index
stringlengths 10
17
| text
stringlengths 101
18k
| doi
stringlengths 2
72
|
|---|---|---|
pubmed_64_18794 | Castleman disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder known to represent at least four distinct clinicopathologic subtypes. Large advancements in our clinical and histopathologic description of these diverse diseases have been made, resulting in subtyping based on number of enlarged lymph nodes (unicentric versus multicentric), according to viral infection by human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and with relation to clonal plasma cells (POEMS). In recent years, significant molecular and genetic abnormalities associated with CD have been described. However, we continue to lack a foundational understanding of the biological mechanisms driving this disease process. Here, we review all cases of CD with molecular abnormalities described in the literature to date, and correlate cytogenetic, molecular, and genetic abnormalities with disease subtypes and phenotypes. Our review notes complex karyotypes in subsets of cases, specific mutations in PDGFRB N666S in 10% of unicentric CD (UCD) and NCOA4 L261F in 23% of idiopathic multicentric CD (iMCD) cases. Genes affecting chromatin organization and abnormalities in methylation are seen more commonly in iMCD while abnormalities within the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and interleukin signaling pathways are more frequent in UCD. Interestingly, there is a paucity of genetic studies evaluating HHV-8 positive multicentric CD (HHV-8+ MCD) and POEMS-associated CD. Our comprehensive review of genetic and molecular abnormalities in CD identifies subtype-specific and novel pathways which may allow for more targeted treatment options and unique biologic therapies. | 10.3390/biology10040251 |
pubmed_390_12904 | The influence of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) and vincristine (VCR) on the development of colon carcinoma induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) has been studied by light and electron microscopy. The ability of TPA to induce the appearance of cells with a heterogeneous genotype has been investigated by cytophotometric evaluation of DNA content. The TPA-induced phenotypic alterations have been studied by quantitative histochemistry. The influence of promoters on the outcome of DMH-induced carcinogenesis has been investigated in DMH-resistant C57 Black mice. Aneuploid DNA populations were detected in hyperplasias induced by DMH or TPA; in carcinomas, the percentage of hyperdiploid cell populations was further increased. DNA aneuploidy is defined as the genetic instability of cells that can be induced by TPA treatment alone. TPA can induce dedifferentiation of hyperplastic cells, as demonstrated by quantitative histochemistry of the intestinal mucins. TPA increased the colon tumour incidence in DMH-resistant C57 Black mice. A promoter-like action of VCR could also be observed. | pubmed_390_12904 |
pubmed_824_25730 | This is the first report of the basic dosimetric properties of a new rotating gamma system: the RGS Vertex360™. Dosimetric properties were compared to those measured with traditional rotating gamma systems and with the Leksell Gamma Knife. The RGS Vertex360 is similar to the original rotating gamma system developed by OUR New Medical Technology Development Co., Ltd. (Shenzen, China), however, there are a few notable differences including the angular arrangement of the sources. Basic dosimetric properties of the RGS Vertex360 were measured including: absorbed dose rate, output factors, mechanical and radiation center accuracy and dose profiles. A significant discrepancy was observed for the 4 mm output measured from the RGS Vertex360 compared to those obtained from previous rotating gamma units: the 4 mm output from the RGS Vertex360 (0.807) was 32-38% higher than those measured from previous units. This is somewhat surprising considering the excellent agreement in 4 mm outputs from the RGS Vertex360, the corresponding outputs specified by the manufacturer of the original OUR unit and those measured for the Leksell Gamma Knife. The mechanical accuracy was similar to previous rotating gamma systems while the 50-90% penumbra was narrower. Dose profiles compared favorably with the Leksell Gamma Knife: in many instances the measured penumbra was narrower for the RGS Vertex360. Notwithstanding the 4 mm output factor, the dosimetric properties of the RGS Vertex360 compared favorably with those of previous rotating gamma systems. The 4 mm output discrepancy was attributed to suboptimal alignment of the primary and secondary collimators in previous studies. The dosimetric properties of the RGS Vertex360 and the Leksell Gamma Knife were similar and, taken together, the results suggest that the new rotating gamma system is well suited for stereotactic radiosurgery procedures. | pubmed_824_25730 |
pubmed_437_15316 | Protein import into chloroplasts relies on specific targeting of preproteins from the cytosol to the organelles and coordinated translocation processes across the double envelope membrane. Here, two complex machineries constitute the so called general import pathway, which consists of the TOC and TIC complexes (translocon at the outer envelope of chloroplasts and translocon at the inner envelope of chloroplasts, respectively). The majority of canonical preproteins feature an N-terminal cleavable transit peptide, which is necessary for targeting and recognition at the chloroplast surface by receptors of TOC, where Toc159 acts as the primary contact site. We identified a non-canonical preprotein without the classical transit peptide, the superoxide dismutase (FSD1), which was then used in chemical crosslinking approaches to find new interaction partners at the outer envelope from pea chloroplasts. In this way we could link FSD1 to members of the Toc159 family in pea, namely psToc132 and psToc120. Using deletion mutants as well as a peptide scanning approach we defined regions of the preprotein, which are involved in receptor binding. These are distributed across the entire sequence; however the extreme N-terminus as well as a C-proximal domain turned out to be essential for targeting and import. En route into the plastid FSD1 engages components of the general import pathway, implying that in spite of the non-canonical targeting information and recognition by a specific receptor this preprotein follows a similar way across the envelope as the majority of plastid preproteins. | 10.3389/fpls.2014.00239 |
pubmed_835_26818 | BACKGROUND
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is an emerging technology that can comprehensively assess the diversity of the immune system. We explored the feasibility of NGS in detecting minimal residual disease (MRD) in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) based on immunoglobulin and T cell receptor.
METHODS
Bone marrow samples were collected pre- and post-treatment with pediatric ALL admitted to Shenzhen Children's Hospital from February 1st, 2020 to January 31st, 2021. We analyzed the MRD detected by NGS, multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) and real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR), and analyzed risk factors of positive NGS-MRD at the end of B-ALL induction chemotherapy.
RESULTS
A total of paired 236 bone marrow samples were collected from 64 children with ALL (58 B-ALL and 6 T-ALL). The decrease in the clonal rearrangement frequency of IGH, IGK, and IGL was generally consistent after treatment. Positive MRD was detected in 57.5% (77/134) of B-ALL and 80% (12/15) of T-ALL by NGS after chemotherapy, which was higher than those detected by MFC and RQ-PCR. In B-ALL patients, MRD results detected by NGS were consistent with MFC (r = 0.708, p < 0.001) and RQ-PCR (r = 0.618, p < 0.001). At the end of induction, NGS-MRD of 40.4% B-ALL was > 0.01% and multivariate analysis indicated that ≧2 clonal rearrangement sequences before treatment were an independent factor of negative NGS-MRD.
CONCLUSIONS
NGS is more sensitive than MFC and RQ-PCR for MRD measurement. B-ALL children with ≧2 clonal rearrangements detected by NGS before treatment are difficult to switch to negative MRD after chemotherapy. | 10.1007/s00432-022-04151-6 |
pubmed_1136_16190 | BACKGROUND
Bromelain, a mixture of proteolytic enzymes typically derived from pineapple stem, decreases production of proinflammatory cytokines and leukocyte homing to sites of inflammation. We previously showed that short-term oral treatment with bromelain purified from pineapple stem decreased the severity of colonic inflammation in C57BL/6 Il10(-/-) mice with chronic colitis. Since fresh pineapple fruit contains similar bromelain enzymes but at different proportions, this study aimed to determine whether long-term dietary supplementation with pineapple (supplied as juice) could decrease colon inflammation and neoplasia in Il10(-/-) mice with chronic colitis as compared with bromelain derived from stem.
METHODS
Colitis was triggered in Il10(-/-) mice by exposure to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug piroxicam. Mice with colitis were supplemented with fresh vs. boiled pineapple juice or bromelain purified from stem for up to 6 months.
RESULTS
Experimental mice readily consumed fresh pineapple juice at a level that generated mean stool proteolytic activities equivalent to 14 mg bromelain purified from stem, while control mice received boiled juice with inactive enzymes. Survival was increased in the group supplemented with fresh rather than boiled juice (P = 0.01). Mice that received fresh juice also had decreased histologic colon inflammation scores and a lower incidence of inflammation-associated colonic neoplasia (35% versus 66%; P < 0.02), with fewer neoplastic lesions/colon (P = 0.05). Flow cytometric analysis of murine splenocytes exposed to fresh pineapple juice in vitro demonstrated proteolytic removal of cell surface molecules that can affect leukocyte trafficking and activation.
CONCLUSIONS
These results demonstrate that long-term dietary supplementation with fresh or unpasteurized frozen pineapple juice with proteolytically active bromelain enzymes is safe and decreases inflammation severity and the incidence and multiplicity of inflammation-associated colonic neoplasia in this commonly used murine model of inflammatory bowel disease. | 10.1002/ibd.21320 |
pubmed_419_14872 | This study examined the support for vaccine mandates and uptake among clinical and non-clinical staff at a tertiary hospital in northern Nigeria, focusing on variation of survey responses based on job position, socio-demographic characteristics, and perceived risk of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Using an explanatory, sequential, mixed-methods design and deploying a pragmatic paradigm, 370 healthcare workers were administered structured questionnaires. This was followed by in-depth interviews with a sub-sample of respondents to further clarify the responses regarding support for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine mandate. Findings demonstrated that less than one-half of respondents supported the COVID-19 mandate, and only one in three had received the recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses. Support for the vaccine mandate and vaccine uptake were predicted by profession, work experience, number of children, health status, and risk perception. Support for the vaccine mandate was ascribed to ethical and professional duty, whereas opposition was associated with respect for autonomy and human rights. This study documents the need to enhance support for vaccine mandates and uptake among healthcare workers through sustainable strategies, as Nigeria's healthcare workers are considered a source of trust and role models for the rest of society. | 10.3390/ijerph192113937 |
pubmed_812_15376 | Microbial source tracking (MST) uses various approaches to classify fecal-indicator microorganisms to source hosts. Reproducibility, accuracy, and robustness of seven phenotypic and genotypic MST protocols were evaluated by use of Escherichia coli from an eight-host library of known-source isolates and a separate, blinded challenge library. In reproducibility tests, measuring each protocol's ability to reclassify blinded replicates, only one (pulsed-field gel electrophoresis; PFGE) correctly classified all test replicates to host species; three protocols classified 48-62% correctly, and the remaining three classified fewer than 25% correctly. In accuracy tests, measuring each protocol's ability to correctly classify new isolates, ribotyping with EcoRI and PvuII approached 100% correctclassification but only 6% of isolates were classified; four of the other six protocols (antibiotic resistance analysis, PFGE, and two repetitive-element PCR protocols) achieved better than random accuracy rates when 30-100% of challenge isolates were classified. In robustness tests, measuring each protocol's ability to recognize isolates from nonlibrary | 10.1021/es0354519 |
pubmed_93_10398 | In this work, a rapid and sensitive analytical multiresidue method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of 48 pesticides and 19 metabolites in waters (tap, leaching and sewage), using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with triple quadrupole in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. The procedure involves initial single phase extraction of samples with acetonitrile by sonication, followed by liquid-liquid partition aided by "salting out" process using NaCl. Matrix influence on recoveries was evaluated for the three waters. More than 50% of the compound presented very low signal suppression. The method presents good linearity over the range assayed 10-500 μg L(-1) and the most frequent detection limits was 0.05 ng mL(-1). The average recovery by the LC-MS/MS method obtained for these compounds varied from 74.6 to 111.2% with a relative standard deviation between 2.5 and 8.9%. The proposed method was used to determine pesticides levels in leaching water samples from 5 lysimeters from an experimental greenhouse located in Murcia. | 10.1016/j.talanta.2011.05.012 |
pubmed_583_18906 | BACKGROUND
Liver transplantation (OLT) is accepted as the standard therapy for end-stage liver disease. The current shortage of organ donors has led to the use of split grafts and living related donors to provide timely liver transplants for these children. Herein we have reported our experience with pediatric OLT over a 9-year period.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively studied 138 infants and children who underwent OLT from April 1999 to August 2008 including pretransplantation status, medical and surgical complications, and survival.
RESULTS
There were 83 (60.1%) boys and 55 (39.9%) girls. The mean patient age was 9.1 +/- 5.6 years (range = 0.5-18) with a mean weight of 28.1 +/- 17.0 kg (range = 7-80). The main indications were Wilson's disease (20.3%); cryptogenic cirrhosis (16.7%); autoimmune cirrhosis (14.5%); biliary atresia (13.8%); tyrosinemia (9.4%); and progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (8.7%). We used living related donors in 54 (39.1%) and split livers in 20 (14.5%) cases with 64 (46.4%) patients receiving a whole liver from a deceased donor. The mean follow-up was 25.3 +/- 20.3 months (range = 1-100). The mortality rate was 27.5% with a 26.1% in-hospital mortality. The main causes of mortality were vascular complications (32.6%); primary nonfunction (19.6%); sepsis (17.4%); chronic rejection (17.4%); and biliary complications (6.5%). The mortality rate among patients under 10 kg (58.8%) was higher than that of patients over 10 kg (23.1%). Among those patients who were discharged from the hospital (73.9%), the most common cause of mortality was chronic rejection from noncompliance (n = 4), chronic rejection (n = 3 cases), or posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (n = 2).
CONCLUSION
Our results demonstrated that pediatric OLT is a feasible undertaking in Iran. The organ shortage in our area led to liberal use of living related and split-liver techniques. The overall results of pediatric OLT in Iran were acceptable. | 10.1016/j.transproceed.2009.07.046 |
pubmed_655_10962 | The specificities of arrangement and normal function of the intestinal immunological system are presented, and non-immunological and immunological gastrointestinal defense mechanisms are described. Of immunological defense mechanisms, cellular and humoral mechanisms are described separately, and their characteristics in childhood are highlighted. After a general survey of the intestinal immunological system disorders and their role in various diseases, three most frequent such diseases are described in detail: food intolerance, gluten enteropathy and chronic inflammatory bowel disease. | pubmed_655_10962 |
pubmed_224_14351 | Floating collagen gel cultures containing human foreskin fibroblasts have been observed to undergo a rapid contraction process. The initial rate of contraction (i.e., within the first 2 hr) was observed to be a linear function of cell number within the concentration range of 10(5)-10(6) cells/gel. Observation of thick, deresined sections of such contracting gels in the SEM, as well as observation of thin sections in the TEM, suggest that the fibroblasts exert a tension upon the surrounding collagen fibers. These observations further indicate that the fibroblasts migrate from the interior regions of the gel matrix and eventually form a monolayer of cells encapsulating the contracted collagen disc. These observations are discussed in terms of the possible mechanisms involved in gel contraction. | 10.1016/s0022-5320(83)90078-3 |
pubmed_673_7471 | After induction ofmeningeal remission by a course of intrathecal methotrexate patients were randomly allocated to receive either cranial irradiation or craniospinal irradiation. Patients being treated for their first meningeal relapse were randomised separately from those in their second or subsequent relapse. All eight patients in their first relapse who were given cranial irradiation alone developed further meningeal recurrence (median length of remission 15 weeks) compared with only two out of nine given craniospinal irradiation (median length of remission at least 99 weeks). Four of the nine patients given craniospinal irradiation were alive and without further meningeal relapse two and a half to four years after treatment. Craniospinal irradiation produced no such advantage for patients entering the trial in their second or subsequent meningeal relapse. | 10.1136/bmj.1.6014.864 |
pubmed_680_2738 | OBJECTIVES
To evaluate calcium deposition in the fetal spine in vivo during the second and third trimesters using quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM).
METHODS
Fifty-four pregnant women in their second and third trimesters underwent a 2D multi-echo STrategically Acquired Gradient Echo (STAGE) MR imaging protocol at 3T covering the fetal spine. The first echo data was used for QSM processing. A linear regression model was used to assess the correlation between magnetic susceptibility and gestational age (GA). A paired sample t-test was used to compare the consistency of QSM measurements from each sequence.
RESULTS
The magnetic susceptibility of the fetal spine decreased linearly with advancing GA, with a slope of -52.3 parts per billion (ppb)/week and a Pearson correlation coefficient (r) of 0.83 (p < 0.001). In 37 subjects for whom the STAGE local QSM data were available from both flip angles, the average magnetic susceptibility values were -1111 ± 278 ppb and -1081 ± 262 ppb for FA = 8° and FA = 40°, respectively. These means were not statistically different according to a paired sample t-test (p = 0.156).
CONCLUSIONS
QSM is a reliable technique for evaluating calcium deposition and bone mineral density of fetal vertebrae. Our results demonstrate an increase in fetal calcium levels as a function of GA. These measures might be able to provide reference values for calcium content in the fetal spine during the second and third trimesters.
KEY POINTS
• Calcium deposition and mineralization in the fetal spine, evaluated by vertebral magnetic susceptibility, increased with advancing gestational age. • Our results provide reference values for calcium content in the fetal spine during the second and third trimesters. | 10.1007/s00330-022-09042-5 |
pubmed_333_9038 | In a retrospective study, based on a biochemical survey of people aged 65 and over in a general practice, subjects taking a barbiturate preparation for indications other than epilepsy had a significantly lower serum calcium concentration than did those taking nitrazepam or diazepam. Ordinary doses of barbiturate may adversely affect vitamin D metabolism in the elderly. | 10.1136/pgmj.53.618.212 |
pubmed_605_9875 | Alpha-synuclein is the main component of Lewy bodies, a histopathological finding of Parkinson's disease. Prolyl oligopeptidase (PREP) is a serine protease that binds to α-synuclein and accelerates its aggregation in vitro. PREP enzyme inhibitors have been shown to block the α-synuclein aggregation process in vitro and in cellular models, and also to enhance the clearance of α-synuclein aggregates in transgenic mouse models. Moreover, PREP inhibitors have induced alterations in dopamine and metabolite levels, and dopamine transporter immunoreactivity in the nigrostriatal tissue. In this study, we characterized the role of PREP in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic and GABAergic systems of wild-type C57Bl/6 and PREP knockout mice, and the effects of PREP overexpression on these systems. Extracellular concentrations of dopamine and protein levels of phosphorylated dopamine transporter were increased and dopamine reuptake was decreased in the striatum of PREP knockout mice, suggesting increased internalization of dopamine transporter from the presynaptic membrane. Furthermore, PREP overexpression increased the level of dopamine transporters in the nigrostriatal tissue but decreased phosphorylated dopamine transporters in the striatum in wild-type mice. Our results suggest that PREP regulates the function of dopamine transporter, possibly by controlling the phosphorylation and transport of dopamine transporter into the striatum or synaptic membrane. | 10.1007/s12035-016-0339-8 |
pubmed_912_14154 | Bioaccumulation and entry of trace elements from soil into the food chain have made trace-elements major environmental pollutants. The main objective of this investigation was to study the impact of mixing native agricultural soil with municipal sewage sludge (SS) or SS mixed with yard waste (SS+YW) compost on total concentration of trace elements in soil, metals available to plants, and mobility of metals from soil into peppers and melon fruits. Regardless of soil treatment, the average concentrations of Ni, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Mo in melon fruits were 5.2, 0.7, 3.9, 0.9, 34.3, 96.1, and 3.5μg g(-1), respectively. Overall concentrations of Ni, Cd, Pb, and Zn in melon fruits were significantly greater (P < 0.05) than pepper fruits. No significant differences were found in Cr, Cu, and Mo concentrations between pepper and melon fruits at harvest time. Total metal concentrations and metal ions in soil available to melon and pepper plants were also determined. Total concentration of each metal in the soil was significantly greater than concentration of metal ions available to plants. Elevated Ni and Mo bioaccumulation factor (BAF > 1) of melon fruits of plants grown in SS+YW mixed soil is a characteristic that would be less favorable when plants grown on sites having high concentrations of these metals. | 10.1080/03601234.2013.730340 |
pubmed_527_15126 | We develop an approximate analytical solution for the shape of a nonaxisymmetric sessile drop using regular perturbation methods and ignoring gravity. We assume that the pinned, contorted triple-line shape is known and is a small perturbation of the circular footprint of a spherical cap. We obtain an analytical solution using regular perturbation methods that we validate by comparing to the numerical solution of the Young-Laplace equation obtained using publicly available Surface Evolver software. In this process, we also show that the pressure inside the perturbed drop is unchanged and relate this to the curvature of the drop using the Young-Laplace equation. The rms error between the perturbation and Evolver solutions is calculated for a range of contact angles and amplitudes of triple-line perturbations. We show that the perturbation solution matches the numerical results well for a wide range of contact angles. In addition, we calculate the extent to which the drop surface is affected by triple-line contortions. We discuss the applicability of this solution to the possibility of real time hybrid experimental/computational characterization of the 3D sessile drop shapes, including obtaining local contact angle information. | 10.1021/la101168b |
pubmed_711_16130 | Thirty-five patients with psoriasis and 18 normal controls were studied in order to assess the role of humoral immunity in psoriasis. Direct immunofluorescent study of skin biopsy specimens taken from the lesions revealed deposits of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM) and complement components (Clq, C3), mainly in the stratum corneum. Deposits were also found in Munro's microabscesses, spongiform pustules of Kogoj, upper layers of the stratum malpighii, dermal blood vessels, and cells of the dermal inflammatory infiltrate. Uninvolved skin of the patients and normal controls revealed negative fluorescent results. There was a significant increase in the mean levels of IgA and IgG in patients with psoriasis, whereas IgM was within the normal range. The present study showed humoral abnormalities in psoriasis that may be involved in its pathogenesis. | 10.1097/00000372-198608000-00006 |
pubmed_433_10631 | Referring to things in the world - that woman, her idea, she - is a central component of language. Understanding reference requires the listener to keep track of the unfolding discourse history while integrating multiple sources of information to interpret the speech stream as it unfolds in time. Pronouns are a common way to establish reference. But due to their impoverished form, to understand them listeners must relate features of the pronoun (e.g., gender, animacy) with existing representations of potential discourse referents. Successful referential processing seems to place demands on memory. In a previous study, patients with hippocampal amnesia and healthy participants listened to short stories as their eye movements were monitored. When interpreting ambiguous pronouns, healthy participants demonstrated order-of-mention effects, whereby ambiguous pronouns are interpreted as referring to the first-mentioned referent in the story. By contrast, memory-impaired patients exhibited significant disruptions in their ability to use information about which character had been mentioned first to interpret pronouns. Repetition of the most salient information is a common clinical recommendation for improving pronoun resolution and communication in individuals with memory disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's disease) but this recommendation lacks an evidentiary basis. The present study seeks to determine whether the pronoun resolution performance of hippocampal patients can be improved, by repetition of the target referent, increasing its salience. Results indicate that patients with hippocampal damage demonstrate improved processing of pronouns following repetition of the target referent, but benefit from this repetition to a significantly smaller degree compared to healthy participants. These results provide further evidence for the role of the hippocampal-dependent memory system in language processing and point to the need for empirically tested communication interventions. | 10.1080/13803395.2019.1699503 |
pubmed_783_6440 | This was a retrospective study to determine the validity of institutional reference intervals for interpreting biochemistry and hematology results in healthy adults in the context of clinical trials of preventive vaccines. An example population of 974 healthy adults participating in clinical trials at the Jenner Institute, Oxford, UK, between 1999 and 2009 was studied. Methods for calculating the central 95% ranges and determining the coefficients of within person variation were demonstrated. Recommendations have been made as to how these data can be usefully applied to the interpretation of blood results in healthy adult subjects for the purposes of clinical trial inclusion decisions and post-vaccination safety monitoring. | 10.4161/hv.24998 |
pubmed_123_9581 | Serum concentrations of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), soluble P-selectin, and soluble L-selectin (sL-selectin), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6 were measured in patients with Graves' disease (GD) (n = 33), in patients with toxic nodular goiter (n = 34), and in a group of healthy controls (n = 36). The serum levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin, and sL-selectin were markedly elevated in patients with GD and in patients with toxic nodular goiter before treatment with methimazole (P < 0.05 for all). After 8 weeks of therapy, serum concentrations of sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin normalized, whereas serum levels of sL-selectin and sICAM-1 remained elevated. Hormone concentrations normalized after 2 weeks, clearly preceding falling levels of circulating adhesion molecules. Serum concentrations of soluble P-selectin, TNF-alpha, and interleukin-6 did not differ among patients with GD and toxic nodular goiter and healthy subjects. Serum levels of sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 correlated with the serum concentrations of TSH receptor antibodies (n = 33; r = 0.921 and r = 0.792, respectively) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (n = 33; r = 0.682 and r = 0.761, respectively) but not thyroglobulin antibodies. However, no correlation between serum levels of sE-selectin, sL-selectin, and soluble P-selectin or cytokines and serum levels of thyroid peroxidase antibodies, TSH receptor antibodies, or thyroglobulin antibodies, respectively, was found. In addition, no correlation between serum levels of adhesion molecules or cytokines and thyroid hormones was seen. We conclude that both the action of thyroid hormones and the autoimmune process in GD may contribute to elevated levels of soluble adhesion molecules. | 10.1210/jcem.80.7.7541802 |
pubmed_847_10348 | The COVID-19 pandemic has spread across the country negatively impacting on the economy. This paper uses the panel data of 14 prefecture-level cities from 2015 to 2020 in Hunan to determine the factors and effects of economic downturns based on the spatial econometric model. We calculate the Moran index, so-called the Moran's I, to analyse the impact of each factor on the economy. The results show that the spatial correlation of the cities around Chang-Zhu-Tan is high, and the economic growth of the entire province can be influenced by these cities. These cities should adopt strategies to improve the economy, such as reducing the tax revenues, improving the local financial revenues, and reducing the ineffective educational input. These results can also be helpful for policymakers, who will attempt to retransform the Hunan economy during the post-COVID era. | 10.3389/fpubh.2021.802197 |
pubmed_86_21470 | The effects of elevated calcium on learned helplessness in rats was tested by maintaining animals on either distilled water or water containing 2.5% calcium. Animals that were maintained on drinking water containing high calcium showed elevated levels of brain and serum calcium. Rats that were maintained on high calcium drinking water showed significantly longer escape latencies than their non-calcium counterparts after they were pretreated with inescapable electric shocks. Lower levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5HIAA) were found in the forebrain and brainstem of animals maintained on high calcium drinking water. There was no significant correlation between blood or brain calcium or 5HIAA levels and latency of escape. We conclude that elevated levels of calcium enhance learned helplessness and decrease brain serotonin turnover. The relationship between depressive states and calcium homeostasis is worthy of further investigation. | 10.1016/0091-3057(86)90539-3 |
pubmed_261_2027 | The amygdala is not only a critical site for the generation of anxiety and fear, but is involved in the affective processing of sensory information including nociception. Previously, we demonstrated that the stress hormone corticosterone (CORT) localized to the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) induces anxiety-like behavior and increases the sensitivity to visceral or somatic stimuli in rats. Here we test the hypothesis that exposure of the CeA to elevated CORT alters the expression of key receptors and ion channels that are implicated in anxiety and pain processing. | 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.07.010 |
pubmed_259_11235 | A stochastic spreadsheet model was developed to obtain estimates of the costs of whole herd testing on dairy farms for Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) with pooled fecal samples. The optimal pool size was investigated for 2 scenarios, prevalence (a low-prevalence herd [< or = 5%] and a high-prevalence herd [> 5%]) and for different herd sizes (100-, 250-, 500- and 1,000-cow herds). All adult animals in the herd were sampled, and the samples of the individuals were divided into equal sized pools. When a pool tested positive, the manure samples of the animals in the pool were tested individually. The individual samples from a negative pool were assumed negative and not tested individually. Distributions were used to model the uncertainty about the sensitivity of the fecal culture at farm level and Map prevalence. The model randomly allocated a disease status to the cows (not shedding, low Map shedder, moderate Map shedder, and heavy Map shedder) on the basis of the expected prevalence in the herd. Pooling was not efficient in 100-cow and 250-cow herds with low prevalence because the probability to detect a map infection in these herds became poor (53% and 88%) when samples were pooled. When samples were pooled in larger herds, the probability to detect at least 1 (moderate to heavy) shedder was > 90%. The cost reduction as a result of pooling varied from 43% in a 100-cow herd with a high prevalence to 71% in a 1,000-cow herd with a low prevalence. The optimal pool size increased with increasing herd size and varied from 3 for a 500-cow herd with a low prevalence to 5 for a 1,000-cow herd with a high prevalence. | 10.1177/104063870301500304 |
pubmed_117_23548 | BACKGROUND
The double inverted pendulum model is imprecise when applied to studies of postural control. Although multijoint analyses have improved our understanding of how balance is maintained, the exact role of the trunk remains unclear.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
What is the trunk's contribution in postural control with respect to the other joints and how do trunk muscles control trunk kinematics?
METHODS
Thirty-six healthy athletes (handball, karate, long jump) performed a highly challenging balance task while the ground support was dynamically tilted in the sagittal plane. The center of force (CoF) as well as lower limb joint angles and the trunk-pelvis angle were respectively measured with a force platform and inertial measurement units. The amplitude, sway path and standard deviation of the CoF and the joint angles were then calculated. Electromyography was used to record the activity of the rectus abdominis, external obliquus, and erector spinae muscles. Multiple linear regressions were computed to determine the joints' and muscles' contributions (β-coefficients) in predicting CoF variables and trunk kinematics, respectively.
RESULTS
The linear combination of joint kinematic variables accounted for between 33 % and 75 % of the variance in the CoF. The ankle had the highestβ and was a significant predictor of all CoF variables. The trunk yielded the second highest β-coefficient and was a significant predictor of the CoF sway path. Electromyography variables accounted for no more than 35 % of the variance in the trunk kinematics, and erector spinae activity was the only significant predictor.
SIGNIFICANCE
The trunk appears to be the second most important element during this specific postural task, in the magnitude of body sway in particular. But neuromuscular control of these trunk processes is difficult to characterize with surface electromyography only. The trunk should be taken into account when seeking to improve overall postural control (e.g. during training, rehabilitation). | 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2020.11.020 |
pubmed_313_6728 | Musculoskeletal (dys-)function relies for a large part on muscle architecture which can be obtained using Diffusion-Tensor MRI (DT-MRI) and fiber tractography. However, reconstructed tracts often continue along the tendon or aponeurosis when using conventional methods, thus overestimating fascicle lengths. In this study, we propose a new method for semiautomatic segmentation of tendinous tissue using tract density (TD). We investigated the feasibility and repeatability of this method to quantify the mean fascicle length per muscle. Additionally, we examined whether the method facilitates measuring changes in fascicle length of lower leg muscles with different foot positions. Five healthy subjects underwent two DT-MRI scans of the right lower leg, with the foot in 15° dorsiflexion, neutral, and 30° plantarflexion positions. Repeatability of fascicle length measurements was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis. Changes in fascicle lengths between the foot positions were tested using a repeated multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement between repeated measurements. The coefficients of variation in neutral position were 8.3, 16.7, 11.2, and 10.4% for soleus (SOL), fibularis longus (FL), extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and tibialis anterior (TA), respectively. The plantarflexors (SOL and FL) showed significant increase in fascicle length from plantarflexion to dorsiflexion, whereas the dorsiflexors (EDL and TA) exhibited a significant decrease. The use of a tract density for semiautomatic segmentation of tendinous structures provides more accurate estimates of the mean fascicle length than traditional fiber tractography methods. The method shows moderate to good repeatability and allows for quantification of changes in fascicle lengths due to passive stretch. | 10.14814/phy2.13012 |
pubmed_250_8020 | Young onset dementia raises concern about familial and non degenerative dementias. We describe a patient with early dementia. At the age of 26, a woman developed symptoms of anorexia nervosa, at 30 a memory and attention deficit, and at 34 abnormal behavior with impulsivity, aggression, and dysexecutive disorder. At 36 she showed aphasia, stereotyped behavior, hyperreflexia, grasping reflex, urinary incontinence, myoclonus, and seizures. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid were normal. Brain computed tomography and single photon emission computed tomography showed diffuse cortico-subcortical atrophy and frontotemporoparietal hypoperfusion. A Leu424Val mutation was present in PSEN1 gene. PSEN1 mutations can produce Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies phenotypes, or a combination of them. It has been proposed that the mutation type and location may influence the molecular pathogenesis and thus PSEN1 would represent a molecular connexion between these entities. This case shows a novel PSEN1 mutation with outstanding amnesic and frontal symptoms. | 10.1177/1533317508324272 |
pubmed_798_9630 | The characterization of transcriptional start sites of 14 genes encoded by the extremely AT-rich genome of "Candidatus Blochmannia floridanus" revealed a high degree of conservation with the RpoD promoter consensus sequence of the free-living relative Escherichia coli. Moreover, in agreement with the presence of the alternative heat shock sigma factor RpoH in "Ca. Blochmannia," typical RpoH-dependent promoters were identified. However, no heat shock response resembling that of E. coli could be detected in "Ca. Blochmannia." | 10.1128/JB.00069-09 |
pubmed_601_2737 | A major change in mammary tumor incidence (MTI) and latency has occurred in the C3H/HeJ mouse substrain maintained at The Jackson Laboratory. The average time required for 50% of the C3H/HeJ mice to develop a mammary tumor changed from 40 weeks of age to the current 61 weeks of age. This 61-week median MTI in the C3H/HeJ substrain is significantly different from the less than 40-week median MTI seen in other C3H substrains infected with an exogenous milk-transmitted murine mammary tumor virus (MuMTV). The median MTI of over 80 weeks in MuMTV-negative C3H substrains also is significantly longer than that seen in C3H/HeJ mice. Although the median MTI for the C3H/HeJ substrain has changed significantly, the continued presence of an exogenous MuMTV in C3H/HeJ mice was confirmed by the presence of high levels of gp52 antigen in the milk of lactating females. Presence of an exogenous MuMTV in C3H/HeJ female mice also was confirmed by their ability to pass their exogenous MuMTV(HeJ) via their milk to exogenous MuMTV-negative BALB/cByJ, C3H, or C3H hybrid mice. These foster-nursed mice exhibited the reduced tumor frequency and the increased median MTI seen in their C3H/HeJ foster mothers. The change in tumor incidence and latency in the C3H/HeJ substrain is not due to the loss of the exogenous MuMTV but to the occurrence of an attenuated MuMTV. Selection of this attenuated MuMTV may be related to the presence of the Lps mutation that occurred during the same time period that the MTI changed in the C3H/HeJ substrain. | 10.1093/jnci/75.5.917 |
pubmed_314_5896 | The paper reports the use of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of dithiols to induce electroless copper deposition on a gold substrate. The metallization catalyst, palladium nanoparticles, is bound on the dithiol SAM. The assembly process is followed by IR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies to confirm the formation of a monolayer with bound catalyst. Electroless metallization is then carried out with a steady deposition rate of 130 nm/min. Additionally, microcontact printing of the catalyst on the SAM by poly(dimethylsiloxane) stamps is used to localize copper deposits. Resulting metallization is selective and allows for a high resolution. | 10.1021/am8001346 |
pubmed_58_23018 | Here we study the layer-dependent photoconductivity in Gr/WS2/Gr vertical stacked tunneling (VST) cross-bar devices made using two-dimensional (2D) materials all grown by chemical vapor deposition. The larger number of devices (>100) enables a statistically robust analysis on the comparative differences in the photovoltaic response of monolayer and bilayer WS2, which cannot be achieved in small batch devices made using mechanically exfoliated materials. We show a dramatic increase in photovoltaic response for Gr/WS2(2L)/Gr compared to monolayers because of the long inter- and intralayer exciton lifetimes and the small exciton binding energy (both interlayer and intralayer excitons) of bilayer WS2 compared with that of monolayer WS2. Different doping levels and dielectric environments of top and bottom graphene electrodes result in a potential difference across a ∼1 nm vertical device, which gives rise to large electric fields perpendicular to the WS2 layers that cause band structure modification. Our results show how precise control over layer number in all 2D VST devices dictates the photophysics and performance for photosensing applications. | 10.1021/acsnano.8b01263 |
pubmed_1124_12440 | Chemically-induced diabetic mice and spontaneously diabetic NOD mice have been valuable as recipients for experimental islet transplantation. However, their maintenance often requires parenteral insulin. Diabetogenic chemicals can be cytotoxic to the host's immune system and to other organs some of which are often used as the transplant site. Procurement of diabetic cohorts in the NOD mouse is problematic due to variability in the age of disease onset. We show that RIP-Kb mice, which spontaneously develop non-immune diabetes due to over-expression of the H-2Kb heavy chain in beta cells, offer many advantages as islet transplant recipients. Diabetes is predictable with a relatively narrow range of onset (4 wk) and blood glucose levels (23.0 +/- 4.0 mmol/l for 39 males at 6 weeks of age). The diabetes is mild enough so that most diabetic mice can be maintained to 40 weeks of age without parenteral insulin. This consistency of diabetes avails that outcomes of intervention can be interpreted with confidence. | 10.1080/15604280212530 |
pubmed_1015_8691 | 1 Adenosine, adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), morphine, noradrenaline, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) phentolamine and amyl nitrite were used to inhibit electrically-evoked contractions of the isolated superfused vas deferens of the mouse. 2 The inhibitory effects of adenosine ATP, morphine, noradrenaline and GABA, which are thought to be due to presynaptic action, were reduced by perfusion with media containing 4-aminopyridine (4AP) or tetraethylammonium (TEA) ions. The inhibitory effects of phentolamine and amyl nitrite were unaffected by 4AP or TEA. 3 Quinidine, which like 4AP and TEA produced some increase to twitch height, did not reduce responses to the various agonists, indicating that an increased muscle contraction was not itself responsible for the reduced responses. 4 It is concluded that antagonism between 4AP and adenosine is not a specific interaction, as had been suggested, but probably reflects an interaction with Ca2+ requiring processes in the presynaptic terminal. | 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1981.tb16817.x |
pubmed_486_22961 | A novel compound consisting of a zirconium phosphate-glycinediphosphonate (ZPGly) has recently been introduced. This 2D-structured material forming nanosheets was exfoliated under appropriate conditions, producing colloidal aqueous dispersions (ZPGly-e) which were then loaded with zinc (Zn/ZPGly) or silver ions. Silver ions were subsequently reduced to produce metallic silver nanoparticles on exfoliated ZPGly nanosheets (Ag@ZPGly). In the search for new anti-infective materials, the present study investigated the properties of colloidal dispersions of ZPGly-e, Zn/ZPGly, and Ag@ZPGly. Ag@ZPGly was found to be a bactericidal material and was assayed to define its minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) on the five most prevalent pathogens of orthopaedic implant infections, namely: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923, Staphylococcus epidermidis RP62A, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC29212, Escherichia coli ATCC51739, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853. MIC and MBC were in the range of 125-250 μg/mL and 125-1000 μg/mL, respectively, with E. coli being the most sensitive species. Even colloidal suspensions of exfoliated ZPGly nanosheets and Zn/ZPGly exhibited some intrinsic antibacterial properties, but only at greater concentrations. Unexpectedly, Zn/ZPGly was less active than ZPGly-e. | 10.3390/ma12193184 |
pubmed_943_21649 | BACKGROUND
With native coronary disease, intimal plaque initially accumulates at focal areas in the artery, often accompanied by compensatory vessel enlargement. With transplant coronary disease, the topography of intimal thickening and associated remodeling pattern are less studied.
METHODS
We studied 72 prospectively recruited transplant patients with serial intravascular ultrasound using 4.3F catheters at baseline and at 1-year follow up. We considered 175 ultrasound-recorded segments (mean, 2.4 +/- 1.1 segments per patient) exactly matched on the serial studies by both angiographic criteria and ultrasound criteria, using arterial and venous branch points, pericardium, and sinuses as anatomic landmarks.
RESULTS
Eighty-eight segments had no donor disease, and 87 had donor disease (80 eccentric and 7 concentric intimal thickening). Progressive intimal thickening occurred in 48 segments without (55%) and 43 segments with donor disease (48%, p = NS). Thickening from segments without donor disease was mainly eccentric (81%). Thickening from segments with donor eccentric plaque was also mainly eccentric (67%, p = NS compared with segments without donor disease), with further thickening superimposed on the original plaque. Concentric intimal thickening was uncommon. Of the 58 patients who had >1 segment matched, intimal changes were discordant in 34 (59%), with progression in some and lack of progression in other segments. Total vessel area change correlated with intimal area change (r = 0.37 with a slope of 0.79, p < 0.001), including segments with (r = 0.39; slope, 0.69) and segments without (r = 0.37; slope, 1.16) donor disease.
CONCLUSION
The intimal thickening of early transplant coronary disease is mainly eccentric and often discordant within each individual patient. Donor eccentric plaque often serves as a nidus for further intimal growth. The topography of intimal thickening in transplant coronary disease resembles that of native coronary disease, but the presence of a pre-existent donor plaque may impede compensatory remodeling as further intimal thickening occurs after transplantation. | 10.1016/s1053-2498(01)00279-0 |
pubmed_1110_24337 | AIMS
To evaluate the long-term remission rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus and associated comorbidities after gastric bypass surgery in a complete cohort, in a real-life clinic setting.
METHODS
A retrospective study of all consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who underwent gastric bypass at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center from 2003 to 2010. The main outcome was remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus defined as HbA1c <6.5% (49 mmol/mol) without diabetic medication usage. Secondary outcomes were remission of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, weight loss, and long-term complications four years post-gastric bypass.
RESULTS
Eighty-four patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus underwent gastric bypass. Four-year follow-up data were available for 92% (77/84) of patients. The patients (73% male; mean age 54 years) had a mean body mass index of 49 kg/m2 ± 8.3. Hypertension and hyperlipidemia prevalence were 92% and 85%, respectively. The mean total body weight decrease over four years was 35 kg ± 21. Remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus occurred in 15% at 6 months and 49% four years after surgery. Diabetes remission was more likely (OR 3.2; 95% confidence interval 1.2-9.7) in patients not using insulin at baseline. Remission rates were 12% (9/74) for hypertension and 16% (11/68) for hyperlipidemia. Long-term surgical complications included reoperation (11%), incisional hernia (10%) and anastomotic ulcer (10%). Forty-four percent of patients had one or more nutritional complications.
CONCLUSIONS
The metabolic effects of gastric bypass are significant and durable for at least four years, even in a predominantly male cohort and real-life clinical setting. | 10.1016/j.diabres.2017.11.022 |
pubmed_26_23835 | BACKGROUND
In multiracial and multicultural Singapore, patients are exposed to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) from both eastern and western cultures. Although studies have shown that CAM usage is highly prevalent among cancer patients, no study on the prevalence of CAM in Singaporean adult cancer patients had been published.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
403 adult cancer patients treated at the Ambulatory Treatment Unit of National Cancer Centre Singapore completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire.
RESULTS
Median age of patients was 56 years old (range 22-84). Fifty-six percent of patients reported CAM usage and the most commonly used CAM include Traditional Chinese Medicine, bird's nest and special diet. CAM use was found to be associated with race, education level and prior CAM use before cancer diagnosis. Fifty-four percent of respondents informed their oncologists regarding CAM usage and 66.4% of oncologists were agreeable for CAM usage. However, most patients (63%) did not verify information on CAM before usage and a majority of patients taking CAM felt it was effective.
CONCLUSION
Majority of adult cancer patients used CAM and it is important for health-care professionals to keep abreast of research on CAM, to actively illicit information regarding usage and to provide appropriate advice and counseling. | 10.1093/annonc/mdn659 |
pubmed_460_4067 | To ascertain the impact of intrauterine methamphetamine exposure on the overall health of newborn infants at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, birth records of somatic growth parameters and neonatal withdrawal symptoms of 47 infants born to methamphetamine-abusing women during January 2001 to December 2001 were compared to 49 newborns whose mothers did not use methamphetamines during pregnancy. The data on somatic growth was analyzed using linear regression and multiple linear regression. The association between methamphetamine use and withdrawal symptoms was analyzed using the chi-square. Home visitation and maternal interview records were reviewed in order to assess for child-rearing attitude, and psychosocial parameters. Infants of methamphetamine-abusing mothers were found to have a significantly smaller gestational age-adjusted head circumference (regression coefficient = -1.458, p < 0.001) and birth weight (regression coefficient = -217.9, p < or = 0.001) measurements. Methamphetamine exposure was also associated with symptoms of agitation (5/47), vomiting (11/47) and tachypnea (12/47) when compared to the non-exposed group (p < 0r =0.001). Maternal interviews were conducted in 23 cases and showed that: 96% of the cases had inadequate prenatal care (<5 visits), 48% had at least one parent involved in prostitution, 39% of the mothers were unwilling to take their children home, and government or non-government support were provided in only 30% of the cases. In-utero methamphetamine exposure has been shown to adversely effect somatic growth of newborns and cause a variety of withdrawal-like symptoms. These infants are also psychosocially disadvantaged and are at greater risk for abuse and neglect. | pubmed_460_4067 |
pubmed_940_7679 | UNLABELLED
This study evaluated the impact of the atrioventricular delay (AVD) on the pulmonary venous flow pattern (PVFP).
METHODS
Transthoracic Doppler PVFP were obtained during atrial and ventricular pacing at a fixed rate of 70 beats/min in 20 patients equipped with a DDD pacemaker, diastolic dysfunction linked to an impaired relaxation, a mean ejection fraction of 49%, and AV block. Two subgroups were analyzed equally: group I: seven patients with a normal ejection fraction and group II: 13 patients with decreased ejection fraction. Three different AVDs were studied: short (50 ms), intermediate (150 ms), and long (250 ms).
RESULTS
As the AVD increased, the diastolic filling time and the peak atrial reverse flow wave decreased (P < 0.001). There was a decreasing D wave and no significant change in the peak velocity of the S wave. The S wave became biphasic in all patients at the longest AVD of 250 ms. The systolic (S) velocity time integral (VTI) of the pulmonary wave and the systolic/total PVF-VTI ratio increased significantly (P < 0.001). A similar response was seen in both group of patients.
CONCLUSIONS
These data correlated the AVD with PVFP, supplying critical systolic information completing the diastolic data obtained from mitral Doppler patterns. These systolic measurements were especially useful for patients with heart failure and a DDD pacemaker, in order to obtain the longest diastolic filling time at the lowest atrial pressure. | 10.1111/j.1540-8159.1998.tb01164.x |
pubmed_256_2841 | OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of Nursing advice on the attitude taken to anti-flu vaccination by the group of high-risk patients at our Health Centre, as well as the effectiveness of this staff's retrieval of non-vaccinated patients.
DESIGN
Study of a sample of a crossover type with a control group. Prospective intervention study with no control.
SETTING
Primary Care. Candelaria Health Centre (Sevilla).
PATIENTS
a) A random sample stratified by age and consisting of 126 vaccinated and 252 non-vaccinated patients with high-risk criteria for anti-flu vaccination (cardiovascular and chronic pulmonary pathologies); b) intervention to try and change the attitude of 78 non-vaccinated patients who were examined at the Nursing Station.
INTERVENTION
Back-up by means of a direct interview or telephone call.
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS
The distribution of the "included in the Nursing Station" factor was studied through a sample of vaccinated and non-vaccinated patients, who were homogeneous regarding age, gender, risk factor and nursing quota. 42.86% of those vaccinated were examined at the Nursing station as against 27.38% of those not vaccinated (O.R. 1.99, C.I. 1.27-3.11). The overall effectiveness of the retrieval was 42.31%, with a noteworthy 86.96% success obtained by the direct interview back-up at the Nursing station.
CONCLUSIONS
The results of the study point to the positive effect of nursing professionals on compliance with anti-flu vaccination. Moreover they are a useful part of strategies for retrieving patients with negative attitudes towards vaccination. | pubmed_256_2841 |
pubmed_729_4107 | It is important to consider a differential diagnosis between paralysis on an organic basis and paralysis and disability due to psychological mechanisms in people with physical impairment secondary to trauma, without evidence of organic etiology. We review the most dramatic type of conversion disorder (CD)-'Conversion Motor Paralysis'. Recent important medical literature concerning the accepted treatment and rehabilitation management will be reviewed and discussed. The inter-disciplinary in-patient team management approach in a rehabilitation setting offers the benefits of a comprehensive assessment and treatment. The diagnosis is temporary and conditional, since there may be a long delay until the appearance of organic findings. A complete medical assessment is essential in order to rule out any possibility of an organic etiology. In as many as 25% to 50% of patients diagnosed as conversion, an organic medical diagnosis was found. | 10.1038/sj.sc.3101308 |
pubmed_1018_15724 | The ability of the flagellate Crithidia fasciculata to induce encystation of the reptile pathogen, Entamoeba invadens, was studied in vitro. A specific ratio of flagellate to amoeba was required; both live and heat-killed C. fasciculata induced amoebic encystation. The interaction between the Crithidia and Entamoeba cells was found to be galactose-mediated because the addition of galactose to the culture medium, or the pretreatment of the flagellate with galactosidase, eliminated its ability to induce encystation. Galactose was also found to prevent the amoeba amoeba aggregation that normally occurs in axenic cultures of encystation-induced E. invadens. Both galactose and glcNAc completely inhibited cyst formation of these induced cultures, although the latter sugar did not prevent cell aggregation. These results indicate that a galactose-mediated interaction between E. invadens cells is an early step in the in vitro encystation pathway. | pubmed_1018_15724 |
pubmed_435_17856 | The structural and functional organization of the human brain consists of 52 regions with distinct cellular organization. In vitro models for normal and pathological states using isolated brain-region-specific 3D engineered tissues fail to recapitulate information integration and/or transfer that arises from connectivity among neuroanatomical structures. Therefore, development of brain-on-a-chip microsystems must shift to multiple region neuron network designs to be relevant in brain functionality and deficit modeling. However, in vitro formation of multiregional networks on microdevices presents several challenges that we illustrate using a few neurological disorders; and we offer guidance, depending on objectives (HTS, disease modeling, etc.) for rational design of microfluidic systems and better emulation of in vivo conditions. | 10.1016/j.drudis.2019.06.008 |
pubmed_2_2658 | Bovine Serum Albumine (BSA) aqueous solutions in the presence of NaCl are investigated for different protein concentrations and low to intermediate ionic strengths. Protein interactions are modeled via a charge-screened colloidal model, in which the range of the potential is determined by the Debye-Hückel constant. We use Monte Carlo computer simulations to calculate the structure factor, and assume an oblate ellipsoidal form factor for BSA. The theoretical scattered intensities are found in good agreement with the experimental small angle X-ray scattering intensities available in the literature. The performance of well-known integral equation closures to the Ornstein-Zernike equation, namely the mean spherical approximation, the Percus-Yevick, and the hypernetted chain equations, is also assessed with respect to computer simulation. | 10.1063/1.4794919 |
pubmed_1021_22656 | A 38-year-old woman with acute myeloid leukaemia developed focal hepatic candidiasis. Ultrasonography and computerised tomography revealed the hepatic lesion and definite diagnosis was established by percutaneous liver biopsy. The use of a cumulative dose of 6.6 g of amphotericin B in combination with 5-fluorocytosine resulted in successful eradication of the fungus. The difficulties in making an antemortem diagnosis are well recognised and optimal therapy of the condition remains to be defined. | 10.3109/00365549109023411 |
pubmed_597_14714 | Mildew resistance in the ornamental apple 'White Angel' was found to be determined by complementary genes. The gene R w was found to be necessary for the expression of resistance controlled by the resistance gene Pl w . The close linkage between the isoenzyme gene, Lap-2, for leucine aminopeptidase and P1 w was confirmed. The efficiency of Lap-2 as a marker in screening for mildew resistance is limited, as it cannot account for susceptible plants with the r w r w P1 w p1 w genotype. It has, however, an important role to play in combining resistance genes from different sources. The genotypes of 'White Angel' (R w r w , Pl w pl w , Lap-2an), 'Jester' (R w r w , p1 w p w , Lap-2an) 'Katja' (R w r w ,p1 w p1 w , Lap-2an) and 'Gloster 69' (r w r w , p1 w p1 w , Lap-2an) were determined. It also appeared that R w might influence Lap-2 activity in young seedlings. | 10.1007/BF00225743 |
pubmed_769_22856 | In June-July 2020 two remarkable weather events occurred in northern Eurasia. One is a severe heat wave that produced a record-breaking temperature of 38 °C at Verkhoyansk, eastern Siberia on 20 June. The other one is heavy rainfall events observed in East Asia (southern China and southwestern Japan) in early July, causing severe floods that brought about considerable damage to infrastructure and the economy, as well as the loss of human lives. Despite the accumulated evidence of stronger and more extreme heat waves and heavy rainfall as a result of global warming, little is known about the linkage between these phenomena. Given that the Arctic is warming twice as fast as the global mean, Arctic warming might be enhancing the increase of heavy rainfall events in East Asia. Here, we investigated the relationship between the Siberian heat wave and the East Asian heavy rainfall that occurred summer in 2020. An empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis applied to atmospheric reanalysis data of 1958-2020 period captures dominant summer circulation patterns reflecting atmospheric internal variability and externally forced anomalies. On the basis of these EOF patterns, operational forecasts of summer 2020 using the global model from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and a global climate model experiment based on 2-K warming future projection are utilized to examine roles of the internal variability and external forcing, respectively. Consistent results between them reveal that development of the blocking high over eastern Siberia has certain impacts on rainfall anomalies over East Asia. By a statistical technique applied to the ensemble forecast data, prediction of the East Asian precipitation is improved by 10-20% of its amplitude. Our research demonstrates possibility that East Asian rainfall is being enhanced by high-latitude atmospheric circulations due to the Arctic warming even in the current climate in which the tropical warming is not yet severe. Suggestions are given that continued Arctic warming and a future increase of tropical warming will lead to increases of the frequency and severity of heavy rainfall events in East Asia. | 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112881 |
pubmed_1080_17163 | It was established as a result of cytotoxicity studies of 15 welding dusts of different compositions in experiments on embryonal fibroblast cell cultures that the biologic activity of these substances depends on the solubility in growth media of their major components: alkaline and alkaline earth metals, iron, cremnium and, to a vast degree, that of the manganese. Conclusion has been made that a comparative assessment of welding dusts' biological activity on cell cultures should involve the kinetic parameters of their solubility in growth and supportive media, and the duration of the substances' affecting the cell cultures should be long enough to reveal the combined action of its major ingredients. | pubmed_1080_17163 |
pubmed_132_25704 | INTRODUCTION
Discovering a new, accurate, and useful damage marker for isolated islets is critical for avoiding the transplantation of nontherapeutic preparations. Recently, we have reported that islets that contained uniquely high levels of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein and cytokine induced damaged islets released HMGB1 in a mouse model. Islets are frequently exposed to hypoxic conditions during organ procurement, organ transportation, islet isolation, and islet storage before transplantation. In the present study, we analyzed HMGB1 expressions in hypoxia-induced damaged mouse islets.
METHODS
Damaged mouse islets were generated by hypoxic conditions (1% O2, 5% CO(2), and 94% N(2)). HMGB1 expressions and production levels were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) studies. In vivo islet function was analyzed using transplantation assay using streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.
RESULTS
HMGB1 was mainly stained in the nucleus in the intact islets; however, HMGB1 was present in not only the nucleus, but also the cytoplasm in hypoxia-induced damaged islets. HMGB1 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were up-regulated in the hypoxia-induced damaged islets, suggesting that HMGB1 was intentionally generated during hypoxia. HMGB1 protein levels in the islets were gradually decreased with time under hypoxic conditions. The amount of released HMGB1 levels and the amount of released HMGB1 levels per hour were significantly increased in damaged (noncurable) islets.
CONCLUSIONS
When islets were damaged by hypoxic condition, HMGB1 was synthesized and released from hypoxia-induced damaged islets. The amount of released HMGB1 and/or the amount of released HMGB1 per hour might be a useful marker for detecting damaged islets and might be used for islet potency assay. | 10.1016/j.transproceed.2011.09.100 |
pubmed_1066_14668 | Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is one of the most common malignant tumors and has high migration and invasion capacity. In this study, we attempted to establish a multigene signature for predicting the prognosis of COAD patients. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis and differential gene expression analysis methods were first applied to identify differentially co-expressed genes between COAD tissues and normal tissues from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-COAD dataset and GSE39582 dataset, and a total of 309 overlapping genes were screened out. Then, our study employed TCGA-COAD cohort as the training dataset and an independent cohort by merging the GES39582 and GSE17536 datasets as the testing dataset. After univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed for these overlapping genes and overall survival (OS) of COAD patients in the training dataset, a 13-gene signature was constructed to divide COAD patients into high- and low-risk subgroups with significantly different OS. The testing dataset exhibited the same results utilizing the same predictive signature. The area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic analysis for predicting OS in the training and testing datasets were 0.789 and 0.868, respectively, which revealed the enhanced predictive power of the signature. Multivariate Cox regression analysis further suggested that the 13-gene signature could independently predict OS. Among the 13 prognostic genes, NAT1 and NAT2 were downregulated with deep deletions in tumor tissues in multiple COAD cohorts and exhibited significant correlations with poorer OS based on the GEPIA database. Notably, NAT1 and NAT2 expression levels were positively correlated with infiltrating levels of CD8+ T cells and dendritic cells, exhibiting a foundation for further research investigating the antitumor immune roles played by NAT1 and NAT2 in COAD. Taken together, the results of our study showed that the 13-gene signature could efficiently predict OS and that NAT1 and NAT2 could function as biomarkers for prognosis and the immune response in COAD. | 10.3389/fgene.2021.657658 |
pubmed_147_19186 | Modernity stands on the shoulders of ancestors. Their historical foundations support and inspire our today. In 19th century Germany, Heinrich Rudolf Hertz was such a historical person. Hertz, a brilliant physicist, had the ability to integrate theoretical book knowledge with fundamental bench experimentation. Hertz's eclectic talents and research accomplishments ranged from drafting in architecture to meticulous manipulation of standard laboratory equipment often redesigned for his relentless curiosity (Buchwald 1994). He was the first to conclusively prove the existence of electromagnetic waves with precise experimental procedures and instrumentation he engineered to generate and detect waves (radio pulses) across space. His touchstone research verified Maxwell's theory and proved that all forms of electromagnetic radiation are propagated as waves at a finite velocity--the speed of light (Heinrich Hertz 2012). In recognition of his pivotal discoveries, Hertz's name is the universal synonym for frequency. Categorizing electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns by frequency is the primary emphasis of an EEG recording. The distribution of frequencies, amplitude, and polarity of electrocerebral potentials as recorded on the computer screen and/or graph paper result from numerous electrical fields of neuronal dipoles. Hertz's images drawn as the paper dipole remain the standard method for describing electrocerebral dipoles and the electrical fields of epileptiform activity recorded on a patient's electroencephalograph. Hertz's intended and inadvertent discoveries became the launch pad for numerous medical and media technologies. His former student Philipp Lenard won the 1905 Nobel Prize for Physics when he developed a version of the cathode tube and studied penetration by x-rays based on Herts'z cathode ray experiments in 1892. Additionally, Hertz did not pursure his ancillary discovery of the photoelectric effect in 1887. Albert Einstein would later explain features of the phenomenon and earn the Nobel Prize in physics in 1921 (Photoelectric effect 2012). The gestation of Hertz's scientific discoverries has developed the comforts and pleasures of 21st century life. The electromagnetic spectrum spans from longest wavelenght to shortest: radio waves, microwaves, infrared, optical, ultraviolet, x-ray, and gamma-rays--all measured in Hz (Electromagnetic waves 2000. | pubmed_147_19186 |
pubmed_910_21765 | BACKGROUND
Maternal health remains a major public health problem in Ethiopia. Despite the government's measures to ensure institutional delivery assisted by skilled attendants, home delivery remains high, estimated at over 80% of all pregnant women.
OBJECTIVE
The study aims to identify determinants that sustain home delivery in Ethiopia.
METHODS
A total of 48 women who delivered their most recent child at home, 56 women who delivered their most recent child in a health facility, 55 husbands of women who delivered within 1 year preceding the study, and 23 opinion leaders in selected districts of Amhara, Oromia, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region, and Tigray regions were involved in the study. Key informant interview, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions were conducted to collect data using checklists developed for this purpose. Data reduction and analysis were facilitated by Maxqda qualitative data analysis software version 11.
RESULTS
Findings show that pregnancy and delivery is a normal and natural life event. Research participants unanimously argue that such a life event should not be linked with health problems. Home is considered a natural space for delivery and most women aspire to deliver at home where rituals during labor and after delivery are considered enjoyable. Even those who delivered in health facilities appreciate events in connection to home delivery. Efforts are underway to create home-like environments in health facilities, but health facilities are not yet recognized as a natural place of delivery. The positive tendency to deliver at home is further facilitated by poor service delivery at the facility level. Perceived poor competence of providers and limited availability of supplies and equipment were found to maintain the preference to deliver at home.
CONCLUSION
The government's endeavor to improve maternal health has generated positive results with more women now attending antenatal care. Yet over 80% of women deliver at home and this was found to be the preferred option. Thus, the current form of intervention needs to focus on factors that determine decisions to deliver at home and also focus on investing in improving service delivery at health facilities. | 10.2147/IJWH.S98722 |
pubmed_973_17777 | OBJECTIVE
A possible role of antioxidants in thyreotoxicosis was investigated. We examined the parameters of lipid peroxidation (LPO): conjugated dienes (CD), malondialdehyde (MDA), Schiff bases (SB) in lung homogenates of male Wistar rats.
METHODS
Two control groups were created: Group 1 - intact animals and Group 2 - animals injected with 0,9% NaCl. In Experiment I, the animals received L-thyroxin (LT4) i.p. (Groups 3-7). After one week the rats received additionally: Group 4 - melatonin (MEL); Group 5 - propylthiouracil (PTU); Group 6 - Ambroxol (AMB); Group 7 - N-acetylocysteine (NAC). In Experiment II, the animals received only antioxidants.
RESULTS
In Experiment I, we noticed a significantly higher MDA and SB level in Group 2, compared to that in Group 1. Moreover, we observed a significantly higher MDA and SB level in Group 3, vs. that in Group 1, but SB level was lower in Group 3 than in Group 2. Melatonin, PTU and NAC reduced CD; PTU, AMB diminished MDA and MEL, AMB lowered SB levels as compared to Group 3. In Experiment II, we observed significantly higher MDA and SB level in Group 2, vs. that in Group 1. Melatonin, AMB and NAC decreased MDA and SB level, when compared to Group 2 but PTU elevated MDA and SB level vs. that in Group 1.
CONCLUSIONS
1) L-T4 suppresses LPO, 2) MEL, AMB and NAC protect against LPO, 3) PTU is an antioxidant in thyreotoxicosis, however, when administered alone, it enhances LPO, 4) stress accelerate LPO. | pubmed_973_17777 |
pubmed_646_1908 | The functions of aminotelopeptide and N-terminal cross-linking of collagen I were examined. Acetic acid-soluble collagen I (ASC) was purified from neonatal bovine skin and treated with three kinds of proteases. The amino acid sequencing analysis of the N terminus showed that ASC contained a full-length aminotelopeptide. Pepsin and papain cleaved the aminotelopeptide of the alpha1 chain at the same site and the aminotelopeptide of the alpha2 chain at different sites. Proctase-treated ASC lost the whole aminotelopeptide, and the N-terminal sequence began from the tenth residue inside the triple helical region. The rates of fibril formation of pepsin-treated ASC and proctase-treated ASC were the same and were slower than that of ASC. The denaturation temperatures, monitored by CD ellipticity at 221 nm, of ASC, pepsin-treated, or papain-treated collagens were the same at 41.8 degrees C. Proctase-treated ASC showed a lower denaturation temperature of 39.9 degrees C. We also observed the morphology of the collagen fibrils under an electron microscope. The ASC fibrils were straight and thin, whereas the fibrils of pepsin-treated ASC were slightly twisted, and the fibrils from papain- and proctase-treated ASC were highly twisted and thick. When the collagen gel strength was examined by a modified method of viscosity-measurement, ASC was the strongest, followed by pepsin-treated ASC, and papain- and proctase-treated ASCs were the weakest. These results suggest that the aminotelopeptide plays important roles in fibril formation and thermal stability. In addition, the functions of intermolecular cross-linking in aminotelopeptides may contribute to the formation of fibrils in the correct staggered pattern and to strengthening the collagen gel. | 10.1074/jbc.M003700200 |
pubmed_876_20495 | Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) is a multifunctional protein that exerts its effects primarily by acting as a transcriptional transactivator of viral and multiple host cell genes. HBx is thought to be essential for maintaining viral replication and has been implicated in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus. Very little is known about its functional mechanisms and although interactions with several nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins have been demonstrated in vitro, there is no clear consensus as to where HBx localises in infected hepatocytes. In this study, the expression and intracellular distribution of HBx were examined in human liver biopsies using an anti-HBx rabbit polyclonal antiserum. HBx was detected in a high proportion (69%) of samples from patients with chronic HBV infection. Detection of HBx correlated with the absence of cirrhosis and the presence of serum e-antigen. HBx was detected predominantly in the cytoplasm; however, it was also found in the nuclei of up to 20% of positively stained hepatocytes, either exclusively nuclear or localised both in the nucleus and cytoplasm within the same cell. Furthermore, the intracellular distribution of HBx was analysed in transfected Huh-7 cells by confocal microscopy, using the monoclonal antibody 16F1. In these experiments, a substantial nuclear detection was confirmed in a significant proportion of HBx expressing cells. The data indicate a high functional significance of nuclear HBx, consistent with the concept that transactivation may involve interactions with nuclear proteins. | 10.1002/jmv.1067 |
pubmed_175_11005 | BACKGROUND
Patients who refuse allogeneic blood transfusions (alloBT) on the basis of religious doctrine, such as Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs), can pose a challenge when undergoing surgical procedures. During cardiac surgery, special considerations regarding surgical techniques and blood loss minimization strategies can lead to improved outcomes. Limited literature exists to guide the use of four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4PCC) in this patient population undergoing cardiac surgery.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
This retrospective, single-center study evaluated the impact of 4PCC on hemoglobin (Hgb) change from baseline to postoperative nadir within a 7-day period among patients who refused alloBT during cardiac surgery. This study identified patients who refused alloBT from January 2011 to June 2017. Multivariable linear regression was used to control for confounding variables to evaluate the effectiveness of 4PCC.
RESULTS
During the study timeframe, 79 patients met inclusion criteria, all of whom identified as JWs, and underwent cardiac surgery. Of these, 19 received intraoperative 4PCC. Multivariable linear regression found no difference in Hgb change in patients who received 4PCC vs those who did not. No significant differences were found in mortality, thromboembolic complications, or in-hospital postoperative events.
CONCLUSIONS
In JWs undergoing cardiac surgery who refuse alloBT, intraoperative use of 4PCC was not associated with a difference in Hgb change within 7 days postoperatively when adjusting for confounding variables. In the event of excessive blood loss, the utilization of 4PCC may provide a viable option in JW patients who undergo cardiac surgery where few options exist to mitigate blood loss. | 10.1111/jocs.14463 |
pubmed_447_12666 | In order to reduce HIV transmission, improved understanding of factors that motivate safer sexual behaviour is needed. The Health Belief Model attempts to explain health-related behaviour, including HIV-preventive behaviour. The association of six elements of this model--AIDS knowledge, perceived susceptibility to HIV infection, perceived effectiveness of HIV-preventive measures, self-efficacy, barriers to behaviour change, accessibility of health care/advice and social support for safer sexual behaviour--to three indices of HIV-related behavioural risk reduction--reduced number of sexual partners, increased consistency of condom use and (among males only) reduced prostitute contact--was examined by self-report inventory among 202 men and 100 women in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Multiple logistic regression identified social support for behaviour change, followed by accessibility of health care/advice, as the most consistent predictors of risk reduction across sex and outcome measures. The remaining predictors were not consistently associated with behaviour change. It is concluded that AIDS campaigns must foster the perception that there is concerted normative support for HIV-related behaviour change and that community and small group, face-to-face AIDS education, which may have more impact on perceived social support than mass media campaigns, must be emphasised. | pubmed_447_12666 |
pubmed_552_19585 | The authors evaluated a group of operated patients above 60 years of age where the main cardiosurgical operation was a aortic valve replacement. The early mortality in the group comprising 49 patients was 4.1%. (Of 33 patients where the replacement of the aortic valve was an isolated operation none of the patients died. From another 16 patients where also the mitral valve had to be replaced or IHD had to be resolved by revascularization of the heart muscle by aortocoronary bypasses, two patients died.) During a check-up examination one year after operation 92% of the checked patients where in functional group I or II according to NYHA classification (before operation all were in group III or IV). Prostheses of aortic valves do not only considerably prolong the life even in older patients but also improve its quality. Advanced age alone is no contraindication for operation and the surgical risk is not greater than in younger age groups. The authors recommend to implant in advanced age bioprostheses because of the markedly lower risk of serious haemorrhagic complications in the long-term postoperative course. | pubmed_552_19585 |
pubmed_766_2830 | This study investigates the effect of an orthodontic force on pulpal respiration in the human premolar. The participants in this study required the removal of four first premolars for orthodontic treatment. After written consent was obtained, these teeth were used in the following manner. Randomly, the premolars on one side of the mouth were designated as experimental and the premolars on the opposing side served as controls. The four teeth were removed following a 3-day application of an orthodontic force. The pulp tissue was then extirpated and used for the investigation. A radioactively labeled carbon dioxide production system was used to evaluate the effect on pulpal respiration of the orthodontic force. It is thought that this method has been proved to provide a viable and sensitive biochemical analysis of tissue respiration on very small samples over short observation periods. The data were collected and prepared for statistical analysis. This investigation demonstrated that the pulp tissue respiration in seventeen subjects was depressed an average of 27% as a result of orthodontic force application. A positive correlation between the age of the participant and the amount of tissue respiratory depression was also demonstrated. It was therefore concluded that orthodontic forces of very short duration do cause biochemical and biologic pulpal tissue alterations and that orthodontic forces may be less biologically safe as the age of the patient increases. | 10.1016/0002-9416(80)90103-7 |
pubmed_862_13967 | This study looked at students' perceptions of the three socialization processes of connection, regulation, and autonomy with their parents and teachers, and the relation of these issues to bullying peers. Self-reported data were collected from a representative sample of Norwegian eighth graders (N=2,083, 1,010 boys, and 1,073 girls). Findings partially confirm our hypotheses that we generated from earlier research into general antisocial behavior. For both genders, parent regulation and teacher regulation had a direct impact on bullying behavior. Parent connection and teacher connection also had an impact on bullying behavior, but these effects were indirect and were mediated by regulation and autonomy from parents and teachers. Some of the socialization processes had different impacts on bullying behavior for boys and girls. Parent autonomy and teacher autonomy had impact (although weak) on bullying behavior for boys only. In general, the variables related to the parents were of more importance for bullying behavior than the variables related to the teachers. | 10.1002/ab.20259 |
pubmed_177_23050 | Cupping, with an ancient name of horn method, possessed other different names and operational approaches through the history. There was wrong information about cupping which was passed on due to unawareness of predecessors. Through probing into the literature and history, this article summarizes and studies warming cupping, cupping over needles, water boiled cupping and fire cupping. | 10.13703/j.0255-2930.2016.10.024 |
pubmed_171_19045 | BACKGROUND
EMR with a cap-fitted endoscope, including a soft, prelooped hood, is a useful, effective, and safe technique. One problem with this method, however, is that the lesion cannot always be kept in the center of the cap because the procedure is performed blindly after aspiration. A soft, prelooped hood with attached irrigation tube was developed. The usefulness of this device for EMR of upper-GI intramucosal cancers was evaluated.
METHODS
The end-hood piece was fabricated by drilling a side hole in the cap portion of a conventional soft, prelooped hood and then attaching an irrigation tube with glue to the exterior surface of the hole. The fabricated transparent hood was placed at the tip of an endoscope, and aspiration mucosectomy under irrigation was performed in 15 patients with upper-GI intramucosal cancer. When the field of view at the aspiration site was obscured by oozing blood, the site was irrigated.
RESULTS
A satisfactory view was obtained of all lesions. The mean diameter of specimens was 24.5 mm (interquartile range: 15-35). The proportion of en bloc resected lesions was 86.7% (13/15). Bleeding was the only complication (4/15; 26.7%) and was controlled by using endoscopic hemostatic techniques under irrigation.
CONCLUSIONS
EMR when using the soft, prelooped hood with irrigation tube is effective and safe for intramucosal cancers 20 mm or less in diameter. | 10.1016/s0016-5107(04)01534-2 |
pubmed_634_25945 | Analysis of hydrochemical characteristics and controlling factors of streamflow and groundwater in arid regions is important for water security. In this study, we collected samples of streamflow and groundwater from the Wei River in China, analyzed their hydrochemical characteristics, and identified the major solute sources using ion concentrations, δ15N-NO3- and δ18O-NO3-. The major downstream ion contents were greater than the corresponding upstream values and the ion content in streamflow during the wet season is much higher than that during the dry season. The water quality during the wet season was unsatisfactory as approximately one third of the water samples were categorized as the worst water quality based on excessive nitrates and carbonate weathering. Rock weathering contributed the greatest proportion of solutes to both streamflow and groundwater. Evaporite dissolution and carbonate weathering dominated solutes in the wet and dry seasons, respectively. Human activities cannot be ignored in certain areas. Fertilizer application accounts for 43% of the total anthropogenic solute inputs. These results point to the increasing impact of agriculture on water quality. | 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113006 |
pubmed_289_22817 | Pathogenic fungi have substantial effects on global biodiversity, and 2 emerging pathogenic species-the chytridiomycete Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which causes chytridiomycosis in amphibians, and the ascomycete Geomyces destructans, which causes white-nose syndrome in hibernating bats-are implicated in the widespread decline of their vertebrate hosts. We synthesized current knowledge for chytridiomycosis and white-nose syndrome regarding disease emergence, environmental reservoirs, life history characteristics of the host, and host-pathogen interactions. We found striking similarities between these aspects of chytridiomycosis and white-nose syndrome, and the research that we review and propose should help guide management of future emerging fungal diseases. | 10.3201/eid1093.120707 |
pubmed_247_9631 | Respiratory mucus glycoproteins (mucins) were purified from the tracheobronchial secretions of three Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients. The mucins were completely deglycosylated by treatment with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid and subsequent treatment with alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase. Over thirty hybrid clones secreting antibodies against the deglycosylated mucin (DGM) were obtained using standard hybridoma techniques. Hybrids with positive identification for CF-DGM were cloned twice using limiting dilution method to ensure the monoclonal nature of the antibodies. Eight stable clones (1a, 1b, 10a, 10c, 10d, 10e, 29d, and 30e) secreting monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) showing specificity of reaction to CF-DGM were obtained. Two clones, 29d and 30e, secreted antibodies of the IgM class while the other six clones secreted antibodies of the IgG1 subclass. Denaturation and reduction experiments suggested that MAbs 1b, 10e, 29d and 30e were directed against a given sequence of amino acids in the DGM while the other four MAbs, in addition to being sequence specific, were also conformation dependent. Further, competitive binding radioimmunoassays suggested that MAbs 1b, 10e, 29d and 30e recognize four distinct epitopes in the peptidic core of CF respiratory mucin. In summary, the MAbs may provide a promising approach to elucidate the structure of the polypeptide backbone of human respiratory mucins as well as for the screening of cDNA libraries for clones secreting mucin(s). | 10.1089/hyb.1991.10.285 |
pubmed_437_22898 | The antifibrotic properties of spiperone and its effect on stem and progenitor cells were studied on the model of reversible bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in C57Bl/6 mice. Spiperone reduced infiltration of the alveolar interstitium and alveolar ducts with inflammatory cells and prevented the growth of the connective tissue in the parenchyma of bleomycin lungs. Apart from anti-inflammatory effect, spiperone suppressed bone marrow hemopoietic cells (CD3, CD45R (B220), Ly6C, Ly6G (Gr1), CD11b (Mac1), TER-119)-, Sca-1+, c-Kit+, CD34- and progenitor hemopoietic cells (granulocyte-erythroid-macrophage-megakaryocytic and granulocyte CFU). Spiperone-induced disturbances of fi brogenesis were paralleled by restoration of endothelial cells in the lung parenchyma, reduction of the number of circulating bone marrow cells and lung mesenchymopoietic cells (mesenchymal multipotent stromal cells (CD31-, CD34-, CD45-, CD44+, CD73+, CD90+, CD106+) and progenitor fi broblast cells), and suppression of multilineage differentiation of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (including fi broblast-lineage cells). | 10.1007/s10517-014-2508-y |
pubmed_503_15129 | The pyramidal control of the heart rate (HR) and the arterial pressure (AP) was investigated in the cat. Experiments were conducted in order to determine relative contribution of vagal and sympathetic components to this control. In eighteen anesthetized and curarized cats, electrical stimulations were applied to the pyramidal tract (PT), followed by pharmacological blockade of the sympathetic cardiac control or by bivagotomy. HR and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded in response to pyramidal stimulations before and after bulbar transections sparing only the PT, beta 1-blockade by atenolol administration and/or bilateral vagotomy. Results showed that the stimulation of the PT elicits significant cardiac accelerations and MAP increases in all animals. Furthermore, bulbar transections allowed to conclude that pyramidal influences acted at bulbar level and not on spinal cardiovascular neurons. After beta 1-blockade by atenolol, HR increases were reduced by about 70% and those of MAP by about 30%; after bilateral vagotomy, cardioaccelerations were reduced by about 30% but no significant reductions of MAP were observed; finally, beta 1-blockade combined with vagal section suppressed cardioaccelerations and significantly reduced the MAP increases. These results suggest the existence of a direct cortical control, via the pyramidal tract, to cardiovascular centers of the medulla, probably mediated by pyramidal collaterals. This control appears to be organized following a reciprocal autonomic pattern where the suppression of the vagal inhibition is associated with a concomitant sympathetic excitation. The present work also provides data in favour of a central command coupling somatic programs and cardiac adjustments during motor acts. | pubmed_503_15129 |
pubmed_924_19024 | An electronic stabilization system for an oscillating vane pressure gauge is described. A new continuous drive method is used, obviating the necessity for reliance on mechanical filtering by the vane to produce stable oscillation amplitude. The parameter, damping coefficient, can be measured as being proportional to dc voltage. The dc correction signal is generated with attention to system stability so that stable operation is achieved quickly. Experimental results showing proportionality between the dc correction voltage and damping ratio are presented. | 10.1063/1.1135784 |
pubmed_650_17532 | Serum-free perfusion cultures of hybridoma TO-405 cells were carried out in spinner flasks coupled with zeolite A-3 packed beads. Ammonia was selectively removed from the culture broth by passing cell free permeate from ceramic cross flow filtration, through the zeolite packed bed. Ammonia concentration in the culture broth was effectively maintained between 1 to 4 mmol/l which was below the inhibitory concentration for cell growth. Maximum cell density levels of 10(7) cells/ml as well as improved percentage cell viability higher than in serum-supplemented cultures were feasible in this system. The possible effects of shear stress, generated by variation of the flow rates of the broth through the ceramic filter module, on the growth of the hybridoma cells were investigated. Backwashing, by reversing the direction of the permeate, was found necessary to prolong the life of the filter. Variation of the flow rates of the broth through the ceramic module between 0.29 m/s to 0.59 m/s did not cause immediate cell damage but growth was repressed at the higher flow rate. This study also showed that glutamine appears to be one of the factors limiting the growth of the hybridoma cells. | 10.1007/BF00373029 |
pubmed_553_10440 | Studies on isolated liver cell plasma membranes enriched in bile canaliculi from male rats treated with phalloidin show marked changes in the membrane polypeptides. Upon examination by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, a protein component identical in mobility to the myosin standard was dramatically reduced, while that corresponding to actin was increased. It is suggested that a myosin-like protein may be necessary for the contractile function of the actin filaments in the liver cells. The observed modifications may be related to the decreased bile secretion and dilatation of bile canaliculi induced by phalloidin. | 10.1139/o81-024 |
pubmed_378_10695 | A study was conducted to determine if aflatoxin and fumonisin are concentrated in the poor-quality grade components of shelled corn. Four 1.0 kg test samples were each taken from 23 lots of shelled corn marketed in North Carolina. Inspectors from the Federal Grain Inspection Service divided each test sample into 3 grade components: (1) damaged kernels (DM), (2) broken corn and foreign material (BCFM), and )3) whole kernels (WH). The aflatoxin and fumonisin concentration was measured in each component and a mass balance equation was used to calculate the total concentration of each mycotoxin in each test sample. Averaged across all test samples, the aflatoxin concentrations in the DM, BCFM, and WH components were 1300.3, 455.2, and 37.3 ppb, respectively. Averaged across all test samples, the fumonisin concentrations in the DM, BCFM, and WH components were 148.3, 51.3, and 1.8 ppm, respectively. The DM and BCFM components combined accounted for only 5.0% of the test sample mass, but accounted for 59.8 and 77.5% of the total aflatoxin and fumonisin mass in the test sample, respectively. Both aflatoxin mass (ng) and aflatoxin concentration (ng/g) in the combined DM and BCFM components had high correlations with aflatoxin concentration in the lot. The highest correlation occurred when aflatoxin mass (ng) in the combined DM and BCFM components was related to aflatoxin concentration in the lot (0.964). Similar results were obtained for fumonisin. This study indicated that measuring either aflatoxin or fumonisin in the combined DM and BCFM grade components could be used as a screening method to predict either aflatoxin or fumonisin in a bulk lot of shelled corn. | pubmed_378_10695 |
pubmed_157_22724 | βA3/A1-crystallin is an abundant structural protein of the lens that is very critical for lens function. Many different genetic mutations have been shown to associate with different types of cataracts in humans and in animal models. βA3/A1-crystallin has four Greek key-motifs that organize into two crystallin domains. It shown to bind calcium with moderate affinity and has putative calcium-binding site. Other than in the lens, βA3/A1 is also expressed in retinal astrocytes, retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, and retinal ganglion cells. The function of βA3/A1-crystallin in the retinal cell types is well studied; however, a clear understanding of the function of this protein in the lens has not yet been established. In the current study, we generated the βA3/A1-crystallin knockout (KO) mouse and explored the function of βA3/A1-crystallin in lens development. Our results showed that βA3-KO mice develop congenital nuclear cataract and exhibit persistent fetal vasculature condition. At the cellular level KO lenses show defective lysosomal clearance and accumulation of nuclei, mitochondria, and autophagic cargo in the outer cortical region of the lens. In addition, the calcium level and the expression and activity of calpain-3 were increased in KO lenses. Taken together, these results suggest the lack of βA3-crystallin function in lenses, alters calcium homeostasis which in turn causes lysosomal defects and calpain activation. These defects are responsible for the development of nuclear cataract in KO lenses. | 10.1371/journal.pone.0149027 |
pubmed_74_6823 | In recent decades, surgical robots have made great progress and are widely used in many clinical departments.It can eliminate the doctor's hands tremor, reducing postoperative complications and shortening the operation time due to the many advantages of robot such as stability, high precision and intelligence. Based on the huge economic benefits and good performance, the surgical robots have become a hot spot in the field of medicine and industry. Although no otologic robot has been approved for clinical use, many breakthroughs have been raised. This article reviewed the development of otologic robots in the past years and provided some ideas for future research. | 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1673-0860.2019.12.014 |
pubmed_815_3886 | First-time-in-humans studies of drugs (phase I) typically exclude unsuitable volunteers by testing for recreational drugs. However, volunteers are usually not screened for cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, even though tobacco products may alter pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters and withdrawal from tobacco may cause additional adverse events. The accuracy of personal histories as a means of excluding smokers was examined prospectively in three phase I units in the northeastern, midwestern, and southwestern United States. In studies intended for nonsmokers, 45 of 282 purported nonsmokers screened before enrollment tested positive for cotinine. This suggests that personal histories are unreliable in determining tobacco use in clinical trials designated for nonsmokers. | 10.1038/clpt.1994.161 |
pubmed_511_426 | BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was the investigation of concentration and prevalence of selected periodontal pathogenic bacteria and concentration of active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) within a group of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and to compare the results with a group of healthy control subjects (HC).
METHODS
Fifty-nine IBD patients with Crohn`s disease (CD, n = 30) or ulcerative colitis (UC, n = 29) and 59 HC were included in this cross-sectional study. Based on periodontal probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), periodontitis was classified as healthy/mild, moderate, or severe. aMMP-8 was analyzed from gingival crevicular fluid using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Eleven selected periodontal pathogenic bacteria were analyzed in subgingival plaque samples using polymerase chain reaction.
RESULTS
IBD patients showed higher CAL (P < 0.01), more severe periodontitis (P = 0.04), gingival bleeding (P < 0.01) and aMMP-8 concentration (P < 0.01) than HC. Only in CD, increasing severity of periodontitis was associated with an increase in aMMP-8 concentration (P = 0.02). The prevalences of Eubacterium nodatum and Eikenella corrodens were significantly lower in IBD compared to HC (P = 0.01). Additionally, the prevalence of Eikenella corrodens was significantly higher in CD compared to the UC group (P = 0.04). Further statistically significant differences in selected bacteria between IBD and HC or CD and UC groups could not be found (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The results reveal changes in host immune response of IBD patients in terms of aMMP-8. Only in CD increasing aMMP-8 was associated with severity of periodontal disease. The role of periodontal pathogenic bacteria in the interrelationship between IBD and periodontitis remains unclear. | 10.1002/JPER.17-0486 |
pubmed_262_7116 | Until very recently, little was known about the chromatin structure of the telomeres and subtelomeric regions in Plasmodium falciparum. In yeast and Drosophila melanogaster, chromatin structure has long been known to be an important aspect in the regulation and functioning of these regions. Telomeres and subtelomeric regions are enriched in epigenetic marks that are specific to heterochromatin, such as methylation of lysine 9 of histone H3 and lysine 20 of histone H4. In P. falciparum, histone modifications and the presence of both the heterochromatin "writing" (PfSir2, PKMT) and "reading" (PfHP1) machinery at telomeric and subtelomeric regions indicate that these regions are likely to have heterochromatic structure that is epigenetically regulated. This structure may be important for telomere functions such as the silencing of the var gene family implicated in the cytoadherence and antigenic variation of these parasites. | 10.1155/2010/290501 |
pubmed_518_15382 | BACKGROUND
Thiazide diuretics (TD) reduce urinary calcium, bone loss and fracture risk. Loop diuretics (LD) may have opposite effects. These effects could depend on induced rhythmic changes in bone and calcium homeostasis.
DESIGN
After a run-in period of 7 days, we studied (in a factorial design) the diurnal rhythms of plasma levels of calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and osteocalcin, as well as renal excretions rates of calcium, phosphate, and cross-linked N-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (NTx) in 50 postmenopausal women randomized to treatment with either a thiazide diuretic (TD; bendroflumethiazide, n = 14), a loop diuretic (LD; bumetanide, n = 13), LD plus TD (bendroflumethiazide plus bumetanide, n = 11), or placebo (n = 12).
RESULTS
In all four groups, all measured quantities showed a diurnal variation. LD caused a steep increase, with a subsequent decrease, in urinary calcium and plasma PTH. The mean 24 h plasma PTH concentration was increased (8.5 +/- 0.9 mmol L-1) compared with placebo (4.4 +/- 0.4 mmol L-1), whereas net 24 h renal calcium excretion did not differ from that of the placebo group due to a rebound hypocalciuria. Compared with placebo, diurnal rhythms of plasma phosphate and osteocalcin were changed with an increase during daytime and a decrease during the night. TD did not alter the diurnal rhythm of any of the measured quantities. However, the 24-h renal calcium excretion decreased, whereas the mean 24-h plasma calcium concentration increased without PTH suppression. LD plus TD caused changes similar to those observed with LD alone.
CONCLUSION
One daily dose of LD increases parathyroid activity with alterations in the diurnal pattern of osteocalcin. This could indicate a potential anabolic effect of LD. | 10.1046/j.1365-2362.2001.00883.x |
pubmed_738_8130 | PURPOSE
Resizing of the gastric pouch, with eventually resizing of the gastrojejunal anastomosis, has been proposed as revisional procedure to treat weight regain after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), in patients with large gastric pouch and/or large gastrojejunal (GJ) anastomosis. The aim of this study is to determine the midterm results and the safety of laparoscopic resizing of the gastric pouch after RYGB in cases where gastric pouch is > 200 ml and/or GJ anastomosis > 20 mm.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
All patients who underwent gastric pouch resizing between January 2009 and December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed from a prospective database. The gastric pouch was resized to a volume of 30-40 ml.
RESULTS
A total of 48 patients had gastric pouch resizing after RYGB. The mean initial BMI was 42.9 ± 4.8 kg/m2. Perioperative morbidity was 8.3% in this series. Mean follow-up was 5.4 years. The mean BMI was 30.0 ± 7.3 kg/m2 at 1 year, 30.0 ± 6.0 kg/m2 at 3 years, and 30.9 ± 5.7 kg/m2 at 5 years. Mean %EBMIL at 1-, 3-, and 5-year follow-up was 51.9%, 55.1%, and 39%, respectively, in 48% follow-up rate. The obesity-related comorbidities disappeared in 67.3% of cases at maximum follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
In carefully selected patients with gastric pouch size > 200 ml and/or GJ anastomosis > 20 mm, and after extensive preoperative evaluation, gastric pouch resizing is a potentially effective option to treat weight regain due to anatomical factors after RYGB, with complication rate of 8%. | 10.1007/s11695-020-04560-x |
pubmed_789_11460 | AIMS/HYPOTHESIS
Excessive ectopic lipid deposition contributes to impaired insulin action in peripheral tissues and is considered an important link between obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase 2 (ACC2) is a key regulatory enzyme controlling skeletal muscle mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation; inhibition of ACC2 results in enhanced oxidation of lipids. Several mouse models lacking functional ACC2 have been reported in the literature. However, the phenotypes of the different models are inconclusive with respect to glucose homeostasis and protection from diet-induced obesity.
METHODS
Here, we studied the effects of pharmacological inhibition of ACC2 using as a selective inhibitor the S enantiomer of compound 9c ([S]-9c). Selectivity was confirmed in biochemical assays using purified human ACC1 and ACC2.
RESULTS
(S)-9c significantly increased fatty acid oxidation in isolated extensor digitorum longus muscle from different mouse models (EC(50) 226 nmol/l). Accordingly, short-term treatment of mice with (S)-9c decreased malonyl-CoA levels in skeletal muscle and concomitantly reduced intramyocellular lipid levels. Treatment of db/db mice for 70 days with (S)-9c (10 and 30 mg/kg, by oral gavage) resulted in improved oral glucose tolerance (AUC -36%, p < 0.05), enhanced skeletal muscle 2-deoxy-2-[(18)F]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) uptake, as well as lowered prandial glucose (-31%, p < 0.01) and HbA(1c) (-0.7%, p < 0.05). Body weight, liver triacylglycerol, plasma insulin and pancreatic insulin content were unaffected by the treatment.
CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION
In conclusion, the ACC2-selective inhibitor (S)-9c revealed glucose-lowering effects in a mouse model of diabetes mellitus. | 10.1007/s00125-012-2554-9 |
pubmed_660_2054 | The placement of over 50 skulls of the well-known horned dinosaur Triceratops within a stratigraphic framework for the Upper Cretaceous Hell Creek Formation (HCF) of Montana reveals the evolutionary transformation of this genus. Specimens referable to the two recognized morphospecies of Triceratops, T. horridus and T. prorsus, are stratigraphically separated within the HCF with the T. prorsus morphology recovered in the upper third of the formation and T. horridus found lower in the formation. Hypotheses that these morphospecies represent sexual or ontogenetic variation within a single species are thus untenable. Stratigraphic placement of specimens appears to reveal ancestor-descendant relationships. Transitional morphologies are found in the middle unit of the formation, a finding that is consistent with the evolution of Triceratops being characterized by anagenesis, the transformation of a lineage over time. Variation among specimens from this critical stratigraphic zone may indicate a branching event in the Triceratops lineage. Purely cladogenetic interpretations of the HCF dataset imply greater diversity within the formation. These findings underscore the critical role of stratigraphic data in deciphering evolutionary patterns in the Dinosauria. | 10.1073/pnas.1313334111 |
pubmed_397_23901 | Isolated pulmonary Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (LCH) is distinctly rare under the age of 15 years, since the majority of patients are young adult males with heavy smoking habits. Isolated pulmonary involvement suggests that antigens inhaled from cigarette smoke are involved. Here we present a case of LCH restricted to the lungs in a toddler whose parents were heavy smokers. Since LCH was not medically treated for 3 years due to parental refusal, the disease can be regarded as having followed its natural course. During the 3-year follow-up, the disease progressed to severe pulmonary fibrosis resulting in honeycomb lungs. Based on the comparative immunohistochemical analyses of the cells obtained from bronchoalveolar lavages during the disease course, it appears that the evolution of fibrosis is rather a result from the accumulating alveolar macrophages than from the persistence of the Langerhans' cells. Passive cigarette smoking may be considered a significant risk factor in both the pathogenesis and development of pulmonary LCH in a small child. | 10.1159/000090159 |
pubmed_1021_19913 | A simple procedure for the enzymic digestion of edible tissues is described and compared with other procedures. The samples are digested overnight in an enzyme suspension containing subtilisin A at 60 degrees C and pH 9. The resulting digest contains only a few small tissue fragments. This method is suitable for routine analysis, since the manipulation of the samples is very limited. | 10.1007/BF01202620 |
pubmed_955_20866 | Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) has been used to characterize the covalent binding of different haptens to the enzyme glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase. The technique allows one to directly observe the relative amounts of each conjugated species present in a mixture, as well as the average hapten number. These measurements are useful for optimizing reaction conditions to yield a more precisely defined product for use in immunoassays. The results obtained show that ESI-MS with a quadrupole analyzer can be successfully used to analyze mixtures of derivatized proteins in the molecular weight range of 50-60 kDa, where the modifying hapten has a molecular weight as low as 130 Da. | 10.1021/bc00027a003 |
pubmed_674_18487 | In this study, we compared the bioNexia test (bioMérieux, Marcy-l'Étoile, France), a new immunochromatographic assay for the detection of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 in urine, with the BinaxNOW urinary antigen test (Alere, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA). After 15 min of incubation (in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions), the sensitivities and specificities were, respectively, 76.5% and 97.2% for the bioNexia test and 87.1% and 100% for the BinaxNOW test. After a prolonged incubation time of 60 min, the sensitivities and specificities increased to, respectively, 89.4% and 97.2% for the bioNexia test and 91.8% and 100% for the BinaxNOW test. When the tests were read after 15 min, the concentration of discrepant urine samples increased the sensitivities to 94.1% for both tests. In conclusion, we found that although the bioNexia test showed lower sensitivity for the detection of L. pneumophila antigen in nonconcentrated urine compared to the BinaxNOW test, a prolonged incubation time as well as the use of concentrated samples showed comparable sensitivities for both tests. | 10.1128/JCM.02448-16 |
pubmed_940_5222 | Type 1 diabetes is increasing rapidly in many parts of the Western world, most evidently in Scandinavia. A low concordance rate of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus among monozygotic twins clearly indicates that genetic risk factors may be necessary, but are not sufficient for the disease to occur. The strongest genetic risk markers are located in the HLA region of chromosome 6, but these DNA specificities differ in different populations. Risk genes are indicated in other chromosomes of the human genome, suggesting a complex interaction between genes and environment as the cause of the disease. The pathogenesis of the disease is proposed to be autoimmune in nature and environmental risk factors may either initiate autoimmunity or accelerate an already ongoing beta-cell destruction. Risk factors disclosed by epidemiological studies that may accelerate the pathogenetic process are: a cold environment, a high growth rate, infections and stressful life events. Risk factors that may initiate the autoimmune process include early exposure to cow's milk proteins, nitrosamines or early foetal events such as blood group incompatibility or foetal viral infections. In conclusion, population-based epidemiological studies have helped to confirm proposed aetiological models that have arisen from experimental research. These epidemiological studies have also introduced important new findings that may reveal the complex aetiology of the disease and advance understanding closer to the ultimate goal of primary prevention. | 10.1111/j.1651-2227.1998.tb01244.x |
pubmed_625_19426 | PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Psychotropics are prescribed to youth at rapidly growing rates and may negatively impact bone health. Little awareness exists of this association among prescribing providers. Childhood and adolescence are critical times for bone development. Understanding these effects and their management is important to informed psychotropic use.
RECENT FINDINGS
Through a variety of mechanisms, antidepressants, benzodiazepines, mood stabilizers, neuroleptics, and stimulants may all negatively impact pediatric bone health. This confers added risk of osteoporosis in a population already at high risk for suboptimal bone health. Awareness of psychotropic-mediated effects on pediatric bone development is clinically relevant to the use and monitoring of these agents. Clinicians can manage these effects through informed consent, vitamin D supplementation, lifestyle modifications, and reducing polypharmacy. For mood stabilizers, vitamin D level monitoring and secondary prevention is indicated. Future longitudinal studies and development of monitoring guidelines regarding psychotropic impact on bone health are necessary. | 10.1007/s11920-018-0960-5 |
pubmed_176_15197 | The recognition of cancer as a genetic disease has changed the approach investigators take to understanding the mechanisms of carcinogenesis. The discovery of oncogenes, and the recognition of the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, DNA repair enzymes, and of apoptotic pathways have provided a clearer picture of the dysregulation which is required for a cell to become a cancer. | 10.1385/1-59259-084-5:259 |
pubmed_615_22879 | A herringbone nanostructured Mn-rich Heusler Mn50Ni50-Sndelta (8 - 9) alloy exhibits tailored magnetocaloric properties in the martensite and ferro <-> paramagnetic transitions concur in a narrow temperature window. In a Sn --> Ni substitution 8 - 9, the martensite (M) <-- austenite (A) transition up-lifts adequately well above the room temperature - 310.5 K in the DSC thermogram and magnetization scanned with temperature. A noninterrupted heating following a cooling in DSC at a given rate gives a smaller enthalpy change deltaH(M <-- A) - deltaH(M --> A approximately equal to 282 mJ/g (deltaC(P)(M <-- A) - deltaC(P)(M --> A) approximately equal to 0.025 mJ/g-K in the heat capacity), i.e., the M <-> A transition process lacks a complete reversibility. Warming a zero-field cooled sample retains lower magnetization (sigma) at low fields B, e.g., by 58% over the field cooled value at 5 mT, wherein merely low field magnetic susceptibility imparts the magnetization process. A reversible thermal hysteresis thus the transition traces in cooling and heating. The field diminishes difference in two sigma-values progressively, e.g., only - 12% lasts at 5 T. The two curves bifurcate below 160 K (B-5 mT) and the gap grows exponentially over lower temperatures before sigma(M <-- A) gets steady near 60 K in a superparamagnetic (SPM) behavior. The SPM feature (follows the Langevin model) below a paramagnetic regime begins (> or = 250 K) before a ferromagnetic A-state lines-up the successive transitions. Temperature and frequency dependence ac and dc susceptibilities describe the surface spins dynamics. | 10.1166/jnn.2013.7494 |
pubmed_358_17084 | Adjuvant radiation therapy to the parotid bed is commonly administered following surgical resection using either a pair of angled wedged photon beams or an ipsilateral mixed-beam portal of electrons and photons. The present study seeks to determine the optimal parotid bed treatment technique in the presence of a titanium mandibular implant by investigating perturbations in the dose distribution deep to this implant for a 15-MeV electron beam and a 6-MV photon beam. A titanium mandibular plate was embedded in a tissue-equivalent phantom, and irradiated with 15-MeV electrons, and 6 MV photons. Radiation doses behind the plate were measured with both thermoluminescent dosimeters and radiographic film. With 15-MeV electrons, there is a clinically significant decrease in the dose beyond the titanium plate, which is most important at 5-mm and 10-mm depths (18-27%). With 6-MV photons the dose at the deep interface of titanium and tissue is reduced by between 15 and 18%, but rapidly drops to < 5% at a depth of 5 mm. In adjuvant treatment to the parotid bed, when the clinical target volume includes tissue positioned deep to a titanium implant, significant underdosage occurs with ipsilateral beam arrangements, especially when electrons are used. | 10.1046/j.1440-1673.1999.00713.x |
pubmed_157_24653 | In recent years, optogenetics has become a central tool in neuroscience research. Estimating the transmission of visible light through brain tissue is of crucial importance for controlling the activation levels of neurons in different depths, designing optical systems, and avoiding lesions from excessive power density. The Kubelka-Munk model and Monte Carlo simulations have previously been used to model light propagation through rodents' brain tissue, however, these prior attempts suffer from fundamental shortcomings. Here, we introduce and study two modified approaches for modeling the distributions of light emanating from a multimode fiber and scattering through tissue, using both realistic numerical Monte Carlo simulations and an analytical approach based on the beam-spread function approach. We demonstrate a good agreement of the new methods' predictions both with recently published data, and with new measurements in mouse brain cortical slices, where our results yield a new cortical scattering length estimate of ∼47 µm at λ = 473 nm, significantly shorter than ordinarily assumed in optogenetic applications. | pubmed_157_24653 |
pubmed_117_10215 | Noble-metal nanoframes consisting of interconnected, ultrathin ridges have received considerable attention in the field of heterogeneous catalysis. The enthusiasm arises from the high utilization efficiency of atoms for significantly reducing the material loading while enhancing the catalytic performance. In this review article, we offer a comprehensive assessment of research endeavors in the design and rational synthesis of noble-metal nanoframes for applications in catalysis. We start with a brief introduction to the unique characteristics of nanoframes, followed by a discussion of the synthetic strategies and their controls in terms of structure and composition. We then present case studies to elucidate mechanistic details behind the synthesis of mono-, bi-, and multimetallic nanoframes, as well as heterostructured and hybrid systems. We discuss their performance in electrocatalysis, thermal catalysis, and photocatalysis. Finally, we highlight recent progress in addressing the structural and compositional stability issues of nanoframes for the assurance of robustness in catalytic applications. | 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00940 |
pubmed_1022_20005 | Methotrexate (MTX) is a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent used for treatment of several cancers. Nephrotoxicity, an adverse side effect of high-dose MTX, is attributed to abnormal production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammatory mediators, and neutrophil infiltration. Montelukast (MON) is a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist. Recently, it has gained a considerable interest as a ROS scavenger and inflammatory modulator. In this study, we investigated the effect of MON against MTX-induced nephrotoxicity. Rats were divided into four groups: control group, MON group (10 mg/kg, orally), MTX group (20 mg/kg, i.p., single injection), and MON + MTX group (MON was administered 5 days before and 5 days after MTX administration). At the end of the experiment, serum was collected for analysis of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. Glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxides (malondialdehyde), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels, superoxide dismutase, myeloperoxidase activities, and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) protein expression were determined in renal tissues. In addition, kidney tissues were examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically for NF-κB. MTX administration produced acute renal damage as indicated from severe elevation in BUN and serum creatinine. The role of oxidative stress and inflammatory mechanisms in MTX-induced nephrotoxicity was evidenced from the unbalance in tissue oxidative parameters, increased TNF-α levels, and NF-κB expression in renal tissues. On the other hand, MON significantly reduced the toxic effects of MTX as indicted from normalization of kidney-specific parameters, oxidative stress, and inflammatory mediators. This data was further supported by histopathological studies. Thus, co-administration of MON may be promising in alleviating the systemic side effects of MTX. | 10.1007/s00210-013-0949-x |
pubmed_445_2900 | Bone marrow transplantation (BMT), which stimulated great hope for treatment of aplasias and leukemias in 1958 following our first success in grafting this tissue, is, after a long period of study and development, experiencing renewed interest since it is now possible to obtain, in case of transplantation with genotypically matched sibling donors, 70% long survival (cures ?) in aplasia (under the condition that the recipient is not sensitized by previous transfusions) and in leukemia (under the condition that the recipient is transplanted in a period of remission and is not sensitized by transfusions). When the patient does not possess any genotypically matched donor, a trial of incompatible bone marrow transplantation after conditioning with antilymphocyte serum is reasonable, since we have obtained good, although unexplained, results with this method, which should be pursued. In any case, these transplants must be done in intensive care units in hemato-oncology departments. | pubmed_445_2900 |
pubmed_64_26534 | BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
4D and midposition MRI could inform plan adaptation in lung and abdominal MR-guided radiotherapy. We present deep learning-based solutions to overcome long 4D-MRI reconstruction times while maintaining high image quality and short scan times.
METHODS
Two 3D U-net deep convolutional neural networks were trained to accelerate the 4D joint MoCo-HDTV reconstruction. For the first network, gridded and joint MoCo-HDTV-reconstructed 4D-MRI were used as input and target data, respectively, whereas the second network was trained to directly calculate the midposition image. For both networks, input and target data had dimensions of 256 × 256 voxels (2D) and 16 respiratory phases. Deep learning-based MRI were verified against joint MoCo-HDTV-reconstructed MRI using the structural similarity index (SSIM) and the naturalness image quality evaluator (NIQE). Moreover, two experienced observers contoured the gross tumour volume and scored the images in a blinded study.
RESULTS
For 12 subjects, previously unseen by the networks, high-quality 4D and midposition MRI (1.25 × 1.25 × 3.3 mm3) were each reconstructed from gridded images in only 28 seconds per subject. Excellent agreement was found between deep-learning-based and joint MoCo-HDTV-reconstructed MRI (average SSIM ≥ 0.96, NIQE scores 7.94 and 5.66). Deep-learning-based 4D-MRI were clinically acceptable for target and organ-at-risk delineation. Tumour positions agreed within 0.7 mm on midposition images.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest that the joint MoCo-HDTV and midposition algorithms can each be approximated by a deep convolutional neural network. This rapid reconstruction of 4D and midposition MRI facilitates online treatment adaptation in thoracic or abdominal MR-guided radiotherapy. | 10.1016/j.radonc.2021.03.034 |
pubmed_774_15679 | Current guidelines for the development of decision aids recommend that they have to include a process for helping patients clarify their personal values, for example, by using values clarification methods. In this article, we extensively described the development process of the web-based values clarification method for patients with localized low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer based on the analytic hierarchy process. With analytic hierarchy process, the relative importance of different attributes of available treatments can be determined through series of pairwise comparisons of potential outcomes. Furthermore, analytic hierarchy process is able to use this information to present respondents with a quantitative overall treatment score and can therefore give actual treatment advice upon patients' request. The addition of this values clarification method to an existing web-based treatment decision aid for patients with localized prostate cancer is thought to improve the support offered to patients in their decision-making process and their decision quality. | 10.1177/1460458219832055 |
pubmed_282_21738 | OBJECTIVE
To investigate the characteristics of brainstem trigeminal evoked potentials (BTEP) waveform in patients with and without trigeminal neuralgia (TN), and to discuss the utility of BTEP in patients with primary TN treated by microvascular decompression (MVD).
METHODS
A retrospective review of 43 patients who underwent BTEP between January 2016 and June 2016, including 33 patients with TN who underwent MVD and 10 patients without TN. Brainstem trigeminal evoked potentials characteristics of TN and non-TN were summarized, in particular to compare the BTEP changes between pre- and post-MVD, and to discover the relationship between BTEP changes and surgical outcome.
RESULTS
Brainstem trigeminal evoked potentials can be recorded in patients without trigeminal neuralgia. Abnormal BTEP could be recorded when different branches were stimulated. After decompression, the original W2, W3 disappeared and then replaced by a large wave in most patients, or original wave poorly differentiated improved in some patients, showed as shorter latency and (or) amplitude increased. Brainstem trigeminal evoked potentials waveform of healthy side in patients with trigeminal neuralgia was similar to the waveform of patients without TN. In 3 patients, after decompression the W2, W3 peaks increased, and the latency, duration, IPLD did not change significantly. Until discharge, 87.9% (29/33) of the patients presented complete absence of pain without medication (BNI I) and 93.9% (31/33) had good pain control without medication (BNI I-II).
CONCLUSION
Brainstem trigeminal evoked potentials can reflect the conduction function of the trigeminal nerve to evaluate the functional level of the trigeminal nerve conduction pathway. The improvement and restoration of BTEP waveforms are closely related to the postoperative curative effect. | 10.1097/SCS.0000000000003882 |
pubmed_532_20212 | BACKGROUND
The p53 transcription factor is located at the core of a complex wiring of signaling pathways that are critical for the preservation of cellular homeostasis. Only recently it has become clear that p53 regulates the expression of several long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs). However, relatively little is known about the role that lincRNAs play in this pathway.
RESULTS
Here we characterize a lincRNA named Pint (p53 induced noncoding transcript). We show that Pint is aubiquitously expressed lincRNA that is finely regulated by p53. In mouse cells, Pint promotes cell proliferation and survival by regulating the expression of genes of the TGF-b, MAPK and p53 pathways. Pint is a nuclear lincRNA that directly interacts with the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), and is required for PRC2 targeting of specific genes for H3K27 tri-methylation and repression. Furthermore, Pint functional activity is highly dependent on PRC2 expression. We have also identified Pint human ortholog (PINT), which presents suggestive analogies with the murine lincRNA. PINT is similarly regulated by p53, and its expression significantly correlates with the same cellular pathways as the mouse ortholog, including the p53 pathway. Interestingly, PINT is downregulated in colon primary tumors, while its overexpression inhibits the proliferation of tumor cells, suggesting a possible role as tumor suppressor.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results reveal a p53 autoregulatory negative mechanism where a lincRNA connects p53 activation with epigenetic silencing by PRC2. Additionally, we show analogies and differences between the murine and human orthologs, identifying a novel tumor suppressor candidate lincRNA. | 10.1186/gb-2013-14-9-r104 |
pubmed_1107_14676 | BACKGROUND
Previous studies have found evidence of higher mortality rates among unemployed people than among those in employment, but the effect of changes in national unemployment rates on this association is unclear. We studied mortality in both men and women during a period of rapidly increasing unemployment in Finland.
METHODS
In this prospective study of mortality in the Finnish population aged 25-59 years (2.5 million people), baseline sociodemographic data were obtained from the 1990 census and information on employment status in 1987-92 from Statistics Finland's labour force data files. Mortality follow-up was established by record linkage to death certificates from 1991 to 1993.
FINDINGS
Individuals who experienced unemployment between 1987 and 1992 had greater mortality than those in employment after control for age, education, occupational class, and marital status. The mortality ratios for men and women unemployed for the first time in 1990, at a time of low national unemployment were 2.11 (95% CI 1.76-2.53) and 1.61 (1.09-2.36), respectively. These values were lower for those who were unemployed for the first time in 1992 when the national unemployment rate was very high (men 1.35 [1.16-1.56], women 1.30 [0.97-1.75]). The jobless who were re-employed had higher mortality than those who were continuously employed, but not as high as those who remained unemployed.
INTERPRETATION
We have found that the association between unemployment and mortality weakens as the general unemployment rate increases. Studies that took place when the unemployment rate was low may thus overestimate the effect of unemployment on mortality because of unaccounted confounding. | 10.1016/S0140-6736(96)03291-6 |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.