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pubmed_1019_14027 | The para-aminothiophenol (PATP), in which the thiol groups adsorbed on the Ag surface and the amino groups coordinated with Hg(2+), can mediate the aggregation of sunlight-reduced λ-DNA-templated Ag nanoparticles, resulting in high molecular sensitivity of this hybrid on optical activity. Sub-pM levels of Hg(2+) assays were achieved based on this molecular stepwise assembly. | 10.1039/c1cc13336e |
pubmed_444_21099 | BACKGROUND
As a debilitating neurodegenerative disease, neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) accounts for more than 90% of severe visual loss or legal blindness among AMD patients. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) had been applied widely in nAMD treatment. To date, debate regarding efficacy and safety still exists among different anti-VEGF regimens as management of nAMD. To provide substantial evidence for clinical nAMD treatment, this study ranks the priority of anti-VEGF regimens via Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA), comparing data collected from randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
METHODS
We searched PubMed Central, MEDLINE Ovid, Embase Ovid, ISRCTN, ICTRP and ClinicalTrials. gov from a database established until 1 April 2019 systematically for anti-VEGF regimens. Bayesian NMA with random-effect was conducted to compare efficacy and safety and rank priority of anti-VEGF regimens. The primary efficacy and safety outcomes were the proportion of patients gaining 15 or more letters, and the incidence of arterial thromboembolic (ATC) events. The effect measure is the standard mean difference (SMD), or the odds ratio (OR) with their 95% confidence interval (CI). The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42019132243.
RESULTS
We obtained 6467 citations and identified 29 RCTs including 13,596 participants; 86% of these trials were low risk or of uncertain risk bias. In NMA, ORs compared with sham injection for the proportion of patients gaining 15 or more letters (12,699 participants from 23 trials) ranged from 4.05 [95% Bayesian credible interval (CrI) 1.62-10.11] for ranibizumab quarterly regimen to 8.57 (95% CrI 4.66-15.73) for a ranibizumab treat-and-extend regimen. No difference was found between sham injection and anti-VEGF regimens for ATC events (11,500 participants from 18 trials). Results for the primary outcome did not substantially change in sensitivity analyses after removing studies at high risk of bias and small sample size (n < 100), respectively.
CONCLUSION
The treat-and-extend regimen of ranibizumab and aflibercept are the preferred anti-VEGF regimens for nAMD. Bevacizumab treat-and-extend regimens need more head-to-head comparisons with other regimens or sham injection for advanced application. The treat-and-extend regimen proved to be the most effective regimen for each anti-VEGF drug in the NMA. Pegaptanib every 6 weeks and Conbercept quarterly are unable to satisfy the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement requirement of nAMD patients. | 10.1177/2040622320953349 |
pubmed_455_17492 | A bacterium exhibiting activities of several inorganic polyphosphate [poly(P)]- and ATP-dependent kinases, including glucokinase, NAD kinase, mannokinase, and fructokinase, was isolated, determined to belong to the genus Arthrobacter, and designated Arthrobacter sp. strain KM. Among the kinases, a novel enzyme responsible for the poly(P)- and ATP-dependent mannokinase activities was purified 2,200-fold to homogeneity from a cell extract of the bacterium. The purified enzyme was a monomer with a molecular mass of 30 kDa. This enzyme phosphorylated glucose and mannose with a high affinity for glucose, utilizing poly(P) as well as ATP, and was designated poly(P)/ATP-glucomannokinase. The K(m) values of the enzyme for glucose, mannose, ATP, and hexametaphosphate were determined to be 0.50, 15, 0.20, and 0.02 mM, respectively. The catalytic sites for poly(P)-dependent phosphorylation and ATP-dependent phosphorylation of the enzyme were found to be shared, and the poly(P)-utilizing mechanism of the enzyme was shown to be nonprocessive. The gene encoding the poly(P)/ATP-glucomannokinase was cloned from Arthrobacter sp. strain KM, and its nucleotide sequence was determined. This gene contained an open reading frame consisting of 804 bp coding for a putative polypeptide with a calculated molecular mass of 29,480 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence of the polypeptide exhibited homology to the amino acid sequences of the poly(P)/ATP-glucokinase of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv (level of homology, 45%), ATP-dependent glucokinases of Corynebacterium glutamicum (45%), Renibacterium salmoninarum (45%), and Bacillus subtilis (35%), and proteins of bacteria belonging to the order Actinomyces whose functions are not known. Alignment of these homologous proteins revealed seven conserved regions. The mannose and poly(P) binding sites of poly(P)/ATP-glucomannokinase are discussed. | 10.1128/AEM.69.7.3849-3857.2003 |
pubmed_93_9196 | Membrane proteins are a large, diverse group of proteins, serving a multitude of cellular functions. They are difficult to study because of their requirement of a lipid membrane for function. Here we show that two-photon polarization microscopy can take advantage of the cell membrane requirement to yield insights into membrane protein structure and function, in living cells and organisms. The technique allows sensitive imaging of G-protein activation, changes in intracellular calcium concentration and other processes, and is not limited to membrane proteins. Conveniently, many suitable probes for two-photon polarization microscopy already exist. | 10.1038/nmeth.1643 |
pubmed_1014_24477 | Bilirubin, a by-product of heme degradation, has an important role in cellular protection. Therefore, we speculated that bilirubin could be of potential therapeutic value in wound healing. To validate the hypothesis, we used a full-thickness cutaneous wound model in rats. Bilirubin (30 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally every day for 9 days. The surface area of the wound was measured on days 0, 2, 4, 7 and 10 after the creation of the wound. The granulation tissue was collected on day 10 post-wounding for analysing various parameters of wound healing. Bilirubin treatment accelerated wound contraction and increased hydroxyproline and glucosamine contents. mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory factors such as intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were down-regulated and that of anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) was up-regulated. The findings suggest that bilirubin could be a new agent for enhancing cutaneous wound healing. | 10.1111/iwj.12319 |
pubmed_905_17049 | We demonstrate a simple and robust procedure for the fabrication of rhodamine-doped nanoporous poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films, whose optical properties, such as anti-reflection, fluorescence and absorption can be tailored to specific applications. By exploiting phase separation of a binary polymer blend (PMMA and polystyrene), we fabricated foam-like nanoporous films that could be easily and cost-effectively integrated into the fabrication process of optical components. We link film morphology, studied by multifrequency atomic force microscopy (AFM), to the effective refractive index of the films for use as anti-reflection coatings. The film's morphology leads to superior broadband anti-reflection performance compared with homogeneous films. For applications involving optical filters and spectral conversion layers (e.g., for photovoltaic applications), we doped the films with the fluorescent molecule rhodamine, whereby simple variations in the fabrication process enabled us to prepare rhodamine-doped nanoporous PMMA with tunable fluorescence and absorption, without losing the anti-reflective properties. The above combination of optical properties makes the films attractive for a wide range of applications. | 10.1039/c6nr04505g |
pubmed_459_13308 | In our isolation procedure, the surface antigens of the variants AnTat 1.1 and 1.10 (Trypanosoma brucei brucei) are essentially obtained as a disulfide-linked dimer while the AnTat 1.8 surface antigen is found as a mixture of monomer and disulfide-linked dimer. This observation may be related to the localization of the cysteine residues in the protein sequences. In the purification procedure using concanavalin-A Sepharose chromatography, besides the VSG elution by methyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside, a quantitative elution of still bound VSG may be obtained by the addition of beta-mercaptoethanol to methyl-alpha-D-mannopyrannoside in the elution buffer. The surface antigen of the variant AnTat 1.1 was examined for molecular form at several different times during the release procedure. The disulfide-linked dimer could be observed within 30 min of the surface coat release, indicating its presence within the parasite. | 10.1016/0014-4894(88)90005-7 |
pubmed_546_8809 | Because of a sequence similarity between the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 and the variable region of human immunoglobulins, we have suggested that the use of this protein as a vaccine component could strongly influence the host immune system, making it more vulnerable to HIV, and in the long term, accelerate disease progression in asymptomatic HIV patients. Using a chimeric primer consisting of the nucleotide sequence derived from the HIV-1 env gene coding for the second conserved region of gp120, and the highly conserved sequence derived from the human immunoglobulin gene coding for the V(H)III domain, we have identified in sera of AIDS patients HIV-1 field isolates carrying the complete and active Chi recombinational hot spot (GCTGGTGG). We have also demonstrated in vivo recombination between the HIV-1 gene coding for the central portion of the gp120 involving the V3 loop and the bacterial gene coding for the clp protease. These results strongly support and reinforce the previous contention and the serious concern that AIDS vaccine candidates carrying the HIV-1 env gene on viral and bacterial vectors, could result in the generation of new pathogens with unpredictable effects on the immune system. | 10.1016/s0264-410x(98)00373-9 |
pubmed_679_440 | 1. The biosynthetic origin of the amide substituent of N-(alpha-hydroxyethyl)lysergamide has been studied. 2. [1-(14)C]Acetate, [(14)C]formate, [2-(14)C]mevalonic acid lactone, [2-(14)C]indole, dl-[3-(14)C]tryptophan, dl-[3-(14)C]serine, dl-[2-(14)C]alanine and [2-(14)C]pyruvate were efficiently incorporated into the alkaloid, but not dl-[1-(14)C]alanine or [1-(14)C]pyruvate. 3. Only the dl-[2-(14)C]alanine- and [2-(14)C]pyruvate-derived alkaloid contained appreciable radioactivity in the amide substituent. 4. l-[(15)N]Alanine-derived alkaloid was shown to be specifically labelled in the amide nitrogen. However, l-[(14)C,(15)N]alanine was found to be incorporated into the methylcarbinolamide substituent with an appreciable increase in the (15)N/(14)C ratio, suggesting that alanine is not the direct precursor of this moiety. | 10.1042/bj1170451 |
pubmed_191_8197 | This year in Bosnia and Herzegovina we celebrate three great healthcare jubelees: hundred and thirty five years of Turkish military hospital (nowadays General hospital) in Sarajevo (founded in June 1866) and the First Property of a Muslim religious hospital in Sarajevo (founded in October 1866), and fifty five years of the Medical faculty of the University in Sarajevo (founded in November 1946). In the time of the Turk, and later also the Austria-Hungarian government in Bosnia and Herzegovina of this and another, later founded hospital, played very important role in the taking care and the treatment of inhabitants. The hospital have during its history experienced the organizational and the functional changes, exemplary to time and conditions in which they existed. The author gives the more comprehensive section of the work and the functioning of the first hospital institutions at the bottom of our State, and state the more significant names whose contribution with their qualitative work is observed. | pubmed_191_8197 |
pubmed_147_9499 | The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of yerba maté (YM) extract on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT signaling pathway in vivo. The mice were introduced to either standard- or high-fat diet (HFD). After 8 weeks on an HFD, mice were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment conditions, water or yerba maté extract at 1.0 g/kg. After treatment, glucose blood level and hepatic insulin response were evaluated. Liver tissue was examined to determine the mRNA levels using the PI3K-AKT PCR array. The nuclear translocation of forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) was determined by an electrophoretic mobility-shift assay. Our data demonstrated that yerba maté extract significantly decreased the final body weight, glucose blood levels, and insulin resistance of mice. Molecular analysis demonstrated that an HFD downregulated Akt2, Irs1, Irs2, Pi3kca, Pi3kcg, and Pdk1; after yerba maté treatment, the levels of those genes returned to baseline. In addition, an HFD upregulated Pepck and G6pc and increased FOXO1 nuclear translocation. The intervention downregulated these genes by decreasing FOXO1 nuclear translocation. The results obtained demonstrate for the first time the specific action of yerba maté on the PI3K-AKT pathway, which contributed to the observed improvement in hepatic insulin signaling. | 10.1002/mnfr.201200834 |
pubmed_839_9273 | The acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of the organopalladium complex [Pd(CNN)P(OMe)3]BF4 species was monitored spectrophotometrically at different sulfuric acid concentrations (3.9 and 11.0 M) in 10% v:v ethanol-water over the 25-45 degrees C temperature range and in 30% and 50% (v/v) ethanol-water at 25 degrees C. Two acidity regions (I and II) could be differentiated. In each of the two regions the kinetic data pairs yielded two different rate constants, k(1obs) and k(2obs), the former being faster. These constants were fitted by an Excess Acidity analysis to different hydrolyses mechanisms: A-1, A-2, and A-SE2. In region I ([H2SO4] < 7.0 M), the k(1obs) values remained constant k(1obs)(av) = 1.6 x 10(-3) s(-1) and the set of k(2obs) values nicely matched an A-SE2 mechanism, yielding a rate-determining constant k(0,ASE2) = 2.4 x 10(-7) M(-1) s(-1). In region II ([H2SO4] > 7.0 M), a switchover was observed from an A-1 mechanism (k(0,A1) = 1.3 x 10(-4) s(-1)) to an A-2 mechanism (k(0,A2) = 3.6 x 10(-3) M(-1) s(-1)). The temperature effect on the rate constants in 10% (v/v) ethanol-water yielded positive DeltaH and negative DeltaS values, except for the A-1 mechanism, where DeltaS adopted positive values throughout. The solvent permittivity effect, epsilonr, revealed that k(1obs)(av) and k(0,A2) dropped with a fall in epsilonr, whereas the k(0,ASE2) value remained unaffected. The set of results deduced is in line with the schemes put forward. | 10.1021/jp903666p |
pubmed_672_3268 | Seventy-eight women underwent induced mid-trimester abortion. Fifty-two women aborted after an intra-amniotic injection of 1 g oxytetracycline hydrochloride. The control group comprised 16 women who received an intra-amniotic injection of hypertonic saline and 9 women with prostaglandin F2 alpha. All but 2 women aborted after one injection. Thirty-five women of the oxytetracycline hydrochloride group received intravenous oxytocin after the appearance of uterine contractions, 17 did not. The mean injection abortion interval in the women who received intravenous oxytocin was 38.6 +/- 2.7 h, whereas in the group without oxytocin it was 31.3 +/- 2.3 h. There is no statistically significant difference between these two groups (p less than 0.2). The mean injection abortion interval in the hypertonic saline group was 18.4 +/- 2.2 h. In the F2 alpha group it was 13.2 +/- 1.3 h. There is no statistically significant difference between hypertonic saline and prostaglandins (p less than 0.2). The mean injection abortion interval is significantly shorter in the F2 alpha and hypertonic saline groups as compared to the oxytetracycline hydrochloride group (p less than 0.001). It is advisable therefore to use oxytetracycline hydrochloride only in cases when the use of F2 alpha or hypertonic saline is contraindicated. | 10.1159/000293692 |
pubmed_259_2070 | The biophysical diagnostic methods are an essential element of evaluation of the fetus state in pregnancy and delivery. Nowadays, the applied methods of fetus supervision during labour don't ensure the permanent analysis and they don't deliver diagnostic information about fetus hypoxia. With a view to avoiding the risk of fetus injury and its hypoxia technologies should be developed which allow to make a diagnosis of perils to good fetus condition and detection of intralabor hypoxia. Therefore, enhancing all new methods are indicated, which facilitate the diagnostic in a permanent mode and which allow for hypoxia prediction and the reduction of unjustified medical interferences. One of these methods is fetus electrocardiography. | pubmed_259_2070 |
pubmed_176_20627 | The presentation of endocarditis varies from patient to patient, making it a difficult infection to diagnose correctly. While some patients will develop symptoms acutely over days, it may take weeks or months for symptoms to develop as in the case of subacute bacterial endocarditis. | 10.1097/01.NPR.0000393971.15598.0c |
pubmed_873_9717 | INTRODUCTION
Welding produces miscellaneous gases and particles that has various impact on respiratory system and long term exposure may result "welders'lung". The aim of this study is to describe the radiological findings of welders' and make an awereness for welders radilogical findings.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The clinical and radiological findings of welders' who had hospital applications with respiratory symptoms between January 2010-January 2017 were evaluated retrospectively.
RESULT
A total of 16 male welders with mean age 37 ± 8 years had the mean duration of welding occupation 12 ± 7 years. The most common symptoms were coughing (87%), sputum production (63%) and dyspnoea (63%).Thirteen welders were working in shipyards and 3 in construction business and other workplaces. Three (19%) patients had rhonchi on physical examination and these patients had decreased FEV1/FVC values below 70% on spirometry. Poorly-defined centrilobular micronodules that were not clearly visible on chest radiographs observed on thorax high resolution computed tomography. Bronchoscopy was performed to 7 patients. Iron-positive pigment granules and ferruginous bodies were revealed in 3 patients' bronchoalveolar lavage.
CONCLUSIONS
Welders' chest X-ray deserve a closer look. In pulmonary radiology, there may be radiographical findings ranging from small ill defined nodules to groundglass opacites. Physcians should look more careful to welders' chest X-ray and incase of suspicious findings best can be detected on high HRCT. An awareness for the radiological findings will also reduce interventional procedures in these patients hereby, occupational history must be included in daily practice of physicians. | 10.5578/tt.66752 |
pubmed_563_933 | Robust sunflowers are a generalization of combinatorial sunflowers that have applications in monotone circuit complexity Rossman (SIAM J. Comput. 43:256-279, 2014), DNF sparsification Gopalan et al. (Comput. Complex. 22:275-310 2013), randomness extractors Li et al. (In: APPROX-RANDOM, LIPIcs 116:51:1-13, 2018), and recent advances on the Erdős-Rado sunflower conjecture Alweiss et al. (In: Proceedings of the 52nd Annual ACM SIGACT Symposium on Theory of Computing, STOC. Association for Computing Machinery, New York, NY, USA, 2020) Lovett et al. (From dnf compression to sunflower theorems via regularity, 2019) Rao (Discrete Anal. 8,2020). The recent breakthrough of Alweiss, Lovett, Wu and Zhang Alweiss et al. (In: Proceedings of the 52nd Annual ACM SIGACT Symposium on Theory of Computing, STOC. Association for Computing Machinery, New York, NY, USA, 2020) gives an improved bound on the maximum size of a w-set system that excludes a robust sunflower. In this paper, we use this result to obtain an lower bound on the monotone circuit size of an explicit n-variate monotone function, improving the previous best known due to Andreev (Algebra and Logic, 26:1-18, 1987) and Harnik and Raz (In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Second Annual ACM Symposium on Theory of Computing, ACM, New York, 2000). We also show an lower bound on the monotone arithmetic circuit size of a related polynomial via a very simple proof. Finally, we introduce a notion of robust clique-sunflowers and use this to prove an lower bound on the monotone circuit size of the CLIQUE function for all , strengthening the bound of Alon and Boppana (Combinatorica, 7:1-22, 1987). | 10.1007/s00453-022-01000-3 |
pubmed_613_1557 | The title compound, C(30)H(30)N(4)O(2), has a non-planar conformation, the dihedral angles formed by the pyridazinone ring plane and the three phenyl rings being 54.61 (7), 51.10 (7) and 59.53 (8)°. The piperazine ring adopts a chair conformation. Inter- and intra-molecular C-H⋯O contacts are found in the crystal structure and these consolidate the three-dimensional packing. | 10.1107/S1600536808013159 |
pubmed_1021_7768 | The properties of the calcium pump system of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) were studied in a series of 34 rats subjected to cardiac overload and 19 sham-operated animals. Total homogenates of left ventricle were analyzed by measuring the oxalate-supported Ca2+ uptake rate, the steady-state level of the phosphorylated intermediate of Ca(2+)-adenosine triphosphatase (Ca(2+)-ATPase) (EP), and the amount of Ca(2+)-ATPase mRNA. All three parameters decreased gradually as a function of the relative left ventricular weight increase. The calcium-sensitivity curves showed that the velocity of Ca2+ transport in SR from the hypertrophied heart is diminished at low as well as optimal Ca2+ concentrations, with the dissociation constant (Kd) value for Ca2+ unchanged from that of the control preparation. Taken together with the results presented in our recent publication (De la Bastie, Levitsky, Mercadier, Marotte, Wisnewsky, Brovkovivh, Schwartz, and Lompré, Circ. Res. 66: 554-564, 1990), these data strongly indicate that differences in the Ca2+ pump activities of SR from normal and hypertrophied rat hearts are due to quantitative rather than qualitative changes of the Ca(2+)-ATPase protein. | 10.1152/ajplung.1991.261.4.L23 |
pubmed_959_22471 | For medical schools, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated examination and curricular restructuring as well as significant changes to clinical attachments. With the available evidence suggesting that medical students' mental health status is already poorer than that of the general population, with academic stress being a chief predictor, such changes are likely to have a significant effect on these students. This online, cross-sectional study aimed to determine the impact of COVID-19 on perceived stress levels of medical students, investigate possible contributing and alleviating factors, and produce recommendations for medical schools to implement during future healthcare emergencies. The majority (54.5%) of respondents reported levels of stress ranging from moderate to extreme. Higher levels of stress were significantly associated with female gender (p=0.039) and international status (p=0.031). A significant association was also noted between reported stress and the transition to online learning (p<0.0001) and online assessment formatting (p<0.0001), concerns for personal health (p<0.0001) and for the health of family members (p<0.0001). Students who reported higher stress levels were less confident in their government's management of the crisis (p=0.041). Additionally, students who reported lower stress agreed highly that their medical school had an appropriate response to the crisis (p<0.0001), had provided sufficient information regarding the crisis (p=0.015), that they trust their school in handling the continuing of their education (p=0.020) and that their school had appropriate plans in place to support the continuing of education (p=0.017). | 10.1136/medethics-2020-107155 |
pubmed_50_14996 | Shoulder pain is a common complaint in the workplace. A shoulder condition may arise from acute trauma or non-traumatic work-related activities. Shoulder pain falls into three categories: acute, chronic, and referred pain. The occupational health nurse can document detailed health histories and focused complaint-driven physical examinations. Nurses' expert assessments can guide injured workers to necessary treatment, case management, and return to full employment. | 10.1177/2165079916666274 |
pubmed_48_6506 | OBJECTIVE
To analyze the influence of trabecular microstructure modeling on the biomechanical distribution of implant-bone interface with a three-dimensional finite element mandible model of trabecular structure.
METHODS
Dental implants were embeded in the mandibles of a beagle dog. After three months of the implant installation, the mandibles with dental implants were harvested and scaned by micro-CT and cone-beam CT. Two three-dimensional finite element mandible models, trabecular microstructure(precise model) and macrostructure(simplified model), were built. The values of stress and strain of implant-bone interface were calculated using the software of Ansys 14.0.
RESULTS
Compared with the simplified model, the precise models' average values of the implant bone interface stress increased obviously and its maximum values did not change greatly. The maximum values of quivalent stress of the precise models were 80% and 110% of the simplified model and the average values were 170% and 290% of simplified model. The maximum and average values of equivalent strain of precise models were obviously decreased, and the maximum values of the equivalent effect strain were 17% and 26% of simplified model and the average ones were 21% and 16% of simplified model respectively. Stress and strain concentrations at implant-bone interface were obvious in the simplified model. However, the distributions of stress and strain were uniform in the precise model.
CONCLUSIONS
The precise model has significant effect on the distribution of stress and strain at implant-bone interface. | 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1002-0098.2016.09.007 |
pubmed_11_11642 | Fracture of the penis, a relatively uncommon emergency in Urology, consists in the traumatic rupture of the tunica albuginea of the corpus cavernosum. Examination and clinical history can be highly suspicious of penile fracture in the majority of cases and ultrasonography (USS) can be useful to identify the exact location of the tunical rupture, which is proximal in 2/3 of cases and therefore manageable through a penoscrotal approach. Although expensive and not readily available in the acute setting, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may play a role in the differential diagnosis with rupture of a circumflex or dorsal vein of the penis or when the tunical rupture is not associated with tear of the overlying Buck's fascia. This form of imaging is more sensitive than USS at identifying the presence of a tunical tear. The treatment of choice is immediate surgical repair, which allows preserving erectile function and minimizing corporeal fibrosis. | 10.4081/aiua.2014.1.39 |
pubmed_592_8717 | Dietary enrichment with fish oil-derived n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids has been shown to suppress the arrhythmias that occur during postischemic reperfusion. We have recently implicated a rapid release of D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] during postischemic reperfusion in the generation of these arrhythmias. The effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil on both cardiac Ins(1,4,5)P3 and arrhythmogenic responses to reperfusion were therefore investigated in perfused rat hearts. Comparisons were made with control and n-6 polyunsaturated or saturated fat-supplemented diets. In control hearts, reperfusion increased Ins(1,4,5)P3 levels [from 9 +/- 2 at 20 min ischemia to 26 +/- 3 counts per minute (cpm)/mg protein with 2 min of reperfusion] and produced a high incidence of ventricular tachycardia (92% VT) and ventricular fibrillation (85% VF). Dietary fish oil supplementation, which increased composition of n-3 fatty acids in myocardial membrane phospholipids, prevented the reperfusion-induced rise in Ins(1,4,5)P3 (11 +/- 1 at 20 min ischemia and 12 +/- 2 cpm/mg protein after 2-min reperfusion) and significantly suppressed reperfusion arrhythmias (38% VT, 13% VF; P < 0.01 vs. control group). Thus the inhibition of reperfusion-induced rises in Ins(1,4,5)P3 by n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids after dietary fish oil supplementation provides a possible mechanism for the inhibitory effect of n-3 fatty acids on reperfusion-induced arrhythmias. | 10.1152/ajpheart.1996.271.4.H1483 |
pubmed_1127_3670 | The study was conducted to characterize and compare twelve different additives distributed in Mexico as mycotoxin binders utilizing: (1) equilibrium isothermal analysis for aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) adsorption, (2) a variety of mineralogical probes, and (3) Hydra toxicity bioassay. The test additives Milbond-TX (MLB), Mycoad (MCA), Volclay FD181 (VOL), Fixat (FXT), Toxinor (TOX), Mexsil (MEX), Mycosil (MYC), Klinsil (KLS), Zeotek (ZEO), Duotek (DUO), Mycosorb (MSB), and Mycofix Plus 3.0 (MIX) were compared with NovaSil Plus (NSP). Isotherms for AFB(1) adsorption were conducted at pH 2 and pH 6.5, mimicking pH conditions in the stomach and small intestine. Mineralogical analysis included determination of swelling volume, X-ray diffraction analysis, and fractionation procedures. A Hydra vulgaris toxicity study was performed to evaluate the potential safety of the additives. Computer-generated isotherm data were fit using the Langmuir model, and parameters of Q(max) and K(d) were estimated. The most effective additives for AFB(1) at both pH conditions were NSP, MLB, MCA and VOL, while the least effective was MSB. The amounts of sand, silt and clay fractions varied among the additives. Nine of the additives showed the presence of smectite. Most of the additives were found to be non-toxic to Hydra except for the organoclays (ZEO, DUO) and MSB. In general, NSP demonstrated the highest sorption capacity in the bulk material and the different fractions. Studies to characterize these binding additives further and to evaluate their multiple mycotoxin sorption claims are ongoing. | 10.1080/02652030802641872 |
pubmed_428_16800 | Development of novel therapies for CNS tumors requires reliable assessment of response and progression. This requirement has been particularly challenging in neuro-oncology for which contrast enhancement serves as an imperfect surrogate for tumor volume and is influenced by agents that affect vascular permeability, such as antiangiogenic therapies. In addition, most tumors have a nonenhancing component that can be difficult to accurately quantify. To improve the response assessment in neuro-oncology and to standardize the criteria that are used for different CNS tumors, the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) working group was established. This multidisciplinary international working group consists of neuro-oncologists, medical oncologists, neuroradiologists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, neuropsychologists, and experts in clinical outcomes assessments, working in collaboration with government and industry to enhance the interpretation of clinical trials. The RANO working group was originally created to update response criteria for high- and low-grade gliomas and to address such issues as pseudoresponse and nonenhancing tumor progression from antiangiogenic therapies, and pseudoprogression from radiochemotherapy. RANO has expanded to include working groups that are focused on other tumors, including brain metastases, leptomeningeal metastases, spine tumors, pediatric brain tumors, and meningiomas, as well as other clinical trial end points, such as clinical outcomes assessments, seizures, corticosteroid use, and positron emission tomography imaging. In an effort to standardize the measurement of neurologic function for clinical assessment, the Neurologic Assessment in Neuro-Oncology scale was drafted. Born out of a workshop conducted by the Jumpstarting Brain Tumor Drug Development Coalition and the US Food and Drug Administration, a standardized brain tumor imaging protocol now exists to reduce variability and improve reliability. Efforts by RANO have been widely accepted and are increasingly being used in neuro-oncology trials, although additional refinements will be needed. | 10.1200/JCO.2017.72.7511 |
pubmed_24_486 | INTRODUCTION
In a time of emergency department overcrowding and increased utilization of emergency medical services, a highly functional prehospital system will balance the needs of the individual patient with the global needs of the community. Our community addressed these issues through the development of a multitiered prehospital care system that incorporated EMS initiated non-transport of pediatric patients.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the outcome of pediatric patients accessing a progressive prehospital system that employed EMS initiated non-transport.
METHODS
A prospective observational case series was performed on pediatric patients (< 21 years old) designated EMS initiated non-transport. Patients were designated non-transport after an initial EMS protocol driven, complaint-specific clinical assessment in conjunction with medical oversight affirmation. Telephone follow-up was completed on all consecutively enrolled non-transport patients to collect information about outcome (safety) as well as overall satisfaction with the system. A five-point Likert scale was utilized to rate satisfaction.
RESULTS
There were 5,336 EMS requests during the study period. Seven hundred and four were designated non-transport, of which 74.8% completed phone follow-up. Categories of EMS request included minor; medical illness 43.4%, trauma 55.9%, and other 1.1%. There were 13 admissions (2.4%) to the hospital after EMS initiated non-transport designation. Admissions after non-transport had trends toward younger age (p = 0.002) and medical etiology (p = 0.006). There were no PICU admissions or deaths.
CONCLUSION
Our EMS system provides an alternative to traditional protocols, allowing EMS initiated non-transport of pediatric patients, resulting in effective resource utilization with a high level of patient safety and family satisfaction. | 10.1080/10903120500541308 |
pubmed_808_12621 | Liver fibrosis is an aberrant wound-healing process to chronic hepatic inflammation and is characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) that is produced by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Thus, activated HSCs play a key role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and are a potential target for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Herein, we report that a specific HSC-penetrating peptide reduced collagen accumulation by inducing the apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells. We first screened HSC-specific transduction peptides and identified a novel HSC-targeted cell-penetrating peptide (HTP) that specifically interacted with HSC-T6 cells. A chimeric peptide termed HTPK25 was consequently generated by coupling HTP with the antimicrobial peptide KLA, which is capable of initiating cell apoptosis in mammalian cells. HTPK25 entered cells in a dose-dependent manner, reduced the cell viability and induced apoptosis via the caspase 3 pathway in HSC-T6 cells. Furthermore, HTPK25 inhibited the α-smooth muscle actin and collagen I expression in HSC-T6 cells. Our results demonstrated that the HTP was able to specifically and efficiently deliver the KLA peptide into HSC-T6 cells to induce apoptosis, indicating that HTP-delivered functional agents may present a promising approach for liver fibrosis therapy. | 10.1080/1061186X.2017.1322598 |
pubmed_415_23887 | It is questionable whether socioeconomic factors influence the choice of marketed children's dentifrices and whether these products are associated with greater fluoride (F) intake in children. The present cross-sectional study involving 197 children (mean age: 40.98 ± 6.62 months) was carried out in Montes Claros, Brazil. Parents completed a questionnaire on socioeconomic status and the tooth brushing habits of their children. The children brushed their teeth and saliva residues were collected for F analysis. F intake from dentifrice was determined with an ion-specific electrode. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were used to test whether the type of dentifrice (children's or family) and F dose (<0.05 and ≥0.05 mg F/Kg of body weight/day) were associated with the independent variables (p < 0.05). No differences were found between children's and family dentifrices regarding daily F intake (0.046 and 0.040 mg F/Kg/day, respectively; p = 0.513). The following were strong predictors for the use of a children's dentifrice: studying at a private kindergarten (OR: 6.89; p < 0.001); age that the child begun to tooth brush <2 years (OR: 2.93; p = 0.041), and the interaction between the variables "use of the same dentifrice as parents" and "type of tooth brush used" (OR: 27.20; p < 0.001). "The amount of dentifrice used" and "frequency of tooth brushing" (p ≤ 0.004) had a statistically and synergistic effect over the daily F dose. The present study found a social influence over the choice of dentifrice: children with a high socioeconomic status tend to use a children's dentifrice. The amount of dentifrice used can strongly increase the risk of exposure to higher doses of F, regardless of the type of dentifrice. | 10.3390/ijerph8114284 |
pubmed_344_18778 | To implement hospital-acquired infection control, sharing information, including the most recent data, is vital. With the current crisis in community healthcare and a subsequent lack of hospital laboratories, increasing numbers of clinical tests, unprofitable microbiological tests in particular, have been outsourced. At present, most medium- and small-scale hospitals in Japan do not conduct microbiological testing themselves, and so the outsourcing of these tests is essential for the promotion of infection control, including the provision of data on microbial detection. Our hospital, a central and the only general hospital with 160 beds in our area, usually outsources microbiological testing. With the aim of enhancing infection prevention and other clinical support services and promoting hospital infection control, were developing a system, led by the Department of Inspection, to provide appropriate information on nosocomial infections in collaboration with other departments within the hospital and partner organizations. | pubmed_344_18778 |
pubmed_174_7988 | Human arterial smooth muscle cells were obtained from surgically excised tissues and cultured by the explant method. The cultured cells had both active and inactive forms of an angiotensin I forming enzyme. About a five-fold increase in the activity was obtained by trypsin treatment. This renin-like enzyme was also found in abundance in the culture media, mostly in an inactive form. Most of the enzyme activity, either before or after the activation, was suppressed by an antibody specific to human renin. The inactive enzyme was activated to some extent also by acidification and by cold exposure. The molecular weight of the inactive enzyme was estimated to be approximately 49,000 by gel filtration. These results suggest that human vascular smooth muscle cells can produce renin and release an inactive form of renin, and can be a potential source of plasma inactive renin under certain conditions such as the anephric state. | 10.3109/10641968509073599 |
pubmed_978_147 | In order to assess the presence of specific recognition sites for high density lipoprotein (HDL) in vivo, HDL was nitrosylated with tetranitromethane and the decay and liver uptake were compared with that of native HDL. The association of intravenously injected nitrosylated HDL (TNM-HDL) with liver was greatly increased as compared to native HDL. Using a cold cell isolation method, it became evident that the liver endothelial cells were responsible for the increased uptake of the modified HDL. The involvement of the endothelial cells in the uptake of TNM-HDL from the circulation could also be demonstrated morphologically by using the fluorescent dye dioctadecyl-tetramethyl-indocarbocyanine perchlorate (Dil) to label HDL. In vitro competition studies with isolated liver endothelial cells indicated that unlabeled modified HDL and acetylated LDL displaced iodine-labeled TNM-HDL, while no competition was seen with LDL and a slight displacement was seen with unlabeled native HDL. Nonlipoprotein competitors of the scavenger receptor such as fucoidin and polyinosinic acid blocked the interaction of TNM-HDL with the liver endothelial cells. Also the degradation of TNM-HDL was blocked by low concentrations of chloroquine. It can be concluded that a scavenger receptor on liver endothelial cells is involved in the clearance of tetranitromethane-modified HDL, which excludes the possibility of using TNM-HDL in vivo to assess the non-receptor-dependent uptake of HDL. The use of nitrosylated HDL in vitro as a low affinity control is limited to cell types that do not possess scavenger receptors, because cell types with scavenger receptors will recognize and internalize TNM-HDL by a high affinity scavenger pathway. | pubmed_978_147 |
pubmed_332_422 | Variations of breeding success with age have been studied largely in iteroparous species and particularly in birds: survival of offspring increases with parental age until senescence. Nevertheless, these results are from observations of free-living individuals and therefore, it remains impossible to determine whether these variations result from parental investment or efficiency or both, and whether these variations occur during the prenatal or the postnatal stage or during both. Our study aimed first, to determine whether age had an impact on the expression of maternal breeding care by comparing inexperienced female birds of two different ages, and second, to define how these potential differences impact chicks' growth and behavioural development. We made 22 2-month-old and 22 8-month-old female Japanese quail foster 1-day-old chicks. We observed their maternal behaviour until the chicks were 11 days old and then tested these chicks after separation from their mothers. Several behavioural tests estimated their fearfulness and their sociality. We observed first that a longer induction was required for young females to express maternal behaviour. Subsequently as many young females as elder females expressed maternal behaviour, but young females warmed chicks less, expressed less covering postures and rejected their chicks more. Chicks brooded by elder females presented higher growth rates and more fearfulness and sociality. Our results reveal that maternal investment increased with age independently of maternal experience, suggesting modification of hormone levels implied in maternal behaviour. Isolated effects of maternal experience should now be assessed in females of the same age. In addition, our results show, for first time in birds, that variations in maternal care directly induce important differences in the behavioural development of chicks. Finally, our results confirm that Japanese quail remains a great laboratory model of avian maternal behaviour and that the way we sample maternal behaviour is highly productive. | 10.1371/journal.pone.0036835 |
pubmed_343_19949 | Rheumatic diseases encompass a diverse group of chronic disorders that commonly affect musculoskeletal structures. Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the two most common, leading to considerable functional limitations and irreversible disability when patients are unsuccessfully treated. Although the specific causes of many rheumatic conditions remain unknown, it is generally accepted that immune mechanisms and/or uncontrolled inflammatory responses are involved in their etiology and symptomatology. In this regard, the bidirectional communication between neuroendocrine and immune system has been demonstrated to provide a homeostatic network that is involved in several pathological conditions. Adipokines represent a wide variety of bioactive, immune and inflammatory mediators mainly released by adipocytes that act as signal molecules in the neuroendocrine-immune interactions. Adipokines can also be synthesized by synoviocytes, osteoclasts, osteoblasts, chondrocytes and inflammatory cells in the joint microenvironment, showing potent modulatory properties on different effector cells in OA and RA pathogenesis. Effects of adiponectin, leptin, resistin and visfatin on local and systemic inflammation are broadly described. However, more recently, other adipokines, such as progranulin, chemerin, lipocalin-2, vaspin, omentin-1 and nesfatin, have been recognized to display immunomodulatory actions in rheumatic diseases. This review highlights the latest relevant findings on the role of the adipokine network in the pathophysiology of OA and RA. | 10.3390/ijms20174091 |
pubmed_446_20148 | BACKGROUND
Aortic dissection is a lift-threatening medical emergency associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The incidence rate of aortic dissection is estimated at 5 to 30 per 1 million people per year. The prompt and correct diagnosis of aortic dissection is critical. This study was to compare the ascending aortic image quality and the whole aortic radiation dose of high-pitch dual-source CT angiography and conventional dual-source CT angiography.
METHODS
A total of 110 consecutive patients with suspected aortic dissection and other aortic disorders were randomly divided into two groups. Group A underwent traditional scan mode and Group B underwent high-pitch dual-source CT scan mode. The image quality and radiation dose of two groups were compared.
RESULTS
Close interobserver agreement was found for image quality scores (κ = 0.87). The image quality of ascending aorta was significantly better in the high-pitch group than in the conventional group (2.78 ± 0.46 vs 1.57 ± 0.43, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference of the CT attenuation values, the aortic image noise and SNR between two groups. The mean radiation dose of high-pitch group was also significantly lower than that of conventional group (2.7 ± 0.6 mSv vs. 3.9 ± 0.9 mSv, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
High-pitch dual-source CT angiography of the whole aorta can provide motion-artifact-free imaging of the ascending aorta at a low radiation dose compared to conventional protocol. | 10.1186/1749-8090-8-228 |
pubmed_779_20774 | Bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV) is a major disease in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Host plant resistance is the primary disease control. We sought to identify candidate genes to better understand the host-pathogen interaction and develop tools for marker-assisted selection (MAS). A genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach using 182 lines from a race Durango Diversity Panel (DDP) challenged by BCMNV isolates NL-8 [Pathogroup (PG)-III] and NL-3 (PG-VI), and genotyped with 1.26 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), revealed significant peak regions on chromosomes Pv03 and Pv05, which correspond to bc-1 and bc-u resistance gene loci, respectively. Three candidate genes were identified for NL-3 and NL-8 resistance. Side-by-side receptor-like protein kinases (RLKs), Phvul.003G038700 and Phvul.003G038800 were candidate genes for bc-1. These RLKs were orthologous to linked RLKs associated with virus resistance in soybean (Glycine max). A basic Leucine Zipper (bZIP) transcription factor protein is the candidate gene for bc-u. bZIP protein gene Phvul.005G124100 carries a unique non-synonymous mutation at codon 14 in the first exon (Pv05: 36,114,516 bases), resulting in a premature termination codon that causes a nonfunctional protein. SNP markers for bc-1 and bc-u and new markers for I and bc-3 genes were used to genotype the resistance genes underpinning BCMNV phenotypes in the DDP, host group (HG) differentials, and segregating F3 families. Results revealed major adjustments to the current host-pathogen interaction model: (i) there is only one resistance allele bc-1 for the Bc-1 locus, and differential expression of the allele is based on presence vs. absence of bc-u; (ii) bc-1 exhibits dominance and incomplete dominance; (iii) bc-1 alone confers resistance to NL-8; (iv) bc-u was absent from HGs 2, 4, 5, and 7 necessitating a new gene symbol bc-u d to reflect this change; (v) bc-u d alone delays susceptible symptoms, and when combined with bc-1 enhanced resistance to NL-3; and (vi) bc-u d is on Pv05, not Pv03 as previously thought. These candidate genes, markers, and adjustments to the host-pathogen interaction will facilitate breeding for resistance to BCMNV and related Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) in common bean. | 10.3389/fpls.2021.699569 |
pubmed_1089_1690 | •Primary malignant melanoma of cervix is an extremely rare neoplasm and regardless stage and treatment, prognosis is extremely poor.•The only available primary treatment that improves prognosis is radical surgical excision of the tumor with wide clear margins. | 10.1016/j.gynor.2013.04.004 |
pubmed_499_3554 | Dissolved black carbon (DBC), the water-soluble component of black carbon, which is formed by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels or biochar, takes up about 10% of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in river water. However, the distribution of DBC in water environment especially in source water is not clear and as an important component of DOM, whether DBC can produce disinfection byproducts (DBPs) like other DOM during disinfection remains unknown. In this study, the DBC concentrations in seventeen source water samples from East China were measured. The concentrations of DBC in the source water samples ranged from 60 to 270 μg/L, which were positively correlated with UV254 absorbance and chemical oxygen demand. The levels of DBC in wet season were higher than that in dry season. The average concentrations of DBC in different types of source water samples followed the order of reservoir > canal > lake > river. DBC could only be removed by 20% during the simulated coagulation, and further generate different categories of DBPs during chlorination, among which the concentrations of haloacetic acids (HAA) were the highest. The results indicated that DBC widely distributes in source water and is an important precursor of HAAs and THMs during chlorination. | 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129054 |
pubmed_944_1987 | This study intended to investigate the clinical and electroencephalographic benign occipital epilepsy of childhood (BOEC) characteristics in a population sample of patients from two tertiary Brazilian hospitals. We analyzed retrospectively 4912 electroencephalograms (EEGs) records, and the included patients were submitted to a new clinical and EEG evaluation. Were included 12 (0.92%) patients; 4 (33.3%) with criteria for early BOEC; 6 (50%) for late form and 2 (16.7%) with superimposed early and late onset forms. After new investigation, 2 (16.7%) had normal EEG; 4 (33.3%) had paroxysms over the occipital region; 3 (25%) over the temporal posterior regions and 3 (25%) over the posterior regions. Sharp waves were the predominant change, occurring in 8 (66.6%); spike and slow wave complexes in 1 (8.3%) and sharp and slow wave complexes in 1 (8.3%). Vomiting, headache and visual hallucinations were the most common ictal manifestations, presented in 100% of patients with superimposed forms. Vomiting were absent in the late form and headache was present in all forms of BOEC. | pubmed_944_1987 |
pubmed_496_11166 | Ion channels are transmembrane proteins that allow ions to flow in or out of the cell. Sodium and potassium channel activation and inactivation are the basis of action potential's production and conduction. During the past 15 years, ion channels have been implicated in diseases that have come to be known as the channelopathies. Over 30 mutations of the muscle channel gene SCN4A, which encodes the muscle voltage-gated sodium channel, have been described and associated with neuromuscular disorders like hypo- and hyper-kalaemic periodic paralyses (hypoPP and hyperPP), paramyotonia congenita, sodium channel myotonias and congenital myasthenic syndrome. Different mutations within the same gene (SCN4A) cause distinct clinical disorders, while mutations in different channel genes may result in similar phenotypes. In addition, identical sodium channel mutations can result in different clinical phenotypes (hyperPP or paramyotonia) in different members of the same family, suggesting that the genetic background and perhaps other epigenetic factors may influence the clinical expression of a particular mutation. This article reviews the clinical features of the skeletal muscle sodium channel diseases and highlights the phenotypic or genetic overlap in these disorders. | 10.1007/s10072-005-0461-x |
pubmed_757_18843 | OBJECTIVE
To explore clinical effect of arthroscopic meniscus tear strapping suture by rotator cuff suture threader.
METHODS
Forty patients with meniscus tear injury admitted from July 2015 to May 2019, including 27 males and 13 females, aged from 20 to 55 years old with an average of (36.0±1.4) years old. Menisci laceration was sutured with rotator cuff suture thread under arthroscopy. Postoperative complication was observed, Lysholm knee joint score before and after operation at 12 months were used to evaluate clinical effects, visual analogue scale (VAS) and range of knee flexion and extension were applied to evaluate recovery of pain and function.
RESULTS
All patients were followed up from 12 to 15 months with an average of (12.6±0.7) months.No complication such as joint effusion, suture failure occurred. Two patients occurred mild pain after activity without clinical physical abnormality, and 1 patient manifested moderate pain with joint space tenderness, the other rest without abnormal. Lysholm knee joint score was increased from (49.55±1.21) preoperatively to (98.95±0.42) at 12 months after operation, VAS score decreased from (5.18±0.78)preoperatively to (1.03±0.77) at 12 months after operation, and range of knee joint flexion and extension activity increased from (50.63±9.20)°preoperatively to (130.38±4.99)°after operation, and there were statistical differences in Lysholm knee joint score, VAS and range of knee joint flexion and extension activity (P< 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Arthroscopic strapping suture by rotator cuff suture threading device applies to most meniscus injuries, including medial meniscus posterior horn tears, lateral meniscus body tears and lateral meniscus posterior horn tears. This technique meets the need of full-internal meniscus suture without specialmeniscus suture, and has advantages of convenient operation, less complications and good postoperative function. | 10.12200/j.issn.1003-0034.2021.09.012 |
pubmed_114_14565 | During a period of ten years, 20 children with femoral hernias were treated at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, England. Unfamiliarity with the occurrence of femoral hernias in children resulted in a correct diagnosis in only three (15%) of the 20 cases by the referring physician and in only 13 (65%) of the cases by the first surgeon to see the child. Misdiagnosis included inguinal hernia (four cases), lymphadenitis (two cases), and lymphangioma (one case). In two cases, misdiagnosis resulted in mistreatment; one child had the wrong operation performed, and delay in surgery in another resulted in strangulation of the omentum in the hernial sac. Treatment is by operation, which, despite the wide variety of procedures employed, was successful in 18 of the 20 cases. The two recurrences were due to the performance of inadequate operations; recurrence was really persistent, as the femoral pad of fat was removed but the sac was missed. The positive identification of the hernial sac is imperative. | 10.1001/archsurg.1984.01390220045010 |
pubmed_867_4509 | The authors report the case of a fourteen months old girl who presented with emisomal, uropoietic and vertebral anomalies associated with neurologic handicap. These features can be considered characteristic of facio-auriculo-vertebral spectrum. This syndrome was not frequently described in Italian pediatric literature. | pubmed_867_4509 |
pubmed_968_17338 | AIM
This study was conducted to assess the oral health status in a group of Egyptian children, living with ADHD, before and after the implementation of an oral health education program.
METHODS
A total of 29 Egyptian children, aged 8-12 years old diagnosed with ADHD were enrolled in this study. Their oral health status was assessed using OHI-S. Oral health education program using audiovisual and verbal methods was addressed to the children and their caregivers. The children were advised to limit eating sugar to be once per week, and to brush their teeth twice a day. Modified Bass Technique of tooth brushing was demonstrated to the children using jaw model and toothbrush. A motivational visit was performed for the children after 1 month. At the end of the 3 months program, oral health status of the children was reassessed.
RESULTS
The results showed that there was a significant increase in cases with "Good" scores after the oral health education program (p < .001), moreover, there was a significant decrease of OHI-S scores after the program (p < .001).
CONCLUSION
The oral health education program was efficient in achieving improvement in the oral health status of children with ADHD. | 10.1111/scd.12675 |
pubmed_855_12232 | The aim of this study was to estimate the survival experience of patients with disseminated malignant (stage IV) melanoma regardless of the treatment received. Articles, including abstracts, published in the English language medical literature between 1985 and 1999 were identified through an electronic key word literature search using MEDLINE and PUB-MED together with the reference lists of review articles. Some literature published prior to 1985 was identified through these searches and was also included. Median survivals were calculated across all the data, for the post- and pre-1985 periods, and for the larger studies alone (n > or = 20) using a weighting scheme based on sample size and study characteristics. An attempt was also made to estimate the frequency of long-term survival to 2, 3 and 5 years in this patient population (also stratified according to the study publication time). A total of 83 studies were identified comprising a total of 6322 patients. The overall median survival from diagnosis of stage IV melanoma was estimated to be 8.1 months (approximate 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.3-8.9 months). For the 59 studies published since 1985 (covering 3715 patients), the median survival was 8.9 months (approximate 95% CI 7.9-9.9 months). Prior to 1985, the median survival was 5.8 months (approximate 95% CI 4.5-7.1 months). For the 67 studies with at least 20 patients (a total of 6024 patients), the median survival was 8.1 months (approximate 95% CI 7.2-9.0 months). Long-term survival for the post- and pre-1985 periods over 2, 3 and 5 years was estimated to be 13.6%, 9.7% and 2.3%, respectively, and was consistent across the two time periods. In conclusion, while the survival experience in stage IV melanoma patients has improved since 1985, the use of varied approaches to treat this disease has not produced a favourable long-term prognosis. This meta-analysis will allow the survival results from current and future trials to be compared with the expected survival based on cumulative findings to date. | pubmed_855_12232 |
pubmed_411_17090 | The nonenzymatic replication of ribonucleic acid (RNA) may have enabled the propagation of genetic information during the origin of life. RNA copying can be initiated in the laboratory with chemically activated nucleotides, but continued copying requires a source of chemical energy for in situ nucleotide activation. Recent work has illuminated a potentially prebiotic cyanosulfidic chemistry that activates nucleotides, but its application to nonenzymatic RNA copying had not been demonstrated. Here, we report a novel pathway that activates RNA nucleotides in a manner compatible with template-directed nonenzymatic copying. We show that this pathway, which we refer to as bridge-forming activation, selectively yields the reactive imidazolium-bridged dinucleotide intermediate required for copying. Our results will enable more realistic simulations of RNA propagation based on continuous in situ nucleotide activation. | 10.1021/jacs.0c05300 |
pubmed_19_1410 | High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation continues to play an integral role in the treatment strategy in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Incorporation of newer potent anti-myeloma agents has further improved outcomes. However, disease relapse or progression remains a challenge after autologous transplantation. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation remains the only potentially curative modality for some patients due in part to graft-versus-myeloma effect. High transplant-related mortality, in the range of 30% to 40%, previously seen with myeloablative conditioning regimens, including total body irradiation plus cyclophosphamide has been significantly reduced by introducing less ablative preparative regimens, so called reduced-intensity conditioning. Cumulative evidence suggests encouraging prospects for allogeneic transplantation through improved outcomes of myeloma patients (overall survival exceeding 70% at 2 years in some studies); however, which patient population would benefit most from this treatment remains to be defined. newer strategies to augment graft-versus-myeloma effect and minimize post transplant toxicities are in need of further improvement in patients with myeloma. | 10.5144/1658-3876.2011.1 |
pubmed_996_7820 | We have investigated the molecular basis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) latency in a tissue culture model and in HIV-infected people. We show that increased levels of Tat, but not Rev, can release the proviruses from latency in U1 cells. The absence of Tat in these cells is manifested by the accumulation of promoter-proximal viral transcripts, whereas the presence of Tat correlates with increased expression of viral proteins and an increase in promoter-distal transcripts. The presence of promoter-proximal transcripts also serves as a marker for latency in humans. We observed the exclusive presence of promoter-proximal viral transcripts in peripheral mononuclear cells from the majority (10/11) of asymptomatic HIV-infected individuals examined. Activation of these cells in vitro, and viremia in vivo, correlated with a switch from promoter-proximal transcription to promoter-distal transcription. These results suggest that the control between latency and replication of HIV in vivo is at the level of transcription elongation. | 10.1073/pnas.91.9.3862 |
pubmed_190_11252 | Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the tear and salivary glands leading to dryness of the mouth and eyes. The awareness that extraglandular manifestations, such as polyneuropathy, arthritis or recurrent airway infections may indicate Sjögren's syndrome is important. In the diagnostic procedure, the tear and saliva production and antibodies against Sjögren's syndrome A (SS-A) and SS-B should be measured. A salivary gland biopsy should be performed when the diagnosis is not still clear. The therapy of oral and ocular dryness is mainly symptomatic whereas the treatment of extraglandular manifestations is based on experience with treatment of these manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). | 10.1007/s00393-013-1313-8 |
pubmed_262_6580 | Some superresolving pupils, featuring a central maximum narrower than Airy's core and a first secondary maximum of a few percent, have been computed, following Frieden's formula and his criterion of maximum superresolution for circular symmetry. A superresolution factor of about 28% may be achieved without much sacrifice of illumination. Other pupils have been investigated where the SF reaches 35%. The behavior of the sidelobes in the point impulse image is examined. The corresponding encircled energy and point impulse response are given. | 10.1364/AO.15.003089 |
pubmed_198_11657 | To identify risk factors associated with community- and household-acquired pertussis, we studied 61 households (HHs) with members with culture-positive illnesses and compared their characteristics with 58 neighborhood control-HHs and 62 randomly selected control-HHs. Case-HHs were more likely than either control group to have members 12-18 y of age (P less than .01); these individuals accounted for 34% of all primary cases. A history of exposure outside the home was the most important predictor of community-acquired infection (P less than .001), with adolescents being at higher risk than other age-groups (odds ratio, 3.2; P less than .001). After known exposure to a culture-positive case in the same HH, the risk of illness was unrelated to age; lengthy delays in initiating erythromycin therapy and prophylaxis were the only factors associated with secondary spread (P less than .01). The risk of pertussis may be related more to the likelihood of exposure than to age-related increases in susceptibility, and the risk can be reduced with appropriate use of erythromycin. | 10.1093/infdis/157.6.1134 |
pubmed_319_17542 | Entrance of threshold concentrations of copper, zinc, iron, manganese, lead, chromium into the body of sexually mature male rats leads to secretory malfunction of the testicles, which manifests by a decrease of sperm concentration in the ejaculate, a decrease of percentage of motile gametes, an increase in the proportion of morphologically abnormal sperm forms. The evidence of disorders in spermatogram's parameters is directly depends on the duration of the influence of combination of heavy metal salts. The application of the drug Tivortin against intoxication of heavy metal salts decrease the adverse movement of quantitative and qualitative parameters of rat's spermatogramms, so far as Tivortin improves blood circulation, stimulates cell proliferation and cell differentiation, inhibits oxidative apoptosis. These explain beneficial effects of the drug on the growth and maturation of germ cells in case of the influence heavy metal salts combination on organ and the whole body. | pubmed_319_17542 |
pubmed_692_11999 | The goal of molecular cytogenetic testing for children presenting with developmental delay (DD) is to identify or exclude genetic abnormalities that are associated with cognitive, behavioral and/or motor symptoms. Until 2010, chromosome analysis was the standard first-line genetic screening test for evaluation of patients with DD when a specific syndrome was not suspected. In 2010, The American College of Medical Genetics and several other groups recommended chromosomal microarray as the first-line test in children with DDs, multiple congenital anomalies and/or autism. This test is able to detect regions of genomic imbalances at a much finer resolution than G-banded karyotyping. Until recently, no chromosomal microarray testing had been approved by the US FDA. This article focuses on the use of the Affymetrix CytoScan(®) Dx Assay (Santa Clara, CA, USA), the first chromosomal microarray to receive FDA approval for the genetic evaluation of individuals with DD. | 10.1586/14737159.2015.975213 |
pubmed_1055_7731 | Tunable band-stop filters based on graphene with periodically modulated chemical potentials are proposed. Periodic graphene can be considered as a plasmonic crystal. Its energy band diagram is analyzed, which clearly shows a blue shift of the forbidden band with increasing chemical potential. Structural design and optimization are performed by an effective-index-based transfer matrix method, which is confirmed by numerical simulations. The center frequency of the filter can be tuned in a range from 37 to 53 THz based on the electrical tunability of graphene, while the modulation depth (-26 dB) and the bandwidth (3.1 THz) of the filter remain unchanged. Specifically, the bandwidth and modulation depth of the filters can be flexibly preset by adjusting the chemical potential ratio and the period number. The length of the filter (~750 nm) is only 1/9 of the operating wavelength in vacuum, which makes the filter a good choice for compact on-chip applications. | 10.1038/srep26796 |
pubmed_1048_21593 | Recently, we reported a dramatic solvent effect on the phosphorus hyperfine coupling constant aP of β-phosphorylated six-membered ring nitroxides, that is, approximately 25 G of difference in aP from n-hexane to water (Org. Biomol. Chem. 2016, 14, -1228-1292). In this article, we report on the effect of intramolecular hydrogen bonding (IHB) in three nitroxides exhibiting IHB between the hydroxyl and diethylphosphoryl groups and one exhibiting IHB between the hydroxyl group and the nitroxyl moiety. It is observed that for the first three nitroxides, aP increases with increasing polarity/polarizability and hydrogen bond donor (HBD) properties of the solvent (π* and α, respectively)-in sharp contrast to the data reported in the literature-and for the last nitroxide, aP decreases with π* and α. In fact, the occurrence of IHB induces a large strain, its suppression by hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) solvents affords an increase in aP . | 10.1002/cphc.201600647 |
pubmed_616_16767 | BACKGROUND
Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3), as an emerging circovirus species, was reported to be widely circulating in the United States, China, South Korea and Poland. Previous studies revealed that PCV3 was mainly concentrated in sick animals with respiratory disease, skin disease, reproductive disorders and so on. However, the circulating status of PCV3 in pigs with other clinical presentations (especilly asymptomatic or diarrhea) was not well established.
FINDINGS
In this study, to conduct a comparative epidemiological survey of PCV3, 80 weaned pig serum samples with severe respiratory disease (SRD), 175 weaned pig serum samples with mild respiratory disease (MRD), 216 asymptomatic weaned pig serum samples, 35 diarrheal weaned pig samples and 35 non-diarrheal weaned pig samples were collected from eight provinces of China. Via qPCR testing, PCV3 was circulating in all sampling provinces, with total positive rates varying from 1.04% to 100%. Interestingly, the PCV3-positive rate was significantly higher in weaned pigs with SRD (63.75%, 51/80) than in those weaned pigs with MRD (13.14%, 23/175) and asymptomatic pigs (1.85%, 4/216) (P < 0.01). Similarly, the PCV3-positive rate was significantly higher in diarrheal weaned pigs (17.14%, 6/35) than in non-diarrheal weaned pigs (2.86%, 1/35) (P < 0.05). Moreover, the lower Ct values of qPCR were frequently found in those weaned pigs or fattening pigs with respiratory disease and diarrhea rather than that in asymptomatic pigs. Sequence analysis showed that low genetic diversity existed among those PCV3 sequences collected from pigs with different clinical presentations.
CONCLUSIONS
The present study further extends evidence that newly described PCV3 widely circulates in six additional provinces of Southern and Northern China and has high similarity to previously reported isolates. As an emerging virus of swine, although the present case-control study reveals that PCV3 has a potential association with swine respiratory disease and diarrhea, further investigations into the pathogenesis are needed to ascertain the role of PCV3 in swine health. | 10.1186/s12985-017-0892-4 |
pubmed_1093_1871 | BACKGROUND
Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of several other chronic diseases. In contrast, a previous study found an inverse relation between diabetes and migraine, whereas another large population-based study showed that the prevalence of migraine among patients with diabetes varied strongly depending on age. We aimed to investigate how the prevalence of medically treated migraine in patients with diabetes varied depending on diabetic drug treatment, sex, and age in the complete Norwegian population.
METHODS
Data on all persons in Norway being prescribed medication for diabetes (n =124,649) or migraine (n = 81,225) in 2006 were obtained from the National Register of Prescriptions and analyzed in a cross-sectional design.
RESULTS
Persons using diabetic drugs had an overall reduced prevalence of medically treated migraine when compared with the nondiabetic population (odds ratio [OR] = 0.72 [95% confidence interval = 0.68-0.75]). The OR was strongly associated with age. Although young persons receiving oral diabetic medication had, in fact, an increased prevalence of medically treated migraine, the prevalence declined with increasing age to about the same reduced prevalence (OR = 0.4-0.6) for all types of diabetes treatment in patients 60 to 69 years of age. The prevalence was equally decreased between men and women.
CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest a markedly reduced prevalence of migraine among older patients with diabetes, when compared with the general population. One may speculate that the seemingly protective effect of diabetes on migraine could be a result of neuropathy. | 10.1097/EDE.0b013e31827623d0 |
pubmed_553_7961 | The short term monoamine releaser p-chloroamphetamine (PCA) was injected intraperitoneally in male rats housed at 20 degrees C. Within 2 hr of PCA injections (2.5, 5.0, 8.0 or 10.0 mg/kg), rats showed ejaculation, decreased colonic temperature, increased salivation, and increased irritability. Ejaculation and salivation scores were considerably lower in the 2.5 mg/kg than in the higher dose groups, but otherwise were not dose dependent at the doses used. Hypothermia was of similar magnitude in all groups, but lasted longer in the higher dose groups. Irritability increased with dose size. In order to study the role of ambient temperature in PCA-induced behavioral changes, observations were made on an additional group or rats housed at the higher ambient temperature of 25 degrees C. In these rats an increase, rather than a decrease, in mean colonic temperature was observed following PCA injection (5 mg/kg). Ejaculation and irritability scores were similar to those observed at the lower ambient temperature, but salivation was enhanced. It is suggested that PCA induces ejaculation, salivation, irritability and, depending on the ambient temperature, either hypothermia or hyperthermia. | 10.1016/0091-3057(80)90443-8 |
pubmed_908_10077 | Citrate based polymer poly(octamethylene citrate) (POC) has shown promise when formulated into composite material containing up to 65 wt% hydroxylapatite (HA) for orthopedic applications. Despite significant research into POC, insufficient information about the biocompatibility of the monomers 1,8-Octanediol and Citrate used in its synthesis is available. Herein, we investigated the acute cytotoxicity, immune response, and long-term functionality of both monomers. Our results showed a cell-type dependent cytotoxicity of the two monomers: 1,8-Octanediol induced less acute toxicity to 3T3 fibroblasts than Citrate while presenting comparable cytotoxicity to MG63 osteoblast-like cells; however, Citrate demonstrated enhanced compatibility with hMSCs compared to 1,8-Octanediol. The critical cytotoxic concentration values EC30 and EC50, standard for comparing cytotoxicity of chemicals, were also provided. Additionally, Citrate showed slower and less inhibitory effects on long-term hMSC cell proliferation compared with 1,8-Octanediol. Furthermore, osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs exposure to Citrate resulted in less inhibitory effect on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) production. Neither monomer triggered undesired pro-inflammatory responses. In combination with diffusion model analysis of monomer release from cylindrical implants, based on which the maximum concentration of monomers in contact with bone tissue was estimated to be 2.2 × 10-4 mmol/L, far lower than the critical cytotoxic concentrations as well as the 1,8-Octanediol concentration (0.4 mg/mL or 2.7 mmol/L) affecting hMSCs differentiation, we provide strong evidence for the cytocompatibility of the two monomers degraded from citrate-based composites in the orthopedic setting. | 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2018.01.002 |
pubmed_742_18201 | An activity involving analysis of art in biology courses was designed with the goals of piquing undergraduates' curiosity, broadening the ways in which college students meaningfully engage with course content and concepts, and developing aspects of students' higher-level thinking skills, such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. To meet these learning outcomes, the activity had three key components: preparatory readings, first-hand visual analysis of art during a visit to an art museum, and communication of the analysis. Following a presentation on the methodology of visual analysis, students worked in small groups to examine through the disciplinary lens of biology a selection of approximately 12 original artworks related in some manner to love. The groups then developed and presented for class members a mini-exhibition of several pieces addressing one of two questions: 1) whether portrayals of love in art align with the growing understanding of the biology of love or 2) whether the bodily experience of love is universal or, alternatively, is culturally influenced, as is the experience of depression. Evaluation of quantitative and qualitative assessment data revealed that the assignment engaged students, supported development of higher-level thinking skills, and prompted meaningful engagement with course material. | 10.1187/cbe.12-08-0114 |
pubmed_21_6134 | Increased accumulation of specific carotenoids in plastids through plant breeding or genetic engineering requires an understanding of the limitations that storage sites for these compounds may impose on that accumulation. Here, using Capsicum annuum L. fruit, we demonstrate directly the unique sub-organellar accumulation sites of specific carotenoids using live cell hyperspectral confocal Raman microscopy. Further, we show that chromoplasts from specific cultivars vary in shape and size, and these structural variations are associated with carotenoid compositional differences. Live-cell imaging utilizing laser scanning confocal (LSCM) and confocal Raman microscopy, as well as fixed tissue imaging by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), all demonstrated morphological differences with high concordance for the measurements across the multiple imaging modalities. These results reveal additional opportunities for genetic controls on fruit color and carotenoid-based phenotypes. | 10.1111/tpj.12351 |
pubmed_81_13279 | BACKGROUND
Prenatal exposure of the developing brain to cocaine causes morphological and behavioral abnormalities. Recent studies indicate that cocaine-induced proliferation inhibition and/or apoptosis in neural progenitor cells may play a pivotal role in causing these abnormalities. To understand the molecular mechanism through which cocaine inhibits cell proliferation in neural progenitors, we sought to identify the molecules that are responsible for mediating the effect of cocaine on cell cycle regulation.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
Microarray analysis followed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR was used to screen cocaine-responsive and cell cycle-related genes in a neural progenitor cell line where cocaine exposure caused a robust anti-proliferative effect by interfering with the G1-to-S transition. Cyclin A2, among genes related to the G1-to-S cell cycle transition, was most strongly down-regulated by cocaine. Down-regulation of cyclin A was also found in cocaine-treated human primary neural and A2B5+ progenitor cells, as well as in rat fetal brains exposed to cocaine in utero. Reversing cyclin A down-regulation by gene transfer counteracted the proliferation inhibition caused by cocaine. Further, we found that cocaine-induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species, which involves N-oxidation of cocaine via cytochrome P450, promotes cyclin A down-regulation by causing an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response, as indicated by increased phosphorylation of eIF2alpha and expression of ATF4. In the developing rat brain, the P450 inhibitor cimetidine counteracted cocaine-induced inhibition of neural progenitor cell proliferation as well as down-regulation of cyclin A.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results demonstrate that down-regulation of cyclin A underlies cocaine-induced proliferation inhibition in neural progenitors. The down-regulation of cyclin A is initiated by N-oxidative metabolism of cocaine and consequent ER stress. Inhibition of cocaine N-oxidative metabolism by P450 inhibitors may provide a preventive strategy for counteracting the adverse effects of cocaine on fetal brain development. | 10.1371/journal.pmed.0050117 |
pubmed_242_15738 | Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) including remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) and remote ischemic postconditioning (RIPostC) is widely reported to be able to prevent many organs, such as heart, brain, and skeletal muscle from ischemia-related injury. However, the clinical application of RIC is confined to treating myocardial infarction and stroke. Since RIC could prevent skeletal muscle from ischemia-related injury, and was effective in heart and brain treatments, we hypothesized RIC could treat ischemia-related injury of limbs, such as diabetic foot, Buerger's disease, plantation of severed limb, and crush injury. As we know, many researches not only proved the promising clinical applications of RIC, but also researched the mechanisms in animal models. Our hypothesis could be confirmed by these researches. | pubmed_242_15738 |
pubmed_592_22542 | The study was performed proceeding from the hypothesis that pain proneness in chronic pain disorder (CPD) is a result of alterations in central mechanisms regulating pain sensations. To elucidate the function of the central renin-angiotensin system, the levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and peripheral blood were measured in 15 CPD patients and 19 healthy controls. Plasma AVP levels (p = .01) as well as the serum osmolality (p = .01) were significantly higher in the CPD group. No significant differences in CSF ACE levels were found. AVP is a stress-related peptide, but central antinociceptive effects have also been reported. Elevated plasma AVP levels possibly may constitute a response to chronic stress. | 10.1016/0006-3223(95)00577-3 |
pubmed_737_3778 | PURPOSE
To describe the prevalence and causes of visual impairment and blindness in an urban Indian population.
DESIGN
Population-based study.
PARTICIPANTS
Ethnic Indians aged more than 40 years living in Singapore.
METHODS
Participants underwent standardized ophthalmic assessments for visual impairment and blindness, defined using best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and presenting visual acuity (PVA), according to US and modified World Health Organization (WHO) definitions.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Unilateral visual impairment or blindness was defined on the basis of the worse eye, and bilateral visual impairment or blindness was defined on the basis of the better eye. Primary causes of visual impairment were determined.
RESULTS
A total of 3400 eligible individuals (75.6% response rate) participated. On the basis of US definitions, the age-standardized prevalence was 0.4% for bilateral blindness (≤20/200, better eye) and 3.4% for bilateral visual impairment (<20/40 to >20/200, better eye). Another 0.3% of bilateral blindness and 13.4% of bilateral visual impairment were correctable with refraction. Cataract was the principal cause of best-corrected bilateral blindness (60.0%) and bilateral visual impairment (65.7%). Other major causes of blindness and visual impairment included diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, corneal opacity, and myopic maculopathy.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of bilateral blindness and visual impairment in Indians living in Singapore is lower than estimates from populations living in India, but similar to estimates obtained from Singapore Malay and Chinese populations. Cataract is the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment. One in 20 cases of bilateral blindness and 1 in 10 cases of bilateral visual impairment are attributable to diabetic retinopathy. These data may have relevance to many ethnic Indian persons living outside India. | 10.1016/j.ophtha.2011.02.014 |
pubmed_1071_1393 | BACKGROUND
The relationship between obesity, physical fitness, and inflammation was analyzed in a Polish population aged 12 to 18 years.
MATERIAL/METHODS
Body mass index measurements and Eurofit physical fitness tests were undertaken to assess the adiposity and physical fitness status, respectively, of subjects. Serum samples were collected to measure standard inflammatory markers, including interleukin 6; and the acute-phase proteins alpha1-acid glycoprotein and alpha1-antichymotrypsin. In addition, the glycosylation profiles of alpha1-acid glycoprotein and alpha1-antichymotrypsin were analyzed to further evaluate immune statuses.
RESULTS
The physical fitness of individuals was negatively influenced by obesity. Obese subjects were characterized by an abnormal immune balance, including increased levels of alpha1-acid glycoprotein, as well as alpha1-antichymotrypsin, and altered glycosylation profiles indicative of an underlying inflammatory condition. Older age, male sex, and a large body mass index appeared to correlate with poor physical fitness scores and a disturbed immune status.
CONCLUSIONS
Impaired physical fitness is indicative for non-compensated overweight and affects mainly males aged 15 to 18 years. Female subjects seemed to cope better with increased body mass. | 10.12659/MSM.883959 |
pubmed_294_24113 | Complementary DNA clones encoding acidic and basic isoforms of tomato chitinases were isolated from Cladosporium fulvum-infected leaves. The clones were sequenced and found to encode the 30 kDa basic intracellular and the 26 and 27 kDa acidic extracellular tomato chitinases previously purified (M.H.A.J. Joosten et al., in preparation). A fourth truncated cDNA which appears to encode an extracellular chitinase with 82% amino acid similarity to the 30 kDa intracellular chitinase was also isolated. Characterization of the clones revealed that the 30 kDa basic intracellular protein is a class I chitinase and that the 26 and 27 kDa acidic extracellular proteins which have 85% peptide sequence similarity are class II chitinases. The characterized cDNA clones represent four from a family of at least six tomato chitinases. Southern blot analysis indicated that, with the exception of the 30 kDa basic intracellular chitinase, the tomato chitinases are encoded by one or two genes. Northern blot analysis showed that the mRNA encoding the 26 kDa acidic extracellular chitinase is induced more rapidly during an incompatible C. fulvum-tomato interaction than during a compatible interaction. This difference in timing of mRNA induction was not observed for the 30 kDa basic intracellular chitinase. | 10.1007/BF00028974 |
pubmed_528_23825 | OBJECTIVE
Data on synovial fluid (SF) cytokine concentrations in patients with reactive arthritis (ReA) or undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy (uSpA) are limited and contradictory. We measured levels of several proinflammatory and immunoregulatory cytokines in SF and sera from patients with ReA/uSpA.
METHODS
Interleukin 17 (IL-17), IL-6, interferon-g (IFN-g), and IL-12p40, and immunoregulatory cytokines IL-10 and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) were assayed using ELISA in SF specimens from 51 patients with ReA/uSpA (ReA 21, uSpA 30), 40 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 11 patients with osteoarthritis (OA). IL-17, IL-6, IFN-g, and IL-10 levels were also measured in paired sera samples from patients with ReA/uSpA.
RESULTS
SF concentrations of IL-17, IL-6, TGF-beta, and IFN-g were significantly higher in patients with ReA/uSpA as compared to RA patients (for IL-17 median 46 pg/ml, range < 7.8-220 vs median < 7.8 pg/ml, range < 7.8-136, p < 0.05; for TGF-beta median 4.2 ng/ml, range 1.32-12 vs median 3.01 ng/ml, range 0.6-9.6, p < 0.01; for IL-6 median 58 ng/ml, range 2-540 vs median 34.5 ng/ml, range < 0.009-220, p < 0.05; for IFN-g median 290 pg/ml, range < 9.4-1600 vs median 100 pg/ml, range < 9.4-490, p < 0.05). SF levels of IL-10 were comparable but the ratio of IFN-g/IL-10 was significantly higher in ReA/uSpA patients than RA patients (median 3.18, range 0.06-200 for ReA/uSpA vs median 1.0, range 0.03-26.9 for RA; p < 0.05). IL-17, IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-g SF levels were significantly higher than paired serum levels in ReA/uSpA patients (p < 0.01 for IL-17, p < 0.0001 for IL-6, p < 0.0001 for IL-10, and p < 0.001 for IFN-g).
CONCLUSION
Increased IL-17, IL-6, TGF-beta, and IFN-g concentrations in ReA/uSpA than in RA suggest that Th1 and Th17 cells could be the major agents in inflammation in ReA/uSpA. | pubmed_528_23825 |
pubmed_275_140 | A method of loading a slurry prepared from a solid sample for analysis of beryllium in geological samples using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was approached by combining slurry sampling with probe atomization. The factors that influence the performances of beryllium including ashing and atomization temperature, atomization surfaces (probe and tube), the materials of the tube and probe, and the use of matrix modifiers were investigated. The results show that the determination of beryllium in geological samples could be performed by direct slurry sampling with the use of calcium as the matrix modifier for a calibration established with aqueous standards. The relative standard deviations (RSD) of the method were 3.1-5.2%. The analytical results of the geological reference samples were consistent with the certified values. The activation energy during beryllium atomization was calculated using the Arrhenius graph method which was in good with the bonding energy of Be-O. | pubmed_275_140 |
pubmed_394_9421 | OBJECTIVES
To determine how Japanese patients with lung cancer weigh the chance of cure and potential survival against the potential toxicity of different treatment strategies for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
METHODS
We used a questionnaire describing a hypothetical situation involving locally advanced NSCLC. Seventy-three patients with lung cancer who had received chemotherapy and a control group of 120 patients without cancer were asked to state the minimal benefit that would make two hypothetical treatments acceptable.
RESULTS
Patients with lung cancer were significantly more likely than were patients without cancer to accept either intensive or less-intensive chemoradiotherapy for a potentially small benefit for 'chance of cure' and 'response but not cure'. The percentages of patients who would accept intensive or less-intensive chemoradiotherapy to prolong survival did not differ significantly between the two groups. When the chance of cure was 20%, 56 and 64% of patients with lung cancer were willing to receive intensive and less-intensive chemoradiotherapy, respectively. If their lives were prolonged by 6 months, 20 and 30% of patients with lung cancer would choose to receive intensive and less-intensive chemoradiotherapy, respectively. The chance of cure and the survival advantage that patients require for accepting chemoradiotherapy varied widely. No factors were associated with the choice of chemoradiotherapy in patients with lung cancer.
CONCLUSIONS
Physicians must consider the substantial range of attitudes to chemoradiotherapy among patients when selecting treatment and give patients opportunities to be included in the treatment-selection process. | 10.1002/pon.1450 |
pubmed_1123_18554 | Main objective of the recently started collaborative research project SFB/TR29 B4 is to provide cross-generational assistance to human operators working in industrial product-service systems (IPS(2)). By combining the ideas of action-specificity and multimodality a more immediate and purposeful reaction towards warnings is assumed. For this purpose, an action-specific warning system in form of a glove has been developed. It provides either visual, auditory or haptic feedback or a combination of all modalities. In a first study this prototype was compared with a conventional warning system, where multimodal devices were directly mounted to the machine. The test scenario used in this study is the 'changing of a spindle' on a replica of a micro milling machine. It was conducted with 42 participants. The experimental design is a within-design in terms of the two warning systems and a between-design concerning the three modalities and its combinations. Results of the two-way ANOVA with repeated measures on both factors 'system' and 'modality' show a significant main effect for the 'modality' and a significant interaction effect between both factors. Especially the haptic warnings on the action-specific glove were described as "that kind of warning, which evokes the fastest response". | 10.3233/WOR-2012-0632-3533 |
pubmed_312_10712 | Ergonovine, methoxamine and clonidine were administered intravenously in order to clarify the mechanism of coronary artery spasm in canine experiments. After these administrations, 27.5% of the dogs treated with ergonovine, 59.5% of the dogs treated with methoxamine and 72.7% of the dogs treated with clonidine showed ST segment elevation. The combined application of propranolol with ergonovine or methoxamine could more easily induce ST segment elevation than a single application of ergonovine or methoxamine. Most cases of elevated ST segment returned to the normal after the administration of nitroglycerin and phentolamine. Yohimbine was completely effective for the restoration of normal ST segment. Plasma norepinephrine decreased to 20 +/- 8.0% of the control when ST segment elevation was induced. This is a significantly greater decrease than that seen without ST segment elevation (p less than 0.001). Concomitant with the restoration of normal ST segment, plasma norepinephrine increased after the administration of yohimbine. Methoxamine and clonidine increased (p less than 0.01) and yohimbine decreased (p less than 0.01) coronary vascular resistance. Coronary spasm was visualized on coronary arteriogram after the application of clonidine; also coronary vasodilation was visualized after the administration of yohimbine. These results confirm the hypothesis that coronary artery spasm is mediated by pre- and postsynaptic alpha 2-adrenoceptors. | 10.1253/jcj.49.108 |
pubmed_418_12493 | The aim of this study was to discern an abscopal effect by modifying the delivery of radiation for metastatic malignant melanoma. The effect would be directly evident with visible/radiographic regression of the disease and indirectly shown with an overall extension in survival and potential cure. Patients with locally advanced, metastatic palpable, or radiographic visible metastatic malignant melanoma were treated with twice-daily radiation therapy using a dose range of 100-135 centigray (cGy) per fraction. A 100% complete response/continued regression with no recurrence was achieved within the region of delivery for every patient so treated. Of those alive at three years, few demonstrate a progression of the disease. These results were achieved without the use of immunotherapy, created few side effects, and were accomplished at a fraction of the alternative's cost. Evidence of an immune-mediated response (abscopal effect) was commonly seen. Treatment was administered within acceptable dose ranges, historically used twice daily for other malignancies known to be sensitive to the effects of radiation. | 10.7759/cureus.4161 |
pubmed_522_20494 | Chronic daily headaches (CDH) consist of episodes of head pain occurring daily; more than 15 days each month; often associated with a history of migraine, with or without aura; or with a history of tension-type headaches occurring alone or both occurring together. Chronic daily headaches are frequently associated with rebound headaches after ergotamine, barbiturate, caffeine, and analgesic abuse. We previously reported that migraineurs with typical intermittent headaches exhibited excessive cerebral cortical vasodilation after oral acetazolamide which usually precipitated and reproduced their typical headaches. In the present study, cerebral vasodilator responses were tested by measuring changes in local cerebral blood flow (Delta LCBF) utilizing xenon-contrasted CT scanning, before and after oral administration of 14.3 mg/kg of acetazolamide, in 11 patients with CDH. The results were compared with 12 age-matched typical migraineurs, with and without aura, who had a history of migraine attacks occurring at intervals of 1 month or longer. Global and subcortical gray and white matter Delta LCBFs were quantitated and compared between both groups. After acetazolamide, Delta LCBF increased in cortical gray matter by 11.8% among patients with CDH and by 16.7% among migraineurs, with no significant differences between groups. Typical migraine attacks were provoked by acetazolamide in 9 patients (82%) with CDH and in 11 (92%) migraineurs with intermittent headaches. These observations are taken as evidence that at least 82% of patients with CDH have transformed migraine as judged by the provocation by acetazolamide of typical migraine attacks associated with excessive Delta LCBF increases. Serotonin agonists should be considered in the treatment of CDH to avoid ergotamine, caffeine, barbiturate, and analgesic abuse. | 10.1046/j.1526-4610.1999.3902095.x |
pubmed_16_20042 | This review describes the results of some publications on monitoring radiation-induced mutation in the human germline. Recent data have shown that minisatellite loci provide a useful and sensitive experimental approach for monitoring radiation-induced mutation in humans. The progress made in validating this approach and the results of recent publications on the analysis of minisatellite mutation rates in the irradiated families are presented. | pubmed_16_20042 |
pubmed_814_76 | PURPOSE
Previous studies reported a correlation between olfactory function and depression. However, in literature, no data are available for the correlation between depression and all other factors such as age, sex, olfactory, gustatory, and cognitive function in healthy subjects taken together. The aim of this study was to provide a systematic account regarding the association between those variables in a non-clinical population.
METHODS
Two hundred and seventy-three participants were recruited with an age range of 19-84 years. Olfactory, gustatory, cognitive function, and depression level were evaluated by means of the following tests: the Sniffin' Sticks test, Taste Strips test, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).
RESULTS
In our data, an age-related decrease in olfactory and gustatory function and a decline in cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and language were observed. Instead, no significant differences were observed for the depression level in relation to the different age ranges. However, our results indicated that the depression level could be associated to sex, odor identification impairment, and decreased attention and language.
CONCLUSION
Sex, the odor identification impairment, and an age-related decrease in attention and language are associated with increased level of depression in healthy subjects. Our data can be useful and informative for health care workers, that is, to have adequate preventive strategies to be used whenever these conditions are detected and recognized. | 10.3389/fnins.2021.599593 |
pubmed_669_12647 | BACKGROUND
In coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, risk stratification based on clinical presentation, co-morbid illness, and combined laboratory parameters is essential to provide an adequate, timely intervention based on an individual's conditions to prevent mortality among cases.
METHODS
A retrospective observational study was carried out from June to October 2020, including all reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive COVID-19 non-survivors and control group survivors randomly selected after age and sex matching. Clinical and demographic information was collected from the medical records. Categorical variables were expressed by frequency and percentage. To explore the risk factors associated with mortality, univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
All non-survivors (n = 100) and 100 survivors (out of 1,018) were analyzed. Male gender (67.4%) was the independent risk factor for COVID-19 infection. Advanced age group, diabetes, cardiovascular, neurological, and hypertensive co-morbidities were statistically associated with mortality. Cardiac arrest and acute kidney injury (AKI) were the most common complications. Mortality is significantly associated with lymphopenia and raised lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), as shown by higher odds. In addition, raised neutrophils, monocytes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum creatinine, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) are also significantly associated with mortality. The most common causes of death were respiratory failure (84%) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (77%). Of the non-survivors, 92% received corticosteroids, 63% were on high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy, 29% were mechanically ventilated, and 29% received tocilizumab.
CONCLUSION
Serial monitoring of neutrophils, lymphocytes, D-dimer, procalcitonin, AST, LDH, CRP, IL-6, serum creatinine, and albumin might provide a reliable and convenient method for classifying and predicting the severity and outcomes of patients with COVID-19. | 10.7759/cureus.19791 |
pubmed_318_9833 | Internal fixation of fractures has become increasingly important since the introduction of self-compressing implants. Rigidity of fixation thus ensured permits primary bone healing. Two types of self-compressing implants are available--screws and plates. The former produces compression between fracture fragments, the latter, along the long axis of the bone. Two common types of plates are the dynamic compression plate and the Osteo self-compressing plate. Use of self-compressing implants requires familiarity with the technique, a definite plan of operation, and strict asepsis and lack of infection in the patient. Indications for the technique include failure or unsuitability of closed reduction of fractures, care of associated serious soft-tissue injuries, and displaced intra-articular fractures. Use of self-compressing plates hastens rehabilitation, lessens joint stiffness and reduces the duration of hospitalization. The incidence of nonunion with self-compression techniques is lower than with traditional methods of fracture management. | pubmed_318_9833 |
pubmed_431_7232 | Carrageenans are highly sulfated polysaccharides that are widely used as food additives due to their ability to improve food texture. They are also widely recognized for their ability to induce inflammation in animal models of colitis. Recently, we reported that carrageenan (CGN) activated a pathway of innate immunity in human colonic epithelial cells mediated by Bcl10 (B-cell CLL/lymphoma 10). However, increases in phospho-IkappaBalpha and Interleukin-8 (IL-8) were not completely inhibited by silencing Bcl10, suggesting that CGN also influenced another mechanism, or mechanisms, of inflammation. In this report, we demonstrate that CGN increases production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human colonic epithelial cells. The combination of ROS quenching by the free radical scavenger Tempol and of Bcl10 silencing by siRNA completely inhibited the CGN-induced increases in nuclear NFkappaB (p65), phospho-IkappaBalpha, and secretion of IL-8. The CGN-induced increase in ROS was associated with declines in phosphorylation of MAPK 12 (p38gamma), MAPK 13 (p38delta), and heat-shock protein (Hsp) 27. The CGN-induced decline in phospho-Hsp27 was reversed by co-administration of Tempol (100 nM), but unaffected by silencing Bcl10. Since Hsp27 phosphorylation is inversely associated with phosphorylation of the IkappaBalpha kinase (IKK) signalosome, CGN exposure appears to affect the IKK signalosome by both the catalytic component, mediated by ROS-phospho-Hsp27, and the regulatory component, mediated by Bcl10 interaction with IKKgamma (Nemo). Hence, the CGN-activated inflammatory cascades related to innate immunity and to generation of ROS may be integrated at the level of the IKK signalosome. | 10.1016/j.bbagen.2008.03.019 |
pubmed_1017_7213 | The development of sensors and biosensors based on copper enzymes and/or copper oxides for phenol sensing is disclosed in this work. The electrochemical properties were studied by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry using standard solutions of potassium ferrocyanide, phosphate/acetate buffers and representative natural phenols in a wide pH range (3.0 to 9.0). Among the natural phenols herein investigated, the highest sensitivity was observed for rutin, a powerful antioxidant widespread in functional foods and ubiquitous in the plant kingdom. The calibration curve for rutin performed at optimum pH (7.0) was linear in a broad concentration range, 1 to 120 µM (r = 0.99), showing detection limits of 0.4 µM. The optimized biomimetic sensor was also applied in total phenol determination in natural samples, exhibiting higher stability and sensitivity as well as distinct selectivity for antioxidant compounds. | pubmed_1017_7213 |
pubmed_796_15849 | An inherited deficiency of porphobilinogen deaminase [porphobilinogen ammonia-lyase (polymerizing), EC 4.3.1.8] in humans is responsible for the autosomal dominant disease acute intermittent porphyria. Different classes of mutations have been described at the protein level suggesting that this is a heterogeneous disease. It was previously demonstrated that porphobilinogen deaminase is encoded by two distinct mRNA species expressed in a tissue-specific manner. Analysis of the genomic sequences indicated that these two mRNAs are transcribed from two promoters and only differ in their first exon. The first mutation identified in the human porphobilinogen deaminase gene is a single-base substitution (G----A) in the canonical 5' splice donor site of intron 1. This mutation leads to a particular subtype of acute intermittent porphyria characterized by the restriction of the enzymatic defect to nonerythropoietic tissues. Hybridization analysis using oligonucleotide probes after in vitro amplification of genomic DNA offers another possibility of detecting asymptomatic carriers of the mutation in affected families. | 10.1073/pnas.86.2.661 |
pubmed_542_16091 | Ectoenzyme activities were determined in peripheral blood cells from patients with acute leukemias, from normal controls, and in cells of hematopoietic cell lines. In common acute lymphoblastic leukemia, cell membrane-associated 5'-nucleotidase (5'-N) activity was significantly higher than in acute T and unclassified lymphoblastic leukemias. In acute myeloblastic and myelomonocytic leukemias, cells contained significantly higher gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GT) activity than in lymphoblastic leukemias. Normal B lymphocytes differed from T cells and monocytes mainly in their 5'-N activity, whereas in monocytes, gamma-GT activity was more pronounced than in other normal blood cells. Hematopoietic cell lines showed some distinct patterns of ectoenzyme activity. Most B cell lines had high 5'-N and (Na-K-Mg) adenosine triphosphatase activities. In lines of myeloid origin, elevated gamma-GT values were found. In lymphoid stem cells and in T lymphoblast lines, most ectoenzyme activities were lower than in the other cell lines. In some cell lines, characteristic high-activity marker enzymes were detected. | 10.1002/ajh.2830210308 |
pubmed_63_6400 | The development of Varroa destructor Anderson & Trueman (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) population dynamics in Africanized honey bees, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies was monitored from February to July 2004 in Atenas, Costa Rica. A correlation between the mite infestation level and the colony condition was evaluated. For each colony, infestation of varroa in adult bees was measured twice a month. Sticky boards were placed on the bottom boards of each colony to collect fallen mites. The condition of the colonies was evaluated by measuring the amount of brood and adult bees. Our results consistently showed that mite infestation on adult bees increased significantly in the experimental colonies, rising to 10.0% by the end of the experiment. In addition, the mean mite fall increased significantly over the course of the study in the treated (R = 0.72, P < 0.05) and untreated colonies (R = 0.74, P < 0.05) to a level of 63.8 and 73.5 mites per day, respectively. The increase in varroa infestation coincided with a decrease in the amount of brood. Furthermore, adult bees with deformed wings or even without wings crawling in front of their hive occurred in highly infested colonies (mite infestation = 10.0% or more). | 10.15517/rbt.v56i4.5756 |
pubmed_248_22027 | Deregulation of the cell cycle is a common strategy employed by many DNA and RNA viruses to trap and exploit the host cell machinery toward their own benefit. In many coronaviruses, the nucleocapsid protein (N protein) has been shown to inhibit cell cycle progression although the mechanism behind this is poorly understood. The N protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (SARS-CoV) bears signature motifs for binding to cyclin and phosphorylation by cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) and has recently been reported by us to get phosphorylated by the cyclin-CDK complex (Surjit, M., Kumar, R., Mishra, R. N., Reddy, M. K., Chow, V. T., and Lal, S. K. (2005) J. Virol. 79, 11476-11486). In the present study, we prove that the N protein of SARS-CoV can inhibit S phase progression in mammalian cell lines. N protein expression was found to directly inhibit the activity of the cyclin-CDK complex, resulting in hypophosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein with a concomitant down-regulation in E2F1-mediated transactivation. Coexpression of E2F1 under such conditions could restore the expression of S phase genes. Analysis of RXL and CDK phosphorylation mutant N protein identified the mechanism of inhibition of CDK4 and CDK2 activity to be different. Whereas N protein could directly bind to cyclin D and inhibit the activity of CDK4-cyclin D complex; inhibition of CDK2 activity appeared to be achieved in two different ways: indirectly by down-regulation of protein levels of CDK2, cyclin E, and cyclin A and by direct binding of N protein to CDK2-cyclin complex. Down-regulation of E2F1 targets was also observed in SARS-CoV-infected VeroE6 cells. These data suggest that the S phase inhibitory activity of the N protein may have major significance during viral pathogenesis. | 10.1074/jbc.M509233200 |
pubmed_60_20640 | Comparisons were made among calves sired by Charolais (C), Simmental (S) and Eastern Anatolian Red (EAR) breeds of bulls for fattening, carcass and meat quality traits when mated to EAR dams. C- and S-sired calves had 43.1% and 36.4% higher daily weight gain, 44.5% and 43.9% heavier final weight in fattening, respectively. Calves produced by C sires had best feed efficiency value (6.51 vs. 7.44 and 7.22) compared to the S and EAR sire breed groups. Carcasses of C- and S-sired calves had heavier weight, higher dressing percentage and greater Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle area than those of EAR-sired calves. USDA yield grades were lower (P<0.01) for carcasses from C and S sires, and highest for carcasses from EAR calves. C-sired calves received higher (P<0.01) ratings for panel tenderness score, lower shear force value and number of chews before swallow than S- and EAR-sired progeny. Overall results of the study suggested that fattening performance, carcass and meat quality characteristics might be considerably improved by using C sires in the crossbreeding program as sire breed. | 10.1016/j.meatsci.2003.11.022 |
pubmed_259_4256 | This study was conducted to investigate the association of maternal and/or fetal factor V Leiden (FVL) and G20210A prothrombin mutation with HELLP syndrome. FVL and G20210A prothrombin mutation were determined using PCR. Sixty-three pregnant women, 36 of them diagnosed with HELLP syndrome, were included in the study. Overall, 68 children were born as a result of these pregnancies and blood sampling was possible in 28 out of 39 children from HELLP patients and 25 out of 29 children from the control women. The prevalence of a maternal FVL was elevated 2-fold in HELLP patients compared with the control women [six out of 36 (16.7%) compared with two out of 27 (7.4%); P =0.282]. None of the HELLP patients and only one woman in the control group was found to be positive for the G20210A prothrombin mutation (P =0.251). The fetal carrier frequency was four out of 28 compared with three out of 25 for FVL (P =0.811), and two out of 28 compared with one out of 25 for G20210A prothrombin mutation (P =0.629). Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) was significantly higher in fetuses found to be positive for a thrombophilic mutation (P =0.022). IUGR occurred in seven out of ten fetuses with a thrombophilic mutation compared with 11 out of 43 in fetuses without a mutation. The prevalence of FVL, but not of the G20210A prothrombin mutation, seems to be elevated in women with HELLP syndrome. A fetal thrombophilic mutation does not contribute significantly to the clinical features of the HELLP syndrome. Our results demonstrate a fetal contribution to IUGR. Fetal thrombophilic mutations may lead to placental microthrombosis, which consecutively could lead to a disturbed fetoplacental blood flow and thus cause growth restriction. | 10.1042/CS20030073 |
pubmed_749_20473 | OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to establish an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the primary management of obstetrical brachial plexus injury (OBPI). This clinical practice guideline addresses 4 existing gaps: (1) historic poor use of evidence, (2) timing of referral to multidisciplinary care, (3) Indications and timing of operative nerve repair and (4) distribution of expertise.
SETTING
The guideline is intended for all healthcare providers treating infants and children, and all specialists treating upper extremity injuries.
PARTICIPANTS
The evidence interpretation and recommendation consensus team (Canadian OBPI Working Group) was composed of clinicians representing each of Canada's 10 multidisciplinary centres.
OUTCOME MEASURES
An electronic modified Delphi approach was used for consensus, with agreement criteria defined a priori. Quality indicators for referral to a multidisciplinary centre were established by consensus. An original meta-analysis of primary nerve repair and review of Canadian epidemiology and burden were previously completed.
RESULTS
7 recommendations address clinical gaps and guide identification, referral, treatment and outcome assessment: (1) physically examine for OBPI in newborns with arm asymmetry or risk factors; (2) refer newborns with OBPI to a multidisciplinary centre by 1 month; (3) provide pregnancy/birth history and physical examination findings at birth; (4) multidisciplinary centres should include a therapist and peripheral nerve surgeon experienced with OBPI; (5) physical therapy should be advised by a multidisciplinary team; (6) microsurgical nerve repair is indicated in root avulsion and other OBPI meeting centre operative criteria; (7) the common data set includes the Narakas classification, limb length, Active Movement Scale (AMS) and Brachial Plexus Outcome Measure (BPOM) 2 years after birth/surgery.
CONCLUSIONS
The process established a new network of opinion leaders and researchers for further guideline development and multicentre research. A structured referral form is available for primary care, including referral recommendations. | 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014141 |
pubmed_707_6220 | Lithium-excess oxides Li1.2Ti0.4Mn0.4O2 and Li1.3Nb0.3Mn0.4O2 with a disordered rock-salt structure and Mn3+/Mn4+ as a redox couple were compared to analyze the effect of different d0 metal ions on the local structure and Li+ ion migration. These cathode materials were obtained by mechanochemically assisted solid-state synthesis. Using XRD, 7Li NMR and EPR spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy it was shown that the Mn ions are prone to form clusters, while d0 metal ions are evenly distributed in the crystal lattice. The presence of Nb5+ ions contributes to the formation of noticeably larger Mn clusters and larger gaps in the Li+ migration maps as compared to Ti4+. These results were confirmed by the geometrical-topological method, BVSE simulation and DFT calculations, and are in good agreement with the Li diffusion coefficient determined by GITT, which is 1.5 orders of magnitude higher in Li1.2Ti0.4Mn0.4O2 than that in Li1.3Nb0.3Mn0.4O2. | 10.1039/d1cp04993c |
pubmed_1098_24562 | The distributions are analysed of the bond lengths between cations and anions in nitrides, oxides and fluorides for which structural data are available in the Crystallography Open Database (https://www.crystallography.net/cod/). The distributions are decomposed according to analysis of the coordination environments of the cations, which are offered in the tool ChemEnv [Waroquiers, George, Horton, Schenk, Persson, Rignanese, Gonze & Hautier (2020). Acta Cryst. B76, 683-695]. The distributions show how well the concept of ionic radius works. Chemical trends can be observed from the obtained distributions. For example, the bond-length distribution for Sc-O is similar to that for Zr-O. The distributions for Mo-O and V-O show noteworthy similarity. Resources for reproducing all of the results are available at https://github.com/tkotani/CEBond, with additional results for nitrides and fluorides. | 10.1107/S1600576722006884 |
pubmed_938_21362 | (2'-5')An-dependent RNase functions as a translational regulatory protein which mediates interferon action. Levels of this enzyme are decreased in barrier-reared Balb/c (+/+), Balb/c (+/nu), and Balb/c (nu/nu) mice when compared to conventionally reared Balb/c (+/+) mice. This suggests that high levels of (2'-5')An-dependent RNase in conventionally reared mice are maintained by continuous exposure to microbial flora which may induce interferons. Interferon treatment of barrier-reared mice does not, however, result in an increase in (2'-5')An-dependent RNase levels. This suggests that responsiveness to interferons is decreased in barrier-reared mice. The high levels of (2'-5')An-dependent RNase which are maintained in normal mice under physiological conditions may be important for rapid and effective defense against viral pathogens. | 10.1016/0024-3205(89)90108-2 |
pubmed_159_22921 | The geometrical and electronic structures of the low-lying states of FeGe-/0 (n = 1-3) clusters are studied with density functional theory and state-of-the-art multiconfigurational CASSCF/CASPT2 and RASSCF/RASPT2 methods. For FeGe-/0 clusters, the CASSCF/CASPT2 results reveal that the relevant 3d, 4s, and 4d orbitals of Fe and 4p orbitals of Ge should be included into the active spaces to obtain the reliable relative energy order of the low-lying states. For FeGe2-/0 and FeGe3-/0 clusters, because the active spaces increase to a size of 17 and 20 orbitals, the CASSCF/CASPT2 calculations become very time-consuming. Therefore, the RASSCF/RASPT2 method is utilized to overcome the limitations of the active space. The accuracy of RASSCF/RASPT2 with several active spaces is calibrated based on the CASSCF/CASPT2 results. The structural parameters, vibrational frequencies, and relative energies of the ground and low-lying excited states of FeGe-/0 (n = 1-3) are reported. The electron detachment energies of the anionic clusters are provided. The computed results are employed to interpret the photoelectron spectrum of the FeGe3- cluster. | 10.1021/acs.jpca.0c02521 |
pubmed_1135_15412 | BACKGROUND
Repeat laparotomy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality; however, developing world data are scarce. This study reviews the spectrum and outcomes of relaparotomy in a developing world setting.
METHODS
Prospectively collected data from adult patients needing repeat laparotomy over an 18-month period were analyzed.
RESULTS
Relaparotomy rate was 24% and average age was 38 years with a male predominance (70%). Appendicitis and trauma were the most common diagnoses. Planned relaparotomy rate was high (41%); however, negative relaparotomy rate was only 9%. Need for intensive care unit admission (51%) and morbidity rate (64%) were both high, but overall mortality rate was 14%. Patients requiring multiple relaparotomies had further worsened outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
The need for repeat laparotomy in the developing world is high and it is associated with significant morbidity and need for intensive care unit admission. However, mortality rates and negative repeat laparotomy rates were low. | pubmed_1135_15412 |
pubmed_1061_23465 | Clubroot disease caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae is a challenge to Brassica crop production. Breakdown of resistance controlled by major genes of the Brassica A genome has been reported. Therefore, identification of resistance in the Brassica C genome is needed to broaden the genetic base of resistance in Brassica napus canola. In this study, we evaluated 135 Brassica oleracea accessions, belonging to eight variants of this species to identify resistant accessions as well as to identify the genomic regions associated with resistance to two recently evolved P. brassicae pathotypes, F3-14 (3A) and F-359-13 (5X L-G2). Resistance to these pathotypes was observed more frequently in var. acephala (kale) followed by var. capitata (cabbage); few accessions also carried resistance to both pathotypes. Association mapping using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers developed through genotyping by sequencing technique identified 10 quantitative trait loci (QTL) from six C-genome chromosomes to be associated with resistance to these pathotypes; among these, two QTL associated with resistance to 3A and one QTL associated with resistance to 5X L-G2 carried ≥3 SNP markers. The 10 QTL identified in this study individually accounted for 8%-18% of the total phenotypic variance. Thus, the results from this study can be used in molecular breeding of Brassica crops for resistance to this disease. | 10.1139/gen-2019-0098 |
pubmed_171_1810 | The potency of escitalopram ("Lexapro," s-citalopram, LU-26-054) was compared with that of racemic citalopram ("Celexa") using plasma samples from drug-treated normal controls applied to an assay of human serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] transport inhibition in blood platelets. Samples were available for both 4-hour and 24-day drug administration. The data indicated that 5-HT transport inhibition was fully manifest for each drug within 4 hours of administration, without significant increase in platelet transport inhibition by 24-day treatment. In addition, a dose-response relationship could be seen for escitalopram and citalopram with increasing 5-HT transport inhibition observed with increasing dose. It was evident from the data that escitalopram was significantly more potent than its racemate in inhibiting human platelet 5-HT transport. Thirty milligrams of escitalopram approximated the effect of 60 mg of racemic citalopram, and similarly, 10 mg of escitalopram approximated that of 20 mg of its racemate. This is the first demonstration of escitalopram's pharmacodynamic effect on the human 5-HT transporter. The results demonstrate its superior potency at the human 5-HT transporter site. | 10.1097/01.jcp.0000116647.91923.66 |
pubmed_880_24433 | In the title complex, [Pd(2)Cl(4)(C(18)H(22)N(4))]·C(7)H(8), each of the two four-coordinated Pd(II) atoms is in a slightly distorted square-planar geometry, defined by one N atom from the ligand, two bridging Cl atoms and one terminal Cl atom. Inter-molecular C-H⋯π inter-actions between the pyrazole ring H atom and the toluene ring stabilize the crystal structure. | 10.1107/S1600536809010629 |
pubmed_397_23105 | The cannabinoid receptor 1 (Cb1) mediates the psychoactive effect of marijuana. In mammals, there is abundant evidence advocating the importance of cannabinoid signaling; activation of Cb1 exerts diverse functions, chiefly by its ability to modulate neurotransmission. Thus, much attention has been devoted to understand its role in health and disease and to evaluate its therapeutic potential. Here, we have cloned zebrafish cb1 and investigated its expression in developing and adult zebrafish brain. Sequence analysis showed that there is a high degree of conservation, especially in residues demonstrated to be critical for function in mammals. In situ hybridization revealed that zebrafish cb1 appears first in the preoptic area at 24 hours post-fertilization. Subsequently, transcripts are detected in the dorsal telencephalon, hypothalamus, pretectum and torus longitudinalis. A similar pattern of expression is recapitulated in the adult brain. While cb1 is intensively stained in the medial zone of the dorsal telencephalon, expression elsewhere is weak by comparison. In particular, localization of cb1 in the telencephalic periventricular matrix is suggestive of the involvement of Cb1 in neurogenesis, bearing strong resemblance in terms of expression and function to the proliferative mammalian hippocampal formation. In addition, a gradient-like expression of cb1 is detected in the torus longitudinalis, a teleost specific neural tissue. In relation to dopaminergic neurons in the diencephalic posterior tuberculum (considered to be the teleostean homologue of the mammalian midbrain dopaminergic system), both cb1 and tyrosine hydroxylase-expressing cells occupy non-overlapping domains. However there is evidence that they are co-localized in the caudal zone of the hypothalamus, implying a direct modulation of dopamine release in this particular region. Collectively, our data indicate the propensity of zebrafish cb1 to participate in multiple neurological processes. | 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2005.10.069 |
pubmed_891_1573 | Despite the development of various therapeutic modalities to tackle cancer, multidrug resistance (MDR) and incomplete destruction of deep tissue-buried tumors remain as long-standing challenges responsible for tumor recurrence and low survival rates. In addition to the MDR and deep tissue photoactivation problems, most primary tumors metastasize to the lungs and lymph nodes to form secondary tumors. Therefore, it leaves a great challenge to develop theranostic approaches to combat both MDR and deep tissue photoactivation problems. Herein, we develop a versatile plasmonic CuO/Cu2O truncated nanocube-based theranostic nanomedicine to act as a triple modal near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging agent in the biological window II (1000-1500 nm)/photoacoustic imaging (PAI)/T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging agents, sensitize the formation of singlet oxygen (1O2) to exert nanomaterial-mediated photodynamic therapeutic (NIR-II NmPDT), and absorb long NIR light (i.e., 1550 nm) in the biological window III (1500-1700 nm) to exert nanomaterial-mediated photothermal therapeutic (NIR-III NmPTT) effects for the effective destruction of multi-drug-resistant lung tumors. We found that H69AR lung cancer cells do not create drug resistance toward plasmonic CuO/Cu2O TNCs-based nanomedicines. | 10.1021/acsnano.1c03784 |
pubmed_806_22708 | Despite their long-term ban, persistent organochlorine compounds like hexachlorobenzene (HCB), p,p'-dichlorodiphenylethylene (DDE) as well as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are still of environmental concern. For the evaluation of potential occupational or environmental exposures to these substances, it is essential to know the current background burden of the general population. As representative and up-to-date information is missing for Germany, we have analysed a large dataset generated in studies on potential exposure to lower chlorinated PCBs to fill this gap for the levels of HCB, DDE as well as PCB 138, PCB 153 and PCB 180. We have investigated n=2750 plasma samples of persons of the general population living in North Rhine-Westfalia and Hesse aged 6-65 years and sampled between September 2010 and March 2014. For evaluation of the age-dependent accumulation in the general population we have generated seven age groups in the collective. Our laboratory used a validated and quality controlled procedure using GC/MS for quantification of the organochlorine compounds in plasma (LOQ: 0.01μg/L). The median (95th percentile) levels for ∑ PCB 138+PCB 153+PCB 180 were 0.14 (0.73); 0.30 (0.82); 0.38 (0.88); 0.50 (1.14); 0.92; 1.58 (3.54) and 2.41 (4.82)μg/L plasma in the age groups 6-10 years (n=102), 11-17 years (n=499), 18-25 years (n=157), 26-35 years (n=710), 36-45 years (n=400), 46-55 years (n=525) and 56-65 years (n=357), respectively. Similarly, the median (95th percentile) levels of p,p'-DDE were 0.18 (1.24); 0.18 (0.74); 0.24 (0.85); 0.30 (1.20); 0.45 (1.74); 0.64 (3.25) and 0.94 (4.7)μg/L plasma. Finally, the median (95th percentile) of HCB in plasma in these age groups was 0.05 (0.10); 0.06 (0.11); 0.08 (0.15); 0.08 (0.15); 0.11 (0.22); 0.14 (0.42) and 0.20 (0.68)μg/L plasma. Our results prove an overall substantial reduction in the body burden to organochlorine compounds in Germany compared to earlier studies. However, 15% and 3.6% of the examined collective exceeded the HBM-I- and HBM-II-values for PCBs established by the German Human Biomonitoring Commission. Due to a large sample size and a collection period from 2010 to 2014, our data might be suitable for the evaluation of additional exposures to these POPs and may serve as reference values. | pubmed_806_22708 |
pubmed_922_1675 | OBJECTIVES
Cervical cancer (CaCx) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death among women worldwide, with the great social and economic burden. Diagnoses in early stages can decrease mortality and morbidity rates. This study was conducted to evaluate the status of serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and copper concentrations among patients with CaCx to determine the level of oxidative stress and effect on which of chemoradiation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Fifty patients with histopathologically proven CaCx who visited the department of oncology & gynaecology and 50 age-matched healthy females were selected for the study. Serum TAC, MDA, and copper were estimated in both study groups. The effect of chemoradiation on these was estimated in patients with CaCx.
RESULTS
The mean ± standard deviation age of the patients was 43.98±6.38 years, whereas that of the controls was 31.56±6.84 years. The mean serum copper and MDA concentrations in the patients was significantly higher as compared with the controls, whereas the mean TAC in the patients was reduced when compared with the controls. After chemoradiation, there was a significant increase and decrease in TAC and MDA, respectively, after chemoradiotherapy, whereas the changes in the copper concentrations were insignificant.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that patients with CaCx were in oxidative stress because the oxidative parameters in serum (copper, MDA) were increased and the defensive TAC was decreased in patients with CaCx and chemoradiotherapy improved their anti-oxidant capacity. Further studies are needed to evaluate the concurrent use of antioxidants with chemoradiotherapy for improving the disease prognosis. | 10.4274/tjod.galenos.2019.19577 |
pubmed_1030_6865 | A common and to some degree painful procedure in veterinary practice is to insert an intra-venous catheter. In both human and veterinary medicine, a topical mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine (EMLA cream) has shown to reduce the pain, however a period of 60 min between application and initiation of the procedure is recommended. This time lapse is not always suitable for clinical practise and a shorter time before anaesthetic effect is therefore desirable. Lidocaine has a shorter time lapse (1-3 min) when used on mucus membrane; however, the effect of lidocaine for desensitization of skin has shown variable results in humans. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of topical lidocaine spray 10% on the response to placement of venous catheters in dogs. Topical lidocaine spray 10% or NaCl 0.9% was administered prior to placing an intravenous catheter in the cephalic vein. A cross-over of treatment with 2 h wash out period was used before placing a catheter in the opposite cephalic vein. The procedure was video recorded and the dogs' responses were later scored by three persons blinded to treatment using a visual analogue scale. The VAS scores were normalised and the mean difference between treatments were compared using Wilcox signed-rank test. This study could not find a statistical difference between the treatments (P = 0.1763) and could conclude that no significant difference in response to intravenous catheterisation was found between application of NaCl 0.9% or lidocaine 10% prior to the procedure. | 10.1186/s13028-022-00639-w |
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