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Measurement of the rate of uptake and subcellular localization of porphyrins in cells using fluorescence digital imaging microscopy.
A fluorescence imaging system incorporating a cooled slow-scan charge-coupled device camera was used to study the rate of uptake and subcellular localization of prophyrins in living cells. Measurements were carried out on human dermal fibroblasts (D532) using two different prophyrins meso-tetra(4-N-methylpyridyl)porphine (TMPP) and meso-tetra(4-N-hexylpyridyl)porphine (THPP). It was observed that TMPP was rapidly taken up by cells and principally located in the nucleus. The THPP, on the other hand, internalized more slowly and exhibited a particulate distribution in the cytoplasm. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Equal treatment and unequal benefits: the Medicare program.
This paper analyzes the distribution of Medicare benefits among elderly persons on the basis of income, race, and geographical location. It first presents available statistical evidence from Medicare on the distribution of benefits and the magnitude of differentials among these elderly. It then sorts out the contribution to differentials arising from differences in the availability of medical resources. prices of medical services, and other demographic factors. The importance of various Medicare program features on remaining differentials--such as the cost-sharing provisions of Medicare, reimbursement policies, and nondiscrimination enforcement procedures--are then investigated. The effect of health status on utilization of medical services by the elderly is also analyzed, and the distribution of Medicare benefits by income for elderly persons of similar health status is presented. The paper concludes with recommendations for reducing differentials in Medicare benefits and indicates those policy changes which would result in a distribution of benefits more closely related to health care needs of the elderly. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Superficial and deep defects in dyschondroplastic and degenerated pig articular cartilage.
Normal and pathological (osteochondrotic and osteoarthrotic) pig articular cartilages from medial humeral and femoral condyles were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The pathological cartilages showed primitive osteochondrotic lesions with progressive aspects according to the severity of the pathology (flaking, fibrillation and cracks) and other superficial changes (micro-undulation, micro-fissurations, clefts) that appeared to be a consequence of the action of intense mechanical stresses such as shearing forces, compressive deformation, friction of the articular surfaces. The observation of deep lesions such as cracks and fractures at or near the interface between cartilage and calcified zone, frequently observed both at medial condyle and at intercondylar crista of the humerus, often evolving in cartilagineous flaps, were related to excessive tangential and shear forces induced by an abnormal articular topography resulting in joint instability. This pathological joint dynamic could be also worsened by an anomalous leg conformation (cross-legs) and/or by an increased occurrence of environmental micro- and macrotrauma (impact loading). Also in this case, the frequency and severity of the lesions can be increased if the deep layer is affected by osteo-chondrotic lesions. The results stress the pathogenetic importance of mechanical load in initiating and worsening the articular lesions in pigs; they also suggest that the resulting alterations can be influenced by a pre-existing different maturity or pathological condition of the cartilage. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Psychopathology and hemispheric dysfunction: a review.
In the past 15 years, investigators have attempted to relate psychiatric disorders to our developing knowledge about the asymmetrical organization of the cerebral hemispheres. This paper summarizes the varied, limited, and often conflicting results. The authors suggest that progress in this fascinating and potentially fruitful area will be improved by: a) more critical evaluation of the current literature with regard to its contradictions and to the techniques and theories utilized; b) systematic study of carefully diagnosed, large groups of patients; c) concurrent attempts to identify and carefully assess unusual patients; d) control of laterality measures for drug effects, institutionalization, and such cognitive and affective states as anxiety, depression, paranoia, and psychosis; and e) validation of the localizing value of neuropsychological tests in psychiatric patients by the study of previously diagnosed psychiatric patients with acquired focal brain disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
MRI-derived radiomics: methodology and clinical applications in the field of pelvic oncology.
Personalized medicine aims at offering optimized treatment options and improved survival for cancer patients based on individual variability. The success of precision medicine depends on robust biomarkers. Recently, the requirement for improved non-biologic biomarkers that reflect tumor biology has emerged and there has been a growing interest in the automatic extraction of quantitative features from medical images, denoted as radiomics. Radiomics as a methodological approach can be applied to any image and most studies have focused on PET, CT, ultrasound, and MRI. Here, we aim to present an overview of the radiomics workflow as well as the major challenges with special emphasis on the use of multiparametric MRI datasets. We then reviewed recent studies on radiomics in the field of pelvic oncology including prostate, cervical, and colorectal cancer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A fluorescent receptor assay for benzodiazepines using coumarin-labeled desethylflumazenil as ligand.
This article describes a novel nonisotopic receptor assay for benzodiazepines with fluorescence detection. As labeled ligand (coumarin-labeled desethylflumazenil, CLDEF), a metabolite of the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil (desetheylflumazenil, Ro15-3890) has been coupled to a coumarin fluorophore, via a spacer. CLDEF had a Ki of 6.5 nM. To avoid the interference of the background fluorescence of the receptors in the measurement step, the bound CLDEF was dissociated from the receptors after the filtration step. This dissociation was achieved by incubating the CLDEF-bound to the receptors on the filters-with a weakly acetate buffer. The second filtrates then contained the previously bound CLDEF, which was then quantitated with a RP-HPLC system with a fluorescence detector. The results with a fluorescent receptor assay were very similar to those with a radioreceptor assay, in that the IC50 values of lorazepam were 7.2 +/- 0.5 and 6.6 +/- 0.7 nM, respectively. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling in the evaluation of fetal platelet counts in pregnant patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenia purpura.
Autoimmune thrombocytopenia purpura in pregnancy is associated with fetal thrombocytopenia. Twenty-one patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenia purpura (22 fetuses) underwent 26 umbilical cord punctures to assess the fetal platelet count. Blood could not be obtained from one fetus. Thrombocytopenia (less than 150,000/microL) was found in five cases, but in none was it of sufficient degree to preclude vaginal delivery. Persistent fetal bradycardia necessitating emergency cesarean delivery occurred in two cases. Umbilical cord puncture was found to be technically more difficult in the term fetus than in the second-trimester fetus studied in previous investigations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Synthesis and characterization of branched polymers from lipase-catalyzed trimethylolpropane copolymerizations.
Lipase-catalyzed terpolymerizations were performed with the monomers trimethylolpropane (B3), 1,8-octanediol (B2), and adipic acid (A2). Polymerizations were performed in bulk, at 70 degrees C, for 42 h, using immobilized lipase B from Candida antartica (Novozyme-435) as a catalyst. To determine the substitution pattern of trimethylolpropane (TMP) in copolymers, model compounds with variable degrees of acetylation were synthesized. Inverse-gated 13C NMR spectra were recorded to first determine the chemical shift positions for mono-, di-, and trisubstituted TMP units and, subsequently, to determine substitution of TMP units along chains. Variation of TMP in the monomer feed gave copolymers with degrees of branching (DB) from 20% to 67%. In one example, a hyperbranched copolyester with 53 mol % TMP adipate units was formed in 80% yield, with Mw 14 100 (relative to polystyrene standards), Mw/Mn 5.3, and DB 36%. Thermal and crystalline properties of the copolyesters were studied by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pharmaceutical interventions for emotionalism after stroke.
Antidepressants may be useful in the treatment of abnormal crying associated with stroke. To determine whether pharmaceutical treatment reduces the frequency of emotional displays in people who suffer from emotionalism after stroke. We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched June 2003). In addition we searched the following electronic databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, Issue 3 2002), MEDLINE (1966 to September 2002), EMBASE (1980 to September 2002), CINAHL (1982 to September 2002), PsychINFO (1967 to September 2002), Applied Science and Technology Plus (1986 to September 2002), Arts and Humanities Index (1991 to September 2002), Biological Abstracts (1969 to September 2002), General Science Plus (1994 to September 2002), Science Citation Index (1992 to September 2002), Social Sciences Citation Index (1991 to September 2002), and Sociofile (1974 to September 2002). We searched reference lists from relevant articles and textbooks, and contacted authors of known studies and pharmaceutical companies who manufacture psychotropic medications. Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials, comparing psychotropic medication to placebo, in people with stroke and emotionalism (also known as emotional lability or pathological crying and laughing). Data were obtained on people who no longer met criteria for emotionalism, as defined in studies, and on reduction in frequency of crying at the end of treatment. Data were not pooled because of the multiplicity of definitions and outcome measures. Five trials involving 103 participants were included. Four trials showed large effects of treatment: 50% reduction in emotionalism, improvements (reduction) in the frequency of compulsive laughter, and lower (better) scores on the Pathological Laughter and Crying scale. The confidence intervals were wide, however, indicating that treatment may have had only a small positive effect, or even a small negative effect (in one trial). Subgroup analysis was not performed due to the multiple methods of assessment of emotionalism within and between trials. Only one study systematically recorded and reported adverse events; no discernible difference was seen between groups. Participants allocated active treatment were more likely to leave early from trials. Antidepressants can reduce the frequency and severity of crying or laughing episodes. The effect do not seem specific to one drug or class of drugs. However, our conclusions must be qualified by several methodological deficiencies in the studies. More reliable data are required before recommendations can be made about the treatment of post-stroke emotionalism. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
First palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes from employment of 2,6-diacetylpyridine dioxime: synthesis, structural and spectroscopic characterization, and biological evaluation.
Employment of the monoanion of 2,6-diacetylpyridine dioxime (dapdoH(2)) as a tridentate chelate in palladium(II) and platinum(II) chemistry is reported. The syntheses, crystal structures, spectroscopic and physicochemical characterization, and biological evaluation are described of [PdCl(dapdoH)] (1) and [PtCl(dapdoH)] (2). Reaction of PdCl(2) with 2 equivs of dapdoH(2) in MeOH under reflux gave 1, whereas the same reaction with PtCl(2) in place of PdCl(2) gave 2 in comparable yields (70-80%). The divalent metal center in both compounds is coordinated by a terminal chloro group and a N,N',N"-tridentate chelating (η(3)) dapdoH(-) ligand. Thus, each metal ion is four coordinate with a distorted square planar geometry. Characterization of both complexes with (1)H and (13)C NMR and UV-vis and electrospray ionization mass spectroscopies confirmed their integrity in DMSO solutions. Interaction of the complexes with human and bovine serum albumin has been studied with fluorescence spectroscopy, revealing their affinity for these proteins with relatively high values of binding constants. UV study of the interaction of the complexes with calf-thymus DNA (CT DNA) has shown that they can bind to CT DNA, and the corresponding DNA binding constants have been evaluated. Cyclic voltammograms of the complexes in the presence of CT DNA solution have shown that the interaction of the complexes with CT DNA is mainly through intercalation, which has been also shown by DNA solution viscosity measurements. Competitive studies with ethidium bromide (EB) have revealed the ability of the complexes to displace the DNA-bound EB, suggesting competition with EB. The combined work demonstrates the ability of pyridyl-dioxime chelates not only to lead to polynuclear 3d-metal complexes with impressive structural motifs and interesting magnetic properties but also to yield new, mononuclear 4d- and 5d-metal complexes with biological implications. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome with vasospasm in a postpartum woman after postdural puncture headache following spinal anesthesia.
We describe a postpartum woman who, after an uneventful pregnancy, developed posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome after spinal anesthesia, complicated by postdural puncture headache. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Autonomous control of phosphatidylinositol turnover by histamine and acetylcholine receptors in the N1E-115 neuron-like cell line.
Histamine was found to stimulate the turnover of phosphatidylinositol (PI) in cultures of neuron-like NE-115 cells. Turnover was measured by increased production of [3H]inositol phosphates (breakdown) and by accelerated incorporation of 32P into PI (resynthesis). Data were consistent with hydrolysis of polyphosphoinositides being the initial event in receptor-stimulated PI turnover. This response to histamine desensitized within 10 min. Receptor systems for histamine and acetylcholine were tested for possible interactions: PI turnover in response to dual stimulation was approximately equal to the sum of the individual responses while prior desensitization of the acetylcholine receptor system had no effect on subsequent stimulation of the histamine receptor system. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that components of acetylcholine and histamine receptor systems responsible for PI turnover are autonomously organized and regulated. and regulated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Alcohol consumption and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier dysfunction in man.
The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/serum albumin ratio has been used a marker for blood CSF barrier permeability in 116 normal patients. We attempted to correlate the CSF/serum albumin ratio with a number of clinically measurable parameters including alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption had a significant effect on the blood-CSF barrier. Our data indicate that alcohol increases blood CSF barrier permeability in a dose-dependent manner. The measured values of parameters indirectly indicative of alcohol consumption, such as gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (gamma-GT) and erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume (MCV), were also correlated with enhanced blood-CSF barrier permeability. Although an apparent influence of age, body weight and sex on blood-CSF barrier permeability was observed, these correlations were not separable from the effect of alcohol consumption. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Proportion of individual fatty acids in the non-esterified (free) fatty acid (FFA) fraction in the serum of laboratory rats of different ages.
In experiments on Wistar strain rats of both sexes, aged 5, 10 and 14 days and adult (90-120 days), of their own breed, the authors determined the quantitative proportion of individual fatty acids in the serum free non-esterified fatty acid (FFA) fraction, using mixed blood (obtained by decapitation) and the titration method of Trout et al. (1960). The proportion of the individual fatty acids was then determined in this fraction by gas chromatography (Base 1978) and their concentration (in mumol.1-1) was determined by simple calculation from the relative chromatogram data. Animals in the first three age groups were killed in the morning, directly from the nest; in adult rats the FFA fraction was measured after a 20 h fast. It was demonstrated that the increase in the proportion of monoenoic acids was highly statistically significant (about fivefold) during ontogenesis and that there was also a marked increase in the quantitative expression of polyenic acids, especially in group (n-6). The n-6/n-3 acid index in the FFA fraction altered during maturation (despite some fluctuation it basically rose from 4.3 in 5-day-old young to 10.0 in adult rats). It was further demonstrated that the concentration of fatty acids with a very short chain fell significantly during development, so that C 8:0, for example, could be detected only in the first two age groups, but not in 14-day-old and adult rats. The concentration of the saturated fatty acids C 15:0 to C 18:0 in the serum FFA fraction showed a statistically significant increase, while the index expressing the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids displayed a downward trend during development. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
New observations in primary and secondary reading epilepsy: excellent response to levetiracetam and early spontaneous remission.
The response of reading epilepsy to new antiepileptic drugs is not known. Due to the rarity of this condition little is known about its natural history. We evaluated and treated three patients with primary and secondary reading epilepsy. Seizures in all patients were characterized by twitching of the jaw or lips with secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures if reading continued. One patient with primary reading epilepsy became seizure-free with divalproex monotherapy and another with levetiracetam monotherapy after failure of lamotrigine. One other patient with secondary reading epilepsy became seizure-free with levetiracetam add-on therapy. The divalproex-treated patient stopped therapy less than 3 years after seizure onset and remained seizure-free with 6 years of follow-up. We propose levetiracetam as a first-line treatment for primary and secondary reading epilepsy. Spontaneous medication-free remission of primary reading epilepsy may occur within 3 years of seizure onset, much earlier than previously reported. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Simultaneous determination of organic acids and saccharides in lactic acid fermentation broth from biomass using high performance liquid chromatography].
Abstract: A high performance liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of organic acids and saccharides in lactic acid fermentation broth from biomass was developed. A Bio-Rad Aminex HPX-87H column was used at 55 degrees C. The mobile phase was 5 mmol/L sulfuric acid solution at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min. The samples were detected by a refractive index detector (RID). The results showed that six organic acids and three saccharides in fermentation broth were completely separated and determined in 17 min. The linear correlation coefficients were above 0.999 8 in the range of 0.15-5.19 g/L. Under the optimized conditions, the recoveries of the organic acids and saccharides in Rhizopus oryzae fermentation broth at two spiked levels were in the range of 96.91%-103.11% with the relative standard deviations (RSDs, n = 6) of 0.81%-4.61%. This method is fast and accurate for the quantitative analysis of the organic acids and saccharides in microbial fermentation broths. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Occupational and environmental health nursing in the era of consumer-directed health care.
Consumer-directed health care plans (CDHPs) present an opportunity to control health care costs. Health savings accounts (HSAs) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs) are two different approaches to providing pre-tax funding for CDHP enrollees. Each has a significant impact on the nature and business aspects of worksite health care. Worksite clinics can provide support via on-site education, expanded acute care services, and referral to other health-related benefits and resources for all CDHP enrollees. With attention to the type of employee health benefits funding support (HSA or HRA), occupational health nurses can maximize the effectiveness and value of worksite clinic services for CDHP enrollees. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Influence of food intake on the bioavailability of ponsinomycin administered in a syrup form].
Ponsinomycin is a new macrolide. Following oral administration, ponsinomycin is totally metabolized, even before reaching blood circulation. Metabolite Mb12 is the first compound on the main metabolic route, which can be assayed. The influence of food on ponsinomycin bioavailability has therefore been estimated from measurements of Mb12 plasma levels. Twelve young healthy volunteers received 800 mg of ponsinomycin as a syrup on two separate occasions, 2 hours before and during a standard meal. The Mb12 metabolite was assayed in plasma by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Plasma peak concentrations and areas under curves were not significantly different but time to peak was significantly shorter when ponsinomycin was administered during meal. The results suggest that ponsinomycin absorption is faster when administered with food but quantitatively unchanged. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
NLRX1 regulates TNF-α-induced mitochondria-lysosomal crosstalk to maintain the invasive and metastatic potential of breast cancer cells.
An increased level of proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α in tumor microenvironment regulates the bioenergetic capacity, immune evasion and survival of cancer cells. Emerging evidences suggest that mitochondrial immune signaling proteins modulates mitochondrial bioenergetic capacity, in addition to the regulation of innate immune response. The optimal oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) capacity is required for the maintenance of functional lysosomes and autophagy flux. NLRX1, a mitochondrial NOD family receptor protein, regulates mitochondrial function during apoptosis and tissue injury. However, its role in regulation of mitochondrial and lysosomal function to modulate autophagy flux during inflammatory conditions is not understood. In the current study, we investigated the role of NLRX1 in modulating TNF-α induced autophagy flux and mitochondrial turnover and its implication in regulating the invasive and metastatic capability of breast cancer cells. Expression analyses of clinical breast cancer samples and meta-analysis of multiple public databases revealed that NLRX1 expression is significantly increased in basal-like and metastatic breast carcinoma as compared to non-basal-like and primary breast cancer. Depletion of NLRX1 expression in triple-negative breast cancer cells, altered the organization and activity of OxPhos complexes in presence of TNF-α. NLRX1 depletion further impaired lysosomal function and hence the turnover of damaged mitochondria through mitophagy in presence of TNF-α. Importantly, loss of NLRX1 decreased OxPhos-dependent cell proliferation and migration ability of triple-negative breast cancer cells in presence of TNF-α. These evidences suggest an essential role of NLRX1 in maintaining the crosstalk of mitochondrial metabolism and lysosomal function to regulate invasion and metastasis capability of breast cancer cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
VEGF expression in an osteoblast-like cell line is regulated by a hypoxia response mechanism.
Angiogenesis is essential for the increased delivery of oxygen and nutrients required for the reparative processes of bone healing. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent angiogenic growth factor, has been implicated in this process. We have previously shown that hypoxia specifically and potently regulates the expression of VEGF by osteoblasts. However, the molecular mechanisms governing this interaction remain unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that the hypoxic regulation of VEGF expression by osteoblasts occurs via an oxygen-sensing mechanism similar to the regulation of the erythropoietin gene (EPO). To test this hypothesis, we examined the kinetics of oxygen concentration on osteoblast VEGF expression. In addition, we analyzed the effects of nickel and cobalt on the expression of VEGF in osteoblastic cells because these metallic ions mimic hypoxia by binding to the heme portion of oxygen-sensing molecules. Our results indicated that hypoxia potently stimulates VEGF mRNA expression. In addition, we found that nickel and cobalt both stimulate VEGF gene expression in a similar time- and dose-dependent manner, suggesting the presence of a hemelike oxygen-sensing mechanism similar to that of the EPO gene. Moreover, actinomycin D, cycloheximide, dexamethasone, and mRNA stabilization studies collectively established that this regulation is predominantly transcriptional, does not require de novo protein synthesis, and is not likely mediated by the transcriptional activator AP-1. These studies demonstrate that hypoxia, nickel, and cobalt regulate VEGF expression in osteoblasts via a similar mechanism, implicating the involvement of a heme-containing oxygen-sensing molecule. This may represent an important mechanism of VEGF regulation leading to increased angiogenesis in the hypoxic microenvironment of healing bone. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
When doctors meet numbers.
A Statistical Skills Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) was developed using hypothetical clinical questions to explore respondents' mastery of vocabulary and rules of inference that seem relevant to the use of quantitative information. The SAQ was administered to 281 subjects, including 36 medical students, 45 interns and residents, 49 physicians engaged in research and 151 physicians in full-time practice. All groups of subjects showed frequent lack of consensus on the meaning of terms in common use (e.g., "false-positive rate" and "p values") and unfamiliarity with some important principles in quantitative inference (e.g., the Central Limit Theorem and Regression to the Mean). Subjects often seemed willing to draw conclusions unsupported by available data. Performance on the SAQ was inversely correlated with length of time since graduation from medical school, and practicing physicians tended to err more frequently than the other three groups. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mammalian animal models for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal neuromuscular disease that affects boys and leads to early death. In the quest for new treatments that improve the quality of life and in the search for a possible definitive cure, the use of animal models plays undoubtedly an important role. Therefore, a number of different mammalian models for DMD have been described. Much knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease has arisen from studies in these animals. However, the use of different models does not often allow a direct comparison of results obtained in preclinical trials and therefore hinders a straightforward translational research. In the frame of "TREAT-NMD", a European Network of Excellence addressing the fragmentation in the assessment and treatment of neuromuscular diseases, we compare here the currently used mammalian animal models for DMD with the aim of selecting and recommending the most appropriate ones for preclinical efficacy testing of new therapeutic strategies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
External Port Tissue Expansion in the Pediatric Population: Confirming Its Safety and Efficacy.
External filling ports in tissue expander-based reconstruction have the advantages of being associated with less pain and emotional distress. However, among practicing surgeons using tissue expansion, a theoretical concern remains regarding higher risk of infection. The authors' goal was to evaluate external port safety in the pediatric population by looking at the complications and overall success rate of reconstruction. A retrospective review of all patients undergoing tissue expansion using external ports at Children's Hospital Los Angeles between January of 2008 and June of 2016 was conducted. Patient demographic and perioperative data were collected and analyzed. Two hundred forty-one expanders were placed in 100 pediatric patients, resulting in 123 procedures for congenital and acquired conditions, with an average age at the time of surgery of 7.1 years (range, 1 month to 19.9 years) and average follow-up length of 2.5 years (range, 2.8 months to 8.8 years). The overall complication rate was 29.9 percent, and the infection rate was 17 percent. The majority of these cases were treated conservatively without additional need for surgery. Of 123 cases, 25 required premature expander removal because of complications. Despite early intervention, 21 of these cases underwent successful completion of their reconstruction according to the preoperative plan, resulting in an overall 96.7 percent success rate of tissue expander reconstruction. In children, who are often less tolerant of the pain and distress associated with internal port expansion, the authors encourage the use of external ports. This study found a high success rate in terms of successful reconstruction, with the majority of complications being treated conservatively. Therapeutic, IV. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Melatonin stimulates the secretion of progesterone along with the expression of cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in corpus luteum of pregnant sows.
The direct effect of melatonin on porcine luteal function during the pregnancy remains unknown. The objective of the study was to analyse the molecular mechanism(s) by which melatonin directly affects progesterone (P4) production in the corpus luteum (CL) of pregnant sows. We evaluated the localization of melatonin membrane receptors (MT1 and MT2) in CL, and investigated the effect of melatonin on P4 secretion along with the expression of P4 synthesis intermediates in luteal cells. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that MT1 and MT2 were predominantly localized in luteal cells in pregnant luteal tissues. The results of our in vitro experiments showed that melatonin from 5 to 625 pg/mL was able to significantly increase P4 release (P < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. And at the dose of 125 pg/mL treatment, the time-dependent effect on P4 secretion was observed. Furthermore, melatonin from 5 to 625 pg/mL up-regulated both P450scc and StAR expression (P < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner, and the effect was also time-dependent. No difference of 3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) expression was observed between control and treatment groups. In addition, melatonin induced a dose- and time-dependent promotion on cell viability. Additionally, the stimulatory effects of melatonin were blocked by luzindole, a non-selective MT1 and MT2 receptor antagonist, or partially blocked by a selective MT2 ligand, 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetralin (4P-PDOT). The data support the presence of MT1 and MT2 in porcine CL and a regulatory role for melatonin in luteal function through MT1 and MT2-mediated signal transduction pathways. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pertussis toxin-sensitive inhibition of glucagon-like peptide 1-stimulated acid production by epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor alpha in rat parietal cells.
We have recently shown that the intestinal hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-(7-36) amide is a cAMP-dependent stimulant of rat parietal cell H+ production. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF alpha) are known to inhibit histamine-stimulated parietal cell function by reducing cAMP production in a pertussis toxin-sensitive manner. Pertussis toxin blocks Gi alpha, the inhibitory subunit of adenylate cyclase, thereby preventing inhibitors from acting via Gi alpha. Therefore, we used pertussis toxin as a tool to determine whether EGF and TGF alpha inhibit GLP-1-stimulated parietal cell function via Gi alpha. In enriched (76 +/- 4%) rat parietal cells [14C]aminopyrine accumulation and cAMP production were maximally stimulated by GLP-1-(7-36) amide (10(-8) and 10(-7) M, respectively) or by histamine (10(-4) and 10(-3) M, respectively). EGF and TGF alpha (10(-13)-10(-7) M) caused concentration-dependent inhibition of GLP-1-stimulated parietal cell function. Maximal inhibition (33% and 37% of the response to GLP-1-(7-36) amide was observed at 10(-8) M EGF and 10(-9) M TGF alpha, respectively. There was a close correlation (r = 0.83; P < 0.05; n = 7) between the inhibition by EGF and TGF alpha of [14C]aminopyrine accumulation and the fall in cAMP production in GLP-1-stimulated parietal cells. The identical concentrations of both growth factors which maximally reduced GLP-1-stimulated parietal cell function inhibited [14C]aminopyrine accumulation in response to histamine by approximately 30%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Blastomogenic effect following single and chronic exposure to a mixture of cesium-137 and strontium-90].
The rate of tumor incidence in different rhythms of rat stomach exposure to cesium-137 and strontium-90 was analysed. The correlative values of the administered nucleids activity were selected by analogy with their content in global natural fall-out. In single exposure to the concentrations of 400 and 100 mc/per rat of cesium-137 and strontium-90 mixture accordingly, osteogenic osteosarcomas developed approximatley 4 times as frequently as in chronic administration of the same radionucleids in concentrations of 2 and 8 mc/per rat, correspondingly. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Separate isolation of cells from nodules and surrounding parenchyma of the same precancerous rat liver: biochemical and cytochemical characterization.
Various enzyme and metabolic alterations have been observed in the hyperplastic nodules which appear during the hepatocarcinogenesis. These alterations have been mainly specified by histochemical observations. In this report, a technique of hepatocyte isolation is described which enables the separation of 2 cellular fractions, respectively, from the nodules and from the surrounding parenchyma of the same liver of a rat previously treated with a hepatocarcinogen. Such a technique allowed parallel analysis of both cellular populations by biochemical and cytochemical techniques. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Solidification/stabilisation of electric arc furnace waste using low grade MgO.
This study aims to evaluate the potential of low grade MgO (LGMgO) for the stabilisation/solidification (S/S) of heavy metals in steel electric arc furnace wastes. Relevant characteristics such as setting time, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and leaching behaviour assessed by acid neutralisation capacity (ANC), monolithic and granular leaching tests were examined in light of the UK landfill Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) for disposal. The results demonstrated that all studied mix designs with Portland cement type 1 (CEM1) and LGMgO, CEM1-LGMgO 1:2 and 1:4 at 40% and 70% waste addition met the WAC requirements by means of UCS, initial and final setting times and consistence. Most of the ANC results met the WAC limits where the threshold pH values without acid additions were stable and between 11.9 and 12.2 at 28d. Granular leaching results indicate fixation of most of the metals at all mix ratios. An optimum ratio was obtained at CEM1-LGMgO 1:4 at 40% waste additions where none of the metals leaching exceeded the WAC limits and hence may be considered for landfill disposal. The monolithic leaching test results showed that LGMgO performed satisfactorily with respect to S/S of Zn, as the metal component present at the highest concentration level in the waste exhibited very little leaching and passed the leaching test requirement at all mix ratios studied. However, its performance with respect to Pb, Cd and Cr was less effective in reducing their leaching suggesting a higher cumulative rate under those leaching regimes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Salt shield: intracellular salts provide cellular protection against ionizing radiation in the halophilic archaeon, Halobacterium salinarum NRC-1.
The halophilic archaeon Halobacterium salinarum NRC-1 was used as a model system to investigate cellular damage induced by exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation (IR). Oxidative damages are the main lesions from IR and result from free radicals production via radiolysis of water. This is the first study to quantify DNA base modification in a prokaryote, revealing a direct relationship between yield of DNA lesions and IR dose. Most importantly, our data demonstrate the significance of DNA radiation damage other than strand breaks on cell survival. We also report the first in vivo evidence of reactive oxygen species scavenging by intracellular halides in H. salinarum NRC-1, resulting in increased protection against nucleotide modification and carbonylation of protein residues. Bromide ions, which are highly reactive with hydroxyl radicals, provided the greatest protection to cellular macromolecules. Modified DNA bases were repaired in 2 h post irradiation, indicating effective DNA repair systems. In addition, measurements of H. salinarum NRC-1 cell interior revealed a high Mn/Fe ratio similar to that of Deinococcus radiodurans and other radiation-resistant microorganisms, which has been shown to provide a measure of protection for proteins against oxidative damage. The work presented here supports previous studies showing that radiation resistance is the product of mechanisms for cellular protection and detoxification, as well as for the repair of oxidative damage to cellular macromolecules. The finding that not only Mn/Fe but also the presence of halides can decrease the oxidative damage to DNA and proteins emphasizes the significance of the intracellular milieu in determining microbial radiation resistance. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of the effects of neuropeptide Y and adrenergic transmitters on LH release and food intake in male rats.
In view of the recent demonstrations that Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and adrenergic transmitters coexist in neurons of the rat brain, we have compared the effects of intraventricular (Ivt) injections of NPY and catecholamines on LH release and food intake in intact male rats. Of the three catecholamines, dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E), only E (5.3 micrograms or 15.9 micrograms/rat) significantly stimulated LH release, although NE and E (5.3 micrograms/rat) were equally effective in eliciting food intake in satiated rats. Ivt administration of 10 micrograms NPY significantly stimulated LH release, whereas either lower (0.5 or 2 micrograms/rat) or higher (25 micrograms/rat) doses were ineffective. In contrast, NPY at doses of 0.5 - 10 micrograms/rat increased cumulative food intake in a dose-related fashion. These findings present preliminary evidence of the physiological correlates of the neuronal coexistence of adrenergic transmitters and NPY in the brain and raise the possibility that NPY may normally act either independently, in concert with or via adrenergic systems to evoke LH release and feeding responses in the rat. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Memory complaints and the diagnosis of dementia].
Ageing is often associated with the decline of some cognitive abilities, although in most cases these losses do not progress to full blown dementia. The current study aimed to evaluate the association between subjective memory complaint and the diagnosis of dementia among the elderly assessed at the Old Age Unit of the Department of Mental Health of Santa Casa de São Paulo-Brazil between February and December 1997. Subjects were assessed with the SRQ-20 and MMSE. Further clinical information was also collected to allow for the diagnosis of mental disorders according to ICD-10 diagnostic guidelines. Fifty-nine percent of the 220 patients included in the study complained of memory difficulties. Seventy-one percent of the complainers were women, although there was no clear statistical association between sex, education, marital status and living conditions with the memory complaint. There was a trend for memory complainers to present with higher scores on the SRQ-20(p = 0.122). The complaint of memory difficulties had a sensitivity of 76.2%, specificity of 47.8%, positive predictive value of 36.9%, and negative predictive value of 83.3% for the diagnosis of dementia. Memory complaints are frequent among the elderly, particularly among those with more severe depressive and anxiety symptoms. The subjective experience of memory difficulties has a low predictive value for the diagnosis of dementia. The identification of "at risk" cases should, instead, be based on new neuroimaging and genetic methods. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cloning and molecular characterization of the betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase involved in the biosynthesis of glycine betaine in white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).
The enzyme betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) catalyzes the irreversible oxidation of betaine aldehyde to glycine betaine (GB), a very efficient osmolyte accumulated during osmotic stress. In this study, we determined the nucleotide sequence of the cDNA for the BADH from the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (LvBADH). The cDNA was 1882 bp long, with a complete open reading frame of 1524 bp, encoding 507 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 54.15 kDa and a pI of 5.4. The predicted LvBADH amino acid sequence shares a high degree of identity with marine invertebrate BADHs. Catalytic residues (C-298, E-264 and N-167) and the decapeptide VTLELGGKSP involved in nucleotide binding and highly conserved in BADHs were identified in the amino acid sequence. Phylogenetic analyses classified LvBADH in a clade that includes ALDH9 sequences from marine invertebrates. Molecular modeling of LvBADH revealed that the protein has amino acid residues and sequence motifs essential for the function of the ALDH9 family of enzymes. LvBADH modeling showed three potential monovalent cation binding sites, one site is located in an intra-subunit cavity; other in an inter-subunit cavity and a third in a central-cavity of the protein. The results show that LvBADH shares a high degree of identity with BADH sequences from marine invertebrates and enzymes that belong to the ALDH9 family. Our findings suggest that the LvBADH has molecular mechanisms of regulation similar to those of other BADHs belonging to the ALDH9 family, and that BADH might be playing a role in the osmoregulation capacity of L. vannamei. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Genetic diversity of ectomycorrhizal Basidiomycetes from African and Indian tropical rain forests.
Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi have a worldwide distribution. However, the ecology of tropical ECM fungi is poorly documented, limiting our understanding of the symbiotic associations between tropical plants and fungi. ECM Basidiomycete diversity was investigated for the first time in two tropical rain forests in Africa (Western Upper Guinea) and in Asia (Western Ghats, India), using a fragment of the mitochondrial large subunit rRNA gene to type 140 sporocarps and 54 ectomycorrhizas. To evaluate taxonomic diversity, phylogenetic analyses were performed, and 40 sequences included from identified European specimens were used as taxonomic benchmarks. Five clades were recovered corresponding to six taxonomic groups: boletoids, sclerodermatoids, russuloids, thelephoroids, and a clade grouping the Amanitaceae and Tricholomataceae families. Our results revealed that the Russulaceae species display a great diversity with several putative new species, especially in Guinea. Other taxonomic issues at family/section levels are also briefly discussed. This study provides preliminary insights into taxonomic diversity, ECM status, and biogeographic patterns of ECM fungi in tropical two rain forest ecosystems, which appear to be as diverse as in temperate and boreal forests. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Virtual Surgical Planning Assisted Management for Three-Dimensional Dentomaxillofacial Deformities.
Treatment of 3-dimensional dentomaxillofacial deformities remains a significant clinical challenge. This retrospective study aims to present the modalities of management for complex 3-dimensional dentomaxillofacial deformities with the assistance of virtual surgical planning (VSP) and 3-dimensional printed navigation templates. Ten patients diagnosed with complex 3-dimensional dentomaxillofacial deformities received treatment of combined orthodontics and orthognathic surgery. Various surgical techniques as well as bone graft and distraction osteogenesis were used under the guidance of VSP and 3-dimensional printed navigation templates according to the characteristics of each patient. Follow-up included clinical examination and studies of spiral computed tomography preoperatively and for an average of 12 months postoperatively. The clinical outcomes of patients showed that VSP was successfully transferred to actual surgery in all the 10 patients. Three-dimensional dentomaxillofacial deformities were corrected significantly. Satisfactory profiles and occlusion were achieved. The management of 3-dimensional dentomaxillofacial deformities required comprehensive consideration and detailed surgical planning. Virtual surgical planning serves as a reliable assistance in the management of 3-dimensional dentomaxillofacial deformities. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Recurrent stenosis following carotid artery stenting treated with a drug-eluting balloon: a single-center retrospective analysis.
Early in-stent restenosis after stent-protected angioplasty of the carotid artery (SPAC) is an infrequent, but potentially harmful condition for patients with carotid artery disease. In our retrospective single-center analysis of 176 patients with carotid artery stenting between 2009 and 2015, using duplex ultrasound, we detected 9 patients with high-grade carotid artery in-stent restenosis. All restenosis patients were treated with a drug-eluting balloon (DEB) to prevent recurrent neointimal hyperplasia. One patient had bilateral carotid artery disease with bilateral in-stent restenosis, and 1 patient needed repeated DEB treatment 19 months after the first DEB intervention, so 11 DEB procedures, in total, were performed. The median time-interval between primary carotid artery stenting and first DEB-treatment was 9 months. In 3 of the 11 interventions, the DEB treatment was assisted by an additional stent. One repeat DEB treatment was necessary, and three DEB treatments were followed by a secondary stent. No peri-interventional complications (TIA, stroke, or death) were observed during or after DEB intervention. Therefore, in the entire group, the 1y event-free survival (EFS) was 100%, and the 2y/3y/5y EFS was 83%. DEB intervention seems to be an effective and safe treatment for patients with high-grade in-stent restenosis after SPAC. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Open-label, randomized, single-dose, crossover study to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and safety differences between two docetaxel products, CKD-810 and Taxotere injection, in patients with advanced solid cancer.
The aim of this study was to compare CKD-810 (test docetaxel) with Taxotere(®) (reference docetaxel) in terms of pharmacokinetics and safety for patients with advanced or metastatic carcinoma. A randomized, open-label, two-way crossover study was conducted in eligible patients. Patients received with reference or test drugs of 75 mg/m(2) docetaxel by intravenous infusion for 60 min in the first period and the alternative drug in the second period with a washout of 3 weeks. Plasma concentrations of docetaxel were determined by validated high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry detection. Pharmacokinetic parameters, including the maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) and the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), were determined by non-compartmental analysis. A total of 44 patients were included in the study, 21 patients received test drug and 23 received reference drug for the first cycle. The C(max) of docetaxel was 2,658.77 ng/mL for test drug and 2,827.60 ng/mL for reference drug, and two drugs showed no difference with a statistical significance. Time to reach C(max) (T(max)) of CKD-810 (0.94 h) versus reference docetaxel (0.97 h) was also not significantly different. Other pharmacokinetic parameters including the plasma AUC, elimination half-life, and total body clearance exhibited similar values without a significant difference. The most common grade 3 or 4 toxicity was neutropenia (CKD-810 19.5 or 29.3 %; reference docetaxel 14.6 or 41.5 %). Febrile neutropenia was experienced by only one patient in each group. Two patients died of progression of disease during the study. Docetaxel anhydrous CKD-810 use with patients suffering advanced or metastatic solid malignancies was equivalent to reference docetaxel in terms of pharmacokinetic parameters and safety profile. Additionally, the test and reference drug met the regulatory criteria for pharmacokinetic equivalence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Extracellular acidosis contracts coronary but neither renal nor mesenteric artery via modulation of H+,K+-ATPase, voltage-gated K+ channels and L-type Ca2+ channels.
Extracellular acidosis (EA) jeopardizes the heart, whereas mild extracellular alkalinization is cardioprotective, but it remains elusive how the coronary artery (CA) responses to EA. In the present study, EA was demonstrated to induce contraction in rat coronary artery (RCA) in a manner dependent on extracellular pH (pHo, 7.2-6.6), whereas it did not affect the resting tone of either rat renal interlobe artery (RIA) or mesenteric artery (MA). The amplitude of contraction provoked by pHo 6.8 was approximately equal to that induced by 60 mmol l(-1) KCl at pHo 7.4. Blockade of L-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels and inhibition of H(+),K(+)-ATPase attenuated the contraction, whereas inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis and endothelial denudation augmented it. A molecular probe study showed that EA acidified the cytosol of arterial smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) in RIA and MA, but alkalinized it in RCA. Extracellular acidosis elevated the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration exclusively in RCA ASMCs. Patch-clamp studies showed that EA enhanced L-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel currents in RCA ASMCs, but depressed the currents in MA ASMCs and did not affect the currents in RIA ASMCs. Extracellular acidosis depressed voltage-gated K(+) channel (KV) currents only in RCA ASMCs. Lansoprazole blunted all these observed effects of EA on RCA. Taken together, the present results demonstrate that the responses of RCA to EA are different from those of RIA and MA and suggest that activation of L-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels and H(+),K(+)-ATPase as well as depression of KV may, at least partly, underlie the EA-induced contraction in RCA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mesomorphy correlates with experiential cognitive style.
The purpose of this study was to test for a relationship between mesomorphy and experiential cognitive style (S. Epstein, 1994) in a sample of university students (30 women and 24 men). Anthropometric somatotypes were obtained using the Heath-Carter procedure (J. E. L. Carter, 2002). Experiential cognitive style was operationalized as scores on the experiential scale of the Rational Experiential Inventory for Adolescents (A. D. Marks, D. W. Hine, R. L. Blore, & W. J. Phillips, 2008). Nonparametric bootstrap correlations were calculated using 80% confidence intervals. There were significant correlations between mesomorphy and experiential cognitive style for men (r(s) = .33) and women (r(s) = .25). For men, experiential cognitive style was also correlated with endomorphy (r(s) = .39) and ectomorphy (rs = -.48). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Keeping up standards: BS5750.
The occupational health department of Dumfries and Galloway Health Board is the first of its kind to gain BS5750. Alison Sloan describes how her department achieved the British Standards Institute's quality assurance accreditation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[New surgical method in the treatment of severe hemorrhoidal bleeding caused by decompensated liver cirrhosis].
Authors used a new technique for haemorrhoid surgery performed with PPH (Procedure for Prolapse and Haemorrhoids) instrument to cure bleeding haemorrhoids caused by vascularly decompensated liver cirrhosis. Longo developed the special circular stapler in 1993. The 69 years old female patient underwent continuous medical treatment during the last 10 years due to liver cirrhosis developed as a result of chronic alcoholism. There were two haemorrhoidectomies in her previous history. Haemorrhoidal bleed was in the background of severe haematochesia in July 1999. She was transfused with 38 units of blood at Department of internal medicine. Because no result was expected by further conventional surgery, this new procedure was performed. After uneventful postoperative period the patient was discharged without any complaints. During six months follow-up there was no further bleeding and her quality of life is better. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Aplidin induces the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway via oxidative stress-mediated JNK and p38 activation and protein kinase C delta.
Aplidin, a new antitumoural drug presently in phase II clinical trials, has shown both in vitro and in vivo activity against human cancer cells. Aplidin effectively inhibits cell viability by triggering a canonical apoptotic program resulting in alterations in cell morphology, caspase activation, and chromatin fragmentation. Pro-apoptotic concentrations of Aplidin induce early oxidative stress, which results in a rapid and persistent activation of both JNK and p38 MAPK and a biphasic activation of ERK. Inhibition of JNK and p38 MAPK blocks the apoptotic program induced by Aplidin demonstrating its central role in the integration of the cellular stress induced by the drug. JNK and p38 MAPK activation results in downstream cytochrome c release and activation of caspases -9 and -3 and PARP cleavage, demonstrating the mediation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in this process. We also demonstrate that protein kinase C delta (PKC-delta) mediates the cytotoxic effect of Aplidin and that it is concomitantly processed and activated late in the apoptotic process by a caspase mediated mechanism. Remarkably, cells deficient in PKC-delta show enhanced survival upon drug treatment as compared to its wild type counterpart. PKC-delta thus appears as an important component necessary for full caspase cascade activation and execution of apoptosis, which most probably initiates a positive feedback loop further amplifying the apoptotic process. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Substituted 1H-1,2,3-Triazol-4-yl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines by De Novo One-Pot Ring-Forming Coupling/Cyclization/Desilylation Cu Alkyne/Azide Cycloaddition (AAC) Sequence.
Substituted 1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines are efficiently prepared by a one-pot coupling/cyclization/desilylation Cu alkyne/azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) sequence in the sense of a consecutive three-component fashion. The key feature of this new de novo formation of azole and triazole anellation is the sequentially Pd/Cu-catalyzed process employing tri(iso-propyl)silyl (TIPS) butadiyne as a four-carbon building block. In addition, the sequence can be expanded in a four-component fashion also employing the in situ formation of the required azides. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Modeling the effects of systemic mediators on the inflammatory phase of wound healing.
The normal wound healing response is characterized by a progression from clot formation, to an inflammatory phase, to a repair phase, and finally, to remodeling. In many chronic wounds there is an extended inflammatory phase that stops this progression. In order to understand the inflammatory phase in more detail, we developed an ordinary differential equation model that accounts for two systemic mediators that are known to modulate this phase, estrogen (a protective hormone during wound healing) and cortisol (a hormone elevated after trauma that slows healing). This model describes the interactions in the wound between wound debris, pathogens, neutrophils and macrophages and the modulation of these interactions by estrogen and cortisol. A collection of parameter sets, which qualitatively match published data on the dynamics of wound healing, was chosen using Latin Hypercube Sampling. This collection of parameter sets represents normal healing in the population as a whole better than one single parameter set. Including the effects of estrogen and cortisol is a necessary step to creating a patient specific model that accounts for gender and trauma. Utilization of math modeling techniques to better understand the wound healing inflammatory phase could lead to new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of chronic wounds. This inflammatory phase model will later become the inflammatory subsystem of our full wound healing model, which includes fibroblast activity, collagen accumulation and remodeling. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Regulation of rat glutathione S-transferase Ya subunit gene expression. DNA-protein interaction at the antioxidant responsive element.
We have characterized the interaction of the antioxidant responsive element (ARE) in the 5'-flanking region of the rat glutathione S-transferase Ya subunit gene with its trans-acting factor. The ARE core sequence, 5'-ggTGACaaaGC-3', previously identified as the cis-acting element required for activation of the Ya subunit gene by planar aromatic compounds and phenolic antioxidants, is shown to be the high affinity recognition motif for a trans-acting factor(s) as determined by gel mobility shift assays as well as methylation interference and protection studies. The DNA-protein interaction appears to occur in the major groove and involves the GpG dinucleotide preceding and the G residue within the TGAC tetramer on the coding strand of the core sequence. In addition, DNase I protection analysis maps an extended region 5' from the core recognition motif, which was shown previously to be essential for basal activity of the ARE. The trans-acting factor is present in nuclear extracts from untreated and tert-butylhydroquinone-treated cells as determined by photochemical cross-linking experiments. The cross-linked protein appears to be a heterodimer with subunit molecular weights of approximately 28,000 and approximately 45,000. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Construction of Corynebacterium glutamicum/E. coli shuttle promoter-probe vector].
Based on the replication origins of the C. glutamicum pXZ10145 and the Escherichia coli ColE1 plasmid, a novel Corynebacterium glutamicum/Escherichia coli shuttle vector pAK6 was constructed. This vector was able to replicate in C. glutamicum and E. coli. Plasmid pAK6 carried multiple cloning site useful for gene cloning, kanamysin- and ampicillin-resistance-encoding gene. Furtherly based on the shuttle vector pAK6, a promoter-probe vector was developed for the isolation of promoter elements from C. glutamicum . This vector carried the promoterless chloramphenicol acetyltranstersae (CAT) gene as a reporter downstream from useful cloning site. For testing this promoter-probe vector, C. glutamicum genomic DNA was digested to completion with Sau3AI and the fragments shot-gun cloned into its unique Bgl II. Two fragments exhibiting promoter activity were isolated. By measuring CAT activity, the strength of promoter fragments was assayed. After being sequenced, promoter sequences were predicted by using BDGP Neural Network Promoter Prediction V2.2 and the similarities to the regions of the consensus promoter sequence or the known promoters were confirmed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mutations in transmembrane domains 5 and 7 of the human excitatory amino acid transporter 1 affect the substrate-activated anion channel.
L-Glutamate is the predominant excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, and its extracellular concentration is tightly controlled by the excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs). The transport of 1 glutamate molecule is coupled to the cotransport of 3 Na+ and 1 H+ and the countertransport of 1 K+. In addition to substrate transport, the binding of glutamate and Na+ activates an anion current which is thermodynamically uncoupled from the transport process. We have identified three amino acid residues in EAAT1 (D272 in TM5, K384 and R385 in TM7) that influence the amplitude of the anion channel current relative to the transport current. Transporters containing the mutations R268A, D272A, D272K, K384A, K384D, R385A, and R385D were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and their transport and anion channel functions measured using the two-electrode voltage clamp techniques. The D272, K384, and R385 mutant transporters showed no change in transport properties but have increased levels of anion channel activity compared to wild-type transporters. These results identify additional residues of the EAAT1 transporter that may contribute to the gating mechanism of the anion channel of glutamate transporters and also provide hints as to how substrate binding leads to channel activation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Superficial siderosis of the CNS: report of three cases and review of the literature.
Superficial siderosis (SS) is a rare entity. A chronic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) leads to the deposition of ferric pigments and ions in the surface of the central nervous system (CNS). The cause of this hemorrhage is identified in half of the cases. The disease progresses slowly and the damage is often irreversible by the time diagnosis is established. The management focuses on the identification and ablation of the bleeding source. Knowledge about this entity is based on sporadic reports. We describe three cases of superficial siderosis and briefly review the literature. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Analysis of morphogenetic movements in the development of the notum anlage of Drosophila melanogaster.
A comparison of the morphogenetic maps of the notum anlage of Drosophila melanogaster derived from the gynandromorph data and mosaics induced by somatic crossing-over during the first instar larval stage revealed that practically no major morphogenetic movements occur in the development of the anlage between the blastoderm and first instar larval stages and the adult stage. By comparing the morphogenetic map derived from gynandromorphs and the fate map derived from data on the transplantation of fragments of the mature wing imaginal disc, it was observed that no major morphogenetic movements occur in the notum anlage between the stages of the allocation of the disc and the mature disc. The results are consistent with the observations of other authors concerning the larval development of eye-antenna, wing and leg discs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Do false positive thallium-201 scans lead to unnecessary catheterization? Outcome of patients with perfusion defects on quantitative planar thallium-201 scintigraphy.
We postulated that artifactually abnormal thallium-201 scans are well identified at the time of initial clinical interpretation by experienced readers and do not lead to unnecessary coronary angiography. Exercise thallium-201 scintigraphy employing quantitative imaging techniques has yielded sensitivity and specificity values of 80% to 90%. There are image artifacts, such as breast shadows, and variants of normal that, if not correctly identified, can lead to a high false positive rate for detection of coronary artery disease. Data from 338 consecutive patients with one or more focal thallium-201 defects on quantitative planar images were reviewed. All patients had undergone symptom-limited exercise scintigraphy and were classified as having either artifactual or nonartifactual thallium-201 defects after review of clinical reports. Of the 265 patients with defects judged to be nonartifactual on clinical readings, 167 underwent coronary angiography, which demonstrated significant coronary artery disease (> or = 50% stenosis) in 161 (96%) and normal findings in 6. Four of the latter six had documented prior myocardial infarction. The remaining 73 patients (85% female) had thallium-201 defects deemed to be artifactual on clinical readings, chiefly as a result of breast (66%) and diaphragmatic (8%) attenuation or variants of normal (26%). Only 4 (5%) of the 73 patients underwent subsequent coronary angiography; none had coronary artery disease. One had aortic stenosis and two had variant angina. Follow-up (mean 20 +/- 2 months) of the 69 patients in this group who did not undergo coronary angiography revealed no deaths and one nonfatal non-Q wave myocardial infarction. Artifactual defects on quantitative planar thallium-201 scintigraphy are well recognized by experienced interpreters and do not result in a high false positive rate leading to unnecessary cardiac catheterization. The incidence of coronary artery disease is high in patients with thallium-201 defects judged to be nonartifactual, and many patients with perfusion defects and angiographically normal coronary arteries have organic heart disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Friend or foe? Differential use of the self-based heuristic as a function of relationship satisfaction.
We report two studies investigating whether relationship satisfaction differentially influences the use of the "self-based heuristic" (SBH) or the degree to which an individual's own characteristics contribute to ratings of another's personality. Individuals rated themselves, a friend, and a person with whom they have experienced significant conflict (a "foe"); ratings were made on measures of the Big Five and trait affectivity. Replicating previous research, judges made greater use of the SBH when rating trait affectivity than when rating the Big Five. In addition, individuals were more likely to utilize the SBH when rating friends than when rating foes. Further, relationship satisfaction made significant independent contributions in accounting for the variance in trait ratings of others. These findings extend our understanding of the mechanisms involved with person perception beyond observable trait-related information. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Origin of antibody in porcine bile after intraperitoneal immunisation.
Pigs were immunised intraperitoneally with ovalbumin (OVA) in Freund's complete adjuvant and killed between 52 and 71 days later. Sera, bile and spleen and liver tissue were collected at slaughter. IgG and IgA OVA antibody in bile and serum were detected by ELISA, and IgG and IgA anti-OVA containing cells (AOCC) in tissue were observed using double fluorochrome labelling techniques. The results indicated few IgA AOCC in spleen or liver, but an elevated IgA OVA response in bile compared to serum relative to IgG. The results indicate selective transport of IgA OVA antibody from serum to bile relative to IgG. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Administration of the immunophilin ligand FK506 differentially attenuates neurofilament compaction and impaired axonal transport in injured axons following diffuse traumatic brain injury.
Traumatic axonal injury (TAI) following traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a clinical problem for which no effective treatment exists. TAI was thought to involve intraaxonal changes that universally led to impaired axonal transport (IAT), disconnection and axonal bulb formation. However, recent, immunocytochemical studies employing antibodies to amyloid precursor protein (APP), a marker of IAT and antibodies to neurofilament compaction (NFC), RM014, demonstrated that NFC typically occurs independent of IAT, indicating the existence of different populations of damaged axons. FK506 administration has been shown to attenuate IAT. However, in light of the above, the ability of FK506 to attenuate axonal damage demonstrating NFC requires evaluation. The current study explored the potential of FK506 to attenuate both populations of damaged axons. Rats were administered FK506 (3 mg/kg) or vehicle 30 min preinjury. Three hours post-TBI, tissue was prepared for the visualization of TAI using antibodies targeting IAT (APP) or NFC (RMO14) or a combined labeling strategy. Confirming previous reports, FK506 treatment reduced the number of axons demonstrating IAT in the CSpT, from 411 +/- 54.70 to 91.00 +/- 33.87 (P <or= 0.05) and in the ML from 78.62 +/- 16.87 to 41.00 +/- 5.80 (P <or= 0.05). FK506 treatment failed to reduce the number of axons demonstrating NFC in either the CSpT or ML. FK506's failure to attenuate NFC suggests that additional therapeutic agents may be necessary to blunt the full burden of TAI. Because FK506 targets IAT, calcineurin appears to be a major target for neuroprotection in damaged axons demonstrating IAT. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antithrombogenicity of the Gyro permanently implantable pump with the RPM dynamic suspension system for the impeller.
In 1995, a group at Baylor College of Medicine started to develop the NEDO biventricular assist device (BVAD) using two Gyro permanently implantable (PI) centrifugal pumps. This pump consists of a sealless pump housing and an impeller supported with a double pivot bearing. In May 2001, an RPM dynamic suspension system (RPM-DS) for the impeller was developed to improve durability and antithrombogenicity without a complex magnetic suspension system. From March 2000 to March 2002, eight BVAD bovine experimental studies were performed for more than 1 month. Two pumps were implanted in two cases without the RPM-DS (group A) and in six cases with the RPM-DS (group B). In group A, the survival period was 45 and 50 days. The primary reason for termination was an increase in the requiring power, which was related to deposition of white thrombus on the bottom bearing. In group B, the survival period was 37, 48, 51, 60, 80, and 90 days. The reasons for termination were not related to thrombus formation. No thrombus was observed in the pumps except for one right pump. In that experiment, the thrombus formation may have occurred when that pump had a low flow rate at a level of 1 L/min for 6 hr. These studies demonstrate the apparent antithrombogenic effect of RPM-DS. The NEDO BVAD is ready to move into a 3-month preclinical system evaluation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Recurrent syncope for over a decade due to idiopathic ventricular fibrillation.
A 35-year-old man had a history of recurrent syncope for more than a decade. During a witnessed episode, an ambulatory electrocardiographic recording showed ventricular flutter/fibrillation that lasted for 2 1/2 minutes and terminated spontaneously without adverse neurologic sequelae. No structural heart disease and no possible etiologic factor for the ventricular tachyarrhythmia was found. The patient received an automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Review of the literature suggests that the automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator is a valid option in idiopathic ventricular fibrillation in young individuals to avoid the potential risk of recurrent cardiac arrest. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Predisposing factors and prevention of frostbite.
This review focuses on the physiological, behavioural and environmental factors which predispose to frostbite. Also prevention of frostbite is summarised. Predisposing factors may increase heat loss, decrease heat production, decrease the insulation of the clothing, make people especially susceptible to cold or make them to behave inadequately. Marked increase in convective or conductive heat loss is often the immediate reason for frostbite. Wind (as described by wind chill index) increases convective heat loss and touching of metal objects increases conductive cooling. Poor insulation of the clothing is also a common reason of frostbite. The insulation can be insufficient when clothing is wet, tight, permeable to wind or does not cover the cold sensitive body parts. Individual factors predisposing to frostbite are inadequate behaviour, low physical fitness, fatigue, dehydration, earlier cold injuries, sickness or poor circulation in peripheral parts of the body. Frostbite is often associated with the use of alcohol. To prevent frostbite, it is necessary to recognise cold risks, practise tasks in the cold, eat and drink well, have physical exercise, have sufficient clothing (also spare clothing), change into dry clothing if necessary and take care of companions. In the cold it is not advisable to get fatigued until exhaustion, sweat excessively, use tight and/or wet clothing, drink alcohol, smoke and expose oneself unnecessarily to wind, metals or fluids. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Chronic swim stress enhances the motoric inhibiting effects of a muscarinic agonist.
The authors previously demonstrated that chronic inescapable swim stress and footshock increase the capacity of a fixed dose of a muscarinic agonist to produce hypothermia in the rat. This project was designed to determine whether chronic inescapable swim stress in cold water would render a low dose of a muscarinic agonist, devoid of an effect on motor behavior in the naive rat (i.e., prior to subjection to the course of swim stress), an inhibitor of mobility. The study involved two groups of rats, an experimental group which received arecoline and a control group which received saline five minutes prior to being placed in an open field. Number of crossings, the dependent variable, was measured in both groups before and after a 14-day course of twice daily inescapable swim stress of 10 minutes duration at 12 degrees C. The arecoline-treated group, as hypothesized, exhibited a significantly greater reduction in number of crossings than the saline-treated groups following the course of swim stress. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A preparative method for isolating the synaptonemal complexes from mammalian spermatocytes].
A method of isolation of synaptonemal complexes (SC) from mouse, rat and Syrian hamster spermatocytes is described. A fraction of pachytene spermatocyte nuclei was obtained by centrifugation of the testis homogenate in stepwise sucrose gradient and then lysed. The resulting chromatine was hydrolysed with DNAse II, and a fraction of isolated SCs was obtained by ultracentrifugation of the hydrolysate. The method can be applied for obtaining the SC fraction from spermatocytes sufficient for cytological, biochemical and molecular biology studies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The far cry of a TB brain. Report of a case of tuberculous meningitis, multiple tuberculomas and tuberculous abscess.
An unusual case of neurotuberculosis presenting with tuberculous meningitis, tuberculous abscess and multiple tuberculomas is reported. The patient showed a dramatic response and resolution of tuberculomas with antituberculous therapy only after excision of the abscess. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Weight stigmatization and bias reduction: perspectives of overweight and obese adults.
This study employed qualitative methods with a sample of overweight and obese adults to identify and describe their subjective experiences of weight bias. Participants (274 females and 44 males) completed an online battery of self-report questionnaires, including several open-ended questions about weight stigmatization. These questions asked them to describe their worst experiences of weight stigmatization, their perceptions of common weight-based stereotypes, their feelings about being overweight and their suggestions for strategies to reduce weight stigma in our culture. Participants reported experiencing weight stigma across a range of contexts and involving a variety of interpersonal sources. Close relationship partners (such as friends, parents and spouses) were the most common source of their worst stigmatizing encounters. Participants challenged common weight-based stereotypes (notably, that obese individuals are 'lazy') and reported that they would like the public to gain a better understanding of the difficulties of weight loss, the causes of obesity and the emotional consequences of being stigmatized. Education was reported as the most promising avenue for future stigma-reduction efforts. The experiences and opinions expressed were not significantly different for men versus women or overweight versus obese individuals. A minority of participants expressed beliefs suggestive of self-blame and internalization of weight-based stereotypes. These results indicate that while obese individuals experience weight bias across many domains, more stigma-reduction efforts should target stigmatizing encounters in close relationships, including parents, spouses and friends of obese persons. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Cyclosporine induced nephrotoxicity and renal blood flow].
To elucidate the relationship between cyclosporine (Cs) nephrotoxicity and renal blood flow (RBF), we carried our experiments using rats. Adult male Wistar strain rats each weighing about 100 g were used. Rats were divided into 2 groups; the Cs group (Cs 50 mg/kg/day was intraperitoneally given for 10 consecutive days) and the control group (normal saline solution for 10 consecutive days). The renal cortical blood flow was measured in each group by electrolytic hydrogen gas clearance method. We also carried out renal angiography with barium sulfate (BaSO4). Then we measured blood vessel area/renal sagittal section area ratio and the diameter of interlobar arteries. The Cs group showed a significant decrease of renal cortical blood flow compared with the control group. On the other hand there was no significant change in renal angiogram. In conclusion, Cs decreased renal cortical blood flow. We suppose that vascular resistance increased following afferent arteriolopathy caused by Cs administration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Recent progress and future directions in studies of the main terminal branch of the general secretory pathway in Gram-negative bacteria--a review.
The main terminal branch (MTB) of the general secretory pathway is used by a wide variety of Gram- bacteria to transport exoproteins from the periplasm to the outside milieu. Recent work has led to the identification of the function of two of its 14 (or more) components: an enzyme with type-IV prepilin peptidase activity and a chaperone-like protein required for the insertion of another of the MTB components into the outer membrane. Despite these important discoveries, little tangible progress has been made towards identifying MTB components that determine secretion specificity (presumably by binding to cognate exoproteins) or which form the putative channel through which exoproteins are transported across the outer membrane. However, the idea that the single integral outer membrane component of the MTB could line the wall of this channel, and the intriguing possibility that other components of the MTB form a rudimentary type-IV pilus-like structure that might span the periplasm both deserve more careful examination. Although Escherichia coli K-12 does not normally secrete exoproteins, its chromosome contains an apparently complete set of genes coding for MTB components. At least two of these genes code for functional proteins, but the operon in which twelve of the genes are located does not appear to be expressed. We are currently searching for conditions which allow these genes to be expressed with the eventual aim of identifying the protein(s) that E. coli K-12 can secrete. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Provider variability in the initial diagnosis and treatment of congenital hypothyroidism.
Early diagnosis and expeditious treatment of newborns with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is necessary to avoid mental retardation. A survey of 44 practitioners in the southern US was conducted to better understand common practices regarding neonatal CH and the findings were compared with current guidelines in the US and Europe. Responses indicated some consensus that 10-15 μg of thyroid hormone/kg/day was the appropriate dosage. However, despite guidelines advocating their use, practitioners reported that they did not commonly use imaging or laboratory tests, though experienced providers apparently used them more often. Together, these results show moderate adherence to published guidelines for treating and diagnosing CH. Further research is needed to determine why providers deviate from these guidelines and to generalize these results to other populations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Occurrence of trypanosome infections in cattle in relation to season, livestock movement and management practices of Maasai pastoralists in Northern Tanzania.
African animal trypanosomosis (AAT) is a parasitic disease considered to be one of the greatest constraints to cattle production in Tanzania. There is insufficient information on seasonal occurrence of AAT and management practices in Monduli District of the Maasai Steppe ecosystem to guide and prioritize AAT control programs. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in 10 randomly selected villages of Monduli District. Information on seasonal animal movements, including wildlife interaction, and AAT management practices was gathered using a standardized questionnaire with 130 pastoralists. Blood samples were collected from a total of 960 cattle, in wet and dry seasons. An entomological survey was also undertaken in the dry season. Polymerase chain reaction targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) was used for parasite identification in cattle blood and in tsetse flies. The overall apparent prevalence of AAT in cattle was 5.8% (95% CI of 4.1-8.3) and 4.2% (95% CI of 2.7-6.3) during wet and dry reasons, respectively. Trypanosoma vivax was the most common species identified in cattle. All tsetse flies (n = 426) collected were trapped in Esilalei village which is in close proximity to Lake Manyara National Park. Tsetse fly infection status was determined to be 7.0%; (CI 95% of 4.9-9.8%) with nearly 50% of infections due to T. congolense. All 130 cattle owners reported that they could easily recognize AAT and the majority (75%) identified the most prominent clinical signs. Nearly all owners (98.5%) identified that tsetse flies were responsible for AAT transmission. All cattle owners (100%) reported the use of trypanocides for AAT treatment, while 2.3% reported to also use herbal medicine. The trypanocides, Novidium® and Berenil®, were the most frequently reported commercial drugs and were used by 42% of cattle owners. Vector control by hand spraying was reported by the majority (90.8%) of cattle owners, while dipping and deployment of insecticide-impregnated targets were reported by few cattle owners (16.2% and 5.4%, respectively). The majority of cattle owners (83.1%) reported to move cattle away from home villages during the dry season with many migrating to areas in close proximity to wildlife parks. This study confirms the presence of circulating pathogenic trypanosomes in tsetse flies which continue to pose a threat to Maasai cattle. The seasonal movement of cattle during the dry season was associated with more clinical cases of cattle trypanosomosis. This study demonstrates the need to strengthen surveillance and control strategies for AAT. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A M-MLV reverse transcriptase with reduced RNaseH activity allows greater sensitivity of gene expression detection in formalin fixed and paraffin embedded prostate cancer samples.
Formalin fixed and paraffin embedded (FFPE) human tissue collections are an invaluable resource for retrospective gene expression studies. However formalin fixation results in chemical modification of RNA and increased RNA degradation. This can affect RNA yield and quality. A critical step when analysing gene expression is the conversion of RNA to complementary DNA (cDNA) using a reverse transcriptase (RT) enzyme. FFPE derived RNA may affect the performance and efficiency of the RT enzyme and cDNA synthesis. We directly compared three commonly used FFPE RNA isolation methods and measured RNA yield, purity and integrity. We also assessed the effectiveness of three commercially available Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus (M-MLV) RTs on cDNA synthesis and gene expression sensitivity when using FFPE RNA as a template. Our results show that gene detection sensitivity is dependent on the isolation method, RT and length of the PCR amplicon (<200bp) when using FFPE RNA. The use of an M-MLV RT enzyme with reduced RNaseH activity gave significantly increased qRT-PCR sensitivity when using FFPE RNA derived from prostate tissue. The choice of RT can also affect perceived changes in target gene expression and thus the same RT should be used when attempting to reproduce results from different studies. This study highlights the need to optimise and evaluate RNA isolation methods and RTs when using FFPE RNA as a template in order to maximise a successful outcome in PCR applications. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Allelic variation in the serotonin transporter promoter affects onset of paroxetine treatment response in late-life depression.
The relationship of the serotonin transporter gene promoter region polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) to antidepressant response was examined in 95 elderly patients receiving a protocolized treatment for depression with paroxetine or nortriptyline. Patients were treated for up to 12 weeks and assessed weekly with clinical ratings and measurements of plasma drug concentrations. Twenty-one of the paroxetine-treated subjects were found to have the ll genotype and 30 had at least one s allele. There were no baseline differences between these groups in pretreatment Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) scores or anxiety symptoms. During acute treatment with paroxetine, mean reductions from baseline in HRSD were significantly more rapid for patients with the ll genotype than for those possessing an s allele, despite equivalent paroxetine concentrations. Onset of response to nortriptyline was not affected. Allelic variation of 5-HTTLPR may contribute to the variable initial response of patients treated with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Vascular endothelial growth factor(165) gene transfer augments circulating endothelial progenitor cells in human subjects.
Preclinical studies in animal models and early results of clinical trials in patients suggest that intramuscular injection of naked plasmid DNA encoding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can promote neovascularization of ischemic tissues. Such neovascularization has been attributed exclusively to sprout formation of endothelial cells derived from preexisting vessels. We investigated the hypothesis that VEGF gene transfer may also augment the population of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). In patients with critical limb ischemia receiving VEGF gene transfer, gene expression was documented by a transient increase in plasma levels of VEGF. A culture assay documented a significant increase in EPCs (219%, P<0.001), whereas patients who received an empty vector had no change in circulating EPCs, as was the case for volunteers who received saline injections (VEGF versus empty vector, P<0.001; VEGF versus saline, P<0.005). Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis disclosed an overall increase of up to 30-fold in endothelial lineage markers KDR (VEGF receptor-2), VE-cadherin, CD34, alpha(v)beta(3), and E-selectin after VEGF gene transfer. Constitutive overexpression of VEGF in patients with limb ischemia augments the population of circulating EPCs. These findings support the notion that neovascularization of human ischemic tissues after angiogenic growth factor therapy is not limited to angiogenesis but involves circulating endothelial precursors that may home to ischemic foci and differentiate in situ through a process of vasculogenesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The diagnosis of "smoker's lung" encourages smoking cessation].
In a controlled randomised trial we analysed whether the use of the term "smoker's lung" (Danish: "rygerlunger") instead of chronic bronchitis when talking to patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) changed their smoking habits. Fifty-six smoking patients with COLD were allocated to either intervention (n = 25) or control groups (n = 31). In the intervention group the lung disease was designated smoker's lung in all communication with patients about their illness and in the control group traditional terminology was used. All patients were given the same medical treatment and the same encouragement to stop smoking. One week after discharge 57% had stopped smoking in the smoker's lung group vs 26% in the control group (p = 0.028), at three months 50% vs 19% (p = 0.027) and at one year 40% vs 20% (p = 0.148). Referring directly to the cause of a self-inflicted illness may be an effective way of discouraging risk behaviour, at negligible cost. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Phenolic Glycosides from Clematis tashiroi.
From the 95% EtOH extract of dried aerial parts of Clematis tashiroi, eight new and four known phenolic (caffeic acid, coumaric acid, ferrulic acid) glycosides were isolated and characterized. The structures of the new isolates (clematisides A-H) were elucidated by spectroscopic data interpretation as trans-4-O-(6-O-trans-caffeoyl-β-D- glucopyranosyl)-9-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl caffeic acid (1), trans-4-O-(6-O-trans-feruloyl-β-D-glucopyranosyll)-9-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl caffeic acid (2), trans-4-O-(6-O-trans-p-coumaroyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-9-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl caffeic acid (3), trans-4-O-(6-O-trans-caffeoyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-9-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl p-coumaric acid (4), trans-3-O-(6-O-trans-caffeoyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-9-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl caffeic acid (5), trans-3-O-(6-O-trans-p-coumaroyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-9-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl caffeic acid (6), 6-(3',4'-dihydroxystyryl)-2-pyrone-4-O-(6-O-trans-caffeoyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (7), and 6-(3',4'-dihydroxystyryl)-2-pyrone-4-O-{6-O-[4-O-(6-O-trans-caffeoyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-trans-caffeoyl}-β-D-glucopyranoside (8), respectively. In a DPPH radical-scavenging test, compounds 1, 7, and 8 showed more potent antioxidant activity than that of the positive control, vitamin E. In addition, compound 7 also showed inhibitory activity in an antinitric oxide release assay. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evaluation of the Control Strategy for the 2010 Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak in Japan Using Disease Simulation.
In 2010, Japan experienced a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) epidemic where 292 premises were infected over a period of 75 days. The epidemic was controlled by stamping-out and vaccination, applied 5 weeks after the first confirmation of disease within a 10 km radius of identified infected places. This study aimed at identifying the role of emergency vaccination to epidemic control while adjusting for the dynamic pattern of local spread, and assessing alternative vaccination strategies, using a disease simulation model. Our results indicate that the overall hazard of local spread remained high throughout the silent spread phase and the first two weeks post-detection, with significant reduction occurring from week 3 onwards. The estimated effectiveness of emergency vaccination quantified as reduction in the hazard of infection was at most 81% and 44% for cattle and pig farms, respectively. The vaccination strategy reduced the simulated median number of IPs by 22%, epidemic duration by 64% and culling duration by 52%, but increased the total number of infected or vaccinated premises subject to culling by 144% compared with no vaccination. The simulation indicated that vaccination starting 2 weeks earlier (3 weeks post-first detection) with a smaller vaccination radius (3 km) was more effective for eradication of the epidemic compared with the actually implemented strategy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Independent contributions of cortical gray matter atrophy and ventricle enlargement for predicting neuropsychological impairment in multiple sclerosis.
The primary goal of this study was to investigate associations between regional gray matter (GM) atrophy and neuropsychological function in multiple sclerosis (MS), while accounting for the influence of central brain atrophy (i.e. third ventricle enlargement). Using a cross-sectional design, we studied 59 MS patients with brain MRI and neuropsychological testing. Regional gray matter fractions (rGMFs) were calculated from MRI images for 11 homologous brain areas using the semiautomatic brain region extraction (SABRE) technique. Neuropsychological testing followed consensus panel guidelines and included tests emphasizing episodic memory, working memory and processing speed. The analytic approach was stepwise linear regression, with forward selection and p<0.05 threshold for significance. Consistent with previous research, there were significant correlations between third ventricle width and neuropsychological tests. Stepwise linear regression analyses controlling for third ventricle width retained rGMFs obtained from specific regions within the prefrontal cortex. Left frontal atrophy was associated with tests emphasizing auditory/verbal memory. Right frontal atrophy was associated with impairment in visual episodic and working memory. For the first time, we show an independent relationship between cortical atrophy and cognitive impairment after accounting for the effects of central atrophy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The pregnancy "super-utilizer": how does a high-risk depression screen affect medical utilization?
Our objective was to determine whether a score of >11 on the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) at the initial prenatal visit was associated with an increased use of acute medical visits when compared to pregnant women with an initial EPDS score of ≤11. This was a retrospective cohort study comparing the utilization of acute medical care during pregnancy and the first eight weeks after delivery amongst 200 women with an EPDS score >11 at their initial prenatal visit compared with 200 women with an EPDS score ≤11. "Super-utilization" was defined as ≥4 acute or unscheduled medical visits during pregnancy and the first eight weeks after delivery (90th percentile). Logistic regression was used to control for confounders. Women with an initial EPDS score >11 were significantly more likely to engage in super-utilization of acute medical care compared with those women scoring ≤11 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53-3.90). Pregnant women scoring >11 on the EPDS at their initial prenatal visit are more likely to super-utilize acute medical care in the perinatal period. This subset of patients at-risk for increased utilization can be identified early during prenatal care. Interventions to better meet the medical and psychosocial needs of these women warrant future research. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Extra-Long Nasal Wall-Directed Dental Implants for Maxillary Complete Arch Immediate Function: A Pilot Study.
Immediate loading of maxillary denture prostheses in the context of severe bone atrophy is complicated by posterior implant placement, sometimes requiring a complex surgical approach as zygomatic or pterygoid implants. To overcome this complexity, the authors developed an extra-long (20-24 mm) 24-degree angulated platform. It was tested on 33 patients, with 24 patients immediately loaded (72.7%) for a total of 115 implants (46% nasal). All delayed loading implants osseointegrated. Eight bilateral and six unilateral sinus grafts were performed. There were no complications during the follow-up period. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Base excess, a useful marker in the prognosis of chest trauma in the geriatric population.
To determine the usefulness of the determination of base excess in a cohort of elderly patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with a diagnosis of chest trauma. Two hundred and forty-nine patients were included aged 65 years and over with a diagnosis of thoracic trauma who required admission to the ICU. We made a statistical analysis in order to determine the association of the first base excess levels with mortality during the unit stay. Two hundred and forty-nine patients, with a mean APACHE II score of 16.21±7.87 and 24.45±14.16 ISS. Mean ICU stay was 12.74±16.85 days and the mean hospital stay was 26.55±30.1 days. Statistical analysis showed an association with mortality in patients whose blood pressure was lower than 110mmHg on admission, with an OR=4.11 (95% CI 1.91 to 8.85) compared to patients with blood pressure between 110 and 140mmHg. Those patients who had base excess levels on admission of less than -6mmol/L also showed increased mortality compared to patients with higher levels, with an OR=3.12 (95% CI 1.51 to 6.42). The presence of a base excess level of less than -6 is associated with increased mortality in elderly patients with initial blood pressure between 110 and 140mmHg, diagnosed with thoracic trauma and who require admission to ICU. Routine measurement of this parameter in this population may show the clinical usefulness of assessing possible hidden hypoperfusion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Differential amplification and overexpression of HER-2/neu, p53, MIB1, and estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor among medullary carcinoma, atypical medullary carcinoma, and high-grade invasive ductal carcinoma of breast.
Medullary carcinoma (MC) is a special type of breast cancer that has a better prognosis than atypical medullary carcinoma (AMC) and high-grade invasive ductal carcinoma (HGIDC) with prominent lymphocytic infiltrates. What accounts for the different clinical courses of these carcinomas, despite their similar histology, is unknown. To address this issue, we performed a comparative study of amplification and overexpression of HER-2/neu and expression of several other important biochemical markers (p53, MIB1, and estrogen receptor [ER]/progesterone receptor [PR]) in these 3 cancer groups. To evaluate HER-2/neu, p53, MIB1, and ER/PR as markers in the differential diagnosis of MC, AMC, and HGIDC.Design.-Nine cases of MC, 13 cases of AMC, and 16 cases of HGIDC with prominent lymphocytic infiltrates were identified according to strict histologic criteria. All tests were performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archival tissues. HER-2/neu gene amplification was examined by fluorescence in situ hybridization using PathVysion HER-2 DNA probes. Expression of HER-2/neu, p53, MIB1, and ER/PR was detected by immunohistochemistry. chi2 and Student t tests were applied for statistical analyses. None of 9 cases of MC examined had either amplification or overexpression of HER-2/neu (0%). In contrast, HER-2/neu amplification was observed in AMC (46%, P <.025) and HGIDC (56%, P <.005). All 3 categories of tumors had similar percentages of expression of p53 (78% of MC, 77% of AMC, and 69% of HGIDC) and MIB1 (89% of MC, 92% of AMC, and 94% of HGIDC). Immunostaining for ER/PR was rarely positive in either MC or AMC, and there were no significant differences of expression of ER/PR between these 2 lesions (P >.05). However, the expression rate of ER/PR (31%/44%) in HGIDC is higher than in both MC (P =.05) and AMC (P =.01). Medullary carcinoma of breast is distinct from AMC and HGIDC with prominent lymphocytic infiltrates in amplification and overexpression of HER-2/neu. This difference may account for its different clinical and biological behavior, and may potentially aid in diagnosis and management of these groups of patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reduced phosphodiesters and high-energy phosphates in the frontal lobe of schizophrenic patients: a (31)P chemical shift spectroscopic-imaging study.
(31)Phosphorous magnetic resonance spectroscopy has been widely used to evaluate schizophrenic patients in comparison to control subjects, because it allows the investigation of both phospholipid and energy metabolism in vivo; however, the results achieved so far are inconsistent. Chemical shift imaging (CSI) has the advantage that instead of only one or a few preselected voxels the tissue of a whole brain slice can be examined. The aim of the present investigation was to determine whether the results of previous studies of our group, showing that phosphodiesters (PDE) are decreased in the frontal lobe of schizophrenic patients as compared to control subjects, might be confirmed in an independent unmedicated patient sample using the CSI technique. A carefully selected new cohort including 11 neuroleptic-free schizophrenic patients and 11 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects was recruited. CSI was applied and an innovative analysis method for CSI data based on a general linear model was used. PDE, phosphocreatine, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were found to be significantly decreased in the frontal lobe of patients with schizophrenia. Because PDE was decreased in schizophrenic patients, the membrane phospholipid hypothesis of schizophrenia could not be corroborated. Further results indicate decreased ATP production in the frontal lobe of patients with schizophrenia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Diagnosis and management of acute bronchitis.
Acute bronchitis is one of the top 10 conditions for which patients seek medical care. Physicians show considerable variability in describing the signs and symptoms necessary to its diagnosis. Because acute bronchitis most often has a viral cause, symptomatic treatment with protussives, antitussives, or bronchodilators is appropriate. However, studies indicate that many physicians treat bronchitis with antibiotics. These drugs have generally been shown to be ineffective in patients with uncomplicated acute bronchitis. Furthermore, antibiotics often have detrimental side effects, and their overuse contributes to the increasing problem of antibiotic resistance. Patient satisfaction with the treatment of acute bronchitis is related to the quality of the physician-patient interaction rather than to prescription of an antibiotic. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Methodology of scientific transmission in the Middle Ages].
The objective of this article is to analyze the mode of transmission of medical scientific knowledge in the Middle Ages. It is based on two unpublished manuscripts, a Tacuinum sanitatis and a Treatise on the Gout, which are start from different assumptions and motivations, but which share the will to disseminate certain useful knowledge to cure the disease. The first manuscript exhibits little rigour and seems to have been written in order to prove the supremacy of empirical science over theoretical science. The second one is methodologically more rigorous and integrative, since it tries to maintain a balance between theoretical and practical knowledge. The coexistence of both manuscripts certifies two different ways of practising medicine in the middle of the 15th century. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Pathological analysis, an original way to study foodstuffs].
To study the composition of foodstuffs (sausage, merguez, chipolata) on microscopic examination. Six sausages, merguez, and chipolatas, sold in supermarkets were studied. The samples were weighed before and after dehydration to assess the water composition. Foodstuffs specimens were formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded and analyzed on microscopic examination. Proportions of different tissues were assessed by morphometric analysis. Specimens contained a high proportion of water (40 to 55%). Striated muscular fibers represented from 0.7 to 15.3% for the sausages and the merguez, and from 61 to 76.5% for the chipolatas. Sausages and merguez contained from 43.3 to 49.2% of adipose tissue. All the specimens had fibrous tissue and most of them had small fragments of bone and cartilaginous tissue. Fragments of salivar glands were found in the sausages and fragments of lymphoid tissue were found in merguez. There were neither parasite nor brain tissue. Manufacturer wrote on the label the presence of "meat" with no information about the nature and the proportion of tissues in the foodstuffs specimens. Prices of the foodstuffs were globally correlated to the quantity of muscular fibers in the specimens. Pathological studies are not performed in France for the control of foodstuffs. Microscopic analysis could be interesting, as well as biochemical and bacteriological studies, in order to identify the nature and the proportion of tissues involved in the composition of the foodstuffs, to search tissues with potential risk of pathogenic agents transmission, and to search for some parasites. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Potter syndrome caused by bilateral renal agenesis and duodenal atresia].
A case of Potter syndrome secondary to renal agenesia and duodenal atresia with anular pancreas is presented. The karyotype was 47 XY-21. We discuss the antenatal diagnosis and the perinatal management. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Beta-HIVS combined cisplatin inhibited activities of human ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 in vitro].
To study the effect of beta-hydroxyisovaleryl shikonin (beta-HIVS) combined cisplatin on activities of ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 in vivo and its possible mechanisms. Cells were divided into the blank control group and six beta-HIVS groups (2 - 30 micromol/L). Effect of beta-HIVS at different concentrations on the activities of ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 was detected using MTT assay. SKOV3 cells were treated with cisplatin (10, 20, and 40 micromol/L) and beta-HIVS (0.25, 1, and 2.5 micromol/L) combined cisplatin. Effect of beta-HIVS combined cisplatin on the activities of ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 was determined by MTT assay. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax after treated by different concentrations of beta-HIVS was detected by Western blot. The activities of SKOV3 were inhibited by different concentrations of beta-HIVS dose-dependently. The 50% inhibition rate (IC50) was 7.37 micromol/L. There was statistical difference in IC50 between each concentration beta-HIVS group and the blank control group (P < 0.05). There was statistical difference in IC50 between the beta-HIVS (1 and 2.5 micromol/L) combined cisplatin groups and the cisplatin group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The synergistic effect on beta-HIVS showed dose-dependent manner. Results of Western blot showed beta-HIVS at different concentrations (5, 7.5, and 10 micromol/L) could obviously up-regulate the expression level of Bax protein and inhibit the expression level of Bcl-2 protein, showing statistical difference when compared with the control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS; HIVS could obviously inhibit in vitro growth of SKOV3 in a dose-dependent manner. With the range of concentration, beta-HIVS showed synergetic effect with cisplatin. Besides, along with increasing beta-HIVS concentrations, the synergetic effect was more significant. The synergetic effect might accelerate the apoptosis of SKOV3 through up-regulating Bax expression and inhibiting Bcl-2 expression. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Do viruses play a role in the etiology of keratoacanthoma?].
We report on investigations concerning the role of viruses with regard to the etiology of keratoacanthoma. At present, there is no evidence for any involvement of viruses in this process. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characterizing Coastal Ecosystem Service Trade-offs with Future Urban Development in a Tropical City.
With rapid urbanization in the coastal zone and increasing habitat losses, it is imperative to understand how urban development affects coastal biodiversity and ecosystem service provision. Furthermore, it is important to understand how habitat fragments can best be incorporated into broader land use planning and coastal management, in order to maximize the environmental benefits they provide. In this study, we characterized the trade-offs between (a) urban development and individual mangrove environmental indicators (habitat quality and ecosystem services), and (b) between different environmental indicators in the tropical nation of Singapore. A range of biological, biophysical, and cultural indicators, including carbon, charcoal production, support for offshore fisheries, recreation, and habitat quality for a threatened species were quantified using field-based, remote sensing, and expert survey methods. The shape of the trade-off Pareto frontiers was analyzed to assess the sensitivity of environmental indicators for development. When traded off individually with urban development, four out of five environmental indicators were insensitive to development, meaning that relatively minor degradation of the indicator occurred while development was below a certain threshold, although indicator loss accelerated once this threshold was reached. Most of the pairwise relationships between the five environmental indicators were synergistic; only carbon storage and charcoal production, and charcoal production and recreational accessibility showed trade-offs. Trade-off analysis and land use optimization using Pareto frontiers could be a useful decision-support tool for understanding how changes in land use and coastal management will impact the ability of ecosystems to provide environmental benefits. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of bulk magnetic field on critical Ising films
Two-dimensional Ising films L x infinity in a nonvanishing bulk magnetic field H are studied at the bulk critical temperature Tc for two choices of surface fields (a) H1 = HL = 0 (ordinary transition), and (b) H1 = HL = infinity (normal transition) by the density-matrix renormalization-group method. Universal scaling functions for magnetization profiles, the excess magnetization gamma, the longitudinal correlation length xi parallel, and for the analog of the solvation force fsolv are found and discussed. When H1 = 0 the scaling function for fsolv has two symmetric minima at y = sgn(H)L magnitude of H nu/delta approximately +/- 1 with an amplitude at the minimum about 3.8 times the value at H = 0, the Casimir amplitude. For the normal transition the scaling function for fsolv has a single minimum near the continuation of the pseudocoexistence (capillary condensation) line, with an amplitude about 100 times the Casimir amplitude. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Haptic applications for molecular structure manipulation.
We describe the application of haptic technology to enhance the information available in chemical systems, specifically related to computational drug design. These methods are designed to build upon the visual information presented by molecular viewers and add the sensation of touch, or force feedback. The addition of sensory input can aid in the analysis of molecular structures and the understanding of intermolecular interactions by delivering chemically relevant forces to the end user. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mechanisms of tissue injury in cryosurgery.
As the modern era of cryosurgery began in the mid 1960s, the basic features of cryosurgical technique were established as rapid freezing, slow thawing, and repetition of the freeze-thaw cycle. Since then, new applications of cryosurgery have caused numerous investigations on the mechanism of injury in cryosurgery with the intent to better define appropriate or optimal temperature-time dosimetry of the freeze-thaw cycles. A diversity of opinion has become evident on some aspects of technique, but the basic tenets of cryosurgery remain unchanged. All the parts of the freeze-thaw cycle can cause tissue injury. The cooling rate should be as fast as possible, but it is not as critical as other factors. The coldest tissue temperature is the prime factor in cell death and this should be -50 degreesC in neoplastic tissue. The optimal duration of freezing is not known, but prolonged freezing increases tissue destruction. The thawing rate is a prime destructive factor and it should be as slow as possible. Repetition of the freeze-thaw cycle is well known to be an important factor in effective therapy. A prime need in cryosurgical research is related to the periphery of the cryosurgical lesion where some cells die and others live. Adjunctive therapy should influence the fate of cells in this region and increase the efficacy of cryosurgical techniques. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Inhibition of LOX by flavonoids: a structure-activity relationship study.
The lipoxygenase (LOX) products have been identified as mediators of a series of inflammatory diseases, namely rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, allergic rhinitis, atherosclerosis and certain types of cancer. Hence, LOX inhibitors are of interest for the modulation of these phenomena and resolution of the inflammatory processes. During LOX activity, peroxyl radical complexes are part of the reaction and may function as sources of free radicals. Thus antioxidants, such as flavonoids, capable of inhibiting lipid peroxidation and scavenging free radicals, may act as LOX inhibitors. The aim of this work was to assess the structure-activity relationship among a series of flavonoids concerning 5-LOX inhibition, through a systematic study of the inhibition of the formation of LTB4 in human neutrophils. The type of inhibition of the flavonoids was further studied using soybean LOX, type I, and Saturation Transfer Difference (1)H NMR (STD-(1)H NMR) was used to characterize the binding epitopes of the compounds to LOX-1. The obtained results reinforce flavonoids as effective inhibitors of LTB4 production in human neutrophils. It was also possible to establish a structure/activity relationship for the inhibitory activity and the type of inhibition. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The threshold detectable mass diameter for 2D-mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis.
Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is currently under consideration for replacement of, or combined use with 2D-mammography in national breast screening programmes. To investigate the potential benefits that DBT can bring to screening, the threshold detectable lesion diameters were measured for different forms of DBT in comparison to 2D-mammography. The aim of this study was to compare the threshold detectable mass diameters obtained with narrow angle (15°/15 projections) and wide angle (50°/25 projections) DBT in comparison to 2D-mammography. Simulated images of 60 mm thick compressed breasts were produced with and without masses using a set of validated image modelling tools for 2D-mammography and DBT. Image processing and reconstruction were performed using commercial software. A series of 4-alternative forced choice (4AFC) experiments was conducted for signal detection with the masses as targets. The threshold detectable mass diameter was found for each imaging modality with a mean glandular dose of 2.5 mGy. The resulting values of the threshold diameter for 2D-mammography (10.2 ± 1.4 mm) were found to be larger (p < 0.001) than those for narrow angle DBT (6.0 ± 1.1 mm) and wide angle DBT (5.6 ± 1.2 mm). There was no significant difference between the threshold diameters for wide and narrow angle DBT. Implications for the introduction of DBT alone or in combination with 2D-mammography in breast cancer screening are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Employee Engagement and a Culture of Safety in the Intensive Care Unit.
A descriptive, retrospective design was used to explore the relationship between employee engagement and culture of safety in ICUs within a large Midwestern healthcare system. Results demonstrated a strong positive relationship between total engagement score and total patient safety score (r = 0.645, P < .01) and positive relationships between total engagement score and the 12 safety culture dimensions. These findings have implications for improving managerial strategies relative to employee engagement that may ultimately impact perceptions of a safety culture. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evidence of alterations in transcallosal motor inhibition as a possible long-term consequence of concussions in sports: A transcranial magnetic stimulation study.
Growing evidence suggests that long-term structural and physiological alterations are present in the brain of previously concussed athletes. In this study, we sought to further explore the long-term consequences of concussions with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) by examining excitability changes both within and between hemispheres. Participants (32 young adults with and without a history of concussions (HxC)) first underwent testing to assess cognitive and motor performance using standardized tests. Then, the following TMS measures were derived bilaterally: (1) resting motor threshold and motor evoked potentials (MEP), (2) afferent-induced modulation, (3) contralateral silent period (cSP) and MEP facilitation, and, (4) ipsilateral silent period (iSP). Multivariate analyses of performance data revealed no major group differences. For TMS data, no "hemisphere" effects were detected for all measures. Group differences were detected only for iSP derived measures owing to alterations in the onset latency and duration of transcallosal inhibition in the HxC group. While no major asymmetries were found between hemispheres, participants in the HxC group showed evidence of impaired transcallosal inhibition. Results provide one of the first piece of evidence pointing to alterations in transcallosal inhibition as a potential neurophysiological marker of long-term consequences of concussions in sports. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Peripheral Inflammatory Biomarkers for Myocardial Infarction Risk: A Prospective Community-Based Study.
Most previous studies regarding chronic inflammation and risk of myocardial infarction (MI) have lacked repeated measures of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and/or white blood cell (WBC) count over time. We examined whether cumulative average and longitudinal changes in these biomarkers were associated with subsequent MI risk. In this prospective, community-based study, we included 82544 Chinese participants [66796 men and 15748 women; mean (SD) age 55.1 (9.86) y] without prior cardiovascular diseases or cancer at baseline (2006-2007). hs-CRP, WBC and other clinical covariates were assessed at baseline and every 2 years during follow-up. During 6 years of follow-up (2006-2012), we documented 714 incident MI cases. Higher baseline and cumulative average concentrations of hs-CRP and/or WBC were consistently associated with increased risk of MI (Ptrend <0.001 for both). Longitudinal increase in hs-CRP (Ptrend <0.001), but not WBC, was also associated with a higher future risk of MI, after adjustment for their baseline values and other covariates. Each 1-mg/L increment per year in hs-CRP was associated with a 9.3% increase in risk for future MI [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.09, 95% CI, 1.03; 1.17]. Participants with high-grade inflammatory status (hs-CRP ≥10 mg/L and WBC ≥10 × 109/L) had a higher risk of MI occurring <3 months after hs-CRP/WBC assessments vs those with hs-CRP <0.5 mg/L and WBC <5 × 109/L (HR = 6.64; 95% CI, 1.49-29.6), as compared with MI occurring ≥4 years (HR = 2.95; 95% CI, 0.90, 9.65). Plasma hs-CRP concentration and WBC predicted MI risk. Longitudinal increase in hs-CRP was also associated with a higher risk of MI. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Congenital muscular dystrophy with merosin deficiency: MRI findings in five patients.
We present the MRI findings in five patients with congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) and merosin (laminin alpha2) deficiency, which was total in one and partial in four. In one patient with partial merosin deficiency, MRI was normal. The other four patients had supratentorial white matter abnormalities. In three, T2-weighted images revealed subcortical, deep lobar and periventricular high signal in white matter, while in the other there were only small peritrigonal areas of increased signal. On T1-weighted images, there was slightly low signal. Cortical abnormalities were absent. None of these changes were accompanied by symptoms or signs of central nervous system involvement. White matter abnormalities in a patient with CMD should prompt investigation of merosin. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cardiac myofibroblasts: a novel source of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors Flt-1 and KDR.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), produced predominantly by endothelial cells, is involved in angiogenesis and mitogenesis. Myofibroblasts (myoFb) are phenotypically transformed fibroblast-like cells found at the site of myocardial infarction. Since myoFb play a role in tissue repair/remodeling at the site of infarction, and express endothelin and angiotensin II (AngII), it was interesting to investigate whether myoFb express VEGF and its receptors de novo, and if the expression is influenced by vasoactive peptides. Primary cultures of myoFb were isolated from 4-week-old adult rat heart infarct were used in this study. Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), utilizing primers designed to amplify known isoforms of VEGF revealed expression of two predominant forms, VEGF120 and VEGF164 and northern blot hybridization detected VEGF mRNA of 4.5 kb. VEGF actions are mediated via two major receptors, Flt-1 and KDR, and hence the expression of these receptors was investigated. Flt-1 and KDR expression in myoFb was detected by RT-PCR, RNA transcripts were confirmed by northern blot hybridization while western blot confirmed the presence of VEGF, Flt-1 and KDR proteins in myoFb. In this study AngII upregulated VEGF and Flt-1 expression in myoFb, but not KDR; this was mediated predominantly by AT1-receptor. We report for the first time that cardiac myoFb, isolated from the site of infarction express VEGF, its receptors, Flt-1 and KDR, with modulation of VEGF and Flt-1 expression by AngII. Thus, VEGF may contribute to tissue remodeling and angiogenesis at the site of infarction in an autocrine manner. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Euthanasia: the "good death"?
The changing attitude of some medical practitioners in certain countries condones the practice of euthanasia. This article examines the scope of attitudes toward life and death, suggesting moral and ethical considerations regarding euthanasia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Chagas disease: 100 years after its discovery. A systemic review.
Although Chagas disease was only discovered in 1909, it began millions of years ago as an enzootic disease among wild animals. Its transmission to man began accidentally as an anthropozoonosis when mankind invaded wild ecotopes. Endemic Chagas disease became established as a zoonosis over the last 200-300 years through deforestation for agriculture and livestock rearing and adaptation of triatomines to dwellings and to humans and domestic animals as food sources. When T. cruzi is transmitted to man, it invades the bloodstream and lymphatic system and lodges in muscle and heart tissue, the digestive system and phagocytic cells. Through this, it causes inflammatory lesions and an immune response, particularly mediated by CD4(+), CD8(+), IL2 and IL4, with cell and neuron destruction and fibrosis. These processes lead to blockage of the heart's conductive system, arrhythmias, heart failure, aperistalsis and dilatation of hollow viscera, especially the esophagus and colons. Chagas disease is characterized by an acute phase with or without symptoms, with (or more often without) T. cruzi penetration signs (inoculation chagoma or Romaña's sign), fever, adenomegaly, hepatosplenomegaly and patent parasitemia; and a chronic phase: indeterminate (asymptomatic, with normal electrocardiogram and heart, esophagus and colon X-rays) or cardiac, digestive or cardiac/digestive forms. There is great regional variation in the morbidity caused by Chagas disease: severe cardiac or digestive forms may occur in 10-50%, and indeterminate forms in the remaining, asymptomatic cases. The epidemiological and control characteristics of Chagas disease vary according to each country's ecological conditions and health policies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transposable element-host interactions: regulation of insertion and excision.
Transposable elements propagate by inserting into new locations in the genomes of the hosts they inhabit. Their transposition might thus negatively affect the fitness of the host, suggesting the requirement for a tight control in the regulation of transposable element mobilization. The nature of this control depends on the structure of the transposable element. DNA elements encode a transposase that is necessary, and in most cases sufficient, for mobilization. In general, regulation of these elements depends on intrinsic factors with little direct input from the host. Retrotransposons require an RNA intermediate for transposition, and their frequency of mobilization is controlled at multiple steps by the host genome by regulating both their expression levels and their insertional specificity. As a result, a symbiotic relationship has developed between transposable elements and their host. Examples are now emerging showing that transposons can contribute significantly to the well being of the organisms they populate. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evolution of the inflated calyx syndrome in Solanaceae.
Species that express the inflated calyx syndrome (ICS) are found in several genera of the Solanaceae. The MADS-box protein MPF2, together with the plant hormones cytokinin and gibberellin, has been shown to be responsible for this trait in Physalis floridana. We have used sequence data from 114 species belonging to 35 genera to construct a molecular phylogeny of Solanaceae. Apart from the 2 Witheringia species analyzed, species within a given genus cluster together on the resulting cladogram. Witheringia solanacea is embedded within the Physalinae, but Witheringia coccoloboides is placed basal to the Iochrominae. The ICS trait seems to be of multiple origins both within the Solanaceae and the Physaleae. Surprisingly, expression of MPF2-like genes in floral organs appears to be plesiomorphic in both the Physaleae and the Capsiceae. Some species in these tribes that show neither ICS nor calyx accrescence fail to express the MPF2-like gene in floral organs. Among those that do express this gene in the calyx are the species Capsicum baccatum, Lycianthes biflora, Tubocapsicum anomalum, W. solanacea, and Vassobia breviflora, all of which form small calyces that do not respond to externally applied hormones. The plesiomorphic nature of MPF2-like gene expression in the calyx of the Physaleae and Capsiceae raises the possibility that originally ICS also was actually a plesiomorphic character in these 2 groups. However, this trait might have undergone changes in a number of species due to secondary loss of components in ICS formation, like hormone response of calyx development. These findings are discussed in an evolutionary context of a molecular pathway leading to ICS. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Contraceptive care of adolescents: overview, tips, strategies, and implications for school nurses.
The United States has one of the highest unintended pregnancy rates of all industrialized nations in the world, with 13% of those occurring among the adolescent population. In 2005, the adolescent birthrate in the United States was 40.5 per 1,000 women and increased 3% in 2006 (Martin et al., 2009). Unintended pregnancy and motherhood can have a tremendous impact and lifelong implications for adolescents and their children as well as financial and societal costs. Helping make contraception accessible to adolescents is one area where school nurses are able to have an impact. Various contraceptive methods are described. Advantages and disadvantages are summarized along with considerations relative to adolescents. General strategies for counseling and caring for adolescents to encourage successful initiation, use, and continuation of contraception also reviewed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
BSE, public anxiety and private neurosis.
Following the recent focus of media attention on BSE, and the putative link between the cattle disease and cases of variant CJD in humans in the UK, we report two cases of "BSE phobia." The relationship between popular conceptions of science and psychopathology is discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Gbetagamma recruits Rho1 to the site of polarized growth during mating in budding yeast.
In mating mixtures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, cells polarize their growth toward their conjugation partners along a pheromone gradient. This chemotropic phenomenon is mediated by structural proteins such as Far1 and Bem1 and by signaling proteins such as Cdc24, Cdc42, and Gbetagamma. The Gbetagamma subunit is thought to provide a positional cue that recruits the polarity establishment proteins, and thereby induces polarization of the actin cytoskeleton. We identified RHO1 in a screen for allele-specific high-copy suppressors of Gbetagamma overexpression, suggesting that Rho1 binds Gbetagamma in vivo. Inactivation of Rho1 GTPase activity augmented the rescue phenotype, suggesting that it is the activated form of Rho1 that binds Gbetagamma. We also found, in a pull-down assay, that Rho1 associates with GST-Ste4 and that Rho1 is localized to the neck and tip of mating projections. Moreover, a mutation in STE4 that disrupts Gbetagamma-Rho1 interaction reduces the projection tip localization of Rho1 and compromises the integrity of pheromone-treated cells deficient in Rho1 activity. In addition to its roles as a positive regulator of 1,3-beta-glucan synthase and of the cell integrity MAP kinase cascade, it was recently shown that Rho1 is necessary for the formation of mating projections. Together, these results suggest that Gbetagamma recruits Rho1 to the site of polarized growth during mating. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Long-term blockade of mu-opioid receptors suggests a role in control of ingestive behaviour, body weight and core temperature in the rat.
Chronic subcutaneous infusion with a low dose (0.5 mg/kg/h) of naloxone via minipumps blocked the antinociceptive action of the mu-agonist, morphine, without affecting that of the kappa-agonist, U50488H. This dose resulted in a transient suppression in the rate of body weight gain and a sustained reduction in daily food intake (FI) and water intake (WI): this decrease was seen in both the light and dark phases. Naloxone also resulted in a reduction in resting core temperature (TC) in the light but not the dark phase. It did not affect the weight loss or hypothermia which accompanied 24 h food and water deprivation. Naloxone did, however, suppress FI and WI following deprivation and inhibited the recovery of body weight thereafter. The influence of naloxone upon FI, WI, TC and body weight was dose-dependent over 0.05-0.50 mg/kg/h. Increasing the dose to 3.0 mg/kg/h eliminated the antinociceptive action of U50,488H revealing a blockade of kappa- (in addition to mu-) receptors. This higher dose was not more effective in reducing FI, WI, body weight and TC than 0.5 mg/kg/h. Further, treatment with MR 2266, an antagonist (or weak partial agonist) with a higher activity at kappa-receptors than naloxone, was not more effective than naloxone in reducing FI, WI and body weight: further, it did not affect TC. Moreover, chronic infusion of bremazocine, (a kappa-agonist and mu-antagonist) reduced WI, FI, body weight and TC by a magnitude comparable to that of naloxone. Finally, chronic infusion of the mu-agonist, sufentanyl, led to a sustained rise in TC. It is concluded, that: (1) mu-opioid receptors may play a major role in the modulation of daily FI and WI and of body weight in freely behaving rats: this action is expressed in both the light and dark phases of the cycle and maintained following deprivation. The data provide no evidence for (but do not exclude) a particular role of kappa-receptors. (2) mu-Receptors play a physiological role in the modulation of TC in the light but not the dark phase of the daily cycle. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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