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pubmed_1109_8593 | The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the concentration of calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution on the surface hardness of restorative glass ionomer cements (GICs). Two high-viscosity GICs, Fuji IX GP and GlasIonomer FX-II, were immersed in several concentrations of CaCl2 solution for 1 day and 1 week. The immersed specimen surfaces were evaluated using microhardness testing, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Immersion in a higher concentration of CaCl2 solution produced a greater increase in the surface hardness. No crystalline substance was observed on the immersed surface. Calcium ions were selectively absorbed in the matrix of the GIC surface after immersion. They reacted with the non-reacted carboxylic acid groups remaining in the cement matrix. These reactions were considered to cause an increase in the surface hardness of the GICs. | 10.4012/dmj.2013-143 |
pubmed_321_4495 | The correction of severe dentofacial discrepancies involving a combination of orthodontic and surgical therapies (termed ‘orthognathic treatment’) is commonplace. There is an abundance of evidence within this field but it is often inconsistent. This article is an evidence-based overview of such treatments and is aimed at the general dental practitioner. It will cover: the timing of treatment; the indications and risks associated with different surgical osteotomies; the magnitude of surgical movements that can be achieved with these procedures; and the importance of mandibular autorotation when planning treatment. Orthognathic treatment is considered to be the gold standard for comprehensive correction of severe dentofacial discrepancies. It is undertaken by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians involving, but not exclusive to, consultants in orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery in secondary and tertiary medical centres throughout the United Kingdom.
Clinical relevance: It is imperative that general dental practitioners have a good understanding of orthognathic treatment in order to recognize when such treatments are indicated, to inform the patient of possible treatment modalities and to be able to discuss associated risks in order to make appropriate referrals. Since treatment timing and magnitude of surgical movements have a profound effect on stability of the treatment result, these must be carefully considered by all clinicians involved in patient care to minimize relapse potential. | 10.12968/denu.2016.43.6.550 |
pubmed_1072_16042 | In recent years, the insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and serine-arginine protein kinase 1 (SRPK1) have been reported to be implicated in the pithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in many kinds of malignancies. However, the potential roles of IGF-1-SRPK1 signaling in the EMT of gastric cancer (GC) have not been investigated. In the present study, the in-vitro assays were used to investigate the molecular role of SRPK1 in cell cycle, motility and invasiveness. We demonstrated that the expressions of SRPK1 or insulin-like growth factor receptor 1 (IGF1R) were significantly increased in GC tissues and cells than those in normal tissues and GES-1 cells, and closely associated with metastasis, stage and prognosis. Western blot analysis showed that IGF-1 treatment can induce the expression of p-AKT and EMT biomarkers (N-cadherin, MMP2 and Slug) in a dose-dependent fashion in MGC803 and BGC823 cells. On the other hand, the knockdown of SRPK1 attenuated IGF-1-induced increase of EMT biomarkers and p-AKT. Besides, in-vitro analysis showed that knockdown of SRPK1 induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase, and affected cell migration and invasion. In conclusion, IGF-1-IGF1R pathway induced the expression of SRPK1 to control the progression of EMT via AKT pathway in the development of GC. Our findings lay a promising foundation for the IGF-1-IGF1R axis-targeting therapy in GC patients. | 10.18632/oncotarget.20048 |
pubmed_1061_22477 | 4-Oxime-1,8-naphthalimide was reported as a novel bioorthogonal turn-on probe based on 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions between in situ generated nitrile oxide and alkenes/alkynes. The resulting isoxazole products displayed dramatically strong fluorescence enhancement upon photoirradiation through isoxazole-oxazole photoisomerization. This new methodology was successfully applied for in situ fluorogenic protein labeling. | 10.1039/c9cc06769h |
pubmed_866_8749 | We employed virus-like elements (VLEs) pGKL1,2 from Kluyveromyces lactis as a model to investigate the previously neglected transcriptome of the broader group of yeast cytoplasmic linear dsDNA VLEs. We performed 5' and 3' RACE analyses of all pGKL1,2 mRNAs and found them not 3' polyadenylated and containing frequently uncapped 5' poly(A) leaders that are not complementary to VLE genomic DNA. The degree of 5' capping and/or 5' mRNA polyadenylation is specific to each gene and is controlled by the corresponding promoter region. The expression of pGKL1,2 transcripts is independent of eIF4E and Pab1 and is enhanced in lsm1Δ and pab1Δ strains. We suggest a model of primitive pGKL1,2 gene expression regulation in which the degree of 5' mRNA capping and 5' non-template polyadenylation, together with the presence of negative regulators such as Pab1 and Lsm1, play important roles. Our data also support a hypothesis of a close relationship between yeast linear VLEs and poxviruses. | 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02366 |
pubmed_114_16195 | Normative data on the simple acoustic reaction time were obtained from 56 children without neurological or psychiatric symptoms aged between four and 14 years, and the results were compared with those for an adult reference group. Mean reaction times declined precipitously from 465 msec at age five to 190 msec at 15 years. The relationship between reaction time and age during childhood can be described by a linear equation in a log-log system. The adult level is achieved at 16 years. | 10.1111/j.1469-8749.1984.tb04476.x |
pubmed_115_71 | The Xenopus gene crescent encodes a member of the secreted Frizzled-related protein (sFRP) family and is expressed in the head organizer region. However, the target and function of Crescent in early development are not well understood. Here, we describe a role of Crescent in the regulation of convergent extension movements (CEMs) during gastrulation and neurulation. We show that overexpression of Crescent in whole embryos or animal caps inhibits CEMs without affecting tissue specification. Consistent with this, Crescent efficiently forms complexes with Xwnt11 and Xwnt5a, in contrast to another sFRP, Frzb1. As expected, the inhibitory effect of Crescent or Xwnt11 on CEMs is cancelled when both proteins are coexpressed in the neuroectoderm. Interestingly, when coexpressed in the dorsal mesoderm, the activity of Xwnt11 is rather enhanced by Crescent. Supporting this finding, the inhibition of CEMs by Crescent in mesodermalized but not neuralized animal caps is reversed by the dominant-negative form of Cdc42, a putative mediator of Wnt/Ca2+ pathway. Antisense morpholino oligos for Crescent impair neural plate closure and elicit microcephalic embryos with a shortened trunk without affecting early tissue specification. These data suggest a potential role for Crescent in head formation by regulating a non-canonical Wnt pathway positively in the adjacent posterior mesoderm and negatively in the overlying anterior neuroectoderm. | 10.1016/j.mod.2005.06.002 |
pubmed_1018_15710 | Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a tumor of presumed vascular origin frequently found in patients with AIDS. Recent data suggest that the development of KS is linked with the presence of a newly recognized herpesvirus, human herpesvirus type 8. Nitric oxide (NO), a messenger molecule with vasoactive, antitumor, and antimicrobial effects, is produced by three isoforms of nitric oxide synthases (NOS). In the present report, we investigated the expression of NOS isoforms in KS. By NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry, NOS activity was detectable in endothelia and CD45+ cells within KS lesions. Reactivity for endothelial NOS (eNOS) was found in blood vessel endothelia; however, eNOS reactivity was negative in KS spindle cells in 12 of 17 tumors, and moderately positive in the other 5 lesions. In contrast to KS, tumor cells in three hemangiomas and one angiosarcoma were strongly positive for eNOS. Inducible NOS (iNOS) was absent from KS tumor cells but was found regularly in CD45+, HLA-DR+ cells within the lesions. In five KS-derived spindle cell cultures, neither eNOS nor iNOS proteins were detectable. The sporadic expression of eNOS by KS spindle cells in vivo and the absence of eNOS protein from KS spindle cells in tissue cultures argue against the possibility that the cells are derived from blood vessel endothelia. The consistent expression of iNOS by CD45+, HLA-DR+ cells within KS lesions strongly suggests that leukocyte-derived NO participates in the pathology of this tumor. | pubmed_1018_15710 |
pubmed_491_23780 | A 54-year-old man presented with sudden and severe abdominal pain, and vomiting. He had underwent a right pneumonectomy with bronchial stump reinforcement using diaphragmatic muscle flap 9 years ago, due to non-small cell lung cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A right partial visceral herniation had been detected 5 years ago during the follow-up which was not present at previous visits. He had refused any surgical intervention since he had been asymptomatic. The chest computed tomography demonstrated visceral herniation. The patient underwent an urgent operation via thoracoabdominal incision to repair the herniation. This type of late catastrophic complication of diaphragmatic muscle flap reinforcement is extremely rare. | 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2015.07.11 |
pubmed_285_18216 | Current influenza virus vaccines provide solid protection from infection with viruses that are well matched with the vaccine strains. However, they do not protect efficiently against drifted or shifted strains. We developed an antigen based on the conserved stalk domain of the influenza virus hemagglutinin and tested its efficacy as a vaccine in a mouse virus challenge model. Although the antigen lacked the correct conformation of the native stalk domain and was not recognized by a panel of neutralizing stalk-reactive antibodies, it did induce considerable protection against H1N1, H5N1 and H6N1 challenge strains. Protection was enhanced when mice had pre-existing immunity against the stalk domain. Since pre-existing immunity is also present in the human population, we hypothesize that a similar antigen could show efficacy in humans as well. | pubmed_285_18216 |
pubmed_716_7707 | This paper aimed to investigate the temperature effect on photovoltaic (PV) cell parameters. The PV cell parameters such as series and parallel resistances, diode ideality factor, and diode saturation current, are not considered in the reported stepwise modeling. The present work aims to improve available models used in the modeling and simulation of PV modules to support the researcher and power project developer. All the required temperature-dependent parameters are determined to model the simulated PV module with high accuracy using Simulink/MATLAB software. To validate the method, a 36-cell-50W solar panel with different radii of curvature is set up to assess solar power outputs under varying irradiance and temperature conditions. For the present application, the Tabuk region (Saudi Arabia) is chosen based on its location and climatic conditions. The method provided conformity to the measured power outputs for varying Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI) and temperature conditions. The maximum power output of the PV module increases from 14.4 W to 25.8 W when the received solar power density varies from 307 W/m2 to 526 W/m2 depending on the level of curvature starting from a semi-cylindrical shape to a vaulted shape to a flat shape. The curved PV module shows slightly higher power variation with temperature as compared to the flat one. Above 25°C, the power output is about 20% less at a maximum temperature of 65°C. When the temperature drops below 25°C, the power outputs increase about 6% and 11.5% for corresponding temperatures of 15°C and 5°C, respectively. | 10.1371/journal.pone.0275467 |
pubmed_324_10518 | Heat shock-binding protein HspBP1 is a member of the Hsp70 co-chaperone family. The interaction between HspBP1 and the ATPase domain of the major heat shock protein Hsp70 up-regulates nucleotide exchange and reduces the affinity between Hsp70 and the peptide in its peptide-binding site. Previously we have shown that Tag7 (also known as peptidoglycan recognition protein PGRP-S), an innate immunity protein, interacts with Hsp70 to form a stable Tag7-Hsp70 complex with cytotoxic activity against some tumor cell lines. This complex can be produced in cytotoxic lymphocytes and released during interaction with tumor cells. Here the effect of HspBP1 on the cytotoxic activity of the Tag7-Hsp70 complex was examined. HspBP1 could bind not only to Hsp70, but also to Tag7. This interaction eliminated the cytotoxic activity of Tag7-Hsp70 complex and decreased the ATP concentration required to dissociate Tag7 from the peptide-binding site of Hsp70. Moreover, HspBP1 inhibited the cytotoxic activity of the Tag7-Hsp70 complex secreted by lymphocytes. HspBP1 was detected in cytotoxic CD8+ lymphocytes. This protein was released simultaneously with Tag7-Hsp70 during interaction of these lymphocytes with tumor cells. The simultaneous secretion of the cytotoxic complex with its inhibitor could be a mechanism protecting normal cells from the cytotoxic effect of this complex. | 10.1074/jbc.M110.163436 |
pubmed_434_3733 | OBJECTIVE
To test the effect of image size and presence of size cues on the accuracy of portion size estimation by children.
DESIGN
Children were randomly assigned to seeing images with or without food size cues (utensils and checked tablecloth) and were presented with sixteen food models (foods commonly eaten by children) in varying portion sizes, one at a time. They estimated each food model's portion size by selecting a digital food image. The same food images were presented in two ways: (i) as small, graduated portion size images all on one screen or (ii) by scrolling across large, graduated portion size images, one per sequential screen.
SETTING
Laboratory-based with computer and food models.
SUBJECTS
Volunteer multi-ethnic sample of 120 children, equally distributed by gender and ages (8 to 13 years) in 2008-2009.
RESULTS
Average percentage of correctly classified foods was 60·3 %. There were no differences in accuracy by any design factor or demographic characteristic. Multiple small pictures on the screen at once took half the time to estimate portion size compared with scrolling through large pictures. Larger pictures had more overestimation of size.
CONCLUSIONS
Multiple images of successively larger portion sizes of a food on one computer screen facilitated quicker portion size responses with no decrease in accuracy. This is the method of choice for portion size estimation on a computer. | 10.1017/S1368980010002193 |
pubmed_868_19221 | OBJECTIVES
We describe a new computer reconstruction to obtain complete anatomical information of the ecto- and endocranium from the imperfectly preserved skull of the Neanderthal Amud 1.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Data were obtained from computed tomography scans of the fossil cranium. Adhesive and plaster were then virtually removed from the original specimen, and the fragments comprising the fossil cranium were separated. These fragments were then mathematically reassembled based on the smoothness of the joints. Both sides of the cranium were reassembled separately, and then aligned based on bilateral symmetry and the distance between the mandibular fossae obtained from the associated mandible. The position of the isolated maxilla was determined based on the position of the mandible that was anatomically articulated to the mandibular fossae. To restore missing basicranial and damaged endocranial regions, the cranium of Forbes' Quarry 1 was warped onto that of La Chapelle-aux-Saints 1, and the resulting composite Neanderthal cranium was then warped onto the reconstructed Amud 1 by an iterative thin-plate spline deformation.
RESULTS
Comparison of the computer reconstruction with the original indicated that the newly reconstructed Amud 1 cranium was slightly shorter and wider in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions, respectively, suggesting that it was relatively more brachycephalic. The endocranial volume was estimated to be 1,736 cm3 , which was quite similar to the original estimated value of 1,740 cm3 .
DISCUSSION
This new computer reconstruction enables not only measurement of new cranial metrics, but also inclusion of the Amud 1 specimen in three-dimensional geometric morphometric analyses that were previously difficult due to its incompleteness. Am J Phys Anthropol 158:185-197, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | 10.1002/ajpa.22777 |
pubmed_174_16419 | We have reported [1-3] in immature golden hamster testis that 5 beta-reductase is localized in the tubular nongerm cells, while 5 alpha-reductase is present in the interstitial tissue and that the 17 beta-hydroxy-dehydrogenase activity is found predominantly in the tubular nongerm cells. Hormonal regulation of these enzyme activities was examined in the present study. Male golden hamsters were hypophysectomized on day 22 after birth. The hypophysectomized hamsters in groups of 3-8 were injected daily with 10 micrograms NIH-LH-S19, 50 micrograms NIAMD-Rat-FSH-B-1, 8 or 16 micrograms NIAMD-oFSH-13, 8 micrograms NIAMD-oFSH-13 plus 5 or 10 micrograms NIH-LH-S19, 1 mg testosterone propionate or saline for 5 days starting from day 23. Testicular homogenates of the treated hamsters and intact hamsters on day 28 were incubated with [14C]4-androstene-3,17-dione and NADPH, and enzyme activity (nmol/testes/h) was estimated. The activities of 5 beta- and 5 alpha-reductases and 17 beta-hydroxy-dehydrogenase decreased significantly 6 days after hypophysectomy. In the hypophysectomized hamster testis, a distinct response to FSH but not to LH in the activities of 5 beta-reductase and 17 beta-hydroxy-dehydrogenase was found. The injection of LH in addition to FSH showed no significant additive effects on these enzyme activities. The 5 alpha-reductase activity was stimulated significantly by LH plus FSH but not by LH alone, FSH alone or androgen. These results show that 5 beta-reduction of 4-ene-3-ketosteroids takes place in the Sertoli cells under the influence of FSH while 5 alpha-reduction occurs in the interstitial cells under the influence of LH and FSH in immature hamster testis. | 10.1016/0022-4731(85)90168-2 |
pubmed_1097_11551 | Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal disease caused by inhalation of airborne particles of Coccidioides spp. Coccidioidomycosis is endemic in several parts of the South-western US and South America. There are no symptoms in 60% of cases and, when symptoms exist, they usually consist of mild flu-like manifestations or mild lung disease. Disseminated coccidioidomycosis accounts for only 5% of symptomatic cases but can be life-threatening. The main targets of disseminated coccidioidomycosis are the skin, lymphoid tissue, central nervous system, and musculoskeletal system. Prolonged antifungal therapy is required and some patients may need surgical debridement. We report a case of disseminated spinal coccidioidomycosis in an immunocompetent patient. | 10.1016/j.jbspin.2010.02.041 |
pubmed_1071_6573 | Umbilical cord prolapse occurs when a loop of cord is present below the presenting part when the amniotic membranes are ruptured. The incidence is 0.2% of total births. The case presented here is unusual because the definition of cord prolapse cannot be applied to it and the lady did not complain of any history of urinary incontinence or hematuria. The presentation of umbilical cord through maternal urethra led to the speculation of an opening between the anterior uterine wall and the bladder. Fetal demise was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound. At laprotomy, a communication was found between the bladder and the uterus thus letting the cord traverse through the bladder. | 10.4103/0974-7796.110014 |
pubmed_1103_12586 | Increase of Ca2+ concentration in the cytosol of thymocytes to 400-600 nM causes slow accumulation of Ca2+ in mitochondria. Release of Ca2+ from mitochondria into the cytosol is induced by an uncoupler (FCCP) or by a dithiol cross-linking agent (phenylarsine oxide) and is inhibited by cyclosporin A--a specific inhibitor of the permeability transition pore in the inner mitochondrial membrane. In the presence of oxidizing agents (tert-butyl hydroperoxide and diamide), sub-optimal concentrations of uncoupler induce rapid cyclosporin-sensitive release of Ca2+. 6-Ketocholestanol, a recoupler under these conditions, causes redistribution of Ca2+ from the cytosol into mitochondria. These data indicate that partial uncoupling under conditions of oxidative stress causes opening of the permeability transition pore in a fraction of the mitochondria in intact lymphocytes. This mechanism mediates rapid release of Ca2+ from mitochondria into the cytosol. | pubmed_1103_12586 |
pubmed_469_17032 | PURPOSE
To determine the possibility of screening for the risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in periodontitis patients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Periodontitis patients and non-periodontitis controls were recruited and asked to complete a validated screening questionnaire to calculate individual probabilities (%) of OSA. Also, for both groups, the risk for OSA was classified as low, medium and high.
RESULTS
Seventy periodontitis patients (49% male) and 77 controls (60% male) were included and both had an average age of 54 years. There was no statistically significant difference in the probability of the risk of OSA between periodontitis patients and controls, 38.6% ± 29.7%, and 34.2% ± 23.3%, respectively (p = 0.31). After sub-grouping individuals in "not high risk" (low plus intermediate) and "high OSA risk" categories, we observed statistically significantly more periodontitis patients than controls in the "high risk" category for OSA (21% vs 9%, p = 0.041, OR 2.73 [95% CI = 1.04 - 7.15]).
CONCLUSION
These findings suggest that screening for OSA among periodontitis patients may help in early recognition of a "high risk" of OSA, but further research is needed. | 10.3290/j.ohpd.b3125665 |
pubmed_1009_4890 | One hundred and fourteen total hip arthroplasties in 100 patients were performed using the CAD (computer-assisted design) prosthesis at The Hospital for Special Surgery between 1975 and 1977. Sixty-one of these patients (seventy-four hips) have been followed both clinically and radiographically for a minimum of five years (average, 7.1 years). While no hip required revision before five years, seven hips were revised between six and ten years postoperatively. Ten hips had an excellent result; forty-eight, good; eight, fair; and one, poor. Radiographic analysis revealed narrowing of the cortex of the bone medially at the region of the proximal part of the stem in the hips that were operated on as compared with the contralateral side that was not operated on. Nine hips (12 per cent) had one to two-millimeter radiolucent lines at the femoral bone-cement interface, and in five the lines were progressive. Fourteen hips (19 per cent) had radiolucent lines at the femoral bone-cement interface with a maximum width of 0.5 millimeter. Thirty-four (42 per cent) had more than three millimeters of resorption of the calcar or superomedial cyst formation. Survivorship analysis of the prosthesis predicted a 77 per cent survival rate at nine years. None of the prosthetic stems fractured despite the fact that the population was young, active, heavy, and predominantly male. The incidence of calcar resorption, however, was higher than in other studies. Thus, while the revision rate compared favorably with that of similar studies using other stem designs, compromise of the bone stock of the proximal end of the femur may be a significant disadvantage of this type of prosthesis. | pubmed_1009_4890 |
pubmed_901_10707 | Exposure of isolated pancreatic islets (mouse or rat) to low temperature (2 degrees C) evoked a threefold increase in insulin release irrespective of the glucose concentration in the incobation medium. Cold-induced release was transient and rewarming to 37 degrees C restored the sensitivity of B-cells to gluocose stimulation. In islets cooled to 2 degrees C, exocytotic profiles could easily be detected both by thin-section and freeze-fracture electron microscopy. As revealed by the freeze-fracture technique, the number of exocytotic profiles per membrane area was increased three- to fourfold as compared to islet cells incubated at 20 degrees C. This was paralleled by intracellular fusion of secretory vesicles. Cold-induced insulin release was not affected by theophylline, cytochalasin B, omission of extracellular Ca++ or D600. Replacement of extracellular Na+ with choline or sucrose suppressed the increase in insulin release and in frequency of exocytotic profiles recorded after exposure to 2 degrees C. It is suggested that a redistribution of Ca++ from intracellular stores, possibly mediated by an increase in intracellular Na+ triggers exocytosis of insulin granules upon exposure to cold. | 10.1007/BF00236160 |
pubmed_302_10800 | The newly discovered Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene KRR1 (YCL059c) encodes a protein essential for cell viability. Krr1p contains a motif of clustered basic amino acids highly conserved in the evolutionarly distant species from yeast to human. We demonstrate that Krr1p is localized in the nucleolus. The KRR1 gene is highly expressed in dividing cells and its expression ceases almost completely when cells enter the stationary phase. In vivo depletion of Krr1p leads to drastic reduction of 40S ribosomal subunits due to defective 18S rRNA synthesis. We propose that Krr1p is required for proper processing of pre-rRNA and the assembly of preribosomal 40S subunits. | pubmed_302_10800 |
pubmed_727_1753 | The effect of crude prostaglandins extraced from prostate glands of camels as well as that PGE1, on the thyroid activity of male immature Boskat rabbits, was investigated. The iodinated amino acid fractions (T1, T2, T3 and T4) in the serum of the injected groups were determined in control and treated animals. Cytological work on sections of the thyroid glands of the treated and control rabbits were performed to study the effect on subcellular level. The results indicate that both crude and pure prostaglandins have a stimulating effect on thyroid activity. This was indicated by the increased 125I uptake of the thyroids of rabbits and evidenced histologically. PGE1, was found to be more effective as compared with the crude prostaglandins. The indinated amino acid and hormone fractions in the serum of the treated groups showed that T2 was increased as a result of injection of the crude prostaglandins, and T4 was increased after PGE1 injection. Tables and figures explained diversed effect. | pubmed_727_1753 |
pubmed_934_14950 | Silver and copper nanoparticles were produced by chemical reduction of their respective nitrates by ascorbic acid in the presence of chitosan using microwave heating. Particle size was shown to increase by increasing the concentration of nitrate and reducing the chitosan concentration. Surface zeta potentials were positive for all nanoparticles produced and these varied from 27.8 to 33.8 mV. Antibacterial activities of Ag, Cu, mixtures of Ag and Cu, and Ag/Cu bimetallic nanoparticles were tested using Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. Of the two, B. subtilis proved more susceptible under all conditions investigated. Silver nanoparticles displayed higher activity than copper nanoparticles and mixtures of nanoparticles of the same mean particle size. However when compared on an equal concentration basis Cu nanoparticles proved more lethal to the bacteria due to a higher surface area. The highest antibacterial activity was obtained with bimetallic Ag/Cu nanoparticles with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 0.054 and 0.076 mg/L against B. subtilis and E. coli, respectively. | pubmed_934_14950 |
pubmed_890_3394 | OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND
Childhood tuberculosis (TB) is largely a paucibacillary disease and difficult to diagnose. It is difficult to obtain a sputum or gastric aspirate (GA) sample, and patients are often undiagnosed and treated empirically. Stool is a noninvasive specimen not usually used for TB testing in Pakistan. We investigated the value of Xpert MTB/RIF to diagnose Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in children with pulmonary TB cases, by performing comparative testing of GA and stool samples.
METHOD
We recruited 60 children aged 1-15years, suspected of TB, from the Department of Pediatrics, Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan and The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. All were immunocompetent. Patients had a Kenneth Jones TB score of ⩾5. Paired GA/sputum and stool samples were collected for testing. All GA samples were tested by Xpert MTB/RIF assay and MTB culture, while stool was tested by Xpert MTB/RIF.
RESULTS
The study participants included 27 males and 23 females with a mean age of 6years and a mean TB (Kenneth Jones) score of 7. Stool was received in the laboratory within 1-2days of the GA sample for all but one participant, who expired. The rates of MTB detection were as follows: 22% (11 cases) based on Xpert MTB testing of GA, 21% (10 cases) based on MTB culture of GA, and 21% (10 cases) based on Xpert MTB testing of stool. No rifampicin resistance was detected. Overall, there was concordance between testing of GA and stool. One case had GA with low positive Xpert and positive MTB culture, but negative stool Xpert result. In another case, there was low positive GA Xpert, positive GA MTB culture, and positive stool Xpert. A positive Xpert MTB stool test was associated with a higher TB score (>5) and a greater bacillary load. All 11 cases of TB diagnosed were put on antituberculous therapy and responded well to treatment.
CONCLUSION
Use of Xpert MTB/RIF assay for stool-based diagnosis of pulmonary TB in immunocompetent children is useful in a resource poor setting. This is a valuable and noninvasive diagnostic alternative for the diagnosis of childhood TB and can be adapted by pediatric arms of national TB programs. | 10.1016/j.ijmyco.2016.09.068 |
pubmed_1069_17184 | A summary of recommendations from a breakout session of a Workshop on Hereditary Breast, Ovarian and Colon Cancer held in Washington, DC, in April 1994 is presented here. The focus of the session was the provision of testing and counseling services for adults at increased risk for developing cancer. Elements of service provision involving three time-points for counseling (pretest education, risk notification, and follow-up) and suggested areas of research are outlined for discussion. | pubmed_1069_17184 |
pubmed_674_16919 | The aims of this study were to determine the malignancy rate of probably benign lesions that show an interval change on follow-up ultrasound and to evaluate the differences seen on imaging between benign and malignant lesions initially categorized as probably benign but with interval change on follow-up breast ultrasound.We retrospectively reviewed 11,323 lesions from ultrasound-guided core-biopsies performed between June 2004 and December 2014 and identified 289 lesions (266 patients) with an interval change from probably benign (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System [BI-RADS] category 3) in the previous 2 years. Malignancy rates were compared according to the ultrasound findings and the characteristics of the interval changes, including changes in morphology and/or diameter.The malignancy rate for probably benign lesions that showed an interval change on follow-up ultrasound was 6.9% (20/289). The malignancy rate was higher for clustered cysts (33.3%) and irregular or noncircumscribed masses (12.7%) than for circumscribed oval masses (5%) or complicated cysts (5%) seen on initial ultrasound (P = 0.043). Fifty-five percent of the malignancies were found to be ductal carcinoma in situ and there was 1 case of lymph node metastasis among the patients with invasive disease in whom biopsy was delayed by 6 to 15 months. The extent of invasiveness was greater in missed cases. There was a significant difference in the maximal diameter change between the 20 malignant lesions and the 269 benign lesions (4.0 mm vs 2.7 mm, P = 0.002). The cutoff value for maximal diameter change per initial diameter was 39.0% for predicting malignancy (sensitivity 95%, specificity 53.5%). The malignancy rate for morphologically changed lesions was significantly higher than for morphologically stable lesions (13.6% vs 4.9%; P = 0.024)Our 6.9% of probably benign lesions that showed an interval change finally turned out to be malignancy was mostly DCIS. The sonographic features, interval changes in sonographic features, and lesion size might help in the recategorization of these lesions. | 10.1097/MD.0000000000006415 |
pubmed_716_23129 | We report the preparation and evaluation of graphene oxide (GO)-enhanced alginate hydrogels for drawing water across an osmotic desalination membrane. GO-incorporated calcium alginate hydrogels (GO-HG) and pure calcium alginate hydrogels (P-HG) were synthesized for this study. Environmental scanning electron microscopy, water contact angle, and water uptake tests showed both samples to be strongly hydrophilic. The synthesized hydrogels demonstrated the ability to successfully and continuously draw water through a selective osmotic membrane in experiments. This was driven by the surface energy gradient-induced negative pressure between the more hydrophilic hydrogel and less hydrophilic membrane surface. The GO-HG was found to draw 21.2% more water than the P-HG, owing to the flexible GO nanosheets, which can be easily incorporated into the hydrogel framework. The GO nanosheets not only offer more hydrophilic functional sites but also enhance the connectivity within the alginate hydrogel framework so as to enhance the water production performance. The average amount of water drawn through the membrane by the GO-HG and the P-HG is 23.4 ± 0.9 g and 19.3 ± 1.8 g, respectively. It was found that no external stimuli were needed as water flows through the hydrogel due to gravitational force. The GO-enhanced alginate hydrogel, combined with the osmotic membrane, is a promising surface energy gradient-driven functional material for water purification and desalination without applying external pressure. | 10.1021/acsomega.2c03138 |
pubmed_839_8369 | We report a rare case of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)- and human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8)-negative primary effusion lymphoma (PEL)-like lymphoma presenting with lymphomatous effusions complicated by cardiac tamponade. A 68-year-old woman was hospitalized with generalized weakness in June 2006. Echocardiogram revealed the presence of pericardial effusion and she had the signs of cardiac tamponade. Urgent pericardial drainage relieved her symptoms. Chest computed tomography showed bilateral pleural effusions along with pericardial effusion. Cytologic findings of both effusions were suggestive of malignancies, including malignant lymphoma. Immunocytochemical studies with a panel of antibodies, including CD20 and CD79a, could not provide a definite diagnosis. Flow cytometric analysis of pleural effusion revealed that tumor cells were positive for CD10 and CD19, but negative for CD20, CD23, surface immunoglobulin, and T-cell associated antigens. Clonal rearrangement of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene was detected by Southern blot analysis. Polymerase chain reaction proved to be negative for HHV-8. The serology test for HIV was negative. After a diagnosis of HHV-8-negative PEL-like lymphoma, she was treated with CHOP chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisolone). However, she died of progressive lymphoma 7 months after the diagnosis. PEL-like lymphomas are of B-cell origin. In some cases of PEL-like lymphoma, tumor cells may be negative for representative markers of B-cell phenotype such as CD20 and CD79a. | pubmed_839_8369 |
pubmed_854_18191 | Primary schwannomas of the urinary bladder are extremely rare. They arise from Schwann's cells in nerve sheaths and are often associated with von Recklinghausen's disease. In these cases, open partial cystectomy has been the choice of treatment. We performed laparoscopic partial cystectomy in a 35-year-old man who showed a 3.5-cm solid bladder mass on pelvic CT. The lesion was found to be a primary schwannoma of the urinary bladder without evidence of von Recklinghausen disease. | 10.1089/end.2005.19.303 |
pubmed_587_7871 | Lymphocyte numbers and subset composition are maintained at relatively constant levels throughout adulthood. Fluctuations in cell numbers due to infection, loss of cells, or other influences are smoothed out by unknown mechanisms that return the system to homeostasis. Regulation of lymphocyte numbers could be controlled at several points: rate of production, alteration in life span by diminution or enhancement of survival, or by division of cells within the compartment. Cell numbers within the immune system appear to be controlled by homeostatic mechanisms that influence each of these points. This discussion will focus on the regulation of peripheral cell numbers by the antigen-independent proliferation of T cells, which has recently been demonstrated to contribute to the maintenance and recovery of lymphocyte homeostasis. | 10.1016/s1286-4579(02)01570-8 |
pubmed_189_26262 | BACKGROUND
Increasing the availability of lower energy-density foods is a promising intervention to encourage healthier food purchasing but few studies have examined the effect of increasing availability of meat-free meals to promote more sustainable purchasing. We report three studies, all examining the impact of altering the availability of meat-free meals on meal selection.
METHODS
Study 1 (a natural experiment in one university cafeteria) examined the impact of altering the ratio of meat-free meals (one meat-free and two meat, to two meat-free and one meat) on weekly sales of meals containing meat. Study 2 (a natural experiment in 18 worksite cafeterias) examined the impact on meat-free meal sales of a menu change designed to increase the availability of meat-free meals. Study 3 (an online study of 2205 UK-representative adults) compared meal selections when participants were randomised to ranges comprised of (a) one meat-free, three meat options; (b) two meat-free, two meat; or (c) three meat-free, one meat.
RESULTS
Study 1 suggested a significant decrease in the proportion of sales of meat options when the availability of meat-free options increased (- 19.9 percentage points; 95%CIs:-25.2,-14.6), with no evidence of changes to meat-based meal sales in other university cafeterias during the same period. Findings from Study 2 were mixed: multilevel regressions found no evidence of an increase in meat-free meals following the menu change (2.3 percentage points; 95%CIs: - 1.3,5.9), while interrupted time-series analyses suggested sales did increase (2.3; 95%CIs: 0.4,4.2), but implementation of the planned change was limited. In Study 3 reducing meat-free options from 50 to 25% reduced participants' selection of meat-free options (odds ratio 0.35; 95%CIs: 0.26,0.46), while increasing meat-free options from 50 to 75% increased meat-free selections (odds ratio 2.43; 95%CIs: 1.94,3.04). There was no evidence effects were moderated by gender, socioeconomic status or usual meat consumption.
CONCLUSION
Increasing the availability of meat-free options is effective at reducing meat selection and purchasing for different ratios of meat to meat-free options. The magnitude of the effect is uncertain, but with no evidence of differences in response by demographic groups when directly tested.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Study 3: Open Science Framework; https://osf.io/ze9c6 ; 6/8/2020. | 10.1186/s12966-021-01239-z |
pubmed_207_8627 | The changes in the number of androgen receptors in rat gastrocnemius muscle following muscle contraction caused by electrical stimulation were investigated. The gastrocnemius muscle of one leg, which was selected at random for each rat, was stimulated with needle type electrodes, e.g. for 2 s at 10 V and 100 Hz, with 5-s intervals. The contralateral leg was left unstimulated as a control. One set consisted of ten such stimuli, followed by 5-min rest. Three sets every 2 days caused a statistically significant increase in muscle mass, the increase being about 2.5% after the 3rd day of stimulation, 4.4% after the 5th day, 5.9% after the 13th day and 8.3% after the 27th day compared with each control muscle (P < 0.001 in each case). The protein content also increased but the water content did not change. Stimulation over 4 weeks induced an increase in the area of the cross-section of the muscle fibres to about 30% more than that of the control muscles, though the total muscle fibre numbers were slightly, but significantly, reduced. Electromechanical properties supported the development of the muscle by stimulation, because the maximal isometric tetanic force and peak twitch force markedly increased in the stimulated muscle. The androgen receptors in the muscle cytosol fraction were determined by means of a binding assay involving [3H]methyltrienolone, which is an analogue of testosterone, the number having rapidly increased in the stimulated leg, when compared with that in the control leg, by about 25% after the 3rd day. The increase then slowed down, reaching a plateau after the 5th-day of stimulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | 10.1007/BF01427054 |
pubmed_782_1882 | BACKGROUND
Despite growing evidence for neurobehavioral deficits in social cognition in alcohol use disorder (AUD), the clinical relevance remains unclear, and little is known about its impact on treatment outcome. This study prospectively investigated the impact of neurocognitive social abilities at treatment onset on treatment completion.
METHODS
Fifty-nine alcohol-dependent patients were assessed with measures of social cognition including 3 core components of empathy via paradigms measuring: (i) emotion recognition (the ability to recognize emotions via facial expression), (ii) emotional perspective taking, and (iii) affective responsiveness at the beginning of inpatient treatment for alcohol dependence. Subjective measures were also obtained, including estimates of task performance and a self-report measure of empathic abilities (Interpersonal Reactivity Index). According to treatment outcomes, patients were divided into a patient group with a regular treatment course (e.g., with planned discharge and without relapse during treatment) or an irregular treatment course (e.g., relapse and/or premature and unplanned termination of treatment, "dropout").
RESULTS
Compared with patients completing treatment in a regular fashion, patients with relapse and/or dropout of treatment had significantly poorer facial emotion recognition ability at treatment onset. Additional logistic regression analyses confirmed these results and identified poor emotion recognition performance as a significant predictor for relapse/dropout. Self-report (subjective) measures did not correspond with neurobehavioral social cognition measures, respectively objective task performance. Analyses of individual subtypes of facial emotions revealed poorer recognition particularly of disgust, anger, and no (neutral faces) emotion in patients with relapse/dropout.
CONCLUSIONS
Social cognition in AUD is clinically relevant. Less successful treatment outcome was associated with poorer facial emotion recognition ability at the beginning of treatment. Impaired facial emotion recognition represents a neurocognitive risk factor that should be taken into account in alcohol dependence treatment. Treatments targeting the improvement of these social cognition deficits in AUD may offer a promising future approach. | 10.1111/acer.13522 |
pubmed_588_10417 | Babesia Washington-1 (WA1) is a newly identified intraerythrocyte infectious agent of human babesiosis in the western United States. The purpose of the present study is to describe the ultrastructural changes in affected erythrocytes during the infectious process in a susceptible animal model, the golden Syrian hamster. Two, 1-mo-old female hamsters were inoculated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 1.8 x 10(9) Babesia WA1-infected erythrocytes originally isolated from a human case and serially passaged in hamsters. Saphenous vein blood samples (20 microl) were collected at 0, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, and 96 hr postinoculation (PI). Parasitemia was determined at each time interval by quick staining of blood smears showing 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 12.5, 22.5, 70, and almost 100% parasitemic erythrocytes at the corresponding PI time interval, respectively. Animals showed weakness and dehydration 72 hr PI inoculation, and were killed by 96 hr PI. Selected blood samples from 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr were fixed in cacodylate buffer, dehydrated in ethanol gradients, resin embedded, and then thin sectioned and stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate for transmission electron microscopy or gold-coated for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Shape and surface membrane changes in erythrocytes were demonstrated by SEM and were more evident at 72 and 96 hr PI. Infected erythrocytes underwent changes in shape 24 hr PI, from few protrusions to several perforations, some of them resembling a "swiss cheese" appearance 96 hr PI. Several erythrocytes had irregular surface membranes and Babesia WA1 organisms were seen at different stages of development within erythrocytes, from single trophozoites to several merozoites (young trophozoites), some of them dividing to form typical tetrads. In general, Babesia WAI induced severe morphological changes in the erythrocytes, and these changes were more evident in almost all infected cells 96 hr PI. | 10.1645/GE-712R.1 |
pubmed_261_14198 | A neutral 3D metal-organic framework, (3)(∞)[Cu(2)(mand)(2)(hmt)]·H(2)O (1), was constructed from binuclear Cu(2)O(2) alkoxo-bridged nodes, generated by the doubly deprotonated mandelic acid. The nodes are connected by hexamethylenetetramine (hmt) spacers, which act as biconnective bridging ligands, and by carboxylato groups. Channels are observed along the crystallographic c axis. The water molecules from the channels can be easily removed, preserving the architecture of the crystal, which is stable up to 280 °C. The Langmuir surface area was found to be 610 m(2) g(-1). The sorption ability of 1 was investigated using H(2) and CO(2). | 10.1021/ic301139j |
pubmed_695_3809 | A 57-year-old Japanese man was referred to our hospital with the chief complaint of dizziness. Our investigations showed pancytopenia that necessitated bone marrow evaluation; this evaluation revealed plasma cell proliferation that was accompanied by numerous needle-shaped crystal inclusions. Clinical and laboratory examinations were used to establish a diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM) accompanied by Fanconi syndrome. He was administered treatment with bortezomib, lenalidomide, or thalidomide; however, he died after experiencing upper abdominal pain of unknown etiology. Histopathological examination showed needle-like inclusions in the liver and kidney and macrophages in the bone marrow, suggesting light chain deposition disease (LCDD) that could contribute to multi-organ injury. We report the rare case of a patient with needle-shaped inclusions in MM that caused LCDD. | 10.11406/rinketsu.61.1620 |
pubmed_933_24838 | 1. Agglutination is not a precise method for the demonstration of serological types among staphylococci. 2. Precipitation of soluble specific substance derived from these organisms demonstrates the existence of at least two immunologically distinct types. 3. The one type, designated A, is composed of apparently virulent strains, while the other, Type B, contains the avirulent strains. 4. Precipitation tests performed with centrifugates of young broth cultures or with acid extracts of sedimented bacteria may also demonstrate type specificity. 5. Lysis by bacteriophage fails to detect the specific types of Staphylococcus. 6. Immunization by intravenous methods stimulates agglutinin formation in all rabbits and precipitin formation in only one of three or four animals. 7. Immunization by repeated intracutaneous injections of dead staphylococci or living organisms in an agar focus also stimulates agglutinin formation but fails to incite the formation of type specific precipitins. | 10.1084/jem.62.1.11 |
pubmed_931_18931 | BACKGROUND
Rapid sequence induction (RSI) is the 'gold standard' technique for preventing aspiration of gastric contents during induction of anesthesia in unfasted patients. We conducted a survey to discover whether the conduct of RSI in children varies amongst anesthetists and if practice alters in relation to the time since training or degree of ongoing experience.
METHODS
Six hundred and fifteen questionnaires were sent to anesthetists in the south-west of England.
RESULTS
The response rate was 61%. Preoxygenation was utilized by 83% of anesthetists for infants whereas 94% preoxygenated schoolchildren, P < 0.001. Only 59% of respondents used cricoid pressure in infants, compared with 96% in schoolchildren, P < 0.001. Propofol was the induction agent of choice for all anesthetists, although thiopentone was used more in infants (35%) than schoolchildren (9%), P < 0.001. Suxamethonium was widely used in all children. All anesthetists intubated patients for pyloromyotomy, 50% using cricoid pressure. RSI was performed by 86% of anesthetists for appendicectomy, with consultants most likely to deviate from a standard RSI. Sixty percent of anesthetists intubated for manipulation of forearm, 72% performing an RSI, 53% intubated for scrotal exploration, but only 42% performed an RSI.
CONCLUSIONS
Classical RSI is used for children by most anesthetists in south-west England. RSI is modified for infants especially by more recently trained consultants. Suxamethonium is used less by consultant anesthetists. Whilst RSI is performed for appendicectomy there is a large variation in techniques for anesthetizing children for MUA and scrotal exploration which is independent of the grade of anesthetist. | 10.1111/j.1460-9592.2006.02078.x |
pubmed_875_5233 | This article has its origins in a 2013 proposal by the author that the concept of 'spiritual care' in clinical settings might fruitfully be grounded in the findings of the Cognitive Science of Religion (CSR). In a recent paper, John Paley rejects the central arguments and asserts his conviction that a model for 'spiritual care' cannot be derived from the insights of evolutionary psychology. In this article, the author employs a modified form of Fichtean dialectic to examine the contrasting positions and, via a process of analysis and synthesis, identify the key areas for further exploration and research. He concludes, first, that CSR in itself does not provide a sufficient theoretical justification for the notion and practice of 'spiritual care'; secondly, that any attempt to develop a general theory of spiritual care would need to pay closer attention to the role of historically situated religious communities; and finally, that these objections nevertheless do not amount to an argument against the attempt to provide spiritual care as part of person-centred care. Instead, a revised model is proposed which has the potential to provide testable predictions in this field. | 10.1111/nup.12139 |
pubmed_852_2464 | OBJECTIVES
Susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) may have the potential to depict the perivenous extent of white matter lesions (WMLs) in multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to assess the discriminatory value of the "central vein sign" (CVS).
METHODS
In a 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study, 28 WMLs in 14 patients with at least one circumscribed lesion >5 mm and not more than eight non-confluent lesions >3 mm were prospectively included. Only WMLs in FLAIR images with a maximum diameter of >5 mm were correlated to their SWI equivalent for CVS evaluation.
RESULTS
Five patients fulfilled the revised McDonald criteria for MS and nine patients were given alternative diagnoses. Nineteen MS-WMLs and nine non-MS-WMLs >5 mm were detected. Consensus reading found a central vein in 16 out of 19 MS-WMLs (84 %) and in one out of nine non-MS-WMLs (11 %), respectively. The CVS proved to be a highly significant discriminator (P < 0.001) between MS-WMLs and non-MS-WMLs with a sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and accuracy of 84 %, 89 %, 94 %, 73 % and 86 %, respectively. Inter-rater agreement was good (κ = 0.77).
CONCLUSIONS
Even though the CVS is not exclusively found in MS-WMLs, SWI may be a useful adjunct in patients with possible MS.
KEY POINTS
• MRI continues to yield further information concerning MS lesions. • SWI adds diagnostic information in patients with possible MS. • The "central vein sign" was predominantly seen in MS lesions. • The "central vein sign" helps discriminate between MS and non-MS lesions. | 10.1007/s00330-013-2791-4 |
pubmed_810_14517 | The p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are downstream effectors of the small G-proteins of the Rac and cdc42 family and have been implicated as essential for cell proliferation and survival. Recent studies have also demonstrated the promise of PAKs as therapeutic targets in various types of cancers. The PAKs are divided into two major groups (group I and II) based on sequence similarities. Although the different roles the PAK groups might play are not well understood, recent efforts have focused on the identification of kinase inhibitors that can discriminate between the two groups. In this review these efforts and newly identified inhibitors will be described and future directions discussed. | 10.4161/cl.21667 |
pubmed_411_20248 | OBJECTIVE
To explore the effect of regulating A20 expression on NF-κB and biological characteristics of Jurkat cells with glucocorticoid (GC) resistance.
METHODS
CCRF CEM and Jurkat cells were treated with dexamethasone (DEX) at concentrations of 100、10、1、0.1、0.01 and 0.001 μmol/L, and cultured for 24、48 and 72 h. The proliferation inhibition rate of Jurkat cell was detected by CCK-8. A20 plasmid was constructed, A20-siRNA was designed and synthesized, and transfected into Jurkat cells by liposome. CCK-8 was used to detect the proliferation rates of Jurkat cells in different concentrations of DEX group, DEX combined with A20 plasmid group and A20-siRNA group. The mRNA expression level of NF-κB was detected by RT-qPCR, the protein expression level of NF-κB was detected by Western blot, and the apoptosis of Jurkat cells was examined by flow cytometry.
RESULTS
The inhibitory effects of DEX at different concentrations on the growth of CCRF CEM cells were time-dependent (r=0.984, P＜0.05) and concentration-dependent (r=0.966, P＜0.05). At the point of 24 hour, the IC50 approached 1 μmol/L in CCRF CEM cells. Great large differences began to appear between 1 and 10 μmol/L, the proliferation rate of Jurkat cells treated with 1 μmol/L DEX did not show a significant change. Therefore, 1 μmol/L was selected as control group. The cell proliferation rate of A20 plasmid transfection combined with different concentrations of DEX group was lower than that of DEX group and A20-siRNA combined with DEX group. After transfection of A20 plasmid, the expression level of NF-κB was significantly lower than that of control group (P＜0.05), and the apoptotic rate was significantly higher than that of control group (P＜0.05). After transfection of Jurkat cells with A20-siRNA, the expression level of NF-κB was significantly higher than that of control group (P＜0.05). The apoptotic rate of cells in A20-siRNA group was not significantly changed (P＞0.05).
CONCLUSION
Jurkat cells are resistant to DEX. A20 overexpression combined with DEX can increase sensitivity of Jurkat cells with GC resistance and decrease the proliferation rate of Jurkat cells, down-regulate the expression level of NF-κB and promote the apoptosis of Jurkat cells. | 10.19746/j.cnki.issn.1009-2137.2020.04.010 |
pubmed_281_3556 | Background
Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare benign non-Langerhans cell histiocytic proliferative disease. RDD with central nervous system (CNS) involvement (CNS-RDD) is extremely rare. Its etiology is unclear, and there are no consensus recommendations for its treatment. More studies are needed to elucidate the clinical and radiological manifestations and prognosis of CNS-RDD.
Methods
From January 2012 to June 2022, 12 patients with CNS-RDD (intracranial or spinal) were retrospectively evaluated, including collecting clinical data, imaging data, and pathological findings; summarizing imaging characteristics; and conducting follow-up studies on CND-RDD patient treatment and prognosis.
Results
Twelve CNS-RDD patients (nine male and three female patients, aged 12-67 years) were enrolled in this study. Nine patients represented convex and/or skull base RDD (eight with edema, six with lobulation and/or pseudopodium sign, four with multiple intracranial lesions), two patients had parenchymal RDD, and one patient had spinal cord subdural lesions. Symptoms of patients would vary according to the locations of the lesion, including but not limited to headaches, dizziness, seizures, cranial nerve dysfunction, and visual impairment. The immunohistochemistry of RDD showed positive expression of S100 and CD68 but not CD1a. Total resection (n = 7), subtotal resection (n = 3), partial resection (n = 1), and stereotaxic biopsy (n = 1) were achieved, respectively. A combination of chemotherapy plus steroid therapy was performed on two patients (relapsing case and residual lesion) and showed a remarkable effect.
Conclusion
CNS-RDD, as a rare disease, presents a significant diagnostic challenge for clinicians. Solitary CNS-RDD are easily misdiagnosed as meningioma. However, when the MRI imaging of the disease represents dura-based masses with significant edema, homogeneous enhancement, lobulation, and/or pseudopodium sign, we should consider it might be the CNS-RDD. Surgery is an important and effective therapy for CNS-RDD. Steroids and chemotherapy are safe and effective for the postoperative treatment of relapsing cases or residual lesions. | 10.3389/fonc.2022.1013419 |
pubmed_0_21999 | INTRODUCTION AND AIMS
To examine how young people in New Zealand engage with alcohol and reproduce alcohol marketing messages and alcohol-related branding in 'Bebo', a popular social networking site (SNS) on the Internet.
DESIGN AND METHODS
Data are drawn from information posted on approximately 150 Bebo Web pages and analysed by way of textual analysis and cyberspace ethnography.
RESULTS
Social networking sites, such as Bebo, provide young people with a digital space in which to share a range of alcohol marketing messages via peer-to-peer transmission. Bebo also enables youth to communicate to one another how they consume alcohol and their views of alcohol marketing messages. The information being shared by young people who use Bebo is openly provided in the form of personal information, forum comments, digital photographs and answering quizzes about their engagement with alcohol.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
Through this sharing of information in the digital Internet environment, young people are creating 'intoxigenic social identities' as well as 'intoxigenic digital spaces' that further contribute towards the normalisation of youth consumption of alcohol. A better understanding of how youth are using the Internet to share their experiences with alcohol and engagement with alcohol-related messages is crucial to public health research as alcohol marketing practices rapidly evolve. | 10.1111/j.1465-3362.2010.00178.x |
pubmed_768_11687 | Hypoxia modulates proliferation and differentiation of cultured embryonic and adult stem cells, an effect that includes β-catenin, a key component of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Here we studied the effect of mild hypoxia on the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the hippocampus of adult mice in vivo. The hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1α (HIF-1α) was analyzed as a molecular control of the physiological hypoxic response. Exposure to chronic hypoxia (10% oxygen for 6-72 h) stimulated the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Because the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a positive modulator of adult neurogenesis, we evaluated whether chronic hypoxia was able to stimulate neurogenesis in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Results indicate that hypoxia increased cell proliferation and neurogenesis in adult wild-type mice as determined by Ki67 staining, Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and double labeling with doublecortin (DCX). Chronic hypoxia also induced neurogenesis in a double transgenic APPswe-PS1ΔE9 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which shows decreased levels of neurogenesis in the SGZ. Our results show for the first time that exposure to hypoxia in vivo can induce the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade in the hippocampus, suggesting that mild hypoxia may have a therapeutic value in neurodegenerative disorders associated with altered Wnt signaling in the brain and also in pathological conditions in which hippocampal neurogenesis is impaired. | 10.3389/fncel.2014.00017 |
pubmed_22_13223 | Nymphs and larvae belonging to Ixodes spp. were collected from a red fox in Turkey. The ticks were identified morphologically and molecularly (16S rDNA PCR and phylogenetic analysis) as I. kaiseri. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses show that our I. kaiseri isolate is very similar to I. kaiseri isolates collected from Germany, Serbia, Romania, and Hungary. Therefore, the existence of I. kaiseri has been demonstrated for the first time in Turkey. More studies relating to the regional distribution and vectorial competence of I. kaiseri are needed. | 10.1007/s10493-018-0219-1 |
pubmed_443_9129 | PURPOSE
Anterolateral fibrous impingement of the ankle is one of the causes of post-traumatic pain in the foot. We investigated the comparative accuracy of US and MRI in this condition.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Fourteen patients were submitted to arthroscopy, plain radiography, US and MRI of the foot. The patients, all sportsmen, had a clinical history of sprains; the major symptoms were pain, swelling and clicking on foot dorsiflexion.
RESULTS
US showed anterior talofibular ligament changes in all patients and mid-low-echogenicity synovial tissue filling the lateral malleolar gutter. MRI demonstrated a small mass of synovial tissue in the gutter in 8 patients, with mid-low signal intensity before Gd-DTPA and mid-low contrast enhancement after contrast administration and no abnormal findings in 6 patients. Arthroscopy showed a small firm mass of proliferative synovium in the lateral malleolar gutter in all patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Fibrous impingement must be suspected in the sportsmen presenting typical symptoms after ankle trauma. US is poorly accurate in diagnosing this condition. MRI shows a small synovial mass in the lateral malleolar gutter in more than half the patients, but aspecific MR findings do not rule impingement our MR images must be acquired along the proper planes and with Gd-DTPA administration. | pubmed_443_9129 |
pubmed_765_20161 | In recent studies we have found unique mixtures of food-grade oils, two or more food-grade nonionic hydrophilic emulsifiers, cosolvent (polyol), and coemulsifiers that self-assemble to form mixed reverse micelles ("the concentrate") and can be diluted with an aqueous phase, progressively and continuously, without phase separation, and are transformed into bicontinuous structures and finally, upon further dilution, can be inverted into oil-in-water nanodroplets. The "concentrate" is capable of solubilizing nutraceuticals, drugs, antioxidants, and other compounds that are poorly soluble in water or in the oil phase, with 10-20 times more solubility capacity than that of any food-grade oils or water phase. For example, phytosterols were solubilized up to 12 times more than the dissolution capacity of the oil (-(+)-limonene) for the same compounds. Similarly, the solubilization of lycopene in the concentrate was found to be ten times more than in the corresponding oil. The effects of the guest molecule and microemulsions ingredients on the microstructure transitions and their interfacial reactivity were studied, and the correlation between the surface activity of the guest molecule and its effect on the phase transitions was determined. The advantages of these systems in protecting the solubilizates from environmental reactivity (oxidation), was demonstrated. Lycopene did not oxidize-even after 75 days in an open vessel-if solubilized in the microemulsion medium, while if left unformulated, it was totally oxidized. The systems are unique since they demonstrate significant interfacial reactivity. Maillard reactions between sugars and amino acids, carried out at the O/W interface, can be kinetically controlled better than reactions carried out in the aqueous phase; the products are more regioselective and can form Maillard compounds that are not found in aqueous phase processes. Advanced analytical techniques such as SAXS, PGSE-NMR, and viscosity measurements have been used to evaluate the microstructures of the reverse and direct swollen micelles in both the absence and presence of the guest molecules. | 10.1039/b506233k |
pubmed_938_13644 | The in vitro recovery of warfarin from an enteral nutrient formula after filtration to remove the protein-bound fractions was determined. This study was conducted in two parts. In part 1, 0.25-, 0.50-, and 1-mL aliquots of warfarin sodium stock solution were added to 150 mL of the enteral nutrient formula Osmolite under physiologic conditions to produce warfarin concentrations of 16.7, 33.3, and 66.7 micrograms/mL. In part 2, a 0.5-mL aliquot of the warfarin sodium stock solution was added to Osmolite 100 mL-distilled water 50 mL, Osmolite 75 mL-distilled water 75 mL, and Osmolite 150 mL. The samples were filtered through a membrane that retained macromolecules while allowing warfarin to pass through, and the warfarin concentration was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Assays of protein-free buffered control solutions of warfarin before and after filtration indicated that no significant amount of warfarin was retained in the filtration membrane. Significantly less warfarin was recovered from full-strength Osmolite after filtering than before filtering at all warfarin concentrations tested. Significantly more warfarin was recovered from the Osmolite-distilled water solutions than from the undiluted Osmolite. These results suggest that there is some sequestering of warfarin in the macromolecular fraction of the enteral nutrient formula. The decreased recovery of warfarin from the enteral nutrient formula used in this study has potential clinical importance, but further research in humans is needed to substantiate these in vitro observations. | pubmed_938_13644 |
pubmed_60_25075 | Tyrosinase plays various roles in organisms and much research has focused on the regulation of tyrosinase activity. We studied the inhibitory effect of thiobarbituric acid (TBA) on tyrosinase. Our kinetic study showed that TBA inhibited tyrosinase in a reversible noncompetitive manner (K(i) 5 14.0 ± 8.5 mM and IC₅₀ 5 8.0 ± 1.0 mM). Intrinsic and ANS-binding fluorescences studies were also performed to gain more information regarding the binding mechanism. The results showed that no tertiary structural changes were obviously observed. For further insight, we predicted the 3D structure of tyrosinase and simulated the docking between tyrosinase and TBA. The docking simulation was successful with significant scores (binding energy for AutoDock4: -5.52 kcal/mol) and suggested that TBA was located in the active site. The 11 ns molecular dynamics simulation convinced that the four HIS residues (residue numbers: 57, 90, 250, and 282) were commonly responsible for the interaction with TBA. Our results provide a new inhibition strategy that works using an antioxidant rather than targeting the copper ions within the tyrosinase active site. | 10.1080/07391102.2011.10507398 |
pubmed_632_20411 | Candida duobushaemulonii, a yeast closely related to Candida auris, is thought to cause infections in rare cases and is often misidentified. In October 2016, the Panamanian Ministry of Health implemented laboratory surveillance for C. auris Suspected C. auris isolates were forwarded to the national reference laboratory for identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry and antifungal susceptibility testing. Between November 2016 and May 2017, 17 of 36 (47%) isolates suspected to be C. auris were identified as C. duobushaemulonii. These 17 isolates were obtained from 14 patients at six hospitals. Ten patients, including three children, had bloodstream infections, and MICs for fluconazole, voriconazole, and amphotericin B were elevated. No resistance to echinocandins was observed. C. duobushaemulonii causes more invasive infections than previously appreciated and poses a substantial problem, given its resistance to multiple antifungals. Expanded laboratory surveillance is an important step in the detection and control of such emerging pathogens. | 10.1128/JCM.00371-18 |
pubmed_952_2893 | Clinical trials of the anti-inflammatory activity of corticosteroids for external use The influence on skin temperature of 4 corticoid-containing formulations and 3 steroid-free bases was tested in 9 subjects in whom no pathological skin changes were present but who were known to be sensitive to metal ions (chromium and nickel). The effect of the preparations on the healthy skin (vasoconstrictive effect) after a duration of action of 2 and 6 h was compared with the effect on skin sites treated subsequently with the contact allergens for a period of 24 h. In the procedure used the trial preparations were allowed to act for 2 and 6 h under occlusive dressing, or for 4 and 8 h, the dressing being removed for 2 h in each case. The allergization produced an increase in temperature at the skin surface which was influenced in various ways by the trial preparations. Whereas no statistically significant differences in the effect of the individual steroid topicals were found the healthy skin, in the evaluatin of the overall anti-inflammatory effect on the pathological skin processes, some distinct differences in effect were found. On comparing the results the following lowing order was obtained for the overall anti-inflammatory effect: 1. Fluprednylidene acetate 0.1% score 4.5, 2. Difluocortolone-valerate 0.1% score 8.5, 3. Fluocortolone trimethylacetate 0.25% + fluocortolone caproate 0.25% score 12, 4. Desoxymethasone 0.1% score 15, The steroid-free bases tested simultaneously did not exhibit clear effects on the temperature in the normal or inflamed skin. The results of the test procedure described are reproducible and can be evaluated by statistical method; the method thus seems appropriate for comparative studies of steroid-containing topicals. The special value in the procedure is the possibility of testing the effect of the preparations directly in a standardised inflammation model which is directly related to use in patients with inflammatory skin diseases, and of establishing in this way in which preparations the anti-inflammatory effect obtained exceeds the general effect common to all steroids. | pubmed_952_2893 |
pubmed_779_1698 | Conventionally utilized physical and chemical routes for constructing nanoparticles are not eco-friendly. They are associated with many shortcomings like the requirement of specially designed equipment, templates, extremely high temperature, and pressure. Biosynthesis seems to be drawn unequivocal attention owing to its upsurge of applications in different fields like; energy, nutrition, pharmaceutical, and medicinal sciences. To harness the biological sources, the present review describes an environment-friendly route to generate biogenic nanoparticles from the natural plant extracts and the followed mechanisms for their synthesis, growth, and stabilization. The present review summarizes the recent trends involved in the photosynthesis of metallic nanoparticles and their effective use in controlling malaria, hepatitis, cancer, like various endemic diseases. Also, various characterization approaches, such as UV-visible spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, are discussed here examine the properties of as-fabricated nanoparticles. Various plant parts like leaves, stems, barks, fruit, and flowers are rich in flavonoids, phenols, steroids, terpenoids, enzymes, and alkaloids, thereby playing an essential role in reducing metal ions that generate metallic nanoparticles. Herein, the uniqueness of phytofabricated nanoparticles along with their distinctive antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and drug delivery properties are featured. Lastly, this work highlights the various challenges and future perspectives to further synthesize biogenic metal nanoparticles toward environmental and pharmaceutical advances in the coming years. | 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111622 |
pubmed_211_19577 | Physiological knowledge necessary to critically analyse nursing management of patients with unstable angina is reviewed. The role of endothelium derived relaxing factor, nitrous oxide and atherosclerosis is summarised. The effects of circadian rhythms or clinical signs and symptoms in patients with unstable angina is particularly highlighted. Pharmacological interventions are considered from the perspective of implications for nursing care and other important nursing interventions identified for coronary care nurses. | pubmed_211_19577 |
pubmed_354_21636 | An efficient and convenient strategy for the synthesis of diversely substituted quinazolinones from o-carbamoyl/cyano aniline and aryl iodides using oxalic acid as a CO source under polystyrene supported palladium (Pd@PS) nanoparticles (NPs) catalyzed conditions has been developed. In this study, oxalic acid has been employed as safe, economic, environmentally benign, sustainable and bench-stable, solid CO surrogate under Double-Layer-Vial (DLV) system for the synthesis of 2-aryl quinazolinones. This methodology does not require any special high-pressure equipment like autoclaves, microwaves, etc. Moreover, a simple procedure for catalyst preparation, catalyst recyclability, easy handling of reaction, additive and base-free generation of CO, excellent to good yields and vast substrate scope are the additional features of developed protocol. | 10.1002/chem.201902776 |
pubmed_123_19537 | Primary melanoma is the most malignant and the least frequent of all cutaneous tumors. Its incidence in pregnancy varies from 0.1 to 2.8/1000. Up to today, impact of pregnancy on melanoma's course is still a much debated question in the literature. Some earlier reports suggested a particularly serious prognosis for melanoma associated with pregnancy, while more recent studies show that pregnancy may influence relapses without significantly altering survival. This paper reports the case of a woman affected by melanoma, whose clinical conditions became more and more serious during her second pregnancy and the following puerperal period. The progressive impairment of her clinical condition has suggested a correlation between the two close pregnancies and the unfavourable course of her disease. | pubmed_123_19537 |
pubmed_954_15265 | Only diazotrophic bacteria, called Rizhobia, living as symbionts in the root nodules of leguminous plants and certain free-living prokaryotic cells can fix atmospheric N2 . In these microorganisms, nitrogen fixation is carried out by the nitrogenase protein complex. However, the reduction of nitrogen to ammonia has an extremely high activation energy due to the stable (unreactive) N≡N triple bond. The structural and functional features of the nitrogenase protein complex, based on the stepwise transfer of eight electrons from reduced ferredoxin to the nitrogenase, coupled to the hydrolysis of 16 ATP molecules, to fix one N2 molecule into two NH3 molecules, is well understood. Yet, a number of different nitrogenase-catalyzed reactions are present in biochemistry textbooks, which might cause misinterpretation. In this article, we show that when trying to balance the reaction catalyzed by the nitrogenase protein complex, it is important to show explicitly the 16 H(+) released by the hydrolysis of the 16 ATP molecules needed to fix the atmospheric N2. | 10.1002/bmb.20843 |
pubmed_3_9157 | There are two commonly used protocols for the screening of recombinant bacteria with hybridization probes. One method involves the spreading of bacteria on the surface of agar using a sterile spreader. A nitrocellulose membrane filter is then placed on top of the colonies and most of each colony is transferred to the filter. This method works well when relatively small numbers of positive colonies are being selected (up to several thousand). A second method, described in this unit, employs a matrix of some type (here nitrocellulose filters are used) upon which bacteria can be plated and grown when the filter is placed on top of a nutrient agar surface. Once the plated bacteria have grown into visible colonies, the filters can be used for replica plating and in situ hybridization analysis. | 10.1002/0471142727.mb0602s24 |
pubmed_177_19484 | PURPOSE
To investigate the relationship between topical glaucoma medications and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in early middle-aged patients with glaucoma.
METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, 50 patients with glaucoma younger than 50 years who had used topical glaucoma medications for more than 6 months and 40 normal controls of similar age were included. Patients in each group were graded for MGD (0-4) using slit-lamp microscopy. Tear film breakup time (BUT), ocular surface staining, and Marx line scores were also evaluated. Differences between both groups were analyzed statistically.
RESULTS
The prevalence of MGD was 82% in the group using topical glaucoma medications and 52.5% in the control group. The average period of topical glaucoma medication use was 27.4 months. There were significant differences in the breakup time and Marx line score according to the presence of MGD. Although the duration of topical glaucoma medication use and the severity of MGD did not show a significant correlation, the degree of MGD and the Marx line score were significantly correlated.
CONCLUSIONS
Glaucoma eye drops may be one factor affecting the eyelid changes associated with MGD. The Marx line score may be used as an index to evaluate MGD in patients with glaucoma. | 10.1097/ICO.0000000000001489 |
pubmed_5_3772 | BACKGROUND
The amino acid glutamine, while essential for gut epithelial growth, has also been shown to stimulate colon carcinoma proliferation and diminish differentiation. Human colon carcinomas are known to extract and metabolize glutamine at rates severalfold greater than those of normal tissues, but the regulation of this response is unclear. Previously we reported that phorbol esters regulate hepatoma System ASC/B(0)-mediated glutamine uptake and cell growth. As human colon carcinoma cells use this same transporter for glutamine uptake, the present studies were undertaken to determine whether similar regulation functions in colon carcinoma.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Human colon carcinoma cell lines (WiDr and HT29) were treated with the protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and initial-rate transport of glutamine and other nutrients was measured at specific times thereafter. Growth rates were monitored during culture +/- PMA or an excess of System ASC/B(0) substrates relative to glutamine.
RESULTS
PMA treatment induced a rapid inhibition of glutamine uptake rates in WiDr and HT29 cells by 30 and 57%, respectively, after 1 h. Cycloheximide failed to block this response, indicating that the mechanism by which PMA exerts its effects is posttranslational. The inhibition of glutamine uptake by PMA was abrogated by the PKC inhibitor staurosporine, suggesting that this rapid System ASC/B(0) regulation may be mediated by a PKC-dependent pathway. PMA also significantly decreased transport via System y(+) (arginine) and System A (small zwitterionic amino acids). Chronic phorbol ester treatment inhibited WiDr cell growth, as did attenuation of System B(0)-mediated glutamine uptake with other transporter substrates.
CONCLUSIONS
System ASC/B(0) uptake governs glutamine-dependent growth in colon carcinoma cell lines, and is regulated by a phorbol ester-sensitive pathway that may involve PKC. The results further establish the link between glutamine uptake and colon carcinoma cell growth, a relationship worthy of further investigation with the goal of discovering novel cancer therapeutic targets. | 10.1006/jsre.2000.5872 |
pubmed_710_4041 | Rosai-Dorfman disease (sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy) is an uncommon histiocytic disease of the lymph nodes. Extranodal presentation, especially in breast parenchymal tissue, is rare. A 54-year-old woman presented with a painful and palpable lump in the right breast. Ultrasonography revealed an irregular, indistinct, hypoechoic mass with a hyperechoic halo. Pathological analysis revealed proliferation of large histiocytes and stromal fibrosis with emperipolesis and positive immunoreactivity for S-100 and CD68. The clinical and radiologic manifestations of Rosai-Dorfman disease may vary, and differentiation from other inflammatory diseases and malignancies is challenging; thus, accurate pathological diagnosis plays an important role in appropriate management. | 10.1002/jcu.22781 |
pubmed_735_3883 | : To conduct a systematic review of the published research literature on end-of-life (EOL) care in prisons in order to determine the current state of the science and suggest implications for nursing practice and areas for future research.Applying the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we performed a comprehensive search of the literature using the following databases: CINAHL, Criminal Justice Abstracts, the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Sociological Abstracts. All databases were searched from the time of their inception through June 2014. All English-language articles that reported on original quantitative and qualitative research involving EOL or palliative care delivered to prisoners were included. We abstracted data, using the matrix method, and independently reviewed and graded the evidence on its level of strength and quality in accordance with the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice rating scales.Nineteen articles, all published between 2002 and 2014, met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 53% were published between 2009 and 2014, and 58% reported findings from qualitative research. One article reported on research conducted in the United Kingdom; the remaining 18 reported on research conducted in the United States. Capacity (that is, the number of prisoners requiring EOL care and the ability of the prison to accommodate them) and the site of EOL care delivery varied across studies, as did the criteria for admission to EOL or hospice services. Care was provided by prison health care staff, which variously included numerous professional disciplines, corrections officers, and inmate caregivers. The inmate caregivers, in particular, provided a wide array of services and were viewed positively by both EOL patients and health care staff. There are insufficient data to characterize the patients' and inmate caregivers' perceptions of the EOL care staff and the quality of care they provided. The screening criteria applied to inmate caregivers and the training they received varied widely among care programs. Inmates providing EOL care viewed caregiving as a transformational experience. Likewise, prison administrators and health care staff viewed inmate participation positively.This literature review reveals the challenges of providing EOL care to prisoners and may inspire nurses to consider steps they can take individually or within nursing organizations to improve this care and address the unique challenges faced by dying inmates. By being aware of these issues and advocating for best practices, nurses can help inmates at the end of life to have a dignified death. | 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000481277.99686.82 |
pubmed_137_23318 | The requirement for unconstrained monitoring of heartbeat during sleep is increasing, but the current detection devices can not meet the requirements of convenience and accuracy. This study designed an unconstrained ballistocardiogram (BCG) detection system using acceleration sensor and developed a heart rate extraction algorithm. BCG is a directional signal which is stronger and less affected by respiratory movements along spine direction than in other directions. In order to measure the BCG signal along spine direction during sleep, a 3-axis acceleration sensor was fixed on the bed to collect the vibration signals caused by heartbeat. An approximate frequency range was firstly assumed by frequency analysis to the BCG signals and segmental filtering was conducted to the original vibration signals within the frequency range. Secondly, to identify the true BCG waveform, the accurate frequency band was obtained by comparison with the theoretical waveform. The J waves were detected by BCG energy waveform and an adaptive threshold method was proposed to extract heart rates by using the information of both amplitude and period. The accuracy and robustness of the BCG detection system proposed and the algorithm developed in this study were confirmed by comparison with electrocardiogram (ECG). The test results of 30 subjects showed a high average accuracy of 99.21% to demonstrate the feasibility of the unconstrained BCG detection method based on vibration acceleration. | 10.7507/1001-5515.201707002 |
pubmed_690_16839 | In 1 year, 715 patients with soccer injuries were registered and treated in the emergency department of Randers City Hospital. We did a prospective study of these patients using a questionnaire to determine the most common locations, types, mechanisms, and treatments of injury. Financial costs for society and the individual were also examined. Forty-nine percent of the injuries were to the joints; sprains and contusions were the most common types of injury, accounting for 46% and 25%, respectively. The majority of patients (64% of the men and 58% of the women) were injured during physical contact with another player. Most (63%) of the patients were treated in the emergency department and then released. Thirty-one percent had to be absent from work, but only 8% of the patients had a loss of income because of their injury. The average amount of work time lost was 5 days. | 10.1177/036354659202000314 |
pubmed_1135_17089 | The introduction of robotic surgical system is one of the most exciting topic in the field of the surgery. In this symposium, we presented and explained the present condition of robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgeries performed in the department of Urology, Gastroenterology and Gynecology of the Hokkaido University Hospital. By using this surgical system, laparoscopic surgery, which is generally considered to be difficult, can be safely performed by surgeons. Especially in radical prostatectomy against localized prostate cancer, this surgical approach brought the decrease in peri- and postoperative problems including blood loss and postoperative urinary incontinence in comparison with open or laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. We wish that this symposium would help the audience to understand the present condition and new vista of the future in robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgeries. | pubmed_1135_17089 |
pubmed_1071_18960 | BACKGROUND
This study aims to examine whether coping strategies employed by caregivers are related to distinct symptoms of patients with dementia and to investigate the associations between burden and coping among caregivers of patients with dementia.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 57 caregivers of patients with dementia were enrolled. Coping strategies were assessed using the Ways of Coping Checklist, and burden was assessed using the Chinese version of Caregiver Burden Inventory. Correlations between coping and patients' behavior or memory problems were examined. Severities of behavior and memory problems were adjusted to examine the correlations between caregiver burden and coping strategies.
RESULTS
The patients' disruptive behavior problems were associated with avoidance, and depression problems were associated with avoidance and wishful thinking. After adjusting for severity of behavior problems, coping strategies using avoidance were positively correlated with caregiver burden.
CONCLUSIONS
Emotion-focused coping strategies are a marker of caregiver burden. | 10.1177/1533317513494446 |
pubmed_537_15835 | Experiments examined how learning processes modulate tolerance to discriminative stimulus effects of morphine. Rats were trained to discriminate saline and 3.2 mg/kg morphine, and the doses of morphine required to mimic the training dose were determined before, during and after repeated treatment with saline or high doses of morphine (10 mg/kg, b.i.d.). In one set of experiments, training was either suspended or continued with saline and the original training dose during a 2-week treatment regimen. When training was suspended, high-dose morphine treatment increased the dose of morphine required for stimulus effects approximately 3-fold. Tolerance persisted 2 days after treatment ended, but disappeared within 7 days. In contrast, continued training with saline and 3.2 mg/kg morphine during high-dose treatment both attenuated development of tolerance and transferred control to lower doses. Transfer of control to lower doses appeared conditional upon recent termination of high-dose treatment, as it disappeared within 7 days. Treatment with saline did not change the doses of morphine required for stimulus effects under either training condition. A final experiment examined whether high-dose treatment could transfer control to higher doses of morphine. The treatment dose of 10 mg/kg morphine itself was used as the training dose during a 2-week treatment regimen. The dose of morphine required for stimulus effects increased 2- to 4-fold during treatment, but quickly returned to control values when treatment ended. These results extend previous findings that conditioning and pharmacodynamic processes jointly regulate development of tolerance to discriminative effects of morphine. | 10.1007/BF02247332 |
pubmed_377_3160 | The spectral tunability of semiconductor-metal multilayer structures can provide a channel for the conversion of light into useful mechanical actuation. Responses of suspended silicon, silicon nitride, chromium, gold, and aluminum microstructures are shown to be utilized as a detector for visible and IR spectroscopy. Both dispersive and interferometric approaches are investigated to delineate the potential use of the structures in spatially resolved spectroscopy and spectrally resolved microscopy. The thermoplasmonic, spectral absorption, interference effects, and the associated energy deposition that contributes to the mechanical response are discussed to describe the potential of optomechanical detection in future integrated spectrometers. | 10.1364/OL.36.003251 |
pubmed_458_21598 | Contribution of environmental factors, spatial factors, biological and random factors to community structure within a man-made grassland in southern terra was partitioned using canonical correspondence analysis. Under mowing and grazing, environmental factors explained (27.4% and 25.9%) variation of community structure. Contribution of spatial factors was 32.5%, 24.2%, respectively. Contribution of biological and random factors was 48% and 56%, respectively. Gradient in community structure and species abundance is evident along environmental gradient in mowing grassland. The environment-community/species relations were more complex in grazed grassland. Patches under different grazing intensity develop toward different directions. | pubmed_458_21598 |
pubmed_738_17873 | Coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19) is a global public health concern. Although there is a paucity of evidence to advise on the best practice, we recommend postponement of elective gynecological endoscopic surgeries until the pandemic is contained. Emergency surgeries should preferably be done through open surgeries than laparoscopy or hysteroscopy approach. However, if or when laparoscopy or hysteroscopy is considered, health personnel in theatre must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and all standard precautions should be observed to prevent COVID-19 infection. When COVID-19 is highly suspected or confirmed, the patient should be referred to centers equipped in taking care of such cases. | 10.4103/njcp.njcp_163_20 |
pubmed_897_13626 | Bleeding is the main adverse effect of all vitamin K antagonists. Fluindione, an indanedione derivative, can also have serious immunoallergic adverse effects. Several hypersensitivity reactions affecting various organ systems have been reported in detail in patients taking fluindione, mainly cutaneous, hepatic or renal disorders, often associated with fever. Cases of isolated kidney and liver damage have also been reported. Fluindione has been linked to cases of acute generalised exanthematic pustulosis. An immunoallergic mechanism is suspected, based on several factors, including the involvement of several organs, the types of damage, the chronological sequence of events, outcome after fluindione withdrawal, and cases of positive rechallenge. About a hundred reports of non-haemorrhagic adverse effects attributed to fluindione were recorded in the French pharmacovigilance database during the course of a single year (July 2008 to June 2009). In practice, when anticoagulant therapy with a vitamin K antagonist is needed, it is better to use warfarin, the best-assessed oral anticoagulant. If fluindione is nonetheless prescribed, the patient must not only be taught how to manage vitamin K antagonist therapy but also how to recognise signs of hypersensitivity. | pubmed_897_13626 |
pubmed_798_8329 | PURPOSE
The aim this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of patients needing intra-operative blood transfusion by tissue perfusion markers.
METHODS
A prospective single center cohort study. Adult patients needing blood transfusion during the intra-operative period were recruited.
RESULTS
This study included 61 patients. At the time of blood transfusion the hemoglobin level was 8.4+/-1.8 g/dL. Scv02 has been the best tissue perfusion marker to determine mortality, compared with hematemetric values and other tissue perfusion markers, with a cut-off point at ROC curve equal to 80% (AUC=0.75; sensitivity=80%; specificity=65.2%). Patients who received blood transfusion and had Scv02 <or=80% (N=29), in comparison to those with Scv02>80% (N=32), had lower mortality rates (12.5% vs. 47.1%; p=0.008) and lower incidence of postoperative complications (58.9% vs. 72.9%; p=0.06). Blood transfusion with a Scv02 <or=80% was also associated with reduced use of vasopressors (5.9% vs. 36.8%; p=0.009). Lower incidence of hypoperfusion (17.6% vs. 52.6%; p=0.009), and lower incidence of infection (23.5% vs. 52.6%; p=0.038) in the postoperative period.
CONCLUSIONS
In major surgeries, Scv02 appears to be an important variable to be taken into consideration to decide for or against blood transfusion, since blood transfusion with adequate perfusion, reflected by Scv02>80%, are associated with worse clinical outcomes. | 10.1016/j.jcrc.2009.01.004 |
pubmed_924_1599 | BACKGROUND
Apparent life-threatening events are a relatively common event in children for which there may be a number of causes. Previous reports have suggested that poisonings, either accidental or intentional, may be causes of some events. However, this theory has not been systematically studied.
METHODS
We conducted a prospective, descriptive study of infants aged <2 years presenting to a pediatric emergency department of a large, urban tertiary care children's hospital with signs and symptoms of an apparent life-threatening event. All of the children presenting with an apparent life-threatening event were to undergo a standardized evaluation, which included obtaining a comprehensive urine toxicology screen. A positive toxicology screen result was defined as follows: a clinically insignificant screen result (identification of a medication that would not cause an apparent life-threatening event) or a clinically significant screen result (identification of a medication that could cause apnea or other event consistent with an apparent life-threatening event, even if it was a medication that the child was known to be taking).
RESULTS
During the study period, 596 children presented to the emergency department with an apparent life-threatening event, and 274 (46.0%) had a toxicology screen performed. Of 274 toxicology screen results, 50 were considered truly positive (18.2%), and 23 positive screen results were considered clinically significant (23 of 274 [8.4%]). Thirteen toxicology screen results were positive for an over-the-counter cold preparation (13 of 274 [4.7%]). No parent admitted to having given his or her child an over-the-counter cold preparation.
CONCLUSIONS
A substantial number of children presenting to the emergency department with an apparent life-threatening event had a positive toxicology screen result. In particular, a number of children were found to have been given an over-the-counter cold preparation. We would recommend that toxicology screens be included as part of the routine evaluation of children who present with an apparent life-threatening event. | 10.1542/peds.2007-3729 |
pubmed_973_12608 | Personalized medicine for diabetes is a potential method to specifically identify people who are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes based on a combination of personal history, family history, physical examination, circulating biomarkers, and genome. High-risk individuals can then be referred to lifestyle programs for risk reduction and disease prevention. Using a personalized medicine approach, a patient with already-diagnosed type 2 diabetes can be treated individually based on information specific to that individual. The field of personalized medicine for diabetes is rapidly exploding. Diabetes Technology Society convened the Personalized Medicine for Diabetes (PMFD) Meeting March 19-20, 2009 in San Francisco. The meeting was funded through a contract from the US Air Force. Diabetes experts from the military, government, academic, and industry communities participated. The purpose was to reach a consensus about PMFD in type 2 diabetes to (a) establish screening programs, (b) diagnose cases at an early stage, and (c) monitor and treat the disease with specific measures. The group defined what a PMFD program should encompass, what the benefits and drawbacks of such a PMFD program would be, and how to overcome barriers. The group reached six conclusions related to the power of PMFD to improve care of type 2 diabetes by resulting in (1) better prediction, (2) better prophylactic interventions, (3) better treatments, and (4) decreased cardiovascular disease burden. Additional research is needed to demonstrate the benefits of this approach. The US Air Force is well positioned to conduct research and develop clinical programs in PMFD. | 10.1177/193229680900300410 |
pubmed_441_8330 | Since its discovery in 1947, chloramphenicol has enjoyed a prominent place in the veterinarian's drug arsenal. Some of the reasons for its popularity are: (1) Antimicrobial activity--effective against a variety of infective pathogens, including staphylococci, salmonellae, pasturellae, Bordetella, Haemophilus, coliform organisms, chlamydiae, and rickettsiae, many of which may be resistant to other antimicrobial agents; (2) Kinetic properties--allowing production and maintenance of effective therapeutic concentrations in body fluids and tissues, with a practicable dosage schedule in most species; (3) Safety--toxic reactions to chloramphenicol encountered thus far in animals have not warranted any serious limitations on its use in veterinary medicine. | pubmed_441_8330 |
pubmed_1014_24785 | Ribosome biogenesis in yeast requires 75 small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) and a myriad of cofactors for processing, modification, and folding of the ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs). For the 19 RNA helicases implicated in ribosome synthesis, their sites of action and molecular functions have largely remained unknown. Here, we have used UV cross-linking and analysis of cDNA (CRAC) to reveal the pre-rRNA binding sites of the RNA helicase Rok1, which is involved in early small subunit biogenesis. Several contact sites were identified in the 18S rRNA sequence, which interestingly all cluster in the "foot" region of the small ribosomal subunit. These include a major binding site in the eukaryotic expansion segment ES6, where Rok1 is required for release of the snR30 snoRNA. Rok1 directly contacts snR30 and other snoRNAs required for pre-rRNA processing. Using cross-linking, ligation and sequencing of hybrids (CLASH) we identified several novel pre-rRNA base-pairing sites for the snoRNAs snR30, snR10, U3, and U14, which cluster in the expansion segments of the 18S rRNA. Our data suggest that these snoRNAs bridge interactions between the expansion segments, thereby forming an extensive interaction network that likely promotes pre-rRNA maturation and folding in early pre-ribosomal complexes and establishes long-range rRNA interactions during ribosome synthesis. | 10.1261/rna.044669.114 |
pubmed_63_18659 | The hypoglycaemic effect of aqueous leaf extract of Murraya koenigii was studied in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The extract was administered orally at 100 mg/Kg, 150 mg/Kg and 200 mg/Kg bodyweight each to respective groups of animals (Groups I, II and III) for seven days. Group IV received normal saline and served as control for the normal rats. For the alloxan-induced diabetic rats, the same dosage pattern was administered to three groups of rats for seven days (Groups V, VI and VII) while group VIII which received normal saline served as control. At the various dose levels administered, the glucose lowering effect was more pronounced in the alloxan-diabetic rats than in control rats. When compared with chlorpropamide, the glucose lowering effect of aqueous extract of Murraya koenigii was significantly (p < 0.05) lower at the dose levels administered in both normal and alloxan-diabetic rats. | 10.4314/njps.v23i1-2.54919 |
pubmed_911_19183 | PURPOSE
The results of a randomized, intervention study done in 1993 of psychoeducation for patients with early-stage malignant melanoma showed a beneficial effect on recurrence and survival 6 years after the intervention. In the present study, we replicated the study with 258 Danish patients with malignant melanoma. We also compared recurrence and survival among the participants in the randomized study with 137 patients who refused to participate.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We randomly assigned 262 patients with primary malignant melanoma to a control or an intervention group. Patients in the intervention group were offered six weekly 2-hour sessions of psychoeducation. Participants and nonparticipants were followed up for vital status and recurrence 4 to 6 years after surgical treatment. Prognostic factors (thickness of the tumor and lymph node status), sex, and age were adjusted for in a Cox regression model (proportional hazards regression) to derive an adjusted survival rate ratio and an adjusted relapse-free survival rate ratio, with 95% CIs.
RESULTS
The hazard ratio was 1.30 (95% CI, 0.5 to 3.5) for survival and 0.73 (95% CI, 0.3 to 1.9) for recurrence. Being a nonparticipant increased the risk for death by more than two-fold (hazard ratio, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.0 to 5.2) over that of participants.
CONCLUSION
Psychoeducation did not increase survival or the recurrence-free interval among patients with malignant melanoma; however, nonparticipants had a statistically significantly greater risk for death than participants. | 10.1200/JCO.2007.10.8894 |
pubmed_157_22490 | Conducting polymers (CPs) have been widely applied as electrocatalysts and photocatalysts in energy-related systems, sensors, and environmental protection. This is mainly due to their promising catalytic activities, high conductivities, and unique electrochemical and optical properties. Furthermore, CPs can be cheaply and conveniently prepared in large scale via chemical or electrochemical approaches. In this Perspective, we review the recent advancements on the synthesis and applications of CP-based inherent and composite catalysts and CP-derived heteroatom-doped carbon catalysts. The mechanisms of catalysis will be introduced, and the challenges of developing CP-based catalysts with practical importance will be discussed. | 10.1021/jacs.5b12474 |
pubmed_115_7140 | OBJECTIVE
Emergent neurosurgery may be precipitated or complicated by previous or concomitant administration of anticoagulants, thrombolytic medications, or antiplatelet agents. Recommendations are presented to reverse or counteract the effects of those drugs before or during neurosurgical interventions.
METHODS
Directed literature review.
RESULTS
Evidence-based data specific to neurosurgery are limited.
CONCLUSION
Other clinical experience based on mechanisms of drug action within the coagulation process confirm that single or combined administration of platelet transfusions, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, vitamin K, protamine, desmopressin, and recombinant activated factor VII can treat coagulopathies caused by warfarin, heparin, aspirin, adenosine diphosphate-receptor antagonist, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor blocking agents, and thrombolysis. Specific interventions and recommended dosages are reviewed. | 10.1227/01.neu.0000179915.74429.b2 |
pubmed_89_20088 | Superamphiphobic surfaces progress rapidly but suffer from the issues of low repellency to hot liquids, complicated and nonaqueous preparation methods, and low durability. Here, a simple waterborne approach is developed to fabricate robust superamphiphobic fabrics with excellent hot liquid repellency and hot water vapor resistance. First, a perfluorodecyl polysiloxane (FD-POS) aqueous suspension was prepared by hydrolytic cocondensation of (3-glycidyloxy propyl)trimethoxysilane and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane with SiO2 particles. Then, the superamphiphobic fabrics were fabricated by dipping polyester fabrics in the suspension, which were then cured. The fabrics show excellent superamphiphobicity owing to the combination of the hierarchical micro-/nanostructure and FD-POS with very low surface energy. The superamphiphobic fabrics feature excellent hot liquid repellency even for a large volume of 130.0 °C soybean oil and condensed small droplets from ∼90.0 °C water vapor. This is attributed to its high superamphiphobicity, excellent hot water vapor resistance, and outstanding thermal durability. In addition, the superamphiphobic fabrics exhibit high mechanical and chemical durability against washing, abrasion, and immersion in corrosive or organic liquids. Thus, hot liquid repellent superamphiphobic fabrics may find applications in various fields such as antiadhesion of various hot liquids and in efficiently preventing scalding. | 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c00532 |
pubmed_770_8295 | Tissue equivalent gels of NMR phantoms have been investigated at 3.4 MHz. The proton T1 and T2 relaxation times have been measured in Ni++ and Cu++ doped agarose gels as a function of temperature and ion concentration. Ni-agarose gels have the lower T1 temperature dependence, but gels containing both Cu++ and Ni++ can be produced for which T1 has virtually no temperature dependence. | 10.1016/0730-725x(88)90400-6 |
pubmed_899_8158 | OBJECTIVE
Few studies have examined the potential interactive effect of both smoking and drinking on cognition. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a critical role in cognition. This is the first study to examine the neurocognitive consequences of cigarette smoking combined with chronic alcohol consumption and their relationship to serum BDNF levels in a Chinese Han population.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We recruited 191 healthy male subjects, including 47 isolated smokers, 31 isolated chronic alcohol users, 58 combined smokers and chronic alcohol users, and 55 non-smokers and non-alcohol users. We then compared the repeatable battery for the assessment of neuropsychological status (RBANS) scores and serum BDNF levels in these four groups.
RESULTS
When compared to the non-smoking + non-alcohol-using group, the smoking group performed worse on immediate memory, attention, language, and RBANS total score. There were no significant differences in the RBANS scores between the alcohol-using group and non-smoking + non-alcohol-using group, or between the smoking group and smoking + alcohol-using group. We did not find an association between BDNF and smoking or drinking status or between BDNF and cognitive performance. In the smoking group, there was a significant correlation between BDNF and carbon monoxide concentration, and between BDNF and the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) total score.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that smoking is associated with cognitive decline, but not with BDNF levels in a normal population. However, smoking severity is positively associated with BDNF levels. Concomitant alcohol use does not worsen the cognitive decline caused by smoking. | 10.1007/s00213-015-4124-6 |
pubmed_1036_10038 | The aim of this study was to determine if the potassium aspartate and magnesium (PAM) prevent reperfusion-induced ventricular arrhythmias (RIVA) in ischemia-reperfusion (IR) rabbit heart. Thirty rabbits were randomly divided into control, ischemia and PAM groups. Arterially-perfused rabbit left ventricular preparations were made, and transmural ECG as well as action potentials from both endocardium and epicardium were simultaneously recorded in the whole process of all experiments. In control group rabbit ventricular wedge preparations were continuously perfused with Tyrode's solution, and in ischemia group and PAM groups the perfusion of Tyrode's solution was stopped for 30 min. Then the ischemia group was reperfused with Tyrode's solution and the PAM group with Tyrode's solution containing 2.42 mg/L PAM, respectively. ECG, QT interval, transmural repolarization dispersion (TDR) and action potentials from epicardium and endocardium were simultaneously recorded, and the RIVA of the wedge preparation was observed. Compared with control group, TDR and incidence of RIVA were significantly increased in ischemia group (P<0.05). The incidence of RIVA in control, ischemia and PAM group was 0/10, 9/10 and 1/10, respectively. Compared with ischemia group, TDR and incidence of RIVA were significantly reduced in PAM group (P<0.05). Potassium aspartate and magnesium significantly reduce TDR and prevent ventricular arrhythmia in ischemic rabbit heart. | 10.1007/s11596-008-0506-x |
pubmed_277_5118 | OBJECTIVES
Although attenuated protective reflexes have been implicated in the development of aspiration pneumonia, the relation between the incidence of pneumonia and the state of these reflexes has not been investigated. Furthermore, the role of feeding tube placement in preventing pneumonia in patients with attenuated protective reflexes is unknown. We studied the relationship between the incidence of pneumonia and the state of cough and swallowing reflexes in post-stroke patients with oral or tube feeding.
DESIGN
The incidence of pneumonia was prospectively analysed for 1 year in three groups of post-stroke patients on the basis of the following clinical conditions: oral feeding without dysphagia (n = 43); oral feeding with dysphagia (n = 48); and nasogastric tube feeding with dysphagia (n = 52). We also studied the incidence of pneumonia in bedridden patients with nasogastric tube feeding (n = 14). Before the start of the study, the swallowing and cough reflexes of each patient were measured. The swallowing reflex was evaluated according to latency of response, which was timed from the injection of 1 mL of distilled water into the pharynx through a nasal catheter to the onset of swallowing. The cough threshold of citric acid aerosols was defined as the concentration at which the patient coughed five times. RESULTS.;: The incidence of pneumonia was observed in patients having both a latency of response longer than 5 s and a cough threshold for citric acid higher than a concentration of 1.35 (log mg mL-1). The incidence of pneumonia was significantly higher in patients with oral feeding than in those with tube feeding (54.3 vs. 13.2%, P < 0.001). In bedridden patients with tube feeding, the latency of response was longer than 20 s and no patient coughed at the highest concentration of citric acid. The incidence of pneumonia was 64.3% in such patients.
CONCLUSIONS
The state of protective reflexes had a significant relation to the incidence of pneumonia. Feeding tube placement may have a beneficial role in preventing aspiration pneumonia in mildly or moderately disabled post-stroke patients with attenuated protective reflexes. Bedridden patients who were tube-fed had the highest incidence of pneumonia. | 10.1046/j.1365-2796.2000.00565.x |
pubmed_1076_20734 | BACKGROUND
Human papillomavirus (HPV) has a causal role in cervical cancer with almost half a million new cases occurring each year. Presence of the carcinogenic HPV is necessary for the development of the invasive carcinoma of the genital tract. Therefore, persistent infection with carcinogenic HPV causes virtually all cervical cancers. Some aspects of the molecular evolution of this virus, as the putative importance of recombination in its evolutionary history, are an opened current question. In addition, recombination could also be a significant issue nowadays since the frequency of co-infection with more than one HPV type is not a rare event and, thus, new recombinant types could be currently being generated.
RESULTS
We have used human alpha-PV sequences from the public database at Los Alamos National Laboratory to report evidence that recombination may exist in this virus. A model-based population genetic approach was used to infer the recombination signal from the HPV DNA sequences grouped attending to phylogenetic and epidemiological information, as well as to clinical manifestations. Our results agree with recently published ones that use a different methodology to detect recombination associated to the gene L2. In addition, we have detected significant recombination signal in the genes E6, E7, L2 and L1 at different groups, and importantly within the high-risk type HPV16. The method used has recently been shown to be one of the most powerful and reliable procedures to detect the recombination signal.
CONCLUSION
We provide new support to the recent evidence of recombination in HPV. Additionally, we performed the recombination estimation assuming the best-fit model of nucleotide substitution and rate variation among sites, of the HPV DNA sequence sets. We found that the gene with recombination in most of the groups is L2 but the highest values were detected in L1 and E6. Gene E7 was recombinant only within the HPV16 type. The topic deserves further study because recombination is an important evolutionary mechanism that could have high impact both in pharmacogenomics (i.e. on the influence of genetic variation on the response to drugs) and for vaccine development. | 10.1186/1743-422X-4-33 |
pubmed_1085_6363 | No attempts have previously been made to compile statistics on livestock production on the royal domains during the 16th century. Farming was of great importance and in Bishop Peder Månsson's book on farming, cattle-breeding plays an important role and passages are included concerning cattle-diseases and their treatment. The account books of the bailiffs also cover the royal domains. They contain detailed information about all economic transactions and everyday life on the estate. The estates were not just centers for local administration, they also offered the farmers an opportunity to acquaint themselves with new breeds and farming techniques. It is easy to imagine the surprise of the local farmers when the bailiff in 1557 brought two peacocks from Sweden to the estate Ulfsby in Satakunda. In 1560 a serious cattle-disese broke out in Pemar, and on the estate of Nyby one ox, eleven bull calves, four cows, nine heifers, six goats, six lambs and seventy-one pigs died. It is the only time a disease is mentioned in the accounts, but it is possible indirectly to trace serious diseases by comparing the number of slaughtered animals with the total mortality.... | pubmed_1085_6363 |
pubmed_907_328 | 1. Isolated perfused goat udders supplied with glucose, acetate and amino acids were infused for several hours with NaH(14)CO(3). 2. Lactose, milk-fat fatty acids and glycerol had very little radioactivity. The specific radioactivity (counts./min./mg. of C) of milk citrate was 9-16% that of the carbon dioxide in the perfusion fluid and 19% that estimated for tissue carbon dioxide. The specific radioactivity of tissue citrate resembled that of milk citrate. 3. The radioactivity in citrate was predominantly in C-6, suggesting some carboxylation of alpha-oxoglutarate in addition to carboxylation of C(3) compounds. 4. [1-(14)C]Glutamate was infused in a similar experiment, and milk citrate radioactivity was predominantly in C-1+C-5. 5. The results are discussed in relation to the contribution of glucose and acetate carbon to citrate. The implications of the carboxylation of alpha-oxoglutarate are considered. | 10.1042/bj0950233 |
pubmed_291_12360 | BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between perioperative complications and the severity of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in patients undergoing bariatric surgery who had undergone preoperative polysomnography (PSG).
METHODS
The records of 797 patients, age >18 yr, who underwent bariatric operations (442 open and 355 laparoscopic procedures) at Mayo Clinic and were assessed before operation by PSG, were reviewed retrospectively. OSA was quantified using the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) as none (≤ 4), mild (5-15), moderate (16-30), and severe (≥ 31). Pulmonary, surgical, and 'other' complications within the first 30 postoperative days were analysed according to OSA severity. Logistic regression was used to assess the multivariable association of OSA, age, sex, BMI, and surgical approach with postoperative complications.
RESULTS
Most patients with OSA (93%) received perioperative positive airway pressure therapy, and all patients were closely monitored after operation with pulse oximetry on either regular nursing floors or in intensive or intermediate care units. At least one postoperative complication occurred in 259 patients (33%). In a multivariable model, the overall complication rate was increased with open procedures compared with laparoscopic. In addition, increased BMI and age were associated with increased likelihood of pulmonary and other complications. Complication rates were not associated with OSA severity.
CONCLUSIONS
In obese patients evaluated before operation by PSG before bariatric surgery and managed accordingly, the severity of OSA, as assessed by the AHI, was not associated with the rate of perioperative complications. These results cannot determine whether unrecognized and untreated OSA increases risk. | 10.1093/bja/aeq290 |
pubmed_989_8419 | OBJECTIVES
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the care of hip fracture patients remains a clinical priority. Our study aims to investigate the 30-day mortality rate of hip fracture patients during the first 30 days of the pandemic in the United Kingdom.
METHODS
A single-center, observational, prospective study of patients presenting with hip fractures. Data collection started from "day 0" of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom and continued for 30 days. We collected data on time to surgery, Clinical Frailty Scale score, Nottingham Hip Fracture Score, COVID-19 infection status, 30-day mortality, and cause of death. For comparison, we collected retrospective data during the same 30-day period in 2018, 2019, and the previous 6 months (Control groups A, B, and C, respectively).
RESULTS
Forty-three patients were included in the study. There was no difference in age or gender between the Study and Control groups. The 30-day mortality rate of the Study group was 16.3%, which was higher than Control groups A (P = 0.022), B (P = 0.003) and C (P = 0.001). The prevalence of COVID-19 infection in our Study group was 26%. Of the 7 mortalities recorded, 4 patients tested positive for COVID-19 infection. In our Study group, COVID-19 infection correlated significantly with 30-day mortality (P = 0.002, odds ratio 2.4).
CONCLUSIONS
Our study demonstrated a significant increase in 30-day mortality among hip fracture patients during the first 30 days of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. A positive COVID-19 test result in patients with hip fractures is associated with a 2.4-fold increase in risk of 30-day mortality.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. | 10.1097/BOT.0000000000001889 |
pubmed_177_3567 | An increase in the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) as a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder is an almost obvious issue in the world. Researches on natural products for finding effective drugs to prevent the disease are in progress. There is special attention to the three types of nuts including almond, hazelnut and walnut in manuscripts of traditional Persian medicine (PM) as the preventive agents against brainatrophy and memory loss. The purpose of this study is a pharmacological review of their bioactive constituents and introducing the value of these nuts as the effective supplements and natural medicinal foods in AD patients. Databases including PubMed and ScienceDirect were searched in title, abstract and keywords from year 2000 to present for AD-related researches on these tree nuts, their major phytochemicals and their mechanisms of action. As result, almond, hazelnut and walnut provide macronutrients, micronutrients, and phytochemicals which affect several pathways in AD pathogenesis such as amyloidogenesis, tau phosphorylation, oxidative stress, cholinergic pathways, and some non-target mechanisms including cholesterol lowering and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as effect on neurogenesis. These nuts are recommended in PM for their brain-protective activity and particularly reversing brain atrophy in case of hazelnut. The therapeutical statements of PM scholars mentioned in their books are based on their clinical observations with support of a long history of experiences. Beyond the molecular activities attributed to the phytochemicals, the use of these tree nuts could be more considered in scientific researches as the effective nutrients for prevention or even management of AD. | 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.12.003 |
pubmed_139_885 | Metabolism of epidoxorubicin was studied in plasma of seven different animal species at 2 h after administration of 4 mg/kg. None of the animals showed significant glucuronidation of epidoxorubicin, although small amounts of the glucuronides could be detected in the rabbit. However, large differences in formation of epidoxorubicinol and 7-deoxy (7d) doxorubicinol aglycone were observed between the species. These phenomena may be relevant for interspecies differences with regard to anthracycline-induced histomorphological changes in for example, heart tissues and cardiotoxicity in relation to formation of 7d aglycones. | 10.1007/BF00252968 |
pubmed_1098_16284 | Mapping the history of atmospheric O2 during the late Precambrian is vital for evaluating potential links to animal evolution. Ancient O2 levels are often inferred from geochemical analyses of marine sediments, leading to the assumption that the Earth experienced a stepwise increase in atmospheric O2 during the Neoproterozoic. However, the nature of this hypothesized oxygenation event remains unknown, with suggestions of a more dynamic O2 history in the oceans and major uncertainty over any direct connection between the marine realm and atmospheric O2. Here, we present a continuous quantitative reconstruction of atmospheric O2 over the past 1.5 billion years using an isotope mass balance approach that combines bulk geochemistry and tectonic recycling rate calculations. We predict that atmospheric O2 levels during the Neoproterozoic oscillated between ~1 and ~50% of the present atmospheric level. We conclude that there was no simple unidirectional rise in atmospheric O2 during the Neoproterozoic, and the first animals evolved against a backdrop of extreme O2 variability. | 10.1126/sciadv.abm8191 |
pubmed_1081_419 | INTRODUCTION
Pregnancy-induced increases in nicotine metabolism may contribute to difficulties in quitting smoking during pregnancy. However, the time course of changes in nicotine metabolism during early and late pregnancy is unclear. This study investigated how pregnancy alters the nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR), a common biomarker of nicotine metabolism among nonpregnant smokers.
METHODS
Urinary NMR (trans-3'-hydroxycotinine [3HC]/cotinine [COT]) was assessed using total (free + glucuronide) and free compounds among women (N = 47) from a randomized controlled trial for smoking cessation who self-reported smoking and provided a urine sample during early pregnancy (M ± SD = 12.5 ± 4.5 weeks' gestation), late pregnancy (28.9 ± 2.0 weeks' gestation), and 6 months postpartum (24.7 ± 1.2 weeks since childbirth). Urine samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and NMR were calculated as Total 3HC/Free COT, Free 3HC/Free COT, and Total 3HC/Total COT.
RESULTS
NMR was significantly higher during early and late pregnancy compared to postpartum and significantly increased from early to late pregnancy as measured by Total 3HC/Free COT (0.76, 0.89, 0.60; all p's < .05) and Free 3HC/Free COT (0.68, 0.80, 0.51; all p's < .05). Total 3HC/Total COT did not vary over time (p = .81).
CONCLUSIONS
Total 3HC/Free COT and Free 3HC/Free COT increased in the first trimester and continued to increase throughout pregnancy, suggesting a considerable increase in nicotine metabolism over gestation. Future analyses are needed to interpret the changes in NMR in the context of nicotine pharmacokinetics, as well as its impact on changes in smoking behavior and cessation outcomes.
IMPLICATIONS
We observed that the NMR was significantly higher as early as 12 weeks' gestation and increased further as a function of gestational age. Among nonpregnant smokers, elevated NMR is associated with smoking phenotypes such as smoking more cigarettes per day and poorer response to nicotine patch; therefore, pregnancy-induced increases in the NMR may contribute to smoking during the first trimester of pregnancy and reducing or quitting smoking may become more challenging as the rate of nicotine metabolism accelerates over the course of pregnancy. | 10.1093/ntr/nty172 |
pubmed_983_2499 | Morphological state of gastric mucosa was studied up in patients, suffering morbid obesity before and after gastric banding and gastric shunting operations. According to histologic investigation data gastric mucosa in patients, suffering morbid obesity, is not changed or has moderate inflammatory changes. Gastric banding and gastric shunting did not change gastric mucosa trustworthily morphologically. | pubmed_983_2499 |
pubmed_1003_12291 | We present a numerical method to estimate the true threshold values in random fields needed to determine the significance of apparent signals observed in noisy images. To accomplish this, a quantile estimation algorithm is applied to derive the threshold with a predefined confidence interval from a large number of simulated random fields. Also, a computationally efficient method for generating a random field simulation is presented using resampling techniques. Applying these techniques, thresholds have been determined for a large variety of parameter settings (smoothness, voxel size, brain shape, type of statistics). By means of interpolation techniques, thresholds for additional arbitrary settings can be quickly derived without the need to run individual simulations. Compared to the parametric approach of Worsley et al. (1996) (Worsley, K.J., Marrett, S., Neelin P., Vandal, A.C., Friston, K.J., Evans, A.C., 1996. A unified statistical approach for determining significant signals in images of cerebral activation. Hum. Brain Mapp. 4, 58-73) and Friston et al. (1991) (Friston, K.J., Frith, C.D., Liddle, P.F., Frackowiak, R.S. 1991. Comparing functional (PET) images: the assessment of significant change. J. Cereb. Blood Flow Metab. 11(4), 690-699), and to the Bonferroni approach, these optimized thresholds lead to higher levels of significance (i.e., lower p values) with a specific amount of activation especially with fields of moderate smoothness (i.e., with a relative full width half maximum between 2 and 6). Alternatively, the threshold for a specified level of significance can be lowered. This improved statistical sensitivity is illustrated by the analysis of an actual event related functional magnetic resonance data set, and its limitations are tested by determining the false positive rate with experimental MR noise data. The grid of estimated threshold values as well as the interpolation algorithm to derive thresholds for arbitrary parameter settings are made available over the internet (http://neuro2.med.uni-magdeburg.de/quantile_estimation). | 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2005.03.033 |
pubmed_990_11673 | Hoechst 33342, a bisbenzimidazole dye, binds to adenine/thymine rich regions in the minor groove of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). This dye induces apoptosis in BC3H-1 myocytes. The mechanism of Hoechst 33342-induced apoptosis was investigated. Inhibitors of ribonucleic acid (RNA) synthesis, protein synthesis, and serine or cysteine proteases failed to prevent BC3H-1 myocyte death induced by Hoechst 33342. Apoptosis may be dependent on increased p53 expression. Hoechst 33342 had no effect on p53 expression in BC3H-1 myocytes. Lactate oxidation, a monitor of mitochondrial function, was altered by Hoechst 33342 in dose dependent manner. Also, nuclear extracts were used to assay endogenous topoisomerase I activity which was inhibited by Hoechst 33342 treatment of BC3H-1 myocytes. Therefore, Hoechst 33342 appears to initiate apoptosis in BC3H-1 myocytes by a pathway which is independent of de novo RNA and protein synthesis. However, the dye does initiate mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibition of nuclear topoisomerase I as two important steps in the apoptotic pathway. | pubmed_990_11673 |
pubmed_340_10655 | This paper examines a novel approach for temporal calibration of a three-dimensional (3-D) freehand ultrasound system. A localization system fixed on the probe gives the position and orientation of the probe. For quantitative use, calibration is needed to correctly localize a B-scan in four-dimensional (4-D) (3-D+t) space. Temporal latency estimation is defined in a general robust formulation using no specific probe motion constraints. Experiments were performed on synthetic and real data using a 3-D freehand ultrasound system. The achieved precision is lower than the image acquisition rate (40 ms). A validation study using a calibration phantom has been performed to evaluate the influence of incorrect latency estimation on the 3-D reconstruction procedure. We showed that for latency estimation errors less than 40 ms, the 3-D reconstruction errors are negligible for volume estimation. | 10.1109/tmi.2006.877097 |
pubmed_573_16481 | We show that Rhodamine 6G (R6G), patterned by dip-pen nanolithography on graphene, can be used to locally n-dope it in a controlled fashion. In addition, we study the transport and assembly properties of R6G on graphene and show that in general the π-π stacking between the aromatic components of R6G and the underlying graphene drives the assembly of these molecules onto the underlying substrate. However, two distinct transport and assembly behaviors, dependent upon the presence or absence of R6G dimers, have been identified. In particular, at high concentrations of R6G on the tip, dimers are transferred to the substrate and form contiguous and stable lines, while at low concentrations, the R6G is transferred as monomers and forms patchy, unstable, and relatively ill-defined features. Finally, Kelvin probe force microscopy experiments show that the local electrostatic potential of the graphene changes as function of modification with R6G; this behavior is consistent with local molecular doping, highlighting a path for controlling the electronic properties of graphene with nanoscale resolution. | 10.1021/nl400043q |
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