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Combination of ballistic lithotripsy and transurethral prostatectomy in bladder stones with benign prostatic hyperplasia: report of 120 cases.
We report our experience with the combination of ballistic lithotripsy (BL) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in 120 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and bladder stone(s). The mean stone size, appreciated by measuring the greatest diameter, was 18.5 mm (range 10-80 mm). The mean prostate volume was 35.4 cc (26-62 cc). All procedures were monitored under direct endoscopic control with a videocamera. Lithotripsy and evacuation of fragments was performed in an average time of 27.5 minutes (10-80 minutes). The only intraoperative complication was mild hematuria in 38 patients (32%), which did not affect vision for TURP. The mean resection time was 42 minutes (range 15-65 minutes). Four patients experienced mild postoperative bleeding, and one patient had clot retention. The mean hospital stay was 1.2 days (range 1-4 days). Combined BL and TURP is effective, safe, and economical. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The common inhalation anesthetic isoflurane induces apoptosis and increases amyloid beta protein levels.
The common inhalation anesthetic isoflurane has previously been reported to enhance the aggregation and cytotoxicity of the Alzheimer disease-associated amyloid beta protein (Abeta), the principal peptide component of cerebral beta-amyloid deposits. H4 human neuroglioma cells stably transfected to express human full-length wild-type amyloid precursor protein (APP) were exposed to 2% isoflurane for 6 h. The cells and conditioned media were harvested at the end of the treatment. Caspase-3 activation, processing of APP, cell viability, and Abeta levels were measured with quantitative Western blotting, cell viability kit, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay sandwich. The control condition consisted of 5% CO2 plus 21% O2 and balanced nitrogen, which did not affect caspase-3 activation, cell viability, APP processing, or Abeta generation. Two percent isoflurane caused apoptosis, altered processing of APP, and increased production of Abeta in H4 human neuroglioma cell lines. Isoflurane-induced apoptosis was independent of changes in Abeta and APP holoprotein levels. However, isoflurane-induced apoptosis was potentiated by increased levels of APP C-terminal fragments. A clinically relevant concentration of isoflurane induces apoptosis, alters APP processing, and increases Abeta production in a human neuroglioma cell line. Because altered processing of APP leading to accumulation of Abeta is a key event in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease, these findings may have implications for use of this anesthetic agent in individuals with excessive levels of cerebral Abeta and elderly patients at increased risk for postoperative cognitive dysfunction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cultured keratinocyte allografts and wound healing in severe recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.
Patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) frequently have painful erosions that are slow to heal. There is no definitive treatment; therefore any therapy that improves wound healing would be beneficial to these patients. Our purpose was to assess the effects of cultured allogeneic keratinocytes on wound healing in RDEB. Ten patients with RDEB and dermatome-induced superficial dermal wounds were studied. Cultured keratinocyte grafts were applied to part of the wound, with another part left ungrafted. Both sites were assessed clinically and microscopically, particularly with regard to basement membrane zone reconstitution. Apart from minor differences in keratinocyte differentiation and a moderate analgesic effect induced by the graft, there were no other distinguishing findings in wound healing in the grafted and nongrafted sites. There was little clinical benefit from cultured keratinocyte allografts in wound healing in RDEB. However, this study showed that RDEB keratinocytes have an inherent capacity to express some type VII collagen epitopes transiently during wound healing, although this was not associated with the detection of anchoring fibrils. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Does achievement motivation mediate the semantic achievement priming effect?
The aim of our research was to understand the processes of the prime-to-behavior effects with semantic achievement primes. We extended existing models with a perspective from achievement motivation theory and additionally used achievement primes embedded in the running text of excerpts of school textbooks to simulate a more natural priming condition. Specifically, we proposed that achievement primes affect implicit achievement motivation and conducted pilot experiments and 3 main experiments to explore this proposition. We found no reliable positive effect of achievement primes on implicit achievement motivation. In light of these findings, we tested whether explicit (instead of implicit) achievement motivation is affected by achievement primes and found this to be the case. In the final experiment, we found support for the assumption that higher explicit achievement motivation implies that achievement priming affects the outcome expectations. The implications of the results are discussed, and we conclude that primes affect achievement behavior by heightening explicit achievement motivation and outcome expectancies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mapping and sequencing of RNAs without recourse to molecular cloning: application to RNAs of the Sabin 1 strain of poliovirus and its defective interfering particles.
Complementary DNA to the genome of the Sabin 1 strain of poliovirus was prepared by reverse transcription with oligo(dT)10 as a primer and separated into six classes of DNA by their size. Each class of the DNA, after digestion with restriction endonuclease HaeIII, was analyzed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Comparison of the patterns of the restriction fragments led us to compose a possible arrangement of the restriction fragments on the viral genome. Sequence analysis of these fragments indicated that the arrangement was consistent with the known total nucleotide sequence of the genome. In the determined sequences, two bases were observed to differ from those of a cloned complementary DNA of the Sabin 1 genome. This suggested that the sequence of the cloned DNA reflected that of a mutated virus genome that was a minor component in the virus inoculation stock. The genomes of defective interfering particles generated from the Sabin 1 strain were also analyzed by this technique. The results suggested that the RNAs lacked an internal region of the Sabin 1 RNA encoding viral capsid proteins. The location of the deletion was further confirmed by determination of the nucleotide sequence of a cloned complementary DNA copy of the defective interfering particle RNA. Thus, the method described here is useful for mapping and sequencing of RNAs and for knowing whether cloned cDNAs represent the major population of RNA molecules or not. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In vitro guide RNA/mRNA chimaera formation in Trypanosoma brucei RNA editing.
The post-transcriptional processing of various mitochondrial transcripts in kinetoplastids, kRNA editing, adds and removes uridines, producing mature messenger RNAs. This editing seems to be directed by 'guide' RNAs (gRNAs) which are complementary to portions of the mature message. The editing mechanism has been proposed to entail transesterification. Detection of chimaeric gRNA-mRNA molecules, intermediates predicted by transesterification, support this model. We report here the in vitro formation of such chimaeras where endogenous gRNAs are covalently linked to added synthetic mRNA. Addition of gel-purified gRNAs to the standard reaction mix increases chimaera formation. This increase is not observed when the gRNA 3'-hydroxyl group is chemically modified, identifying this terminal hydroxyl as the reactive group. These results provide the first experimental evidence for an in vitro RNA editing event and support the involvement of transesterification as a chemical mechanism. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Degradation of cellulose under alkaline conditions: new insights from a 12 years degradation study.
Cellulose degradation under alkaline conditions is of relevance to the mobility of many cations of the transition metal, lanthanide, and actinide series in the geosphere because strong complexants such as isosaccharinic acids, 3-deoxy-2-C-hydroxymethyl-D-erythro-pentonic acid (alpha-ISA) and 3-deoxy-2-C-hydroxymethyl-D-threo-pentonic acid (beta-ISA) may be formed. In the context of the long-term safety of cementitious repositories for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste, where large amounts of cellulose may be present, the question of the time scales needed for the complete degradation of cellulose is important. The present paper reports the results of a 12 year study of the degradation of four different cellulosic materials (pure cellulose, tissue, cotton, paper) in an artificial cement pore water under anaerobic conditions at approximately 25 degrees C. The observed reaction characteristics can be divided into a fast reaction phase (2-3 years), dominated by the stepwise conversion of terminal glucose monomeric units to alpha-ISA and beta-ISA, and a very slow reaction phase during which the same products were found. The slow rate of the alkaline degradation of cellulose during this second reaction phase shows that previous kinetic models of cellulose degradation did not adequately describe the long-term behavior under alkaline conditions and need to be reassessed. It is postulated that a previously unknown mechanism by which crystalline or inaccessible reducing end groups of the polysaccharide chain become temporarily susceptible to alkaline attack is responsible for the slow rate of cellulose degradation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Self-poisoning treated in the ICU.
This retrospective study compares number and type of self-poisonings admitted to the intensive care units (ICU) at Sahlgren's Hospital, Gothenburg, during 1972 and 1976. The total number of patients requiring intensive care was unchanged, but a change in the pattern of self-poisoning was seen. In 1976 the number of patients requiring intensive care following acute alcohol intoxication had increased, whereas the number of barbiturate and methaqualone poisonings decreased. Tricyclic antidepressants formed the largest group in both years. Fewer patients needed endotracheal intubation and IPPV in 1976 than in 1972. Also, fewer complications were seen, and the death rate among ICU-treated patients decreased. In the Gothenburg area barbiturates accounted for one half of all deaths due to self-poisoning and tricyclic antidepressants for one fifth. Any expected decrease in intensive care as a result of fewer barbiturate and methaqualone poisonings was obscured by an increase in severe alcohol intoxication. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neurocutaneous island flaps in the hand: anatomical basis and preliminary results.
The neurocutaneous flap is an axial flap composed of one vein and one nerve, the arterial vascularisation of which is provided by the vascular plexus around and inside the nerve. The vascularisation of the radial and ulnar nerves on the dorsal aspect of the hand were studied in 20 fresh upper limbs. There is always a consistent arterial longitudinal plexus alongside the nerves, which links the cutaneous perforating arteries. On the basis of our anatomical findings, neurocutaneous island flaps with retrograde flow were raised on the hands of five patients and are reported on. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinico-polysomnographic diagnostics of narcolepsy-cataplexy.
The introduction of polysomnography changed considerably our knowledge about narcolepsy. The aim of our study was to present the clinical picture and diagnostic criteria of narcolepsy based on our own research data. The study comprises 22 consecutive patients with a mean age of 39.8 years, SD = 16.4, age range 7-78 years. The following methods were used: neurological, physical and mental status examination, specially designed questionnaires, nocturnal polysomnography, MSLT. The following clinical manifestations were observed: excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in 95.45% of the cases, cataplexy attacks (CA) in 77.27%, hypnagogic hallucinations (HH)--in 77.27%, sleep paralysis (SP)--in 54.54% and subjectively disturbed nocturnal sleep--in 72.72%. The mean ages of occurrence of the respective symptoms were as follows: EDS--32.14 +/- 10.15 years, CA--28.70 +/- 11.70 years, HH--36.70 +/- 8.82 years, SP--35.53 +/- 15.50 years and for the disease as a whole--39.82 +/- 15.50 years. At MSLT the mean sleep latency was 165.91 +/- 16.37 seconds and the mean REM latency--207.96 +/- 14.09 seconds. During the nighttime sleep the mean sleep latency was less than 5 minutes and the mean REM latency--less than 7 minutes. The sleep structure showed: NREM sleep, stage 1,2--66.30 +/- 4.1%, stage 3,4--5.52 +/- 4.1%, REM sleep--25.65 +/- 2.3%. The clinical picture presented 4 symptoms in 31.81%, 3 symptoms--in 50.00%, 2 symptoms--in 9.09% and 1 symptom in 9.09% of the cases. 1. The onset of narcolepsy is at about 30 years of age. 2. The clinical picture of narcolepsy is characterized by 2 major symptoms--excessive daytime sleepiness, attacks of cataplexy and 3 minor symptoms--sleep paralysis, hypnagogic hallucinations and disturbed nighttime sleep which may be found in various combinations. 3. Nocturnal polysomnography demonstrates characteristic changes in sleep structure. 4. MSLT ascertains shorter sleep latency and sleep onset rapid eye movements periods (SOREMs) of less than 5 minutes. 5. The presence of one of the major symptoms and SOREMs is sufficient for confirming the diagnosis of narcolepsy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Management of stages I to III Hodgkin disease in children.
Thirty-seven children, ages 4 through 16 years, presented with clinical stages I, II, or III Hodgkin disease. In nine (24%) patients, laparotomy and splenectomy resulted in a pathologic stage that varied from the clinical stage. Of 36 patients with pathologic stages I, II, and III, 26 have been followed for more than two years from diagnosis. Pathologic stages I and IIA disease were found in 21 patients, and 19 received radiation therapy alone (usually mantle-field), with 90% disease-free survival and 95% overall survival (median follow-up 46 months). Five patients had stage IIB disease; two had progression of disease while received combined modality therapy. Of ten patients with stage III disease, five have had relapses and five have remained in complete remission. All relapses occurred in patients receiving either irradiation or chemotherapy but not both. This experience supports extended-field irradiation alone as adequate treatment for stages 1 and IIA Hodgkin disease in children, but suggests that for stages IIB and III, single modality treatment is not adequate. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intramolecular electron transfer rate between active-site copper and topa quinone in pea seedling amine oxidase.
The equilibrium between the two substrate-reduced forms of pea seedling amine oxidase, one containing Cu(II) and reduced 3-(2,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl)-L-alanine (topa) cofactor and one containing Cu(I) and topa semi-quinone, was investigated by visible spectroscopy as a function of temperature. To determine the rate of interconversion between the two species, temperature jump relaxation studies were performed on the substrate-reduced enzyme near room temperature. The yellow radical species was found to approach its equilibrium concentration with a maximum rate constant of 43,000 +/- 3,000 s-1. This rapid equilibration is attributed to intramolecular electron transfer between copper and topa. The data indicate that the Cu(I)/topaSQ species is a kinetically competent intermediate in the reaction of amine oxidases with substrates. Furthermore, the extremely rapid electron transfer rate (kET congruent to 20,000 s-1) suggests that the topa cofactor is in close proximity to the copper atom. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dovitinib sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma cells to TRAIL and tigatuzumab, a novel anti-DR5 antibody, through SHP-1-dependent inhibition of STAT3.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often displays resistance to recombinant tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis. Dovitinib, a multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and tigatuzumab, a novel humanized anti-human death receptor 5 (DR5) agonistic antibody, are both under clinical investigations in HCC. Here, we report that dovitinib sensitizes resistant HCC cells to TRAIL- and tigatuzumab-induced apoptosis through inhibition of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3). Our data indicate that HCC cells showed significant resistance to TRAIL- and tigatuzumab-induced apoptosis. The combination of dovitinib and tigatuzumab restored the sensitivity of HCC cells to TRAIL- and tigatuzumab-induced apoptosis. Dovitinib down-regulated phospho-STAT3 (Tyr705) (p-STAT3) and subsequently reduced the protein levels of STAT3-regulated proteins, Mcl-1, survivin and cylcin D1, in TRAIL-treated HCC cells. Knockdown of STAT3 by RNA-interference overcame apoptotic resistance to TRAIL in HCC cells, and ectopic expression of STAT3 in HCC cells abolished the sensitizing effect of dovitinib on TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Importantly, silencing SHP-1 by RNA-interference reduced the effects of dovitinib and TRAIL on p-STAT3 and apoptosis, whereas co-treatment of TRAIL and dovitinib increased the activity of SHP-1. Moreover, in vivo the combination of tigatuzumab and dovitinib inhibited Huh-7 xenograft tumor growth. In conclusion, dovitinib sensitizes resistant HCC cells to TRAIL- and tigatuzumab-induced apoptosis through a novel machinery: SHP-1 dependent STAT3 inhibition. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A study on job satisfaction of clinical psychologists working in the medical field].
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of job satisfaction to job difficulty and worthiness, reported by the clinical psychologists who worked at medical institutions. A mail survey of 748 clinical psychologists working at hospital and clinics revealed the following results. First, job satisfaction was related more to job situation than job content. Also, job satisfaction was low among those who worked at non-university psychiatric or geriatric hospitals, who did not practice psychotherapy, and who were not in education, research, or management. In addition, compared to the high job satisfaction group, the low group perceived more incongruity between institutional climate and their psychological work, felt being less valued by other professionals, were less able to function fully as a practicing psychologist, and experienced more role ambiguity as a clinical psychologist in a hospital setting. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Temperature corrected thrombelastography in hypothermic patients.
Thrombelastograms and other coagulation studies are performed at 37 degrees C, regardless of the patient's body temperature. This prospective study of 45 patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation was conducted to evaluate the effect on the thrombelastogram performed at the patient's actual body temperature compared with a control thrombelastogram heated in the standard fashion to 37 degrees C. Thrombelastograms were obtained after the induction of anesthesia and at various times throughout the operation when clinically indicated. A freshly drawn sample of the patient's blood was divided into two aliquots and run simultaneously on two thrombelastographs; one thrombelastograph was modified with a thermostat to perform the test at the patient's body temperature and the other was unmodified to serve as a control. The temperature of the patients in this study ranged from 36.9 degrees C to 32 degrees C. The variables of the thrombelastogram measured were: r (reaction time in minutes), r + K (coagulation time in minutes), alpha (coagulation rate in degrees), and MA (maximum amplitude in millimeters). Whenever the patient's body temperature was less than 37 degrees C, statistically significant prolongation of the reaction time, coagulation time, and decrease in the clot formation rate occurred compared with control variables at 37 degrees C. Overall means were as follows: r for control, 8.24 +/- 0.28 min; r for temperature corrected, 9.32 +/- 0.27 min; r + K for control, 15.4 +/- 0.65 min; r + K for temperature corrected, 17.5 +/- 0.81 min; and alpha for control, 39.8 +/- 1.22 degrees; alpha for temperature corrected, 37.7 +/- 1.23 degrees.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pharmacodynamic analysis of antimalarials used in Plasmodium falciparum imported malaria in northern Italy.
Conventional treatment of imported malaria in Italy consists of quinine or mefloquine. Since beta-arthemeter is now available, an open-label pharmacodynamic analysis was performed in 73 adults with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. In vitro susceptibility to mefloquine and quinine was evaluated at admission. According to clinical status, baseline parasitemia (P(0)), and premunition, the patients received intravenous quinine, oral mefloquine, or beta-arthemeter. The following parameters were measured: parasitemia at 0, 6, 12, and 24 hours and then every 24 hours until negative; time to 50%, 90%, and 100% reduction in parasite density (PC(50), PC(90), and PCT); parasite reduction ratio at 24 and 48 hours (PRR(24) and PRR(48)); percentage of patients with undetectable parasitemia at 48 hours (PPUP(48)); time required to eradication; in vitro susceptibility to mefloquine and quinine by World Health Organization Microtest Mark III. Of the study patients, 54.8% were immigrants from malaria-endemic countries. All the infections were acquired in Africa. All the patients were treated successfully. According to the pharmacodynamic parameters measured, no significant differences were recorded among patients with or without prior exposure to malaria. Pharmacodynamic comparison was performed between quinine and beta-arthemeter. Significantly higher clearance times were recorded for beta-arthemeter vs quinine (PC(50), PC(90), and PCT: 16.8, 42.6, and 72 h for quinine vs 7.9, 12.2, and 48 h for beta-arthemeter; p values: .02, < .0001, and .008, respectively). The number of patients who obtained a PPUP(48) with beta-arthemeter was higher than with quinine (66.7 vs 9.1%, p < .003), and PRR(24) was significantly higher in beta-arthemeter-treated patients (617 vs 3.15, p = .0001). PRR(48) and time to eradication were not measurable in the beta-arthemeter group (negative P at 48 h in most cases). Two recrudescences occurred after 5 and 7 days of beta-arthemeter monotherapy. All strains were fully susceptible to quinine and mefloquine. Pharmacodynamic properties of mefloquine and quinine are in the range reported in literature. The better PCT and pharmacodynamics of beta-arthemeter suggest that it could be used as a first-line agent, coadministered with mefloquine. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A case of paucibacillary leprosy].
We report a case of leprosy. A 31-old-phillippine female present with 5 month history of an erythematous plaqe on her right neck. Examination showed 4 erythematous plaques with her. A histological examination of the skin lesion of hir thigh revealed granulomas around nerve and skin appendages which consist of lymphocytes, epidermoid cells and giant cells. Although no acid fast bacilli were not demonstrated by skin biopsy with Ziehl-Neelsen staining, the Mycobacterium leprae-specific DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction method. A diagnosis of paucibacillary leprosy had made. We started treatment with ofloxacin but she return to philippine soon. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Spatio-temporal trends and monitoring design of perfluoroalkyl acids in the eggs of gull (Larid) species from across Canada and parts of the United States.
A large spatial dataset of perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) concentrations in eggs of herring gulls (Larus argentatus or congeneric species) collected from late April to early June between 2009 and 2014 from 28 colonies across Canada and parts of the Unites States was used to evaluate location-specific patterns in chemical concentrations and to generate hypotheses on the major sources affecting PFAA distributions. The highly bioaccumulative perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) as well as other perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) showed the greatest concentrations in eggs from the lower Great Lakes of southern Ontario as well as from the St. Lawrence River. Despite the 2000 to 2002 phase-out of PFOS and related C8 chemistry by the major manufacturer at the time, ongoing losses from consumer products during use and disposal in urban/industrial locations continue to be major sources to the environment and are influencing the spatial trends of PFOS in Canada. In comparison to PFOS, perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) were not as concentrated in eggs in close proximity to urbanized/industrialized centers, but had surprisingly elevated levels in relatively remote regions such as Great Slave Lake, NT and East Bay in Hudson Bay, NU. The present results support the hypothesis that atmospheric transport and degradation of precursor chemicals, such as the fluorotelomer alcohols 8:2 FTOH and 10:2 FTOH, are influencing the spatial trends of PFCAs in Canada. A power analysis conducted on a representative urbanized/industrialized colony in the Toronto Harbour, ON, and a relatively remote colony in Lake Superior, emphasized the importance of consistent and long-term data collection in order to detect the anticipated changes in PFAA concentrations in Canadian gull eggs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Extra-oral fistula caused by a dental implant.
Dental implantation has become an important procedure for both dental treatment and head and neck reconstructive surgery. However, this useful technique sometimes results in peri-implantitis. We describe a rare complication of peri-implantitis in the maxilla which extended to the soft tissue and caused an extra-oral fistula above the alar region. The patient underwent the placement of dental implants in the maxilla 8 years earlier. Radiography showed osteolysis of the maxilla and implant exposure. After the implants were removed, the patient was fitted with a conventional fixed partial denture. Such unfavorable outcomes are caused by failed endodontic and apicoectomy procedures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Spontaneous cholesterol embolization--a rare clinical entity.
Embolization of cholesterol crystals from atheromatous plaques is a rare entity most often seen after invasive procedures involving manipulation of the aorta. Spontaneous CE has been reported in very rare cases. Peripheral signs include livedo reticularis, muscle pain and palpable pulses. Depending on the site of the responsible plaque, emboli may involve visceral organs and produce a systemic illness. Diagnosis is confirmed using skin, muscle and/or renal biopsies. Surgery is recommended when the atheromatous disease is localized to a unique segment which can be replaced. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Immunosuppressive potential of Botryosphaeria dothidea, an endophyte isolated from Kigelia africana.
For years, natural products from microbes have been used as drugs. Endophytes are the most important fungi that produce many novel metabolites for potential use in pharmacology and agriculture. The objective of the present study was to explore new endophytes for novel natural products. An endophyte BAK-I was isolated from the bark of Kigelia africana (Lam.) Beneth (Bignoniaceae). BAK-I was characterized morphologically and on the basis of ITS-5.8S rDNA sequences. BAK-I was fermented to yield an extract, which was evaluated for its anticancer, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activities, using MTT, agar well-diffusion, tube dilution method, lymphocyte proliferation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α) (by macrophages) evaluation assays. For lymphocyte proliferation and pro-inflammatory cytokines studies, four concentrations were evaluated 10, 30, 100, and 1000 µg/mL and the experiments were conducted for 72 and 48 h, respectively. The BAK-I showed pink cottony growth. SEM studies showed smooth fusoid-oblong conidia with a truncated base. Furthermore, ITS-5.8S rDNA sequence showed 99% homology with the Botryosphaeria dothidea strain suggesting that the endophyte is a strain of the genus Botryosphaeria. Less than 50% growth inhibition of SF295, Lung A-549, and THP-1 cancer cell lines after treatment with BAK-I extract suggested that it did not have significant cytotoxic potential, whereas it is bactericidal for Gram-positive pathogens MRSA and VRE with MIC value 200 and 250 µg/mL, respectively. To elucidate its immunomodulation potential, splenocyte proliferation studies showed that BAK-1 suppressed the T cell proliferation by 50%. TNF-α evaluation studies also showed that the extract inhibited TNF-α production in a concentration-dependent manner suggesting that it had immunosuppressive potential. Inhibition at 10 µg/mL was found to be 55% as against 48% using β-methasone. The results suggested that BAK-I extract can be used as a potential immunosuppressive agent. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of identity fusion on decision to make extreme sacrifices in romantic relationships: The moderating role of impulsiveness.
The present research investigated the roles of identity fusion and impulsiveness in extreme sacrifices for romantic partners. After completing questionnaires assessing identity fusion, inclusion of other in the self, passionate love, and communal orientation, participants responded to the trolley dilemma in which they could save their partner by sacrificing themselves. Participants in the time-pressure condition were given eight-seconds to respond to the dilemma; the other group had no time constraints. Identity fusion was the only variable that significantly predicted ultimate sacrifice. Hurrying participants' response to the dilemma (i.e., inducing impulsive decision-making) increased self-sacrifice in highly fused but not in weakly fused individuals. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Chemical composition, antioxidant properties and anti-cholinesterase activity of Cordia gilletii (Boraginaceae) leaves essential oil.
This study aimed to investigate for the first time the chemical composition, the antioxidant properties and the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity of the essential oil from the leaves of Cordia gilletii De Wild (Boraginaceae). The essential oil, characterized by 23 constituents (90.1% of the total oil), was constituted by terpene derivatives (25.6%) and non-terpene derivatives (64.5%), among which aldehydes, fatty acids and alkanes were present with the percentage of 16.5%, 18.8% and 23.1%, respectively. The antioxidant activity of C. gilletii essential oil was screened by two in vitro tests: DPPH and beta-carotene bleaching test. The essential oil revealed antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 75.0 and 129.9 microg/mL on DPPH radical and beta-carotene decoloration tests, respectively. Moreover, C. gilletii inhibited AChE enzyme with an IC50 value of 105.6 microg/mL. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Inclusion body myositis, Paget's disease of the bone and frontotemporal dementia: early involvement of the heart and respiratory muscles].
Since valosin-containing protein mutations were reported as a cause of hereditary inclusion body myositis associated with Paget's disease of the bone and frontotemporal dementia, many new mutations have been described in the last decade. We report on a 46-year-old German male with a progressive tetraparesis and autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Echocardiography revealed a beginning dilated cardiomyopathy and laboratory analyses showed increased alkaline phosphatase. Decreased verbal memory and an impairment of concept building were observed on neuropsychological examination. Muscle biopsy demonstrated a myopathic pattern, rimmed vacuoles, CD8+ T-cell infiltrates and positive MHC1-muscle fibres. We found a heterozygote mutation in exon 5 of the valosin-containing protein gene (c.464G > T p.Arg155Leu), which until now has been described only in an Australian family. We describe here the first German case with the above-mentioned mutation causing inclusion-body myositis associated with Paget's disease of the bone and fronto-temporal dementia. Here, we recommend regular controls of cardiac and respiratory functions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effect of bexarotene on atorvastatin pharmacokinetics: results from a phase I trial of bexarotene plus chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Bexarotene (Targretin(®) capsules) is a retinoid-X-receptor agonist and an inducer of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism. This phase I trial evaluated the pharmacokinetic (PK) and drug-drug interactions of bexarotene with chemotherapy and a lipid-lowering agent (atorvastatin or fenofibrate). This trial was run in parallel with phase III trials of the combinations to determine whether repeated doses of bexarotene capsules affect the pharmacokinetics (PK) of the chemotherapeutic or the lipid-lowering agents. Patients (n = 48) with advanced non-small cell lung cancer were treated with repetitive cycles of either paclitaxel/carboplatin or cisplatin/vinorelbine chemotherapy, bexarotene (400 mg/m(2)/day) administered continuously starting on day 4 of chemotherapy, and a lipid-lowering drug, either atorvastatin or fenofibrate, starting at least 5 days before chemotherapy due to hypertriglyceridemia induced by bexarotene. Extensive plasma sampling to characterize the PK profiles of the lipid-lowering drugs, relevant chemotherapy agents was performed on day 1 (without bexarotene) and during chemotherapy cycles 2 or 3 (with bexarotene). Here, we report the drug-drug interactions between the lipid-lowering agents and bexarotene. Mean atorvastatin clearance and dose-corrected AUC values were reduced by nearly 50% with the addition of concomitant bexarotene. As fenofibrate was less effective at controlling hypertriglyceridemia, too few patients received this agent to make any meaningful conclusions about drug-drug interactions. A drug-drug interaction was seen in this trial with bexarotene co-administration leading to a significant reduction in the AUC of atorvastatin. The likely mechanism for this interaction is through induction of CYP3A4 by bexarotene given the role of this enzyme in the metabolism of atorvastatin. Knowledge of this interaction is important for optimizing lipid management with atorvastatin for patients receiving bexarotene. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Electromyographic analysis of deltoid and rotator cuff function under varying loads and speeds.
The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of increasing loads and doubling speed on the deltoid and rotator cuff muscles during isotonic scapular plane abduction (scaption) with neutral humeral rotation. These muscles were studied in 16 volunteers with asymptomatic shoulders with the use of fine wire electromyography. The addition of load to the arm during scaption caused an increase in electromyographic activity during the first 90 degrees of motion. Furthermore electromyographic activity decreased during the final 30 degrees of motion with each increase in load. Doubling the speed caused an increase in electromyographic activity during the first 60 degrees of motion while causing a decrease in activity in the final 60 degrees. This study demonstrates the response of the rotator cuff and deltoid muscles to varying loads and speeds during the most basic shoulder motion. With the data obtained in this study, rehabilitation exercises and experimental shoulder models can be refined to reflect this more physiologic situation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characteristics of antifriction devices used for ski bindings.
These tests suggest that various antifriction devices do reduce the amount of torsion that can be transmitted to the skier's tibia during a slow twisting fall. It was shown that under various environmental conditions the antifriction devices are effective. Dirt negatively affected the performance of some devices. The importance of protecting bindings and antifriction devices from contamination cannot be overemphasized. It was shown that some antifriction devices perform better than others. In most instances the performance of the plate type of binding compares favorable with that of toe-heel bindings using antifriction devices. For the plate type of binding the dirt particularly had a detrimental effect. It should also be pointed out that these tests were run with one particular binding. These results would not necessarily be the same if the tests were conducted with another binding system. For instance, the limited motion of some of the antifriction devices (Lotork, Skidder) may impede their performance when used with bindings requiring a greater travel distance before release. The performance with other boot soles may be different from that with the particular boot sole used for these tests. Performance might be improved with a harder, smoother boot sole. Similarly, the effectiveness of the antifriction device may be reduced by the use of boot soles with a coarse pattern or relatively soft treads. In this test series a relatively small number of antifriction devices were evaluated. One should not presume that all devices will perform with equal effectiveness. Another factor, equally important, is the correction for the height of antifriction devices. Antifriction devices raise the boot sole from the ski surface, and if this change in height is not accounted for, the boot sole may effectively interfere with the operation of the toe or the heel unit. In summary, it can be stated that when properly applied and selected, antifriction devices make a significant contribution to skiing safety. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Assessment of RIT2 rs12456492 association with Parkinson's disease in Mainland China.
A recent meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies in Parkinson's disease (PD) has identified the rs12456492 variant in RIT2 as a new susceptibility loci. Because the characteristics of this locus in a Han Chinese population from mainland China was still unknown, we performed a case-control replication study in this population and investigated RIT2 rs12456492 variant in a large cohort of Chinese Han individuals. In total, 933 subjects comprising 460 PD patients and 473 control subjects were genotyped. We found a significant difference in the distributions of genotype and allele between PD and control groups (genotype p = 0.008, allele p = 0.007, odds ratio = 1.296, 95% confidence interval = 1.075-1.563). This study replicates the association between rs12456492 variant and risk of developing PD in a Han Chinese population. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Small bowel malignant lymphoma complicating celiac sprue and the mesenteric lymph node cavitation syndrome.
Malignant small intestinal lymphoma may complicate or antedate clinical recognition of celiac sprue. However, histologic diagnosis of lymphoma is made especially difficult in the presence of small bowel ulceration. A 70-yr-old man with celiac sprue and a history of dermatitis herpetiformis was initially seen for recurrent diarrhea; panmalabsorption with steatorrhea and protein-losing enteropathy were documented. Subsequent studies showed ectopic gastric mucosa in the small bowel, hyposplenism with mesenteric lymph node cavitation, and small bowel erosions and ulceration. Despite strong clinical suspicion for more than 2 yr, only 1 of 88 small bowel biopsy specimens was positive for lymphoma. At autopsy, shortly after histologic diagnosis of lymphoma, extensive small bowel involvement and infiltration were observed. This is the first report of lymphoma complicating the recently described nonneoplastic lymphoreticular syndrome associated with celiac sprue characterized by splenic atrophy and mesenteric lymph node cavitation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Body shape in American and British adults: between-country and inter-ethnic comparisons.
Recent studies indicate differences between British and American white adults, and between income and ethnic groups within the United States, in the population distribution of lifestyle diseases. Differential prevalence of obesity has been suggested as a contributing factor; however, the conventional approach to categorizing obesity, body mass index, is confounded by ethnic variability in physique. To compare indices of shape between white British and American adults, and between white, African and Hispanic American adults. Analysis of two large National Sizing Surveys, using identical study design and three-dimensional (3D) body-scanning instrumentation, on adults aged 17+ years from the UK (3907M and 4710F white), and from the USA (1744M and 3329F white, 709M and 1106F African and 639M and 839F Hispanic). Weight, height, body circumferences. In the United States, socio-economic status was associated with increasing height and decreasing waist girth in white and Hispanic, but not African Americans. Compared to white British, white Americans had larger weight and girths, especially waist girth in men. Relative to white Americans, African Americans had smaller relative waist girth, but larger thigh girth, whereas Hispanic Americans had larger relative waist girth. Body shape of white American adults differs from that of their UK counterparts. Within Americans, ethnic differences in body shape closely track reported differences in prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, implicating variability in central abdominal fat as a key contributing factor. 3D photonic scanning offers a novel approach for categorizing risk of the metabolic syndrome and monitoring treatment success. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Time to REST: epidemiology and burden.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by a compelling urge to move, accompanied by disturbing sensations within the legs. It is now recognized that RLS is a common condition that has a substantial impact on sleep, daily activities and quality of life. Recent data from the REST (RLS Epidemiology, Symptoms, and Treatment) general population study show that symptoms of RLS are present in approximately 7% of the general population, and that 2-3% experience moderate or severe symptoms at least twice a week. Amongst this RLS cohort, approximately 88% reported sensory disturbances and 76% reported sleep-related symptoms. These symptoms had a marked effect on everyday life, with up to 50% of the RLS cohort reporting disruption of everyday activities or personal relationships. Sleep disturbances in turn lead to impaired daytime functioning. RLS is associated with a significant impairment of quality of life, comparable with that seen in chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or depression. Given the significant burden of morbidity associated with RLS, there is a strong case for treatment in patients with troublesome symptoms. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Developing skills in clinical leadership for ward sisters.
The Francis report has called for a strengthening of the ward sister's role. It recommends that sisters should operate in a supervisory capacity and should not be office bound. Effective ward leadership has been recognised as being vital to high-quality patient care and experience, resource management and interprofessional working. However, there is evidence that ward sisters are ill equipped to lead effectively and lack confidence in their ability to do so. University College London Hospitals Foundation Trust has recognised that the job has become almost impossible in increasingly large and complex organisations. Ward sisters spend less than 40% of their time on clinical leadership and the trust is undertaking a number of initiatives to support them in this role. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
What they mean by "good science': the medical community's response to boutique fetal ultrasounds.
Since 1994, when the first fetal imaging boutique appeared in Texas, many sites have been established around the country for parents to receive nonmedical fetal imaging using three- and four-dimensional ultrasound machines. These businesses boast the benefits they offer to parental-fetal bonding, but the medical community objects to the use of ultrasound machines for nonmedical purposes. In this article, I present the statements released by the medical community, highlighting the alarmist strategies used to paint boutique ultrasounds as bad science and elevate the medical use of ultrasounds. Through a close reading of the statements, it is shown that the medical community's primary concern is not the health of the fetus or the woman but rather their place as the sole users of fetal ultrasounds. This detailed analysis reveals a medical community fearful that its authority is being usurped and is therefore responding with statements meant to denigrate boutique fetal ultrasounds. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effect of glucose added to the dialysis fluid on blood pressure, blood glucose, and quality of life in hemodialysis patients: a placebo-controlled crossover study.
Risk for hypoglycemia increases during hemodialysis sessions. The compensatory homeostatic response to hypoglycemia may increase the risk for abnormal blood pressure regulation. The purpose is to determine blood pressure and blood glucose levels and variability in these variables during dialysis with and without glucose in the dialysis fluid. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, unblinded, crossover study of 44 hemodialysis patients, 34 patients without diabetes and 10 patients with diabetes were allocated to treatment with and without glucose in the dialysis fluid during two 10-week periods. Blood pressure and blood glucose levels were determined 5 to 8 times at each dialysis session during both periods. Quality of life was estimated by using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire at the end of both treatment periods. With glucose in the dialysis fluid, blood pressure was significantly lower (systolic, 144 +/- 20 versus 149 +/- 21 mm Hg; P < 0.003; diastolic, 73 +/- 10 versus 76 +/- 10 mm Hg; P < 0.001), blood glucose level was higher (125 +/- 25 versus 110 +/- 26 mg/dL [6.96 +/- 1.36 versus 6.08 +/- 1.47 mmol/L]; P < 0.001), and quality of life was the same. Variations in systolic and diastolic blood pressures and blood glucose levels were the same during both treatments. In the subgroup of patients with diabetes, variation in blood glucose levels decreased significantly with glucose in the dialysis fluid (mean, 30 versus 37 mg/dL [1.66 versus 2.03 mmol/L]; P = 0.008). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased with glucose in the dialysis fluid in patients with chronic renal failure, presumably because of insulin-induced vasodilatation in patients without diabetes. Blood glucose level regulation improved in the diabetic subgroup, and blood glucose levels were not greater in patients with diabetes with glucose in the dialysis water. Quality of life was not changed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Goldilocks' Determination of What New In Vivo Data are "Just Right" for Different Common Drug Development Scenarios, Part 1.
As alternative models and scientific advancements improve the ability to predict developmental toxicity, the challenge is how to best use this information to support safe use of pharmaceuticals in humans. While in vivo experimental data are often expected, there are other important considerations that drive the impact of developmental toxicity data to human risk assessment and product labeling. These considerations include three key elements: (1) the drug's likelihood of producing off-target toxicities, (2) risk tolerance of adverse effects based on indication and patient population, and (3) how much is known about the effects of modulating the target in pregnancy and developmental biology. For example, there is little impact or value of a study in pregnant monkeys to inform the risk assessment for a highly specific monoclonal antibody indicated for a life-threatening indication against a target known to be critical for pregnancy maintenance and fetal survival. In contrast, a small molecule to a novel biological target for a chronic lifestyle indication would warrant more safety data than simply in vitro studies and a literature review. Rather than accounting for innumerable theoretical possibilities surrounding each potential submission's profile, we consolidated most of the typical situations into eight possible scenarios across these three elements, and present a discussion of these scenarios here. We hope that this framework will facilitate a rational approach to determining what new information is required to inform developmental toxicity risk of pharmaceuticals in context of the specific needs of each program while reducing animal use where possible. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ruthenium-catalyzed hydrophosphinylative cyclization of 1,6-diynes. Stereoselective synthesis of exocyclic 1,3-dienylphosphine oxides.
The first catalytic synthesis of exocyclic 1,3-dienylphosphine oxides was achieved by the ruthenium-catalyzed selective hydrophosphinylative cyclization of 1,6-diynes. A plausible mechanism involving a ruthenacyclopentatriene intermediate is proposed on the basis of the DFT calculations of model ruthenium complexes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Localization of activin beta(A)-, beta(B)-, and beta(C)-subunits in humanprostate and evidence for formation of new activin heterodimers of beta(C)-subunit.
Activin ligands are formed by dimerization of activin ss(A)- and/or ss(B)-subunits to produce activins A, AB, or B. These ligands are members of the transforming growth factor-ss superfamily and act as growth and differentiation factors in many cells and tissues. New additions to this family include activin ss(C)-, ss(D)-, and ss(E)-subunits. The aim of this investigation was to examine the localization of and dimerization among activin subunits; the results demonstrate that activin ss(C) can form dimers with activin ss(A) and ss(B) in vitro, but not with the inhibin alpha-subunit. Using a specific antibody, activin ss(C) protein was localized to human liver and prostate and colocalized with ss(A)- and ss(B)-subunits to specific cell types in benign and malignant prostate tissues. Activin C did not alter DNA synthesis of the prostate tumor cell line, LNCaP, or the liver tumor cell line, HepG2, in vitro when added alone or with activin A. Therefore, the capacity to form novel activin heterodimers (but not inhibin C) resides in the human liver and prostate. Activin A, AB, and B have diverse actions in many tissues, including liver and prostate, but there is no known biological activity for activin C. Thus, the evidence of formation of activin AC or BC heterodimers may have significant implications in the regulation of levels and/or biological activity of other activins in these tissues. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Growth rate and growth probability of Listeria monocytogenes in dairy, meat and seafood products in suboptimal conditions.
To evaluate the performances of models predicting the growth rate or the growth probability of Listeria monocytogenes in food. Cardinal and square root type models including or not interactions between environmental factors and probability models were evaluated for their ability to describe the behaviour of L. monocytogenes in liquid dairy products, cheese, meat and seafood products. Models excluding interactions seemed sufficient to predict the growth rate of L. monocytogenes. However, the accurate prediction of growth/no-growth limits needed to take interactions into account. A complete and a simplified form (preservatives deducted) of a new cardinal model including interactions and parameter values were suggested to predict confidence limits for the growth rate of L. monocytogenes in food. This model could also be used for the growth probability prediction. The new cardinal model including interactions was efficient to predict confidence limits for the growth rate of L. monocytogenes and its growth probability in liquid dairy products, meat and seafood products. In cheese, the model was efficient to predict the absence of growth of the pathogen. The suggested model can be used for risk assessment and risk management concerning L. monocytogenes in dairy, meat and seafood products. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Can the state of platinum species be unambiguously determined by the stretching frequency of an adsorbed CO probe molecule?
The paper addresses possible ambiguities in the determination of the state of platinum species by the stretching frequency of a CO probe, which is a common technique for characterization of platinum-containing catalytic systems. We present a comprehensive comparison of the available experimental data with our theoretical modeling (density functional) results of pertinent systems - platinum surfaces, nanoparticles and clusters as well as reduced or oxidized platinum moieties on a ceria support. Our results for CO adsorbed on-top on metallic Pt(0), with C-O vibrational frequencies in the region 2018-2077 cm(-1), suggest that a decrease of the coordination number of the platinum atom, to which CO is bound, by one lowers the CO frequency by about 7 cm(-1). This trend corroborates the Kappers-van der Maas correlation derived from the analysis of the experimental stretching frequency of CO adsorbed on platinum-containing samples on different supports. We also analyzed the effect of the charge of platinum species on the CO frequency. Based on the calculated vibrational frequencies of CO in various model systems, we concluded that the actual state of the platinum species may be mistaken based only on the measured value of the C-O vibrational frequency due to overlapping regions of frequencies corresponding to different types of species. In order to identify the actual state of platinum species one has to combine this powerful technique with other approaches. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
X-ray microanalysis of HeLa S3 cells. II. Analysis of elemental levels during the cell cycle.
HeLa S3 cells were synchronized using hydroxyurea. Cryoultramicrotomy and X-ray microanalysis were used to study changes occurring in concentrations of elements during the cell cycle of the synchronized cells. Three subcellular compartments were studied : cytoplasm, nucleus and nucleolus. Potassium concentrations showed little fluctuation in all of the cell compartments during the cell cycle. Sodium concentrations increased during S. and M phases, returning to lower levels in the G1 phase. Chlorine concentrations were highest during the S and G2 phases. At all stages of the cell cycle respective concentrations of potassium, sodium, sulphur and chlorine were similar in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Concentrations of phosphorus increased in the nucleus during S, G2 and M, and also showed fluctuations in the nucleolus during the cycle; these were not seen in the cytoplasm. In S, M and M/G1 sodium concentrations were highest in the nucleolus compared with the other compartments. In the cytoplasm these changes resulted in an increase in total monovalent cation concentration (i.e. sodium + potassium) during S, G2 and M, which returned to base levels after mitosis. This increase in monovalent cation concentration is due almost entirely to the increase in sodium, with little change occurring in the concentration of potassium. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evaluating coagulation tests in patients with atrial fibrillation using direct oral anticoagulants.
Four direct oral anticoagulants (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban) have been shown to be at least as effective and safe as warfarin for the prevention of stroke in atrial fibrillation and the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism. Although they are administered in fixed doses without routine coagulation monitoring, measurement of anticoagulant effect or drug levels may be useful to determine if: anticoagulant effect is present in patients who are bleeding or require an urgent procedure or thrombolysis; levels are within usual on-therapy range in patients with recurrent thromboembolism during treatment; and levels are outside of the usual on-therapy range in patients with overdose or with extreme clinical characteristics. Traditional coagulation assays are widely available but lack sensitivity to detect clinically relevant anticoagulant effects, and lack accuracy in quantitating drug levels. Specific drug assays are less widely available but can accurately measure drug levels and should be preferred. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Distinctive inhibitory activity of docosahexaenoic acid against sphingosine-induced apoptosis.
The effect of supplementation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on the apoptosis of HL60 cells was examined using N-acetyl sphingosine (C2-ceramide) and sphingosine as apoptosis-inducing agents. Although C2-ceramide-induced apoptosis was not affected by DHA supplementation, sphingosine-induced apoptosis was reduced almost to the background level by preincubation with 10 microM DHA for 24 h. Among the fatty acids, only DHA appeared to be endowed with the ability to reduce sphingosine-induced apoptosis, whereas, other unsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), did not show this activity. Incubation of HL60 with DHA within 6 h did not affect the apoptosis, suggesting that DHA probably expressed the inhibitory activity after modulation of the membrane fatty acid composition. DHA also attenuated the apoptosis induced by dimethylsphingosine and H-7, but not by calphostin C, indicating that enrichment of DHA in membranous phospholipid does not necessarily prevent all of the apoptosis associated with the inhibition of protein kinase C. The mechanism of the inhibition against sphingosine-induced apoptosis by DHA remains to be further explored. However, the inhibition of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) may be involved in the mechanism, because distinctive inhibitory activity of DHA against cPLA2 has been demonstrated [M. Shikano, Y. Masuzawa, K. Yazawa, K. Takayama, I. Kudo, K. Inoue, Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1212, 1994, 211-216], and arachidonyl trifluoromethylketone, a specific inhibitor of cPLA2, attenuated the apoptosis induced by sphingosine. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Population genetics of wood-feeding cockroaches in the genus Cryptocercus.
Members of the genus Cryptocercus are xylophagous, wingless, subsocial cockroaches that inhabit decaying logs in temperate forests. Given their winglessness, subsocial living, and the patchy distribution of food resources (decomposing logs), it is likely that Cryptocercus populations are substructured. Allozyme variation at eight polymorphic loci was assayed for 10 subpopulations of Cryptocercus darwini and 13 subpopulations of Cryptocercus wrighti, both of which are distributed in the Appalachian Mountains. The mean F(IS) was 0.13 and F(ST) was about 0.25 for both C. darwini and C. wrighti. The relatedness among individuals of a subpopulation of both species was not significantly different from that expected among full sibs. In terms of how genetic variation is partitioned, C. darwini and C. wrighti differed from each other substantially. Most of the genetic variation occurred among subpopulations of C. wrighti in the same region and among subpopulations of C. darwini in different regions. We discuss the factors that may have contributed to the observed similarities and differences in the breeding structure of the two species. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Migration of blood cells and phospholipid vesicles induced by concentration gradients in microcavities.
Microcavities provide a well-controlled flow-free microenvironment and play an important role in many microfluidic systems, for example as cell-culturing microchambers. Here we show that transient concentration gradients that emerge during diffusive exchange of solutes in microcavities induce passive migration (diffusiophoresis) of blood cells and synthetic phospholipid vesicles. The passive migration is observed in various concentration gradients comprising non-electrolytes and electrolytes, i.e., glucose, sucrose, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium benzoate, and potassium sulfate. The results add to prior reports, where gradients of non-electrolytes and monovalent salts, produced by micropipette injection, did not induce a noticeable migration of vesicles. The migration distances measured depended on the solution and the cell or vesicle type, and were in the range of several tens of micrometers. The results show that diffusiophoresis of cells and vesicles is a notable phenomenon in a flow-free environment and has to be taken into account when an accurate spatiotemporal control of cells or vesicles in microcavities is required. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Enhancing vacuolar sucrose cleavage within the developing potato tuber has only minor effects on metabolism.
Modification of tuber carbohydrate metabolism by the tuber-specific expression of a yeast invertase targeted to the cytosol or apoplast has previously been demonstrated to have diverse effects on tuber growth and metabolism. In the current study, we generated plants exhibiting tuber-specific expression of the same enzyme targeted to the vacuole. Enzymatic analysis of the carbohydrate levels of the tuber revealed dramatic decreases in sucrose content coupled with large increases in the levels of glucose and hexose phosphates, but unaltered starch content in the transformants. Analysis of the key enzyme of glycolysis suggests that this pathway is down-regulated in the transformants. Despite these changes in metabolite pools and enzyme activity, few consistent changes could be observed in the estimated metabolic fluxes following incubation of isolated tuber discs in labelled glucose. The analysis of the relative levels of a wide range of metabolites using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)-based metabolite profiling method revealed large changes in the levels of fructose and decreases in a range of other sugars, but very few changes in the contents of organic and amino acids. This metabolic profile is remarkably consistent with that obtained following expression of the invertase in the apoplastic compartment, providing circumstantial evidence for the endocytotic trafficking of sugars within potato tuber parenchyma. Finally, the results of this study are compared with those from other plant species and the relative roles of the vacuolar isoform of the enzyme are contrasted. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Perceived importance and responsibility for market-driven pig welfare: Literature review.
This review explores barriers and opportunities for market-driven pig welfare in Europe. It finds, first, that consumers generally rank animal welfare as important, but they also rank it low relative to other societal problems. Second, consumers have a wide range of concerns about pig welfare, but they focus especially on naturalness. Third, pig welfare is seen as an important indicator of meat quality. Fourth, consumers tend to think that responsibility for pig welfare lies with several actors: farmers, governments and themselves. The paper concludes that there is an opportunity for the market-driven strategy to sell a narrative about naturalness supplemented with other attractive qualities (such as eating quality). It also emphasizes that pig welfare needs to be on the political/societal agenda permanently if it is to be viewed as an important issue by consumers and if consumers are to assume some sort of responsibility for it. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Financing health care in rural China: preliminary report of a nationwide study.
One unforeseen consequence of the change from collective to household production in rural China has been that the financial basis of the rural health services has been eroded. The majority of peasants now pay for health care on a fee-for-service basis. A major initiative aimed at the establishment of prepayment schemes for funding rural health services is underway. A nationwide survey which compared health utilization and expenditure under different financing mechanisms was carried out in 1988. This paper presents the preliminary findings of that study. There is evidence that hospital charges were a barrier to inpatient care for those not covered by an insurance scheme. The data were less clearcut with regard to access to outpatient care. There is a need for further study which focuses on poor households and those living in remote villages. The study found that drug charges are an important source of revenue for the rural health services. The impact of this on prescription practices is an area which requires additional research. The cost of rural health services was relatively low. It is feasible to finance them almost entirely out of local resources in the more developed regions. The situation in the poorer provinces is more complicated. In spite of the fact that average health expenditure was almost 5% of household income in 1988, there was evidence of lack of access. This suggests that it may be more difficult to develop prepayment schemes to cover the full range of rural health services in the less developed regions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Brainstem projections to the phrenic nucleus: an anterograde and retrograde HRP study in the rabbit.
Brainstem projections to the phrenic nucleus were studied in rabbits using horseradish peroxidase conjugated with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA-HRP) as a retrograde and anterograde neuronal tracer. Injections of 1% WGA-HRP were centered in the phrenic nucleus in the C4-C5 ventral horn in 4 rabbits to identify pontomedullary nuclear groups that contain neurons projecting to the midcervical spinal cord. Regions of the rabbit brainstem that are homologous to the ventral respiratory group (VRG), dorsal respiratory group (DRG), Bötzinger Complex (BötC) and Kölliker-Fuse nucleus in the cat and rat were shown to provide the major pontomedullary projections to the phrenic nucleus. Injections of WGA-HRP into physiologically identified locations within DRG, VRG and BötC anterogradely labelled bulbospinal axons of these groups. These injections produced presumptive terminal labelling in the C4-C5 ventral horn in the region containing the phrenic cell column and the transverse phrenic motoneuron dendrite bundles as defined by WGA-HRP labelling of phrenic motoneurons. These results indicate: 1) The presumptive excitatory (DRG, VRG) and inhibitory (BötC) bulbospinal control of phrenic motoneurons arise from the same medullary respiratory groups in the rabbit as in the cat and rat. 2) The bulbospinal control of phrenic motoneurons is primarily via direct projections to the phrenic motor nucleus, and not through segmental propriospinal interneurons. 3) As in the rat, the bulbospinal contribution of the DRG is less pronounced in the rabbit than in the cat. 4) The rabbit and rat have a slight ipsilateral predominance in their bulbospinal projections to phrenic nucleus; whereas these projections have a contralateral predominance in the cat. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Asparaginase and glutaminase activity in Pseudomonas fluorescens in continuous cultivation].
The cells of Pseudomonas fluorescens AG contain two inducable asparaginase enzymes: one of them hydrolyzes only L-asparagine (asparaginase A), the other--L-asparagine, L-glutamine, and D-asparagine (asparaginase AG). In the conditions of continuous cultivation of the bacteria, aspartic and glutamic acids induce the formation of these enzymes only when the amino acids were used simultaneously as a growth-limiting factor and as a sole source of carbon and nitrogen. Both enzymes are not induced in the conditions when the growth is limited by the nitrogen of these amino acids. When the growth was limited by carbon, asparagine, aspartic and glutamic acids induce asparaginase AG more than asparaginase A. Asparagine and glutamine are better inductors than the corresponding amino acids. The activity of asparaginase and glutaminase increases with the specific growth rate of the culture. The induced synthesis of both amidases, after prolonged growth of the culture on a defined medium with glycerol, is inhibited by glycerol but not by glucose. The results are discussed from the viewpoint of regulation of amidases in these bacterial cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prediction of Acute Postoperative Pain Following Breast Cancer Surgery Using the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire: A Cohort Study.
Previous studies have indicated that preoperative pain sensitivity correlates with postoperative pain intensity, and thus may be used to predict severe postoperative pain. Self-rating of pain sensitivity using the "Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ)" may be an adjunct to these measures. We tested the predictive ability of the PSQ as well as experimental parameters of pain sensitivity and other known risk factors for acute pain in 198 patients scheduled for breast cancer surgery. A multivariable logistic regression model was created for the binary outcome "maximum pain >3 during the first 24 hours postoperatively." The PSQ score proved to be an independent risk factor for at least moderate pain during the first 24 hours after surgery. Univariate analysis yielded in addition younger age, type of surgery (mastectomy vs. breast-conserving surgery), axillary dissection, expected pain, and the anxiety scores of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, as well as the score of the Beck Depression Inventory as risk factors. Of the experimental parameters of pain sensitivity, only the pain intensity elicited by a hot water bath was a predictor of at least moderate postoperative pain. Multivariable analysis led to a parsimonious model including only PSQ, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory state score with a cutoff of ≥30, age with a cutoff of <55, mastectomy (vs. breast-conserving surgery), and axillary dissection. Results need to be validated in a larger cohort and for other types of surgery, but use of the simple PSQ may help to identify patients at risk of intense acute postoperative pain. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Thrombin and albumin adsorption to PVA and heparin-PVA hydrogels. I. Single protein isotherms.
More radiolabeled thrombin was adsorbed to heparin-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) than to PVA, consistent with a specific interaction with the immobilized heparin. The maximum surface concentration on heparin-PVA was estimated to be approximately 450 nmol/m2 with an apparent affinity constant (Ka) of 2.5 microM-1; on PVA, the plateau concentration was 10 nmol/m2 with a Ka less than 1 nM-1. There was little difference in bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption between PVA and heparin-PVA. Interestingly, thrombin adsorption to polyethylene was indistinguishable from that to PVA despite the large difference in surface chemistry. BSA adsorbed to polyethylene with higher affinity than to the hydrogels, although the plateau concentrations were comparable. The adsorbed thrombin was biologically inactive at least towards chromogenic substrate, with the residual activity on PVA unaffected by subsequent incubations with antithrombin III. PVA and heparin-PVA presented a heterogeneous and complex substrate for interaction with proteins. The adsorbed protein was likely present in multiple states depending on the groups with which it interacted. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Subphrenic bronchogenic cyst mimicking a juxtahepatic solid lesion.
Most bronchogenic cysts occur in the mediastinum. However, they may be found near any organ derived from the embryonic foregut, even in the extrathoracic region. We report a case of subphrenic bronchogenic cyst that was initially confused with a solid lesion because of its unusual location and atypical appearance on ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Corrections to Morse and Ingard's variational-based treatment of weakly-nonlinear acoustics in lossless gases.
Errors in Morse and Ingard's treatment of the topic of weakly-nonlinear acoustics in Sec. 6.2 of their book [Theoretical Acoustics (1968)] are noted and corrected. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Regional anesthesia during newborn circumcision. Effect on infant pain response.
A controlled, double-blind investigation was undertaken to determine whether regional anesthesia by dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB) could effectively minimize the pain and behavioral disruptions usually associated with newborn circumcision. Fifteen infants had DPNB with lidocaine, eight control infants had DPNB with saline, and eight additional control infants were circumcised without undergoing DPNB. Newborn distress was gauged by subjective observation, measurement of heart rate, and the percent of time spent crying in six sequential timed intervals during circumcision. Ninety-three percent of subjects who received lidocaine were observed to have a decrease in agitation after anesthetic administration. The mean increase in heart rate during circumcision was at least 50 percent less in the lidocaine injected group than in either control group (p less than 0.01). Infants who had DPNB with lidocaine cried 50 percent less during circumcision compared to combined controls (p less than 0.01). DPNB was easily administered, and there were no significant complications. Physicians who circumcise newborns have good reason to employ the technique of dorsal penile nerve block with lidocaine to minimize infant pain and distress. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Charge-based particle separation in microfluidic devices using combined hydrodynamic and electrokinetic effects.
A new microfluidic approach for charge-based particle separation using combined hydrodynamic and electrokinetic effects is presented. A recirculating flow pattern is employed, generated through application of bi-directional flow in a narrow glass microchannel incorporating diverging or converging segments at both ends. The bi-directional flow in turn is a result of opposing pressure-driven flow and electro-osmotic flow in the device. Trapping and preconcentration of charged particles is observed in the recirculating flow, under conditions where the average net velocity of the particles themselves approaches zero. This phenomenon is termed flow-induced electrokinetic trapping (FIET). Importantly, the electrophoretic mobility (zeta potential) of the particles determines the flow conditions required for trapping. In this paper, we exploit FIET for the first time to perform particle separations. Using a non-uniform channel, one type of particle can be trapped according to its zeta-potential, while particles with higher or lower zeta-potentials are flushed away with the pressure-driven or electro-osmotic components, respectively, of the flow. This was demonstrated using simple mixtures of two polystyrene bead types having approximately the same size (3 microm) but different zeta potentials (differences were in the order of 25 to 40 mV). To gain more insight into the separation mechanism, particle separations in straight, 3 cm-long microchannels with uniform cross-section were also studied under conditions of bi-directional flow without trapping. A thorough theoretical analysis confirmed that trapping occurs when electrokinetic and pressure-driven particle velocities are equal and opposite throughout the diverging segment. This makes it possible to predict the pressure and electric field conditions required to separate particles having defined zeta potentials. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Inhibition of fructolytic enzymes in boar spermatozoa by (S)-alpha-chlorohydrin and 1-chloro-3-hydroxypropanone.
When boar spermatozoa were incubated with the (S)-isomer of the male antifertility agent alpha-chlorohydrin the activity of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase was inhibited. The (R)-isomer had no significant effect on the activity of this enzyme whereas (R,S)-3-chlorolactaldehyde caused an inhibition of its activity and also in that of lactate dehydrogenase. The in vitro production of (S)-3-chlorolactaldehyde, the active metabolite of (S)-alpha-chlorohydrin, was attempted by incubating boar spermatozoa with 1-chloro-3-hydroxypropanone. Preliminary results lead us to propose that this compound is converted into (S)-3-chlorolactaldehyde as well as to another metabolite which is an inhibitor of other enzymes within the fructolytic pathway. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evaluation of a rapid PCR-based method for the detection of animal material.
A rapid PCR-based analytical method for detection of animal-derived materials in complete feed was developed. Using a commercially available DNA forensic kit for the extraction of DNA from animal feed, a sensitive method was developed that was capable of detecting as little as 0.03% bovine meat and bone meal in complete feed in under 8 h of total assay time. The reduction in assay time was accomplished by reducing the DNA extraction time to 2 h and using the simpler cleanup procedure of the kit. Assay sensitivity can be increased to 0.006% by increasing the DNA extraction time to an overnight incubation of approximately 16 h. Examination of dairy feed samples containing either bovine meat and bone meal, porcine meat and bone meal, or lamb meal at a level of 0.1% (wt/wt basis) suggested that this method may be suitable for regulatory uses. The adoption of this commercially available kit for use with animal feeds yields an assay that is quicker and simpler to perform than a previously validated assay for the detection of animal proteins in animal feed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Frequency of potential azole drug-drug interactions and consequences of potential fluconazole drug interactions.
To assess the frequency of potential azole-drug interactions and consequences of interactions between fluconazole and other drugs in routine inpatient care. We performed a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients treated for systemic fungal infections with an oral or intravenous azole medication between July 1997 and June 2001 in a tertiary care hospital. We recorded the concomitant use of medications known to interact with azole antifungals and measured the frequency of potential azole drug interactions, which we considered to be present when both drugs were given together. We then performed a chart review on a random sample of admissions in which patients were exposed to a potential moderate or major drug interaction with fluconazole. The list of azole-interacting medications and the severity of interaction were derived from the DRUGDEX System and Drug Interaction Facts. Among the 4,185 admissions in which azole agents (fluconazole, itraconazole or ketoconazole) were given, 2,941 (70.3%) admissions experienced potential azole-drug interactions, which included 2,716 (92.3%) admissions experiencing potential fluconazole interactions. The most frequent interactions with potential moderate to major severity were co-administration of fluconazole with prednisone (25.3%), midazolam (17.5%), warfarin (14.7%), methylprednisolone (14.1%), cyclosporine (10.7%) and nifedipine (10.1%). Charts were reviewed for 199 admissions in which patients were exposed to potential fluconazole drug interactions. While four adverse drug events (ADEs) caused by fluconazole were found, none was felt to be caused by a drug-drug interaction (DDI), although in one instance fluconazole may have contributed. Potential fluconazole drug interactions were very frequent among hospitalized patients on systemic azole antifungal therapy, but they had few apparent clinical consequences. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Effect of bafilomycin A1 on proliferation and oxaliplatin sensitivity in gastric cancer MGC-803 cells].
To investigate the effect of bafilomycin A1 (BAF) on the cell proliferation, invasiveness, apoptosis, and oxaliplatin sensitivity in gastric cancer MGC-803 cells. MGC-803 cells were divided into control group, BAF group, oxaliplatin group, and BAFµ oxaliplatin group. MTT assay and plate clone formation assay were used to assess the viability and colony forming ability of the cells after the treatments. The expression of nucleosomes in the cells was examined with ELISA. The cell migration and invasion after the treatments were evaluated. Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in the treated cells, and scanning electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were employed to to observe the cell autophagy. Compared with the control cells, the cells treated with BAF showed a substantial decrease in autophagosome accumulation with attenuated cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Compared with cells treated with oxaliplatin alone, the cells treated with both BAF and oxaliplatin showed significantly lowered autophagosome accumulation, suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion, increased cell apoptosis, increased Bax expression and lowered Bcl-2 expression. BAF can inhibit the proliferation and invasiveness of MGC-803 cells, promote cell apoptosis by inhibiting autophagy, and enhances the sensitivity of the cells to oxaliplatin. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Elimination of both cell-free and cell-associated HIV infectivity in plasma by a filtration/methylene blue photoinactivation system.
Methylene blue phototreatment effectively inactivates cell-free viruses in plasma while maintaining coagulation activities. However, this treatment is considered to be less effective for cell-associated virus inactivation. This report describes a new virus elimination system designed to eliminate cell-associated viruses with a cell-removal filter followed by methylene blue photoinactivation of cell-free viruses in plasma. Fresh plasma was inoculated with HIV or HIV-infected Molt4 cells (Molt4(IIIB)). The plasma was transferred to a bag containing methylene blue by passing it through a cell-removal filter and was irradiated with white fluorescent light. HIV infectivity was detected by indirect fluorescence assay. In parallel studies, coagulation activities in identically treated plasma were measured during 1 year of storage at -80 degrees C. Initial cell-free HIV titer of 10(6.2) TCID(50) per 0.1 mL dropped to 10(-0. 3) and <10(-0.5) TCID(50) per 0.1 mL after 10 or 20 J per cm(2) radiation, respectively. Cellular components were not detectable in plasma after filtration. The cell-free state of the plasma was ascertained from the observation that the DNase-resistant beta-globin gene, as a marker of intact WBCs, was not detected in the filtrates by PCR. The infectivity of Molt4(IIIB) was reduced to below the detection limit after filtration and radiation, and proviral HIV DNA was not detected in the filtrates by PCR. Coagulation activities including factor VIII in the treated plasma were maintained at more than 76 percent compared with the percentage in untreated plasma after 1 year of storage. The filtration/methylene blue photoinactivation system eliminated both cell-free and cell-associated HIV infectivities from plasma while maintaining coagulation activities for 1 year at -80 degrees C storage. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Minimally invasive surgical treatment for lumbar degenerative disease with IsoC-3D navigation under Mast Quadrant system].
To evaluate the effects of surgical treatment of IsoC-3D navigation assisted percutaneous pedicle screw fixation,vertebral canal decompression and interbody fusion using Mast Quadrant system in patients with lumbar degenerative disease. From January 2009 to February 2010,21 patients with lumbar degenerative disease were treated with IsoC-3D navigation under Mast Quadrant system. There were 12 males and 9 females, with an average age of 50.2 years (ranged,36 to 72 years). All patients underwent discectomy,vertebral canal decompression, cage implantation using Mast Quadrant system and IsoC-3D navigation assisted sextant lumbar fixation. Clinical outcomes were evaluated with Oswestry disability index (ODI), Visual analog scale (VAS) and degree of satisfaction of patients. Eighteen patients (85.7%) were followed up from 6 to 18 months with an average of 10 months. No surgery-related complications were found. The preoperative, postoperative ODI scores was 49.6 +/- 12.2 and 17.2 +/- 9.2, respectively (P < 0.01); VAS score of leg pain decreased from preoperative 75.2 +/- 10.0 to 12.2 +/- 11.8 at final follow-up (P < 0.01); VAS score of lumbago decreased from preoperative 59.9 +/- 17.3 to 16.6 +/- 11.5 at final follow-up (P < 0.01). Sixteen patients obtained satisfactory results. IsoC-3D navigation assisted percutaneous pedicle screw fixation,vertebral canal decompression and interbody fusion using Mast Quadrant system could achieve satisfactory clinical results in treating lumbar degenerative disease and may be a better alternative to conventional surgical procedures. It has advantages such as limited tissue damage, less blood loss, short time in hospital. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Male genital system and spermiogenesis of Nanorchestes amphibius (Acari: Endeostigmata: Nanorchestidae): anatomy, histology, and evolutionary implications.
In the present article the anatomy and histology of the male genital system of an endeostigmatid mite are described for the first time. The Endeostigmata probably are a paraphyletic group supposed to include the most primitive actinotrichid mites. In Nanorchestes amphibius, the testis comprises a paired germinal region connected with an unpaired glandular region. In the germinal region, spermiogenesis takes place in cysts of a somatic cell containing germ cells representing the same developmental stage. In the lumen of the glandular region, the spermatozoa are stored together with secretions of the glandular epithelium. These secretions are probably involved in the formation of spermatophores. From the glandular region, spermatozoa and secretions are released into the vasa deferentia that histologically can be divided into three sections, beginning with a short paired region with strong circular muscles serving as a sphincter, continuing with a paired proximal zone, followed by a short unpaired distal section. The distal vas deferens leads into the chitinous, unpaired ductus ejaculatorius which is followed by the progenital chamber. The ductus ejaculatorius is composed of a proximal section and a proximal, central, and anterior chamber. It is accompanied by a complex system of muscles and sclerites probably involved in the formation and ejaculation of the spermatophore. A similar organization can also be found in Prostigmata, but not in Oribatida. Anterior to the progenital chamber is located a paired accessory gland that probably produces a lipid secretion. Spermiogenesis is characterized by disintegration of the nuclear envelope, condensation of chromatin, and extensive reduction of the amount of sperm cell cytoplasm. The mature aflagellate, U-shaped spermatozoa are simple in structure and lack mitochondria and an acrosome complex. The results do not support the current view that Nanorchestidae are more closely related to Sarcoptiformes, i.e., Oribatida and Astigmata, than to Prostigmata. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effect of bile salts on the formation and hydrolysis of cholesterol esters by rat liver enzymes.
To determine the effects of different bile salts on the enzymic esterification of cholesterol and the hydrolysis of cholesterol esters rat liver homogenates and rat liver microsomes were incubated with varying amounts of different bile salts. Bile salts inhibited the formation of radioactive cholesterol esters in incubations of either rat liver homogenates or rat liver microsomes containing [14C]cholesterol. Chenodeoxycholate, glycochenodeoxycholate and taurochenodeoxycholate were more potent inhibitors than their comparable cholate analogues. Bile salts stimulated the hydrolysis of cholesterol esters when incubation were carried out with the liver homogenates. The dihydroxy bile salts were again more potent in this regard than the trihydroxylated bile salts. When the effects of bile salts on cholesterol ester hydrolysis were studied in in vitro incubations of hepatic microsomes a biphasic mode of acion was observed. In the absence of Na+ or K+ bile salts stimulated the hydrolysis of cholesterol oleate. However, following the addition of either Na+ or K+ to the microsomal incubations, bile salts caused an inhibition of cholesterol ester hydrolysis. Since cholesterol esterification was also inhibited under these conditions a direct inhibitory effect (not attributable to enhanced hydrolase activity) of the bile salts on the formation of cholesterol esters by the microsomes was established. Furthermore, this inhibition takes place at the transacylation step involving the fatty acyl-CoA ester and the sterol. These results suggest that bile salts can significantly alter the cholesterol-cholesterol ester profile in the liver, and furthermore, that these effects may be influenced by small changes in the intracellular environment in the region where these reactions occur. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The use of roentgenstereophotogrammetry in dentistry for the localisation of ectopic teeth (author's transl)].
Ectopic teeth in the maxilla in eight patients were localised by roentgenstereo-photogrammetry and the findings confirmed at operation. This new method is likely to be useful in dental surgery. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Caries increment in young children in Skaraborg, Sweden: associations with parental sociodemography, health habits, and attitudes.
To explore parental sociodemography, oral health habits, and attitudes in relation to dental caries increment in their children. A longitudinal questionnaire and clinical study. The children were followed annually from age 3 years (n = 271) to 6 years (n = 243). Carious lesions of different depth were registered (initial and manifest) by four calibrated dentists. The parents filled out a questionnaire. Statistics included factor analyses, Cronbach's alpha together with bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Most of the parents exhibited positive health behaviour and attitudes. 'Late start of toothbrushing of child' was, however, common (≥1 year; 29%) and 'external locus of control' showed a high mean value (10,1; possible range 3-15). In a multivariate model, 'parent born abroad' (OR 3.26, 95% CI 1.85-5.76) and 'parental indulgence' (OR 3.20, 95% CI 1.37-7.51) were the most important for the development of carious lesions in the children. This study identified 'parent born abroad' and 'parental indulgence' as significant risk factors for caries in the age period 3 to 6 years. Identifying parents with the greatest need should be emphasized, in order to target promotion and prevention activities. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fluorescence emission from photo-fragments after resonant S 2p excitations in H2S.
Visible-UV fluorescence emission of gas-phase hydrogen sulfide, H(2)S, has been studied at the S 2p edge with synchrotron radiation excitation. Dispersed fluorescence measurements in the wavelength range 300-900 nm were taken at several photon energies corresponding to the excitations of the S 2p electrons to the unoccupied molecular and Rydberg orbitals. The spectra reveal fluorescence from the H, S, S(+), HS and HS(+) photo-fragments. H is found to be the strongest emitter at Rydberg excitations, while the emission from S(+) is dominant at the molecular resonances and above the S 2p ionization thresholds. The intensities of hydrogen Lyman-alpha (122 nm), Balmer-alpha (656 nm), Balmer-beta (486 nm) transitions as well as the visible-UV total fluorescence yield (300-900 nm) and the total ion yield were measured by scanning the photon energy in small steps across the S 2p edge. The different Balmer lines show some sensitivity to the specific core excitations, which is, however, not so strong as that recently observed in the water molecule [E. Melero García, A. Kivimäki, L. G. M. Pettersson, J. Alvarez Ruiz, M. Coreno, M. de Simone, R. Richter and K. C. Prince, Phys. Rev. Lett., 2006, 96, 063003]. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Serotypes of spotted fever group rickettsiae isolated from Dermacentor andersoni (Stiles) ticks in western Montana.
Adult Dermacentor andersoni ticks were collected by flagging vegetation in 18 canyons bordering the Bitterroot Valley, Montana, an area where nearly 400 cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) have occurred since 1900. Three hundred and nine (8.3%) of the 3,705 ticks collected contained hemocyte-associated rickettsia-like organisms of three morphologic types, coccobacillary, fine bacillary, and coarse bacillary (long forms). Only the coccobacillary and fine bacillary organisms stained with fluorescein-conjugated antibody specific for the spotted fever group. One hundred and six isolates of spotted fever-group rickettsiae obtained by inoculation of Vero cells with suspensions of hemolymph test-positive ticks were serologically typed by microimmunofluorescence. Four sharply distinct serotypes were obtained, including Rickettsia rickettsii (10 strains), R. montana (8 strains), R. rhipicephali (47 strains), and a hitherto undescribed serotype referred to as 369-C (41 strains). All but two isolates were obtained from west-side canyons where virtually all cases of RMSF had been acquired. The four serotypes were widely distributed on the west side as evidenced by their presence in 5-11 of the 13 collecting sites. Each serotype induced distinctive plaques and cytopathogenicity in Vero cell culture. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Inhibition of DPP-4: a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are hormones secreted by the enteroendocrine cells of the gut in response to the ingestion of nutrients. These incretin hormones, so called because they increase insulin secretion, are key modulators of pancreatic islet hormone secretion and, thus, glucose homeostasis. The glucoregulatory effects of incretins are the basis for new therapies currently being developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Drugs that inhibit dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), a ubiquitous enzyme that rapidly inactivates both GLP-1 and GIP, increase active levels of these hormones and, in doing so, improve islet function and glycemic control in T2DM. In this review, we briefly describe (1) the role of pancreatic islet dysfunction in the onset and progression of T2DM, (2) the rationale for developing drugs that enhance incretin activity, (3) the evidence that inhibition of DPP-4 is effective in ameliorating islet dysfunction and improving glycemic control in T2DM, (4) the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of DPP-4 inhibitors as monotherapy and in combination with other antidiabetic agents, and (5) the potential utility of DPP-4 inhibitors relative to existing oral antidiabetic agents and newer antidiabetic drugs in the pipeline. The review is based upon MEDLINE literature searches (1966-August 2006) and abstracts and presentations from the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions (2002-2006) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes Annual Meetings (1998-2006). Basic science, preclinical, and clinical studies and review articles published in the English language were evaluated and selected based upon consideration of their originality, relevance, and frequency of citation. DPP-4 inhibitors are a new class of antidiabetogenic drugs that provide comparable efficacy to current treatments. They are effective as monotherapy in patients inadequately controlled with diet and exercise and as add-on therapy in combination with metformin, thiazolidinediones, and insulin. The DPP-4 inhibitors are well tolerated, carry a low risk of producing hypoglycemia, and are weight neutral. The long-term durability of effect on glycemic control and beta-cell morphology and function remain to be established. Islet cell dysfunction is central to the pathogenesis of T2DM. Incretin-based therapies, including GLP 1 analogues and DPP-4 inhibitors, have been shown to restore glucose homeostasis and improve glycemic control. The DPP-4 inhibitors, which can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other antidiabetic drugs, are a promising new treatment option, especially for patients with early-stage T2DM and more severe hyperglycemia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
UV photolysis of 3-nitrotyrosine generates highly oxidizing species: a potential source of photooxidative stress.
Laser flash photolysis at 266 nm of 3-nitrotyrosine and N-acetyl-3-nitrotyrosine ethyl ester generates an oxidizing species, which shows all of the characteristics of a hydroxyl radical. This species reacts with Br(-) to yield Br(2).-, via an intermediate, that is kinetically identified as HOBr.-. Moreover, the formation of Br(2).- can be suppressed by methanol; competition kinetics yield relative rate constants for the reaction of the reactive species with Br(-) and methanol that are similar to those for the hydroxyl radical. Parallel time-resolved UV/vis spectroscopy suggests the formation of phenoxyl radicals, consistent with the formation of hydroxyl radicals. Laser flash photolysis at 355 nm also generates reactive intermediates that oxidize Br(-) to Br(2).- but appear not to be hydroxyl radicals. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
LRP5 and plasma cholesterol levels modulate the canonical Wnt pathway in peripheral blood leukocytes.
Inflammation is triggered after invasion or injury to restore homeostasis. Although the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is one of the first molecular responses to cellular damage, its role in inflammation is still unclear. It was our hypothesis that the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) and the canonical Wnt signaling pathway are modulators of inflammatory mechanisms. Wild-type (WT) and LRP5(-/-) mice were fed a hypercholesterolemic (HC) diet to trigger dislipidemia and chronic inflammation. Diets were supplemented with plant sterol esters (PSEs) to induce LDL cholesterol lowering and the reduction of inflammation. HC WT mice showed increased serum cholesterol levels that correlated with increased Lrp5 and Wnt/β-catenin gene expression while in the HC LRP5(-/-) mice Wnt/β-catenin pathway was shut down. Functionally, HC induced pro-inflammatory gene expression in LRP5(-/-) mice, suggesting an inhibitory role of the Wnt pathway in inflammation. Dietary PSE administration downregulated serum cholesterol levels in WT and LRP5(-/-) mice. Furthermore, in WT mice PSE increased anti-inflammatory genes expression and inhibited Wnt/β-catenin activation. Hepatic gene expression of Vldlr, Lrp2 and Lrp6 was increased after HC feeding in WT mice but not in LRP5(-/-) mice, suggesting a role for these receptors in the clearance of plasmatic lipoproteins. Finally, an antiatherogenic role for LRP5 was demonstrated as HC LRP5(-/-) mice developed larger aortic atherosclerotic lesions than WT mice. Our results show an anti-inflammatory, pro-survival role for LRP5 and the Wnt signaling pathway in peripheral blood leukocytes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of exercise training on metallothionein levels of hypertensive rats.
Because oxidative stress may be involved in arterial hypertension by affecting the balance between relaxing and contracting factors of vascular smooth muscle, the training-induced adaptation of antioxidant defenses could be implicated in the antihypertensive effect of chronic exercise. It has been suggested that metallothionein (MT), a metal-binding protein, plays an antioxidant role in mammals. The aim of this experiment was to study whether chronic exercise (swimming) influences both the development of arterial hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and the modification of MT levels. Male SHR and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats as control were trained to swim 1 h.d-1 5 d.wk-1 for 8 wk and sacrificed 72 h after the last exercise period. MT and total thiol levels were then measured. Exercise training 1) reduced systolic blood pressure and heart rate in both SHR WKY rats, and 2) was associated with a decrease in hepatic and cardiac MT levels; there was an increase in the aortic MT amounts in exercised SHR only. No modifications were noted in the gastrocnemius muscle or kidneys. In exercised animals, total thiols were lower in the liver but not in kidneys. Chronic exercise induced a reduction in arterial hypertension development in SHR rats and an adaptation of the MT levels in cardiac, hepatic, and aortic tissues. Further experiments are needed to pinpoint the role of the MT in these two cases in which oxidative stress occurs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
No penetration of orally administered N-acetylcysteine into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.
Six healthy volunteers underwent bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) before and after receiving N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 600 mg daily for 2 weeks. Free and total NAC, cysteine and glutathione were determined in the lavage fluid, lavage cells and plasma. No NAC was demonstrated, free or bound in disulfides, in either of the lavage components; furthermore, the cysteine and glutathione content of these components and their respective redox states were unaltered during therapy. Plasma free and total cysteine content was unaltered by administration of the drug, but both free and total plasma glutathione increased significantly. Free NAC could not be detected in plasma following dosing. However, a mean of 0.3 nmol/100 microliters plasma was released from disulfides in plasma following reduction with dithiothreitol. N-acetylcysteine has been proposed to act as a mucolytic by cleavage of disulfide bonds. Our findings do not support this direct mode of action and alternative mechanisms of action must be sought. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A rapid and convenient filter-binding assay for ras p21 processing enzyme farnesyltransferase.
Because it is the target for the development of anti-cancer agents, the mammalian cytosolic enzyme farnesyltransferase (FTase) has received significant attention in recent years. FTase catalyzes the transfer of a farnesyl group from farnesylpyrophosphate (FPP) to cysteine 185/186 at the carboxyl terminal end of ras proteins (ras p21), a reaction essential for the localization of ras p21 to the plasma membrane for their cellular functions including cell transformation in case of oncogenic ras p21. Here, we report the development of a rapid and convenient assay procedure for FTase using phosphocellulose paper which has a binding affinity for proteins. The FTase is assayed as the transfer of [3H]farnesyl group from [3H]FPP to the ras p21 at pH 7.4 and 37 degrees C in the presence of rat brain cytosol followed by the binding of radioactive farnesylated ras p21 to the phosphocellulose paper. The radioactivity associated with ras p21 bound to the phosphocellulose paper was determined by scintillation counting after soaking the paper in trichloroacetic acid and washing with distilled water. Utilizing [3H]FPP and recombinant Ha-ras p21 as substrates in the reaction, the FTase followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics with Km values of 1.0 and 7.69 microM for respectively [3H]FPP and recombinant Ha-ras p21. The method reported here has the advantages over the other published assay procedures of being rapid, convenient and economical, and can be successfully used for the basic assaying of FTase in different organs and distinct species and for the screening of novel inhibitors of FTase. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A millipede compound eye mediating low-resolution vision.
Millipedes are a species-rich and ancient arthropod clade which typically bear a pair of lateral compound eyes with a small number of large facets. To understand the visual tasks that underlie the evolution of millipede eyes, their spatial resolving performance is of key importance. We here investigate the spatial resolution of the millipede Cylindroiulus punctatus using behavioural assays. Individual animals were placed in the centre of a cylindrical arena under bright downwelling light, with dark stimuli of varying angular dimensions placed on the arena wall. We used continuous isoluminant stimuli based on a difference of Gaussians signal to test for orientation to the dark target via object taxis. Headings of individual animals were tracked in relation to the stimuli to determine whether the animals oriented towards the stimulus. We implemented a multilevel logistic regression model to identify the arc width of the stimulus that animals could resolve. We then modelled the angular sensitivity needed to identify this. We also related the visual performance to the 3D anatomy of the eye. We found that C. punctatus can resolve a stimulus of 56° period (sufficient to detect a 20° dark target). Assuming a contrast threshold of 10%, this requires a receptor acceptance angle of 72° or narrower. Spatial resolving power this low would only suffice for the simplest visual tasks, such as shelter-seeking. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The Banff schema and differential diagnosis of allograft dysfunction.
The pathological findings on renal allograft biopsy specimens are often complex. By carefully defining the morphological features of acute allograft rejection, the Banff schema provides an important tool for the differential diagnosis of acute allograft dysfunction. This article reviews the criteria for diagnosis of rejection, and its differentiation from other inflammatory infiltrates in renal allograft biopsy specimens. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Support for Relatives Bereaved by Psychiatric Patient Suicide: National Confidential Inquiry Into Suicide and Homicide Findings.
International suicide prevention strategies recommend providing support to families bereaved by suicide. The study objectives were to measure the proportion of cases in which psychiatric professionals contact next of kin after a patient's suicide and to investigate whether specific, potentially stigmatizing patient characteristics influence whether the family is contacted. Annual survey data from England and Wales (2003-2012) were used to identify 11,572 suicide cases among psychiatric patients. Multivariate regression analysis was used to describe the association between specific covariates (chosen on the basis of clinical judgment and the published literature) and the probability that psychiatric staff would contact bereaved relatives of the deceased. Relatives were not contacted after the death in 33% of cases. Contrary to the hypothesis, a violent method of suicide was independently associated with greater likelihood of contact with relatives (adjusted odds ratio=1.67). Four patient factors (forensic history, unemployment, and primary diagnosis of alcohol or drug dependence or misuse) were independently associated with less likelihood of contact with relatives. Patients' race-ethnicity and recent alcohol or drug misuse were not associated with contact with relatives. Four stigmatizing patient-related factors reduced the likelihood of contacting next of kin after patient suicide, suggesting inequitable access to support after a potentially traumatic bereavement. Given the association of suicide bereavement with suicide attempt, and the possibility of relatives' shared risk factors for suicide, British psychiatric services should provide more support to relatives after patient suicide. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical Issues-February 2017.
Implementing surgical smoke evacuation practices Key words: surgical smoke, compliance, health effects, smoke evacuators. Surgical smoke evacuation policies and procedures Key words: surgical smoke, smoke evacuation, policy, procedure. Measuring compliance with surgical smoke evacuation practices Key words: surgical smoke, smoke evacuation, compliance. Patient safety and hand hygiene Key words: hand hygiene, hand wash, hand rub, patient safety, point of use. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Frequent homozygous deletions in lung cancer cell lines detected by a DNA marker located at 3p21.3-p22.
Frequent allelic losses of chromosome 3p in lung cancer have been reported in a number of studies, and we previously demonstrated that 3p21.3 is one of the common regions of deletion in lung cancers and renal cell carcinomas. To further define a region containing the putative tumor suppressor gene, we performed Southern-blot analysis of 26 small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines and ten non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines with 40 cosmid markers located at 3p21.3-p22. One marker detected homozygous deletions of four SCLC cell lines and one NSCLC cell line. None of the other markers revealed homozygous deletions or chromosomal rearrangements in these cell lines. The region of homozygous deletion described here is estimated to consist of less than 1 megabase of DNA, and it is very likely to contain at least one of the tumor suppressor genes associated with carcinogenesis of lung cancer and, possibly, renal cell carcinoma. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Wenckebach-type exit block from an ectopic focus as a cause of variable coupling.
Intermittent bigeminal and trigeminal ventricular premature beats were recorded in an otherwise healthy 14 year old male. Coupling intervals progressively lengthened until an ectopic beat was dropped. Odd numbers of sinus beats occurred between bigeminal runs. This rhythm is interpreted as being due to Wenckebach-type block in an exit pathway from the ectopic focus, resulting in concealment of the persistently active extrasystolic mechanism. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Trends in the community dental service 1980-1990.
The recent past has seen many changes that have had an impact on the dental care of children: for example, demographic changes, changes in the prevalence of dental caries, changes in manpower and changes in the organisation of dental services. The community dental service (CDS) in particular has had a major role to play in the provision of care to many children in this country. An analysis of the statistical returns to the Department of Health for the community dental services in England and Wales for the years 1985-1990 shows that staffing in the CDS has declined from 1,544 (Whole Time Equivalents--WTE) to 1,309 (WTE) in 5 years. The total clinical hours worked has also reduced from 2.02 million to 1.59 million in ten years. Hours spent on administration have increased from 53,490 to 87,091 in the same period. Clinical time spent on treating handicapped adults has increased almost ten fold from 14,644 hours in 1980 to 122,463 hours in 1990. Time devoted to mother and child (pre-school) services in about the same as in 1985. Hours spent on school services have reduced from a peak of almost 2 million in 1985 to 1.38 million in 1989-90. Trends in eight aspects of dental treatment are presented. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Norepinephrine and cerebral blood flow regulation in patients with arteriovenous malformations.
To test the hypothesis that the sympathetic nervous system plays a role in cerebral blood flow regulation in patients with arteriovenous malformations (AVM). Cortical interstitial norepinephrine was measured by means of microdialysis, regional cerebral blood flow was measured by a thermal diffusion technique, and regional oxygen saturation (SO2) was measured by microspectrophotometry in 12 patients harboring cerebral AVMs (AVM group) and in 15 patients with deep-seated nonvascular lesions (control group) before and after resection. Measurements were compared according to groups and times of measurements. All values are given as means +/- standard deviation. Cortical regional SO2 increased significantly (P < 0.05) in both groups after surgery (AVM group: presurgery 52.4 +/- 12.5% SO2, postsurgery 71.4 +/- 7.4% SO2; control group: presurgery 57.1 +/- 8.4% SO2, postsurgery 69.9 +/- 8.7% SO2), whereas regional cerebral blood flow increased only in the AVM group (AVM group: presurgery 18.9 +/- 6.6 ml/100 g/min, postsurgery 26.2 +/- 6.9 ml/100 g/min; control group: presurgery 20.1 +/- 7.6 ml/100 g/min, postsurgery 19.4 +/- 7.8 ml/100 g/min). Norepinephrine concentrations were significantly lower in the AVM group as compared with the control group before surgery. Although there was no significant difference between pre- and postsurgery conditions in the AVM group, the norepinephrine level of the control group was significantly lower after surgery (AVM group: presurgery 3.3 +/- 1.2 nmol/L, postsurgery 2.9 +/- 1.7 nmol/L; control group: presurgery 5.4 +/- 1.4 nmol/L, postsurgery 4.2 +/- 1.1 nmol/L). Chronically lowered perfusion pressure seems to induce the hypothesized adaptive down-regulation of sympathetic nervous system activity, yet protective up-regulation after a sudden elevation of cerebral perfusion pressure after AVM excision could not be shown in this study. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Final declaration of the Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology concerning the participation of psychiatrists in executions].
To begin with, this author has reviewed papers addressing the issue around the participation of psychiatrists in legal executions. The questions of reasoning for the exclusion of the mentally incompetent from execution, what exactly constitutes "competency to be executed," and whether to assess a criminal's competency for execution or to offer treatment to death row inmates who have been found incompetent are under debate. Then, making known the temporary declaration of the Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology, the author has told that it should insist in the final declaration as follows: First, the secretiveness with which the Ministry of Justice and the correctional facilities in Japan handle the death penalty cases should be abolished. Second, in the present situation of the medical care in Japanese penal facilities, the employed psychiatrists should not be involved in the examination or the treatment of the death row inmates. Third, nevertheless the psychiatrist should not examine whether the inmate is competent to be executed in principle, this indifference may bring on the execution of the incompetent in present situation of Japan. Forth, it is not permitted ethically to offer the medical treatment to restore the inmate's competency. Fifth, because the Japanese death penalty confronts the false charges, if the capital punishment case requesting for retrial or preparing it reveal mentally abnormal and the condition is so severe that the inmate cannot assist legal counsel appropriately, the inmate should be transferred to hospital to be provided treatment. And finally the inmate whose competency is doubted should automatically be commuted to life imprisonment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ultrastructural alterations of the lymphocytes from a patient with Reye's syndrome.
The ultrastructural alterations of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a patient with Reye's syndrome are reported. The involved cells were lymphocytes which showed marked nuclear changes such as irregular or highly convoluted nuclei, multilobulated nuclei, presence of scanty chromatin, and large nucleoli. Changes of the cytoplasmic organelles involved the mitochondria and dense bodies with well defined surrounding membrane appeared. The possibility that these findings indicate a viral etiology of the disease is discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparative effect of cyclosporin A and G on weight gain of primates during the pubertal growth period.
A double-blind study with six cynomolgus monkeys (mean age, 2.0 years) was carried out. All animals received immunosuppression therapy with 16 mg/kg/day of cyclosporin A or G (Norvaline cyclosporine), given intramuscularly in two divided daily dosages. All animals received a small dosage of steroids (0.1 mg/kg/day). After 14 months the dosage of cyclosporin G was increased to 20 mg/kg/day. During the first study year, weight velocity was normal in the cyclosporin G group and impeded in the group receiving cyclosporin A. During the second year of the study, the weight velocity was impeded in both groups. The weight gain was significantly less in the cyclosporin A group than in the group receiving cyclosporin G (p = 0.001). The results suggested that cyclosporine impeded weight gain in primates during the pubertal period. The effect was dosage-related and was less with cyclosporin G than with cyclosporin A. The mechanism is unclear, but the possible effect on the growth hormone merits further studies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Immortalization of human fibroblasts using tsA mutant of SV40 and pSV3neo plasmid].
Clones of immortalized human fibroblasts with an extended life span in culture and a capability of subloning were obtained after the infection with a temperature sensitive mutant (tsA 239) of SV40 virus and pSV3neo plasmid. As compared with the parental cells, the obtained clones exhibited increased plating efficiency, decreased doubling time, and serum dependence. We did not obtained the colony formation during cultivation of immortalized cells in semiliquid agar. This means that our cells were not completely malignant. The PCR (polymerase chain reaction)-analysis has revealed the presence of viral DNA at early passages (25th passage) after the infection by tsA SV40, and its absence after a prolonged cultivation (46th passage). PCR-analysis of the clones obtained after pSV3neo transfection has revealed the presence of gene A sequences either at early (9-15), or later (62) passages. The expression of the gene A product in cells of these clones was revealed only early passages (11 and 35). Possible mechanisms of immortal phenotype origin in human diploid cells after the action of ts-mutant and other constructions of SV40 are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Cloning, heterologous expression and characterization of a thermostable esterase from Bacillus sp. HJ14 for diethyl-phthalate degradation].
A thermostable esterase EstZ1 from Bacillus sp. HJ14 able to degrade diethyl-phthalate (DEP) was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) and characterized. Full-length EstZ1 was obtained based on specific amplification and genome sequencing, and amino acid sequence of EstZ1 was analyzed. EstZ1 was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) using the pEASY-E2 expression system. EstZ1 was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by Ni2+-NTA metal chelating affinity chromatography, and the enzyme was characterized. The degradation products from DEP were detected by high-pressure liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The 903 bp full-length EstZ1 encoded 300 amino acid residues (EstZ1:33.84 kDa). EstZ1 showed the highest identity of 98% with hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL)-like family in NCBI databases. The optimal temperature and pH was 50℃ and 9.0, respectively, with p-NP butyrate as the best substrate. Meanwhile, it was stable between 40 and 70℃, pH 7.0 to 9.5. Most of metal ions, chemical agents had little impact. DEP could partially be degraded by EstZ1 to its corresponding monoalkyl and alcohol. Our findings may serve as reference for phthalate esters degradation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evaluation of decellularized xenogenic porcine auricular cartilage as a novel biocompatible filler.
Fillers are products that fill the space in soft tissues of the human body and actively used in the various medical fields. Unfortunately, most of the cost-effective commercially available fillers are synthetic and have limitations in terms of their biocompatibility. Here, we evaluated the possible application of decellularized xenogenic cartilage as a long-lasting material for soft tissue augmentation and compared it with two commercially available fillers Artesense (polymethylmethacrylate microspheres) and Radiesse (calcium hydroxyapatite [CaHa]). To do so, porcine auricular cartilage was harvested, followed by freezing and grinding of the tissue into flakes. Then, we used 1% Triton X-100 to decellularize the flakes. We then, respectively, injected 0.1 cc of each material (decellularized xenogenic cartilage, Radiesse, and Artesense) into the subcutaneous layer at three different sites per subject in 12 Sprague-Dawley rats, and evaluated the inflammatory cell infiltration and foreign body reactions of each. Our data indicate that the infiltration of giant cells in the injection area was significantly lower in the decellularized xenogenic cartilage injection group than that in the Radiesse and Artesense injection groups. Further, we observed some neutrophil infiltration in the xenogenic cartilage and Artesense injection groups at 1 month, but these levels were much lower at 3 months (comparable to the Radiesse injection group). Thus, decellularized xenogenic cartilage may have a distinct advantage in terms of biocompatibility compared with other commercial injectable long-lasting fillers, making it one of the most feasible, natural, and cost effective materials in the market. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2708-2715, 2018. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Continued benefit of coronary stenting versus balloon angioplasty: five-year clinical follow-up of Benestent-I trial.
This study sought to establish whether the early favorable results in the Benestent-I randomized trial comparing elective Palmaz-Schatz stent implantation with balloon angioplasty in 516 patients with stable angina pectoris are maintained at 5 years. The size of the required sample was based on a 40% reduction in clinical events in the stent group. Seven months and one-year follow-up in this trial showed a decreased incidence of restenosis and clinical events in patients randomized to stent implantation. Data at five years were collected by outpatient visit, via telephone and via the referring cardiologist. Three patients in the stent group and one in the percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) group were lost to follow-up at five years. Major clinical events, anginal status and use of cardiac medication were recorded according to the intention to treat principle. No significant differences were found in anginal status and use of cardiac medication between the two groups. In the PTCA group, 27.3% of patients underwent target lesion revascularization (TLR) versus 17.2% of patients in the stent group (p = 0.008). No significant differences in mortality (5.9% vs. 3.1%), cerebrovascular accident (0.8% vs. 1.2%), myocardial infarction (9.4% vs. 6.3%) or coronary bypass surgery (11.7% vs. 9.8%) were found between the stent and PTCA groups, respectively. At five years, the event-free survival rate (59.8% vs. 65.6%; p = 0.20) between the stent and PTCA groups no longer achieved statistical significance. The original 10% absolute difference in TLR in favor of the stent group has remained unchanged at five years, emphasizing the long-term stability of the stented target site. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ultrastructural findings in the oral mucosa of betel chewers.
Eighteen biopsies of the oral mucosa of northern Thai hilltribe betel chewers were studied histologically and by transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM, SEM). Clinically, varying stages of epithelial atrophy and one case of submucous fibrosis were observed. Histologically, epithelial atrophy with marked reduction of the rete pegs, hyperortho- and/or parakeratosis, and subepithelial edema and inflammatory changes were the prominent findings. On the ultrastructural level, cytoplasmic projections of the basal cells into the subepithelial stroma were seen. The basal membrane frequently revealed gaps; the interepithelial space was widened and unusual microvilli were observed on cell surfaces (SEM). Intercellularly, cristalloid material of unknown origin was also seen. The subepithelial connective tissue was characterized by dense bundles of collagen fibres adjacent to which masses of amorphous material were located. While some of the ultrastructural findings in the epithelium of betel chewers are indicative of early dysplastic changes, the nature of the juxta-epithelial stromal alterations is still unknown. Current hypotheses regarding the etiology of oral submucous fibrosis are briefly discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Application of precipitation methods for the production of water-insoluble drug nanocrystals: production techniques and stability of nanocrystals.
This review focuses on using precipitation (bottom-up) method to produce water-insoluble drug nanocrystals, and the stability issues of nanocrystals. The precipitation techniques for production of ultra-fine particles have been widely researched for last few decades. In these techniques, precipitation of solute is achieved by addition of a non-solvent for solute called anti-solvent to decrease the solvent power for the solute dissolved in a solution. The anti-solvent can be water, organic solvents or supercritical fluids. In this paper, efforts have been made to review the precipitation techniques involving the anti-solvent precipitation by simple mixing, impinging jet mixing, multi-inlet vortex mixing, the using of high-gravity, ultrasonic waves and supercritical fluids. The key to the success of yielding stable nanocrystals in these techniques is to control the nucleation kinetics and particle growth through mixing during precipitation based on crystallization theories. The stability issues of the nanocrystals, such as sedimentation, Ostwald ripening, agglomeration and cementing of crystals, change of crystalline state, and the approaches to stabilizing nanocrystals are also discussed in detail. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Application of Multiplex Biomarker Approaches to Accelerate Drug Discovery and Development.
Multiplex biomarker tests are becoming an essential part of the drug development process. This chapter explores the role of biomarker-based tests as effective tools in improving preclinical research and clinical development, and the challenges that this presents. The potential of incorporating biomarkers in the clinical pipeline to improve decision making, accelerate drug development, improve translation, and reduce development costs is discussed. This chapter also discusses the latest biomarker technologies in use to make this possible and details the next steps that must undertaken to keep driving this process forwards. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Lipid peroxidation induced in vivo by hyperhomocysteinaemia in pigs.
Much attention has been focused recently on the relationship between homocysteinaemia and the development of premature atherosclerosis. Hyperhomocysteinaemia constitutes as strong a risk factor for the development of the disease as either hypercholesterolaemia or smoking. Although the mechanism involved is unclear homocysteine exhibits prooxidative activity in vitro. This finding suggests that it may be involved in the oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL). In the current study hyperhomocysteinaemia was induced in eight domestic pigs by intermittent exposure to nitrous oxide for 4 weeks. At necropsy, cardiac tissue was removed and malondialdehyde (MDA) and the unsaturated fatty acid content were measured and compared with values obtained from air-breathing control animals. Nitrous oxide treated animals had significantly higher tissue concentrations of MDA than the controls. There was also a reduction in the contribution of linoleic and linolenic acids to the total fatty acid content of heart. The hyperhomocysteinaemic animals also had a significantly higher iron concentration in the heart than controls. Hyperhomocysteinaemia was associated with elevations in tissue iron stores and increased in vivo lipid peroxidation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intramolecular Schmidt Reaction of Vinyl Azides with Cyclic Ketones.
Cyclic ketones tethered with a vinyl azide group undergo a Schmidt-hydrolysis sequence to give secondary lactams bearing a ketone side chain. Secondary lactams are obtained in a regioselective manner that is not possible in a conventional Schimdt reaction. In addition to the well-documented C-2 nucleophilicity, the N nucleophilicity of vinyl azide disclosed in this work opens a new direction for reaction invention involving vinyl azides. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Focal cortical dysfunction and blood-brain barrier disruption in patients with Postconcussion syndrome.
Postconcussion syndrome (PCS) refers to symptoms and signs commonly occurring after mild head injury. The pathogenesis of PCS is unknown. The authors quantitatively analyzed EEG recordings, localized brain sources for abnormal activity, and correlated it with imaging studies. Data from 17 patients with neurologic symptomatology consistent with ICD-10 criteria for PCS was analyzed. Normalized quantitative EEG (QEEG) revealed significantly higher power in the delta band and lower power in the alpha band compared with matched controls. The generators for the abnormal rhythms were focally localized in neocortical regions. Brain computerized tomography and/or MRI did not reveal focal abnormality at the time of diagnosis. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) after 99mTc-ethylcysteinate dimer administration showed a focal reduction in perfusion in 85% (n = 11) of the patients, and abnormal blood-brain barrier (BBB) after 99mTc-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid administration in 73% (n = 8). In 75% of these patients, low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography analysis showed that the generators for abnormal rhythms were closely related to the anatomic location of the BBB lesion. These data point to focal cortical dysfunction in conjunction with BBB disruption and hypoperfusion as a possible mechanism of pathogenesis in at least some PCS patients, and offer QEEG and SPECT as important tools in evaluating these patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Total intracranial and lateral ventricle volumes measurement in Alzheimer's disease: A methodological study.
Measuring of brain and its compartments' sizes from magnetic resonance (MR) images is an effective way to assess disease progression in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). The objective of this study was to compare total intracranial volume (TIV) and lateral ventricle volume (LVV) in patients with Alzheimer's disease with those in elderly control subjects, and to compare an automated method (automatic lateral ventricle delineation [ALVIN]) and a manual method (ImageJ). MRI of the brain was performed on 20 patients with Alzheimer's disease and 18 control subjects. The TIV was calculated by a manual method and the LVV was calculated by using two methods: an automated and manual method. We found a significant increase in LVVs in Alzheimer's disease patients compared to control subjects, but no difference in TIV between the two groups. A perfect agreement, with 0.989 (0.973-0.996) intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and 0.978 (0.946-0.991) concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), was observed between the manual and automatic lateral ventricle measurements in Alzheimer patients. The results revealed that LVV measure has predictive performance in AD. We demonstrated that ALVIN and ImageJ are both effective in determining lateral ventricular volume, providing an objective tool for quantitative assessment of AD. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Constitutively wilted 1, a member of the rice YUCCA gene family, is required for maintaining water homeostasis and an appropriate root to shoot ratio.
Increasing its root to shoot ratio is a plant strategy for restoring water homeostasis in response to the long-term imposition of mild water stress. In addition to its important role in diverse fundamental processes, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is involved in root growth and development. Recent extensive characterizations of the YUCCA gene family in Arabidopsis and rice have elucidated that member's function in a tryptophan-dependent IAA biosynthetic pathway. Through forward- and reverse-genetics screening, we have isolated Tos17 and T-DNA insertional rice mutants in a CONSTITUTIVELY WILTED1 (COW1) gene, which encodes a new member of the YUCCA protein family. Homozygous plants with either a Tos17 or T-DNA-inserted allele of OsCOW1 exhibit phenotypes of rolled leaves, reduced leaf widths, and lower root to shoot ratios. These phenotypes are evident in seedlings as early as 7-10 d after germination, and remain until maturity. When oscow1 seedlings are grown under low-intensity light and high relative humidity, the rolled-leaf phenotype is greatly alleviated. For comparison, in such conditions, the transpiration rate for WT leaves decreases approx. 5- to 10-fold, implying that this mutant trait results from wilting rather than being a morphogenic defect. Furthermore, a lower turgor potential and transpiration rate in their mature leaves indicates that oscow1 plants are water-deficient, due to insufficient water uptake that possibly stems from that diminished root to shoot ratio. Thus, our observations suggest that OsCOW1-mediated IAA biosynthesis plays an important role in maintaining root to shoot ratios and, in turn, affects water homeostasis in rice. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Deposition of fenoterol from pressurized metered dose inhalers containing hydrofluoroalkanes.
The imaging technique of gamma scintigraphy has been used to quantify the total amount of drug deposited in the lungs and the pattern of regional lung deposition, for formulations of Berodual (Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH) delivered from pressurized metered dose inhalers formulated with chlorofluorocarbons, and with hydrofluoroalkane-134a or -227. Data were expressed as the mass of fenoterol deposited in the lungs from the Berodual formulations. All the formulations tested gave a whole lung deposition less than 20% of the metered (exvalve) dose. The mass of fenoterol deposited in the lungs for a solution formulation containing hydrofluoroalkane-134a was inversely proportional to the actuator nozzle diameter. The data suggest that the total and regional lung deposition of hydrofluoroalkane-based pressurized aerosol formulations is highly product-specific and that changes in bioavailability can be brought about by varying both the constituents of the formulation and the design of the actuator. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Mechanism and protective effect of glossy ganoderma decoction on the activities of RNA polymerase in hepatocyte of rabbits with Amanita mushroom poisoning].
To investigate the mechanism of glossy ganoderma decoction in Amanita mushroom poisoning. Twenty male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups, including a normal control, a model poison group, and 2 treatment groups (different doses of glossy ganoderma decoction). The activities of hepatocyte RNA polymerase were measured by ultraviolet spectrophotometry and liver function were measured. The activities of hepatocyte RNA polymerase of the model group significantly decreased, and those of the 2 treatment groups were significantly higher than those of the model group. There was a dose-dependent manner between the 2 treatment groups ( all Ps<0.01), and the differences of liver function test including total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DB), total bile acid (TBA), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the 4 groups were significant (P<0.01). Glossy ganoderma decoction may protect the liver from Amanita mushroom poisoning. Its mechanism may be related to the increase of the activities of hepatocyte RNA polymerase. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of interacting conditions of water activity, temperature and incubation time on Fusarium thapsinum and Fusarium andiyazi growth and toxin production on sorghum grains.
This study examined the effect of interacting conditions of water activity (aW, 0.995, 0.98 and 0.95) and temperature (15, 25 and 30 °C) on growth rate of two Fusarium thapsinum and one F. andiyazi strains isolated from sorghum in Argentina. In addition, the effect of interacting conditions (aW × temperature × incubation time (7, 14, 21 and 28 days)) on mycotoxin production (moniliformin (MON), fusaric acid (FA) and fusarin C (FUS C)) on a sorghum grain substrate was evaluated. Statistical analysis showed that aW and temperature significantly affected growth of both species, mainly the aW. Incubation time significantly influenced mycotoxin production by both species as well, mostly for FA. Maximum growth rates of the F. thapsinum strains were obtained at the highest aW (0.995) and 25 °C and growth rate decreased as aW and temperature were reduced. The same growth profile was observed for F. andiyazi RCFA09 (maximum growth rates at 0.995-25 °C). Mycotoxin production by both species was detected at the highest aW levels whereas at 0.95 aW only low amounts of MON were produced by F. thapsinum. Maximum MON and FUS C production by both F. thapsinum strains was observed at 0.995 aW and 25-30 °C after 28 days of incubation. Also, F. thapsinum strains showed maximum FA production at the highest aW and temperature but after 14 days; after this incubation time toxin levels significantly decreased. The responses to aW and temperature of F. andiyazi were similar to that of F. thapsinum strains in relation to FA and FUS C production. Maximum levels of FA were detected at the highest aW after 14 days of incubation at 25-30 °C. Fusarin C was produced at all assayed temperatures but maximum levels were detected at 30 °C and 0.995 aW after 28 days of incubation. Two-dimensional profiles on the interactions of aW by temperature were developed from these data to identify conditions that indicate a significant risk from MON, FA and FUS C accumulation on sorghum grains. The results of this study suggest that sorghum grains could be colonized by these species and toxin production can occur, especially during development stages under field conditions at high water activity of grains or during grain storage if the drying process is slow or deficient. To our knowledge, this study described for the first time FUS C production by F. thapsinum and F. andiyazi under interacting conditions of aW, temperature and incubation time on sorghum grains. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prognostic value of TROP2 expression in patients with gallbladder cancer.
Altered expression of TROP2 is observed in various types of human cancers. However, the clinical significance and pathological role of TROP2 in gallbladder cancer (GBC) remains unclear. The main objective of this investigation was to clarify the relationships between TROP2 expression and the clinicopathological features of patients with GBC. Immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate the expression of TROP2 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) indicator proteins in 93 patients with GBC. Immunohistochemistry showed that the protein expression level of TROP2 was significantly higher in GBC tissues than in adjacent noncancerous tissues. In addition, immunohistochemistry analysis showed that TROP2 expression was significantly correlated with histologic grade (P=0.038), tumor stage (P=0.015), and lymph node metastasis (P=0.007). Furthermore, high TROP2 expression was significantly associated with a loss of the epithelial marker E-cadherin (P=0.013) and acquisition of expression of the mesenchymal marker vimentin (P=0.031). Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to investigate the correlation between TROP2 expression and prognosis of GBC patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that patients with high TROP2 expression had poor overall survival (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that high TROP2 expression was an independent predictor of overall survival. In conclusion, our data suggest for the first time that the increased expression of TROP2 in GBC is associated significantly with aggressive progression and poor prognosis. In conclusion, this study confirmed that TROP2 might be involved in regulating the EMT and malignant progression in GBC. It also provided the first evidence that TROP2 expression in GBC was an independent prognostic factor of patients, which might be a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target of GBC. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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