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pubmed_801_20411 | Chronic fatiguing illnesses following well-documented infections and acute "infectious-like" illnesses of uncertain cause have been reported for many decades. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) was first formally defined in 1988. There is considerable evidence that CFS is associated with abnormalities of the central and autonomic nervous systems. There also is evidence linking several infectious agents with CFS, although no agent has been proven to be a cause of the illness. Most of the infectious agents that have been linked to CFS are able to produce a persistent, often life-long, infection and thus are a constant incitement to the immune system. Most also have been shown to be neuropathogens. The evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that CFS, in some cases, can be triggered and perpetuated by several chronic infections that directly or indirectly affect the nervous system, and that symptoms are a reflection of the immune response to the infection. | 10.1055/s-0031-1287654 |
pubmed_980_7440 | Asymptomatic pulmonary sarcoidosis can develop after starting antiretroviral therapy. The decision on whether to treat sarcoidosis with corticosteroids should be based on the disease severity. | 10.1002/ccr3.3438 |
pubmed_461_7831 | The artificially stimulated decidual cell reaction has been used as a model to study changes occurring in the uterus at the time of implantation. Activities of RNA polymerases I, II and III were measured in uterine nuclei isolated from ovariectomized non-primed mice, hormonally primed mice, and hormonally primed mice following stimulation of the decidual cell reaction. Activities of all three RNA polymerases increased following hormonal priming of ovariectomized mice. In nuclei from stimulated uterine horns, activities of RNA polymerases I and III increased 9 h after stimulation of the decidual cell reaction and remained elevated through 21 h. RNA polymerase II activity did not change following stimulation of the decidual cell reaction. These changes in RNA polymerase activities occur at the time of increased histone modifications and may result from changes in the template capacity. | 10.1016/0005-2787(78)90269-1 |
pubmed_385_5214 | Donepezil is a selective acetylcholinesterase inhibitor approved for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since behavioral symptoms severely affect quality of life for AD patients and their caregivers, predicting behavioral responses to donepezil will be useful in managing patients with AD. In this study, we analyzed 70 consecutive cases with mild to moderate AD. Caregivers were interviewed with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory for behavioral assessment and 4-point improvement at week 12 was accepted as a treatment response. Twenty-one (30.0%) patients showed a behavioral response, while 42 (60.0%) showed no behavioral change and 7 (10.0%) worsened. Dysphoria, anxiety and apathy significantly improved after treatment among the responder group. The baseline profile including age, sex, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-cog) and the Geriatric Depression Scale did not differ significantly among the three groups. Statistical Parametric Mapping analysis of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images at baseline showed that cerebral blood flow in the premotor and parietotemporal cortices was significantly higher in the responder group than in the worse group. The present study suggested usefulness of SPECT imaging in the prediction of behavioral response to donepezil among AD patients even with similar psychiatric symptoms and cognitive functions. | 10.1016/j.jns.2004.07.009 |
pubmed_49_16441 | An analysis of results of studying proteolytic activity in the stomach of patients with ulcer of the duodenum with the help of an installation "Ferment-2MT" has shown the method to be undoubtedly objective. A direct relation between the clinical course of the disease and proteolytic activity in the stomach before and after the operative treatment has been established. Correlation of the proteolytic activity in the stomach with the gastric acid secretion has been found. The authors consider that the determination of the proteolytic activity in the stomach gives the information which can be used for the determination of indications to operative treatment, choice of the operative method and the assessment of effectiveness of the surgical treatment of the disease. | pubmed_49_16441 |
pubmed_886_20037 | A variety of new multisegmented nanowires based on magnetic metals and conjugated polymers, polypyrrole (PPy) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), were synthesized by an all-electrochemical template method for precise control over segment lengths. To overcome the major problem occurring when performing direct electrodeposition of PPy or PEDOT on active metals, such as nickel, the concomitant metal oxidation and redissolution at the positive potentials required for polymer formation, we developed a two-step chemical process. Prior to electropolymerization, the Ni surface was pretreated with 3-(pyrrol-1-yl) propanoic acid. This strategy allowed the improvement of the polymer adhesion, resulting in the formation of mechanically robust Ni/conjugated polymer interfaces. By this way, we successfully prepared various original trisegmented nanostructures, such as systems containing one magnetic segment, Ni-PPy-Pt and Ni-PEDOT-Au nanowires, and systems containing two different magnetic metals, Ni-PPy-Co and Ni-PEDOT-Co nanowires. All these one-dimensional multicomponent nanostructures present both fundamental interest and potential applications in nanoelectronics and in biomedical field. | 10.1021/am100023k |
pubmed_141_5920 | The inactive acyl-derivative benzoyl-kallikrein was prepared from porcine pancreatic kallikrein. By deacylation the enzymatically active kallikrein was generated in plasma from benzoyl-kallikrein demonstrated by means of its amidolytic activity. Benzoyl-kallikrein was protected from being inactivated by plasma inhibitors. Therefore, the kallikrein activity in plasma was higher following incubation of benzoyl-kallikrein than following incubation of the free enzyme. A comparatively high kinin activity was found in rabbit plasma. In human plasma, this effect was prevented by rapid degradation of kinin. | pubmed_141_5920 |
pubmed_292_13311 | Treatment decisions for elderly cancer patients can be challenging. A geriatric assessment may identify unknown medical conditions, give insight on patients' ability to tolerate treatment and guide treatment decisions. Our aim was to study the value of a geriatric consultation in oncological decision-making. Data on cancer patients referred for geriatric consultation for clinical optimisation or due to uncertainty regarding their optimal treatment strategy were prospectively analysed. Outcome of geriatric evaluations, non-oncological interventions and suggested adaptations of oncological treatment proposals were evaluated. Seventy-two patients were referred for consultation, over half of which in a curative treatment setting. Prevalence of geriatric syndromes was 93%, previously undiagnosed conditions were identified in 49% of patients and non-oncological interventions were initiated in 56%. Time was spent discussing patients' priorities (53% of consultations), expectations on treatment (50%) and advance care planning (14%). For 82% of patients, suggestions were made regarding the optimal treatment decision: a more intensive treatment was recommended in 39%, a less intensive therapy for 42% and in 19% only supportive care was suggested. The results demonstrate that a geriatric consultation can aid in complex treatment decisions and may allow for a reduction in over- and undertreatment of elderly cancer patients. | 10.1111/ecc.12349 |
pubmed_416_2501 | OBJECTIVE
To compare the accuracy of a 3rd (Dolphin Voyager) versus 1st generation pulse oximeter (Nellcor N-180).
STUDY DESIGN
Prospective laboratory investigation.
ANIMALS
Eight adult dogs.
METHODS
In anesthetized dogs, arterial oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) was recorded simultaneously with each pulse oximeter. The oxygen fraction in inspired gas (FiO(2)) was successively reduced from 1.00 to 0.09, with re-saturation (FiO(2) 0.40) after each breathe-down step. After each 3-minute FiO(2) plateau, SpO(2) and pulse rate (PR) were compared with the fractional arterial saturation (SaO(2)) and PR determined by co-oximetry and invasive blood pressure monitoring, respectively. Data analysis included Bland-Altman (B-A) plots, Lin's concordance correlation factor (rho(c)), and linear regression models.
RESULTS
Over a SaO(2) range of 33-99%, the overall bias (mean SpO(2) - SaO(2)), precision (SD of bias), and accuracy (A(rms)) for the Dolphin Voyager and Nellcor N-180 were 4.3%, 4.4%, and 6.1%, and 3.2%, 3.0%, and 4.3%, respectively. Bias increased at SaO(2) < 90%, more so with the Dolphin Voyager (from 1.6% to 8.6%) than Nellcor N-180 (from 3.2% to 4.5%). The SpO(2) readings correlated significantly with SaO(2) for both the Dolphin Voyager (rho(c) = 0.94) and Nellcor N-180 (rho(c) = 0.97) (p < 0.001). Regarding PR, bias, precision, and accuracy (A(rms)) for the Dolphin Voyager and Nellcor N-180 were -0.5, 4.6, and 4.6 and 1.38, 4.3, and 4.5 beats minute(-1), respectively. Significant correlation existed between pulse oximeter and directly measured PR (Dolphin Voyager: rho(c) = 0.98; Nellcor N-180: rho(c) = 0.99) (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
In anesthetized dogs with adequate hemodynamic function, both instruments record SaO(2) relatively accurately over a wide range of normal saturation values. However, there is an increasing overestimation at SaO(2) < 90%, particularly with the Dolphin Voyager, indicating that 3rd generation pulse oximeters may not perform better than older instruments. The 5.4-fold increase in bias with the Dolphin Voyager at SaO(2) < 90% stresses the importance of a 93-94% SpO(2) threshold to ensure an arterial saturation of >or=90%. In contrast, PR monitoring with both devices is very reliable. | 10.1111/j.1467-2995.2005.00271.x |
pubmed_222_11695 | Our previous cytogenetic studies of malignant mesotheliomas (MMs) revealed losses from 6q15-21 in approximately 40% of cases, suggestive of recurrent loss of function of a putative tumor suppressor gene(s) located in this chromosome region. To more precisely define the critical region of molecular genetic loss within 6q, we have constructed a high-resolution deletion map of this chromosome arm in 46 MMs. We analyzed 32 microsatellite markers to detect loss of heterozygosity in tumor DNAs. Allelic losses from 6q were observed in a high percentage (61%) of cases. Partial deletions of 6q were identified in 11 cases, and these were used to define four nonoverlapping regions of chromosomal loss: a region involving 6q14-21 (approximately 9 cM; 7 of 11 cases with partial deletions), a region within 6q16.3-21 (approximately 8 cM; 9 cases), a region within 6q21-23.2 (approximately 10 cM; 8 cases), and a distal region located at 6q25 (approximately 13 cM; 9 cases). Most cases exhibited losses from more than one of these regions. We conclude from these data that genomic losses involving 6q in MM are more frequent than previously recognized cytogenetically and that the deletions fall into four discrete locations, suggesting the existence of multiple tumor suppressor loci in 6q that may contribute to the pathogenesis of this malignancy. | pubmed_222_11695 |
pubmed_867_3873 | We present the advantages of using partial transmission cord blocks throughout treatment, as opposed to adding full-thickness blocks near the end. Such blocks reduce the risk of block omission or mispositioning and require less total time for construction. We also present an argument for the existence of an optimal width for cord blocks used in mediastinal treatments. A figure of merit has been derived which quantifies the tradeoff between narrow blocks, which increase the variation in dose across the block shadow and the risk of positioning errors, and wide blocks, which may unnecessarily shield potential tumor sites. For 60Co, 4- and 10-MV beams, the figure of merit peaks at block widths of 2.0-2.5 cm at the level of the cord. Effective transmission data for cord blocks constructed of cerrobend are given for those three beams. Quality assurance studies show that transmission through cerrobend blocks can be controlled to the required precision. | 10.1118/1.596056 |
pubmed_1095_9314 | Berberine is a plant ingredient that has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are known to be highly induced by ultraviolet (UV) light and may play important roles in UV-induced skin inflammation and the skin aging process. In this study, we investigated the effects of berberine on MMP-9 and IL-6 expression in normal human keratinocytes (NHK). Our results demonstrated that berberine dose-dependently inhibited basal and TPA-induced expression and activity of MMP-9, and also suppressed TPA-induced IL-6 expression. Berberine prevented TPA-induced ERK activation and AP-1 DNA binding activity. Therefore, berberine may be used as an effective ingredient for anti-skin aging products, which can prevent skin inflammation and the degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen, by MMPs. | 10.1016/j.phymed.2007.09.011 |
pubmed_81_11801 | Extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains of Escherichia coli are a significant cause of bloodstream infections (BSI) in hospitalized and nonhospitalized patients. We previously showed that delaying effective antimicrobial therapy in BSI caused by ESBL producers significantly increases mortality. The aim of this retrospective 7-year analysis was to identify risk factors for inadequate initial antimicrobial therapy (IIAT) (i.e., empirical treatment based on a drug to which the isolate had displayed in vitro resistance) for inpatients with BSI caused by ESBL-producing E. coli. Of the 129 patients considered, 56 (43.4%) received IIAT for 48 to 120 h (mean, 72 h). Independent risk factors for IIAT include an unknown BSI source (odds ratios [OR], 4.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.98 to 11.91; P = 0.001), isolate coresistance to >or=3 antimicrobials (OR, 3.73; 95% CI, 1.58 to 8.83; P = 0.003), hospitalization during the 12 months preceding BSI onset (OR, 3.33; 95% CI, 1.42 to 7.79; P = 0.005), and antimicrobial therapy during the 3 months preceding BSI onset (OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.11 to 6.29; P = 0.02). IIAT was the strongest risk factor for 21-day mortality and significantly increased the length of hospitalization after BSI onset. Our results underscore the need for a systematic approach to the management of patients with serious infections by ESBL-producing E. coli. Such an approach should be based on sound, updated knowledge of local infectious-disease epidemiology, detailed analysis of the patient's history with emphasis on recent contact with the health care system, and aggressive attempts to identify the infectious focus that has given rise to the BSI. | 10.1128/AAC.00063-08 |
pubmed_517_19355 | A non-contact determination of thermal diffusivity and spatial distribution of temperature on tens-of-micrometers scale is demonstrated by thermal imaging. Temperature localization and a heat flow have been in situ monitored with ∼ 10 ms temporal resolution in Kapton polymer films structured by femtosecond laser pulses. The structured regions can localize temperature and create strong thermal gradients of few degrees over tens-of-micrometers (∼ 0.1 K/μm). This is used to induce an anisotropy in a heat transport. Temperature changes on the order of ∼ 0.1°C were reliably detected and spatial spreading by diffusion was monitored using Fourier analysis. Application potential, miniaturization prospects, and emissivity changes induced by laser structuring of materials are discussed. | 10.1364/OE.19.020542 |
pubmed_734_5456 | Deciphering the molecular architecture of coat coloration for a better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying pigmentation still remains a challenge. We took advantage of a rabbit French experimental population in which both a pattern and a gradient of coloration from white to brown segregated within the himalayan phenotype. The whole experimental design was genotyped using the high density Affymetrix® AxiomOrcun™ SNP Array and phenotyped into 6 different groups ordered from the lighter to the darker. Genome-wide association analyses pinpointed an oligogenic determinism, under recessive and additive inheritance, involving genes already known in melanogenesis (ASIP, KIT, MC1R, TYR), and likely processed pseudogenes linked to ribosomal function, RPS20 and RPS14. We also identified (i) gene-gene interactions through ASIP:MC1R affecting light cream/beige phenotypes while KIT:RPS responsible of dark chocolate/brown colors and (ii) a genome-wide epistatic network involving several others coloration genes such as POT1 or HPS5. Finally, we determined the recessive inheritance of the English spotting phenotype likely involving a copy number variation affecting at least the end of the coding sequence of the KIT gene. Our analyses of coloration as a continuous trait allowed us to go beyond much of the established knowledge through the detection of additional genes and gene-gene interactions that may contribute to the molecular architecture of the coloration phenotype. | 10.1016/j.ygeno.2022.110361 |
pubmed_762_16615 | Oromandibular dystonia is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary contraction of masticatory and/or tongue muscles. Cortical negative shifts preceding voluntary movements called "movement-related cortical potentials" (MRCPs) reflect a central motor control process. Reduced amplitude of MRCPs has been reported in other types of dystonia. To elucidate whether the abnormality is observed also in oromandibular dystonia, we compared MRCPs associated with mandibular movements in 6 patients with this condition and in 8 normal subjects. Electroencephalograms (EEGs) were recorded from 11 electrodes, and electromyograms (EMGs) were recorded from the masseter muscle and the suprahyoid muscles. The subjects were asked to repeat mouth opening, closing, and left and right lateral mandibular excursions. MRCPs were obtained by averaging the EEG using the EMG onset as the trigger signal. In the patient group, MRCP amplitudes over central and parietal areas for mouth opening and lateral movements were significantly reduced compared to normal subjects. In normal controls, the MRCPs at mouth opening and closing were symmetrically distributed, whereas those at lateral movements showed predominance over the hemisphere ipsilateral to the direction of the movement. This laterality was lost in the patient group. These results suggest impaired cortical preparatory process for jaw movements in oromandibular dystonia. | 10.1002/mds.10296 |
pubmed_936_5031 | The rotational Doppler effect (RDE) provides an efficient way to measure rotational frequency using an optical vortex beam. Crucially, most research based on the RDE just involves a spinning object or a spinning object coupled with a longitudinal velocity along the beam propagation. We analyze the interaction mechanism between optical orbital angular momentum and a spinning object with circular procession and experimentally demonstrate simultaneous measurements of two rotational frequencies. This technique broadens application of the RDE in optical metrology and remote detection of targets with micro-motions. | 10.1364/OL.458270 |
pubmed_801_5460 | We study a frustrated 3D antiferromagnet of stacked J(1)-J(2) layers. The intermediate 'quantum spin liquid' phase, present in the 2D case, narrows with increasing interlayer coupling and vanishes at a triple point. Beyond this, there is a direct first-order transition from Néel to columnar order. Possible applications to real materials are discussed. | 10.1088/0953-8984/23/41/416001 |
pubmed_406_9106 | Using a radioimmunoassay, we evaluated the cerebrospinal fluid content of IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD, and IgE in multiple sclerosis, viral meningitis, and tumors. Abnormal immunoglobulin levels occurred in all conditions, reaching 13 times the norm for IgM in multiple sclerosis and 5 times the norm in aseptic meningitis. Striking increases also occurred with IgA, IgM, and IgE in benign and malignant (both primary and metastatic) tumors of the CNS. Furthermore, the immunoglobulin-protein ratio was calculated. In aseptic meningitis and multiple sclerosis, the ratio was significant as compared to the norms. | 10.1212/wnl.28.10.988 |
pubmed_776_18744 | Munchausen's syndrome, a chronic factitious disorder, is appropriately named after an 18th century German nobleman who was noted for his story-telling ability. The disorder is an interesting oddity; however, it may not be as uncommon as most think. Behavioral motivations and clinical presentations of the illness are variable and make diagnosis difficult. Approaches to treatment vary widely and success remains elusive. As a result of their manipulative behavior and their desire not to "respond" to medical intervention, these patients are extremely frustrating to treat. The illness represents an emotional and economic stress on an already stressed medical system. If the diagnosis is suspected, efforts should be made to direct the patient toward expert sources for further evaluation and treatment. | pubmed_776_18744 |
pubmed_1096_17120 | We examined the stability of cognitive and adaptive behaviour standard scores in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) between diagnosis and school entry approximately age 6. IQ increased 18 points in 2-year-olds, 12 points in 3-year-olds, and 9 points in 4-year-olds (N = 281). Adaptive behaviour scores increased 4 points across age groups (N = 289). At school entry, 24 % of children met criteria for intellectual disability (cognitive and adaptive behaviour scores <70). No children with both scores ≥70 at diagnosis later met criteria for intellectual disability. Outcomes were more variable for children with initial delays in both areas (in 57 %, both scores remained <70). Findings are relevant to clinical decision-making, including specification of intellectual disability in young children with ASD. | 10.1007/s10803-015-2433-6 |
pubmed_865_1749 | A novel active biocatalytic reaction system is proposed by covalently immobilizing porcine pancreas trypsin within the thermoresponsive polymer shell of superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles.Active ester-functional nanocarriers suitable for the immobilization of amino functional targets are obtained in a single polymerization step by grafting-from copolymerization of an active ester monomer from superparamagnetic cores. The comonomer, oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate, has excellent water solubility at room temperature, biocompatibility, and a tunable lower critical solution temperature (LCST) in water. The phase separation can alternatively be initiated by magnetic heating caused by magnetic losses in ac magnetic fields.The immobilization of porcine pancreas trypsin to the core-shell nanoparticles results in highly active, nanoparticulate biocatalysts that can easily be separated magnetically. The enzymatic activity of the obtained biocatalyst system can be influenced by outer stimuli, such as temperature and external magnetic fields, by utilizing the LCST of the copolymer shell. | 10.3762/bjoc.6.98 |
pubmed_352_8165 | The plasma levels of both the free and conjugated forms of six sex steroids (androstenedione, testosterone, 11-oxotestosterone, 11 beta-hydroxytestosterone, estrone, and 17 beta-estradiol) were determined by radioimmunoassay combined with Celite chromatography in different sexual phases of the protogynous Monopterus albus throughout the reproductive cycle. The amounts of 11-oxotestosterone and 11 beta-hydroxytestosterone were found to be very low and variable in all the specimens investigated. No conjugated 17 beta-estradiol or free estrone was detected. Female individuals showed a prespawning rise of androstenedione which subsequently dropped to a low level in the spawning period. The estrogen levels in the female phase were found to be higher than those in all other sexual phases during the spawning period, but the testosterone level remained constant throughout the reproductive cycle in the female phase. The level of androstenedione was highest in the early intersexual and mid-intersexual phases during the postspawning/inactive period. Compared with the female specimens in the same reproductive period, the early intersexual individuals showed a higher level of 17 beta-estradiol, while the mid-intersexual animals showed a higher level of testosterone in the postspawned/inactive period. In the mid-intersexual phase, the levels of androstenedione, testosterone, 17 beta-estradiol, and estrone dropped progressively in relation to the seasonal reproductive cycle. The male fish had a constant level of androstenedione, estrone, and 17 beta-estradiol. However, the level of testosterone increased as the spawning period approached. The hormonal profile in the late intersexual phase was essentially similar to that in the male phase. The changes in the plasma levels of sex steroids in M. albus apparently were related to the maturation of the female and male sex tissues and to their seasonal reproductive cycle. | 10.1016/0016-6480(87)90171-7 |
pubmed_117_15136 | In the field of physical therapy, there is debate as to the clinical utility of premanipulative vascular assessments. Cervical artery dysfunction (CAD) risk assessment involves a multi-system approach to differentiate between spontaneous versus mechanical events. The purposes of this inductive analysis of the literature are to discuss the link between cervical spine manipulation (CSM) and CAD, to examine the literature on premanipulative vascular tests, and to suggest an optimal sequence of premanipulative testing based on the differentiation of a spontaneous versus mechanical vascular event. Knowing what premanipulative vascular tests assess and the associated clinical application facilitates an evidence-informed decision for clinical application of vascular assessment before CSM. | 10.1589/jpts.32.775 |
pubmed_1065_2760 | The classical problem of thermal explosion is modified so that the chemically active gas is not at rest but is flowing in a long cylindrical pipe. Up to a certain section the heat-conducting walls of the pipe are held at low temperature so that the reaction rate is small and there is no heat release; at that section the ambient temperature is increased and an exothermic reaction begins. The question is whether a slow reaction regime will be established or a thermal explosion will occur. The mathematical formulation of the problem is presented. It is shown that when the pipe radius is larger than a critical value, the solution of the new problem exists only up to a certain distance along the axis. The critical radius is determined by conditions in a problem with a uniform axial temperature. The loss of existence is interpreted as a thermal explosion; the critical distance is the safe reactor's length. Both laminar and developed turbulent flow regimes are considered. In a computational experiment the loss of the existence appears as a divergence of a numerical procedure; numerical calculations reveal asymptotic scaling laws with simple powers for the critical distance. | 10.1073/pnas.94.24.12762 |
pubmed_910_13728 | We study a classical many-particle system with an external control represented by a time-dependent extensive parameter in a Lagrangian. We show that thermodynamic entropy of the system is uniquely characterized as the Noether invariant associated with a symmetry for an infinitesimal nonuniform time translation t→t+ηℏβ, where η is a small parameter, ℏ is the Planck constant, β is the inverse temperature that depends on the energy and control parameter, and trajectories in the phase space are restricted to those consistent with quasistatic processes in thermodynamics. | 10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.140601 |
pubmed_430_13099 | Hydroflumethiazide was spray-dried with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to produce products containing 0-30% PVP. These systems were amorphous and differed from previously prepared coprecipitates of similar composition. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) suggested that at low PVP weight fractions both amorphous drug and an amorphous drug-PVP complex can be present in spray-dried systems. The apparent solubility of hydroflumethiazide in spray-dried products increased with increasing PVP content reaching a plateau value approximately four times that of the pure crystalline drug. The estimated free energy and entropy of the spray-dried drug were greater than that of crystalline drug and also increased with increasing PVP content. Dissolution studies with compressed discs supported the apparent solubility data. The results suggest that amorphous phases having different orders of organization are formed in spray-dried systems with increasing PVP content. | 10.1111/j.2042-7158.1984.tb04353.x |
pubmed_830_22570 | BACKGROUND
History drives community assembly through differences both in density (density effects) and in the sequence in which species arrive (sequence effects). Density effects arise from predictable population dynamics, which are free of history, but sequence effects are due to a density-free mechanism, arising solely from the order and timing of immigration events. Few studies have determined how components of immigration history (timing, number of individuals, frequency) alter local dynamics to determine community assembly, beyond addressing when immigration history produces historically contingent assembly.
METHODS/FINDINGS
We varied density and sequence effects independently in a two-way factorial design to follow community assembly in a three-species aquatic protozoan community. A superior competitor, Colpoda steinii, mediated alternative community states; early arrival or high introduction density allowed this species to outcompete or suppress the other competitors (Poterioochromonas malhamensis and Eimeriidae gen. sp.). Multivariate analysis showed that density effects caused greater variation in community states, whereas sequence effects altered the mean community composition.
CONCLUSIONS
A significant interaction between density and sequence effects suggests that we should refine our understanding of priority effects. These results highlight a practical need to understand not only the "ingredients" (species) in ecological communities but their "recipes" as well. | 10.1371/journal.pone.0042651 |
pubmed_82_19979 | The cardiovascular changes in response to general anaesthesia are related to several interacting mechanisms. In addition to the intrinsic effects of anaesthetic agents on the heart and vessels which depress the physiological mechanisms of adaptation, the additive independent effects of posture and mechanical ventilation on intravascular blood volume have to be considered. Physiopathologic studies show that the ultimate related mechanism is the decrease of venous return to the heart. The major effect of posture is the change in the distribution of the blood volume, as the posture modifies the influence of gravity in addition to direct vascular compression and stretching. The deterioration of the cardiac venous return results in dramatic or insidious clinical consequences which lead finally to a low cardiac output. As cardiac function is not a limiting factor of output, any decrease of blood pressure in a patient with a healthy heart must be considered as an hypovolaemic state due to an abnormal contents to container ratio, and must be managed as such. | 10.1016/s0750-7658(98)80062-2 |
pubmed_424_2494 | Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is an uncommon but serious type of stroke. Thrombosis may involve the cortical or deep veins or the venous sinuses. The presenting clinical features are non-specific. We report a 48-year-old man with CVT who presented with fever, bitemporal throbbing headache, and generalised convulsion. Computed tomography (CT) of the brain revealed acute haemorrhages over right anterior frontal and posterior temporal regions with surrounding oedema and right anterior temporal subcortical oedema. The initial diagnosis was herpes simplex encephalitis. Absence of venous flow over the right transverse and sigmoid sinuses during the venous phase of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed CVT. He was anti-coagulated for 6 months. An underlying cause of CVT was not detected. A high index of suspicion is required when risk factors of CVT are present. CT brain may be normal or showing non-specific findings. Magnetic resonance imaging plus venography, CT venography, or DSA is diagnostic. | 10.1016/j.jocn.2004.03.013 |
pubmed_958_8164 | Apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] is the specific apolipoprotein of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], a recognized cardiovascular risk factor. Apo(a) is characterized by a high genetic polymorphism with at least 34 isoforms in plasma. Recent studies have shown that in atherothrombosis apo(a) polymorphism could play a role independent of Lp(a) levels. In particular, apo(a) phenotypes seem to have their highest predictive value for coronary heart disease, when apo(a) isoforms are detected by high resolution phenotyping methods and when an adequate operative cut-off of apo(a) polymorphism is used. A strong association between apo(a) phenotypes and coronary heart disease has been also found in hypertensive, diabetic, and uremic patients. Moreover, apo(a) phenotypes seem to correlate well with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis and the age of clinical onset of coronary heart disease. These studies suggest that apo(a) polymorphism may have a great clinical usefulness in a primary prevention setting, since apo(a) phenotypes could be used together with Lp(a) levels as strong genetic predictors of atherothrombosis. The analysis of apo(a) polymorphism appears to be particularly useful in healthy subjects with a family history of atherothrombotic diseases, in patients with diseases at high cardiovascular risk (diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia) and in subjects with conditions modifying Lp(a) levels. | pubmed_958_8164 |
pubmed_1003_4340 | BACKGROUND
Specific immunotherapy (SIT) in children being not an optional treatment should be administered as soon as possible, also in children aged 2-3 years, due to the very early asthma and rhinitis onset, contrarily to opponents continuing to stress the danger of anaphylactic reactions without displaying reliable data.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We report 56 children who underwent SIT and 56 controls seen consecutevely at the Allergy and Immunology Division, Department of Pediatrics, University of Rome "La Sapienza". The control group was treated with all appropriate medications.
RESULTS
They were highly in favor of SIT with statistically significant differences. We stress that IgE antibodies significantly decreased after treatment only in the study group, and IgG antibodies very significantly increased after treatment only in the study group.
DISCUSSION
We demonstrate that SIT is the only treatment which can alter the natural course of respiratory diseases, whereas drugs represent only a symptomatic treatment. | pubmed_1003_4340 |
pubmed_575_3138 | Articular cartilage (AC) has a very limited intrinsic repair capacity after injury or disease. Although exogenous cell-based regenerative approaches have obtained acceptable outcomes, they are usually associated with complicated procedures, donor-site morbidities and cell differentiation during ex vivo expansion. In recent years, endogenous regenerative strategy by recruiting resident mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSPCs) into the injured sites, as a promising alternative, has gained considerable attention. It takes full advantage of body's own regenerative potential to repair and regenerate injured tissue while avoiding exogenous regenerative approach-associated limitations. Like most tissues, there are also multiple stem-cell niches in AC and its surrounding tissues. These MSPCs have the potential to migrate into injured sites to produce replacement cells under appropriate stimuli. Traditional microfracture procedure employs the concept of MSPCs recruitment usually fails to regenerate normal hyaline cartilage. The reasons for this failure might be attributed to an inadequate number of recruiting cells and adverse local tissue microenvironment after cartilage injury. A strategy that effectively improves local matrix microenvironment and recruits resident MSPCs may enhance the success of endogenous AC regeneration (EACR). In this review, we focused on the reasons why AC cannot regenerate itself in spite of potential self-repair capacity and summarized the latest developments of the three key components in the field of EACR. In addition, we discussed the challenges facing in the present EACR strategy. This review will provide an increasing understanding of EACR and attract more researchers to participate in this promising research arena. | 10.14336/AD.2020.0902 |
pubmed_503_4192 | Investigators have developed algorithms for use in computer-controlled infusion pumps (CCIP's) which dose intravenous drugs assuming multiexponential unit impulse response (UIR) function. However for many UIR multiexponential functions are at best an approximation. For almost all substances the early times after an impulse administration show complex profiles hardly described by multiexponential functions. For many later times also show departures from exponential decline. We derive a general approach for a CCIP which can be used with an arbitrary UIR function. A particular instance of the approach is based on a nonparametric representation of an UIR which uses spline functions. The approach is computationally simple, it can take into account desired constraints (for example no overshoot to avoid toxicity) and presents a solution to control concentrations of substances in a site different from the input site. Examples based on real lodocaine, veralipride, and thiopental data demonstrate the approach. | 10.1109/10.736753 |
pubmed_994_15985 | Autism spectrum disorder is a heterogeneous disease, and numerous alterations of gene expression come into play to attempt to explain potential molecular and pathophysiological causes. Abnormalities of brain development and connectivity associated with alterations in cytoskeletal rearrangement, neuritogenesis and elongation of axons and dendrites might represent or contribute to the structural basis of autism pathology. Slit/Robo signaling regulates cytoskeletal remodeling related to axonal and dendritic branching. Components of its signaling pathway (ABL and Cdc42) are suspected to be molecular bases of alterations of normal development. The present review describes the most important mechanisms underlying neuritogenesis, axon pathfinding and the role of GTPases in neurite outgrowth, with special emphasis on alterations associated with autism spectrum disorders. On the basis of analysis of publicly available microarray data, potential biomarkers of autism are discussed. | 10.1007/s12017-015-8357-7 |
pubmed_974_24136 | Cancer is the manifestation of multiple dysregulated cellular pathways. Treatment protocols engaged in treating these diseases involve mainly the cell cycle regulating genes/proteins, DNA synthesis and repair, protein synthetic machinery, apoptotic and proliferation activity and cytoskeletal framework. Some of the traditional therapeutic strategies have over the years developed resistance making cure difficult to achieve. This paper analyzes the mechanisms employed by various cancers that render them resistant against therapeutic drugs. | 10.2174/1389201015666141126123952 |
pubmed_77_6361 | Fourteen clonal hybridoma lines that secrete monoclonal antibodies (mabs) to the Torpedo acetylcholine receptor (AChR) have been isolated. When analyzed by an immunoreplica technique, two mabs recognized the alpha subunit, three reacted with the beta subunit, one reacted with the gamma chain, and five recognized the delta subunit. One mab failed to react with any of the subunits using this assay and two mabs recognized determinants found on both the gamma and the delta subunits. These were classified according to their reactivities with the membrane-bound Torpedo AChR. One category is comprised of mabs (including both anti-alpha mabs) that recognize extracellular epitopes. A second classification included mabs that are unable to bind the membrane-associated AChR. The third category is comprised of mabs directed against cytoplasmic epitopes of the AChR. The latter mabs, all of which recognize the gamma or delta subunits or both, bind only slightly to sealed, outside-out Torpedo vesicles. The binding is increased 10-20-fold by either alkaline extraction or treatment of the vesicles with 10 mM lithium diiodosalicylate but not by permeabilization of the vesicles with saponin. Three of the six mabs in this category react with frog muscle endplates but only if the cytoplasmic surface of the membrane is accessible. | pubmed_77_6361 |
pubmed_731_5540 | Current research is focusing on identifying bioclinical parameters for risk stratification of renal allograft loss, largely due to antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). We retrospectively investigated graft outcome predictors in 24 unsensitized pediatric kidney recipients developing HLA de novo donor-specific antibodies (dnDSAs), and treated for late AMR with plasmapheresis + low-dose IVIG + Rituximab or high-dose IVIG + Rituximab. Renal function and DSA properties were assessed before and longitudinally post treatment. The estimated GFR (eGFR) decline after treatment was dependent on a negative % eGFR variation in the year preceding treatment (P = 0.021) but not on eGFR at treatment (P = 0.74). At a median follow-up of 36 months from AMR diagnosis, 10 patients lost their graft. Altered eGFR (P < 0.001) and presence of C3d-binding DSAs (P = 0.005) at treatment, and failure to remove DSAs (P = 0.01) were negatively associated with graft survival in the univariable analysis. Given the relevance of DSA removal for therapeutic success, we analyzed antibody properties dictating resistance to anti-humoral treatment. In the multivariable analysis, C3d-binding ability (P < 0.05), but not C1q-binding, and high mean fluorescence intensity (P < 0.05) were independent factors characterizing DSAs scarcely susceptible to removal. The poor prognosis of late AMR is related to deterioration of graft function prior to treatment and failure to remove C3d binding and/or high-MFI DSAs. | 10.1111/tri.13325 |
pubmed_31_14516 | Immune components can bridge inflammatory triggers to metabolic dysfunction. Scavenger receptors sense lipoproteins, but it is not clear how different scavenger receptors alter carbohydrate metabolism during obesity. Macrophage scavenger receptor 1 (MSR1) and macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) are scavenger receptors that have been implicated in lipoprotein metabolism and cardiovascular disease. We assessed glucose control, tissue-specific insulin sensitivity, and inflammation in Msr1- and Marco-deficient mice fed with obesogenic diets. Compared to wild-type (WT) mice, Msr1-/- mice had worse blood glucose control that was only revealed after diet-induced obesity, not in lean mice. Obese Msr1-/- mice had worse insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in the adipose tissue, which occurred in the absence of overt differences in adipose inflammation compared to obese WT mice. Msr1 deletion worsened dysglycemia independently from bacterial cell wall insulin sensitizers, such as muramyl dipeptide. MARCO was dispensable for glycemic control in obese mice. Oral administration of the polysaccharide fucoidan worsened glucose control in obese WT mice, but fucoidan had no effect on glycemia in obese Msr1-/- mice. Therefore, MSR1 is a scavenger receptor responsible for changes in glucose control in response to the environmental ligand fucoidan. Given the interest in dietary supplements and natural products reducing inflammation or insulin resistance in metabolic disease during obesity, our results highlight the importance of understanding which ligand-receptor relationships promote versus those that protect against metabolic disease factors. Our results show that ligand or gene targeting of MSR1 exacerbates insulin resistance in obese mice. | 10.14814/phy2.13930 |
pubmed_740_2134 | PURPOSE
We report 6 patients who received a hydroxyapatite (HA) orbital implant in the socket and developed chronic orbital inflammation unresponsive to conventional medical therapy.
CASE REPORTS
We assisted 6 cases (4 males, 2 females) who received an HA orbital implant in the socket between 2015 and 2016 at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and developed chronic orbital inflammation with chronic discharge, redness, and pain (onset from weeks to over 2 decades after surgery). Computed tomography evaluation indicated inflammation in the orbital tissues, and histological examination showed a foreign body granulomatous reaction mainly localized around and blanching the HA implant. The condition was unresponsive to usual medical treatment and was resolved immediately after implant removal.
CONCLUSIONS
Chronic inflammation can occur decades after placement of an HA implant in the orbit and can be successfully treated with implant removal. | 10.1159/000485498 |
pubmed_884_3799 | The authors cite seven case histories of inpatients who committed suicide over a five-year period and analyze staff reaction and the changes in policy and procedures that followed. They conclude that staff feelings of guilt and failure brought about by inhospital suicides may result in the implementation of procedures designed to decrease risk, but that such procedures would not necessarily have prevented the suicide that led to their introduction. They maintain that staff acceptance of total responsibility for preventing suicide may achieve short-term safety at the expense of increased long-term risk, and that suicides can occur even when all reasonable precautions have been taken. | 10.1176/ps.29.2.122 |
pubmed_26_13491 | In the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study 3 (ECASS3), the efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis between 3 and 4.5 hours following onset of ischaemic stroke was investigated. Compared to the placebo group, patients treated with intravenous alteplase had a better functional outcome after 3 months (odds ratio 1.34, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.76). The risk of symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage was higher in the alteplase group (2.4% versus 0.3%). The time window for intravenous alteplase can be safely extended to 4.5 hours, but efforts should be made to start treatment as soon as possible, since the effectiveness ofalteplase decreases over time. | pubmed_26_13491 |
pubmed_319_2122 | BACKGROUND
Respiratory support in very preterm infants is often a life-saving procedure and several techniques are available. There is lack of data on the current use of these techniques. METHODS AND AIM: We analyzed a cohort of infants <30 weeks gestation or < 1501 g birth weight, enrolled in the Italian Neonatal Network in 2009 and 2010 (n = 8297, mean gestation = 29.3 weeks, mean birth weight = 1089 g) to ascertain the use of several techniques. We also conducted a questionnaire survey of all neonatal units adhering to the Italian Neonatal Network, inquiring about preferred methods of respiratory support.
RESULTS
Conventional ventilation was used in 53% of these infants, high frequency ventilation in 15.8%, CPAP in 71.6%, and surfactant in 56.2%. Huge variations were observed between hospitals for all techniques studied. The survey of centres showed that all respondents considered non-invasive ventilation the first-intention treatment for these infants. In case of need of tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, two hospitals said they used IPPV/IMV; 20 synchronized IPPV/IMV; 25 "volume guarantee"; and 10 hospitals used HFV as a first intention treatment (in five hospital for all infants, and in other five hospitals, depending upon birth weight/gestation.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides large scale, up to date results of the current methods of respiratory support in very preterm infants in Italy. Huge variations between hospitals, only partly explained by the paucity of evidence-based data, are apparent. These differences point to the possibility of implementing "potentially better practices" with the aim of reducing unwanted, physician-related variation. | 10.3109/14767058.2012.712310 |
pubmed_158_466 | To assess the prognostic significance of myocardial contractile reserve in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) without overt heart failure (New York Heart Association functional class I or II), seventy-one patients underwent exercise radionuclide angiography in addition to clinical, radiographic, hemodynamic, and echocardiographic evaluations. Myocardial contractile reserve was assessed as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) during peak exercise minus LVEF at rest (delta LVEF). During an average of 49 months, 18 patients died of the disease. Cox's proportional-hazards regression analysis showed that the delta LVEF was the most powerful and independent discriminator for survival (p = 0.0002). Ejection time (p = 0.0029) and cardiothoracic ratio (p = 0.017) were the second and third most predictive variables, respectively. Evaluation of the delta LVEF, which reflects residual myocardial contractile reserve, can provide important information about the prognosis of patients with DCM and mild symptoms. | 10.1378/chest.111.2.344 |
pubmed_973_10251 | We report a rare case of onychomycosis due to Arthrographis kalrae, and describe an attempt to elucidate the source of the infection by fungal isolation and PCR-based methods for detection of A. kalrae. The patient was a 63-year-old Japanese man, whose fingernails, excluding the right index finger, were markedly dystrophic. Microscopic examination of his fingernails disclosed hyaline hyphae and arthroconidia. The causal agent was identified as A. kalrae based on morphological characteristics and ITS region sequencing. The fungus was susceptible in vitro to terbinafine, itraconazole, and miconazole. A therapeutic trial of oral terbinafine, 125 mg/day and topical 1% miconazole for seven months brought about a complete cure of the ungual lesion. We found that A. kalrae could be detected at 1.1 x 10(4) CFU/g (92.4% incidence) in soil from the patient's garden. Furthermore, varying CFUs of A. kalrae were recovered in 61% of the samples obtained from crop field soils, commercially available soils or allied products for gardening. Since the patient was working with soil that harbored A. kalrae, the possibility of acquiring the infection from this source should not be excluded. | 10.3109/13693780903219014 |
pubmed_583_13679 | Weaponry is ubiquitous in male ungulates and is driven by intrasexual selection, but the mystery surrounding its sporadic presence in females remains unsolved. Female horns are often smaller and shaped differently to male horns, suggesting a different function; indeed, hypotheses explaining the presence of female horns include competition for food, male mollification and defence against predators. Here we use comparative phylogenetic analyses to show that females are significantly more likely to bear horns in bovids that are conspicuous due to large body size and living in open habitats than inconspicuous species living in closed habitats or that are small. An inability to rely on crypsis or take refuge in deep vegetation has apparently driven the evolution of horns for defence against predators in female bovids, a finding supported by many field observations. Typically, exceptions are small species where females are territorial (e.g. duikers) and use horns in intrasexual contests. Furthermore, we suggest that conspicuousness and territoriality hypotheses may explain other instances of female cranial weaponry (i.e. antlers and ossicones) in other horned ruminants. Our phylogenetic reconstruction indicates that the primary function of horns in females is linked to antipredator defence in most clades, but occasionally to intrasexual competition in others. | 10.1098/rspb.2009.1256 |
pubmed_262_1274 | Extensive studies of the biology of the pigment-producing cell (melanocyte) have resulted in a wealth of knowledge regarding the genetics and developmental mechanisms governing skin and hair pigmentation. The ease of identification of altered pigment phenotypes, particularly in mouse coat color mutants, facilitated early use of the pigmentary system in mammalian genetics and development. In addition to the large collection of developmental genetics data, melanocytes are of interest because their malignancy results in melanoma, a highly aggressive and frequently fatal cancer that is increasing in Caucasian populations worldwide. The genetic programs regulating melanocyte development, function, and malignancy are highly complex and only partially understood. Current research in melanocyte development and pigmentation is revealing new genes important in these processes and additional functions for previously known individual components. A detailed understanding of all the components involved in melanocyte development and function, including interactions with neighboring cells and response to environmental stimuli, will be necessary to fully comprehend this complex system. The inherent characteristics of pigmentation biology as well as the resources available to researchers in the pigment cell community make melanocytes an ideal cell type for analysis using systems biology approaches. In this review, the study of melanocyte development and pigmentation is considered as a candidate for systems biology-based analyses. | 10.1002/wsbm.20 |
pubmed_633_2597 | This study examines sign lowering as a form of phonetic reduction in American Sign Language. Phonetic reduction occurs in the course of normal language production, when instead of producing a carefully articulated form of a word, the language user produces a less clearly articulated form. When signs are produced in context by native signers, they often differ from the citation forms of signs. In some cases, phonetic reduction is manifested as a sign being produced at a lower location than in the citation form. Sign lowering has been documented previously, but this is the first study to examine it in phonetic detail. The data presented here are tokens of the sign WONDER, as produced by six native signers, in two phonetic contexts and at three signing rates, which were captured by optoelectronic motion capture. The results indicate that sign lowering occurred for all signers, according to the factors we manipulated. Sign production was affected by several phonetic factors that also influence speech production, namely, production rate, phonetic context, and position within an utterance. In addition, we have discovered interesting variations in sign production, which could underlie distinctions in signing style, analogous to accent or voice quality in speech. | 10.1016/j.wocn.2010.02.003 |
pubmed_856_3764 | A 40-year-old woman was referred to the Breast Unit with a solid lump in her right breast. Investigations revealed an invasive lobular carcinoma. The patient underwent a right-sided mastectomy and sentinel lymph node (LN) biopsy, which confirmed axillary LN involvement. The postsurgery staging CT showed unusual enlargement of mediastinal and hilar LN bilaterally. This was consistent with positron emission tomography/CT and MRI, which further established the presence of several bone lesions. Determining the pathology within the LN and bones was pivotal in providing an accurate diagnosis and deciding subsequent management. However, histopathological analysis of the initial endobronchial ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of mediastinal LN failed to identify definitive metastatic breast cancer cells. The case was extensively discussed in several multidisciplinary team meetings. Collective evidence, including clinical presentation, comparative imaging analysis, and further biopsies confirmed sarcoidosis with bone involvement-mimicking metastatic disease. | 10.1136/bcr-2020-237516 |
pubmed_1073_20385 | BACKGROUND
Published criteria defining the accelerated phase in chronic myeloid leukemia are heterogeneous and little is known about predictors of poor outcome.
METHODS
This is a retrospective study of 139 subjects in the accelerated phase of chronic myeloid leukemia treated with imatinib at a single center in Brazil. The objective was to identify risk factors for survival, major cytogenetic response and progression to blast phase in this population. The factors analyzed were: blasts 10-29%, basophils≥20%, platelets>1×10(6)/μL or <1×10(5)/μL and white blood cells>1×10(5)/μL in the peripheral blood, as well as clonal evolution, splenomegaly, hemoglobin<10g/dL, time between diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia and imatinib treatment, and hematologic toxicity.
RESULTS
Risk factors for poor survival in multivariate analysis were Grades 3-4 hematologic toxicity (p-value=0.001), blasts 10-29% (p-value=0.023), and hemoglobin<10g/dL (p-value=0.04). Risk factors for not achieving major cytogenetic response were blasts 10-29% (p-value=0.007), hemoglobin<10g/dL (p-value=0.001), and previous use of interferon (p-value=0.032). Risk factors for progression to the blast phase were hemoglobin<10g/dL (p-value=0.005), basophils≥20% (p-value=0.023), and time from diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia to imatinib treatment>12 months (p-value=0.030).
CONCLUSION
These data indicate that patients with the above risk factors have a worse prognosis. This information can guide the therapy to be used. | pubmed_1073_20385 |
pubmed_238_20795 | Line spectrum is an important feature for the detection and classification of underwater targets. This letter presents a method for extracting the line spectrum submerged in underwater ambient noise through autoassociative neural networks (AANN). Compared with the traditional methods, the proposed method based on AANN can directly enhance the line spectrum from the raw time-domain noise data without relying on prior information and spectral features. Moreover, the proposed method can suppress the background noise while extracting the line spectrum. Both the numerical simulation and experimental data test results demonstrate that the proposed method provides a good ability to extract the line spectrum from the strong background noise. | 10.1121/10.0003038 |
pubmed_81_7862 | Human serum butyrylcholinesterase (Hu BChE) serves as an efficacious bioscavenger of highly toxic organophosphorus (OP) compounds. Since there is a concern that the supply of native Hu BChE may be limited, monomeric and tetrameric forms of recombinant Hu BChE (rHu BChE) were evaluated as replacements and found that they lacked sufficient stability in vivo. However, their in vivo stability could be significantly prolonged by conjugation with polyethyleneglycol-20K (PEG) suggesting that monomeric and tetrameric PEG-rHu BChE could function as bioscavengers. Here, the immunogenicity of PEG-rHu BChE was evaluated in mice following two injections given four weeks apart. In addition to pharmacokinetic parameters, such as mean residence time, maximal concentration, time to reach the maximal concentration, elimination half-life and area under the plasma concentration-time curve extrapolated to infinity, the presence of circulating anti-rHu BChE antibodies was also determined. Although the pharmacokinetic parameters were significantly improved for the first injection of monomeric and tetrameric PEG-rHu BChEs, they were much lower for the second injection. Anti-rHu BChE antibodies were detected in the blood of mice following the first and second enzyme injections and their levels were approximately higher by 5-fold and 2-fold in mice injected with monomeric and tetrameric PEG-rHu BChEs as compared to mice injected with unconjugated enzymes. The findings that the rapid clearance of a repeat injection of PEG-rHu BChEs in mice which coincides with the presence of circulating anti-rHu BChE antibodies suggest that PEG conjugation prolonged the circulatory stability of rHu BChE but failed to eliminate its immunogenicity in mice. | 10.1016/j.taap.2008.05.016 |
pubmed_426_5976 | Comparative investigations were carried out on the immunofluorescent preparations of cell cultures infected with bovine viruses--rota-, corona-, respiratory-syncytial, parainfluenza-3, adeno-1, and herpes-1--to test various fixatives and the effect of trypsin in raising the sensitivity of the immunofluorescence method. The effect of trypsin was manifested in fixation with formalin, ethanol, methanol, and acetone treated immunofluorescent preparations of cell cultures infected with rota- and adeno-viruses as well as in fixation with acetone of cultures infected with respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza-3 virus, and corona virus. Formalin, ethanol, and partly methanol were shown to be unsuitable for the purpose of fixation of cell culture preparations infected with viruses that contained a lipoprotein envelope. It was found that the treatment of immunofluorescent preparations with trypsin following fixation and prior to their treatment with conjugated antisera enhanced considerably the number of fluorescent cells and the intensity of fluorescence itself provided 0.1 per cent trypsin was used for 5 to 10 min at 37 degrees C--for cell culture preparations, and 0.1 per cent trypsin was used for 20 to 30 min at 37 degrees C--for paraffin sections of acetone-fixed tissues. | pubmed_426_5976 |
pubmed_283_14097 | BACKGROUND
Patients with schizophrenia have lower longevity than the general population as a consequence of a combination of risk factors connected to the disease, lifestyle and the use of medications, which are related to weight gain.
METHODS
A multicentric, randomized, controlled-trial was conducted to test the efficacy of a 12-week group Lifestyle Wellness Program (LWP). The program consists of a one-hour weekly session to discuss topics like dietary choices, lifestyle, physical activity and self-esteem with patients and their relatives. Patients were randomized into two groups: standard care (SC) and standard care plus intervention (LWP). Primary outcome was defined as the weight and body mass index (BMI).
RESULTS
160 patients participated in the study (81 in the intervention group and 79 in the SC group). On an intent to treat analysis, after three months the patients in the intervention group presented a decrease of 0.48 kg (CI 95% -0.65 to 1.13) while the standard care group showed an increase of 0.48 kg (CI 95% 0.13 to 0.83; p=0.055). At six-month follow-up, there was a significant weight decrease of -1.15 kg, (CI 95% -2.11 to 0.19) in the intervention group compared to a weight increase in the standard care group (+0.5 kg, CI 95% -0.42-1.42, p=0.017).
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this was a multicentric randomized clinical trial with a lifestyle intervention for individuals with schizophrenia, where the intervention group maintained weight and presented a tendency to decrease weight after 6 months. It is reasonable to suppose that lifestyle interventions may be important long-term strategies to avoid the tendency of these individuals to increase weight. | 10.1186/1471-244X-13-60 |
pubmed_373_6071 | Interleukin (IL)-5 is central in regulating eosinophilia in allergic disease and parasitic infections. We have recently shown that human (h) IL-5 both possesses a functional nuclear localization signal capable of targeting a heterologous protein to the nucleus and localises to the nucleus of intact receptor-expressing cells. In this study, the extracellular domains of the hIL-5 alpha- and beta-receptor subunits were expressed in baculovirus, fluorescently labelled and assayed for nuclear targeting in vitro in the absence and presence of IL-5. The beta-subunit, which lacks IL-5 binding activity, only accumulated in the nucleus in the presence of both the hIL-5 binding alpha-subunit and hIL-5. The IL-5-binding alpha-subunit showed similar results. IL-5 thus effected nuclear transport of its alpha- and beta-receptor subunits apparently through a 'piggy back' mechanism, raising the possibility that IL-5's nuclear signalling role may be to cotarget its receptor subunits to the nucleus. This is the first demonstration of nuclear protein piggy back transport in vitro. | 10.1016/s0014-5793(97)00622-4 |
pubmed_129_15821 | A 60-year-old woman developed embolic occlusion of a branch retinal artery following septic cavernous sinus thrombosis. Two days later it was followed by loss of light perception due to embolic or vasculitic ischemic optic neuropathy. Recurrent emboli from a focus of carotid arteritis in cavernous sinus thrombosis may be responsible for visual loss in such eyes. | pubmed_129_15821 |
pubmed_682_18202 | An ultrasensitive method for the kanamycin (KANA) detection in milk sample using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy-based aptasensor was employed in the current study. Double strand DNA binding bimetallic gold@silver nanoparticles were developed as a sensing platform. Probe DNAs were first embedded on the surface of gold nanoparticles by the end-modified thiol, and after silver shell encapsulating, KANA aptamer DNAs with the Raman reporter Cy3 were then hybridized with probe DNAs by complementary base pairing. Results showed that with increase in the KANA concentration, the Raman intensity of Cy3 decreased. Besides achieving selectivity, an ultralow detection limit of 0.90 pg/mL, a broad linear relationship ranging from 10 μg/mL to 100 ng/mL in aqueous reagent and satisfactory recoveries of 90.4-112% in liquid whole milk were obtained. The result of actual sample proved that this aptasensor was promising in trace determination of KANA residue. | 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.01.015 |
pubmed_862_5135 | Application of a sensomics approach on the water-soluble extract of a matured Gouda cheese including gel permeation chromatography, ultrafiltration, solid phase extraction, preparative RP-HPLC, and HILIC combined with analytical sensory tools enabled the comprehensive mapping of bitter-tasting metabolites. LC-MS-TOF and LC-MS/MS, independent synthesis, and sensory analysis revealed the identification of a total of 16 bitter peptides formed by proteolysis of caseins. Eleven previously unreported bitter peptides were aligned to beta-casein, among which 6 peptides were released from the sequence beta-CN(57-69) of the N terminus of beta-casein and 2 peptides originated from the C-terminal sequence beta-CN(198-206). The other peptides were liberated from miscellaneous regions of beta-casein, namely, beta-CN(22-28), beta-CN(74-86), beta-CN(74-77), and beta-CN(135-138), respectively. Six peptides were found to originate from alpha(s1)-casein and were shown to have the sequences alpha(s1)-CN(11-14), alpha(s1)-CN(56-60), alpha(s1)-CN(70/71-74), alpha(s1)-CN(110/111-114), and alpha(s1)-CN(135-136). Sensory evaluation of the purified, synthesized peptides revealed that 12 of these peptides showed pronounced bitter taste with recognition thresholds between 0.05 and 6.0 mmol/L. Among these peptides, the decapeptide YPFPGPIHNS exhibited a caffeine-like bitter taste quality at the lowest threshold concentration of 0.05 mmol/L. | 10.1021/jf7036533 |
pubmed_484_18610 | Modern gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists such as cetrorelix and ganirelix reliably prevent premature LH surge in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for assisted reproductive technologies. Nevertheless, GnRH antagonists do not allow homogenization of the follicle cohort, as observed with GnRH agonists. Administration of estrogens, progestogens or contraceptive pill in previous late luteal phase, may improve the size homogeneity of antral follicles. The coordination of follicular development may optimize ovarian response to r-FSH/GnRH antagonist protocols. | pubmed_484_18610 |
pubmed_494_15602 | Trm1 catalyzes a two-step reaction, leading to mono- and dimethylation of guanosine at position 26 in most eukaryotic and archaeal tRNAs. We report the crystal structures of Trm1 from Pyrococcus horikoshii liganded with S-adenosyl-l-methionine or S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine. The protein comprises N-terminal and C-terminal domains with class I methyltransferase and novel folds, respectively. The methyl moiety of S-adenosyl-l-methionine points toward the invariant Phe27 and Phe140 within a narrow pocket, where the target G26 might flip in. Mutagenesis of Phe27 or Phe140 to alanine abolished the enzyme activity, indicating their role in methylating G26. Structural analyses revealed that the movements of Phe140 and the loop preceding Phe27 may be involved in dissociation of the monomethylated tRNA*Trm1 complex prior to the second methylation. Moreover, the catalytic residues Asp138, Pro139, and Phe140 are in a different motif from that in DNA 6-methyladenosine methyltransferases, suggesting a different methyl transfer mechanism in the Trm1 family. | 10.1016/j.jmb.2008.08.068 |
pubmed_647_10735 | Human subcutaneous fat-derived mesenchymal cells recently have been shown to have the potential to differentiate in vitro into a variety of cell types, including adipocytes, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and myoblasts. This effect suggests that fat tissue may serve as an abundant and easily acquired source of multipotent cells for tissue engineering. The multipotential characteristics of fat-derived mesenchymal cells from the inguinial fat pad of rabbit have not been clearly defined. In this study we have isolated a population of mesenchymal cells from inguinal fat from adult New Zealand white rabbits. The cells that were maintained under various differentiation conditions were shown to differentiate in vitro into adipocytes, osteoblasts, or chondrocytes; this differentiation was demonstrated using gene expression for tissue-specific proteins. We also co-cultured the cells with intervertebral disk tissue from the nucleus pulpous or from the annulus fibrosus. The fat-derived cells co-cultured with nucleus pulposus showed an increase in expression of type II collagen and aggrecan genes, compared with cells in alginate alone and cells co-cultured with annulus fibrosus. The data suggest that the fat-derived mesenchymal cells responded to soluble mediators from the disk. Future studies on intervertebral disk reconstruction could be based on our findings with fat-derived multipotential cells from the inguinal region of the rabbit that were co-cultured with disk tissue and may prove useful in tissue engineering strategies. | 10.1080/03008200590954104 |
pubmed_498_25364 | Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a peptide derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC), and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), act as neuromodulators and regulate food intake in vertebrates. In teleosts, these peptides are also involved competitively in body color regulation; α-MSH induces a dark body color, while MCH induces a pale body color. Similarly, members of the growth hormone (GH) family, somatolactin (SL) and prolactin (PRL), which are involved in the regulation of energy metabolism, are also associated with body color regulation in teleosts. Since these hormones are involved in both body color regulation and energy metabolism, it is possible that feeding status can affect body color. Here, we examined the effects of fasting on the response of goldfish body coloration to changes in background color. Goldfish were acclimated for one week in tanks with a white or black background under conditions of periodic feeding or fasting. The results showed that body color and expression levels of pmch1 and pomc were affected by background color, irrespective of feeding status. Expression levels of sla were higher in fish maintained in tanks with a black background than in tanks with a white background, and higher in the fasted fish compared to the fed fish. However, the pattern of slb expression was almost the opposite of that observed in sla expression. The expression levels of gh and prl in the pituitary, and pmch2a and pmch2b in the brain, were not affected by background color. These results suggest that MCH, α-MSH, SLα, and SLβ might be involved in body color regulation and that they are affected by background color in goldfish. The results also suggest that feeding status may affect body color regulation via SLα and SLβ, although these effects might be limited compared to the effect of background color. | 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113860 |
pubmed_129_20385 | The rôle of the endocrine cells which populate the airways of the lung is uncertain, although it has been suggested that one of their functions might be to regulate the pulmonary vasculature. We have studied the number, content and distribution of these cells in 26 pairs of lungs removed during heart-lung transplantation for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension of various causes, none of which were characterized by plexogenic arteriopathy. In comparison with the controls, there were no differences in the number, content or distribution of these cells, although in two cases of recurrent pulmonary thromboembolism they were aggregated into abnormal disorderly clusters. | pubmed_129_20385 |
pubmed_122_4702 | Topological superfluids protected by mirror and time-reversal symmetries are exotic states of matter possessing Majorana Kramers pairs (MKPs), yet their realizations have long been hindered by the requirement of unconventional pairing. We propose to realize such a topological superfluid by utilizing s-wave pairing and emergent mirror and time-reversal symmetries in two coupled 1D ultracold atomic Fermi gases with spin-orbit coupling. By stacking such systems into 2D, we discover topological and Dirac-nodal superfluids hosting distinct MKP flat bands. We show that the emergent symmetries make the MKPs and their flat bands stable against pairing fluctuations that otherwise annihilate Majorana pairs. Exploiting new experimental developments, our scheme provides a unique platform for exploring MKPs and their applications in quantum computation. | 10.1103/PhysRevLett.121.185302 |
pubmed_830_14540 | PURPOSE
To examine the effectiveness of heating contact lens cases after disinfection on reducing microbial contamination.
METHODS
One strain each of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (071) and Staphylococcus aureus (31) were used to set up robust biofilms in polypropylene contact lens cases. The effect of dilutions (from 1:10 to 1:1000) of trypticase soy broth (TSB) in phosphate-buffered saline and incubation time (24 to 48h) on the ability of strains to from biofilms with high levels of bacteria were first examined. Then the effect of increasing the temperature of incubation (from 14°C to 60°C) of biofilms during drying was examined. In the final set of experiments, biofilms of strains were subjected to heating in a warming device set to deliver 60°C for 3 hours, and the effect of this temperature after disinfection with a multipurpose disinfecting solution (MPDS; containing polyquat and Aldox) was examined by culturing the number of viable bacterial cells remaining.
RESULTS
A dilution of 1:100 TSB for S. aureus 31 and 1:1000 TSB for P. aeruginosa 071 together with an incubation time of 24 hours gave high numbers of viable cells of these 2 strains adhered to the contact lens cases. Having established the biofilms of bacteria, heating these to 60°C for 3 hours resulted in significant reductions in the number of viable cells that could be cultured (1 log reduction for S. aureus 31, P=0.0003; 3.5 log reduction for P. aeruginosa 071, P=0.002). Exposing the biofilms of cells to a disinfection cycle (6h at ambient temperature) in the presence of the MPDS and air drying at ambient temperature resulted in 2441±1237 colony-forming units/lens well for S. aureus 31 and 7401±4374 colony-forming units/lens well for P. aeruginosa 071. Increasing the drying temperature to 60°C resulted in zero viable cells (i.e., ≥4log reduction) for either bacterial type.
CONCLUSIONS
Using a warming device for contact lens cases after a disinfection cycle with an MPDS during drying for 3 hours results in substantial kill of biofilms of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus that have been formed in the wells of the cases. | 10.1097/ICL.0b013e318261aa13 |
pubmed_859_7212 | OBJECTIVE
To review the literature regarding the relationship between symptoms of anxiety and depression and feeding styles in parents of bottle-fed infants.
DATA SOURCES
We conducted literature searches in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and PsycINFO.
STUDY SELECTION
We used Covidence systematic review management software during the selection process to allow for full blinding of decisions by team members. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they were reports of primary research, written in English, and focused on the relationship between symptoms of anxiety or depression and feeding styles in parents of term, bottle-fed infants younger than 12 months of age. We placed no restriction on date of publication because of the sparse amount of published literature on this topic. We identified a total of 1,882 articles. After removing duplicates, we screened 988 articles and retained six articles that met criteria for our review.
DATA EXTRACTION
We used Whittemore and Knafl's integrative review methodology to guide data extraction and reporting. We extracted relevant data from all primary data sources and compiled the data into a matrix. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Analytical Cross Sectional Studies to assess the quality of the studies.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Using an a priori coding scheme, we summarized the data using categorization of established parental feeding styles in infancy applicable to bottle-feeding. We synthesized the data into two broad categories: responsive and nonresponsive feeding styles.
CONCLUSION
Although research on the topic is limited, our findings suggest that symptoms of postpartum depression may be associated with nonresponsive feeding styles in parents of bottle-fed infants. We suggest several areas for future research and recommend increased emotional and feeding support in practice for parents of bottle-feeding infants. | 10.1016/j.jogn.2022.11.001 |
pubmed_436_18713 | The molecular electronegativity-distance vector (MEDV) was used to describe the chemical structural characterization of 46 components of essential oils in the flower of Rosa banksiae. Various multiple linear regression (MLR) models were created with variable screening by the stepwise multiple regression technique and statistics. The QSRR models of 10 and 6 variables were built by MLR with the correlation coefficients (R) of molecular modeling being 0.906 and 0.903. Cross-validation of the models, which contain selected vectors were performed by leave-one -out procedure (LOO) and the satisfied results with correlation coefficients (Rcv) of 0.904 and 0.903, respectively. The results showed that the models constructed can provide estimation stability and favorable predictive ability. | pubmed_436_18713 |
pubmed_987_19533 | Fibroblasts have been shown to be one of the essential players for mammary gland organization. Here, we identify two major types of mouse mammary gland fibroblasts through single-cell RNA sequencing analysis: Dpp4 fibroblasts and Dpp4 fibroblasts. Each population exhibits unique functional characteristics as well as discrete localization in normal mouse mammary glands. Remarkably, estrogen, a crucial mediator of mammary gland organization, alters the gene expression profiles of fibroblasts in a population-specific manner, without distinct activation of estrogen receptor signaling. Further integrative analysis with the inclusion of five other publicly available datasets reveals a directional differentiation among the mammary gland fibroblast populations. Moreover, the combination with the mouse mammary epithelium atlas allows us to infer multiple potential interactions between epithelial cells and fibroblasts in mammary glands. This study provides a comprehensive view of mouse mammary gland fibroblasts at the single-cell level. | 10.3389/fcell.2022.850568 |
pubmed_558_18324 | BACKGROUND
Conventional treatment of stenosis at the common carotid artery origin has involved extra-anatomic bypass using an open cervical approach or median sternotomy. The goal of this study is to determine the procedural feasibility and safety of angioplasty and stenting at the common carotid origin as a less invasive alternative.
METHODS
Between March 1996 and November 2005, a total of 248 carotid angioplasty and/or stenting procedures were performed at our institution. Of these, 8 procedures were performed in 7 patients for treatment of a stenosis or dissection located at the common carotid origin. There were 4 males and 3 females with a mean age of 58 (range, 22-77). Five patients presented with neurologic symptoms. The patients' medical records were retrospectively reviewed for imaging reports (cerebral angiography, computed tomography, or ultrasound) and available clinical follow-up. Brief telephone interviews with patients, immediate family, or care personnel were also used. Procedural and midterm complication rates were calculated.
RESULTS
Of 8 procedures, 7 (87.5%) resulted in no residual stenosis. The procedural stroke rate was 0 (0%) of 8 procedures. The procedural TIA rate was 2 (25%) of 8 procedures. The mean follow-up was 31.7 months (range, 11.3-75.9 months). In 2 cases, follow-up was clinical only. In the remaining cases, there were clinical and imaging follow-up in the form of cerebral angiography (n = 3), CT angiography (n = 2), and ultrasound (n = 1). There was one recurrent TIA at 30 days and again at 3.1 months (1/8, 12.5%). There were no strokes (0/8, 0%) and there were no TIAs in patients who were initially asymptomatic on presentation. There was one death from an unrelated cause.
CONCLUSION
In this series, angioplasty and stenting were effective in relieving stenosis at the common carotid origin and have low rates of ischemic complications. | 10.1016/j.surneu.2009.05.017 |
pubmed_697_14448 | BACKGROUND
Limited data exist regarding the neonatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants exposed to marijuana (MJ) in-utero, particularly among preterm infants. We hypothesized that MJ-exposed preterm infants would have worse neonatal and childhood developmental outcomes compared to MJ-unexposed infants.
METHODS
Secondary analysis of multicenter randomized-controlled trial of antenatal magnesium sulfate for the prevention of cerebral palsy was conducted. Singleton nonanomalous infants delivered <35 weeks exposed to MJ in-utero were compared to MJ-unexposed. Primary neonatal outcome was death, grade 3/4 intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and/or stage II/III necrotizing enterocolitis before discharge. Primary childhood outcome was death, moderate/severe cerebral palsy, or/and Bayley II Scales <70 at age 2. Backward-stepwise regression used to estimate odds of primary outcomes.
RESULTS
1867 infants met inclusion criteria; 135(7.2%) were MJ-exposed. There were no differences in neonatal (20% vs. 26%, p = 0.14) or childhood (26% vs. 21%, p = 0.21) outcomes in MJ-exposed infants compared to MJ-unexposed infants. In adjusted models, MJ-exposure was not associated with adverse neonatal outcomes (aOR 0.83 95% CI 0.47,1.44) or early childhood outcomes (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 0.97,2.23).
CONCLUSIONS
Among infants born <35 weeks of gestation, MJ-exposure was not associated with adverse neonatal or childhood outcomes. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to assess later childhood neurodevelopmental outcomes following MJ-exposure. | 10.1080/14767058.2016.1269165 |
pubmed_879_2027 | 'We have kicked the can down the road once again - but we are running out of road.' - Rachel Kyte, Dean of Fletcher School at Tufts University.We, in our capacities as scientists, economists, governance and policy specialists, are shifting from warnings to guidance for action before there is no more 'road.' The science is clear and irrefutable; humanity is in advanced ecological overshoot. Our overexploitation of resources exceeds ecosystems' capacity to provide them or to absorb our waste. Society has failed to meet clearly stated goals of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Civilization faces an epochal crossroads, but with potentially much better, wiser outcomes if we act now.What are the concrete and transformative actions by which we can turn away from the abyss? In this paper we forcefully recommend priority actions and resource allocation to avert the worst of the climate and nature emergencies, two of the most pressing symptoms of overshoot, and lead society into a future of greater wellbeing and wisdom. Humanity has begun the social, economic, political and technological initiatives needed for this transformation. Now, massive upscaling and acceleration of these actions and collaborations are essential before irreversible tipping points are crossed in the coming decade. We still can overcome significant societal, political and economic barriers of our own making.Previously, we identified six core areas for urgent global action - energy, pollutants, nature, food systems, population stabilization and economic goals. Here we identify an indicative, systemic and time-limited framework for priority actions for policy, planning and management at multiple scales from household to global. We broadly follow the 'Reduce-Remove-Repair' approach to rapid action. To guide decision makers, planners, managers, and budgeters, we cite some of the many experiments, mechanisms and resources in order to facilitate rapid global adoption of effective solutions.Our biggest challenges are not technical, but social, economic, political and behavioral. To have hope of success, we must accelerate collaborative actions across scales, in different cultures and governance systems, while maintaining adequate social, economic and political stability. Effective and timely actions are still achievable on many, though not all fronts. Such change will mean the difference for billions of children and adults, hundreds of thousands of species, health of many ecosystems, and will determine our common future. | 10.1177/00368504211056290 |
pubmed_789_10889 | PURPOSE
The aim of the work presented here was to establish the response of a corneal epithelial cell line (hTCEpi) to protein extracted from a bacterium (Bacillus oleronius) previously isolated from a Demodex mite from a rosacea patient.
METHODS
The response of the corneal epithelial cell line to Bacillus proteins was measured in terms of alterations in cell migration and invasiveness. Changes in the expression of metalloproteinase genes and proteins were also assessed.
RESULTS
The results indicated increased cell migration (14.5-fold, P = 0.001) as measured using 8-μm PET inserts (BD Falcon) in a transwell assay and invasiveness (1.7-fold, P = 0.003) as measured using 8-μm Matrigel (BD Biocoat) invasion inserts in a 24-well plate assay format, following exposure to the Bacillus proteins. Cells exposed to the Bacillus protein showed a dose-dependent increase in expression of genes coding for matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-3 (61-fold) and MPP-9 (301-fold). This dose-dependent increase in gene expression was also reflected in elevated levels of MMP-9 protein (1.34-fold, P = 0.033) and increased matrix metalloprotease activity (1.96-fold, P = 0.043) being present in the culture supernatant. Cells also displayed reduced levels of β-integrin (1.25-fold, P = 0.01), indicative of increased motility and elevated levels of vinculin (2.7-fold, P = 0.0009), suggesting altered motility.
CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that exposure of corneal epithelial cells to Bacillus proteins results in an aberrant wound healing response as visualized using a scratch wound assay. These results suggest a possible link between the high density of Demodex mites on the eyelashes of ocular rosacea patients and the development of corneal ulcers. | 10.1167/iovs.11-9295 |
pubmed_1104_15775 | Enterobius vermicularis (syn. Oxyurus vermicularis), also known as pinworm or seatworm, is the causative agent of human enterobiasis (oxyuriasis). The disease is more prevalent in temperate regions and is facilitated by factors such as overcrowding in schools and family groupings, as well as inadequate personal and community hygiene. Although the infection is more likely to occur in lower socioeconomic groups, enterobiasis has been reported to affect virtually every level of the general population and especially children. In the great majority of cases, enterobiasis is asymptomatic. One common symptom is intense pruritus ani that in some patients can lead to insomnia, restlessness and irritability. Scratching may cause skin irritation, and in more serious cases, eczematous dermatitis, haemorrhage or secondary bacterial infections. Ectopic migration of E. vermicularis often results in pinworm infestation of the female genital tract often causing granulomas of the uterus, ovary and the fallopian tubes and pelvic peritoneum. Anthelmintic therapies for enterobiasis are successful and include mebendazole, albendazole and pyrantel pamoate. Mass medication of affected groups reduced symptoms rapidly, progressively and in a cost-effective way. | 10.1517/14656566.2.2.267 |
pubmed_885_9242 | BACKGROUND
Evidence indicates that being a victim of bullying or peer aggression has negative short- and long-term consequences. In this study, we investigated the mediating and moderating role of two types of attributional mechanisms (hostile and self-blaming attributions) on children's maladjustment (externalizing and internalizing problems).
METHODS
In total, 478 children participated in this longitudinal study from grade 5 to grade 7. Children, parents, and teachers repeatedly completed questionnaires. Peer victimization was assessed through peer reports (T1). Attributions were assessed through self-reports using hypothetical scenarios (T2). Parents and teachers reported on children's maladjustment (T1 and T3).
RESULTS
Peer victimization predicted increases in externalizing and internalizing problems. Hostile attributions partially mediated the impact of victimization on increases in externalizing problems. Self-blame was not associated with peer victimization. However, for children with higher levels of self-blaming attributions, peer victimization was linked more strongly with increases in internalizing problems.
CONCLUSIONS
Results imply that hostile attributions may operate as a potential mechanism through which negative experiences with peers lead to increases in children's aggressive and delinquent behavior, whereas self-blame exacerbates victimization's effects on internalizing problems. | 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2012.02618.x |
pubmed_49_12138 | A mass strategy for the prevention of high blood pressure and its complications is likely to be more effective than high-risk strategies for several reasons: there is no practicable way of identifying in advance a large proportion of future hypertensives; a minority of hypertensive complications occur in individuals with pressures high enough to warrant treatment; and treatment has little or no effect on the incidence of the major hypertensive complication, coronary heart attacks. The effect of a broad-based dietary prevention programme is not proven, but such a strategy offers a reasonable prospect of a broad range of benefits, and is likely to prove acceptable to the general public. A family-based approach may contribute to aetiological research, and make pragmatic sense in clinical practice, but does not provide a scientific basis for a high-risk strategy of prevention. | 10.1097/00004872-198902001-00008 |
pubmed_158_21569 | The author uses a configurational analysis method for case formulation and to establish links between individualized formulation and treatment techniques. A prototype of formulation for the histrionic personality disorder is presented, using theories for formulation about states of mind, defensive control processes, and person schemas. A phase-oriented prototype of a treatment plan is linked to these levels of formulation. The result can provide a guideline for clinicians and a teaching document for trainees. | pubmed_158_21569 |
pubmed_133_6752 | / While medical audit in infection control today is one important element in the quality assurance of health care, environmental auditing, approved in 1993 by the Council of the European Communities for the industrial sector, so far has not been used as a tool to control and reduce environmental pollution caused by medical care. The aim of this study was to investigate whether environmental auditing according to the European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) can be implemented in hospitals as a process of improvement in protection of the environment. In a prior publication the methodological issues and the organizational steps that had to be taken were described. An environmental review of the activities of the Freiburg University Hospital and an ecoanalysis of the input and output were performed. The results of this analysis, published in an environmental report, provide a fundamental data set for the consumption of energy, water, materials, and the burdens of major pollutants and waste. Regarding the organizational structure of the hospital, the first steps towards an integrating environmental management system as demanded by EMAS could be taken. Beside supporting advantages, e.g., improvement of environmental safety, public image and staff contentment, and potential economic benefits such as less cost to be paid for energy and water consumption, there are important restrictions of environmental auditing in hospitals. Examples are the lack of basic environmental data, staff motivation (especially of physicians), cooperation of the organizational substructures, and funds for prefinancing urgently needed improvements in ecology. Based on the study findings, a textbook on environmental auditing in hospitals, including checklists covering all important environmental objectives, has been published to support hospitals in their efforts to achieve an optimized and sustainable practice of providing health care. | 10.1007/s002679910008 |
pubmed_997_4666 | INTRODUCTION
Interprofessional education is a relatively new addition to health professional education curricula in the Arab world. To understand current practice in this area, a scoping review will enable reporting of essential elements for the implementation of interprofessional education. The objective of this scoping review is to report on the implementation components, including presage, process and product, of interprofessional education in prelicensure health professions education programmes in the Arab world.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
A comprehensive and systematic search for literature will be conducted using eight electronic databases from their inception to September 2022. A presearch was devised in PubMed, Scopus and CINAHL using a combination of terms related to population, context and concept. The Covidence Systematic Review tool will be used for blind screening, selection and conflict resolution. Data will be presented in tabular format and as a narrative synthesis and will include elements that support the implementation of interprofessional education. This review will be presented according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology.Studies conducted with students and/or faculty in prelicensure health professions education programmes will be included. The concept to be explored is interprofessional education. The context is the region commonly known as the Arab world, which includes 18 countries, sharing many common social and cultural traditions and where Arabic is the first language.Excluded will be studies conducted on collaborative practice of health professionals and postlicensure interprofessional education.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
No ethical approval was required. Findings will be disseminated in conference presentations and peer-reviewed articles. | 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065930 |
pubmed_628_3774 | The pH-dependence of the rate of water exchange between hydrated aluminum complexes and bulk aqueous solution is reported from variable-temperature dynamic (17)O-NMR measurements. Over the temperature range 298-348 K, the pseudo-first-order rate coefficient for exchange at any given temperature, is described by = + [H(+)](-1), where is the rate coefficient for exchange of inner-sphere water molecules with bulk solution for the Al(H(2)O)(6)(3+)(aq) complex at that temperature, and [H(+)](-1) is the pH-dependent contribution to from the first hydrolysis product: AlOH(H(2)O)(5)(2+)(aq). The rate parameters are = 1.3 s(-1), DeltaH(1)() = 84.7 kJ.mol(-1), DeltaS(1)() = 41.6 J.mol(-1).K(-1) (from 6); and = 7.2 x 10(-2) M.s(-1), DeltaH(2)() = 90.4 kJ.mol(-1), DeltaS(2)() = 36.6 J.mol(-1).K(-1) (this work). From this result we obtained the activation parameters for water exchange on the AlOH(H(2)O)(5)(2+)(aq) complex: = 3.1 x 10(4) s(-1), DeltaH() = 36.4 kJ.mol(-1), DeltaS() = -36.4 J.mol(-1).K(-1). Thus, deprotonation of an inner-sphere water in Al(H(2)O)(6)(3+)(aq) enhances by a factor of approximately 10(4) the lability of other inner-sphere oxygens. This labilizing effect of hydroxyl is much larger than for other geochemically important ligands, including fluoride. | 10.1021/ic980333l |
pubmed_205_20910 | OBJECTIVE
The combination of persistent hyperammonemia and hypoketotic hypoglycemia in infancy presents a diagnostic challenge. Investigation of the possible causes and regulators of the ammonia and glucose disposal may result in a true diagnosis and predict an optimum treatment.
PATIENT
Since the neonatal period, a white girl had been treated for hyperammonemia and postprandial hypoglycemia with intermittent hyperinsulinism. Her blood level of ammonia varied from 100 to 300 micromol/L and was independent of the protein intake.
METHODS
Enzymes of the urea cycle as well as glutamine synthetase and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) were assayed in liver tissue and/or lymphocytes.
RESULTS
The activity of hepatic GDH was 874 nmol/(min.mg protein) (controls: 472-938). Half-maximum inhibition by guanosine triphosphate was reached at a concentration of 3.9 micromol/L (mean control values:.32). The ratio of plasma glutamine/blood ammonia was unusually low. Oral supplements with N-carbamylglutamate resulted in a moderate decrease of the blood level of ammonia. The hyperinsulinism was successfully treated with diazoxide.
CONCLUSION
A continuous conversion of glutamate to 2-oxoglutarate causes a depletion of glutamate needed for the synthesis of N-acetylglutamate, the catalyst of the urea synthesis starting with ammonia. In addition, the shortage of glutamate may lead to an insufficient formation of glutamine by glutamine synthetase. As GDH stimulates the release of insulin, the concomitant hyperinsulinism can be explained. This disorder should be considered in every patient with postprandial hypoglycemia and diet-independent hyperammonemia. | 10.1542/peds.106.3.596 |
pubmed_786_14621 | CONTEXT
Evidence-based selective referral strategies are being used by an increasing number of insurers to ensure that medical care is provided by high-quality providers. In the absence of direct-quality measures based on patient outcomes, the standards currently in place for many conditions rely on indirect-quality measures such as patient volume.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the potential usefulness of volume as a quality indicator for very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants and compare volume with other potential indicators based on readily available hospital characteristics and patient outcomes.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
A retrospective study of 94 110 VLBW infants weighing 501 to 1500 g born in 332 Vermont Oxford Network hospitals with neonatal intensive care units between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2000.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Mortality among VLBW infants prior to discharge home; detailed case-mix adjustment was performed by using patient characteristics available immediately after birth.
RESULTS
In hospitals with less than 50 annual admissions of VLBW infants, an additional 10 admissions were associated with an 11% reduction in mortality (95% confidence interval [CI], 5%-16%; P<.001). The annual volume of admissions only explained 9% of the variation across hospitals in mortality rates, and other readily available hospital characteristics explained an additional 7%. Historical volume was not significantly related to mortality rates in 1999-2000, implying that volume cannot prospectively identify high-quality providers. In contrast, hospitals in the lowest mortality quintile between 1995 and 1998 were found to have significantly lower mortality rates in 1999-2000 (odds ratio [OR], 0.64; 95% CI, 0.55-0.76; P<.001) and hospitals in the highest mortality quintile between 1995 and 1998 had significantly higher mortality rates in 1999-2000 (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.16-1.64; P<.001). The percentage of hospital-level variation in mortality in 1999-2000 that was forecasted by the highest and lowest quintiles based on patient mortality was 34% compared with only 1% for the highest and lowest quintiles of volume.
CONCLUSIONS
Referral of VLBW infants based on indirect-quality indicators such as patient volume may be minimally effective. Direct measures based on patient outcomes are more useful quality indicators for the purposes of selective referral, as they are better predictors of future mortality rates among providers and could save more lives. | 10.1001/jama.291.2.202 |
pubmed_306_2622 | Although diminazene aceturate (Berenil) is widely used as a trypanolytic agent in livestock, its mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. We previously showed that Berenil treatment suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine production by splenic and liver macrophages leading to a concomitant reduction in serum cytokine levels in mice infected with Trypanosoma congolense or challenged with LPS. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms through which Berenil alters pro-inflammatory cytokine production by macrophages. We show that pre-treatment of macrophages with Berenil dramatically suppressed IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-α production following LPS, CpG and Poly I:C stimulation without altering the expression of TLRs. Instead, it significantly down-regulated phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinases), signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins (STAT1 and STAT3) and NF-кB p65 activity both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, Berenil treatment up-regulated the phosphorylation of STAT5 and the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) and SOCS3, which are negative regulators of innate immune responses, including MAPKs and STATs. Collectively, these results show that Berenil down-regulates macrophage pro-inflammatory cytokine production by inhibiting key signaling pathways associated with cytokine production and suggest that this drug may be used to treat conditions caused by excessive production of inflammatory cytokines. | 10.1177/1753425913507488 |
pubmed_1021_5273 | Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) recorded from the scalp in guinea pigs were compared with those from the dura. The study was performed with ten adult male guinea pigs weighing 350-750 g. VEPs recorded from the scalp had large negative components (N40 and N75) and a large positive component (P55). The waveform of the VEP in the scalp recording was similar to that in the dural recording in that N40 was a major early negative component. Great differences between the scalp and the dural recording were observed in the late negative components (N75 and N140). In the dural recording, the peak N75 was a very small component, and the peak N140 was very large. There was no significant difference between the peak latencies of the two kinds of VEPs except for the peaks P55 and P100. Peak-to-peak amplitudes of VEPs recorded from the scalp were smaller than those from the dura except for P55-N75. The peak-to-peak amplitude in the scalp recording compared to that in the dural recording varied from a ratio as low as 1.0:2.9 to as high as 1.0:36.2, and was markedly variable in each component. The scalp recording correlated with the dural recording as regards the early component. | 10.1292/jvms.53.301 |
pubmed_346_798 | Acinic cell carcinomas, in some instances, contain a component of intercalated duct cells. However, the manner in which this element is integrated within the more obvious acinar cells, as well as the role neoplastic intercalated duct cells play in determining morphologic patterns in acinic cell tumors, has not been fully investigated. Ultrastructural study and immunostaining with antibodies to cytokeratins and to S-100 protein carried out in nine cases of parotid acinic cell carcinoma suggest two basic differentiation patterns. In three cases, the lesions were essentially composed of acinar cells (with variation in the number and form of secretory granules), and one of these tumors was unique in having ultrastructural evidence of differentiated myoepithelial cells. In the second group of six cases, there was light microscopic, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical evidence of a significant component of intercalated duct cells. By means of both immunostaining (intercalated ducts were positive for keratin and S-100 protein; acinar cells were negative for both antigens) and electron microscopy, flattened-to-cuboidal intercalated duct cells were noted to enclose and, presumably, to be involved in the formation of microcystic spaces. Acinic cell carcinomas with a more solid growth pattern contained groups of intercalated duct cells positive for keratin and S-100 protein. Ultrastructurally, these cells were organized into well-formed ducts related to nests of acinar cells. Acinic cell carcinoma is another class of salivary gland tumor in which there can be an integrated proliferation of intercalated duct and acinar cells and, infrequently, of myoepithelial cells, all organized in a simulation of the intercalated duct-acinar unit of the normal salivary gland. | 10.1016/0030-4220(87)90199-x |
pubmed_411_7075 | BACKGROUND
The optimal timing of elective repeat caesarean delivery has yet to be determined. One of the reasons to schedule an elective repeat caesarean delivery before 39 weeks gestation is to avoid emergency caesarean delivery due to spontaneous onset of labour.
AIMS
By ascertaining maternal characteristics and neonatal outcomes associated with early-term onset of spontaneous labour, we aim to determine the optimal timing for each individual repeat caesarean delivery.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We performed a retrospective analysis of women with repeat caesarean deliveries planned at 38 weeks gestation between 2005 and 2019 at a tertiary referral hospital in Japan. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was adopted to identify independent contributing factors for early-term spontaneous labour onset. We also compared the rate of neonatal adverse events between women who underwent emergency repeat caesarean deliveries due to the onset of early-term labour and the ones who underwent elective repeat caesarean deliveries at 38 weeks.
RESULTS
We included 1152 women. History of vaginal deliveries (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 2.12; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.21-3.74), history of preterm deliveries (AOR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.38-3.77), and inadequate maternal weight gain during pregnancy (AOR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.15-2.75) significantly increased the risk of early-term spontaneous labour onset. In terms of occurrence rate of neonatal complications, we found no significant difference between the groups.
CONCLUSION
These maternal factors are significant predictors for early-term labour onset of repeat caesarean deliveries. The onset of early-term labour did not increase the likelihood of neonatal complications. | 10.1111/ajo.13225 |
pubmed_1019_7598 | Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is an extremely rare genetic disorder with diffuse extra-skeletal bone formation. The genetic mutation responsible for FOP has recently been discovered and is connected with excessive activation of bone morphogenetic protein receptor. This disease usually begins with typical ossification pattern in early childhood, causing increasing disability and making patients totally disabled by the age of 30. Ectopic ossification develops spontaneously and can be triggered by any trauma and even intramuscular injections. The symptoms of FOP are often misdiagnosed as cancer, causing unnecessary biopsies, which can precipitate further progressive heterotopic ossification. There is no effective treatment for this severe condition. Radiotherapy can be helpful in impeding ossification, although the strict evidence for that is lacking. There are only two reports in the literature referring to the use of radiotherapy in treatment of FOP. Herein, we present a 35-year-old patient successfully treated with small doses of fractionated radiotherapy in several courses. This case indicates that radiotherapy can be useful in treating patients with FOP. | pubmed_1019_7598 |
pubmed_929_17719 | Venous thromboembolic disease is a major problem among critically ill patients, with significant associated morbidity and mortality. Many critically ill patients have contraindications to systemic anticoagulation, and inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are an important alternative in preventing pulmonary emboli (PE) in this population. The Angel Catheter (Mermaid, Stenlose, Denmark) is a novel percutaneous and removable IVC filter attached to the end of a triple lumen central venous catheter which has been demonstrated to reduce PE in surgical and trauma patients. This case series describes 18 critically ill medical patients who had an Angel catheter placed either for diagnosed PE or due to high risk for PE; over half had at least submassive PE at the time of Angel catheter placement. None of the patients had a recurrence of PE during Angel catheter use, 29.4% had clot found in the filter via cavogram upon removal, and only one had a minor complication which had no clinical consequence. In 2 patients, the placement of the Angel Catheter resulted in the prevention of PE during catheter-directed thrombolysis of extensive deep vein thrombosis. This case series demonstrates that in a population of critically ill, elderly, and obese medical patients the bedside placement of the Angel IVC filter is feasible, safe, and may be effective for preventing PE. | 10.1177/0885066619874692 |
pubmed_972_1818 | Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based morphometry provides in vivo evidence for macro-structural plasticity of the brain. Experiments on small animals using automated morphometric methods usually require expensive measurements with ultra-high field dedicated animal MRI systems. Here, we developed a novel deformation-based morphometry (DBM) tool for automated analyses of rat brain images measured on a 3-Tesla clinical whole body scanner with appropriate coils. A landmark-based transformation of our customized reference brain into the coordinates of the widely used rat brain atlas from Paxinos and Watson (Paxinos Atlas) guarantees the comparability of results to other studies. For cross-sectional data, we warped images onto the reference brain using the low-dimensional nonlinear registration implemented in the MATLAB software package SPM8. For the analysis of longitudinal data sets, we chose high-dimensional registrations of all images of one data set to the first baseline image which facilitate the identification of more subtle structural changes. Because all deformations were finally used to transform the data into the space of the Paxinos Atlas, Jacobian determinants could be used to estimate absolute local volumes of predefined regions-of-interest. Pilot experiments were performed to analyze brain structural changes due to aging or photothrombotically-induced cortical stroke. The results support the utility of DBM based on commonly available clinical whole-body scanners for highly sensitive morphometric studies on rats. | 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2012.06.066 |
pubmed_379_9935 | The avirulence gene matching the R2 gene for resistance to halo-blight disease in Phaseolus was cloned and sequenced from race 4 strain 1302A of Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola. The predicted 41-kDa AvrPphE protein is hydrophilic, has no features that indicate function, and no similarity to other protein sequences. The promoter region of avrPphE contains a "harp box" motif. The gene was expressed more strongly in minimal than in nutrient-rich media. Lower concentrations of the phytoalexin phaseollin accumulated in tissue undergoing the hypersensitive reaction (HR) determined by avrPphE than by avrPphB. Homologs of avrPphE were detected in strains representing eight races of P. s. pv. phaseolicola including those virulent on cultivars with the R2 resistance gene, and in P. s. pv. tabaci but not in P. cichorii or P. s. pvs. coronafaciens, glycinea, maculicola, pisi, or syringae. Disruption of avrPphE prevented induction of the HR but did not appear to affect basic pathogenicity. Transposon mutagenesis and DNA sequencing showed that avrPphE was linked to hrpY a hrp locus identified at the left end of the hrp gene cluster. Sequence analysis showed that the region linked to avrPphE was very similar to DNA containing hrp genes from P. s. pv. syringae including hrpJ, hrpL, and hrpK. | 10.1094/mpmi-7-0726 |
pubmed_920_2997 | Entomopathogenic nematodes are used widely in biological insect control. Entomopathogenic nematodes can infect live insects as well as dead insects (i.e., they can act as scavengers). It is important to determine compatibility of entomopathogenic nematodes with other pest management tactics such as chemical insecticides. We hypothesized that chemical insecticides have negative impact on scavenging nematodes. According to our hypothesis, we first investigated the effects of direct exposure of Steinernema carpocapsae infectivity juveniles (IJs) to three chemical insecticides, cypermethrin, spinosad or diflubenzuron in terms of nematode survival and virulence. Subsequently, using the same chemicals, we tested the effects of insecticide-killed insects on scavenger nematode penetration efficiency, time of emergence and the number of nematode progeny. Prior to our study, the impact of pesticides on scavenger nematode fitness had not been studied. Fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea, and greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella, larvae were used as host insects. The survival rate of IJs after direct exposure was 83% for cypermethrin and 93-97% for the other insecticides and control. There were no significant differences in the survival and virulence of the nematodes after 24 h exposure to insecticides. The number of nematodes that invaded the insecticide-killed host was significantly higher in cypermethrin and spinosad treated groups and live H. cunea than in the diflubenzoron treated group and freeze-killed control. However, no significant differences were observed in time of emergence. Significantly more progeny IJs emerged from Spinosad-killed insects than the freeze-killed control. In conclusion, we discovered that the fitness of scavenging IJs is not diminished by insecticides in insect cadavers. In fact, in some cases the exposure to chemical insecticides may enhance virulence. | 10.1016/j.jip.2021.107641 |
pubmed_715_16908 | OBJECTIVES
To compare test characteristics of ultrasound and Doppler parameters in the prediction of fetal anemia in Kell-alloimmunized pregnancies.
METHODS
In this prospective study, 27 fetuses at risk for anemia due to Kell alloimmunization were evaluated with ultrasound and Doppler imaging. Spleen perimeter, liver length, middle cerebral artery (MCA) peak systolic velocity and intrahepatic umbilical venous (IHUV) maximum velocity were measured. Results were compared with fetal hemoglobin values at first intrauterine blood sampling or delivery. Severe fetal anemia was defined as a hemoglobin deficit of at least 5 SD below the mean for gestational age.
RESULTS
Eighteen fetuses were anemic and required intrauterine transfusions. In the other nine pregnancies no transfusions were performed; one of these fetuses was severely anemic at birth. MCA and IHUV flow velocities were the best predictors of fetal anemia in Kell alloimmunized fetuses (sensitivity 89% for each test). Sensitivities for spleen perimeter (15%) and liver length (14%) were disappointing.
CONCLUSIONS
Doppler evaluation of MCA peak systolic velocity and IHUV maximum velocity can be used to reliably predict severe fetal anemia in Kell alloimmunization. | 10.1002/uog.1821 |
pubmed_1098_20196 | Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) are signaling lipids that evoke growth factor-like responses to many cells. Recent studies revealed the involvement of LPA and S1P in the pathology of IPF. In this study, we determined LPA, S1P and ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P) in peripheral blood plasma of IPF patients, and examined correlation to the vital capacity of lung (VC), an indicator of development of fibrosis. Blood plasma samples were taken from eleven patients with IPF and seven healthy volunteers. The lipids of the sample were extracted and subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for analysis. Results showed that there is a significant negative correlation between VC and plasma LPA levels, indicating that IPF patients with advanced fibrosis had higher concentration of LPA in their plasma. Average of S1P levels were significantly higher in IPF patients than those in healthy subjects. Although it is not statistically significant, a similar correlation trend that observed in LPA levels also found between VC and S1P levels. These results indicated that plasma LPA and S1P may be associated with deterioration of pulmonary function of IPF patients. J. Med. Invest. 69 : 196-203, August, 2022. | 10.2152/jmi.69.196 |
pubmed_212_8793 | Choleragen (cholera toxin) catalyzed the NAD-dependent auto-ADP-ribosyltation of its A1 peptide. The number of ADP-ribose moieties incorporated into ech A1 peptide was dependent on incubation conditions and time as well as toxin concentration. There was no evidence for the formation of poly(ADP-ribosylated) toxin. The formation of mono- and multi-(ADP-ribosylated) A1 peptides was prevented by the addition of arginine, an alternative ADP-ribose acceptor. Triton X-100 polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis separated the A1 peptide of choleragen from the B complex and multi-(ADP-ribosylated) A1 peptides from unmodified A1. The A1 peptides ADP-ribosylated in the presence of [32P]NAD contained approximately 1, 2, or 3 ADP-ribose molecules/23,500-dalton units; under the conditions used for electrophoresis, the mobilities of the A1 peptides were enhanced by incorporation of ADP-ribose. The mono- and multi-(ADP-ribosylated) A1 peptides catalyzed the NAD-dependent ADP-ribosylation of arginine methyl ester. The turnover numbers of the mono- and multi-(ADP-ribosylated) A1 peptides were consistently 30 to 50% higher than that of the A1 peptide from native toxin. | pubmed_212_8793 |
pubmed_1030_16508 | BACKGROUND
Mortality is increased among people with opioid use disorder but reduced while on opioid agonist treatment (OAT). However, the impact of patient and treatment characteristics on mortality and causes of death is insufficiently studied.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study was to explore mortality and causes of death and examine the impact of patient and treatment characteristics on mortality in an OAT cohort with high retention in treatment.
METHODS
Design: longitudinal cohort study.
SETTING
Norway. Observation period: time from OAT start as of 1998 until death or end of 2016, 2,508 person-years (PY) in total.
SAMPLE
200 persons starting OAT 1998-2007.
DATA SOURCES
hospital records, interviews, the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry, Statistics Norway.
RESULTS
Retention: 86.4% of the observation period was on OAT, 9.0% off, 4.6% unknown OAT status. All-cause crude mortality rate per 100 PY during the whole observation period was 1.64 (95% CI: 1.19-2.20), for deaths of somatic cause 0.88 (0.56-1.31), for drug-induced deaths 0.44 (0.23-0.76), and traumatic deaths 0.24 (0.10-0.50). Off-versus-on-OAT all-cause mortality ratio was 2.31 (1.00-4.85). On OAT, 58% of the deaths were of somatic cause and 21% drug-induced; off OAT, 38% of somatic cause and 50% drug-induced. Increasing baseline age and rate of somatic hospital treatment episodes were independently associated with increased all-cause mortality risk, while increasing rate of in-patient psychiatric treatment episodes was associated with reduced risk. Increasing duration of nicotine and cannabis use and alcohol dependence as well as increasing severity of polydrug use were associated with increased all-cause and somatic mortality adjusted for age and sex.
CONCLUSION
The long observation period made it possible to demonstrate the importance of long-term retention in OAT to reduce mortality. Further, the preponderance of somatic and reduction of drug-induced causes of death during OAT underlines the need for follow-up of chronic diseases and health-promoting lifestyle changes. These findings add to the knowledge about long-term OAT effects, not least in ageing OAT populations. | 10.1159/000525694 |
pubmed_1053_21455 | In standard concentric needle electromyography the typical triphasic potential of a motor unit (MUP) consists of the spike component and the positive initial and terminal parts. Whereas the main spike is generated by a few muscle fibers located close to the tip of an electrode, the initial and terminal parts represent the sum of activities of a large proportion of fibers within the motor unit. The size of the initial and terminal part is assessed by measuring the duration of the MUP. In addition to the duration we calculated the mean absolute voltage outside the spike component: The signal was digitized and several individual MUPs of the same motor unit were averaged. The point of maximal negative rise was identified. Then the mean absolute voltage between -5 ms and +5 ms around this point, excluding the interval from -1 ms to +1 ms, was calculated. This parameter is exactly defined and unambiguous. The biceps brachii muscles of 30 healthy volunteers were examined in order to establish normal values. In 24 patients suffering from various myopathies 18 had significant (p less than 0.01) reduced initial and terminal parts, whereas only 13 patients showed decreased potential duration (according to Buchthal 1957). | pubmed_1053_21455 |
pubmed_35_9816 | The crucial length scale of dendritic growth is the tip radius. Usually it is determined by fitting the data to a theoretical function. We present a method of a generalized tip radius which is entirely based on geometric considerations and is not dependent on an underlying assumption of the shape of the tip. Furthermore the results are stable and the average change of the tip radius between successive images is less than 6%. | 10.1103/PhysRevE.69.032601 |
pubmed_634_14780 | AIM
This study aims to assess the infection risks of flashlight contamination in a stomatology hospital and compare the disinfection effectiveness of alcohol (75%) and disinfecting wipes.
BACKGROUND
The flashlight is a basic non-critical medical device in oral and maxillofacial surgery wards. Wounds are mostly found in oral cavities; therefore, reusable flashlights may be a potential source of nosocomial infections (NIs). However, the microbial flora present in flashlights used in hospitals has not yet been explored.
METHODS
This study investigated the microbial contamination of 41 flashlights used in a stomatology hospital in Guangzhou in March 2016.
RESULTS
Results indicated that 75.6%(31/41) of the flashlights had microbial contamination. Gram-positive bacteria accounted for 72.7%(24/33)of the microbial groups contaminating the flashlights, and Gram-negative bacteria (21.2%, 7/33), and fungi (6.1%, 2/33) constituted the remaining contaminants. The predominantly isolated species was Staphyloccus (66.7%, 22/33), especially Staphylococcus aureus (24.2%, 8/33). Approximately 77.3% (17/22) of the types of bacteria detected in the hands were same as those in the corresponding flashlights. Both the bacterial overstandard and S. aureus detection rates of doctors' flashlights were higher than those of nurses' flashlights (16/17 vs. 14/23, 7/17 vs. 1/23, respectively) (P < 0.05). Moreover, both disinfectants performed excellently, and their eligibility rates were not significantly different (17/17 vs. 14/14) (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Flashlights are potential causes of NIs. Disinfecting flashlights could be an effective and practical infection control method. | 10.1016/j.ijnss.2017.03.008 |
pubmed_1007_11988 | Optimisation and method validation was assessed here for metabolic profiling analysis of urine samples using UPLC-TOFMS. A longer run time of 31 min revealed greater reproducibility, and the higher number of variables was identified as compared to shortened run times (10 and 26 min). We have also implemented two QC urine samples enabling the assessment of the quality and reproducibility of the data generated during the whole analytical workflow (retention time drift, mass precision and fluctuation of the ion responses over time). Based on the QC data, suitable standards for ensuring consistent analytical results for metabolomics applications using the UPLC-MS techniques are recommended. | 10.1016/j.jchromb.2008.04.034 |
pubmed_880_18408 | Using a comparative analysis of Navajo healing ceremonials, acupuncture and biomedical treatment, this essay examines placebo studies and ritual theory as mutually interpenetrating disciplines. Healing rituals create a receptive person susceptible to the influences of authoritative culturally sanctioned 'powers'. The healer provides the sufferer with imaginative, emotional, sensory, moral and aesthetic input derived from the palpable symbols and procedures of the ritual process-in the process fusing the sufferer's idiosyncratic narrative unto a universal cultural mythos. Healing rituals involve a drama of evocation, enactment, embodiment and evaluation in a charged atmosphere of hope and uncertainty. Experimental research into placebo effects demonstrates that routine biomedical pharmacological and procedural interventions contain significant ritual dimensions. This research also suggests that ritual healing not only represents changes in affect, self-awareness and self-appraisal of behavioural capacities, but involves modulations of symptoms through neurobiological mechanisms. Recent scientific investigations into placebo acupuncture suggest several ways that observations from ritual studies can be verified experimentally. Placebo effects are often described as 'non-specific'; the analysis presented here suggests that placebo effects are the 'specific' effects of healing rituals. | 10.1098/rstb.2010.0385 |
pubmed_612_15440 | Next-generation multi-specific antibody therapeutics (MSATs) are engineered to combine several functional activities into one molecule to provide higher efficacy compared to conventional, mono-specific antibody therapeutics. However, highly engineered MSATs frequently display poor yields and less favorable drug-like properties (DLPs), which can adversely affect their development. Systematic screening of a large panel of MSAT variants in very high throughput (HT) is thus critical to identify potent molecule candidates with good yield and DLPs early in the discovery process. Here we report on the establishment of a novel, format-agnostic platform process for the fast generation and multiparametric screening of tens of thousands of MSAT variants. To this end, we have introduced full automation across the entire value chain for MSAT engineering. Specifically, we have automated the in-silico design of very large MSAT panels such that it reflects precisely the wet-lab processes for MSAT DNA library generation. This includes mass saturation mutagenesis or bulk modular cloning technologies while, concomitantly, enabling library deconvolution approaches using HT Sanger DNA sequencing. These DNA workflows are tightly linked to fully automated downstream processes for compartmentalized mammalian cell transfection expression, and screening of multiple parameters. All sub-processes are seamlessly integrated with tailored workflow supporting bioinformatics. As described here, we used this platform to perform multifactor optimization of a next-generation bispecific, cross-over dual variable domain-Ig (CODV-Ig). Screening of more than 25,000 individual protein variants in mono- and bispecific format led to the identification of CODV-Ig variants with over 1,000-fold increased potency and significantly optimized production titers, demonstrating the power and versatility of the platform. | 10.1080/19420862.2021.1955433 |
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