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pubmed_808_6900 | To evaluate the process of trophic transfer of microplastics, it is important to consider various abiotic and biotic factors involved in their ingestion, egestion, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification. Toward this end, a review of the literature on microplastics has been conducted to identify factors influencing their uptake and absorption; their residence times in organisms and bioaccumulation; the physical effects of their aggregation in gastrointestinal tracts; and their potential to act as vectors for the transfer of other contaminants. Limited field evidence from higher trophic level organisms in a variety of habitats suggests that trophic transfer of microplastics may be a common phenomenon and occurs concurrently with direct ingestion. Critical research needs include standardizing methods of field characterization of microplastics, quantifying uptake and depuration rates in organisms at different trophic levels, quantifying the influence that microplastics have on the uptake and/or depuration of environmental contaminants among different trophic levels, and investigating the potential for biomagnification of microplastic-associated chemicals. More integrated approaches involving computational modeling are required to fully assess trophic transfer of microplastics. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:505-509. © 2017 SETAC. | 10.1002/ieam.1907 |
pubmed_26_14510 | We evaluated the efficacy of two telehealth applications, delivered by telephone and videophone, for improving outcomes of patients following hospital discharge for an acute exacerbation of heart failure. The outcomes measured were patient self-efficacy, satisfaction with care and knowledge of and compliance with prescribed medications. At hospital discharge, patients were randomly assigned to either control (usual care), telephone or videophone groups. Study nurses contacted the intervention patients each week for 90 days after discharge. A total of 148 patients were enrolled: 49 were randomized to usual care, 52 to the videophone intervention and 47 to the telephone intervention. At 90 days, 126 patients (85%) had completed follow-up; at 180 days, 109 patients (74%) had completed follow-up. There were no significant differences between the groups in medication compliance, self-efficacy or satisfaction with care. The intervention group patients were more likely to have had their medications adjusted during the 90-day intervention period. Knowledge scores improved in the intervention group patients, although these scores were lower at enrolment compared to the control group. It is possible that routine monitoring of symptoms by the study nurses led to medication adjustments and accounted for the intervention patients' significantly delayed time to readmission relative to the control patients. | 10.1258/jtt.2008.080701 |
pubmed_829_3198 | New professionalism values egalitarian professional-client partnerships and considers competence integral. Within nursing competence has been accepted as the legitimate indicator of professional practice. There is a growing emphasis on instrumental competence and this has been accompanied by some erosion of relational care. In this paper I argue that new professionalism is problematic and nursing education faces particular challenges. These include negotiating service-education partnerships which reflect service user involvement and enable the integration of wider notions of competence. | 10.1016/j.nedt.2007.04.004 |
pubmed_897_622 | THE AUTHORS DESCRIBE FOUR COMMON PARASITES THAT INFEST HUMANS: the head louse, the pubic louse, and the body louse, as well as the human mite. They review the life cycle of these insects, advise on diagnosis of an infestation, and recommend various types of treatment for their human hosts that will put an end to these unwelcome pests. | pubmed_897_622 |
pubmed_826_2774 | How cells maintain specific levels of each protein and whether that control is evolutionarily conserved are key questions. Here, we report proteome-wide steady-state protein turnover rate measurements for the evolutionarily distant but ecologically similar yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We find that the half-life of most proteins is much longer than currently thought and determined to a large degree by protein synthesis and dilution due to cell division. However, we detect a significant subset of proteins (∼15%) in both yeasts that are turned over rapidly. In addition, the relative abundances of orthologous proteins between the two yeasts are highly conserved across the 400 million years of evolution. In contrast, their respective turnover rates differ considerably. Our data provide a high-confidence resource for studying protein degradation in common yeast model systems. | 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.10.065 |
pubmed_462_12215 | Twenty five patients with idiopathic myositis attended this department for long term follow up from 1980 to 1989. Twelve patients had primary polymyositis (four men, eight women) and six had primary dermatomyositis (three men, three women); five women had an overlap syndrome. Two patients had a malignant condition associated with the myositis. The mean age at diagnosis was 40 years. All of the patients had proximal muscle weakness, 18/25 had a raised creatine kinase value (mean 2325 IU/l), 19/20 had an abnormal electromyogram, and 19/24 had positive muscle biopsy samples. Of the disease specific antibodies, anti-Jo-1 was detected in only 1/21 patients tested (three patients with fibrosing alveolitis were negative for this antibody), but the 56 kDa antibody was detected in 12/17 patients. The HLA data analysed in the white patients (17/25) showed that 6/8 of those tested were HLA-DR3 positive. All patients were treated with prednisolone and azathioprine was used for 14/25 patients. Only three deaths occurred during the eight year follow up, but there was a substantial morbidity, which may reflect the referral pattern. Muscle strength tests and creatine kinase levels were useful in recording the response to treatment in some patients. These data emphasise that careful long term follow up of patients with myositis is mandatory and that although the present treatment strategy has substantially reduced the death rate, morbidity associated with the disease remains a major problem. | 10.1136/ard.51.1.41 |
pubmed_546_715 | In transfusion medicine, blood and blood components, donors and patients are increasingly confronted with biomaterials. The need to understand the response of human blood to contact with these artificial surfaces has led to multiple studies on the biocompatibility of biomaterials. Up to this time, these investigations have predominantly been performed using physical, immunological and biochemical methods. Many of these approaches are useful in investigating the multiple factors involved in blood-biomaterial interactions. However, they always reflect the overall behaviour of whole cellular populations in local or systemic reactions. The application of multiparameter flow cytometry, on the other hand, provides insight into antigenic expression and changes at the single-cell level. Therefore, the technique of flow cytometry represents a new and powerful way of analysing and improving the biocompatibility of these materials in blood-contacting applications in this field. | 10.1016/s0955-3886(98)00005-8 |
pubmed_661_22613 | Individuals with permanently implanted pacemakers who have normal sensing and pacing at rest may demonstrate abnormalities, particularly of atrial sensing, with exercise. Exercise is known to cause changes in the surface electrocardiographic voltages. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in endocardial and epicardial voltages during exercise in canines with permanently implanted pacing leads similar to those permanently implanted in humans with pacemakers. Six adult mongrel dogs were equipped with transvenous atrial and ventricular endocardial bipolar screw-in leads from a jugular venosection, and with atrial and ventricular bipolar stab-on leads from a left thoracotomy. Exercise was performed at one week following implantation and at weekly intervals for a total of 4 weeks. The animals were studied at rest and at a single workload of 3 miles per hour at a 30% elevation. Unfiltered electrograms were recorded with a VR-12 Electronics-for-Medicine photographic recorder. The mean decreases of electrograms with exercise from resting voltage were: 15% for atrial endocardial unipolar leads; 11% for atrial endocardial bipolar leads; 4% for atrial epicardial unipolar leads; 15% for atrial epicardial bipolar leads; 8% for ventricular endocardial unipolar leads; 18% for ventricular endocardial bipolar leads; 0.1% for ventricular epicardial unipolar leads and 5% for ventricular epicardial bipolar leads. | 10.1111/j.1540-8159.1988.tb06007.x |
pubmed_278_4886 | Iron is an essential trace element involved in oxidation-reduction reactions, oxygen transport and storage, and energy metabolism. Iron in excess can be toxic for cells, since iron produces reactive oxygen species and is important for survival of pathogenic microbes. There is a fine-tuning in the regulation of serum iron levels, determined by intestinal absorption, macrophage iron recycling, and mobilization of hepatocyte stores versus iron utilization, primarily by erythroid cells in the bone marrow. Hepcidin is the major regulatory hormone of systemic iron homeostasis and is upregulated during inflammation. Hepcidin metabolism is altered in chronic kidney disease. Ferroportin is an iron export protein and mediates iron release into the circulation from duodenal enterocytes, splenic reticuloendothelial macrophages, and hepatocytes. Systemic iron homeostasis is controlled by the hepcidin-ferroportin axis at the sites of iron entry into the circulation. Hepcidin binds to ferroportin, induces its internalization and intracellular degradation, and thus inhibits iron absorption from enterocytes, and iron release from macrophages and hepatocytes. Recent data suggest that hepcidin, by slowing or preventing the mobilization of iron from macrophages, may promote atherosclerosis and may be associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. This article reviews the current data regarding the molecular and cellular pathways of systemic and autocrine hepcidin production and seeks the answer to the question whether changes in hepcidin translate into clinical outcomes of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and cardiovascular and renal end-points. | 10.1007/s11010-021-04168-4 |
pubmed_260_4853 | OBJECTIVE
In several countries the incidence of peritoneal mesotheliomas among women closely mirrors the pattern among men. The aim was to investigate the role of asbestos exposure in the aetiology of peritoneal mesotheliomas in women and men.
METHODS
All cases of peritoneal mesothelioma were selected from the Swedish and Netherlands Cancer Registers for the period 1989-2003. For both countries incidence rates were calculated and stratified by sex. A linear regression analysis was used to analyse the existence of a trend over time.
RESULTS
Among men the incidence rate of peritoneal mesothelioma in the Netherlands (0.60 per 100 000 persons) was consistently higher than in Sweden with an average ratio of 1.8 (range 1.4-2.8). In both countries no trend over time was observed. During the 15-year period in the Netherlands the incidence rate among men was about 3.3-fold higher than among women. In Sweden the incidence rate among women was slightly higher than in men up to 1999, and thereafter about threefold higher among men. This sudden shift was statistically significant and seemed mainly caused by changes in classification of peritoneal tumours.
CONCLUSION
The absence of a time trend in the incidence rate of peritoneal mesothelioma in the Netherlands and Sweden in the past 15 years may point to a more limited role of occupational exposure to asbestos in the aetiology of peritoneal mesothelioma than for pleural mesothelioma, especially among women. The observed drop around 2000 in annual incidence of peritoneal mesothelioma among Swedish women indicates the presence in the past of a substantial misclassification with other tumours in the peritoneum. | 10.1136/oem.2006.031724 |
pubmed_265_17220 | A number of studies using endothelin (ET) receptor antagonists support the participation of ETs in a variety of cardiovascular, renal, and other disorders. It has also been established that a number of cytokines, which are released in such diseases, modulate the expression and production of ETs and thus activate the ET system. This effect may represent one pathway by which these inflammatory mediators operate. By regulating endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE) activities, and thus ET synthesis, one can potentiate or attenuate the production of ETs and the receptor affinity/density in such pathologic conditions. Here, the stimulated (lipopolysaccharide or interleukin-1 beta) production of ET-1 from guinea pig tracheal epithelial cells was abolished by CGS 26303 or CGS 26393, two ECE/neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitors, but was unaffected by CGS 24592, a specific NEP inhibitor. Therefore, such dual, and eventually selective ECE inhibitors are effective agents to prevent the stimulated production of ETs. | 10.1097/00005344-199800001-00005 |
pubmed_14_1956 | A hospital based interdepartmental collaborative study was carried out from 1st July to 30th September, 2000 on 269 rural people residing in six districts of the northern part of West Bengal and attending the Pathology Department in North Bengal Medical College for Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) after being referred from different clinical departments. The objectives of the study were to study some aspects of the outcomes of FNAC among rural people and to suggest for its wider application in rural community through Community Health Centre/Rural Hospital/Block Primary Health Centre. The results shows that Hindus (80.3%) are attending more in number than Muslims (14.13%), Christians (4.83%) and Buddhist (0.74%); 53.54% of the population are in 11-40 years age group. In benign conditions 76.95% are coming from up to 100 kms. of N.B.M.C; people in lower per capita income group of up to Rs.400/- per month are attending twice in number than those in the income groups of Rs.401/- and more per month. In malignancy however people do not think of distance or expenses due to seriousness of the diseases. In 14.5% cases FNAC remains inconclusive whereas in 85.5% cases it provides definite diagnoses. | pubmed_14_1956 |
pubmed_11_7294 | Pempheris ufuagari sp. nov. is described based on 10 specimens, 143.9-196.8 mm in standard length, collected from Mi-nami Daito Island and Ogasawara Islands, which are oceanic islands of Japan. Pempheris ufuagari is characterized by a distinct black spot on the pectoral fin base, a bright yellow dorsal and caudal fin, and a blackish band on the outer margin of the anal fin. Pempheris oualensis also has a large body and a distinct black spot on the pectoral fin base, and forms mixed schools with P. ufuagari, but can be distinguished by the different fin coloration (dorsal and caudal fin brown or pale; no blackish band on anal fin margin), and the presence of a villiform tooth band extending outside the lips. Although P. otaitensis, which is found in French Polynesia and Samoa, has similar coloration as P. ufuagari, the latter has lower scale counts than those of the former species: pored lateral-line scales 62-71 (vs. 70-79); scale rows above lateral line 6 1/2-7 1/2 (vs. 8 1/2); predorsal scales 37-43 (vs. 44-48). | 10.11646/zootaxa.3609.2.9 |
pubmed_990_3148 | A high-affinity RNA aptamer to human activated protein C (APC) was selected from a pool of random sequences using in vitro selection. Activated protein C, a trypsin-like serine protease plays an important role along with thrombin as a regulator in blood clotting cascade. After seven rounds of selection and amplification, a single predominant nucleic acid sequence APC-167, a 167-base oligonucleotide with a random sequence core of 120 bases, was obtained. The selected aptamer did not bind to thrombin or factor Xa and thus demonstrated specificity to APC. Furthermore, this aptamer was a non-competitive inhibitor to the cleavage reaction of a fluorogenic substrate catalyzed by APC. The inhibition constant (Ki) of APC-167 was 83 nM. The 99-base oligonucleotide (APC-99) derived from APC-167 by deleting both primer binding sites, was also found to inhibit APC strongly (Ki = 137 nM). Two stem-loop structures and at least one G x U wobble base pair in the stem were elucidated as important structural motifs for binding. | 10.1046/j.1432-1327.1998.2520553.x |
pubmed_1118_26343 | Purpose of review
This review examines the neurocognitive effects of cannabis and relevant developmental factors across adolescence (age 13-21), adulthood (21-65), and older adulthood (65+).
Recent findings
Cannabis use is robustly associated with poorer neurocognitive functioning; however, studies that carefully control for confounds have often not found any evidence for impairment. Notably, the endocannabinoid system may underly how cannabis use affects neurocognitive functions, including heightened vulnerability during adolescence. In contrast, the endocannabinoid system may underlie protective neurocognitive effects of cannabis in older adults. Notably, older adults have reported sharp increases in recent cannabis use.
Summary
As legalization increases the accessibility, variety, and potency of cannabis, strong empirical evidence is needed to understand its neurocognitive effects across the lifespan. In particular, rigorous study designs are needed to investigate the neurocognitive effects of cannabis, including among vulnerable populations (adolescents, older adults) and mediating (e.g., endocannabinoid system) and moderating factors (e.g., alcohol use). | 10.1007/s40473-021-00244-7 |
pubmed_508_10359 | INTRODUCTION
Total hip arthroplasty is a commonly performed operation and yet little information exists about the duration of wound oozing, the factors associated with this and the implications. The aim of this work was to identify factors influencing wound oozing by establishing their effect on the time taken for wounds to cease oozing after total hip arthroplasty.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Sixty-two consecutive patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty were included. Wounds were examined for wound oozing on a daily basis by the same observer and were then re-dressed. The time taken for each wound to become dry was recorded. Data were analysed to determine if the time-to-dryness was influenced by wound length, body mass index, estimated volume of blood in the dissected tissues, duration of surgery and ASA grade.
RESULTS
Time to dryness was associated with wound length (P = 0.01), body mass index (BMI, P = 0.05), estimated volume of blood in dissected tissues (P = 0.05) and length of hospital stay (P = 0.02). No association was found with duration of surgery or ASA grade.
CONCLUSIONS
A small-incision, meticulous haemostasis at surgery and a reduction in pre-operative obesity reduce the time taken for hip arthroplasty wounds to become dry. Prolonged wound oozing delays hospital discharge. | 10.1308/003588407X155509 |
pubmed_492_4346 | The removal of biocide 4-chloro-3-methyl phenol (CMP) was investigated by heterogeneous Fenton-like system using nanoparticulate zero-valent iron (nZVI) as catalyst. The properties of nZVI before and after reaction were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of pH value, initial concentration of CMP, nZVI dose and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) concentration were determined. The experimental results showed that lower pH value and CMP concentration brought faster degradation rate. With the initial pH value of 6.1 and initial CMP concentration of 0.7 mM, the optimal dosage of reagents were 0.5 g nZVI/L and 3.0 mM H(2)O(2). At pH 6.1, the degradation of CMP followed two-stage first-order kinetic that composed of an induction period (first-stage) and a followed rapid degradation stage (second-stage). According to the effects of scavengers n-butanol and KI, hydroxyl radicals (OH), especially the surface-bounded •OH, had a dominant role in the oxidation of CMP. The degradation intermediates, carboxylic acids and chloride ion produced during the reaction process were monitored by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and ion chromatography (IC). On the basis of these findings, the possible mechanistic steps of CMP degradation were proposed. | 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2010.10.116 |
pubmed_906_5777 | Complex assemblies of interacting proteins carry out most of the interesting jobs in a cell, such as metabolism, DNA synthesis, movement and information processing. These physiological properties play out as a subtle molecular dance, choreographed by underlying regulatory networks. To understand this dance, a new breed of theoretical molecular biologists reproduces these networks in computers and in the mathematical language of dynamical systems. | 10.1038/35103078 |
pubmed_135_17697 | Health literacy is associated with the utilization of preventive health services. We examined the association between health literacy (HL) levels and receipt of at least one dose of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination. We analyzed the data from the 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) among adults aged 18 to 32. The primary outcome variable was the 'yes/no' response to the question that assessed whether the participant received at least the first dose of HPV vaccination. The primary independent variable was a summative HL score (range 3 through 12) we created for each respondent by adding the scores for all three HL questions. We performed bivariate and multivariable (logistic regression) analyses to examine the relationship between study variables. The analytical sample of 6,731 adults aged 18 to 32 met the eligibility criteria. Regression analyses showed that the odds of having received at least one dose of HPV vaccination increased by 13% for every unit increase in health literacy score (Odds ratio: 1.13, 95% CI:1.06-1.21, p < .0001). Age, gender, marital status, race/ethnicity, insurance status, and having regular access to a personal doctor were predictors of HPV vaccination status. This study showed that higher levels of HL may contribute to the uptake of at least one dose of the HPV vaccine. Health care and public health organizations, health care professionals, and policymakers should emphasize improving the health literacy levels of the patients and the public to increase the uptake of the HPV vaccine. | 10.1080/21645515.2022.2135930 |
pubmed_129_1083 | A DNA-dependent in vitro transcription system for the human U1 small nuclear RNA (snRNA) promoter has been developed. This in vitro transcription system uses extracts of tissue culture cells to drive transcription of an RNA polymerase II-transcribed snRNA gene. A U1 promoter (-393 to +192) template was constructed in which the sequences from +10 to +171 were replaced with a 179-bp sequence from a G-less cassette. This DNA template thus retained all of the known U1 promoter elements, including the U1 3'-end box (positions +175 to +191), which is responsible for snRNA 3'-end formation. HeLa cell nuclear extracts were shown to drive specific transcription of this promoter by RNA polymerase II. This transcription system has many of the properties observed for wild-type snRNA promoters in vivo. Transcription was shown to initiate at +1 (and -2) relative to the U1 promoter and to efficiently (greater than 90%) form a 3' end corresponding to the 3' end found in the primary transcript of U1 in vivo. The transcription signal is responsive to either deletion or replacement of the U1 distal sequence (enhancer-like) and proximal sequence (TATA-like) elements, as well as the 3'-end box. Additionally, the signal was shown by depletion/repletion experiments to be responsive to a protein called PSE1 (related to Ku), which has recently been shown to specifically bind sequences in the U1 promoter. This in vitro snRNA transcription system should facilitate the biochemical analysis of the human U1 snRNA promoter and lead to a better understanding of the differences between snRNA and mRNA promoters. | 10.1101/gad.4.12a.2048 |
pubmed_1084_18660 | Despite their noted functional role, glycans have had limited therapeutic use due to difficulties in synthesis and quick degradation in vivo. The recent discovery of glycomimetics has provided new opportunities for their application. In this study, we have functionalized type I collagen with peptide mimics of two glycans: (1) polysialic acid (PSA) and (2) an epitope first discovered on human natural killer cells (HNK-1). These glycans and their glycomimetic counterparts have been shown to be important regulators of repair following injury through their unique and phenotypically specific effects on neural behavior. We show that these molecules retain their bioactivity following functionalization to the collagen backbone. Grafted HNK-1 encouraged motor neuron outgrowth, while grafted PSA encouraged sensory and motor neuron outgrowth and enhanced Schwann cell proliferation and process extension. These data support the potential of glycomimetic-functionalized collagen as a biomaterial strategy to increase the efficiency of synaptic reconnection following nervous system injury. | 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.10.013 |
pubmed_1105_12651 | Solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has developed into one of the most informative and direct experimental approaches to the characterization of the molecular structures of amyloid fibrils, including those associated with Alzheimer's disease. In this article, essential aspects of solid state NMR methods are described briefly and results obtained to date regarding the supramolecular organization of amyloid fibrils and the conformations of peptides within amyloid fibrils are reviewed. | 10.2174/092986606775338470 |
pubmed_1022_12453 | In an era in which cosmetics are commonly used, their often prolonged contact with the human body should determine the safety of their use. Often cosmetics are the cause of many side effects, mainly hypersensitivity reactions. Common groups of cosmetic components responsible for side effects are fragrances, preservatives and dyes. This paper focuses on the most allergenic components. | 10.5114/pdia.2013.38360 |
pubmed_527_9350 | The estimated number of out-of-hospital care arrest cases is about 300,000 per year in the United States. Two landmark studies published in 2002 demonstrated that the use of therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest decreased mortality and improved neurologic outcome. Based on these studies, the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation and the American Heart Association recommended the use of therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest. Therapeutic hypothermia is defined as a controlled lowering of core body temperature to 32 degrees C to 34 degrees C. This temperature goal represents the optimal balance between clinical effect and cardiovascular toxicity. Therapeutic hypothermia does require resources to implement-including device, close nursing care, and monitoring. It is important to select patients who have potential for benefit from this technique which is a limited resource and carries potential complications. A collaborative team approach involving physicians and nurses is critical for successful development and implementation of this kind of a protocol. In 2004, the "Advanced Cardiac Admission Program" was launched at the St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center of Columbia University in New York. The program consists of a series of projects, which have been developed to bridge the gap between published guidelines and implementation during "real world" patient care. In this article, we are reporting our latest project for the comprehensive management of survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The pathway is divided into 3 steps: Step I, From the field through the emergency department into the cardiac catherization laboratory and to the critical care unit; Step II, Induced invasive hypothermia protocol in the critical care unit (this step is divided into 3 phases: 1, invasive cooling for the first 24 hours; 2, rewarming; 3, maintenance); Step III, Management post the rewarming phase including the recommendation for out-of-hospital therapy and the ethical decision to define goal of care. We hope that this novel pathway will bridge the gap between the complex guidelines and the actual clinical practice and will improve the survival and neurologic condition of patients suffering cardiac arrest. | 10.1097/HPC.0b013e3181dc4d14 |
pubmed_698_20237 | Australian savannas exhibit marked seasonality in precipitation, with more than 90% of the annual total falling between October and May. The dry season is characterized by declining soil water availability and high vapor pressure deficits (up to 2.5 kPa). We used heat pulse technology to measure whole-tree transpiration rates on a daily and seasonal basis for the two dominant eucalypts at a site near Darwin, Australia. Contrary to expectations, transpiration rates were higher during the dry season than during the wet season, largely because of increased evaporative demand and the exploitation of groundwater reserves by the trees. Transpiration rates exhibited a marked hysteresis in relation to vapor pressure deficit, which was more marked in the dry season than in the wet season. This result may be attributable to low soil hydraulic conductivity, or the use of stored stem water, or both. Tree water use was strongly correlated with leaf area and diameter at breast height and there were no differences in transpiration between the species studied. These results are discussed in relation to scaling tree water use to stand water use. | 10.1093/treephys/19.9.591 |
pubmed_1048_5146 | Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been associated with a variety of adverse events, although the level of evidence for many of these is weak at best. Recently, one national regulatory authority has mandated a change to the labeling of one PPI based on reports of possible associated rhabdomyolysis. Thus, in this review we summarize the available evidence linking PPI use with rhabdomyolysis. The level of evidence is insufficient to establish a causal relationship and is largely based on sporadic case reports. In general, patients with suspected PPI-associated rhabdomyolysis have not been re-challenged with a PPI after recovery. The mechanism whereby PPIs might have been associated with rhabdomyolysis is unclear but possibly related to interaction with concomitantly administered drugs such as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). For patients with rhabdomyolysis, a careful search must be made for possible etiological factors. In patients who recover from an episode of possible PPI-related rhabdomyolysis but do not have a genuine requirement for PPI treatment, the PPI should not be re-introduced. For those with a definite indication for ongoing PPI treatment, the PPI can be re-introduced but should preferably not be administered with a statin. | 10.1007/s40264-016-0473-2 |
pubmed_527_20606 | CONTEXT
Exogenous estrogens have been shown to affect the lipid profile, leading to the hypothesis that endogenous estrogens may have similar effects.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to evaluate the association between endogenous estrogen and serum lipoproteins across the menstrual cycle.
DESIGN
This was a prospective cohort study.
SETTING
The study was conducted at the University at Buffalo, 2005-2007.
PARTICIPANTS
Participants included 259 healthy, regularly menstruating women aged 18-44 yr.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Serum levels of total, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides measured up to eight times per cycle for up to two cycles were measured.
RESULTS
Total and LDL cholesterol were lower during the luteal phase as compared with the follicular phase (P < 0.001), and HDL levels were highest around ovulation (P < 0.001). More women were classified above the desirable range (LDL > or =130 mg/dl or total cholesterol > or =200 mg/dl) when measured during the follicular phase. Estradiol was positively associated with HDL in acute effects models [beta = 0.019, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.015, 0.022] and inversely associated with total (beta = -0.017, 95% CI -0.020, -0.014) and LDL cholesterol (beta = -0.023, 95% CI -0.027, -0.018) and triglycerides (beta = -0.041, 95% CI -0.054, -0.029) in persistent effects models.
CONCLUSIONS
Endogenous estrogen, like exogenous estrogen, appears to have beneficial effects on the lipid profile. Because lipoprotein cholesterol levels vary across the menstrual cycle, cyclic variations in lipoprotein levels may need to be considered in the design and interpretation of studies in reproductive-age women and in the clinical management of women's cholesterol. | 10.1210/jc.2010-0109 |
pubmed_180_4348 | Cryptosporidium are ubiquitous and significant enteropathogens of all classes of vertebrates and a major cause of human morbidity and mortality worldwide. Of the 24 recognized species, the zoonotic Cryptosporidium parvum and the host-specific Cryptosporidium hominis cause the majority of cases of human cryptosporidiosis. Here, we report on structural and transcriptional variability between C. parvum and C. hominis at the MIC1 locus, which encodes a microneme localized thrombospondin-like domain containing protein previously demonstrated to be critical for host cell infection by C. parvum. We demonstrate, using reverse transcription quantitative PCR with the aid of genomic data from the EuPathDB site, that the transcribed product in C. hominis is both truncated and significantly down-regulated in the sporozoite. We hypothesize that CpMIC1 may be a genetic factor involved in facilitating the wider host range of C. parvum in comparison with the specific host range of C. hominis. Furthermore, we show that the presence of a microsatellite (ML-2) within the C. parvum MIC-1 locus enables the development of a PCR marker that can rapidly distinguish the zoonotic C. parvum from C. hominis and other significant human infectious Cryptosporidium species due to reproducible PCR slippage across the ML-2 microsatellite. Additionally, we demonstrate that this locus is tightly linked to the GP60 locus, a locus commonly used in the genetic characterization of C. parvum and C. hominis isolates. This marker should provide a robust and additional tool to aid in the rapid identification of C. parvum from other Cryptosporidium species. | 10.1111/zph.12074 |
pubmed_584_21136 | OBJECTIVES
We sought to evaluate the common utilization of beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or receptor blockers (RBs) in congestive heart failure (CHF).
BACKGROUND
We assessed the association between prescriptions of beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors or RBs within three months after hospitalization and mortality for newly diagnosed CHF in Alberta, Canada seniors (age 65 years and older).
METHODS
Administrative hospital discharge abstracts and drug data during October 1, 1994, to December 31, 1999, were analyzed.
RESULTS
There were 11854 hospitalizations for newly diagnosed CHF. The use of beta-blockers within three months after hospitalization increased from 7.3% in 1994-1995 to 20.9% in 1999-2000. The use of ACE inhibitor or RBs within three months after hospitalization increased from 31.0% in 1994-1995 to 44.3% in 1999-2000. Adjusted one-year mortality was lower in seniors with prescriptions for beta-blockers (18.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 14.2 to 22.2), ACE inhibitors/RBs (22.3%; 95% CI 20.9 to 23.7), or both (16.6%; 95% CI 13.3 to 20.0), compared with those with no prescriptions (29.9%; 95% CI 28.8 to 31.0). Absolute adjusted risk reduction comparing no prescription with prescription of both beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors/RBs was 13.3% for a relative adjusted risk reduction of 44%.
CONCLUSIONS
This study of incident CHF hospitalizations among seniors demonstrates an association between decreased mortality and the use of beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors/RBs, or combination of both. The effectiveness of beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors/RBs for CHF should be more broadly tested in clinical trials that recruit older patients and those with diastolic dysfunction. | 10.1016/s0735-1097(03)01058-1 |
pubmed_308_16332 | A method based on (1) H high-resolution magic angle spinning NMR has been developed for measuring concentration accurately in heterogeneous materials like that of ligands in chromatography media. Ligand concentration is obtained by relating the peak integrals for a butyl ligand in the spectrum of a water-saturated chromatography medium to the integral of the added internal reference. The method is fast, with capacity of 10 min total sample preparation and analysis time per sample; precise, with a reproducibility expressed as 1.7% relative standard deviation; and accurate, as indicated by the excellent agreement of derived concentration with that obtained previously by (13) C single-pulse excitation MAS NMR. The effects of radiofrequency field inhomogeneity, spin rate, temperature increase due to spinning, and distribution and re-distribution of medium and reference solvent both inside the rotor during spinning and between bulk solvent and pore space are discussed in detail. © 2016 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Chemistry published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. | 10.1002/mrc.4370 |
pubmed_138_3015 | This study was designed to examine the determinants of interest in formal continuing education courses of two different types, clinical and practice oriented. Major findings were (1) practice-oriented and clinically oriented courses differed in attractiveness among different segments of the dental profession, (2) interest in courses of a clinical nature was higher and more widespread throughout the proffession than was interest in management courses, and (3) half of the dentists supported mandatory continuing education for renewal of licenses, but 56% opposed a requirement that examinations in those courses be successfully completed. Interest in practice-related courses was related to age, income, use of allied health personnel, journal reading, and participation in study clubs. Clinically related courses were slightly more attractive to the sample than were practice-oriented courses, but current offerings of this type are less attractive to specialists than to general practitioners. Clinical courses generally appeal to the more active segments of the profession, and interest is associated with journal reading, participation in study clubs, and attendance at dental meetings. The appeal of clinical titles was more universal than that of management titles. Few background and practice characteristics were correlated with desire to keep up with the field, and those correlations that existed were smaller than those relating these variables to interest in practice; the only exception was specialization, as was noted above. Support for mandatory continuing education without examination as a requirement for relicensure was substantial. Further, no significant cleavages on this issue could be associated with any of the background or practice characteristics which were studied, a finding that indicate the existence of broad-based consensus in the sample. | pubmed_138_3015 |
pubmed_424_11805 | BACKGROUND
Probiotic dairy products are increasingly gaining popularity. Although the role of probiotic bacteria in the prevention and treatment of pediatric and antibiotic associated diarrhea is fairly well established, their role in the prevention of adult infectious diarrhea has not been well investigated.
METHODS
Five hundred forty-one, young male military recruits were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive a yogurt containing Lactobacillus casei (n = 275) or a nonprobiotic yogurt (n = 266). The incidence and duration of diarrhea were documented and stool samples examined for bacteria and parasites.
RESULTS
Five hundred and two participants were eligible for final analysis, 254 receiving probiotic yogurt and 248 in the control group. Seventy-one participants (14.14%) experienced diarrhea during the study period. The incidence of diarrhea in the probiotic group and the control group was 12.2% and 16.1%, respectively (P = .207). The mean duration of diarrhea was 3 +/- 1.95 days in the probiotic group and 2.6 +/- 1.08 days in the control group (P = .276).
CONCLUSION
Our study demonstrated a nonsignificant trend for reduction of the incidence of diarrhea among healthy young adults consuming yogurt containing Lactobacillus casei . Further study is needed to evaluate the role of probiotics in adults. | 10.1016/j.ajic.2004.11.001 |
pubmed_377_3516 | This study aimed to explore the current practice of performing high ear-piercing regarding consent protocols, and methods of practice using questionnaire-based survey in Hertfordshire and North London. Recommendations for good clinical practice are also made. 100 establishments performing ear piercing were identified. A 16-item questionnaire on techniques used, methods of high-ear piercing, methods of sterilization, consent issues and aftercare was completed. Seventy-six establishments agreed to participate. All practitioners prepared the skin before piercing. 58 (76%) used a needle for piercing, 11 (15%) used a spring-loaded gun and seven (9%) used both. 97% of the practitioners obtained written consent before proceeding. 9 (12%) had a lower age limit of 16 years and three (4%) of 18 years. 27 piercers (36%) provided an aftercare leaflet, 41 (54%) warned the patients about risks of infection, 16 (21%) warned about cosmetic deformity and 1 (1%) specifically mentioned cauliflower ear. Results indicated that high ear piercing is an invasive procedure with a significant risk of complications leading to cosmetic deformity. Establishments should be required to counsel patients properly about the risks and potential complications of the procedure. A code of practice should be drawn up with a minimum age for piercing, requirement for proper consent, excellent hygiene and good information for postoperative care. | 10.1007/s00405-011-1693-9 |
pubmed_814_7225 | Accumulating data suggest that the downregulation of DHCR24 is linked to the pathological risk factors of AD, denoting a potential role of DHCR24 in AD pathogenesis. However, it remains unclear whether the downregulation of DHCR24 affects the abnormal heper-phosphorylation of tau protein, which is involved in tauopathy. In present papers, immunofluorescence and Filipin III fluorescence results showed that DHCR24 knockdown significantly lowered the level of plasma membrane cholesterol and expression level of membrane lipid-raft structural protein caveolin-1; and overexpression of DHCR24 could increase the plasma membrane cholesterol levels and facilitating caveolae structure through increase the expression of caveolin-1. PP2A is the key phosphatase involving in tau phosphorylation, which is localized in cholesterol-dependent caveola/raft lipid domains. Here, the PP2A activity was detected by western blot assay. Interestingly, the level of p-PP2Ac at Y307 (inactive) and p-GSK3β at Y216 (active) in the downstream of the PP2A signal pathway were both significantly increased in silencing DHCR24 SH-SY5Y cells, which denoted an inhibition of the PP2A and activation of GSK3β signaling. Conversely, overexpression of DHCR24 blunted the inhibition effect of PP2A and activation of GSK3β. Besides, in the SH-SY5Y cell lines we demonstrated that DHCR24 knockdown obviously induced hyperphosphorylation of tau at Thr181, Thr231, Ser262, Ser396, and Ser422 Sites. In contrast, DHCR24 overexpression protects neuronal SH-SY5Y cells against the hyperphosphorylation of tau at Thr181, Thr231, Ser262, Ser396, and Ser422 Sites. Furthermore, PP2A activator D-erythro-Sphingosine (DES) also obviously inhibited the hyperphosphorylation of tau induced by DHCR24 knockdown. Collectively, our findings firstly confirmed that DHCR24 knockdown obviously induced abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau by a novel lipid raft-dependent PP2A signaling. We propose that DHCR24 downregulation led to altered cholesterol synthesis as a potential mechanism in the progression of tau hyperphosphorylation involving in AD and other tauopathies. | 10.1007/s11064-021-03273-6 |
pubmed_89_7348 | Although the role of pancreatic β-cell macroautophagy/autophagy is well known, that of β-cell mitophagy is unclear. We investigated the changes of lysosomal Ca2+ by mitochondrial or metabolic stress that can modulate TFEB activation and, additionally, the role of TFEB-induced mitophagy in β-cell function. Mitochondrial or metabolic stress induces mitophagy, which is mediated by lysosomal Ca2+ release, increased cytosolic [Ca2+] and subsequent TFEB activation. Lysosomal Ca2+ release is replenished by ER→lysosome Ca2+ refilling through ER Ca2+ exit channels, which is important for the increase of cytosolic [Ca2+] and mitophagy by mitochondria stressors. High-fat diet (HFD) feeding augments pancreatic β-cell mitophagy, probably as an adaptation to metabolic stress. HFD-induced increase ofβ-cell mitophagy is reduced by tfeb KO, leading to increased ROS and decreased mitochondrial complex activity or oxygen consumption in tfeb-KO islets. In tfeb Δβ-cell mice, HFD-induced glucose intolerance and β-cell dysfunction are aggravated. Expression of mitophagy receptor genes including Optn or Calcoco2 is increased by mitochondrial or metabolic stressors in a TFEB-dependent manner, likely contributing to increased mitophagy. These results suggest that lysosomal Ca2+ release in conjunction with ER→lysosome Ca2+ refilling is important for TFEB activation and mitophagy induction, which contributes to pancreatic β-cell adaptation to metabolic stress. | 10.1080/15548627.2022.2069956 |
pubmed_414_19696 | Research on electroencephalographic (EEG) correlates of substance use has a long history. The present paper provides a review of recent studies--2001 to the present--with a focus on EEG findings in human participants characterized by a history of chronic substance use, abuse or dependence. In some areas (e.g., alcohol and cocaine dependence), the field has attempted to build upon earlier work by incorporating different methodologies or pursuing research questions of a transdisciplinary nature. New areas of inquiry, such as the investigation of EEG differences among users of ecstasy (MDMA) and methamphetamine, have emerged, primarily as a result of an alarming rise in popularity of these drugs. | 10.1177/155005940904000210 |
pubmed_410_21963 | BACKGROUND
DNA methylation alterations have emerged as hallmarks of cancer and have been proposed as screening, prognostic, and predictive biomarkers. Traditional approaches for methylation analysis have relied on bisulfite conversion of DNA, which can damage DNA and is not suitable for targeted gene analysis in low-input samples. Here, we have adapted methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 2 (MBD2)-based DNA enrichment for use on a semi-automated exclusion-based sample preparation (ESP) platform for robust and scalable enrichment of methylated DNA from low-input samples, called SEEMLIS.
RESULTS
We show that combining methylation-sensitive enzyme digestion with ESP-based MBD2 enrichment allows for single gene analysis with high sensitivity for GSTP1 in highly impure, heterogenous samples. We also show that ESP-based MBD2 enrichment coupled with targeted pre-amplification allows for analysis of multiple genes with sensitivities approaching the single cell level in pure samples for GSTP1 and RASSF1 and sensitivity down to 14 cells for these genes in highly impure samples. Finally, we demonstrate the potential clinical utility of SEEMLIS by successful detection of methylated gene signatures in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from patients with prostate cancer with varying CTC number and sample purity.
CONCLUSIONS
SEEMLIS is a robust assay for targeted DNA methylation analysis in low-input samples, with flexibility at multiple steps. We demonstrate the feasibility of this assay to analyze DNA methylation in prostate cancer cells using CTCs from patients with prostate cancer as a real-world example of a low-input analyte of clinical importance. In summary, this novel assay provides a platform for determining methylation signatures in rare cell populations with broad implications for research as well as clinical applications. | 10.1186/s13148-022-01252-4 |
pubmed_134_19534 | The use of osmolytes or chaperones to stabilize proteins/peptides that misfold in neurodegenerative diseases is an attractive concept for drug development. We have investigated the role of a series of small carbohydrates for protection of the natively structured Alzheimer's amyloid-beta peptides (Abeta). Using circular dichroism spectroscopy to follow the beta-structural transitions and electron microscopy to examine tertiary structural characteristics, we demonstrate that the hydrogen bonding capacity of the carbohydrate determines the inhibition or promotion of fibrillogenesis. Three sugar molecules that vary only in their distribution of potential H-bonding partners promote various structural changes in Abeta. Two of these sugar molecules are excluded from Abeta during aggregation and promote mature fibre growth, while the other binds Abeta promoting nucleation and the accumulation of protofibrils. Our studies suggest that utilization of a combinatorial strategy to alter H-bonding capacity across a simple carbohydrate molecule may represent a novel drug design strategy. | 10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.01.068 |
pubmed_808_24646 | Xanthogranulomatous cystitis (XC) is a chronic granulomatous inflammation with rare incidence. Herein, we report a 62-year-old female whose cystoscopic biopsy showed chronic inflammation accompanied with acute episode of inflammation. According to CT scan, pathology of the lesion could not rule out bladder carcinoma. Thus, partial cystectomy was done. But post-operatory pathological examination of the specimen was finally demonstrated Xanthogranulomatous cystitis. To the best of our knowledge, the present case of XC is the 28th to be reported in the world literature. | 10.1016/j.eucr.2016.04.004 |
pubmed_518_13099 | This case study will show the effectiveness of various forms of holistic healing (Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, Reiki, and reflexology) when used during the perianesthesia period for reduction of stress and pain. Brief introductions of each of the forms of complementary medicine will be provided with correlation to the case study. The reader will see how the nurse interprets the physical and emotional changes of the patient and identifies how and when to intercede with complementary forms of healing. | 10.1053/jpan.2001.27622 |
pubmed_63_5525 | We study the propagation of light pulses through a transparent anomalous dispersion medium where the group velocity of the pulse exceeds c and can even become negative. Because the medium is transparent, we can apply the Kelvin's method of stationary phase to obtain the general properties of the pulse propagation process for interesting conditions when the group velocity: U < c, U = +/- , and even becomes negative: U < 0. A numerical simulation illustrating pulse propagation at a negative group velocity is also presented. We show how rephasing can produce these unusual pulse propagation phenomena. | 10.1364/oe.8.000344 |
pubmed_906_2566 | The respiratory exchange system of insects must maximize the flux of respiratory gases through the spiracles of the tracheal system while minimizing water loss. This trade-off between gas exchange and water loss becomes crucial when locomotor activity is increased during flight and metabolic needs are greatest. Insects that keep their spiracles mostly closed during flight reduce water loss but limit the flux of oxygen and carbon dioxide into and out of the tracheal system and thus attenuate locomotor performance. Insects that keep their spiracles completely open allow maximum gas exchange but face desiccation stress more quickly. Experiments in which water vapor was used as a tracer gas to track changes in the conductance of the respiratory system indicated that flying fruit flies minimize potential water loss by matching the area of the open spiracles to their gas exchange required for metabolic needs. This behavior maintained approximately constant pressure for carbon dioxide (1.35 kilopascals) and oxygen (19.9 kilopascals) within the tracheal system while reducing respirometric water loss by up to 23% compared with a strategy in which the spiracles are held wide open during flight. The adaptive spiracle-closing behavior in fruit flies has general implications for the ecology of flying insects because it shows how these animals may cope with environmental challenges during high locomotor performance. | 10.1126/science.1064821 |
pubmed_880_22737 | The title compound, C(23)H(31)O(2)P, has three fully extended substituents around the P-atom chiral centre, forming an S(P) configuration. The phenyl rings are inclined at a dihedral angle of 3.2 (3)°. | 10.1107/S1600536810009372 |
pubmed_475_17964 | Idelalisib (GS-1101, CAL-101), an oral inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-δ, was evaluated in a phase I study in 64 patients with relapsed indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL). Patients had a median (range) age of 64 (32-91) years, 34 (53%) had bulky disease (≥1 lymph nodes ≥5 cm), and 37 (58%) had refractory disease. Patients had received a median (range) of 4 (1-10) prior therapies. Eight dose regimens of idelalisib were evaluated; idelalisib was taken once or twice daily continuously at doses ranging from 50 to 350 mg. After 48 weeks, patients still benefitting (n = 19; 30%) enrolled into an extension study. Adverse events (AEs) occurring in 20% or more patients (total%/grade ≥3%) included diarrhea (36/8), fatigue (36/3), nausea (25/3), rash (25/3), pyrexia (20/3), and chills (20/0). Laboratory abnormalities included neutropenia (44/23), anemia (31/5), thrombocytopenia (25/11), and serum transaminase elevations (48/25). Twelve (19%) patients discontinued therapy due to AEs. Idelalisib induced disease regression in 46/54 (85%) of evaluable patients achieving an overall response rate of 30/64 (47%), with 1 patient having a complete response (1.6%). Median duration of response was 18.4 months, median progression-free survival was 7.6 months. Idelalisib is well tolerated and active in heavily pretreated, relapsed/refractory patients with iNHL. These trials were registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00710528 and NCT01090414. | 10.1182/blood-2013-11-538546 |
pubmed_1_22151 | BACKGROUND
Sleep disturbances and disruption of the neural regulation of the sleep-wake rhythm appear to be involved in the cellular and molecular mechanisms of cognitive decline. Although sleep problems are highly prevalent in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and many types of dementia, they have not been systematically investigated in the clinical setting and are often only investigated by sleep specialists upon individual request.
SUMMARY
This review discusses sleep disorders in the context of cognitive decline and provides an overview of the clinical diagnosis and management of these disorders in patients with dementia and MCI. Key Messages: Sleep disorders are largely underestimated and do not receive sufficient attention in the global management of dementia patients. Sleep disturbances have a significant impact on cognitive and physical functions in individuals with cognitive decline and may be associated with important psychological distress and depression. They are positively associated with the severity of behavioral problems and cognitive impairment.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
The recent recommendations by the Sleep Study Group of the Italian Dementia Research Association can be used as a guideline for the clinical assessment and management of sleep disorders in MCI and dementia patients. Sleep disorders should be carefully investigated using an in-depth sleep history, physical examination, questionnaires and clinical scales and should be validated with the support of a direct caregiver. The recommendations for older adults can be used as a framework to guide the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders in individuals with dementia and MCI. The management strategy should be based on the choice of different treatments for each sleep problem present in the same patient, while avoiding adverse interactions between treatments. | 10.1159/000434629 |
pubmed_1109_24093 | Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasingly becoming one of the greatest medical challenges. Due to the social and financial burden of AD, detection of AD in its early stages is a topic of major research interest. Thus, emergence of well-validated screening methods for fast detection of AD in the early stages would be of great importance. It is now recognized that the homeostasis and serum bioavailability of multivalent cations (e.g. zinc, copper, and iron) are disturbed in AD. Using a standard chemometric approach (hierarchical clustering analysis), we find that the serum concentrations of an array of such multivalent cations can be a fingerprint for identification of AD patients. This may pave the way for a reliable, efficient, and inexpensive method for early detection and treatment of AD. | 10.1038/srep02782 |
pubmed_255_1311 | This paper discusses the development and implementation of a prototype coaxial gas delivery system for laser bronchoscopy. The design of the system is presented including a detailed description of the device's theory of operation and construction. The system's medical application in laser bronchoscopy is described. | 10.1097/00004669-199209000-00019 |
pubmed_469_16844 | INTRODUCTION
Sleep Apnea (SA) is a common sleep disorder that increases postoperative morbidity. There is limited research on how SA influences outcomes following operative fixation of ankle fractures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether patients who undergo surgical fixation for bimalleolar ankle fractures have higher rates of medical complications and health care expenditures.
METHODS
A retrospective review from January 1, 2005 to March 31, 2014 was conducted using the parts A and B Medicare Data from PearlDiver database. Patients with and without SA on the day of the primary open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of their bimalleolar ankle fractures were queried using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Welch'st-tests were used to compare costs of care. A multivariate binomial logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of adverse events. A P-value <.001 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS
There were 20 560 patients (SA = 3150; comparison cohort = 17 410) who underwent ORIF for bimalleolar ankle fractures during the study period. Sleep apnea patients were found to have significantly higher rates and odds of 90-day medical complications (21.42% vs 7.47%, OR: 3.11, P < .0001) and 90-day costs of care ($7213.12 vs $5415.79, P < .0001).
CONCLUSION
This research demonstrates an increased risk of postoperative medical complications and health care costs among patients with SA undergoing ORIF for bimalleolar ankle fractures.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Therapeutic, Level IV: Retrospective. | 10.1177/19386400221098629 |
pubmed_616_16275 | Globally, it is recognized that blue carbon ecosystems, especially mangroves, often sequester large quantities of carbon and are of interest for inclusion in climate change mitigation strategies. While 19% of the world's mangroves are in Africa, they are among the least investigated of all blue carbon ecosystems. We quantified total ecosystem carbon stocks in 33 different mangrove stands along the Atlantic coast of West-Central Africa from Senegal to Southern Gabon spanning large gradients of latitude, soil properties, porewater salinity, and precipitation. Mangrove structure ranged from low and dense stands that were <1m in height and >35,000 trees ha-1 to tall and open stands >40m in height and <100 ha-1. Tremendous variation in ecosystem carbon (C) stocks was measured ranging from 154 to 1,484 Mg C ha-1. The mean total ecosystem carbon stock for all mangroves of West-Central Africa was 799 Mg C ha-1. Soils comprised an average of 86% of the total carbon stock. The greatest carbon stocks were found in the tall mangroves of Liberia and Gabon North with a mean >1,000 Mg C ha-1. The lowest carbon stocks were found in the low mangroves of the semiarid region of Senegal (463 Mg C ha-1) and in mangroves on coarse-textured soils in Gabon South (541 Mg C ha-1). At the scale of the entirety of West-Central Africa, total ecosystem carbon stocks were poorly correlated to aboveground ecosystem carbon pools, precipitation, latitude and soil salinity (r2 = ≤0.07 for all parameters). Based upon a sample of 158 sites from Africa, Asia and Latin America that were sampled in a similar manner to this study, the global mean of carbon stocks for mangroves is 885 Mg C ha-1. The ecosystem carbon stocks of mangroves for West-Central Africa are slightly lower than those of Latin America (940 Mg C ha-1) and Asia (1049 Mg C ha-1) but substantially higher than the default Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) values for mangroves (511 Mg C ha-1). This study provides an improved estimation of default estimates (Tier 1 values) of mangroves for Asia, Latin America, and West Central Africa. | 10.1371/journal.pone.0187749 |
pubmed_920_7504 | Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed tumors in female. miR-122 has been proved to be dominant in CC. The particular role of miR-122 in CC is unclear. Thus, we attempted to investigate the prognostic role of miR-122 in CC. We used the database of Kaplan-Meier curve plot. Growth and apoptosis of C33A cells were detected by CCK-8, colony formation assay, transwell assays and flow cytometry analysis. The target gene of miR-122 was identified using bioinformatics, q-PCR, western blot and luciferase assay. It showed that CC patients with overexpression of miR-122 have a better prognosis in the Kaplan-Meier plot database analysis. Overexpressed miR-122 inhibited the malignant growth and induced apoptosis of CC. miR-122 targeting of RAD21 cohesin complex component (RAD21) was identified using bioinformatics, Q-PCR, western blot and luciferase assay analyses. Moreover, we found miR-122 conduct its functions via RAD21 via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Importantly, overexpression of RAD21 restored the roles of miR-122 in CC. Our data suggested that miR-122 could block malignant growth and promoted apoptosis by targeting RAD21 in CC. Our finding indicates miR-122 could potentially participate in the pathogenesis and be a biomarker or the potential therapeutic target of CC. | 10.1007/s10528-021-10098-z |
pubmed_345_6222 | To understand the proximate and ultimate causes that shape acoustic communication in animals, objective characterizations of the vocal repertoire of a given species are critical, as they provide the foundation for comparative analyses among individuals, populations and taxa. Progress in this field has been hampered by a lack of standard in methodology, however. One problem is that researchers may settle on different variables to characterize the calls, which may impact on the classification of calls. More important, there is no agreement how to best characterize the overall structure of the repertoire in terms of the amount of gradation within and between call types. Here, we address these challenges by examining 912 calls recorded from wild chacma baboons (Papio ursinus). We extracted 118 acoustic variables from spectrograms, from which we constructed different sets of acoustic features, containing 9, 38, and 118 variables; as well 19 factors derived from principal component analysis. We compared and validated the resulting classifications of k-means and hierarchical clustering. Datasets with a higher number of acoustic features lead to better clustering results than datasets with only a few features. The use of factors in the cluster analysis resulted in an extremely poor resolution of emerging call types. Another important finding is that none of the applied clustering methods gave strong support to a specific cluster solution. Instead, the cluster analysis revealed that within distinct call types, subtypes may exist. Because hard clustering methods are not well suited to capture such gradation within call types, we applied a fuzzy clustering algorithm. We found that this algorithm provides a detailed and quantitative description of the gradation within and between chacma baboon call types. In conclusion, we suggest that fuzzy clustering should be used in future studies to analyze the graded structure of vocal repertoires. Moreover, the use of factor analyses to reduce the number of acoustic variables should be discouraged. | 10.1371/journal.pone.0125785 |
pubmed_56_22679 | For several years, alarmist articles both in mass media and in the scientific community have reported an increase in antibiotic resistance, even citing an inability to treat patients infected with multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR) responsible for high mortality worldwide. In this review we summarize and discuss the key points associated with the reality of (i) the existence of pandrug-resistant bacteria, (ii) the increase of resistance worldwide, (iii) the link between resistance and death, and (iv) the need to develop new antibiotics. Data on antibiotic resistance in Europe for the main bacteria associated with invasive infections apparently demonstrate that apart from Klebsiella pneumoniae, which is resistant to carbapenems in three countries (Romania, Italy and Greece), the level of resistance to three or more classes of antibiotics (defined as MDR phenotype) has remained low and stable over the last 5 years and that therapeutic options exist both for reference antibiotics and for old antibiotics. The clinical outcome of patients infected by MDR bacteria remains controversial and death rates attributable to MDR bacteria versus non-MDR bacteria are still debated. The arsenal of antibiotics currently available (including 'old antibiotics') suffices for facing the waves of emergence of new bacterial resistance and should be considered as a World Heritage. This heritage should be managed in a non-profit model with international regulatory approval. | pubmed_56_22679 |
pubmed_1048_16058 | STUDY OBJECTIVES
Nocturnal blood pressure (BP) dipping in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has not yet been well investigated in Chinese patients, in whom the relationship of OSA and body mass index (BMI) is weaker than that in Caucasians. The aim of this study was to evaluate the BP profile, and the relationships between nocturnal BP and the severity of OSA, in Chinese patients.
METHODS
Consecutive Chinese adult outpatients with suspected OSA had overnight polysomnography (PSG), office BP, and 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and nocturnal oxygen saturation level were recorded, and BP patterns were classified based on the ABPM.
RESULTS
Fifty-six subjects (40 male and 16 female, 48.59 ± 13.27 y) were evaluated. There were 14 patients with mild OSA (25.0%, AHI: 10.56 ± 3.42 events/h), 16 with moderate OSA (28.6%, AHI: 23.536 ± 3.42 events/h) and 26 with severe OSA (46.4%, AHI: 51.52 ± 3.42 events/h). There were 18 dippers (32.1%), 27 non-dippers (48.2%), and 11 reverse dippers (19.6%). As OSA severity increased, non-dipping also increased. A total of 67.9% of the OSA patients showed overall hypertension on ABPM, 57.1% had daytime hypertension only, and 73.2% had nighttime hypertension.
CONCLUSIONS
OSA severity is associated with 24-h BP profiles in a population with only mild increases in BMI. These results can influence clinical practice, OSA management, and hypertension treatment policies. | 10.5664/jcsm.6498 |
pubmed_957_23711 | Pituitary carcinomas (PCs) are rare entities constituting about 0.1-0.2% of all pituitary neoplasms. They are diagnosed by the presence of craniospinal or systemic metastasis in pituitary adenomas (PAs). The distant metastatic sites include liver, followed by bone, lung, and lymph nodes. The diagnosis of PC is rarely made on fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) with only six cases reported till date; hence, the cytologic features are not well defined. Herein, we report a case of PA having high Ki-67 proliferation index and p53 expression, presenting with liver lesion 6 weeks post-surgery and diagnosed on FNA. Detailed cytomorphologic features are defined and compared. We emphasize that FNAC, along with clinic-radiologic correlation, is a cost-effective, safe, and diagnostically accurate method of diagnosing PC metastases. | 10.25259/Cytojournal_6_2021 |
pubmed_948_4404 | A survey questionnaire of 200 families with 2-month-old twins assesses the economic, social and psychological impact of the arrival of twins on family life. The study shows the extent of material difficulties mothers of twins are confronted with, and the ways they cope with them--recourse to mother's helpers, assistance from the father and other members of the family (analyzed in terms of parity and socioeconomic/cultural status), twincare organization strategies, and impact on the decision to stop working. The findings provide an overall picture of the real situation, a necessary prerequisite to an understanding of psychological problems. | 10.1017/s0001566000006723 |
pubmed_583_10892 | EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors have shown promising efficacy in the treatment of tumors with EGFR mutations and amplifications. However, tyrosine kinase inhibitors have also proven ineffective against most tumors with EGFR wild-type (WT) alleles. Although some genetic changes, including the KRAS mutation, have been shown to confer resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, novel strategies for the treatment of cancer patients with tumors harboring EGFR WT alleles have yet to be thoroughly delineated. The principal objective of this study was to improve our current understanding of drug interactions between EGFR and MAP/ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitors in an effort to gain insight into a novel therapeutic strategy against EGFR WT tumors. Using a panel of human EGFR WT gastric cancer cell lines, we showed that gastric cancer cells harboring the KRAS mutation were selectively sensitive to MEK inhibition as compared with those cells harboring KRAS and PI3K mutations and KRAS WT alleles. However, all cell lines were found to be resistant to EGFR inhibition. The results from Western blots and phosphoprotein arrays showed that, in MEK inhibitor resistant cell lines, AKT was activated through the EGFR/HER3/PI3K pathway following AZD6244 (ARRY-142886) treatment. Blockade of this feedback mechanism through the targeting of MEK and EGFR resulted in detectable synergistic effects in some cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Our results provide the basis for a rational combination strategy against human EGFR WT gastric cancers, predicated on the understanding of cross-talk between the MEK and EGFR pathways. | 10.1158/1535-7163.MCT-09-0300 |
pubmed_1096_19069 | More than 30% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients possess activating mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinase FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 or FLT3. A small-molecule inhibitor of FLT3 (known as quizartinib or AC220) that is currently in clinical trials appears promising for the treatment of AML. Here, we report the co-crystal structure of the kinase domain of FLT3 in complex with quizartinib. FLT3 with quizartinib bound adopts an "Abl-like" inactive conformation with the activation loop stabilized in the "DFG-out" orientation and folded back onto the kinase domain. This conformation is similar to that observed for the uncomplexed intracellular domain of FLT3 as well as for related receptor tyrosine kinases, except for a localized induced fit in the activation loop. The co-crystal structure reveals the interactions between quizartinib and the active site of FLT3 that are key for achieving its high potency against both wild-type FLT3 as well as a FLT3 variant observed in many AML patients. This co-complex further provides a structural rationale for quizartinib-resistance mutations. | 10.1371/journal.pone.0121177 |
pubmed_637_5368 | We studied the significance of new blood vessels in the pathogenesis of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA). Fifteen 8-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were selected to establish TMJOA models of gradually induced occlusal disorders. Five rats were sacrificed at 4, 8 and 16 weeks, and histological exam was conducted along with micro-computed tomography observation on the condyle specimen. The distribution and number of new blood vessels breaking were observed through the tidemark through CD34 immunofluorescence staining. The proliferation of chondrocytes were detected through Ki67 immunohistochemical staining, and the differentiation functions of chondrocytes were observed through PTHrP and IHH immunohistochemical staining. The degradation functions of cartilage matrix were observed through matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 immunohistochemical staining to detect the expression of vascular growth promotion and inhibition factors with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), CTGF and CHM-1 immunohistochemical staining and screen differentially expressed genes through gene chip analysis method. It was found that the condyle tissue full thickness, fiber layer thickness and calcified cartilage layer thickness were significantly increased with time (P<0.05). Bone mineral density, trabecular thickness and Tb.Sp were also increased significantly with time, BS/BV and trabecular number were decreased significantly with time (P<0.05). The new blood vessels reached the deep layer of calcified cartilage until the tide line was broken and non-calcified cartilage was invaded. The number of vessels were increased significantly with time (P<0.05). Ki67, PTHrP and IHH-positive rates were increased significantly (P<0.05). MMP-9, VEGF, CTGF and CHM-1 were increased significantly (P<0.05). VEGF, CTGF and CHM-1 mRNA were upregulated differentially with the expressed genes. In conclusion, the new blood vessels may be important in the pathogenesis of TMJOA. | 10.3892/etm.2017.4234 |
pubmed_752_13233 | Phylogeneticists are increasingly assembling genome-scale data sets that include hundreds of genes to resolve their focal clades. Although these data sets commonly include a moderate to high amount of missing data, there remains no consensus on their impact to species tree estimation. Here, using several simulated and empirical data sets, we assess the effects of missing data on species tree estimation under varying degrees of incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) and gene rate heterogeneity. We demonstrate that concatenation (RAxML), gene-tree-based coalescent (ASTRAL, MP-EST, and STAR), and supertree (matrix representation with parsimony [MRP]) methods perform reliably, so long as missing data are randomly distributed (by gene and/or by species) and that a sufficiently large number of genes are sampled. When data sets are indecisive sensu Sanderson et al. (2010. Phylogenomics with incomplete taxon coverage: the limits to inference. BMC Evol Biol. 10:155) and/or ILS is high, however, high amounts of missing data that are randomly distributed require exhaustive levels of gene sampling, likely exceeding most empirical studies to date. Moreover, missing data become especially problematic when they are nonrandomly distributed. We demonstrate that STAR produces inconsistent results when the amount of nonrandom missing data is high, regardless of the degree of ILS and gene rate heterogeneity. Similarly, concatenation methods using maximum likelihood can be misled by nonrandom missing data in the presence of gene rate heterogeneity, which becomes further exacerbated when combined with high ILS. In contrast, ASTRAL, MP-EST, and MRP are more robust under all of these scenarios. These results underscore the importance of understanding the influence of missing data in the phylogenomics era. | 10.1093/molbev/msv266 |
pubmed_1058_15625 | A case of phlebothrombosis with recurrent pulmonary and cerebral embolism is presented which occurred in a 42 year old patient two weeks after treatment of a traumatic crural fracture despite of prophylaxis with low molecular heparin. By means of transthoracic echocardiography a large intracardiac thrombus was detected, entrapped in an patent foramen ovale (PFO) and prolapsing through both atrioventricular valves into both ventricles. This was found after systemic thrombolysis with rtPA had been performed because of fulminant pulmonary embolism. Subsequently the intracardiac thrombus was surgically removed and the PFO closed. The importance of an PFO for paradoxical embolism is discussed as well as the various therapeutical paths to treat an "embolus-in-transit" (cardiac surgery, thrombolytic therapy or anti-coagulation). | 10.1007/s003920050115 |
pubmed_909_3811 | UNLABELLED
The purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of itopride (IP) and domperidone (DP) in the treatment of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in combination with diabetes mellitus (DM) type 1 and 2.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
40 patients were examined with GERD and type 1 diabetes and 50 patients with GERD and type 2 diabetes. Each group of patients with GERD, DM 1 and 2 has been divided into: the basic subgroup receiving IG 50 mg 3 tid and control--DP 10 mg tid. Patients were also administered omeprazole. Both subgroups were strictly randomized to key indicators, except for therapy. Baseline and after 2 and 4 weeks, all patients were examined to identify complaints, endoscopy and pH-metric changes, gastric motility was studied by electrogastroenterographic method (PEGEG).
RESULTS
In the subgroups of patients with GERD + DM 1 and GERD + DM 2, received treatment with IG complaints on heartburn, regurgitation, odynophagia relieved significantly earlier then in the subgroups treated with DP. After 4 weeks of therapy, decreasing in the number of gastroesophageal refluxes, number of patients with erosive esophagitis B level, and normalization of the motility of the stomach were significantly higher in the groups of GERD + DM 1 and GERD + DM 2 received treatment with IG when compared with the subgroup of PD. There were no side effects of prokinetics.
CONCLUSION
IG was more effective then DP in the treatment of GERD in patients with diabetes, and may be recommended for inclusion in the scheme of treatment of this comorbidity. | pubmed_909_3811 |
pubmed_92_13242 | BACKGROUND
Administration of convalescent plasma, serum, or hyperimmune immunoglobulin may be of clinical benefit for treatment of severe acute respiratory infections (SARIs) of viral etiology. We conducted a systematic review and exploratory meta-analysis to assess the overall evidence.
METHODS
Healthcare databases and sources of grey literature were searched in July 2013. All records were screened against the protocol eligibility criteria, using a 3-stage process. Data extraction and risk of bias assessments were undertaken.
RESULTS
We identified 32 studies of SARS coronavirus infection and severe influenza. Narrative analyses revealed consistent evidence for a reduction in mortality, especially when convalescent plasma is administered early after symptom onset. Exploratory post hoc meta-analysis showed a statistically significant reduction in the pooled odds of mortality following treatment, compared with placebo or no therapy (odds ratio, 0.25; 95% confidence interval, .14-.45; I(2) = 0%). Studies were commonly of low or very low quality, lacked control groups, and at moderate or high risk of bias. Sources of clinical and methodological heterogeneity were identified.
CONCLUSIONS
Convalescent plasma may reduce mortality and appears safe. This therapy should be studied within the context of a well-designed clinical trial or other formal evaluation, including for treatment of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus CoV infection. | 10.1093/infdis/jiu396 |
pubmed_653_18135 | BACKGROUND
Microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) has been used to increase the gel strength of surimi. Nevertheless, its effectiveness varies with fish species. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of MTGase at different levels on protein cross-linking and gel property of surimi from threadfin bream, Indian mackerel and sardine in the presence and absence of endogenous transglutaminase.
RESULT
Breaking force of all surimi gels increased as MTGase levels (0-0.6 U g⁻¹) increased except for threadfin bream surimi gel, where the breaking force decreased at 0.6 U g⁻¹ (P < 0.05). In the presence of EDTA, the gel strengthening effect was lower, suggesting the combined effect of endogenous transglutaminase with MTGase. With the addition of MTGase, the gel with the highest increase in breaking force showed highest decrease in myosin heavy chain. When cross-linking activity of MTGase on natural actomyosin (NAM) was determined, the highest decreasing rate in ε-amino group content with the concomitant increased formation of cross-linked proteins was found in NAM from threadfin bream. The reactivity of muscle proteins toward MTGase-induced cross-linking was in agreement with surimi gel strengthening.
CONCLUSION
The composition and properties of muscle proteins of varying fish species more likely determined protein cross-linking induced by MTGase, thereby affecting their gel properties. | 10.1002/jsfa.4656 |
pubmed_741_6391 | Portal hypertension was induced in rats by partial ligation of the hepatic branches of the portal vein. After 5 days the vein was removed and mounted in vitro. In contrast to control (C) veins, hypertensive (H) vessels were almost devoid of spontaneous contractions. Microelectrode recordings showed that the smooth muscle cells of H vessels were hyperpolarized. If [K+]o was increased, or if Ba2+ was added spontaneous activity could be initiated in H vessels. A relation in H cells between hyperpolarization and increased aerobic glycolysis (suggesting an increased electrogenic Na+-K+-pumping) is proposed. | 10.1007/BF01990374 |
pubmed_918_15762 | Quantitative features are generated from a tumor phenotype by various data characterization, feature-extraction approaches and have been used successfully as a biomarker. These features give us information about a nodule, for example, nodule size, pixel intensity, histogram-based information, and texture information from wavelets or a convolution kernel. Semantic features, on the other hand, can be generated by an experienced radiologist and consist of the common characteristics of a tumor, for example, location of a tumor, fissure, or pleural wall attachment, presence of fibrosis or emphysema, concave cut on nodule surface. These features have been derived for lung nodules by our group. Semantic features have also shown promise in predicting malignancy. Deep features from images are generally extracted from the last layers before the classification layer of a convolutional neural network (CNN). By training with the use of different types of images, the CNN learns to recognize various patterns and textures. But when we extract deep features, there is no specific naming approach for them, other than denoting them by the feature column number (position of a neuron in a hidden layer). In this study, we tried to relate and explain deep features with respect to traditional quantitative features and semantic features. We discovered that 26 deep features from the Vgg-S neural network and 12 deep features from our trained CNN could be explained by semantic or traditional quantitative features. From this, we concluded that those deep features can have a recognizable definition via semantic or quantitative features. | 10.18383/j.tom.2018.00034 |
pubmed_412_14969 | Myopathies that occur in the intensive care unit can be divided into preexisting myopathies or newly acquired myopathies that develop in the intensive care unit. Myotonic dystrophy is an example of a preexisting myopathy that may render patients susceptible to acute respiratory failure following surgical procedures and anaesthesia. A group of myopathies that develop within the intensive care unit have been labelled acute necrotizing myopathy of intensive care, thick filament myopathy and acute steroid myopathy. Corticosteroids and nondepolarizing muscle blocking agents may play a role in their development. | 10.1017/s0317167100034727 |
pubmed_710_7294 | Background Whether physical activity is a determinant of peripheral artery disease (PAD) remains unclear. We therefore assessed the association of physical activity (amount and intensity) with subsequent risk of hospitalization with PAD and its severe form, critical limb ischemia, in the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study. Methods and Results We included 12 513 participants free of cardiovascular disease at baseline (1987-1989), with a mean age of 53.9 years, 55.3% women, and 25.0% black. Physical activity was assessed using a modified Baecke questionnaire and categorized into poor (no moderate [3 to <6 metabolic equivalents] or vigorous [≥6 metabolic equivalents] exercise), intermediate (1-74 min/wk vigorous or 1-149 min/wk moderate plus vigorous exercise), and recommended (≥75 min/wk vigorous or ≥150 min/wk moderate plus vigorous exercise). We also modeled moderate and vigorous exercise individually. All analyses applied Cox regression models. Intermediate and recommended exercise were seen in 24.7% and 38.1%, respectively. During a median follow-up of 25.4 years, 434 incident hospitalizations with PAD (166 critical limb ischemia) were documented. Recommended versus poor activity was associated with a lower demographically adjusted PAD risk (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54-0.85) but attenuated after accounting for lifestyle factors (hazard ratio, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.66-1.05). When analyzing moderate and vigorous exercise separately, vigorous exercise was robustly related to lower risk of hospitalization with PAD, and critical limb ischemia in particular (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.54-0.97 per 200 metabolic equivalents*min/wk increment in the most extended model). Conclusions Higher amount and intensity of physical activity were related to lower risks of hospitalization with PAD and critical limb ischemia, further highlighting the importance of engaging in physical activity for vascular health. | 10.1161/JAHA.119.013534 |
pubmed_181_2039 | BACKGROUND
Current cancer treatments have unexpected side effects of which the death of normal cells is one. In some cancers, iron nanoparticles (NPs) can be subjected to diagnosis and passive targeting treatment. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has a proven induction of selective cell death ability. In this study, we have attempted to analyze the synergy between CAP and iron NPs in human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In vitro cytotoxicity of CAP treatment and NPs in cells measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and cell death was shown by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole and annexin V staining. Fluctuations in BAX and BCL-2 gene expression were investigated by means of real-time polymerase chain reaction.
RESULTS
MTT assay results showed that combination of plasma and iron NPs decreased the viability of cancer cells significantly (P<0.05). Real-time analysis showed that the combination therapy induced shifting the BAX/BCL-2 ratio in favor of apoptosis.
CONCLUSION
Our data indicate that synergy between CAP and iron NPs can be applied in breast cancer treatment selectively. | 10.2147/OTT.S95644 |
pubmed_760_21667 | Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a leading cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis, asymptomatically colonizes up to 30% of women and can persistently colonize even after antibiotic treatment. Previous studies have shown that GBS resides inside macrophages, but the mechanism by which it survives remains unknown. Here, we examined the ability of 4 GBS strains to survive inside macrophages and then focused on 2 strains belonging to sequence type (ST)-17 and ST-12, to examine persistence in the presence of antibiotics. A multiple stress medium was also developed using several stressors found in the phagosome to assess the ability of 30 GBS strains to withstand phagosomal stress. The ST-17 strain was more readily phagocytosed and survived intracellularly longer than the ST-12 strain, but the ST-12 strain was tolerant to ampicillin unlike the ST-17 strain. Exposure to sub-inhibitory concentrations of ampicillin and erythromycin increased the level of phagocytosis of the ST-17 strain, but had no effect on the ST-12 strain. In addition, blocking acidification of the phagosome decreased the survival of the ST-17 strain indicating a pH-dependent survival mechanism for the ST-17 strain. Congruent with the macrophage experiments, the ST-17 strain had a higher survival rate in the multiple stress medium than the ST-12 strain, and overall, serotype III isolates survived significantly better than other serotypes. These results indicate that diverse GBS strains may use differing mechanisms to persist and that serotype III strains are better able to survive specific stressors inside the phagosome relative to other serotypes. | 10.1080/21505594.2016.1252016 |
pubmed_1124_16275 | The Human Genome Project has fueled the massive information-driven growth of genomics and proteomics and promises to deliver new insights into biology and medicine. Since proteins represent the majority of drug targets, these molecules are the focus of activity in pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations. In this article, we describe the processes by which computational drug design may be used to exploit protein structural information to create virtual small molecules that may become novel medicines. Experimental protein structure determination, site exploration, and virtual screening provide a foundation for small molecule generation in silico, thus creating the bridge between proteomics and drug discovery. | pubmed_1124_16275 |
pubmed_886_23928 | Nursing faculty are not only charged with educating students in creative and engaging ways but also expected to participate in service activities that benefit the surrounding community. One such initiative was the creation of a television health education series hosted by nursing faculty. The authors describe the evolution of a partnership between a university-based public access television channel and the nursing department that provided community education while enriching both the undergraduate and graduate nursing curricula. | 10.1097/NNE.0b013e3181d950ed |
pubmed_46_5933 | Pulsatile secretion of hormones are observed in many endocrine systems. Here we discuss the significance of pulsatile patterns of hormone secretion for the regulation of endocrine target tissues in physiology and pathophysiology. New approaches to analyze endocrine rhythms are introduced that may enable to better define the temporal patterns of secretion relevant for the regulation of distinct processes in complex in vivo systems. This may lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies of endocrine diseases. | pubmed_46_5933 |
pubmed_161_9703 | The d-ala-d activity in erythrocytes (RBC), femur bone marrow, liver and brain of mice was determined using a modification of the method of Berlin and Schaller (1974). In vitro incubation of lead acetate (PbAc) with these tissues resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of the d-ala-d activity. The lead concentration which caused a 50% inhibition of the d-ala-d activity after 10 min incubation [ED-50(10 min)] was 0.78 mg PbAc/femur bone marrow, 3.72 micrograms PbAc/ml RBC, 15.85 micrograms PbAc/g brain and 43.05 micrograms PbAc/g liver. An increase in the incubation time to 60 min reduced these ED-50 values between 44% for the erythrocytic enzyme and 67% for the brain enzyme. In vivo treatment of mice with oral lead administration (absorbed dose range: 1-100 micrograms PbAc/kg b.w.) for 1 or 3 months led to a dose-dependent and organ-specific inhibition of the d-ala-d activity. After 3 months of oral lead supply the maximum enzyme inhibition (54%) was found in the bone marrow. At the same time the lowest enzyme inhibition could be seen in the brain which retained 73% of its activity. The erythrocytic and liver enzyme activity was 71% and 72% resp. of the appropriate control. Within 3 weeks after completing the oral lead administration the brain enzyme activity was completely restored. The erythrocytic and liver enzyme activities were still significantly, but not very markedly inhibited, whereas the bone marrow d-ala-d remained seriously depressed. According to these experiments, the lead dose which causes a long term inhibition of the bone marrow and erythrocytic d-ala-d activities is assumed to range between 50 and 100 micrograms PbAc/kg b.w. and day, as an absorbed dose. | 10.1007/BF00316503 |
pubmed_271_14515 | We examined how the perceived age of adult faces is affected by adaptation to younger or older adult faces. Observers viewed images of a synthetic male face simulating ageing over a modelled range from 15 to 65 years. Age was varied by changing shape cues or textural cues. Age level was varied in a staircase to find the observer's subjective category boundary between "old" and "young". These boundaries were strongly biased by adaptation to the young or old face, with significant aftereffects induced by either shape or textural cues. A further experiment demonstrated comparable aftereffects for photorealistic images of average older or younger adult faces, and found that aftereffects showed some selectivity for a change in gender but also strongly transferred across gender. This transfer shows that adaptation can adjust to the attribute of age somewhat independently of other facial attributes. These findings suggest that perceived age, like many other natural facial dimensions, is highly susceptible to adaptation, and that this adaptation can be carried by both the structural and textural changes that normally accompany facial ageing. | 10.1080/13506285.2011.561262 |
pubmed_638_6572 | In some kinetic studies with aquatic invertebrates, the bioaccumulation of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been observed to peak at the beginning of the test. This has been explained by the depletion of PAHs from pore water due to limited desorption during the bioaccumulation test or, alternatively, by the activation of biotransformation mechanisms in the organisms. In the present study, we exposed the aquatic oligochaetes, Lumbriculus variegatus, to creosote oil-contaminated sediments to examine the bioaccumulation of PAHs and to clarify the importance of contaminant depletion and biotransformation for it. The contaminant depletion was studied by replanting test organisms into fresh, nondepleted test sediments at 3-d intervals over 12 d and by comparing the resulting body burdens to those of the organisms that were not replanted. The biotransformation capability of L. variegatus was assessed by following the concentration of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-HP), a phase I metabolite of pyrene, in oligochaete tissue during a 15-d test. We observed that the bioaccumulation of most PAHs indeed peaked at the beginning of the test. The concentrations in the replanted organisms were only 1.5 to 2 times higher than in nonreplanted organisms during the first 9 d of the test and, by day 12, no differences were detected. 1-Hydroxypyrene was detected in oligochaete tissue throughout the exposures, and concentrations decreased over time. However, the proportion of 1-HP to pyrene increased linearly during the test. These results indicated that the depletion of contaminants has only a minor effect on their bioaccumulation in oligochaetes and that the cause for the observed bioaccumulation curve shape is rapid elimination of the contaminants and, possibly to some degree, their metabolites. | 10.1897/01-171.1 |
pubmed_20_25058 | In the vertebrate visual system, all output of the retina is carried by retinal ganglion cells. Each type encodes distinct visual features in parallel for transmission to the brain. How many such 'output channels' exist and what each encodes are areas of intense debate. In the mouse, anatomical estimates range from 15 to 20 channels, and only a handful are functionally understood. By combining two-photon calcium imaging to obtain dense retinal recordings and unsupervised clustering of the resulting sample of more than 11,000 cells, here we show that the mouse retina harbours substantially more than 30 functional output channels. These include all known and several new ganglion cell types, as verified by genetic and anatomical criteria. Therefore, information channels from the mouse eye to the mouse brain are considerably more diverse than shown thus far by anatomical studies, suggesting an encoding strategy resembling that used in state-of-the-art artificial vision systems. | 10.1038/nature16468 |
pubmed_379_1372 | Transfection of a murine fibroblast cell line with an activated form of the Harvey ras oncogene conferred sensitivity to apoptosis induced by various agents. This intrinsic sensitivity to apoptosis correlated with the expression of endogenous endonuclease activity in isolated nuclei that was undetectable in the untransfected parental cell line. Subsequent transfection with the human bcl-2 oncogene prevented the morphological and biochemical features of apoptosis in whole cells, although it failed to confer complete protection against cell death. Furthermore, transfection of the bcl-2 oncogene also inhibited the enhanced endonuclease activity in isolated nuclei. Our results indicate that some of the effects of Ha-ras and bcl-2 and potentially other oncogenes, are exerted on the biochemical machinery of apoptosis at the level of the nucleus. | pubmed_379_1372 |
pubmed_117_6506 | Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a devastating disease in need of new therapies to improve patient survival. Targeted adoptive T-cell therapies have achieved impressive clinical outcomes in some B-cell leukemias and lymphomas but not in AML. Double-negative T cells (DNTs) effectively kill blast cells from the majority of AML patients and are now being tested in clinical trials. However, AML blasts obtained from ∼30% of patients show resistance to DNT-mediated cytotoxicity; the markers or mechanisms underlying this resistance have not been elucidated. Here, we used a targeted clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) screen to identify genes that cause susceptibility of AML cells to DNT therapy. Inactivation of the Spt-Ada-Gcn5-acetyltransferase (SAGA) deubiquitinating complex components sensitized AML cells to DNT-mediated cytotoxicity. In contrast, CD64 inactivation resulted in resistance to DNT-mediated cytotoxicity. Importantly, the level of CD64 expression correlated strongly with the sensitivity of AML cells to DNT treatment. Furthermore, the ectopic expression of CD64 overcame AML resistance to DNTs in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, our data demonstrate the utility of CRISPR/Cas9 screens to uncover mechanisms underlying the sensitivity to DNT therapy and suggest CD64 as a predictive marker for response in AML patients. | 10.1182/blood.2019004108 |
pubmed_455_11392 | The sacroiliac (SI) joint is a common source of low back pain in the general population. Because it is the link between the lower extremities and the spine, it sustains even higher loads during athletic activity, predisposing athletes to a greater probability of joint dysfunction and pain. The diagnosis and treatment of SI joint dysfunction remains controversial, due to complex anatomy and biomechanics, and a lack of universally accepted nomenclature and terminology, consistently reliable clinical tests and imaging studies, and consistently effective treatments. This article clarifies these issues by presenting a model of SI joint anatomy and function, a systematic approach to the diagnosis of dysfunction, and a comprehensive treatment plan. | 10.1249/00149619-200302000-00009 |
pubmed_695_25781 | While in young adults (YAs) the underlying neural mechanisms of motor learning are well-studied, studies on the involvement of the somatosensory system during motor skill learning in older adults (OAs) remain sparse. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate motor learning-induced neuroplasticity in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) in YAs and OAs. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) were used to quantify somatosensory activation prior and immediately after motor skill learning in 20 right-handed healthy YAs (age range: 19-35 years) and OAs (age range: 57-76 years). Participants underwent a single session of a 30-min co-contraction task of the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) and deltoid muscle. To assess the effect of motor learning, muscle onset asynchrony (MOA) between the onsets of the contractions of both muscles was measured using electromyography monitoring. In both groups, MOA shortened significantly during motor learning, with YAs showing bigger reductions. No changes were found in SEP amplitudes after motor learning in both groups. However, a correlation analysis revealed an association between baseline SEP amplitudes of the N20/P25 and N30 SEP component and the motor learning slope in YAs such that higher amplitudes are related to higher learning. Hence, the present findings suggest that SEP amplitudes might serve as a predictor of individual motor learning success, at least in YAs. Additionally, our results suggest that OAs are still capable of learning complex motor tasks, showing the importance of motor training in higher age to remain an active part of our society as a prevention for care dependency. | 10.3389/fnagi.2020.596438 |
pubmed_147_19592 | Biopolymers composed of a pH-responsive, hydrophilic poly(methacrylic acid-grafted-ethylene glycol) network polymerized in the presence of poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles were designed for the oral delivery of chemotherapeutics for the treatment of colon cancer. An inulin-doxorubicin conjugate, designed to target the colon and improve doxorubicin efficacy, was loaded into these polymer carriers at an efficiency of 54%. Release studies indicated these polymer carriers minimized conjugate release in low pH conditions and released the conjugate at neutral pH conditions using a two-step pH experiment modeling the stomach and the small intestine. At lower concentration levels, the presence of the polymer carriers did not disrupt tight junctions as determined by transepithelial electrical resistance studies using Caco-2 and HT29-MTX cell lines which are an accurate model of the GI tract epithelia. Permeability values of unmodified doxorubicin and the inulin-doxorubicin conjugate in the presence of the polymer carriers were also determined using the same cell models and ranged from 1.87 to 3.80 × 10 (-6) cm/s. | 10.1080/09205063.2012.731376 |
pubmed_930_8847 | The concentrations in the intestinal mucosa after the initial dose of cefoxitin, piperacillin and clindamycin have been studied. The antibiotics were given at the induction of anesthesia as prophylaxis to patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. The concentrations of the antibiotics in serum and intestinal mucosa taken during the operation were determined by the microbiological agar diffusion method. Therapeutic concentrations in intestinal mucosa were maintained during the major part of the operation period. The mean mucosa/serum concentration ratios were for cefoxitin 0.4, for piperacillin 0.5 and for clindamycin 1.2. | pubmed_930_8847 |
pubmed_757_9742 | We propose a scheme to explore regimes of strong-field quantum electrodynamics (SF QED) otherwise unattainable with the currently available laser technology. The scheme relies on relativistic plasma mirrors curved by radiation pressure to boost the intensity of petawatt-class laser pulses by Doppler effect and focus them to extreme field intensities. We show that very clear SF QED signatures could be observed by placing a secondary target where the boosted beam is focused. | 10.1103/PhysRevLett.127.114801 |
pubmed_122_11781 | BACKGROUND
Few studies have examined impairment in multiple senses (multisensory impairment) and risk of dementia in comparison to having a single or no sensory impairment.
METHODS
We studied 1,810 black and white nondemented participants from Health, Aging, and Body Composition (Health ABC) Study aged 70-79 years at enrollment. Sensory impairment was determined at our study baseline (Year 3-5 of Health ABC) using established cut points for vision (Bailey-Lovie visual acuity and Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity test), hearing (audiometric testing), smell (12-item Cross-Cultural Smell Identification Test), and touch (peripheral nerve function tests). Incident dementia over 10 years of follow-up was based on hospitalization records, dementia medications, or at least 1.5 SD decline in Modified Mini-Mental State Examination score (race-specific). Cox proportional hazard models with adjustment for demographics, health behaviors, and health conditions evaluated the relationship between risk of dementia and increasing number of sensory impairments.
RESULTS
Sensory impairments were common: 28% had visual impairment, 35% had hearing loss, 22% had poor smell, 12% had touch insensitivity; 26% had more than two impairments, and 5.6% had more than three sensory impairments. Number of impairments was associated with risk of dementia in a graded fashion (p < .001). Compared to no sensory impairments, the adjusted hazard ratio was 1.49 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.98) for one sensory impairment, 1.91 (95% CI: 1.39, 2.63) for two sensory impairments, and 2.85 (95% CI: 1.88, 4.30) for more than three sensory impairments.
CONCLUSIONS
Multisensory impairment was strongly associated with increased risk of dementia. Although, the nature of this relationship needs further investigation, sensory function assessment in multiple domains may help identify patients at high risk of dementia. | 10.1093/gerona/gly264 |
pubmed_953_1978 | INTRODUCTION
Cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy in patients suffering from severe head injury often leads to a functional improvement although, to date, the pathophysiology of this phenomenon remains unclear. A few hypotheses have been proposed. The impact of cranioplasty on cerebral perfusion could be one explanation. We have evaluated the impact of cranioplasty on the functional status of patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy for severe head injury with its influence on cerebral perfusion.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twenty-four patients undergoing craniectomy for severe head injury were included in this multi-centric and prospective study. All of them had a cranioplasty within 12 weeks following decompressive craniectomy. A clinical and radiological evaluation was performed prior to and after cranioplasty. Neurological and cognitive evaluation was performed with the Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS), the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Radiological evaluation was performed by perfusion CT scan and transcranial Doppler.
RESULTS
A statistically significant neurological and cognitive improvement was observed in 92% of patients at 6 months follow-up (F-U). Brain perfusion was improved at 6 weeks F-U, predominantly in the affected hemisphere. Systolic and diastolic blood velocity flow were improved in both middle cerebral arteries.
CONCLUSION
Cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy for patients suffering from severe head injury probably improves the functional outcome of these patients, thanks to a global improvement of cerebral perfusion. | pubmed_953_1978 |
pubmed_308_9099 | Microvascular invasion is a crucial histopathologic prognostic factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. We reviewed the literature and aimed to draw attention to clinicopathologic and imaging findings that may predict the presence of microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma. Imaging findings suggesting microvascular invasion are disruption of capsule, irregular tumor margin, peritumoral enhancement, multifocal tumor, increased tumor size, and increased glucose metabolism on positron emission tomography-computed tomography. In the presence of typical findings, microvascular invasion may be predicted. | 10.5152/dir.2015.15125 |
pubmed_30_18876 | On the basis of previous (n = 23) and current muscle biopsies (n = 25) as well as five animal-experimental investigations, the paper deals with the cause and the manifestation of perifascicular muscle-fiber atrophy. A deteriorated trophic situation of the subfascial or marginal muscle fibers in patients suffering from immunocomplex vasculopathies in connection with a reduced supply of blood to the muscles is seen as the cause of the areactive weight loss (atrophy). This is accompanied by a considerably reduced capillary supply of blood to the muscle fibers. Even in normal conditions, the portion of collateral vessels and capillaries is lower in the subfascial region than in the center of the fascicle. When the blood supply is disturbed, the marginal fibers are in a trophic situation worse than that of the central muscle fibers. They become atrophied. In responsive patients, the muscle fibers regenerate and recapillarize during the convalescence period. This can be shown histochemically by means of the alkaline phosphatase reaction. The extent of perifascicular musclefiber atrophy can be fixed in quantitative terms by the method of Baumli and Mumenthaler. Where a second biopsy is indicated, results can be obtained regarding the changes in the perifascicular atrophy as a consequence of the therapy provided. | pubmed_30_18876 |
pubmed_365_22335 | In order to evaluate the intracellular function of glia maturation factor (GMF), we overexpressed GMF in C6 rat glioma cells using two methods: stable transfection using the pcDNA3 plasmid, and transient transfection using replication-defective human adenovirus. With both methods, C6 cells transfected with GMF and overexpressing the protein exhibit a lower saturation density in culture compared to non-transfected or vector alone controls. Transfected cells also exhibit morphological differentiation as shown by the outgrowth of cell processes. When inoculated into nude mice, transfected cells are less tumorigenic than controls, and express the mature astrocytic marker glial fibrillary acidic protein. In tissue culture, transfected cells show a 3.5-fold increase in CuZn-dependent superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) activity. Western blot analysis reveals a 3.5-fold increase in CuZnSOD protein, suggesting an induction of the enzyme. In view of recent findings that reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antioxidant enzymes are intricately involved in key physiologic processes such as proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, the study raises the possibility that CuZnSOD may be a mediator of GMF function. | 10.1023/a:1020715126326 |
pubmed_75_14400 | The pontocerebellar pathway in the brachium pontis (BP), is known to convey signals from various cortical and subcortical visual structures to the cerebellum. Recently, a cortico-pontocerebellar pathway involving the BP has been implicated in the control of visually guided movements, on the basis of anatomical and physiological data. To further test this hypothesis, using behavioural methods, we studied the effects of a bilateral interruption of these projections in the BP, on 5 cats fully trained to perform a forepaw movement towards a moving target-light. The postoperative deficit consisted of an impairment in precision, with a strong tendency to over-reach and and increase in reaction time, contrasting with an unimpaired movement time. Although there was some initial recovery, performance soon stabilized with a permanent impairment in accuracy and reaction time. These results are discussed in relation to the various sensory signals processed at the pontine level and forwarded to the cerebellum, and compared with the effects of motor dysfunction of cerebellar origin. | 10.1016/0166-4328(86)90234-2 |
pubmed_170_22700 | The structural and dynamical properties of phase IV and V of hydrogen sulfide were investigated by means of extensive ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Starting from an experimental proposal for the structure of phase IV, an Ibca symmetry with a stable hydrogen bonding network is found at 15 GPa and 100 K. Molecular dynamics simulations at increasing temperature and at the pressure of 15 GPa suggest that phase IV will transform to a proton disordered structure at 15 GPa and 350 K. The newfound structure has a hexagonal lattice of P63/mmc symmetry, which is believed to be the remaining crystalline structure of phase V. The high mobility of protons in phase V is believed to be the key point to the dissociation and decomposition of hydrogen sulfide. | 10.1063/1.3392673 |
pubmed_761_22387 | Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is divided into 7 genotypes and 67 subtypes. HCV genotype studies reflect the viral transmission patterns as well as human migration routes. In a clinical setting, HCV genotype is a baseline predictor for the sustained virological response (SVR) in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with peginterferon or some direct acting antivirals (DAAs). The Versant HCV genotype 2.0 assay has been globally used for HCV genotyping over a decade. Areas covered: The assay is based on reverse hybridization principle. It is evolved from its former versions, and the accuracy and successful genotyping/subtyping rate are substantially improved. It shows an accuracy of 99-100% for genotypes 1-6. It can also reliably identify subtypes 1a and 1b. However, the assay does not allow a high resolution for many other subtypes. Reasons for indeterminate or inaccurate genotyping/subtyping results are discussed. Expert commentary: Genotyping helps to find the most efficacious and cost-effective treatment regimen. The rapid development of anti-HCV treatment regimens, however, is greatly simplifying laboratory tests. In the near future, the need for HCV genotyping and frequent serial on-treatment HCV RNA tests will decrease along with the wide use of the more potent and pan-genotypic DAA regimens. | 10.1080/14737159.2018.1541740 |
pubmed_426_7752 | In many cases of 'alexithymia' there also seems to be a difficulty in the awareness and expression of bodily feelings (tentatively called 'alexisomia'). Furthermore, this insensitivity to the body obstructs one's awareness towards the laws of nature with which the body is implicitly in touch. Holistic awareness, which includes not only the intellect but also emotional, bodily and ecological (existential) aspects of man, can be the basic principle for holistic self-control. Oriental body-oriented approaches which facilitate such a holistic awareness must be reevaluated as an essential part of psychosomatic treatment. | 10.1159/000287937 |
pubmed_855_5242 | OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of short-term repeated weight cycling (WC) above and below the baseline (BL) body weight (BW) on body weight regulation, feeding efficiency, and fat content in old female Wistar rats when dietary fat content was kept constant.
DESIGN
Completely randomized.
ANIMALS AND METHODS
Female Wistar rats, 11 months old at the beginning of the study, were randomly divided into six groups (12 per group) after a group of rats (BL) was sacrificed for baseline data collection: the high fat gain (HFG) group gained weight to 20% above the BL weight with a high fat diet (HF) and returned to BL level by food restriction (50% of ad-libitum amount) for five cycles; the high fat loss (HFL) group lost weight to 20% below the BL weight by food restriction (50% of ad-libitum amount) and regained to BL level by ad-libitum feeding for four cycles; the high fat ad-libitum (HFA) and low fat ad-libitum (LFA) groups were fed HF and low fat (LF) diet, respectively, ad-libitum for the entire study; the high fat restricted (HFR group) and low fat restricted rats (LFR group) were fed the HF and LF diet, respectively, in restricted amounts to maintain BW at BL level.
RESULTS
A trend of increased rates of weight gain and feeding efficiencies from the first to last cycles for both WC groups was observed, and significant increases was observed between cycles 4 and 5. The rate of weight gain and feeding efficiency of HFL was significantly higher than that of the HFG group for all cycles (P<0. 05). The rates of weight loss were significantly decreasing with each successive cycle for HFG, but were unchanged for HFL. Percentage of body fat was not modified permanently from BL to sacrifice for both HFG and HFL groups. The body fat of HFA was higher than that of the other groups (P<0.01), while the body fat of LFA was significantly higher than that of the LFR, BL and HFL groups (P<0.01), but was similar to that of the HFG and HFR groups. The body fat of WC groups and HFR were similar to each other. The percentage of internal fat (retroperitoneal+omental) were similar for the WC groups. The percentage of internal fat of the HFG, HFR and LFA groups were similar, but were significantly higher than that of the BL and LFR groups (P<0.05). The percentage of internal fat of HFA was significantly higher than that of the rest of the groups (P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
Short-term WC did not affect body fat content in these animals, but since weight gain became easier and weight loss became more difficult for animals in the HFG group, repeated WC may promote obesity in these rats. | 10.1038/sj.ijo.0801120 |
pubmed_896_10489 | This study reveals the Turkish version of QUALEFFO-31 has a sufficient level of reliability, validity, and psychometric properties. The questionnaire, which is potentially capable of differentiating patients with fractures, does not appear to have the differential capacity in terms of osteoporosis.
PURPOSE
This study aims to conduct the reliability and validity study of QUALEFFO-31 in Turkish and to evaluate the capacity of the questionnaire to distinguish patients in terms of osteoporosis.
METHODS
The original English version was translated into Turkish by two translators whose native language was Turkish. Subsequently, this Turkish version was translated back into English by two different bilingual translators whose native language was English. After this preliminary questionnaire was tested in 30 patients, words, terminology, information errors, and parts difficult to understand were revised, and the questionnaire was finalized. Internal consistency and test-retest analyses were used for the reliability study. For the validity study, convergent-discriminant validity, concurrent validity, factor analysis, known-group validity, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed.
RESULTS
A total of 111 patients were evaluated. Internal consistency levels were optimal except for the mental function. ICC coefficients showed good retest reliability for all domains and total tests. The convergent and discriminant validity ratios for the mental function domain were 78% for both and 100% for the other domains. There was a moderate and good negative correlation between QUALEFFO-31 and SF-36 domains which had similar names. Exploratory factor analysis revealed 3 structures. However, there was a spread to the other factors in physical function domain items. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) markers were not at a very good fitting level except for the relative chi-square index. When CFA was performed according to the assumed model, the fitting level increased in all analyses. There was no significant differential capacity in terms of osteoporosis or fracture for either QUALEFFO-31 or SF-36.
CONCLUSION
The Turkish version of QUALEFFO-31 has a sufficient level of reliability, validity, and psychometric properties. Nevertheless, improvements in pain and mental function domains and some changes applying to the model may increase the psychometric capacity of the questionnaire. The questionnaire, which is potentially capable of differentiating patients with fractures, does not appear to have the differential capacity in terms of osteoporosis. CLINICALTRIALS.
GOV IDENTIFIER
NCT04259099 (date of registration: February 6, 2020). | 10.1007/s11657-021-00997-4 |
pubmed_580_8269 | The aonla fruits (whole fruit, pricking, splits, segments) were subjected to pretreatments like blanching, osmotic dehydration with salt (2%) and sugar (40%) in different experiments before drying to obtain a product with better keeping quality. An LPG based drier (CRIDA drier) with capacity to dry 50 kg of fresh Indian gooseberry (aonla) was used. Nutritional quality and rehydration characteristics of CRIDA drier dried products were higher and free from contamination. Drying time was shortest for blanched and osmotically dehydrated segments dried in CRIDA drier and the product had better vitamin C retention, rehydration characteristics and sensory acceptability compared to sun or cabinet drier dried product. The additional expenditure spent on gas in CRIDA drier is compensated by reduced labour cost and higher price for the better quality product. Alternate energy sources like biogas and biomass can be used as fuel in the CRIDA drier. | 10.1007/s13197-010-0093-2 |
pubmed_512_7134 | Heatwaves are predicted to increase in frequency and intensity as a result of climate change. The health impacts of these events can be significant, particularly for vulnerable populations when mortality can occur. England experienced a prolonged heatwave in summer 2013. Daily age-group and region-specific all-cause excess mortality during summer 2013 and previous heatwave periods back to 2003 was determined using the same linear regression model and heatwave definition to estimate impact and place observations from 2013 in context. Predicted excess mortality due to heat during this period was also independently estimated. Despite a sustained heatwave in England in 2013, the impact on mortality was considerably less than expected; a small cumulative excess of 195 deaths (95% confidence interval -87 to 477) in 65+ year olds and 106 deaths (95% CI -22 to 234) in <65 year olds was seen, nearly a fifth of excess deaths predicted based on observed temperatures. This impact was also less than seen in 2006 (2323 deaths) and 2003 (2234 deaths), despite a similarly prolonged period of high temperatures. The reasons for this are unclear and further work needs to be done to understand this and further clarify the predicted impact of increases in temperature. | pubmed_512_7134 |
pubmed_1138_8721 | Immunoglobulin A which is secreted into external fluids is synthesized in plasma cells as an (IgA)2-J-chain complex. This complex docks on to the polyimmunoglobulin receptor which is located at the basolateral surface of epithelial cells. After docking the (IgA)2-J-receptor complex is internalized and processed. The polyimmunoglobulin receptor loses its C-terminal tail and thus becomes the secretory component. This secretory component is then covalently linked to the (IgA)2-J-chain complex by a disulfide bond, and protects the so formed sIgA from denaturation and proteolysis in external fluids. In order to establish this disulfide bond between IgA and the secretory component, sIgA, purified from human colostrum, was subjected to several enzymatic and chemical fragmentation reactions. One of the resulting polypeptides allowed us to characterize the covalent linkage of the secretory component to IgA in sIgA. IgA was found to be covalently linked to the secretory piece by a single disulfide bond between Cys 311 of one alpha-chain and Cys 467 of the secretory component. Cys 501 of the secretory component and Cys 311 of the other alpha-chain are blocked by cysteines. With this last paper of a series the structure of an entire sIgA molecule has been elucidated. | 10.1515/bchm3.1993.374.7-12.1023 |
pubmed_839_14969 | BACKGROUND
dysarthrias are commonly found in patients with spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA).
AIM
to characterize perceptual and acoustic features of speech in three patients with spinocerebellar ataxia and to verify the presence of similar features among these patients.
METHOD
speech samples of two males with SCA3 and one male with SCA2 were obtained. Both perceptual and acoustic analyses were done.
RESULTS
It was observed strain-strangled and breathiness phonation, vocal instability, increased noise-to-harmonics ratio and low alternate motion rate (AMR) and speech rate in all three patients. Deviated resonance and s/z ratio were also observed.
CONCLUSION
phonatory disorders and altered temporal patterns of speech seem to be typical in dysarthric patients with spinocerebellar ataxia. | pubmed_839_14969 |
pubmed_381_24262 | BACKGROUND
Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common primary intraocular malignant tumor in children. RB is mostly caused by biallelic mutations in RB1 and occurs in hereditary and non-hereditary forms according to the "two-hit" theory. RB1 mutations comprise point mutations, indels, large deletions, and duplications. Genetic testing is essential for the comprehensive treatment and management of patients with RB.
AIM
The aim was to evaluate RB1 copy number variations (CNVs) using MLPA versus FISH assays in group of Egyptian patients with RB.
RESULTS
16.67% showed an RB1 deletion, abnormal methylation status, or both.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggested MLPA is a fast, reliable, and powerful method and should be used as a first-line screening tool for detecting RB1 CNVs in patients with RB. Moreover, MLPA is advantageous as it evaluates the methylation status/inactivation of RB1, not possible by FISH. | 10.1080/13816810.2022.2116650 |
pubmed_16_6209 | The isolated N-terminal SH3 domain of the Drosophila signal transduction protein Drk (drkN SH3) is a useful model for the study of residual structure and fluctuating structure in disordered proteins since it exists in slow exchange between a folded (Fexch) and compact unfolded (Uexch) state in roughly equal proportions under nondenaturing conditions. The single tryptophan residue, Trp36, is believed to play a key role in forming a non-native hydrophobic cluster in the Uexch state, with a number of long-range nuclear Overhauser contacts (NOEs) observed primarily to the indole proton. Substitution of Trp36 for 5-fluoro-Trp36 resulted in a substantial shift in the equilibrium to favor the Fexch state. A variety of 19F NMR measurements were performed to investigate the degree of solvent exposure and hydrophobicity associated with the 5-fluoro position in both the Fexch and Uexch states. Ambient T1 measurements and H2O/D2O solvent isotope effects indicated extensive protein contacts to the 5-fluoro position in the Fexch state and greater solvent exposure in the Uexch state. This was corroborated by the measurements of paramagnetic effects (chemical shift perturbations and T1 relaxation enhancement) from dissolved oxygen at a partial pressure of 20 atm. In contrast, paramagnetic effects from dissolved oxygen revealed less solvent exposure to the indole proton of Trp36 in the Uexch state than that observed for the Fexch state, consistent with the model in which Trp36 indole belongs to a non-native cluster. Thus, although the Uexch state may be described as a dynamically interconverting ensemble of conformers, there appears to be significant asymmetry in the environment of the indole group and the six-membered ring or backbone of Trp36. This implied lack of averaging of a side chain position is in contrast to the general view of fluctuating side chains within disordered states. | 10.1021/bi061389r |
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