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Nurse-led chest drain removal in a cardiac high dependency unit.
Within the cardiac high dependency unit it is currently a member of the surgical team who makes the decision for a patient's chest drain to be removed after cardiac surgery. This has often resulted in delays in discharging one patient and therefore in admitting the next. A pilot study was carried out using a working standard that had been developed, incorporating an algorithmic model. The results have enabled nursing staff in a cardiac high dependency unit to undertake this responsibility independently. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Accuracy and consistency of anti-Xa activity measurement for determination of rivaroxaban plasma levels.
Essentials Accurate determination of anticoagulant plasma concentration is important in clinical practice. We studied the accuracy and consistency of anti-Xa assays for rivaroxaban in a multicentre study. In a range between 50 and 200 μg L-1 , anti-Xa activity correlated well with plasma concentrations. The clinical value might be limited by overestimation and intra- and inter-individual variation. Background Determining the plasma level of direct oral anticoagulants reliably is important in the work-up of complex clinical situations. Objectives To study the accuracy and consistency of anti-Xa assays for rivaroxaban plasma concentration in a prospective, multicenter evaluation study employing different reagents and analytical platforms. Methods Rivaroxaban 20 mg was administered once daily to 20 healthy volunteers and blood samples were taken at peak and trough levels (clinicaltrials.gov NCT01710267). Anti-Xa activity was determined in 10 major laboratories using different reagents and analyzers; corresponding rivaroxaban plasma concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Findings Overall Pearson's correlation coefficient of anti-Xa levels and HPLC-MS results was 0.99 for Biophen® Heparin (95% CI, 0.99, 0.99), Biophen® DiXaI (95% CI, 0.99, 0.99) and STA® anti-Xa liquid (95% CI, 0.99, 1.00). Correlation was lower in rivaroxaban concentrations below 50 μg L-1 and above 200 μg L-1 . The overall bias of the Bland-Altman difference plot was 14.7 μg L-1 for Biophen Heparin, 17.9 μg L-1 for Biophen DiXal and 19.0 μg L-1 for STA anti-Xa liquid. Agreement between laboratories was high at peak level but limited at trough level. Conclusions Anti-Xa activity correlated well with rivaroxaban plasma concentrations, especially in a range between 50 and 200 μg L-1 . However, anti-Xa assays systematically overestimated rivaroxaban concentration as compared with HPLC-MS, particularly at higher concentrations. This overestimation, coupled with an apparent interindividual variation, might affect the interpretation of results in some situations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Relief of superior vena caval syndrome with autologous femoral vein used as a bypass graft.
Two patients presenting with superior venal caval syndrome have been treated surgically. In one patient the obstruction was caused by benign idiopathic mediastinal fibrosis; in the other it was secondary to carcinoma. In both cases venous decompression was achieved by using a segment of autogenous femoral vein to bypass the obstruction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Isolation and washing of human platelets with nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide (NO) was compared with prostacyclin as an inhibitor of the activation of human platelets during isolation, washing and storage. The use of NO throughout the procedure prevented the activation of platelets. The morphology and behaviour of NO-washed platelets was similar to that of prostacyclin-washed platelets when stored at 4 degrees C for up to 24 h. Prolonged storage resulted in deterioration of the platelets which occurred earlier in the NO-washed than in the prostacyclin-washed platelets. The protective effect of NO was potentiated by the selective cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor M & B 22948, suggesting that it is mediated by the activation of guanylate cyclase. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[2 components of ventricular contractility and their determination based on a noninvasive method].
It is suggested that a force component and a rate component should be distinguished for elaborating the quantitative values of the contractility of the heart ventricle. In experiments the first component is determined as the maximum pressure in the ventricle during isovolumic contraction, and the second component, as the maximum value of the blood flow in the ejection phase at zero afterload. Analysis of the data found in the literature and the results of the authors' experiments provides evidence that the force and rate components differ in their dependence on the hemodynamic conditions. A noninvasive method for determining the contractility components is suggested. Analysis of the clinical data and the literature confirms that the force and rate components change in a different manner in various types of pathological conditions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Epidemiology of necrotizing enterocolitis.
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a worldwide problem that has emerged in the past 25 years as the most common gastrointestinal emergency in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). In the United States the incidence ranges from 1 to 7.7% of NICU admissions. Ninety percent of the patients are premature infants. Mucosal injury, bacterial colonization and formula feeding are the three major pathogenetic factors that have been documented in most infants who have developed NEC. However, NEC may develop only if a threshold of injury, imposed by the coincidence of at least two of three events (intestinal ischemia, pathogenic bacteria, and excess of protein substrate) is exceeded. Immunological immaturity of the gut in premature babies may represent the crucial risk factor. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux and factors associated with the outcome 6 to 10 years after the operation: multivariate analysis of prognostic factors using the propensity score.
The impact from the mode of operation (partial vs total fundoplication) on long-term outcome after fundoplication still is unknown, although short-term randomized studies have not shown significant differences in the efficacy of reflux control. To obtain some insight concerning the long-term results, the data of a nonrandomized cohort were analyzed using propensity score statistics. For 134 patients who underwent laparoscopic fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the time until recurrence of reflux symptoms was assessed. The impact of putative prognostic factors and the mode of operation (partial vs total fundoplication) on outcome were tested for significance using univariate and multivariate statistics, including the propensity score, correcting for nonrandomized treatment groups. The follow-up period was 60 to 123 months (median, 93 months). In this study, 45 patients had a partial (Toupet) fundoplication, and 89 patients underwent a total (Nissen) fundoplication. The rate of recurrence after 93 months (the median follow-up interval) was 14% after Nissen and 9% after Toupet fundoplication (nonsignificant difference) as estimated according to Kaplan and Meier. Massive acid exposure to the esophagus was associated with an increased risk of recurrence for 23% of the patients with a DeMeester score of 50 or higher, but only for 9% of the patients with less severe reflux (DeMeester score <50; p < 0.05). Multiple proportional hazard regression using the propensity score did not show additional significance for the variables of age, gender, presence of a Barrett esophagus, and mode of operation. The operation method did not have a significant impact on the efficacy of laparoscopic fundoplication in a cohort during a follow-up period of 60 to 123 months (median, 93 months). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Individuality and Transgenerational Inheritance of Social Dominance and Sex Pheromones in Isogenic Male Mice.
Phenotypic variation and its epigenetic regulations within the inbred isogenic mice have long intrigued biologists. Here, we used inbred C57BL/6 mice to examine the individual differences and the inheritance of social dominance and male pheromones, expecting to create a model for studying the underlying epigenetic mechanisms for the evolution of these traits. We used a repeated male-male contest paradigm to form stable dominance-submission relationships between paired males and make superior or inferior quality manifest. Females showed olfactory preferences for the urine of dominant males to that of subordinate opponents. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analysis revealed that dominance-related or superior quality related pheromones were actually exaggerated male pheromone components (e.g., E-β-farnesene, hexadecanol, and 1-hexadecanol acetate) of preputial gland origin. Although the socially naïve sons of both dominant and subordinate males elicited the same female attraction when reaching adulthood, the former could dominated over the latter during undergoing the male-male competition and then gained more attraction of females. Our results demonstrated that social dominance or superior quality and the related pheromones were heritable and could be expressed through the interaction between aggression-related epigenotypes and male-male contests. It suggested that the evolution of sexually selected traits could be epigenetically determined and promoted through female mate choice. The epigenetic mechanisms driving the individual differences in behavior and male pheromones deserve further studies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Social factors influencing the use of medical facilities by infants and their parents. A case study of a city near Tokyo].
This study aimed to demonstrate relationships between frequency of visits to medical facilities for infants and factors, including social elements, generally thought of as influencing the frequency. A questionnaire survey was conducted among parents with infants living in a city near Tokyo. The subjects comprised 957 residents (97.9% were the mothers) who had infants attending nursery schools, kindergartens and/or infant circles. In this city, parents can use medical care for infants free of charge, because of subsidies for medical costs from the local government. Data for 790 out of the 957 residents were adopted for this study. The questionnaire included attributes of infants and parents such as age, sex, birth order, parent' employment status and social factors such as the availability of childcare support from family or relatives or others, attitude of parents to utilization of medical resources, and whether the infants concerned had a chronic illness. As the dependent variable, respondents were asked about the number of visits to medical facilities by their infants during the previous year. The responses to the survey were analyzed by simple and multiple regression. In the simple and multiple regression analyses (adjusted for infants' age, sex, birth order, parents' employment status), statistically significant correlations were found between the number of visits to medical facilities and the answers to following questions: whether the infants concerned had a chronic illness; the availability of childcare support from family or relatives; and the attitude of parents to utilization of medical resources. There were no correlations with infants' age, infants' sex, infants' birth order, parents' employment status, and the extent of childcare support from friends. The frequency of use of medical facilities by infants is negatively associated with social factors such as the availability of childcare support from relatives and positively correlated with infants' chronic illness and parents' lack of hesitation in using medical services for infants. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
PARAFAC and MCR-ALS applied to the quantitative monitoring of the photodegradation process of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using three-dimensional excitation emission fluorescent spectra Comparative results with HPLC.
Two methods were developed for the simultaneous quantitative monitoring of photodegradation process of dibenz[a,h]anthracene (DibA), benz[a]anthracene (BaA), benz[a]pyrene (BaP) and benz[k]fluorantene (BkF) using excitation-emission fluorescence spectroscopy. Parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) were satisfactory applied to the data obtained during this process. The results achieved were statistically compared by means of the joint interval test of slope and intercept, with the data obtained using the reference methodology, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. There are not significant differences between the methodologies proposed and the standard one, and may be a good alternative to the traditional methods of analysis for monitoring the degradation of these pollutants. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of biofeedback cycling training on functional recovery and walking ability of lower extremity in patients with stroke.
This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of biofeedback cycling training on lower limb functional recovery, walking endurance, and walking speed for patients with chronic stroke. Thirty-one patients with stroke (stroke onset >3 months) were randomly assigned into two groups using a crossover design. One group (N = 16; mean: 53.6 ± 10.3 years) underwent conventional rehabilitation and cycling training (30 minutes/time, 5 times per week for 4 weeks), followed by only conventional rehabilitation for another 4 weeks. The other group (N = 15; mean: 54.5 ± 8.0 years) underwent the same training in reverse order. The bike used in this biofeedback cycling training was the MOTOmed viva2 Movement Trainer. Outcome measures included the lower extremity subscale of Fugl-Meyer assessment (LE-FMA), the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), the 10-meter walk test (10MWT), and the modified Ashworth scale (MAS). All participants were assessed at the beginning of the study, at the end of the 4(th) week, and at the end of the 8(th) week. Thirty participants completed the study, including the cycling training interventions and all assessments. The results showed that improvements in the period with cycling training were significantly better than the noncycling period in the LE-FMA (p < 0.05), 6MWT (p < 0.001), 10MWT (p < 0.001), and MAS (p < 0.001) scores. No significant carryover effects were observed. The improvements on outcome measures were significantly different between the cycling period and the noncycling period after adjusting for potential confounding factors in the multivariate analysis of variance (p < 0.001). The study result indicates that the additional 4-week biofeedback cycling training could lead to improved LE functional recovery, walking endurance, and speed for patients with chronic stroke. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A plausible explanation for enhanced bioavailability of P-gp substrates in presence of piperine: simulation for next generation of P-gp inhibitors.
P-glycoprotein (P-gp) has a major role to play in drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, since it effluxes many cytotoxic hydrophobic anticancer drugs from gastrointestinal tract, brain, liver and kidney. Piperine is known to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin, as a substrate of P-gp by at least 2000%. Besides these at least 50 other substrates and inhibitors of P-gp have been reported so far. All P-gp inhibitors have diverse structures. Although little is known about binding of some flavonoids and steroids at the NBD (nucleotide binding domain) of P-gp in the vicinity of ATP binding site inhibiting its hydrolysis, a valid explanation of how P-gp accommodates such a diverse set of inhibitors is still awaited. In the present study, piperine up to 100 μM has not shown observable cytotoxic effect on MDCK cell line, and it has been shown to accumulate rhodamine by fluorescence microscopy and fluorescent activated cell sorter in MDCK cells. Computational simulation for piperine and some first and second generation P-gp inhibitors has shown that these dock at the NBD site of P-gp. A comparative simulation study has been carried out regarding their docking and binding energies. Binding conformation of P-gp co-crystallized complexes with ADP, AMP-PNP (Adenylyl-imidodiphosphate), and ATP were compared with piperine. The receptor based E-pharmacophore of docked piperine has been simulated to find common features amongst P-gp inhibitors. Finally it has been concluded that piperine could be utilized as base molecule for design and development of safe non-toxic inhibitor of P-gp in order to enhance the bioavailability of most of its substrates. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Spontaneous buphthalmos in the Djungarian hamster (Phodopus sungorus campbelli).
Four Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus campbelli) were examined because of insidious globe enlargement, visual impairment and secondary altered behavior. Buphthalmos, deep anterior chambers, widely dilated pupils and poor to absent pupillary light reflexes were evident bilaterally in all four animals. Pale retinae and atrophic optic nerve heads were observed in the oldest hamsters. Light microscopic findings, including uveal atrophy, retinal atrophy (especially the inner retina), and a relative decrease in ganglion cells and optic nerve atrophy, were consistent with glaucoma. The etiology was unclear, but a genetic predisposition cannot be excluded. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A reproducible sodium-lithium countertransport assay: the outcome of changing key laboratory parameters.
This paper describes experimental conditions for reproducible measurement of sodium-lithium countertransport in red blood cells. The assay is sensitive to temperature (10% per degree C) and the condition of the red cells; it is affected little by changes in intracellular lithium over the range 2-7 mmol/1 or by red cell concentrations with laboratory hematocrits of 0.03 to 0.07. Repeated measurements of the same subjects give day-to-day coefficients of variation of 10% or less. The mean difference for interlaboratory comparisons is 11%. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The significance of biological, environmental, and social risk factors for prostate cancer in a cohort study in Brazil.
To evaluate the significance of several risk factors for prostate cancer in a cohort of Brazilian men. Men ≥ 40 years-old participating in a prostate cancer screening program between December 2006 and April 2011 in the city of Curitiba, Brazil, were evaluated to determine the prevalence, relative risk (RR) and 95 % CI of prostate cancer according to age, race, ethnicity, family history of prostate cancer, educational level, and history of vasectomy, increased blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and urethritis. In 2121 men included in this study, prostate cancer prevalence was 0.6 % for men between 40-49 years versus 2.0 % (adjusted RR = 2.58), 7.7 % (adjusted RR = 5.76), and 8.4 % (adjusted RR = 4.88) for men 50-59 years, 60-69 years, and ≥ 70 years, respectively (p < 0.05 to all). The prevalence of cancer was 5.1% in blacks versus 3.3 % in whites (adjusted RR = 1.56, p > 0.05); 6.1 % in African descendants, in comparison to 3.0 % in non-African descendants (adjusted RR = 3.17, p < 0.05); 5.1% in men with a positive family history, compared to 2.5 % in those with no family history (adjusted RR = 1.55, p > 0.05); and 4.8 % in participants with incomplete elementary school level or lower, compared to 2.2 % in men with complete elementary school level or higher education (adjusted RR = 1.85, p > 0.05). Men with/without history of vasectomy, increased blood pressure, diabetes, and urethritis had a prostate cancer prevalence of 0.8 %/3.0 % (adjusted RR = 0.23, p > 0.05), 3.8 %/2.2 % (adjusted RR = 1.16, p > 0.05), 3.7 %/2.6 % (adjusted RR = 1.39, p > 0.05), and 2.6 %/2.6 % (adjusted RR = 0.99, p > 0.05), respectively. Risk factors associated with an increased prevalence of prostate cancer in this cohort included increasing age and African ethnicity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Short-latency ocular following responses of monkey. I. Dependence on temporospatial properties of visual input.
The ocular following responses elicited by brief unexpected movements of the visual scene were studied in 10 rhesus monkeys. Test patterns were either random dots or sine-wave gratings [spatial frequency (Fs) 0.046-1.06 cycles per degree (c/degree)]. Test stimuli were velocity steps [speed (V) 5-400 degrees/s] of 100-ms duration, applied 50 ms after spontaneous saccades to avoid saccadic intrusions. Eye velocity response profiles were nonmonotonic and idiosyncratic, but consistent and closely time-locked to stimulus onset. Two measures of response amplitude were used: initial peak in eye velocity (ei), and average final eye velocity over the period of 110-140 ms measured from stimulus onset (ef). Using random dot patterns, response latencies were short, e.g., when the criterion for onset was an eye acceleration of 100 degrees/s2, mean latency (+/- SE) for eight monkeys with a 40 degrees/s test ramp was 51.5 +/- 0.6 ms. Using gratings of low spatial frequency (Fs less than 0.5 c/degree), latency was inversely related to, and solely a function of, contrast and temporal frequency, Ft (where Ft = V X Fs). We conclude from the latter that ocular following is triggered by local changes in luminance, and propose a model of the detection mechanism that reproduces all the essential features of these data. Moderate low-pass spatial filtering ("blurring") of the random dot pattern, by interposing a sheet of ground glass between the animal and the scene, progressively increased the response latency and decreased ef, but ei was either little affected or increased. When used with gratings, the ground glass simply reduced the contrast (range: 0.5-0.003), with very similar consequences for ocular following: latency increased and ef decreased, but ei changed little over the first decade of contrast reduction, increased over the second, and began to show attenuation (often pronounced) only at the lowest contrast. We suggest that these anomalous increases in ei with reductions in contrast are secondary to the delay in response onset and might be explained if the motion detectors responsible for triggering ocular following act as a gate for integrated retinal slip inputs to the tracking system proper: the delay in detection causes a buildup in the error signal driving the tracking response. En masse movement of the visual field was not the optimal stimulus for ocular following.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A shared promoter element regulates the expression of three steroidogenic enzymes.
The adrenal cortex of the mouse coordinately expresses three cytochrome P450 enzymes that are required for the biosynthesis of corticosteroids: cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (SCC), steroid 21-hydroxylase (21-OHase), and steroid 11 beta-hydroxylase (11 beta-OHase). Within their 5'-flanking regions, we previously identified six elements containing variations of an AGGTC motif that regulated expression in mouse Y1 adrenocortical cells: 21-OHase elements at -210, -140, and -65; SCC elements at -70 and -40; and an 11 beta-OHase element at -310. We demonstrate here that all six elements interact with the same, or closely related, DNA-binding protein(s). First, these elements all formed complexes of similar mobility in gel shift assays, suggesting that they interacted with protein(s) of similar size. Additional larger complexes were seen with those probes containing exact AGGTCA sequences. Second, competition experiments confirmed that the factor(s) interacting with different elements had closely related or identical recognition specificities. Finally, indistinguishable profiles of shift activities were seen upon fractionation of nuclear proteins over sequential chromatographic columns. Collectively, these results suggest that related elements interact with a shared protein to regulate three essential steroidogenic enzymes. An AGGTCA sequence motif comprises the response element for several members of the nuclear hormone receptor family. Oligonucleotide competitions and specific effects of antisera in gel shift assays implicated chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor in the formation of the larger complexes seen with the elements containing exact AGGTCA sequences. Therefore, this member of the nuclear hormone receptor family also may regulate the expression of the adrenal steroidogenic enzymes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Controlled trial and dose-finding study of ivermectin for treatment of onchocerciasis.
Ivermectin, given as a single oral dose, has shown considerable promise as a new treatment for onchocerciasis. We assessed the safety and efficacy of ivermectin and tried to determine the optimal dose. Two hundred Liberians received 100, 150, or 200 micrograms of ivermectin/kg or placebo and were followed up for 12 months. Therapy was associated with only minimal systemic and ocular side effects. A 200-micrograms/kg dose was associated with greater systemic reaction than was a 100-micrograms/kg dose. Each treatment group had significant reduction in skin microfilaria counts by day 3 and a decrease of approximately 95% at three months. At three months the proportion of persons with no microfilariae in a specimen of skin was significantly less in the 100-micrograms/kg group than in the 150-micrograms/kg or 200-micrograms/kg groups. At 12 months, the level of microfilariae in skin was still reduced approximately 80%. Significant reduction in ocular involvement was seen in all groups. These results confirm that single-dose ivermectin is effective and well-tolerated and suggest that 150 micrograms of ivermectin/kg may be the optimal dose for initial therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Microscopic and molecular identification of hemotropic mycoplasmas in South American coatis (Nasua nasua).
Hemoplasmas were detected in two apparently healthy captive South American coatis (Nasua nasua) from southern Brazil during an investigation for vector-borne pathogens. Blood was subjected to packed cell volume (PCV) determination, a commercial real-time PCR panel for the detection of Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Bartonella spp., Hepatozoon spp., Leishmania spp., Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis', 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', Neorickettsia risticii, Rickettsia rickettsii and Leptospira spp., and a pan-hemoplasma conventional PCR assay. PCV was normal, but both coatis tested positive for hemoplasmas and negative for all the remaining pathogens tested. Using different techniques for microscopy (light, confocal or SEM), structures compatible with hemoplasmas were identified. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene identified an organism resembling Mycoplasma haemofelis and another hemotropic Mycoplasma sp., with a sequence identity of 96.8% to a Mycoplasma sp. previously detected in capybaras. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Trends in incidence of skin basal cell carcinoma. Additional evidence from a UK primary care database study.
We determined the trends in incidence of skin basal cell carcinoma (BCC) using a primary care population-based cohort study in the UK. 11,113 adults with a BCC diagnosis were identified from a total of 7.22 million person-years of data between 1996 and 2003 from the Health Improvement Network database. From a random subsample of BCC cases identified from the database, 93% were confirmed by hospital letter and/or pathology report. The incidence of BCC was 153.9 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI 151.1, 156.8) and was slightly higher in men as compared to women (Incidence Rate Ratio 1.10, 95% CI 1.06, 1.14). There was a 3% increase year on year across the study period (IRR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01, 1.04), with the largest increase in incidence seen in the 30-39 year age groups, although this did not reach statistical significance. Our study indicates 53,000 new cases of BCC are estimated every year in the UK and figures are continuing to rise on a yearly basis. Incidence rates are highest for men and in particular in the older age categories. These findings are consistent with those reported for various other populations. We have also found an increase in incidence in ages 30-39, which may suggest a cohort effect of increasing ultraviolet exposure in successive younger generations. This may have a huge public and service impact in future years in countries such as the UK, with predominantly fair-skinned population, with high leisure exposure to ultraviolet light. Our findings underline the need for more elaborate preventive measures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
To complete their life cycle, pathogenic nematode-bacteria complexes deter scavengers from feeding on their host cadaver.
The life cycle of commercially used molluscicidal rhabditid nematodes Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita and entomopathogenic steinernematid nematodes is similar: infective stages carry symbiotic bacteria, which kill their host. Nematodes complete their life cycle feeding on the proliferating symbiont and the host tissue. After 1-2 weeks, new infective stages carrying the bacteria leave the host cadaver in search of new hosts. The removal of invertebrate cadavers by scavengers is extremely fast and represents a severe threat to the developing nematodes.Two-choice trials were used to assess prey choice of the generalist predator/scavenger Pterostichus melanarius (Coleoptera: Carabidae) between Deroceras reticulatum (Mollusca: Agriolimacidae) slugs or wax moth Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae killed by infection of P. hermaphrodita/Steinernema affine and control killed by freezing. We demonstrate that the presence of either of the two nematodes tested deters the beetles from consuming infected cadavers. As P. hermaprodita cannot infect an insect host, we hypothesise the deterrent effect being an evolutionary adaptation of the nematode/bacteria complex rather than the ability of the beetles to avoid potentially infective cadavers. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Calculation of dose, dose equivalent, and relative biological effectiveness for high charge and energy ion beams.
The Green's function for the transport of ions of high charge and energy is utilized with a nuclear fragmentation database to evaluate dose, dose equivalent, and RBE for C3H10T1/2 cell survival and neoplastic transformation as a function of depth in soft tissue. Such evaluations are useful to estimates of biological risk for high altitude aircraft, space operations, accelerator operations, and biomedical applications. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of normal and reversed sleep-wake cycles upon nyctohemeral rhythmicity of plasma thyrotropin: evidence suggestive of an inhibitory influence in sleep.
The relation of nyctohemeral variation in plasma TSH to sleep-wake cycles was examined in 10 normal young men who had their sleep polygraphically monitored and their blood sampled every 20 min for 24,36, or 48 h periods. Studies of normal sleepwake cycles in which sleep was allowed from the usual bedtime to 0630 h totalled 21 nights (night = 1840-0620 h) and their corresponding 16 days. TSH was measured by a sensitive RIA. On 17 nights, the mean nightly TSH significantly exceeded that of the day's and, on 18 nights, clear nyctohemerally maximal peaks in TSH were seen in the 2100-0100 h interval. Greater amplitude, duration and rhythmic repetition over several nights distinguished 2100-0100 h maxima from a background of persistent briefly episodic release. These nyctohemeral peaks were pre-sleep maxima, as rises uniformly began, and on 15 nights, the peaks occurred prior to the onset of sleep. The peaks clustered within the 30 min just before (12 nights) or after (3 nights) entry into sleep. TSH release then declined across sleep. Other evidence suggestive of an inhibitory influence in sleep upon TSH release was that sleep began early on the 3 nights without clear 2100-0100 h TSH maxima and that the mean 2100-0100 h TSH peak was significantly reduced when sleep began prior to the usual 2300-0000 h interval and significantly increased when the onset of sleep was delayed or postponed. After a 24 h baseline, 4 men underwent phase-reversal of their sleep-wake cycles for 48 h, in which sleep was shifted to the 1100-1830 h interval. On the first wakeful night of reversal, the 2100-0100 h peak began normally, but, in the absence of sleep, the enhanced TSH release then simply continued across this night, delaying achievement of the nyctohemeral maxima. On the second wakeful night of reversal, the maximum in mean TSH lay in the same 0400-0600 h interval as that of first reversal night, and the mean 2100-0100 h peak was no longer evident. The TSH of the second 24 h of reversal also was significantly reduced, suggestive of a negative feedback effect of enhanced release of the first reversal day. No shift of basal pre-sleep TSH peaks to the 0900-1300 h interval or of sleep-enhanced TSH release was seen during reversal. Thus, despite the persistence of TSH's nyctohemeral rhythmicity across acute sleep-wake reversal, its pattern changed significantly in relation to shifts in sleep. We currently view these results as consistent with the origin of TSH's nyctohemeral rhythmicity in a circadian mechanism whose expression is subject to modulation by the inhibitory influences of feedback and sleep. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Changes in blood-brain barrier function modify the neuroendocrine response to circulating substances.
It is known that various experimental, pathological and even physiological situations may be accompanied by transient increases in blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. The hypothesis that under such conditions the blood-borne substances can reach the active sites in the brain in concentrations high enough to influence central control of hormone release was verified in these studies. A suitable experimental model of BBB opening by protamine sulfate administration in conscious rats was introduced. Using this model it was shown that the dopaminergic blocker domperidone inhibited apomorphine-induced ACTH release if permeability of the BBB was increased, but not under normal conditions. It is suggested that the changes in BBB function can modify the neuroendocrine response also to other circulating substances and this may be an important, until now unconsidered phenomenon in neuroendocrine research. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Facilitated Neural Differentiation of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells by Electrical Stimulation and Nurr-1 Gene Transduction.
Neuron-like cells derived from adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have been considered one of the most promising cells for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and neurotrauma in the central nervous system (CNS). Thus far, extensive efforts have been made to facilitate neuronal differentiation of ADSCs, but limited progress has been achieved. In the present study, we tested the possibility of using a combination of electrical stimulation (ES) with Nurr-1 gene transduction to promote neuronal differentiation of ADSCs. The tolerance of ADSCs to ES was first examined by a cell apoptosis assay. The proliferation of cells was characterized using a CCK-8 assay. The morphology of cells was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The differentiation of ADSCs into neuron-like cells was examined by immunocytochemistry (ICC)-immunofluorescence staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The gene expression of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2), β-tubulin, neurofilament 200 (NF-200), octamer binding transcription factor 4 (OCT-4), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) after stimulation was examined by qRT-PCR. We found that the optimal intensity of ES for neuronal differentiation of ADSCs was 1 V/cm. In addition, ES combined with Nurr-1 gene transduction increased the neuronal differentiation rate of ADSCs, the length of neurite-like processes, and the secretion of dopamine. Further studies showed that a combination of ES with Nurr-1 gene transduction was capable of promoting the expression of MAP-2, β-tubulin, and NF-200 but decreased the expression of OCT-4 and GFAP. All of these findings indicate that a combination of ES with Nurr-1 gene transduction could facilitate neuronal differentiation of ADSCs, which raises the possibility of its application in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and neurotrauma in the CNS. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Interaction of polyelectrolytes with proteins, 3. Influence of complexing polycations on the thermoaggregation of oligomeric enzymes.
The ability of quaternized polyamines (poly-N-alkyl-4-vinylpyridinium bromides possessing a number, m, of methylene groups in the N-alkyl substituent or a degree of alkylation, beta, and n,n-ionene bromides) to suppress the thermoaggregation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase increased in the order m = 1 < 3 < 5, beta = 95 < 85 < 70 << 45 < 35 < 20 and n = 3 < 6 < 10, which agrees well with the increase, in the same order, in the hydrophobicity of the chains. Complexing suppressed thermoaggregation, but not thermodenaturation of the enzyme, which was even encouraged by the polycations and occurred at room temperature when the most efficient suppressor (with beta = 20) was used. The adverse effect was reduced by the addition of sodium chloride which destroyed the complex and resulted in a noticeable reactivation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cold restraint alters dopamine metabolism in frontal cortex, nucleus accumbens and neostriatum.
The concentrations of dopamine (DA) and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) were assayed in the striatum, nucleus accumbens and frontal cortex of rats following 2 hours of cold restraint. The concentration of DA was significantly decreased in both the striatum (-16%) and nucleus accumbens (-41%) relative to unstressed controls. The content of DOPAC was significantly increased in both striatum (+56%) and frontal cortex (+76%), but not in nucleus accumbens. The DOPAC/DA ratio was increased in all three regions, that in frontal cortex approaching three-fold. These results extend earlier findings of an activation by acute stressors of frontal cortex DA metabolism, but suggest an involvement of other DA systems as well. The finding of the greatest response in frontal cortex, and the previous observations that this was the only region to show significant changes, may be ascribed to the suggested lack of presynaptic autoreceptors in this region. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Chronic unpredictable stress-induced reduction in the hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene expression is antagonized by zinc treatment.
Preclinical data indicate the antidepressant activity of zinc and the involvement of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in this mechanism. The present study investigates the effect of chronic (16 days) combined treatment with zinc (15 mg/kg zinc hydroaspartate) and imipramine (5 mg/kg) in chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) on the BDNF mRNA level in the rat brain. Moreover, serum zinc concentrations were also assessed. CUS induced a significant reduction in the BDNF mRNA level in the hippocampus by 21% but had no effect in the frontal cortex. Repeated treatment with zinc induced a significant increase in the BDNF mRNA level in the hippocampus in the unstressed animals by 12% and as in the chronically stressed animals by 14%, compared to the appropriate controls. Imipramine treatment did not affect this factor. However, combined treatment of zinc and imipramine induced a 12% elevation of the BDNF mRNA level in the stressed but not in the unstressed rats. CUS induced a 19% reduction in the serum zinc concentration, whereas combined treatment of zinc and imipramine reduced this concentration by 24% in the unstressed and increased it (by 20%) in the stressed animals. These results indicate that: 1) CUS induces a reduction in the BDNF gene expression with a concomitant diminution of serum zinc concentration and 2) the CUS-induced reduction in the BDNF gene expression is antagonized by chronic treatment with zinc. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The induction of a specific pigment cell type by total genomic DNA injected into the neural crest region of fish embryos of the genus Xiphophorus.
We report genetic transformation in an intact higher organism, i.e., in xiphophorine fish. The gene to be transferred (Tu) is responsible for the formation of T-melanophores in the platyfish and is involved in the formation of melanomas in platyfish-swordtail hybrids. After injection of Tu-donor DNA into the neural crest region of embryos from Tu-free fish, some of the recipients developed T-melanophores. In a few cases, one or two single T-melanophores were formed during late embryo-genesis. In most cases, many T-melanophores developed in young fish and were arranged in several colonies or in a pattern. DNase-degraded Tu-donor DNA, Tu-free fish DNA, as well as DNA from E. coli and adenovirus-2, did not induce T-melanophores. When using DNA from different strains of Tu-donor fish which differed in a regulating gene linked to Tu, the percentages of fish showing T-melanophores paralleled the degree of phenotypic expression of the Tu gene in the DNA donor. The results suggest that the Tu gene has been successfully transferred together with the linked regulating gene. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Influence of (99m)Tc-pertechnetate thyroid imaging on radioactive iodine uptake.
To observe the influence of (99m)Tc-pertechnetate on radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) in patients with Graves' disease (GD) hyperthyroidism after thyroid scintigraphy. Totally 40 patients in whom thyrotoxicosis was diagnosed at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2013 March to May were recruited, and RAIU were performed in all patients. Gamma-count rates at 1 h,25 h,49 h,73 h and 169 h were examined respectively after intravenous injection of 185 MBq (5mCi)of (99m)Tc-pertechnetate. The counts of (99m)Tc and (131)I as well as effective half-life of (99m)Tc (Teff (99m)Tc) were calculated respectively according to the half-life formula. The ratio of (99m)Tc to background counts (1200) was calculated as a reference value to evaluate biokinetics of (99m)Tc.The relationship between the effective half-life of (99m)Tc(Teff (99m)Tc) and the level of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and effective half-life of (131)I (Teff (131)I)were also evaluated. After intravenous injection of (99m)Tc-pertechnetate, (99m)Tc counts at 1h, 25h, 49h, 73h and 169h was (440.16±247.35)×10(4), (11.37±10.67)×10(4), (0.13±0.36)×10(4), (-0.1±0.19)×10(4), respectively, and the ratio of (99m)Tc to background at 1h, 25 h, and 49 h was 3668, 94.75, and 1.08, respectively. The Teff (99m)Tc was (4.41±0.49)h. Inverse correlations were noted between the effective half-life of Teff (131)I and level of FT3 (r=-0.503, P=0.003) and FT4 (r=-0.516, P=0.002), while no significant correlation was found between the Teff (99m)Tc and FT3, FT4 as well as the Teff (131)I. Teff (99m)Tc is 4.41h, (99m)Tc-pertechnetate thyroid imaging does not influence RAIU three days after injection of (99m)Tc-pertechnetate. Teff (99m)Tc shows no correlation with the thyroid hormone level and RAIU of Graves's hyperthyroidism. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reduced-fluence photodynamic therapy combined with ranibizumab for nonproliferative macular telangiectasia type 2.
To report the efficacy of reduced-fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with intravitreal ranibizumab for the treatment of nonproliferative macular telangiectasia (MacTel) type 2. Noncomparative, interventional, retrospective case series; 5 eyes of 4 patients were studied. Patients were treated with reduced-fluence PDT and intravitreal ranibizumab within 24 h. After initial treatment, follow-up was at least 12 months in all patients. At baseline median logMAR (logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.0 (range, 1.0-0.3). At 3 months of follow-up vision increased in 3 out of 5 eyes and median BCVA was 0.4 (range, 1.0-0.2). The gain of BCVA ranged from 6 lines to 1 line. Visual acuity remained stable in the other 2 study eyes. No eyes lost vision at 3 months of follow-up. At 12 months of follow-up median logMAR BCVA was 0.7 (range, 1.3-0.3). Two eyes had maintained their gain in BCVA compared to baseline. Two eyes lost vision compared to baseline and 1 eye showed unchanged visual acuity at 12 months of follow-up. A combination therapy with reduced-fluence PDT and intravitreal ranibizumab might be a valuable treatment option for eyes with progressive vision loss due to nonproliferative MacTel type 2. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cartilage in hemophilic arthropathy. Ultrastructural and microanalytical studies.
The presence of iron in articular cartilage was investigated in five human and two canine cases of factor VIII-deficiency hemophilic arthropathy. The lesions were mild in three cases. Advanced destruction of the cartilage was present in four cases, in one of which sufficient cartilage was preserved to permit recognition of hemosiderin in chondrocytes. The Fe was present in the form of siderosomes and ferritin granules free in the cytoplasm. Iron and phosphorus were demonstrated in the siderosomes by energy dispersion analysis of x-rays; but no Fe was identified by this means or by light or transmission electron microscopy in chondrocytes from the three subjects in an early stage of the disease or in the matrix from any of the seven subjects. The findings lend no support to the hypothesis that salt formation or chelation of Fe ions by matrix proteoglycans is responsible for destruction of cartilage in hemophilic or other chronic hemarthroses. A second, nonferruginous, bilirubin-like pigment (hematoidin) was present in the matrix at the surface of the cartilage in two specimens. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Statin therapy and secretory phospholipase A₂ in children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) enzymes are thought to contribute to atherosclerosis. In this study we assessed levels of sPLA2 mass and activity, and their relationship to baseline characteristics of children with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of two years of pravastatin therapy on sPLA2 levels. sPLA2-IIA mass and sPLA2 activity were measured at baseline and after two years in 187 children with FH (aged 8-18 years) randomized to pravastatin or placebo. At baseline, median [IQR] sPLA2-IIA mass and sPLA2 activity levels were 7.2 [5.8-13.2] ng/ml and 36.4 [29.8-47.1] U/ml, respectively. Both sPLA2-IIA mass and sPLA2 activity were significantly correlated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (r = 0.33, p < 0.001 and r = 0.386, p < 0 .001, respectively), but not with other cardiovascular risk factors. Baseline levels of sPLA2-IIA mass and sPLA2 activity were not significantly associated with carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) at baseline or at the end of follow-up. After two years, sPLA2-IIA mass and sPLA2 activity levels were not significantly reduced in the pravastatin group (p = 0.20 and p = 0.63, respectively), nor in the placebo group (p = 0.17 and p = 0.11, respectively). Changes from baseline did not differ between the treatment groups for sPLA2-IIA mass (p = 0.48) and sPLA2 activity (p = 0.88). sPLA2-IIA mass and sPLA2 activity were not significantly associated with cIMT in our pediatric FH cohort. This could indicate that the potential predictive role of sPLA2 as a biomarker of cardiovascular disease in children with FH is limited. Treatment with pravastatin did not reduce sPLA2-IIA mass or sPLA2 activity levels, as compared to placebo. Further studies with larger samples are required to address these issues. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Electronic managed care: the utilization of information technology in a managed care environment.
Health care managers must use information technology in managed care negotiations with all players in the managed care model-employers, managed care organizations, providers, and patients. Information technology effectuates these negotiations, provides a value added to all those involved in terms of efficiency and communication, and helps managers remain within regulations. This article describes each phase of the managed care model and how information technology is used. It also provides an operational overview of how to integrate the technology into health care settings. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A family of anti-sigma70 proteins in T4-type phages and bacteria that are similar to AsiA, a Transcription inhibitor and co-activator of bacteriophage T4.
Anti-sigma70 factors interact with sigma70 proteins, the specificity subunits of prokaryotic RNA polymerase. The bacteriophage T4 anti-sigma70 protein, AsiA, binds tightly to regions 4.1 and 4.2 of the sigma70 subunit of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase and inhibits transcription from sigma70 promoters that require recognition of the canonical sigma70 -35 DNA sequence. In the presence of the T4 transcription activator MotA, AsiA also functions as a co-activator of transcription from T4 middle promoters, which retain the canonical sigma70 -10 consensus sequence but have a MotA box sequence centered at -30 rather than the sigma70 -35 sequence. The E.coli anti-sigma70 protein Rsd also interacts with region 4.2 of sigma70 and inhibits transcription from sigma70 promoters. Our sequence comparisons of T4 AsiA with Rsd, with the predicted AsiA orthologs of the T4-type phages RB69, 44RR, KVP40, and Aeh1, and with AlgQ, a regulator of alginate production in Pseudomonas aeruginosa indicate that these proteins share conserved amino acid residues at positions known to be important for the binding of T4 AsiA to sigma70 region 4. We show that, like T4 AsiA, Rsd binds to sigma70 in a native protein gel and, as with T4 AsiA, a L18S substitution in Rsd disrupts this complex. Previous work has assigned sigma70 amino acid F563, within region 4.1, as a critical determinant for AsiA binding. This residue is also involved in the binding of sigma70 to the beta-flap of core, suggesting that AsiA inhibits transcription by disrupting the interaction between sigma70 region 4.1 and the beta-flap. We find that as with T4 AsiA, the interaction of KVP40 AsiA, Rsd, or AlgQ with sigma70 region 4 is diminished by the substitution F563Y. We also demonstrate that like T4 AsiA and Rsd, KVP40 AsiA inhibits transcription from sigma70-dependent promoters. We speculate that the phage AsiA orthologs, Rsd, and AlgQ are members of a related family in T4-type phage and bacteria, which interact similarly with primary sigma factors. In addition, we show that even though a clear MotA ortholog has not been identified in the KVP40 genome and the phage genome appears to lack typical middle promoter sequences, KVP40 AsiA activates transcription from T4 middle promoters in the presence of T4 MotA. We speculate that KVP40 encodes a protein that is dissimilar in sequence, but functionally equivalent, to T4 MotA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Metastatic lesions of the humerus treated with the isoelastic diaphysis prosthesis.
Between January 1, 1987, and December 31, 1997, an isoelastic polyacetal resin prosthesis was used in 50 patients with metastatic bone disease to reconstruct pathologic or impending fractures of the humeral diaphysis. Fifty-seven operations were performed, including seven revision surgeries. The patients were assessed before and after surgery for limb function and quality of life using a modified Karnofsky scale. The mean survival time was 440 days. Ninety-one percent of the operations resulted in restoration or improvement of quality of life. Limb function was good or excellent in more than 80% of the patients after surgery. Breaking of the implant (n = 3), loosening of the implant (n = 2), periprosthetic fracture (n = 1), hematoma (n = 2), infection (n = 1), and one radial nerve paralysis were the main complications. In the cases of implant failure, the prosthesis broke at the site of a locking screw that was inserted across the prosthetic shaft in the cementless implantation technique. This kind of complication could be avoided by using bone cement for implantation or additional plate osteosynthesis between the prosthesis and humeral shaft. The isoelastic diaphyseal prosthesis offers a promising method of treating patients with metastatic lesions of the humeral shaft. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Experimental studies on the use of microwaves for the localized heat treatment of the prostate.
High frequency tumor therapy requests heating of a well defined area, whereas the surroundings should be unaffected. This sort of therapy should be more tolerable than a whole body heating. For this purpose a new developed microwave applicator (433.9 MHz) for local heat application was tested in animals. Using this rectally insertable applicator the prostate of dogs were irradiated. The temperature of the rectum, the urethra and the prostate were measured and recorded using specially developed thermistor probes. The effect of hyperthermia on the prostate and the surrounding tissue was analyzed macroscopically and micromorphologically. It was shown that local heating of the prostate of dogs is possible. The induced damages of the prostate and surrounding tissue is not severe enough to be untolerable. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of exercise and physical fitness on large intestinal function.
The effect of exercise on large intestinal function has been determined in 14 healthy but normally sedentary men and women, aged 22-34 yr while on a constant diet. For an initial 3-5-wk period (control) no activity was allowed. Six subjects then undertook a 9-wk training schedule by the end of which they were capable of jogging for 1 h per day, 5 days a week. A further 6 subjects undertook a similar training schedule that lasted for only 7 wk, at the end of which they were jogging for 45 min per day. Finally, 2 subjects were studied continuously while taking light exercise for 6 wk and then jogging for a further 3 wk. Physical fitness was monitored and showed significant changes with maximum aerobic capacity increasing from 2.4 +/- 0.5 to 3.1 +/- 0.4 L/min, maximum heart rate after a step test falling from 152 +/- 8 to 129 +/- 5 beats per minute, and resting pulse rate also falling from 56 +/- 4 to 50 +/- 5 beats per minute. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol also increased significantly. Colonic function was assessed by measurement of stool weight and transit time, using the continuous radiopaque marker technique, fecal pH, nitrogen excretion, and ammonia concentration. No change was observed overall in mean daily fecal weight [124 +/- 39 (control) and 129 +/- 49 g/day (exercise)], transit time [55 +/- 20 (control), 54 +/- 23 h (exercise)], nor in fecal frequency, dry stool weight, pH, ammonia, or total nitrogen excretion. Significant changes did occur in 5 individuals with significant slowing of transit time in 2 and speeding up in 3. Overall transit time increased in 9 subjects and decreased in 5; hence, when diet is constant, exercise has marked effects on physical fitness but no consistent effect on large bowel function. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella enterica serovars isolated from chickens in Spain.
In order to analyze the antibiotic resistance of Salmonella enterica serovars, a total of 112 Salmonella strains were tested (54 S. enteritidis, 32 S. typhimurium, 11 S. heidelberg, 7 S. infantis, 4 S. virchow and 4 S. hadar). The bacteria were isolated from 691 samples of frozen and fresh chicken meat. Identification of microorganisms and antimicrobial sensitivity testing were undertaken by means of the automated MicroScan AutoScan 4 method (Baxter in Spain). 45.5% of 112 strains tested were susceptible to all antibiotics. The highest percentage of resistance was found to: chloramphenicol (44.6%), ampicillin (34.8%) and tetracycline (33.9%). Multiple resistance was observed in 49 strains (43.7%), whereas single resistance was seen in 12 isolates (10.7%). We found 12 different patterns of resistance in Salmonella enterica serovar enteriditis. Resistance to chloramphenicol was the most common single resistance. The most frequent patterns of multiresistant strains were ampicillin + amoxicillin/clavulanate + cefazolin + imipenem and chloramphenicol + impipenem. In this serotype, 49 isolates belonged to phagetype 4. Salmonella typhimurium showed the highest percentages of resistance to the tested drugs, with six different resistance patterns found. 25 strains out of 32 S. typhimurium isolates belonged to phagotype 120 and 13 of these showed the same resistance pattern: chloramphenicol + tetracycline + ampicillin. The high incidence of antibiotic resistant salmonellae found in chickens in our study suggests the need for public health interventions to decrease selective pressure on bacterial strains by antimicrobial agents. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Short-term regulation of hydroxylase cofactor activity in rat brain.
Differential drug effects on hydroxylase cofactor activities were observed in the corpus striatum and the locus coeruleus when conditions of sacrifice were controlled. A conformational stability-dependent variable degree of stoichiometric coupling between quinonoid dihydropteridine reductase and tyrosine hydroxylase is proposed as a short-latency influence on hydroxylase cofactor levels. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Behaviour and cardiac response to stress in signal crayfish exposed to environmental concentrations of tramadol.
Evidence of the ecological and biological impact of pharmaceuticals in surface waters on aquatic organisms is increasing. Tramadol is a synthetic opioid analgesic used to treat chronic and acute pain. To investigate its long-term effects at environmentally relevant levels, we evaluated heart rate (HR) and locomotion of signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus during a 21-day exposure to 1 μg L-1 tramadol followed by 14 days depuration. Locomotion and HR were recorded over a period 30 min before and 30 min after exposure to physiological fluids of an injured conspecific, a natural stressor, four times during the tramadol exposure and four times during depuration. A significant increase in HR following stress induction was found in the majority of tramadol-exposed and control crayfish, as well as significant group-specific HR changes between both groups. Locomotor activity during tramadol treatment differed from that during depuration, in general showing less time spent in locomotion and lower distance moved. The tramadol exposed crayfish exhibited higher velocity during depuration than during the exposure period. Results may suggest a potential shift in prey-predator relationships. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Virtual single source CT using dual source acquisition: Clinical applicability in run-off CT-angiography for intra-individual comparison of different scan protocols.
Virtual single source computed tomography (VSS-CT) acquisition on a dual source CT (DSCT) has been demonstrated to allow for dose-neutral intra-individual comparison of three acquisition protocols at different radiation dose levels (RDL) within one acquisition in a phantom. The purpose of this study was twofold: first to evaluate the applicability of VSS-CT in patients and second to optimize the task-dependent trade-off between radiation dose and image quality of lower extremity CT angiography (run-off CTA). In this IRB-approved prospective study 52 patients underwent run-off CTA between 06/2012 and 06/2013. VSS-CT acquisition was conducted using a first generation DSCT applying equal X-ray tube settings (120 kVp), collimation (2 × 32 × 0.6 mm), and slice thickness (1.0 mm) but different effective tube current-time products (tube A: 80 mAs, tube B: 40 mAs). Three different image datasets representing three different radiation dose levels (RDL40, RDL80, RDL120) were reconstructed using a soft kernel from the raw data of tube B, tube A or both tubes combined. Dose length products (DLP) of each raw data set were documented. Quantitative image quality (IQ) was assessed for five anatomical levels using image noise and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). To investigate dose efficiency of each acquisition, the dose-weighted CNR (CNRD) was determined. Qualitative IQ was evaluated by two blinded readers in consensus using a 5-point Likert scale and compared with a Friedman- and posthoc Wilcoxon test. Mean DLP was 200 ± 40, 400 ± 90 and 600 ± 130 mGy·cm for the RDL40, RDL80 and RDL120, respectively. Image noise and CNR were best for RDL120 and decreased significantly for RDL80 and RDL40, independent of the anatomic level (p < 0.001). CNRD showed no significant differences at the abdominal and pelvic level between the investigated radiation dose levels. However, for thigh to foot level a significant increase of CNRD was noted between RDL120, RDL80 and RDL40. Significant differences of qualitative IQ were observed between RDL120 and RDL40 from the abdominal to the foot level, whereas no difference was seen for the other dose levels. Radiation dose splitting with VSS-CT can be applied to run-off CTA facilitating intra-individual comparison of different acquisition protocols without additional radiation exposure. Furthermore, a radiation dose reduction potential for run-off CTA of approximately 1/3 as compared to the acquisition protocol recommended by the manufacturer could be identified in this study. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Studies on chemical structure of complexes compounds formed by acid and alkaline components of pair medicines in decoction].
To study the chemical structures of macromolecular complexes formed by aconitine and glycyrrhizic acid, aconitine and rhein, berberine and rhein, ephedrine and glycyrrhizic acid in decoctions. The binding energy of reactants and products was determined by X-ray spectrography, the ground level charge distribution of products was caculated by density function theory of quantum chemistry. The binding energy of aconitine and glycyrrhizic acid, aconitine and rhein, berberine and rhein were changed after reaction. The characteristic atoms in the molecular structures of acid components have higher positive electric charge, while the ones in alkaline components have higher negative charge. Aconitine and glycyrrhizic acid, aconitine and rhein, berberine and rhein can form macromolecular complexes, ephedrine and glycyrrhizic acid can not. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Spontaneous membrane transfer through homotypic synapses between lymphoma cells.
Formation of an immunological synapse by T, B, or NK cells is associated with an intercellular transfer of some membrane fragments from their respective target cells. This capture is thought to require effector cell activation by surface recognition of stimulatory ligand(s). However, spontaneous synaptic transfers between homotypic lymphoid cells has never been described. In this study, we show that without adding Ag, resting healthy lymphoid cells and several tumor cell lines are inactive. Conversely, however, some leukemia cell lines including the Burkitt's lymphoma Daudi continuously uptake patches of autologous cell membranes. This intercellular transfer does not involve cytosol molecules or exosomes, but requires cell contact. In homotypic Daudi cell conjugates, this occurs through immunological synapses, involves constitutive protein kinase C and mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase activity and strongly increases upon B cell receptor activation. Thus, spontaneous homosynaptic transfer may reflect the hitherto unsuspected autoreactivity of some leukemia cell lines. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Occupation-dependent loading increases bone strength in men.
Ex vivo analyses of humeri and radii from an anthropological collection and in vivo analyses of the distal radius of retired men indicate that occupation-dependent loading positively influences bone strength by an increase of bone size when young followed by a slowdown of the age-related endocortical and trabecular bone alteration. Skeleton responds to mechanical stimuli, but it is not established whether chronic loading in the context of occupational activities (OA) influences bone properties. We assessed the impact of occupation-dependent loading on upper limb bone strength. Individuals were classified according to the intensity of physical loading associated with their OA in two models. Ex vivo, computed tomography scans of the humeri and radii of 219 male skeletons (age of death, 20-93 years) from an anthropological collection of the 20th century (Simon collection) were used to determine estimates of bone strength and cross-sectional geometry. In vivo, distal radius were analysed in 180 men enrolled in the Geneva Retirees Cohort study using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography and finite element analysis. Heavy-loading OA was associated with higher bone strength in both models. This benefit was associated with higher total area (Tt.Ar), medullary area (Me.Ar) and cortical area (Ct.Ar) in young adult skeletons, but the difference decreased in older age. In older men, the humerus supporting heavy loading had a lower Me.Ar. This effect resulted in greater asymmetries of the Me.Ar and the Ct.Ar/Tt.Ar ratio between the humeri of men with unilateral versus bilateral heavy-loading OA. In vivo, an additional benefit of heavy-loading OA was observed on the distal radius trabecular density and microstructure. Repeated occupation-dependent loading positively influences bone strength by an increase of bone size when young followed by a slowdown of the age-related endocortical and trabecular bone alteration. These data supports the necessity to promote bone health in the context of sedentary occupation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Extending options for highly sensitized patients to receive a suitable kidney graft.
Highly sensitized patients (anti-HLA) on the kidney waiting list wait longer for a suitable crossmatch negative organ. At the moment there are two strategies to enhance transplantation of these patients. One approach is the determination of acceptable HLA mismatches and application of this knowledge for the selection of crossmatch negative donors, and the second is the desensitization of patients with intravenous immunoglobulin-based protocols to enable transplantation of an organ from a donor towards which antibodies were originally present. Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages and are only successful in a proportion of the patients. The optimal solution is an integrated strategy whereby desensitization is used for those patients for whom the acceptable mismatch approach is not successful. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
DOK7V1 influences the malignant phenotype of lung cancer cells through PI3K/AKT/mTOR and FAK/paxillin signaling pathways.
Downstream of tyrosine kinase 7 transcript variant 1 (DOK7V1) is a docking protein mediating signal transduction between receptors and intracellular downstream molecules. Our previous study indicated that DOK7V1 was decreased in lung cancer and its lower expression was associated with a decreased survival rate. The 5‑year overall survival rate for patients with lung cancer was 20.2 and 18.6% for high and low DOK7 expression, respectively; the 5‑year disease‑free survival rate for patients with lung cancer was 14.3 and 16.9% for high and low DOK7 expression, respectively. DOK7V1 inhibited proliferation and migration, but enhanced adhesion, of lung cancer cells. In the present study, the effect of DOK7V1 and its domains [pleckstrin homology (PH) and phosphotyrosine‑binding (PTB) domain] on the malignant phenotype and associated signaling pathway in lung cancer cells was investigated. The results indicated that truncation of DOK7V1 domains (DOK7V1Δ‑PH and DOK7V1Δ‑PTB) inhibited the proliferation and migration of lung cancer cells which exhibited the same trend as DOK7V1, whereas DOK7V1Δ‑PH and DOK7V1Δ‑PTB exhibited different functions from those of DOK7V1 in cell matrix adhesion. Consistently, DOK7V1 overexpression in lung cancer cells suppressed the phosphoinositide 3‑kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways, but activated the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/paxillin signaling pathway. Taken together, these results indicate that DOK7V1 may inhibit proliferation and migration via negatively regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, and increase adhesion by upregulating the FAK/paxillin signaling pathway in lung cancer cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evidence of selective interaction between adenosine deaminase and acid phosphatase polymorphisms in fetuses carried by diabetic women.
Possible selective interaction between genetic polymorphisms of acid phosphatase locus 1 (ACP1) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) has been investigated in a sample of 211 infants from diabetic women, and in 350 consecutive infants from normal women. Newborns from diabetic pregnancies carrying the ADA2 allele show a lower proportion of BA and CB phenotypes (heterozygotes for the main allele of ACP1 system), compared with both their mothers and normal infants. The observation suggests that, in a diabetic environment, intrauterine selection may act against double heterozygotes for the ACP1 and ADA systems. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The evolution of growth trajectories and other complex quantitative characters.
Growth trajectories differ from many other quantitative characters in that they are characterized by a continuous function rather than by a finite number of discrete measurements. We review here recently developed methods for predicting the evolution of growth trajectories under the influence of natural or artificial selection. Using our method, analysis of genetic data from mice shows that the patterns of genetic variation arising from developmental processes impose constraints on evolution of growth trajectories. These constraints can be quantified to reveal the families of growth trajectories that can be produced by selection and those families that cannot. The data suggest there may be relatively few evolutionary degrees of freedom for growth trajectories despite the presence of abundant additive genetic variation to alter size and (or) growth rate at every age. The description of these constraints may be useful to both biologists who would like to determine the evolutionary options available to natural populations and to breeders who would like to alter growth trajectories to economically improve domesticated species. Our methods and conclusions can be generalized to other kinds of "infinite-dimensional" or complex characters, including morphological shapes and norms of reaction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor enhances cationic antimicrobial protein synthesis by human neutrophils.
We analyzed the effect of recombinant human granulocyte macrophage CSF (GM-CSF) on protein synthesis in peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes. GM-CSF enhanced PMN 35S-methionine incorporation 1.5-fold over a 2-h incubation period. The effect of GM-CSF on the synthesis of specific proteins was investigated by separating the radiolabeled proteins on SDS-PAGE followed by autoradiography. Stimulation of protein synthesis by GM-CSF was rapid (2 h), dose dependent, and affected at least 10 separate polypeptides. Using ion exchange chromatography some of the GM-CSF-enhanced proteins were identified to have a cationic nature, including the 37- and the 57-kDA proteins whose synthesis was increased by GM-CSF 2.4-fold and 1.6-fold, respectively. The cationic protein fractions from GM-CSF-primed and control cells were eluted from an ion exchange column and tested for their antimicrobial activity. An overall twofold increase in the amount of cationic proteins was recovered from GM-CSF-treated cells as compared to control cells, and these proteins showed a proportional enhanced killing of S. typhimurium. These results suggest that enhanced cationic protein synthesis is an important mechanism whereby GM-CSF can increase neutrophil microbicidal activity via nonoxidative pathways. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Recyclable deep eutectic solvent for the production of cationic nanocelluloses.
Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are potential green systems that can be used as reagents, extraction agents and reaction media. DESs are often biodegradable, easy to prepare and have low toxicity. In this work, a recyclable DES formed from aminoguanidine hydrochloride and glycerol (AhG) was used as a reaction medium and reagent (aminoguanidine hydrochloride) for the production of cationic nanocelluloses. Under mild conditions (i.e., a reaction time of 10 min at 70 °C), dialdehyde celluloses (DACs) with two different aldehyde contents (2.18 and 3.79 mmol g-1) were cationized by AhG DES to form cationic dialdehyde celluloses (CDACs). Both CDACs achieved a similar high charge density of approximately 1.1 mmol g-1. At 80 °C (for 10 min), a very high cationic charge density of 2.48 mmol g-1 was obtained. The recyclability of AhG DES was demonstrated by reusing it five times without decreasing the reaction efficiency. In particular, due to the low consumption of amoniguanidine hydrochloride, high recycling efficiency could be achieved without the use of any additional chemicals. The cationized celluloses, CDACs, were further mechanically disintegrated to obtain cationic nanocelluloses. According to the initial aldehyde content of DACs, the morphology of the nanocellulose could be tailored to produce highly cationic cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) or cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that individual CNFs and CNCs with an average width of 4.6 ± 1.1 nm and 5.7 ± 1.3 nm, respectively, were obtained. Thus, the results presented here indicate that the AhG DES is a promising green and recyclable way of producing cationized CNFs and CNCs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Coordinated induction of autocrine tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 1 in normal human monocytes and the implications for monocyte-mediated cytotoxicity.
Cytokine production and cytotoxicity for tumor cells are two important aspects of monocyte function and the inflammatory response against tumors and infectious agents. In the present studies we provide direct evidence at the mRNA and protein levels for the existence of autocrine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and its importance as a mediator of human monocyte cytotoxicity for WEHI-164 tumor cells. The induction of TNF and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) mRNA by exogenous TNF or IL-1 beta, as determined by Northern blot analysis, is time dependent in normal human monocytes isolated by countercurrent elutriation. With either TNF or IL-1 beta as the stimulus, TNF mRNA is induced first, peaks within 1-3 h, and declines to nearly undetectable levels by 9 h. TNF mRNA accumulation is enhanced in the presence of cycloheximide indicating that de novo protein synthesis is not required for maximal TNF mRNA induction. In contrast, IL-1 beta mRNA is induced later, peaks at 3-9 h, and remains considerably elevated at 18 h. IL-1 beta mRNA accumulation is partially suppressed in the presence of cycloheximide. TNF and IL-1 beta protein production as assayed by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays correlates well with respective mRNA induction. Both TNF and IL-1 beta enhance monocyte cytotoxicity as single agents; however, their combined effect is less than additive. When both agents are combined, TNF mRNA levels, as assessed by densitometric analysis of slot blots, are approximately equal to those induced by TNF alone. In contrast, IL-1 beta mRNA levels are additive. Our studies provide evidence for highly coordinated and interrelated pathways of autocrine TNF and IL-1 induction in human monocytes and demonstrate the role of TNF and IL-1 in regulating monocyte-mediated cytotoxicity for tumor cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
DIABLOG: a simulation program of insulin-glucose dynamics for education of diabetics.
This paper presents a dialogue computer program, DIABLOG, for the education of diabetic patients with insulin therapy. Through mathematical modelling of glucose-insulin dynamics this program is able to simulate glucose and insulin profiles of a 24 h period and display them graphically as curves. The subjects could vary the carbohydrate content of meals, the injection time and dose of short-acting and intermediate-acting insulin and could switch to insulin pump therapy. For a first evaluation 22 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus tested the program and their comments were recorded by a questionnaire. The results indicate a good acceptance of the program even by patients with no previous computer experience. Further suggestions by the patients will be discussed as well. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Local range boundaries vs. large-scale trade-offs: climatic and competitive constraints on tree growth.
Species often respond to human-caused climate change by shifting where they occur on the landscape. To anticipate these shifts, we need to understand the forces that determine where species currently occur. We tested whether a long-hypothesised trade-off between climate and competitive constraints explains where tree species grow on mountain slopes. Using tree rings, we reconstructed growth sensitivity to climate and competition in range centre and range margin tree populations in three climatically distinct regions. We found that climate often constrains growth at environmentally harsh elevational range boundaries, and that climatic and competitive constraints trade-off at large spatial scales. However, there was less evidence that competition consistently constrained growth at benign elevational range boundaries; thus, local-scale climate-competition trade-offs were infrequent. Our work underscores the difficulty of predicting local-scale range dynamics, but suggests that the constraints on tree performance at a large-scale (e.g. latitudinal) may be predicted from ecological theory. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Osteocalcin and Osteonectin Expression in Canine Osteosarcoma.
Osteosarcoma (OSA) is a malignant heterogeneous primary bone tumor responsible for up to 90% of all primary bone tumors in dogs. In this study, osteocalcin (OC) and osteonectin (ON) immunoreactivity was evaluated in 23 canine OSAs, 4 chondrosarcomas, 4 fibrosarcomas, 2 hemangiosarcomas, and 4 histiocytic sarcomas. The effects of three different decalcification agents (ethylenediaminetetraetic acid [EDTA], formic acid and hydrochloric acid [HCl]) on the immunoreactivity for OC and ON was also assessed. Immunoreactivity to OC was present in 19/23 (83%) cases of OSA and all cases of chondrosarcoma. In three OSAs the extracellular matrix showed immunoreactivity to OC. None of the fibrosarcomas, histiocytic sarcomas or hemangiosarcomas showed immunoreactivity to OC. The sensitivity and specificity for OC in canine OSA in this study was 83% and 71% respectively. For ON, 100% of both OSAs (23/23) and non-OSAs (14/14) showed cytoplasmic immunoreactivity to this antibody, giving a sensitivity of 100% but a complete lack of specificity. There were no significant differences in immunoreactivity for OC and ON between the different decalcification agents used. In conclusion, OC showed high sensitivity for identifying OSA but it failed to distinguish between OSA and chondrosarcoma, and the osteoid produced by neoplastic cells in most cases did not show immunoreactivity to OC. These factors may limit the practical utility of OC in the diagnosis of OSA in dogs when chondrosarcoma is a differential diagnosis. ON showed no specificity in detecting OSA and has little practical application for the diagnosis of OSA in dogs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Resection of a Lumbar Intradural Extramedullary Schwannoma: 3-Dimensional Operative Video.
This 3-dimensional operative video illustrates resection of a lumbar schwannoma in a 57-yr-old female who presented with right lower extremity numbness, paresthesias, as well as a long history of lower back pain with rest. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), there was evidence of an intradural extramedullary enhancing lesion at L5, nearly completely encompassing the spinal canal. This video demonstrates the natural history, treatment options, surgical procedure, risks, and complications of treatment of these types of tumors. The patient underwent a posterior lumbar laminectomy with a midline dural opening for tumor resection. The tumor was encountered intradurally and electromyography recording confirmed that the tumor arose from a lumbar sensory nerve root. The sensory root was then divided and the tumor was then removed. The mass was removed en bloc and histopathologic analysis was consistent with a schwannoma. Postoperative MRI demonstrated gross total resection of the patient's neoplasm with excellent decompression of the spinal cord. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course with full recovery and complete resolution of her back pain and leg paresthesias. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Functional organization of the dogfish vestibulocerebellum.
Electrophysiological and light microscopical studies were made on the dogfish vestibulocerebellum. The cell types, estimates of their numbers, and the organization of this part of the cerebellum are described and compared with the other lobes of the elasmobranch cerebellum. Electrophysiological study of the inputs to this region from the VIIIth nerves indicates that primary afferent fibres from the VIIIth nerve project to the ipsilateral granule cell layer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Prevalence of abdominal obesity and associated factors among individuals 25 to 59 years of age in Pernambuco State, Brazil].
In order to estimate the prevalence of abdominal obesity and associated factors in Pernambuco State, Brazil, a cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in 2006, including 1,580 adults 25 to 59 years of age. Abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference (WC) ≥ 80 cm in women and ≥ 94 cm in men. The conceptual model included demographic, socioeconomic, reproductive, and behavioral variables. Prevalence of abdominal obesity was 27.1% (95%CI: 23.8-30.7) in males and 69.9% (95%CI: 66.8-72.8) in females (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed higher prevalence in men 50 years or older in the metropolitan area and those with higher income, former smokers, and drinkers. Among women, obesity was more prevalent above 30 years of age, in former smokers, and in women with first pregnancy before age 18. Central adiposity is clearly a multifactor condition in the State of Pernambuco, and the determinants of obesity differ between the sexes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An integrated model for the assessment of stress-related risk factors in health care professionals.
To assess the risk from exposure to occupational stress and burnout in health care workers (HCW), a cross-sectional study was planned to compare objective data that can represent potential job stressors in hospital wards and subjective symptoms reported by the workers. Medical doctors, nurses and ancillary workers of the Internal Medicine Wards of a large public hospital in Northern Italy participated in the study. Three subjective questionnaires were administered: the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). In addition, seven objective parameters were collected as average during the 3 months period prior to the study: a) working understaffed; b) ratio number of patients/HCW on service; c) ratio number of HCW on sick leave/ HCW on service; d) number of skipped days off after night shifts; e) days of sick leave; f) number of deceased patients; g) number of accidents at work. A total group of 230 HCW were examined, employed in six different sub-units of the Medical wards. The female workers were 67.8% and the male workers 32.2%, the mean age was 37.4 yr (SD 9.3) in the total group of HCW, 35.1 yr (SD 7.9) in females and 42.3 yr (SD 10.3) in males. The average scores of subjective and objective parameters resulted significantly higher in the same sub-units. The correlation analysis showed that the subjective questionnaires were highly inter-related. The multivariate analysis showed that the days of sick leave were significantly related to the subjective questionnaires, and the subjective subscales of emotional exhaustion (from MBI), job demand and decision latitude (from JCQ) and STAIt were significantly related to some of the objective parameters. These results support the integrated use of multiple subjective and objective assessment as the most appropriate approach for the evaluation of occupational stress. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Rem2 GTPase controls proliferation and apoptosis of neurons during embryo development.
We have recently found that Rem2 GTPase, highly expressed in human embryonic stem cells (hESC), maintains the cell cycle and controls proper differentiation towards ectoderm, suggesting a role in neuronal development. We describe here the use of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model to determine the physiological significance of Rem2 during embryogenesis. We show that Rem2 RNA is highly expressed in zebrafish embryos up to 2 hours of development followed by a decrease in expression until 48 hours when afterwards Rem2 is switched on again until 5 days. In situ expression analysis reveals that Rem2 is expressed exclusively in the tectum of the brain and eye of the zebrafish. Rem2 morpholino demonstrates impaired embryo development resulting in loss of neural tissue. We show that the mechanism of action of Rem2 is to control apoptosis and proliferation, peaking at 36 hours of development. Rem2 is down-regulated under general differentiation conditions of hESC and is lower expressed in most differentiated cells; however, it is upregulated with neuronal development. This suggests that Rem2 is critical for neuronal development during embryogenesis by regulating proliferation and apoptosis. We propose a model in which Rem2 GTPase is a key regulator maintaining pluripotency during early stages of embryogenesis and survival of neurons during later embryonic development. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Studies of nonlinear electrical effects of model membranes.
The structure of lipid bilayer membranes in investigated by analysis of the harmonics generated by electrical ac excitation with dc bias. For the detection of nonlinear effects this method is complementary to current relaxation experiments and may be suitable for gating current measurements at nerve membranes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pulsed transthrombotic fibrinolysis: technique and results in the management of occluded lower limb bypass grafts.
Between March 1987 and March 1993 we used pulsed transthrombotic fibrinolysis to treat 58 symptomatic thrombotic occlusions of lower limb bypass grafts in 45 patients. There were 17 suprainguinal grafts and 28 infrainguinal grafts. Treatment consisted of pulsed infusion of fibrinolytic agents into the thrombus followed by continuous infusion using an electric pump. Minor percutaneous or surgical procedures were often associated. The mean delay to treatment was 7 days. The mean duration of treatment was 150 +/- 66 minutes. Immediate patency was achieved in 88% of cases with no significant difference between suprainguinal and infrainguinal grafts. The clinical success rate was 55%. Actuarial patency at 1 year was 54% +/- 11% for suprainguinal grafts and 26% +/- 7% for infrainguinal grafts. The probability of patency was much lower in patients whose grafts had been implanted within 3 months before occlusion and in patients in whom an adjuvant procedure had not been performed. This study demonstrates that, in cases not requiring immediate surgery, pulsed transthrombotic fibrinolysis can achieve durable patency by treating both the bypass and distal arterial network. This technique allows identification of lesions causing thrombosis and adaptation of treatment specifically to these lesions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Coupling of gas chromatography and electrospray ionization high resolution mass spectrometry for the analysis of anabolic steroids as trimethylsilyl derivatives in human urine.
In this study, gas chromatography (GC) was interfaced with high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) with electrospray ionization source (ESI) and the relevant parameters were investigated to enhance the ionization efficiency. In GC-ESI, the distances (x-, y- and z) and angle between the ESI needle, GC capillary column and MS orifice were set to 7 (x-distance), 4 (y-distance), and 1 mm (z-distance). The ESI spray solvent, acid modifier and nebulizer gas flow were methanol, 0.1% formic acid and 5 arbitrary units, respectively. Based on these results, analytical conditions for GC-ESI/HRMS were established. In particular, the results of spray solvent flow indicated a concentration-dependent mechanism (peak dilution effect), and other parameters also greatly influenced the ionization performance. The developed GC-ESI/HRMS was then applied to the analysis of anabolic steroids as trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives in human urine to demonstrate its application. The ionization profiles of TMS-derivatized steroids were investigated and compared with those of underivatized steroids obtained from gas chromatography-electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry (GC-ESI/MS) and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS). The steroids exhibited ionization profiles based on their structural characteristics, regardless of the analyte phase or derivatization. Groups I and II with conjugated or unconjugated keto functional groups at C3 generated the [M+H]+ and [M+H-TMS]+ ions, respectively. On the other hand, Groups III and IV gave rise to the characteristic fragment ions [M+H-TMS-H2O]+ and [M+H-2TMS-H2O]+, corresponding to loss of a neutral TMS·H2O moiety from the protonated molecular ion by in-source dissociation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to successfully ionize and analyze steroids as TMS derivatives using ESI coupled with GC. The present system has enabled the ionization of TMS derivatives under ESI conditions and this method has potential as a novel ionization tool. It is also useful for the simultaneous analysis of steroids as TMS derivatives. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Defensive medicine during hospital obstetrical care: a byproduct of the technological age.
This paper presents an alternative perspective on defensive medicine. Defensive medicine is usually understood as arising from the effect of law on medicine through fear of litigation. Of equal significance, however, is the complementary influence of medicine on law through technological innovation, and, more importantly, the way that medicine and law develop dialectically. Each shapes the other in establishing the standards of care central to both clinical medicine and to actual or potential legal action. Excessive testing owing to fear of litigation indicates that defensive medicine is being practised in a particular setting, but it does not explain why this is so. To understand why defensive medicine occurs and why it is so troubling to clinicians requires an understanding, not only of medical and legal developments, but of a political-economic system and the beliefs and values of a society. Defensive medicine is discussed in relation to hospital obstetrical scenarios commonly associated with fear of litigation: fetal oxygen deprivation ("distress"), which is detected using an electronic fetal monitor, and prolonged labor, known as "dystocia". The material presented is taken from a medical anthropological study of obstetrical care in rural British Columbia, Canada. Litigation fears are shown to result less from rare, albeit often devastating, allegations of malpractice than from doctors adopting a role as "fetal champions", together with the introduction of electronic monitoring technology. The paper concludes by asserting that, rather than being in an adversarial relationship, medical practice and associated litigation primarily work together to reinforce each other, and the social conditions in which defensive medicine occurs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The association of beta zero-thalassemia and Hb D Punjab in a family of Indian origin. The second case reported in Spain].
The present report described the hematologic and molecular study of the second case of Hb D-Punjab associated with a beta zero-thalassemia found in Spain and the first case in which the mutations have been identified at molecular level. A family from India is studied, which is constituted by mother (I2) and 3 children (II1, II2 and II3). The molecular characterization of the hemoglobinopathy was made by electrophoretic and chromatographic techniques and confirmed by sequencing of the beta-globin gene. The mutation causer of the beta-thalassemia was studied by PCR-ARMS. The mother (I2) and one of her child (II2) are carriers of the gene for beta zero-thalassemia owing to the frameshift CD 8/9 mutation (+ G). Other of them (II1) is heterozygous for Hb D-Punjab without beta-thalassemia association. The third child (II3) knows a double heterozygote state for Hb D-Punjab/beta zero-thalassemia (hemoglobin D-thalassemia). In spite of the patient with hemoglobin D-thalassemia has 94.5% of Hb D, without Hb A, the hematologic picture belongs to thalassemia trait with moderate haemolytic anemia, intense microcytosis and hypochromia and numerous target cells. This hematologic picture discloses the mildness of the Hb D-Punjab, but the reliable responsible for the phenotype is the disbalance in the synthesis of globin chains, because of frameshift CD 8/9 mutation (+ G) beta zero-thalassemia mutation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Audio-visual recording of patient-GP consultations for research purposes: a literature review on recruiting rates and strategies.
To identify ethical processes and recruitment strategies, participation rates of studies using audio or video recording of primary health care consultations for research purposes, and the effect of recording on the behaviour, attitudes and feelings of participants. A structured literature review using Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Psychinfo. This was followed by extensive hand search. Recording consultations were regarded as ethically acceptable with some additional safeguards recommended. A range of sampling and recruitment strategies were identified although specific detail was often lacking. Non-participation rates in audio-recording studies ranged from 3 to 83% for patients and 7 to 84% for GPs; in video-recording studies they ranged from 0 to 83% for patients and 0 to 93% for GPs. There was little evidence to suggest that recording significantly affects patient or practitioner behaviour. Research involving audio or video recording of consultations is both feasible and acceptable. More detailed reporting of the methodical characteristics of recruitment in the published literature is needed. Researchers should consider the impact of diverse sampling and recruitment strategies on participation levels. Participants should be informed that there is little evidence that recording consultations negatively affects their content or the decisions made. Researchers should increase reporting of ethical and recruitment processes in order to facilitate future reviews and meta-analyses. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Manometric artefacts suggesting compression of the duodenum by the superior mesenteric artery in healthy humans.
Multi-channel manometry offers the opportunity to study intestinal motor activity with high spatiotemporal resolution. We report tonic and phasic intraluminal pressure changes in the mid-portion of the horizontal part of the duodenum. In 10 healthy volunteers, we recorded 2 h of interdigestive duodenal motility using a water-perfused catheter. The assembly incorporated 12 duodenal sideholes at 1.5-cm intervals (D1-D12). Measurement of the antral and duodenal transmucosal potential difference (TMPD) was used to maintain a correct position of the catheter. The incidence of pressure waves (PWs) increased gradually from proximal (D1) to distal (D12) (P < 0.0001), while the mean amplitude of PWs decreased (P < 0.0001). In eight of 10 subjects, the signals recorded from D9 showed tonic pressure elevations with superimposed phasic pressure changes at heart-rate frequency, comprising 13.8% of total recording time. In the other two subjects, this phenomenon occurred in D8 (9.9% of time). D10 showed a lower incidence of PWs compared with neighbouring sideholes (D6-D9/D11-D12) (P < 0.035), with normal amplitudes. Fluoroscopy was performed in three subjects and showed that D9 was located at the midline. In healthy subjects manometric signals recorded from the horizontal part of the duodenum showed localized artefacts, presumably caused by compression by the superior mesenteric artery. In addition, a 'silent' region was present just distal to this site, the origin of which is uncertain. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The part of a hospital dermatologist. Prevention of Trichophyton tonsurans infection].
Trichophyton tonsurans infection was found first in autumn 2000 in Gifu prefecture and spread rapidly in the Tokai region. Not only direct KOH examination but also culture is necessary to diagnose this disease. In order to collect a specimen, I recommend cellophane adhesive tape. During the past 5 years, dermatologists in the Tokai area have sent me specimens in an envelope for mycological examination. Hyphae were found in all 75 cases in the scales examined. Fungal culture revealed 61 cases to be T. tonsurans infection; the male : female ratio was 54 : 7. By age distribution, high school students accounted for 46 (75%), elderly patients 9 (15%) and lower age 6 (10%). Judo players accounted for 32 (52%), wrestlers for 24 (39%) and others for 5 (8%). Most had lesions on the face, neck, head or arm. One wrestler had a nail involvement. In some specimens from tinea corporis, hyphae in the hair shaft were observed. This sort of tinea epidemic probably occurs more often than is reported. Therefore we have begun to cooperate with a medical department member of the Gifu Judo Society to prevent of T. tonsurans infection. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Biventricular pacing in heart failure.
Optimal pharmacological therapy for heart failure improves patients' prognosis and symptoms. Despite this, the long-term prognosis for these patients is very poor and symptoms are debilitating. Biventricular pacing, or resynchronization therapy, should be considered for patients who remain symptomatic despite optimal therapy and have evidence of dyssynchrony. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
CD34-positive early human thymocytes: T cell receptor and cytokine receptor gene expression.
CD34, a stem cell marker, has been shown to be expressed on human CD3-CD4-CD8- (triple-negative; TN) thymocytes. Phenotypic and functional analyses suggest the following differentiation sequence: CD34+1-3-4-8(-)--> CD34+1+3-4 +/- 8(-)-->CD34-1+3-4+8(+/-)-->CD34-1++3-4+8+. In this report, we examined cytokine receptor gene expression on these subsets by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis (RT-PCR). We were able to detect interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R), c-kit and IL-2R gamma in all CD34+ thymocyte subsets, consistent with previous functional studies. We found IL-1R, granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor-alpha and IL-4R transcripts in CD3- and CD34+ subsets. Secondly, we investigated T cell receptor (TCR)-delta and -beta gene rearrangement and transcription in CD34+ thymocytes. Our results show that a full-length TCR-delta transcript and the recombination activating genes RAG-1 and RAG-2 mRNA were already expressed in the CD34+1- subset. Mature V beta-containing TCR transcripts were also detected in the CD34+1+ subset, but not in the CD1- fraction. Furthermore, PCR analysis of D-J beta gene rearrangements showed that > or = 70% of CD34+1- cells are in a TCR beta germ-line configuration, although D-J beta recombination had already started in this population. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Influence of serotonin on calcium transport in rat liver mitochondria.
It was shown in experiments in vitro that serotonin, depending on the concentration, has different effects on calcium transport in rat liver mitochondria. In a concentration of 10(-6) M it increases the ability of the mitochondria to bind calcium; in a higher concentration (10(-4) M) serotonin accelerates the release of calcium from the mitochondria. The effect of serotonin is detected at a calcium concentration in sucrose medium of the order of 10(-4) M and is not observed when the mitochondria are incubated in a complete reaction medium. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Microsurgical reconstruction of fallopian tubes].
A six year study of 90 women with tuboperitoneal infertility at the Hospital Barros Luco-Trudeau is presented. 32.2% of them had tubal sterilization and had distal tubal occlusion. In 62.2% the peritoneal factor was present. In 40% distal microsurgery was done and in 32.2% proximal microsurgery was performed. The pregnancy rate was 48.8% in patients with adequate follow-up. The incidence of ectopic pregnancy was 9.5%. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Frames of reference for self-evaluation of ability in mathematics.
Measures of eight frame-specific self-evaluations of ability in mathematics were used to predict general mathematics self-concept and self-efficacy. Participants were 900 Norwegian students in Grade 6 (n = 277), Grade 9 (n = 236), Grade 11 (n = 263), and adult students attending senior high school (n = 124). Four items measured frame-specific self-evaluation of achievement based on external frames of reference whereas four items measured frame-specific self-evaluation based on internal frames of reference. Regression analyses were used to test relations between the frame-specific self-evaluations and general mathematics self-concept and self-efficacy. The analyses indicated that self-evaluation based on comparison with other students in class (an external frame of reference) and on comparison of mathematics achievement with achievement in other school subjects (an internal frame of reference) were robust predictors of both mathematics self-concept and self-efficacy. The analyses also indicated that students are using multiple frames of reference when evaluating their mathematics ability. Implications of the result for the internal-external frame of reference model are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evolutionary trajectories of two distinct avian influenza epidemics: Parallelisms and divergences.
Influenza A virus can quickly acquire genetic mutations that may be associated with increased virulence, host switching or antigenic changes. To provide new insights into the evolutionary dynamics and the adaptive strategies of distinct avian influenza lineages in response to environmental and host factors, we compared two distinct avian influenza epidemics caused by the H7N1 and H7N3 subtypes that circulated under similar epidemiological conditions, including the same domestic species reared in the same densely populated poultry area for similar periods of time. The two strains appear to have experienced largely divergent evolution: the H7N1 viruses evolved into a highly pathogenic form, while the H7N3 did not. However, a more detailed molecular and evolutionary analysis revealed several common features: (i) the independent acquisition of 32 identical mutations throughout the entire genome; (ii) the evolution and persistence of two sole genetic groups with similar genetic characteristics; (iii) a comparable pattern of amino acid variability of the HA proteins during the low pathogenic epidemics; and (iv) similar rates of nucleotide substitutions. These findings suggest that the evolutionary trajectories of viruses with the same virulence level circulating in analogous epidemiological conditions may be similar. In addition, our deep sequencing analysis of 15 samples revealed that 17 of the 32 parallel mutations were already present at the beginning of the two epidemics, suggesting that fixation of these mutations may occur with different mechanisms, which may depend on the fitness gain provided by each mutation. This highlighted the difficulties in predicting the acquisition of mutations that can be correlated to viral adaptation to specific epidemiological conditions or to changes in virus virulence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical Manifestations and Outcomes of Patients with Sarcomatoid Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Sarcomatoid HCC is a rare histological subtype of HCC with largely unclear clinical manifestations and outcomes. We evaluated the clinical manifestations and outcomes of patients with sarcomatoid HCC. We identified 5,047 patients with histologically proven HCC from the Cancer Registry Database (1996-2016) of National Taiwan University Hospital. Among them, 40 patients with sarcomatoid HCC were identified from the pathology database of National Taiwan University Hospital. We included 160 patients with nonsarcomatoid HCC through propensity score matching according to sex, age, and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage. The majority of these patients with sarcomatoid HCC were men (75%); their median age was 58 years. Only 47.5% of the patients with sarcomatoid HCC presented with typical image patterns of HCC. The pathological grading of sarcomatoid HCC was more advanced compared with that of nonsarcomatoid HCC (42.5% vs. 23.8% in grade III and IV, P < 0.0001). The sarcomatoid group had significantly shorter median recurrence-free (13.3 vs. 84.2 months, log-rank P < 0.0001) and overall (8.3 vs. 69.3 months, log-rank P < 0.0001) survival than did the nonsarcomatoid group. The results of the multivariable Cox proportional hazard model revealed histological sarcomatoid subtype as an independent factor for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 6.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.12-13.43; P < 0.0001) and tumor recurrence (HR, 4.08; 95% CI, 1.72-9.66; P = 0.001). Conclusion: Compared with nonsarcomatoid HCC, sarcomatoid HCC was associated with more advanced histological grades and atypical image patterns. Histological sarcomatoid subtype is an independent predictor of tumor recurrence after curative treatment and all-cause mortality in patients with HCC. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Microbial and acute phase stimuli disrupt promyelocytic leukemia tumor suppressive nodes.
The promyelocytic leukaemia (PML) nuclear domain (PML-ND) is a nuclear sentinel for stress. Each PML-ND cradles a delicate scaffold of nucleoproteins, many of which can trigger the apoptotic death cascade if disrupted. Given their place in integrating stress and death, PML-NDs are obvious targets for excision from injury pathways by viruses and cancers. Viruses express proteins dedicated to silencing the PML-ND network and their failure can presage the suppression of viral replication. To understand how PML-NDs protect the cell from stress we must discover those damage pathways with which they connect. Such data will reveal the panoply of signal pathways lost in PML null cells and the extent to which infection and cancer can desensitise the cell to therapeutic intervention. A convenient and sensitive method with which to detect PML-ND stress induction is its biophysical reorganisation, as well defined dose responsive modifications of PML protein accompany damage recognition. The experiments that we present in this manuscript arose from an observation that lipid mediated transfection of plasmid DNA triggered a dramatic modification of PML-NDs that was identical to that seen following their recognition of DNA damage. In later experiments, we identified lipoprotein and IL-6 as potential mediators of this response. Collectively these data are the first to link an endotoxin component and IL-6 to the PML-ND compartment and, given the role of PML in cell fate, suggest increasing complexity at the interface of immunity and carcinogenesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hydrophilic surface modification of poly(methyl methacrylate)-based ocular prostheses using poly(ethylene glycol) grafting.
Ocular prostheses are custom-made polymeric inserts that can be placed in anophthalmic sockets for cosmetic rehabilitation. Prosthetic eye wearers have reduced tear amount, and they often experience dry eye symptoms including dryness, irritation, discomfort, and discharge. Most modern ocular prostheses are made of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), which is highly hydrophobic. Previous research has shown that improving the wettability of contact lens materials decreases its wearers discomfort by increasing lubrication. Therefore, hydrophilic modification of PMMA-based ocular prostheses might also improve patient discomfort by improving lubrication. We modified the surfaces of PMMA-based ocular prostheses using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), which is hydrophilic. To do this, we used two strategies. One was a "grafting from" method, whereby PEG was polymerized from the PMMA surface. The other was a "grafting to" method, which involved PEG being covalently bonded to an amine-functionalized PMMA surface. Assessments involving the water contact angle, ellipsometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that PEG was successfully introduced to the PMMA surfaces using both strategies. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy images revealed that neither strategy caused clinically significant alterations in the PMMA surface morphology. In vitro bacterial adhesion assessments showed that the hydrophilic modifications effectively reduced bacterial adhesion without inducing cytotoxicity. These results imply that hydrophilic surface modifications of conventional ocular prostheses may decrease patient discomfort and ocular prosthesis-related infections. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reliability of the six-minute walk test after total hip arthroplasty.
Walking ability is a crucial component of lower extremity function. Assessment of walking after total hip arthroplasty (THA) provides important information about the healing process. Walking endurance, an important functional component of walking, can be reliably measured with the 6-minute walk test (6 mWT). Even though the 6 mWT is commonly used in patients with THA, its reliability has never been reported for this patient population. The aim of this study is to assess the reliability of the test-retest 6 mWT after THA. Thirty-four patients with THA performed two test trials on the same day, separated by a one hour seated rest. To assess reliability, intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC(2,1)), standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest real difference (SRD) were calculated. The 6 mWT showed a high reliability. The patients walked 3.71 metres more at the end of the second 6 mWT in comparison with the first test. The ICC(2,1) (AS(95)), SEM (m), SEM(95) (m) and SRD(95) (m) were 0.96 (0.92), 3.67, 7.19, and 10.17 m respectively. Reliability of the 6 mWT was high in patients with THA. The 6 mWT is a simple and sensitive method to measure the functional performance in patients with THA in the clinical setting. Moreover, clinicians and researchers can use the 6 mWT to quantify even small changes in functional performance after THA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Radical cystectomy for invasive squamous cell bladder cancer in a renal transplant patient.
A rare case of invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder developing 5 years after cadaveric renal transplant is described. The technical precautions to be taken while performing a radical cystectomy in such a situation is highlighted. This patient required chemotherapy in the post-operative period, and the role of chemotherapy in the presence of immunosuppressive therapy is discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Interferon action: two (2'-5')(A)n synthetases specified by distinct mRNAs in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells treated with interferon.
(2'-5')(A)n synthetase and RNAase L (a latent endoribonuclease) are among the mediators of interferon action. The product of (2'-5')(A)n synthetase (i.e., (2'-5')(A)n) binds, and thereby activates RNAase L. Interferons induce in Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) cells two mRNAs (sizes 1.5 kb and 3.8 kb), which can be translated in Xenopus oocytes into (2'-5')(A)n synthetases of 20,000 to 30,000 daltons and 85,000 to 100,000 daltons, respectively. (2'-5')(A)n synthetases of corresponding sizes are induced by interferons in EAT cells. In the cell extract the bulk of the larger enzyme is in the cytoplasmic fraction, and the bulk of the smaller one in the nuclear fraction. The only known function of (2'-5')(A)n is the activation of RNAase L, and RNAase L can be selectively crosslinked to a (2'-5')(A)n derivative in a cytoplasmic extract from EAT cells. The same (2'-5')(A)n derivative can be crosslinked to several proteins in the nuclear extract of EAT cells, and some of these proteins are induced by interferon. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Early treatment of acute myocardial infarction with intravenous streptokinase. A high-risk syndrome.
Fifty-one successive patients treated with intravenous streptokinase 1.7 +/- 0.8 (mean +/- SD) hours after onset of symptoms of acute myocardial infarction were evaluated during a three-month posthospital follow-up period. Coronary angiography was performed four to nine days after the initial hospital admission. Twenty-eight patients had a second late angiogram. Forty-one patients had successful reperfusion but only 25% of all patients were without significant clinical cardiovascular manifestations during this period. Postmyocardial infarction angina pectoris occurred in 21 patients, an abnormal stress test result was present in 28 patients, eight patients developed congestive heart failure, and five patients had reinfarction. An intervention with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or coronary artery bypass graft was performed in 15 (37%) of 41 reperfused patients. A significantly higher intervention rate was present in patients treated with streptokinase within one hour following the onset of symptoms. Early reocclusion (within three months of the infarct) was noted in patients with 60% or more residual stenosis in their infarct-related coronary artery. These patients also had a significantly greater incidence of angina pectoris. Our findings indicate that early thrombolytic therapy of acute myocardial infarction preserves myocardium, and since the infarct-related artery is patent, but narrowed, the jeopardized area is responsible for a high-risk syndrome with an increased likelihood of ischemic symptoms. An early aggressive approach may be indicated, especially for patients with greater than 60% residual stenosis in their infarct-related coronary artery. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Review: movement of mRNA from transcription site to nuclear pores.
Pre-mRNA is transcribed primarily from genes located at the interface between chromatin domains and the interchromatin space. After partial or complete processing and complexing with nuclear proteins, the transcripts leave their site of synthesis and travel through the interchromatin space to the nuclear pores for export to the cytoplasm. It is unclear whether transcripts are tethered within the interchromatin space and move toward the nuclear pores using a metabolic energy-requiring, directed mechanism or, alternatively, move randomly by a diffusion-based process. We discuss here recent progress in understanding this step of gene expression, including our experiments tracking the movement of intranuclear poly(A) RNA in living cells. Our results and those of others are most consistent with a model in which newly synthesized mRNAs diffuse throughout the interchromatin space until they randomly encounter and are captured by the export machinery. Because the export machinery appears to preferentially bind transport-competent mRNAs (complexed with the correct complement of nuclear proteins), this diffusion-based model for intranuclear RNA movement potentially allows for a significant level of posttranscriptional control of gene expression. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Parents' needs of support following the loss of a child to cancer: a Swedish, prospective, longitudinal, multi-centre study.
Introduction: Parents' needs of support following the loss of a child to cancer and whether these needs are met are not fully known. This study aimed to describe parents' needs, opportunity, and benefit of support from healthcare professionals and significant others from shortly after, up to five years after bereavement.Material and methods: Data were collected at nine months (T5, n = 20), eighteen months (T6, n = 37), and five years after the child's death (T7, n = 38). Parents answered questions via telephone about need, opportunity, and benefit of talking to psychologists, social workers, partners, and friends. Needs were examined in relation to parent and child characteristics, including sex, age, and parent posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS).Results: The proportion reporting a need of support from psychologists varied from 56% and 46% at T5 to 20% and 6% at T7 (mothers and fathers, respectively). All mothers and 90% of fathers reported a need of support from social workers at T5. At T7, the corresponding percentages were 30% and 6%. More mothers than fathers reported a need of support from friends at T7 (p = .001). The proportion reporting a need of support from psychologists, social workers, and friends decreased over time (all p ≤ .050). Parents reporting a higher level of PTSS were more likely to report a need of support from social workers at T6 (p = .040) and from psychologists (p = .011) and social workers (p = .012) at T7. Opportunities for support from healthcare professionals varied, most reported need of and opportunity for support from significant others. Almost all reported benefit from received support.Conclusion: Bereaved parents need and benefit of support from healthcare professionals and significant others. Results show a need for improved access to psychosocial services, even at five years post bereavement. Large-scale studies are needed to better understand the associations between parent and child characteristics and support needs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Drug design and development. A realistic appraisal.
The discovery of new biologically-therapeutically active structures continues to depend on screening and on isolated observations of unexpected drug metabolites and drug activities. The selection of therapeutically improved and useful chemicals requires molecular modification. Refinements in intuitive and physiochemical methodology can provide shortcuts in random choices and permit extrapolations of some facets of activity with a variable degree of accuracy. The final decisions concerning the usefulness of a drug remain in the domain of experimental and clinical pharmacology. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Expression and subcellular localization of XIAP and XAF1 in human normal oral keratinocytes and Tca8113 cells].
To clarify expression and subcellular localization of XIAP and XAF1 protein in human normal oral keratinocytes (hNOK) and Tca8113 cells human tongue carcinoma cell line. The hNOKs and Tca8113 cells were cultured in vitro. Expression and subcellular localization of XIAP and XAF1 protein were examined by combination of indirect immunofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy. XIAP expression was weak in the hNOKs and fluorescence staining localized chiefly in the cytoplasm and perinuclear areas. In the Tca8113 cells, high level of XIAP protein could be detected in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. In the hNOKs, XAF1 distributed mostly in the nucleus. Homogeneous nuclear and cytoplasmic distribution of XAF1 could be visualized in the Tca8113 cells. In cancerization of oral mucosa, XIAP protein could play an important antiapoptotic role by overexpression, while XAF1 protein does not appear to antagonize effectively the role of XIAP. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Changes in magnesium content and subcellular distribution during retinoic acid-induced differentiation of HL60 cells.
Magnesium (Mg) is required for cellular proliferation; however, the differences in subcellular regulation of Mg between proliferating and differentiated cells has not been determined. We used electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) to investigate the subcellular distribution of Mg in HL60 cells (a promyelocytic leukemia cell line) before and after retinoic acid (RA)-induced differentiation. Most intracellular Mg is bound to ATP and the Mg-ATP complex regulates several metabolic enzymes. We also compared alterations in Mg content following differentiation with the changes in ATP and ADP levels. Using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, we observed a significant decrease (-20%) in cellular Mg content in RA-differentiated HL60 cells. To investigate which intracellular compartments were involved in these changes, we analyzed subcellular elemental composition in freeze-dried cryosections of rapidly frozen undifferentiated and differentiated HL60 cells by EPMA. Following differentiation of HL60 cells, we observed an 18% decrease in Mg content in both the cytoplasm (regions of the cell excluding mitochondria and nuclei) and mitochondria. There was also a significant (40%) decrease in cytoplasmic Ca content after RA-induced differentiation. Nuclear Mg concentration was not significantly different between differentiated and undifferentiated HL60 cells, although differentiation was accompanied by a 30% decrease in the nuclear K/Na ratio. After differentiation, cellular ATP and ADP content decreased by 31 and 40%, respectively. We conclude that during exit from the cell cycle, Mg redistributes within cells and that the decrease in cytoplasmic and mitochondrial Mg is accompanied by a decrease in ATP and ADP content. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Larvae of Australian Buprestidae (Coleoptera). Part 4. Genus Julodimorpha.
The mature larva of the Australian buprestid genus Julodimorpha Gemminger and Harold, 1869 (J. saundersii Thomson, 1878) is fully described, illustrated and compared with the larvae of Julodinae, Polycestinae, Chrysochroinae, and Buprestinae. In situ observations confirm the soil inhabiting life-strategy of Julodimorpha larva. The comparative morphological study of the Julodimorpha larva proves its buprestine-chrysochroine affinities, while the superficial similarity of Julodimorpha and Julodinae adults, with their identical life-strategies, due to convergence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cytoreductive nephrectomy in metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma: perspectives in the tyrosine kinase inhibitor era.
Cytoreductive nephrectomy in combination with adjuvant immunotherapy is an established treatment option for selected patients with metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (mCC-RCC). Multitargeted antiangiogenic and mammalian target of rapamycin tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are now established treatment paradigms in patients with mCC-RCC. Given that all the recent seminal TKI trials in mCC-RCC provide no evidence base for the use of cytoreductive nephrectomy in the TKI era, it is not presently clear where such a surgical approach fits into the treatment paradigm. This review summarizes the evidence for the management of mCC-RCC and outlines novel approaches to be tested within future trials if the initial proposed phase III trials in this setting, using sunitinib, are successful. Overall, two principal questions need addressing. First, is cytoreductive nephrectomy necessary in the TKI era? Second, if so, what is the most appropriate scheduling of TKI therapy with cytoreductive nephrectomy? | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Medicare and Medicaid programs; surety bond requirements for home health agencies--HCFA. Final rule.
This final rule revised Medicare and Medicaid regulations concerning surety bond requirements published in the Federal Register (63 FR 29648) on June 1, 1998. Those regulations specified submission compliance dates for all home health agencies (HHAs) to furnish a surety bond to HCFA and/or to the State Medicaid agency. This rule removes those submission compliance dates. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Is tumor vascularity in prostate core biopsies a predictor of PSA recurrence after radical prostatectomy?
The purposes of this study were to evaluate if tumour vascularity by Chalkley counting (TVC) in prostate core biopsies can be a predictor of PSA recurrence after radical prostatectomy in prostate cancer and to estimate the concordance between the TVC in core biopsies and the subsequently examined prostatectomy specimen. All patients, with Gleason score < or =7 in core biopsy, clinical stage T1 or T2 who had a radical prostatectomy during 1990-1997 at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, were selected as a primary group. Patients with neoadjuvant hormonal therapy were excluded. The patients were divided into two groups, one with PSA recurrence and one group without PSA recurrence. 25 patients had PSA recurrence during the follow up period and 25 patients from non-recurrence group were randomly selected. TVC was assessed from the prostate tissue by immunostaining against CD34. TVC was statistically significant predictor of PSA relapse. The PSA-free survival rate was only 17% in patients within the highest TVC quartile compared to 67% in patients within the lowest TVC quartile. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Incorporating carbon storage into the optimal management of forest insect pests: a case study of the southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmerman) in the New Jersey Pinelands.
Forest insect pest disturbance is increasing in certain areas of North America as many insect species, such as the southern pine beetle, expand their range due to a warming climate. Because insect pests are beginning to occupy forests that are managed for multiple uses and have not been managed for pests before, it is becoming increasingly important to determine how forests should be managed for pests when non-timber ecosystem services are considered in addition to traditional costs and revenues. One example of a service that is increasingly considered in forest management and that may affect forest pest management is carbon sequestration. This manuscript seeks to understand whether the incorporation of forest carbon sequestration into cost-benefit analysis of different forest pest management strategies affects the financially optimal strategy. We examine this question through a case study of the southern pine beetle (SPB) in a new area of SPB expansion, the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve (NJPR). We utilize a forest ecology and economics model and include field data from the NJPR as well as outbreak probability statistics from previous years. We find under the majority of scenarios, incorporating forest carbon sequestration shifts the financially optimal SPB management strategy from preventative thinning toward no management or reactionary management in forest stands in New Jersey. These results contradict the current recommended treatment strategy for SPB and signify that the inclusion of multiple ecosystem services into a cost-benefit analysis may drastically alter which pest management strategy is economically optimal. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Invasive aspergillosis and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children: a 15-year experience.
Despite progress in diagnosis and treatment, invasive aspergillosis (IA) remains a principal cause of mortality due to infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). In order to clarify the course of IA among children receiving an AHSCT before the advent of new drugs such as voriconazole or caspofungin, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all proven and probable IA between January 1986 and December 2000. 1) Ten children developed IA after AHSCT, mostly long after transplantation. Overall incidence was 2.7%. Seven of those children experienced 1 or more complications after AHSCT and before IA. Mortality was 90% with a median survival of 23 days (2-90). 2) Five children underwent AHSCT after a previous episode of IA. All patients were treated with systemic antifungal therapy combined with surgery. Median time between IA and AHSCT was 110 days (73-370). Two children were diagnosed with IA relapse after transplantation. One child was cured while the other died of IA and AHSCT complications. AHSCT could be considered even in the setting of previous IA, but established strategies implementing newer less toxic antifungal agents as treatment or prophylaxis in high-risk patients are needed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy on circulation in the elderly.
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in the elderly is increasingly becoming more common, despite the possibility that a minimal load on the circulation can cause serious complications such as shock and cardiac arrest. The effects of endoscopy on the heart and the possibility of predicting circulatory accidents were studied using natriuretic peptide levels. The patients were randomly chosen according to their age and divided into an elderly group (over 60 years of age, 64 patients) and a young group (under 30 years of age, 20 patients). The patients in the elderly group were further subdivided into two groups based on the presence or absence of circulatory complications (46 patients with circulatory complications and 18 without complications). The load on the heart was evaluated by measuring human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP) and human brain natriuretic peptide (hBNP) which are secreted by the myocardial cells in response to cardiac load. Specimens were obtained before and after endoscopy. The hANP level was significantly higher after endoscopy in the elderly group, regardless of the presence or absence of circulatory complications. No significant difference was observed in the hBNP level. No significant increase in hANP or hBNP levels was observed after endoscopy in the young group. These observations suggest an increased atrial load during endoscopy in the elderly. The increase in pulse rate during endoscopy is one possible cause of atrial load. Therefore, the risk of circulatory system damage must be recognized when endoscopy is performed in the elderly. The measurement of plasma hANP and hBNP levels may provide effective indices for evaluating cardiac load during endoscopy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity in the rat hippocampus after status epilepticus induced by perforant pathway stimulation.
Nitric oxide has recently been implicated in mediation of neuronal excitotoxicity and damage. This study aimed at elucidating the changes in the expression of neuronal isoform of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the hippocampus after status epilepticus induced by perforant pathway stimulation. nNOS-immunoreactivity (nNOS-ir) and neuronal damage, assessed by silver staining, were evaluated separately in different hippocampal subfields 2 weeks after induction of status epilepticus. Perforant pathway stimulation resulted in an increase in the number of nNOS-immunoreactive neurons in the stratum radiatum of the CA1 and CA3 subfields of the hippocampus proper, and the hilus of the dentate gyrus. The morphology and distribution of the nNOS-ir neurons resembled that of interneurons. No correlation of the number of nNOS-ir neurons to the neuronal damage score was observed. Our results suggest that status epilepticus provokes a de novo expression of nNOS protein, and the nNOS expressing neurons may be selectively resistant to epileptic brain injury. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Screening and identification of dominant functional fragments of human epididymal protease inhibitor.
To lay a foundation for the further development of a novel contraceptive vaccine based on epididymal protease inhibitor (Eppin) protein, possible B-cell epitopes were predicted using bioinformatics. Overlapping KLH-coupled peptides corresponding to the 89-133 amino acid domain of Eppin protein were synthesized by the Fmoc method. The male mice were immunized with various peptides resulting in a gradual elevation of specific serum IgG antibodies until they peaked at the seventh week. Treatment with antiserum in immunized mice caused a significant decrease in the sperm-egg binding rate. Eventually, antifertility assays in vivo showed that, the pregnancy rate and the number of births per labor in experimental mice were significantly decreased. The decrease in the F5 and the F4 groups were more outstanding therefore these peptides might be the dominant functional fragments of Eppin protein and provide an experimental basis for the development of effective contraceptive vaccine based on Eppin protein. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Communicative ability conceptions among children who stutter and their fluent peers: a qualitative exploration.
Meta issues in stuttering were examined by analyzing verbal-descriptive data drawn from structured interviews with 23 male children who stutter (CWS) and their 23 fluent male peers. Participants described others' "good" and "bad" talk behaviors and provided their self-appraisals as talkers. Analysis of interview transcripts suggested that CWS favored unidimensional criteria for describing others' talk behaviors, where others' speech-language forms, particularly allusions to stuttering behaviors, were noted most commonly in the descriptions. In contrast, children who did not stutter used multidimensional criteria to describe others' talk behaviors, where others' speech-language forms and pragmatic behaviors were weighted evenly, particularly for positive descriptions. Additionally, many CWS expressed reservations in describing themselves as "good talkers," whereas their fluent peers provided mainly positive appraisals of their own talking abilities. Outcomes provide evidence that early conceptions of communicative abilities among CWS are influenced by their stuttering experiences and diverge from early communicative ability conceptions among their fluent peers. The reader will learn about and be able to; (1) recognize the relevance of examining communicative ability conceptions among children who stutter within the context of educational research on ability conceptions in children; (2) identify qualitative methods used to analyze interviews with participants; and (3) appreciate the role of personal experiences in shaping communicative ability conceptions among children who stutter. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The relationship between plasma hyaluronan levels and anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients.
Anthracycline-derived antineoplastic agents are used as the main form of treatment in many malignant diseases, including breast cancer and childhood cancers. Cardiotoxicity is one of the most feared life-threatening complications of cancer therapy. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between plasma hyaluronan (HA) levels and anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. Fifty eight of 73 female patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer and treated with a chemotherapy regimen including anthracycline were enrolled in this study. Anamneses were taken from each patient before and after chemotherapy. Further, physical examinations, electrocardiography, and transthoracic echocardiography were performed, and plasma hyaluronan levels were determined by using ELISA assay for each patient before and after treatment. Following anthracycline-based chemotherapy, the average left ventricular ejection fraction decreased (62.6±3.7% vs. 58.6±4.4%, p<0.001), and diastolic functions significantly deteriorated (p<0.001). However, troponin and hyaluronan levels significantly increased following chemotherapy [Troponin (ng/ml, mean±SD): before 0.01±0.002, after 0.037±0.02, p<0.001], [Plasma HA (ng/ml, mean±SD): before 41.3±5.4, after 70±8.5, p<0.001]. The increase in troponin values correlated with systolic dysfunction (p=0.002), but did not correlate with diastolic dysfunction (p=0.661). Significant correlations were found between systolic/diastolic dysfunction and plasma HA levels (r=0.417, p=0.001; r=0.339, p=0.009, respectively). Both systolic and diastolic functions were significantly deteriorated after chemotherapy. In addition, plasma levels of HA and troponin increased after treatment. Further, both systolic and diastolic dysfunctions were found to correlate with serum HA levels. All these data suggest that HA might have a function on anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of some procedures detecting circulating immune complexes.
Tests for circulating immune complexes were performed by means of 1) plain polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation (PEGprec), 2) immunoelectrophoresis of PEG precipitates (IEpp), 3) anti-antibody (AA) inhibition test with sera (AA-Is), and 4) AA inhibition test with PEG precipitates (AA-Ipp). The tests were performed with 156 pathological sera from patients with myasthenia gravis, syphilis, adenocarcinomas of the gastrointestinal tract, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, and 51 normal sera from blood donors. PEGprec was positive with 76 sera, IEpp with 84 sera, AA-Is with 64 sera, and AA-Ipp with 74 sera. Comparison of results in all four tests showed high degree of correlation; all p values were below 0.005. The lower sensitivity of AA inhibition tests was due to the fact that these tests detect only complexes formed by IgG but not by IgM, whereas the remaining two tests detect complexes formed by antibodies of both these immunoglobulin classes. When sera of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and SLE were removed from the material studied, the four tests showed about equal sensitivity. PEGprec gave positive results with two normal sera and the remaining tests were negative with all these sera. It appears that the simultaneous application of PEGprec, IEpp, AA-Is and AA-Ipp will give sensitive and reliable procedure for detecting circulating immune complexes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor PP2 markedly enhances Ras-independent activation of Raf-1 protein kinase by phorbol myristate acetate and H2O2.
Recently we reported that simultaneous treatment of NIH 3T3 cells with the combination of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) resulted in synergistic activation of Raf-1 kinase (Lee, M., Petrovics, G., and Anderson, W. B. (2003) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 311, 1026-1033). In this study we have demonstrated that PP2 (4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine), a potent and selective inhibitor of the Src-family tyrosine kinase, greatly potentiated the ability of PMA and/or H2O2 to activate Raf-1 kinase, whereas it blocked the tyrosine phosphorylation of Raf-1. Unlike PMA/H2O2 treatment, which showed transient activation, PP2-mediated Raf-1 activation was sustained and continued to increase through 4 h of treatment. Transient transfection studies with a dominant-negative mutant of Ras (N19Ras) indicated that this PP2-induced activation of Raf-1 was Ras-independent. Moreover, PP2 showed no effect on platelet-derived growth factor-induced Raf-1 activation. Interestingly, mutation of the reported Raf-1 Src family tyrosine kinase phosphorylation site by conversion of tyrosines 340 and 341 to phenylalanine (YY340/341FF Raf) had limited effect on the ability of PP2 to induce significant stimulation of Raf-1 kinase activity. Taken together, our results suggest that a tyrosine phosphorylation event is involved in the negative feedback regulation of Raf-1. Inhibition of a Src family tyrosine kinase by PP2 appears to alleviate this tyrosine kinase-mediated inhibition of Raf-1 and allow activating modification(s) of Raf-1 to proceed. This PP2 effect resulted in significant and sustained Ras-independent activation of Raf-1 by PMA and H2O2. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Topography of orbital contents. II: Compartments of the orbital adipose body].
In coronal and paramediansagittal sections the intraorbital fatty tissue and compartments were examined. Discussed are the septa by the neurosurgical approach, the most important fastening apparatus of the eyeball and blow-out fractures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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