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Identification of archaeal genes encoding a novel stationary phase-response protein.
A novel stationary phase-response protein has been identified in the acid-soluble protein extract of the thermophilic archaeon, Thermococcus zilligii. N-Terminal sequencing data were used to identify likely genes for homologues of the protein in the complete genome sequences of various archaeal species. The corresponding genes were identified and analysed. The genes encode a protein ranging from 83 to 92 amino acids in length, with a calculated pI ranging from 4.6 to 9.7. The amino acid sequences of the genes were highly conserved, even between members belonging to the different archaeal kingdoms. The computed secondary structure of the protein indicates it consists of four large helical regions separated by short coiled regions. We propose this protein as a candidate regulator of gene expression in stationary phase. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Further observation of paternal transmission of Drosophila mitochondrial DNA by PCR selective amplification method.
By designing 3' ends of primers in PCR (polymerase chain reaction), a specific DNA fragment was selectively amplified in the presence of a 10(3)-fold excess of highly homologous (sequence difference ca. 2%) opponent DNA. This technique was applied in detecting paternal leakage of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in intraspecific crosses of Drosophila simulans and interspecific crosses of Drosophila simulans and Drosophila mauritiana. The mtDNA types of their progeny were analysed by selective amplification of the paternal mtDNA fragment possessing a polymorphic restriction site and detecting its cleaved fragments. Paternal mtDNA was detected in the progeny of 14 out of 16 crosses. The present result indicates small but frequent inheritance of sperm mtDNA in Drosophila, which is supportive to our previous finding. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In vitro dentinal penetration by tracers used in microleakage studies.
Many microleakage studies, in their methodology, employ different tracers which may penetrate around restorative materials to varying extents due to their physical or chemical characteristics. The present series of in vitro studies were designed to compare the ability of freshly obtained microleakage tracers to enter cut dentinal tubules. Tracers selected were 5% eosin, 2% methylene blue, 50% silver nitrate and Indian ink all buffered, where necessary, to a range of pH 6.9-7.2. The solution of Indian ink was further investigated by particle size analysis to determine the range of particle sizes within the solution. Particles ranged from < 1 micron to 600 microns. Buffered and unbuffered solutions of the tracers were applied for 1 h to open cavities, devoid of a smear layer, prepared in 42 premolars. Specimens were sectioned longitudinally through the cavities either with or without water coolant. Penetration into dentinal tubules by the tracer resulted in an area of stained dentine and this area was subsequently measured using image analysis. The results demonstrated that there were few statistically significant differences between the areas of dentinal penetration associated with each tracer. Neither the tracer used, its pH nor sectioning technique had a predictably significant effect on dentinal penetration. Indian ink was observed to be capable of entering dentinal tubules. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Maintenance of normal platelet mass in anemic Belgrade rats and their response to iron.
The Belgrade (b/b) rat has severe hypochromic, microcytic anemia accompanied by mild thrombocytopenia and a 49% reduction in megakaryocytes (MKs). The platelet counts are decreased only 34%, but relative platelet size measured by two independent methods averages 50% greater than controls. Thus, the platelet mass of the b/b rat is within the normal range. The marrow MK progenitors (MK colony-forming units, CFU-MK) respond linearly to increased colony-stimulating activity in vitro, but they are reduced 68% and form smaller colonies than normal. Flow cytometric analysis of MK ploidy indicates that significantly more MKs are distributed into the low and high ploidy classes compared with the normal, and the mean ploidy is similar. The b/b rat maintains effective thrombocytopoiesis in spite of a severe reduction in MK progenitors, primarily by an increased rate of maturation of the endomitotic compartment. Iron treatment partially arrests the b/b anemia and is associated with a significant increase in CFU-MK, a normalized MK ploidy distribution, and a significant decrease in platelet size. The favorable response to iron therapy suggests that the megakaryocytopenia is secondary to the severe anemia and results from stem cell commitment to the erythroid lineage. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Crystal structure of the human monoacylglycerol lipase, a key actor in endocannabinoid signaling.
2-Arachidonoylglycerol plays a major role in endocannabinoid signaling, and is tightly regulated by the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). Here we report the crystal structure of human MAGL. The protein crystallizes as a dimer, and despite structural homologies to haloperoxidases and esterases, it distinguishes itself by a wide and hydrophobic access to the catalytic site. An apolar helix covering the active site also gives structural insight into the amphitropic character of MAGL, and likely explains how MAGL interacts with membranes to recruit its substrate. Docking of 2-arachidonoylglycerol highlights a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic cavity that accommodate the lipid into the catalytic site. Moreover, we identified Cys201 as the crucial residue in MAGL inhibition by N-arachidonylmaleimide, a sulfhydryl-reactive compound. Beside the advance in the knowledge of endocannabinoids degradation routes, the structure of MAGL paves the way for future medicinal chemistry works aimed at the design of new drugs exploiting 2-arachidonoylglycerol transmission. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
High yield of podophyllotoxin from leaves of Podophyllum peltatum by in situ conversion of podophyllotoxin 4- O-beta-D-glucopyranoside.
Rehydration of powdered tissues of Podophyllum peltatum L. prior to extraction with an organic solvent allows endogenous beta-glucosidases to hydrolyze lignan 4-O-beta-D-glucosides in situ and increase the yield of podophyllotoxin. Aqueous extraction of rhizomes and leaves of P. peltatum yielded 4- to 10-fold greater quantities of podophyllotoxin than the traditional ethanolic extraction. Most significantly, leaves were shown to contain over 52 mg of podophyllotoxin per g of dry weight (5.2%), exceeding levels previously reported from any source. These results point to the use of leaves harvested from cultivated P. peltatum as an attractive alternative to the destructive collection of natural populations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Distribution of enkephalin and its relation to serotonin in cat and monkey spinal cord and brain stem.
The distribution of enkephalin (ENK)-like immunoreactivity (LI) in spinal cord and medulla oblongata of cat and gray monkey (Macaca fascicularis) was studied by use of immunofluorescence and peroxidase antiperoxidase (PAP) techniques. Possible coexistence between ENK- and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-LI was also analyzed with double labeling immunofluorescence. Furthermore, in situ hybridization was used to demonstrate cell bodies in the brain stem expressing mRNA encoding for ENK. ENK-immunoreactive (IR) axonal varicosities and fibers were demonstrated throughout the spinal cord gray matter, with the highest density in the superficial dorsal horn, the area around the central canal, the intermediolateral cell column, the sacral parasympathetic nucleus, and in Onuf's nucleus. In the monkey ventral horn, ENK-IR varicose fibers could in some cases be demonstrated in very close apposition to cell bodies. A low degree of co-localization between ENK- and 5-HT-LI was seen in the spinal cord of both species. Still, fibers containing both compounds could as a rule be demonstrated in every section studied. The highest degree of coexistence was encountered in the motor nucleus of the ventral horn. Six weeks after a low thoracic spinal cord transection a decreased staining for ENK-LI was demonstrated in the ventral horn motor nucleus, whereas other parts of the spinal cord appeared unaffected. In the brain stem of cats after colchicine treatment, ENK-LI was found in a majority of the 5-HT-IR cell bodies in the raphe nuclei (nucleus raphe magnus, pallidus and obscurus) and in the lateral reticular nucleus (rostroventrolateral reticular nucleus). In cat not pretreated with colchicine, a few weakly stained ENK-IR cell bodies could be found in the midline raphe nuclei and in the lateral reticular nucleus with the PAP technique. In the monkey brain stem without colchicine treatment, using the PAP technique, heavily stained ENK-IR cell bodies could be seen in the lateral reticular nucleus whereas, as in the cat, only a few, weakly stained ENK-IR cell bodies could be seen in the midline raphe nuclei. Using in situ hybridization technique, ENK mRNA expressing cells were demonstrated in the lateral reticular nucleus while no convincing mRNA signal could be found over cell bodies in the raphe nuclei. It is concluded that part of the ENKergic innervation of the cord in both species derives from supraspinal or suprasegmental levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ascorbic acid synthesis and concentrations in organs of copper-deficient and brindled mice.
Copper deficiency was studied in mice to investigate an interaction between copper and ascorbic acid. Twelve-day-old mutant brindled mice that exhibited signs of copper deficiency were compared to their normal brothers as well as to age-matched suckling mice that were copper deficient (-Cu) because their dams were consuming a copper-deficient diet throughout gestation and lactation, and a fourth group of copper-supplemented ( + Cu) suckling mice that served as dietary controls. Dietary copper deficiency was also produced in older mice by beginning the treatment at birth and continuing for 7 wk. Organ ascorbate levels were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Differences caused by diet and genetics were evident but age-dependent. Compared to controls, liver and kidney ascorbate levels did not change remarkably in young or old copper-deficient mice. Cardiac ascorbate levels were higher in 7-wk-old - Cu mice and lower in 12-d-old - Cu mice, despite hypertrophy in both cases. Spleen ascorbate levels were lower in older -Cu mice and higher in 12-d-old mice, but total spleen ascorbate reflected the hypertrophic and atrophic size in the older and younger -Cu mice, respectively. Brindled mutants had an extremely low level of ascorbate in spleen. Plasma ascorbate was lower in 7-wk-old - Cu mice. Reasons for the alterations in ascorbate levels are not known. Synthesis in liver from D-glucuronate was not altered by dietary copper deficiency in 7-wk-old mice. Synthesis was lower in livers from 12-d-old - Cu and brindled mice compared to control values. However, the difference correlated better with body weight of the mice rather than with degree of copper deficiency. Consequences of the altered organ levels of ascorbate in copper-deficient mice are not completely known. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Promoting antimicrobial stewardship: using video tools for junior doctors' induction.
Antimicrobial prescribing is linked to key issues in infection control and patient safety. This article presents a novel video tool for junior doctors promoting antimicrobial stewardship, and thus safe antimicrobial prescribing, through improved awareness of local information technology systems. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Current perspectives on the diagnosis and management of patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndromes.
Patients with MEN 2A, MEN 2B, and familial non-MEN medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) inherit MTC in an autosomal dominant fashion. This malignancy has been diagnosed previously by detecting elevated plasma calcitonin levels, a tumor marker for MTC, following the intravenous administration of secretagogues. Although the study of large pedigrees with MEN 2A, using highly informative flanking markers and linkage analysis, are highly accurate in predicting the inheritance of the disease, the method is indirect and somewhat cumbersome. Mutations in the RET proto-oncogene have been identified independently in patients with MEN 2A and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma. Even though the RET mutations are inherited with disease, there is no direct evidence that the mutations cause the MEN 2 syndromes. The usefulness of molecular methods in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with these syndromes is discussed, and a strategy for deciding operative intervention is presented. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Passive and active mechanisms trap activated CD8+ T cells in the liver.
The liver is a site where activated CD8(+) T cells are trapped and destroyed at the end of an immune response. The intrahepatic accumulation of activated murine TCR transgenic CD8(+) T cells was significantly reduced when either ICAM-1 or VCAM-1 was blocked by specific Ab. These two adhesion mechanisms account for essentially all the trapping of activated CD8(+) T cells in the mouse liver. Although the ICAM-1-mediated trapping depends on the capacity of the vasculature and/or the parenchymal cells to present Ag, the accumulation of cells through VCAM-1 does not require Ag recognition. Thus, Ags expressed by the non-bone marrow-derived cells in the liver actively cause CD8(+) T cell accumulation through TCR-activated ICAM-1 adhesion, but the liver can also passively sequester activated CD8(+) T cells that do not recognize intrahepatic Ag, through VCAM-1 adhesion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Selective and Sensitive Monitoring of Cerebral Antioxidants Based on the Dye-Labeled DNA/Polydopamine Conjugates.
A simple and novel method for evaluating antioxidants in complex biological fluids has been developed based on the interaction of dye-labeled single-strand DNA (ssDNA) and polydopamine (PDA). Due to the interaction between ssDNA and PDA, the fluorescence of dye-labeled ssDNA (e.g., FITC-ssDNA, as donor) can be quenched by PDA (as acceptor) to the fluorescence "off" state through Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). However, in the presence of various antioxidants, such as glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (AA), cysteine (Cys), and homocysteine (Hcys), the spontaneous oxidative polymerization reaction from DA to PDA would be blocked, resulting in the freedom of FITC-ssDNA and leading to the fluorescence "on" state. The sensing system shows great sensitivity for the monitoring of antioxidants in a fluorescent "turn on" format. The new strategy also exhibits great selectivity and is free from the interferences of amino acids, metal ions and the biological species commonly existing in brain systems. Moreover, by combining the microdialysis technique, the present method has been successfully applied to monitor the dynamic changes of the striatum antioxidants in rat cerebrospinal microdialysates during the normal/ischemia/reperfusion process. This work establishes an effective platform for in vivo monitoring antioxidants in cerebral ischemia model, and promises new opportunities for the research of brain chemistry, neuroprotection, physiological, and pathological events. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Deciphering the Origin of Stereoinduction in Cooperative Asymmetric Catalysis Involving Pd(II) and a Chiral Brønsted Acid.
The density functional (M06) computations on a cooperative multicatalytic reaction involving palladium acetate and a chiral Brønsted acid in the conversion of an indenyl cyclobutanol to spirocyclic indene bearing a quaternary carbon ring junction are reported. A chiral Pd-bis-phosphate is identified as the active catalyst in the enantioselective ring expansion as compared to alternative possibilities wherein the chiral phosphate/phosphoric acid is in the outer sphere of palladium. The enantiocontrolling transition state exhibited more effective C-H···π interactions, lower distortion of the catalyst, and an orthogonal orientation of the bulky phosphate ligands. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hypertension and primary myocardial disease in congestive cardiac failure.
This study has tried to use end diastolic diameter the index of chamber dilatation to discriminate between hypertensive heart failure and diluted cardiomyopathy as both conditions are known to overlap in cases of congestive cardiac failure. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value was 66.7%, 68% and 66.7% respectively. This means that alone, end diastolic diameter is not a very acute discriminator in cases where an overlap as shown in the figure occurs. It is therefore necessary to use all discriminatory indices in combination to get better accuracy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
TNF-alpha inhibits BMP-induced osteoblast differentiation through activating SAPK/JNK signaling.
The cellular mechanism by which TNF-alpha inhibits osteoblastic differentiation induced by BMPs was investigated using mouse myoblast C2C12 cells expressing functional BMP receptors and Smad signaling molecules except ALK-6. Osteoblast transformation in response to BMP-2 was morphologically suppressed by TNF-alpha. Expression of biological markers for osteoblasts including Runx2 and osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase activity, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) responsiveness shown by PTH-induced cAMP production were readily activated by BMP-2, -4, -6, and -7. The BMP-induced osteoblastic phenotype was dose-dependently inhibited by TNF-alpha. BMP-induced Smad1,5,8 phosphorylation of C2C12 cells was suppressed by TNF-alpha signaling. In addition, cDNA array analysis showed an increased expression of inhibitory Smad6 by TNF-alpha. MAP kinase analysis showed that ERK1/ERK2 and SAPK/JNK phosphorylation were selectively activated by TNF-alpha regardless of the presence of BMP ligands. BMPs had no effect on expression levels of TNF type 1 and 2 receptors. Notably, inhibition of SAPK/JNK restored TNF-alpha effects on BMP-induced osteoblast differentiation demonstrated by Id-1-promoter activity as well as Runx2 and osteocalcin mRNA levels. Collectively, TNF-alpha elicits BMP-induced osteogenic inhibition by suppressing BMP-Smad signaling pathway, at least in part, through SAPK/JNK activation and Smad6 upregulation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Infectious endocarditis. Role of surgical therapy].
The problem of infectious endocarditis (IE) is approached through a review of personal experience. The series examined consists of patients, 17 with active and 21 dormant infection. Furthermore 12 in the first group, 18 in the second had natural heart valves, while 5 in group I, 3 in group II had been given artificial ones. After an analysis of the aetiopathogenic, clinical and diagnostic aspects of the condition with emphasis on the fact that Staphylococcus aureus is currently more responsible for infections in natural valves and the epidermidis for acute prosthesis infections which have a higher early and late mortality rate (40% in hospital, 33.3% long-term), the paper discusses the criteria for surgical intervention. In line with opinions expressed in the literature, it is pointed out that, while the patient's haemodynamic status is certainly the main criterion for any decision, other factors such as embolism, impaired conduction, kidney failure and expansion of the infection to contiguous tissues, should not be under-estimated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The natural history of perforated marginal ulcers after gastric bypass surgery.
Although perforated marginal ulcers (pMU) following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) represent a surgical emergency, the epidemiology and outcome of this condition is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate incidence of pMU following RYGB and assess the natural history of this complication. The SPARCS administrative database was used to identify patients undergoing RYGB between 2005 and 2010. With the use of a unique identifier, we followed patients up to 2014 for subsequent admission and re-intervention (repair or revision) for perforated MU. Groups were compared using Chi square tests with exact p values based on Monte Carlo simulation, t test with unequal variances, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test when appropriate. We identified 35,080 RYGB patients; 292 patients (0.83%) developed pMU 937 (443-1546) days following RYGB [Median (Q1-Q3)]. Among these 292 patients, tobacco use was present in one-third of patients. Repair of the perforation was performed in 115 patients, while anastomotic revision was reported in 64. Patients who underwent revision were more likely to have respiratory complications. Hospital length of stay was significantly longer for patients managed with RYGB revision (Median, Q1-Q3:7, 5-14, vs 6, 4-7, days, p = 0.001). Recurrence of marginal ulcer was common after either intervention (26.09% for repair and 29.69% for revision, p = 0.726). Following RYGB, the incidence of pMU is small. Anastomotic revision for pMU is associated with prolonged length of stay compared to repair alone. Importantly, recurrence after intervention of pMU is common, suggesting possible value of a routine surveillance program for patients following pMU. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Structural characteristics of Abies fabri forests at the upper reach of Yangtze River].
The structural characteristics of Abies fabri forest under different succession stages in Gongga Mountains at the upper reach of Yangtze River were studied. The results showed that in the mature Abies fabri forest, there existed abundant seeds and a few saplings of Abies fabri younger than 20 years, but only Abies fabri was the dominant regeneration species. In the poplar-fir mixed forest, the height growth of poplar and birch was very fast during first 30 years, and poplar and birch dominated rapidly over the canopy. Abies fabri had a lower growth rate and a strong shade-tolerance in its first growth stage, and could replace other tree species gradually. The cycle of mud-rock flow occurrence was above 100 years in the Gongga montane areas from elevation of 2800 to 3200 m. After mud-rock flow, poplar and birch often occurred and dominated, and there were only a small number of Abies fabri saplings in slash. Under natural condition, to recover Abies fabri forest would demand a long time, but this process could be controlled and improved by human activities. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Circumvention of P-glycoprotein-mediated multiple drug resistance by phosphorylation modulators is independent of protein kinases.
Expression of P-glycoprotein by tumor cells confers resistance to multiple natural product drugs because of its ability to export these compounds. This transporter is a substrate for several protein kinases; however, the functional significance of its phosphorylation is not defined. We examined the effects of many activators and inhibitors of protein kinases on the activity of P-glycoprotein in drug-resistant human breast carcinoma cells (MCF-7/ADR). Several phorbol esters sensitized these cells to P-glycoprotein substrate drugs; however, there was no correlation with activation of protein kinase C. The 4 alpha- and 4 beta-isomers of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate were equally potent in sensitizing the cells to actinomycin D and daunomycin and in increasing the intracellular accumulation of [3H]vinblastine. These effects of 4 beta-phorbol myristate acetate required much higher concentrations than were needed to increase P-glycoprotein phosphorylation and were not antagonized by staurosporine. Similar to verapamil, the phorbol esters did not sensitize MCF-7/ADR cells to cisplatin, nor parental MCF-7 cells to any of the anticancer drugs. Mezerein, K-252a, and H-89 sensitized MCF-7/ADR cells, increased intracellular accumulation of [3H]vinblastine, and antagonized photolabeling of P-glycoprotein by [3H]azidopine. Therefore, phosphorylation does not appear to play a significant role in regulating P-glycoprotein activity in MCF-7/ADR cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Corneal topography of phase III excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy. Optical zone centration analysis. Summit Photorefractive Keratectomy Topography Study Group.
To determine the amount of optical zone decentration in patients who have undergone excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and assess associations of both decentration and optical zone size with clinical outcomes. Optical zone centration in 185 patients after PRK was analyzed using computer-assisted videokeratography. A comparison of decentration among the five study centers was performed. Associations of clinical outcomes with procedure decentration and optical zone size were assessed. Decentration from the pupil center ranged from 0.00 to 1.44 mm (mean, 0.46 mm): 21.8% were decentered 0.25 mm or less, 42.5% > 0.25 mm and < or = 0.50 mm, and 97.1% < or = 1.00 mm. In both eyes, the average decentration from the pupil center was located inferonasally. Decentrations among the five study centers were significantly different. Decentration was associated with attempted refractive correction, change in keratometric cylinder, and patient satisfaction. There was a trend toward worse postoperative uncorrected visual acuity with greater decentration but no association with best-corrected vision, predictability, or refractive astigmatism. No significant relation was found between decentration and glare/halo ranking; however, three of six patients with 1.00 mm or greater of decentration demonstrated a high glare/halo grade. Although optical zone size was not associated with glare or halo, subjective patient satisfaction was greater with a 5.0-mm optical zone than with a 4.5-mm optical zone. Centration is an important surgeon-controlled variable in excimer laser PRK. Decentration of excimer laser refractive procedures was found to be nonrandom and may be influenced by preoperative pupil management. Moreover, the amount of decentration may influence clinical outcomes. Improved techniques and centering procedures on nonmiotic pupils may improve future results. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transitions Study of predictors of illness progression in young people with mental ill health: study methodology.
An estimated 75% of mental disorders begin before the age of 24 and approximately 25% of 13-24-year-olds are affected by mental disorders at any one time. To better understand and ideally prevent the onset of post-pubertal mental disorders, a clinical staging model has been proposed that provides a longitudinal perspective of illness development. This heuristic model takes account of the differential effects of both genetic and environmental risk factors, as well as markers relevant to the stage of illness, course or prognosis. The aim of the Transitions Study is to test empirically the assumptions that underpin the clinical staging model. Additionally, it will permit investigation of a range of psychological, social and genetic markers in terms of their capacity to define current clinical stage or predict transition from less severe or enduring to more severe and persistent stages of mental disorder. This paper describes the study methodology, which involves a longitudinal cohort design implemented within four headspace youth mental health services in Australia. Participants are young people aged 12-25 years who have sought help at headspace and consented to complete a comprehensive assessment of clinical state and psychosocial risk factors. A total of 802 young people (66% female) completed baseline assessments. Annual follow-up assessments have commenced. The results of this study may have implications for the way mental disorders are diagnosed and treated, and progress our understanding of the pathophysiologies of complex mental disorders by identifying genetic or psychosocial markers of illness stage or progression. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The role of Chinese traditional medical practice as a form of health care in Singapore--IV. Physicians in private practice.
Although the government of the Republic of Singapore do not give official recognition to the estimated 1000 Chinese physicians in the country, these practitioners of traditional herbal medicine still enjoy the patronage of a certain segment of the population, 76% of whom are ethnically Chinese. In an earlier paper, we have reported on the characteristics of Chinese physicians who volunteer their service for institutions that provide Chinese traditional health care in Singapore. This complementary paper reports the findings of a survey of 55 physicians who run their own private practice about whom, prior to our study, very little was known. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Targeting the Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II by Tetrandrine in human liver cancer cells.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent malignancy in liver and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Despite the pressing need for treatment options, patients with HCC develop significant resistance and adverse side effects to current approved drugs that becomes a major barrier to effective treatment. A natural product Tetrandrine (TET) is a potential alternative treatment option for HCC, with demonstrated effectiveness and low toxicity. However, the mechanisms by which Tetrandrine inhibits HCC are unclear. In the current study, we identify Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II δ (CaMKIIδ) as a potential TET drug target through structural modeling. Screening of a panel of HCC cell lines reveal differential sensitivities toward TET treatment. Interestingly, IC50 of TET inhibition of HCC cell proliferation is positively correlated with CaMKIIδ expression level in these distinct HCC cells. Furthermore, TET treatment resulted in a marked reduction of CaMKIIδ phosphorylation level, and knockdown of CaMKIIδ reduced the sensitivity of HCC cells to TET. Most importantly, CaMKIIδ protein levels in high-grade human HCC samples were significantly elevated as compared to normal liver tissues. Taken together, our studies demonstrate that the natural compound TET targets CaMKIIδ in HCC cells, and that CaMKIIδ level is a potential biomarker to identify HCC patient populations sensitive to Tetrandrine treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Implications of the angiographic string sign in carotid atherosclerosis.
We identified 60 patients (42 men and 18 women with an average age of 62.6 years) with angiographically documented carotid stenoses of greater than or equal to 95%; a string sign was demonstrated in 28. Twenty of the 60 patients (33%) were asymptomatic on presentation, 26 (43%) had hemispheric transient ischemic attacks, 21 (35%) had amaurosis fugax, and nine (15%) had previous ipsilateral infarctions. Demographics, mode of presentation, and prevalence of atherosclerotic risk factors were not significantly different between patients with and without a string sign. Doppler frequencies recorded in patients with a string sign were less than 6 or greater than 16 KHz. Real-time ultrasonography imaged a patent lumen in all but three cases with a string sign. Surgery was performed in 26 patients with a string sign and in 21 patients without a string sign. The rate of major perioperative complications was not influenced by the presence of a string sign, contralateral extracranial stenosis, or ipsilateral siphon stenosis. Average lumen size of the endarterectomy specimens was 0.94 mm in those with and 1.7 mm in those without a string sign. We conclude that combined noninvasive testing has a sensitivity of 83% for demonstrating a residual lumen in patients with greater than or equal to 95% carotid stenosis and that the angiographic string sign does not affect the mode of presentation or surgical outcome of these patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of serotonin and the serotonin blocker metergoline on meal patterns and macronutrient selection.
Serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)] in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of rats has a suppressive effect on feeding behavior and causes a selective decrease in carbohydrate ingestion, specifically at the onset of the natural (dark) feeding period. Studies conducted here provide further evidence for this phenomena, showing a similar dose-related decrease in carbohydrate ingestion at dark onset after PVN injection of 5-HT or of the agonists, d-norfenfluramine or fluoxetine, which act through endogenous 5-HT. To further characterize the effects of this indoleamine on the macrostructure of feeding, a computer-automated data acquisition system was used to analyze macronutrient feeding patterns in freely feeding animals maintained on the pure diets of protein, carbohydrate, and fat. Results indicate that PVN administration of 5-HT at dark onset decreases intake of the carbohydrate nutrient by decreasing meal size, feeding time, and feeding rate for this nutrient and increasing the satiating effect of carbohydrate. These effects, which occur specifically during the first meal after injection, are opposite those seen after peripheral administration of the 5-HT receptor antagonist, metergoline. This drug stimulates feeding through a selective increase in carbohydrate intake, characterized by an increase in meal size, percent composition, and feeding time for this nutrient and a decrease in the satiety ratio for carbohydrate. These results implicate the serotonergic system in the termination of carbohydrate-rich meals that are prevalent during the early hours of the natural feeding cycle. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[An experimental study on changes of epidermal stem cells during survival process after full-thickness skin autograft].
To provide theoretical evidence for clinical application of the epidermal stem cells after an investigation on changes of the epidermal stem cells during the survival process after the full-thickness skin autograft. On the backs of 42 Wistar rats, orthotopic transplantation models (1.5 cm x 1.5 cm) of the full-thickness skin autograft were made. According to the time of the specimen taking, at 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 and 30 days after operation, the rats were randomly divided in 7 groups (Groups 1-7). Specimens taken in each group before operation were used as controls. At each time point, the gross observation was made on the transplanted skin flaps, from which the skin tissues were harvested at each time point before and after operation. The routine pathological and the immunohistochemical examinations were performed on the specimens, which were stained by HE and were observed for immunohistochemical changes and the changes in the cells positive for integrin BETA1 and p63. All the full-thickness skin autografts survived 3 days after operation except the skin autograft in 1 rat in both Group 5 and Group 6, which was infected around the transplanted skin flap. In Groups 1-4, cell edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and increased fibrocytes were observed. In Groups 5-7, the maturity degree of the epithelial cells became higher and higher, and the fibrocyte proportion was lowered. In each group the cell positivity rate for integrin BETA1 was lower than the cell positivity rate for p63. The positive cells were arranged in disorder, distributed into the layers of the epidermis and gradually concentrated in the basal layer of the epidermis and the bulge of the folliculus pili. The positive cells were also found in the other layers of the epidermis. The positive cells were gradually decreased in number, and reached the lowest level in Group 2. There was a significant difference in the above variables in Groups 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 between before and after operations (P < 0.05). During the survival process of the full-thickness skin autograft, the proportion of the epidermal stem cells is gradually decreased at first; Then, the proportion is gradually increased, even beyond the normal level; finally, the proportion is decreased again. The distribution of the epidermal stem cells appear in disorder, almost distributed in the layers of the epidermis; finally, the almost normal distribution can be found. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Comparative studies into lipid component levels of parturients with EPH gestosis and of their newborns (author's transl)].
Statistically significant rises in LDL (low density lipoprotein) concentrations, low cholesterol levels, and total lipid levels significantly below those recorded from newborns of clinically intact mothers were established from newborns of mothers with moderate and severe EPH gestosis. The above parameters did not deviate largely from the normal in patients with moderate gestosis. The levels of total lipids, cholesterol, and LDL in the serum of the newborns were clearly lower than those recordable from the serum of the mothers. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparative analysis of expressed sequences reveals a conserved pattern of optimal codon usage in plants.
Codon usage bias is a ubiquitous phenomenon, which may be caused by mutational bias, selection, or both. The patterns of codon usage in plants are not well understood. Datasets of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) available for many plant species provide the resources for large-scale comparative analysis of codon usage patterns. We developed a computational approach to translate EST or assembled contig sequences, and then used the coding information for comparative analysis of codon usage in 12 plant species, including 6 eudicots, 5 monocots and the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. While codon nucleotide composition is highly conserved within eudicots or monocots, there is a significant difference between these two major taxonomic groups of higher plants. The third nucleotide position of codons is AU-rich in the eudicot genomes (35-42% of G+C content), but GC-rich in the monocot genomes (59-61% of G+C content). To identify optimal codons in these species, we used EST counts to estimate gene transcript levels. It was demonstrated that codon usage bias is correlated positively with gene transcript levels. Interestingly, the use of optimal codons appears to be well conserved between eudicots and monocots, and to a lesser degree between the higher plants and C. reinhardtii. Most of the optimal codons end with a C or G base, regardless of the different nucleotide composition in these genomes. The results suggest that plant codon usage is affected by translational selection, and the selective pressure appears to be conserved in the plant kingdom. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Detection times for urinary ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate in heavy drinkers during alcohol detoxification.
Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS) are conjugated ethanol metabolites formed in low amounts after alcohol consumption. Compared with ethanol, EtG and EtS are excreted in urine for a prolonged time, making them useful as sensitive alcohol biomarkers. This study determined the detection times for EtG and EtS in alcoholic patients undergoing alcohol detoxification. Alcohol-dependent patients (n = 32) with an initial alcohol concentration >or=1 g/L based on breath testing were followed during detoxification. Urine samples for determination of EtG, EtS, ethanol and creatinine were collected on admission to the hospital and thereafter once daily for several days. EtG and EtS measurements were performed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and EtG also using an immunochemical assay (DRI-EtG EIA, ThermoFisher/Microgenics). The detection time for urinary EtG was weakly correlated (r = 0.434, P = 0.013) with the initial alcohol concentration (range 1.0-3.4 g/L). For EtG, the individual time range until return to below the applied cut-off limit (<0.5 mg/L) was approximately 40-130 h (median 78) with a similar time course observed for EtS. After correction for urine dilution, the time until an EtG/creatinine ratio <0.5 mg/g was approximately 40- 90 h (median 65). The detection times after an estimated zero ethanol concentration were approximately 30-110 h (median 66) for EtG and approximately 30- 70 h (median 56) for EtG/creatinine. The EtG results by LC-MS and the immunoassay were in good agreement. During alcohol detoxification, EtG and EtS remained detectable in urine for several days. The detection times showed wide inter-individual variations, also after adjusting values for urine dilution and to the estimated times for a completed ethanol elimination. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nature of motor imitation problems in school-aged boys with autism: a motor or a cognitive problem?
This case-control study explores the underlying mechanisms of imitation problems in boys with autism by manipulating imitation task variables and by correlating imitation performance with competence on general motor tests (Movement Assessment Battery for Children and Peabody Developmental Motor Scales). Fifty-five boys participated in this study: eight low-functioning with autism (LFA), 13 with mental retardation (MR), 17 high-functioning with autism (HFA) and 17 typically developing (TD). LFA performed significantly worse than MR on the motor test and on all imitation tasks. HFA performed significantly worse than TD on the motor test, but not on imitation tasks, with the exception of non-meaningful gestures. This study supports the notion that mainly perceptual-motor impairment, and not a cognitive weakness of symbolic representation, causes imitation problems in autism. In addition, in boys with autism, general motor as well as imitation abilities were impaired. We suggest that imitation ability has to be assessed in conjunction with motor competence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Circulating particles during cardiac surgery.
Shed blood is known to be a source of lipid micro-emboli in cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to characterize the occurrence of these particles at different stages of the operation, and to study their occurrence in the circulation at multiple time-points after the retransfusion of shed blood. Forty-four patients undergoing routine surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were included. Blood was sampled from the surgical field at different sampling locations during the operation. Shed blood was collected in a transfusion bag and retransfused. After which, blood was sampled from the arterial line of the heart-lung machine. A Coulter counter was used for particle determinion. The mean volume of shed blood collected was 340+/-215 ml. Particles in the size range 10-60 microm were found at varying concentrations, with the highest concentrations being found in blood collected after cannulation and from the pleura. After retransfusion of this blood, a biphasic response was seen in the blood drawn from the efferent line of the heart-lung machine. Particles are found in shed blood at all times during cardiac surgery, and when this blood was retransfused an increase was seen in particle concentration in the heart-lung machine. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Surnames, HLA genes and ancient migrations in the Po Valley (Italy).
Population samples from Liguria, Piacenza and Pavia provinces, and North Lombardy are compared for surnames and HLA gene frequencies. The genetic structure inferred from the principal coordinate analysis of surname frequencies is different from that inferred from HLA gene frequencies. The latter may represent ancient migrations, since surnames are relatively recent genetic markers dating from A.D. 1500. Ligurian and Celts were the ancient inhabitants of this northern Italy geographic area. Genetic distances, derived from HLA gene frequencies, and represented with an unrooted tree show the presence of a Ligurian and a Celtic pole. The aggregation of the subpopulations to each pole accords with the history and the archaeological findings in the area. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Sensory integration and fragile X syndrome].
The fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited sex-linked form of mental retardation. It occurs in approximately 1/1,000 live births and affects both males and females. What is of considerable interest is that a significant number of these children, in addition to a variety of physical, cognitive and behavioral difficulties, also have disturbances of sensory integration function which can, and do, severely effect their behavior and capacity to learn and function in their families and communities. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A study of the solvent effect on the morphology of RDX crystal by molecular modeling method.
Molecular dynamics simulations have been performed to investigate the effect of acetone solvent on the crystal morphology of RDX. The results show that the growth morphology of RDX crystal in vacuum is dominated by the (111), (020), (200), (002), and (210) faces using the BFDH laws, and (111) face is morphologically the most important. The analysis of surface structures of RDX crystal indicates that (020) face is non-polar, while (210), (111), (002), and (200) faces are polar among which (210) face has the strongest polarity. The interaction between acetone solvent and each RDX crystal face is different, and the order of binding energy on these surfaces is (210) > (111) > (002) > (200) > (020). The analysis of interactions among RDX and acetone molecules reveal that the system nonbond interactions are primary strong van der Waals and electrostatic interactions containing π-hole interactions, the weak hydrogen bond interactions are also existent. The effect of acetone on the growth of RDX crystal can be evaluated by comparing the binding energies of RDX crystalline faces. It can be predicted that compared to that in vacuum, in the process of RDX crystallization from acetone, the morphological importance of (210) face is increased more and (111) face is not the most important among RDX polar surfaces, while the non-polar (020) face probably disappears. The experimentally obtained RDX morphology grown from acetone is in agreement with the theoretical prediction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Severe gastric dilatation due to superior mesenteric artery syndrome in anorexia nervosa.
Forty-seven year old female, with a history of anorexia nervosa, was admitted to a medical stabilization unit (ACUTE) complaining of abdominal pain exacerbated by oral intake, associated with nausea, and relieved by emesis. Admission body mass index was 10.6. Labs were notable for hepatitis and hypoglycemia. On her progressive oral refeeding plan, she suddenly developed severe abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) revealed gastric dilatation and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome. SMA syndrome is a rare complication of severe malnutrition resulting from compression of the duodenum between the aorta and the SMA. It is diagnosed by an upper gastrointestinal series or an abdominal CT. Gastric dilatation, in turn, is a rare complication of SMA syndrome to be included in the differential diagnoses of abdominal pain in severely malnourished patients as it is potentially life-threatening. The patient was switched to an oral liquid diet, began weight restoring, and had resolution of symptoms. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A case of gastric crystal-storing histiocytosis.
A 54-year-old male patient underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which revealed a 25-mm brown region in the angular section of the greater curvature of the stomach. The region was histologically determined to be gastric mucosa with an accumulation of histiocytes containing eosinophilic substances in the cytoplasm and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration. Histiocytes were immunohistologically positive for CD68, IgG, and κ. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with gastric crystal-storing histiocytosis comprised of histiocytes phagocytosing IgG-κ-type immunoglobulin. This is a rare disease of which there have been no previous reports that included long-term follow-up. Here, we report the case with a literature review. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Treatment of posttransplantation recurrence of hepatitis C with interferon and ribavirin: lessons on tolerability and efficacy.
Recurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after orthotopic liver transplantation is a major cause of graft failure. The aim of our study was to determine the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of combination therapy with interferon and ribavirin in the treatment of recurrent hepatitis after liver transplantation. Twenty-six patients (18 men) with histologically established HCV recurrence after liver transplantation for cirrhosis secondary to chronic HCV infection were treated with a combination of interferon alfa-2b (3 million units three times weekly) and ribavirin (800 to 1,000 mg/d). Dosage modifications were according to a standard protocol incorporating laboratory values and clinical side effects. Fifty percent of patients completed 1 year or more of therapy. On an intention-to-treat basis, nine patients (35%) showed an end-of-treatment virological response. Six of these nine patients completed greater than 6 additional months of follow-up, and all have had sustained virological responses. A histological response (decrease in histological activity index > or = 2) was seen in 75% of virological responders and 67% of nonresponders. Adverse events requiring dose modification or cessation of therapy occurred in 66% of patients. Adjuvant therapies used to support hemoglobin levels included erythropoietin and red blood cell transfusions. There were no independent pretreatment predictors of a virological response, perhaps because of the small sample size. Combination therapy with interferon and ribavirin may be beneficial in patients with recurrent HCV after liver transplantation. The majority of patients require dose modifications because of side effects. Histological response is common in virological nonresponders. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Periodontal disease decreases insulin sensitivity and insulin signaling.
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether local inflammatory events, such as periodontal disease, are able to increase tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) plasmatic concentration and decrease insulin sensitivity and insulin signaling in non-diabetic rats. Forty-eight male Wistar rats (2 months old) were divided into two groups, with either ligature-induced periodontal disease (LPD) or control conditions (CN). Experiments were performed in both groups 28 days after ligature placement. Plasmatic concentration of glycemia and TNF-α (n = 10) were analyzed by the glucose oxidase and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, respectively. Insulin sensitivity (n = 7) was measured using the insulin tolerance test. Insulin signal transduction (n = 7) was measured by pp185 tyrosine phosphorylation status in insulin-sensitive tissues using the Western blotting method. The LPD group showed decreased insulin sensitivity (P <0.05), although no glycemic alterations were noted (P >0.05). TNF-α plasmatic concentration was higher in LPD rats compared to CN rats. In addition, a decrease in the pp185 tyrosine phosphorylation status was observed after insulin stimulus in both white adipose and skeletal muscle tissues of the LPD group compared with the CN group. LPD is able to cause alterations to both insulin signaling and insulin sensitivity, probably because of the elevation of TNF-α plasmatic concentration. Thus, the present results emphasize the importance of the prevention of local inflammatory diseases, such as periodontitis, to prevent diabetes mellitus. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characterization and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban atmospheric Particulate of Tehran, Iran.
In this study, atmospheric concentrations of particulate-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Tehran megacity were determined to investigate the concentration, distribution, and sources of PAHs in PM10. The health risk from exposure to airborne BaPeq through inhalation pathway was also assessed. Toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) approach was used for quantitative risk estimate, and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) was calculated. PM10 samples were collected at ten sampling locations during the summer 2013 and winter 2014 by using two independent methods of field sampling. The PM10 concentration in winter (89.55 ± 15.56 μg m(-3)) was 1.19 times higher than that in summer (75.42 ± 14.93 μg m(-3)). Sixteen PAHs were measured with the total average concentrations of PAHs ranged from 56.98 ± 15.91 to 110.35 ± 57.31 ng m(-3) in summer and from 125.87 ± 79.02 to 171.25 ± 73.94 ng m(-3) in winter which were much higher than concentrations measured in most similar studies conducted around the world. Molecular diagnostic ratios were used to identify PAH emission sources. The results indicated that gasoline-driven vehicles are the major sources of PAHs in the study area. Risk analysis showed that the mean and 90 % probability estimated inhalation ILCRs were 7.85 × 10(-6) and 16.78 × 10(-6), respectively. Results of a sensitivity analysis indicated that BaP concentration and cancer slope factor (CSF) contributed most to effect on ILCR mean. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Morphological and functional changes in pituitary-thyroid axis following prolonged exposure of female rats to constant light.
Light regulates numerous physiological functions and synchronizes them with the environment, in part by adjusting secretion of different hormones. We hypothesized that constant light (CL) would disturb pituitary-thyroid axis. Our aim was to determine morphological and functional changes in this endocrine system in such extreme conditions and, based on the obtained results, to propose the underlying mechanism(s). Starting from the thirtieth postnatal day, female Wistar rats were exposed to CL (600 lx) for the following 95 days. The controls were maintained under the regular laboratory lighting conditions. After decapitation, pituitaries and thyroids were prepared for further histomorphometric, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescence examinations. Concentration of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total T4 and T3 (TH) were determined. Thyroid tissue of light-treated rats was characterized by microfollicular structure. We detected no change in total thyroid volume, localization and accumulation of thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase, and sodium-iodide symporter in the follicular epithelium of CL rats. The volume of follicular epithelium and activation index were increased, while volume of the colloid and serum levels of TH decreased. In the pituitary, the relative intensity of TSH β-immunofluorescence signal within the cytoplasm of thyrotrophs increased, but their average cell volume and the relative volume density decreased. Serum TSH was unaltered. We conclude that exposure of female rats to CL induced alterations in pituitary-thyroid axis. Thyroid tissue was characterized by microfollicular structure. Serum TH levels were reduced without accompanying increase in serum TSH. We hypothesize that increased secretion and clearance of TH together with unchanged or even decreased hormonal synthesis, resulted in decreased serum TH levels in CL group. We assume this decrease consequently led to increased synthesis and/or accumulation of pituitary TSH. However, decreased average TSH cell volume and relative volume density, together with unchanged serum TSH, point to additional, negative regulation of thyrotrophs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Moth fragments as intraocular foreign bodies].
The authors describe an accident leading to penetration of the eye of an 11-year-old boy by an unusual foreign body, and the subsequent diagnosis and treatment. Persistent ocular irritation following a corneal perforation wound, in spite of appropriate treatment, led to the presence of an intraocular foreign body being suspected. The results of radiologic examination, including CT (Siemens Somatom 2), were negative. Only A-scan sonography (Kretztechnik 7002) called attention to the possibility of a foreign body in the vitreous behind the traumatic cataract. Extracapsular extraction was immediately followed by careful removal of very small foreign-body particles from the vitreous. Once the corneal sutures had been removed the irritation decreased. The scanning electron microscope (Cambridge) images of the largest particle showed the foreign bodies to be fragments of a moth (order Noctuideae). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Aurin tricarboxylic acid: a novel inhibitor of the association of von Willebrand factor and platelets.
Shear stress activated platelets undergo aggregation in the presence of large or unusually large von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers without the addition of ristocetin or any other exogenous chemical. This phenomenon may be analogous to the platelet aggregation that leads to thrombosis in the narrowed arteries and arterioles of patients with atherosclerosis or vasospasm. A triphenyl-methyl compound, aurin tricarboxylic acid (ATA), inhibits shear-induced, vWF-mediated platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in concentrations above 200 mumol/L and in buffer suspensions of washed platelets at a concentration of 0.1 mumol/L. In a concentration-dependent manner, ATA also inhibits ristocetin-induced, vWF-mediated platelet clumping in both fresh and formaldehyde-fixed platelet suspensions. This inhibition can be overcome by increasing the concentration of vWF, following the kinetics of first order competitive inhibition. ATA prevents the attachment to platelets of the largest vWF multimeric forms found in normal plasma and of the unusually large vWF multimers derived from endothelial cells. The rate of aggregation and degree of inhibition by ATA is not accounted for by the binding of ristocetin or calcium. Arachidonic acid- and adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced aggregation are not inhibited by ATA. Platelets incubated with ATA can be easily separated from the compound. However, ATA binds to large vWF multimeric forms and inhibits their ristocetin-induced interaction with platelet glycoprotein Ib. Because ATA also inhibits shear-induced, vWF-mediated platelet aggregation in vitro in the absence of ristocetin, it may be a useful prototype compound to impede the development of arterial thrombosis in vivo. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Living with impairment: the effects on children of having an autistic sibling.
Although children of impaired siblings are generally believed to be at risk of suffering from a variety of problems themselves, research studies indicate that living with impairment is not necessarily a harmful experience. This report reviews studies in this area, with particular emphasis on those involving autistic sibships. Although often lacking adequate experimental controls, the current literature suggests various factors that are likely to influence the risks on siblings. Possible ways of minimizing such risk factors are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A biological, immunological and physico-chemical comparison of the current clinical batches of the recombinant FSH preparations Gonal-F and Puregon.
The immunopotency and in-vitro biopotency of clinical batches of Gonal-F((R)) and Puregon((R)) (recombinant human follicle stimulating hormones) were compared and their carbohydrate chains investigated for charge heterogeneity and internal carbohydrate complexity. Immunopotency (IU/pmol) for both Gonal-F and Puregon was 0.35 +/- 0.01 and biopotency (ED(50), pmol/l) was similar, being 7.3 +/- 0.6 and 5.4 +/- 0.2 respectively. Charge distributions were essentially the same with no difference either in median isoelectric point (pI) (between 4.26 and 4.50), or in the bulk of material fractionated between pI 4 and 5 (66.0 +/- 1.8% Gonal-F and 72.0 +/- 1.8% Puregon). However, there were minor differences in charge at extremes of pI, Gonal-F being slightly more acidic: 18.2% Gonal-F versus 9.8% Puregon at pI 3.5-4.0 (P: = 0.03) and 6.7% Gonal-F versus 10.7% Puregon at pI 5.0-5.5 (P: = 0.03). Carbohydrate complexity was the same: 9.3 versus 10.9 (complex), 76.6 versus 78.6 (intermediate) and 14.1 versus 10.5% (simple). In summary, Gonal-F and Puregon have similar immunopotency, in-vitro biopotency and internal carbohydrate complexity, differing slightly in charge heterogeneity, Gonal-F having more acidic glycoforms. We conclude them to be intrinsically very similar, expecting no difference in clinical efficacy on the basis of respective structure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Collection and processing of blood samples for amino acid assays].
Several parameters prior to amino acid assay per se can affect the results obtained. Such factors include, on the one hand, those related to sample collection (time and place) and, on the other hand, those related to the treatment of the sample (presence of anticoagulant, method of deproteinization, preservation and storage). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transcranial magnetic stimulation in the reversal of motor conversion disorder.
There is no agreement on the most effective therapy for motor conversion symptoms. Functional electric stimulation has been successfully used to reverse conversion paralysis. We tested the therapeutic potential of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in a 20-year-old patient suffering from a conversion paralysis of the right arm. rTMS was applied to the contralateral motor cortex. Stimulations were performed on working days at a frequency of 15 Hz (train length 2 s; inter-train interval 4 s) yielding 4,000 pulses/day. Within 12 weeks, motor function, hyposensibility and muscle bulk were completely restored. The patient recovered completely during rTMS treatment. In addition to possible psychological effects, rTMS may have had a causal therapeutic effect by strengthening corticocortical connections and thereby priming voluntary movements. Further controlled studies are needed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the larynx with secretion of calcitonin: primary tumor or metastasis of the medullary thyroid carcinoma?].
Neuroendocrine carcinomas of the larynx are rare and their links with thyroid neoplastic lesions are not specified in most reported cases. We report such a case secondary to medullary thyroid carcinoma. In a 63-year-old man, a supra glottic laryngeal carcinoma confirmed by biopsy was initially treated by chemotherapy. A second biopsy of the laryngeal lesion after incomplete remission displayed a neuroendocrine carcinoma with calcitonin in neoplastic cells. Laryngectomy, cervical bilateral neck dissection and thyroid isthmic adenoma dissection were performed. Numerous neoplastic cells from these tissues contained calcitonin revealed by immunohistochemical method. Calcitoninemia was highly increased and multiple bone metastases were discovered. Secondary total thyroidectomy was not possible and the patient died 6 months after. In this case the neuroendocrine laryngeal carcinoma was probably secondary to a latent medullary thyroid carcinoma. Medullary thyroid carcinoma is most often unknown in similar previously reported cases of neuroendocrine laryngeal carcinoma. Thus a neuroendocrine tumour of the larynx should require search for extra thyroid and over all thyroid neuroendocrine carcinoma, even limited to a small and latent lesion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Genetic Variation at Chromosome 2q13 and Its Potential Influence on Endometriosis Susceptibility Through Effects on the IL-1 Family.
Endometriosis is characterized by the growth of epithelial and stromal cells outside the uterine cavity. It has a complex etiology and affects ∼10% of reproductive age women. It is accompanied by a chronic inflammatory response with substantial evidence to indicate genetic susceptibility. The causal genes and their pathways leading to endometriosis, however, are still unknown. Recently, genomewide association studies on endometriosis identified 14 genomic risk loci in women of European and Japanese ancestry. It is becoming increasingly clear that these risk regions are intergenic and thus contribute to disease susceptibility through regulatory mechanisms, most likely mediated through regulation of genes within a restricted distance from the risk variants. One endometriosis risk locus has been detected at chromosome 2q13 within an inflammatory-rich region of gene transcripts and thus may play a role in the inflammation component of the disease. We carried out detailed analysis of the genomic region 250 kb on either side of sentinel SNP rs10167914 and identified 21 transcripts which contained 6 interleukin (IL)-1 family genes, 3 previously reported coding genes that have a relationship to inflammation, 4 novel coding, or pseudogenes, and 8 noncoding RNA transcripts. Through an extensive literature search, we examined the roles these genes and their resultant proteins play in endometriosis pathogenesis. The results suggest alteration in the expression the IL-1 family transcripts either alone or as a complex milieu could have a significant influence on endometriosis and should be prioritized for future study on the implications of inflammation on endometriotic lesions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Severe aortic regurgitation due to Neisseria mucosa endocarditis.
A rare occurrence of Neisseria mucosa endocarditis on a native aortic valve not known to be diseased is reported. Despite vigorous antibiotic therapy, severe aortic regurgitation developed necessitating aortic valve replacement. At operation, the right coronary cusp was retracted with two small nodules attached to its edge and the non-coronary cusp was perforated. Neisseria mucosa endocarditis is very rare, and involves abnormal mitral or prosthetic valves predominantly. Infection of a native aortic valve, with no known history of disease, is exceptional. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evaluation of plasmatic ANP levels in subjects affected by essential arterial hypertension and in a group of patients undergoing dialysis.
In the first part of this study we selected 24 hypertensive subjects (11 males, 13 females, mean age 55.4 +/- 10.2 years) affected by essential arterial hypertension (EAH). Eleven people (5 males, 6 females, mean age 21.6 +/- 9.5 years) had one or two hypertensive parents. Seventeen subjects (8 males, 9 females, mean age 56.4 +/- 5.9 years) were the control group. Plasmatic ANP was measured using the RIA method, after extracting the peptide on Sep-Pak C18 cartridges. The results show the following ANP values: healthy control subjects 27.6 +/- 8.6 pg/ml; offspring of essentially hypertensive subjects 25.6 +/- 7.7 pg/ml; essentially hypertensive subjects 45.5 +/- 24.9* pg/ml* (P less than 0.005). In the second part of our study, we evaluated the plasma levels of this hormone in a group of subjects undergoing dialysis. The group consisted of 21 subjects (12 males, 9 females, mean age 63.1 +/- 10.5 years), 11 of whom were affected by EAH. ANP evaluation was done during the dialysis after a "long" dialytic interval of three days. Both groups showed a noticeable increase in ANP levels, even if the hypertensive group had overall higher values (254.5 +/- 134.9 pg/ml, vs. 188.7 +/- 113.7 pg/ml). All subjects, after dialysis, had ANP values significantly lower than the initial ones. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A problem-oriented assessment of continuing education needs of allied health department heads.
A survey of the continuing education needs of allied health department heads in Ohio hospitals and educational institutions provided data on the following professions: Dietetics, Medical Record Administration, Medical Technology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Radiologic Technology, and Respiratory Therapy. Seven hundred and eighty responses (51% response rate) representing the seven allied health professions were analyzed by profession and in total. Of the respondents, 93 percent stated an interest in attending continuing education programs but only 59 percent had inservice continuing education provided by their employing institution. Specific topics needed and program characteristics to maximize accessibility were identified for each profession. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The cubic-to-hexagonal phase transition of cerium oxide particles: dynamics and structure.
Cerium oxide is often applied in today's catalysts due to its remarkable oxygen storage capacity. The changes in stoichiometry during reaction are linked to structural modifications, which in turn affect its catalytic activity. We present a real-time in situ study of the structural transformations of cerium oxide particles on ruthenium(0001) at high temperatures of 700 °C in ultra-high vacuum. Our results demonstrate that the reduction from CeO2 to cubic Ce2O3 proceeds via ordered intermediary phases. The final reduction step from cubic to hexagonal Ce2O3 is accompanied by a lattice expansion, the formation of two new surface terminations, a partial dissolution of the cerium oxide particles, and a massive mass transport of cerium from the particles to the substrate. The conclusions allow for new insights into the structure, stability, and dynamics of cerium oxide nanoparticles in strongly reducing environments. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Identification of haemopoietic biglycan in hyperplastic thymus associated with myasthenia gravis.
Generally biglycan, a small proteoglycan, has been thought to play a role as an extracellular matrix and/or a reservoir for other factors, such as TGF-beta and collagens. Recently, we have found that a soluble 100 kDa biglycan, produced from the rat thymic myoid cells and the brain glial cells, predominantly stimulates growth and differentiation of monocytic lineage cells from various lymphatic organs, including microglias. In the present study, we attempted to identify biological significance of the corresponding molecules in human, using five myasthenic thymuses (three with hyperplasia and two with thymoma) that had been surgically removed for therapeutic purpose. With immunohistochemistry, many biglycan positive cells were detected in the germinal center of the three hyperplastic thymuses, but not in the two thymuses associated with lymphocytic thymoma. Biglycan purified from the hyperplastic thymuses by an immunoaffinity column was found as a monomer with apparent molecular size of 95-100 kDa and self associated oligomers of greater than 201 kDa. The purified biglycan markedly stimulated the growth and differentiation of monocytic cells from haemopoietic stem cells of the rat bone marrow. These results suggest that particular cells, which produce haemopoietic biglycan, play significant roles in generation and maintenance of the hyperplastic changes associated with myasthenia gravis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A review of asthma and scuba diving.
An increasing number of asthmatics participate in recreational scuba diving. This activity presents unique physical and physiological challenges to the respiratory system. This review addresses the susceptibility of divers with asthma to diving accidents, acute asthmatic attacks, and long-term exacerbation of their disease. Recommendations on fitness to dive with asthma and airway hyperresponsiveness are provided. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Low back pain/prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc.
Low back pain is common throughout the adult years in both men and women; first episodes most frequently occur among people in their 20s and 30s. Prolapsed lumbar disc most often affects individuals in the age range 25-45 years; prolapses occur infrequently in persons below 20 years or over 65 years. Major risk factors for low back pain in general and for prolapsed disc specifically include frequent lifting of objects weighing 25 pounds or more, especially if the objects are lifted with the arms extended and with the knees straight and if the lifting is done while the body is twisted; exposure to whole-body vibration, including driving motor vehicles; cigarette smoking; and, for prolapsed lumbar disc, narrow lumbar vertebral canals. Possible risk factors for which the evidence is weak or inconsistent include frequent stretching, reaching, pulling, and pushing on the job; sedentary occupations; jobs in which workers stay in one position for long periods of time; recent employment in a physically demanding job; jobs requiring frequent twisting without lifting; tallness; heredity; extent of forward flexibility in the lumbar area; lack of physical fitness; pregnancies; psychological symptoms; and frequent participation in bowling. The methods suggested to date with the greatest potential for prevention include modification of jobs so as to reduce exposure to known occupational risk factors, and careful selection of workers by such means as strength testing for the particular job for which they are to be employed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A derivation of the Polytomous Rasch model based on the most probable distribution method.
Boltzmann's most probable distribution method is applied to derive the Polytomous Rasch model as the distribution accounting for the maximum number of possible outcomes in a test while introducing latent traits, item characteristics, and thresholds as constraints to the system. Affinities and similarities of the present result with other derivations of the model are discussed in light of the conceptual frameworks of statistical physics and of the principle of maximum entropy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mucosal infection and vaccination against feline immunodeficiency virus.
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection is a naturally occurring lentiviral infection of cats which progresses to immunodeficiency in a manner strikingly similar to that observed in HIV infection in man. The rectal and cervico-vaginal mucosae are common routes of transmission of HIV and it has been shown that the gastrointestinal tract is an important site of HIV infection and primary pathology. Although biting is the principle mode of transmission for FIV, we have shown that it is possible to reliably infect cats via both the rectal and vaginal routes. Using a biotin-streptavidin linked immunoperoxidase technique we have detected FIV core and envelope proteins in the colonic follicle associated epithelial cells, cells within the lymphoid follice and occasional cells in the lamina propria. Further, in the intestine we have detected FIV RNA and proviral DNA in epithelial cells, colonic lymphoid aggregates and isolated lamina propria cells. We have studied a group of asymptotic cats which have been rectally infected with FIV for 1 year or longer and shown an increase in the number of lamina propria CD8+ cells and greater levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-10 and gamma-IFN mRNA. Since these cats remained clinically healthy these results might suggest that both local antibody and class I restricted cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs) may play a role in control of viral replication. We have investigated a range of vaccination regimes for their ability to generate responses which would protect from rectal challenge with virulent virus. Cats have been immunized with whole virus (FIV-pet, FIV-GLA-8), V3, V3MAP or C2 with cholera toxin (CT), or Quil A based adjuvants via rectal, intra-nasal, parenteral or targeted lymph node routes, and challenged rectally with ten mucosal cat infectious doses (MCID) of FIV-GLA-8. We have shown that the adjuvant effects of cholera toxin and Quil A are not influenced by the route of delivery (intraperitoneal (i.p.) versus rectal) with CT more effective in stimulating humoral and Quil A more effective in stimulating cellular responses to FIV antigens. However we have shown that, quantitatively, CT is more effective when used as an adjuvant via the intra-nasal than the rectal route. Recently, we have begun to investigate if the promising results obtained with targeted lymph node (TLN) vaccination in monkeys could be reproduced in the cat. We have shown that TLN was more effective than rectal immunisation in stimulating both humoral and proliferative responses. In a preliminary study we have also been able to detect FIV specific CTLs and have observed protection from rectal challenge in four out of four cats. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Assessing reliability of categorical substance use measures with latent class analysis.
This article illustrates the use of the latent class model to identify classes of individuals and to assess the psychometric reliability of categorical items. The latent class model is a categorical latent variable model used to identify homogeneous classes of respondents such that class membership accounts for item responses. The assessment of measurement reliability comes directly from the estimates of the model. Although not based on classical test theory, the reliability assessment procedures described here answer the same question-that is, how consistent or dependable is measurement? The goal is to identify reliable indicators of a characteristic by examining measurement error and the inter-relatedness of the items. Methods for estimating the reliability of individual items as well as sets of items are presented. These methods are illustrated with data on cigarette smoking from a national sample of adolescents. By using the procedures described here, researchers are able to determine: (1). which classes of people are measured well and which are not; (2). which items perform well and which do not; and (3). whether items need to be altered or added in order to measure and identify particular classes better. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dengue virus infections in the first 2 years of life and the kinetics of transplacentally transferred dengue neutralizing antibodies in thai children.
Understanding dengue virus infection in children and the kinetics of maternal dengue neutralizing antibodies is essential for effective dengue immunization of children in endemic areas. Serum samples from 219 mother-child pairs and 140 children at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months of age from Bangkok, Thailand, were tested for serotype-specific dengue antibodies. Febrile episodes in the children were recorded. Antibodies were found in 97% of cord serum samples and disappeared in 27%, 80%, and 95% of the children by the age of 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively. Geometric mean titers (GMTs) of the antibodies to 4 dengue serotypes decreased to 5.4-15.5 in 6-month-old infants. Eleven of 12 children acquired dengue virus infection at 6 months of age and beyond; 1 had the infection at 3 months of age. Two exhibited undifferentiated febrile illnesses, and 10 had subclinical infections. Evidence of dengue virus infection and very low GMTs against all dengue serotypes in children at 6 months of age and beyond was demonstrated. There was no evidence that maternal antibodies were harmful to infants. Dengue virus infection rates increase from 12 months of age onward. These data provide information for supporting the optimal age at vaccination. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Correlates of Transactional Sex Among a Rural Population of People Who Inject Drugs.
In the United States, high rates of HIV infection among persons who engage in transactional sex are partially driven by substance use. Little is known about transactional sex among rural populations of people who inject drugs (PWID). Using data from a 2018 survey of 420 rural PWID in West Virginia, we used logistic regression to identify correlates of recent transactional sex (past 6 months). Most study participants were male (61.2%), white (83.6%), and reported having injected heroin (81.0%) in the past 6 months. Nearly one-fifth (18.3%) reported engaging in recent transactional sex. Independent correlates of transactional sex were: being female [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.90; 95% CI 2.12-7.16]; being a sexual minority (aOR 3.07; 95% CI 1.60-5.87); being single (aOR 3.22; 95% CI 1.73-6.01); receptive syringe sharing (aOR 3.13; 95% CI 1.73-5.66); and number of injections per day (aOR 1.08; 95% CI 1.01-1.15). Rural PWID who engage in transactional sex are characterized by multiple vulnerabilities that increase their HIV risk. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Enantioselective silica-based monoliths modified with a novel aminosulfonic acid-derived strong cation exchanger for electrically driven and pressure-driven capillary chromatography.
Silica monoliths modified with trans-(1S,2S)-2-(N-4-allyloxy-3,5-dichlorobenzoyl)amino cyclohexanesulfonic acid were tested for enantioselective separations of various chiral bases by aqueous and nonaqueous CEC as well as nano-HPLC. The optimization of the immobilization procedure showed that an intermediate selector (SO) coverage, as does result from a single static immobilization cycle in the capillary at 60 degrees C with an 8% (m/v) SO solution in methanol, affords maximal EOF and optimal enantioselectivity values, while a second immobilization cycle does not lead to any improvements. Furthermore, the mobile phase composition was examined regarding the effectiveness of aqueous phases (ACN/water and methanol/water) compared to nonaqueous eluents (ACN/methanol) in terms of separation selectivity and efficiency. Additionally, different acids of varying strengths were tested as co-ions in the ion-exchange process, including formic acid, acetic acid, methanesulfonic acid, and TFA (pK(a) from 4.75 to 0.5). It turned out that the effects regarding EOF and enantioselectivity were largely negligible. The chromatographic efficiencies of the new capillary columns were compelling and remarkable for bases. H-u curves established for mefloquine revealed a C-term contribution (resistance to mass transfer) by a factor of about six lower in CEC than in nano-HPLC and an A-term (flow maldistribution) about three times lower in the CEC mode. Theoretical plate heights as low as around 3-5 mum could be obtained in CEC over a wide flow range (0.5-1.5 mm/s). Run-to-run repeatabilities like in HPLC and excellent system stability promise the practical usefulness of the novel monolithic capillary column for enantiomeric composition analysis of pharmaceuticals by CEC. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Degradation of alachlor using an enhanced sono-Fenton process with efficient Fenton's reagent dosages.
In this study, an enhanced sono-Fenton process for the degradation of alachlor is presented. At high ultrasonic power, low pH, and in the presence of adequate Fenton's reagent dosages, alachlor degradation can reach nearly 100%. The toxicity of treated alachlor wastewater, which was measured by changes in cell viability, slightly decreased after the Fenton or ultrasound/H2O2 process and significantly decreased after the enhanced sono-Fenton process. A satisfactory relationship was observed between the total organic carbon removal and cell viability increment, indicating that alachlor mineralization is a key step in reducing the toxicity of the solution. The formation of alachlor degradation byproducts was observed during the oxidation process, in which the first step was the substitution of a chloride by a hydroxyl group. In conclusion, the enhanced sono-Fenton process was effective in the degradation and detoxification of alachlor within a short reaction time. Thus, the treated wastewater can then be passed through a biological treatment unit for further treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Increased alpha1-fetoprotein production in rat liver injuries induced by various hepatotoxins.
Serum alpha1-fetoprotein (AFP) concentration in 5-week-old rats was measured by the radioimmunoassay technique after a single administration of various hepatotoxins. Marked elevation of serum AFP concentrations occurred in rats treated with carbon tetrachloride, thioacetamide, D-galactosamine, allyl alcohol, allyl formate, and ethionine in 4 days of these treatments. The increased production of AFP appeared to be correlated with the induction of liver glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) among biochemical parameters studied for hepatocellular injuries. However, the difference in time courses of the increase in liver G-6-PD activity and serum AFP level following CC14 treatment suggested that the increased production of serum AFP and the induction of G-6-PD in injured liver were caused by closely related but different mechanisms. Pretreatment of CC14-injured rats with N,N'-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine or aminoacetonitrile was effective not only in lowering the increased level of serum AFP and liver G-6-PD but also in preventing liver cell necrosis and steatosis induced by CC14. Treatment with a lower dose of thioacetamide resulted in littel elevation of serum AFP and liver G-6-PD with a markedly increased incorporation of 3H-thymidine into liver DNA without any evidence of liver injury. On the other hand, the administration of ethionine, which caused little necrosis of liver cells, produced increase in both serum AFP and liver G-6-PD levels with an only small increase of hepatic DNA synthesis compared to those following thioacetamide as well as CC14. These results suggest that the elevation of serum AFP is not directly related to the stimulation of hepatic DNA synthesis. Some additional mechanisms of specific gene amplification for AFP, which is geared to hepatic injury per se, appear to play a major role in the increased AFP production in injured liver. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Overexpression of the class D MADS-box gene Sl-AGL11 impacts fleshy tissue differentiation and structure in tomato fruits.
MADS-box transcription factors are key elements of the genetic networks controlling flower and fruit development. Among these, the class D clade gathers AGAMOUS-like genes which are involved in seed, ovule, and funiculus development. The tomato genome comprises two class D genes, Sl-AGL11 and Sl-MBP3, both displaying high expression levels in seeds and in central tissues of young fruits. The potential effects of Sl-AGL11 on fruit development were addressed through RNAi silencing and ectopic expression strategies. Sl-AGL11-down-regulated tomato lines failed to show obvious phenotypes except a slight reduction in seed size. In contrast, Sl-AGL11 overexpression triggered dramatic modifications of flower and fruit structure that include: the conversion of sepals into fleshy organs undergoing ethylene-dependent ripening, a placenta hypertrophy to the detriment of locular space, starch and sugar accumulation, and an extreme softening that occurs well before the onset of ripening. RNA-Seq transcriptomic profiling highlighted substantial metabolic reprogramming occurring in sepals and fruits, with major impacts on cell wall-related genes. While several Sl-AGL11-related phenotypes are reminiscent of class C MADS-box genes (TAG1 and TAGL1), the modifications observed on the placenta and cell wall and the Sl-AGL11 expression pattern suggest an action of this class D MADS-box factor on early fleshy fruit development. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Birth characteristics and subsequent risk for breast cancer in very young women.
There is growing evidence that prenatal exposures may influence later breast cancer risk. This matched case-control study used linked New York State birth and tumor registry data to examine the association between birth characteristics and breast cancer risk among women aged 14-37 years. Cases were women diagnosed with breast cancer between 1978 and 1995 who were also born in New York after 1957 (n = 484). For each case, selected controls were the next six liveborn females with the same maternal county of residence. The authors found a J-shaped association between birth weight and breast cancer risk, and very high birth weight (> or =4,500 g) was associated with the greatest elevation in risk (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 3.10, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18, 7.97). The association of maternal age with breast cancer risk was also J-shaped, with maternal age of more than 24 years showing a positive, linear association (adjusted OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.18, 3.18 for maternal age > or =35 vs. 20-24 years; p for trend = 0.02). In contrast, women born very preterm had a lower risk (adjusted OR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.79 for gestational age <33 vs. > or =37 weeks). These findings support a role for early life factors in the development of breast cancer in very young women. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Second malignancies after treatment for Ewing's sarcoma: a report of the CESS-studies.
During recent years, more intensified systemic and local treatment regimens have increased the 5-year survival figures in localized Ewing's sarcoma to more than 60%. There is, however, concern about the risk of second malignancies (SM) in long-term survivors. We have analyzed the second malignancies in patients treated in the German Ewing's Sarcoma Studies CESS 81 and CESS 86. From January 1981 through June 1991, 674 patients were registered in the two sequential multicentric Ewing's sarcoma trials CESS 81 (recruitment period 1981-1985) and CESS 86 (1986-1991). The systemic treatment in both studies consisted of a four-drug-regimen (VACA = vincristine, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide, and adriamycin; or VAIA = vincristine, actinomycin D, ifosfamide, and adriamycin) and a total number of four courses, each lasting nine weeks, was recommended by the protocol. Local therapy in curative patients was either complete surgery (n = 162), surgery plus postoperative radiotherapy with 36-46Gy (n = 274), or definitive radiotherapy with 46-60Gy (n = 212). The median follow-up at the time of this analysis was 5.1 years, the maximum follow-up 16.5 years. The overall survival of all patients including metastatic patients was 55% after 5 years, 48% after 10 years, and 37% after 15 years. Eight out of 674 patients (1.2%) developed a SM. Five of these were acute myelogenic leukemias (n = 4) or MDS (n = 1), and three were sarcomas. The interval between diagnosis of Ewing's sarcoma and the diagnosis of the SM was 17-78 months for the four AMLs, 96 months for the MDS and 82-136 months for the three sarcomas. The cumulative risk of an SM was 0.7% after 5 years, 2.9% after 10 years, and 4.7% after 15 years. Out of five patients with AML/MDS, three died of rapid AML-progression, and two are living with disease. Local therapy (surgery vs. surgery plus postoperative irradiation vs. definitive radiotherapy) had no impact on the frequency of AML/MDS, but local therapy did influence the risk of secondary sarcomas. All three patients with secondary sarcomas had received radiotherapy; however, all three sarcomas were salvaged by subsequent treatment and are in clinical remission with a follow-up of 1 month, 4.3 years, and 7.5 years after the diagnosis of the secondary sarcoma. Thus far, SM contributed to less than 1 % (3/328) of all deaths in the CESS-studies. The risk of leukemia after treatment for Ewing's sarcoma is probably in the range of 2%. The risk of solid tumors also seems to be low within the first 10 years after treatment and remains in the range of 5 % after 15 years. In the CESS-studies, less than 1% of all deaths within the first 10 years after diagnosis were caused by SM. Effective salvage therapy for secondary sarcomas is feasible. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Controlling electroosmotic flows by polymer coatings: A joint experimental-theoretical investigation.
We analyze the electroosmotic flow (EOF) of an electrolytic solution in a polymer coated capillary electrophoresis tube. The polymeric density, charge, thickness, and the capillary tube charge vary as a function of pH and produce a non-trivial modulation of the EOF, including a flow reversal at acid pH conditions. By means of a theoretical argument and numerical simulations, we recover the experimental curve for the EOF, providing a firm approach for predictive analysis of electroosmosis under different polymeric coating conditions. A proposed application of the approach is to determine the near-wall charge of the coating to be used for further quantitative analysis of the electroosmotic flow and mobility. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Quantification of free water transport in peritoneal dialysis.
In peritoneal dialysis (PD) total net ultrafiltration (NUF) is dependent on transport through small pores and through water channels in the peritoneum. These channels are impermeable to solutes, and therefore, crystalloid osmotic-induced free water transport occurs through them. Several indirect methods to assess free water transport have been suggested. The difference in NUF between a 3.86% and a 1.36% solution gives a rough indication, but is very time consuming. The magnitude of the dip in dialysate/plasma (D/P) sodium in the initial phase of a 3.86% exchange is another way to estimate free water transport. In the present study, a method was applied to calculate free water transport by calculating sodium-associated water transport in one single 3.86% glucose dwell. Forty PD patients underwent one standard peritoneal permeability analysis (SPA) with a 1.36% glucose solution, and another with a 3.86% glucose solution. At different time points intraperitoneal volume and sodium concentration were assessed. This made it possible to calculate total sodium transport. By subtracting this transport (which must have occurred through the small pores) from the total fluid transport, free water transport remained. These results were compared with the other methods to estimate free water transport. For the 1.36% glucose dwell, total transcapillary ultrafiltration in the first hour (TCUF(0-60)) was 164 mL, transport through the small pores was 129 mL, and free water transport was 35 mL (21%). For the 3.86% glucose solution, total TCUF(0-60) was 404 mL, transport through the small pores was 269 mL, and free water transport was 135 mL (34%). The contribution of free water transport in the first minute (TCUF(0-1)) was 39% of the total fluid transport. From the 40 patients, 11 patients had ultrafiltration failure (NUF <400 mL after 4 hours). For these patients the contribution of free water to TCUF(0-1) was significantly lower than for those with normal ultrafiltration (20% vs. 48%, P < 0.05). A strong correlation was present between free water transport as a percentage of total fluid transport and the maximum dip in D/P sodium (r= 0.84). The correlation was not significant with the difference in net ultrafiltration of 3.86% and 1.36% solutions (r= 0.24, P= 0.3). The method applied here is the first direct quantification of free water transport, calculated from a single standard peritoneal function test. It offers a quick possibility to evaluate patients suffering from ultrafiltration failure. In these patients free water transport was impaired, but the origin of this impairment is still to be determined. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The interaction of sperm cells with exogenous DNA: a role of CD4 and major histocompatibility complex class II molecules.
Mouse epidydimal sperm cells have the spontaneous ability to take up exogenous DNA, a part of which is further internalized into nuclei. We report here that sperm cells from MHC class II knockout mice have a reduced ability to bind DNA compared to sperm cells from wild-type animals. Spermatozoa from CD4 knockout mice are instead fully capable of binding exogenous DNA, yet lose the ability to further internalize it. MHC class II expression was not detected on sperm heads using monoclonal antibodies. In contrast, CD4 molecules were found on sperm heads by both immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. Moreover, we show that nuclear internalization of exogenous DNA was prevented in wild-type sperm cells preincubated with anti-CD4 mAbs. These results support the conclusion that CD4 and MHC class II molecules play distinct roles in the process of sperm/DNA interaction: though not present in mature sperm cells, MHC class II expression appears to be required during spermatogenesis to produce sperm cells capable of taking up foreign DNA, while CD4 molecules present on sperm cells mediate the nuclear internalization of sperm-bound DNA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The problem of thrombocytopenia and its management.
The management of treatment-induced thrombocytopenia has become an important health care issue as a result of using intensive chemotherapy in an increasing range of malignant diseases. The problems of using pooled blood products is putting a strain on resources and producing its own medical complications. The advent of cloned cytokines has opened the era of manipulation of the megakaryocyte line and it is hoped that this will mimic the benefits seen in respect of white cell and red cell cytokine control. However, many questions remain to be answered as the complexity of the cytokine targets and interactions are being revealed by current clinical research. A thrombocyte stimulation/maturation product equivalent to granulocyte-colony stimulating factor or erythropoietin has only recently been identified and awaits clinical evaluation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Afferent synaptogenesis between ectopic hair-cell-like cells and neurites of spiral ganglion induced by Atoh1 in mammals in vitro.
Newly formed ectopic hair-cell-like cells (EHCLCs) induced by overexpression of atonal homolog 1 (Atoh1) in vitro were found to possess features of endogenous hair cells (HCs) in previous reports and in the present study. However, limited information is available regarding whether EHCLCs and native spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) form afferent synapses, which are important for the restoration of hearing. In the current study, we focused on the afferent synaptogenesis between EHCLCs and SGN-derived dendrites. Cochlear explants of auditory epithelia with native SGNs retained were cultured in vitro, and human adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vectors encoding Atoh1 were used to overexpress Atoh1 and induce EHCLCs. We observed that the neurites of the original SGNs extended toward the lesser epithelial ridge (LER) and innervated the EHCLCs. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed the expression of presynaptic ribbon C-terminal-binding protein 2 (CtBP2) and postsynaptic density protein (PSD)-95 in the nerve endings of SGN-derived neurons adjacent to EHCLCs. PSD-95 was located directly opposite CtBP2-positive puncta in the terminals of branches of SGNs, demonstrating that the neurites of SGNs formed afferent-like synaptic connections with EHCLCs. However, the expression of glutamate receptor type 2 (GluR2) could not be detected in the terminals of branches of SGNs surrounding EHCLCs. In addition, we found that the presynaptic ribbon (CtBP2) formation in EHCLCs preceded neural innervation. Furthermore, CtBP2-positive puncta increased and then decreased in EHCLCs, similar to the changes observed in endogenous HCs in terms of their number and distribution. Our finding of the generation of cochlear afferent synapses between EHCLCs and original SGNs will lay the foundation for regenerative approaches to restoring hearing after hair cell loss. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Computed tomography evaluation of the normal craniocervical junction craniometry in 100 asymptomatic patients.
Most of the craniometric relationships of the normal craniocervical junction (CCJ), especially those related to angular craniometry, are still poorly studied and based on measurements taken from simple plain radiographs. In this study, the authors performed a craniometric evaluation of the CCJ in a population without known CCJ anomalies. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the normal CCJ craniometry based on measurements obtained from CT scans. The authors analyzed 100 consecutive CCJ CT scans obtained in adult patients who were admitted at their tertiary hospital for treatment of non-CCJ conditions between 2010 and 2012. A total of 17 craniometrical measurements were performed, including the relation of the odontoid with the cranial base, the atlantodental interval (ADI), the clivus length, the clivus-canal angle (CCA)-the angle formed by the clivus and the upper cervical spine, and the basal angle. The mean age of the 100 patients was 50.6 years, and the group included 52 men (52%) and 48 women (48%). In 5 patients (5%), the tip of the odontoid process was more than 2 mm above the Chamberlain line, and in one of these 5 patients (1% of the study group). it was more than 5 mm above it. One patient had a Grabb-Oakes measurement above 9 mm (suggesting ventral cervicomedullary encroachment). The mean ADI value was 1.1 mm. The thickness of the external occipital protuberance ranged from 7.42 to 22.36 mm. The mean clivus length was 44.74 mm, the mean CCA was 153.68° (range 132.32°-173.95°), and the mean basal angle was 113.73° (ranging from 97.06°-133.26°). The data obtained in this study can be useful for evaluating anomalies of the CCJ in comparison with normal parameters, potentially improving the diagnostic criteria of these anomalies. When evaluating CCJ malformations, one should take into account the normal ranges based on CT scans, with more precise bone landmarks, instead of those obtained from simple plain radiographs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Preparation and Characterization of PEGylated Iron Oxide-Gold Nanoparticles for Delivery of Sulforaphane and Curcumin.
Natural products have been used for the treatment of various diseases such as cancer. Curcumin (CUR) and sulforaphane (SF) have anti-cancer effects, but their application is restricted because of their low water solubility and poor oral bioavailability. To improve the bioavailability and solubility of SF and CUR, we performed an advanced delivery of SF and CUR with PEGylated gold coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (PEGylated Fe3O4@Au NPs) to endorse SF and CUR maintenance as an effective and promising antitumor drugs. The structure of the synthesized nanocarrieris evaluated by, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results revealed that the size of NPs was 20 nm. They were mono-dispersed in water, with high drug-loading capacity and stability. CUR and SF were encapsulated into NPs with loading capacity of 16.32±0.023% and 15.74±0.015% and entrapment efficiency of 74.57±0.14% and 72.20±0.18% respectively. The in-vitro study of SF and CUR loaded PEGylated Fe3O4@Au NPs on human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (SK-BR-3) confirmed that cytotoxicity of SF and CUR can enhance when they are loaded on PEGylated Fe3O4@Au NPs in comparison to Free SF and void CUR. The results of flow cytometry and real-time PCR shown that nano-carriers can increase therapeutic effects of SF and CUR by apoptosis and necrosis induction as well as inhibiting of migration in SK-BR-3 cell line. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Relative potencies of histamine H1-agonists on guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle.
The relative potencies of a series of histamine H1-agonists in causing contraction of spirally cut strips of guinea-pig trachea, measured in the presence of cimetidine, indomethacin, methylatropine and propranolol, were similar to those reported on other guinea-pig tissues. However, whereas 2-methylhistamine and N alpha,N alpha-dimethylhistamine are apparently partial agonists in potentiating the adenosine-stimulated accumulation of cyclic AMP in slices of guinea-pig cerebral cortex, on tracheal spirals they are full agonists producing the same maximum contraction as histamine. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Lower extremity stress fractures during intermittent cyclical etidronate treatment for osteoporosis.
During intermittent cyclical etidronate treatment, a lower extremity pain syndrome associated with stress fractures was observed in three osteoporotic patients. This report describes the development of stress fractures during initial cycles of treatment, with recurrence of symptoms in two patients when etidronate therapy was resumed. Further studies are needed to confirm whether stress fractures are associated with cyclic etidronate treatment and if so, the incidence and pathophysiology need to be determined. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Electrooptical Assay for Record of Antibiotic Action on Microbial Cells.
Development of rapid and sensitive procedures for determination of microbial resistance to antibiotics is one of the most urgent trends in microbiology. The problem is shown to be solved by using electrooptical assay based on change of the electrophysical properties of suspended bacterial cells exposed to antibiotics with different mechanisms of action. Possible determination of the microbial cell susceptibility to antibiotics and their antibacterial activity is demonstrated. The results showed the procedure of electrooptical assay to be prospective in solving the problem of the microbiol cells antibiotic susceptibility in microbiology, medicine and veterinary. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Aerobic fitness and the hypohydration response to exercise-heat stress.
This study examined the influence that aerobic fitness (VO2 max) had on final heart rate (HR), final rectal temperature (Tre), and total body sweat rate (Msw) when subjects exercised while euhydrated and hypohydrated (-5.0% from baseline body weight). Eight male and six female subjects completed four exercise tests both before and after a 10-d heat acclimation program. The tests were a euhydration and a hypohydration exposure conducted in a comfortable (20 degrees C, 40% rh) and in a hot-dry (49 degrees C, 20% rh) environment. Significant differences were not generally found between the genders for HR, Tre and Msw during the tests. In the comfortable environment, HR, Tre and Msw were not generally significantly correlated (p greater than 0.05) with VO2max. In the hot-dry environment, Tre and VO2max were significantly correlated (r = -0.58) when euhydrated before acclimation. HR was significantly related to VO2max before acclimation when eu- (r = -0.61) and hypohydrated (r = -0.60) as well as after acclimation when eu- (r = -0.57) and hypohydrated (r = -0.67). These data indicate that, when euhydrated in the heat, aerobic fitness provides cardiovascular and thermoregulatory benefits before acclimation, but only cardiovascular benefits after acclimation. However, when hypohydrated in the heat, cardiovascular benefits are present for fit subjects both before and after acclimation, but thermoregulatory benefits are not associated with fitness. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Sleeve gastrectomy in the elderly: A case-control study with long-term follow-up of 3 years.
Advanced age is considered to be a relative contraindication to bariatric surgery because of increased perioperative risk and suboptimal excess weight loss. The aim of this study was to analyze the safety and effectiveness of the sleeve gastrectomy (SG) procedure in a cohort of elderly patients (aged≥60 yr) compared with younger patients (aged<60 yr). Hospital clinic, Barcelona, Spain. A retrospective analysis of all cases of SG in patients≥60 years old between January 2006 and December 2012 was performed. The study included 206 patients, 103 in each group. The mean age was 63.3±2.8 years, and the body mass index was 45.8±22.8 kg/m2. The overall complication rate within the elderly group was 9.7% versus 15.5% in the younger group (P = .2). After SG, there was no statistical difference in body mass index between the groups until 24 (33.4 versus 31.5 kg/m2, P = .01) and 36 (34.6 versus 32.8 kg/m2, P = .01) months of follow-up, favoring the younger cohort. Mean percent excess weight loss was similar between the groups during all periods of follow-up. The mean percent total weight loss change was statistically higher in the younger group at 3 (15.1% versus 17.1%, P = .03); 6 (25.2% versus 27.5%, P = .04); 12 (32.4% versus 35.2%, P = .03); 24 (26.7% versus 32.4%, P<.01); and 36 months (24.9% versus 29.1%, P<.01). Neither groups revealed a statistical difference in resolution of all co-morbidities, except for obstructive sleep apnea (P = .02) in the younger group. SG is a safe and feasible procedure in the elderly with results comparable to those in the standard bariatric population. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Irinotecan-Induced Gastrointestinal Dysfunction and Pain Are Mediated by Common TLR4-Dependent Mechanisms.
Strong epidemiological data indicate that chemotherapy-induced gut toxicity and pain occur in parallel, indicating common underlying mechanisms. We have recently outlined evidence suggesting that TLR4 signaling may contribute to both side effects. We therefore aimed to determine if genetic deletion of TLR4 improves chemotherapy-induced gut toxicity and pain. Forty-two female wild-type (WT) and 42 Tlr4 null (-/-) BALB/c mice weighing between 18 and 25 g (10-13 weeks) received a single 270 mg/kg (i.p.) dose of irinotecan hydrochloride or vehicle control and were killed at 6, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Bacterial sequencing was conducted on cecal samples of control animals to determine the gut microbiome profile. Gut toxicity was assessed using validated clinical and histopathologic markers, permeability assays, and inflammatory markers. Chemotherapy-induced pain was assessed using the validated rodent facial grimace criteria, as well as immunologic markers of glial activation in the lumbar spinal cord. TLR4 deletion attenuated irinotecan-induced gut toxicity, with improvements in weight loss (P = 0.0003) and diarrhea (P < 0.0001). Crypt apoptosis was significantly decreased in BALB/c-Tlr4(-/-billy) mice (P < 0.0001), correlating with lower mucosal injury scores (P < 0.005). Intestinal permeability to FITC-dextran (4 kDa) and LPS translocation was greater in WT mice than in BALB/c-Tlr4(-/-billy) (P = 0.01 and P < 0.0001, respectively). GFAP staining in the lumbar spinal cord, indicative of astrocytic activation, was increased at 6 and 72 hours in WT mice compared with BALB/c-Tlr4(-/-billy) mice (P = 0.008, P = 0.01). These data indicate that TLR4 is uniquely positioned to mediate irinotecan-induced gut toxicity and pain, highlighting the possibility of a targetable gut/CNS axis for improved toxicity outcomes. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(6); 1376-86. ©2016 AACR. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pathogenetic aspects of involutional osteoporosis.
The pathogenetic factors of postmenopausal and senile osteoporosis are reviewed. Both postmenopausal and senile osteoporosis occur as a result of a defective regulation of bone remodelling which leads to a negative uncoupling between bone resorption and bone formation. Systemic and local factors contribute to the development of the phenomenon. While studies of the systemic factors involved in age-related bone loss are well advanced, although still incomplete, the study of the local factors responsible at a tissue level for the negative skeletal balance has barely begun. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Differences in insulin secretion facilitate the differential diagnosis of insulinoma and factitious hypoglycaemia].
A 33-year-old female nurse (married; two children; BMI 30.9 kg/m2) had recurrent episodes of symptomatic hypoglycaemia over some months. Two fasting tests were terminated after 26 hours because the patient became unconscious. Improved insulin/glucose ratio was infinity and 6.1 [mU/l]/[mg/dl] (normal value < 0.5). An hyperinsulinaemic-hypoglycaemic angle "clamp test" produced a C-peptide suppression to minimally 0.26 - 0.38 nmol/l (normal value 0.06 +/- 0.01 nmol). There was no spontaneous or paradoxical burst in insulin or C-peptide concentration after either the fasting or the "clamp test". Serum analysis of sulphonylurea on several occasions documented an increase of glibenclamide above therapeutic range. The patient denied any intake of oral antidiabetic preparations, but there were no further hypoglycaemia attacks in subsequent months. The demonstration of sulphonylurea in serum confirmed the diagnosis of factitious hypoglycaemia. With regard to insulin or C-peptide suppression, the results of the fasting and clamp tests are the same in factitious hypoglycaemia and insulinoma. However, under the influence of sulphonylurea drugs there are no insulin or C-peptide bursts so typical of insulinoma. In case of doubt, detection of sulphonylurea preparations in serum or urine is the only reliable way of diagnosing factitious hypoglaema due to the ingestion of sulphonylurea. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate may represent the site of release of plasma membrane-bound calcium upon stimulation of human platelets.
Thrombin stimulation of human blood platelets caused an extensive (up to 45%) and rapid (5-10 s) decline in endogenous phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI-P2). Thrombin initiated an equally rapid loss of membrane-bound Ca, as indicated by the decrease in fluorescence of chlortetracycline (CTC)-loaded platelets. PI-P2 breakdown also correlated with decreased CTC fluorescence upon use of other platelet stimuli: Arachidonate caused moderate and slow decreases in both PI-P2 and CTC fluorescence, while ionophore only induced minimal changes. Thrombin-induced decreases in PI-P2 content could account for release of sufficient membrane-bound Ca to raise cytoplasmic free [Ca2+] to 1-2 microM, supporting the hypothesis that PI-P2 represents the Ca-binding site involved in the stimulus-dependent increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ evoked by receptor-ligand interactions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Methylmalonyl-CoA mutase activity of leukocytes in variants and heterozygotes of methylmalonic acidemia.
An assay method for the methylmalonyl-CoA mutase of leukocytes obtained from 3 ml of blood was established. The enzyme activity which was measured with or without the in vitro addition of 5'-deoxyadenosylcobalamin was found to be of value for the diagnosis of two variants of methylmalonic acidemia (vitamin B12 responsive and unresponsive), and also for the detection of heterozygotes with the vitamin B12 unresponsive type. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Wetting Criteria of Intrinsic Contact Angle To Distinguish between Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Micro-/Nanotextured Surfaces: Experimental and Theoretical Analysis with Synchrotron X-ray Imaging.
In this study, the existing knowledge on the wetting criterion, that is, the intrinsic contact angle, for distinguishing between hydrophilic and hydrophobic textured surfaces is verified experimentally. A precise apparent contact angle is measured on micro-, nano-, and micro-/nanotextured surfaces to quantitatively define the surface-wetting conditions. In particular, X-ray tomography is introduced to measure precise geometric morphologies of nano- and micro-/nanotextured surfaces, and the wetting state of the textured surfaces is clearly visualized using synchrotron X-ray imaging. By comparing previous theoretical models and experimental results, it is verified that the intrinsic contact angle for distinguishing between hydrophilic and hydrophobic textured surfaces should be corrected from 90° to 43°. In addition, nonwetting phenomena in the region of the intrinsic contact angle between 43° and 90° are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of captopril on urinary kallikrein, blood pressure and myocardial hypertrophy in diabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats.
We investigated the total urinary kallikrein levels, left-ventricular wall thickness and mean arterial blood pressure of nontreated and captopril-treated diabetic and nondiabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats. The mean arterial blood pressure was significantly elevated in diabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats as compared to nondiabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats. Captopril treatment caused a significant reduction in the arterial blood pressure of both nondiabetic and diabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats. The left-ventricular wall thickness was also significantly reduced in diabetic and nondiabetic spontaneously hypertensive treated with captopril as compared to nontreated diabetic and nondiabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats. The total urinary kallikrein levels were significantly raised in captopril-treated diabetic and nondiabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats against the values obtained from nontreated diabetic and nondiabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats. These results indicate that blood pressure reduction and left ventricular wall regression with captopril treatment might be due to enhanced renal kallikrein formation. The significance of these findings is discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Unraveling the stability of polypeptide helices: critical role of van der Waals interactions.
Folding and unfolding processes are important for the functional capability of polypeptides and proteins. In contrast with a physiological environment (solvated or condensed phases), an in vacuo study provides well-defined "clean room" conditions to analyze the intramolecular interactions that largely control the structure, stability, and folding or unfolding dynamics. Here we show that a proper consideration of van der Waals (vdW) dispersion forces in density-functional theory (DFT) is essential, and a recently developed DFT+vdW approach enables long time-scale ab initio molecular dynamics simulations at an accuracy close to "gold standard" quantum-chemical calculations. The results show that the inclusion of vdW interactions qualitatively changes the conformational landscape of alanine polypeptides, and greatly enhances the thermal stability of helical structures, in agreement with gas-phase experiments. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Association of a 27-bp repeat polymorphism in ecNOS gene with ischemic stroke in Chinese patients.
To investigate the association between a 27-bp repeat polymorphism of the ecNOS gene in 364 patients with ischemic stroke and 516 control subjects. The incidence of stroke in China is higher than that of coronary artery disease. Furthermore, ischemic stroke is more prevalent than hemorrhagic stroke. A 27-bp repeat polymorphism in intron 4 of the endothelial constitutive nitric oxide synthase (ecNOS) gene has been reported to associate with coronary artery disease in an Australian population, but no association was found between this polymorphism and ischemic stroke in a Japanese population. All patients and unrelated control subjects were screened by CT. All participants lived in central China. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent roles of this ecNOS gene polymorphism and covariates in ischemic stroke. These results indicated an association between the ecNOS a allele and ischemic stroke in the Chinese patients studied (7.8 versus 17.0%; OR = 2.44; 95% CI = 1.60 to 3.71, p < 0.0001). The ecNOS a allele in intron 4 may be an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke in the Chinese population studied, especially in those lacking other conventional risk factors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The management of leaking rectal anastomoses by minimally invasive techniques.
The salvage of a leaking rectal anastomosis has been reported in selected cases. Herein we present our experience in the management of rectal anastomotic dehiscence by minimally invasive techniques. A total of 94 patients underwent anterior rectal resection for rectal cancer in an 18-month period. The operation was laparoscopic-assisted in 76 cases (81%). Clinical anastomotic dehiscences occurred in 10 cases (10.6%). Conservative therapy, including the percutaneous drainage of pelvic abscesses, was successful in three cases. Among the seven patients who required reoperation, the anastomosis was taken down in only one case. In four of these cases, the reoperation was performed laparoscopically, including peritoneal lavage and the creation of a diverting stoma. There were no complications resulting from the use of laparoscopy in the early postoperative period. Closure of the stoma was possible in eight patients. The salvage of a leaking rectal anastomosis is feasible in the vast majority of these cases (80%). The combination of laparoscopy and interventional radiology is a good alternative to laparotomy in patients who have had previous laparoscopic rectal excision. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Finite element analysis of acetabular wear. Validation, and backing and fixation effects.
A two-phase investigation was undertaken to study computational performance aspects of a recently developed finite element formulation that has shown promise in the study of design related influences on total hip arthroplasty wear. In the first phase, computational model predictions were evaluated against directly corresponding physical wear measurements performed in a biaxial rocking hip simulator. The discrepancy between the predictions and the measurements was approximately 4.1%. In the second phase, a bony support bed was introduced to supersede the model's previous simplifying assumption of rigid support at the cup backing. Other factors being equal, computed wear rates differed negligibly for three very different cup backing and fixation modalities studied with the new bony bed support condition, and for two individual cups studied with bony bed support versus the rigid backing support simplification. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pathways between lymph vessels and sinuses in lymph nodes: a study in horses.
The pathways through which lymph flows from terminal afferent lymphatics to the lymph sinuses, and from the sinuses to initial efferent lymphatics, were studied in horse lymph nodes by using Microfil casts and electron microscopy. Terminal afferent lymphatics are continuous with the subcapsular sinus through oval holes, about 3 microns wide, along their length, and through larger openings near their end. Other terminal afferents penetrate into the node within trabeculae and are supported by processes across the lumen. They connect with trabecular and medullary sinuses through oval or round holes, generally 20-30 microns across. Some of these have processes, similar to the luminal strands of the adjacent sinuses, extending across them, apparently providing reinforcement. Initial efferent lymphatics receive lymph from medullary sinuses through holes which are similar to those in afferent lymphatics, though more common, especially near the origin of the vessel. Initial efferents within the medulla appear to be supported by the luminal strands of the surrounding medullary sinuses. It seems likely that these strands, like the trabeculae which surround the penetrating afferent lymphatics, may help to keep the lymphatic vessels open as the node swells while draining an area of infection. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Interleukin-18, interleukin-8, and CXCR2 and the risk of silicosis.
Molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of silicosis are not fully understood. Exposure to crystalline silica leads to the activation of signaling pathways controlling the production and secretion of inflammatory mediators. Inflammatory cytokines are noted as important candidate genes for fibrotic lung diseases. Cytokines, chemokines, and variations of their genes have been associated with upregulation or downregulation of chronic inflammatory mediators. Variations in the interleukin (IL)-18, IL-8 and chemokine receptor CXCR2 genes are believed to influence the risk of silicosis in stone-grinding factory workers in Iran. Allele-specific oligonucleotide polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure was carried out for IL-18 -137 and IL-18 -607, meanwhile touchdown PCR was performed for IL-8 -251 and CXCR2 +1208 genotyping. Variation in genotypic and allelic frequencies was not statistically different among cases versus controls (p > 0.05). These findings indicated for the first time that IL-18 -137, IL-18 -607, IL-8 -251, and CXCR2 +1208 are suggested not to influence the risk of silicosis in tested occupational group. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Microvessel density and area in pituitary microadenomas.
Microvessel density (MVD) and area (MVA) were assessed in 53 clinically silent pituitary microadenomas and in surrounding normal pituitary tissue using CD34 immunostaining and digital image analysis system. Twenty-one microadenomas (40%) were avascular; in the others, both MVD and MVA were significantly lower than in the normal pituitary tissue. No significant differences in MVD and MVA were found between hormonally immunonegative and immunopositive tumors or between different hormonal subtypes of immunopositive microadenomas. In microadenomas and in normal pituitary tissue, MVD and MVA were not significantly influenced by age or sex. These results suggest that pituitary adenomas at early developmental stage are either avascular or significantly less vascular than normal pituitary tissue and that differences in vascularity of pituitary adenomas associated with the variables of sex, age, clinical presentation and immunohistochemical phenotype reported in the literature can evolve with tumor growth and possibly acquire statistical significance in large macroadenomas. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Follicular fluid anti-Müllerian hormone: a predictive marker of fertilization capacity of MII oocytes.
The present study aimed to correlate anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in follicular fluid (FF) with oocyte maturity stages, morphological quality of metaphase II (MII) oocyte and fertilization capacity of MII oocytes. A total of 92 infertile women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to age: <35 years (n = 43) and ≥35 years (n = 49). An FF sample was obtained from a single dominant follicle in each patient for a total of 92 follicular fluid samples analyzed. AMH levels in serum and follicular fluid were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Mature MII oocytes, zygotes, and embryos were assessed for morphological quality. Serum AMH levels were significantly higher in patients aged <35 years. No correlation was observed between FF AMH level and oocyte maturation stages or morphological quality of MII oocyte. Significantly lower FF AMH levels were observed in fertilized MII oocytes than in non-fertilized MII oocytes in patients aged <35 years (2.56 ± 2.0 ng/ml vs. 4.81 ± 4.14 ng/ml; p = 0.032). The present study revealed no correlation between FF AMH and oocyte maturity stage or morphological quality of MII oocyte. However, FF AMH might be a predictive marker for fertilization capacity of MII oocytes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of intraarterial papaverine on cerebral circulation time.
To measure the mean cerebral circulation time (CCT) in patients with symptomatic vasospasm stemming from subarachnoid hemorrhage and to determine any change after papaverine treatment. We studied 27 patients who received intraarterial papaverine from November 1992 to August 1995 to determine the CCT in 59 carotid territories. CCT was measured from the first image in which contrast was seen above the supraclinoid internal carotid artery to the peak filling of parietal cortical veins. Angiograms at the time of presentation were examined in 19 of the 27 patients. A control population of 19 patients (30 carotid territories) was also studied. The mean CCT on presentation was 6.8 seconds +/- 1.1. The prepapaverine mean CCT was 6.1 seconds +/- 1.2. The immediate postpapaverine mean CCT was 3.8 seconds +/- 0.8. CCT decreased in 58 of 59 territories treated with papaverine; the mean change was -35.7%. In eight of these patients, CCT rose on the following day to 6.1 seconds +/- 1.1. In the control group, mean CCT was 5.9 seconds +/- 0.8. The mean CCT in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage was slightly prolonged on presentation relative to that in control subjects. Intraarterial papaverine produces a consistent decrease in CCT in patients with vasospasm. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome: a 17-year study of 19 cases in Iranian population (1991-2008).
Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is a hereditary autosomal dominant disorder with a wide range of clinical signs and symptoms. The major criteria are more than two basal cell carcinoma, keratocystic odontogenic tumor, three or more palmar pits, and calcification of the falx cerebri, spine and rib anomalies, and a family history of the syndrome. This study reports 19 cases in an Iranian population and presents this rare syndrome as a differential diagnosis of skeletal anomalies. Between 1991 and 2008, the demographic, clinical, radiologic and histologic data of 19 patients with NBCCS were analyzed. The average age at the time of diagnosis of NBCCS was 35.12 years. All patients had a minimum of two major criteria. The major criteria with the most frequency were the keratocysts odontogenic tumor (19 patients), and the average number was 6.2. Basal cell carcinoma (8 patients), and the average number was 14.7 calcification of the falx cerebri (17 patients), palmo-plantar pits (14 patients), mild hypertelorism (10 patients), and bilateral cleft lip and palate (1 patient). Only one patient was affected with an unusual case of NBCCS in a 30-year-old man with an associated squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus. Only two cases of this unusual association have been reported. This case is one of a large family including 14 NBCCS-affected patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of intra- and post-operative ischemia on the metabolic profile of clinical liver tissue specimens monitored by NMR.
Metabolomic profiles of tissues could greatly contribute to advancements in personalized medicine but are influenced by differences in adopted preanalytical procedures; nonhomogeneous pre- and post-excision ischemia times are potential sources of variability. In this study, we monitored the impact of ischemia on the metabolic profiles, acquired with high-resolution magic-angle-spinning (1)H NMR, of 162 human liver samples collected during and up to 6 h after routine surgery. The profiles changed significantly as a function of intraoperative warm ischemia (WI) and postresection cold ischemia (CI) time, with significant variations in the concentration of the same 16 metabolites. Therefore, a tight control of the preanalytical phase is essential for reliable metabolomic analyses of liver diseases. The NMR profiles provide a reliable "fingerprint" of ischemia and have predictive value: the best-performing predictive models are found to discriminate extreme time points of CI (0' vs 360 ') in the training set with cross-validation accuracy of ~90%; samples in the validation cohort can discriminate short (≤60') from long (≥180') CI with an accuracy of ~80%. For WI, the corresponding figures are 95.6 and 92%, respectively. Therefore, ischemia NMR profiles might become a tool for tissue quality control in biobanks. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Raman crystallographic studies of the intermediates formed by Ser130Gly SHV, a beta-lactamase that confers resistance to clinical inhibitors.
Antibiotic resistance to beta-lactam compounds in Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae is often mediated by beta-lactamase enzymes like TEM and SHV. Previously, a limited number of inhibitors have shown efficacy in combating such bacterial drug resistance. However, many Gram-negative pathogens have evolved inhibitor resistant forms of these hydrolytic enzymes. A single point mutation of the active site residue Ser130 to a Gly in either TEM or SHV results in resistance to amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, an important clinical beta-lactam-beta-lactamase inhibitor combination antibiotic. Previous structural and modeling studies of the S130G mutants of TEM and SHV have shown differences in how these two distinct but closely related enzymes compensate for the loss of the Ser130 residue. In the case of S130G SHV, a structure of tazobactam in the active site has suggested that the inhibitor preferentially assumes a cis-enamine intermediate form when the Ser130 hydroxyl is absent. Raman crystallographic studies of S130G SHV inhibited with tazobactam, sulbactam, clavulanic acid, and 2'-glutaroxy penem sulfone (SA2-13) were performed with the aim of identifying the type and amount of intermediate formed with each drug to understand the role of the S130G mutation in formation of the important enamine intermediates. It is demonstrated that with the exception of sulbactam, each compound forms observable trans-enamine intermediates. For S130G reacted with tazobactam, identical steady state levels of enamine are achieved when compared to those of wild-type (WT) or even deacylation deficient forms of the enzyme. With clavulanic acid, slightly smaller amounts of enamine are observed within the first 30 min of the reaction but are not significantly different than those for tazobactam. Thus, the resistance mutation does not substantially affect the amount of trans-enamine formed with clavulanic acid during the critical early time period of inhibition. This finding has important implications in the design of beta-lactamase inhibitors for drug resistant variants like S130G SHV. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
PARP-inhibitors in BRCA-associated pancreatic cancer.
Recent data suggests that treating patients with pancreatic cancer that express mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 with chemotherapy which targets the DNA repair defect in these cells, such as platinum based therapies or PARPi [poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor], may be more beneficial in these patients. Moreover, further data also indicates the promise of combining PARPi with conventional chemotherapy. Authors summarize the data related to PARPi in BRCA-associated pancreatic cancer that was presented at the annual meeting of ASCO 2014. Enrolment on a clinical trial for patients who fit these criteria should be encouraged. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The influence of specific antisera and unheated guinea pig serum on the pathogenicity of "Runde" virus for mice.
Antisera from various animal species containing antibodies to "Runde" virus were not able to neutralize virus infection in newborn mice, the outcome of which is an acute, fatal CNS disease. There was, however, one noticeable exception. Mixtures of virus and hyperimmune mouse serum or ascitic fluid inoculated intracerebrally into newborn mice resulted in a persistent infection and a chronic disease which had previously only been recognized in 2 to 3-week-old mice inoculated with "Runde" virus. A serum pool from persistently infected mice had the same effect, though this was less pronounced. The addition of unheated guinea pig serum to the virus-hyperimmune serum mixtures reinforced the tendency to persistence and chronic disease, and unheated guinea pig serum alone modified the infection in the same way. The results suggest an immunological basis for the virus persistence and chronic disease in suckling mice. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Synthesis and antibacterial activity of some novel chiral fluorophoric biscyclic macrocycles.
Synthesis of chiral permanent fluorophoric biscyclic macrocycles incorporating anthraquinone and (S)-BINOL core is described. Interestingly, the biscyclic macrocycle 1 exhibited remarkable antibacterial activity against most of the pathogenic bacteria in the tested concentrations as compared to the other three compounds 2, 14 and 17 as well as the test control, tetracycline. Further biscyclophanes 1 and 2 exhibited permanent fluorescence sensing property even under highly acidic conditions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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