text
stringlengths 1
10.9k
| meta
dict |
|---|---|
Temporal measures of human finger tapping: effects of age.
A computerized finger-tapping test was used in which nonclinical subjects were asked to tap a telegraph key with their index finger as rapidly as possible during five 10-s trials. Comparisons were made between young (mean age = 18 years) and aged (mean age = 75 years) subjects. Consistent with previous findings, aged subjects performed significantly fewer taps than younger subjects. Computerized analysis of finger-tapping patterns in the present study allowed for the determination of novel temporal parameters of tapping responses. Response initiation time was defined as the time from the offset of one finger tap until the onset of the next finger tap. Aged subjects had significant and substantially longer response initiation times than younger subjects. Response duration times also were measured: this parameter was defined as the time from the onset of one finger tap until the offset of the same finger tap. Although the magnitude of the effect was small, aged subjects had significantly longer response duration times than younger subjects. Thus, although the deficit in response rate of a voluntary repetitive response in aged subjects was largely due to impairments in response initiation times, the response duration also contributes to the overall deficit in responding. Using these methods it is possible that greater insight into aging or extrapyramidal motor disorders, such as parkinsonism, may be obtained; it is also possible that these data may be useful as a research tool to aid in drug development and evaluation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of the beta(2)-agonist clenbuterol on respiratory and limb muscles of weaning rats.
The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of chronic administration of the beta(2)-agonist clenbuterol (1.5 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1) for 4 wk in the drinking water) on respiratory (diaphragm and parasternal intercostal) and hindlimb (tibialis and soleus) muscles in young rats during postnatal development (21 to 49 postnatal days). The treatment resulted in very little stimulation of muscle growth. Significant slow-to-fast transitions in the expression of myosin heavy chain isoforms and significant increases in the myofibrillar ATPase activity were found in the diaphragm and soleus, whereas tibialis anterior and intercostal muscles did not show any significant fiber-type alteration. Decrease of oxidative enzyme activities and increase of glycolytic enzyme activities were also observed. It is concluded that whereas the growth stimulation is age dependent and only detectable in adult rats, the fiber-type transformation is also present in weaning rats and particularly evident in the soleus and diaphragm. The fiber-type transformation caused by clenbuterol might lead to an enhancement of contractile performance and also to a reduced resistance to fatigue. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characterization of an HIV-1 group M variant that is distinct from the known subtypes.
We identified an HIV-1 variant that belongs to the M group, with limited similarity of short genetic regions (100-200 nt) to subtype K, but the remainder of the genome is unrelated to any established HIV-1 subtype. The isolate was obtained from an HIV-1-positive male, living in the Netherlands, who encountered the virus before 1989, most probably via heterosexual contact in Africa. We describe the full-length genome sequence of four biological clones that were obtained from two samples collected 5 years apart. At both time points all open reading frames were intact. Within the 5-year interval, the person received antiretroviral therapy with zalcitabine and zidovudine for almost 4 years. Evolution of drug-resistant variants is likely given the increase in viral RNA load to +/-10,000 copies/ml during the last year of treatment. Surprisingly, the only regular RT mutation acquired during this period was K70R, which suggests that the genetic background of this variant is perhaps not suitable for the generation of the standard 41L, 67N, and 215Y/F mutations that typically arise during prolonged, nonsuccessful, zidovudine treatment. Awaiting the discovery of at least two additional, epidemiologically unrelated patients with a phylogenetically related HIV-1 variant, we can designate this variant a new HIV-1 subtype, or a distinct branch of subtype K. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Changes in hospital quality after conversion in ownership status.
This paper examines the effects of conversions between For-Profit and Not-For-Profit forms on quality of medical care in California hospitals. The sample includes elderly patients treated in California's private hospitals from 1990 to 1998 for Acute Myocardial Infarction and Congestive Heart Failure. The results suggest that converted hospitals have experienced quality changes before conversion and that ignoring these changes may bias the estimates of conversion effects. Both conversions are found to have some adverse consequences: Hospitals that converted to FP form show an increase in AMI mortality rates, while those converted to NFP status indicate an increase in CHF mortality outcomes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Development of a small-caliber vascular graft with antithrombogenicity induced by extreme hydrophilicity.
A small-caliber vascular graft with an excellent patency rate, which has satisfactory antithrombogenicity due to high hydrophilicity, has been developed. It is hemostatic at the anastomotic site and has an affinity for endothelial-like cells, smooth musclelike cells, and fibroblasts. Fresh carotid artery with an ID of 2.5 to 3.0 mm was obtained from a dog and sonicated to induce destruction of the cell components. It was then cross-linked with a hydrophilic polyepoxy compound. As controls, glutaraldehyde (GA) treated grafts were prepared. Twenty-one dogs were used, 14 for the new graft and the other 7 as controls. A segment of the graft, 6 cm in length, was implanted into the carotid artery. Sodium heparin was given during surgery, but no anticoagulant was used thereafter. The compliance of the new graft was similar to that of the native artery. No excessive bleeding was noticed at the anastomotic sites. The patency rate was 70.8% during the longest observation period of 145 days, but was only 10% in the controls. Microscopic observation revealed that by the seventh day after implantation, endothelial-like cells had appeared near the anastomotic lines on the inner surface of the new graft; smooth musclelike cells were observed on the 38th day after implantation. From these results, there is a good possibility that this new graft, with its many advantages, may be used clinically. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
High copy number of mitochondrial DNA predicts poor prognosis in patients with advanced stage colon cancer.
The aim of this investigation was to determine whether alterations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in colon cancer were associated with clinicopathological parameters and postsurgical outcome. By quantitative real-time PCR assay, the mtDNA copy number was detected in a cohort of colon cancer and matched adjacent colon tissues (n = 162). The majority of patients had higher mtDNA content in colon cancer tissues than matched adjacent colon tissues. Moreover, high mtDNA content in tumor tissues was associated with larger tumor size, higher serum CEA level, advanced TNM stage, vascular emboli, and liver metastases. Further survival curve analysis showed that high mtDNA content was related to the worst survival in patients with colon cancer at advanced TNM stage. High mtDNA content is a potential effective factor of poor prognosis in patients with advanced stage colon cancer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Troglitazone attenuates high-glucose-induced abnormalities in relaxation and intracellular calcium in rat ventricular myocytes.
Diabetes is associated with impaired cardiac diastolic dysfunction. Isolated ventricular myocytes from diabetic animals demonstrate impaired relaxation concomitant with prolonged intracellular Ca2+ transients. We have recently shown that maintaining normal adult rat ventricular myocytes in a "diabetic-like" culture medium (low insulin and high glucose) produces abnormalities in excitation-contraction coupling similar to in vivo diabetes. Troglitazone (TRO), a novel insulin-sensitizing agent, significantly lowers blood pressure and modestly increases cardiac output in vivo, but its direct impact on cardiac function is unknown. To determine whether TRO could prevent high-glucose-induced dysfunction, normal myocytes were maintained in culture for 1-2 days in either normal medium containing 5 mmol/l glucose or high-glucose medium containing 25 mmol/l glucose. TRO (5 micromol/l) was added to both normal and high-glucose media. Mechanical properties were evaluated using a high-resolution video-edge detection system, and Ca2+ transients were recorded in fura-2-loaded myocytes. Relaxation from peak contraction was significantly longer in myocytes cultured in high glucose. Treating cells with TRO either attenuated or prevented the high-glucose effects, without changing the mechanical properties of myocytes cultured in normal medium. TRO also prevented the abnormally slow rates of Ca2+ transient decay induced by high glucose. Collectively, these data demonstrate that TRO can protect against the high-glucose-induced relaxation defects, perhaps through changes in intracellular Ca2+ handling. If TRO has both vasodilatory actions and beneficial cardiac properties (e.g., improvement of diastolic function) in the presence of hyperglycemia, this antidiabetic agent may prove to have significant salutary cardiovascular effects in type II diabetes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Tumor necrosis factor receptor deficiency exacerbated Adriamycin-induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis: an insight into the Fas connection.
Cardiomyopathy is a major dose-limiting factor for applications of Adriamycin, a potent chemotherapeutic agent. The present study tested the hypothesis that increased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha signaling via its receptors protects against Adriamycin-induced cardiac injury. We used mice in which both TNF receptor I and II have been selectively inactivated (DKO) with wild-type mice as controls. Morphometric studies of cardiac tissue following Adriamycin treatment revealed greater ultrastructural damage in cardiomyocyte mitochondria from DKO mice. Biochemical studies of cardiac tissues showed cytochrome c release and the increase in proapoptotic protein levels, suggesting that lack of TNF-alpha receptor I and II exacerbates Adriamycin-induced cardiac injury. The protective role of TNF receptor I and II was directly confirmed in isolated primary cardiomyocytes. Interestingly, following Adriamycin treatment, the levels of Fas decreased in the wild-type mice. In contrast, DKO mice had an increase in Fas levels and its downstream target, mitochondrial truncated Bid. These results suggested that TNF-alpha receptors play a critical role in cardioprotection by suppression of the mitochondrial-mediated associated cell death pathway. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of nicotine on alcohol intake in a rat model of depression.
Clinical studies suggest that depression facilitates alcohol abuse. Depressed individuals also have increased rates of smoking, and it has been suggested that nicotine may improve depression. It is therefore possible that nicotine may reduce alcohol use in depression. To investigate this potential relationship, we evaluated alcohol intake in an animal model of depression, which consists of administering clomipramine (CLI), a preferential serotonin reuptake inhibitor, to neonatal rats. This pharmacological manipulation produces adult depression-like behaviors, such as reduced aggressiveness, decreased pleasure seeking, diminished sexual activity, increased locomotor activity and increased REM sleep. In this study, we found that CLI rats exhibited significantly higher locomotor activity, lower aggressiveness and higher alcohol intake than control rats. Chronic administration of a low dose of nicotine (0.25 mg/kg/day) or a sham operation did not modify these behaviors. However, chronic administration of nicotine at a higher dose (1.5 mg/kg/day) significantly increased aggressive behavior and reduced alcohol intake in CLI rats. The effect of nicotine on alcohol intake lasted at least 1 month after cessation of nicotine administration. These results indicate that nicotine reverted some depression signs and reduced alcohol self-administration in the CLI model of depression. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Riluzole reduces arrhythmias and myocardial damage induced by coronary occlusion in anaesthetized pigs.
The cardiac persistent sodium current (IN aP ) presents a novel target for cardiac ischaemic protection. Herein we investigated the effects of the IN aP blocker riluzole in a pig model of regional myocardial ischaemia. Landrace or Large White pigs were subjected to 3 h ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Pigs received either saline (500 mL/h, i.v.) throughout the experiment (control; n = 7) or riluzole (2 mg/kg in 2 mL propylene glycol in 100 mL saline, i.v.; RIL; n = 7) between 15 and 5 min prior to ligation. The arrhythmia score was calculated in 5 min epochs. Myocardial damage was assessed using epicardial image analysis and histological sectioning. In the control group, all seven pigs developed premature ventricular contractions (PVC), seven developed non-sustained arrhythmias and six of seven developed sustained arrhythmias. Of the sustained arrhythmias, 23 of 28 instances were initiated by R-on-T extrasytoles (extrasystoles within the vulnerable period that can trigger re-entrant arrhythmias). In the RIL group, all seven pigs developed PVC, six of seven developed non-sustained arrhythmias and only three developed sustained arrhythmias, of which two of five instances were R-on-T initiated. The riluzole-treated pigs exhibited less myocardial damage than pigs in the control group (65% smaller surface area (P = 0.008) on gross epicardial inspection, 51% less oedema (P = 0.01), 53% less fibre waviness (P = 0.029) assessed by haematoxylin and eosin staining and 79% fewer fragmented nuclei (P = 0.009) assessed by terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end-labelling). In conclusion, riluzole significantly reduced Phase 2 (the period associated with irreversible damage) ischaemic R-on-T triggered and non-R-on-T arrhythmias and myocardial damage occurring during the 3 h period of regional ischaemia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Is high pulse pressure a marker of preclinical cardiovascular disease?
This study tests the hypothesis that high brachial pulse pressure might constitute preclinical cardiovascular disease, rather than a risk factor. We studied 1250 subjects (472 nonobese normotensive [<135/80 mm Hg] and 778 untreated hypertensive). Central pulse pressure was estimated from brachial pulse pressure and age and divided by stroke volume (PP/SV). Brachial pulse pressure was considered high when >63 mm Hg, and peripheral resistance high when >90th percentile of normal distribution. Among hypertensive subjects, 34% had high resistance; among them, 33% had high brachial pulse pressure, as opposed to 147 of 516 patients (28.5%) with normal resistance (P=not significant). After adjusting for age, sex, race, body mass index, heart rate, and center, left ventricular (LV) internal dimension and mass were lower with high resistance, and higher when brachial pulse pressure was high. PP/SV was 36% higher with high resistance than with normal resistance, and higher when brachial pulse pressure was high (all P<0.0001). Factorial analysis demonstrated that associations of high brachial pulse pressure with both higher PP/SV and LV mass were independent of other pressure components. Thus, because of these associations, our hypothesis is that in hypertension, pulse pressure may be considered as a marker of preclinical cardiovascular disease, similar to LV mass and PP/SV, rather than a cardiovascular risk factor. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
WHO principles of perinatal care: the essential antenatal, perinatal, and postpartum care course.
World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and meta-analyses of controlled trials have concluded that inappropriate perinatal care and technology continue to be practiced widely throughout the world, despite the acceptance of evidence-based principles and care. The WHO Regional Office for Europe, in consultation with policy makers and reproductive health experts recently proposed ten "Principles of Perinatal Care," which have been endorsed by the reproductive health units of most member states. A comprehensive training program, based on the principles, is now being offered throughout the European region. This paper describes the development of the WHO principles and the WHO training course "Essential Antenatal, Perinatal and Postpartum Care." Together they provide an innovative model of evidence-based and psychosocially sensitive care for the future guidance of perinatal policy makers and caregivers worldwide. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Development and psychometric testing of Korean language versions of 4 neck pain and disability questionnaires.
Cohort study. To develop and establish the psychometric properties of Korean versions of 4 neck pain and disability questionnaires: the Neck Disability Index, Neck Pain and Disability Scale, Functional Rating Index, and Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SFMPQ). To our knowledge, there are no published Korean language neck pain and disability measures. Versions of each questionnaire in idiomatic modern Korean were developed with a process involving initial independent translation, synthesis of the translations, independent back translation, and review by an expert committee to achieve equivalence with the original English. Psychometric testing of the questionnaires with 261 subjects was undertaken to examine test-retest reliability, internal consistency, discriminative validity, and longitudinal construct validity. Test-retest reliability of the translated versions of the 3 disability questionnaires was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient[2,1] = 0.86-0.90). High internal consistency was found in the 3 disability questionnaires (Cronbach-alpha ranged from alpha = 0.88 for the Functional Rating Index to alpha = 0.96 for the Neck Pain and Disability Scale, and 0.82 for the SFMPQ). The visual analog scale subscale of the SFMPQ was the most responsive of the subscales (effect size = 1.44, standardized response mean = 1.37). The visual analog scale was also the most responsive pain and disability index in internal responsiveness analysis, although disability indexes showed marginally better responsiveness when compared with external standards. No floor or ceiling effects were observed. We conclude that the questionnaires were successfully translated and show acceptable measurement properties, and, as such, are suitable for use in clinical and research applications. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pseudoneglect in back space.
Successful interaction with the environment depends upon our ability to retain and update visuo-spatial information of both front and back egocentric space. Several studies have observed that healthy people tend to show a displacement of the egocentric frame of reference towards the left. However representation of space behind us (back space) has never been systematically investigated in healthy people. In this study, by means of a novel visual imagery task performed within a virtual reality environment, we found that representation of right back space is perceived as smaller than the left. These results suggest that there is a selective compression or distortion for mental representation related to the right space behind us. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of cytogenetic risk status on outcomes for patients with acute myeloid leukemia undergoing various types of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: an analysis of 7812 patients.
This study aimed at determining how cytogenetic risk status affects outcomes for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after undergoing various types of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Of 7812 patients eligible for analysis, cytogenetic risk was classified as favorable for 1088, intermediate for 5025, and poor for 1699. Overall, multivariate analysis showed significant intergroup differences in terms of relapse and survival, with the difference between poor- and intermediate-risk groups being greater than that between favorable- and intermediate-risk groups. Non-relapse mortality was identical for the three groups. Significant effects of cytogenetic risk status on survival were documented irrespective of donor type (related, unrelated, and umbilical cord blood), disease status at the time of transplantation (first or second complete remission, and more advanced disease status), and conditioning intensity (myeloablative and reduced-intensity). Our findings demonstrate robust and constant effects of cytogenetic risk status on survival after allogeneic HCT for patients with AML. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A porphyrin photosensitized metal-organic framework for cancer cell apoptosis and caspase responsive theranostics.
A photosensitized and caspase-responsive multifunctional nanoprobe was designed by assembling a porphyrin, a folate targeting-motif and a dye-labelled peptide in a metal-organic framework (MOF) cage, which significantly increases the singlet oxygen quantum yield of porphyrin by 6.2 times, and achieves high efficient cancer therapy and in situ therapeutic monitoring with caspase-3 activation. The integration of theranostic functions in a single nanocarrier holds great promise in precision cancer diagnosis and treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reduction in penis size and plasma testosterone concentrations in juvenile alligators living in a contaminated environment.
The development of the male reproductive ducts and external genitalia in vertebrates is dependent on elevated androgen concentrations during embryonic development and the period of postnatal growth. We have observed that a population of juvenile alligators living on Lake Apopka exhibit significantly smaller penis size (24% average decrease) and lower plasma concentrations of testosterone (70% lower concentrations) when compared to animals of similar size on Lake Woodruff. In addition to smaller phalli, no relationship exists between plasma testosterone concentrations and penile size in males from Lake Apopka, whereas a positive relationship exists for males from Lake Woodruff. The alligators on Lake Apopka are known to have elevated concentrations of the antiandrogenic DDT breakdown product p.p'-DDE stored in their fat. We suggest a number of hypotheses that could explain the modification in the phenotype of the juvenile male living in Lake Apopka. These modifications in phenotype include a smaller penis size, lower plasma androgen concentrations, and lack of responsiveness of the penis to the plasma androgens present. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The results of lower polar renal vessel transposition (the Chapman procedure) in the management of hydronephrosis.
Over a 15-year period, 19 patients with hydronephrosis due to pelviureteric obstruction associated with lower polar vessels were treated by ureterolysis and transposition of the vessels. Only those patients who, at operation, showed rapid pelvic emptying was not observed, a pyeloplasty was performed in addition. Complete relief of symptoms occurred in 90% of the patients. Post-operative reduction in the degree of hydronephrosis was demonstrated by intravenous urography in 74% and renal pelvic drainage was judged excellent by diuresis renography in 80%. Diuresis renography allowed the demonstration of free and rapid pelvic drainage in the majority of those patients with persisting hydronephrosis shown by intravenous urography. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Serum ferritin levels are associated with arterial stiffness in healthy Korean adults.
Although an association between serum ferritin and atherosclerosis has been suggested, limited epidemiologic data are available regarding the association between ferritin and arterial stiffness in healthy adults. A total of 2932 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Anthropometric and biochemical profiles including ferritin were measured. The arterial stiffness was measured using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Serum ferritin levels were classified into quartiles and baPWV values gradually increased with each ferritin quartile. Multiple regression analysis showed that ferritin levels were independently correlated with baPWV. After adjusting for multiple risk factors, as compared with the lowest quartile, the odds ratios for high baPWV (>75(th) percentile) were 1.15 (0.84-1.56), 1.37 (0.97-1.73), and 1.46 (1.29-2.17) among men (p for trend < 0.05) and 1.24 (0.87-1.79), 1.53 (1.09-2.16), and 1.80 (1.25-2.82) among women (p for trend < 0.05), for the second, third, and fourth quartiles of ferritin, respectively. In conclusion, serum ferritin levels are independently associated with arterial stiffness in healthy Korean adults. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Electrical responses of pineal cells to pineal indoles and putative transmitters in intact and blinded pigeons.
The effects of micro-electrophoretically applied pineal indoles, melatonin (MEL), 5-methoxytryptophol (MTL) and 5-hydroxytryptophol (HTL) and of the neurotransmitters, noradrenaline (NOR), acetylcholine (ACH) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the electrical activity of pineal cells were studied in anaesthetized pigeons. Recordings were made from both sighted and blinded birds during both the day- and night-time. Both excitatory and inhibitory responses to the application of all substances tested were observed, while in all cases unresponsive cells were also found. The pattern of responses to MEL, MTL and to NOR varied significantly depending on whether the cells in the sighted pigeons were tested during the day or at night. This day/night rhythm of responses to MEL and to MTL also occurred in the blinded pigeons, although this was not the case for the effects of NOR. Units which were orthodromically excited by electrical stimulation of the habenular complex were also excited by application of GABA. The activity of these units was also likely to be enhanced by application of ACH. The results suggest that the pigeon pineal organ exhibits intrinsic circadian rhythmicity which does not require entrainment signals from the retina. They also indicate that the activity of pineal cells could be influenced by neurotransmitter input provided from within the gland or via its innervation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Product inhibition in the radical S-adenosylmethionine family.
Members of the radical S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) superfamily reductively cleave AdoMet to generate the highly reactive 5'-deoxyadenosyl radical (DOA()) which initiates biological transformations by abstraction of a hydrogen atom. We demonstrate that three members of the family: biotin synthase (BioB), lipoyl synthase (LipA) and tyrosine lyase (ThiH) are inhibited in vitro by a combination of the products 5'-deoxyadenosine (DOA) and methionine. These results suggest the observed inhibition is a common feature of the radical AdoMet proteins that form DOA and methionine as products. Addition of 5'-methylthioadenosine/S-adenosylhomocysteine nucleosidase (MTAN) to BioB, LipA or ThiH activity assays removed the product inhibition by catalysing the hydrolysis of DOA and gave an increase in activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Advances toward More Efficient Targeted Delivery of Nanoparticles in Vivo: Understanding Interactions between Nanoparticles and Cells.
In this Perspective, we describe current challenges and recent advances in efficient delivery and targeting of nanoparticles in vivo. We discuss cancer therapy, nanoparticle-biomolecule interactions, nanoparticle trafficking in cells, and triggers and responses to nanoparticle-cell interactions. No matter which functionalization strategy to target cancer is chosen, passive or active targeting, more than 99% of the nanoparticles administered in vivo end up in the mononuclear phagocytic system, mainly sequestered by macrophages. Comprehensive studies, such as the one reported by MacParland et al. in this issue of ACS Nano, will help to close the gap between nanotechnology-based drug-delivery solutions and advanced medicinal products. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Maternal serum nitric oxide levels associated with biochemical and clinical parameters in hypertension in pregnancy.
To measure maternal serum concentrations of total nitrites, as an index of nitric oxide synthesis, in normal and hypertensive pregnant women, and to examine the correlation between these concentrations and several variables of clinical interest. A total of 60 women in four different groups were studied: 10 normotensive pregnant women, 17 pregnant women with preeclampsia, 18 pregnant women with gestational hypertension and 15 pregnant women with chronic hypertension. Serum nitrite levels were determined using the Griess reaction after reduction with nitrate reductase. Serum nitrite levels were higher in preeclamptic women (34.11+/-14 micromol/l, P=0.04), lower in chronic hypertensive women (19.56+/-6.46 micromol/l, P=0.04) and similar in women with gestational hypertension (26.97+/-9.44 micromol/l) in comparison to the control group (25.37+/-7.24 micromol/l). Serum nitrite levels in preeclamptic women had significant positive correlations with hematocrit, fasting insulinemia, and apolipoprotein B and negative correlations with platelet count, serum phosphorus and glucose:insulin ratio. In pregnant women with chronic hypertension a negative correlation was found between serum nitrite levels and active partial thromboplastin time. In pregnant women with gestational hypertension, serum nitrite levels had negative correlations with birthweight and 24-h urine calcium, and positive correlations with mean corspuscular hemoglobin, 24-h urine sodium and maternal age. We suggest that in women with preeclampsia, a higher maternal nitric oxide level may act as a compensatory mechanism against hemoconcentration and platelet aggregation and that nitric oxide production may be related to some metabolic events. In women with gestational hypertension, higher serum nitrite levels may be related to clinical and biochemical findings common in preeclampsia. In chronic hypertension, a lower maternal nitric oxide level is related to the status of coagulation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D stimulation of specific membrane proteins in chick intestine.
Vitamin D-deficient chicks were injected intracardially with physiological doses of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-(OH)2D3) and the formation of intestinal brush-border proteins was followed in vitro. Within 4 h of receiving the hormone the incorporation of radioactive leucine into at least two proteins in the brush-borders was increased. The apparent molecular weights of these proteins were 45 000 and 84 000. The change in the synthesis of these proteins was followed with time and compared with the concomitant changes in intestinal calcium transport. The relationship of these changes is such that there is a strong possibility that the proteins are involved in calcium absorption. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dentinal fluid movement associated with loading of restorations.
Post-operative biting sensitivity is a significant clinical problem after placement of posterior resin composites and may be due to dentinal fluid movement. The occlusal surfaces of extracted teeth were filled with amalgam (control) or various posterior resin composites, and the movement of the dentinal fluid induced by the loading of the restorations was studied. In addition, the firing of pulpal nerves induced by the loading of class 5 resin composite restorations in canine teeth of dogs was also investigated. When the entire cavity was etched with an acid gel and then filled with resin composite, dentinal fluid movement in response to loading was significantly (p less than 0.01) greater than in the amalgam-filled or unoperated controls. The dog canine tooth filled with resin composite showed firing of pulpal nerves when loaded. These results suggest that the movement of dentinal fluid induced by masticatory pressure on resin composite restorations may elicit biting sensitivity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Interzonal transcallosal connections of the visual and parietal cortices].
Interzonal transcallosal EPs induced by the stimulation of contralateral visual cortex were recorded all over parietal cortex and had two forms: positive-negative and negative-positive ones. The former EPs had a greater latency and peaks of phases whereas the amplitudes of similar components of contrphasic potentials did not differ much. Negative-positive EPs disappeared after section of the corpus callosum whereas positive-negative EPs practically did not change. Analogous changes of contrphasic responses occurred after section of intracortical projections on the side of recording and/or on the side of stimulation. Interzonal transcallosal responses are characterized by a functional interhemisphere asummetry. The amplitude of early components of any EPs proved to be higher and the latency longer in the right hemisphere. The left hemisphere had a larger delayed positive wave. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Resolving nonmedical obstacles to successful school reentry for children with cancer.
An annual seminar for school personnel of elementary school-aged pediatric center patient is described. Facilitating understanding of the educational and social needs of such patients, providing updated information about childhood malignancy and addressing the concerns of teachers, nurses and others is warranted because of the many patients who will be cured and who must be prepared to enter adulthood. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Obstacles to communication in children with cri du chat syndrome.
Cri du chat syndrome (CCS) is a genetic disorder resulting from the deletion of the short arm of chromosome 5. Perhaps the most distinctive characteristic of this syndrome is the congenital high-pitched cry, which frequently brings these patients to the attention of an otolaryngologist. Speech and language development in children with CCS is notable for a reduced receptive vocabulary and a profound deficit in expressive language. Currently, no clear guidelines have been established for the treatment of the speech and language difficulties exhibited by these patients. In this article, we present a case report and discuss the current literature regarding the challenges to effective communication in CCS. Case report. We present a 7-year-old girl with CCS who sought help to improve her ability to communicate. The patient presented with a persistent high-pitched voice unchanged since birth and a breathy dysphonia. Findings on examination were significant for an abnormally oriented larynx with atrophic vocal folds. She continues to undertake intensive speech therapy to assist in her language development. CCS is a genetic disorder that universally results in profound deficits in expressive speech. Although patients with CCS commonly present with a high-pitched voice and marked laryngeal abnormalities, they are unlikely to benefit from surgical intervention. Speech and language therapy, including augmentative communication devices, may enhance effective communication and improve the quality of life of these patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Carbohydrate-derived chlorinated compounds in ECF bleaching of hardwood pulps: formation, degradation, and contribution to AOX in a bleached kraft pulp mill.
Five monochlorinated compounds derived from glucuronoxylan were identified in the liquid process streams of a kraft pulp mill producing hardwood pulp with ECF bleaching, representing ca. 15-20% of the AOX of the bleaching filtrates. The environmental risk of such compounds is negligible because a major fraction (70-80%) is degraded during effluent mixing and neutralization, and about 20-30% is degraded during the biological treatment of the mixed effluent. Only less than 3.5% (0.009-0.017 kg/ tAD) of the compounds formed in the bleaching leave the mill in the final effluent. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Development of the Pictet-Spengler reaction catalyzed by AuCl3/AgOTf.
Mild and efficient AuCl3/AgOTf-catalyzed Pictet-Spengler reactions were developed to afford in good yields a variety of tetrahydroisoquinoline and tetrahydro-beta-carboline ring systems, which constitute important motifs in biologically active natural and synthetic organic compounds. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Knowledge of Abortion Laws and Services Among Low-Income Women in Three United States Cities.
Low-income women and women of color are disproportionately affected by unintended pregnancy. Lack of knowledge of abortion laws and services is one of several factors likely to hinder access to services, though little research has documented knowledge in this population. Survey with convenience sample of 1,262 women attending primary care or full-scope Ob/Gyn clinics serving low-income populations in three large cities and multivariable analyses with four knowledge outcomes. Among all participants, 53% were first-generation immigrants, 25% identified the correct gestational age limit, 41% identified state parental consent laws, 67% knew partner consent is not required, and 55% knew where to obtain abortion services. In multivariable analysis, first-generation immigrants and primarily Spanish speakers were significantly less likely than higher-generation or primarily English speakers to display correct knowledge. Design and evaluation of strategies to improve knowledge about abortion, particularly among migrant women and non-primary English speakers, is needed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Identification of receptors for platelet-activating factor in rat Kupffer cells.
Ligand binding studies demonstrated that isolated rat Kupffer cells possess high affinity binding sites for platelet-activating factor (1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, AGEPC). AGEPC binding reached saturation within 10 min at 25 degrees C and was reversible. A Scatchard analysis revealed a single class of AGEPC receptors numbering about 10,600 sites/cell and possessing a dissociation constant of 0.45 nM. Similar values for the dissociation constant for AGEPC (0.12 and 0.34 nM) were obtained independently by kinetic analysis of specific AGEPC binding. AGEPC binding was stereospecific and was inhibited by Zn2+ and AGEPC receptor antagonists including BN52021 and U66985. The AGEPC receptor was functionally active since it was shown to mediate arachidonic acid release and eicosanoid production in Kupffer cells, and these events were inhibited by AGEPC receptor antagonist BN52021. The receptor-mediated arachidonic acid release was extracellular calcium-dependent and was abolished by calcium channel blocker prenylamine and by [ethylenebis(oxyethylenenitrilo)]tetraacetic acid, indicating that calcium influx through a receptor-regulated calcium channel in the plasma membrane is involved in the AGEPC-induced arachidonic acid release. It is suggested that rat Kupffer cells have specific and functionally active AGEPC receptors which are involved in signaling mechanisms which govern the production of several other autacoid-type mediators in the liver. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Sleep complaints in elderly tinnitus patients: a controlled study.
Sleep difficulties are among the most frequent complaints associated with tinnitus. Yet most studies reporting on this problem are rather succinct, and all of them lack proper age- and health-matched control subjects. The present study reports on 102 participants (51 with and 51 without tinnitus), assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Beck-II depression inventory, a hyperacusis questionnaire, and a tinnitus-reaction questionnaire (tinnitus group only). Participants were matched for health and relevant socioeconomic factors. Results show that tinnitus patients have greater self-reported sleep difficulties compared with control subjects, specifically sleep efficiency and sleep quality, and that high tinnitus-related distress is associated with greater sleep disturbance. Rather than hearing loss, sleep complaints in this population are mainly explained by hyperacusis, a hallmark of tinnitus, and to a lesser extent by subclinical depressive symptoms. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ludolph Brauer, German aeromedical pioneer.
Ludolph Brauer (1865-1951) played an influential role in the history of aviation medicine in Germany. The Treaty of Versailles had put a stop to the development of German aviation and associated medical activities at the end of World War I. Brauer deserves credit for restarting civilian aviation medicine in Germany in the 1920s, paving the way for it to flourish in the 1930s. As Medical Director of the Hamburg-Eppendorf General Hospital, Brauer established the first German Institute of Aviation Medicine (GIAM) in 1927 in affiliation with the Tuberculosis Research Institute with its two large pneumatic chambers. The GIAM was active in altitude research and the selection of pilots, as well as educating medical students in aviation medicine, training Aviation Medical Examiners, and exploring clinical applications of hypobaric and climatic therapy. Brauer was forced to retire in 1934 for political reasons as the GIAM came under the influence of the military; in 1939 it was made part of the Aeromedical Research Institute of the "Reichsluftfahrt" Ministry. Brauer was a co-editor of the journal Luftfahrtmedizin in the 1930s and 1940s. He died in Munich on November 25th, 1951. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Heat-shock proteins and molecular chaperones: implications for pathogenesis, diagnostics, and therapeutics.
Cells react to physical (e.g., heat) or chemical (e.g., anoxia, low pH) stressors, mounting a stress (heat-shock) response. Most genes are turned down or off, while a few are activated. The latter encode the stress or heat-shock proteins (Hsps), whose levels increase in stressed cells. Various Hsps are molecular chaperones. These, and other molecular chaperones that are not Hsps, help the other cellular proteins to achieve their native state (correct folding or functional conformation), reach their final destination (e.g., the endoplasmic reticulum or the mitochondria), resist denaturing by stressors, and regain the native state after partial denaturation. Thus the Hsps and molecular chaperones occupy the stage's center whenever and wherever there is cellular and tissue injury caused by local or systemic stressors via protein damage. This feature, their participation in protein folding and transport, and their evolutionary conservation within the three phylogenetic domains, strongly suggest a vital role for Hsps and molecular chaperones. Their importance in pathogenesis, and as diagnostic markers and prognostic indicators, is beginning to be appreciated. The role of Hsps and molecular chaperones in cell recovery from injury by a variety of noxae of clinical and surgical relevance is also being assessed. Consequently, the potential of these molecules (and corresponding genes) as targets for treatment or as therapeutic tools is emerging and is being explored. Stroke, myocardial infarction, inflammatory syndromes, infectious and parasitic diseases, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and aging are but some examples of conditions in which Hsps and molecular chaperones are being scrutinized. The era of Hsp and molecular chaperone pathology has dawned. It is likely that genetic and acquired defects of Hsp and molecular chaperone structure and function will be identified, and will play a primary, or auxiliary but determinant, role in disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The role of familiarity in binary choice inferences.
In research on the recognition heuristic (Goldstein & Gigerenzer, Psychological Review, 109, 75-90, 2002), knowledge of recognized objects has been categorized as "recognized" or "unrecognized" without regard to the degree of familiarity of the recognized object. In the present article, we propose a new inference model--familiarity-based inference. We hypothesize that when subjective knowledge levels (familiarity) of recognized objects differ, the degree of familiarity of recognized objects will influence inferences. Specifically, people are predicted to infer that the more familiar object in a pair of two objects has a higher criterion value on the to-be-judged dimension. In two experiments, using a binary choice task, we examined inferences about populations in a pair of two cities. Results support predictions of familiarity-based inference. Participants inferred that the more familiar city in a pair was more populous. Statistical modeling showed that individual differences in familiarity-based inference lie in the sensitivity to differences in familiarity. In addition, we found that familiarity-based inference can be generally regarded as an ecologically rational inference. Furthermore, when cue knowledge about the inference criterion was available, participants made inferences based on the cue knowledge about population instead of familiarity. Implications of the role of familiarity in psychological processes are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Perceived occurrence and importance of caring behaviours among patients and staff in psychiatric, medical and surgical care.
The present study identified, within psychiatric, medical and surgical care, patient and staff perceptions of the occurrence and importance of caring behaviours. A Swedish version of the 'CARE-Q' instrument, including 50 caring behaviours, was used for the assessment of importance, and the 'CARE-How often' questionnaire (containing the same behaviours) was used for the determination of occurrence. In psychiatric and medical care, but not in surgical care, staff considered several behaviours to occur more frequently than did patients. However, in each type of care, the groups agreed fairly well with respect to rankings of behaviours. 'Explains and facilitates' occurred rarely, and 'Monitors and follows through' occurred often, according to both patients and staff. Overall, patients and staff differed both with regard to perceived levels and rankings of the importance of behaviours. Psychiatric patients perceived 'Explains and facilitates' as most important, and somatic patients perceived 'Monitors and follows through' as most important, while staff in both somatic and psychiatric care considered 'Comforts' as the most important subscale. Neither patient nor staff perceptions of the occurrence of caring behaviours were well matched with their perceptions of the importance of these. Implications for nursing practice and for studying patient satisfaction with care are given. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Development of a method for calibrating in vivo measurement systems using magnetic resonance imaging and Monte Carlo computations.
Research efforts towards developing a new method for calibrating in vivo measurement systems using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Monte Carlo computations are discussed. The method employs the enhanced three-point Dixon technique for producing pure fat and pure water MR images of the human body. The MR images are used to define the geometry and composition of the scattering media for transport calculations using the general-purpose Monte Carlo code MCNP, Version 4. A sample case for developing the new method utilizing an adipose/muscle matrix is compared with laboratory measurements. Verification of the integrated MRI-MCNP method has been done for a specially designed phantom composed of fat, water, air, and a bone-substitute material. Implementation of the MRI-MCNP method is demonstrated for a low-energy, lung counting in vivo measurement system. Limitations and solutions regarding the presented method are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ximelagatran: an orally active direct thrombin inhibitor.
The chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, dosage and administration, contraindications, and adverse effects of ximelagatran are reviewed. Ximelagatran is the first orally active direct thrombin inhibitor to be tested in Phase III clinical trials. After oral administration, ximelagatran is rapidly converted to its active metabolite, melagatran. Melagatran (after oral ximelagatran administration) predictably inhibits thrombin function without need for routine anticoagulation monitoring. Melagatran effectively inhibits both free and clot-bound thrombin-a potential pharmacodynamic advantage over heparin products. Melagatran has a half-life of 2.4-4.6 hours, necessitating twice-daily administration. Melagatran is primarily eliminated by the kidneys and has not been studied clinically in patients with severe renal failure. Ximelagatran has undergone 10 Phase III trials (6 for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism [VTE] due to orthopedic surgery, 1 for initial treatment of VTE, 1 for long-term prevention of VTE recurrence, and 2 for stroke prophylaxis due to atrial fibrillation). Results were generally positive. AstraZeneca applied in December 2003 for marketing approval of ximelagatran for prevention of VTE after total knee replacement surgery, long-term prevention of VTE recurrence after standard therapy, and stroke prevention due to atrial fibrillation. FDA denied approval of ximelagatran for all indications, mainly because of increased rates of coronary artery disease events in ximelagatran recipients in some studies and the possibility of hepatic failure when the medication is used for long-term therapy. Ximelagatran has shown promise as a possible alternative to warfarin and other anticoagulants but will require further study to ensure its safety. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Outcome after emergency surgery in gastric cancer patients with free perforation or severe bleeding.
This study was conducted to evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics and surgical outcome of perforated or bleeding gastric cancer patients. Twenty-six gastric cancer patients undergoing emergency surgery for free perforation (n = 13) or severe bleeding (n = 13) were reviewed. In the perforation group, tumors were mainly located in the greater curvature and anterior wall, but in the bleeding group, they were mainly in the lesser curvature. Three (23%) patients in the perforation group and 7 (54%) in the bleeding group received potentially curative resections (p = 0.11). The postoperative morbidity rate and mortality rate were 31 (8/26) and 8% (2/26), respectively. Median survival time after operation was 5.5 months. One patient in the perforation group and 3 patients in the bleeding group who underwent curative resection survived more than 30 months without recurrence. Three factors were found to be associated with improved survival after emergency surgery: potentially curative resection; TNM stage, and the absence of postoperative complications. Emergency surgery for gastric cancer patients with perforation or severe bleeding is associated with a low curative resection rate and a high postoperative complication rate. However, long-term survival can be expected in those patients who underwent curative resection with earlier stage gastric cancer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Preferred listening levels of personal listening devices in young teenagers: self reports and physical measurements.
To assess the potential risk of hearing loss to young listeners, due to the use of personal listening devices (PLDs). The study included two parts: (1) A self-report questionnaire on music listening habits, and (2) Physical measurements of preferred listening levels, in quiet and in everyday background noise. Young teenagers aged 13 to 17 years. Part 1 included 289 participants with mean age of 14 years. Part 2 included 11 and 74 participants (2A and 2B) with a mean age of 15 years. Eleven listened to PLDs in quiet conditions (2A) and 74 in everyday background noise (2B). Questionnaire main findings indicated that most of the participants reported high or very high volume settings and demonstrated low awareness towards loud music listening consequences. Physical measurements corrected for diffuse field indicated mean preferred listening levels of: 82 (SD = 9) dBA in quiet, and 89 (SD = 9) dBA in the presence of background noise. The potential risk to hearing of PLDs users was calculated using the 8 hour equivalent level. More than 25% of the participants in the noisy condition were found to be at risk according to occupational damage risk criteria NIOSH, 1998. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neurocognitive and psychosocial correlates of hostility among persons in a post-acute phase of schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
Persons with schizophrenia often have difficulty inhibiting hostile behaviors. While the correlates of hostility have been extensively explored in controlled settings, less is known about hostile behaviors and attitudes among outpatients who are in a post-acute phase of illness. Accordingly, this study examined the relationship of self-reported hostile behaviors and attitudes with measures of neurocognition, childhood physical abuse and hopelessness among 36 individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. In a stepwise multiple regression, poorer executive function and a history of childhood physical abuse significantly predicted behavioral hostility (R(2) =.25, P <.05), while attitudinal hostility was uniquely predicted by hopelessness (R(2) =.16, P <.05). Results suggest that behavioral hostility among persons in a stable phase of illness may be closely related to disinhibition and trauma history while hostile attitudes may be more closely linked with attitudes about current psychosocial circumstances. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clozapine does not require 5-HT1A receptors to block the locomotor hyperactivity induced by MK-801 Clz and MK-801 in KO1A mice.
5-HT(1A) receptors mediate some effects of atypical antipsychotic drugs, such as the increase in cortical dopaminergic function, an effect likely related to the superior efficacy of these drugs on negative symptoms and cognitive deficits of schizophrenia. To examine whether 5-HT(1A) receptors are involved in the therapeutic action of clozapine (Clz) on positive symptoms, here we examined the ability of Clz to antagonize the behavioural syndrome induced by the non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist, MK-801 in wild-type (WT) and 5-HT(1A)-receptor knockout (KO(1A)) mice. MK-801 administration induced hyperlocomotion, ataxia, stereotypies and an alteration of the locomotor pattern in both genotypes. However, some symptoms of the behavioural syndrome induced by MK-801 were less intense in KO(1A) mice compared with wild-type mice. Clz antagonized the majority of MK-801-induced effects in both strains of mice. No differences between genotypes were noted for the ability of Clz to antagonize the hyperlocomotion, yet Clz was more effective in preventing the increased activation time, short movements, circling behaviour and hind-limb abduction in KO(1A) mice. The present results indicate that 5-HT(1A) receptors do not play a critical role in Clz-induced antagonism of the main hyperactivity signs evoked by MK-801, suggesting that 5-HT(1A) receptors are not involved in the therapeutic action of Clz on positive symptoms of schizophrenia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effect of cocaine and other local anesthetics on central dopaminergic neurotransmission.
The effects of cocaine on dopaminergic function in the rat were compared with those of other local anesthetics having an esteratic linkage (dimethocaine, procaine) or an amide linkage (lidocaine). By means of reverse-phase HPLC with electrochemical detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, levels of dopamine (DA) and its metabolites 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT) and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid were quantified in the striatum, nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex after i.p. injection of the drugs or saline. Time course and dose response studies determined the effects of the drugs on these parameters of dopaminergic function. These studies provide strong evidence that the three esteratic local anesthetics cocaine, dimethocaine and procaine all increase the synaptic presence of DA, as reflected in increased levels of 3-MT and the ratio of 3-MT to DA, in the striatum, nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex. Surprisingly, procaine had an equal or greater effect than cocaine and dimethocaine on 3-MT levels and the ratio 3-MT/DA. The effects of these drugs on dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, an indicator of intraneuronal metabolism of DA, were more variable. However, the amidergic local anesthetic lidocaine did not affect DA metabolism. Although the exact mechanisms behind the dopaminergic activities of procaine and dimethocaine remain unknown, it is clear that these drugs, as well as cocaine, activate dopaminergic systems in the intact animal. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Biliary complications after liver transplantation from maastricht category-2 non-heart-beating donors.
There are unresolved issues regarding the security of liver transplantation with non-heart-beating donors (NHBDs). Recently, an increased incidence of biliary complications, mainly intrahepatic ischemic-type biliary strictures, has been described after controlled NHBDs. We studied the incidence and risk factors for biliary complications among uncontrolled NHBDs recipients compared with a large population of HBD recipients. Overall, 16.8% of patients in the HBD group and 41.7% of patients in the NHBD group suffered any type of biliary complication (P=0.66). However, the incidence of nonanastomotic biliary strictures was significantly greater in the NHBD group (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that independent risk factors for nonanastomotic strictures were hepatic artery thrombosis (relative risk; 98.7) and receiving a liver from a NHBD (relative risk; 47.1). If this type of donors is accepted as a source of liver organs, the high incidence of biliary complications should be considered and efforts should be made to decrease ischemic injury. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Social and emotional training in Swedish classrooms for the promotion of mental health: results from an effectiveness study in Sweden.
Mental ill-health is a major problem worldwide. It includes depression, aggressive behavior, feeling down and alcohol and drug abuse. Since all children go to school, the school is an obvious arena for health interventions. A set of educational techniques named Social and Emotional Learning, based on the use by teachers of cognitive and behavioral methods, which teaches students self-control, social competence, empathy, motivation and self-awareness, has shown promising results in the USA. This paper reports on the application of similar techniques in Sweden (the Social and Emotional Training [SET] program). The study has a quasi-experimental longitudinal design, with two intervention and two control schools. A wide range of instruments, both Swedish and international, are employed. In this paper, results from the school years 1999-2000 (baseline) through to 2001-2002 are reported. Both the intervention and the data collection were performed by ordinary school staff in a routine school setting. Independent bi-annual ratings of teachers' performance were moderate to high, and teachers' perceptions of the program were generally, although by no means universally, high. However, their performance was poorer with regard to the collection of data. In terms of promotion, findings with regard to the impact of the program on mental health are generally favorable-in particular through the promotion of aspects of self-image, including well-being and the hindering of aggressiveness, bullying, attention-seeking and alcohol use. There was, however, no differential effect on social skills. It seems that SET has the potential to operate effectively as a health-promoting intervention during the school period, although its main impact may rather be to act as a brake on the deterioration in some aspects of mental health that is common during adolescence. Positively significant relationships were found on some but not all of the instrument scales, and effect sizes were medium. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
KIR3DL1/HLA-B Interactions Modulate Response to Anti-GD2 Antibodies.
KIR3DL1 and HLA-B allele combinations predict response to anti-GD2 mAb in neuroblastoma. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Application of ultrasonic cavitation in combined treatment of polypous rhinosinusitis].
Clinical data are available on 109 patients with different forms of polypous rhinosinusitis who have undergone ultrasonic cavitation (USC) of medicinal solutions (antiseptics, antibiotics) in the course of maxillary sinusotomy. USC cleared the sinus from necrotic tissues, depressed the growth of the polyps and pathogenic microflora. Long-term results of the combined treatment were studied in 78 patients. The disease recurred in 2 (2.5%) patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Making a performance improvement plan work.
A carefully crafted organizational performance improvement (PI) plan can guide implementation and demonstrate that the organization is serious about continuously improving its processes and patient care outcomes. A good plan provides an overview of both the processes that are used to achieve PI and the expected outcomes. This article describes the process by which St John's Regional Medical Center (Joplin, Mo) developed and implemented its P1 plan. The first task is to define the desired PI program elements, such as use of teams and teamwork, measurement and monitoring systems, resource management tools, work redesign and reengineering, and customer-focused care. Then cultural changes to support the PI system need to be identified; the plan should include specific strategies to avoid or overcome any possible stumbling blocks. As an example of customer-focused improvement, intensive care unit nurses formed a team to address customer complaints about waiting room policies and physical facilities. An open visiting policy was initiated, pagers for family members of patients were provided, and the waiting room was made more comfortable. Use of resource management tools is illustrated by the development of algorithms and pathways to address variation in care provided to patients with complicated and uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction. Expectations for involvement from the top should be set, holding managers and employees accountable for participating appropriately; hospital departments and the medical staff should be integrated as soon as possible; and bureaucratic requirements should be kept to a minimum. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Stable Isotope Labeling of Mammals (SILAM).
INTRODUCTIONA general approach in quantitative mass spectrometry is to mix a protein sample containing only natural-abundance isotopes with an identical protein sample containing proteins labeled with heavy stable isotopes (e.g., (2)H, (13)C, (15)N, or (18)O). Introduction of stable isotope labels into proteins alters their molecular weight and such changes can be observed on the mass spectrometer. The relative protein expression is calculated from the ion chromatograms of the labeled and unlabeled peptides. Introduction of stable isotopes via metabolic labeling is an efficient and quantitative method compared to in vitro covalent labeling strategies, because it ensures that every protein is enriched with a heavy stable isotope. Metabolic labeling is routinely performed with cultured cells, ranging from bacteria and yeast to mammalian cells. However, analysis of mammalian tissue allows greater insight into physiology compared to cultured cells. In this protocol, we describe a procedure to metabolically label Rattus norvegicus with (15)N for quantitative mass spectrometry analysis. Stable isotope labeling of mammals (SILAM) allows the global quantitative analysis of any mammalian model of human disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characterisation of carotid plaques with ultrasound elastography: feasibility and correlation with high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging.
To evaluate the ability of ultrasound non-invasive vascular elastography (NIVE) strain analysis to characterise carotid plaque composition and vulnerability as determined by high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thirty-one subjects with 50 % or greater carotid stenosis underwent NIVE and high-resolution MRI of internal carotid arteries. Time-varying strain images (elastograms) of segmented plaques were generated from ultrasonic raw radiofrequency sequences. On MRI, corresponding plaques and components were segmented and quantified. Associations between strain parameters, plaque composition and symptomatology were estimated with curve-fitting regressions and Mann-Whitney tests. Mean stenosis and age were 72.7 % and 69.3 years, respectively. Of 31 plaques, 9 were symptomatic, 17 contained lipid and 7 were vulnerable on MRI. Strains were significantly lower in plaques containing a lipid core compared with those without lipid, with 77-100 % sensitivity and 57-79 % specificity (P < 0.032). A statistically significant quadratic fit was found between strain and lipid content (P < 0.03). Strains did not discriminate symptomatic patients or vulnerable plaques. Ultrasound NIVE is feasible in patients with significant carotid stenosis and can detect the presence of a lipid core with high sensitivity and moderate specificity. Studies of plaque progression with NIVE are required to identify vulnerable plaques. • Non-invasive vascular elastography (NIVE) provides additional information in vascular ultrasound • Ultrasound NIVE is feasible in patients with significant carotid stenosis • Ultrasound NIVE detects a lipid core with high sensitivity and moderate specificity • Studies on plaque progression with NIVE are required to identify vulnerable plaques. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Development and application of reverse transcriptase nested polymerase chain reaction test for the detection of exogenous avian leukosis virus.
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that utilizes nested primers to amplify a fragment of the long terminal repeat of exogenous avian leukosis virus (ALV) was developed and evaluated for detection of ALV subgroup J directly from clinical samples. Compilation of sequence data from different endogenous and exogenous ALVs allowed the selection of a conserved set of nested primers specific for the amplification of exogenous ALV subgroups A, B, C, D, and J and excluded amplification of endogenous viruses or endogenous viral sequences within the chicken genome. The nested primers were successfully used in both PCR and reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR assays to detect genetically diverse ALV-J field isolates. Detection limits of ALV-J isolate ADOL-Hc1 DNA by nested PCR and RNA by RT-nested PCR were superior to detection of group-specific antigen by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in cell culture. Detection of ALV-J in cloacal swabs by RT-nested PCR was compared with direct detection by antigen-capture (ac)-ELISA; RT-nested PCR detected fewer positive samples than ac-ELISA, suggesting that RT-nested PCR excluded detection of endogenous virus in clinical samples. Detection of ALV-J in plasma samples by RT-nested PCR was compared with virus isolation in C/E chicken embryo fibroblasts; the level of agreement between both assays as applied to plasma samples ranged from low to moderate. The main disagreement between both assays was observed for a group of plasma samples found positive by RT-nested PCR and negative by virus isolation, suggesting that RT-nested PCR detected ALV-J genome in plasma samples of transiently or intermittently infected birds. ALV-J transient and intermittent infection profiles are characterized by inconsistent virus isolation responses throughout the life of a naturally infected flock. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Coincidence of lactate threshold and HR-power output threshold under varied nutritional states.
The purpose of this study was to cross-validate the method of Conconi et al. (5) that purports to determine "anaerobic threshold" based on a deflection point between heart rate (HR) vs power output. Eight males (22.6 +/- 1.6 y) were tested with maximal progressive cycle ergometry under normal (NG) and glycogen-depleted (GD) conditions. During the last min of each stage, HR was monitored via EKG and blood was sampled for lactate determination. Computerized data analysis was then conducted to determine the deflection points for lines respectively fit to each HR vs power output (heart rate threshold; HRT) and lactate vs power output (lactate threshold; LT) distribution. Under NG conditions, HRT and LT occurred at 200.4 +/- 33.3 and 211.4 +/- 46.5 watts, respectively (equivalent to VO2 = 2.455 +/- 0.368 and 2.618 +/- 0.507 l/min), with a correlation of r = 0.68 between HRT vs LT (S.E.E. for prediction of LT from HRT = 36.7 watts). However, under GD conditions, HRT = 182.9 +/- 43.3 watts and LT = 227.0 +/- 41.1 watts (equivalent to VO2 = 2.395 +/- 0.413 and 2.944 +/- 0.578 l/min) with HRT vs LT r = -0.04 and S.E.E. = 44.4 watts. Across the two conditions, < 4% of the variance in the change in LT was accounted for by the change in HRT. These data indicated that 1) under NG conditions the modest association between HRT and LT was not causally-linked and 2) HRT was not a stable predictor of LT across varying nutritional states such as those common to prolonged exercise. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Tissue-specific models of spinal muscular atrophy confirm a critical role of SMN in motor neurons from embryonic to adult stages.
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disease linked to survival motor neuron (SMN) protein deficiency. While SMN protein is expressed ubiquitously, its deficiency triggers tissue-specific hallmarks, including motor neuron death and muscle atrophy, leading to impaired motor functions and premature death. Here, using stable miR-mediated knockdown technology in zebrafish, we developed the first vertebrate system allowing transgenic spatio-temporal control of the smn1 gene. Using this new model it is now possible to investigate normal and pathogenic SMN function(s) in specific cell types, independently or in synergy with other cell populations. We took advantage of this new system to first test the effect of motor neuron or muscle-specific smn1 silencing. Anti-smn1 miRNA expression in motor neurons, but not in muscles, reproduced SMA hallmarks, including abnormal motor neuron development, poor motor function and premature death. Interestingly, smn1 knockdown in motor neurons also induced severe late-onset phenotypes including scoliosis-like body deformities, weight loss, muscle atrophy and, seen for the first time in zebrafish, reduction in the number of motor neurons, indicating motor neuron degeneration. Taken together, we have developed a new transgenic system allowing spatio-temporal control of smn1 expression in zebrafish, and using this model, we have demonstrated that smn1 silencing in motor neurons alone is sufficient to reproduce SMA hallmarks in zebrafish. It is noteworthy that this research is going beyond SMA as this versatile gene-silencing transgenic system can be used to knockdown any genes of interest, filling the gap in the zebrafish genetic toolbox and opening new avenues to study gene functions in this organism. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A comparison of cognitive restructuring and cognitive defusion as strategies for resisting a craved food.
The present study investigated the effectiveness of two cognitive strategies for resisting a craved food. One-hundred-and-ten self-identified chocolate cravers were randomised to a waiting list control condition or to receive a 60-minute standardised group intervention on cognitive restructuring (CR) or cognitive defusion (CD). All participants were provided with a bag of chocolates which they were instructed to carry with them for seven days and try to resist eating; uneaten chocolates were returned at the end of the study period. Measures included chocolate consumption and other behavioural, cognitive and evaluative self-reported outcomes. Overall, the odds of abstinence from chocolate were 3.26 times higher for participants in the CD than the CR condition. The effect of the interventions depended on baseline cognitive distress levels; for individuals at high levels of cognitive distress the CD condition led to significantly more restraint from chocolate than both the CR and control conditions. In addition, CD led to greater self-reported improvements in eating behaviours during the study period and was rated significantly easier to use and apply than CR. CD is discussed as a simple and efficient approach to manage food cravings and, potentially, other behavioural contributors to obesity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Rubisco small and large subunit N-methyltransferases. Bi- and mono-functional methyltransferases that methylate the small and large subunits of Rubisco.
Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco)is methylated at the alpha-amino group of the N-terminal methionine of the processed form of the small subunit (SS), and at the epsilon-amino group of lysine-14 of the large subunit (LS) in some species. The Rubisco LS methyltransferase (LSMT) gene has been cloned and expressed from pea and specifically methylates lysine-14 of the LS of Rubisco. We determine here that both pea and tobacco Rubisco LSMT also exhibit (alpha)N-methyltransferase activity toward the SS of Rubisco, suggesting that a single gene product can produce a bifunctional protein methyltransferase capable of catalyzing both (alpha)N-methylation of the SS and (epsilon)N-methylation of the LS. A homologue of the Rubisco LSMT gene (rbcMT-S) has also been identified in spinach that is closely related to Rubisco LSMT sequences from pea and tobacco. Two mRNAs are produced from rbcMT-S, and both long and short forms of the spinach cDNAs were expressed in Escherichia coli cells and shown to catalyze methylation of the alpha-amino group of the N-terminal methionine of the SS of Rubisco. Thus, the absence of lysine-14 methylation in species like spinach is apparently a consequence of a monofunctional protein methyltransferase incapable of methylating Lys-14, with activity limited to methylation of the SS. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Strategic Development of the Public Health Workforce: A Unified Logic Model for a Multifaceted Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Public health has a responsibility to ensure the ability of its workforce to deliver essential services, including mastering the core public health competencies. The Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development (DSEPD) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a mission to improve health outcomes through a competent, sustainable, and empowered public health workforce. The DSEPD programs offer fellowships and other training opportunities, develop and disseminate quality public health training, and advance public health workforce development science. The DSEPD developed a unified division logic model to describe the combined activities and intended outcomes of all DSEPD programs and their intended contribution to a robust public health workforce and to support ongoing program planning and evaluation. The logic model has 4 streams of work that include (1) producing and disseminating quality learning products; (2) implementing and managing fellowship programs that support learning; (3) providing public health service through fellows; and (4) advancing workforce development science through collaboration with other public health leaders.The underlying program theory is that a robust workforce has sufficient workforce, organizational, and systems capacity to deliver public health essential services and, therefore, to protect the public's health. Three scientific theories support the program theory: the quality of learning; the accepted practice of competency-based programs and the service-learning model; and use of evidence-guided decision making in workforce development programs. A unified division logic model allows DSEPD to describe its combined approaches to workforce development as a coherent portfolio with well-defined goals and measureable outcomes. The logic model effectively communicates the relationship among division programs, their shared outcomes, and their combined contributions to developing and maintaining a robust public health workforce. A unified logic model can serve as effective frame of reference for division evaluation and as evidence in public health workforce development science. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Metal-free highly luminescent silica nanoparticles.
Stable, cost-effective, brightly luminescent, and metal-free organosilica nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using the Stöber method without any thermal treatment above 318 K. The white-light photoluminescence results from a convolution of the emission originated in the NH(2) groups of the organosilane and oxygen defects in the silica network. The time-resolved emission spectra are red-shifted, relative to those acquired in the steady-state regime, pointing out that the NPs emission is governed by donor-acceptor (D-A) recombination mechanisms. Moreover, the increase of the corresponding lifetime values with the monitored wavelength further supports that the emission is governed by a recombination mechanism typical of a D-A pair attributed to an exceptionally broad inhomogeneous distribution of the emitting centers peculiar to silica-based NPs. These NPs exhibit the highest emission quantum yield value (0.15 ± 0.02) reported so far for organosilica biolabels without activator metals. Moreover, the emission spectra and the quantum yield values are quite stable over time showing no significant aging effects after exposure to the ambient environment for more than 1 year, stressing the potential of these NPs as metal-free biolabels. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Application of cone-beam computed tomography in the diagnosis and treatment of external root resorption of adjacent teeth caused by impacted teeth].
This study aims to investigate the diagnosis and treatment of external root resorption of adjacent teeth caused by impacted teeth via cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). A total of 19 teeth from 15 patients with uncertain external root resorption caused by an adjacent impacted tooth were examined from January 2011 to December 2011. All teeth with uncertain external root resorption were scanned by CBCT. Three dimensions reconstruction were the conducted to determine the location and extent of resorption. In all cases, CBCT identified the accurate location and extent of external root resorption caused by adjacent impacted teeth. Furthermore, the technique provided impacted teeth location in three dimensions, including the relation between the impacted teeth and surrounding vital structures. CBCT can provide direct and accurate images of the location and extent of external root resorption, as well as the location of the adjacent impacted teeth in three dimensions. Therefore, the proposed technique provides reliable information for clinical diagnosis and treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Decreased production of MCP-1 and MMP-2 by keloid-derived fibroblasts.
Keloid tissue results from aberrant wound healing. The underlying mechanism responsible for keloid formation remains unclear. The aim of this study was to analyse the production of tissue inflammatory mediators by normal and keloid-derived human dermal fibroblasts cultured in vitro. Production of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2), with and without the addition of interleukin-1beta, was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay. Our results showed that IL-1beta (10 ng/ml) stimulated a statistically significant increase in MCP-1 and MMP-2 production and decreased production of TIMP-2 by both normal and keloid-derived fibroblasts (Student's t-test, p<0.05), but to differing extents. This may contribute to factors leading to keloid formation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes. a nation-wide study.
To estimate the association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in Denmark. A population-based cohort study including all singleton pregnancies in Denmark from 2004 to 2010 (n = 403 092). Maternal complications during pregnancy and delivery and fetal complications were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision. The final study population consisted of 398 623 women. Of these, 9014 (2.3%) had GDM. Data were adjusted for maternal age, parity, smoking, gestational age, birth weight, BMI, gender of the fetus and calendar year. The risk of preeclampsia, caesarean section (both planned and emergency) and shoulder dystocia was increased in women with GDM. In the unadjusted analysis, the risk of thrombosis was increased by a factor 2 in the GDM patients, but in the adjusted analysis this association disappeared. Post-partum hemorrhage was similar in the two groups. The GDM women had an increased risk of giving birth to a macrosomic neonate although the unadjusted analysis did not show any difference between the two groups. Low Apgar score was increased in the GDM, but this association disappeared in the adjusted analysis. Stillbirth was comparable in the two groups. Women with GDM still have increased incidence of obstetric and neonatal complications, which could imply that treatment of women with GDM should be tightened. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
ECT in patients with major depressive disorder and low cardiac output.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients with impaired cardiac output may be associated with significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality because of its hemodynamic effects. Many clinicians are reluctant to treat these patients with ECT because of the high risk associated with the treatment. In this report, we present a clinically appropriate protocol for ECT treatment of patients with impaired cardiac output and major depressive disorder. Three patients, ages 59-78 years, with resistant major depression and impaired cardiac output (ejection fraction 20-25%), were successfully treated with ECT according to this protocol. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Monoclonal antibodies to cytochrome P-450 immunopurify a 45-kDa protein from a human lymphoblastoid cell line.
Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to rat liver cytochromes P-450 have previously been used for successful immunopurification of cytochromes P-450 from animal tissues. We now report application of this MAb-based immunopurification technique to the human lymphoblastoid AHH-1 cell line. Immunopurification carried out with 3 different MAbs each yielded a 45-kDa polypeptide. The purified protein contains an MAb-specific epitope present on cytochromes P-450, and may therefore be a human cytochrome P-450. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Indirect calorimetry: a tool to adjust energy expenditure in very low birth weight infants.
To determine the resting metabolic rate in very low birth weight infants through indirect calorimetry. Cross-sectional study including 29 clinically stable very low birth weight infants receiving an enteral diet > 100 kcal/kg/day. Malnutrition was defined as weight-for-age z score < or = - 2 SD. Resting energy expenditure was measured using open circuit indirect calorimetry. At the time of the examination, mean weight was 1,564+/-393 g and corrected gestational age was 35+/-3 weeks. Malnutrition was diagnosed in 62.1% of the preterm infants. The mean resting metabolic rate was 57.01+/-7.76 kcal/kg/day. Since resting energy expenditure is the main caloric component of total energy expenditure, the high resting metabolic rate observed may have a strong impact on the development of malnutrition during hospitalization. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cell kinetics and radiation biology.
The cell cycle, the growth fraction and cell loss influence the response of cells to radiation in many ways. The variation in radiosensitivity around the cell cycle, and the extent of radiation-induced delay in cell cycle progression have both been clearly demonstrated in vitro. This translates into a variable time of expression of radiation injury in different normal tissues, ranging from a few days in intestine to weeks, months or even years in slowly proliferating tissues like lung, kidney, bladder and spinal cord. The radiosensitivity of tumours, to single doses, is dominated by hypoxic cells which arise from the imbalance between tumour cell production and the proliferation and branching of the blood vessels needed to bring oxygen and other nutrients to each cell. The response to fractionated radiation schedules is also influenced by the cell kinetic parameters of the cells comprising each tissue or tumour. This is described in terms of repair, redistribution, reoxygenation and repopulation. Slowly cycling cells show much more curved underlying cell survival curves, leading to more dramatic changes with fractionation, dose rate or l.e.t. Rapidly cycling cells redistribute around the cell cycle when the cells in sensitive phases have been killed, and experience less mitotic delay than slowly proliferating cells. Reoxygenation seems more effective in tumours with rapidly cycling cells and high natural cell loss rates. Compensatory repopulation within a treatment schedule may spare skin and mucosa but does not spare slowly proliferating tissues. Furthermore, tumour cell proliferation during fractionated radiotherapy may be an important factor limiting the overall success of treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
β-phenylethyl isothiocyanate reverses platinum resistance by a GSH-dependent mechanism in cancer cells with epithelial-mesenchymal transition phenotype.
Platinum (Pt)-based chemotherapy is an important regimen in the clinical treatment of cancer, but development of drug resistance presents a major challenge. One key mechanism involved in resistance to Pt drugs is the decrease of intracellular Pt due to the drug efflux through the glutathione (GSH)-mediated export, and this is particularly significant in cancer cells with stem-cell like properties. In the present study, we showed that two Pt-resistant human cancer cell lines exhibited stem-cell like EMT properties, had high cellular GSH and accumulated significantly less cellular Pt compared to their parental cells, and failed to undergo apoptosis when exposed to Pt at the drug concentrations toxic to the parental cells. Importantly, we found that the natural compound β-phenylethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) was able to effectively abolish this drug resistant mechanism by effective depletion of cellular GSH, leading to a significant increase in cellular Pt as well as DNA-bound Pt. A combination of PEITC and Pt showed a striking synergistic anticancer activity both in vitro and in vivo, as evidenced by an increase in drug-induced apoptosis, a loss of colony formation capacity, and significant suppression of tumor growth in mice. Taken together, our study shows a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome drug resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy and may potentially have broad implications in clinical treatment of cancer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fluorinated fullerenes.
Recent developments in fluorination of fullerenes coupled with HPLC separation have permitted the isolation and subsequent structural characterisation of many derivatives, a number of which have novel and unexpected structures. The good solubility of fluorofullerenes, high reactivity towards nucleophiles and enhanced dienophilicity of the unsubstituted part of the cage, as a result of electron withdrawal by the fluorines, makes fluorofullerenes promising synthons. In particular that may have enhanced performance in donor-acceptor complexes with respect to bare fullerenes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with dementia: the clinicopathological spectrum.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with dementia (ALS-D) is a non-Alzheimer-type dementia characterized by both frontotemporal degeneration and motor neuron disease and marked by ubiquitin-positive, tau- and alpha-synuclein-negative intraneuronal inclusions and dystrophic neurites. New neuropathological diagnostic criteria for ALS-D are proposed on the basis of the present investigation of 28 autopsy cases. Clinical features included those of typical ALS-D, primary lateral sclerosis, atypical ALS with frontotemporal atrophy and atypical Pick's disease without Pick's bodies. Macroscopically anterior frontotemporal atrophy was observed involving or not involving the precentral gyrus. Microscopically non-specific neuronal loss and gliosis with spongiosis were seen, particularly in superficial layers II and III of the frontotemporal cortices. Diffuse fibrous gliosis was seen in the frontotemporal white matter. The substantia nigra and amygdala showed neuronal loss and gliosis. In all 28 cases, degeneration of both the lower and upper motor neuron systems, consistent with classic sporadic ALS, was present. The distribution and degree of degenerative frontotemporal lesions and motor neuron disturbance were of various patterns. Ubiquitin-positive and tau- and alpha-synuclein negative intraneuronal inclusions and dystrophic neurites in extramotor cortices were observed in all cases. Furthermore, ubiquitin-positive inclusions in lower motor neurons were found in all cases. The distribution pattern and density differed between neuronal inclusions and dystrophic neurites and correlated with clinicopathological phenotypes. Therefore, the ALS-D spectrum may be broader than that previously recognized, extending to primary lateral sclerosis, atypical ALS and to atypical Pick's disease without Pick bodies. Further investigation is needed to determine the characteristics of the ubiquitinated component in ALS-D. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Organic residues as immobilizing agents in aided phytostabilization: (I) effects on soil chemical characteristics.
A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of three different organic residues, sewage sludge (SS), municipal solid waste compost (MSWC), and garden waste compost (GWC), as immobilizing agents in aided phytostabilization of a highly acidic metal-contaminated soil, affected by mining activities, using perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). The organic residues were applied at 25, 50 and 100 Mg ha(-1) (dry weight basis), and their effects on soil chemical characteristics and on relative plant growth and metal concentrations were assessed. All the organic residues tested immobilized Cu, Pb and Zn, decreasing their mobile fractions. This was corroborated by negative correlations obtained between mobile Cu, Pb and Zn and other soil chemical characteristics, which rose as a consequence of the amendments applied (i.e., pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, nitrogen content, available P and available K), and by the multivariate exploratory techniques performed that showed an inverse correlation between these groups of variables. The greatest increase in ryegrass relative growth (more than three times) was obtained in the presence of 50 MgMS WC ha(-1), followed by SS at the same application dosage. GWC did not contribute to an increase in shoot growth, due to its small capacity to correct soil acidity and to supply essential macronutrients (N, P, K). No extractant was able of demonstrating by a linear correlation the uptake of Cu, Pb and Zn by ryegrass. This plant was therefore not a good "indicator" of Cu, Pb and Zn availability in the soil. The results obtained in this study suggest that ryegrass can be used in aided phytostabilization for this type of mine contaminated soils and that MSWC, and to a minor extent SS, applied at 50Mg ha(-1), were effective in the in situ immobilization of metals, improving soil chemical properties and leading to a large increase in plant biomass. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Alcohol Drinking and the Risk of Chronic Kidney Damage: A Meta-Analysis of 15 Prospective Cohort Studies.
The relationship between alcohol drinking and chronic kidney damage, mainly including declined glomerular filtration rate (GFR), proteinuria, and end-stage renal disease, was conflicting. Thus, a meta-analysis was conducted to investigate their potential associations. PubMed and Web of Science were searched to identify prospective studies assessing the associations between alcohol drinking and chronic kidney damage published up to March 2019. Random-effects model was employed to pool the relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup meta-analyses stratified by the basic characteristics of subjects were performed. A total of 15 cohort studies were included in the present study, with 268,723 participants and 31,766 incident cases. Participants with low (<13 g/d), moderate (13 to 26 g/d), and high (26 to 60 g/d) dose of alcohol drinking had 12% (RR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.83 to 0.93), 24% (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.70 to 0.83), and 21% (RR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.71 to 0.88) lower risk of chronic kidney damage compared with the reference group (non- or occasional drinkers), respectively. The lower risk for chronic kidney damage remained significant for the declined GFR, or in men, or for participants aged less than 55 yrs, or studies with longer than 8 yrs of follow-up, while severe alcohol drinking (≥60 g/d) insignificantly increased 7% risk of chronic kidney damage (RR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.53 to 2.15). No obvious heterogeneity and no publication bias were observed. Based on our meta-analysis, participants with alcohol drinking less than 60 g/d were at lower risk of declined GFR, especially in men or participants aged less than 55 yrs. Much more prospective cohort studies are required to confirm our present findings. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Extract of medicinal mushroom Agaricus blazei Murill enhances the non-specific and adaptive immune activities in BALB/c mice.
Agaricus blazei Murill (AbM) is traditionally used against a wide range of conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, foot-and-mouth disease and chronic hepatitis C infection. In this study, we evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of AbM. For the non-specific immune response experiments, a total of 40 female BALB/c mice were divided into control (group 1) and experimental (groups 2-4) groups of 10 animals each. Groups 2, 3 and 4 were orally-administered high (819 mg/kg), medium (273 mg/kg) and low (136.5 mg/kg) doses of AbM daily for six weeks and then six parameters related to non-specific immune response were detected. For the adaptive immune response experiments, 40 female mice were similarly divided into four groups. After six weeks of treatment, animals were immunized with the OVA immunogen. Two weeks later, splenocytes and sera were collected. Four parameters related to adaptive immune response were evaluated. We found that feeding mice with AbM extract increased the IgG level in serum, promoted phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages and elevated the activity of Natural killer cells. We also found that the highest dose of AbM increased interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels in splenocytes and that a medium dose increased interferon-γ. The levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) were reduced or unchanged. T-helper type 1 cytokine levels were increased. AbM increased the humoral immune response and also affected the cellular immune response. These results provide evidence that AbM can modulate innate and adaptive immunity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Context effects on alcohol cognitions.
This article summarizes a symposium on context and alcohol-related cognitions presented at the 2004 Annual Meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The studies reported here examine how the manipulation of contextual variables influences the availability of alcohol outcome expectancies and implicit memories for alcohol associations. The symposium illustrates the range of context variables and shows some of the potential impact of retrieval on cognitions that predict alcohol use. Two of the studies explore naturalistic drinking contexts: one examines the impact of stress induction, and one assesses within survey question placement effects. A variety of measures of alcohol cognitions were used. The results demonstrate that alcohol cognitions are more accessible in alcohol-related contexts. Moreover, availability of alcohol associations and expectancies depended on individual differences. These results underscore the potential value of memory processes in the retrieval and measurement of alcohol cognitions. The findings have direct implications for improving methods of predicting alcohol use and in understanding the role of alcohol cognitions in various contexts associated with alcohol use. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dental therapy in the United Kingdom: part 3. Financial aspects of current working practices.
To enquire into current remuneration arrangements among UK dental therapists and to explore the nature of any financially related concerns. Part of the postal survey of therapists described in the previous paper in this series. The majority of therapists (63%) often work in multiple locations and therefore may be in receipt of more than one type of payment mechanism. Two thirds of therapists are paid an hourly rate in at least one of the locations where they work; just over half are paid a fixed monthly amount and one third are self-employed. Nine percent of respondents were receiving performance-related pay, using goal setting, incentives and bonuses. A number of financially-related concerns were identified. Diverse payment systems were reported. Some aspects could present important implications for future recruitment and retention. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Vancouver B2 Peri-Prosthetic Fractures in Cemented Femoral Implants can be Treated With Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Alone Without Revision.
The aim of this study is to assess the outcomes of 52 consecutive Vancouver B2 peri-prosthetic fractures around cemented polished double-tapered stems treated by open reduction and internal fixation in 2 trauma centers in 2 countries. Outcomes included modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Harris Pain Score, and return to pre-injury mobility. Fracture healing was assessed; implant subsidence measured and complications including re-operations reported. No patient was lost to follow-up. Median patient age at operation was 82 years (range 43-98); Harris pain scores showed minimal pain (median 42, range 10-44) at latest follow-up. Median total subsidence at 1 year was 1.1 mm (range 0-5.4), the majority of which occurred within the cement mantle. No subsequent femoral stem revision was required (median 2.9 years, 0-10); however, there were 3 re-operations: 1 re-operation for pre-existing recurrent dislocation involving head liner exchange and 2 for repeat fixation due to metal fatigue. Two additional fractures occurred below the new plating, requiring further plating whilst still retaining the original stems. Anatomical reduction and open reduction and internal fixation of Vancouver B2 peri-prosthetic fractures should be considered as an appropriate treatment solution for frail elderly patients with a peri-prosthetic fracture around cemented polished double-tapered stems. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evaluation of the radiopacity of luting cements by digital radiography.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiopacity of eight contemporary luting cements using direct digital radiography. Ten specimens, (5 mm diameter, 1 mm high) were prepared for each material tested (RelyX ARC, RelyX U100, RelyX Unicem, Nexus 2, Nexus 3, Metacem, Breeze, Adhesor zinc phosphate). The specimens were stored in a moist chamber at 37°C until completely set, then radiographed using a Kodak digital sensor and an aluminum step wedge with variable thicknesses (1 to 13 mm in 1-mm increments) used for reference. A Kodak 2100 intraoral X-ray unit was operated at 60 kV, 7 mA, and 0.20 seconds. According to international standards, the radiopacity of the specimens was compared with that of the aluminum step wedge using the equal-density area tool of the Kodak Dental Imaging software (ver. 6.7). Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's test. Adhesor zinc phosphate cement showed the highest radiopacity of all materials and dentin. Breeze showed the lowest radiopacity (p < 0.05). No significant difference in radiopacity was observed between dentin and RelyX ARC, Nexus 2, or Metacem (p > 0.05). The radiopacities of Nexus 3 and RelyX Unicem were significantly higher than those of other resin cements and dentin (p < 0.05). All materials showed radiopacity above the minimum recommended by the International Organization for Standardization and the American National Standards/American Dental Association. Breeze had less radiopacity than dentin. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nitrosamines and nitrosamides in the etiology of gastrointestinal cancer.
It has been amply demonstrated that N-nitroso compounds are formed by interaction of nitrite with secondary and tertiary amino compounds, and that this reaction can occur in vivo as well as in food processed with nitrite. The favored site of reaction in vivo is the stomach. It is likely that N-nitroso compounds formed in this way, especially nitrosamides, could reach the colon and contribute to the induction of colon tumors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of caffeine intake on myocardial hyperemic flow induced by adenosine triphosphate and dipyridamole.
The aims of this study were (a). to compare absolute myocardial blood flow (MBF) during adenosine triphosphate (ATP) infusion with that after dipyridamole administration without caffeine intake and (b). to evaluate the effect of caffeine intake on the hyperemic flow induced by these coronary vasodilator agents. MBF was quantified with (15)O-labeled water and PET at rest, during ATP infusion (0.16 mg/kg/min for 9 min), and after dipyridamole administration (0.56 mg/kg over 4 min) after a 24-h abstinence from caffeine (baseline evaluation) in 10 healthy volunteers. Within 2 wk, the same PET studies were repeated after caffeine intake to evaluate the effect of caffeine on the hyperemic flow induced by these pharmacologic agents (caffeine study). Myocardial flow reserve (MFR), defined as the ratio of hyperemic to resting blood flow, was also evaluated. Resting MBF in baseline and caffeine studies did not differ significantly (0.79 +/- 0.29 vs. 0.75 +/- 0.31 mL/min/g, P = 0.88). Without caffeine intake, MBF during ATP infusion was significantly higher than that after dipyridamole administration (3.70 +/- 0.67 vs. 3.00 +/- 0.79 mL/min/g, P = 0.003), whereas there was no significant difference in MFR between ATP and dipyridamole stress (5.15 +/- 1.64 vs. 4.11 +/- 1.44, P = 0.07). After caffeine intake, the hyperemic flows induced by ATP and dipyridamole were not significantly different (1.68 +/- 0.37 vs. 1.52 +/- 0.40 mL/min/g, P = 0.50). MFR estimated by ATP and dipyridamole also did not differ significantly in the caffeine studies (2.44 +/- 0.88 vs. 2.25 +/- 0.94, P = 0.73). MBF during ATP infusion and after dipyridamole administration were significantly lower in the caffeine studies than that in the baseline evaluation (1.68 +/- 0.37 vs. 3.70 +/- 0.67 mL/min/g, P < 0.0001, and 1.52 +/- 0.40 vs. 3.00 +/- 0.79 mL/min/g, P < 0.0001, respectively). This study demonstrates that ATP has the potential to induce greater hyperemia than dipyridamole, whereas hyperemic responses to ATP and dipyridamole are similarly attenuated after caffeine intake. These findings suggest that abstinence from caffeine before ATP stress testing may be needed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Experience of vascularized autotransplants use for lower jaw defect substitution after its resection with disarticulation].
To 17 patients after lower jaw resection with disarticulation (on the occasion of neoplasm and traumas) the defects were replaced by vascularized autotransplants of the 2nd radius of pedis and vascularized fibula autotransplants in combination with titanium implants. In all cases positive results were received. The authors consider that microsurgery with vascularized fibula autotransplants in combination with titanium implants was an optimal way to replace lower jaw defects after its resection with disarticulation in TMJ. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Interview: challenges faced by the modern bioanalytical laboratory.
Timothy Sangster (Charles River Laboratories) and Mike Oliver (Thermo Fisher Scientific) speak to Thomas Payne at Bioanalysis in September 2012 about the challenges faced by the modern bioanalytical laboratory. Timothy Sangster has been with Charles River Laboratories since September 2009. Having worked for Quintiles, Pharmacia, Astrazeneca and Huntingdon Life Sciences, he has gained experience over 17 years in both CRO and pharmaceutical environments, and also in both Europe and the USA. Specific areas of interest over the past years have been microchromatography, sample preparation and matrix effects, to name a few. Mike Oliver has held the position of Global Product Manager for sample preparation at Thermo Fisher Scientific since 2010, being responsible for the development and introduction of new innovative technologies such as SOLA™ to the market place. Prior to this role, Mike has worked for two leading MS vendors over a 9‑year period, being responsible for biotechnology sales within the UK and providing application solutions for proteomic and metabolic workflows based on high-resolution LC-MS platforms, respectively. Mike holds a PhD in MS and Biochemistry from the MS Research Unit, University of Wales, Swansea, UK. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Karyometry of nuclei in liver cells. Heterogeneity of nuclear volume and percentage of binucleate cells associated with veins.
In untreated adult male albino rats nuclear volume and the percentage of binucleate cells were determined in the first layer of hepatocytes adjacent to hepatic venous branches of varying diameters (less than 40 microns, 40 microns-80 microns, 80 microns-120 microns, 120 microns-160 microns, greater than 160 microns), and in the third and fourth layer of hepatocytes in the remainder of the perivenous parenchyma. In the first layer of hepatocytes adjacent to the vascular structures means of nuclear volume are significantly lower and percentage of binucleate cells significantly higher than in the cells of the remainder of the perivenous parenchyma. Within each area measured distribution curves of nuclear volume classes were homogeneous but showed heterogeneity in comparison with each other. The morphometric data presented in this study strongly support the opinion of the heterogeneity of liver cells in the perivenous zone, as previously postulated on the basis of histochemical investigations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The influence of clomipramine on CYP2D6 activity].
Genetically determined activity ofCYP2D6 may be modified by some drugs through inhibition processes. Inhibition properties of TCA's were confirmed mainly in in vitro studies. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of clomipramine on CYP2D6 activity in vivo. 11 patients diagnosed with depression according to ICD-10 and DSM-IV (major depression) criteria were included in the study. In all the cases clomipramine therapy was indicated. CYP2D6 activity was assessed by the phenotyping method. All patients were treated simultaneously. Each of the patients ingested one tablet containing 100 mg of sparteine sulfate. Urine excreted during the following 6 h was collected. Based on sparteine metabolic ratio (MR) the phenotype status was estimated twice: after the wash-out period, before clomipramine treatment, sparteine metabolic ratio (MRI), and after 2-weeks of clomipramine treatment (MR2). During clomipramine treatment MR2 values were statistically significantly higher than MRI. In 3 patients (27.3%) treated with clomipramine the changes of phenotype status were observed. Clomipramine is a CYP2D6 inhibitor and may change the CYP2D6 phenotype status (EM into PM). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Association of plasma neopterin with risk of an inpatient hospital diagnosis of atrial fibrillation: results from two prospective cohort studies.
Link between inflammation and atrial fibrillation (AF) has been increasingly recognized. Neopterin, a biomarker of cellular immune activation, may be associated with incident AF. To investigate the association between plasma neopterin levels and risk of an inpatient hospital diagnosis of AF, and to evaluate a joint association of neopterin and a nonspecific inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) in two prospective cohorts. We performed a prospective analysis from a community-based cohort (the Hordaland Health Study (HUSK), n = 6891), and validated the findings in a cohort of patients with suspected stable angina pectoris (the Western Norway Coronary Angiography Cohort (WECAC), n = 2022). In both cohorts, higher plasma levels of neopterin were associated with an increased risk of incident AF after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, current smoking, diabetes, hypertension and renal function. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) per one SD increment of log-transformed neopterin was 1.20 (1.10-1.32) in HUSK and 1.26 (1.09-1.44) in WECAC. Additional adjustment for CRP did not materially affect the risk association for neopterin. The highest risk of AF was found among individuals with both neopterin and CRP levels above the median (HR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.16-2.05 in HUSK and HR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.11-2.52 in WECAC). Our findings indicate an association of plasma neopterin with risk of an inpatient hospital diagnosis of AF, which remains after adjustment for traditional risk factors as well as for CRP. This study highlights a role of cellular immune activation, in addition to inflammation, in AF pathogenesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Guided differentiation of embryonic stem cells into Pdx1-expressing regional-specific definitive endoderm.
The generation of specific lineages of the definitive endoderm from embryonic stem (ES) cells is an important issue in developmental biology, as well as in regenerative medicine. This study demonstrates that ES cells are induced sequentially into regional-specific gut endoderm lineages, such as pancreatic, hepatic, and other cell lineages, when they are cultured directly on a monolayer of mesoderm-derived supporting cells. A detailed chronological analysis revealed that Activin, fibroblast growth factor, or bone morphogenetic protein signals are critical at various steps and that additional short-range signals are required for differentiation into Pdx1-expressing cells. Under selective culture conditions, definitive endoderm (47%) or Pdx1-positive pancreatic progenitors (30%) are yielded at a high efficiency. When transplanted under the kidney capsule, the Pdx1-positive cells further differentiated into all three pancreatic lineages, namely endocrine, exocrine, and duct cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A specialized mitochondrial molecular chaperone system: a role in formation of Fe/S centers.
Mitochondria contain a specialized system of molecular chaperones that plays a critical role in the biogenesis of Fe/S centers. This Hsp70:J-protein system shows many similarities to the system found in bacteria, but the precise role of neither chaperone system has been defined. However, evidence to date suggests an interaction with the scaffold protein on which a transient Fe/S center is assembled, and thus implies a role in either assembly of the center or its transfer to recipient proteins. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cartridge discharge residue contamination--the search for the source.
The detection of cartridge discharge residue (CDR) particles on some control samples in a firearms case started an extensive search to discover their origin. Investigation of potential sources of the contamination showed that it was airborne but random in nature, and it is recommended that frequent examination of air control samples should be made in contamination-sensitive areas. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Risks and outcome of fungal infection in neutropenic children with hematologic diseases.
In this retrospective study, we report the results of antifungal treatments (AFTs) in febrile neutropenic episodes in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and aplastic anemia (AA) in our center. From January 2004 to December 2005, a total of 52 patients and 221 febrile neutropenic episodes were evaluated. AFT was started in 96 (43%) of the 221 episodes. Amphotericin B and fluconazole were used in 44 (46%) and 52 (54%) febrile neutropenic episodes, respectively. Microbiologically or histopathologically evident fungal infections were detected in 35 of 96 febrile neutropenic episodes. The mortality rate due to fungal infection was higher in patients with AA (7/8 patients) and AML (7/12 patients) than in ALL patients (1/32). Mortality for the whole group was 28%. When the mortality rate was compared between the two treatment groups (amphotericin B vs fluconazole), mortality was significantly higher in patients receiving amphotericin B [n = 14 (93%) and n = 1 (7%), respectively]. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Not all anger is created equal: the impact of the expresser's culture on the social effects of anger in negotiations.
The influence of culture on the social effects of emotions in negotiations has recently gained the attention of researchers, but to date this research has focused exclusively on the cultural background of the perceiver of the emotion expression. The current research offers the first investigation of how the cultural background of the expresser influences negotiation outcomes. On the basis of the stereotype that East Asians are emotionally inexpressive and European Americans are emotionally expressive, we predicted that anger will have a stronger signaling value when East Asians rather than European American negotiators express it. Specifically, we predicted that angry East Asian negotiators will be perceived as tougher and more threatening and therefore elicit great cooperation from counterparts compared with angry European American negotiators. Results from 4 negotiation studies supported our predictions. In Study 1, angry East Asian negotiators elicited greater cooperation than angry European American and Hispanic negotiators. In Study 2, angry East Asian negotiators elicited greater cooperation than angry European American ones, but emotionally neutral East Asian and European American negotiators elicited the same level of cooperation. Study 3 showed that this effect holds for both East Asian and European American perceivers and that it is mediated by angry East Asian negotiators being perceived as tougher and more threatening than angry European American negotiators. Finally, Study 4 demonstrated that the effect emerges only when negotiators hold the stereotype of East Asians being emotionally inexpressive and European Americans being emotionally expressive. We discuss implications for our understanding of culture, emotions, and negotiations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Assessing quantities and disposal routes for household hazardous products in the United Kingdom.
The disposal of household products containing hazardous substances (household hazardous wastes; HHW) is of concern due to possible health and environmental effects as a consequence of environmental pollution. The potential risks of disposal are proportional to the amounts of products used and waste generated, but much of the data relating to quantities are old, inconsistent, or nonexistent. Hence, full-scale risk assessment is not yet feasible. This pilot study was aimed at an initial assessment of the amounts of hazardous products used or stored within the household and potential disposal routes. Representatives of 400 households from southeast England were interviewed about socio-demographic factors, perception of the risks associated with the use and disposal of hazardous waste generated in households, quantities of particular products currently in use or stored within the household, and times and methods of disposal of such products. The estimates of quantities obtained were compared with sales figures and waste estimates to improve understanding of product flow through to the HHW stream. The disposal routes investigated demonstrated that most householders claim to use the entire product priorto disposal in the general refuse bin. The relationship with socio-demographic factors demonstrated a difference between neighborhood size and length of residence in a household with regard to product quantities possessed and the disposal habits adopted. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Serial coupling of RP and zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction LC-MS: suspects screening of diclofenac transformation products by oxidation with a boron-doped diamond electrode.
The presence of pollutants and their transformation products (TPs) in the water system is a big concern because of possible adverse effects on the aquatic environment. Their identification is still a challenge that requires the combination of different chromatographic techniques. In the current research, serial coupling of RPLC and zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction LC with TOF-MS was investigated as a single separation technique for the screening of suspected TPs from electrochemical oxidation of diclofenac using a boron-doped diamond electrode. Diclofenac oxidation was performed in three water matrices in order to study its transformation in different chemical contexts. 47 TPs resulting from similar oxidation methods were selected from the literature. As in most cases standards were not available, an identification procedure based on accurate mass data and chromatographic behavior was proposed. According to this procedure, 11 suspected TPs, previously analyzed by LC, GC, or ion chromatography, were detected in a single injection. The method was proved to be reliable and versatile and it could be efficiently employed as a comprehensive analytical tool for the simultaneous analysis of compounds in a wide polarity range. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Anterior stabilization, instrumentation, and decompression for post-traumatic kyphosis.
Thirty-seven patients underwent surgery for late post-traumatic kyphosis in the lumbar, thoracolumbar, or thoracic spine. Indications for surgery included: increasing deformity, pain, and persistent neurologic deficit with paraparesis in eight, and development of late spinal stenosis in a further nine patients. All patients underwent anterior correction with Kostuik-Harrington instrumentation. Seventeen patients with neurologic deficit underwent decompression over appropriate levels as well. No posterior fusions or instrumentation were carried out. Stable arthrodesis with correction of the deformity occurred in 36 of 37 patients with only one nonunion. Pain was reduced significantly in 78% of patients. Late neurologic improvement of a significant functional degree occurred in three of eight paraparetics. All patients with spinal stenosis had relief of their symptoms and signs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Binding of kinesin to stress fibers in fibroblasts under condition of microtubule depolymerization.
The localization of kinesin in EBTr (bovine embryonic trachea fibroblast) cells was studied by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy using an affinity-purified antibody against bovine adrenal kinesin. It has already been shown that in interphase cells a part of kinesin is located on microtubules and the rest diffusely distributed throughout the cytoplasm [Murofushi et al., 1988]. When microtubules were depolymerized with cold or colchicine treatment, antikinesin antibody-stained fibrous components distinct from microtubules. These fibrous structures were considered to be stress fibers because they were stained with rhodamine-phalloidin and because the fibrous staining with antikinesin antibody was completely lost by treating the cells with cytochalasin D along with colchicine. When cold-treated cells in which a major part of kinesin had been localized on stress fibers were incubated at 37 degrees C, kinesin reappeared on reconstituted microtubules. These observations strongly suggest that kinesin has affinity not only to microtubules but also to stress fibers in culture cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
DBBM shows no signs of resorption under inflammatory conditions. An experimental study in the mouse calvaria.
Deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) is not resorbable. However, the behavior of DBBM under inflammatory conditions remains unclear. Aim of the study was therefore to evaluate the resorption of DBBM under local inflammatory conditions in vivo using the calvarial osteolysis model. In thirty adult BALB/c mice, DBBM was implanted into the space between the elevated soft tissue and the calvarial bone. Inflammation was induced either by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) injection or by polyethylene particles (Ceridust) mixed with DBBM. Three modalities were randomly applied (n = 10 each): (a) DBBM alone (control), (b) DBBM + LPS, and (c) DBBM + polyethylene particles (Ceridust). Mice were euthanized on day fourteen, and each calvarium was subjected to histological and µCT analysis. Primary outcome was the size distribution of the DBBM particles. Secondary outcome was the surface erosion of the calvarial bone. Histological and µCT analysis revealed that the size distribution and the volume of DBBM particles in the augmented site were similar between DBBM alone and the combinations with LPS or polyethylene particles. Moreover, histological evaluation showed no signs of erosions of DBBM particles under inflammatory conditions. µCT analysis and histology further revealed that LPS and the polyethylene particles, but not the DBBM alone, caused severe erosions of the calvarial bone as indicated by large voids representing the massive compensatory new immature woven bone formation on the endosteal surface. Local calvarial bone but not the DBBM particles undergo severe resorption and subsequent new bone formation under inflammatory conditions in a mouse model. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Interplay of confinement, strain, and piezoelectric effects in the optical spectrum of GaN quantum dots.
We theoretically investigated excitonic states, energy and oscillator strength of optical transitions in GaN quantum dots characterized by different size, shape, interface, and substrate. On the basis of our multi-band model we determined that the piezoelectric field-induced red shift of the ground state transition, observed in recent experiments, can manifest itself only in strained GaN/AIN dots with the dot height larger than 3 nm. It was also established that the oscillator strength of the red-shifted transitions is small (< 0.05) and decreases fast with increasing the dot size, while the strength of ground state transitions in c-GaN/c-AIN and GaN/dielectric dots is large (approximately 0.4-0.7) and almost independent of the dot size. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Is there a place for granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in non-neutropenic critically ill patients?
Immunoparalysis, characterised by impairments in neutrophil and monocyte/macrophage function, is common in critically ill patients. The theoretical ability of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) to improve the functions of both neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages provides a rationale for G-CSF therapy in non-neutropenic critically ill patients with infection or a high risk of nosocomial infection. The expression of the receptors that mediate G-CSF effects in neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages is regulated by bacterial products, cytokines and endogenous G-CSF levels, accounting for the variables effects of G-CSF on the neutrophil functions of critically ill patients. This variability should be taken into account when designing studies on the use of G-CSF in ICU-patients. Studies are still needed to identify the subset of patients who may benefit from G-CSF therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Novel asymmetric through-hole array microfabricated on a silicon plate for formulating monodisperse emulsions.
We have proposed a novel microchannel (MC) structure for formulating monodisperse emulsions. The emulsification device is a silicon array of microfabricated, asymmetric through-holes with a slit and a circular channel (an asymmetric straight-through MC). The asymmetric through-holes of a uniform size stably yielded monodisperse emulsions with average droplet diameters of 35-41 mum and coefficients of variation of less than 2% by forcing the to-be-dispersed phase into the continuous phase via the through-holes. Their asymmetry enabled the stable formation of monodisperse emulsion droplets by spontaneous transformation, even using a to-be-dispersed phase with a very low viscosity below 1 mPa s. Additionally, the asymmetric straight-through MC with a high-density through-hole layout has the potential for high-throughput formulation of monodisperse emulsions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hemoglobin Showa-Yakushiji: a common β thalassemia mutation among the Agri community from western India.
β thalassemia is one of the commonest inherited hemoglobin disorders. The prevalence of β thalassemia varies between 3% and 17% in various caste groups found in India. Hemoglobin Hb Showa Yakushiji results from a single nucleotide change at codon 110(CTG→CCG) in β globin gene. From earlier investigations, it was observed that Hb Showa Yakushiji was present in four Agri families who were referred for prenatal diagnosis. There are no reports on the prevalence of β thalassemia mutations from the Agri community. To find out the prevalence of β Thalassemia and Hb Showa Yakushiji among the Agri community. Testing was conducted in the Agri dominated area around Navi Mumbai. Seven hundred ninety-five blood samples from unrelated Agri individuals were collected. Carrier detection for β thalassemia was done by using standard hematological procedures followed by characterization of mutations. The prevalence of β thalassemia among Agris was found to be 3.64%. Prevalence of Hb Showa Yakushiji among β thalassemia carriers was 24.13%. Among Agris we reported only four β thalassemia mutations. This study has helped us in establishing an algorithm for identifying β thalassemia mutations among Agris that is cost effective and will be useful for offering prenatal diagnosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Study of the natural occurrence of T-2 and HT-2 toxins and their glucosyl derivatives from field barley to malt by high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry.
This paper reports a new method for the determination of T-2 and HT-2 toxins and their glucosylated derivatives in cereals, and some survey data aimed at obtaining more comprehensive information on the co-occurrence of T-2 and HT-2 toxins and their glucosylated derivatives in naturally contaminated cereal samples. For these purposes, barley samples originating from a Northern Italian area were analysed by LC-HRMS for the presence of T-2, HT-2 and relevant glucosyl derivatives. Quantitative analysis of T-2 and HT-2 glucosides was performed for the first time using a recently made available standard of T-2 glucoside. The glucosyl derivative of HT-2 was detected at levels up to 163 µg kg(-1) in 17 of the 18 analysed unprocessed barley grains, whereas the monoglucosyl derivative of T-2 toxin was detected in only a few samples and at low µg kg(-1) levels. The ratio between glucosylated toxins (sum of T-2 and HT-2 glucosides) and native toxins (sum of T-2 and HT-2) ranged from 2% to 283%. Moreover, taking advantage of the possibility of retrospective analysis of full-scan HRMS chromatograms, samples were also screened for the presence of other type-A trichothecenes, namely neosolaniol, diacetoxyscirpenol and their monoglucosyl derivatives, which were detected at trace levels. A subset of nine different samples was subjected to micro-maltation in order to carry out a preliminary investigation on the fate of T-2, HT-2 and relevant glucosides along the malting process. Mycotoxin reduction from cleaned barley to malt was observed at rates ranging from 4% to 87%. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The delta2 glutamate receptor: 10 years later.
The orphan glutamate receptor delta2 (GluRdelta2) is predominantly expressed in Purkinje cells and plays a crucial role in cerebellar functions: mice that lack the GluRdelta2 gene display ataxia and impaired synaptic plasticity. However, when expressed alone or with other glutamate receptors, GluRdelta2 does not form functional glutamate-gated ion channels nor does it bind to glutamate analogs. Therefore, the mechanisms by which GluRdelta2 participates in cerebellar functions have been elusive. Studies of mutant mice such as lurcher, hotfoot, and GluRdelta2 knockout mice have provided clues to the structure and function of GluRdelta2. GluRdelta2 has a channel pore similar to that of other glutamate receptors; the channel is functional at least when the lurcher mutation is present. GluRdelta2 must be transported to the Purkinje cell surface to function; the absence of surface GluRdelta2 causes the ataxic phenotype of hotfoot mice. In GluRdelta2-null mice, the presence of naked spines not innervated by parallel fibers may influence the sustained innervation of mutant Purkinje cells by multiple climbing fibers. From these results, several hypotheses about mechanisms by which GluRdelta2 functions are proposed in this article. Further characterization of GluRdelta2's functions will provide key insights into normal and abnormal cerebellar functions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A simple computational model of the evolution of a communicative trait and its phenotypic plasticity.
We consider a simple computational model of the evolution of a quantitative trait and its phenotypic plasticity based on directional and positive frequency-dependent selection in order to explore whether and how leaning might facilitate evolution under the dynamics that arise from communicative interactions among individuals. In the model, each individual expresses, at many different times in its lifetime, its real-valued trait depending on the probability distribution determined by its own genotypes. In communicative interactions between two individuals, the contribution of an interaction to the fitness is high when their trait values are close to each other as well as large, which represents the positive frequency-dependent and directional components of selection, respectively. The iterative interactions allow individuals to acquire a more adaptive trait pair through trial and error. Under the stochastic evolution process with the limited number of individuals, we show that learning allows the population to avoid getting stuck in the global but low optimum of the innate and individual-level fitness landscape via both aspects of the components of selection, and brings about the successful evolution by increasing the genetic variation of the population. We also analyze how such an effect of learning can be realized by measuring the degree of the two different contributions for increasing the adaptivity and similarity of communicative traits, respectively. We show that this effect of learning arises from these different types of contributions depending on the biological and environmental conditions such as the mutation rate and the duration of communicative interactions. We further show the condition for the complete genetic assimilation to occur. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fidelity criterion for quantum-domain transmission and storage of coherent states beyond the unit-gain constraint.
We generalize the experimental success criterion for quantum teleportation (memory) in continuous-variable quantum systems to be suitable for a non-unit-gain condition by considering attenuation (amplification) of the coherent-state amplitude. The new criterion can be used for a nonideal quantum memory and long distance quantum communication as well as quantum devices with amplification process. It is also shown that the framework to measure the average fidelity is capable of detecting all Gaussian channels in the quantum domain. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.