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Finding a sugary foothold: how antibiotics pave the way for enteric pathogens.
Antibiotic therapy predisposes the host to infections with human enteropathogens. In a recent study, Ng et al. (2013) demonstrate that antibiotic-mediated disruption of the microbial food web gives rise to free microbiota-liberated monosaccharides in the gut, which can promote growth of enteropathogenic bacteria. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Identification of the gene and the protein of RNA polymerase II subunit 9 (Rpb9) from the fission yeast Schizosacharomyces pombe.
Both the rpb9 gene and its cDNA encoding the subunit 9 of RNA polymerase II were cloned from the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. From the DNA sequences, Rpb9 was predicted to consist of 113 amino acid residues with a molecular mass of 13,175. S. pombe Rpb9 is 47, 40 and 36% identical in amino acid sequence to the corresponding subunits from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, human and Drosophila melanogaster, respectively. Previously, we failed to detect Rpb9 in the purified RNA polymerase II by amino-terminal micro-sequencing of proteolytic fragments of subunits separated by SDS-gel electrophoresis. After Western blot analysis using antibodies raised against the protein product of the newly isolated rpb9 gene, we found that the purified RNA polymerase II contains Rpb9. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prevention of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) induced bone pain using double histamine blockade.
Febrile neutropenia (FN) is an oncological emergency that may reduce patient survival due to chemotherapy dose delays or reductions. It is recommended that patients at risk for FN receive prophylaxis with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). Bone pain is a common side effect through a mechanism not fully understood. It is thought to be due to histamine release from an inflammatory response. This was a retrospective cohort from January to November 2015. Oncology patients receiving an initial dose of G-CSFs rated their bone pain on a 0-10 scale prior to starting each cycle of chemotherapy and at least 1 day after G-CSF had been given. Those who developed bone pain received prophylaxis at their next G-CSF dose with a combination of famotidine and loratadine. The primary endpoint was to determine the analgesic effects of double histamine blockade for G-CSF induced bone pain. The secondary endpoint was to determine potential risk factors for the development of bone pain. Thirty percent of patients developed bone pain within this cohort, and 17 patients were included in the final analysis. Bone pain scores were lower by a mean of 1.21[(0.20-2.23), p = 0.019] in patients who were prophylaxed with the double histamine blockade. Type of cancer, treatment, age, and BMI were not significant predictors of bone pain. The use of a double histamine blockade is an inexpensive, safe, and effective way to alleviate bone pain symptoms secondary to G-CSF agents. Further investigation is warranted for prospective larger studies to confirm these results. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hedgehog signaling is involved in differentiation of normal colonic tissue rather than in tumor proliferation.
The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is a main regulation cascade in embryonic differentiation. It is also present in adult tissues and unusual expression has been associated with formation of benign and malignant lesions. We examined the presence of the Hedgehog pathway in normal and pathological human colon tissue. Components investigated include Sonic (Shh), Indian (Ihh), and Desert Hedgehog (Dhh), Gli1, Gli2, Gli3, and Patched (Ptch). Pathological tissue samples comprised 23 benign and 20 malignant lesions of human colon. The influence of the Hedgehog pathway on differentiation and proliferation has been investigated by analyzing the effect of the pathway inhibitor Cyclopamine on human colon cancer cell lines HT29 and CaCo2. In normal colon, we detected expression of Shh and Dhh within the lining epithelium and Patched, Gli1, and Gli2 along the whole crypts. Within all benign lesions, positive staining of Shh, Dhh, Gli1, Gli2, and Ptch was detected. Expression of Shh and Dhh was restricted to single cell aggregates. Malignant lesions also displayed focal staining pattern for Shh and Dhh but to a much lesser extent. We conclude that Hedgehog signaling is involved rather in constant differentiation and renewing of the colonic lining epithelium than in cancer formation, growth, or proliferation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Genetic sequelae of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in house mice (Mus musculus)].
Genetic disorders were studied in house mice caught from 1986 to 1993 in areas contaminated by radionuclides after the Chernobyl disaster. Dose rates on soil surface ranged from 0.02 to 200 mR/h. Frequency of reciprocal translocations in spermatocytes of the mice studied was relatively low, but increased with dose rate. In populations, frequency of mice heterozygous for recessive lethal mutations decreased with time after the accident. The data obtained allow us to assume that induced mutations may lead to elimination of germ cells and decreased viability in mice heterozygous for the mutations. These processes result in removing excess mutations from the population. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Loss of CFTR chloride channels alters salt absorption by cystic fibrosis airway epithelia in vitro.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by the loss of functional CFTR Cl- channels. However, it is not understood how this defect disrupts salt and liquid movement in the airway or whether it alters the NaCl concentration in the thin liquid film covering the airway surface. Using a new approach, we found that CF airway surface liquid had a higher NaCl concentration than normal. Both CF and non-CF epithelia absorbed salt and liquid; however, expression of CFTR Cl- channels was required for maximal absorption. Thus, loss of CFTR elevates the salt concentration in CF airway surface liquid and in sweat by related mechanisms; the elevated NaCl concentration is due to a block in transcellular Cl- movement. The high NaCl may predispose CF airways to bacterial infections by inhibiting endogenous antibacterial defenses. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Synergies in the fights against HIV/AIDS and against noncommunicable diseases in Africa.
| {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Oxygen, arterial blood gases and ventilation are unchanged during dialysis in patients receiving pressure support ventilation.
This study was undertaken to observe whether dialysis-induced alveolar hypoventilation and arterial hypoxaemia occur during bicarbonate haemodialysis in patients receiving partial mechanical support with pressure support ventilation. Nineteen patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit requiring mechanical ventilation and haemodialysis were enrolled. Arterial blood gas, white blood cell (WBC) count, minute ventilation, respiratory rate, breathing pattern and blood pressure were measured according to the following time schedule: pre-dialysis (time 0), and at 15, 30, 60, 120, 180, 240 min thereafter. Results showed that, with the use of cuprammonium dialyser, the WBC count dropped immediately and reached the nadir 15 min after haemodialysis. Thereafter, it recovered and overshot the pre-dialysis values until the end of dialysis. The bicarbonate dialysate indeed resulted in rapid and significant metabolic alkalosis. However, no decrease of PaO2 occurred throughout haemodialysis. The tidal volume, minute ventilation and breathing pattern remained stable during haemodialysis. We conclude that neither dialysis-induced alveolar hypoventilation nor arterial hypoxaemia developed during bicarbonate dialysis in patients mechanically ventilated with the pressure support ventilation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Efficacy and safety comparative evaluation of orlistat and sibutramine treatment in hypertensive obese patients.
The aim of our study was to comparatively evaluate the efficacy and safety of orlistat and sibutramine treatment in obese hypertensive patients, with a specific attention to cardiovascular effects and to side effects because of this treatment. Patients were enrolled, evaluated and followed at three Italian Centres of Internal Medicine. We evaluated 115 obese and hypertensive patients. (55 males and 60 females; 26 males and 29 females, aged 50 +/- 4 with orlistat; 28 males and 30 females, aged 51 +/- 5 with sibutramine). All patients took antihypertensive therapy for at least 6 months before the study. We administered orlistat or sibutramine in a randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical study. We evaluated anthropometric variables, blood pressure and heart rate (HR) during 12 months of this treatment. A total of 113 completed the 4 weeks with controlled energy diet and were randomized to double-blind treatment with orlistat (n = 55) or sibutramine (n = 58). Significant body mass index (BMI) improvement was present after 6 (p < 0.05), 9 (p < 0.02), and 12 (p < 0.01) months in both groups, and body weight (BW) improvement was obtained after 9 (p < 0.05) and 12 (p < 0.02) months in both groups. Significant waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC) and waist/hip ratio (W/H ratio) improvement was observed after 12 months (p < 0.05, respectively) in both groups. Significant systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) improvement (p < 0.05) was present in orlistat group after 12 months. Lipid profile [total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides] reduction (p < 0.05, respectively) was observed in orlistat group and triglyceride reduction (p < 0.05) in sibutramine group after 12 months. No significant change was observed in sibutramine group during the study. No significant HR variation was obtained during the study in both groups. Of the 109 patients who completed the study, 48.1% of patients in the orlistat group and 17.5% of patients in the sibutramine group had side effects (p < 0.05 vs. orlistat group). Side-effect profiles were different in the two treatment groups. All orlistat side effects were gastrointestinal events. Sibutramine caused an increase in blood pressure (both SBP and DBP) in two patients, but it has been controlled by antihypertensive treatment. The vitamin changes were small and all mean vitamin and beta-carotene values stayed within reference ranges. No patients required vitamin supplementation. Both orlistat and sibutramine are effective on anthropometric variables during the 12-month treatment; in our sample, orlistat has been associated to a mild reduction in blood pressure, while sibutramine assumption has not be associated to any cardiovascular effect and was generically better tolerated than orlistat. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The detection of ACLSV and ASPV in pear plants by RT-LAMP assays.
A reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay was developed for the detection of Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV) and Apple stem pitting virus (ASPV), two important viruses frequently occurring in pear trees. A set of four RT-LAMP primers designed based on the highly conserved region of each CP gene of the two viruses showed high specificity and feasibility for ACLSV and ASPV detections. The RT-LAMP assays for ACLSV and ASPV in pear samples were 104 and 103 times more sensitive than that of conventional RT-PCR assays. The RT-LAMP under optimal reaction condition was subsequently utilized in the detection of the two viruses in-vitro cultures of pear and field pear samples. This study provides a rapid and sensitive tool to determine the infection statues of the two viruses in pear certification program. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Sevoflurane-induced delayed neuroprotection involves mitoK(ATP) channel opening and PKC ε activation.
There is an increasing body of evidence that a brief exposure to anesthesia induces ischemic tolerance in rat brain (anesthetic preconditioning). However, it is unknown whether preconditioning with sevoflurane, a commonly used volatile anesthetic in current clinical practice, produces a delayed window of neuroprotection against ischemia and what the mechanisms are for this protection. To address these issues, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to middle cerebral arterial occlusion (MCAO) for 2 h. Sevoflurane preconditioning was induced 24 h before brain ischemia by exposing the animals to sevoflurane at 1.0 minimum alveolar concentration (2.4%) in oxygen for 60 min. Animals preconditioned with sevoflurane had lower neurological deficit scores and smaller brain infarct volumes than animals with brain ischemia at 6 and 24 h after MCAO, respectively. Application of a selective antagonist for mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium (mitoK(ATP)) channel, 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD, 40 mg/kg i.p.) 30 min before sevoflurane exposure attenuated this beneficial effect. Moreover, protein kinase C ε (PKC ε) was translocated to the membrane fraction at 6 h, but not 24 h, after brain reperfusion in animals preconditioned with sevoflurane and this effect was also abolished by 5-HD. We concluded that sevoflurane preconditioning induces a delayed neuroprotection and that mitochondrial K(ATP) channels and PKC ε may be involved in this neuroprotection. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Electrochemical oxidation of hydroquinone, resorcinol, and catechol on boron-doped diamond anodes.
The electrochemical oxidation of aqueous wastes polluted with hydroquinone, resorcinol, or catechol on boron-doped diamond electrodes has been studied. The complete mineralization of the organic waste has been obtained independently of the nature of each isomer. No aromatic intermediates were found during the treatment, and solely aliphatic intermediates (carboxylic acids C4 and C2, mainly) were detected in the three cases. Although as from the bulk electrolyses study no differences in the electrochemical oxidation of dihydroxybenzenes seem to exist, different voltammetric behavior between resorcinol and the other two isomers was obtained in the voltammetric study. Catechol and hydroquinone have a reversible quinonic form, and a cathodic reduction peak appears in their voltammograms. The characterization of the first steps in the electrochemical oxidation of the three dihydroxybenzenes showed the formation of a larger number of intermediates in the oxidation of catechol, although no carbon dioxide was detected in its oxidation. Conversely, the oxidation of resorcinol and hydroquinone lead to the formation of important concentrations of carbon dioxide. The nondetection of aromatic intermediates, even if small quantities of charge are passed, confirms that the oxidation must be carried out directly on the electrode surface or by hydroxyl radicals generated by decomposition of water. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The customer satisfaction factor: the value of conducting employee evaluations of managed care networks.
Gathering customer satisfaction information is an idea whose time has come. Employers conducting employee evaluations of their managed care networks find the data valuable from both a strategic and a tactical standpoint. The thoughtful, intelligent use of such data can lead to more effective health care management. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Young people who attend specialist alcohol treatment: who are they and do they need special treatment?
Patterns of drinking in adolescence and young adulthood may have major short term impacts and influences on later drinking, yet little is known about the characteristics of young people who seek help for alcohol problems. Here we examine the characteristics of treatment episodes for adolescents and young adults who present to specialist alcohol treatment in New South Wales (NSW). The NSW Minimum Data Set for Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services was examined for all alcohol-related treatment episodes (N=21,012) reported between July 2004 and June 2005. We compared treatment episodes for adolescents aged 12-19 years, young adults aged 20-29 years and clients aged 30 years or more for their demographics, drug use and service delivery characteristics. Clients aged under 30 years were significantly more likely to be referred into specialist treatment by a police, court or criminal justice diversion program compared with older clients (adolescent: OR=3.7, 95%CI: 3.1-4.4; young adult: OR=2.2, 95%CI: 1.9-2.4). Concern about cannabis use was significantly higher among younger clients (adolescents: OR=2.8 95%CI: 2.3-3.3; young adults: OR=2.1, 95%CI: 2.0-2.4) than those aged 30 years or more. Younger clients were also more likely to be of Indigenous origin or seen in a rural setting. Adolescent and young adult alcohol treatment clients include a higher proportion of clients who are Indigenous, legally coerced, and who have concerns with polydrug use. Service providers should seek to tailor their treatment programs to better meet these unique needs and to better attract young people into voluntary treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide-provoked injury to rat gastroduodenal microvasculature involves inducible nitric oxide synthase.
The actions of a purified Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide (3 mg x kg(-1), i.v.) on rat gastric antral and duodenal microvascular integrity (determined as radiolabelled albumin leakage) and the expression of the inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS; assessed by the citrulline assay) were investigated 4 h after challenge. Significant increases of albumin leakage and expression of iNOS in both antral and duodenal tissues were observed following challenge. Concurrent administration of the selective iNOS inhibitor, 1400W (N-(8-(aminomethyl)benzyl)-acetamidine; 0.2-1 mg x kg(-1), s.c.), with lipopolysaccharide, caused a dose-dependent attenuation of the gastric and duodenal albumin leakage. Thus, H. pylori lipopolysaccharide can initiate the expression of iNOS in the stomach and duodenum following systemic challenge, which can provoke gastroduodenal microvascular dysfunction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Interpreting thresholds for a clinically significant change in health status in asthma and COPD.
Health status (or Health-Related Quality of Life) measurement is an established method for assessing the overall efficacy of treatments for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Such measurements can indicate the potential clinical significance of a treatment's effect. This paper is concerned with methods of estimating the threshold of clinical significance for three widely used health status questionnaires for asthma and COPD: the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire. It discusses the methodology used to obtain such estimates and shows that the estimates appear to be fairly reliable; ie. for a given questionnaire, similar estimates may be obtained in different studies. These empirically derived thresholds are all mean estimates with confidence intervals around them. The presence of these confidence intervals affects the way in which the thresholds may be used to draw inferences concerning the clinical relevance of clinical trial results. A new system of judging the magnitude of clinically significant results is proposed. Finally, an attempt is made to translate these thresholds into scenarios that illustrate what a clinically significant change with treatment may mean to an individual patient. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cognitive function in patients with decompensated heart failure: the Cognitive Impairment in Heart Failure (CogImpair-HF) study.
The objective of this study was to examine cognitive and psychological processes systematically in patients with decompensated chronic heart failure (CHF) and to document changes in cognitive function after compensation. Executive functions, episodic memory, and attention are impaired in patients with stable CHF, influencing health behaviour and disease management. Cognitive function and psychological co-morbidities are associated with hospitalization, disability, and mortality. Cognitive performance, self-perceived quality of life, and depression were compared in 20 patients with decompensated CHF [ejection fraction (EF) 27 ± 8%, N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) 10 880 pg/mL, interquartile range (4495-13 683)] before and after compensation, 20 age- and gender-matched stable CHF patients [New York Heart Association (NYHA) III-IV, EF 32 ± 10%, NT-proBNP 1881 pg/mL (323-1502)], and 20 healthy controls (EF 70 ± 5%). Patients with decompensated CHF showed significantly poorer performance in terms of short-term memory, working memory, executive control, and processing speed (P < 0.05) compared with stable CHF patients. Compensation improved the cognitive performance of decompensated CHF patients up to the level of patients with stable CHF. Compared with healthy controls, both patient groups were affected with respect to episodic memory (P < 0.0001) and fluid intelligence (P < 0.01). Decompensated heart failure patients are highly impaired in cognitive functioning, which improves but does not normalize after compensation. Neuropsychological diagnostics delivers important details for daily life activities and might identify individuals deserving special care. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pharmacological modulation of electromechanical coupling in the proximal and distal regions of the guinea-pig renal pelvis.
1. The effect of drugs affecting calcium and potassium channels and intracellular calcium handling/release on electromechanical coupling in the smooth muscle of the guinea-pig proximal vs. distal renal pelvis were investigated by using the single sucrose gap method. 2. Spontaneous action potentials discharged from the proximal renal pelvis were bell-shaped, did not show a pronounced plateau and had a small after-hyperpolarization. Spontaneous action potentials from the distal renal pelvis were characterized by a fast depolarization, a pronounced plateau and after-hyperpolarization. 3. Nifedipine (1 microM) suppressed action potentials in both regions of the renal pelvis. A submaximally effective concentration of nifedipine (50 nM) shortened action potential duration and reduced contractility in both regions of the renal pelvis. On the other hand Bay K 8644 (1 microM) markedly prolonged the duration of the action potential and increased contractility in both regions of the renal pelvis. 4. Tetraethylammonium (0.5 mM) markedly prolonged the action potential duration and contraction in the distal renal pelvis without affecting action potentials in the proximal renal pelvis. Similar effects were produced by a slightly higher concentration of tetraethylammonium (2 mM) in the proximal renal pelvis. 5. Charybdotoxin (30 nM) markedly prolonged the duration of action potential and increased and prolonged the contraction in both the proximal and distal renal pelvis. 6. 4-aminopyridine (1 mM) selectively increased the frequency of action potentials in the distal renal pelvis without affecting other parameters of the action potential nor contractility. 4-aminopyridine had no effect in the proximal renal pelvis. 7. The inhibitor of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase, cyclopiazonic acid (10 microM) transiently increased the frequency of action potentials in both regions of the renal pelvis; CPA markedly delayed the repolarizing phase of the action potential in both the proximal and distal renal pelvis and, in parallel, increased contractility. 8. We conclude that action potentials generated from the proximal and distal regions of the guinea-pig renal pelvis are evenly dependent upon the availability of L-type Ca channels; that Ca-dependent maxi K channels provide a major contribution to the repolarization of action potentials in both regions of the renal pelvis, thus regulating duration/intensity of Ca influx and contraction; that release of Ca from the internal store is not important in providing activator Ca for contraction but regulates duration of the action potential and may be involved in setting the frequency of discharge of pacemaker cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[SD-OCT contribution in congenital achromatopsia diagnosis (6 patients)].
Achromatopsia (ACH) is a congenital autosomal recessive cone disorder. The puspose is to describe particular SD-OCT macular images in ACH. The study included 6 patients from 3 consanguineous Tunisian families with congenital nystagmus and amblyopia with ACH. All patients had clinical examination with fundus photography, autofluorescence, 100-Hue Color vision and the appearance and thickness of all retinal layers were evaluated by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). All patients had ACH. The feature was loss of inner- and outer-segments (IS/OS) with disruption of the ciliary layer on OCT and an appearance of partial-thickness hole in the outer macular retina. This feature seems to be characteristic of ACH. SD-OCT correlated to clinic signs help the diagnosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Real-time video imaging as a new and rapid tool for antibiotic susceptibility testing by the disc diffusion method: a paradigm for evaluating resistance to imipenem and identifying extended-spectrum β-lactamases.
The disc diffusion method has long been considered the standard technique for antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) in clinical microbiology laboratories because of its simplicity, reproducibility and low cost compared with commercial automated microdilution systems that are usually more rapid but less sensitive for detecting important mechanisms of resistance. Here we measured reading zone diameters around antibiotics in a series of 25 well-characterised Gram-negative bacteria by the disc diffusion technique in real-time using an Advencis Bio-System instrument consisting of a real-time high-resolution video imager in a dedicated incubator. The susceptibility of wild-type Gram-negative bacteria to imipenem, determined by reading the diameter of inhibition, was detectable as early as 3.5h (mean time 3.7 ± 0.45 h), whereas carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria could be correctly categorised as early as 3h (mean time 4.2 ± 0.8 h) of incubation. Similarly, the characteristic champagne cork aspect of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) could be detected by the system as early as 3.5 h. Moreover, we present here for the first time video movies of the appearance of the diameter of inhibition by disc diffusion in real-time. This preliminary study using a new and innovative technology provides for a renewed interest for microbiologists who wish to continue to use the disc diffusion method as a reference method for AST. New video imaging technology presents a proof of concept that could improve the real-time management of patients with AST within a very rapid turnaround time and can provide a large financial saving for hospitals. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Gabapentin--a new antiepileptic drug.
Gabapentin (Neurontin--Parke-Davis) is a new antiepileptic drug. Like lamotrigine, which we reviewed 2 years ago, it is marketed for the add-on treatment of patients with partial or secondarily generalised (tonic-clonic) seizures that are inadequately controlled with standard antiepileptic drugs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Chiral scars in chaotic Dirac fermion systems.
Do relativistic quantum scars in classically chaotic systems possess unique features that are not shared by nonrelativistic quantum scars? We report a class of relativistic quantum scars in massless Dirac fermion systems whose phases return to the original values or acquire a 2π change only after circulating twice about some classical unstable periodic orbits. We name such scars chiral scars, the successful identification of which has been facilitated tremendously by our development of an analytic, conformal-mapping-based method to calculate an unprecedentedly large number of eigenstates with high accuracy. Our semiclassical theory indicates that the physical origin of chiral scars can be attributed to a combined effect of chirality intrinsic to massless Dirac fermions and the geometry of the underlying classical orbit. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Optimization of preparation method for ketoprofen-loaded microspheres consisting polymeric blends using simplex lattice mixture design.
In the present investigation, simplex lattice mixture design was applied for formulation development and optimization of a controlled release dosage form of ketoprofen microspheres consisting polymers like ethylcellulose and Eudragit(®)RL 100; when those were formed by oil-in-oil emulsion solvent evaporation method. The investigation was carried out to observe the effects of polymer amount, stirring speed and emulsifier concentration (% w/w) on percentage yield, average particle size, drug entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug release in 8h from the microspheres. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to estimate the significance of the models. Based on the desirability function approach numerical optimization was carried out. Optimized formulation (KTF-O) showed close match between actual and predicted responses with desirability factor 0.811. No adverse reaction between drug and polymers were observed on the basis of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was carried out to show discreteness of microspheres (149.2±1.25μm) and their surface conditions during pre and post dissolution operations. The drug release pattern from KTF-O was best explained by Korsmeyer-Peppas and Higuchi models. The batch of optimized microspheres were found with maximum entrapment (~90%), minimum loss (~10%) and prolonged drug release for 8h (91.25%) which may be considered as favourable criteria of controlled release dosage form. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Responses of olive plants exposed to different irrigation treatments in combination with heat shock: physiological and molecular mechanisms during exposure and recovery.
A water-deficit period, leading to stomatal control and overexpression of protective proteins (sHSP and DHN), contributes to olive´s tolerance to later imposed stress episodes. Aquaporins modulation is important in olive recovery. Olive is traditionally cultivated in dry farming or in high water demanding irrigated orchards. The impact of climate change on these orchards remains to unveil, as heat and drought episodes are increasing in the Mediterranean region. To understand how young plants face such stress episodes, olive plants growing in pots were exposed to well-irrigated and non-irrigated treatments. Subsequently, plants from each treatment were either exposed to 40 °C for 2 h or remained under control temperature. After treatments, all plants were allowed to grow under well-irrigated conditions (recovery). Leaves were compared for photosynthesis, relative water content, mineral status, pigments, carbohydrates, cell membrane permeability, lipid peroxidation and expression of the protective proteins' dehydrin (OeDHN1), heat-shock proteins (OeHSP18.3), and aquaporins (OePIP1.1 and OePIP2.1). Non-irrigation, whilst increasing carbohydrates, reduced some photosynthetic parameters to values below the ones of the well-irrigated plants. However, when both groups of plants were exposed to heat, well-irrigated plants suffered more drastic decreases of net CO2 assimilation rate and chlorophyll b than non-irrigated plants. Overall, OeDHN1 and OeHSP18.3 expression, which was increased in non-irrigated treatment, was potentiated by heat, possibly to counteract the increase of lipid peroxidation and loss of membrane integrity. Plants recovered similarly from both irrigation and temperature treatments, and recovery was associated with increased aquaporin expression in plants exposed to one type of stress (drought or heat). These data represent an important contribution for further understanding how dry-farming olive will cope with drought and heat episodes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Needle aspiration for diagnosis of cellulitis.
Diagnosing the causative agent of bacterial cellulitis is difficult. Blood culturing and needle aspiration have been used: the former has an extremely low sensitivity, the yield of the latter ranges from 4 to 42 percent. A retrospective study was conducted to determine the diagnostic success of needle aspiration and culture of the leading edge of cellulitis with a 21 to 22 gauge syringe and conventional bacteriologic culture of blood in determining the agent that causes acute cellulitis. This agent was determined in 33 percent of patients by needle aspiration and in 4 percent using blood cultures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Association of interleukin 10 in the vitreous and cerebrospinal fluid and primary central nervous system lymphoma.
Diagnosis of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is usually made by identifying malignant lymphocytes in the brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or vitreous. However, these cells are few and friable, and misdiagnosis can occur, even in properly prepared specimens. Recent data suggest that levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10) are elevated in the serum and vitreous of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma; levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) are elevated in the vitreous of patients with intraocular inflammation unrelated to a malignant neoplasm. We investigated whether PCNSL involving the vitreous or CSF is associated with elevated ratios of IL-10 to IL-6. Vitreous specimens were obtained from 5 patients with PCNSL involving the eye and from 13 control patients with intraocular inflammation not related to a malignant neoplasm; CSF specimens were obtained from 11 patients with PCNSL. Levels of IL-10 exceeded those of IL-6 in all 5 patients with intraocular lymphoma but in none of the 13 patients with uveitis (P < .001). In patients with PCNSL, levels of IL-10 exceeded those of IL-6 in 6 of 11 CSF samples with malignant cells compared with 7 of 53 samples without malignant cells (P = .01). The calculated odds ratio (OR) suggests that the risk for malignant involvement of the CSF is about 8 times higher when IL-10 levels exceed IL-6 levels. Levels of IL-10 and IL-6 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in both vitreous and CSF specimens. The occurrence of PCNSL in the eye was strongly associated with elevated vitreous levels of IL-10 relative to levels of IL-6. Moreover, among patients with diagnosed PCNSL, malignant cells were significantly more likely to be present in CSF when levels of IL-10 exceeded those of IL-6. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Proteolytic activity in stored aerobic granular sludge and structural integrity.
Aerobic granules lose stability during storage. The goal of this work was to highlight the main cause of stability loss for stored granules as intracellular protein hydrolysis. The quantity of extracellular proteins was noted to be significantly lower during granule storage, and protease enzyme activities were correspondingly higher in the cores of stored granules. The proteolytic bacteria, which secrete highly active protease enzymes, were for the first time isolated and characterized by analyzing 16S rDNA sequences. The proteolytic bacteria belonged to the genera Pseudomonas, Raoultella, Acinetobacter, Pandoraea, Klebsiella, Bacillus and uncultured bacterium, and were grouped into Proteobacteria, Enterobacteria and Firmicutes. The PB1 (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) strain, which exhibited very high proteolytic activity during the skim milk agar test, was located at the core regime with active protease enzymes, and was close to the obligate anaerobic strain Bacteroides sp. Hence, the extracellular proteins in stored granules were proposed to be hydrolyzed by enzymes secreted by proteolytic bacteria with the hydrolyzed products ultimately being used by nearby anaerobic strains. This process gradually digests the protein core, and eventually consumes the entire granule. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Sexual abuse of children. A regional study of the prevalence and characteristics].
In contrast to angloamerican countries there are no national figures for the incidence and prevalence of sexual abuse in Germany. Reports based on criminal statistics are inappropriate and are often misinterpreted. In this report we present the main results of a regional study of the prevalence of sexual abuse in childhood and compare them with angloamerican studies. Based on replies from 1009 students and apprentices (age > 18y) the prevalence for criminal sexual abuse was found to be 25.2% for females and 6.2% for males. A breakdown of these figures showed that females reported having to experience anal, oral or sexual intercourse (2.3%), physical contact (11.7%), exhibitionism (4.6%) and other sexual behaviour without physical contact (6.6%). For males the prevalence rates for these categories of sexual abuse were 1.5%, 2.4%, 0.9% and 1.5% respectively. All these figures, especially those for males, should be evaluated critically as actual prevalence rates are probably higher. Girls, particularly those aged 6-10 years, are more often involved than boys. Ninety percent of physical abuse happens with persons known to the victim (60% within the family, only 8% with strangers. In general 95% of abusers are male, however in 25% of cases of hands-on-contact with boys the abusers are female. From the relative frequency of reported abuse we estimate the potential incidence to be 1:30 within the family, 1:23 with other acquaintances and 1:6 with strangers. The importance of regional differences should not be underestimated. These results cannot be generalized for the whole of Germany. Only prevalence studies appropriately reflect the scale of the problem; they are necessary for a broad, a rational and a sufficient planning of strategies designed for prevention, intervention and rehabilitation. More scientifically based epidemiological studies on the extend of sexual abuse are required in Germany. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Non-intubated pyeloplasty for pelviureteric junction obstruction in children.
Sixty-one consecutive patients undergoing pyeloplasty (5 bilateral) were reviewed retrospectively; 54 pyeloplasties were non-intubated (NIP) and 12 were intubated. NIPs were managed by an extrarenal wound drain, which was removed after 2-4 days in 44 repairs with minimal or no urinary leakage and after 6-8 days in 10 with significant leakage. Fifty-two were successful after the primary procedure. One patient who developed a urinoma after drain removal required a percutaneous nephrostomy followed by a revision pyeloplasty. A second revision pyeloplasty was necessary for persistent postoperative obstruction. The results of NIP compared favorably with series where intubation was used routinely and were superior to alternative methods of management such as endopyelotomy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Deaths from drowning.
During an eight year period in the Auckland coronial district, 225 persons over the age of fifteen years died from drowning and were subject to autopsy. Of these, 129 males and 21 females drowned because of accidents whilst 31 males and 29 females committed suicide by drowning. There was one homicide and in 14 cases it was unclear as to whether drowning was accidental or suicidal. At least half of the accidents showed analytical evidence of having consumed alcohol and in 37% of these the blood alcohol level was over 100 mg per 100 ml of blood. The activities in which the accidentally drowned were engaged at the time of their deaths are documented and the role of intercurrent illnesses in some drownings illustrated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Synthesis of artificial polymeric nanopillars for clean and reusable adhesives.
We present a simple and scalable approach to fabricate nanopillars structure using combined techniques of colloidal nanolithography, and chemical etching to mimic the nanopillars of gecko foot-hairs. The resulting polymeric nanopillar structure showed nanoscopic adhesion, superhydrophobic, and easy cleaning properties. The lateral dimension of nanopillars as small as 150 nm and aspect ratio as high as 10:1 have been achieved without lateral collapse between neighboring pillars. The method allows both fabrication of synthetic structures in wafer scale area and direct integration of flexible membrane to assist the array of nanohairs in making intimate contact with the uneven surfaces. Our results indicate that a single nanohair exhibit a mean adhesive force of 1.8 nN. In the macroscopic scale, we demonstrate that the nanostructured surface can adhere firmly to a smooth glass substrate. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Okadaic acid, a phosphatase inhibitor, produces a Ca2+ and calmodulin-independent contraction of smooth muscle.
The effects of okadaic acid, a phosphoprotein phosphatase inhibitor, on the contractile response and on myosin light chain phosphorylation were studied in intact lamb tracheal smooth muscle. The effects of okadaic acid were compared to the response of the same fibers stimulated with 1 microM methacholine, a concentration that induces 90% of maximal force. Okadaic acid (50 microM) produced a slow but maximal contraction that was accompanied by an increase in phosphorylation of the 20 kDa light chain of myosin. The myosin light chain phosphorylation pattern induced by okadaic acid, however, differed from that induced by methacholine. Ca2+ depletion, N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide (W-7), a calmodulin antagonist and 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7), a protein kinase C inhibitor, blocked or attenuated methacholine-induced contractions but had no significant effect on force development or myosin light chain phosphorylation induced by okadaic acid. These results suggest that phosphorylation of the 20 kDa light chain of myosin is essential for smooth muscle contraction; they also suggest that okadaic acid either uncovers or activates an apparently Ca2+ and calmodulin-independent protein kinase activity that phosphorylates the 20 kDa light chain of myosin at multiple sites. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
When a Picasso is a "Picasso": the entry point in the identification of visual art.
We investigated whether art is distinguished from other real world objects in human cognition, in that art allows for a special memorial representation and identification based on artists' specific stylistic appearances. Testing art-experienced viewers, converging empirical evidence from three experiments, which have proved sensitive to addressing the question of initial object recognition, suggest that identification of visual art is at the subordinate level of the producing artist. Specifically, in a free naming task it was found that art-objects as opposed to non-art-objects were most frequently named with subordinate level categories, with the artist's name as the most frequent category (Experiment 1). In a category-verification task (Experiment 2), art-objects were recognized faster than non-art-objects on the subordinate level with the artist's name. In a conceptual priming task, subordinate primes of artists' names facilitated matching responses to art-objects but subordinate primes did not facilitate responses to non-art-objects (Experiment 3). Collectively, these results suggest that the artist's name has a special status in the memorial representation of visual art and serves as a predominant entry point in recognition in art perception. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Role of social context in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Research has increasingly focused on the role that social circumstances before, during, and after trauma exposure play in risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this article, we provide an overview of conceptual and methodological challenges to the study of social context's role in PTSD and propose strategies that can mitigate these challenges. Throughout the article, we draw from the current literature to illustrate how attention to these issues can lead to advances in our knowledge of the role of social context in PTSD. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
QMHC interview: Peter R. Scholtes [by Marie E. Sinioris].
Peter R. Scholtes has a unique perspective on what it takes to build a world-class quality organization: A transformation of the relationships, environment, and dynamics within and between individuals and groups throughout an organization. He brings an organizational development perspective to quality management and, in particular, to the approach and practices advocated by W. Edwards Deming. This interview explores Mr. Scholtes' in-depth understanding and sometimes controversial views on quality improvement teams, team training, and performance appraisal. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A hairpin-loop conformation in tandem repeat sequence of the ice nucleation protein revealed by NMR spectroscopy.
The 1H-NMR spectrum of a synthetic 24-residue peptide (A1-G-V-D-S-S-L-I-A-G-Y-G-S-T-Q-T-S-G-S-D-S-A-L-T24; INP24), comprising three repeats of the 8-residue consensus sequence of Pseudomonas syringae ice nucleation protein, was fully assigned using 2-dimensional (2D) NMR spectroscopy at 4 degrees C and 30 degrees C. Close proximity of the aliphatic protons between Leu7, Ile8, Ala9, and the ring-protons of Tyr11 was indicated from the observation of the inter-molecular nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) effect. Hydrogen-bonding was strongly suggested for the NH group of Leu7 from its extremely low-temperature coefficient estimated from the temperature dependence of the chemical shift. These results indicate the formation of a hairpin-loop conformation constructed by a hexapeptide segment of INP24, -Leu7-Ile8-Ala9-Gly10-Tyr11-Gly12. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Direct drug delivery to the brain].
The authors of the review discuss the present-day state of and promising approaches to directed delivery of biological agents into the brain. Special attention is drawn to micellar and liposomal transport through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) targeted by immunochemical vectors, such as native or hydrophobized antibodies to specific antigens located at the BBB or in the brain parenchyma. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of histone (V (H5): controlled condensation of avian erythrocyte chromatin. Appendix: Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of histone H5. II. Circular dichroic studies.
During avian erythropoiesis, the blast cells of the bone marrow mature into polychromatic erythrocytes (late stages knwon as reticulocytes) and then into mature red blood cells. When chickens are made anemic, the proportion of immature cells in the anemic bone marrow increases dramatically. The level of the lysine-rich histones. H1 and H5, has been found to be constant in the blood and bone marrow of normal and anemic chickens. This implies that H5 replaces H1 quantitatively. Urea-aluminum-lactate starch gel electrophoresis of H5 from these sources show that the degree of phosphorylation of H5 is proportional to the number of immature cells. About 70% of the H5 from the most immature bone marrow is phosphorylated, while 50% of the H5 from anemic blood is phosphorylated and H5 in normal blood is almost completely devoid of phosphate. When immature cells of the anemia bone marrow are incubated in the presence of inorganic 32P and [3H]lysine and [3H]arginine, extensive 32P incorporation is found in the phospho species. A minimum of nine phosphorylated components have been demonstrated by starch gel electrophoresis. The incorporation of 3H is time dependent. After 1.5 h of labeling, 3H is found in H5 containing 0, 1, 2, and 3 phosphates. tthe combined data suggest that newly synthesized H5 becomes progressively phosphorylated and that at the terminal stage of development, the phosphorylated H5 is completely dephosphorylated. These events may be important in controlling the timing of chromatin condensation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Somatosensory and magnetic evoked potentials in a postoperative paraparetic patient: case report.
Somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) testing is increasingly being used to test for spinal cord injuries and to monitor spinal surgery to reduce the risk of paraplegia. It is a sensory test, but it is assumed that any process severe enough to affect the motor tracts will also affect the sensory tracts and, therefore, be identified. Increasingly, however, isolated motor-tract involvement has been reported. A new technique, magnetic coil stimulation of the cortex, directly monitors the motor tracts. We report a case where the SSEP was normal although the magnetic motor-evoked potential was abnormal, supporting the hypothesis that direct testing of motor tracts may be advantageous. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Surgical management of chronic pulmonary thromboembolic disease.
Chronic obstruction of the proximal pulmonary arteries appears to be a rare complication of pulmonary thromboembolus. The syndrome, however, may prove to be more common than previously suspected as general awareness of the syndrome increases prompted by the availability of efficacious therapy. Medical management has been ineffective in providing symptomatic or consistent hemodynamic improvement in patients with this syndrome, but a growing body of literature now suggests that surgical relief of obstruction can be undertaken with acceptable surgical risk and with the expectation of dramatic clinical improvement in a selected group of patients. Although no true control groups exist, one might hypothesize that hemodynamic and clinical improvement may translate into improved survival in these patients as well. The most recent series reported by Daily et al7 is the first to include more than 100 patients, and their reported hospital mortality of less than 13% is very encouraging. Whether these results will be reproducible at other centers remains to be seen. It is hoped that future investigation will refine both patient selection and operative technique such that results continue to improve. Pulmonary physicians should be aware of the syndrome and have a high index of suspicion in patients with unexplained pulmonary hypertension or right-sided heart failure. V/Q scans have proved to be useful screening procedures in these patients and can help identify patients at risk who require further more invasive investigation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Phone calls to an Australian pregnancy and lactation counselling service regarding use of galactagogues during lactation - the MotherSafe experience.
Galactagogues represent substances used to enhance breast milk production. Between 2001 and 2014 we identified 2034 phone calls regarding the use of galactagogues made to MotherSafe. The majority involved discussion of domperidone (n = 1884; 92.6%), with the remainder relating to metoclopramide (n = 153; 7.5%) or other herbal galactagogues (eg fenugreek, milk thistle; n = 262; 12.9%). A 50% decrease in total calls occurred from 2011 to 2014, while the percentage of calls regarding herbal galactagogues increased from 0% in 2001 to 23% in 2014. These findings support the need for more robust research surrounding the use of galactagogues in clinical practice. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
ROBERT TEMPLE: an eye for data. Interview.
Robert Temple has spent more than thirty years of his career at the Food and Drug Administration-and he still likes it! After medical school, internship, and residency, Temple pursued endocrinology research at the NIH before deciding, in the early 70s, to apply his interests in science to consumer advocacy at the FDA. The FDA was undergoing enormous changes at that time, and Temple enjoyed the challenges associated with improving drug development and patient safety. Always relying on a critical evaluation of data, he is comfortable discussing mechanisms of drug action, experimental design, and regulatory policies, as well as the social implications of direct-to-consumer advertising of drugs. Currently, Temple is Director of one of the six Offices of Drug Evaluation and also serves as the Associate Director for Medical Policy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Different buffers for hemodiafiltration: a controlled study.
Hemodiafiltration (HDF) is usually performed using a dialytic solution (D) containing acetate (A) or bicarbonate (B) and a replacement fluid (RF) containing lactate (L). To clarify the role of buffers in HDF, 11 patients underwent different study periods, each three months long: bicarbonate hemodialysis (BHD = Baseline period); HDF with (A) in D and (L) in RF (first period of HDF); HDF with (A) in D and (B) in RF (second HDF); HDF with (B) in D and (L) in RF (third HDF); HDF with (B) in D and (B) in RF (fourth HDF = BHDF). HDF achieved: 1) an increase in dialytic efficiency (kt/V, 1.28), reducing the time-session (197 min); 2) an improvement in acid-base status (pre-dialytic values in BHDF: pH 7.36; pCO2 39.8 mmHg; HCO3- 21.8 mM/L); 3) better "dry weight" gain (reached in 92.8% of HDF and in 81% of BHD sessions); 4) a significant decrease, in dialytic side-effects (mainly during the third and fourth periods). On the whole, BHDF (HDF done using only bicarbonate buffer) represents an easy and safe technique, leading to better cardiovascular stability than BHD and HDF without bicarbonate buffer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
2D-PAGE of ovarian cancer: analysis of soluble and insoluble fractions using medium-range immobilized pH gradients.
Ovarian cancer remains a leading cause of cancer death. A comparative proteomic study was performed on normal ovarian tissue (n=5) and grade 3 ovarian tumours (n=5) to search for differentially expressed proteins. In contrast to other studies, here we extracted proteins in soluble and insoluble protein fractions using commercial kits and also utilised three medium-range IPG strips that encompassed the broad pH range of 3-10 (pH 3-6, 5-8 and 7-10). Protein fractions were compared by 2D-PAGE and MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS. Nineteen differentially expressed proteins were identified: HSP60, Grp78, CK19, EF-Tu, MRLC2, prohibitin, Stress-70 protein, TPI and tubulin α6 were up-regulated in grade 3 tumours whereas annexin A2 and A5, antithrombin-III precursor, CBR1, GSTM2, GSTM3, RALDH1, serum albumin precursor, transthyretin precursor and vimentin were found to be down-regulated in grade 3 ovarian tumours. These proteins are associated with cytoskeleton rearrangement, cell metabolism, tumour suppression function, apoptosis and induction of host response. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Development of complete hydrolysis of pectins from apple pomace.
Enzymatically extracted pectins have a more complex structure than those obtained by conventional methods. As a result, they are less susceptible to hydrolysis, which makes the precise determination of their composition difficult. The aim of the study was to develop a method of complete hydrolysis of enzymatically extracted apple pectins. Substrates were pectins isolated from apple pomace by the use of xylanase and multicatalytic preparation Celluclast and apple pomace. Hydrolysis was performed by a chemical method with 2M TFA at 100 °C and 120 °C and a combined acidic/enzymatic method. After hydrolysis, the contents of galacturonic acid and neutral sugars were measured by HPLC. Complete hydrolysis of polygalacturonic acid occurred after 2.5h incubation with 2M TFA at 120 °C. The efficient hydrolysis of neutral sugars in pectins was performed with 2M TFA at 100 °C for 2.5h. Monomers most susceptible to concentrated acid were rhamnose, mannose and arabinose. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mouse models of brain tumors and their applications in preclinical trials.
Primary brain tumors, including gliomas and medulloblastomas, often represent the most devastating and difficult-to-treat tumors, and are thought to arise from glial cells and/or their precursors or the external granule cell layer, respectively. The majority of genetic alterations characteristic of the human brain tumors are thought to occur in genes encoding proteins involved in signal transduction or cell cycle regulation. Accurate recapitulation of these genetic alterations using genetically engineered mouse models allows for in vivo modeling of brain tumors with similar histopathology, etiology, and biology. These mouse models, in turn, increase our understanding of brain tumor initiation, formation, progression, and metastasis, providing an experimental system to discover novel therapeutic targets and test various therapeutic agents. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Attenuation of excitotoxic cell swelling and GABA release by the GABA transport inhibitor SKF 89976A.
Acute excitotoxicity in the chick retina is characterized by cellular swelling and the subsequent selective release of GABA. In order to understand the source of GABA release, embryonic day 15 retina were incubated with 1 mM glutamate for 30 min in the presence or absence of the GABA transport inhibitor SKF 89976A (1-100 microM). SKF 89976A dose-dependently attentuated glutamate-induced GABA release (IC50, 39 microM). Histological examination of retina showed that SKF 89976A greatly reduced cellular swelling caused by glutamate exposure. Interaction of SKF 89976A with glutamate receptors was ruled out as a possible reason for protection vs acute glutamate excitotoxicity, since SKF 89976A had no effect on glutamate receptor-induced 22Na+ influx. In contrast, the NMDA antagonist, MK-801, significantly blocked glutamate-evoked 22NA+ uptake. These studies indicate that reversal of the GABA transporter contributes to the bulk of GABA release during acute excitotoxicity in retina. Further, a net effect of the presence of SKF 89976A during glutamate exposure is reduction in cellular swelling. It is not clear at present if attenuation of swelling is mediated specifically by an interaction with the GABA transporter or by a nonspecific or indirect effect of SKF 89976A. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A case of primary cardiac amyloidosis with amyloid A protein].
A case of cardiac amyloidosis in a 46-year-old male is reported. He was admitted for dyspnea. Physical examination revealed third and forth heart sound and hepatomegaly. Radiographic heart-thoracic ratio was 53%. Electrocardiogram showed first degree A-V block, rS pattern in V1-V4 leads, and ambulatory electrocardiogram showed ventricular tachycardia. Echocardiogram revealed hypertrophy and highly refractile echoes of the left ventricular wall. Endomyocardial biopsy was performed and it demonstrated amyloid fibrils, which were characterized immunohistochemically as Amyloid A (AA) protein, which is generally a constituent in secondary amyloidosis. Urine protein electrophoresis showed lambda type Bence-Jones protein, but bone marrow biopsy was normal. There was no evidence of malignancy, chronic inflammatory disease, or collagen disease. This case was diagnosed as primary amyloidosis with AA protein. It is rare that, in spite of its being a case of primary amyloidosis, its constituent protein is AA protein. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Estimating the location of the center of resistance of canines.
To develop a method to quickly estimate the location of center of resistance (CR) in mesial-distal (MD) and buccal-lingual (BL) directions from the tooth's image. The maxillary cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 18 patients were used. Finite element (FE) models of the canines and their surrounding tissues were built based on their CBCT scans to calculate the locations of CR. Root length, centroid of the contact surface (CCS), and centroid of projection of the contact surface (CPCS) were also obtained from the images. The CCS and CPCS locations were projected on the tooth's long axis, which were represented as percentages of the root length measured from the root's apex. Using the FE results as the standards, the errors of using CCS or CPCS to estimate CR were calculated. The average location of CR calculated using the FE method was 60.2% measured from the root's apex in the MD direction and 58.4% in the BL direction. The location of the CCS was 60.9%. The difference in CR was 0.7% in the MD direction and 2.5% in the BL direction. The location of CPCS was 60.2% in the MD direction and 59.1% in the BL direction, which resulted in a 0.1% and 0.8% difference with the reference CR, respectively. The average difference of CR in the MD and BL directions was small but statistically significant (P < .05). The locations of the CR of a human canine in the MD and BL directions can be estimated by finding the CPCSs in those directions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The long-term effect of menopause on postmenopausal bone loss in Japanese women: results from a prospective study.
The aim of this study was to elucidate perimenopausal bone loss in relation to menstrual conditions and to investigate the long-term effect of menopause on bone loss in aged women. The rate of change in bone mineral density (BMD) was measured twice at an exact interval of 12 months by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the lumbar spine in 176 pre- and postmenopausal healthy women 41-65 years of age. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone, intact and N-fragment osteocalcin (OC), three types of vitamin D3, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and calcitonin were also determined. Women who exercised regularly or had anatomical changes at the lumbar spine were excluded from this study. The subjects were divided into eight groups based on their menstrual status and years since menopause. Annual bone loss at the lumbar spine of premenopausal women with regular menstruation was -0.2+/-1.9% (95% confidence interval, -0.9 approximately -0.4%) and was not statistically different from zero, while that of women with irregular menstruation or at menopausal transition was -2.1+/-3.4% (-3.4 approximately -0.8%), and -3.3+/-2.3% (-5.2 approximately -0.3%), respectively, and was significantly different from zero. Serum OC levels of women at menopausal transition were significantly higher than those of women with regular menstruation, suggesting that bone loss had commenced in these women. The rate of annual change in BMD of women who were menopausal for 1-3, 4-6, 10-12, and more than 13 years was -3.1+/-4.0% (-4.7 approximately -1.5%), -1.2+/-2.6% (-2.2 approximately -0.2%), -1.0+/-3.0% (-2.3 approximately -0.3%), and -2.3+/-2.1% (-3.7 approximately -1.0%), respectively, and was significantly less than zero. But the annual bone loss of women who were menopausal for 7-9 years was -1.5+/-2.6% (-3.0 approximately -0.1%) and was not statistically significant from zero. These results indicate that postmenopausal women lose BMD in two phases. The early bone loss is rapid and commences during irregular menstruation, then is attenuated within 6 years after the onset of menopause. The second bone loss commences after the attenuation of the first bone loss. Among bone metabolic hormones, intact PTH alone showed an age-related increase and was suggested as being a causal factor of bone loss in women who were menopausal for 13 years or more. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Central auditory processing ability in children with ADHD with and without learning disabilities.
A few studies have shown more central auditory processing deficits in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than in nondisabled children. Because these studies failed to screen participants with ADHD for learning disabilities (LD), it is not clear whether these deficits are correlates of ADHD or LD or both. In the present study, the central auditory processing ability of children with ADHD, ADHD with LD, and no disabilities was examined. Results indicated lower central auditory processing ability, and significant correlations between reading and ADHD symptoms and reading and central auditory processing ability in the ADHD with LD group compared with the other two groups. These findings suggest that central auditory processing deficits are more likely to be associated with LD than ADHD. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cardioprotective effect of diadenosine tetraphosphate (AP4A) preservation in hypothermic storage and its relation with mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels.
The preconditioning effect of diadenosine tetraphosphate (AP4A) was reported in ischemia/reperfused hearts, but its effect in heart preservation was unknown. According to the possible role of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel (mK(ATP) channel) in the effect of ischemic preconditioning, the contribution of mK(ATP) channel to the effect of AP4A was tested. Isolated rat hearts were arrested and preserved by Eurocollin's (EC) solution at 4 degrees C for 8 hr. AP4A (80 microM) or AP4A with the 5-hydroxydecanoic acid (100 microM), a selective inhibitor of the mK(ATP) channel, was added into the EC solution. The preischemic and postischemic cardiac functions were evaluated on a buffer-perfused Langendorff apparatus before storage and after 20 min of reperfusion. AP4A administration improved the recovery of poststorage cardiac functions (the rate-pressure production, left ventricular systolic pressure, heart rate, coronary flow rate, and derivative of left ventricular systolic pressure; P<0.05) and reduced the leakage of lactate dehydrate and creatine kinase during reperfusion, compared with EC alone. Those effects of AP4A were completely reversed by 5-hydroxydecanoic acid administration in combination subjects. AP4A administration protects the heart through opening of the mK(ATP) channel during hypothermic preservation. Thus, addition of AP4A into cardioplegia may be a novel method of ischemic preconditioning in the transplantation context. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Association between vascular endothelial growth factor rs699947 polymorphism and the risk of three major urologic neoplasms (bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and renal cell carcinoma): A meta-analysis involving 11,204 subjects.
The relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene variant rs699947 polymorphism and urologic neoplasms risk was studied extensively in recent years. The VEGF gene plays a key role in angiogenesis of urologic neoplasms, but some conclusions are still inconclusive. The aim of this study was to determine whether this polymorphism is a risk factor for susceptibility to urologic neoplasms by conducting a meta-analysis. We performed a meta-analysis of 15 different publications from the PubMed, Embase and Medline databases, to better assess the association between VEGF rs699947 polymorphism and urologic neoplasms risk. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were evaluated using random or fixed effects models. By pooling all eligible studies, we found that the VEGF rs699947 polymorphism was not associated with overall urologic neoplasms. However, subgroup analysis based on cancer types demonstrated that significantly increased association was found between VEGF rs699947 polymorphism and the risk of bladder cancer (BCa) under heterozygous genetic model (OR = 1.48, 95%CI = 1.17-1.89). And rs699947 polymorphism was also identified an increased risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) under dominant, recessive, homozygous, heterozygous and allelic contrast genetic models, while no association was observed in prostate cancer (PCa). In addition, in subgroup analysis by ethnicity, we found rs699947 polymorphism was associated with Asian population under dominant, homozygous, heterozygous and allelic contrast genetic models. No evidence of publication bias was found (Begg's test, P = 0.855; Egger's test, P = 0.590). In summary, our study showed evidence that the VEGF rs699947 polymorphism was obviously associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer and renal cell carcinoma, particularly in Asian population, while no significant association was observed in overall urologic neoplasms. Future studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to further evaluate these associations in more details. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Supercharging the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap: breast reconstruction for the overweight and obese population.
Autologous breast reconstruction with the transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap is traditionally based on either the superior epigastric vessels (pedicled) or the deep inferior system (free). In the overweight and obese population, both techniques have been shown to have increased complications of the reconstructed breast. Another alternative is supercharging the flap by anastamosing the deep inferior epigastric vessels to either the internal mammary or thoracodorsal systems. We present a single surgeon's experience with unilateral TRAM reconstructions supercharged to either the thoracodorsal vessels, the internal mammary system, or in one case, perforator vessels in overweight and obese patients. Nineteen consecutive overweight or obese patients underwent delayed or immediate, unilateral autologous breast reconstruction with supercharged TRAM flaps between November 2000 and November 2004. The patients ranged in age from 28 to 66 years (average 49) and had an average body mass index (BMI) of 29.5 (24.9-38.3). Twelve patients had a BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2; 7 patients had BMI > or =30 kg/m2. Left-sided reconstructions were 13; right-sided reconstructions were 6. Supercharging was performed by anastamosing the deep inferior epigastric artery and vein to the thoracodorsal vessels, internal mammary vessels, or perforator vessels. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 54 months. There was a qualitative increase in blood flow measured by audible Doppler signals in all patients after the arterial and venous anastamoses. There were no cases of partial or complete flap loss. One patient had a hematoma and subsequently developed minor fat necrosis. One patient had an infection of the reconstructed breast. There were no donor site complications. Supercharging the TRAM flap by means of microvascular augmentation of the deep inferior epigastric vessels provides a safe and effective breast reconstruction in the overweight and obese population with no additional morbidity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of Shenshao Decoction on the inflammatory response in the aorta of a rat atherosclerotic model.
To investigate the effect of Shenshao Decoction on the inflammatory status: in the aorta in a rat model of atherosclerosis. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into: five groups, 8 rats in each group: control untreated group, atherosclerosis group, atherosclerosis with Shenshao Decoction (low dose) group, atherosclerosis with Shenshao Decoction (high dose) group, atherosclerosis with simvastatin group. To stimulate atherosclerosis, the rats were fed vitamin D3 and a high-cholesterol diet. Four weeks later, treatments were maintained for eight weeks. Morphology changes were investigated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were obtained by enzymatic assays with use of an automated biochemical analyzer. The expression of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) were detected by enzyme-enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. The expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-17A, and IL-23 were detected by linked immunoblotting. Shenshao Decoction treatment decreased TC, TG, LDL-C and MDA and increased: GSH-PX levels (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, IL-1β, IL-17A, and IL-23 were lower in the high and <low dose Shenshao Decoction groups and the simvastatin group (P<0.01). Shenshao Decoction: could attenuate the progression of aortal atherosclerotic plaques by inhibiting the inflammatory response in a rat atherosclerotic model. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Myasthenic syndrome caused by direct effect of chloroquine on neuromuscular junction.
Chloroquine induced a myasthenic syndrome in a patient taking the drug for presumable reticular erythematous mucinosis. Clinical features and results of single-fiber electromyography were typical for a failure of neuromuscular transmission, while peripheral nerves and muscles were intact on clinical, biochemical, electrophysiologic, and pathologic investigation. The time course of the clinical and electrophysiologic findings during provocation with chloroquine and the absence of autoantibodies indicate that the syndrome was due to a direct effect of the drug on the neuromuscular junction. While not taking chloroquine, the patient showed a decremental response on a modified double-step nerve stimulation test and a mean consecutive difference on single-fiber electromyography that was at the upper limit of normal, indicating a subclinical impairment of neuromuscular transmission. These findings can explain the apparent rarity of the syndrome described, as a direct effect of chloroquine on the neuromuscular junction may only have clinical relevance in patients with a reduced neuromuscular safety factor. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Continuous infusion of piperacillin/tazobactam in ventilator-associated pneumonia: a pilot study on efficacy and costs.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) occurs in nearly one-third of mechanically ventilated patients in the Intensive Care Unit. Piperacillin/tazobactam (TZP) is currently recommended in the empirical treatment of VAP, but intermittent dosing may result in inadequate serum concentrations. The efficacy and costs of continuous infusion (CI) of TZP, using therapeutic drug monitoring for real-time dose adjustment, was assessed in a prospective pilot study of 16 patients with VAP. TZP was given as a loading dose of 2.0/0.25 g followed by a CI of 10.0/1.25g daily. Rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the pathogens. TZP concentrations were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography before and at 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after the onset of administration. Dosages were adjusted to maintain piperacillin concentrations four-fold above the MIC (T>4 × MIC) of the pathogen, with a maximum dose of 16.0/2.0 g. The cost of the total TZP administered was compared with the cost of a standard TZP regimen (16.0/2.0 g) if given over the same period of time. The median MIC for TZP was 1 μg/mL (range 0.025-32 μg/mL). TZP concentrations were adequate for 71% of pathogens on the first day of therapy. Clinical cure was achieved in 9/10 patients who had adequate drug concentrations and in 3/6 patients with insufficient levels. The daily dose of TZP received by CI was 37.5% less than that of a standard regimen, which corresponds to a saving of €15 on daily therapy costs compared with the standard regimen. In conclusion, CI of TZP achieved optimal drug concentrations in most patients with VAP, with a favourable impact on costs. Adequate drug concentrations were achieved for MIC ≤ 4 μg/mL, but higher dosages should be considered for the treatment of pathogens with low susceptibility thresholds. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In Situ X-ray Absorption Fine Structure Probing-Phase Evolution of CuFe2O4 in Nanospace Confinement.
The thermal transformation of Cu(NO3)2 and (Fe(NO3)3 into a CuFe2O4 spinel structure in the confined space of SBA-15 has been investigated. Interestingly, we observed the new formation mechanism of CuFe2O4 in SBA-15 via isolated metal ions (Cu2+ and Fe3+) surrounded by oxygen atoms, which gradually transformed to CuO and ferrihydrite. The latter evolved to maghemite spinel ferrite and reacted with CuO to form CuFe2O4 as the final species. In contrast, in the nonconfined space where the spinel was produced via a sol-gel combustion method, the nanostructure of CuFe2O4 immediately formed during the sol-gel combustion process and its crystallinity was improved after calcination. This is the first report on probing-phase formation using high-temperature in situ X-ray absorption fine structure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Pathogenic situations after orthodontic treatment. Defects in skeleton and soft tissues that should be avoided after orthodontic treatment].
The perfect correction of dental alignment anomalies found in dento facial dysmorphosis should not be the only criterium of success in dento facial orthopedics. One must insure, lest severe T.M.J. disorders and sleep apnea problems subsequently occur, that : (1) the condyles and mandibular vertical branches are correctly positioned relative to the basilar apophysis and cervical vertebrae, (2) the hyoid bone must not descend too low relative to the C3-C4 intervertebral disk. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Tailoring lipoplex composition to the lipid composition of plasma membrane: a Trojan horse for cell entry?
The first interaction between lipoplexes and cells is charge-mediated and not specific. Endocytosis is considered to be the main pathway for lipoplex entry. Upon interaction between lipoplexes and the plasma membrane, intermixing between lipoplex and membrane lipids is necessary for efficient endocytosis. Here we study the mechanism of the different endocytic pathways in lipid-mediated gene delivery. We show that DC-Chol-DOPE/DNA lipoplexes preferentially use a raft-mediated endocytosis, while DOTAP-DOPC/DNA systems are mainly internalized by not specific fluid phase macropinocitosys. On the other hand, most efficient multicomponent lipoplexes, incorporating different lipid species in their lipid bilayer, can use multiple endocytic pathways to enter cells. Our data demonstrate that efficiency of endocytosis is regulated by shape coupling between lipoplex and membrane lipids. We suggest that such a shape-dependent coupling regulates efficient formation of endocytic vesicles thus determining the success of internalization. Our results suggest that tailoring the lipoplex lipid composition to the patchwork-like plasma membrane profile could be a successful machinery of coordinating the endocytic pathway activities and the subsequent intracellular processing. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A case-control study of eye injuries in the workplace in Hong Kong.
Eye injury in the workplace is common worldwide. This study proposed to explore both risk and preventive factors re eye injuries in Hong Kong. Case-control study. A total of 239 work-related eye injury patients, and 253 subjects without a history of any eye injury as controls. Patients with all incident cases of work-related eye injuries attending the ophthalmology clinics of 3 major public hospitals in Hong Kong during the first 3 months of 2000 were invited to participate. Controls were selected from the general population and were frequency matched to patients based on gender. Patients were interviewed face-to-face by trained interviewers in the ophthalmology clinics, using a structured questionnaire. Telephone interviews were used for controls. Risk and protective factors associated with eye injuries. Among eye injury cases, 158 patients (66.1%) reported having incurred 1 episode of eye injury during employment, 49 (20.5%) having suffered 2 episodes, and 32 (13.4%) having experienced >/==" BORDER="0">3 eye injuries at work. Most of the patients (85.4%) did not wear any protective devices at the time of injury. Subjects who wore safety glasses regularly were less likely to have eye injuries (odds ratio [OR] = 0.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.14-0.62). Having a safety requirement for wearing safety glasses was negatively associated with eye injuries (OR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.15-0.62). Multivariate analysis indicated that exposures to certain work hazards and working in the construction industry were positively associated with eye injuries. Subjects who worked longer in their current job, who reported having received job safety training before employment, or whose machines or equipment were maintained or repaired regularly by employers were at lower risk of experiencing eye injuries. Construction workers and those exposed to multiple hazards may get eye injuries at work. They should be provided with protective devices that are effective in preventing such exposures. Health education and safety training are important in preventing eye injuries. Maintenance and repair of machines and equipment may effectively reduce or eliminate the sources of exposures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nucleophile specificity in anthranilate synthase, aminodeoxychorismate synthase, isochorismate synthase, and salicylate synthase.
Anthranilate synthase (AS), aminodeoxychorismate synthase (ADCS), isochorismate synthase (IS), and salicylate synthase (SS) are structurally homologous chorismate-utilizing enzymes that carry out the first committed step in the formation of tryptophan, folate, and the siderophores enterobactin and mycobactin, respectively. Each enzyme catalyzes a nucleophilic substitution reaction, but IS and SS are uniquely able to employ water as a nucleophile. Lys147 has been proposed to be the catalytic base that activates water for nucleophilic attack in IS and SS reactions; in AS and ADCS, glutamine occupies the analogous position. To probe the role of Lys147 as a catalytic base, the K147Q IS, K147Q SS, Q147K AS, and Q147K ADCS mutants were prepared and enzyme reactions were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Q147K AS employs water as a nucleophile to a small extent, and the cognate activities of K147Q IS and K147Q SS were reduced approximately 25- and approximately 50-fold, respectively. Therefore, Lys147 is not solely responsible for activation of water as a nucleophile. Additional factors that contribute to water activation are proposed. A change in substrate preference for K147Q SS pyruvate lyase activity indicates Lys147 partially controls SS reaction specificity. Finally, we demonstrate that AS, ADCS, IS, and SS do not possess chorismate mutase promiscuous activity, contrary to several previous reports. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Photoswitching of triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion showing large emission shifts using a photochromic fluorescent dithienylethene-Bodipy triad as a triplet acceptor/emitter.
A photoswitchable fluorescent triad based on dithienylethene and Bodipy was used as a triplet acceptor/emitter for reversible photoswitching of triplet-triplet-annihilation upconversion (with Pd(II) tetraphenyltetrabenzoporphyrin as a triplet photosensitizer), which shows green/near IR emission changes with an emission energy difference of 0.79 eV (Δλ = 268 nm). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The role of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of endometrial cancer: a systematic review.
Epigenetics seem to play a primary role in the current research on the pathogenesis of different types of endometrial cancer. Data so far indicate that microRNAs regulate different pathways that could lead to carcinogenesis when not functioning properly. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge on microRNAs that have been associated with endometrial cancer development. From July 2014 to August 2014, we conducted a comprehensive research utilizing major online search engines (Pubmed, Crossref, Google Scholar). The main keywords used in our search were endometrial cancer/carcinoma; microRNA; epigenetics; novel biomarkers; pathogenesis. Overall, we identified 155 studies, although only 77 were eligible for this review. Different miRNAs were identified to contribute either promoting the carcinogenesis in the endometrium or inhibiting different steps of endometrial cancer development. Tumour growth, cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion metastasis have been identified as the main processes where miRNAs seem to be implicated. microRNAs are effective regulators of gene expression that has a significant role in the pathogenesis of endometrial cancer. Research concerning possible therapeutic implications has been promising, although there is still a significant distance to be covered between research observations and clinical results. Extensive preclinical and translational research is still required to improve the efficacy and minimize unwanted effects of miRNAs-based therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dimethoate-induced oxidative damage in erythrocytes of female adult rats: possible protective effect of vitamin E and selenium supplemented to diet.
Pesticide hazards have been accentuated by the sharp rise in their agricultural, industrial and domestic use. Acute exposure to pesticides can cause oxidative damage. Our study investigated the potential ability of selenium (Se) and/or vitamin E, used as nutritional supplements, to alleviate erythrocyte oxidative damage induced by dimethoate (DM), an organophosphate pesticide. Female Wistar rats were exposed to DM (0.2g/L(-1) of drinking water), DM + Se (0.5 mg/kg of diet), DM + vitamin E (100 mg/kg of diet), or DM + Se + vitamin E. Rats exposed to DM for 30 days showed an increase in malondialdehyde levels, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in their erythocytes, while Na(+),K(+)-ATPase and catalase activities, glutathione, non-protein thiol, vitamin E and vitamin C levels decreased. We also noted an increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity, marker of haemolysis and a decrease in acetylcholinesterase, the principal mode of organophosphorus action. Co-administration of Se or vitamin E to the diet of DM-treated rats ameliorated the biochemical parameters cited above. But the combined effect of Se and vitamin E was more powerful in antagonizing DM-induced oxidative stress. Therefore, our investigation revealed that both Se and vitamin E were useful elements in preventing DM-induced erythrocytes damage. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of the level of dietary lysine on turnover rate of liver protein in the chick.
The effect of .36, .86, and 1.24% dietary lysine on the rate of turnover of liver proteins in chicks in the first 15 days of life was studied. Half-lives of 18.4 +/- .2, 5.7 +/- 1.0, and 6.3 +/- .1 days corresponding to 26.6 +/- .2, 8.2 +/- 1.4, and 9.1 +/- .1 days turnover time and 3.8 +/- .02, 12.3 +/- 1.9, and 11.0 +/- .2% net daily degradation for liver proteins of chicks fed .36, .86, and 1.24% dietary lysine, respectively, were obtained. Turnover rate of the liver proteins increased in a manner similar to the gain in body weight with the levels of dietary lysine. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Grand Ducal Regulation authorizing the creation and use of a data bank on persons requesting work permits and their employers, 13 January 1987.
This Order authorizes the creation of a data bank with information about persons requesting work permits and their employers for the use of the Luxembourg Ministry of Labour and Employment Administration. The Order was issued in light of the Law of 28 March 1972, as amended, relative to the entry and residence of foreigners, the medical control of foreigners, and the employment of foreign labor. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The role of IgE in the immune response to neoplasia: a review.
The role of IgE in the immune response to neoplasia has received little attention despite suggestive evidence for an IgE response to tumor specific antigens. A complex interrelationship is known to exist between basophils, eosinophils, histamine, complement, and T cells. The latter cells are known to play a central role in the immune response to neoplasia and, in addition, are now considered important in the production and regulation of IgE, the molecule that may supply an important link between pharmacological and cellular dynamics of a successful anti-tumor response. The evidence for an IgE role in the immune response to tumors, the relationship between atopy and cancer, and the possible mechanisms whereby IgE could enhance tumor rejection are discussed in this review. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Social Media and Couples: What Are the Important Factors for Understanding Relationship Satisfaction?
The current study sought to examine specific Facebook behaviors, related to one's relationship and their association with relationship satisfaction. Data were collected from 115 undergraduates who were in a relationship and had an active Facebook account. Participants completed a number of measures focused on their relationship and gave the researcher access to their Facebook profiles to record the frequency of all posts (comments and status updates), pictures, tags, and likes from the previous two weeks. Each of these behaviors was then coded as relationship-specific (involving one's partner) or not. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each relationship-specific Facebook behavior. A number of participants did not include relationship information on their Facebook page. Only relationship status and having one's partner in a profile picture were significantly associated with relationship satisfaction. The current study is the first of its kind to examine the association between relationship-specific Facebook behaviors and relationship satisfaction, beyond that of one's relationship status or profile photo alone. The results of this study provide an initial glimpse into the specific relationship-oriented behaviors that individuals engage in on social media. Furthermore, the results provide guidance on macro- versus micro-analysis of online behavior for other researchers who are examining social media and couples' relationships. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Clinical features and disease course in patients with BRCA1-dependent ovarian cancer].
Ovarian cancer (OC) remains a challenge for gynecologic oncologists due to poor prognosis and increasing morbidity. About 10% of cases is hereditary and BRCA1 gene mutation-dependant. Some authors claim that clinical features, the course of the disease and prognosis of BRCA1-dependent OC vary between sporadic cases. To analyze clinical features and disease courses of BRCA1-dependent OC in the material from Center of Oncology Cracow Branch. Between 2004 and 2008, 66 mutations of BRCA1 gene were found in patients with OC. All patients were treated with primary surgery followed by platinum-based chemotherapy Outcomes were assessed by means of clinical examination and imaging tests. Patients with complete response were followed up in the outpatient office. Secondary chemotherapy was administered if persistent or progressive disease was diagnosed. In the analyzed group of 66 (100%) patients, the following mutations of BRCA1 gene were found: in 31 (47%) - C61G (exon 5), in 21 (31,8%) - 5382insC (exon 20), in 6 (9.1%) - 185delAG and in 8 (12.1%) - other (exon 11). Mean patient age was 48. FIGO stage I and stage II were diagnosed in 7 (10,6%), stage III in 58 (89,9%) and stage IV in 1 patient (1,5%). Twenty five (37.9%) patients underwent complete macroscopic primary cytoreduction. Platinum-based chemotherapy was administered to all 66 patients after surgery Complete response (CR), partial response (PR) and progressive disease (PD) was achieved in 31 (46.9%), 30 (45,5%) and 5 (7.6%) patients, respectively Secondary surgery was performed in 29 (43.9%) of patients after completion of adjuvant therapy Second-line chemotherapy was administered in 40 (60.6%) patients due to residual or progressive disease. Mean time of follow-up was 65 months. Forty one (62. 1%) patients died due to OC progression. Clinical features and disease courses in BRCA1-dependent OC patients in the analyzed group were similar to other results reported in the literature. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A unique BRCA1 mutation identified in Mongolia.
This is a case report of genetic assessment conducted on a family residing in the third world where two sisters have presented with early onset ovarian cancer. Protein truncation testing and DNA sequencing identified a unique mutation on exon 11 (3452delA) of the BRCA1 gene. Buccal swab testing of three siblings and three offspring showed that half of the family members carried the same mutation. Currently, genetic testing in third-world countries is conducted within research budgets, as testing is not affordable or locally available for such high-risk families. Unique mutations in the BRCA1 gene that are expressed in geographically isolated groups will be useful in genetic counseling and preventative maneuvers. The only preventive management strategy available in the third world is prophylactic surgery. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[An experience with augmentation sigmoid cystoplasty for urinary incontinence caused by sacral agenesis: a case report].
Sacral agenesis is an uncommon disease. About 50 cases have been reported in Japan since 1929. Neurogenic bladder is often accompanied with the disease. The patient was a 26-year-old man who had suffered from persistent urinary incontinence since his childhood. Kidney-ureter-bladder (KUB) revealed Type IV sacral agenesis according to the classification by Renshaw. The upper urinary tract remained normal. Urodynamics study showed a low compliance bladder with low urethral pressure. Pharmacotherapy failed to improve his continence. Augmentation sigmoid-cystoplasty was undertaken to enlarge vesical capacity and it has successfully overcome his urinary incontinence. Clinical aspects of sacral agenesis are discussed focusing on urological problems. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effect of custom adaptation and span-diameter ratio on the flexural properties of fiber-reinforced composite posts.
To evaluate whether custom modification resulting in an anatomically shaped post and whether the span/diameter ratio (L/D) would affect the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composite posts. Preformed glass-fiber posts (Group 1) and modified glass-fiber posts (Group 2) and glass-fiber rods (Groups 3 and 4) (n=20) were loaded to failure in a three-point bending test to determine the maximum load (N), flexural strength (MPa) and flexural modulus (GPa). The span distance tested for Group 3 was 10.0mm, while for Group 4 was 22.0mm. Data were subjected to different statistical analysis with significance levels of P<0.05. The maximum load recorded for Groups 1 and 2 was 72.5+/-5.9N and 73.4+/-6.4N respectively, while for Groups 3 and 4 was 215.3+/-7N and 156.6+/-3.6N respectively. The flexural strength for Groups 1 and 2 was 914.6+/-53.1MPa and 1069.2+/-115.6MPa, while for Groups 3 and 4 was 685.4+/-22.2MPa and 899.6+/-46.1MPa. The flexural modulus recorded for Groups 1 and 2 was 32.6+/-3.2GPa and 33.4+/-2.2GPa respectively, while for Groups 3 and 4 was 13.7+/-0.3GPa and 34.4+/-0.3GPa respectively. The flexural properties of an anatomically custom modified fiber post were not affected by the modification procedure and the span-diameter ratio is an important parameter for the interpretation of flexural strength and flexural modulus values. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Biological characteristics of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AK-0 and suppression of ginseng root rot caused by Cylindrocarpon destructans.
The effect of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens AK-0 (AK-0) on ginseng root rot disease caused by Cylindrocarpon destructans was investigated. From 190 ginseng rhizosphere bacteria, AK-0 was selected for further analysis; its morphological characteristics were investigated by microscopy. AK-0 was identified as B. amyloliquefaciens using the Biolog system, 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and examination of morphological and biochemical characteristics. Bacterial population and media optimization were estimated by the bacterial growth curve. The number of AK-0 cells was relatively higher in brain-heart infusion (BHI) medium than in other media. The potential antifungal effect of AK-0 culture filtrate on the in vitro conidial germination of C. destructans and root rot development on root discs and 4-year-old ginseng roots were assessed. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of antibiotic biosynthesis gene expression suggested that the release of antibiotic compounds is involved in the antifungal effect of AK-0 and the suppression of ginseng root rot. These results indicate that the CF of AK-0 has antifungal effects on fungal pathogens of ginseng, resulting in the suppression of root rot disease caused by C. destructans. AK-0 is a potential source of novel bioactive metabolites. AK-0 CF exhibited antifungal effects against C. destructans on ginseng roots. PCR analysis indicated that the AK-0 harbours genes involved in the biosynthesis of antimicrobial compounds. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Interproximal grinding (disking) of caries in primary molars, attitudes and the extent utilized in a Swedish County.
To assess the occurrence of interproximal grinding as a caries therapy in primary molars, to what degree grinding replaced conventional restorative caries therapy, to what extent anaesthesia was used while grinding and to assess open comments about attitudes about grinding. A questionnaire was sent to 108 public dental service clinics with questions concerning the use of grinding as a therapy and alternative to restorative treatment, the use of anaesthesia prior to conventional caries therapy and grinding, respectively. In addition, a content analysis of open comments about grinding was performed. Grinding had been performed in 96% of the clinics. Two-thirds of the dentists used grinding as an alternative to conventional restorative treatment at some point. Most dentists used anaesthesia prior to restorative therapy. Prior to grinding, the frequency of anaesthesia was lower (median 5.0) than for conventional restorative therapy (median 8.7) (p < .001). The open comment analysis revealed complex reasons for the use of grinding. Grinding has been widely practiced in parts of Sweden, is presently a technique employed by a multitude of dentists, and that anaesthesia is used less frequently prior to grinding, in comparison to conventional restorative therapy. Dentist considered grinding as a treatment option in specific situations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Synthesis of new Galβ1→4Fuc segments useful for biological investigations.
Useful segments (1, 2) for chemical probes embedded in a Galβ1→4Fuc unit were designed and prepared for characterizing sugar-binding proteins in Caenorhabditis elegans. Segment 1 with an amino group terminus was used as a recognition unit in affinity chromatography. It was revealed that some proteins (annexins and galectins) in C. elegans have an affinity for Galβ1→4Fuc. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
EM and EM Golgi study on structure of nucleus rotundus in chicks.
The analysis of EM structure of nucleus rotundus completes the results got by Golgi study. The fine structure of neurons and neuropil of the nucleus and the synaptic relations were studied by EM. The fine structural details of principal neuron were described. Several synapses of symmetrical type with flattened vesicles in large terminals contacted the cell body and also the origin and proximal part of the main dendrites. In the neuropil synaptic junctions were formed by terminals that contained (1) spherical vesicles with occasionally very few dense core vesicles, (2) flattened synaptic vesicles. Terminals that contained spherical vesicles were associated with asymmetric synaptic densities, and terminals that contained flattened vesicles formed symmetric junctions. Synapses of asymmetric type associated mostly with terminal sections of dendrites forming glomerular-like structure. Synapses of symmetric type with flattened synaptic vesicles contacted the branching areas of dendritic terminals and side-branches, the origin of main dendrites and the cell surface of principal neuron. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Arthroscopic Acetabular Labral Repair in Patients Over the Age of 60 Years: A Matched Case-Control Study.
To report the results of labral repair in a population of patients older than 60 years and compare these with a matched population of younger adults. We compared 21 consecutive patients older than 60 years undergoing labral repair with minimum 1-year follow-up with a contemporaneous group of 21 patients aged 18 to 55 years matched for sex, degree of chondral damage, and associated femoroacetabular impingement or dysplasia. Follow-up averaged 18.9 months (range, 12-24 months). The average age in the study group was 63.2 years (range, 61-71 years), and 20 patients had femoroacetabular impingement whereas 1 had dysplasia. Of these patients, 19 had acetabular articular damage (grade IV in 2, grade III in 11, grade II in 5, and grade I in 1) and 6 had femoral changes (grade IV in 1 and grade III in 5). The average age in the control group was 35.8 years (range, 20-54 years). We found average improvements of 28.1 points for the modified Harris Hip Score and 37.5 points for the International Hip Outcome Tool score within the study group and 21.2 points for the modified Harris Hip Score and 37.1 points for the International Hip Outcome Tool score within the control group. No statistically significant difference between the 2 groups was noted in the amount of improvement, with statistically and clinically significant improvements noted in both. Two study group patients underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) at an average of 10 months, with 1 control group THA at 11 months. All 3 patients with conversion to THA had combined grade IV acetabular and grade III femoral damage. No repeated arthroscopies were performed and no complications occurred in either group. Patients older than 60 years can benefit from arthroscopic labral repair with improved outcomes, a modest rate of conversion to THA, and a small risk of complications. The results are comparable to those of younger adults. Combined bipolar grade IV and grade III articular damage may be a harbinger of conversion to THA regardless of age. Level III, comparative therapeutic trial. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Protection of B lymphocyte hybridoma against starvation-induced apoptosis: survival-signal role of some amino acids.
The phenomenon of starvation-induced apoptosis was studied in cultures of a mouse B lymphocyte hybridoma. In a continuous culture the limitation of nutrients was modelled by dilution of a protein-free medium with saline to 15%. Surprisingly, the hybridoma clone did not die out under extreme starvation conditions. A steady state was established in which the cells continued to grow at very low viable cell concentration, concomitantly with an enhanced rate of apoptotic death. Suppression of the death rate, and increase of steady-state viable cell concentration, could be achieved by additions of L-alanine, L-asparagine or L-glutamine, but not by addition of L-phenylalanine. This specificity pattern is in agreement with previous screening experiments that have identified a set of apoptosis-preventing amino acids (glycine, L-alanine, L-serine, L-threonine, L-proline, L-asparagine, L-glutamine, L-histidine). The analysis of amino acid consumption and production showed a consistent production of alanine and serine both in standard medium and in diluted media. When alanine was added at a final concentration of 2 mM to media diluted either to 40 or 20%, apoptosis was partly suppressed. A limited production of alanine was observed also in alanine-enriched diluted media. It is concluded that the apoptosis-preventing amino acids act as signal molecules, besides their nutritive function, and that the signal has a character of a survival factor. The observed phenomena are interpreted in terms of a survival-control mechanism that regulates the viable cell number of a lymphocyte clone in an adequate proportion with the level of available nutrients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hydrogen Bond Symmetrization in Glycinium Oxalate under Pressure.
The study of hydrogen bonds near symmetrization limit at high pressures is of importance to understand proton dynamics in complex bio-geological processes. We report here the evidence of hydrogen bond symmetrization in the simplest amino acid-carboxylic acid complex, glycinium oxalate, at moderate pressures of 8 GPa using in-situ infrared and Raman spectroscopic investigations combined with first-principles simulations. The dynamic proton sharing between semioxalate units results in covalent-like infinite oxalate chains. At pressures above 12 GPa, the glycine units systematically reorient with pressure to form hydrogen-bonded supramolecular assemblies held together by these chains. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Helicobacter pylori in culture: an ultrastructural study.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is generally observed in the gastric mucus and on the epithelial cells in human, and is related to gastric disorders. Although many morphological studies have been performed on H. pylori, the precise ultrastructure of this organism has not been reported upon to the present. In this study, H. pylori (ATCC 43504) was cultured in a liquid medium for seven days and observed using scanning and transmission electron microscopic methods every day. The reproduction of the bacteria in culture was also examined daily, and the length and width of the organisms were measured with the use of Micro Computer Imaging Device (MCID) System. Spiral forms were dominant over the initial two days (the length and width: 2.04 +/- 1.12 microns and 0.49 +/- 0.12 micron on the 1st day, 1.71 +/- 0.96 microns and 0.38 +/- 0.12 micron on the 2nd day) respectively. Coccoid forms (diameter: 0.80 +/- 0.36 micron) were predominant on subsequent days. The bacterium had a cell wall membrane (15 nm thick) and a cytoplasmic membrane (10 nm thick). A hollow granule (0.15 +/- 0.06 micron in diameter) and a dense granule (0.12 +/- 0.04 micron in diameter) were observed in a cytoplasm filled with ribosomes. The flagella (51.1 +/- 6.6 nm total in diameter) with a sheath (12 nm thick) originated from a concave depression (less than 50 nm in depth) at the end of the organism which possessed a knob (less than 0.1 micron in diameter) at the distal end, which frequently attached to adjacent organisms. The coccoid form generally showed precariously membranous and intracytoplasmic ultrastructures with few flagella. A few of the coccoid forms possessed distinctive cellular ultrastructures with solid flagella similar to those found in the spiral forms. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prilezhaev dihydroxylation of olefins in a continuous flow process.
Epoxidation of both terminal and non-terminal olefins with peroxy acids is a well-established and powerful tool in a wide variety of chemical processes. In an additional step, the epoxide can be readily converted into the corresponding trans-diol. Batch-wise scale-up, however, is often troublesome because of the thermal instability and explosive character of the peroxy acids involved. This article describes the design and semi-automated optimization of a continuous flow process and subsequent scale-up to preparative production volumes in an intrinsically safe manner. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Communication around the cancer diagnosis: patient satisfaction and process quality in French Comprehensive Cancer Centers].
Our survey was designed to evaluate the satisfaction of patients treated in French Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCC) with the communication of their cancer diagnosis and treatments, and to use the data obtained to optimize current practices. One thousand six hundred (and) six CCC patients participated in a telephone survey. Eligible patients were attending a visit to a CCC for initial care of their disease (i.e. not a relapse). The questionnaire assessed patient satisfaction with the communication of diagnosis and treatment options, globally and with respect to potential individual determinants of satisfaction. Complete satisfaction was recorded by 77% of patients with their overall care at the CCC and by 63% of patients with the initial consultation when diagnosis was communicated and/or treatment discussed. Overall, 90% of patients were satisfied with the level of their implication in discussions about their care. A model established by Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression analysis, identified four major areas and their relative contributions to patient satisfaction: patient's relationship with their physician (64%); nature of the information provided (14%; influenced strongly by information on type, duration and practical organization of planned treatment); agenda/diary issues (14%; influenced strongly by waiting room delay); accompaniment (8%; influenced equally by support from close family and patient association/self-help groups). Overall satisfaction was high in cancer patients attending visits for initial care in French CCC. The model we devised to understand components of satisfaction could serve as a benchmark for evolution of outcomes in this field. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Estimation of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index cutoff for perceived symptom relief in patients with spondyloarthropathies.
To estimate the best Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) cutoff based on patients' perceptions of symptom relief collected in a large population of patients with spondyloarthropathies (SpA), in comparison to the BASDAI cutoff determined by experts. A survey of patient perceptions about current disease control was conducted among the members of Spondylis, one of the main not-for-profit SpA patient organizations in France. BASDAI was among data collected by the questionnaire. To estimate the best BASDAI cutoff for discriminating between poor and well perceived controlled groups, we plotted the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. We also determined the cutoff separately in male and female patients. Of the 1000 mailed questionnaires, 485 were returned without any missing data regarding perceived disease control and the BASDAI. Of these patients, 55.3% perceived inadequate control of their disease. The mean BASDAI in the overall population was 43.5 +/- 22.9, 30.4 +/- 19.9 in the well controlled group and 54 +/- 19.4 in the poorly controlled group (p < 0.001). The best BASDAI cutoff for discriminating between patients in the 2 groups was 39 (sensitivity 74.6% and specificity 72.4%). According to gender, the best cutoff was 44 for women and 36 for men. The best BASDAI cutoff of 39 based on patients' perceptions was very similar to that selected by international experts, i.e., 40. Gender affected the cutoff for perceived symptom relief in our study. These results need to be confirmed by further studies collecting the opinions of both patients and physicians. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Reconstruction of oral muco-defects with buccal fat pad flap].
To evaluate the clinical outcome of the buccal fat pad flap in reconstruction of defects of the oral mucosa. From May 1998 to July 2004, 42 patients with oral muco-defects were treated with buccal fat pad flap. Of them, there were 26 males and 16 females, aging 25-76 years. The defect was caused by buccal squamous carcinoma in 7 cases, by buccal leukoplakia in 5 cases, by squamous carcinoma of soft palate in 7 cases, by adenoid cystic carcinoma of palate in 8 cases, by carcinoma of maxillary sinus in 6 cases, by maxillo-alveolar angioma in 5 cases and by keratocyst of maxilla in 4 cases. The locations were buccal mucosa, maxillary sinus and soft palate. The size of defect ranged from 3.0 cm x 3.0 cm to 6.5 cm x 4.0 cm. Forty-one cases achieved healing by first intention, except one case because of large defect. Edema faded and epithelization occurred after 4 weeks of operation. Complete epithelization was observed after 6 weeks of operation. Thirty-five cases were followed up 3 months to 5 years. There were no obvious differences in layers, color, elasticity, and texture between repaired region and adjacent mucosa. The buccal fat pad flap is useful in reconstructing the muco-defects (less than 6.5 cm in diameter) of the posterior maxilla and buccal region without considerable complication. The multiplex blood supply, facility in accessing and minimal donor site morbidity make it a reliable soft tissue graft. The main shortcoming is its limited size. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Analytical solution of average path length for Apollonian networks.
With the help of recursion relations derived from the self-similar structure, we obtain the solution of average path length, d[over ]_(t) , for Apollonian networks. In contrast to the well-known numerical result d[over ]_{t} proportional, variant(ln N_(t));(3/4) [J. S. Andrade, Jr., Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 018702 (2005)], our rigorous solution shows that the average path length grows logarithmically as d[over ]_(t) proportional, variantln N_(t) in the infinite limit of network size N_(t) . The extensive numerical calculations completely agree with our closed-form solution. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Significant association of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) but not of p53 polymorphisms with oral squamous cell carcinomas in Malaysia.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of HPV and p53 polymorphisms in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) affecting Malaysian population. We analysed frozen samples from 105 OSCC as well as 105 oral specimens derived from healthy individuals. PCR assays targeting two regions of the virus were used. PCR amplification for the analysis of p53 codon 72 arginine/proline alleles was carried out in a separate reaction. HPV DNA was detected in 51.4% OSCC samples, while 24.8% controls were found to be HPV positive. HPV was found to be significantly associated with OSCC (P < 0.001, OR = 4.3 after adjustment for habits) when compared to controls. High-risk HPV was found to be significantly associated with OSCC cases (P < 0.05). Demographic profiles of age, gender, race and habits were not associated with HPV presence in cases and controls. However, significantly less HPV positivity was seen in poorly differentiated compared to well-differentiated OSCCs. No significant association was found between HPV positivity and p53 polymorphisms in cases and control groups. Additionally, we found no association of codon 72 polymorphism with oral cancer. This study indicates that high-risk HPV infection is one of the contributing factors for OSCCs. HPV 16 was the predominant type found in Malaysian patients with OSCC. Further, we did not find any association between p53 codon 72 polymorphism and HPV infection or between the p53 polymorphism and the risk of oral cancer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparative chromatography-mass spectrometry studies on the antiretroviral drug nevirapine-analytical performance characteristics in human plasma determination.
A contrast between the analytical performance characteristics using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (LC-UV) detection for the determination of the antiretroviral drug (ARV) nevirapine (NVP) in fortified human plasma after QuEChERS extraction has been made. Analytical performance characteristics, i.e. linearities, instrument detection limits (IDLs), limits of quantitation (LOQs), method detection limits (MDLs), % mean recoveries and the corresponding relative standard deviations (%RSDs) were estimated using techniques above. Using GC-MS, the correlation coefficients (r(2)) were ≥0.990, which were deemed acceptable linearities. The MDLs ranged between 11.1-29.8μg/L and 13.7-36.0μg/L using helium and hydrogen carrier gases respectively. The LOQs ranged between 16.5-66.7μg/L and 28.4-98.7μg/L using helium and hydrogen carrier gases respectively with a % mean recovery of 83% and %RSD of 4.6%. Using LC-MS and LC-UV, the correlation coefficients (r(2)) were ≥0.990. The MDLs were ranged between 3.14 and 47.1μg/L. The LOQs ranged between 2.85 and 90.0μg/L respectively. The MDLs using GC-MS, LC-MS and LC-UV were below the therapeutic range for NVP in human plasma is considered to be between 2300μg/L (Cmin) and 8000μg/L (Cmax). This study also demonstrated that helium can be substituted with hydrogen which is relatively cheaper and easily obtainable even by use of a generator. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical scoring methods for multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical rating scales are used to classify the degree of neurological dysfunction and to plan treatment measures. In clinical trials, rating scales are used to monitor clinical course and response to experimental therapies. Selection of the appropriate clinical rating scale is determined by the nature of the research question (e.g., disability, impairment, handicap). The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS, an impairment scale) has been the most widely used clinical rating method in natural history studies and clinical trials. The EDSS has the advantage of familiarity, yet is difficult to use consistently between evaluators. In the mid and higher ranges, the EDSS is relatively insensitive to clinical changes that do not impair gait. Evaluator unblinding may invalidate the clinical assessment of response to treatment. Additional work is needed to develop clinical and laboratory (imaging) measures of MS disease activity that will be objective, reliable, sensitive, responsive, and valid. Recent comparative studies have demonstrated that serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies are 7- to 10-fold more sensitive than clinical methods in detecting subclinical evidence of apparent MS disease activity. Widespread acceptance of MRI as a primary trial outcome measure awaits the results of studies designed to determine whether MRI findings accurately reflect irreversible pathological changes and predict future disability. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Sensitizing the sensitizer: the synthesis and photophysical study of bodipy-Pt(II)(diimine)(dithiolate) conjugates.
The dyads 3, 4, and 6, combining the Bodipy chromophore with a Pt(bpy)(bdt) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, bdt = 1,2-benzenedithiolate, 3 and 6) or a Pt(bpy)(mnt) (mnt = maleonitriledithiolate, 4) moiety, have been synthesized and studied by UV-vis steady-state absorption, transient absorption, and emission spectroscopies and cyclic voltammetry. Comparison of the absorption spectra and cyclic voltammograms of dyads 3, 4, and 6 and those of their model compounds 1a, 2, 5, and 7 shows that the spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of the dyads are essentially the sum of their constituent chromophores, indicating negligible interaction of the constituent chromophores in the ground state. However, emission studies on 3 and 6 show a complete absence of both Bodipy-based fluorescence and the characteristic luminescence of the Pt(bpy)(bdt) unit. Dyad 4 shows a weak Pt(mnt)-based emission. Transient absorption studies show that excitation of the dyads into the Bodipy-based (1)ππ* excited state is followed by singlet energy transfer (SEnT) to the Pt(dithiolate)-based (1)MMLL'CT (mixed metal-ligand to ligand charge transfer) excited state (τ(SEnT)(3) = 0.6 ps, τ(SEnT)(4) = 0.5 ps, and τ(SEnT)(6) = 1.6 ps), which undergoes rapid intersystem crossing to the (3)MMLL'CT state due to the heavy Pt(II) ion. The (3)MMLL'CT state is then depopulated by triplet energy transfer (TEnT) to the low-lying Bodipy-based (3)ππ* excited state (τ(SEnT)(3) = 8.2 ps, τ(SEnT)(4) = 5 ps, and τ(SEnT)(6) = 160 ps). The transition assignments are supported by TD-DFT calculations. Both energy-transfer processes are shown to proceed via a Dexter electron exchange mechanism. The much longer time constants for dyad 6 relative to 3 are attributed to the significantly poorer coupling and resonance of charge-separated species that are intermediates in the electron exchange process. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Safety and delay time in prehospital thrombolysis of acute myocardial infarction in urban and rural areas in Sweden.
Sixteen hospitals in Sweden, including those in urban and more sparsely populated areas, and the associated ambulance organizations were enrolled in a prospective evaluation of the feasibility of treating patients with a ST-elevation infarction with a thrombolytic agent (reteplase) before hospital admission. A physician staffed the ambulances in 1% of cases, a nurse in 67%, and a staff nurse in 32% of cases. In all, 64 patients in urban areas and 90 patients in rural areas were included. The occurrence of complications before hospital admission was low and similar in the 2 groups. The median interval between the onset of symptoms and the start of thrombolysis was 1 hour 44 minutes in urban areas versus 2 hours 14 minutes in rural areas (P = 0.03). The median arrival time (interval between onset of symptoms and arrival of the ambulance) tended to be shorter in urban areas (1 hr 10 min vs 1 hr 33 min; not significant) and the median interval between the arrival of the ambulance and the start of thrombolysis was shorter in urban areas (27 min vs 36 min; P < 0.0001). When comparing urban areas with the least-populated rural areas, differences in various delay times became even more marked. Patients in urban areas had a higher ejection fraction and fewer symptoms of heart failure after 30 days and a lower 1-year mortality. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A case of tuberculous aneurysm of subclavian artery occurred in the course of treatment for miliary tuberculosis].
This case is a 56-year old woman. Steroids were being administered perorally after a thymectomy for myasthenia gravis. A fever of 38-39 degrees Celsius appeared during night, an abnormal shadow showed up on a chest X-ray and the patient was hospitalized. Gaffky No. 2 acid-fast bacilli were detected in the patient's sputum and the chest CT showed diffuse granular-like shadow, the patient was diagnosed as miliary tuberculosis and treatment with combined use of INH, RFP, EB, and PZA was started. Subsequently, fever started to subside and the miliary shadow on chest X-ray improved, however, six weeks after the start of treatment, hoarseness and dysphagia appeared. From the cervical CT and cervical angiography findings, the diagnosis of right subclavian artery impending ruptured aneurysm was made. Because the patient's sputum was acid-fast bacilli positive and because the patient had undergone thymectomy, it was decided that it would be difficult to treat her by a thoracotomy again. Therefore, a right subclavian artery stent insertion, right subclavian artery-right common carotid artery bypass creation operation was carried out with the objective of blocking the flow of blood to the aneurysm. The hoarseness and dysphagia improved post-operatively and the patient's progress is being monitored. Tuberculous aneurysms are a rare affection and they are mostly discovered when the autopsy is done, however, this case was diagnosed due to the manifestation of subjective symptoms. While this case was not diagnosed histopathologically, it is envisaged from the clinical progress that this was a tuberculous subclavian aneurysm complicated during the treatment for miliary tuberculosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Preliminary evidence that prenatal alcohol damage may be visible in averaged ultrasound images of the neonatal human corpus callosum.
Brain damage consequent to prenatal alcohol exposure can be detected by measurements of the corpus callosum in the midline magnetic resonance (MR) brain image in adolescents and adults. The present article extends this finding into the neonatal period, when the power of detection to ameliorate the quality of the child's future life is greatest. The midline corpus callosum of the very young infant can be located reliably in multiple frames of clinical transfontanelle ultrasound. We studied a sample of 18 children aged 17 weeks or less, 7 of whom were exposed to high levels of alcohol prenatally and 11 of whom were not exposed or only minimally exposed. The midline callosum of each child was imaged up to 50 times by a standard clinical device, and coplanar subsets of these series were averaged with reference to fiducial image structures. On each average image four semilandmark points were set and their configuration quantified by standard landmark methods. The angle between the terminal bulb of splenium and the long axis of the callosal outline classifies four of the seven exposed infants as different from all 11 of the unexposed infants. This simple angle measurement upon averaged ultrasound images of the human neonatal midline corpus callosum, perhaps a version of the long-sought "biomarker of prenatal alcohol damage," may be able to discriminate baby brains affected by prenatal alcohol exposure from those that were unaffected. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Measuring the coherence of intracranial electroencephalograms.
Previous coherence studies of human intracranial electroencephalograms (EEGs) can be faulted on two methodological issues: (1) coherence estimates in a majority were formed from a very small number of independent sample spectra, and (2) the statistical significance of coherence estimates was either not reported or was poorly evaluated. Coherence estimator performance may be poor when a small number of independent sample spectra are employed, and the coupling of poor estimation and statistical testing can result in inaccuracy in the measurement of coherence. The performance characteristics of the coherence estimator and statistical testing of coherence estimates are described in this manuscript. The bias, variance, probability density functions, and confidence intervals of the estimate of magnitude squared coherence (MSC); and power analysis for the test of zero MSC were developed from the exact analytic form of the probability density function of the estimate of MSC for Gaussian random processes. The coherence of a single epoch of background EEG, recorded from a patient with intractable seizures, was evaluated with different parameter values to aid in the exposition of the concepts developed here. The statistical characteristics of WOSA coherence estimates are a function of a single estimator parameter, the number of independent sample spectra employed in the estimation. Bias and variance are high, confidence intervals may be large, and the probability of Type II errors is high if a small number of independent sample spectra are employed. A considerable improvement in measurement accuracy is possible with careful selection of estimator parameter values. Coherence measurement accuracy can be improved over previous applications by attention to estimator performance and accurate statistical testing of coherence estimates. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Local referrals as a strategy for increasing value of surgical care among medicare patients undergoing liver and pancreatic surgery.
The focus of the current Medicare payment reform is to increase value - i.e. improve health care quality while lowering costs. This study sought to define cost variation and surgical quality among hospitals within small geographic areas typical of work commute patterns. Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MEDPAR) Inpatient Files was used to identify patients undergoing elective liver and pancreatic surgery between 2013 and 2015. Hospitals were assigned to combined statistical areas (CSAs) based on zip codes. Average price-standardized Medicare payments were used to identify highest- and lowest-cost hospitals within CSAs, and clinical outcomes were compared. The study included 12,016 patients. Medicare payments for index hospitalization were 45% ($12,580), 42% ($16,831), 44% ($12,901) and 50% ($18,605) higher for the highest-vs. lowest-cost hospitals for non-complex pancreatic procedures, complex pancreatic procedures, non-complex liver procedures, and complex liver procedures, respectively. Surgical quality was worse at highest-vs. lowest-cost hospitals, demonstrated by higher rates of complications, prolonged LOS and 90-day mortality. There was a significant variation in surgical cost for each procedure between CSAs, and within CSAs. Highest-cost hospitals demonstrated worse quality metrics than the lowest-cost hospitals. Local referrals to low-cost hospitals represent an opportunity for increasing value of surgical care. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Fatal ethanol poisonings in 1984-1986].
Analysis of statistical data on the number of fatal ethanol intoxications in 1984-1986 is presented. A steady tendency to reduction in fatal ethanol intoxications is stressed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Tonic immobility in domestic fowl: possible interaction of serotonergic and dopaminergic mechanisms.
Treatment with the dopamine (DA) receptor blocker, haloperidol, enhanced tonic immobility (TI) duration. Fenfluramine, a receptor agonist for serotonin (5-HT), reversed this effect. Tryptophan produced long TI reactions, and is believed to do so due to impaired synaptic transmission of 5-HT following its direct inhibitory effects on 5-HT neurons. DA receptor stimulation by apomorphine prevented the tryptophan potentiation of tonic immobility. The results suggest that serotonergic and dopaminergic systems may interact with respect to tonic immobility. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Highly efficient 750 W tapered double-clad ytterbium fiber laser.
The results of theoretical and experimental studies of active tapered double-clad fibers, intending the optimization of its imperative parameters--tapering ratio, longitudinal profile, core/cladding diameters ratio, are presented. Using a refined taper geometry we have demonstrated power scaling of a ytterbium fiber laser pumped by low-brightness, cost-effective laser diodes up to 750 W, with 80% efficiency. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Infectivity of DNA recovered from cells persistently infected with SV5 paramyxovirus.
Infectivity of DNA isolated from L cells chronically infected with SV5 paramyxovirus was demonstrated by inoculation of continuous RH and HEp-2 cells. Infectivity of the DNA was completely abolished by treatment with deoxyribonuclease or by alkaline hydrolysis but did not change after treatment with ribonuclease and specific anti SV5 serum. The virus obtained as a result of transfection caused haemadsorption in susceptible cells and was neutralized by specific antiserum like the prototype SV5 strain. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antihyperlipidemic effect of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) protein isolate in rats fed a normal and high cholesterol diet.
The dietary influence of sesame protein isolate (protein content 91.5%), produced from dehulled, defatted sesame meal, on blood and tissue lipid profile and lipid peroxidation has been assessed in normal and hypercholesterolemic rats. To evaluate their hypocholesterolemic and antioxidative activity in vivo, we fed 18% sesame protein isolate with or without 2% cholesterol in comparison with casein to rats for 28 d. We determined plasma total protein, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, triacylglycerol as well as susceptibility of plasma and erythrocyte membrane lipid to oxidation ex vivo. Liver tissue lipid, cholesterol, phospholipids, and lipid peroxidations were also determined. The total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels were significantly reduced in the sesame protein isolate and isolate containing cholesterol group than the corresponding control casein groups. HDL-cholesterol level was also increased in sesame protein isolate (41%) and protein isolate containing cholesterol group (38%) than the corresponding control casein and casein containing cholesterol groups. There was 49% and 64% lowering of plasma lipid peroxidation as well as 36% and 56% lowering of lipoprotein oxidation susceptibility (LOS) in the 2 experimental groups (sesame protein isolate and isolate containing cholesterol group) than the corresponding control (casein and casein containing cholesterol) groups. There was significant lowering of erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation (68% and 63% lowering in sesame protein isolate and isolate containing cholesterol groups) and liver lipid peroxidation (61% and 76% lowering in the 2 experimental groups than the corresponding control casein groups). Therefore, our results indicate that sesame protein isolate decreases cholesterol concentration in plasma, increases HDL-cholesterol, and also decreases plasma and erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation with or without cholesterol fed diet in rats. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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