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Determination of 18 beta-glycyrrhetic acid in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography.
A sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for the determination of 18 beta-Glycyrrhetic acid in human plasma. 18 alpha-Glycyrrhetic acid was used as an internal standard. The procedure includes pretreatment by liquid-liquid extraction and chromatographic separation on a reversed-phase column with ultraviolet detection. The detection limit of the drug was 5 ng/ml. The method was applied to the determination of 18 beta-glycyrrhetic acid in plasma after oral administration of a herbal medicine containing 18 beta-glycyrrhitic acid in human volunteers. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Ultra-high dose thrombolytic therapy with streptokinase in peripheral venous thrombosis].
56 patients with deep vein thrombosis (lower limb) and two patients with vena subclavia thrombosis were treated for six hours/day according to an ultrahigh dosage scheme (1,500,000 U/h streptokinase). An average number of three cycles was applied. Complete recanalization could be demonstrated in 23 patients (43%) with lower limb thrombosis, whereas a partial recanalization was demonstrable in 40% (22 patients). A complete thrombolysis could be achieved in one patient with vena subclavia thrombosis. Severe side effects were one intracerebral hemorrhage and one major lung embolism, causing death in both patients. Ultrahigh dosage thrombolysis with streptokinase is an effective therapeutic regimen and is considered to be an alternative to standard fibrinolytic procedures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cocos nucifera L. water improves reproductive indices in Wistar Rats.
This study explored the effects of Cocos nucifera L. water (CW) on the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) and fertility in Wistar rats. Adult male and female Wistar rats were treated orally as follows; Study 1: Group 1: control (distilled water), group 2: 20 ml/kg corn oil (danazol vehicle), group 3: 20 ml/kg CW, group 4: 40 ml/kg CW, group 5: danazol, group 6: danazol + 20 ml/kg CW and group 7: danazol + 40 ml/kg CW. 200 mg/ kg danazol was administered. Serum levels of LH, FSH, estradiol and testosterone; gonadal weights and sperm indices were assessed. Study 2: Group 1: control (distilled water), group 2: 20 ml/kg CW, group 3: 40 ml/kg CW for 6 and 2 weeks prior to mating in male and female rats respectively. Significant (p < 0.05) increases in estradiol concentration were observed in groups 3, 4, 6 and 7. Significant reductions in LH, FSH, estradiol and testosterone levels were observed in group 5 which were ameliorated in groups 6 and 7. Males showed significant increases in sperm count and motility in groups 3, 4, 6 and 7, and reductions in these variables along with viability in group 5. CW pre-treatment increased fecundity index and proportion of female pups from dams, while the pups from sires showed higher birth weights. CW acts on the HPG to positively influence reproductive function in both males and females and may aid in maternal preconception sex selection of female offspring. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Auguste Renoir, Sculptor With Hired Hands: A Masterful Artistic Cooperation Overshadowed by Legal Issues and Copyright Infringement.
The coping with rheumatoid arthritis of the famous French impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) is described in former publications. The heavily handicapped painter has in his last years created sculptures in cooperation with the sculptor Richard Guino (1890-1973). The extraordinary genesis of the sculptures through a masterful artistic cooperation, as well as the resulting legal issues and shameful copyright infringements, is reported. Renoir's decision to create sculptures with the help of Guido can be attributed to his remarkable artistic vision, vitality, optimistic nature, and strong will and is also a further testimonial of creative coping of an artist overcoming the physical handicap due to rheumatoid arthritis of his final years, so far not described in detail in the medical literature. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Third ventricular meningiomas of infancy. A case report.
Intraventricular location of meningiomas is impressively higher in childhood and adolescence than in adult patients, respectively 15 to 22% versus 0.2 to 4%. However, location of this tumor within the third ventricle is extremely rare in the pediatric population, since, as far as we know, 17 cases have been reported so far. A case of meningioma of the third ventricle in a 9-year-old boy and its clinical and pathological finding are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Life-threatening severe allergic reactions: urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis.
Urticaria, angioedema and anaphylaxis are life threatening skin diseases. Allergological emergencies are common; drugs, food, food ingredients/additives, insects, and many other factors have been reported to elicit anaphylactic reactions. The severity of symptoms ranges from pruritus to generalized skin eruptions, gastrointestinal, bronchial problems to systemic anaphylaxis and cardiovascular emergencies. The pathomechanisms and treatment of urticarias, angioedema and anaphylaxis are described. In some situations emergency kit: antihistamines, steroids, betamimetics and adrenaline is needed. Familiarity with the early diagnosis and correct management should be acknowledegable for dermatologists to recognize these allergic reactions and must be prepared to administer emergency kit. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pattern of ventilation during manual hyperinflation performed by physiotherapists.
Summary The aim of this prospective observational study was to document patterns of ventilation during manual hyperinflation by physiotherapists. Manual hyperinflation with a Mapleson-F system was performed on the same patients on two consecutive days. Patterns of ventilation were recorded using a heated pneumotachometer, pressure transducer and custom designed data acquisition and analysis systems. The mean (SE) results were: inspiratory time 1.45 (0.10) s; volume delivered 1.23 (0.07) l; peak inspiratory and expiratory flow rate 1.51 (0.06) l.s(-1) and 3.26 (0.30) l.s(-1), respectively and I : E flow rate ratio 0.63 (0.05). All the physiotherapists achieved an increase in volume which was delivered within a safe and effective pressure range and without cardiovascular compromise. Most (26 out of 34 sessions) performed the technique in the way recommended for enhancing secretion clearance. This is the first study to document comprehensively the pattern of ventilation during manual hyperinflation and provides the basis for further clinical trials evaluating its effectiveness for secretion clearance and volume restoration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Graph kernels for chemical informatics.
Increased availability of large repositories of chemical compounds is creating new challenges and opportunities for the application of machine learning methods to problems in computational chemistry and chemical informatics. Because chemical compounds are often represented by the graph of their covalent bonds, machine learning methods in this domain must be capable of processing graphical structures with variable size. Here, we first briefly review the literature on graph kernels and then introduce three new kernels (Tanimoto, MinMax, Hybrid) based on the idea of molecular fingerprints and counting labeled paths of depth up to d using depth-first search from each possible vertex. The kernels are applied to three classification problems to predict mutagenicity, toxicity, and anti-cancer activity on three publicly available data sets. The kernels achieve performances at least comparable, and most often superior, to those previously reported in the literature reaching accuracies of 91.5% on the Mutag dataset, 65-67% on the PTC (Predictive Toxicology Challenge) dataset, and 72% on the NCI (National Cancer Institute) dataset. Properties and tradeoffs of these kernels, as well as other proposed kernels that leverage 1D or 3D representations of molecules, are briefly discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cognitive styles in depressed children with and without comorbid conduct disorder.
Little is known about patterns of cognitive impairment in depression comorbid with conduct disorder. The study included clinically depressed children with (N = 23) or without conduct disorder (N = 29), and controls without psychiatric disorder (N = 37). Cognitive biases typical of depression and patterns of social information processing were assessed. Both depressed groups had substantially higher rates of negative cognitive distortions, attributional biases and ruminative responses than non-depressed children. Children in the comorbid group made more hostile attributions and suggested more aggressive responses for dealing with threatening social situations, whilst children with depression only were more likely to be unassertive. Depression has a number of similar depressotypic cognitive biases whether or not complicated by conduct disorder, and may be potentially susceptible to similar interventions. The results also highlight the importance of recognising social information processing deficits when they occur and targeting those too, especially in comorbid presentations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
From ice to ocean: changes in the thermal function of harp seal pelt with ontogeny.
Many animals exhibit ontogenetic changes associated with adaptations for survival. Harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus) live in the Arctic and rely on thick insulation to maintain thermal homeostasis. Adult harp seals primarily use blubber for insulation, but newborn harp seals rely on a lanugo pelt while nursing, as their blubber layer develops and their first-year pelage grows. This study compared ontogenetic changes in the thermal properties of harp seal pelts in water and in air. Thermal conductivity, pelt thickness, and thermal resistance were measured in water for pelts of harp seal neonates (1 day old), thin whitecoats (4 day old), fat whitecoats (9 day old), ragged jackets (2 week old), beaters (3 week old), and adults and compared to previously published measurements made on the same pelts in air. Pelt conductivity was significantly higher in water than air for pre-molt and molting pups (P ≤ 0.031). Unlike adult pelage, which flattened underwater, lanugo hairs lifted underwater, a phenomenon that has not been reported previously. Thermal resistance of the pelt was significantly reduced in water compared to air for neonates and thin whitecoats (P ≤ 0.0001). A mathematical model of conductive heat transfer for an ellipsoid body showed volume-specific heat loss in water decreased and then stabilized as harp seals aged (P = 0.0321) and was significantly higher for neonates, thin whitecoats, and ragged jackets in water than in air (P ≤ 0.0089). Overall, pelt function is reduced in water for harp seal pups with lanugo, and this renders neonates and thin whitecoats particularly vulnerable to heat loss if submerged. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Influences of IL-1b-3953 C>T and MMP-9-1562C >T Gene Variants on Myocardial Infarction Susceptibility in a Subset of the Iranian Population.
IL-1b-3953 C>T and MMP-9-1562C>T variants have been shown to be linked to the development of myocardial infarction (MI), although previous studies have reported inconsistent results. The aim of the present study was to determine whether these genetic variations are associated with MI susceptibility in an Iranian population. In the current study, 117 patients with MI and 120 control group members were selected as participants. Peripheral blood samples were taken from all the subjects for genomic DNA extraction. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assays. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the TT genotype of the IL-1b-3953 C>T polymorphism is associated with a significant MI protective effect in: the homozygote model after adjustment for MI risk factors (odds ratio [OR]: 0.18, confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.04-0.72; p = 0.01); and also in the recessive genetic model both before (OR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.15-0.96, p = 0.04) and after (OR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.04-0.58, p = 0.006) adjustment for MI risk factors. Furthermore, multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the individuals with the TT genotype of the MMP-9-1562C>T polymorphism were significantly protected against MI in comparison with the CC genotype (OR: 0.01, 95% CI: 0.002-0.68, p = 0.03). The findings suggest that the minor alleles of the two polymorphisms under study both have protective effects with respect to MI susceptibility in the Iranian population. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Morphological and structural properties of electrospun Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3-delta nanofibers.
Strontium-doped samarium cobaltite (Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3-delta, SSC) fibers were successfully fabricated by electrospinning of a precursor gel derived from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and aqueous metal nitrate. After calcination of the as-spun SSC fibers in microwave furnace at above 500 degrees C, SSC fibers of 100 +/- 20 nm in diameter with well-developed cubic-perovskite structure were successfully obtained. The crystal structure morphology, and grain structure of the fibers were influenced by the calcination temperature and the grain structure was evolved to "bamboo" structured polycrystalline SSC at above 700 degrees C. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Affect and the therapeutic action of psychoanalysis.
In connection with controversial IJP articles by Stern et al. and Fonagy on the interpretation of the repressed and the recovery of past memories, the author maintains that the affect that is inherent in positive transference is at the heart of therapeutic action. Points of view put forward in the controversy (based on neurobiological knowledge) are related to Freudian metapsychology, as well as to their precursors whose scope was necessarily limited by a lack of access to more recent scientific discoveries. The author demonstrates metapsychological elements of therapeutic action inherent in the intersubjective relationship, especially identification, manifested in introjection and empathy. He describes cognitive development as spontaneously blossoming from the affective nucleus, and he explains the neuroscientific bases of this step forward. The classic (interpretative) psychoanalytic method makes up the cognitive superstructure necessary for the organisation of the mind that has sprung from the affective substructure. As a primary factor in psychic change, interpretation is limited in effectiveness to pathologies arising from the verbal phase, related to explicit memories, with no effect in the pre-verbal phase where implicit memories are to be found. Interpretation--the method used to the exclusion of all others for a century--is only partial; when used in isolation it does not meet the demands of modern broad-spectrum psychoanalysis, as the clinical material presented illustrates. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Interactions between the immune system and connective tissue in arthritis: aspects on T-cell activation.
The synovial inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis can both serve as a model for the study of chronic inflammation in general and be analyzed with the goal to understand which features that distinguish RA from other chronic inflammatory diseases. In this paper we discuss both these problems with the emphasis on mechanisms of T cell activation and how activation of T cells against structures associated with the cartilage may contribute to the perpetuation of RA by means of triggering rheumatoid factor production. We also present some original data concerning phenotypes of in vivo activated synovial T cells, demonstrating high levels of HLA-DR expression, low levels of CD45+/Leu3a+ T "suppressor/inducer" cells and varying numbers of Leu 15+/Leu2a+ "suppressor" T cells. The observed phenotypic pattern is compatible with the occurrence of a normal but perpetuated immune response to a persistant antigen "X" in the arthritic joint. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Postoperative palsies of the common peroneal nerve and the tibial nerve associated with lateral position].
A 36-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematous secondary to diabetes underwent right total hip arthroplasty in the left lateral position. An epidural catheter was inserted at the L1-2 interspace and placed cephalad prior to induction of general anesthesia. After the operation, she complained of numbness on the dorsum and plantar of the left foot and was unable to dorsiflex and plantarflex the ankle. The symptoms persisted after discontinuation of the epidural infusion of a local anesthetic, and they became exacerbated after the second operation in the left lateral position. Electromyography and nerve conduction study revealed palsies of the left common peroneal nerve and the tibial nerve due to local compression and also showed mononeuritis multiplex. Fortunately, the symptoms disappeared completely eight months post-operation. It should be noted that lateral positioning may be at a substantial risk of perioperative peripheral neuropathy in patients with diseases causing neural disorder. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Actions of CCK in the controls of food intake and body weight: lessons from the CCK-A receptor deficient OLETF rat.
The OLETF rat, lacking CCK-A receptors, provides an important model for identifying roles for CCK in the controls of food intake and body weight. OLETF rats are obese and diabetic and express deficits in the control of the size of individual meals. Meal size in OLETF rats is doubled and although meal number is decreased, the decrease is not sufficient to prevent hyperphagia. Analyses of patterns of hypothalamic gene expression in OLETF rats indicate the presence of a primary deficit in DMH NPY signaling. These data suggest an important role for CCK in controlling NPY expression in a population of non-leptin regulated hypothalamic neurons. In the absence of this control, NPY is overexpressed, contributing to hyperphagia and obesity. Thus, the obesity in the OLETF rats may be the outcome of two regulatory disruptions, one depending upon a peripheral within meal satiety pathway and the other depending upon a central pathway critical to overall energy balance. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Optimal biopsy techniques in the diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia.
Adequate biopsy specimens that clearly demonstrate cilia, and therefore enable the determination of the presence or absence of primary cilia dyskinesia, may be difficult to obtain. This study is an attempt to identify the optimal sampling technique to best examine respiratory tract cilia. A prospective comparison of the four sampling techniques was carried out: nasal brushing, nasal biopsy, bronchial brushing, and tracheal biopsy. Tertiary care pediatric hospital: Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Ten consecutive patients booked for bronchoscopy and tracheal biopsy underwent all four procedures. Specimens were examined under light microscopy for an assessment of quality. The nasal brushing and tracheal biopsy specimens provide superior quality (p = .22); however, nasal brushing is more cost efficient. Nasal biopsy samples frequently are metaplastic and therefore are inferior to nasal brushing samples (p = .02). With equal efficiency demonstrated, the reduction in potential morbidity and health care costs suggests nasal brushings to be the optimal initial investigation for primary ciliary dyskinesia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transanal one-stage endorectal technique for Hirschprung's disease--a preliminary report of 24 cases from a single institution.
Numerous surgical techniques for Hirschprung's disease have been developed and modified, being associated with extensive surgical procedures involving laparotomy, resection of affected segment of colon and descensus of the functional bowel to the anus. Conventional surgery was followed by complications, although the incidence of early and late postoperative complications has significantly decreased. Transanal mucosectomy was practiced as a part of conventional and laparoscopic assisted pull through procedures. The latest promising achievement is entirely transanal pull-through procedure, described by De la Tore-Mondragon and Ortega-Salgado: entirely transanal endorectal pull-through, thus avoiding both laparotomy and laparoscopy. Due to minimal invasive surgery it offers excellent results. During a five year period (2003-2008), 24 patients were operated with this technique. The recovery was uneventful in all patients. This study adds valuable information of meticulous details of the new, still developing technique with the emphasis on controversies about surgical complications reported in multicentric studies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Seasonal time-course of gradients of photosynthetic capacity and mesophyll conductance to CO2 across a beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) canopy.
Leaf photosynthesis is known to acclimate to the actual irradiance received by the different layers of a canopy. This acclimation is usually described in terms of changes in leaf structure, and in photosynthetic capacity. Photosynthetic capacity is likely to be affected by mesophyll conductance to CO(2) which has seldom been assessed in tree species, and whose plasticity in response to local irradiance is still poorly known. Structural [N and chlorophyll content, leaf mass to area ratio (LMA)] and functional leaf traits [maximum carboxylation rate (V(cmax)), maximum light-driven electron flux (J(max)), and mesophyll conductance (g(i))] were assessed by measuring leaf response curves of net CO(2) assimilation versus intercellular CO(2) partial pressure, along a vertical profile across a beech canopy, and by fitting a version of the Farquhar model including g(i). The measurements were repeated five times during a growth season to catch potential seasonal variation. Irradiance gradients resulted in large decreasing gradients of LMA, g(i), V(cmax), and J(max). Relative allocation of leaf N to the different photosynthetic processes was only slightly affected by local irradiance. Seasonal changes after leaf expansion and before induction of leaf senescence were only minor. Structural equation modelling confirmed that LMA was the main driving force for changes in photosynthetic traits, with only a minor contribution of leaf Nitrogen content. In conclusion, mesophyll conductance to CO(2) displays a large plasticity that scales with photosynthetic capacity across a tree canopy, and that it is only moderately (if at all) affected by seasonal changes in the absence of significant soil water depletion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Management of the first-time lateral patellar dislocation.
Little guidance exists on the management of the first-time patellar dislocation. The aim of this article was to review current guidance for management of this condition. Recent meta-analyses, systematic reviews and current consensus documents relating to first-time patellar dislocation were sourced. An instructional lecture was then created and delivered at the acute knee injuries session at the British Orthopaedic Association 2019 annual conference, which was presented on behalf of the British Association for Surgery of the Knee. This article has been written based on this lecture. There is a paucity of literature relating to management of the first-time patellar dislocation. Many studies are of poor design, with inadequate follow-up, making it difficult to draw conclusions from them. However, based upon available information and consensus from working groups it is recommended that patients presenting with first-time dislocation should be assessed to ensure they have not sustained an alternative or associated injury that may require surgical intervention, be assessed and counselled for the risk of recurrent dislocation, and be referred for initial conservative treatment. Surgical stabilisation should be reserved for patients with recurrent instability. Most patients with a first-time patellar dislocation can be managed conservatively, having excluded associated injuries. Due to the poor quality of the literature, care must be taken interpreting the results of studies. It is clear that further research is required in this field. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Basile J. Luyet and the beginnings of transfusion cryobiology.
The first president of the Society for Cryobiology was a Roman Catholic priest born in a mountain village in Switzerland. Basile J. Luyet immigrated to the United States in 1929 with doctorates in biology and in physics and then devoted his life to studies described best by the title of his early monograph "Life and Death at Low Temperatures." Established in the faculty at St. Louis University, he pursued studies on living matter in the cold that in midcareer led to efforts to vitrify red cells by ultrarapid cooling. As a purist who wanted to vitrify living matter without the assistance of cryoprotectant additives, he did not succeed with red cells. However, his 40 years of exploration of the biology of the cold joined physical chemistry with biology and made cryobiology into a new branch of scientific thought. A very formal man, he served both his God and his science with the dictum that "truth does not contradict truth." His contributions are preserved in the knowledge and wisdom that he created and in the memory of the people of the Alpine village of his birth. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Enhanced skin penetration of lidocaine through encapsulation into nanoethosomes and nanostructured lipid carriers: a comparative study.
Lipid based nanoparticles have become a major research object in topical drug delivery to enable drugs to pass the stratum corneum and reach the desired skin layer. The present investigation deals with the encapsulation of lidoacine into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and nanoethosomes for improving its dermal delivery and consequently local anesthetic efficacy. Concurrently these two topical delivery systems were compared. Lidocaine-loaded NLCs and nanoethosomes were characterized by various techniques and used for an in vitro skin penetration study using excised rat skin and Franz diffusion cells. The nanoparticles were tracked in the skin by following the Rhodamine-labled nanocarriers under fluorescent microscopy. Optimized lidocaine-loaded NLCs (size 96 nm, zeta potential -13.7 mV, encapsulation efficiency (EE) % 69.86% and loading capacity (LC) % 10.47%) and nanoethosomes (size 105.4 nm, zeta potential -33.6 mV, EE 40.14% and LC 8.02%) were chosen for a skin drug delivery study. Higher skin drug deposition of NLCs and nanoethosomal formulations compared to lidocaine hydroalcoholic solution represented a better localization of the drug in the skin. NLC formulation showed the lowest entered drug in the receptor phase of Franz diffusion cell in comparison with nanoethosomes and hydroalcoholic solution confirming the highest skin accumulation of drug. Both colloidal systems showed superiority over the drug solution for dermal delivery of lidocaine, however, NLC exhibited more promising characteristics than nanoethosomes regarding drug loading and skin targeted delivery. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Automatic non-rigid temporal alignment of intravascular ultrasound sequences: method and quantitative validation.
Clinical studies on atherosclerosis regression/progression performed by intravascular ultrasound analysis would benefit from accurate alignment of sequences of the same patient before and after clinical interventions and at follow-up. In this article, a methodology for automatic alignment of intravascular ultrasound sequences based on the dynamic time warping technique is proposed. The non-rigid alignment is adapted to the specific task by applying it to multidimensional signals describing the morphologic content of the vessel. Moreover, dynamic time warping is embedded into a framework comprising a strategy to address partial overlapping between acquisitions and a term that regularizes non-physiologic temporal compression/expansion of the sequences. Extensive validation is performed on both synthetic and in vivo data. The proposed method reaches alignment errors of approximately 0.43 mm for pairs of sequences acquired during the same intervention phase and 0.77 mm for pairs of sequences acquired at successive intervention stages. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pemphigoid nodularis: a case with 230 kDa hemidesmosomes antigen associated with bullous pemphigoid antigen.
We report a 73-year-old woman with typical clinical, histological and immunofluorescence features of pemphigoid nodularis. Direct immunofluorescence studies of prurigo nodularis-like lesions and peribullous skin showed the linear deposition of IgG and C3 at the basement membrane zone. Circulating IgG against the basement membrane was also detected by indirect immunofluorescence. The serum from the patient was shown to contain the autoantibody against 230 kDa hemidesmosomal antigen associated with bullous pemphigoid antigen. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
New mortgage deal criticised.
Last week's announcement of Government-backed moves aimed at easing NHS staff accommodation problems in London has brought mixed reactions from nurses, health unions and management. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Influence of the T cell receptor alpha-chain on T cell reactivity and tolerance to Mls-1 in T cell receptor beta-chain transgenic mice.
Previous analyses of a TCR V beta 8.1 transgenic mouse revealed multiple mechanisms of tolerance to the retroviral superantigen, Mls-1. Whereas some T cells were clonally deleted in the thymus, others became anergic in the periphery, or remained unaffected by the expression of Mls-1. In addition, a strong correlation between TCR alpha-chain usage and Mls-1 reactivity of individual transgenic V beta 8.1+ T cell hybridomas was established. Based on these observations, we speculated that the different mechanisms of tolerance were a consequence of the alpha-chain-mediated differences in Mls-1 reactivity. In the current studies, we make use of a V alpha 2-specific mAb to directly examine the role of the alpha-chain on tolerance in this transgenic model. We show, first, that V alpha 2+ CD4+ T cells, as a group, are relatively less Mls-1-reactive, and are elevated twofold in the periphery of Mls-1+ compared with Mls-1-V beta 8.1 transgenic mice. This elevated expression is also seen in the V alpha 2+ CD4+ population of mature thymocytes, but not in immature thymocytes. Second, Mls-1-induced neonatal tolerance in Mls-1-negative mice caused an increase of V alpha 2+ CD4+ T cells, comparable with the frequency of expression in transgenic mice that endogenously expressed Mls-1. Third, we have demonstrated a general correlation between the age-dependent increase in Mls-1-expression and the levels of V alpha 2+ CD4+ T cells during the first 4 wk of life. Taken together, these data suggest that the over-expression of V alpha 2+ CD4+ T cells in Mls-1+ mice is a consequence of mechanisms of tolerance, predominantly mediated by preferential lack of clonal deletion in the thymus. These data support the idea that clonal deletion is a competitive process and the influence of the TCR alpha-chain on the strength of Mls-1 reactivity of individual V beta 8.1+ transgenic T cells controls their susceptibility to clonal deletion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Barriers to Participation in an Online Nursing Journal Club at a Community Teaching Hospital.
HOW TO OBTAIN CONTACT HOURS BY READING THIS ISSUE Instructions: 1.2 contact hours will be awarded by Villanova University College of Nursing upon successful completion of this activity. A contact hour is a unit of measurement that denotes 60 minutes of an organized learning activity. This is a learner-based activity. Villanova University College of Nursing does not require submission of your answers to the quiz. A contact hour certificate will be awarded after you register, pay the registration fee, and complete the evaluation form online at http://goo.gl/gMfXaf. In order to obtain contact hours you must: 1. Read the article, "Barriers to Participation in an Online Nursing Journal Club at a Community Teaching Hospital," found on pages 536-542, carefully noting any tables and other illustrative materials that are included to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the content. Be sure to keep track of the amount of time (number of minutes) you spend reading the article and completing the quiz. 2. Read and answer each question on the quiz. After completing all of the questions, compare your answers to those provided within this issue. If you have incorrect answers, return to the article for further study. 3. Go to the Villanova website to register for contact hour credit. You will be asked to provide your name, contact information, and a VISA, MasterCard, or Discover card number for payment of the $20.00 fee. Once you complete the online evaluation, a certificate will be automatically generated. This activity is valid for continuing education credit until November 30, 2019. CONTACT HOURS This activity is co-provided by Villanova University College of Nursing and SLACK Incorporated. Villanova University College of Nursing is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. OBJECTIVES Describe the benefits and barriers to participating in an online nursing journal club (ONJC) over a standard journal club. Identify three strategies to address the barriers to participation in an ONJC. DISCLOSURE STATEMENT Neither the planners nor the author have any conflicts of interest to disclose. Journal clubs can be an important tool enabling health care professionals in promoting evidence-based practice within their organizations. The researchers examined 183 nurses' perceptions of an online nursing journal club (ONJC) and perceived barriers to participation through a survey at a teaching hospital. Time was identified as the greatest participation barrier. The respondents preferred journal articles regarding the topics policy and procedures, medications, and nursing practice changes. To increase the use of the ONJC, it is imperative to focus on perceived barriers and strategies to eliminate them to help with increasing overall participation and achieving success when using an ONJC. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2016;47(12):536-542. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Electromechanical design and construction of a rotating radio-frequency coil system for applications in magnetic resonance.
While recent studies have shown that rotating a single radio-frequency (RF) coil during the acquisition of magnetic resonance (MR) images provides a number of hardware advantages (i.e., requires only one RF channel, avoids coil-coil coupling and facilitates large-scale multinuclear imaging), they did not describe in detail how to build a rotating RF coil system. This paper presents detailed engineering information on the electromechanical design and construction of a MR-compatible RRFC system for human head imaging at 2 T. A custom-made (bladeless) pneumatic Tesla turbine was used to rotate the RF coil at a constant velocity, while an infrared optical encoder measured the selected frequency of rotation. Once the rotating structure was mechanically balanced and the compressed air supply suitably regulated, the maximum frequency of rotation measured ~14.5 Hz with a 2.4% frequency variation over time. MR images of a water phantom and human head were obtained using the rotating RF head coil system. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Conversion from a paracrine to an autocrine mechanism of androgen-stimulated growth during malignant transformation of prostatic epithelial cells.
Normal adult prostate epithelium of both human and rat origin was transplanted with Matrigel into intact or androgen-ablated (i.e., castrated) nude mice. Within these transplants, an influx of mouse mesenchymal cells was one of the earliest events to occur resulting in the development of a collar of smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts surrounding the transplanted epithelium. A subset of these surrounding stromal cells express androgen receptor (AR). The surrounded transplanted epithelium initially expresses high molecular weight cytokeratins characteristic of prostatic basal cells and AR. In both intact and androgen-ablated hosts, this epithelium subsequently develops a patent lumen producing a rudimentary glandular acini. Only in the nonablated hosts, however, do these rudimentary acini undergo a further proliferative growth phase, as determined by Ki67 immunocytochemical stainings and the development of a low molecular weight cytokeratin positive layer of luminal (i.e., secretory) epithelial cells. Because AR is expressed in both the donor epithelium and host (i.e., mouse) stromal cells, this androgen-stimulated growth response could involve either autocrine pathways initiated within donor normal adult epithelial cells themselves or paracrine pathways initiated within the AR-expressing subset of mouse stromal cells. To resolve this issue, mice carrying the testicular feminized mutation in the X-linked AR gene were cross-bred to AR-wt nude mice to produce AR-null nude male mice. None of the cells in these AR-null nude male mice express functional AR protein. Therefore, these animals can be used to prevent any possibility of host stromal cell paracrine involvement in initiating an androgen-stimulated growth response when normal adult or malignant prostatic epithelial cells are transplanted into these null hosts. In these AR-null nude male mice, the androgen-stimulated growth of normal adult prostatic epithelial cells did not occur (i.e., androgen-induced growth response of normal prostatic epithelial cells requires stromal cell paracrine involvement). In contrast, using four different prostatic cancer models (i.e., human PC-82, human LNCaP, human LAPC-4, and rat R3327G), the androgen-stimulated growth of prostatic cancer cells occurred identically in both AR-null and AR-wt nude male mice (i.e., a direct autocrine mechanism is responsible for androgen-stimulated growth of malignant prostatic epithelial cells). In summary, a fundamental change in the mechanism for androgen-stimulated growth occurs during the transformation from normal to malignant prostatic epithelial cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Diversity of culturable butane-oxidizing bacteria in oil and gas field soil].
Butane-oxidizing bacteria in soil sample sites from Puguang gas field in Sichuan province and Jianghan oil field in Hubei province were isolated and 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenetic analysis were applied. The differences of number and phylogenetic position and population diversity of hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteria in different environment were investigated. The results show that 25 strains of butane-oxidizing bacteria were isolated. Based on sequencing of 16S rRNA gene, the species of bacteria in two samples are classified into 3 phyla including Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. The community structure of butane-oxidizing bacteria isolated from two oil samples is simple, both of them contain 4 genus including Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus and Arthrobacter. Strains in the genus of Ochrobactrum and Mycobacterium were only isolated from Puguang gas field. The number and population diversity of butane-oxidizing bacteria in Puguang gas field was more than those in Jianghan oil field. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of antibody preparations on glucose uptake by a cariogenic Streptococcus.
The effect of antisera to whole cells or cell wall components on glucose uptake by S. mutans 6715 was examined. Early stationary phase 6715 cells were treated with test serum and incubated at 37 degrees C in the presence of 14C-glucose. Samples were removed at timed intervals and measured in a liquid scintillation counter for radioactive uptake. Antisera to both whole cells and components known to be present on the surface of the cells reduced glucose uptake relative to normal serum. It is suggested that inhibition of glucose uptake may be one mechanism by which a caries vaccine may operate. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Field-effect devices for detecting cellular signals.
The integration of living cells together with silicon field-effect devices challenges a new generation of biosensors and bioelectronic devices. Cells are representing highly organised complex systems, optimised by millions of years of evolution and offering a broad spectrum of bioanalytical receptor "tools" such as enzymes, nucleic acids proteins, etc. Their combination with semiconductor-based electronic chips allows the construction of functional hybrid systems with unique functional and electronic properties for both fundamental studies and biosensoric applications. This review article summarises recent advances and trends in research and development of cell/transistor hybrids (cell-based field-effect transistors) as well as light-addressable potentiometric sensors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Quantitative blood group typing using surface plasmon resonance.
The accurate and reliable typing of blood groups is essential prior to blood transfusion. While current blood typing methods are well established, results are subjective and heavily reliant on analysis by trained personnel. Techniques for quantifying blood group antibody-antigen interactions are also very limited. Many biosensing systems rely on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) detection to quantify biomolecular interactions. While SPR has been widely used for characterizing antibody-antigen interactions, measuring antibody interactions with whole cells is significantly less common. Previous studies utilized SPR for blood group antigen detection, however, showed poor regeneration causing loss of functionality after a single use. In this study, a fully regenerable, multi-functional platform for quantitative blood group typing via SPR detection is achieved by immobilizing anti-human IgG antibody to the sensor surface, which binds to the Fc region of human IgG antibodies. The surface becomes an interchangeable platform capable of quantifying the blood group interactions between red blood cells (RBCs) and IgG antibodies. As with indirect antiglobulin tests (IAT), which use IgG antibodies for detection, IgG antibodies are initially incubated with RBCs. This facilitates binding to the immobilized monolayer and allows for quantitative blood group detection. Using the D-antigen as an example, a clear distinction between positive (>500 RU) and negative (<100 RU) RBCs is achieved using anti-D IgG. Complete regeneration of the anti-human IgG surface is also successful, showing negligible degradation of the surface after more than 100 regenerations. This novel approach is validated with human-sourced whole blood samples to demonstrate an interesting alternative for quantitative blood grouping using SPR analysis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Emergency brake response time after first metatarsal osteotomy.
There is sparse information upon which to recommend a return to activity after foot surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine whether six weeks is sufficient time for the emergency brake response time to return to preoperative levels after a first metatarsal osteotomy for symptomatic hallux valgus. We conducted a prospective, observational study to assess the effect of surgery on emergency brake response time in a group of twenty-eight patients undergoing a unilateral first metatarsal osteotomy on the right side for symptomatic hallux valgus. A custom-made driving simulator was used to assess total brake response time, reaction time, and brake time. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at two and six weeks postoperatively. A control group of twenty-eight individuals matched for age, driving status, and sex was included for baseline comparison. Total brake response time, reaction time, and brake time were significantly lower for the control cohort compared with the preoperative values recorded in the study cohort (p < 0.05). Only seven of the twenty-eight study patients were able to complete the assessment at two weeks; the remainder were not able to complete it because of postoperative pain. All patients were able to comfortably complete the study at six weeks. In the study cohort, the total brake response time, reaction time, and brake time had significantly improved compared with preoperative recordings (p < 0.05). By six weeks after surgery, emergency braking time in patients undergoing a first metatarsal osteotomy is similar to that of healthy individuals. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
TAT-peroxiredoxin 2 Fusion Protein Supplementation Improves Sperm Motility and DNA Integrity in Sperm Samples from Asthenozoospermic Men.
We compared levels of peroxiredoxin 2 in semen samples from normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic men. The potential effects of TAT-peroxiredoxin 2 fusion protein on sperm motility and DNA integrity were also evaluated. Semen samples were obtained from 50 normozoospermic and 50 asthenozoospermic men. Lipid peroxidation of semen was determined using a commercial malondialdehyde kit. Sperm DNA fragmentation was evaluated by TUNEL assay. Western blot and immunofluorescence were performed to detect the amount of peroxiredoxin 2 protein in seminal plasma and spermatozoa. Sperm motility, DNA damage and levels of reactive oxygen species were evaluated after TAT-peroxiredoxin 2 fusion protein supplementation to the sperm suspension for 2 and 12 hours of incubation. In asthenozoospermic semen samples a significantly higher level of malondialdehyde and DNA damage was discovered. However, the expression of peroxiredoxin 2 was significantly lower in seminal plasma and spermatozoa compared with that of normozoospermic men. TAT-peroxiredoxin 2 fusion protein was successfully prepared and delivered to the spermatozoa. Interestingly adding TAT-peroxiredoxin 2 in asthenozoospermic sperm suspension effectively defended against the decrease in progressive motility and the increase in DNA damage. This study shows that supplementation of TAT-peroxiredoxin 2 fusion protein in the sperm suspension from asthenozoospermic men effectively improved sperm motility and DNA integrity by reducing levels of reactive oxygen species. Therefore, we speculate that peroxiredoxin 2 may have an important role as an antioxidant defense in semen and would provide new prevention and therapy alternatives for asthenozoospermia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Entanglement transition in hyperbranched polyether-polyols.
Are hyperbranched polymers capable of forming entanglements? This is the central issue of this contribution. Hyperbranched polyglycerol (hbPG) samples with different molecular weights (600-106 000 g · mol(-1) ), narrow polydispersities (1.2-1.8) and high degrees of branching (≈0.6) were prepared by anionic ring-opening polymerization. The viscoelastic properties of these polymers with respect to molecular architecture and molar mass were investigated. At low molecular weights "classical" scaling behavior between zero shear viscosity and molecular weight can be observed, whereas between 3 000 and 10 000 g · mol(-1) a plateau-like area is found. The results indicate entanglement dynamics when exceeding a critical molar mass ($\overline {M} _{{\rm c}}^{*} $ ≈ 20 000 g · mol(-1) ) due to entangled hyperbranched polyglycerols. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical relevance of VEGF receptors 1 and 2 in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia.
Vascularity is increased in the bone marrow of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and high vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels correlate with worse survival. We analyzed the significance of VEGF-receptor 1 (VEGF-R1) and VEGF-R2 levels in bone marrow samples from 170 CML patients (137 chronic, 24 accelerated, and 9 blastic phase). Median VEGF-R1 and VEGF-R2 levels were 4.66 and 2-fold, respectively, that in normal control samples. Receptor levels did not correlate with disease phase or other host and disease features examined. Chronic phase CML patients with increased VEGF-R2 levels had significantly inferior survival than patients without receptor up-regulation (P=0.009). Patients in accelerated/blastic phase CML with elevated VEGF-R2 expression had marginally worse survival (P=0.05). In contrast, high VEGF-R1 levels did not correlate with a specific CML phase, characteristic, or outcome. Our findings support VEGF-R2 over-expression as an independent prognostic indicator for shortened survival in patients with CML. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Children with comorbid attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder and tic disorder: evidence for additive inhibitory deficits within the motor system.
For children with attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or tic disorder (TD), we recently reported deficient inhibitory mechanisms within the motor system by using transcranial magnetic stimulation. These deficits--stated as reduced intracortical inhibition in ADHD and shortened cortical silent period in TD--could be seen as neurophysiological correlates of motor hyperactivity and tics, respectively. To investigate neurophysiological aspects of comorbidity, we measured motor system excitability for the first time also in children with combined ADHD and TD. The findings of a reduced intracortical inhibition as well as a shortened cortical silent period in these comorbid children provide evidence for additive effects at the level of motor system excitability. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A proposed specification for acrylic bone cement.
A proposed specification covering handling characteristics and physical and chemical properties of bone cement composed primarily of methyl methacrylate has been prepared on the basis of data from the authors' studies and from various other sources. Under handling characteristics, requirements included relate to dough, handling and setting time, proper plasticity for insertion and temperature rise on setting. Mechanical properties specified include compressive strength and indentation and recovery characteristics. Maximum limits are proposed for water sorption and solubility. Suggested packaging requirements are also included. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Relationship of John Henryism to cardiovascular functioning at rest and during stress in youth.
John Henryism, a coping style characterized by a strong predisposition to confront daily psychosocial stressors in an active and effortful manner, has been associated with cardiovascular (CV) disease risk in adults. This study examined the relationship of John Henryism to CV functioning at rest and during laboratory stressors (i.e. forehead cold stimulation, postural change, and treadmill exercise) in 173 normotensive 10-to 17-year-old African-American and White children. High John Henry scores were associated with higher blood pressure, higher total peripheral resistance, and lower cardiac index at rest. These relationships were qualified by an interaction with socioeconomic status (SES) such that those from lower SES backgrounds who were high on John Henryism had particularly high levels of resting CV measures. No significant associations were observed with CV reactivity to the stressors. Findings are discussed in terms of possible impact of coping styles to environmental stress upon physiological functioning and health. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Purification and molecular characterization of a novel diadenosine 5',5'''-P(1),P(4)-tetraphosphate phosphorylase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv.
In this study, Rv2613c, a protein that is encoded by the open reading frame Rv2613c in Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, was expressed, purified, and characterized for the first time. The amino acid sequence of Rv2613c contained a histidine triad (HIT) motif consisting of H-phi-H-phi-H-phi-phi, where phi is a hydrophobic amino acid. This motif has been reported to be the characteristic feature of several diadenosine 5',5'''-P(1),P(4)-tetraphosphate (Ap4A) hydrolases that catalyze Ap4A to adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) or 2 adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP). However, enzymatic activity analyses for Rv2613c revealed that Ap4A was converted to ATP and ADP, but not AMP, indicating that Rv2613c has Ap4A phosphorylase activity rather than Ap4A hydrolase activity. The Ap4A phosphorylase activity has been reported for proteins containing a characteristic H-X-H-X-Q-phi-phi motif. However, no such motif was found in Rv2613c. In addition, the amino acid sequence of Rv2613c was significantly shorter compared to other proteins with Ap4A phosphorylase activity, indicating that the primary structure of Rv2613c differs from those of previously reported Ap4A phosphorylases. Kinetic analysis revealed that the K(m) values for Ap4A and phosphate were 0.10 and 0.94mM, respectively. Some enzymatic properties of Rv2613c, such as optimum pH and temperature, and bivalent metal ion requirement, were similar to those of previously reported yeast Ap4A phosphorylases. Unlike yeast Ap4A phosphorylases, Rv2613c did not catalyze the reverse phosphorolysis reaction. Taken together, it is suggested that Rv2613c is a unique protein, which has Ap4A phosphorylase activity with an HIT motif. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Tumor necrosis factor is delivered to mitochondria where a tumor necrosis factor-binding protein is localized.
The roles of the known tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors (TNFR-I and TNFR-II) and their associated signaling pathways in mediating the diverse actions of TNF remain incompletely defined. We have found that a proportion of exogenous TNF is delivered to mitochondria as well as to lysosomes. Using confocal and immunoelectron microscopy and Western blotting of subcellular fractions, we have identified a 60-kd protein in the inner mitochondrial membrane that is recognized by a monoclonal antibody to TNFR-II. In isolated mitochondria, this protein binds [125I]-TNF. This provides evidence of a mitochondrial binding protein for an extracellular ligand and demonstrates the presence of a pathway capable of delivering TNF from the cell surface to mitochondria. These findings suggest that TNF effects on cells may be due in part to a direct effect on mitochondria. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Impact of drought on productivity and water use efficiency in 29 genotypes of Populus deltoides x Populus nigra.
We examined the relationships among productivity, water use efficiency (WUE) and drought tolerance in 29 genotypes of Populus x euramericana (Populus deltoides x Populus nigra), and investigated whether some leaf traits could be used as predictors for productivity, WUE and drought tolerance. At Orléans, France, drought was induced on one field plot by withholding water, while a second plot remained irrigated and was used as a control. Recorded variables included stem traits (e.g. biomass) and leaf structural (e.g. leaf area) and functional traits [e.g. intrinsic water use efficiency (Wi) and carbon isotope discrimination (Delta)]. Productivity and Delta displayed large genotypic variability and were not correlated. Delta scaled negatively with Wi and positively with stomatal conductance under moderate drought, suggesting that the diversity for Delta was mainly driven by stomatal conductance. Most of the productive genotypes displayed a low level of drought tolerance (i.e. a large reduction of biomass), while the less productive genotypes presented a large range of drought tolerance. The ability to increase WUE in response to water deficit was necessary but not sufficient to explain the genotypic diversity of drought tolerance. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Identification and functional characterization of thioredoxin-related protein of 14 kDa in Oncomelania hupensis, the intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum.
Oncomelania hupensis is the unique intermediate host of the blood fluke Schistosoma japonicum, which causes schistosomiasis. In snails, highly toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be continually generated by hemocytes in response to foreign particles or pathogens, and may be involved in damaging and eliminating digenean larvae. Thioredoxin-related protein of 14 kDa (TRP14) is a member of the Trx superfamily, and plays an important role in the scavenging of ROS. This study was designed to identify and characterize TRP14 from O. hupensis (OhTRP14), and investigate the involvement of OhTRP14 in the scavenging of ROS in snail host immune response to the parasite S. japonicum. Here we expressed and purified the recombinant OhTRP14 and its mutant, and rOhTRP14 displayed oxidoreductase activity dependent on the CPDC motif. OhTRP14 protein was ubiquitously present in all the tested snail tissues, and especially immunolocalized in the cytoplasm of immune cell types (hemocytes). Both the expression of OhTRP14 and ROS level increased significantly in snails following challenge with S. japonicum. The dsRNA-mediated knockdown of OhTRP14 was successfully conducted by oral feeding, and ROS production was increased by OhTRP14 knockdown, implying that OhTRP14 was involved in the scavenging of ROS in O. hupensis circulating hemocytes. Therefore, we conclude that OhTRP14 may be involved in the scavenging of ROS in snail host immune response to the parasite S. japonicum. The results expand our understanding of the interaction between this parasite and host, and lay a foundation for the establishment of Oncomelania-schistosome infection models. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
CYP2D6 gene deletion allele in patients with neuroleptic malignant syndrome: preliminary report.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially fatal adverse reaction to psychopharmacologic treatment. Reported herein are two NMS patients with schizophrenia who were found to possess a CYP2D6 gene deletion allele (CYP2D6*5). The deletion results in decreased CYP2D6 activity, possibly leading to drug accumulation. Both patients with NMS had been treated with neuroleptics, including CYP2D6 substrates. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses and long PCR were performed to detect CYP2D6 genotype. One patient was found to possess *5/*10; the other had a *1/*5 genotype. The present preliminary report suggests that pharmacokinetic factors cannot be excluded and the CYP2D6 polymorphism is possibly associated with the etiology of NMS. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Endocrine manifestations of chronic HCV infection.
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been associated with a great number of extra-hepatic manifestations (EHMs), including several endocrine disorders. Currently available epidemiological, clinical and experimental data do not show a link between HCV and all EHMs. Thyroid disorders (TD) and type 2 diabetes, for example, are the most frequent endocrine alterations in patients with chronic HCV infection, but there are only weak evidences that HCV could be involved in hypothalamic-pituitary axis perturbation, bone metabolism alteration and sexual dysfunctions induction. Thus, this issue needs further investigation. Prospective studies have also shown that interferon (IFN)-based therapy for chronic HCV infection can induce or worsen EHMs. In particular, IFN has been associated with development of autoimmunity and/or TD in up to 40% of chronic HCV infected patients. Hence, a careful monitoring of thyroid function should be performed in such patients. The recent approval of direct-acting antiviral agents in IFN-free regimens for chronic hepatitis C treatment will dramatically reduce not only liver-related mortality but also morbidity due to EHMs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Independent predictors of survival and the impact of repeat surgery in patients undergoing surgical treatment of spinal metastasis.
Surgery for spinal metastasis is considered palliative, and postoperative survival is often less than a year. Recurrence of metastatic lesions is quite common, and it remains unclear whether repeat surgery is effective. In this study, the authors assessed independent predictors for survival at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery, and examined whether repeat surgery for recurrence of spinal metastasis influenced survival rates. Retrospective review of the electronic medical records was performed to identify a consecutive population of adult patients who underwent surgery for spinal metastasis during the period 2005-2011. Utilizing a Cox proportional hazard regression model, the authors assessed independent predictors and risk factors for survival at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. In addition, the impact of repeat surgery on survival was specifically assessed via multivariable analysis. A total of 99 patients were included in the final analysis. The overall mean postoperative duration of survival was 9.6 months. In addition to previously identified predictors of survival (preoperative ambulation, Karnofsky Performance Status [KPS], radiotherapy, primary cancer type, presence of extraspinal metastasis, and number of spinal segments with metastasis), pain on presentation and body mass index (BMI) of 25-30 were both independently associated with survival. Patients with recurrence who underwent repeat surgery had longer mean survival times than patients with recurrence who did not undergo repeat surgery (19.6 months vs 12.8 months, respectively). Repeat surgery was also independently associated with higher survival rates on multivariate analysis. Follow-up KPS was significantly higher in patients who underwent repeat surgery as well. In addition to confirming previously identified predictors of survival following surgery for spinal metastasis, the authors identified BMI and pain on presentation as independent predictors of survival. They also found that repeat surgery may be a viable option in patients with metastatic recurrence and may offer prolonged survival, likely due to improved functionality, mitigating complications associated with immobility. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nucleotide excision repair-deficient human cells in culture exhibit decreased survival after 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine treatment.
2-Chloro-2'-deoxyadenosine (CldAdo, cladribine) is a clinically important nucleoside analog for adult and pediatric leukemias. We previously described an activity in HeLa cell nuclear extracts that specifically recognized CldAMP-substituted oligomers. The factor was present in extracts prepared from repair-deficient xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) complementation group A cells, but not from group E--which are defective in damaged DNA-binding (DDB) protein--suggesting a possible repair process for incorporated analogs. Here we examined XP lymphoblast survival after CldAdo treatment using a cell proliferation assay. Control CEM leukemia cells and immortalized normal human lymphoblasts exhibited similar cytotoxicity profiles at each concentration tested. However, a 2.1-fold increase in sensitivity to CldAdo was detected in XP-E (5) cells lacking a functional DDB subunit. XP-A, XP-D and XP-G cell lines also had increased sensitivity to CldAdo, ranging from 1.61- to 1.91-fold greater compared to normal lymphoblasts. Our findings suggest that the clinical efficacy of CldAdo may be attenuated by repair mechanisms that target and remove such altered nucleic acids from cellular DNA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effects of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor on the proliferation rate and morphology of RAW 264.7 macrophages.
It is well documented that growth hormone (GH) functions to regulate both cell growth and cell number and is considered the master hormone because it affects almost every cell of the body. Growth hormone stimulates the liver to secrete insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), which is also capable of binding insulin as well as insulin-like binding receptors on the cell surface. It is possible that GH cellular effects are mediated by IGF-1 rather than GH itself. In this study, RAW 264.7 cells were challenged with a high dose of GH (48 ng/microliter), a low of dose GH (4.8 ng/microliter), a high dose of IGF-1 (26 ng/microliter) or low doses of IGF-1 (6.3 ng/microliter) for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Cell number, cell protein concentration, cell damage, and cellular morphology were measured at each time point and compared to untreated RAW 264.7 cells. The results show significant increases in cell number for cells treated with low doses of GH and IGF-1 at 24 hour phase. Cell proliferative effects were also observed at 48 hours in IGF-1 treated cells. Cellular damage (MDA levels) was not statistically significant for any treated group for the entire duration of the experiment. Most notable differences were observed in cellular morphology for both IGF-1 and GH treated cells. IGF-1 resulted in condensation of the nuclear material as early as 24 hours after treatment. (1) RAW 264.7 responded to both IGF-1 and GH equally (viability and proliferation), and (2) morphological changes were observed in all cells treated with both hormones compared to control group. This study indicates that GH hormone could induce its effect directly or indirectly through IGF-1. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Rosuvastatin alleviates high-salt and cholesterol diet-induced cognitive impairment in rats via Nrf2-ARE pathway.
The objectives of our study were to investigate the possible effect of rosuvastatin in ameliorating high salt and cholesterol diet (HSCD)-induced cognitive impairment and to also investigate its possible action via the Nrf2-ARE pathway. In silico studies were performed to check the theoretical binding of rosuvastatin to the Nrf2 target. HSCD was used to induce cognitive impairment in rats and neurobehavioral studies were performed to evaluate the efficacy of rosuvastatin in enhancing cognition. Biochemical analyses were used to estimate changes in oxidative markers. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses were done to check Nrf2 translocation. TUNEL and caspase 3 tests were performed to evaluate reversal of apoptosis by rosuvastatin. Rosuvastatin showed good theoretical affinity to Nrf2, significantly reversed changes in oxidative biomarkers which were induced by HSCD, and also improved the performance of rats in the neurobehavioral test. A rise in nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was revealed through immunohistochemical analysis and western blot. TUNEL staining and caspase 3 activity showed attenuation of apoptosis. We have investigated a novel mechanism of action for rosuvastatin (via the Nrf2-ARE pathway) and demonstrated that it has the potential to be used in the treatment of cognitive impairment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparative evolution of P-M system and infection by the sigma virus in French and Spanish populations of Drosophila melanogaster.
In 1983, an extensive survey of populations of D. melanogaster was started in a southern French region (Languedoc) in two non-Mendelian systems: the P-M system of transposable elements and the hereditary Rhabdovirus sigma. Unexpectedly fast-evolving phenomena were observed and interesting correlations were noted, giving similar geographical pattern to the region in both systems. For these reasons, the analysis was continued and extended towards the north (Rhône Valley) and the south (Spain). In the P-M system, all the Languedoc populations evolved from 1983 to 1991 towards the Q type which is characteristic of the Rhône Valley populations. In contrast, M' strains are currently observed in the southernmost French populations and in all Spanish ones, so that there is a clear pattern in their geographical distribution. The frequency of flies infected by the sigma virus dramatically increased from 1983 to 1988 in Languedoc; this increase was clearly correlated with some viral characteristics. But, in northern France, similar characteristics did not trigger any increase in the frequency of infected flies. The data presented here show that the distinctive features of Languedoc extend northwards through the Rhône Valley up to Lyon and disappears southwards before the Spanish border. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Investigating centre of mass stabilisation as the goal of posture and movement coordination during human whole body reaching.
In the light of experimental results showing significant forward centre of mass (CoM) displacements within the base of support, this study investigated if whole body reaching movements can be executed whilst keeping the CoM fixed in the horizontal axis. Using kinematic simulation techniques, angular configurations were recreated from experimental data imposing two constraints: a constant horizontal position of the CoM and an identical trajectory of the hand to grasp an object. The comparison between recorded and simulated trials showed that stabilisation of the CoM was associated with greater backward hip displacements, which became more marked with increasing object distance. This was in contrast to recorded trials showing reductions in backward hip displacements with increasing distance. Results also showed that modifications to angular displacements were necessary only at the shoulder and hip joints, but that these modifications were within the limits of joint mobility. The analysis of individual joint torques revealed that the pattern and timing of simulated trials were similar to those recorded experimentally. Peak joint torque values showed particularly that keeping the CoM at a constant horizontal position resulted in significantly smaller ankle peak flexor and extensor torques. It may be concluded from this study that 'stabilising' the CoM during human whole body reaching represents a feasible strategy, but not the one chosen by subjects under experimental conditions. Our results also do not support the idea of the CoM as the stabilised reference value for the coordination between posture and goal-directed movements. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Physiologic responses to static, dynamic and combined work.
The main objective of the present study was to determine the effects on cardiovascular stress of tasks that have varying degrees of static and dynamic components (weight holding, manual lifting and stepping). Heart rate, oxygen consumption and blood pressure were used as indices of cardiovascular stress. The results showed that oxygen consumption and heart rate responses to manual lifting are significantly lower than those of stepping and higher than those of weight holding. A low frequency lifting task evoked significantly lower systolic blood pressure than a high frequency lifting task. This study supported the idea that a physiologic fatigue criterion (PFC) based on stepping should not be applied directly to tasks such as manual lifting. In addition, a PFC for manual lifting should not be based only on oxygen consumption or heart rate; it also should incorporate systolic blood pressure as one of the monitored stress factors in setting lifting standards. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The first chiral organometallic triangle for asymmetric catalysis.
A family of chiral organometallic triangles based on cis-Pt(PEt3)2 metallocorners and enantiopure atropisomeric bis(alkynyl) bridging ligands (L1-4) has been synthesized and characterized by 1H, 13C{1H}, and 31P{1H} NMR, UV-vis, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopies, FAB and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and microanalysis. Metallocycle 4 which contains three 1,1'-bi-2-naphthol functionalities in combination with Ti(iOPr)4 has been shown to be an excellent catalyst for highly enantioselective additions of diethylzinc to aromatic aldehydes to afford chiral secondary alcohols. This research illustrates the potential of generating novel functional materials on the basis of supramolecular chemistry. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Molecular spintronics.
The electron spin made its debut in the device world only two decades ago but today our ability of detecting the spin state of a moving electron underpins the entire magnetic data storage industry. This technological revolution has been driven by a constant improvement in our understanding on how spins can be injected, manipulated and detected in the solid state, a field which is collectively named Spintronics. Recently a number of pioneering experiments and theoretical works suggest that organic materials can offer similar and perhaps superior performances in making spin-devices than the more conventional inorganic metals and semiconductors. Furthermore they can pave the way for radically new device concepts. This is Molecular Spintronics, a blossoming research area aimed at exploring how the unique properties of the organic world can marry the requirements of spin-devices. Importantly, after a first phase, where most of the research was focussed on exporting the concepts of inorganic spintronics to organic materials, the field has moved to a more mature age, where the exploitation of the unique properties of molecules has begun to emerge. Molecular spintronics now collects a diverse and interdisciplinary community ranging from device physicists to synthetic chemists to surface scientists. In this critical review, I will survey this fascinating, rapidly evolving, field with a particular eye on new directions and opportunities. The main differences and challenges with respect to standard spintronics will be discussed and so will be the potential cross-fertilization with other fields (177 references). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Total renal denervation reduces sympathoexcitation to different target organs in a model of chronic kidney disease.
It is known that increased sympathetic nerve activity in chronic kidney disease (CKD) progressively worsens kidney function and hypertension. We tested the hypothesis that total renal denervation contributes to reduce sympathetic activation to different beds and improves renal function in 5/6 nephrectomy model of CKD in male Wistar rats. After eight weeks of 5/6 nephrectomy surgery there was an increase in mean arterial pressure (CKD 179±22mmHg, n=6 vs. control animals 108±9; p<0.05, n=6) with no changes in heart rate (HR). Sympathetic nerve activity was increased at different levels to the remaining kidney, splanchnic and lumbar beds compared to control (CTL) group (CKD rSNA: 150±50, n=9 vs. CTL 96±15, n=9; CKD sSNA: 129±51, n=5 vs. CTL 34±14, n=6; CKD lSNA: 203±35, n=8 vs. CTL 146±21, spikes/s, n=7, p<0.05). Three weeks after total renal denervation (DNX) MAP was normalized in the CKD rats (124±19mmHg, n=5, p<0.05), with no change in HR. The lSNA was normalized (151±40, n=5, vs. CKD 203±35 spikes/s, n=8) and sSNA was decreased in 49% (64±34, n=5 vs. CKD 129±51 spikes/s, n=5, p<0.05). Renal function, assessed by creatinine plasma levels was improved after renal denervation (CKD 1.50±0.64, n=8; vs. CKD+DNX 0.82±0.22mg/mL, n=8, p<0.05). These findings demonstrate that renal nerves contribute to the maintenance of hypertension in CKD by increasing sympathoexcitation to other beds. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Developmental ability of cloned embryos from neural stem cells.
The success rate is generally higher when cloning mice from embryonic stem (ES) cell nuclei than from somatic cell nuclei, suggesting that the embryonic nature or the undifferentiated state of the donor cell increases cloning efficiency. We assessed the developmental ability of cloned embryos derived from cultured neural stem cell (NSC) nuclei and compared the success rate with that of embryos cloned from other donor cells such as differentiated NSCs, cumulus cells, Sertoli cells and ES cells in the mouse. The transfer of two-cell cloned embryos derived from cultured NSC nuclei into surrogate mothers produced five live cloned mice. However, the success rate (0.5%) was higher in embryos cloned from cultured NSC nuclei than from differentiated NSCs (0%), but lower than that obtained by cloning mice from other cell nuclei (2.2-3.5%). Although the in vitro developmental potential to the two-cell stage of the cloned embryos derived from NSC nuclei (73%) was similar to that of the cloned embryos derived from other somatic cell nuclei (e.g., 85% in Sertoli cells and 75% in cumulus cells), the developmental rate to the morula-blastocyst stage was only 7%. This rate is remarkably lower than that produced from other somatic cells (e.g., 50% in Sertoli cells and 54% in cumulus cells). These results indicate that the undifferentiated state of neural cells does not enhance the cloning efficiency in mice and that the arrest point for in vitro development of cloned embryos depends on the donor cell type. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Lipids of synaptic vesicles: relevance to the mechanism of membrane fusion.
Synaptic vesicles from the electric organ of the marine ray Narcine brasiliensis, purified to at least 90% homogeneity, were analyzed for the lipid and fatty acid content of their membranes. The major lipids (mol %) were phosphatidylcholine (32.3%), phosphatidylethanolamine (20.5%), phosphatidylserine (6.1%), sphingomyelin (3.0%), and cholesterol (33.3%), a composition which did not differ greatly from that of the parent electric organ. While the number of double bonds per fatty acid molecule was similar for both synaptic vesicle and whole electric organ phospholipids, the vesicles were highly enriched in docosahexenoic acid (22:6). Reaction with the amine labeling reagents isethionylacetimidate and trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid indicated that 40% of the phosphatidylserine and 60% of the phosphatidylethanolamine are present on the external (cytoplasmic) surface of the synaptic vesicle. These data on a natural fusing membrane have relevance to models of membrane fusion, which have been based largely on studies of in vitro fusion using synthetic membranes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Photodynamic hyperthermal therapy with indocyanine green (ICG) induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in B16F10 murine melanoma cells.
We examined the effects of photodynamic hyperthemal therapy (PHT), which is a combination of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and hyperthermia (HT), on the apoptosis and cell cycle progression of murine melanoma B16F10 cells. The percentage of apoptotic cell was determined by flow cytometry using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) double staining. The cell cycle analysis was performed by PI staining with flow cytometry. The expression of cyclins and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) were examined by a Western blotting analysis. PHT induces death in B16F10 cells, and PHT-mediated apoptosis occurred acutely and persistently in vitro. Our study demonstrated that PHT using indocyanine green (ICG) and near infrared (NIR) light source induces apoptosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in the B16F10 cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Silicon-based and suspended-membrane-type guided-mode resonance filters with a spectrum-modifying layer design.
The concept of a spectrum-modifying layer is proposed for the design of a silicon-based guided-mode resonance filter. To realize such a novel device, a grating and waveguide structures are fabricated simultaneously in a suspended silicon nitride membrane. The cladding layer of the silicon substrate is replaced by the silicon dioxide membrane to reduce the absorption loss of the bulky substrate. Moreover, the silicon dioxide membrane plays a role in modifying the spectral response. According to the experimental results of the proposed structures, symmetrical line shapes and improved sidebands of nonresonance are demonstrated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Synthesis of 4-alkynylquinazolines: Pd-Cu-cocatalyzed coupling of quinazoline-4-tosylates with terminal alkynes using N-heterocyclic carbenes as ligands.
A Pd-Cu-cocatalyzed coupling reaction of quinazoline-4-tosylates with terminal alkynes using N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) as ligands is described, providing 4-alkynylquinazolines in good to excellent yields. This transformation proceeds under mild conditions with high efficiency, which is attractive for focused compound library construction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Dislocation of the extensor tendons of the hand at the metacarpo-phalangeal level (zone V of Verdan)].
Traumatic dislocation of the extensor tendon over the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint is a rare lesion that is caused by the dysfunction or rupture of the sagittal band, which is an important stabilizing structure of the extensor tendon. This mechanical alteration presents itself as instability that affects function and may cause pain or snapping during finger motion. The diagnosis is made when ulnar dislocation of the extensor tendon is observed over the MCP joint. Nonsurgical treatment is successful and should be attempted when injuries are diagnosed within the first three weeks. Several surgical repairs have been described. We searched medical databases (Ovid, Medline) for papers on extensor tendon dislocation. We also revised our own cases of this injury. Our search resulted in 10 articles and four books. We found 18 patients with 21 injuries, 10 men and eight women. The most frequently affected finger was the middle one (in thirteen cases), followed by the index (in five cases), the fourth finger (in two cases) and the third one (in one case). Eight of our patients were treated conservatively and thirteen required surgical treatment. The surgical procedures performed were Wheeldons in seven cases; primary repair of the sagittal band and Wheeldon in four cases; primary repair alone in one case; and Carrolls in one case. The follow-up was between one and 34 years (average: 17.5 years). Extensor tendon dislocation in zone V is rare. When the diagnosis is made after three weeks of the lesion, the surgical treatment is recommended. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Prostaglandin E2, interleukin 1 and gamma interferon production of mononuclear cells of patients with inflammatory and degenerative joint diseases].
Inflammatory joint diseases exhibit distinct pathohistological and immunological characteristics. The studies performed demonstrated that in comparison to normal controls peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presented an increased percentage of monocytic cells. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with RA produced significantly increased amounts of prostaglandin E2 and significantly decreased amounts of interferon-gamma following mitogen stimulation with LPS or PWM respectively. The spontaneous production of interleukin 1 was found to be elevated. A significantly increased LPS induced production of prostaglandin E2 could also be observed in monocyte depleted rheumatoid peripheral cells and in peripheral cells of patients with osteoarthritis and HLAB27 associated joint diseases. Mononuclear cells from rheumatoid synovial tissue produced increased amounts of prostaglandin E2 and decreased amounts of interferon-gamma; the spontaneous prostaglandin E2 production was similar to the values obtained by mitogen stimulation which may originate from the distinct cellular composition of synovial tissue. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The ambivalence of error: "scientific ideology" in the history of the life sciences and psychosomatic medicine.
This paper discusses the concept of "scientific ideology" as it appears in the work of the historian and philosopher of medicine Georges Canguilhem, whose work is becoming increasingly well known and used amongst anglophone social scientists. Whilst addressing the problematic of legitimacy and illegitimacy in the history of science, the concept of "scientific ideology" does something different and more complex than either the opposition between science and false science, or the one between orthodoxy and heresy, allow for. On the one hand, it enables us to preserve a crucial acknowledgment of the specificity of science in general, and of medical science in particular. On the other hand, it also allows us to challenge the sharp contrast between science and non-science by setting that contrast in a diachronic perspective. Drawing also on the work of Isabelle Stengers, the last part of the paper discusses an application of the concept of scientific ideology in relation to the field of psychosomatic medicine and psychoneuroimmunology. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the expression and function of P-glycoprotein/MDR1 in Caco-2 cells.
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 16 kinds of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on P-glycoprotein/MDR1 in Caco-2 cells as an intestinal epithelial cell model. Cells were treated with NSAIDs for 24 hours, and then, the expression of MDR1 mRNA was evaluated by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The function of MDR1 in cells pretreated with NSAIDs for 48 hours was evaluated by measuring the cellular amount of rhodamine123, which is a substrate of MDR1. The expression of MDR1 mRNA was increased by diclofenac, fenbufen, indomethacin, and nimesulide and the tended to be increased by meloxicam, mepirizole, and sulindac. However, pretreatment for 48 hours with diclofenac, indomethacin, or nimesulide, but not fenbufen, resulted in a significant increase in the amount of rhodamine123 accumulated. Although NSAIDs without effects on the expression of MDR1 mRNA altered the accumulation of rhodamine123 significantly, the efflux of rhodamine123 from cells was unchanged. In conclusion, the expression of MDR1 mRNA in Caco-2 cells was demonstrated to be increased by treatment with some NSAIDs, although the transport function of MDR1 was unchanged. These findings imply that the NSAIDs did not cause the drug interaction via MDR1 induction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The use of dihydroergotamine and heparin in the prophylaxis of deep venous thrombosis.
Three factors leading to the development of postoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT) are the hypercoagulable state, stasis, and vein wall injury, which occur in patients undergoing surgical procedures. Vein wall injury is thought to occur as a smooth muscle response to surgical trauma in veins distant from the operative site. Heparin and dihydroergotamine (DHE) were combined in an attempt to decrease the hypercoagulable factor and minimize stasis. We believe that by maintaining venous smooth muscle tone, the degree of endothelial damage is also diminished. Low-dose heparin acts through its effect of factor Xa and activation of antithrombin III; DHE selectively increases venous smooth muscle tone to accelerate venous blood flow velocity and minimize venous pooling. The European experience with combination DHE-heparin prophylaxis shows that this combination is more effective than either agent alone, and studies on orthopedic patients have shown that DHE/5,000 is effective in preventing postoperative DVT in this high-risk group. In the US, the Multicenter Trial evaluated postoperative DVT in general surgical patients. The combination of DHE/5,000 was statistically more effective in the prophylaxis of postoperative DVT than placebo (p = 0.0011). The interim results of an ongoing Multicenter Trial on the prophylaxis of postoperative DVT in patients undergoing total hip replacement indicate that DHE/5000 has significant prophylactic efficacy compared to placebo. It is proposed that the mechanism of action of the DHE-heparin combination is synergistic, since all 3 limbs of Virchow's triad are potentially affected. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Biodegradable progesterone microsphere delivery system for osteoporosis therapy.
The purpose of this study was to formulate and characterize a controlled-release biodegradable delivery system of progesterone for the treatment or prevention of osteoporosis. Microspheres of progesterone were formulated using copolymers of poly(glycolic acid-co-dl-lactic acid) (PGLA 50/50 and PGLA 15/85) and poly(L-lactic acid) (L-PLA) of similar molecular weight by the emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The effects of process variables, such as volume fraction, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) concentration, polymer composition, and stir speed during preparation, on the yield, encapsulation efficiency (EEF), particle size distribution, in vitro release profiles of progesterone, and surface morphology of progesterone microspheres were investigated. Increasing the volume fraction from 9% to 22% increased the EEF without significantly increasing the yield; however, the rate of progesterone release from the microspheres decreased. Increasing the PVA concentration from 1% to 5% had no significant influence on the EEF, but the rate of progesterone release from microspheres increased. Polymer composition had no significant effect on the EEF, but had a significant effect on the particle size distribution, surface morphology, and release rate of progesterone from the microspheres. Stir speed did not have a significant influence on the EEF; however, stir speed influenced particle size distribution and the rate of progesterone release from microspheres of the same sieve-size range. The results suggest that controlled release of progesterone is possible by varying the different process variables, and that PGLA 50/50 provided the slowest release of progesterone. This should provide a means of delivering progesterone for months for the treatment or prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Recovery time as a potential new progression parameter for patients with advanced glaucomatous optic atrophy].
Functional tests in glaucoma diagnosis can monitor a potential perimetric progression. However white-on-white perimetry is limited in advanced glaucoma, whereas contrasts were detected reproducibly. Especially when stressing (i. e. adapting) the visual system, subsequent measurements yielded different results-the visual system needs a "recovery time". In the present study the recovery time was investigated in patients with advanced glaucoma. Additionally correlation analysis was done with standard perimetric parameters. Temporal contrast sensitivity (TCS) and recovery time (RT) were measured using the Erlanger Flicker Test in 61 probands (15 normals, 25 primary open-angle glaucomas, 17 secondary open-angle glaucomas, 4 narrow-angle glaucoma). Additionally, ophthalmological examinations and perimetry (Octopus G1) was done. (1) TCS was significantly reduced in patients with advanced glaucoma (p < 0.001). (2) Test stimuli with 3 and 5 % contrast showed a large variability in contrast to higher contrasts (12 %, 25 %, 35 %). (3) RT12%, RT25% and RT35% were significantly prolonged in advanced glaucoma (p < 0.001). (4) RT25% correlated significantly with mean defect (p = 0.015). Recovery time seems to be a potential parameter in advanced glaucoma follow-up, as it is reproducible, independently of cataract and fixation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Low-level memory processes in vision.
Psychophysical studies of the short-term memory for attributes or dimensions of the visual stimulus that are known to be important in early visual processing (spatial frequency, orientation, contrast, motion and color) identify a low-level perceptual memory mechanism. This proposed mechanism is located early in the visual processing stream, prior to the structural description system responsible for shape priming but beyond primary visual cortex (V1); it is composed of a series of parallel, special-purpose perceptual mechanisms with independent but limited processing resources. Each mechanism is devoted to the analysis of a single dimension and is coupled to a memory store. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A team education project: an evaluation of a collaborative education and practice development in a continuing care unit for older people.
The aim of this team education project was 'to provide multidisciplinary education in the clinical environment and to directly influence practice'. The education programme was carried out in a continuing care unit for older people situated in inner London. The education programme consisted of twice-weekly, ward-based reflective groups held over seven weeks. The theme chosen for exploration in the group was that of bereavement. Although the intention had been to include participants from a wide range of backgrounds, there proved to be little involvement from non-nursing staff. The evaluation interviews conducted with group members were generally positive, but all the interviewees said that the programme had not changed the way they worked with residents. The authors argue that a psychoanalytic approach is useful when studying organisational behaviour in a stressful environment. 26 references. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Impacts of seven insecticides on Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).
The endoparasitoid wasp Cotesia flavipes (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is inundatively released in Brazilian sugarcane plantations to control the sugarcane borers Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) and Diatraea flavipennella (Box) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). In conjunction with these releases, several synthetic insecticides are used to control the neonate larvae of these pests. We assessed the lethal and transgenerational sublethal effects of seven of these insecticides on C. flavipes. Leaf discs were sprayed at the highest field concentrations of chlorantraniliprole, lambda-cyhalothrin + chlorantraniliprole, chlorfluazuron, triflumuron, lambda-cyhalothrin + thiamethoxam, tebufenozide, and novaluron. Distilled water was used as a negative control. Newly emerged females (24 h old) were placed in Petri dishes containing the treated leaves, and the lethal and transgenerational sublethal effects were assessed for the next two generations. Lambda-cyhalothrin + chlorantraniliprole and lambda-cyhalothrin + thiamethoxam caused 100% mortality of the parasitoid and were highly persistent, causing more than 30% mortality at 30 days after spraying. Chlorantraniliprole, chlorfluazuron, novaluron, and triflumuron did not cause significant mortality compared to the negative control, but did have transgenerational sublethal effects. The length of the tibia of the right posterior leg, used as a growth measurement, was reduced in the progeny (F1 generation) of exposed female parasitoids. In addition, chlorantraniliprole increased and chlorfluazuron reduced the proportion of females in the F1 generation, whereas novaluron reduced the proportion of females in the F2 generation. Overall, only tebufenozide was considered harmless to C. flavipes. The results of this study suggest that lambda-cyhalothrin + chlorantraniliprole and lambda-cyhalothrin + thiamethoxam are harmful to C. flavipes, although field studies are needed to obtain results for actual sugarcane crops. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Auditory-evoked potential studies of cortical maturation in normal hearing and implanted children: correlations with changes in structure and speech perception.
Human auditory system maturation as assessed by means of auditory-evoked potential recording is compared to maturation of axon neurofilaments and some critical stages in speech perception. The parallels strongly suggest that the emergence of the N1 component reflects the maturation of the axons in layer II and upper layer III of the auditory cortex. This is also the time period during which the perception of speech in noise and degraded speech markedly improves. The absence of N1 in cochlear implant subjects who have been deaf for a period of at least 3 years below the age of 6 years suggests a critical period in the maturation of the upper cortical layers and potentially poor future performance in the perception of masked and degraded speech. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The effects of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) on osteoblastic cells].
Enamel matrix derivative (EMDOGAIN, EMD) has been clinically used to promote regeneration of periodontal tissue, including cementum, periodontal ligament (PDL), and alveolar bone. However, it has not been clear whether EMD directly affects osteoblastic cells. To answer this question, we examined EMD effects on bovine PDL cells, rat and mouse bone marrow cells (RBM cells and MBM cells, respectively), and mouse osteoblastic cells (Kusa/A 1 cells). EMD was dissolved in 10 mM acetic acid and added to the culture medium at a final concentration of 50 micrograms/ml. EMD stimulated mineralized-nodule formation of PDL cells, RBM cells, and Kusa/A 1 cells. In Kusa/A 1 cells, EMD enhanced ALP activity, together with DNA content. Northern blotting analysis on Kusa/A 1 cells demonstrated stimulatory effects of EMD on the gene expression of type I collagen and osteopontin. Further, application of EMD on MBM cell culture, under 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 supplementation, stimulated osteoclast-like cell formation. These results indicate that osteoblastic cells respond to EMD, and that EMD would be potentially useful for bone regeneration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Local variation in susceptibility of Colorado potato beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) to insecticide.
The susceptibility status of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say), adults to phosalone was determined by dip and glass jar assay techniques. Bioassay results indicated a narrow variation in Colorado potato beetle insecticide susceptibility among sample sites. LC50 values were generally highest from specimens collected in field that received frequent phosalone applications for seven consecutive growing seasons. In five populations tested, LC50 values ranged from 503.72 to 827.95 ppm in dip test method. In glass jar technique, resistance ratio value of 1.72 for LC50 was obtained. A significant linear relationship between LC50 values of individual populations across test methods was detected. Both bioassay techniques were suitable for monitoring resistance to insecticide in Colorado potato beetle adult populations. Glass jar technique, however, exhibited less variability in LC50 estimates and showed a higher degree of sensitivity than the dip method. Filter paper and leaf disk techniques for larvae were two bioassay methods used to determine phosalone susceptibility in L. decemlineata populations. Both bioassay techniques exhibited a similar level of susceptibility of the larvae to phosalone; however, the fiducial limit values from filter paper method were narrow than the leaf disk assay technique. A significant direct relationship between LC50 values of individual population across test methods was observed. Differences in LC50 ranking among fields between adults and larvae indicated a differential susceptibility to insecticide between life stages. Low LC50 values obtained from Colorado potato beetle in sample sites indicated that phosalone resistance was not severe in these fields. The glass jar and filter paper testing methods are simple and sensitive test techniques for measuring susceptibility of Colorado potato beetle adults and larvae to phosalone, respectively. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Recurrent concerns for child abuse: repeated consultations by a subspecialty child abuse team.
Physically abused children may be repeatedly reported to child protection services and undergo multiple medical evaluations. Less is known about recurrent evaluations by hospital-based child abuse teams for possible abuse. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of repeated consultations by child abuse teams and to describe this cohort in terms of injury pattern, perceived likelihood of abuse, disposition plan, and factors related to repeat consultation. This was a prospectively planned, secondary analysis of data from the Examining Siblings to Recognize Abuse (ExSTRA) research network. Subjects included children younger than 10 years of age who were referred to child abuse subspecialty teams at one of 20 U.S. academic centers. Repeat consultations occurred in 101 (3.5%; 95% CI 2.9-4.2%) of 2890 subjects. The incidence of death was 4% (95% CI 1-9%) in subjects with repeated consults and 3% (95% CI 2-3%) in subjects with single consults. Perceived likelihood of abuse from initial to repeat visit remained low in 33% of subjects, remained high in 24.2% of subjects, went from low to high in 16.5%, and high to low in 26.4% of subjects. Themes identified among the subset of patients suspected of repeated abuse include return to the same environment, failure to comply with a safety plan, and abuse in foster care. Repeated consultation by child abuse specialists occurs for a minority of children. This group of children may be at higher risk of subsequent abuse and may represent an opportunity for quality improvement. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Scene segmentation in early visual cortex during suppression of ventral stream regions.
A growing body of literature suggests that feedback modulation of early visual processing is ubiquitous and central to cortical computation. In particular stimuli with high-level content that invariably activate ventral object responsive regions have been shown to suppress early visual cortex. This suppression was typically interpreted in the framework of predictive coding and feedback from ventral regions. Here we examined early visual modulation during perception of a bistable Gestalt illusion that has previously been shown to be mediated by dorsal parietal cortex rather than by ventral regions that were not activated. The bistable dynamic stimulus consisted of moving dots that could either be perceived as corners of a large moving cube (global Gestalt) or as distributed sets of locally moving elements. We found that perceptual binding of local moving elements into an illusory Gestalt led to spatially segregated differential modulations in both, V1 and V2: representations of illusory lines and foreground were enhanced, while inducers and background were suppressed. Furthermore, correlation analyses suggest that distinct mechanisms govern fore- and background modulation. Our results demonstrate that motion-induced Gestalt perception differentially modulates early visual cortex in the absence of ventral stream activation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Management of excessive anticoagulant effect due to vitamin K antagonists.
Unexpectedly elevated INR values are commonly encountered in clinical practice. In the absence of bleeding, such values may be treated with either simple warfarin withdrawal or the administration of low doses of oral vitamin K. Oral vitamin K will more rapidly return the INR to the therapeutic reference interval; however, its impact on bleeding is unknown. If the INR is in excess of 10, most experts would recommend the administration of vitamin K and, in the case of active bleeding, additional administration of coagulation factors either in the form of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) or prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC). Coagulation factor replacement is required given the need to urgently correct the INR; however, vitamin K should not be forgotten since it is required to antagonize the effect of warfarin, preventing "rebound" anticoagulation after transfused coagulation factors are consumed. This paper will review the evidence supporting various treatment modalities and will provide suggestions for treatment. Future advances in this area will likely focus on evaluations of the relative merits of FFP and PCCs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Metabolites of the Palauan sponge Axinyssa aplysinoides.
The Palauan sponge Axinyssa aplysimoides contained (3S*,5R*,6R*,9R*)-3-isocyano-1(10)-cadinene[2],(3S*,5R*,6R*, 9R*)-3-formamido-1(10)-cadinene[3], and (E)-(4-hydroxystyryl)trimethylammonium chloride [6], together with the known diterpenes (-)-neoverrucosan-5beta-ol[4] and (+)-homoverrucosan-5beta-ol[5]. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Growth pattern and p53 overexpression in patients with early gastric cancer.
The growth pattern of early gastric carcinoma, based on a volumetric analysis, reflects well biologic characteristics of the tumor. The penetrating growth (Pen) type tumor has an unfavorable prognosis, compared with a superficially spreading (Super) type. Abnormality of the p53 suppressor gene plays an important role in alteration of cells leading to development of cancer. p53 point mutations are present even in an early stage of carcinoma. In 159 patients with early gastric carcinoma, overexpression of p53 was studied immunohistochemically, using a monoclonal antibody (PAb 1801), and the relationship between growth pattern and p53 overexpression was analyzed. Early gastric carcinoma was grouped into 43 of the Super type, 37 of the expansively penetrating growth (Pen-A) type, 16 of the infiltratively penetrating growth (Pen-B) type, and 63 of the Small mucosal type limited to the mucosal layer. The Pen-A type tumors were characterized by the highest incidence of p53 positive expression and poorest postoperative course. Between the Pen-A type and the Super type, there were significant differences in the incidence of the p53 positive expression (43% vs. 16%), the frequency of recurrence (16% vs. 7%), and disease free interval (574 days vs. 2926 days). The authors' observations show that the p53 gene plays an important role in expansion of gastric carcinoma, even in the early stages. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Preparation and structure of novel hexaazaisowurtzitane cages.
Hexaazaisowurtzitane or cage molecules have attracted attention concerning their synthesis because hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW or CL20) is presently the most powerful energetic compound. The synthesis of hexaazaisowurtzitanes was considered to be limited solely to the condensation of certain benzylamines with glyoxal. Here, we present the synthesis and characterization of seven novel non-benzylic hexaazaisowurtzitanes, such as hexapropargylhexaazaisowurtzitane. The substituents on the six nitrogen atoms are different to those of the benzyl or substituted benzyl groups to which previous syntheses were limited. X-ray structures are given for the hexapropargyl and hexa-2-thienylmethylene derivatives. Steric strains limit the synthesis with alpha-substituted benzyl and allyl derivatives. The reaction mechanism and the role of the intermediate diimines are discussed. Some of the novel hexaazaisowurtzitanes are potential precursors of hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Some bio-chemical indice change of rats striatum poisoned by rotenone].
To observe some of bio-chemical indice of rats striatum poisoned by rotenone. Apply the method of back-implantation mini-effusion pump to observe influence of different concentration rotenone on the rat striatum. Utilize Fluoro-Jade B combined Fluorescent dying to observe the change conditions of the neural cells of the poisoned rat striatum. HPLC is used to measure contents of ATP, ADP, and AMP in striatum. Apply bio-chemical lab to analyze the activities of Na+ -K+ -ATPase and Ca2+ -ATPase. There appeared a large quantity of positive degenerative neurons in the poisoned rats striatum, but the solution control group did not show similar change. Compared with the solution control group, the ATP contents in the rat striatum of the 2.0 mg/kg and 4.0 mg/kg rotenone groups were significantly decreased (P < 0.01), while the contents of ADP and AMP were relatively raised. With the increase of the poison contents, the activities of Na+ -K -ATPase and Ca2+ -ATPase were inhibited to some degrees. The difference has statistical significance. Rotenone could cause the decrease of the ATP content and inhibit activities of Na+ -K+ -ATPase and Ca2+ -ATPase. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Protein, cDNA, and genomic DNA sequences of the towel gourd trypsin inhibitor. A squash family inhibitor.
Two trypsin inhibitor components of the squash family were isolated and purified from the juice of the towel gourd (Luffa cylindrica) using anhydrotrypsin affinity chromatography followed by high pressure liquid chromatography. The inhibitors were sequenced and found to consist of 28 and 29 amino acid residues. The determined sequences show high similarity to other inhibitors of the squash family, especially in the location of disulfide bonds and the reactive site and also in the COOH-terminal region. A cDNA library of towel gourd was constructed and used as a template for polymerase chain reaction amplification of two cDNA fragments of the inhibitor with an overlapping sequence. A full-length cDNA sequence coding for the inhibitor was then completed. The open reading frame codes for a prepro-inhibitor protein with the pre- and pro-peptides consisting of 21 and 13 residues, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequence of 29 residues for the inhibitor is consistent with that determined by primary structure analysis. The genomic sequence of the mature inhibitor was also ascertained using the total DNA of the towel gourd as a polymerase chain reaction template. The genomic sequence is completely identical with that of the cDNA, showing no intervening sequence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Toxicological assessment of 3-chloropropane-1,2-diol and glycidol fatty acid esters in food.
Fatty acid esters of 3-chloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and glycidol are a newly identified class of food process contaminants. They are widespread in refined vegetable oils and fats and have been detected in vegetable fat-containing products, including infant formulas. There are no toxicological data available yet on the 3-MCPD and glycidol esters, and the primary toxicological concern is based on the potential release of 3-MCPD or glycidol from the parent esters by lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis in the gastrointestinal tract. Although 3-MCPD is assessed as a nongenotoxic carcinogen with a tolerable daily intake (TDI) of 2 μg/kg body weight (bw), glycidol is a known genotoxic carcinogen, which induces tumors in numerous organs of rodents. The initial exposure estimates, conducted by Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) under the assumption that 100% of the 3-MPCD and glycidol are released from their esters, revealed especially that infants being fed commercial infant formula could ingest harmful amounts of 3-MCPD and glycidol. However, the real oral bioavailability may be lower. As this gives rise for toxicological concern, the currently available toxicological data of 3-MCPD and glycidol and their esters are summarized in this review and discussed with regard to data gaps and further research needs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A direct influence of moonlight intensity on changes in melatonin production by cultured pineal glands of the golden rabbitfish, Siganus guttatus.
Rabbitfish are a restricted lunar-synchronized spawner that spawns around a species-specific lunar phase. It is not known how the fish perceive changes in cues from the moon. One possible explanation is that rabbitfish utilize changes in moonlight intensity to establish synchrony. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether or not the pineal gland of the golden rabbitfish can directly perceive changes in moonlight intensity. Isolated pineal glands were statically cultured under natural or artificial light conditions and melatonin secreted into the culture medium was measured using a time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay. Under an artificial light/dark cycle, melatonin secretion significantly increased during the dark phase. Under continuous light conditions, melatonin secretion was suppressed, while culture under continuous dark conditions seemed to duplicate melatonin secretion corresponding to the light/dark cycle in which the fish were acclimated. When cultured pineal glands were kept under natural light conditions on the dates of the full and the new moon, small amounts of melatonin were secreted at night. Moreover, exposure of cultured pineal glands to artificial and natural light conditions resulted in a significant decrease of melatonin secretion within 2 hr. These results suggest that the isolated pineal gland of golden rabbitfish responds to environmental light cycles and that 'brightness' of the night moon has an influence on melatonin secretion from the isolated pineal gland. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intra-articular ropivacaine 0.75% and bupivacaine 0.50% for analgesia after arthroscopic knee surgery: a randomized prospective study.
Intra-articular administration of local anesthetic solution provides analgesia after arthroscopic knee surgery. Bupivacaine is considered the gold standard local anesthetic in this indication, but ropivacaine, which is less toxic than bupivacaine, can consequently be administered in higher doses, potentially increasing the duration of analgesia. We compared the analgesic effect of intra-articular injection of ropivacaine 225 mg and bupivacaine 150 mg in patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery. Double-blind, randomized prospective clinical study. The study included 45 patients scheduled for knee meniscus repair under arthroscopy, who were allocated randomly into 3 groups to receive, intra-articularly, 30 mL of isotonic saline, bupivacaine 0.5%, or ropivacaine 0.75% solutions at the end of surgery. Postoperatively, pain was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) at rest and on mobilization. Propacetamol was given when patients complained of pain. VAS scores at rest and on mobilization were higher in the saline group compared with the ropivacaine group (P = .006 and P = .01, respectively). No difference in VAS scores was documented between bupivacaine and the saline groups. The median delay between the intra-articular administration and propacetamol administration was shorter in the saline group (15 minutes; range, 15 to 120 minutes) compared with the ropivacaine group (240 minutes; range 15 to 720 minutes) but no difference was documented between the bupivacaine group (30 minutes; range, 15 to 360 minutes) and the other 2 groups. This level I study documents that intra-articular ropivacaine 0.75% provides better analgesia than bupivacaine 0.5% after knee arthroscopic surgery. Level I. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transcatheter closure of recurrent aortic pseudoaneurysm previously treated by Amplatzer occluder device.
Thoracic pseudoaneurysms are a rare variety of aortic disorders that are potentially fatal. Traditionally, these are treated surgically. False aneurysms are usually a late complication of a previous surgical procedure. Surgical management is often complicated by poor outcomes with high morbidity and mortality. We report a patient with recurrence of an aortic pseudoaneurysm after closure with an Amplatzer (AGA Medical Corp, Plymouth, NH) septal occluder that was successfully treated with a second Amplatzer device. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neurons in rostral ventrolateral medulla mediate vestibular inhibition of locus coeruleus in rats.
The effects of caloric vestibular stimulation on the central noradrenergic neurons system were examined in the rat. In urethane-anesthetized rats, caloric stimulation inhibited the spontaneous activity of noradrenergic locus coeruleus neurons and increased systemic blood pressure. Electrical and chemical lesions in the ventrolateral medulla attenuated both the locus coeruleus inhibition and the blood pressure increase in response to caloric stimulation. Neither the neuronal inhibition nor the pressor effect was attenuated by any deafferentation of the forebrain or baroreceptors, or lesioning of the nucleus tractus solitarius. These findings indicate that the caloric stimulation-induced locus coeruleus inhibition is mediated by neurons in the ventrolateral medulla, and that these neurons also mediate the vestibulo-pressor responses. The locus coeruleus inhibition via the ventrolateral medulla is, however, considered to be independent of ventrolateral medulla-mediated systemic pressor effect. Collectively these findings suggest that the ventrolateral medulla is the major origin of inhibitory vestibular input to the noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus, and that the ventrolateral medulla plays an important role in the vestibulo-autonomic response. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Myokymia and facial contraction in multiple sclerosis.
Continuous unilateral facial myokymia and facial contraction occurred in a patient with multiple sclerosis and there was subsequent resolution of these abnormalities. I compare abnormal facial movements of this type with those caused by other neurological diseases and discuss the possible mechanism of myokymia in diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Protective effect of hypoxia on bisphosphonate‑related bone cell damage.
Bisphosphonates (BPs) are widely used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. However, there have been numerous reports of side effects of BPs, including osteonecrosis of the jaw. In the present study, we investigated whether hypoxia inhibits BP-induced apoptosis, and examined the mechanisms of this inhibition. The cell viability of the MG 63 human osteoblast-like cell line treated with the nitrogen-containing (N)-BPs alendronate, risedronate and zoledronate was investigated, and hypoxia was assessed by crystal violet staining and the MTT assay, and by observing cell morphology. The effect of N-BPs and hypoxia on apoptotic cell signaling was evaluated using Western blotting, immunocytochemistry and the TUNEL assay. The results of crystal violet staining and the MTT and TUNEL assays showed that the N-BPs inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in MG 63 cells. Hypoxia significantly prevented N-BP-induced MG 63 cell apoptosis, and also attenuated BP-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation and BCL-xL reduction. Hypoxia prevented BP-induced cell damage by blocking JNK phosphorylation and by regulating the BCL-xL protein. Thus, hypoxia or hypoxia-related genes, including hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, may be a potential therapy for BP-related side effects such as osteonecrosis of the jaw. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effect of stress on salivary metal ion content in orthodontic patients.
Psychological stress can alter the environment in favor of corrosion of orthodontic alloys by changing the properties of saliva. This study aimed to assess the effect of stress induction on salivary nickel and chromium content in fixed orthodontic patients. Thirty patients were enrolled in this experiment. Saliva sample collection was performed at four time points: T1, before insertion of orthodontic appliances; T2, 3 months after the initiation of orthodontic treatment, before induction of stress; T3, 15 min following the induction of stress by Trier Social Stress Test; and T4, 30 min following the induction of stress. Ion content was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The obtained data were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Bonferroni test. The mean amount of salivary nickel increased from 11.9 ± 5.1 μg/L at T1 to 14.1 ± 5.3 μg/L at T4. This increase was found significant only at T4 comparing to T1. The average salivary chromium content changed from 4.1 ± 2.3 μg/L at T1 to 5.1 ± 3.3 μg/L at T4. None of the differences were significant for chromium. In conclusion, induction of stress in this study led to a significant increase in nickel release from orthodontic appliances into saliva. The salivary chromium content however was not significantly altered, yet gradually increased. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Tuneable semi-synthetic network alginate for absorptive encapsulation and controlled release of protein therapeutics.
Stimuli-responsive hydrogels swell or contract in response to external pH, ionic strength or temperature, and are of considerable interest as pharmaceutical controlled release devices. Alginate, a mucoadhesive biopolymer, was used as building block in the semi-synthesis of a tetra-functional acetal-linked networked polymer (SNAP) with carboxylate moieties preserved as stimuli-responsive sensors and tuneable pore sizes larger than the hydrodynamic radius of model molecules ranging between 1 and 540 kDa. Based on the diffusion coefficients calculated from protein uptake experiments, the networked polymer with pre-designed pore size of 80 nm can allow vitamin B(12), lysozyme, subtilisin, insulin, albumin, and urease to diffuse freely into the hydrogel with diffusivity ratio of D(gel)/D(water) (diffusion coefficients in hydrogel to water) between 0.60 and 0.95. Drying was applied as post-fabrication modification to alter/control the diffusional properties of the gel matrix. Together with the pH-responsive swelling properties, SNAP granules containing acid-labile protein therapeutics such as insulin showed protective characteristics by retaining collapsed/compact state in gastric environment (pH˜1.2) while swelling in neutral pH to release the bioactives at near zero-order kinetics. SNAP, a new class of tuneable biomaterial, can be semi-synthesized with desired pore properties, which when applied with the absorptive encapsulation technique, can serve as a technology platform for oral delivery of biomolecules with wide range of molecular sizes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Circular dichroism of 1,3-dioxane-type (2'-naphthyl)methylene acetals of glycosides.
The CD spectra are reported for a series of 1,3-dioxane-type 4,6-O-(2'-naphthyl)methylene acetals of carbohydrates with and without interacting aromatic protective groups on the C-1, C-2, and C-3 hydroxy groups. In the absence of interacting chromophores, the signs of the (1)B transitions are not sensitive to the configuration of C-4, while the signs of the weak (1)L(a) bands are opposite in the galacto and gluco derivatives. The equatorial parallel conformation is found to be the preferred conformation of the 2-naphthyl group in the solid state by X-ray diffraction. The intense (1)B(a) and (1)B(b) transitions of the naphthalene chromophore allowed a safe configurational assignment by exciton coupled interaction with the aromatic protective groups in para-methoxyphenyl-beta-D-glycosides. The origin of the observed CEs were deduced and the additivity of the interactions was studied. The direction of the hydrogenolytic cleavage of 4,6-O-(2'-naphthyl)methylene acetal of carbohydrates could also be detected by the (1)B(b) transition of the 2-naphthyl chromophore. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Strikebound: a dispute involving hospital linen.
On September 6, 1984, industrial bans were placed on the movement of linen within The Royal Melbourne Hospital. Initially, linen was stored in ward areas and, later, on hospital balconies. The dispute was not settled for 14 days; by this time, 25 beds and the Emergency Department had been closed. Stockpiled "soiled" and "infectious" linen bags posed a major safety risk. Once the bans were lifted, linen was removed and laundered under supervision, according to a carefully planned programme, in order to minimize the exposure of patients and staff members to potential cross-infection. Recommendations are made to cover infection control aspects associated with industrial disputes of this nature. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of ATP-MgCl2 administration in hypovolemic dogs.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of ATP-MgCl2 on myocardial insufficiency associated with hypovolemic shock in dogs. We designed the study as a controlled randomized study. Six mixed-breed dogs weighing 22 +/- 3 kg were included in the control group and 20 +/- 3 kg in the ATP-MgCl2 group. After the animals were anesthetized 40 ml/kg of blood was withdrawn in 15 minutes. Animals were observed for 45 minutes after removal of blood. Six animals received 45 ml/kg of lactated Ringer's solution and the other animals were treated with 45 ml/kg of lactated Ringer's solution and ATP-MgCl2. All measurements were made before removal of blood, 45 min after exsanguination and at 1 hour intervals for 3 hours. The following parameters were measured; systemic and pulmonary arterial pressures, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, central venous pressure, cardiac output, rectal temperature, arterial pH, PCO2 and PO2 and mixed venous hemoglobin oxygen saturation. In addition blood samples were collected for the analysis of lactate and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) concentrations. After hemorrhage, cardiac index (CI) decreased significantly from 122 +/- 9 to 52 +/- 9 ml/kg/min in the control group (p < 0.0001) and from 124 +/- 11 ml/kg/min to 50 +/- 6 ml/kg/min in the ATP-MgCl2 group, respectively (p < 0.0001). After volume replacement, Cl was 93 +/- 6 ml/kg/min in the control group and 111 +/- 4 ml/kg/min in the ATP-MgCl2 group 3 hours after the onset of reinfusion, respectively (p < 0.05). TNF was 36 +/- 5 pg/ml in the control group and 21 +/- 3 pg/ml in the ATP-MgCl2 group (p < 0.05). Three hours after the onset of hemorrhagic shock, oxygen consumption and delivery were 126 +/- 14 and 206 +/- 19 ml/min in the control group and 198 +/- 16 and 305 +/- 27 ml/min in the ATP-MgCl2 group, respectively. At the same time point the oxygen extraction ratio was 0.49 +/- 0.04 in the control group and 0.61 +/- 0.03 in the ATP-MgCl2 group (p < 0.01). Hemorrhagic shock causes TNF release which may cause multiple organ failure. Organ dysfunction still persists even after the appropriate treatment. ATP-MgCl2 attenuates the release of TNF which may improve the adverse effects of hemorrhagic shock. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Giant racemose subarachnoid and intraventricular neurocysticercosis: A case report].
Neurocysticercosis is the most frequent parasitic disease of the central nervous system. It is caused by the larvae of Taenia solium, which can affect different anatomical sites. In Spain there is an increasing prevalence mainly due to immigration from endemic areas. The extraparenchymal forms are less common, but more serious because they usually develop complications. Neuroimaging plays a major role in the diagnosis and follow-up of this disease, supported by serology and a compatible clinical and epidemiological context. First-line treatments are cysticidal drugs such as albendazole and praziquantel, usually coadministered with corticosteroids, and in some cases surgery is indicated. We here report a case of neurocysticercosis with simultaneous intraventricular and giant racemose subarachnoid involvement. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A glucose tolerance study in the 12 months postpartum in patients with gestational diabetes].
It has been reported that patients with gestational diabetes have a considerable long term risk of developing diabetes mellitus. Glucose tolerance was studied in the 12 months following birth in 155 patients diagnosed by the authors as having gestational diabetes and followed during pregnancy. It was observed that in 48% of the patients alterations persisted (33% glucose intolerance and 15% diabetes mellitus). Glucose tolerance during gestation and the perinatal results were retrospectively analyzed with a relation with the postpartum reclassification being observed. It was estimated that the percentage of alterations in glucose tolerance persisting postpartum is extremely high, suggesting the need for this test with a double objective: the reclassification of gestational diabetes and the early detection of glucose intolerance and diabetes mellitus. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Urinary protein profiling by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry: ADAM28 is overexpressed in bladder transitional cell carcinoma.
Bladder cancer is the most common urological cancer with higher incidence rate in the endemic areas of Blackfoot disease (BFD) in southern Taiwan. The aim of this study was to utilize the proteomic approach to establish urinary protein patterns of bladder cancer. The experimental results showed that most patients with bladder cancer had proteinuria or albuminuria. The urine arsenic concentrations of bladder cancer patients in BFD areas were significantly higher than those patients from non-BFD areas. In the proteomic analysis, the urinary proteome was identified by nano-high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (nano-HPLC/ESI-MS/MS) followed by peptide fragmentation pattern analysis. We categorized 2782 unique proteins of which 89 proteins were identified with at least three unique matching peptide sequences. Among these 89 proteins, thirteen of them were not found in the control group and may represent proteins specific for bladder cancer. In this study, three proteins, SPINK5, ADAM28 and PTP1, were also confirmed by Western blotting and showed significant differential expression compared with the control group. ADAM28 may be used as a possible biomarker of bladder cancer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Thiazolidine derivatives as potent inhibitors specific for prolyl endopeptidase.
A series of N-blocked L-proline-containing compounds and their derivatives were synthesized. Their inhibitory activities for prolyl endopeptidase from bovine brain were examined and compared with that of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-prolyl-L-prolinal, which is the most effective enzyme inhibitor hitherto reported. Introduction of a sulfur atom into pyrrolidine ring quite effectively increased the inhibitory activity: replacement of pyrrolidine with thiazolidine or thiazolidine aldehyde (thioprolinal) and conversion of L-proline to L-thioproline residue resulted in increase in the inhibitory activity. Thus, N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-thioprolyl-thiazolidine (Z-Thiopro-thiazolidine) and Z-L-Thiopro-L-thioprolinal showed Ki values of 0.36 and 0.01 nM, respectively, for prolyl endopeptidase from bovine brain; both values were significantly lower than that of Z-Pro-prolinal (Ki, 3.7 nM). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fever: a novelty among the symptoms accompanying migraine attacks in children.
Our casistic of 1787 children with headache, is made up of 943 males (53%) and 844 females (47%) aged 3-14 years. 1724 had primary headache. To make a precise diagnosis of primary headache, all the children have been subjected to a rigorous anamnesis, physical and diagnostic examination (blood, urine test, head x-rays-scans, sight test with cat's eyes). Symptoms that frequently accompany headache are: phono-photophobia, (47%), pallor (43%) nausea (41%) vomit (31%) intolerance to movement (40%) and fever (9%). We especially focused on fever which presented together with migraine in 156 (9%) of the 1724 subjects examined. Headache is an important syndrome and frequent in early childhood. Actually the hypothesis used to explain the etiopathogenetic mechanism is based on a disregulation of the neurotransmitters like serotonin, catecholamine and the prostaglandins. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Direction-dependent resistance to flow in the endplate of the intervertebral disc: an ex vivo study.
A comparison of the higher hydrostatic pressure in the nucleus of the healthy intervertebral disc during daily loading with the relatively lower osmotic swelling pressure in the disc during rest suggests the existence of direction-dependent flow resistance such that all of the fluid exuded from the disc during loading is recovered during rest. In this study, this direction-dependent resistance was demonstrated for flows through the cartilage endplates and the underlying marrow contact channels in the bony endplates. Using an ex vivo sheep endplate model, the resistance ratio (Rout/Rin) for flow through the endplate was 39.0+/-3.8 (mean +/- S.E.). In addition, a path of fluid flow through the marrow contact holes was revealed using fluorescent staining. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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