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pubmed_1089_5526 | Recent years have provided clear evidence for the skeletal muscle as an endocrine organ. Muscle contraction during physical activity has emerged as an important activator of the release of the proteins and peptides called "myokines." Diverse proteomic profiling approaches were applied to rodent and human skeletal muscle cells to characterize the complete secretome, to study the regulation of the secretome during cell differentiation or the release of myokines upon contractile activity of myotubes. Several of the exercise-regulated factors have the potency to mediate an interorgan crosstalk. The paracrine function of the secreted peptides and proteins to regulate muscle regeneration, tissue remodeling, and trainability can have direct effects on whole-body glucose disposal and oxygen consumption. The overall composition and dynamic of the myokinome are still incompletely characterized. Recent advantages in metabolomics and lipidomics will add metabolites and lipids with autocrine, paracrine, or endocrine function to the contraction-induced secretome of the skeletal muscle. The identification of these metabolites will lead to a more comprehensive view described by a new myo(metabo)kinome consisting of peptides, proteins, and metabolites. | 10.1002/prca.201300094 |
pubmed_559_7431 | OBJECTIVE
The role of antioxidants in preventing vascular disease remains controversial. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) is important for endothelial and monocyte function. This study investigated the negative effects of smoking on monocyte migratory responsiveness to VEGF-A and the usefulness of vitamin C to prevent smoking-induced monocyte dysfunction.
METHODS AND RESULTS
The chemotactic response of isolated monocytes from a cohort of 17 non-smokers and 10 smokers toward VEGF-A was assessed. VEGF-A significantly stimulated the migration of monocytes in non-smokers; the monocytes from smokers failed to respond to VEGF-A. Repeated analysis after 2 weeks of vitamin C intake (2 g/d) showed a fully restored VEGF-A-induced monocyte migration in smokers. VEGF-A serum levels were not altered by vitamin C. VEGF-A-inducible kinase activity was intact in monocytes from smokers as assessed by in vitro kinase assay. Monocyte dysfunction can be mimicked in vitro by challenging monocytes with a range of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
CONCLUSIONS
Stimulation of monocyte migration by VEGF-A was severely attenuated in smokers, and the deficit observed was surmounted by vitamin C supplementation. The negative effects of smoking on monocyte function may translate into adverse impacts on VEGF-A-dependent repair processes such as arteriogenesis. These results propose a causative role of oxidative stress in smoking-induced monocyte dysfunction. | 10.1161/01.ATV.0000250614.97896.4c |
pubmed_891_18415 | OBJECTIVES
Few studies have explored whether the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke varies among patients with degenerative aortic valve disease (DAVD) with different severity of aortic regurgitation (AR) or not. Thus, a prospective study was conducted to elucidate the causal relationship between AR severity and risk of incident MI and stroke among patients with DAVD recruited from a general population in Northeast China.
DESIGN
Prospective cohort study.
SETTING
Community-based study carried out in rural areas of Northeast China.
METHODS
There were 3675 patients with DAVD aged ≥45 years eligible for the prospective study. During a median follow-up time of 4.64 years, 99 participants lost to follow-up. Cox regression analyses were used to investigate the association between baseline AR severity and the risk of incident MI or stroke.
RESULTS
In the final cohort of 3576 patients with DAVD, there were 3153 patients without AR (88.2%), 386 patients with mild AR (10.8%) and 37 patients with moderate or severe AR (1.0%). Multivariate analyses showed that, compared with participants without AR, those with moderate/severe AR were associated with 8.33 and 6.22-fold increased risk of MI and MI mortality, respectively. However, no significant associations between AR and the risk of stroke or stroke mortality were observed.
CONCLUSIONS
As compared with no AR, moderate/severe AR but not mild AR was an independent predictor for the risk of MI and MI mortality. AR was not significantly associated with stroke or stroke mortality, irrespective of AR severity. Secondary prevention strategies should be taken to delay the progression of DAVD and thus reduce the incidence of MI. | 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046824 |
pubmed_574_1531 | BACKGROUND
A subjective severity of illness classification was evaluated in a study of nosocomial pneumonia. This is a 5-category system based on the determination of the control of underlying illness and the risk of death during current hospital admission.
METHODS
A case-control study was performed with 128 cases of nosocomial pneumonia and 252 control patients. An additional 60 case and 90 control patients were used to compare this classification with APACHE II scoring in intensive care unit patients.
RESULTS
In univariate analysis, the severity illness classification was significantly associated with nosocomial pneumonia risk (p < 0.01). APACHE II adequately predicted mortality rate but was not statistically significantly associated with nosocomial pneumonia risk among intensive care unit patients. In logistic regression analysis, the severity of illness classification, surgery, age, nasogastric tube placement, and histamine blockers each showed significant independent association with nosocomial pneumonia.
CONCLUSIONS
The role of the severity of illness classification for risk stratification in nosocomial pneumonia is valid. Its roles in the evaluation of surgical wound infection, nosocomial bacteremia, and quality of care remain to be determined in subsequent studies. | 10.1016/0196-6553(93)90002-l |
pubmed_852_16383 | AIM
The present study explored (a) the discharge of breast cancer patients to primary care by specialists, at the end of hospital follow-up and (b) the experiences and views of general practitioners (GPs) regarding transfer of follow-up to the primary care setting.
METHODS
A cross-sectional survey was performed by sending a self-administered questionnaire to 960 GPs working in the three northern provinces of the Netherlands. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.
RESULTS
Of 949 eligible questionnaires, 502 were returned, providing an adjusted response rate of 53%. In the year before the survey took place, one or more patients aged >60 years, and 5 years after breast-conserving therapy, were discharged to 22% of GPs (n=112) for follow-up. According to 56% of these GPs, transfer of follow-up was communicated by the hospital. The initiative to arrange follow-up visits and mammography appointments was mainly taken by patients. In this survey, 40% of GPs (n=200) were willing to accept exclusive responsibility for follow-up earlier than 5 years after completion of active treatment. Perceived barriers in current and future primary care-based follow-up included: communication with breast cancer specialists, patients' preference for specialist follow-up, GPs' oncology knowledge and skills and the organisation of follow-up in general practice.
CONCLUSIONS
Primary care-based follow-up might be improved if breast cancer specialists discharge patients more actively to their GPs. Survivorship care plans are needed to facilitate communication across the primary/secondary interface and with patients. Training of GPs and developing administrative tools may be helpful in arranging follow-up care and using guidelines in general practice. | pubmed_852_16383 |
pubmed_748_7751 | Protein diversity of the high molecular weight fraction (molecular mass > 500 daltons) of salivary grand secretion of the medicinal leech Hirudo medicinalis has been demonstrated using methods of proteomic analysis. One-dimensional (1D) electrophoresis revealed the presence of more than 60 bands corresponding to molecular masses ranging from 11 to 483 kD. 2D-electrophoresis revealed more than 100 specific protein spots differing in molecular masses and pI values. SELDI-mass spectrometry analysis using the ProteinChip. System based on chromatography surfaces of strong anion or weak cation exchanger detected 45 individual compounds of molecular masses ranged from 1.964 to 66.5 kD. Comparison of SELDI-MS data with protein databases revealed eight known proteins from the medicinal leech. Other masses detected by proteomic analytical methods may be related to both modifications of known proteins and unknown biologically active components of leech saliva secretion. | 10.1023/b:biry.0000040202.21965.2a |
pubmed_1074_2748 | BACKGROUND
It is now widely accepted that climate change is occurring as a result of the accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere. With the prospect of a warmer world, increased attention is being devoted to the implications for worker well-being and work performance.
OBJECTIVES
The 'high occupational temperature health and productivity suppression' (HOTHAPS) programme is a multi-centre health research and prevention programme aimed at characterising and quantifying the extent to which working people are affected by, or adapt to, heat exposure while working. The main aim of the current South African pilot study was to look at the perceptions of outdoor workers regarding their work environment in hot weather and how this affected their health and productivity levels.
DESIGN
A qualitative study utilising focus group discussions was employed in two sites, Johannesburg (which has a temperate climate) and Upington (located in the hottest part of South Africa).
RESULTS
In summary, the pilot study demonstrated that especially in Upington, where daily maximum temperatures may reach +40°C, workers reported a wide range of heat-related effects, including sunburn, sleeplessness, irritability, and exhaustion leading to difficulty in maintaining work levels and output during very hot weather. Few, if any, measures were being undertaken by employers to protect health or improve worker comfort.
CONCLUSION
This pilot study has demonstrated that people working in sun-exposed conditions in hot parts of South Africa currently experience heat-related health effects, with implications for their well-being and ability to work and that further research is warranted. In this regard, the pilot study has proved valuable in informing the design, site, sample selection, and logistical planning for a proposed main study on the health and performance aspects of work in hot weather in South Africa. | 10.3402/gha.v3i0.5612 |
pubmed_498_4211 | Mutations in the C-KIT gene encoding type III receptor tyrosine kinase that regulates cellular processes, such as differentiation, survival, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis, are found in some neoplasms: gastrointestinal stromal tumor, mastocytosis, melanoma, breast carcinomas, myeloid leukemias, and a number of others. Tumors that exhibit these mutations are sensitive to therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which makes it necessary to correctly identify the mutation status by C-KIT in order to apply a personalized approach to therapy. This literature review shows that the type and localization of the C-KIT gene mutation are of crucial prognostic value and significance in choosing drugs for antitumor therapy, but traditional diagnostic methods fail to determine accurate mutation characteristics. Routine sequencing techniques focus on identifying the gene mutations associated with specific cellular processes, such as DNA damage and repair. The emergence of next-generation sequencing techniques has solved this problem, making it possible to fully analyze the genome of a malignant neoplasm, with constant screening for new mutations that appear as the tumor develops, affect the prognosis of the disease, and change its sensitivity to the antitumor therapy. | 10.17116/patol20218304161 |
pubmed_820_17995 | The kinetics of the adsorption of metal ions onto a thiolated surface and the selective and quantitative sensing of metal ions were explored using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. The target metal ion was an aqueous solution of Pt2+ and a thin-gold-film-coated glass substrate was modified with 1,6-hexanedithiol (HDT) as a selective sensing layer. SPR spectroscopy was used to examine the kinetics of metal ion adsorption by means of the change in SPR angle. The selectivity of the thiolated surface for Pt2+ over other divalent metal ions such as Cu2+, Ni2+, and Cd2+ was evident by the time-resolved SPR measurement. SPR angle shift, deltatheta(SPR), was found to increase logarithmically with increasing concentration of Pt2+ in the range of 1.0 x 10(-5)-1.0 mM. The rate of Pt2+ adsorption on HDT observed at both 0.1 and 1 mM Pt2+ accelerates until the surface coverage reaches approximately 17%, after which the adsorption profile follows Langmuirian behavior with the surface coverage. The experimental data indicated that heavy metal ions were adsorbed to the hydrophobic thiolated surface by a cooperative mechanism. A mixed self-assembled monolayer (SAM) composed of HDT and 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid was used to reduce the hydrophobicity of the thiol-functionalized surface. The addition of hydrophilic groups to the surface enhanced the rate of adsorption of Pt2+ onto the surface. The findings show that the adsorption of metal ions is strongly dependent upon the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of the surface and that the technique represents an easy method for analyzing the adsorption of metal ions to a functionalized surface by combining SPR spectroscopy with a SAM modification. | 10.1016/j.jcis.2005.12.066 |
pubmed_26_4752 | OBJECTIVES
Schizophrenia imposes a great burden on society, and while evaluation should play an important role in informing society's efforts to alleviate these burdens, it is unclear what "endpoints" should be chosen as the objective of such analyses. The objectives of the study were to elicit endpoints directly from patients with schizophrenia, to ascertain whether patients are sufficiently cognoscente to express what endpoints are and are not important to them and to rank the relevant endpoints.
METHODS
We applied principles of patient-centered health technology assessment to identify and value endpoints from the patient's perspective. Focus groups were conducted to elicit endpoints, using interpretive phenomalogical analysis (IPA) to guide the collection, analysis and interpretation of data. Patient interviews were subsequently used to elicit patient preference over endpoints. Respondents were presented with cards outlining the endpoints and asked to remove irrelevant cards. They where then asked to identify and rank their five most relevant endpoints in order of importance. Interviews were recorded for the purposed of triangulation, and data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Patients were recruited from five geographically diverse cities in Germany. Eligibility required a diagnosis of schizophrenia by a physician and treatment with an antipsychotic medication for at least one year. Respondents were excluded if they were experiencing an acute episode.
RESULTS
Thirteen endpoints emerged as important from the focus groups spanning side-effects, functional status, processes of care and clinical outcomes. Respondents could clearly identify relevant and irrelevant endpoints, and rank which factors were important to them. Triangulation between field notes of the ranking exercise and recordings confirmed that rankings were not arbitrary, but justified from the respondents' point of view.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with schizophrenia can express preferences over endpoints. Our results show that qualitative methods such as IPA can be used to identify factors, but ranking exercises provide a more robust method for ranking the importance of endpoints. Future research involving patients with schizophrenia ranking outcomes is needed to identify variations across patients and methods such as conjoint analysis could prove beneficial in identifying acceptable tradeoffs across endpoints. | 10.1017/S0266462309090059 |
pubmed_773_2336 | Primaquine converts erythrocytes into osmotically fragile spherocytes. Since primaquine increased the rate of acylation of erythrocyte lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), it has been suggested that a deficiency of LPC is responsible for its hemolytic action. We have examined the validity of this hypothesis. In the absence of added lysophosphatides, primaquine slightly decreased the incorporation of albumin-bound palmitic acid-14C into phosphatidylcholine (PC) whereas that into phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) was more depressed. When unbound dispersions of fatty acid were used, red cells exposed to primaquine manifested a slight increase in palmitic acid-14C incorporation into PC whereas that into PE remained decreased. In the presence of exogenous LPC, control cells increased their incorporation of bound palmitic acid-14C into PC while decreasing it into PE. In these same experiments, red cells incubated with primaquine demonstrated a much greater enhancement of LPC acylation than control cells. Lysophosphatidylethanolamine acylation, while depressed, was still slightly greater than that of cells incubated with drug alone. The concentration of LPC in control and primaquine-treated erythrocytes incubated with exogenous LPC was comparable and was approximately five times that of cells not incubated with LPC. The osmotic fragility of erythrocytes correlated poorly with their concentration of LPC. The effect of primaquine on the incorporation of bound palmitic acid into erythrocyte PC was influenced by exogenous LPC with the reaction markedly increased in its presence but slightly depressed in its absence. The proposal that the hemolytic action of primaquine is due to a decrease in red cell LPC is not supported by the data. | pubmed_773_2336 |
pubmed_452_15141 | To determine whether temporal artery biopsy (TABx) or Doppler ultrasound (US) of the temporal artery is the preferred confirmatory test for giant cell arteritis, an online survey of ophthalmologists and neurologists in North America, Europe and Israel was conducted in 2019; Canadian rheumatologists were also included. There were 406 survey participants with an estimated survey response rate of 18%. Ninety-four per cent of North American practitioners preferred TABx compared with 74% of their European counterparts. Two per cent of North American practitioners preferred Doppler US versus 24% of European physicians. Regional differences were statistically significant (p < .001). | 10.1080/01658107.2019.1656752 |
pubmed_873_15889 | Fe-based metal-organic framework MIL-88A microrods were synthesized by hydrothermal method, which were used to adsorb As(V) in water for the first time. The experimental results indicated that MIL-88A has a very fast adsorption rate towards arsenic in water. The kinetic and isothermal data for arsenic removal were better fitted to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir model, respectively, implying a chemical and monolayer adsorption for As(V) on MIL-88A microrods. Two rate-controlling processes during adsorption were revealed by the intraparticle diffusion model. The maximum adsorption capacity of MIL-88A reached 145 mg g-1, higher than those of Fe-based MIL adsorbents reported previously, which probably originates from its unique microstructure with abundant OH- groups and an unusual large swelling towards water. These show that Fe-based MIL-88A is a good candidate for arsenic removal. | 10.1007/s11356-018-2751-2 |
pubmed_322_23868 | BACKGROUND/PURPOSE
Our previous study found that 70 of 884 burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients have serum gastric parietal cell antibody (GPCA) positivity but without thyroglobulin antibody (TGA) and thyroid microsomal antibody (TMA) (so-called GPCA+TGA-TMA-BMS patients). This study assessed whether these 70 GPCA+TGA-TMA-BMS patients had significantly higher frequencies of macrocytosis, anemia, hematinic deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia than 553 GPCA-negative, TGA-negative, and TMA-negative BMS (GPCA-TGA-TMA-BMS) patients or 442 healthy control subjects.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Complete blood count, serum iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, homocysteine, GPCA, TGA, and TMA levels in 70 GPCA+TGA-TMA-BMS patients, 553 GPCA-TGA-TMA-BMS patients, and 442 healthy control subjects were measured and compared.
RESULTS
We found that 15.7%, 28.6%, 20.0%, 11.4%, 2.9%, and 25.7% of 70 GPCA+TGA-TMA-BMS patients and 3.8%, 17.7%, 15.9%, 3.8%, 2.7%, and 20.1% of 553 GPCA-TGA-TMA-BMS patients had macrocytosis, blood hemoglobin, iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia, respectively. Moreover, both 70 GPCA+TGA-TMA-BMS patients and 553 GPCA-TGA-TMA-BMS patients had significantly greater frequencies of macrocytosis, blood hemoglobin, serum iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia than 442 healthy control subjects (all P-values < 0.05). In addition, 70 GPCA+TGA-TMA-BMS patients also had greater frequencies of macrocytosis, anemia, serum vitamin B12 deficiency, and hyperhomocysteinemia than 553 GPCA-TGA-TMA-BMS patients (all P-values < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The GPCA + TGA-TMA-BMS patients have significantly greater frequencies of macrocytosis, anemia, serum iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid deficiencies, and hyperhomocysteinemia than healthy control subjects and significantly greater frequencies of macrocytosis, anemia, serum vitamin B12 deficiency, and hyperhomocysteinemia than GPCA-TGA-TMA-BMS patients. | 10.1016/j.jds.2021.05.017 |
pubmed_941_450 | ICR-191, an acridine half-mustard known to cause frameshift mutations in bacteria, was used to induce Lac(-) mutations revertible by ICR-191. The reversion rates of several of these mutations were stimulated approximately twofold by the presence of lac inducer. The stimulatory effect of inducer was attributable to gene induction rather than some other effect of inducer, since inducer did not stimulate reversion in a regulator constitutive strain. The stimulatory effect was not observed unless the gene to be reverted was induced during the period of exposure to ICR-191. The presence of a strong polar (nonsense) mutation on the operator side of a frameshift mutation abolished the stimulatory effect of inducer on reversion of the frameshift mutation by ICR-191. (As expected, a nonpolar mutation on the operator side of the frameshift mutation did not affect inducer-stimulated reversion.) It was concluded that some aspect of transcription or translation, or both, in the neighborhood of the ICR-191-induced mutation stimulated reversion by ICR-191. A recA mutation had no effect on reversion by ICR-191 in the presence or absence of inducer. In one mutant, gene induction depressed reversion by ICR-191 about sevenfold. The difference between this exceptional strain and other mutants was not attributable to different genetic backgrounds but seemed to be an inherent difference in the original Lac(-) mutations. | 10.1128/jb.106.2.543-550.1971 |
pubmed_228_12350 | A young man presented with progressive motor weakness and atrophy of the ulnar muscles of his left hand over a period of more than 2 years. Electrodiagnostic studies indicated an ulnar nerve lesion, but it was not localized. High-resolution sonography of the ulnar nerve revealed an enlarged and hypoechogenic ulnar nerve at an unusual location, namely 12.5 cm proximal to the medial epicondyle. Histology showed that this was an intraneural perineurioma. High-resolution sonography of the ulnar nerve is very useful in the discovery of this unusual location of nerve pathology and may assist in its early detection. | 10.1002/mus.22200 |
pubmed_212_8814 | One hundred nineteen cases of advanced adenocarcinoma of the lung were divided into well differentiated adenocarcinoma (72 cases) and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (47 cases) histologically and/or cytologically. The median survival of 72 cases of well differentiated adenocarcinoma (7.9 months) was significantly (P less than 0.025) longer than that of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (4.9 months) irrespective of stage, difference in treatment regimen, or response to treatment. In 9 evaluable cases, the objective response rate to chemotherapy was 25% (6/24) in poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and 11.3% (8/71) in well differentiated adenocarcinoma, respectively. In 45 patients who received a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the median survival of 22 well differentiated adenocarcinomas (11.8 months) was significantly (P less than 0.05) longer than than of 23 poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas (5.6 months). The same tendency was observed in 74 patients who received chemotherapy alone. Analysis based on the grade of differentiation is essential for the accurate assessment of the efficacy of treatment in adenocarcinomas of the lung. | 10.1007/BF00411280 |
pubmed_444_9441 | Protein dynamics are essential to function. One example of this is the various gating mechanisms within ion channels, which are transmembrane proteins that act as gateways into the cell. Typical ion channels switch between an open and closed state via a conformational transition which is often triggered by an external stimulus, such as ligand binding or pH and voltage differences. The atomic resolution structure of a potassium-selective ion channel named NaK2K has allowed us to observe that a hydro-phobic residue at the bottom of the selectivity filter, Phe92, appears in dual conformations. One of the two conformations of Phe92 restricts the diameter of the exit pore around the selectivity filter, limiting ion flow through the channel, while the other conformation of Phe92 provides a larger-diameter exit pore from the selectivity filter. Thus, it can be concluded that Phe92 acts as a hydro-phobic gate, regulating the flow of ions through the selectivity filter. | 10.1107/S2052252520008271 |
pubmed_294_10826 | The Gin recombination system of phage Mu mediates inversion of the DNA sequence between two sites (gix). In addition to Gin protein and gix sites, recombination requires an enhancer bound by the host factor FIS. We analyzed mutants of Gin that function in the absence of the enhancer and FIS and mediate deletion and intermolecular fusion in addition to inversion. The linking number changes caused by inversion imply that mutant Gin alone can form the same synaptic complex and can use the same strand exchange mechanism as the complete wild-type system. However, the linking number changes also reveal that unlike wild-type Gin, mutant Gin can recombine through more than one synaptic complex and can relax DNA in the absence of synapsis. This expanded repertoire allows mutant Gin to mediate DNA rearrangements not performed by wild-type Gin. Because mutant Gin, but not wild-type Gin, unwinds gix site DNA upon binding, we postulate that FIS and the enhancer function with (-) supercoiling to promote this unwinding with wild-type Gin. The analysis of the topological changes during DNA fusion shows that both the parallel gix site configuration and the right-handed rotation of the sites during exchange of wild-type Gin are a result of the (-) supercoiling of the substrate and the number of entrapped supercoils in the synaptic complex. | 10.1002/j.1460-2075.1993.tb05746.x |
pubmed_245_19302 | BACKGROUND
Although chronic stroke patients commonly show impairment of trunk muscle performance, this disability has only been analyzed in terms of peak torque. Therefore, other measures are needed for a more adequate description.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to compare concentric muscle performance of trunk flexor/extensor muscles between chronic stroke patients and matched-healthy subjects.
METHODS
18 chronic stroke patients and 18 healthy subjects were matched according to their age, sex, body mass index and level of physical activity. After familiarization, trunk flexor/extensor concentric muscle strength was measured using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex Medical Systems Inc, Shirley, NY, USA) with 3 repetitions at a velocity of 60°/s and 5 repetitions at a velocity of 120°/s. Trunk muscular performance was characterized by peak torque, torque at 90°, total work, and total work normalized by trunk mass. Student's t-test was used for independent samples (α=0.05) for group comparisons.
RESULTS
All trunk muscle performance variables values investigated were significantly lower in chronic stroke patients when compared to matched-healthy subjects (p≤0.001). The obtained ratios of chronic stroke patients scores to that of the matched-healthy subjects at velocities of 60°/s and 120°/s were, respectively: flexor peak torque (60% & 53%)/extensor (54% & 53%); flexor torque at 90° (56.20% & 36.58%)/extensor (57.92% & 30.65%); flexor total muscular work (51.27% & 38.03%)/extensor (47.97% & 39.52%); and flexor total muscular work normalized by trunk mass (55.57% & 40%)/extensor (51.40% & 42%).
CONCLUSIONS
Chronic stroke patients showed decreased trunk muscle performance when compared to matched-healthy subjects in all variables investigated. | 10.1016/j.bjpt.2017.12.002 |
pubmed_476_12544 | AIMS
To estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its associated risk factors among the United Arab Emirates (UAE) residents.
METHODS
A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted among adults living in Sharjah and Northern Emirates using the UAE National Diabetes and Lifestyle Study (UAEDIAB) data. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples were obtained. The National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III) guidelines were used to define metabolic syndrome (MetS).
RESULTS
A total of 3,212 subjects (74.1% men, 25.9% women, mean age 39 ± 11.3 years old) were included in this study. The overall prevalence of MetS was 37.4% (32.7% in women and 39% in men). The prevalence was 33.6% in the Emirati population (38.7% in women and 28.8% in men), 34.5% in the Arab non-Emirati population (29.8% in women and 36.3% in men) and 40.7% in the Asian non-Arab population (25.8% in women and 43.1% in men). Age, gender, ethnicity, educational level, marital status and body mass index were positively associated with MetS.
CONCLUSIONS
This study indicates a high burden of MetS in the UAE, particularly among Emirati women and Asian non-Arab men. The young adult population in the UAE has a high prevalence of MetS compared to global estimates in the same age group. Aggressive intervention strategies targeting the whole population as well as individuals at a high risk are recommended to prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases. | 10.3389/fpubh.2021.811006 |
pubmed_499_17675 | The pattern of brain neuroplasticity after naming therapies in patients with aphasia can be evaluated using task-based fMRI. This article aims to review studies investigating brain reorganization after semantic and phonological-based anomia therapy that used picture-naming fMRI tasks. We searched for those articles that compared the activation of brain areas before and after aphasia therapies in the PubMed and the EMBASE databases from 1993 up to April 2020. All studies (single-cases or group designs) on anomia treatment in individuals with acquired aphasia were reviewed. Data were synthesized descriptively through tables to allow the facilitated comparison of the studies. A total of 14 studies were selected and reviewed. The results of the reviewed studies demonstrated that the naming improvement is associated with changes in the activation of cortical and subcortical brain areas. This review highlights the need for a more systematic investigation of the association between decreased and increased activation of brain areas related to anomia therapy. Also, more detailed information about factors influencing brain reorganization is required to elucidate the neural mechanisms of anomia therapy. Overall, regarding the theoretical and clinical aspects, the number of studies that used intensive protocol is growing, and based on the positive potential of these treatments, they could be suitable for the rehabilitation of people with aphasia. | 10.1080/23279095.2022.2074849 |
pubmed_394_12674 | Vitamin E scavenges free radicals and may prevent destruction of RBC in Glucose6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficient hemolytic anemia, where changes in copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) may act as additional contributory factors for hemolysis. In the present study changes in serum Cu and Zn and role of vitamin E supplementation on these changes were observed in hemolytic anemic patients with G6PD deficiency. This study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka during July 2005-June 2006. For this, 102 subjects with age ranged 5-40 years of both sexes were included in the study. Among them 68 were G6PD deficient patients, of whom 34 were in supplemented group and 34 were non-supplemented group. The supplemented group received vitamin E for 60 consecutive days at a dose of 800 IU/day for adult and 400 IU/day for children < or =12 years (4 times daily). Age and sex matched 34 apparently healthy subjects with normal G6PD level were taken to observe the base line data (healthy control) and also for comparison. All the G6PD deficient patients were selected from the Out Patient Department (OPD) of Hematology, BSMMU, Dhaka, and all the healthy subjects from personal contact. Blood G6PD level was done by spectrophotometric method and serum Cu, Zn levels by atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. To observe the availability of binding proteins serum total protein, albumin, globulin and A:G ratio were done by standard laboratory techniques. All parameters were measured on day 1 of their 1st visit and also on day 60 in deficient groups. Data analysis was done by appropriate statistical method. Serum Cu was significantly (p<0.001) higher but serum Zn, total protein, albumin, A/G ratio were significantly (p<0.001) lower in G6PD deficient groups in comparison to those of healthy control on day 1. After vitamin E supplementation, values of these parameters were comparable with those of healthy control in supplemented group in comparison to those of their pre-supplemented and non-supplemented groups both on day 1 and day 60. So, vitamin E supplementation has got its effective role in restoration of normal serum concentration of Cu and Zn in this group of patients. | pubmed_394_12674 |
pubmed_869_17827 | OBJECTIVES/BACKGROUND
In biological terms, progression means that malignancy increases as genetic mutations accumulate leading to increased proliferation and invasion capacity. By verifying the proliferation capacity, human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression and in vitro invasion, in a group of highly malignant glioblastomas, benign meningiomas and astrocytomas, at the initial stage of progression, we have analysed putative progression in vitro for proliferation and telomerase expression.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The relative proliferation status (visualized with Ki-67 antibodies) and presence of hTERT protein was analysed in 27 intracranial tumours (6 astrocytomas, 8 glioblastomas and 13 meningiomas) by immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded biopsy tissue, as well as on primary tumour-derived cell cultures. A confrontation model was used to analyse invasiveness in vitro.
RESULTS
The mean proliferation indices were 22.3 (SD = 18.1) for glioblastomas and 2.1 (SD = 1.9) for low-grade (LG) astrocytomas. The group of benign meningiomas had a labelling index of 2.2 (SD = 2.7). Mean percentages of staining for hTERT varied between 36.5 (SD = 28.4) for glioblastomas and 10.2 (SD = 8.6) for LG astrocytomas. The group of benign meningiomas had a labelling index of 12.4 (SD = 19.2) for hTERT. A significant difference was seen for Ki-67 (P < 0.05) and hTERT (P < 0.001) in vivo versus in vitro. No difference was seen between the group of invasive and non-invasive tumour-derived cell cultures for the histopathological markers Ki-67 and hTERT (P > 0.05) in vitro.
CONCLUSIONS
The elevated expression of hTERT and Ki-67 in vitro provides a potential prognostic tool for early detection of the progression of brain tumours. As tumour cells require telomerase for continued proliferation, the expression of hTERT may mark immortality, leading to indefinite life span. On the other hand, hTERT expression and cell proliferation are not linked directly to invasion in vitro. | 10.1111/j.1365-2184.2007.00415.x |
pubmed_394_18323 | In all organisms the Signal Recognition Particle (SRP), binds to signal sequences of proteins destined for secretion or membrane insertion as they emerge from translating ribosomes. In Archaea and Eucarya, the conserved ribonucleoproteic core is composed of two proteins, the accessory protein SRP19, the essential GTPase SRP54, and an evolutionarily conserved and essential SRP RNA. Through the GTP-dependent interaction between the SRP and its cognate receptor SR, ribosomes harboring nascent polypeptidic chains destined for secretion are dynamically transferred to the protein translocation apparatus at the membrane. We present here high-resolution X-ray structures of SRP54 and SRP19, the two RNA binding components forming the core of the signal recognition particle from the hyper-thermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus (Pfu). The 2.5 A resolution structure of free Pfu-SRP54 is the first showing the complete domain organization of a GDP bound full-length SRP54 subunit. In its ras-like GTPase domain, GDP is found tightly associated with the protein. The flexible linker that separates the GTPase core from the hydrophobic signal sequence binding M domain, adopts a purely alpha-helical structure and acts as an articulated arm allowing the M domain to explore multiple regions as it scans for signal peptides as they emerge from the ribosomal tunnel. This linker is structurally coupled to the GTPase catalytic site and likely to propagate conformational changes occurring in the M domain through the SRP RNA upon signal sequence binding. Two different 1.8 A resolution crystal structures of free Pfu-SRP19 reveal a compact, rigid and well-folded protein even in absence of its obligate SRP RNA partner. Comparison with other SRP19*SRP RNA structures suggests the rearrangement of a disordered loop upon binding with the RNA through a reciprocal induced-fit mechanism and supports the idea that SRP19 acts as a molecular scaffold and a chaperone, assisting the SRP RNA in adopting the conformation required for its optimal interaction with the essential subunit SRP54, and proper assembly of a functional SRP. | 10.1371/journal.pone.0003528 |
pubmed_539_23371 | Like radioactive waste, municipal solid waste (MSW) requires consideration of a complex mix of intergenerational and intragenerational risks surrounded by uncertain science. Unlike radioactive waste, MSW is a common problem and hence one often perceived to be controllable, at least until a required facility is proposed in a particular community. The intragenerational risks focused on local communities rouse intense public pressures for management. Although some of the risks can be quantified, the risk assessment process cannot deal with all questions. This article examines the multiple dimensions of the decisions required to be made and the weaknesses of a number of decision tools traditionally used. A case is made for the need to integrate decision tools appropriate to the risks into reflexive and iterative decision processes open to public involvement. It is argued that this presents the best hope of both optimizing decisions about the intragenerational risks as well as raising public debate about the importance of sustainable waste management in transgenerational terms. | 10.1111/0272-4332.206075 |
pubmed_1094_12495 | The hygroscopicity of Y2Mo3O12 has serious influences on its mechanic and negative thermal expansion (NTE) properties. The reported partial ion substitution for Y3+ in Y2Mo3O12 could reduce the hygroscopicity, however, the expected NTE properties disappear disappointedly. In this investigation, it is found that avoiding the invasion of crystal water and extending the NTE temperature range of Y2Mo3O12 to room temperature could be realized together by heating with CO(NH2)2. The X-ray diffraction patterns, infrared absorption spectra, scanning electron microscopy images and X-ray photoelectron spectra suggest the formation of small hydrophobic molecules (C3N4, C, etc.) coated on the surface, which could clog the microchannels in Y2Mo3O12 to avoid the invasion of crystal water. The investigation paves a way to improve the NTE properties by neglecting the influences of water molecules on the stretching vibrations of MoO4 tetrahedra and the transverse vibrations of bridge oxygen atoms. | 10.1039/c7cp02262j |
pubmed_61_2248 | MOTIVATION
Network reconstruction of biological entities is very important for understanding biological processes and the organizational principles of biological systems. This work focuses on integrating both the literatures and microarray gene-expression data, and a combined literature mining and microarray analysis (LMMA) approach is developed to construct gene networks of a specific biological system.
RESULTS
In the LMMA approach, a global network is first constructed using the literature-based co-occurrence method. It is then refined using microarray data through a multivariate selection procedure. An application of LMMA to the angiogenesis is presented. Our result shows that the LMMA-based network is more reliable than the co-occurrence-based network in dealing with multiple levels of KEGG gene, KEGG Orthology and pathway.
AVAILABILITY
The LMMA program is available upon request. | 10.1093/bioinformatics/btl363 |
pubmed_1109_23871 | Ultrasound thermometry provides noninvasive 2-D temperature monitoring, and in this paper, we have investigated the use of computed tomography (CT) radiodensity to characterize tissues to improve the accuracy of ultrasound thermometry. Agarose-based tissue-mimicking phantoms were created with glyceryl trioleate (a fat-mimicking material) concentration of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%. The speed of sound (SOS) of the phantoms was measured over a temperature range of 22.1-41.1 °C. CT images of the phantoms were acquired by a clinical dedicated breast CT scanner, followed by calculation of the Hounsfield units (HU). The phantom was heated with a therapeutic acoustic pulse (1.54 MHz), while RF data were acquired with a 10-MHz linear-array transducer. Two-dimensional speckle tracking was used to calculate the thermal strain offline. The tissue-dependent thermal strain parameter required for ultrasound thermometry was analyzed and correlated with CT radiodensity, followed by the validation of the temperature prediction. Results showed that the change in SOS with the temperature increase was opposite in sign between the 0%-10% and 20%-50% trioleate phantoms. The inverse of the tissue-dependent thermal strain parameter of the phantoms was correlated with the CT radiodensity (R(2) = 0.99). A blinded ultrasound thermometry study on phantoms with a trioleate range of 5%-35% demonstrated the capability to estimate the tissue-dependent thermal strain parameter and estimate temperature with error less than ~1 °C. In conclusion, CT radiodensity may provide a method for improving ultrasound thermometry in heterogeneous tissues. | 10.1109/TBME.2013.2282775 |
pubmed_1053_8226 | The text of 15,009 emergency department medical records was reviewed with the use of a computer program that detected the presence or absence of key words and phrases. The search focused on "trigger diagnoses," that is, any diagnoses associated with an above-average risk for an undetected but more serious condition. Included were the trigger diagnoses from the five high-risk areas of extremity laceration, epiglottitis, abdominal pain, meningitis, and myocardial infarction. The three kinds of medical records that were compared were handwritten records, records dictated and transcribed, and records created by a voice-activated word processor. From a risk management perspective, inclusion of critical pertinent positives and negatives was taken as an index of quality from a risk management perspective, and records created by a voice-activated word processor using real-time risk management prompts were superior to handwritten and dictated records. The computer holds promise as a vehicle to reduce the cost and frequency of malpractice risk in the ED and as a teaching tool to improve the quality of care. | 10.1016/s0196-0644(05)81798-6 |
pubmed_747_39 | The patient described represents the first reported case of partial deletion 10q. The patient is compared to the partial trisomy 10q syndrome. | 10.1007/BF00291317 |
pubmed_730_4143 | The 'gold standard' for the treatment of polycythemia vera (PV) is to date undefined. We performed a retrospective analysis to evaluate the outcome of a cohort of PV patients treated with pipobroman (PB) at a single institution during a period of 20 years (November 1971-October 1991). During this period, a total of 366 adult PV patients were diagnosed according to Polycythemia Vera Study Group (PVSG) criteria. Of these, only 199 (54%) were treated with PB: 92 were males and 107 females, median age was 63.0 years (range 25.2-87.3 years). Major clinical characteristics at onset were as follows: 34 (17%) patients had splenomegaly >3 cm below costal margin, 70 (35%) had platelets >600,000/mm3, 79 (40%) had white blood cells >12,000 mm3; 97 (49%) had hypertension, 83 (42%) had minor neurological symptoms (as vertigo, headache, paresthesias), 33 (17%) had pruritus and 27 (13%) had thrombotic features. All patients received PB at the dosage of 1 mg/kg/day until response was achieved (hematocrit value <50% in males and <45% in females). Thereafter treatment was given according to toxicity and maintenance of response. All patients were phlebotomized before starting treatment (mean number of phlebotomies performed: three, range 2-4) and 47 of them received PB when hematocrit value was already reduced at response levels: therefore, while all patients are evaluable for acute and long-term toxicity, only 152/199 (76.4%) patients are evaluable for response to PB. During a median time of 2 months, all these 152 patients achieved the response; as maintenance, 128/199 (64.3%) patients were managed with PB alone and 71/199 (35.7%) patients received phlebotomies occasionally. Sixty-one out of 199 (30.6%) patients developed disease-related complications (25 neurological symptoms, 21 thrombotic complications, 12 cardiovascular problems, three hepatic failures). Eleven (5.5%) patients developed acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) after a median time of treatment of 89 months (range 33-188 months), 11 (5.5%) patients developed myelofibrosis (median time from treatment 71 months, range 31-182 months) and in six (3%) patients cancer occurred (median time from treatment 85 months, range 13-118 months). The cumulative risk of leukemia in PV was 2% (95% CI: 0-4%) and 6% (95% CI: 1-11%) at 5 and 10 years respectively; the cumulative risk of myelofibrosis was 2% (95% CI: 1-5%) and 9% (95% CI: 3-15%) at 5 and 10 years, respectively. As of May 1996, 33 (16.6%) patients are lost to follow-up, 40 (20.1%) are dead and 126 (63.3%) are alive with a median overall survival of 191 months. In conclusion, this retrospective analysis confirms the efficacy and safety of PB in PV patients and its low leukemogenic role; prospective studies are needed to evaluate the real impact of PB in the treatment of PV. | 10.1038/sj.leu.2401045 |
pubmed_859_8435 | BACKGROUND
The population prevalence of functional alterations and thyroid autoimmunity is high, and numerous genetic and environmental aspects have been described as triggering factors.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of functional alterations and thyroid autoimmunity in an urban population of Colombia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
It is a cross-sectional, population-based study (n= 9,638) conducted on an urban population of Popayán-Cauca-Colombia between February 5th, 2018, to December 11th, 2021. The variables evaluated were thyrotropin (TSH), free T4 (FT4), and anti-thyroid antibodies (thyroid peroxidase antibodies: TPOAb, and thyroglobulin antibodies: TgAb).
RESULTS
TSH in men was significantly higher than in women. No differences were observed in the values of FT4, TPOAb, and TgAb (according to sex). The prevalence of normal thyroid function and subclinical hypothyroidism was significantly higher in men. The positivity of TPOAb and TgAb was 22.3% and 19.2%, respectively. TSH levels increased with age (both in men and in women). In participants with normal FT4 and negative TPOAb, the TSH was significantly higher. TSH was significantly higher in TPOAb-positive individuals and among those with TPOAb and TgAb positives, as well as in women with positive TPOAb and men with positive TPOAb and TgAb.
CONCLUSION
In an urban population of Colombia, TSH was found to be higher than in populations of other geographical areas, especially in older individuals and in the presence of positive anti-thyroid antibodies, a high prevalence of functional alterations and thyroid autoimmunity was also found. These findings can be explained by excess iodine consumption and some environmental factors. | 10.2174/1871530323666221128114423 |
pubmed_767_5097 | Objective
To examine individual differences in pediatric cancer survivors' psychosocial adjustment and test the psychosocial predictors, assessed 2-3 years earlier, of those differences.
Method
Pediatric cancer survivors (n = 209, aged 8-17 years at baseline) and their parents were followed for 4 years. They provided reports of survivors' psychosocial adjustment at 3 years post-baseline, and latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify subgroups of survivors who differed on those reports. Multinomial logistic regression was used to predict group membership from self- and parent-reported psychosocial factors at baseline (child adjustment, disposition, and parental functioning) and at 1 year post-baseline (child social relations).
Results
The LPA revealed a 3-class model as the best fit: a "Resilient" group (65%), characterized by good psychosocial adjustment; a "Self-Reported At-Risk" group (23%), characterized by subclinical elevations in self-reported internalizing and attention problems; and a "Parent-Reported At-Risk" group (12%), characterized by subclinical elevations in parent-reported internalizing, externalizing, and attention problems and in self-reported attention problems. Several psychosocial predictors, including child posttraumatic stress, affectivity, and connectedness to school, as well as parental distress and overprotection, differentiated the Resilient group from the other groups, in expected directions.
Conclusions
The majority of pediatric cancer survivors exhibit enduring resilience. The protective factors identified for them-including positive affectivity and strong connectedness to school-may inform targeted prevention strategies for the minority of survivors who are at risk for maladjustment. | 10.1093/jpepsy/jsy037 |
pubmed_667_2357 | Raised intracranial pressure leads to increased pressure around the optic nerve (ON), which underlies the formation of papilledema and the enlargement of the dural optic nerve sheath (ONS). In clinical practice, the presence of widened ONSs is demonstrable on neuroimaging, but their relationship to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure remains unknown. The authors investigated the ONS response to pressure during CSF absorption studies in 12 patients undergoing neurological testing. The ONS diameter was evaluated by serial B-mode ultrasound scans of the anterior ON near its entry into the globe. All patients tested showed ONS diameter changes that exhibited covariance with the alteration of lumbar CSF pressure and were completely reversible during the infusion tests. The maximum difference in ONS diameter between baseline and peak pressure conditions was 1.8 mm on average (range 0.7-3.1 mm), corresponding to an average ONS diameter variation of 45% (range 15-89%). Regression analysis yielded a linear covariance between ONS diameter and CSF pressure with different slopes across subjects (0.019-0.071 mm/mm Hg, mean r = 0.78). However, this linear relationship was only present within a CSF pressure interval. This interval differed between patients: ONS dilation commenced at pressure thresholds between 15 mm Hg and 30 mm Hg and in some patients saturation of the response (constant ONS diameter) occurred between 30 mm Hg and 40 mm Hg. With a single exception, definitely enlarged ONS diameters (> 5 mm) were present when CSF pressure exceeded levels of 30 mm Hg. Retrospectively, discrimination between normal and elevated outflow resistance was possible on the basis of the ONS response to intrathecal infusion alone. It is concluded that the human ONS has sufficient elasticity to allow a detectable dilation in response to intracranial hypertension. Because of a variable pressure-diameter relationship, the subarachnoid pressure cannot be predicted exactly by single scans. Therefore, the clinical relevance of this method relies on the demonstration of pathologically enlarged sheaths or ongoing enlargement on serial ultrasonography studies. | 10.3171/jns.1997.87.1.0034 |
pubmed_480_16180 | Dragon's blood is a traditional medicine widely used in the world, and the main components of which are flavonoids. However, little is known about its formation mechanism. Previous studies indicate that plant glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes are involved in transportation of flavonoids from cytosolic synthesis to vacuolar accumulation. In this study, 20 Dracaena cambodiana GST genes (DcGSTs) were identified based on transcriptome database. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 20 DcGSTs belonged to seven different classes. Tissue-specific expression analysis suggested that DcGSTs displayed differential expressions either in their transcript abundance or expression patterns under normal growth conditions. The transcript profiles of three DcGSTs in response to the inducer of dragon's blood were strongly correlated with flavonoids biosynthetic genes, consistent with dragon's blood accumulation. Our survey provides useful information for future studies on GST genes involved in dragon's blood formation in D. cambodiana. | pubmed_480_16180 |
pubmed_546_16049 | It was recently shown that L-glutamine inhibits vascular nitric oxide (NO) production in vitro. The present study investigated the effect of glutamine enriched enteral diets on in vivo NO production in the rat. Nitrate, the stable end-product of NO production, was measured in plasma and 24 h urine collections in glutamine supplemented rats (6.25%, 12.5% and 25% w/w) and compared to the effect of isocaloric, nitrogenous control diets. Glutamine supplementation increased plasma levels of glutamine (up to 91%), arginine (up to 17%) and citrulline (up to 54%). After 1 week of glutamine supplementation plasma nitrate levels were significantly reduced by 50% compared to control (P < 0. 0001); irrespective of the amount of supplementation. No further decrease was observed after 2 weeks of feeding. No differences in daily urinary losses were found between the groups. These results point to an in vivo inhibitory effect of glutamine supplemented enteral feeding on NO production. | 10.1016/s0261-5614(98)80037-x |
pubmed_326_8291 | During classical conditioning, many neurons in the trigeminal complex of rabbits exhibit activity that is related to the conditioned stimulus (tone), the unconditioned stimulus (airpuff), or to the conditioned response (eyeblink). For these reasons the trigeminal complex has been hypothesized to be a brainstem locus for the neuronal plasticity associated with conditioning. In this experiment, the learning-related activity (unit activity associated with the conditioned response) in the trigeminal is abolished when either the red nucleus or interpositus nucleus of the cerebellum is temporarily inactivated by cooling, but the stimulus-evoked activity is unaffected by cooling. This study and previous results support the suggestion that the learning-related activity seen in the trigeminal is driven by the interpositus by way of the red nucleus. | 10.1037//0735-7044.110.1.13 |
pubmed_721_3395 | This study was undertaken to examine the influence of hospitalization on the nutritional status of cancer patients. We examined 126 patients consecutively admitted to the Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan. At admission, all patients underwent standard evaluations, including actual weight, percentage weight loss, arm circumference, triceps skinfold, serum proteins, serum albumin, total iron binding capacity, cholinesterase and peripheral lymphocytes. Finally, from all patients a 24-h dietary recall was obtained, in order to calculate calorie and protein intake. All the patients underwent another evaluation after 1 week of hospitalization; after 2 weeks only 37 of them were evaluated again, since some were operated, some were treated with radio-chemotherapy, some were discharged or had died. Results showed that after one week of hospitalization some variables were significantly altered, such as arm circumference in male patients, serum proteins, cholinesterase, total iron binding capacity, peripheral lymphocytes, calorie and protein intake. A significant weight loss was seen after 2 weeks. The reduced calorie and protein assumption was correlated with depletion of some of the nutritional variables (body weight, arm circumference in males, total iron binding capacity, serum albumin, cholinesterase, lymphocytes). Our data show that hospitalization plays an important role in deterioration of nutritional status in our patient population, and this problem is generally overlooked by the clinicians primarily involved in the care of cancer patients. | 10.1177/030089168707300410 |
pubmed_1081_5853 | Both childhood malnutrition and maltreatment are associated with mental health problems that can persist into adulthood. Previously we reported that in Barbados, those with a history of infant malnutrition were more likely to report having experienced childhood maltreatment. Few studies, however, address the long-term outcomes of those who have been exposed to both. We assessed the unique and combined associations of a history of early malnutrition and childhood maltreatment with personality pathology in mid-adulthood in participants of the 47-year longitudinal Barbados Nutrition Study. We used the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis II Personality Disorders Personality Questionnaire (SCID-II-PQ) and NEO Personality Inventory-Revised derived Five-Factor Model (NEO PI-R FFM) personality disorder (PD) scores to assess personality pathology, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF) to assess childhood maltreatment, and clinical documentation of malnutrition in infancy. We tested the associations of malnutrition and maltreatment with PD scores using linear regression models, unadjusted and adjusted for other childhood adversities. We found increased scores for paranoid, schizoid, avoidant, and dependent PDs among those who had been malnourished and increased scores for paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal, and avoidant PDs among those with higher childhood maltreatment scores. Overall, those exposed to both adversities had even greater PD scores. | 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.05.085 |
pubmed_936_20233 | As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, HIV care and prevention efforts have been disrupted. We investigated pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use and testing behaviors among MSM in the Netherlands, and the factors that influenced testing behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cohort of 766 MSM, established in 2017, was asked in August 2020 to report on their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic via an online survey. Participants (n = 319) reported increased PrEP use and, among PrEP users (n = 211), significantly lower rates of having tested in the last 3 months for HIV and renal functioning compared to before the pandemic. Daily PrEP use and a higher number of sexual partners during the pandemic was significantly associated with continued HIV testing. Continued renal functioning testing was associated with older age. Correcting for pandemic-related disruptions in PrEP use and care will require sustained effort to understand and address missed opportunities. | 10.1007/s10461-022-03693-7 |
pubmed_182_3660 | Controlled breathing maneuver is being widely applied for cardiovascular autonomic control evaluation and cardiac vagal activation through reduction of breathing rate (BR). However, this maneuver presented contradictory results depending on the protocol and the chosen BR. These variations may be related to the individual intrinsic profile baseline sympathetic tonus, as described before by others. In this study, we evaluated the effect of controlled breathing maneuver on cardiovascular autonomic control in 26 healthy subjects allocated into two protocols: (1) controlled breathing in three different rates (10, 15, and 20 breaths/min) and (2) controlled breathing in rates normalized by the individual spontaneous breathing rate (SBR) at 100, 80, 70, and 50%. Our results showed autonomic responses favorable to vagal modulation with the lower BR maneuvers. Nevertheless, while this activation was variable using the standard protocol, all participants of the normalized protocol demonstrated an increase of vagal modulation at 80% BR (HFnu 80 = 67.5% vs. 48.2%, p < 0.0001). These results suggest that controlled breathing protocols to induce vagal activation should consider the SBR, being limited to values moderately lower than the baseline. | 10.3389/fphys.2018.01341 |
pubmed_103_23442 | An enhanced computer-assisted procedure for the determination of the relative configuration of natural products, which starts from the molecular formula and uses a combination of conventional 1D and 2D NMR spectra, and residual dipolar couplings (RDCs), is reported. Having already the data acquired (1D/2D NMR and RDCs), the procedure begins with the determination of the molecular constitution using standard computer-assisted structure elucidation (CASE) and is followed by fully automated determination of relative configuration through RDC analysis. In the case of moderately flexible molecules the simplest data-explaining conformational model is selected by the use of the Akaike information criterion. | 10.1002/anie.201612454 |
pubmed_83_19593 | PURPOSE
To assess the efficacy of the Support, Educate, Empower (SEE) glaucoma coaching program on medication adherence among glaucoma patients with low adherence.
DESIGN
Uncontrolled intervention study with a pre-post design.
PARTICIPANTS
Glaucoma patients ≥ age 40, taking ≥1 medication, who self-reported poor adherence were recruited from the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center. Adherence was monitored electronically for a 3-month baseline period; participants with median adherence of ≤80% were enrolled in the SEE program.
METHODS
Participants' adherence was monitored electronically (AdhereTech, New York, NY) during the 7-month program. Adherence was calculated as the percentage of doses taken on time of those prescribed. The SEE program included (1) automated medication reminders, (2) 3 in-person counseling sessions with a glaucoma coach who had training in motivational interviewing (MI), and (3) 5 phone calls with the same coach for between-session support. The coach used a web-based tool to generate an education plan tailored to the patient's glaucoma diagnosis, test results, and ophthalmologist's recommendations (www.glaucomaeyeguide.org). The tool guided an MI-based conversation between coach and patient to identify barriers to adherence and possible solutions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize baseline patient characteristics, and differences between those who did and did not complete the SEE program were tested with 2-sample t tests, chi-square tests, and Fisher exact tests. Adherence was compared before and after the SEE program with paired t tests.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE
Change in electronically monitored medication adherence.
RESULTS
A total of 48 participants were enrolled. The participants were 54% male, 46% white, and on average 64 years of age (standard deviation [SD], 10.8 years), with an average worse-eye mean deviation (MD) of -7.9 dB (SD, 8.8 dB). Those completing the SEE program (n = 39) did not differ significantly from those who dropped out (n = 9) on gender, race, age, MD, or baseline adherence. Medication adherence improved from 59.9% at baseline to 81.3% (P < 0.0001) after completing the SEE program. Ninety-five percent of participants showed an improvement in adherence (mean relative improvement, 21.4%; SD, 16.5%; range, -3.2% to 74.4%; median, 20.1%). Fifty-nine percent of participants showed adherence of >80% on completing the SEE program.
CONCLUSIONS
The SEE program participants showed clinically meaningful, statistically significant improvement in glaucoma medication adherence. | 10.1016/j.ogla.2020.04.013 |
pubmed_316_13442 | Four newly established mammary hyperplastic outgrowth lines were analyzed for their tumorigenic, morphological, and ovarian hormone-dependent growth properties in BALB/cMed mice. The mammary outgrowth lines were designated DIM-1, DIM-2, DIM-3, and DIM-4 to indicate their origin from the mammary cell line COMMA-D. DIM-1, DIM-2, and DIM-3 were classical hyperplastic alveolar outgrowth lines that possessed high tumor-producing capabilities and rapidly evolved by transplant generation (TG) 6 into ovarian hormone-independent populations. DIM-3 was also characterized by extensive formation of dilated (cystic) alveoli. This characteristic did not correlate either positively or negatively with the tumor-producing capabilities of these lines. DIM-4 was a ductal outgrowth line that exhibited a progression in several biological properties. This line progressed morphologically from a ductal outgrowth to a mixed outgrowth of small ducts (ductules) with scattered alveoli and then in subsequent passages to a uniform alveolar outgrowth. Concurrent with these morphological changes, the tumor-producing capabilities of DIM-4 increased from low [40% with the time for 50% of the transplants to produce mammary tumors (TE50) greater than 12 mo] to high (71% with a TE50 of 7.1 mo). The ductal outgrowth line (TG 4) was totally dependent on ovarian hormones for growth; however, later passages (TG 8) of DIM-4 were only partially ovarian hormone dependent for growth and ovarian hormone independent for maintenance of alveolar morphology. In addition, the tumorigenic response to 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (CAS: 57-97-6) was low in the ductal stage (TG 4) and high in the alveolar stage (TG 7). The results demonstrate an enhancement of tumorigenicity with morphological and biological progression in a preneoplastic mammary cell population and support the hypothesis that the cells at high risk for tumorigenesis in the BALB/c mammary gland appear to be the alveolar cell type. | pubmed_316_13442 |
pubmed_946_16922 | In a patient without fluent speech, good comprehension, aphasia and frequent neologisms, computerized tomography (CT scan) demonstrated a left posterior thalamic hemorrhage sparing other language areas. We discuss the existence and the anatomical and pathogenetic mechanisms of thalamic aphasia. | 10.1159/000115543 |
pubmed_664_16207 | OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to systematically review the impact of comorbid mental disorders on health care costs in adult persons with asthma.
METHOD
A comprehensive search for studies investigating adult persons (≥18 years) with asthma was conducted. All studies were included, which allowed a comparison of health care utilization and costs between asthma patients with mental disorders and asthma patients without.
RESULTS
The literature search revealed 1977 potentially relevant studies. Eighteen primary studies (20 publications) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Mood disorders (n=14) and anxiety disorders (n=9) were studied most often. Increased rates of hospitalizations (odds ratio range, 0.9-6.1; n=7), emergency department visits (odds ratio range, 1.8-17.2; n=7) and general practitioner visits (standardized mean difference range, 0.1-1.1; n=6) were found in asthma patients with mental comorbidity. Indirect costs of work absence were investigated in two studies pointing in the same direction of increased costs. Evidence is sparse regarding other outcomes due to a lack of primary studies.
CONCLUSION
The present systematic review highlights a meaningful impact of comorbid mental disorders on health care utilization and costs in adult patients with asthma. Thus, psychodiagnostic routines and appropriate mental health treatments are needed to reduce health care costs in asthma care. | 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2011.06.013 |
pubmed_465_3284 | Results of treatment of urinary tract infection in 110 patients using new beta-lactam antibiotics are presented in summary. While in the uncomplicated infections a cure rate approaching 100% was observed even with very small dosages, complicated cases required higher dosages to achieve satisfactory clinical cure rates and especially to achieve acceptable bacteriological cure rates. The continuous need for new, more potent antibiotics is becoming apparent due to the increasing resistance rates of pathogens to the existing agents. The group of beta-lactam antibiotics offers much hope due to the continuous development of numerous new compounds with better antibacterial and kinetic properties, offering at the same time a very high degree of safety, compared to aminoglycosides and most other antibiotic groups. | pubmed_465_3284 |
pubmed_1058_9745 | OBJECTIVE
To look for in vitro modulation of the main immunoregulatory and antiinflammatory cytokines by methotrexate (MTX) during the course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
METHODS
We quantified interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-10, and interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) gene expression by peripheral blood mononuclear cells ex vivo under basal conditions and in vitro after stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or PHA plus MTX, by competitive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), in 12 patients with untreated active RA (group 1), 10 patients with MTX-treated disease in partial remission (group 2), and 11 healthy control subjects. Simultaneously, under the same experimental conditions, we quantified cytokine production by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).
RESULTS
Under basal conditions, we found no differences in IL-2, IL-10, and IFNgamma gene expression in the 3 groups, while IL-4 gene expression was significantly decreased in RA patient group 1 compared with the control group. In vitro, under the action of MTX, IL-10 gene expression was significantly increased in the 3 groups, IL-4 gene expression was significantly increased in RA group 1 and in the control group, and IL-2 and IFNgamma gene expression was significantly decreased in RA group 1. Cytokine gene expression assessed by RT-PCR and cytokine production assessed by specific ELISAs were highly correlated.
CONCLUSION
In vitro modulation of the cytokine network by MTX, increasing Th2 cytokines and decreasing Th1 cytokines, could explain its antiinflammatory and immunoregulatory actions in vivo during the treatment of RA. | 10.1002/1529-0131(199801)41:1<48::AID-ART7>3.0.CO;2-K |
pubmed_719_12233 | The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K radionuclides from common building materials used by Malaysian people for construction purposes were studied using High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. The measured activity concentrations of the aforementioned radionuclides range from 10 ± 1 Bq kg-1 (limestone) to 155 ± 61 Bq kg-1 (feldspar), 12 ± 3 Bq kg-1 (limestone) to 274 ± 8 Bq kg-1 (kaolin) and 62 ± 19 Bq kg-1 (limestone) to 1114 ± 20 Bq kg-1 (pottery stone) for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K, respectively. The measured activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides reported herein were found to be in accordance with other previous studies. In general, the activity concentration of the natural radionuclides revealed that all the determined values were below the recommended limit. | 10.1093/rpd/ncz125 |
pubmed_1132_23476 | The study focuses on the macroscopic and microscopic aspects of the placentae resulting from abortions or febrile births and their correlation with acute disorders of the upper or lower respiratory apparatus in pregnant women in various stages of pregnancy. The viral, bacterial or mycotic disorders were considered responsible for triggering septic abortion, premature or full-term deliveries, followed by septic complications of the child/fetus or of the mother. When the mother's acute respiratory infection is induced by highly virulent pathogens, in patients with low immunity or lacking adequate medical treatment, the infection may spread through the mother's bloodstream to the placenta. The study was conducted on 90 placentae. Microscopic analysis of the tissue samples revealed acute inflammatory infiltration. Two of the study cases should be mentioned here: a four-month pregnant woman suffering from septic abortion and a nine-month pregnant woman whose fetus died in the womb because of acute pneumopathy on a non-breathing lung. Both pregnant women had the same type of disorder and neither followed any medical treatment prescribed by a physician. The prevention of placental infection is closely connected to the prevention of acute respiratory diseases or their proper treatment after their onset. | pubmed_1132_23476 |
pubmed_355_4516 | With a view to providing perfection to the benzodiazepine receptor model proposed earlier [S P Gupta, R N Saha & V Mulchandani (1992) J. Mol. Recog, 5, 75-80] a few more QSAR studies on a series of 9-benzylpurines and tetracyclic 1,4-benzodiazepine derivatives have been made. The models showing the interaction of these compounds with the receptor are proposed. It is found that the receptor model, unlike the one proposed earlier, requires the presence of a polar site along with all the other essential sites. | pubmed_355_4516 |
pubmed_70_15989 | Bach2, a bZIP transcription factor originally identified as interacting with the small Maf family of bZIP proteins, has been shown to play important roles in oxidative stress-mediated cell death. Here, we examine the role of Bach2 in cell death during double-stranded (ds)RNA- and dsDNA-triggered antiviral innate immune responses. Bach2 expression was induced in HeLa cells upon dsRNA/dsDNA treatment and the suppression of Bach2 expression by siRNA treatment alleviated cell death triggered by dsRNA and dsDNA. Unexpectedly, DNA microarray analysis revealed that siRNA-mediated suppression of Bach2 resulted in the attenuated activation of genes involved in the antiviral innate immune response after dsRNA treatment. Our study thus demonstrates a novel role for Bach2 as a key regulator of nucleic acid-triggered antiviral responses in human cells. | 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.10.183 |
pubmed_289_18087 | Low-operating-voltage flexible organic thin-film transistors with high thermal stability using DPh-DNTT and SAM gate dielectrics are reported. The mobility of the transistors are decreased by 23% after heating to 250 °C for 30 min. Furthermore, flexible organic pseudo-CMOS inverter circuits, which are functional after heating to 200 °C, are demonstrated. | 10.1002/adma.201300941 |
pubmed_440_234 | Functional protein-gold nanoparticle (AuNP) conjugates have a wide variety of applications including biosensing and drug delivery. Correct protein orientation, which is important to maintain functionality on the nanoparticle surface, can be difficult to achieve in practice, and dedicated protein scaffolds have been used on planar gold surfaces to drive the self-assembly of oriented protein arrays. Here we use the transmembrane domain of Escherichia coli outer membrane protein A (OmpATM) to create protein-AuNP conjugates. The addition of a single cysteine residue into a periplasmic loop, to create cysOmpATM, drives oriented assembly and increased equilibrium binding. As the protein surface concentration increases, the sulfur-gold bond in cysOmpATM creates a more densely populated AuNP surface than the poorly organized wtOmpATM layer. The functionalization of AuNP improved both their stability and homogeneity. This was further exploited using multidomain protein chimeras, based on cysOmpATM, which were shown to form ordered protein arrays with their functional domains displayed away from the AuNP surface. A fusion with protein G was shown to specifically bind antibodies via their Fc region. Next, an in vitro selected single chain antibody (scFv)-cysOmpATM fusion protein, bound to AuNP, detected influenza A nucleoprotein, a widely used antigen in diagnostic assays. Finally, using the same scFv-cysOmpATM-AuNP conjugates, a prototype lateral flow assay for influenza demonstrated the utility of fully recombinant self-assembling sensor layers. By simultaneously removing the need for both animal antibodies and a separate immobilization procedure, this technology could greatly simplify the development of a range of in vitro diagnostics. | 10.1021/acsanm.8b00737 |
pubmed_922_17105 | Cellulose, the most abundant polysaccharide in nature, is a rich source of renewable energy and sustains soil nutrients. Among the microorganisms known to degrade cellulose, bacteria are less studied compared to fungi. In the present work, we have investigated the culturable bacteria actively involved in cellulose degradation in forest and crop field soils. Based on clear zone formation and enzyme activity assay, we identified 7 bacterial strains positive for cellulose degradation. Of these, two most efficient strains (Bacillus cereus strains BHU1 and BHU2) were selected for whole genome sequencing, annotation, and information regarding GC content, number of genes, total subsystems, starch, and cellulose degradation pathways. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) showed more than 90% similarity between both the strains (BHU1 and BHU2) and with B. cereus ATCC 14579. Both the strains have genes and enzyme families like endoglucanase and β-glucosidase as evident from whole genome sequence. Cellulase containing gene families (GH5, GH8, GH1), and many other carbohydrate-degrading enzymes, were present in both the bacterial strains. Taken together, the results suggest that the strains were efficient in cellulose degradation, and can be used for energy generation and production of value-added product. | 10.1007/s10142-019-00704-0 |
pubmed_203_24065 | Although we cannot regenerate our limbs today, it is likely that when we were embryos we could regenerate many of our tissues, including our limbs. Like other vertebrates, our impressive regenerative abilities were lost during embryogenesis, leaving us with a relatively limited ability to repair tissue damage. In contrast, adult salamanders can reactivate the embryonic regeneration response, and thus they provide the opportunity to discover the principles and mechanisms of tissue and organ regeneration. One important lesson we have learned from salamanders is that regeneration occurs in two steps. While the second step shares the mechanisms of growth control and pattern formation with limb development, the first step is unique and leads to the formation of a regeneration blastema. A second lesson is that connective tissue fibroblasts control regeneration, and that the unique regenerative ability of salamanders (the first step of regeneration) is a consequence of the ability of fibroblasts to dedifferentiate and give rise to blastema cells. Since we all developed limbs as embryos, we all possess the genetic program for making a limb (the second step of regeneration). Therefore, the challenge for inducing limb regeneration in humans is to discover how to induce fibroblast dedifferentiation. | 10.1089/rej.2005.8.141 |
pubmed_334_19715 | For half a century, controlled hypotension has been used to reduce bleeding and the need for blood transfusions, and provide a satisfactory bloodless surgical field. It has been indicated in oromaxillofacial surgery (mandibular osteotomy, facial repair), endoscopic sinus or middle ear microsurgery, spinal surgery and other neurosurgery (aneurysm), major orthopaedic surgery (hip or knee replacement, spinal), prostatectomy, cardiovascular surgery and liver transplant surgery. Controlled hypotension is defined as a reduction of the systolic blood pressure to 80-90 mm Hg, a reduction of mean arterial pressure (MAP) to 50-65 mm Hg or a 30% reduction of baseline MAP. Pharmacological agents used for controlled hypotension include those agents that can be used successfully alone and those that are used adjunctively to limit dosage requirements and, therefore, the adverse effects of the other agents. Agents used successfully alone include inhalation anaesthetics, sodium nitroprusside, nitroglycerin, trimethaphan camsilate, alprostadil (prostaglandin E1), adenosine, remifentanil, and agents used in spinal anaesthesia. Agents that can be used alone or in combination include calcium channel antagonists (e.g. nicardipine), beta-adrenoceptor antagonists (beta-blockers) [e.g. propranolol, esmolol] and fenoldopam. Agents that are mainly used adjunctively include ACE inhibitors and clonidine. New agents and techniques have been recently evaluated for their ability to induce effective hypotension without impairing the perfusion of vital organs. This development has been aided by new knowledge on the physiology of peripheral microcirculatory regulation. Apart from the adverse effects of major hypotension on the perfusion of vital organs, potent hypotensive agents have their own adverse effects depending on their concentration, which can be reduced by adjuvant treatment. Care with use limits the major risks of these agents in controlled hypotension; risks that are generally less important than those of transfusion or alternatives to transfusion. New hypotensive drugs, such as fenoldopam, adenosine and alprostadil, are currently being evaluated; however, they have disadvantages and a high treatment cost that limits their development in this indication. New techniques of controlled hypotension subscribe to the use of the natural hypotensive effect of the anaesthetic drug with regard to the definition of the ideal hypotensive agent. It must be easy to administer, have a short onset time, an effect that disappears quickly when administration is discontinued, a rapid elimination without toxic metabolites, negligible effects on vital organs, and a predictable and dose-dependent effect. Inhalation agents (isoflurane, sevoflurane) provide the benefit of being hypnotic and hypotensive agents at clinical concentrations, and are used alone or in combination with adjuvant agents to limit tachycardia and rebound hypertension, for example, inhibitors of the autonomic nervous system (clonidine, beta-blockers) or ACE inhibitors. When they are used alone, inhalation anaesthetics require high concentrations for a significant reduction in bleeding that can lead to hepatic or renal injury. The greatest efficacy and ease-of-use to toxicity ratio is for techniques of anaesthesia that associate analgesia and hypotension at clinical concentrations without the need for potent hypotensive agents. The first and oldest technique is epidural anaesthesia, but depending on the surgery, it is not always appropriate. The most recent satisfactory technique is a combination treatment of remifentanil with either propofol or an inhalation agent (isoflurane, desflurane or sevoflurane) at clinical concentrations. In light of the current literature, and because of their safety and ease of use, these two techniques are preferred. | 10.2165/00003495-200767070-00007 |
pubmed_689_1863 | Some relationship between abnormal cholesterol content and impairment of insulin/insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) signaling has been reported in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the underlying mechanism of this correlation remains unclear. It is known that 3-β hydroxycholesterol Δ 24 reductase (DHCR24) catalyzes the last step of cholesterol biosynthesis. To explore the function of cholesterol in the pathogenesis of AD, we depleted cellular cholesterol by targeting DHCR24 with siRNA (siDHCR24) or U18666A, an inhibitor of DHCR24, and studied the effect of the loss of cholesterol on the IGF-1-Akt signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. Treatment with U18666A reduced the cellular cholesterol level and blocked the anti-apoptotic function of IGF-1 by impairing the formation of caveolae and the localization of IGF-1 receptor in caveolae of the PC12 cells. Downregulation of the DHCR24 expression induced by siRNA against DHCR24 also yielded similar results. Furthermore, the phosphorylation levels of IGF-1 receptor, insulin receptor substrate (IRS), Akt, and Bad in response to IGF-1 were all found to decrease in the U18666A-treated cells. Rats treated with U18666A via intracerebral injection also exhibited a significant decrease in the cholesterol level and impaired activities of IGF-1-related signaling proteins in the hippocampus region. A significant accumulation of amyloid β and a decrease in the expression of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) was also observed in rats with U18666A. Finally, the Morris water maze experiment revealed that U18666A-treated rats showed a significant cognitive impairment. Our findings provide new evidence strongly supporting that a reduction in cholesterol level can result in neural apoptosis via the impairment of the IGF-1-Akt survival signaling in the brain. | 10.7150/ijbs.63512 |
pubmed_618_230 | PURPOSE
The purposes of this study were to: (1) investigate adhesion through shear bond strength (SBS) testing of a resin composite bonded with a self-etching bonding system (SEB) to amelogenesis imperfecta (AI)-affected deproteinized mouse enamel or dentin; and (2) compare wild-type (WT), amelogenin null (AmelxKO), and matrix metalloproteinase-20 null (Mmp20KO) enamel and dentin phenotypes using micro-CT and nanoindentation.
METHODS
Enamel incisor surfaces of WT, AmelxKO, and Mmp20KO mice were treated with SEB with and without sodium hypochlorite and tested for SBS. Incisor dentin was also treated with SEB and tested for SBS. These surfaces were further examined by scanning electron miscroscopy. Micro-CT and nanoindentation analyses were performed on mouse dentin and enamel. Data were analyzed for significance by analysis of variance.
RESULTS
Deproteinization did not improve SBS of SEB to these AI-affected enamel surfaces. SBS of AmelxKO teeth was similar in dentin and enamel; however, it was higher in Mmp20KO dentin. The nanohardness of knockout enamel was significantly lower than WT, while knockout dentin nanohardness was not different from WT.
CONCLUSIONS
Using animal amelogenesis imperfecta models, enamel sodium hypochlorite deproteinization of hypoplastic and hypoplastic-hypomaturation enamel did not increase shear bond strength, while removal of the defective enamel allowed optimal dentin bonding. | pubmed_618_230 |
pubmed_916_14567 | The effects of olive mill wastewater (OMW) on a battery of biological assays, before and during the ozonation process, were investigated in order to assess ozone's efficiency in removing phenolic compounds from OMW and decreasing the concomitant OMW toxicity. Specifically, ozonated-OMW held for 0, 60, 120, 300, 420, 540min in a glass bubble reactor, showed a drastic reduction of OMW total phenols (almost 50%) after 300min of ozonation with a concomitant decrease of OMW toxicity. In particular, the acute toxicity test primarily performed in the fairy shrimp Thamnocephalus platyurus (Thamnotoxkit F™ screening toxicity test) showed a significant attenuation of OMW-induced toxic effects, after ozonation for a period of 120 and in a lesser extent 300min, while further treatment resulted in a significant enhancement of ozonated-OMW toxic effects. Furthermore, ozonated-OMW-treated mussel hemocytes showed a significant attenuation of the ability of OMW to cause cytotoxic (obtained by the use of NRRT assay) effects already after an ozonation period of 120 and to a lesser extent 300min. In accordance with the latter, OMW-mediated oxidative (enhanced levels of superoxide anions and lipid peroxidation by-products) and genotoxic (induction of DNA damage) effects were diminished after OMW ozonation for the aforementioned periods of time. The latter was also revealed by the use of cytokinesis block micronucleus (CBMN) assay in human lymphocytes exposed to different concentrations of both raw- and ozonated-OMW for 60, 120 and 300min. Those findings revealed for a first time the existence of a critical time point during the OMW ozonation process that could be fundamentally used for evaluating OMW ozonation as a pretreatment method of OMW. | pubmed_916_14567 |
pubmed_294_14911 | Tumors of the liver are rare in infancy and childhood. Some are peculiar to the pediatric age, e.g., hepatoblastoma, infantile hemangioendothelioma, mesenchymal hamartoma, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. This review is based upon personal experience with a series of 32 cases. On the basis of the histological features it is proposed that focal modular hyperplasia (FNH) and mesenchymal hamartoma be considered as tumor-like lesions rather than true neoplasms. A few benign epithelial lesions (FNH, adenoma) were associated with inborn error of metabolism. In half of the patients, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developed in perinatally hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected children. HCC developed in a noncirrhotic liver in a single patient, in whom HBV-DNA integration had occurred. | 10.1002/jso.2930530545 |
pubmed_761_10310 | In the middle of growing consensus that genomics researchers should offer to return clinically valid, medically relevant, and medically actionable findings identified in the course of research, psychiatric genetics researchers face new challenges. As they uncover the genetic architecture of psychiatric disorders through genome-wide association studies and integrate whole genome and whole exome sequencing to their research, there is a pressing need for examining these researchers' views regarding the return of results (RoR) and the unique challenges for offering RoR from psychiatric genetics research. Based on qualitative interviews with 39 psychiatric genetics researchers from different countries operating at the forefront of their field, we provide an insider's view of researchers' practices regarding RoR and the most contentious issues in psychiatry researchers' decision-making around RoR, including what are the strongest ethical, scientific, and practical arguments for and against offering RoR from this research. Notably, findings suggest that psychiatric genetics researchers (85%) overwhelmingly favor offering RoR of at least some findings, but only 22% of researchers are returning results. Researchers identified a number of scientific and practical concerns about RoR, and about how to return results in a responsible way to patients diagnosed with a severe psychiatric disorder. Furthermore, findings help highlight areas for further discussion and resolution of conflicts in the practice of RoR in psychiatric genetics research. As the pace of discovery in psychiatric genetics continues to surge, resolution of these uncertainties gains greater urgency to avoid ethical pitfalls and to maximize the positive impact of RoR. | 10.1002/ajmg.b.32682 |
pubmed_100_21242 | We present a phase fluctuation calibration method for polarization-sensitive swept-source optical coherence tomography (PS-SS-OCT) using continuous polarization modulation. The method uses a low-voltage broadband polarization modulator driven by a synchronized sinusoidal burst waveform rather than an asynchronous waveform, together with the removal of the global phases of the measured Jones matrices by the use of matrix normalization. This makes it possible to average the measured Jones matrices to remove the artifact due to the speckle noise of the signal in the sample without introducing auxiliary optical components into the sample arm. This method was validated on measurements of an equine tendon sample by the PS-SS-OCT system. | 10.1117/1.3597721 |
pubmed_76_18767 | 1. The effect of chronic (4-16 days) electrical stimulation (5 Hz, 0.3 ms, 4-10 V) of the great auricular nerve in vivo on sympathetic cotransmission in the rabbit isolated central ear artery was examined. 2. Chronic stimulation had no significant effect on frequency-dependent (4-60 Hz) neurogenic contractions or contractile responses induced by exogenous noradrenaline (0.1-300 microM). 3. In contrast, contractions induced by exogenous alpha, beta-methylene ATP (10.0 microM) were significantly decreased in preparations from 16-day stimulated animals in comparison with sham-operated, 4-day and 8-day chronically stimulated animal groups. 4. It is concluded that chronic electrical stimulation of nerves supplying the ear artery may lead to the selective alteration of postjunctional P2x-purinoceptor mechanisms, while the effects mediated by post-junctional alpha 1-adrenoceptors remain unchanged. | 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1992.tb14532.x |
pubmed_830_12100 | BACKGROUND
The World Health Organization has recently developed the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) based on clinical risk factors and bone mineral density (BMD) for evaluation of the 10-year probability of a hip or a major osteoporotic fracture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of the FRAX tool in Greek patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
METHODS
FRAX scores were applied to 134 IBD patients [68 Crohn's disease (CD); 66 ulcerative colitis (UC)] who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans at the femoral neck and lumbar spine during the period 2007-2012. Calculation of the FRAX scores, with or without BMD, was made through a web-based probability model used to compute individual fracture probabilities according to specific clinical risk factors.
RESULTS
The median 10-year probability of a major osteoporotic fracture for IBD patients based on clinical data was 7.1%, and including the BMD was 6.2%. A significant overestimation with the first method was found (P = 0.01). Both scores with and without BMD were significantly higher in CD patients compared with UC patients (P = 0.02 and P = 0.005, respectively). The median 10-year probability of hip fracture based on clinical data was 0.8%, and including the BMD was 0.9%. The score with use of BMD was significantly higher in CD compared with UC patients (P = 0.04).
CONCLUSIONS
CD patients have significantly higher FRAX scores and possibly fracture risk compared with UC patients. The clinical FRAX score alone seems to overestimate the risk of osteoporotic fracture in Greek IBD patients. | 10.1007/s10620-012-2326-x |
pubmed_146_8833 | PURPOSE OF REVIEW
The recent contributions to renal cell carcinoma in the fields of molecular biology and the expanded use of molecularly targeted agents will be reviewed. This study is intended to update prognostic and therapeutic decision-making data and provide perspective on advances in understanding the molecular biology of this disease.
RECENT FINDINGS
Updates to the currently used prognostic algorithms for renal cell carcinoma are needed, and recently verified prognostic nomograms will be discussed. This comes in the wake of numerous advances in the use of molecularly targeted drugs, which will be reviewed. Finally, advancements in understanding the biology of renal cell carcinoma include the discovery of von Hippel-Lindau associated mechanisms involved in renal cyst formation and renewed appreciation for the influence of this pathway on the tumor cell glucose utilization profile.
SUMMARY
Renal cell carcinoma continues to evolve swiftly with the approval of new agents and the maturation of clinical trials to provide relevant structure to treatment decisions. This study will give an overview of the latest concepts in the epidemiology and biology of renal cell carcinoma and provide current surgical and systemic updates for managing renal cell carcinoma. | 10.1097/CCO.0b013e3282f9782b |
pubmed_196_13408 | AIM
This paper reports on the incorporation of oleic acid (OA) within nanostructured lipid carriers (OA-NLC) to improve the anti-inflammatory effects in the presence of albumin.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
NLCs produced via hot high-shear homogenization/ultrasonication were characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential, and toxicity. We examined the effects of OA-NLC on neutrophil activities. Dermatologic therapeutic potential was also elucidated by using a murine model of leukotriene B4-induced skin inflammation.
RESULTS
In the presence of albumin, OA-NLC but not free OA inhibited superoxide generation and elastase release. Topical administration of OA-NLC alleviated neutrophil infiltration and severity of skin inflammation.
CONCLUSION
OA incorporated within NLC can overcome the interference of albumin, which would undermine the anti-inflammatory effects of OA. OA-NLC has potential therapeutic effects in topical ointments. | 10.2147/IJN.S208489 |
pubmed_1040_9967 | The effect of biliary salts and fatty acids on the bilayer structure of rabbit intestinal brush-border membranes was studied using the nonperturbing probe 31P NMR. The broad, asymmetric lineshape of the 31P NMR spectrum of isolated brush-border vesicles demonstrates that their component phospholipids are organized in extended bilayers. These membranes are not significantly perturbed by incubation with physiological concentrations of biliary salts (3, 9, 18 mM), demonstrating that the vesicles are highly stable, corresponding to their biological function. However, the emergence of a narrow peak superimposed on the broad lineshape indicates that a small proportion of the membrane phospholipids has reached isotropic motion, which may correspond to external or internal micellar structures. Incubation with mixed micelles of fatty acids and taurochlorate show that long-chain fatty acids enhance the membrane-perturbing effect of taurocholate while short-chain, water-soluble fatty acids do not, suggesting a difference in the absorption mechanisms. | 10.1007/BF01871649 |
pubmed_463_14347 | Aeromonas genus is considered an emerging pathogen and its presence in drinking water supplies is a reason to public health concern. This study investigated the occurrence of Aeromonas in samples from collective reservoirs and wells used as drinking water sources in a peri-urban area. A total of 35 water samples were collected from collective reservoirs and 32 from wells bimonthly, from September 2007 to September 2008. Aeromonas spp determination was carried out using a Multiple-Tube Technique. Samples were inoculated into alkaline peptone water and the superficial film formed was transferred to blood agar plates amended with ampicillin. Typical Aeromonas colonies were submitted to a biochemical screening and then to biochemical tests for species differentiation. Aeromonas was detected in 13 (19%) of the 69 samples examined (6 from collective reservoirs and 7 from wells). Concentrations of Aeromonas in collective reservoirs ranged from <0.3 to 1.2 x10(2)MPN/100mL and, in wells, from <0.3 to 2.4 x10(2)MPN/100mL. The most frequent specie in the collective reservoir samples was Aeromonas spp (68%), followed by A. encheleia (14%) and A. allosaccharophila (8%) and A. hydrophila (8%). Aeromonas spp (87%) was the most frequent specie isolated from well samples, followed by A. allosacchariphila (8%), A. encheleia (2%) and A. jandaei (5%). These data show the presence and diversity of Aeromonas genus in the samples analyzed and highlight that its presence in drinking water poses a significant public health concern. | 10.1590/S1517-83822010000300020 |
pubmed_128_7023 | In a previous large randomized, open-label study, retrospective subset analysis revealed that the addition of the Bcl-2 antisense oligonucleotide oblimersen to dacarbazine (Dac) significantly improved overall survival, progression-free survival, and the response rate in chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced melanoma and normal baseline serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. To confirm and expand on this observation, we conducted a prospective double-blind, placebo-controlled study to determine whether oblimersen augmented the efficacy of Dac in advanced melanoma patients with low-normal baseline LDH levels. A total of 314 chemotherapy-naive patients were randomly assigned to receive Dac (1000 mg/m(2)) preceded by a 5-day continuous intravenous infusion of either oblimersen sodium (7 mg/kg/day) or placebo every 21 days for less than eight cycles. Co-primary efficacy endpoints were overall survival and progression-free survival. Response and progression of the disease were assessed by independent blinded review of computed tomography scan images. No difference in overall nor progression-free survival was observed between the Dac-oblimersen and Dac-placebo groups. Although the overall (17.2 vs. 12.1%) and durable (10.8 vs. 7.6%) response rates numerically favored Dac-oblimersen over Dac-placebo, they did not differ significantly (P=0.19 and 0.32, respectively). The incidence of hematologic adverse events, particularly thrombocytopenia and neutropenia, was higher in the Dac-oblimersen group than in the Dac-placebo group. Withdrawals from the study because of treatment-related adverse events were low (i.e. <2.5%) in both groups. The addition of oblimersen to Dac did not significantly improve overall survival nor progression-free survival in patients with advanced melanoma and low-normal levels of LDH at baseline. | 10.1097/CMR.0000000000000056 |
pubmed_782_1899 | The attachment and subsequent colonization of bacteria on the surfaces of synthetic materials and devices lead to serious problems in both human healthcare and industrial applications. Therefore, antibacterial surfaces that can prevent bacterial attachment and biofilm formation have been a long-standing focus of considerable interest and research efforts. Recently, a promising "kill-release" strategy has been proposed and applied to construct so-called smart antibacterial surfaces, which can kill bacteria attached to their surface and then undergo on-demand release of the dead bacteria and other debris to reveal a clean surface under an appropriate stimulus, thereby maintaining effective long-term antibacterial activity. This Review focuses on the recent progress (particularly over the past 5 years) on such smart antibacterial surfaces. According to the different design strategies, these surfaces can be divided into three categories: (i) "K + R"-type surfaces, which have both a killing unit and a releasing unit; (ii) "K → R"-type surfaces, which have a surface-immobilized killing unit that can be switched to perform a releasing function; and (iii) "K + (R)"-type surfaces, which have only a killing unit but can release dead bacteria upon the addition of a release solution. In the end, a brief perspective on future research directions and the major challenges in this promising field is also presented. | 10.1021/acsami.7b13565 |
pubmed_305_19158 | We present a method, the bacterial mineral excretion (BME), for synthesizing two kinds of microcapsules, sodium tungstate and sodium molybdate, and the two metal oxides' corresponding nanoparticles-the former being as small as 22 nm and the latter 15 nm. We fed two strains of bacteria, Shewanella algae and Pandoraea sp., with various concentrations of tungstate or molybdate ions. The concentrations of tungstate and molybdate were adjusted to make microcapsules of different length-to-diameter ratios. We found that the higher the concentration the smaller the nanoparticles were. The nanoparticles came in with three length-to-diameter ratios: 10:1, 3:1 and 1:1, which were achieved by feeding the bacteria respectively with a low concentration, a medium concentration, and a high concentration. The images of the hollow microcapsules were taken via the scanning electron microsphere (SEM). Their crystal structures were verified by X-ray diffraction (XRD)-the crystal structure of molybdate microcapsules is Na2MoO4 and that of tungstate microcapsules is Na2WO4 with Na2W2O7. These syntheses all were accomplished under a near ambient condition. | 10.3791/57022 |
pubmed_1118_7951 | Background
Utilization of long-term home enteral nutrition (HEN) for nutrition therapy is increasing across the world. However, HEN can be a mobility-limiting experience affecting quality of life (QoL). Improvement of QoL for patients receiving HEN is a universal goal within the nutrition community. This study evaluated usability of Mobility+®, a novel enteral feeding system (EFS).
Methods
A summative study evaluating usability of the novel EFS was conducted with novices (NV), non-novices (NN), and healthcare professionals (HCP). Subjects in NV and NN groups received familiarization training where they were introduced to the novel EFS and walked through steps to fill pouch, simulate feeding, flush (rinse), and wear the system, using the Instructions for Use (IFU) booklet, followed by a testing session where they simulated system use on their own. HCP self-trained using the IFU and instructional videos. A fill from ready-to-hang (RTH) formula bag method was also tested in HCP. Participants' ability to loosely coil the tubing and sit, stand, and move around wearing a filled feeding pouch inside a crossbody bag was also evaluated.
Results
Forty-five participants completed the study. All participants successfully and safely simulated use of the novel EFS, with 97.8% (44/45) doing so on first attempt. All participants could wear the novel EFS in crossbody bag and move around without any use errors or safety issues.
Conclusion
The examined novel EFS can be safely used in intended use population, with or without previous experience with enteral nutrition, on provision of basic familiarization training and written IFU. Additionally, HCP can successfully self-train on this system with instructional videos. | 10.2147/MDER.S367100 |
pubmed_140_17606 | Previous studies have not found structural injury or brain malformations in infants and children with prenatal opioid exposure. As part of an ongoing study evaluating neuroimaging in infants with prenatal opioid exposure, we reviewed structural brain MR imaging in 20 term infants with prenatal opioid exposure and 20 term controls at 4-8 weeks of age. We found that 8 of the 20 opioid-exposed infants had punctate white matter lesions or white matter signal abnormality on structural MR imaging, and 2 of the opioid-exposed infants had a septopreoptic fusion anomaly. No controls had white matter injury or structural malformations. Our findings underscore the importance of clinical neurodevelopmental follow-up and the need for more comprehensive imaging and long-term outcomes research following prenatal opioid exposure. | 10.3174/ajnr.A6282 |
pubmed_542_12132 | Advances in the understanding of catecholamine metabolism and adrenergic receptor biochemistry have permitted the development of a number of potent and relatively selective sympathomimetic drugs that are active after oral administration as well as when administered by injection or inhalation. Their toxicity derives solely from their effect as adrenergic agonists, and their appropriate use is based on understanding their pharmacology. | 10.1016/0091-6749(85)90650-5 |
pubmed_164_25180 | Exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a causative factor in skin photocarcinogenesis and photoaging, and an urgent need exists for improved strategies for skin photoprotection. The redox-sensitive transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2), a master regulator of the cellular antioxidant defense against environmental electrophilic insult, has recently emerged as an important determinant of cutaneous damage from solar UV, and the concept of pharmacological activation of Nrf2 has attracted considerable attention as a novel approach to skin photoprotection. In this study, we examined feasibility of using tanshinones, a novel class of phenanthrenequinone-based cytoprotective Nrf2 inducers derived from the medicinal plant Salvia miltiorrhiza, for protection of cultured human skin cells and reconstructed human skin against solar simulated UV. Using a dual luciferase reporter assay in human Hs27 dermal fibroblasts pronounced transcriptional activation of Nrf2 by four major tanshinones [tanshinone I (T-I), dihydrotanshinone (DHT), tanshinone IIA (T-II-A) and cryptotanshinone (CT)] was detected. In fibroblasts, the more potent tanshinones T-I and DHT caused a significant increase in Nrf2 protein half-life via blockage of ubiquitination, ultimately resulting in upregulated expression of cytoprotective Nrf2 target genes (GCLC, NQO1) with the elevation of cellular glutathione levels. Similar tanshinone-induced changes were also observed in HaCaT keratinocytes. T-I and DHT pretreatment caused significant suppression of skin cell death induced by solar simulated UV and riboflavin-sensitized UVA. Moreover, feasibility of tanshinone-based cutaneous photoprotection was tested employing a human skin reconstruct exposed to solar simulated UV (80 mJ/cm(2) UVB; 1.53 J/cm(2) UVA). The occurrence of markers of epidermal solar insult (cleaved procaspase 3, pycnotic nuclei, eosinophilic cytoplasm, acellular cavities) was significantly attenuated in DHT-treated reconstructs that displayed increased immunohistochemical staining for Nrf2 and γ-GCS together with the elevation of total glutathione levels. Taken together, our data suggest the feasibility of achieving tanshinone-based cutaneous Nrf2-activation and photoprotection. | 10.1016/j.redox.2013.10.004 |
pubmed_265_743 | The oral cavity is a microcosm of the world around us, exposed to a variety of microorganisms present in the local environment. Some of these microorganisms establish a permanent presence in the oral tissues, which serve as a suitable growth medium. These locations include soft and hard tissue, areas of high and low oxygen content, flowing secretions and dryness, and flat or grooved surfaces. Most of the normal oral flora does not cause disease; some even provide a protective benefit. However, occasionally one or more groups become pathologic, producing a disease that may have serious consequences for the host. Many of the pathologic microorganisms are viruses, and children are particularly prone to such infections, since their immune systems are still in the development stage. The learning objective of this article is to review the viral infections of the oral mucosa in children, including varicella, herpes zoster, mononucleosis, and herpangina. | pubmed_265_743 |
pubmed_67_3216 | BACKGROUND
Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction may occur following transcatheter mitral valve replacement in the setting of mitral annular calcification.
METHODS
We present a case series whereby preemptive septal radiofrequency ablation (RADIO-TMVR) was used to augment the left ventricular outflow tract for transcatheter mitral valve replacement in 4 patients at risk for left ventricular outflow tract obstruction despite alcohol septal ablation.
RESULTS
All patients were female, average age of 74.9 (68.8-80.4) years. Baseline ejection fraction was 71% (63%-75%). Mean mitral valve area was 1.28 (range, 1.0-1.59) cm2. Mean mitral valve gradient at rest was 9.5 (range, 7-11) mm Hg. New York Heart Association symptoms were III to IV at baseline. Patients underwent preemptive septal radiofrequency ablation to prevent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction with transcatheter mitral valve replacement a range between 69 and 154 days after alcohol septal ablation. Procedural time was 384 (337-424) minutes with a fluoroscopic time of 31 (14-71) minutes. Radiofrequency ablation time was 132 (100-175) minutes. As anticipated, 3 patients developed complete heart block and underwent pacemaker implantation, whereas 1 had a preexisting pacemaker. One patient developed groin hematoma and heart failure exacerbation. There were no peri-procedural deaths. Preemptive septal radiofrequency ablation to prevent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction with transcatheter mitral valve replacement resulted in septal end-diastolic wall thickness reduction compared with baseline (28.6%, 30.4%, 30.3%, and 11.1%) and following alcohol septal ablation (23.1%, 12%, 8.5%). Valve replacement in the setting of mitral annular calcification was performed in all patients 89 (range, 38-45) days after preemptive septal radiofrequency ablation to prevent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction with transcatheter mitral valve replacement. Two patients had concomitant laceration of the anterior mitral leaflet to further augment the neo-left ventricular outflow tract. Postprocedure, New York Heart Association symptoms improved to class I (3 patients) and class II (1 patient).
CONCLUSIONS
In at-risk individuals, preemptive septal radiofrequency ablation may be an effective strategy at preventing left ventricular outflow tract obstruction with transcatheter mitral valve replacement. | 10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.122.012228 |
pubmed_378_17551 | The Qaraaoun Reservoir (impoundment of the River Litani) is the only artificial surface water body in the country, Lebanon. Earlier study on the water quality of the Qaraaoun Reservoir identified three water quality zoning with a central distinct zone suitable for multipurpose water usage. The objective of this study was to extend the earlier work by considering the total metal content of reservoir bed sediments and hence to evaluate factors that control metal deposition or capture. Water samples were collected from 15 sampling sites and sediment samples were simultaneously collected from 9 sites. Water parameters analyzed were pH, Eh, DO and temperature. Sediment samples were dried and sieved and sediment < 75 microm was retained for analysis. Sediments were subjected to a stepwise heating process with aqua regia to extract the metals, and their content in sediments determined by ICP-MS. The sediment data revealed higher metal contents where the river entered the reservoir which matched higher concentrations of water parameters at the influx site. Regression analysis of total metals in sediments with distance from the river Litani influx point to the dam revealed a log trend for Fe, Cr and Ni, whereas, the concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb were better described by a polynomial regression. Three sediment zones were identified: entrance, oxidation (central) and reducing (near dam) zones. Sediment contents of Zn, Cu and Pb correlated with organic content, whereas sediment Cr and Ni were associated with iron. It was concluded that sediments act as a sink for metals and the deposition of metals is primarily related to sediment organic content and the level of dissolved oxygen in water. | 10.1007/s10661-006-6556-2 |
pubmed_542_15762 | In this paper we report the successful labelling of cryptolepine with 131I using the chloramine T method. Quality control by ITLC of the labelled product showed 80% labelling but when the mixture was equilibrated with some amberlite (Cl-) anion resin to exchange the excess free iodide, the radiochemical purity was raised to greater than 90%. Preliminary biodistribution in a rat did not show specific localisation of the tracer; rather, rapid clearance from the blood was indicated. It appears that its main excretory pathway is the hepatobiliary tract despite its relatively small molecular weight of 365. Also, despite i.v. administration, an appreciable 8% uptake was found in the stomach at 1 h post injection, indicating the process of enterohepatic reflux. These findings may have some bearings on the antimicrobial property of the plant. | 10.1016/0020-708x(85)90268-6 |
pubmed_660_19474 | AIM
DNA methylation plays important roles in various kinds of carcinogenesis. Vitamin C could induce Tet-dependent DNA demethylation in embryonic stem cells. Therefore, the antagonizing activity of vitamin C on ultraviolet (UV)-induced apoptosis was investigated in this study.
METHODS
Apoptosis of human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells and p16-knockout (KO) or p21-KO fibroblasts was assessed by a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. Real-time PCR and western blot were used to determine the relative expression levels of p12, p21, and Tet1/2/3 genes. The global DNA methylation levels were determined using MethylFlash Methylated DNA Quantification Kit in A431 cells with or without vitamin C treatment. To examine the DNA demethylation activity of vitamin C, DNA immunoprecipitation (DIP)-qPCR was performed to determine the relative levels of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) or 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in p16 and p21 promoter regions containing cytosine-phosphorothiolated guanine (CpG) islands.
RESULTS
The increasing apoptosis of A431 cells under prolonged UV irradiation was remarkably decreased by the combination of vitamin C treatment, suggesting that vitamin C protects against UV-induced apoptosis. Concurrently, vitamin C induced a significant reduction of global DNA methylation in a time- and dose-dependent manner in A431 cells. Vitamin C also reactivated the expression of p16 and p21 at mRNA and protein levels. Mechanistically, about 27% 5hmC-positive cells were observed in vitamin C-treated A431 cells, and the 5hmC enrichment at p16 and p21 promoter regions was also largely increased by vitamin C. Moreover, the expression of p16 and p21 was decreased in Tet1/2 double-knockdown cells, in which the inhibitory effect of vitamin C on UV-induced apoptosis was dismissed. Furthermore, the inhibition of UV-induced apoptosis on vitamin C treatment nearly disappeared in p16- or p21-knockout primary cultured fibroblasts.
CONCLUSION
These results demonstrate that vitamin C effectively antagonizes UV-induced apoptosis through regulation of Tet activity, DNA demethylation, and subsequent tumor suppressor gene activation in skin cancer cells. | 10.1089/cbr.2014.1647 |
pubmed_299_16494 | Ongoing climate change is affecting animal physiology in many parts of the world. Using metabolism, the oxygen- and capacity-limitation of thermal tolerance (OCLTT) hypothesis provides a tool to predict the responses of ectothermic animals to variation in temperature, oxygen availability and pH in the aquatic environment. The hypothesis remains controversial, however, and has been questioned in several studies. A positive relationship between aerobic metabolic scope and animal activity would be consistent with the OCLTT but has rarely been tested. Moreover, the performance model and the allocation model predict positive and negative relationships, respectively, between standard metabolic rate and activity. Finally, animal activity could be affected by individual morphology because of covariation with cost of transport. Therefore, we hypothesized that individual variation in activity is correlated with variation in metabolism and morphology. To test this prediction, we captured 23 wild European perch (Perca fluviatilis) in a lake, tagged them with telemetry transmitters, measured standard and maximal metabolic rates, aerobic metabolic scope and fineness ratio and returned the fish to the lake to quantify individual in situ activity levels. Metabolic rates were measured using intermittent flow respirometry, whereas the activity assay involved high-resolution telemetry providing positions every 30 s over 12 days. We found no correlation between individual metabolic traits and activity, whereas individual fineness ratio correlated with activity. Independent of body length, and consistent with physics theory, slender fish maintained faster mean and maximal swimming speeds, but this variation did not result in a larger area (in square metres) explored per 24 h. Testing assumptions and predictions of recent conceptual models, our study indicates that individual metabolism is not a strong determinant of animal activity, in contrast to individual morphology, which is correlated with in situ activity patterns. | 10.1093/conphys/cov055 |
pubmed_487_4802 | OBJECTIVE
Recent manmade and natural disasters have focused attention on the need to provide care to large groups of patients. Clinicians, ethicists, and public health officials have been particularly concerned about mechanical ventilator surge capacity and have suggested stock-piling ventilators, rationing, and providing manual ventilation. These possible solutions are complex and variously limited by legal, monetary, physical, and human capital restraints. We conducted a study to determine if a single mechanical ventilator can adequately ventilate four adult-human-sized sheep for 12h.
METHODS
We utilized a four-limbed ventilator circuit connected in parallel. Four 70-kg sheep were intubated, sedated, administered neuromuscular blockade and placed on a single ventilator for 12h. The initial ventilator settings were: synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation with 100% oxygen at 16 breaths/min and tidal volume of 6 ml/kg combined sheep weight. Arterial blood gas, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure measurements were obtained from all four sheep at time zero and at pre-determined times over the course of 12h.
RESULTS
The ventilator and modified circuit successfully oxygenated and ventilated the four sheep for 12h. All sheep remained hemodynamically stable.
CONCLUSION
It is possible to ventilate four adult-human-sized sheep on a single ventilator for at least 12h. This technique has the potential to improve disaster preparedness by expanding local ventilator surge capacity until emergency supplies can be delivered from central stockpiles. Further research should be conducted on ventilating individuals with different lung compliances and on potential microbial cross-contamination. | 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2007.10.016 |
pubmed_508_9607 | A new tetrahydrofuran lignan, named henricine ( 1), was isolated from the stems of SCHISANDRA HENRYI. High resolution COSY spectrum was used in the structural elucidation. | 10.1055/s-2007-969265 |
pubmed_641_1612 | Here the authors have reported case studies made over a ten year period from 1982 to 1991 at the Surgical Semeiology Institutes of the Surgical Pathology, and Surgery Clinic II of the IRCCS San Matteo General Hospital, Pavia. It considered 28 cases of thyroid carcinomas (18 papillary, 6 follicular, 3 anaplastic and 1 medullary). Firstly an in depth examination using the most up to date diagnostic methods available today was made with particular attention paid to cytological examination by needle suction showing the rarity of the affliction. Then the histological variables the various biological aggressiveness, the multicentric and bilateral nature of certain neoplastic forms were recorded. Finally particular attention was paid to the therapeutic problem. In agreement with the great majority of authors, they believe that the best therapy is as follows. For differentiated tumours, a total thyroidectomy and when there is a more conservative surgical choice, the isthmolobectomy should be modified by prognostic indicators (age, sex, six of the tumour, single or multi location histotype). Furthermore lymphadenectomy should not be carried out automatically, but after a careful evaluation of the lymph node areas for a simple suspicion of metastasis. | pubmed_641_1612 |
pubmed_707_20952 | This study is based on the processing of computed microtomography images of rock samples. In this study, a finite automation is constructed using the grey value, red-green-blue (RGB) value and Euler number of polarized images of carbonate rocks from the Jingfengqiao-Baidiao area. The finite automaton is used to perform black and white binary processing of the polarized images of the carbonate rocks. The porosity of the carbonate rock is calculated based on the black and white binarization processing results of the polarized images of the carbonate rocks. The obtained porosity is compared with the carbonate porosity obtained by use of the traditional carbonate research method. When the two porosities are close, the image processing threshold of the finite automata is considered to be credible. Based on the finite automata established using the image processing threshold, the black and white binary images of the polarized images of the carbonate rocks are used to establish a rock pore image using ImageJ2X. The polarized images of the carbonate rocks are classified according to their RGB values using the finite automata for the porosity classification, and the obtained images are used as textures to paste onto a cube to construct a three-dimensional data model of the carbonate rocks. This study also uses 16S rDNA analysis to verify the formation mechanism of the carbonate pores in the Jingfengqiao-Baidiao area. The results of the 16S rDNA analysis show that the pores in the carbonate rocks in the Jingfengqiao-Baidiao area are closely related to microorganisms, represented by denitrifying bacteria. | 10.1098/rsos.211844 |
pubmed_73_24880 | A tyrosine phosphoproteome study of hamster spermatozoa indicated that glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 2 (GPD2), is one of the proteins that enables tyrosine phosphorylation during sperm capacitation. Further, enzymatic activity of GPD2 correlated positively with sperm capacitation [Kota et al., 2009; Proteomics 9:1809-1826]. Therefore, understanding the function of GPD2 would help to unravel the molecular mechanism of sperm capacitation. In this study, involving the use of spermatozoa from Gpd2(+/+) and Gpd2(-/-) mice, it has been demonstrated that in the absence of Gpd2, hyperactivation and acrosome reaction were significantly altered, and a few changes in protein tyrosine phosphorylation were also observed during capacitation. Evidence is provided to demonstrate that GPD2 activity is required for ROS generation in mouse spermatozoa during capacitation, failing which, capacitation is impaired. These results imply that GPD2 is involved in sperm capacitation. | 10.1002/mrd.21218 |
pubmed_653_8863 | OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and management of coronary chronic total occlusions (CTOs) in current practice.
BACKGROUND
There is little evidence in contemporary literature concerning the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and treatment decisions regarding patients who have coronary CTOs identified during coronary angiography.
METHODS
Consecutive patients undergoing nonurgent coronary angiography with CTO were prospectively identified at 3 Canadian sites from April 2008 to July 2009. Patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery or presenting with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction were excluded. Detailed baseline clinical, angiographic, electrocardiographic, and revascularization data were collected.
RESULTS
Chronic total occlusions were identified in 1,697 (18.4%) patients with significant coronary artery disease (>50% stenosis in ≥1 coronary artery) who were undergoing nonemergent angiography. Previous history of myocardial infarction was documented in 40% of study patients, with electrocardiographic evidence of Q waves corresponding to the CTO artery territory in only 26% of cases. Left ventricular function was normal in >50% of patients with CTO. Half the CTOs were located in the right coronary artery. Almost half the patients with CTO were treated medically, and 25% underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CTO bypassed in 88%). Percutaneous coronary intervention was done in 30% of patients, although CTO lesions were attempted in only 10% (with 70% success rate).
CONCLUSIONS
Chronic total occlusions are common in contemporary catheterization laboratory practice. Prospective studies are needed to ascertain the benefits of treatment strategies of these complex patients. | 10.1016/j.jacc.2011.12.007 |
pubmed_17_12040 | Between January 1983 and December 2000, 78 patients underwent primary repair of a ventricular septal defect. There were 42 males (54%) and 36 females (46%) of whom 13 (17%) were under 1 year old, 50 (64%) were aged 1-10 years, 11 (14%) were aged 10-20 years, and 4 (5%) were over 20 years old. The ventricular septal defect was a perimembranous type in 60 patients (77%), subarterial (outlet) type in 10 (13%), and atrioventricular canal (inlet) type in 4 (5%). Operative repair was performed with a patch in all except 2 patients. Early postoperative complications included insignificant aortic regurgitation in 4 patients, persistent complete heart block in 1, and residual shunt in 4. There were 5 early deaths (6.4%) and 1 late death (1.8%) in 56 patients followed up. Early primary closure of ventricular septal defects, usually via a right atriotomy, can be performed with acceptable mortality and morbidity rates. | 10.1177/021849230301100307 |
pubmed_661_5246 | The medical records of 396 consecutive patients with a histological diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease were reviewed to assess the prognostic importance of bulky and non-bulky lymphomas. The presence of large lymphadenopathy failed to affect significantly the seven-year results in terms of complete remission (bulky 81.1% v. non-bulky 86.2%), freedom from progression (60.7% v. 65.6%), relapse-free survival (75.1% v. 76.5%) and overall survival (62.7% v. 68.9%). It is noteworthy that in all subsets, ABVD (Adriamycin + bleomycin + vinblastine + dacarbazine), either combined with irradiation or alternated with MOPP (mechlorethamine + vincristine + procarbazine + prednisone), yielded superior results compared with MOPP with or without irradiation. Given the prognostic importance of various bulky sites, the presence of large lymphadenopathy in anatomic regions other than the mediastinum failed to affect results adversely. On the contrary, in patients in stages IIB-IIIA-IIIB, treated with combined modality, the presence of bulky mediastinal involvement did influence prognosis compared with patients with positive but non-bulky mediastinum. At seven years the results were 60.2% v. 79.9% for freedom from progression, 73.2% v. 89.9% for relapse-free survival and 64.8% v. 87.1% for total survival, respectively (P less than 0.03). By contrast, in patients with stage IV disease the extent of mediastinal involvement did not affect results. Nonetheless, the frequency of intrathoracic relapses was higher (26.7%) in patients given chemotherapy alone compared with patients treated with combined modality (11.5%). | pubmed_661_5246 |
pubmed_834_23218 | The different possibilities of the therapy are discussed. Most importantly, calcium should be supplemented prophylactically in sufficient doses (1-1.5 g/d). Vit. D may be added in the elderly patient. In the pre- and postmenopause, an estrogen/gestagen administration is indicated. Estrogen is also the treatment of the first choice in the therapy of the manifest osteoporosis. Calcitonin, which has an analgetic effect as well, is currently recommended as an inhibitor of bone absorption. Starting with daily injections of 100 IU of calcitonin followed by 50 IU injections three times a week improve feeling and condition of the patient. Bisphosphonates, which have excellent effects on bone absorption, are not yet permitted for the osteoporosis therapy. Vit. D metabolites (alfacalcidol) have a particular beneficial effect on the osteoporosis induced by glucocorticoids. Sodium fluoride and monofluorophosphate are the only substances available that lead to a real bone build on. About 0.5 mg/kg body weight of fluoride should be administered. 30% of the patients do not respond to this treatment and side effects have to be observed. Growth hormone and parathormon may be useful drugs in the future. The drug treatment of osteoporosis has to be accompanied by a proper pain therapy as well as a physiotherapeutic, orthopedic and psychososical care. | pubmed_834_23218 |
pubmed_835_5105 | Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that is highly toxic for plants, animals, and human beings. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in Cd accumulation in plants is beneficial for developing strategies for either the remediation of Cd-polluted soils using hyperaccumulator plants or preventing excess Cd accumulation in the edible parts of crops and vegetables. As a ubiquitous heavy metal, the transport of Cd in plant cells is suggested to be mediated by transporters for essential elements such as Ca, Zn, K, and Mn. Identification of the genes encoding Cd transporters is important for understanding the mechanisms underlying Cd uptake, translocation, and accumulation in either crop or hyperaccumulator plants. Recent studies have shown that the transporters that mediate the uptake, transport, and accumulation of Cd in plants mainly include members of the natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (Nramp), heavy metal-transporting ATPase (HMA), zinc and iron regulated transporter protein (ZIP), ATP-binding cassette (ABC), and yellow stripe-like (YSL) families. Here, we review the latest advances in the research of these Cd transporters and lay the foundation for a systematic understanding underlying the molecular mechanisms of Cd uptake, transport, and accumulation in plants. | 10.3390/toxics10080411 |
pubmed_187_11298 | OBJECTIVE
To examine the task-nonspecific effects of functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS)-assisted ambulation training on the physiological responses of persons with paraplegia to upper extremity exercise challenge.
DESIGN
Before-after trial.
SETTING
Human spinal cord injury (SCI) applied research laboratory.
PARTICIPANTS
Twelve men and three women with motor- and sensory-complete thoracic-level SCI (T4-T11), mean age 28.2 +/- 6.8yrs (range, 21.1 to 45.2yrs), mean injury duration 3.7 +/- 3.0yrs (range, 7 to 8.8yrs).
INTERVENTION
Thirty-two sessions of FNS ambulation training using a commercial six-channel system (Parastep 1). This system is composed of a microprocessor-controlled electrical stimulation unit and a walking frame outfitted with finger switches that allow the user to independently control the system and stimulation parameters.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Peak and subpeak physiological responses to arm ergometry testing and upper extremity strength measures, obtained before and after the FNS ambulation training.
RESULTS
Statistically significant increases in peak values for time to fatigue, peak power output, and peak VO2 (all p < .001). Heart rate was significantly lower throughout subpeak levels of arm ergometry after the ambulation training (p < .05). Values of upper extremity strength were not significantly altered after training.
CONCLUSIONS
FNS ambulation by persons with SCI paraplegia results in task-nonspecific training adaptations. Central cardiovascular adaptations were indicated as the primary source of these beneficial alterations in exercise responses. | 10.1016/s0003-9993(97)90189-1 |
pubmed_1034_10118 | Preimplantation genetic diagnosis involves the diagnosis of a genetic disorder in embryos obtained through in vitro fertilization, selection of healthy embryos, and transfer of the embryos to the mother's uterus. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis has been used not only to avoid the risk of having an affected child, but it also offers, using HLA matching, preselection of potential HLA-genoidentical healthy donor progeny for an affected sibling who requires bone marrow transplantation. Here, we share the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation results of 52 patients with different benign and malign hematological or metabolic diseases or immunodeficiencies whose donors were siblings born with this technique in Turkey since 2008. The median age of the patients' at the time of the transplantation was 8 years (range, 3 to 16 years) and the median age of the donors was 2 years (range, .5 to 6 years). The most common indication for HSCT was thalassemia major (42 of all patients, 80%). The stem cell source in all of the transplantations was bone marrow. In 37 of the transplantations, umbilical cord blood of the same donor was also used. In 50 of the 52 patients, full engraftment was achieved with a mean of 4.6 × 106 CD 34+ cells per kg of recipient weight. Ninety-six percent of the patients have been cured through hematopoietic stem cell transplantation without any complication. Primary engraftment failure was seen in only 2 patients with thalassemia major. All of the donors and the patients are alive with good health status. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis with HLA matching offers a life-saving chance for patients who need transplantation but lack an HLA genoidentical donor. | 10.1016/j.bbmt.2017.02.002 |
pubmed_124_1001 | Two strains of Staphylococcus aureus (Newman and Tazaki) and their derived L-forms were cultured in serum-containing broth and the differences in their lipid compositions were analyzed. Cardiolipin accounted for more than 50% of the total phospholipid phosphorus in L-forms, but for less than 25% in parent bacteria. The cardiolipin content of L-forms was very high through all growth phases, although it increased gradually as growth proceeded. Significant amounts of cholesterol and its esters were present in parent strains and L-forms, all of which incorporated serum cholesterol into the cell membrane. On the other hand, they could be detected in the L-forms but not in the parent strains when they were cultured in serum-free broth. To examine the ability of L-forms to synthesize cholesterol, the cholesterol content of L-forms cultured in serum-free broth was compared with that of the medium. The results indicated that staphylococcal L-forms could synthesize cholesterol and its esters. These differences in lipid composition suggested that modification of membrane lipids may occur as an adaptational change in response to the disappearance of the cell wall. | 10.1111/j.1348-0421.1979.tb00483.x |
pubmed_312_8925 | Wistar rats treated with cyclophosphamide (4x 10 mg/kg), total lymphoid irradiation (9.0 Gy; dose rate 0.60 Gy/min) and cyclosporin A (15 mg/kg, daily, orally) developed a state of immune suppression permitting the growth of human tumor xenografts. Immunosuppression was monitored by lymphocyte counts, serum IgG determination. PHA and Con A lymphocyte-responses, proportion of B cells and histopathological studies of the lymphoid organs. The lymphocyte counts, IgG levels, PHA and Con A stimulation values remained severely depressed, during the period of cyclosporin A administration. Repopulation of the paracortical areas of the lymph nodes and the peri-arteriolar sheaths of the spleen did not occur, neither the reconstruction of the germinal centers in these organs. The thymus underwent severe atrophy. Seven of eight different types of human tumors were successfully xenografted in the immunomodified rat. The xenografted tumors maintained their original morphologic features and the mitotic rate did not change during subsequent transplantations. | pubmed_312_8925 |
pubmed_967_7090 | It is argued herein that orthodox approaches to nursing research reflect a fundamental misunderstanding concerning the nature of nursing, a misunderstanding that results in the production of findings that are perceived as irrelevant to clinical practice. The reasons for this are analysed and two specific research monographs, Hayward (1975) and Ogier (1982) are criticized where appropriate in order to illuminate the analysis. Nursing is explicated as a social phenomenon and practice discipline and the peculiar suitability of action research to its investigation is demonstrated. | 10.1111/j.1365-2648.1984.tb00346.x |
pubmed_183_8190 | A newly developed method for passively trapping adult Pseudacteon phorid flies, which parasitize workers of Solenopsis saevissima complex fire ants, is described. Adult flies responding to deployed Solenopsis invicta midden were captured when they landed on a Tanglefoot-coated perch, which is part of the trap. This sampling method provided a uniform, repeatable, and verifiable sample that allowed continuous and simultaneous sampling among locations, which can only be accomplished with other techniques by substantially increasing the number of observers. A field test showed the superior operational efficiency and effectiveness of this method relative to other techniques. These traps have been shown effective in various phorid habitats in Texas and Florida. We expect this trap to also be effective in detecting/monitoring phorid flies in other locations. | 10.1603/0046-225x(2007)36[584:stfmpp]2.0.co;2 |
pubmed_639_3095 | Optical clearing has emerged as a powerful tool for volume imaging. Although volume imaging with immunostaining have been successful in many protocols, yet obtaining homogeneously stained thick samples remains challenging. Here, we propose a method for label-free imaging of brain slices by enhancing the regional heterogeneity of the optical properties using the tissue clearing principle. We used FxClear, a method for delipidation of brain tissue, to retain a larger proportion of lipids at the white matter (WM). Furthermore, the embedding media affected the contrasts for the lipid-rich or extracellular matrix-rich areas, depending on their chemical properties. Thus, we tailored clearing conditions for the enhancement of the refractive indices (RIs) differences between gray and WM, or several pathological features. RI differences can be imaged using conventional light microscopy or optical coherence tomography. We propose that our protocol is simple, reliable, and flexible for label-free imaging, easily implementable to routine histology laboratory. | 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102267 |
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