casein. The results suggest that the cholesterol-lowering effect of BWP is mediated by higher fecal excretion of neutral sterols and that lower digestibility of BWP is at least partially responsible for the effect.
|
10.1093/jn/127.7.1395
|
pubmed_1031_8974
|
Angioedema due to acquired C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) deficiency (also referred to as "acquired angioedema") is a rare, life-threatening disease with poorly defined etiology, therapy, and prognosis. To define the profile of acquired C1-INH deficiency and to facilitate the clinical approach to these patients, we report on 23 patients with acquired C1-INH deficiency followed for up to 24 years (median, 8 yr), and review the literature. We measured C1-INH activity with chromogenic assay and detected autoantibodies to C1-INH by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Median age at onset of angioedema was 57 years (range, 39-75 yr). All patients had C1-INH function and C4 antigen below 50% of normal. C1q was reduced in 17 patients. Autoantibodies to C1-INH were present in 17 patients. Long-term prophylaxis of attacks with danazol was effective in 2 of 6 patients, and with tranexamic acid, in 12 of 13 patients. Therapy with C1-INH plasma concentrate was necessary in 12 patients: 9 had rapid positive response and 3 became progressively resistant. Associated diseases at the last follow-up were non-Hodgkin lymphomas (3 patients), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (1 patient), breast cancer (1 patient), monoclonal gammopathies of uncertain significance (13 patients). In 4 patients no pathologic condition could be demonstrated. Compared with the general population, patients with acquired C1-INH deficiency present higher risk for B-cell malignancies, but not for progression of monoclonal gammopathies of uncertain significance to malignancy. Antifibrinolytic agents are more effective than attenuated androgens in long-term prophylaxis. Patients with acquired C1-INH deficiency may be resistant to replacement therapy with C1-INH plasma concentrate.
|
10.1097/01.md.0000085055.63483.09
|
pubmed_344_5064
|
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of psychotic symptoms in urban Tanzania and their relationship with demographic, socio-economic and social factors. A random sample of 899 adults aged 15-59 was surveyed. The main outcome measure was endorsement of one or more psychotic symptoms identified by the Psychosis Screening Questionnaire. 3.9% respondents reported one or more psychotic symptoms in the preceding year. Significantly higher rates of symptoms were found in those who had recently experienced two or more stressful life events, those with CMD and people who had used cannabis in the preceding year.
|
10.3390/ijerph7062514
|
pubmed_416_452
|
The probabilities of completing the life cycle of Hysterothylacium aduncum and Contracaecum rudolphii at the water of Vistula Lagoon was considered. Hysterothylacium aduncum is a parasite of some fish species from Vistula Lagoon and Contracaecum rudolphii is common parasite of cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo from colony of Katy Rybackie.
|
pubmed_416_452
|
pubmed_525_7189
|
A 3-month-old male infant with intracranial hemorrhage attributable to a vitamin K deficiency is reported. Vitamin K2 was administered orally at birth and then at 5 days and I month of age. Oral antibiotics were also given 2 days before the onset of bleeding. Although the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage resulting from vitamin K deficiency has decreased since the introduction of vitamin K2 prophylaxis, spontaneous intracranial hemorrhages are still being reported in infants. We suggest that vitamin K prophylaxis is needed especially for breast-fed infants and for those undergoing antibiotic therapy.
|
10.1007/s003810050397
|
pubmed_1072_3157
|
OBJECTIVE
The minimum and essential thalamic areas for reducing tremor were investigated in cases treated by superselective thalamotomy in the most lateral part of the ventralis intermedius nucleus (mlp-VIM).
METHODS
Stereotactic superselective VIM thalamotomy with depth microrecording was performed in 21 patients with essential tremor (ET) and 15 patients with tremor-dominant Parkinson disease (PD). A very small and narrow (axial plane) therapeutic lesion was formed as a square on the sagittal plane and inverse V on the axial plane in the mlp-VIM, which covered the kinesthetic response area topographically related to tremor. Patients with ET were followed up for 4.7 ± 3.0 years and patients with PD for 7.9 ± 3.9 years.
RESULTS
Almost complete tremor control was achieved in all patients immediately after surgery and continued for up to 8 years. A few adverse events were recognized but disappeared within 1 month without 1 patient with thalamic hemorrhage. The medial border of the therapeutic lesion was significantly more lateral in both patients with ET and patients with PD than the calculated standard target point and was in patients with PD than in patients with ET. The mean width was only about 2.4 mm. The individual differences of the adequate location of the therapeutic lesion were significantly greater in the ET than in the PD group.
CONCLUSIONS
The important area for reducing tremor was small and narrow and was located in the mlp-VIM, where the proprioceptive ascending signals from the tremor-dominant body part are conducted. Superselective thalamotomy in the mlp-VIM was safe and effective for the long-term in patients with ET and PD.
|
10.1016/j.wneu.2017.10.042
|
pubmed_740_19256
|
Neoplastic meningitis (NM) is a devastating complication of solid tumors with poor outcome. Some randomized clinical trials have been conducted with heterogeneous inclusion criteria, diagnostic parameters, response evaluation and primary endpoints. Recently, the Leptomeningeal Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (LANO) Group and the European Society for Medical Oncology/European Association for Neuro-Oncology have proposed some recommendations in order to provide diagnostic criteria and response evaluation scores for NM. The aim of these guidelines is to integrate the neurological examination with magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid findings as well as to provide a framework for use in clinical trials. However, this composite assessment needs further validation. Since intrathecal therapy represents a treatment with limited efficacy in NM, many studies have been conducted on systemic therapies, including target therapies, with some encouraging results in terms of disease control. In this review, we have analyzed the clinical aspects and the most recent diagnostic tools and therapeutic options in NM.
|
10.1177/1756286418759618
|
pubmed_964_9137
|
The investigators designed this validation study to determine the defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis ineffective airway clearance. Using Fehring's Diagnostic Content Validity Model, 546 nurses who care for respiratory clients validated one major and 19 minor defining characteristics. Nine characteristics previously described in the literature were eliminated. Clarification of the defining characteristics of this diagnosis improves communication in practice, education and research.
|
10.1111/j.1744-618x.1996.tb00294.x
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pubmed_1071_9000
|
We evaluated long-term outcomes of 60 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated with an initial therapy of lenalidomide. At a median follow-up of 4 years, time-to-treatment failure has not been reached and overall survival is 82%. Thirty-five (58%) patients had a response lasting >36 months (long-term responders [LTRs]). Best LTR responses consisted of 25 (71%) complete remissions and 10 (29%) partial remissions. In addition to clinical responses, an increase in IgA, IgG, and IgM levels of >50% from baseline was reported in 61%, 45%, and 42% of LTRs. Normalization in the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ cells and T-cell numbers was observed in 48%, 71% and 99% of LTRs. Compared with other patients in the study, LTRs had lower baseline plasma levels of β-2-microglobulin, were more likely to have trisomy 12, and less likely to have deletion 17p.
|
10.1182/blood-2013-04-495341
|
pubmed_683_21492
|
A 57-year-old woman came to our hospital with complaints of neck swelling and headache in 1991. She was diagnosed as having chronic thyroiditis in euthyroidism because she had a diffuse goiter with both antithyroglobulin antibody (TGHA) and antimicrosomal antibody (MCHA). In 1992, she complained of the rapid growth of her thyroid gland and a swallowing disturbance. Atypical lymphocytes were observed in 16.5% of leukocytes in peripheral blood and similar atypical cells were found in bone marrow. Although an ultrasound scan of the thyroid gland revealed a symmetrical enlargement without a pseudocystic appearance, cytological study with fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid gland demonstrated an abundance of atypical lymphoid cells. A whole body scintigram with 67gallium citrate showed no significant accumulation except in the thyroid gland. With a diagnosis of suspected primary thyroid lymphoma, total thyroidectomy was performed. However the diagnosis of malignant lymphoma was not confirmed histologically. A study of lymphocytes subset with two-color flow cytometry, which was performed for both lymphocytes in peripheral blood and infiltrating lymphocytes in the resected thyroid gland, revealed abnormal increased CD4 positive T cells and decreased HLA-DR expression. Additionally, southern blot DNA analysis for abnormal lymphocytes using restriction enzymes, EcoRI and BamHI, demonstrated rearrangement of the T-cell antigen receptor, which indicates a monoclonal proliferation of lymphocytes. After total thyroidectomy, atypical lymphocytes in peripheral blood decreased, and circulating autoantibodies including TGHA and MCHA disappeared. From these data, this patient was finally diagnosed as having a primary T-cell lymphoma of the thyroid gland, which is a very rare type of thyroid lymphoma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
|
10.1507/endocrine1927.70.10_1055
|
pubmed_257_20933
|
3,5-Diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-4-ethylpyridine and its 4-propyl analogue were administered to phenobarbital-pretreated rats. The N-alkylprotoporphyrins (N-alkylPPs) that were isolated from rat livers, viz., N-ethylPP and N-propylPP, were found to have greater ferrochelatase-inhibitory potency than the corresponding synthetic N-alkylPPs. The N-ethylPP that was isolated from rat liver was found to contain 72% of the NB plus NA regioisomers, whereas synthetic N-ethylPP contained 40% of the NB plus NA regioisomers. In contrast, the N-propylPP that was isolated from rat liver contained the same amount of the NB/A regioisomer(s) as synthetic N-propylPP (33%). The NB plus NA regioisomers of N-ethylPP and the NB/A regioisomer(s) of N-propylPP that were isolated from rat liver were found to be significantly more potent than the corresponding synthetic regioisomers. We conclude that 1) the ferrochelatase-inhibitory potency of N-ethylPP that is isolated from rat liver is greater than that of synthetic N-ethylPP, due to differences in both regioisomer composition and the inhibitory potency of the NB plus NA regioisomers and stereoisomers, and 2) the ferrochelatase-inhibitory potency of N-propylPP that is isolated from rat liver is greater than that of synthetic N-propylPP, due solely to the difference in the ferrochelatase-inhibitory potency of the NB/A regioisomer(s) and stereoisomers. From the enhanced ferrochelatase-inhibitory potency of the NB plus NA regioisomers of N-ethylPP and the NB/A regioisomer(s) of N-propylPP that were isolated from rat liver, relative to the corresponding synthetic N-alkyllPP regioisomers, it was inferred that 2- and 4-vinyl substituents located on pyrrole rings A and B contribute to the optimal binding of N-alkylPPs to the ferrochelatase active site.
|
pubmed_257_20933
|
pubmed_480_14922
|
OBJECTIVE
Verify the association between metabolic risk profile in students with different levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index, as well as the nutritional status of their parents.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study comprising 1.254 schoolchildren aged between seven and 17 years. The metabolic risk profile was calculated by summing the standardized values of high density lipoproteins and low density lipoproteins, triglycerides, glucose and systolic blood pressure. The parents' nutritional status was evaluated by self-reported weight and height data, for body mass index calculating. The body mass index of schoolchildren was classified as underweight/normal weight and overweight/obesity. The cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by 9-minute running/walk test, being categorized as fit (good levels) and unfit (low levels). Data were analyzed using prevalence ratio values (PR).
RESULTS
The data indicates a higher occurrence of developing metabolic risk in schoolchildren whose mother is obese (PR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.23), and even higher for those whose father and mother are obese (PR: 2, 79, 95% CI: 1.41; 5.51). Students who have low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and overweight/obesity have higher occurrence of presenting metabolic risk profile (PR: 5.25; 95% CI: 3.31; 8.16).
CONCLUSION
the occurrence of developing metabolic risk in schoolchildren increase when they have low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and overweight/obesity, and the presence of parental obesity.
|
pubmed_480_14922
|
pubmed_969_3674
|
A pluripotent human embryonal carcinoma (EC) clone, NT2/D1, which was derived from the Tera-2 cell line, was induced to differentiate into cells with neuronal-like cell morphology by treatment with berberine, an alkaloid derived from a Chinese herbal medicine (Huang Lien). As early as one day after 24-hour treatment of cells with berberine at a nontoxic dose of 0.1 mg/ml in culture medium, the cells started to show morphologic changes, developing into terminally differentiated neuronal-like cells with long, inter-connecting network cellular structures. This process was much faster as compared with that induced by treatment with retinoic acid (RA), which took at least several days to develop. Unlike RA, berberine could not induce murine EC cell line, F9, to differentiate into endodermal cells. It was also found that although the NT2/D1 cell clone exhibited amplification and enhanced mRNA expression of c-Ki-ras2 gene as did the parent cell line, a marked down-regulation of c-Ki-ras2 mRNA expression was observed. However, there was no change in actin mRNA expression even after differentiation had occurred. Thus, morphologic differentiation of EC cells into neuronal-like cells was found to be associated with down-regulation of a protooncogene which plays some definite role in oncogenesis. The mechanism by which berberine induces differentiation in these cells needs further investigation.
|
pubmed_969_3674
|
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