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pubmed_1081_12252 | The present study aimed to examine associations of the testosterone/estradiol ratio, human leukocyte telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression and telomerase activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with aging and the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD). Telomeres in leukocytes are shorter in individuals with CAD than in healthy individuals of the same age. Levels of sex hormones are related to aging, and the ratio of testosterone to estradiol has been linked to CAD in men. Here we compared younger men (22 ± 2 yr, n = 26), middle-aged men (31 ± 5 yr, n = 35), older men without CAD (60 ± 10 yr, n = 30) and older men with CAD (63 ± 8 yr, n = 30) in terms of testosterone/estradiol ratio, leukocyte telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression, activity of telomerase in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and length of PBMC telomeres. Levels of hTERT mRNA of leukocyte and PBMC telomerase activity were significantly lower in older men than in younger or middle-aged men (p < 0.05). These two parameters, as well as testosterone/estradiol ratio, were significantly lower in older men with CAD than in all the other groups (p < 0.05). The sex hormone ratio correlated significantly with age, hTERT mRNA levels, PBMC telomerase activity and telomere length (p < 0.05). These results support the hypothesis that sex hormone balance is a biomarker of telomerase function, and that both of these parameters change as men age or develop CAD. | 10.1016/j.exger.2018.08.008 |
pubmed_1013_9297 | Introduction
Mouth breathing is one of the most deleterious oral habits with a prevalence of 4%-6% among children. Due to the wide range of comorbidities associated with mouth breathing, early diagnosis and prompt treatment is indispensable. At present, there are very few objective methods available for the diagnosis of mouth breathing. The present study was planned to evaluate a possible correlation between nasal index (NI) and nasal cavity volume (NCV) among nasal and mouth breathers (MB). In addition, the average NCV of nasal and MB was also computed. The foresight of this research was to establish the significance of NI as an objective diagnostic tool for mouth breathing.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted among 8-11-year-old children. The NI was determined using a digital Vernier caliper and NCV was calculated using dolphin imaging.
Results
There was a significant difference in NCV and nasal width (NW) in both groups, but no difference was seen in nasal height and NI. There was no statistically significant correlation between NCV and other parameters in both groups.
Conclusion
The present study was a baseline analysis in this line. Even though this study did not reveal any significant correlation between both parameters, future studies are recommended to explore a plausible correlation. | 10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_372_21 |
pubmed_0_12875 | The paradoxical appearance of aggregated α-synuclein (αsyn) in naive transplanted embryonic stem cells in Parkinson's disease (PD) brains has recently been reported, highlighting the possibility of neuron to neuron transmission of αsyn in PD. Here, we demonstrate in a cellular model the presence of αsyn oligomers in the extracellular space, their uptake by neurons, retrograde axonal transport to cell soma, and detrimental effects on neighboring cells. Moreover, we demonstrate that Hsp70 chaperones αsyn in the extracellular space and reduces extracellular αsyn oligomer formation and related toxicity. These novel findings provide evidence that extracellular αsyn oligomers may represent a crucial player in the propagation of pathology in PD, with their modulation by Hsp70 representing a potential new target for therapeutic interventions. | 10.1096/fj.10-164624 |
pubmed_1132_9767 | Control of the motion of domain walls in magnetic nanowires is at the heart of various recently proposed three-dimensional (3D) memory devices. However, fabricating 3D nanostructures is extremely complicated using standard lithography techniques. Here we show that highly pure 3D magnetic nanowires with aspect-ratios of ~100 can be grown using focused electron-beam-induced-deposition. By combining micromanipulation, Kerr magnetometry and magnetic force microscopy, we determine that the magnetisation reversal of the wires occurs via the nucleation and propagation of domain walls. In addition, we demonstrate that the magnetic switching of individual 3D nanostructures can be directly probed by magneto-optical Kerr effect. | 10.1038/srep01492 |
pubmed_1053_19324 | The aim of the present study was to evaluate the changes in the diurnal rhythm of the hypothalamic beta-endorphin (beta-EP) contents in female rats as a function of circulating estrogens. With this purpose we evaluated the diurnal hypothalamic beta-EP changes (1) during the estrous cycle, and (2) in ovariectomized rats with and without acute and chronic estrogen replacement. Ovariectomized rats were treated either acutely with 10 micrograms of estradiol benzoate (EB) or chronically with 2 micrograms/day of EB for 15 days. beta-EP concentrations were measured in acid extracts of medial basal hypothalamus by a specific radioimmunoassay. During the estrous cycle, hypothalamic beta-EP concentrations showed a significant nocturnal increase, with no difference between the 4 days of the cycle. On the day of estrus, beta-EP concentrations between 12.00 and 18.00 h resulted significantly lower than in the other days of the cycle. After ovariectomy, the night-related changes in hypothalamic beta-EP disappeared. The acute administration of EB induced a significant increase in hypothalamic beta-EP after 21 h (18.00 h). On the other hand, the chronic replacement restored the nocturnal peak of hypothalamic beta-EP (18.00, 21.00, 24.00 h). The present data emphasize the role of central beta-EP in regulating the reproductive functions. Moreover, the effect of estrogen in modulating the circadian changes in hypothalamic beta-EP supports the important role of estrogens in brain function. | 10.1159/000125589 |
pubmed_4_19920 | Iterative algorithms have become increasingly popular in computed tomography (CT) image reconstruction, since they better deal with the adverse image artifacts arising from low radiation dose image acquisition. But iterative methods remain computationally expensive. The main cost emerges in the projection and back projection operations, where accurate CT system modeling can greatly improve the quality of the reconstructed image. We present a framework that improves upon one particular aspect-the accurate projection of the image basis functions. It differs from current methods in that it substitutes the high computational complexity associated with accurate voxel projection by a small number of memory operations. Coefficients are computed in advance and stored in look-up tables parameterized by the CT system's projection geometry. The look-up tables only require a few kilobytes of storage and can be efficiently accelerated on the GPU. We demonstrate our framework with both numerical and clinical experiments and compare its performance with the current state-of-the-art scheme-the separable footprint method. | 10.1109/TMI.2017.2741781 |
pubmed_279_13347 | Previous work suggested a deficiency in the terminal complex of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, cytochrome c oxidase (COX), in platelet mitochondria of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. The present study extends this observation to AD brain mitochondria through assay of electron transport chain activities in mitochondria isolated from autopsied brain samples from AD patients (n = 9) and from controls with and without known neurologic disease (n = 8). AD brain mitochondria demonstrated a generalized depression of activity of all electron transport chain complexes. This depression was most marked in COX activity (p < 0.001). Concentrations of cytochromes b, c1, and aa3 were similar in AD and controls. The electron transport chain is defective in AD brain, and the defect centers about COX. | 10.1212/wnl.44.6.1090 |
pubmed_341_4787 | Escherichia coli cells have been observed earlier to display caspase-3-like protease activity (CLP) and undergo programmed cell death (PCD) when exposed to gamma rays. The presence of an irreversible caspase-3 inhibitor (Ac-DEVD-CMK) during irradiation was observed to increase cell survival. Since radiation is known to induce SOS response, the effect of a caspase-3 inhibitor on SOS response was studied in E. coli. UV, a well-known SOS inducer, was used in the current study. Cell filamentation in E. coli upon UV exposure was found to be inhibited by ninefold in the presence of a caspase-3 inhibitor. CLP activity was found to increase twofold in UV-exposed cells than in control (non-treated) cells. Further, bright fluorescing filaments were observed in UV-exposed E. coli cells treated with FITC-DEVD-FMK, a fluorescent dye tagged with an irreversible caspase-3 inhibitor (DEVD-FMK), indicating the presence of active CLP in these cells. Unlike caspase-3 inhibitor, a serine protease inhibitor, phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), was not found to improve cell survival after UV treatment. Additionally, a SOS reporter system known as SIVET (selectable in vivo expression technology) assay was performed to reconfirm the inhibition of SOS induction in the presence of caspase-3 inhibitor. SIVET assay is used to quantify cells in which the SOS response has been induced leading to a scorable permanent selectable change in the cell. The SIVET induction frequency (calculated as the ratio of SIVET-induced cells to total viable cells) increased around tenfold in UV-exposed cultures. The induction frequency was found to decrease significantly to 51 from 80% in the cells pre-incubated with caspase-3 inhibitor. On the contrary, caspase-3 inhibitor failed to improve cell survival of E. coli ΔrecA and E. coli DM49 (SOS non-inducible) cells post UV treatment. Summing together, the results indicated a possible linkage of SOS response and the PCD process in E. coli. The findings also indicated that functional SOS pathway is required for CLP-like activity; however, the exact mechanism remains to be elucidated. | 10.1007/s10123-019-00060-w |
pubmed_782_2470 | Cancer care has become increasingly specialized and advances in therapy have resulted in a larger number of patients receiving care. There has been a significant increase in the number of patients presenting with cancer related emergencies including treatment toxicities and those directly related to the malignancy. Suspected neutropenic sepsis is an acute medical emergency and empirical antibiotic therapy should be administered immediately. The goal of empirical therapy is to cover the most likely pathogens that will cause life-threatening infections in neutropenic patients. Patients with febrile neutropenia are a heterogeneous group with only a minority of treated patients developing significant medical complications. Outpatient management of low risk febrile neutropenia patients identified by the MASCC score is a safe and effective strategy. Immunotherapy with "checkpoint inhibitors" has significantly improved outcomes for patients with metastatic melanoma and evidence of benefit in a wide range of malignancies is developing. Despite these clinical benefits a number of immune related adverse events have been recognised which can affect virtually all organ systems and are potentially fatal. The timing of the onset of the adverse events is dependent on the organ system affected and unlike anti-neoplastic therapy can be delayed significantly after initiation or completion of therapy. The field of Acute Oncology is changing rapidly. Alongside, the traditional challenge of neutropenic sepsis there are many emerging toxicities. Further research into the optimal management, strategies and pathways of acutely unwell patients with cancer is required. | 10.1016/j.ejim.2017.09.025 |
pubmed_12_16752 | The discovery of the nuclear localization of estradiol and progesterone receptors in the absence of the steroid hormone has led to reconsideration of the model of cytoplasmic to nuclear translocation of these receptors upon exposure to hormone. Unoccupied nonactivated receptors are thought to be weakly bound to nuclei of target cells from which they are leaking during tissue fractionation and thus found in the cytosol fraction of homogenates in a nontransformed heterooligomeric "8-9 S" form, which includes hsp90. However, no direct biochemical evidence has yet been obtained for the presence of such heterooligomers in the target cell nucleus, possibly because it dissociates in high ionic strength medium used for extraction of the nuclear receptor. We took advantage of the combined stabilizing effects of tungstate ions and antiprogestin RU486 to extract a nuclear non-DNA binding nontransformed 8.5 S-RU486-progesterone receptor complex from estradiol-treated immature rabbit uterine explants incubated with the antagonist. As demonstrated by immunological criteria and by irreversible cross-linking with dimethylpimelimidate, the complex contained, in addition to the hormone binding unit, hsp90, and p59, another nonhormone binding protein. Control experiments carried out with the progestin R5020 yielded the expected nuclear transformed DNA binding 4.5 S-R5020-progesterone receptor complex. These results offer evidence for two distinct forms of steroid receptor in target cell nuclei. Besides the classical "4 S" agonist-receptor complex, tightly bound to the DNA-chromatin structure and in all probability able to trigger the hormonal response, we have observed in the RU486-bound state a non-DNA binding nontransformed 8.5 S form, presumably already present in the nucleus in the absence of hormone and representing the native nonactive form of the receptor. | pubmed_12_16752 |
pubmed_563_727 | Background
Although most papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) cases have a good prognosis, some PTCs are more aggressive and are often accompanied by lymph node (LN) metastasis, a high recurrence rate, and poor prognosis. Distinguishing highly invasive metastatic PTC is an urgent problem that needs to be addressed clinically. We analyzed a microarray of metastasized PTC and validated it using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry to identify biomarkers that can be used to assess the risk of PTC metastasis.
Methods
The microarray of metastasized PTC was screened using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differences between cancer and normal tissues were analyzed using the official GEO tool: GEO2R. Gene expression profile data (GEPIA) were used to verify the expression of differential genes in large samples and to analyze their correlation. The Kaplan-Meier plotter (KM-plotter) database was used for the analysis of genes potentially related to survival. RT-qPCR was used to check the expression of risk factor genes in pathological sections from PTC patients with clinical LN metastasis. Immunohistochemistry was used to verify the expression of core risk-associated genes.
Results
Fourteen PTC metastasis-associated genes were identified. In metastasized PTC, CLDN1, LRP4, LRRK2, and TENM1 were highly expressed, whereas DIO1, DPP6, HGD, IPCEF1, MT1F, SLC26A4, SLC26A7, SPX, TFF3, and TPO were expressed at low levels, compared to expression in normal tissues. DIO1, HGD, SLC26A4, and TPO were found to be the core risk genes in the PTC metastatic risk set. Results based on clinical samples showed that the expression differences for metastasis risk-associated genes were consistent with the bioinformatics analysis results.
Conclusions
Fourteen differentially expressed genes (CLDN1, LRP4, LRRK2, TENM1, DIO1, DPP6, HGD, IPCEF1, MT1F, SLC26A4, SLC26A7, SPX, TFF3, TPO) are associated with an increased risk of PTC metastasis, and DIO1, HGD, SLC26A4, and TPO are the key risk-associated genes in this set that might affect the occurrence and development of PTC through iodine metabolism. These genes could provide a reference for clinical metastatic PTC risk evaluation and treatment. | 10.3389/fendo.2022.991906 |
pubmed_202_16349 | 5-Hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5HPETE) has been recently reported to play an important role in regulating and modulating neutrophil function. In order to clarify the mechanism of neutrophil activation by 5HPETE, we have measured the cytosolic free calcium, which is thought to be necessary for neutrophil activation using fura-2-loaded human neutrophils. Low concentration of 5HPETE, which is thought to be produced during cell activation, had minimal effect on cytosolic free calcium by itself but dose-dependently augmented FMLP-stimulated increase in cytosolic free calcium in the presence or absence of extracellular calcium without converting to LTB4. 5HPETE had no effect on 3H-FMLP binding to human neutrophils. The present data suggested that 5HPETE would augment FMLP-stimulated increase in cytosolic free calcium by enhancing the influx of extracellular calcium and/or the release of calcium from intracellular pool, which resulted in augmentation of neutrophil activation by primary agonist such as FMLP. | 10.1007/BF01987900 |
pubmed_789_7671 | Pinin (pnn), a nuclear and desmosome-associated SR-like protein, has been shown to play multiple roles in cell adhesion, transcriptional regulation, pre-mRNA splicing and mRNA export. Because of the embryonic lethality of pnn-deficient mice, here we used the zebrafish system to investigate the functions of pnn. Injection of morpholinos into zebrafish to knockdown pnn resulted in several obvious defective phenotypes, such as short body, bent tail, and an abnormal pigment distribution pattern. Moreover, aberrant blood vessels were formed, and most of the cartilages of pharyngeal arches 3-7 were reduced or absent in pnn morphants. Because most of the defects manifested by pnn morphants were reminiscent of those caused by neural crest-derived malformation, we investigated the effects of pnn deficiency in the development of neural crest cells. Neural crest induction and specification were not hindered in pnn morphants, as revealed by normal expression of early crest gene, sox10. However, the morphants failed to express the pre-chondrogenic gene, sox9a, in cells populating the posterior pharyngeal arches. The reduction of chondrogenic precursors resulted from inhibition of proliferation of neural crest cells, but not from cellular apoptosis or premature differentiation in pnn morphants. These data demonstrate that pnn is essential for the maintenance of subsets of neural crest cells, and that in zebrafish proper cranial neural crest proliferation and differentiation are dependent on pnn expression. | 10.1007/s00418-012-0950-3 |
pubmed_499_18404 | Coronary artery disease is thought to be responsible for up to 60%-80% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The utility of Computed Tomography (CT) chest when it comes to identifying acute coronary occlusion in patients following an arrest has not been studied. We evaluated whether myocardial perfusion on a contrast-enhanced chest CT performed for a non-cardiac cause can predict culprit coronary occlusion as the cause of cardiac arrest and if the absence of a perfusion defect can exclude an ischemic etiology. A retrospective cohort of 53 consecutive patients presenting with VT or VF arrest and successful resuscitation who had contrast chest CT before angiography were identified. CT scans were reviewed for myocardial perfusion defects by a cardiologist and radiologist blinded to angiogram findings. CT results were then compared with angiograms. On coronary angiography, 22 (42%) of the patients presenting with out-of-hospital arrest had critical stenosis. Sensitivity and specificity of perfusion defect on CT in identifying critical stenosis on catheterization was 0.45, 95% CI [0.24, 0.68] and 0.77, 95% CI [59%, 90%], respectively. The positive likelihood ratio was 2.01 (0.91, 4.46) and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.70 (0.46, 1.08). The diagnostic accuracy was 64.2%. Our study did not show much utility for the use of myocardial perfusion defect on an incidental pre-angiography contrast chest CT to predict acute thrombotic occlusion in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients. However, this shouldn't discourage further studies evaluating the utility of contrast-enhanced CT images in predicting acute coronary occlusion. | 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2022.101276 |
pubmed_135_6379 | During the last two years, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has led to millions of deaths worldwide, with a devastating socio-economic impact on a global scale. The scientific community's focus has recently shifted towards the association of the T cell immunological repertoire with COVID-19 progression and severity, by utilising T cell receptor sequencing (TCR-Seq) assays. The Multiplexed Identification of T cell Receptor Antigen (MIRA) dataset, which is a subset of the immunoACCESS study, provides thousands of TCRs that can specifically recognise SARS-CoV-2 epitopes. Our study proposes a novel Machine Learning (ML)-assisted approach for analysing TCR-Seq data from the antigens' point of view, with the ability to unveil key antigens that can accurately distinguish between MIRA COVID-19-convalescent and healthy individuals based on differences in the triggered immune response. Some SARS-CoV-2 antigens were found to exhibit equal levels of recognition by MIRA TCRs in both convalescent and healthy cohorts, leading to the assumption of putative cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious agents. This hypothesis was tested by combining MIRA with other public TCR profiling repositories that host assays and sequencing data concerning a plethora of pathogens. Our study provides evidence regarding putative cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 and a wide spectrum of pathogens and diseases, with M. tuberculosis and Influenza virus exhibiting the highest levels of cross-reactivity. These results can potentially shift the emphasis of immunological studies towards an increased application of TCR profiling assays that have the potential to uncover key mechanisms of cell-mediated immune response against pathogens and diseases. | 10.3390/biology11101531 |
pubmed_292_9792 | BACKGROUND
Our knowledge of allergen structure and function continues to rise and new scientific data on the homology and cross-reactivity of allergen sources should be considered to extend the work of Lorenz et al., 2009 (Int Arch Allergy Immunol. 148(1):1-1, 2009) and the concept of homologous groups. In addition to this, sophisticated techniques such as mass spectrometry (MS) are increasingly utilised to better characterise the complex mix and nature of allergen extracts.
METHODS
Homology models were used of Fag s 1 (Beech) and Cyn d 1 (Bermuda grass) and compared with template crystal structures of Bet v 1 and Phl p 1 from the 'exemplar' species of Birch and Timothy grass, respectively. ELISA experiments were performed to assess cross-reactivity of Beech (tree) and Bermuda (grass) extracts to rabbit sera raised to either "3-Tree" (Birch, Alder and Hazel) extract or "Grass" (12-grass mix extract), respectively. The comparability of biochemical stability of different allergen sources was assessed through statistical methods for a range of tree and grass species.
RESULTS
Allergen cross-reactivity and/or structural homology have been described providing justification for inclusion of Beech within the Birch homologous tree group. Data from Bermuda grass (Cyn d 1) provides further justification for the inclusion of this species into the homologous group of the sweet grasses. However, further characterisation of relevant allergens from Bermuda grass and, in particular, comparison of cross-reactive patterns between subjects specifically in areas with high abundance of both Pooideae and Chloridoideae is sought.
CONCLUSION
MS allows the possibility to identify individual proteins or allergens from complex mixes by mass and/or sequence, and this has been extensively applied to the allergen field. New data on the homology, cross-reactivity and biological parameters of allergen sources have been considered to extend the work of Lorenz et al., 2009 in the context of tree and grass species. The concept of homologous groups is certainly dynamic allowing the flexibility and potential in streamlining quality parameters, such as stability profiles, due to extrapolation of exemplar data to a wider range of allergens. | 10.1186/s40413-015-0069-9 |
pubmed_515_11498 | The use of the binary "blend" of MeCO(2)(-)/pdmH(2) ligands (pdmH(2) = pyridine-2,6-dimethanol) in copper(II) chemistry has provided access to a compound consisting of discrete linear Cu(II)(3) and cubane Cu(II)(4) clusters. The complicated magnetic behavior of the Cu(II)(3) + Cu(II)(4) complex was clarified and interpreted through the designed synthesis of the individual Cu(II)(4) component; a unique 1D (Cu(II)(5))(n) compound containing a Cu(II)(3) subunit, which is structurally similar to the trinuclear cluster in the Cu(II)(3) + Cu(II)(4) compound, was also isolated and structurally characterized. | 10.1021/ic900188k |
pubmed_175_16316 | BACKGROUND
The population of adult patients with early-treated phenylketonuria (PKU) following newborn screening is growing substantially. The ideal target range of blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels in adults outside pregnancy is a matter of debate. Therefore, prospective intervention studies are needed to evaluate the effects of an elevated Phe concentration on cognition and structural, functional, and neurometabolic parameters of the brain.
METHODS
The PICO (Phenylalanine and Its Impact on Cognition) Study evaluates the effect of a 4-week Phe load on cognition and cerebral parameters in adults with early-treated PKU in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover, noninferiority trial.
PARTICIPANTS
Thirty adult patients with early-treated PKU and 30 healthy controls comparable to patients with regard to age, sex, and educational level will be recruited from the University Hospitals Bern and Zurich, Switzerland. Patients are eligible for the study if they are 18 years of age or older and had PKU diagnosed after a positive newborn screening and were treated with a Phe-restricted diet starting within the first 30 days of life.
INTERVENTION
The cross-over intervention consists of 4-week oral Phe or placebo administration in patients with PKU. The study design mimics a Phe-restricted and a Phe-unrestricted diet using a double-blinded, placebo-controlled approach.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of the PICO Study is to prospectively assess whether a temporarily elevated Phe level influences cognitive performance (working memory assessed with a n-back task) in adults with early-treated PKU. As a secondary objective, the PICO Study will elucidate the cerebral (fMRI, neural activation during a n-back task; rsfMRI, functional connectivity at rest; DTI, white matter integrity; and ASL, cerebral blood flow) and neurometabolic mechanisms (cerebral Phe level) that accompany changes in Phe concentration. Cognition, and structural and functional parameters of the brain of adult patients with early-treated PKU will be cross-sectionally compared to healthy controls. All assessments will take place at the University Hospital Bern, Switzerland.
RANDOMIZATION
Central randomization will be used to assign participants to the different treatment arms with age, sex, and center serving as the stratification factors. Randomization lists will be generated by an independent statistician. Blinding: All trial personnel other than the statistician generating the randomization list and the personnel at the facility preparing the interventional product are blinded to the assigned treatment.
DISCUSSION
Using a combination of neuropsychological and neuroimaging data, the PICO Study will considerably contribute to improve the currently insufficient level of evidence on how adult patients with early-treated PKU should be managed.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
The study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03788343) on the 27th of December 2018, at kofam.ch (SNCTP000003117) on the 17th of December 2018, and on the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform of the WHO. | 10.1186/s13063-019-4022-z |
pubmed_428_20972 | Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are glycoconjugates bearing heparan sulfate (HS) chains covalently attached to core proteins, which are ubiquitously distributed on the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix. HSPGs interact with a number of molecules mainly through HS chains, which play critical roles in diverse physiological and disease processes. Among these, recent vertebrate studies showed that HSPGs are closely involved in synapse development and function. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Genetic studies from fruit flies, Drosophila melanogaster, have begun to reveal the molecular mechanisms by which HSPGs regulate synapse formation at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). In this review, we introduce Drosophila studies showing how HSPGs regulate various signaling pathways in developing NMJs. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Neuro-glycoscience, edited by Kenji Kadomatsu and Hiroshi Kitagawa. | 10.1016/j.bbagen.2017.06.015 |
pubmed_1036_6872 | The interaction between DNA and cationic gemini surfactant trimethylene-1, 3-bis (dodecyldimethylammonium bromide) (12-3-12) has been investigated by the measurements of fluorescence, surface tension, UV spectrum and circular dichroism (CD). Micelle-like structure of 12-3-12 induced by DNA appears at critical aggregation concentration (CAC), which is much lower than critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 12-3-12 in DNA-free solution. CAC is independent of DNA concentration, but the CMC of the mixed solutions of DNA and 12-3-12(CMC(mix)) increases with the increasing of DNA concentration. The surface tensions of the mixed system are higher than that of the pure surfactant solution, much different from the so-called synergistic lowering of the surface tension for other polymer-surfactant systems. Phase separation occurs after the neutralization point and the precipitate redissolves with superfluous 12-3-12. Cationic surfactant 12-3-12 can exclude ethidium bromide (EB) from the DNA/EB complex, and this process does not depend on the DNA concentration but on the charge ratio of 12-3-12 to DNA. The binding constant of EB to DNA decreases sharply at the charge ratio from 0.5 to 1.0. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra show that DNA undergoes a conformational transition from native B-form to chiral psi-phase with increasing of 12-3-12. | 10.1016/j.bpc.2008.09.014 |
pubmed_359_12027 | Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of tyrosine to L-DOPA and is the rate limiting step in catecholamine biosynthesis, is genetically expressed during development in Drosophila. Null mutant alleles of the single copy gene which codes for this enzyme are developmentally lethal as is a conditional TH mutant at its restrictive temperature. In adult flies, inhibition of TH by alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (alphaMT) decreases locomotor activity in a dose-dependent manner. This behavioral effect is accompanied by reductions in brain levels of dopamine, the primary CNS catecholamine in Drosophila, and can be prevented by the coadministration of L-DOPA. Similar effects are found with reserpine and at the restrictive temperature in flies with a temperature conditional mutation for TH. In agreement with published studies in mammals, inhibition of TH by alphaMT during Drosophila development results in enhanced expression of this enzyme in the progeny of surviving adults. This biochemical outcome is accompanied behaviorally by increased sensitivity to the locomotor effects of both alphaMT and reserpine, drugs which act via depletion of brain catecholamines. Since TH is the rate limiting enzyme responsible for the conversion of tyrosine to L-DOPA and L-DOPA is converted to dopamine by aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AAAD), the results indicate that depletion of catecholamine levels in the fly embryo results in increased dopamine biosynthesis in the next generation accompanied by alterations in behavior. | 10.1016/j.pbb.2005.06.008 |
pubmed_494_23679 | The following statement was filed by the author with the Joint Commission to point out the flaws and potential adverse consequences of combining the disciplines of Safety and Security in a consolidated Environment of Care Standard. | pubmed_494_23679 |
pubmed_937_14524 | AIM
To make new criteria of serum lipid levels in current Japanese children using the large nationwide data provided from Japan Association of Health Service for the analysis.
METHODS
The subjects were schoolchildren who received screening and care programs for lifestyle related diseases since 1993-1999. Serum total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) and triglyceride (TG) levels were measured, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) levels were calculated. Serum lipid levels were analyzed by age and sex. For each serum lipid, we extracted age- and sex-specific group which the mean value was not statistically different from that in 1999 by Student's t-test analysis.
RESULTS
The level below the 75th percentile was defined to be acceptable, from the 75th to 95th to be borderline and over the 95th to be high in TC/LDLC. The level below the fifth percentile in HDLC was defined to be low and the level over the 95th percentile in TG to be high. Therefore, TC level was categorized as follows: acceptable < 190 mg/dL; borderline 190-219 mg/dL; and high > 220 mg/dL. The LDLC level was also categorized into: acceptable < 110 mg/dL; borderline 110-139 mg/dL; and high > 140 mg/dL. The cut-off value in TG was determined to be 140 mg/dL and in HDLC was 40 mg/dL.
CONCLUSIONS
This new criteria should prove valuable in health strategies for rational prevention and intervention in children. It should be emphasized to provide some intervention for Japanese children immediately. | 10.1046/j.1442-200x.2002.01634.x |
pubmed_435_21581 | We investigated whether there are similar serum alterations in schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (MDD). We investigated serum analytes in two epidemiological studies on schizophrenia (N = 121) and MDD (N = 1172) versus controls. Serum analytes (N = 109) were measured with a multi-analyte profiling platform and analysed using linear regression models, adjusted for site, age, gender, ethnicity, anti-inflammatory agents, smoking, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and adjusted for multiple comparisons. An increase in leptin and insulin levels was observed for both schizophrenia patients (Cohen's d (d): 0.26 and 0.65, respectively) and MDD patients (d: 0.29 and 0.12, respectively) compared to their respective controls. Lower angiopoietin-2 levels were seen in both schizophrenia (d: -0.22) and MDD (d: -0.13). Four analytes differed in only schizophrenia patients (increased levels of C-peptide and prolactin, and decreased levels of CD5 antigen-like and sex hormone binding globulin) and one analyte differed in only MDD patients (increased angiotensinogen levels) compared to their respective controls. Restricting analyses to patients with a current episode of disease showed even more marked elevations of insulin and leptin. Our results suggest the presence of insulin and leptin resistance as cross-disorder mechanisms that could contribute to the higher somatic comorbidity and decreased life-span seen in both disorders. | 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2019.05.010 |
pubmed_637_9147 | OBJECTIVE
to explore nurse-midwives understanding of their role in and ability to continue to provide routine and emergency maternity services during the time of the Ebola virus disease epidemic in Sierra Leone.
DESIGN
a hermenuetic phenomenological approach was used to discover the lived experiences of nurse-midwives through 66 face to face interviews. Following verbatim transcription, an iterative approach to data analysis was adopted using framework analysis to discover the essence of the lived experience.
SETTING
health facilities designated to provide maternity care across all 14 districts of Sierra Leone.
PARTICIPANTS
nurses, midwives, medical staff and managers providing maternal and newborn care during the Ebola epidemic in facilities designated to provide basic or emergency obstetric care.
FINDINGS
the healthcare system in Sierra Leone was ill prepared to cope with the epidemic. Fear of Ebola and mistrust kept women from accessing care at a health facility. Healthcare providers continued to provide maternity care because of professional duty, responsibility to the community and religious beliefs.
KEY CONCLUSIONS
nurse-midwives faced increased risks of catching Ebola compared to other health workers but continued to provide essential maternity care.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
future preparedness plans must take into account the impact that epidemics have on the ability of the health system to continue to provide vital routine and emergency maternal and newborn health care. Healthcare providers need to have a stronger voice in health system rebuilding and planning and management to ensure that health service can continue to provide vital maternal and newborn care during epidemics. | 10.1016/j.midw.2017.05.009 |
pubmed_1077_22558 | BACKGROUND
Drivers in public transportation are at risk of experiencing potential traumatic events such as accidents involving persons, collisions, or suicides. In this context, the question arises to what extent psychological traumatization and posttraumatic diseases occur.
PURPOSE
The aim of this systematic review was to describe the frequency and nature of work-related posttraumatic disorders, to analyze risk and prognostic factors after potentially traumatic events (accidents resulting in damage to property and/or in injury or death), and address sick leave after such events in the realm of public transportation, based on the available literature.
METHODS
Systematic review based on four databases (PubMed, PSYNDEX/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, PILOTS) between 1980 and June 2013.
RESULTS
We identified seven studies (four longitudinal, three cross-sectional) that examine employees after person under train (PUT) events. PTSD prevalences varied broadly between 0.7 and 17 %. The same applies to dysthymia/neurotic depression (1-26 %). However, similarly low prevalences of major depression (1.3-2.8 %) and panic disorder (0.5-1.3 %) have been observed. Risk factors of PTSD comprised individual, work-related, event-related, and prognostic aspects. Following the traumatic event, a total of 69-81 % of the drivers were absent, and if sick leave occurs, this was on average 3-19 days.
CONCLUSIONS
It became evident that drivers in public transportation run a high risk of sick leave. It was also striking that despite the immense impact of PUT and high number of suicides, only an infinitesimal number of studies exists. Due to various differences (period of follow-up, instrument of measurement and study period), it turned out that the comparability of the results of the studies is limited. For various reasons, further research is urgently needed, as from an occupational health point of view the issue of posttraumatic diseases and implications for fitness for service should be addressed. | 10.1007/s00420-014-0980-3 |
pubmed_326_2984 | RNA polymerase of influenza virus with the subunit structure PB1-PB2-PA is involved in both transcription and replication of the genome RNA. The RNA polymerase with transcription activity was reconstituted from three P proteins, which were separately isolated from insect cells infected with recombinant baculoviruses, each carrying cDNA for one P protein. Nuclear extracts of the insect cells infected with each of the recombinant baculoviruses or various combinations of these viruses were examined for transcription and replication activities. The nuclear extract of cells expressing all three P proteins catalyzed model template-directed RNA synthesis in the absence of primers (an indication of RNA replication), supporting the notion that the complete set of three P proteins is required for RNA replication. All the nuclear extracts containing the PB1 subunit, including the extract containing PB1 alone, were able to catalyze model template-directed dinucleotide-primed RNA synthesis (an indication of transcription). These observations not only confirm that the PB1 protein is a catalytic subunit of influenza virus RNA polymerase, but also indicate that PB1 alone is able to catalyze RNA synthesis in the absence of PB2 and PA subunits. | 10.1007/BF01718315 |
pubmed_370_448 | Six different serological tests were used to examine Kenyan cattle sera for antibodies to the herpesvirus of malignant catarrhal fever. Significantly higher levels of indirect immunofluorescent antibody to early and late virus antigens and of complement fixing antibody were found in the sera of 13 naturally infected cattle than in 482 sera collected from four different groups of normal cattle. Virus neutralising and immunoprecipitating antibodies were also found in some infected cattle sera but not in normal cattle sera. Many non-specific reactions occurred using counterimmunoelectrophoresis. These preliminary results indicate that the serological diagnosis of wildebeest-associated malignant catarrhal fever may be possible. | pubmed_370_448 |
pubmed_37_7067 | BACKGROUND
Glutamate plays a central position in the synthesis of a variety of organic molecules in plants and is synthesised from nitrate through a series of enzymatic reactions. Glutamate synthases catalyse the last step in this pathway and two types are present in plants: NADH- or ferredoxin-dependent. Here we report a genome wide microarray analysis of the transcriptional reprogramming that occurs in leaves and roots of the A. thaliana mutant glu1-2 knocked-down in the expression of Fd-GOGAT1 (GLU1; At5g04140), one of the two genes of A. thaliana encoding ferredoxin-dependent glutamate synthase.
RESULTS
Transcriptional profiling of glu1-2 revealed extensive changes with the expression of more than 5500 genes significantly affected in leaves and nearly 700 in roots. Both genes involved in glutamate biosynthesis and transformation are affected, leading to changes in amino acid compositions as revealed by NMR metabolome analysis. An elevated glutamine level in the glu1-2 mutant was the most prominent of these changes. An unbiased analysis of the gene expression datasets allowed us to identify the pathways that constitute the secondary response of an FdGOGAT1/GLU1 knock-down. Among the most significantly affected pathways, photosynthesis, photorespiratory cycle and chlorophyll biosynthesis show an overall downregulation in glu1-2 leaves. This is in accordance with their slight chlorotic phenotype. Another characteristic of the glu1-2 transcriptional profile is the activation of multiple stress responses, mimicking cold, heat, drought and oxidative stress. The change in expression of genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis is also revealed. The expression of a substantial number of genes encoding stress-related transcription factors, cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, glutathione S-transferases and UDP-glycosyltransferases is affected in the glu1-2 mutant. This may indicate an induction of the detoxification of secondary metabolites in the mutant.
CONCLUSIONS
Analysis of the glu1-2 transcriptome reveals extensive changes in gene expression profiles revealing the importance of Fd-GOGAT1, and indirectly the central role of glutamate, in plant development. Besides the effect on genes involved in glutamate synthesis and transformation, the glu1-2 mutant transcriptome was characterised by an extensive secondary response including the downregulation of photosynthesis-related pathways and the induction of genes and pathways involved in the plant response to a multitude of stresses. | 10.1186/1471-2164-11-190 |
pubmed_963_16441 | As a school district employee, the child psychiatrist can offer valuable school consultations at multiple levels as an "insider." The access to teamwork within the district system is particularly empowering and advantageous. This article outlines the richness and variety of school consultative opportunities within the school district. | pubmed_963_16441 |
pubmed_720_10454 | PURPOSE
To investigate the effect of accelerated corneal cross-linking (CXL) on epithelial thickness change and refractive outcome after myopic transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TPRK).
METHODS
This study compared epithelial thickness changes in 49 patients undergoing TPRK-CXL with 49 patients undergoing TPRK who were matched for age and refractive error. Corneal epithelial thickness, obtained using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively, was compared between the groups. Regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between changes in epithelial thickness and keratometric power. Factors affecting myopic regression (> 0.50 diopters] were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS
For TPRK, the mean epithelial thickness of the center (2-mm diameter), paracenter (2- to 5-mm diameter), and pericenter (5- to 6-mm diameter) increased by 6.5 ± 3.1, 7.0 ± 2.9, and 4.9 ± 2.9 µm, respectively; increases of 4.8 ± 3.0, 5.9 ± 2.8, and 4.8 ± 2.7 µm were observed following TPRK-CXL, indicating a significant difference in the center (P = .013). Epithelial thickness increased linearly to the magnitude of myopic correction and was negatively correlated with the optical zone diameter of ablation. Change in epithelial thickness showed a linear correlation with the change in keratometric power between 1 and 12 months postoperatively, indicating regression in eyes following TPRK. Corneal epithelial thickening was significantly associated with myopic regression and simultaneous CXL tended to reduce the risk of regression.
CONCLUSIONS
TPRK-CXL induces less epithelial hyperplasia than does TPRK, presumably owing to the effect of CXL, and the magnitude of epithelial thickening seemed to be associated with myopic regression. [J Refract Surg. 2019;35(6):354-361.]. | 10.3928/1081597X-20190422-01 |
pubmed_715_11685 | Several functional genetic variants that can potentially modulate the activity of NFkappaB have been recently described. As reduced NFkappaB activity has been implicated in risk for autoimmune diabetes in the NOD mouse, these variants were tested for allelic association with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in a family based study. Alleles at markers in the TAB2/SUMO4 locus on chromosome 6q had been previously reported to be associated with T1D in two separate studies, but these studies disagreed on the identity of the risk allele. The current study failed to confirm either of these results. No significant evidence of association with T1D was obtained for three SNP markers in the TAB2/SUMO4 region. An additional functional variant in the promoter of the NFKB1 gene that has been shown to directly affect the expression of NFkappaB was also tested. | 10.1038/sj.gene.6364174 |
pubmed_453_14028 | Erythrocyte membrane fluidity and membrane potential were measured in patients suffering from coronary heart disease (CHD) and treated with perindopril. Membrane fluidity was determined using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and membrane potential was evaluated using potential-sensitive fluorescent dyes. CHD does not change membrane fluidity at the depth of the 5 carbon in the fatty acid chain of membrane phospholipids. However the hydrophobic core of the membrane is altered in CHD. For 19 CHD patients, the correlation times tau B and tau C of a spin label 16DS were higher than for controls: tau B = (1.84 +/- 0.04) x 10(-9) s and tau C = (2.54 +/- 0.04) x 10(-9) s vs. tau B = (1.62 +/- 0.06) x 10(-9) s; and tau C = (2.24 +/- 0.07) x 10(-9) s (results given as mean +/- SEM). Such results indicate the increased microviscosity in hydrophobic regions of CHD erythrocyte membranes in comparison with controls. Perindopril therapy partly abolished these changes. The membrane potential of CHD red blood cells -17.89 +/- 1.36 mV was higher than the control value -9.83 +/- 0.59 mV. Perindopril treatment shifted the membrane potential value to -13.45 +/- 0.99 mV when measured after a single dose of the drug, or even depolarized the membrane after 7 days of therapy -4.95 +/- 0.73 mV. It is concluded that the erythrocyte membrane is more rigid and hyperpolarized in CHD, and perindopril therapy partly abolishes these changes as early as 3 h after administration. | pubmed_453_14028 |
pubmed_352_13563 | The assessment and prevention of potentially adverse neurologic consequences of boxing requires two important considerations. Acute neurologic injuries should be distinguished from chronic brain injuries and the level of competitive boxing (ie, amateur vs professional) must also be taken into account. Acute neurologic injuries such as concussion, post-concussion syndrome, intracranial hemorrhage, and brain contusion are more readily identified than chronic neurologic injuries because of their immediate devastation of the nervous system. In contrast, chronic neurologic injuries differ in their pathophysiologic mechanisms that are exemplified by an insidious onset and progression after the cessation of boxing. Accordingly, the chronic traumatic encephalopathy of boxing poses the most serious neurologic threat of boxing. Amateur boxing differs from professional boxing in the duration of fights, rules and regulatory policies, medical evaluation, and protective devices. These factors could produce a differential effect on the risk of injury to the brain. The prevention of neurologic injuries in boxing requires the integration of proper neurologic evaluation by qualified ring-side physicians, the design and utilization of effective protective devices, and the establishment of national regulatory agencies. | 10.1001/archneur.1987.00520160083020 |
pubmed_780_9744 | Ten male and ten female young adults trained the knee extensors of one leg eccentrically and those of the other concentrically for 6 weeks, using a gymnasium leg-extension machine. Before and after training, both legs of each subject were tested isometrically for maximum voluntary knee-extensor force, and in both eccentric and concentric isokinetic modes at 30-250 degrees x s(-1) All limbs showed improvements in mean eccentric force (ranging from 18% in the concentrically trained legs of the females to 31% in the eccentrically trained legs of the males, P < 0.01-0.001). Upward trends in isometric and concentric forces were smaller and less- or nonsignificant. In three of the four groups, mean eccentric forces after training were significantly greater than mean isometric forces, a difference that was not evident before training. Ten further subjects of each gender, not trained but tested isometrically and isokinetically three times in 2 weeks, showed no significant improvement over the series of tests. The explanation suggested is that the increased percentage activation ("decreased inhibition"), often regarded as the main mechanism of strength gain in the early weeks of training, had been displayed particularly in the subjects' eccentric performance. This implies that the activation-shortfall, which is reduced by the initial phase of strength training, is largely or completely the same as that responsible for the fact that untrained, voluntary eccentric force is less than that of isolated muscle. | 10.1007/s004210000221 |
pubmed_159_818 | An increased risk of gastric cancer for pickled vegetable and salted fish intake has been suggested, yet the lack of a dose-response association warrants a quantitative analysis. We conducted a meta-analysis, combining results from our analysis of two large Korean cohort studies and those from previous prospective cohort studies. We investigated the association of pickled vegetable and salted fish intake with gastric cancer in the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study and the Korean Multi-center Cancer Cohort Study using Cox proportional hazard models. We then searched for observational studies published until November 2019 and conducted both dose-response and categorical meta-analyses. The pooled relative risk (RR) of gastric cancer incidence was 1.15 (95% Confidence Interval (CI), 1.07-1.23) for 40 g/day increment in pickled vegetable intake in a dose-response manner (P for nonlinearity = 0.11). As for salted fish intake, the pooled risk of gastric cancer incidence was 1.17 (95% CI, 0.99-1.38) times higher, comparing the highest to the lowest intake. Our findings supported the evidence that high intake of pickled vegetable and salted fish is associated with elevated risk of gastric cancer incidence. | 10.3390/cancers12040996 |
pubmed_236_21922 | The computed tomography (CT) scans of 100 adult Chinese patients 18-60 years of age were studied to provide osteometric data on the Asian lumbar spine. The study population was composed of 63 men and 37 women. A total of 29 parameters were measured from each vertebral level. All the data were statistically analyzed for differences between men and women and left and right sides for paired structures. The data then were compared with data for white individuals where available. The results show that for Asians there is a significant sex difference (p < 0.001) for vertebral body and disk dimensions but not for the posterior elements or spinal canal. Compared with white individuals, Asians have a smaller vertebral body and a different spinal canal shape, with the lower part of the canal in relation to the vertebral body being narrowest. Such findings are of significance to the radiologist, to the surgeon, and in the design of instruments and implants for the Asian lumbar spine. | pubmed_236_21922 |
pubmed_978_4703 | HIV particles were usually seen on the surface of established lymphoid cells derived from AIDS patients or on CEM cells infected with HIV, and sometimes in cytoplasmic vacuoles. The virus particles were formed by a budding process from the plasma membrane of an infected cell. The budding particles were of a doughnut form. Various profiles of virus particles were seen extracellularly: type 1 had a bar-shaped, electron-dense core, type 2 had a central and type 3 an eccentric electron-dense round core, type 4 was doughnut-shaped, and type 5 had a layered core. However, projection patterns of the AIDS virus model suggested that type 1, 2 and 3 particles are similar. Therefore, the AIDS virus may be one of three main types: with or without a dense core, and with a layered core. It is thought that a particle with a layered core and a doughnut-type particle may be immature viruses. | 10.1002/jemt.1060120205 |
pubmed_565_22691 | A new series of aromatic benzenesulfonamides incorporating 1,3,5-triazine moieties in their molecules is reported. This series was obtained by reaction of cyanuric chloride with sulfanilamide, homosulfanilamide or 4-aminoethylbenzenesulfonamide. The prepared dichlorotriazinyl-benzenesulfonamides were subsequently derivatized by reacting them with various nucleophiles, such as ammonia, hydrazine, primary and secondary amines, amino acid derivatives or phenol. The library of sulfonamides incorporating triazinyl moieties was tested for the inhibition of three physiologically relevant carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) isozymes, the cytosolic hCA I and II, and the transmembrane, tumour-associated hCA IX. The new compounds inhibited hCA I with inhibition constants in the range of 31-8500 nM, hCA II with inhibition constants in the range of 14-765 nM and hCA IX with inhibition constants in the range of 1.0-640 nM. Structure-activity relationship was straightforward and rather simple in this class of CA inhibitors, with the compounds incorporating compact moieties at the triazine ring (such as amino, hydrazino, ethylamino, dimethylamino or amino acyl) being the most active ones, and the derivatives incorporating such bulky moieties (n-propyl, n-butyl, diethylaminoethyl, piperazinylethyl, pyridoxal amine or phenoxy) being less effective hCA I, II and IX inhibitors. Some of the new derivatives also showed selectivity for inhibition of hCA IX over hCA II (selectivity ratios of 23.33-32.00), thus constituting excellent leads for the development of novel approaches for the management of hypoxic tumours. | 10.1016/j.bmcl.2005.04.056 |
pubmed_540_23080 | BACKGROUND
Gastrointestinal manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appear to be substantial. Fecal calprotectin is a promising biomarker in COVID-19 associated gastrointestinal inflammation; however, its role in the severity of COVID-19 remains limited. We conducted a study to analyze the relationship between the severity of COVID-19 and hypoxic intestinal damage.
METHODS
We assessed the severity of 44 hospitalized COVID-19 pneumonia patients based on the PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio. Inflammatory markers were measured from blood samples, and fecal calprotectin was obtained from stool samples.
RESULTS
Median levels of fecal calprotectin in COVID-19 patients involved in this study (n = 44) were found to be markedly elevated along with the severity of hypoxemia, as seen in the non-acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) group 21.4 µg/g (5.2-120.9), mild ARDS 54.30 µg/g (5.2-1393.7), moderate ARDS 169.6 µg/g (43.4-640.5), and severe ARDS 451.6 µg/g (364.5-538.6). We also found significant differences in fecal calprotectin levels based on the severity of ARDS (P < 0.001), and although the patients were divided into ARDS and non-ARDS groups (P < 0.001). Furthermore, we found a strong negative correlation between the P/F ratio and fecal calprotectin levels (r = - 0.697, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Our findings support the potential role of fecal calprotectin as a biomarker of intestinal inflammation in COVID-19 as a consequence of hypoxic intestinal damage and as suggested by the reduced P/F ratio. | 10.1186/s13099-022-00507-y |
pubmed_926_19843 | BACKGROUND
Adverse drug reactions are a major cause of hospital admissions in older individuals, with the majority potentially preventable. Despite the apparent magnitude of this problem, little is known about rates of repeat admission to hospital as a result of adverse drug reactions.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study were to investigate the occurrence of repeat adverse drug reaction-related hospital admissions in elderly patients within 12 months of an adverse drug reaction-related admission to a medical ward and whether a validated adverse drug reaction score could be useful in identifying patients at higher risk of a repeat adverse drug reaction-related hospitalisation.
METHODS
This retrospective study followed elderly participants who were hospitalised with an adverse drug reaction from our earlier study [the PADR-EC (Prediction of Hospitalization due to Adverse Drug Reactions in Elderly Community-Dwelling Patients) study] to identify repeat adverse drug reaction-related hospital admissions within 12 months of discharge. The PADR-EC score is the sum of points assigned to five significant predictors of adverse drug reaction-related hospitalisation: antihypertensive use, renal failure, dementia, inappropriate anticholinergic use and drug changes in the preceding 3 months. The causality, preventability and severity of each adverse drug reaction-related repeat admission within the 12-month follow-up were assessed.
RESULTS
Adverse drug reaction-related repeat admissions occurred after 13.4% (n = 15) of 112 adverse drug reaction-related index admissions. Patients with a repeat adverse drug reaction-related admission had significantly higher PADR-EC scores at discharge of their index admission (median PADR-EC score 7, interquartile range 7-9) than patients who were not readmitted (median PADR-EC score 7, interquartile range 5-7, p = 0.034). Most (73.3%) adverse drug reaction-related repeat admissions were considered 'preventable'. Adverse drug reaction severity was 'moderate' in all cases. Renal disorders (44.4%) represented the most common adverse drug reactions and the most frequently implicated drug classes were diuretics (44.8%). All adverse drug reaction-related repeat admissions were found to be 'probable'.
CONCLUSIONS
One in eight elderly patients hospitalised because of an adverse drug reaction had a repeat admission for an adverse drug reaction within 12 months of discharge. The PADR-EC score could potentially be used at hospital discharge to prioritise patients for interventions to prevent subsequent adverse drug reaction-related hospital admissions. | 10.1007/s40266-017-0490-6 |
pubmed_1048_7961 | BACKGROUND
There is a significant demand for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening methods that are noninvasive, inexpensive, and capable of accurately detecting early stage tumors. It has been shown that models based on the gut microbiota can complement the fecal occult blood test and fecal immunochemical test (FIT). However, a barrier to microbiota-based screening is the need to collect and store a patient's stool sample.
RESULTS
Using stool samples collected from 404 patients, we tested whether the residual buffer containing resuspended feces in FIT cartridges could be used in place of intact stool samples. We found that the bacterial DNA isolated from FIT cartridges largely recapitulated the community structure and membership of patients' stool microbiota and that the abundance of bacteria associated with CRC were conserved. We also found that models for detecting CRC that were generated using bacterial abundances from FIT cartridges were equally predictive as models generated using bacterial abundances from stool.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings demonstrate the potential for using residual buffer from FIT cartridges in place of stool for microbiota-based screening for CRC. This may reduce the need to collect and process separate stool samples and may facilitate combining FIT and microbiota-based biomarkers into a single test. Additionally, FIT cartridges could constitute a novel data source for studying the role of the microbiome in cancer and other diseases. | 10.1186/s40168-016-0205-y |
pubmed_397_12004 | Only half the adult male Sprague-Dawley rats which are placed on a diet relatively high in calories, fat, and sucrose (HE diet) develop diet-induced obesity (DIO). The rest are diet-resistant (DR). Some chow-fed rats prone to develop DIO on an HE diet have greater initial food intake of this diet and all have greater glucose-induced plasma norepinephrine (NE) increases than DR-prone rats. Here we looked for a relationship of sucrose preference or 24-hour urinary catecholamine excretion as possible phenotypic markers of the DIO- and DR-prone states before HE diet exposure as a function of age. When begun on an HE diet at 3 months of age, DIO-prone rats gained 30% more weight over 3 months than DR-prone rats and had 35% heavier retroperitoneal fat pads. While still on chow, sucrose preferences were similar, but 24 hour urine NE levels were 29% higher in DIO- than in DR-prone rats. The slope of the curve of urine NE versus body weight gain after 3 months on HE diet was 4-fold greater in DIO- than in DR-prone rats. After 3 months on the HE diet, there was no statistical relationship between 24-hour urine NE and body weight or prior body weight gain in DIO or DR rats. Six-month-old DIO-prone rats had 126% and 128% more urine NE and gained 112% and 232% more weight after 3 months on HE diet than DR-prone and chow-fed rats, respectively. Only DIO-prone rats showed a correlation (r=0.879; p=0.05) between urine NE levels and subsequent weight gain on HE diet. Thus, 3- or 6-month-old DIO- and DR-prone rats can be identified by their 24-hour basal urine NE levels but not sucrose preference prior to HE diet exposure. While this may suggest higher basal sympathetic activity in DIO-prone rats, other explanations are possible. | 10.1002/j.1550-8528.1993.tb00622.x |
pubmed_740_21662 | This is a posthumous interview with Dr. Maynard K. Hine (MKH), the second editor of the Journal of Periodontology (from 1950 to 1970), as prepared by Dr. David C. Vandersall (DCV). Dr. Vandersall was a colleague of Dr. Hine while serving as associate clinical professor of periodontics at the Indiana University School of Dentistry in Indianapolis and currently has a private practice in Indianapolis. | 10.1902/jop.2004.75.6.781 |
pubmed_218_8776 | In this study, we develop a numerical algorithm to calculate the interaction of an arbitrary electromagnetic beam with an arbitrary dielectric surface as one of the tools necessary to design and build a detector network based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). By using the scattered-field finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method with incident source terms in the FDTD equations, this development enables an arbitrary incident beam to be implemented onto an arbitrary dielectric surface or particle. Most importantly, in this study a scattered-field uniaxial perfectly matched layer (SF-UPML) absorbing boundary condition (ABC) is developed to truncate the computational domain of the scattered-field FDTD grid. The novel SF-UPML for the scattered-field FDTD algorithm should have a numerical accuracy similar to that of the conventional uniaxial perfectly matched layer for the source-free FDTD equations. Using the new ABC, the scattered-field FDTD method can accurately calculate electromagnetic wave scattering by an arbitrary dielectric surface or particles illuminated by an arbitrary incident beam. | 10.1364/AO.48.006015 |
pubmed_247_17870 | The author analyzes the process by which various educational institutions (nurseries, nursing schools, primary and secondary school) are moulded by a repressive society and the process by which families are bound by the ideology of that society. Consequences on the child are tragic (developmental lags, immaturity) and hinder it's internal and external functioning. | pubmed_247_17870 |
pubmed_768_21048 | The EURTAC trial demonstrated that the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) erlotinib was superior to chemotherapy as first-line therapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) that harbor EGFR activating mutations in a predominantly Caucasian population. Based on EURTAC and several Asian trials, anti-EGFR TKIs are standard of care for EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC. We sought to validate a rapid multiplex EGFR mutation assay as a companion diagnostic assay to select patients for this therapy. Samples from the EURTAC trial were prospectively screened for EGFR mutations using a combination of laboratory-developed tests (LDTs), and tested retrospectively with the cobas EGFR mutation test (EGFR PCR test). The EGFR PCR test results were compared to the original LDT results and to Sanger sequencing, using a subset of specimens from patients screened for the trial. Residual tissue was available from 487 (47%) of the 1044 patients screened for the trial. The EGFR PCR test showed high concordance with LDT results with a 96.3% overall agreement. The clinical outcome of patients who were EGFR-mutation detected by the EGFR PCR test was very similar to the entire EURTAC cohort. The concordance between the EGFR PCR test and Sanger sequencing was 90.6%. In 78.9% of the discordant samples, the EGFR PCR test result was confirmed by a sensitive deep sequencing assay. This retrospective study demonstrates the clinical utility of the EGFR PCR test in the accurate selection of patients for anti-EGFR TKI therapy. The EGFR PCR test demonstrated improved performance relative to Sanger sequencing. | 10.1371/journal.pone.0089518 |
pubmed_251_12055 | Hyponatremia is frequently seen in neurosurgical patients and is often attributed to inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone. A number of studies in recent years have shown that hyponatremia in many patients with intracranial disease may actually be caused by cerebral salt wasting, in which a renal loss of sodium leads to hyponatremia and a decrease in extracellular fluid volume. The appropriate treatment of cerebral salt wasting fluid and salt replacement, is opposite from the usual treatment of hyponatremia caused by inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone. This review summarizes the evidence in favor of cerebral salt wasting in patients with intracranial disease, examines the possible mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon, and discusses methods for diagnosis and treatment. | 10.1097/00006123-199601000-00035 |
pubmed_81_13811 | Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid derived from a plant used traditionally in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, has been reported to exhibit chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory activities through unknown mechanism. Because of the critical role of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in these processes, we investigated the effect of berberine on this pathway. We found that berberine suppressed NF-kappaB activation induced by various inflammatory agents and carcinogens. This alkaloid also suppressed constitutive NF-kappaB activation found in certain tumor cells. Suppression of NF-kappaB activation occurred through the inhibition of phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaBalpha by the inhibition of IkappaB kinase (IKK) activation, leading to suppression of phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of p65, and finally to inhibition of NF-kappaB reporter activity. Inhibition of IKK by berbeine was direct and could be reversed by reducing agents. Site-specific mutagenesis suggested the involvement of cysteine residue 179 in IKK. Berberine also suppressed the expression of NF-kappaB-regulated gene products involved in antiapoptosis (Bcl-xL, Survivin, IAP1, IAP2, and cFLIP), proliferation (cyclin D1), inflammation (cyclooxygenase-2), and invasion (matrix metalloproteinase-9). Suppression of antiapoptotic gene products correlated with enhancement of apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and chemotherapeutic agents and with inhibition of TNF-induced cellular invasion. Overall, our results indicate that chemopreventive, apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities displayed by berberine may be mediated in part through the suppression of the NF-kappaB activation pathway. This may provide the molecular basis for the ability of berberine to act as an anticancer and anti-inflammatory agent. | 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-08-0511 |
pubmed_453_412 | Cerebral vascular accidents of uncertain origin in any patient pose a burden on the family physician to uncover the underlying cause by means of a thorough and concise workup. Even though cardiac tumors are rare, missing the diagnosis may lead to devastating results. The case reported here is of a 40-year-old man with a left atrial myxoma as the cause of his embolic cerebral infarct. | pubmed_453_412 |
pubmed_135_16460 | OBJECTIVE
to synthesize the evidence available in the literature on the effects of integrative and complementary practices in nausea and vomiting treatment in pregnant women.
METHOD
a systematic review, reported according to PRISMA and registered in PROSPERO. The search for studies was carried out in 11 databases. To assess risk of bias in randomized clinical trials, the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool (RoB 2) was used.
RESULTS
the final sample consisted of 31 articles, divided into three categories: aromatherapy, phytotherapy and acupuncture. It was observed that aromatherapy with lemon essential oil, ginger capsules, pericardial 6 point acupressure were the interventions that proved to be effective. Less than half of studies reported adverse effects, with mild and transient symptoms predominating. Most articles were classified as "some concern" in risk of bias assessment.
CONCLUSION
the three most effective interventions to control gestational nausea and vomiting were aromatherapy, herbal medicine and acupuncture, with significant results in the assessment of individual studies. | 10.1590/1980-220X-REEUSP-2021-0515en |
pubmed_424_11622 | OBJECTIVES
The obese elderly are at increased risk of mortality, morbidity, and functional disability. In this study, we examined the prevalence of obesity and relationship between various anthropometric indices (AI) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in the elderly.
RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES
A stratified multistage clustered sampling scheme was used in the Elderly Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan during 1999 to 2000. 2432 non-institutionalized subjects (age, 72.8+/-9.4 years; BMI, 23.6+/-6.4 kg/m2) were recruited. The receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to compare predictive validity of CVD risk factors among various AI, including BMI, waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR).
RESULTS
The prevalence of obesity was 29.0% in men and 36.8% in women by obesity criteria for Asians (BMI>or=25 kg/m2) and 13.3% in men and 21.0% in women by the Taiwanese definition (BMI>or=27 kg/m2). Odds ratios of acquiring various CVD risk factors increased significantly with increment of WC, WHR, and BMI. The areas under the curve predicting metabolic syndrome were all <0.8. The cut-off values of WC corresponding to the highest sensitivity and the highest specificity in predicting various CVD risk factors were 86.2-88.0 cm in men and 82.0-84.0 cm in women, respectively.
DISCUSSION
Obesity was prevalent in the Taiwanese elderly. WC was related to CVD risk factors to a greater extent than BMI and WHR. However, none of them alone was a good screening tool for CVD risk factors. Therefore, how to apply AI prudently to screen elderly for CVD risk factors needs further research. | 10.1038/oby.2005.22 |
pubmed_288_6660 | Immune responses in the testis are regulated in a way that provides protection for the developing male germ cells, while permitting qualitatively normal inflammatory responses and protection against infection. In addition, germ cells are potent targets for the growth factors and cytokines which regulate the reproductive process. Our study analyzes for the first time the pattern of expression of several immune-relevant genes in the gonad of a seasonal breeding teleost fish. The immune molecules analyzed include (i) inflammatory molecules, such as interleukin-1b (il1b), il6, tumor necrosis factor-a (tnfa), cyclooxygenase-2 (cox2) and the NADPH oxidase subunit p40(phox) (ncf4 gene); (ii) the anti-inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor-b1 (tgfb1) and its type 2 receptor tgfbr2; (iii) innate immune receptors, including toll-like receptor 9 (tlr9), tlr5, tlr22 and macrophage-colony stimulating factor receptor (mcsfr); (iv) lymphocyte receptors, such as the beta subunit of T-cell receptor (Tcrb) and the heavy chain of immunoglobulin M (ighm); (v) the anti-bacterial molecules lysozyme (lyz), hepcidin (hamp) and complement component 3 (c3); (vi) the anti-viral molecule myxovirus (influenza) resistance protein (mx); and (vii) molecules related to leukocyte infiltration, including the CC chemokine ccl4, the CXC chemokine il8 and the leukocyte adhesion molecule E-selectin (Sele). Notably, all of them show a pattern of expression that depends on the reproductive stage of the first two reproductive cycles when the fish develop and function as males. Furthermore, we demonstrate that some of these immune-relevant molecules, such as Il1b and Mcsfr, are produced by germ cells (Il1b) and ovarian and testicular somatic cells (Mcsfr). These data suggest that, as occurs in mammals, there is a critical balance between immune molecules and that these may play an essential role in the orchestration of gametogenesis and the maintenance of gonad tissue homeostasis in fish. | 10.1016/j.molimm.2008.01.018 |
pubmed_1014_6988 | 51 wood mice, Apodemus sylvaticus, tagged with chemoluminescent bulbs, were visually tracked in a series of night homing experiments. The mice did not go straight towards home, but wandered around the release area and covered distances equal to twice the radial lengths recorded. In the course of their walk, they orientated preferentially towards landscapes which resembled their usual habitat, irrespective of where their actual homeward direction lay. In spite of the randomness of their paths, homing success was good, but detailed analysis of homing time showed that the homing performances of the mice depended on the direction in which they vanished in the course of the observation period. The good fit of observed orientations with those obtained by computer simulation of klinokinesis along an axial gradient, and field observation of a vegetational gradient in the study area, are both consistent with the hypothesis that homing may have resulted from wandering, locally biased by a klinokinetic effect. | 10.1016/0376-6357(87)90035-0 |
pubmed_660_7247 | High-pressure water injuries of the oropharynx are uncommon but can cause significant injury and airway compromise when they occur. A small number of cases of high-pressure water injury of the oropharynx have been presented in the literature, detailing a range of effects and outcomes. We describe the first reported case of high-pressure water injury of the oropharynx associated with peritonsillar abscess (quinsy) requiring surgical drainage. | pubmed_660_7247 |
pubmed_132_10883 | Human podoplanin, a type-1 transmembrane sialomucin-like glycoprotein, is involved in cell migration, tumor cell invasion, and metastasis. However, the role of the protein in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has been unclear and immunohistochemical reactivity for podoplanin differs from organ-to-organ. In the present study, immunohistochemical and molecular biological analyses were performed to examine the importance of podoplanin expression in oral precancerous and cancerous lesions and metastases. We immunohistochemically investigated the expression of podoplanin in 103 precancerous lesions, 69 primary oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs), and 32 metastases, and that of E-cadherin and vimentin in primary OSCCs with metastasis. Furthermore, human OSCC-derived cell lines preincubated with fibrous growth factor-basic, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and tumor growth factor-β1 were subjected to real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Immunoreactivity for podoplanin was detected in 89 (86.4%) of the precancerous lesions and the intensity was correlated with the degree of epithelial dysplasia (P = 0.016). Enhanced podoplanin expression was observed in 66 (95.7%) of the OSCCs and was significantly associated with a poor pathologic grade of differentiation (P = 0.020). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition was observed in 18 (58.1%) of the primary OSCCs with metastasis to regional lymph nodes. Messenger RNA for podoplanin was markedly increased after treatment with EGF in three OSCC cell lines. The present findings suggest that podoplanin is associated with tumor development via the oral dysplasia-carcinoma sequence and could be involved in a signaling pathway governing tumor growth and invasion in OSCC. | 10.1007/s13277-011-0261-7 |
pubmed_329_7071 | PURPOSE
To evaluate and compare the wave amplitude of multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) measurements and discomfort from Dawson-Trick-Litzkow (DTL) electrode located on the cornea (cDTL) and on the conjunctival fornix (fDTL) and ERG-jet contact lens electrode (CL).
METHODS
Thirty-six patients and 18 healthy volunteers were evaluated with three different methods (cDTL, fDTL and CL). Wave amplitude, number of artifacts, number of electrode dislocations and level of discomfort obtained with each electrode were compared. These variables were also compared between patients and healthy volunteers (control group). Comparisons between wave amplitudes were made using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).
RESULTS
Responses by the three tested electrode were better correlated (ICC) in patient (0.616-0.756) than in control groups (0.342-0.679). CL provided the highest wave amplitude in both groups (p < 0.005), but it was associated with higher discomfort (p < 0.001) and the highest rate of dislocations (72 and 100 % in control and patients, respectively). Looking at the differences obtained by each electrode between both groups, CL seems to be able to differentiate patient from control in the ring 1 of the mfERG. By contrast, fDTL gave the lowest wave amplitude in both groups, but it had the advantage to, apparently, discriminate between patients and control group in rings 1 and 2. cDTL produced more artifacts than the other electrodes in both groups (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Although wave amplitude measurements with different electrodes were correlated, they cannot be directly compared, so it is mandatory to create an appropriate normative database with each electrode. Despite providing the lowest amplitudes, fDTL seems to offer the best features to perform mfERG regarding discomfort, number of artifacts and diagnostic capability. | 10.1007/s10633-016-9560-z |
pubmed_308_12601 | In this paper, formation control strategies based on position estimation for double-integrator systems are investigated. Firstly, an optimal control formation control strategy is derived based on the estimator. It is proven that the control inputs are able to drive the agents to the predefined formation and the controller is optimal even based on the estimation law if the estimator has converged to stable. Secondly, a consensus law based on the estimator is presented, which enables the agents converge to the formation in a cooperative manner. The stability can be guaranteed by proper parameters. Thirdly, extra control input for inter collision avoidance is added into the derived consensus control strategy, and efficacy analysis are provided in detail. Finally, the effectiveness of the strategies proposed are shown by simulation and experiment results. | 10.1016/j.isatra.2015.12.010 |
pubmed_563_3503 | Lipids play a vital role as essential components of all prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Constant technological improvements in mass spectrometry have made lipidomics a powerful analytical tool for monitoring tissue lipidome compositions in homeostatic as well as disease states. This paper presents a step-by-step protocol for a shotgun lipid analysis method that supports the simultaneous detection and quantification of a few hundred molecular lipid species in different tissue and biofluid samples at high throughput. This method leverages automated nano-flow direct injection of a total lipid extract spiked with labeled internal standards without chromatographic separation into a high-resolution mass spectrometry instrument. Starting from sub-microgram amounts of rodent tissue, the MS analysis takes 10 min per sample and covers up to 400 lipids from 14 lipid classes in mouse lung tissue. The method presented here is well suited for studying disease mechanisms and identifying and quantifying biomarkers that indicate early toxicity or beneficial effects within rodent tissues. | 10.3791/63726 |
pubmed_433_1715 | The filiform needling technique is an important factor affecting the acupoint effect, and it is the key to option the needling technique corresponding to the disease so that the clinical curative effect can be improved. This paper systematically reviews the application of kinetic needling in the treatment of spasm, in order to provide some theoretical basis for the optimal acupuncture regimen of spasm. By summarizing and analyzing the similarities and differences of acupoint selection principle, needling characteristics, stimulation range, stimulation amount and indications in the treatment of spasm, it is found that kinetic needling emphasizes the effective combination of acupuncture and kinesis, which is an effective mean of treating spasm. | 10.13703/j.0255-2930.2019.12.020 |
pubmed_1109_8344 | INTRODUCTION
Phenols are the most abundant compounds in nature. They are strong antioxidants. Too high level of free radicals leads to cell and tissue damage, which may cause asthma, Alzheimer disease, cancers, etc. Taking phenolics with the diet as supplements or natural medicines is important for homeostasis of the organism.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The ten most popular water soluble phenols were chosen for the experiment to investigate their antioxidant properties using ABTS radical scavenging capacity assay and ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) assay.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Antioxidant properties of selected phenols in the ABTS test expressed as IC50 ranged from 4.332 μM to 852.713 μM (for gallic acid and 4- hydroxyphenylacetic acid respectively). Antioxidant properties in the FRAP test are expressed as μmol Fe2+/ml. All examined phenols reduced ferric ions at concentration 1.00 x 10-3 mg/ml. Both methods are very useful for determination of antioxidant capacity of water soluble phenols. | 10.5604/17322693.1066062 |
pubmed_1_16668 | Clinical pathways are comprehensive methods of planning, delivering and monitoring different healthcare services provided to patients. The main goal of using a clinical pathway is to build clinical decisions on medical evidence specific to each individual patient in addition to standardizing care provided to patients throughout different departments and healthcare services. At King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Saudi Arabia, much effort has been done over the last few years to develop, implement and evaluate different clinical pathways and for years these efforts achieved less than expected success. The Health Information Technology Affairs (HITA) decided to analyze the challenges that we faced and should overcome by working on identifying these challenges and classifying them into the three main stages. The information about these challenges were both gathered from relevant departments, services and staff members as well as validated against published literature and research work. | pubmed_1_16668 |
pubmed_435_25156 | The cathode powder is obtained by wet crushing and screening, and the leaching behavior of Li, Ni, Co, Cu, and Al is then investigated using a ternary leaching system composed of ammonia, ammonium sulfite, and ammonium bicarbonate. Ammonium sulfite is necessary as a reductant to improve the Li, Ni, and Co leaching efficiencies, and ammonium bicarbonate acts as a buffer in ammoniacal solutions. A detailed understanding of the selective leaching process is obtained by investigating the effects of parameters such as the leaching reagent composition, leaching time (0-300 min), temperature (40-90 °C), solid-to-liquid ratio (10-50 g/L), and agitation speed (300-700 rpm). It is found that Ni and Cu could be almost fully leached out, while Al is hardly leached and Li(60.53%) and Co(80.99%) exhibit a moderate leaching efficiency. The results show that the optimum solid-liquid ratio of the leaching system is 20 g/L, and the increase of temperature and reaction time is beneficial to metal leaching. The leaching kinetics analysis shows that the chemical reaction control explains the leaching behavior of Li, Ni, and Co well. Therefore, this work may be beneficial for further recycling valuable metals from leaching solutions by introducing an extraction agent. | 10.1016/j.wasman.2019.04.039 |
pubmed_512_9786 | BACKGROUND
Neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) undergo a multitude of painful and stressful procedures during the first days of life. Stress from this pain can lead to neurodevelopmental problems that manifest in later childhood and should be prevented.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the number of painful procedures performed per day for each neonate, to verify documentation of painful procedures performed, and to, subsequently, note missed opportunities for providing pain relief to neonates.
METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional study at a level III NICU located in a rural part of western India. A total of 69 neonates admitted for more than 24 h were included. Twenty-nine neonates were directly observed for a total of 24 h each, and another 40 neonatal records were retrospectively reviewed for the neonate's first 7 days of admission. All stressful and painful procedures performed on the neonate were recorded. Also recorded were any pharmaceutical pain relief agents or central nervous system depressants administered to the neonate before or at the time of the procedures. Average nurse-patient ratio was also calculated. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
RESULTS
A documentation deficit of 2.2% was observed. The average nurse-patient ratio was 1.53:1. A total of 13711 procedures were recorded, yielding 44.1 (38.1 stressful, 3.8 mildly painful, and 2.2 moderately painful) procedures per patient day. Common stressful procedures were position changing (2501) and temperature recording (2208). Common mildly and moderately painful procedures were heel prick (757) and endotracheal suctioning (526), respectively. Use of pharmacological agents coincided with 33.48% of the procedures. The choice of drug and time of administration were inappropriate, indicating that the pharmacological agents were intended not for pain relief but rather for a coexisting pathology or as sedation from ventilation with no analgesia.
CONCLUSION
Stressful procedures are common in the NICU; mildly and moderately painful procedures fairly common. Almost two-thirds of the times, no pharmaceutical pain relief methods were used, and when administered, the pharmaceutical agents were seldom intended for pain relief; this implies poor pain management practices and emphasizes the imperative need for educating NICU nurses, residents, fellows, and attendings. | 10.3389/fped.2016.00007 |
pubmed_780_20305 | Three new peptidomimetics (1-3) have been developed with highly stable and conformationally constrained macrocyclic components that replace tripeptide segments of protease substrates. Each compound inhibits both HIV-1 protease and viral replication (HIV-1, HIV-2) at nanomolar concentrations without cytotoxicity to uninfected cells below 10 microM. Their activities against HIV-1 protease (K(i) 1.7 nM (1), 0.6 nM (2), 0.3 nM (3)) are 1-2 orders of magnitude greater than their antiviral potencies against HIV-1-infected primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (IC(50) 45 nM (1), 56 nM (2), 95 nM (3)) or HIV-1-infected MT2 cells (IC(50) 90 nM (1), 60 nM (2)), suggesting suboptimal cellular uptake. However their antiviral potencies are similar to those of indinavir and amprenavir under identical conditions. There were significant differences in their capacities to inhibit the replication of HIV-1 and HIV-2 in infected MT2 cells, 1 being ineffective against HIV-2 while 2 was equally effective against both virus types. Evidence is presented that 1 and 2 inhibit cleavage of the HIV-1 structural protein precursor Pr55(gag) to p24 in virions derived from chronically infected cells, consistent with inhibition of the viral protease in cells. Crystal structures refined to 1.75 A (1) and 1.85 A (2) for two of the macrocyclic inhibitors bound to HIV-1 protease establish structural mimicry of the tripeptides that the cycles were designed to imitate. Structural comparisons between protease-bound macrocyclic inhibitors, VX478 (amprenavir), and L-735,524 (indinavir) show that their common acyclic components share the same space in the active site of the enzyme and make identical interactions with enzyme residues. This substrate-mimicking minimalist approach to drug design could have benefits in the context of viral resistance, since mutations which induce inhibitor resistance may also be those which prevent substrate processing. | 10.1021/jm000013n |
pubmed_943_21324 | The Health Management Research Center at the University of Michigan has assembled a database on health risks, medical care costs, an in some cases, productivity measures for over 2,000,000 individuals. For employees of its corporate consortium members, the database contains seven to eighteen years of data. Working with this data, the research team has observed a number of emerging trends. These trends have been stable in this data set for a number of years, but some of them are yet to be subjected to rigorous external peer review. The trends are summarized below. 1) Annual participation rates of 20% to 30% in Health Risk Appraisal are typical; over 10 years, 80% participate at least once, 60% at least twice and 40% at least three times. 2) Among the employers in the data base, excess risk factors account for 21% to 31% of medical care costs, with a mean of 25%. 3) Medical care costs increase as the number risk factors and age increase. As risk factors increase, medical costs increase; as risk factors decrease, medical care costs decrease. The mean cost increase per risk factor increased ($350) may be more than double the mean cost decrease per risk factor decreased ($150). 4) Cost savings greatest among those who participate in programs multiple times. 5) Absenteeism seems to be higher and other measures of productivity lower for those with health risk factors. 6) Programs designed to keep healthy people healthy in addition to reducing the risks of those with multiple risks will probably provide the greatest return to the employers. 7) Best results may be achieved by focusing efforts on employees who have clusters of risk factors associated with low perceived health status. 8) A corporate wellness score which combines risk factor levels and participation rates may provide a "corporate wellness score" which can be used to compare health status across employer. 9) Increased use of longitudinal data sets, fuzzy cut points for data categories and data mining techniques may allow breakthroughs in future analysis efforts. | 10.4278/0890-1171-15.5.341 |
pubmed_551_14260 | Bone disease associated with multiple myeloma(MM)is characterized by increased osteoclast activity and suppressed osteoclast function because of some factors produced by myeloma cells, leading to severe osteolytic lesions. Conventional radiography has been recognized as the gold standard for evaluating the severity of bone lesions caused by MM. However, other imaging techniques such as computed tomography(CT), magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography with CT are widely used, because conventional radiography has some limitations. Good control of MM itself is very important in order to manage bone lesions caused by MM. Bisphosphonate(BP), a potent inhibitor of osteoclast activity and function, should be used as adjunctive therapy for MM bone disease. Recently, the MRC Myeloma IX trial demonstrated improved survival and delayed disease progression with the use of an intravenous BP, zoledronate, in patients with newly diagnosed MM. Its results may lead to an alteration of guidelines for BP treatments of MM. In the future, novel agents that enhance osteoblastic function, such as bortezomib, may alter the way MM bone lesions are managed. | pubmed_551_14260 |
pubmed_301_22289 | OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of somatostatin analogue octreotide on angiogenesis induced by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vivo.
METHODS
LCI-D20 corneal micropocket model in nude mouse was used to dynamically observe angiogenesis under a stereoscopic zoom microscope and a digital camera system and to evaluate the effect of octreotide on angiogenesis. Male nude mice were subcutaneously implanted with LCI-D20 tumor tissues for tumor xenograft studies. Microvessel density in CD34-stained tumor sections was analyzed by immunohistochemical SP method.
RESULTS
Tumor tissues from LCI-D20 implanted into the corneal micropocket induced angiogenesis. When animals received systemic octreotide treatment, angiogenesis response in the cornea of mice was moderate, the appearance of vascular buds was delayed, and the new capillaries were sparse and grew slowly. Compared with the control group, the neovascularization induced by HCC in the cornea of mice was markedly inhibited on day 7, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21 after implantation in the octreotide-treated group (P<0.05). Systemic administration of octreotide produced a significant suppression of the growth of LCI-D20. Immunohistochemical studies of tumor tissues revealed decreased microvessel density in the octreotide-treated animals as compared with the controls (21.7+/-4.27 versus 31.8+/-3.87, P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
Somatostatin analogue octreotide is able to inhibit angiogenesis induced by HCC in vivo and may provide a new approach to the treatment of HCC. | pubmed_301_22289 |
pubmed_579_24847 | According to R.A. Fisher, randomization "relieves the experimenter from the anxiety of considering innumerable causes by which the data may be disturbed." Since, in particular, it is said to control for known and unknown nuisance factors that may considerably challenge the validity of a result, it has become very popular. This contribution challenges the received view. First, looking for quantitative support, we study a number of straightforward, mathematically simple models. They all demonstrate that the optimism surrounding randomization is questionable: In small to medium-sized samples, random allocation of units to treatments typically yields a considerable imbalance between the groups, i.e., confounding due to randomization is the rule rather than the exception. In the second part of this contribution, the reasoning is extended to a number of traditional arguments in favour of randomization. This discussion is rather non-technical, and sometimes touches on the rather fundamental Frequentist/Bayesian debate. However, the result of this analysis turns out to be quite similar: While the contribution of randomization remains doubtful, comparability contributes much to a compelling conclusion. Summing up, classical experimentation based on sound background theory and the systematic construction of exchangeable groups seems to be advisable. | 10.1371/journal.pone.0132102 |
pubmed_854_14112 | Somatic genetic aberrations have been identified in both sporadic pheochromocytomas and those associated with familial tumor syndromes; however, individual variations between human tumors and the absence of in vitro human pheochromocytoma models hinder efforts to understand the roles of those aberrations in tumorigenesis. Pheochromocytomas occur frequently in neurofibromatosis knockout mice and we have recently developed cell lines from those tumors. The availability of multiple tumors from genetically identical animals provides a powerful tool for understanding the pathobiology of pheochromocytomas. For the present investigation, we performed a genomic scanning analysis of four mouse pheochromocytoma cell lines by standard cytogenetics and microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization in order to identify genetic common denominators. All of the lines showed losses of most or all of chromosome 9; three lines lost most or all of chromosome 4. Mouse chromosome 4 is homologous to human chromosome 1p, which is the most frequent deletion in human pheochromocytomas. Mouse chromosome 9 shows large areas of homology to human 3p, 3q, and 11q, which are also frequently deleted. These comparisons suggest that genetic mechanisms in the genesis of pheochromocytomas may be similar across species. Additional changes that may be specific to this model included complete or partial gains of chromosome 12 as seen in 3 of the 4 lines analyzed by array CGH. | 10.1016/j.cancergencyto.2004.09.018 |
pubmed_340_18762 | Zn tissue accumulation in Solanum nigrum grown in a non-contaminated and a naturally contaminated Zn matrix and the effect of inoculation with different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on metal uptake were assessed. S. nigrum grown in the contaminated soil always presented higher Zn accumulation in the tissues, accumulating up to 1622 mg Zn kg(-1). The presence of both Glomus claroideum and Glomus intraradices enhanced the uptake and accumulation of Zn by S. nigrum (up to 83 and 49% higher Zn accumulation, respectively). The main deposits of the metal were found in the intercellular spaces and in the cell walls of the root tissues, as revealed by autometallography, with the inoculation with different AMF species causing no differences in the location of Zn accumulation. These findings indicate that S. nigrum inoculated with selected heavy metal tolerant AMF presents extracting and accumulating capacities, constituting a potentially suitable remediation method for Zn polluted soils. | 10.1016/j.envpol.2006.06.029 |
pubmed_1048_10519 | BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to compare surgical outcomes of patients with gastric cancer undergoing reduced port totally laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy (duet TLTG) with those of patients undergoing conventional laparoscopic-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Between January 2013 and 2015, 54 patients with gastric cancer underwent LATG at the Samsung Medical Center. Duet TLTG using 3 ports was performed in 30 patients, and conventional LATG using 5 ports was performed in 24 patients. Either extracorporeal or intracorporeal anastomosis was used for esophagojejunostomy. Surgical outcomes were compared between the operation methods.
RESULTS
The operating time was similar for duet TLTG and conventional LATG [222 min (range, 163 to 287 min) vs. 233 min (range, 170 to 310 min), respectively; P=0.807]. Blood loss during surgery was also similar between duet TLTG and conventional LATG groups [100 mL (range, 50 to 400 mL) vs. 175 mL (range, 50 to 400 mL), respectively; P=0.249]. The median number of nodes dissected [duet TLTG vs. conventional LATG, 47 (20 to 67) vs. 41 (22 to 70), P=0.338] was not different between groups. Pain scores were 3.9, 3.3, and 2.9, and 3.9, 3.4, and 2.8, at postoperative days 1, 3, and 5, respectively, in the duet TLTG and the conventional LATG groups (P=0.857, 0.659, and 0.427, respectively). Overall complication rates in the duet TLTG and conventional LATG groups were not significantly different (36.7% vs. 16.7%, P=0.103).
CONCLUSIONS
Duet TLTG is an acceptable procedure with quality of lymph node dissection, including the number of dissected lymph nodes and morbidity. | 10.1097/SLE.0000000000000329 |
pubmed_480_9976 | Diabetes mellitus increases the mortality secondary to heart failure independent of hypertension and coronary artery disease. Several hypoglycemic agents are used to achieve glycemic control, of which several classes however still raise controversies in terms of safety in patients with concomitant heart failure: Metformin does not carry an increased risk of exacerbation in patients with stable heart failure, yet should be avoided in patients with unstable disease or chronic kidney disease. Sulfonylureas are neither associated with an increased mortality, nor do they seem to have deleterious effects on heart failure. Thiazolidinediones are relatively contraindicated in patients with New York Heart Association class III or IV disease secondary to concerns of fluid retention and heart failure exacerbation. Glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists have shown trends towards improvement of heart failure parameters. Dipeptidylpeptidase 4 inhibitors show an overall neutral outcome, although saxagliptin can possibly be associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure. The use of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors is associated with beneficial cardiovascular outcomes, and further studies are underway. | 10.23736/S0391-1977.16.02349-X |
pubmed_982_24116 | DNA micro-arrays (gene arrays) have become a popular and useful tool with which to study the effects of various agents and treatments on gene expression in cells and tissues. In theory one can simultaneously evaluate, in a single experiment, changes in gene expression (at the level of transcription) of the entire genome of the organism under study. Consequently these techniques have been used by many investigators interested in cancer research, differentiation and development, toxicology, and the effects of pharmaceuticals on cells and animals. In addition, recent studies have shown the capacity of the technique for revealing the importance of genes not previously implicated in a given response. However, relatively few attempts have been made so far to evaluate herbal medicines, although the potential to answer a number of relevant questions is there. In this review we first discuss the fundamental principles of the gene array technology, focusing on the individual steps in the process and their problems and pitfalls, and we discuss the analysis and interpretation of the data, the discipline of bio-informatics, without which meaningful evaluation of gene expression changes would be impossible. We next analyze specific studies, which utilized gene array technology, aimed at evaluating the effects of certain herbal medicine formulas and bioactive ingredients in animal tissues and in cell cultures. We also include a brief description of our own evaluation of Echinacea, which we have been studying for several years, to indicate possible mechanisms of action of this herbal, and also to illustrate how the techniques, especially the bio-informatics, continue to evolve. We believe, on the basis of experience acquired by us and other investigators to date, that the technology of gene array analysis can make significant contributions to understanding how herbal medicines work, and therefore can validate their applications in medicine. | 10.1016/j.jep.2006.08.013 |
pubmed_748_5529 | Nine patients with open fractures of the proximal humerus were treated using an external fixation device. All of them had grade III open fractures resulting from high-velocity missile and explosive injuries with massive foreign body contamination. Radial nerve injury was present in five and two multiply injured patients with thoracic wall and abdominal viscera were present. There were no major arterial injuries. Chronic osteitis with fistula and sequestra developed in one. There were no nonunions and no refractures. Minor painless limitation of shoulder and elbow motion presented in all patient. Upper-third humeral open fractures due to firearms are a unique type of open fractures. They are usually highly comminuted therefore, stable fixation is difficult or impossible to achieve. On the other hand, the risk of infection is high following plate fixation. External fixation allows adequate management of the soft tissue wounds, provides stable bone fixation and allows early mobilization of the shoulder and elbow. | 10.2298/sarh0404092m |
pubmed_140_9728 | An original Von Koch curve-shaped tipped electrospinneret was used to prepare a polyimide (PI)-based nanofiber membrane. A multilayer Al2O3@polyimide/polyethylene/Al2O3@polyimide (APEAP) composite membrane was tactfully designed with an Al2O3@ polyimide (AP) membrane as outer shell, imparting high temperature to the thermal run-away separator performance and a core polyethylene (PE) layer imparts the separator with a thermal shut-down property at low temperature (123 °C). An AP electrospun nanofiber was obtained by doping Al2O3 nanoparticles in PI solution. The core polyethylene layer was prepared using polyethylene powder and polyterafluoroethylene (PTFE) miniemulsion through a coating process. The addition of PTFE not only bonds PE power, but also increases the adhesion force between the PE and AP membranes. As a result, the multilayer composite separator has high safety, outstanding electrochemical properties, and better cycling performance as a lithium-ion battery separator. | 10.3390/polym11101671 |
pubmed_1094_8414 | This work aims to evaluate the prebiotic potential of oligosaccharides (OS) obtained from autohydrolysis of olive tree pruning biomass (OTPB). Two selected fractions (F1 and F2) were characterized and used in in vitro fermentations by two Bifidobacterium spp. (B. adolescentis and B. longum) and one fecal inoculum. The fraction F1 presented a lower average degree of polymerization (DP) mainly with OS ranging from 3 to 6 DP, whereas the fraction F2 corresponded to a pool of unsubstituted and acetylated oligomers with DP between 4 and 19. In the fermentation by Bifidobacterium, F1 supported a higher biomass formation, OS consumption and organic acids production than F2. With the fecal inoculum, the accumulation of organic acids, as the sum of acetate, propionate and butyrate, was similar for F1 and F2 (107 and 101mM, respectively). The bifidobacteria counts also increased during the incubation time for both OS fractions. | 10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.04.014 |
pubmed_83_24106 | PURPOSE
To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial effect of low- and high-viscosity experimental mouthrinses containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and 4-isopropyl-3-methylphenol (IPMP) on Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans.
METHODS
Low- and high-viscosity experimental mouthrinses containing 0.05% CPC and 0.1% IPMP were fabricated. Non-viscous mouthrinses containing either CPC- or IPMP were used as controls. The antimicrobial activity (sterilization or exposure time) of mouthrinses was evaluated based on the bactericidal criterion of <10¹ viable cells in 0.1 mL of culture medium.
RESULTS
The sterilization time of the low-viscosity experimental mouthrinse was shorter than that of the high-viscosity mouthrinse. However, whereas a 10-minute exposure to the low-viscosity mouthrinse resulted in no viable cells of C. albicans, neither the CPC- or IPMP mouthrinses had an antimicrobial effect for the same exposure time. These findings show that the low-viscosity experimental mouthrinse containing anodal CPC and neutral IPMP exhibited superior antimicrobial effects against pneumonia- and oral infection-related bacteria compared with the control mouthrinses.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
In Japan, the oral care with the low-viscosity experimental mouthrinse containing CPC and IPMP as alternatives to those based on chlorhexidine are available for preventing the development of pneumonia- and oral infection-related bacteria. | pubmed_83_24106 |
pubmed_691_11398 | The distal hepatic artery was embolized with black polystyrene microspheres (diameters of 50 +/- 10 mu and 200 +/- 25 mu) in 12 pigs. The animals were reexamined from 1 h to 2 weeks after embolization via hepatic angiography and subsequent injection of Microfil, a silicone rubber compound, into the arterial and portal vascular systems of the liver. Dissection of dehydrated and cleared liver specimens under the stereomicroscope demonstrated the presence of arterial collaterals bypassing embolized vessels within 2-3 days after embolization. Collaterals were noted to develop around occlusions in arteries with inner diameters as small as 100 mu. | 10.1007/BF02553142 |
pubmed_1119_6336 | Fibroblasts are known to be present in variable amounts in human breast adenocarcinoma tissue. In order to investigate if they influence in some way the proliferation rate of the carcinoma cells, we developed a coculture model in which cells of well characterized breast epithelial cell lines were seeded and grown in microchamber slides along with fibroblasts derived from breast tumor biopsies. As representatives of hormone dependent and independent tumor cells, we used MCF-7 and BT-20 cell lines. A third line, NPM-21T, derived from non proliferating mastopathy cells immortalized by SV-40 T DNA transfection, was representative of non tumor epithelial cells. The proliferation rate of the adenocarcinoma and epithelial cells was assessed by measurement of the BrdU labeling index, the cells being identified by specific beta-actin immunostaining. It was found that the proliferation of the adenocarcinoma cells was significantly increased in the presence of fibroblasts, while that of immortalized cells was not. Moreover, 1,25(OH)2D3, which was known to be a negative regulator of carcinoma cell growth, was found to be able also to blunt the overgrowth in the presence of fibroblasts. The absence of response of NPM-21T cells to the presence of fibroblasts suggests that the tumor cells could be the origin of their own overgrowth, through an indirect mechanism mediated by the fibroblasts. The factors which are involved and the 1,25(OH)2D3 mechanism of action are not yet identified. | 10.1007/BF00665943 |
pubmed_895_7842 | SUMMARY Occupational therapy intervention was provided to two mothers living in a homeless shelter to foster goal setting skills and the ability to develop a systematic method to meet those goals. The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) was used as the theoretical framework to guide intervention. Both mothers were able to establish personal goals and work towards meeting those goals but the outcomes varied. The difference in outcomes between the two mothers is described using MOHO with analysis of how occupational therapy services can be used with homeless mothers. | 10.1080/J003v20n03_10 |
pubmed_626_19410 | A structural and magnetic characterization of a trinuclear chiral Mn(II) formate three-dimensional framework exhibiting a triangular arrangement is presented. Compound Na(3)[Mn(3)(HCOO)(9)] was obtained by solvothermal synthesis and crystallizes in the chiral cubic space group P2(1)3 and is well described by a Delta conformation. The structure displays triangular Mn(3) building blocks, in which the metal centers are bonded by formate ligands in a syn-anti mode (Mn-Mn 5.697(1) A). The coordination sphere of manganese(II) is completed by six oxygen atoms from six formate ligands, resulting in an octahedral geometry. Magnetic susceptibility measurements showed antiferromagnetic interactions at high temperature and a strongly field dependent magnetic behavior below 40 K. At fields higher than 1.0 kOe only the antiferromagnetic interactions can be observed. At applied fields lower than 1.0 kOe magnetic susceptibility becomes irreversible with maxima observed at 22 and 34 K. These maxima suggest a weak ferromagnetic behavior because of spin canting, allowed by the presence of the noncentrosymmetric syn-anti HCOO bridges linking the Mn sites. This non-collinear antiferromagnetism and irreversible behavior can be due to the existence of a high degree of frustration in this unique lattice composed of linked triangular arrangements of interacting magnetic centers. | 10.1021/ic8019292 |
pubmed_4_6977 | In this paper, a 5 DOF trans-humeral robotic prosthesis: MoBio is proposed. MoBio includes 2 DOF at wrist which is rare in other trans-humeral prostheses. Through anthropometric features MoBio prosthetic arm can achieve elbow flexion/extension, forearm supination/pronation, wrist radial/ulnar deviation, wrist flexion/extension and compound motion of thumb and index finger. An EMG based control method which uses EMG signals of the biceps brachii and triceps brachii, is used with a motion switching mechanism to control the prosthesis. Experimental results have verified the usability and effectiveness of MoBio in performing Activities of Daily Living. | 10.1109/ICORR.2017.8009481 |
pubmed_830_4464 | BACKGROUND
The "Rusch" intubation stylet is used to make endotracheal tube intubation easy. We designed this study to evaluate the usage of this equipment in the guidance of nasogastric tube (NGT) insertion.
METHODS
A total of 103 patients, aged 23 to 70 years, undergoing gastrointestinal or hepatic surgeries that required intraoperative NGT insertions were enrolled into our study. The patients were randomly allocated to the control group (Group C) or the stylet group (Group S) according to a computerized, random allocation software program. In the control group, the NGT was inserted with the patient's head in an intubating position. In the stylet group, the NGT was inserted with the assistance of a "Rusch" intubation stylet tied together at the tips by a slipknot. The success rates of the two methods, the durations of the insertions, and the occurrences of complications were recorded. All of the failed cases in the control group were subjected to the new technique used in the stylet group, and the successful rescue rate was also evaluated.
RESULTS
Successful insertions were recorded for 52/53 patients (98.1%) in Group S and for 32/50 patients (64%) in Group C. The mean insertion times were 39.5 ± 19.5 seconds in Group C and 40.3 ± 23.2 seconds in Group S. Successful rescues of failure cases in Group C were achieved in 17/18 patients (94.4%) with the assistance of a "Rusch" intubation stylet.
CONCLUSIONS
The "Rusch" intubation stylet-guided method is reliable with a high success rate of NGT insertion in anesthetized and intubated patients.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Institutional Review Board of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (IRB: 98-2669B) and Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12611000423910). | 10.1186/1471-230X-12-99 |
pubmed_915_1791 | Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide; however, its detailed molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified to serve critical roles in tumorigenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of a newly identified lncRNA, overexpressed in colorectal cancer (OECC), in human lung cancer. It was initially revealed that the relative transcript level of OECC was highly upregulated in clinical human lung cancer tissues as well as in cultured lung cancer cells. Knockdown of OECC with specific short hairpin RNAs in lung cancer cell lines A549 and 95D inhibited colony formation and cell viability, as evidenced using colony formation assays and cell proliferation assays. Furthermore, depletion of OECC in A549 and 95D cells suppressed migration and invasion, which was verified using Transwell assays. RNA-sequence analysis suggested that the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway was positively regulated by OECC in lung cancer cells A549. In addition, overexpression of Akt in OECC-depleted A549 and 95D cells reversed the suppression of proliferation and migration caused by OECC depletion. The results of the present study identified lncRNA OECC as a novel regulator of lung cancer progression and provided new clues for the clinical treatment of lung cancer. | 10.3892/ol.2019.10644 |
pubmed_898_9169 | In this commentary, I consider how Giulia Cavaliere's arguments about the limited reach of the current justifications offered for full ectogenesis in the bioethical literature apply in the context of partial ectogenesis. I suggest that considering the extent to which partial ectogenesis is freedom or equality promoting is more urgent because of the more realistic prospect of artificial womb technology being utilised to facilitate partial gestation extra uterum as opposed to facilitating complete gestation from conception to term. I highlight concerns about potentially harmful social narratives surrounding pregnancy and about the current legal framework surrounding gestation limiting access to technology in the advent of partial ectogenesis. I do not advocate that these concerns mean that we ought not develop artificial wombs, but like Cavaliere I suggest that we must be mindful of these concerns, and I posit that legal reform must accompany technological developments. Ectogenesis as a political perspective, through which we consider the value in social reproduction and the experiences of pregnant people, is useful to prevent political capture of this technology for regressive policies. Using this perspective to examine the law is also a useful tool to expose just how restrictive the law is in relation to gestation and female reproductive health. | 10.1136/medethics-2019-105968 |
pubmed_14_3601 | Magnolia sieboldii ssp. japonica, distributed mainly in western Japan, is restricted to high elevation areas (1000-2000 m above sea level) and usually forms small isolated populations. Four microsatellite loci were assayed for 19 populations from six regions spanning the range of distribution, and the levels and distribution of genetic variation were estimated. All four loci were variable, with a total of 39 alleles, but the overall level of microsatellite genetic variation was low, especially compared with a related species, M. obovata. Genetic structure in M. sieboldii was characterised by low intrapopulational genetic variation (A = 3.74 and H(o) = 0.366 on average) and high genetic differentiation even among regional populations. Highly significant isolation-by-distance (IBD) models at the short distance were detected. Genetic drift and limited gene flow was considered to be important in determining the genetic structure within regions. Total genetic differentiation was remarkably high (F(ST) = 0.488 and R(ST) = 0.538), suggesting genetic barriers among regions. Neighbour-joining dendrograms relating the 19 populations, and further analysis on the IBD models, revealed that a stepwise mutation model was more suited than an infinite allele model to explain the genetic differentiation among regions. It is suggested that mutation at microsatellite loci might be influential in generating the genetic differentiation among regions. These results showed the potential of hypervariable microsatellite loci to evaluate the effects of genetic drift and population isolation within regions, and to detect genetic distinctiveness, in spite of the loss of overall genetic variation in M. sieboldii. | 10.1038/sj.hdy.6800047 |
pubmed_54_21244 | OBJECTIVE
To establish normal reference ranges for the left ventricular dimensions in preterm infants and their correlation with gestational age, body weight and chronological age.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In a prospective study, 268 preterm babies, who fulfilled the criteria for inclusion, were examined in Kuwait during the years (2008-2010). Echocardiograms were performed to measure the left ventricular dimensions on 0-6 day(s) of life and at weekly intervals until they reached 36 weeks. The gestational age was grouped into three: 24-27, 28-31 and 32-35 weeks, and body weight into five: ⩽999, 1,000-1,499, 1,500-1,999, 2,000-2,499 and ≥2,500 grams. The overall group differences were compared for each period of life: 0-6 days, 1-2, 3-4 and ≥5 weeks.
RESULTS
The mean gestational age was 29.8 (± 2.38 SD) weeks, ranging between 24 and 35, and the mean body weight 1,479 (± 413 SD) grams, ranging between 588 and 3380. At the first scan (0-6 days of life), all the left ventricular measurements correlated well (P < 0.001) with body weight, and the same was observed with gestational age, except for left ventricular posterior wall thickness at end-systole and end-diastole. A significant gradual increase was noticed in all the dimensions with body weight during each period of life. However, with respect to gestational age, an increase was observed in all the dimensions during first four weeks, but the rate of increase became less after 5 weeks of life. Overall, a progressive and significant increase in all left ventricle measurements was observed during the first nine weeks of life.
CONCLUSION
The left ventricular dimension measurements were found to have significant correlation with both gestational age and body weight. The study also provides reference data, which can be used as normal reference tool for left ventricular dimensions for preterm infants against the gestational age, body weight and chronological age. | 10.4103/0974-2069.140832 |
pubmed_14_18818 | The use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in U.S. state hospitals has markedly decreased in the past 20 years. During this time ECT technique has reached a high level of sophistication. We examine whether ECT still has a place and can be effectively used in a modern state hospital. We conclude that approximately 1% of state hospital patients are candidates for ECT and that patients with major depression, mania, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia may benefit from such treatment. The relative youth and good physical health of state hospital patients referred for ECT reduces the risk of the procedure in this setting. Most of our patients were on civil commitment but retained the capacity to consent to treatment. We discuss the use of inpatient continuation ECT and the treatment of protracted psychotic excitement as issues relevant to state hospitals. | pubmed_14_18818 |
pubmed_1006_6378 | Epidemiologic aspects of a whooping cough outbreak are studied in a village of a rural precinct of Kolokani in Mali. The survey shows that the village as been contaminated by two children coming from Bamako, an urban center. Spreading of the epidemic is due to the lack of suitable therapy and vaccination. Seventeen cases are noticed within 83 children aged 0 to 13 years (20.5%) from October 12th, 1988, to January 22nd, 1989. The attack rate is the same in males and females. Knowledge, attitudes and practices of the population to face whooping cough are noted. Measures are proposed for therapy and prevention. | pubmed_1006_6378 |
pubmed_694_2957 | Transcription factor IIIB (TFIIIB) is composed of the TATA box binding protein (TBP) and class III gene-specific TBP-associated factors (TAFs). TFIIIB is brought to a site centered approximately 35 bp upstream from the transcription start site of tRNA genes via protein-protein interactions with the intragenic promoter-recognition factor TFIIIC. Since TBP interacts with TATA elements through the minor groove of DNA, we asked whether TFIIIB interacts with DNA in the minor groove. Polyamides containing pyrrole (Py) and imidazole (Im) amino acids are synthetic DNA ligands that bind to predetermined sequences in the minor groove of double helical DNA. These small molecules have been shown to interfere with protein-DNA interactions in the minor groove. A series of DNA constructs was generated in which the binding site for a Py-Im polyamide was placed at various distances upstream from a tRNA gene transcription start site. We find that a match polyamide will effectively inhibit tRNA gene transcription when its binding site is located within 33 bp of the transcription start site of the Xenopus TyrD tRNA gene. Moreover, in the presence of polyamide, RNA polymerase III is redirected to a new transcription initiation site located approximately one DNA helical turn downstream from the native start site. Our results suggest that a subunit of TFIIIB, possibly TBP, makes an essential minor groove DNA contact centered approximately 30 bp upstream from the tRNA gene. | 10.1006/jmbi.1999.2539 |
pubmed_1015_5853 | Nasal obstruction is known to cause abnormal ventilation during sleep in infants, but its effects on breathing and oxygenation during sleep in adults are unknown. However, in adults, obstruction of the nose by nasal packing has been shown to cause hypoxia, and on occasion, hypercarbia and sudden death. We have investigated the pattern of ventilation and the level of oxygenation during sleep in seven patients who had nasal packs after nasal polypectomy or septoplasty. Using standard polysomnographic techniques, we monitored chest wall motion, nasal and oral airflow, and arterial oxygen saturation and sleep stages. Nasal packing either caused or worsened sleep-disordered breathing in all patients and significantly increased the number, duration, and frequency of episodes for the group as a whole. Several patients also had a greatly increased number and severity of episodes of nocturnal oxygen desaturation. This study shows that obstruction of the nose by packing causes marked alterations in breathing during sleep in adults. | 10.1288/00005537-198107000-00015 |
pubmed_727_6261 | Longitudinal and transverse proton relaxation rates of water in solutions of porcine manganese carboxypeptidase B have been measured in the presence of various competitive inhibitors by pulse nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry. The inhibition constant of Mn-carboxypeptidase activity by L-argininic acid and acetyl-L-arginine was in agreement with the equilibrium constant obtained by the NMR method, indicating similar and specific binding of the inhibitors to the active site of the manganese enzyme. Titration of the water boound to the metal ion revealed the presence of one water molecular which could be displaced from the sphere of the managenese ion by various inhibitors. The structural features of the inhibitors required for this displacement as well as the mode of interaction is described. | 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1975.tb04018.x |
pubmed_1057_3191 | Functionalization of surfaces with derivatives of Buckminsterfullerene fragment molecules seems to be a promising approach toward bottom-up fabrication of carbon nanotube modified electrode surfaces. The modification of a Cu(100) surface with molecules of the buckybowl pentaindenocorannulene has been studied by means of scanning tunneling microscopy, carbon monoxide-modified noncontact atomic force microscopy, time-of-flight secondary mass spectrometry, and quantum chemical calculations. Two different adsorbate modes are identified, in which the majority is oriented such that the bowl cavity points away from the surface and the convex side is partially immersed into a four-atom vacancy in the Cu(100) surface. A minority is oriented such that the convex side points away from the surface with the five benzo tabs oriented basically parallel to the surface. Thermal annealing leads to hydrogenation and planarization of the molecules in two steps under specific C-C bond cleavage. The benzo tabs of the convex side up species serve as a hydrogen source. The final product has an open-shell electron structure that is quenched on the surface. | 10.1021/acsnano.0c04488 |
pubmed_251_2231 | The present study aimed to determine whether vasoconstriction in active calf occurring during combined exercise diminished or persisted when added low- and high-intensity elbow flexion exercise ceased and single leg exercise continued. Six active women (mean age, 21.2 years) participated in this study. During 10-min plantar flexion exercise at 10% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), elbow flexion exercise at 10% MVC was added over the 3rd and 4th min. Calf blood flow did not change significantly upon superimposition and cessation of this elbow flexion exercise. However, when elbow flexion exercise at 50% MVC was added during the 7th and 8th min, calf blood flow above the resting value (2.23 +/- 0.23 mL 100 mL-1 min-1) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) from 6.72 +/- 0.87 (6th min) to 5.14 +/- 1.36 mL 100 mL-1 min-1 after 2 min of combined exercise and was accompanied by a similar change in the non-exercising calf blood flow value. The vascular conductance of the exercising calf decreased significantly (P < 0.01) from 6.48 +/- 1.08 (6th min) to 3.11 +/- 1.27 mL 100 mL-1 min-1 mmHg-1 at the end of the 2nd min of combined plantar flexion exercise with elbow flexion exercise at 50% MVC. After elbow flexion exercise at 50% MVC was discontinued and plantar flexion exercise at 10% MVC alone was performed, the vascular conductance in the exercising calf remained significantly low for the next 2 min. These results indicate that the vasoconstriction induced by adding high-intensity arm exercise is persistent, suggesting a major contribution of metabo-receptor-mediated vasoconstriction rather than central command- and mechano-receptor-mediated vasoconstriction. | 10.1046/j.1365-201X.1996.475220000.x |
pubmed_612_1098 | Panel count data arise in many applications when the event history of a recurrent event process is only examined at a sequence of discrete time points. In spite of the recent methodological developments, the availability of their software implementations has been rather limited. Focusing on a practical setting where the effects of some time-independent covariates on the recurrent events are of primary interest, we review semiparametric regression modelling approaches for panel count data that have been implemented in R package spef. The methods are grouped into two categories depending on whether the examination times are associated with the recurrent event process after conditioning on covariates. The reviewed methods are illustrated with a subset of the data from a skin cancer clinical trial. | 10.1111/insr.12271 |
pubmed_1040_8450 | Histochemical studies have shown a relative depletion of colonic sulphated mucins (sulphomucins) in active ulcerative colitis. One possible explanation for this could be desulphation by bacterial sulphatases. Studies have therefore been done to determine whether normal faeces contain sulphatase and if so to determine whether this activity is increased in ulcerative colitis. Using a fluorimetric assay considerable sulphatase activity (greater than 0.3 IU/g pellet weight) was found in bacteria free filtrates of the homogenates of nine of 17 faecal samples from healthy controls. This sulphatase activity had an alkaline pH optimum (pH 8.5-9.5). A similar range of faecal sulphatase activity with a similar pH optimum was found in samples from patients with ulcerative colitis (n = 39) and Crohn's disease (n = 17) and there was no correlation with disease activity in either disease. This faecal sulphatase activity may be involved in the degradation of colonic mucus and merits further study but these findings do not explain the relative depletion of colonic mucosal sulphomucins in ulcerative colitis. | 10.1136/gut.26.5.466 |
pubmed_261_6764 | We previously developed a highly specific method for detecting SNPs with a microarray-based system using stem-loop probes. In this paper we demonstrate that coupling a multiplexing procedure with our microarray method is possible for the simultaneous detection and genotyping of four point mutations, in three different genes, involved in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. DNA from healthy individuals and patients was amplified, labeled with Cy3 by multiplex PCR; and hybridized to microarrays. Spot signal intensities were 18 to 74 times greater for perfect matches than for mismatched target sequences differing by a single nucleotide (discrimination ratio) for "homozygous" DNA from healthy individuals. "Heterozygous" mutant DNA samples gave signal intensity ratios close to 1 at the positions of the mutations as expected. Genotyping by this method was therefore reliable. This system now combines the principle of highly specific genotyping based on stem-loop structure probes with the advantages of multiplex analysis. | 10.1155/2009/960560 |
pubmed_349_20020 | A novel and environmentally benign method for C-S and C-N bond formation by the direct amidosulfenylation of alkenes has been developed under metal-free conditions. Various alkenes and azoles were transformed into the corresponding β-azolyl sulfides in ionic liquids. The wide substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and ease of operation make this reaction attractive for the synthesis of nitrogen- and sulfur-containing molecules. | 10.1039/c7ob01061c |
pubmed_33_15526 | The aims were to investigate whether oocyte-secreted growth factors from a high (i.e. rat) and low (i.e. sheep) ovulation rate species could stimulate (3)H-thymidine incorporation in granulosa cells (GC) from antral follicles from the same or across species. Denuded oocytes (DO) were co-incubated with GC with or without specific antibodies to growth differentiating factor 9 (GDF9) or bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15). Co-incubations of DO-GC from the same or across species significantly increased thymidine incorporation in GC with increasing numbers of DO. GDF9 immuno-neutralisation reduced thymidine incorporation in rat GC co-incubated with either rat or ovine DO and in ovine GC co-incubated with ovine or rat DO. BMP15 immuno-neutralisation only reduced thymidine incorporation when ovine DO were co-incubated with either ovine or rat GC. Western blotting of oocytes co-incubated with GC identified GDF9 and BMP15 proteins for sheep and GDF9 protein for rats in oocyte lysates and incubation media. With respect to rat BMP15, a promature protein was identified in the oocyte lysate but not in media. Expression levels of GDF9 relative to BMP15 mRNA in DO co-incubated with GC were highly correlated (R (2)=0.99) within both species. However, the expression ratios were markedly different for the rat and sheep (4.3 vs 1.0 respectively). We conclude that during follicular development, rat oocytes secrete little, if any, BMP15 and that GDF9 without BMP15 can stimulate proliferation of rat and ovine GC. In contrast, ovine oocytes secrete both BMP15 and GDF9, and both were found to stimulate proliferation in ovine and rat GC. | 10.1530/REP-12-0267 |
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