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Recombination of baculovirus DNA following lipofection of insect larvae.
By injection of a liposomal complex containing baculovirus DNA directly into the hemocoel of insect larvae a polyhedrosis disease was induced. After cotransfection of insect larvae with circular viral DNA and transfer vector DNA recombinant viruses were generated with a frequency of about 2%, similar to what is obtained in vitro using insect cell cultures. Based on these results an alternative strategy for the generation of recombinants can be derived for baculoviruses for which susceptible cell lines are not readily available. This strategy involves the injection of baculovirus DNA into susceptible larvae followed by in vivo cloning. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Differentiation of Sporadic Versus Tuberous Sclerosis Complex-Associated Angiomyolipoma.
We review the imaging of renal angiomyolipomas, including differentiation of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated and sporadic renal angiomyolipomas and other solid renal tumors. We also focus on radiologic interventions and molecular targeting of the TSC genetic pathway. Imaging plays a central role in the diagnosis and management of renal angiomyolipomas. It provides essential information to make the best therapeutic decisions about the interventional and pharmacologic options to help prevent bleeding and preserve functional parenchyma. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evidence-based surgical training in orthopaedics: how many arthroscopies of the knee are needed to achieve consultant level performance?
Despite being one of the most common orthopaedic operations, it is still not known how many arthroscopies of the knee must be performed during training in order to develop the skills required to become a Consultant. A total of 54 subjects were divided into five groups according to clinical experience: Novices (n = 10), Junior trainees (n = 10), Registrars (n = 18), Fellows (n = 10) and Consultants (n = 6). After viewing an instructional presentation, each subject performed a simple diagnostic arthroscopy of the knee on a simulator with visualisation and probing of ten anatomical landmarks. Performance was assessed using a validated global rating scale (GRS). Comparisons were made against clinical experience measured by the number of arthroscopies which had been undertaken, and ROC curve analysis was used to determine the number of procedures needed to perform at the level of the Consultants. There were marked differences between the groups. There was significant improvement in performance with increasing experience (p < 0.05). ROC curve analysis identified that approximately 170 procedures were required to achieve the level of skills of a Consultant. We suggest that this approach to identify what represents the level of surgical skills of a Consultant should be used more widely so that standards of training are maintained through the development of an evidenced-based curriculum. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Phase transitions in Brownian pumps.
We study stochastic particle transport between two reservoirs along a channel, where the particles are pumped against a bias by a traveling wave potential. It is shown that phase transitions of period-averaged densities or currents occur inside the channel when exclusion interactions between the particles are taken into account. These transitions reflect those known for the asymmetric simple exclusion process. We argue that their occurrence is a generic feature of Brownian motors operating in open systems. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Computed tomographic diagnosis of the diaphragmatic lymph nodes in malignant lymphomas].
132 patients with malignant lymphomas were studied retrospectively. In 11.3% CT revealed involvement of diaphragmatic lymph nodes. The anatomy and CT appearance of these lymph nodes when involved are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Detection of Borna disease virus-p24 specific antibody in the sera of schizophrenic patients of China by means of Western-blot].
To investigate whether Borna disease virus (BDV) infection is related to the schizophrenic patients from China. A reliable Western-blot method for detection of BDV-p24 antibody was established by adjusting the reaction conditions of BDV-p24 recombinant protein and specific antibodies. The sera of schizophrenic patients and normal controls from Heilongjiang Province were screened for specific BDV-p24 antibody by this method, and the BDV-p24 antibody positive sera were confirmed by the Western-blot method with sera-GST protein absorption. Ten of 116 (8.6%) schizophrenic patients were found to be positive for BDV-p24 specific antibody, while no BDV-p24 specific antibody was found in sera of normal controls. The results demonstrate that the Borna disease virus infection also exists in China, and the infection is possibly associated with schizophrenia in some way. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Morphologic characteristics and structure of surface excrescences (Lambl's excrescences) in the normal aortic valve.
The incidence, morphologic characteristics and structure of surface valve excrescences (Lambl's excrescences) were studied by transmission and scanning electron microscopy of the aortic valve of 56 human subjects, age range birth to 91 years, without cardiac disease. Valve excrescences consisting of a core of connective tissue covered by the endocardium were observed in 90% of the subjects; the incidence was significantly lower in patients in the first decade of life. Two types of excrescences, lamellar and filiform, were found. Lamellar excrescences are located along the lower boundary of the lunulas and occurred more often in those younger than 30 years. Filiform excrescences appear most often in the nodulus Arantius and in the free-margin of the cusps. The excrescences of the nodulus are the most numerous. Free-margin excrescences are the least numerous and occur more frequently in persons older than 40 years. The connective tissue core of the filiform excrescences contains abundant collagen fibrils and elastic material arranged in apposed layers with different collagen fibril orientation. A circular zone devoid of identifiable connective tissue is present at the center of the filiform excrescences. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Multicenter comparison of Fungitest for susceptibility testing of Candida species.
In four laboratories the reproducibility of Fungitest, a colorimetric breakpoint method for antifungal susceptibility testing, was examined. The interlaboratory agreement of test results from 50 Candida strains was dependent on the antifungal agents and ranged from 56% to 100%. Itraconazole showed the poorest, amphotericin B and flucytosine (100% and 96%, respectively) the highest concordance. When minor discrepancies were disregarded the agreement increased to 94% to 100% for all agents. In total, major discrepancies were only seen in 2.7%. The overall agreement between concordant results and the NCCLS standard method was high, ranging between 96.4% and 100%. Generally, sensitive strains showed a better agreement with Fungitest. Since the concordance in multisite studies with Fungitest will always depend on the isolates chosen, further studies with this test are necessary. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Chronic neuropathic pain management in spinal cord injury patients. What is the efficacy of pharmacological treatments with a general mode of administration? (oral, transdermal, intravenous).
The pharmacological treatment of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) pain remains challenging despite new available drugs. Such treatment should always be viewed in the context of global pain management in these patients. To date few clinical trials have been specifically devoted to this topic, and the implementation of treatments is generally based on results obtained in peripheral neuropathic pain. The aim of this review is to present evidence for efficacy and tolerability of pharmacological treatments in SCI pain and propose therapeutic recommendations. The methodology follows the guidelines of the French Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (SOFMER). It includes a systematic review of the litterature which is performed by two independent experts. The selected studies are analysed and classified into four levels of evidence (1 to 4) and three grades of recommendations are proposed (A, B, C). The review is further validated by a reading committee. The efficacy of pregabalin has been confirmed in neuropathic pain associated with SCI (grade A). Gabapentin has a lower level of evidence in SCI pain (grade B) but a grade A level of evidence for efficacy in peripheral neuropathic pain. Both drugs can be proposed as first line therapy and are safe to use. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) can also be proposed first line (grade B for SCI pain associated with depression, grade A for other neuropathic pain conditions), especially in patients with comorbid depressive symptoms. Tramadol can be proposed alone or in combination with antiepileptic drugs if the pain has a predominant non-neuropathic component. If these treatments fail, strong opioids can be proposed as second/third line (grade B in SCI, grade A in other types of neuropathic pain). Lamotrigine may also be proposed at this stage, particularly in patients with incomplete SCI associated with allodynia (grade B). In refractory central pain, cannabinoids may be proposed on the basis of positive results in other central pain conditions (e.g. multiple sclerosis). Intravenous ketamine and lidocaine can only be proposed in specialized centers. Drug combinations may be envisaged in case of partial response to first or second line therapy. Very few pharmacological studies have dealt specifically with neuropathic pain related to SCI. Large scale studies and trials comparing several active drugs are warranted in SCI pain. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Complex anatomy surrounding the left atrial posterior wall: analysis with 3D computed tomography.
Few studies have explored the topographic anatomy of the esophagus, posterior wall of the left atrium (LA), or fat pads using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) to prevent the risk of esophageal injury during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. MDCT was performed in 110 consecutive patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF before the ablation procedure to understand the anatomic relationship of the esophagus. Two major types of esophagus routes were demonstrated. Leftward (type A) and rightward (type B) routes were found in 90 and 10% of the patients, respectively. A type A route had a larger mean size of the LA than type B. The fat pad was identifiable at the level of the inferior pulmonary vein in 91% of the patients without any predominance of either type. The thickness of the fat pad was thinner in the patients with a dilated LA (>42 mm) than in those with a normal LA size (≤42 mm) (p = 0.01). The results demonstrated that the majority of cases had a leftward route of the esophagus. There was a close association between the LA dilatation and fat pad thinning. With a dilated LA, the esophagus may become easily susceptible to direct thermal injury during AF ablation. Visualization of the anatomic relationship may contribute to the prevention of the potential risk of an esophageal injury. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The rs1805193, rs5361, and rs5355 single nucleotide polymorphisms in the E-selectin gene (SEL-E) are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis: The Genetics of Atherosclerotic Disease (GEA) Mexican study.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of rs1805193, rs5361, and rs5355 E-selectin gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the risk of developing subclinical atherosclerosis (SA) in a group of Mexicans individuals. SNPs were determined by TaqMan genotyping assays in a group of 287 individuals with SA and 688 healthy controls. Under different models, the T allele of the 5'UTR G98 T (rs1805193) (OR = 1.71, 95%CI: 1.00-2.93, pCCo-dominant = 0.0006, OR = 2.02, 95%CI: 1.21-3.38, pCDominant = 0.004, and OR = 2.14, 95%CI: 1.34-3.44, pCAdditive = 0.0015) and the C allele of the Ser128Arg A561C (rs5361) (OR = 1.60, 95%CI: 0.92-2.79, pCCo-dominant = 0.012, OR = 1.78, 95%CI: 1.04-3.06, pCDominant = 0.038, and OR = 1.87, 95%CI: 1.13-3.11, pCAdditive = 0.016) polymorphisms were associated with an increased risk of development of SA. In the same way, under co-dominant model, the CT genotype of the Leu575Phe C1880T (rs5355) polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of SA as compared to CC genotype (OR = 2.34, 95%CI: 1.33-4.11, pC = 0.0035). All models were adjusted by traditional cardiovascular risk factors. In summary, this study demonstrates that the 5'UTR G98 T, Ser128Arg A561C, and Leu575Phe C1880T polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of developing SA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Continuous D-lactic acid production by a novel thermotolerant Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis QU 41.
We isolated and characterized a D-lactic acid-producing lactic acid bacterium (D-LAB), identified as Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis QU 41. When compared to Lactobacillus coryniformis subsp. torquens JCM 1166 (T) and L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis JCM 1248 (T), which are also known as D-LAB, the QU 41 strain exhibited a high thermotolerance and produced D-lactic acid at temperatures of 50 °C and higher. In order to optimize the culture conditions of the QU 41 strain, we examined the effects of pH control, temperature, neutralizing reagent, and initial glucose concentration on D-lactic acid production in batch cultures. It was found that the optimal production of 20.1 g/l D-lactic acid was acquired with high optical purity (>99.9% of D-lactic acid) in a pH 6.0-controlled batch culture, by adding ammonium hydroxide as a neutralizing reagent, at 43 °C in MRS medium containing 20 g/l glucose. As a result of product inhibition and low cell density, continuous cultures were investigated using a microfiltration membrane module to recycle flow-through cells in order to improve D-lactic acid productivity. At a dilution rate of 0.87 h(-1), the high cell density continuous culture exhibited the highest D-lactic acid productivity of 18.0 g/l/h with a high yield (ca. 1.0 g/g consumed glucose) and a low residual glucose (<0.1 g/l) in comparison with systems published to date. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
17 beta-estradiol modifies nitric oxide-sensitive guanylyl cyclase expression and down-regulates its activity in rat anterior pituitary gland.
Previous studies showed that 17 beta-estradiol (17 beta-E2) regulates the nitric oxide (NO)/soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC)/cGMP pathway in many tissues. Evidence from our laboratory indicates that 17 beta-E2 disrupts the inhibitory effect of NO on prolactin release, decreasing sGC activity and affecting the cGMP pathway in anterior pituitary gland of adult ovariectomized and estrogenized rats. To ascertain the mechanisms by which 17 beta-E2 affects sGC activity, we investigated the in vivo and in vitro effects of 17 beta-E2 on sGC protein and mRNA expression in anterior pituitary gland from immature female rats. In the present work, we showed that 17 beta-E2 acute treatment exerted opposite effects on the two sGC subunits, increasing alpha1 and decreasing beta1 subunit protein and mRNA expression. This action on sGC protein expression was maximal 6-9 h after 17 beta-E2 administration. 17beta-E2 also caused the same effect on mRNA expression at earlier times. Concomitantly, 17 beta-E2 dramatically decreased sGC activity 6 and 9 h after injection. These effects were specific of 17 beta-E2, because they were not observed with the administration of other steroids such as progesterone and 17 alpha-estradiol. This inhibitory action of 17beta-E2 on sGC also required the activation of estrogen receptor (ER), because treatment with the pure ER antagonist ICI 182,780 completely blocked 17 beta-E2 action. 17 beta-E2 acute treatment caused the same effects on pituitary cells in culture. These results suggest that 17 beta-E2 exerts an acute inhibitory effect on sGC in anterior pituitary gland by down-regulating sGC beta 1 subunit and sGC activity in a specific, ER-dependent manner. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Preparing for your future as you grow.
Commissural axons cross the nervous system midline and connect to targets in the contralateral hemisphere. In this issue of Neuron, Michalski et al. (2013) demonstrate that synapses formed by ipsilaterally misrouted commissural axons exhibit defects in synapse maturation. Thus, midline crossing primes axons for subsequent synaptogenesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Differential relationships of PTSD and childhood trauma with the course of substance use disorders.
A large body of research documents the link between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the course of Substance Use Disorders (SUD). Similar relationships have been reported between Childhood Trauma (CT) and the course of illness in patients with SUD even in the absence of PTSD, but few studies have examined differential effects of PTSD and CT (independent of PTSD) in this population. We used the International Diagnostic Checklist (IDCL) and the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS) to diagnose PTSD in a sample of patients with SUD (N = 459). The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and the European Addiction Severity Index (EuropASI) were administered to assess childhood trauma and addiction related problems including comorbid psychopathological symptoms. The sample was divided into three groups: patients with experiences of CT and PTSD (CT-PTSD), experiences of CT without PTSD (CT-only), and neither experiences of CT nor PTSD (No trauma) to examine their differential associations with the course and severity of SUD. Patients of both the CT-PTSD (n = 95) and the CT-only group (n = 134) reported significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression as well as more suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts during their lifetime than the No trauma group (n = 209). Regarding most variables a graded association became apparent, with the highest level of symptoms in the CT-PTSD group, an intermediate level in the CT-only group and the lowest level in the No trauma group. The CT-PTSD group also differed in almost all substance use variables significantly from the No trauma group, including a younger age at first use of alcohol and cannabis, more cannabis use in the last month, and more lifetime drug overdoses. Our results confirm the relationships of both CT and PTSD with psychiatric symptoms in patients with SUD. Thus, it seems important to include both domains into the routine assessment of SUD patients. Specific treatments for comorbid PTSD but also for other consequences of childhood trauma should be integrated into SUD treatment programs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Magnetic field-induced fluorescence changes in chlorophyll-proteins enriched with P-700.
Fluorescence yield dependence on external magnetic field (0-600 G) was measured for chlorophyll-protein complexes enriched with Photosystem I. Maximal relative changes of fluorescence yield at room temperature (1.0-2.5%) were dependent on the chlorphyll a:P-700 ratio. Magnetic field-induced changes were observed only in the presence of dithionite. At low temperatures (down to -160 degrees C) the magnetic field-induced effect decreased. The effect is obviously connected with the functions of reaction centers in Photosystem I. An explanation of the effect is proposed based on the hypothesis of radical pairs recombination within the reaction center. For the radical pair (P-700+. A-.), an intermediate acceptor, A-., with a g-value approximately equal to that of P-700+. is proposed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Molecular structure of a double helical DNA fragment intercalator complex between deoxy CpG and a terpyridine platinum compound.
The crystal structure of a complex containing deoxy CpG and a terpyridine platinum compound (TPH) shows a DNA double helical fragment with TPH intercalated between two Watson-Crick GC base pairs. The DNA unwinding angle is 23 degrees and the pucker of the deoxyribose rings differ at the 3' and 5' ends. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Induction of apoptosis and bcl-2 expression in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in children.
bcl-2 expression is associated with the expression of the multidrug resistance molecule (p-gp) and the resistance of leukaemia cells to the induction of apoptosis. The activity of p-gp is the main mechanism of resistance of leukaemia cells to chemotherapy. This study assessed the induction of apoptosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) blastic cells following in vitro treatment with dexamethasone (DXM), vincristine (VCR), and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) in relation to the expression of bcl-2 and p-gp. Common ALL (cALL; n = 24 patients), common ALL with co-expression of myeloid antigens (cALL + My; n = 9), ALL-T (n = 9), and NHL [n = 6 (T type, n = 2; B type, n = 4)] were included. The expression of bcl-2 and p-gp and apoptosis were assayed by flow cytometry. Spontaneous apoptosis was low (< 5%) in cALL and ALL-T and higher (> 8%) in NHL and cALL + My. A high frequency of bcl-2 expression was noted in cALL and cALL + My. A high frequency of p-gp expression was observed in cALL + My, ALL-T, and NHL. There was a reverse association between bcl-2 expression and spontaneous apoptosis. DXM-induced apoptosis was observed in 52.63%, TNF-induced in 42.85%, VCR-induced in 36.36%, and GM-CSF-induced in 33.3% of leukaemia and lymphoma cases. DXM and GM-CSF-driven apoptosis was reversibly associated with bcl-2-expression (bcl-2-dependent mechanism). VCR and TNF-driven apoptosis was not associated with bcl-2 expression, suggesting a different, bcl-2-independent, mechanism(s) of its induction. The in vitro induction of apoptosis was not associated with expression of p-gp. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mediational Role of Age of Onset in Gambling Disorder, a Path Modeling Analysis.
The aim of the study is to assess a mediational pathway, which includes patients' sex, personality traits, age of onset of gambling disorder (GD) and gambling-related variables. The South Oaks Gambling Screen, the Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R) and the Temperament and Character Inventory-R were administered to a large sample of 1632 outpatients attending a specialized outpatient GD unit. Sociodemographic variables were also recorded. A Structural Equation Model was adjusted to assess the pathway. Age of onset mediated between personality profile (novelty seeking and self-transcendence) and GD severity and depression symptoms (measured by SCL-90-R). Sex had a direct effect on GD onset and depression symptoms: men initiated the GD earlier and reported fewer depression symptoms. Age of onset is a mediating variable between sex, personality traits, GD severity and depression symptoms. These empirical results provide new evidence about the underlying etiological process of dysfunctional behaviors related to gambling, and may help to guide the development of more effective treatment and prevention programs aimed at high-risk groups such as young men with high levels of novelty seeking and self-transcendence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Partition coefficients of drugs in bilayer lipid membranes.
The oil/water partition coefficient of drugs is widely accepted as a key parameter in drug design. The coefficients are usually determined using a bulk octanol phase to represent the lipid. The physiologically and pharmacologically relevant structure is, of course, the bilayer lipid membrane, but until now there has been no convenient means of measuring the partition coefficients of small molecules into a single bilayer. This paper demonstrates that the partition coefficient may be calculated from the change in membrane refractive index which occurs when a drug molecule partitions into the membrane. The refractive index is determined by an integrated-optics technique ideally suited to an ultra-thin structure such as a lipid bilayer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Quality of life, food choice and meal patterns - field report of a practitioner.
Quality of life is defined as the result of combining personal resources, control of the environment, personal values, and actual living conditions. Balanced nutrition is an important condition for quality of life, health and well-being. During the course of life everyone develops his very individual biography of eating. This includes eating habits, food choice, and meal patterns. The process of aging is accompanied by hardly recognizable physiological, emotional, social, and environmental changes. Ignoring these changes can lead to malnutrition and nutrition-related problems and thus reduce health, diminish the quality of life, and overall well-being. Accordingly, it is necessary to synchronize the individual biography of eating, the physiological, emotional, social, and environmental changes to enable the aged to feel self-determined and self-confident. This presentation will describe successful examples from local homes for the aged/nursing homes. Examples will show that possibilities of food choice answer the need of the residents to control their environment, that residents can be integrated in the planning and preparation of food and how this corresponds with their need to show their knowledge and experience, that meals in residential facilities can be re-arranged to let the residents experience joy and pleasure, and that nutritional concepts in nursing homes can be changed so that the residents experience themselves as subjects of nutrition. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Role of genotype and precore/basal core promoter mutations of hepatitis B virus in patients with chronic hepatitis B with acute exacerbation.
The results of long-term, follow-up studies show that the severity and frequency of acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) are associated with the development of liver cirrhosis in chronic HBV infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between virological factors of HBV and the severity of acute exacerbation. Fifty-one chronic hepatitis B patients with symptomatic acute exacerbation without antiviral therapy were enrolled in the study. Genotype of HBV was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Precore (A1896) and basal core promoter (BCP) mutations (T1762 & A1764) were determined by PCR and direct sequencing. Thirty-nine patients had genotype B, 11 patients had genotype C, and 1 patient had an unclassified genotype. Thirty-two patients had precore mutation and 24 patients had BCP mutation. After adjusting for age, gender, aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) level, albumin level, and platelet count by multiple logistic regression test, precore mutation had a protective effect on the occurrence of hepatic decompensation (p=0.046), and genotype and BCP mutations were not associated with the occurrence of hepatic decompensation. HBV precore mutation may confer less severe liver disease during acute exacerbation of chronic HBV. Genotype and BCP mutations did not have a significant association with the occurrence of hepatic decompensation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prediction of clinical behaviour and treatment for cancers.
Prediction of clinical behaviour and treatment for cancers is based on the integration of clinical and pathological parameters. Recent reports have demonstrated that gene expression profiling provides a powerful new approach for determining disease outcome. If clinical and microarray data each contain independent information then it should be possible to combine these datasets to gain more accurate prognostic information. Here, we have used existing clinical information and microarray data to generate a combined prognostic model for outcome prediction for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). A prediction accuracy of 87.5% was achieved. This constitutes a significant improvement compared to the previously most accurate prognostic model with an accuracy of 77.6%. The model introduced here may be generally applicable to the combination of various types of molecular and clinical data for improving medical decision support systems and individualising patient care. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Lipid transfer to HDl in women with type 1 diabetes].
People with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and may still have a normal lipid profile. In order to clarify whether normal HDL cholesterol levels may conceal defects in HDL function, we have studied the transfer of lipids to HDL in T1DM. Twenty-one young women with T1DM were compared with 21 non-diabetic women. Nanoemulsion preparations were used as lipid donor to HDL: one labeled with (3)H-triglycerides and 14C-free cholesterol and the other with (3)H-cholesteryl esters and 14C-phospholipids. These preparations were incubated with plasma samples for 1h. After chemical precipitation, the supernatant containing HDL was counted for radioactivity. No difference in transfer was observed to nanoemulsion HDL from cholesteryl esters, triglycerides, free cholesterol and phospholipids. Simultaneous lipid transfer to HDL was not affected in T1DM patients. This suggests that the disease does not alter lipoprotein composition and transfer protein action in such way as to disturb HDL metabolism. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prion diseases and dental treatment: principles and practice of patients with/suspected or at-risk of CJD: case reports.
The emergence of variant CJD (vCJD) in the last decade has heightened awareness of the need for rigorous infection control precautions in all healthcare environments. It has also raised particular problems in relation to the clinical management of patients who are either suffering from prion diseases or who are perceived as being 'at risk'. From the healthcare perspective CJD is of concern because at present it is an incurable, fatal disease and the causative agent, abnormal prion protein, is resistant to conventional inactivation procedures. Many healthcare workers are concerned about the risks of cross-infection when treating such patients. There are a number of guidelines for the management of CJD patients, though the information they provide sometimes appears contradictory and may require some interpretation in the clinical setting. This paper is based on real-life case scenarios and the advice given to dentists for the management of a group of patients with different manifestations of prion diseases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reconstructive endovascular treatment of vertical stenosis associated with adjacent aneurysm at the same arterial anatomic segment.
One case had a symptomatic vertebral artery stenosis coupled with a coincidental unruptured cerebral aneurysm at the same arterial anatomic segment. And another case had an asymptomatic vertebral artery stenosis coupled with a ruptured cerebral aneurysm at the same arterial anatomic segment. They underwent intracranial stenting. Both lesions were treated successfully and neither complications nor strokes occurred after the procedures. Covered stent placement in an intracranial stenosis with an adjacent ruptured or unruptured aneurysm may be a feasible method. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Flavonoids for treating venous leg ulcers.
Venous leg ulcers are a major health burden: annually, in the UK alone, they contribute an estimated cost to the NHS of GBP 400 million. Flavonoids are a diverse group of naturally-occurring venotonic compounds that address certain microcirculatory parameters involved in venous leg ulcer pathophysiology. To evaluate the clinical effects of flavonoids on the healing of venous leg ulcers. In February 2013 we searched the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register; The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2013, Issue 1); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid EMBASE; and EBSCO CINAHL. No date or language restrictions were applied. We checked reference lists of included trials, and contacted pharmaceutical companies. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the efficacy of any flavonoid-containing compound on venous leg ulcer healing in adults. Two review authors independently assessed trials for the review and disagreements were referred to a third author. All rejected articles were double-checked by a third author. Assessment of risk of bias and data extraction were performed independently by two authors, discrepancies were resolved by referring to the third author. Of the nine studies (1075 participants): five investigated Micronised Purified Flavonoid Fraction (MPFF), and four investigated hydroxyethylrutosides (HR).Meta-analysis involving 723 participants from five trials - four of which were characterised by poor reporting - showed more venous leg ulcers were healed in the MPFF groups than in the control groups (RR 1.36; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.74). However, the most rigorously conducted trial, which was at low risk of bias, did not show any additional benefit of MPFF (RR 0.94; 95% CI 0.73 to 1.22). Since this trial was unpublished, the possibility of publication bias in trials involving flavonoids must be acknowledged. Overall, the quality of reporting of trials on HR was also poor. Pooling three trials, all at unclear risk of bias, involving 279 participants showed a statistically significant effect in favour of HR with respect to number of ulcers healed (RR 1.70; 95% CI 1.24 to 2.34). Although the overall estimate of the number of healed ulcers appeared to show a significant effect in favour of flavonoids (both MPFF and HR), this result needs to be interpreted cautiously, as most of these trials were poorly reported, and so had an unclear risk of bias for randomisation, allocation concealment, blinding and methods for addressing incomplete outcome data. There was also a possibility of publication bias. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma: source of cerebral embolism treated with intravenous thrombolysis.
We present the case of a 41-year-old man with sudden development of left hemiparesis due to infarction of the right middle cerebral artery that was successfully treated with intravenous (IV) thrombolysis with alteplase. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a small mass in the left ventricle. The patient underwent surgical resection, and histological examination of the mass confirmed the diagnosis of papillary fibroelastoma. It remains to be investigated whether heart ultrasound evaluation should be performed before IV thrombolysis in selected patients with stroke, given the apparently increased risk of bleeding. However, IV thrombolysis should not be postponed due to a lengthy investigation, because of its potential for reducing morbidity in patients with stroke. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Increased hippocampal tau phosphorylation and axonal mitochondrial transport in a mouse model of chronic stress.
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is considered the driving force of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and plays an important role in mood regulation. The HPA axis is reported to be closely related to acute stress-induced tau phosphorylation in the rodent hippocampus. However, the relationship between the hyperactive HPA axis and tau phosphorylation in the hippocampus and hence the functional implications for chronic stress are not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to examine tau phosphorylation and the effect on axonal transport of mitochondria in the hippocampus of a chronic stress model. A mouse model was created by neonatal isolation before weaning, followed by chronic mild stress by social isolation after weaning. Behavioural tests showed that the model had a typical depression/anxiety-like behaviour accompanied by increased plasma corticosterone level and hypothalamic CRH mRNA expression. Phosphorylated tau increased significantly, accompanied by increased synaptosomal mitochondrial levels in hippocampus of the chronic stress model. CRH receptor 1 antagonist (CP154,526) treatment, not glucocorticoid receptor antagonist (RU486) treatment, decreased tau phosphorylation and synaptosomal mitochondrial levels in the hippocampus of the mouse model. Consistent with an in-vivo model, when hyperphosphorylated tau was inhibited by lithium in cultured primary hippocampal neurons, mitochondrial transport monitored by live imaging was also decreased. We show here for the first time that phosphorylated tau in the hippocampus of a chronic stress model, accompanied by increased mitochondrial transport, was mediated by CRH receptor 1, not by glucocorticoid receptors, which suggests that centrally derived CRH may be involved in the process of mitochondrial axon transport and hence play an important role in hippocampus of a chronic stress model. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
"Cooking the books"--behavior-based safety at the San Francisco Bay Bridge.
Practitioners of Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) claim dramatic reductions in worker injuries and illnesses through modifying workers' "unsafe behaviors." This case study of a BBS program implemented by KFM, a giant construction consortium rebuilding the eastern span of the San Francisco Bay Bridge in California, documents how BBS was used to suppress reporting of worker injuries and illnesses on site. The key elements of KFM's BBS "injury prevention" strategy included: 1) cash incentives to workers and supervisors who do not report injuries; 2) reprisals and threats of reprisals against those employees who do report injuries; 3) selection and use of employer friendly occupational health clinics and workers compensation insurance administrators; 4) strict limits on the activities of contract industrial hygiene consultants; and 5) a secretive management committee that decides whether reported injuries and illnesses are legitimate and recordable. KFM reported injury and illness rates 55% to 72% lower than other bridge builders in the Bay Area, but the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) issued Willful citations to the consortium in June 2006 for failing to record 13 worker injuries on its "OSHA Log 300," as required by law. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Calibration of a prompt neutron activation analysis facility for the measurement of total body protein.
Prompt neutron activation analysis with 252Cf has been used to measure total body protein. Since simultaneous irradiation and detection generated a high count rate at the detectors the nucleonic system was optimised to reduce distortions in the gamma ray energy spectrum. Tissue-equivalent phantoms were used to calibrate the apparatus. A total of 53 studies was performed on 39 normal subjects. Ratios of total body protein to fat-free mass agreed well with those from other centres and with cadaver studies. Duplicate measurements of 14 subjects gave a coefficient of variation of +/- 2.9% for a measurement of total body protein, which is close to that calculated from the known errors of the technique of +/- 2.7%. The whole body dose equivalent was 0.17 mSv. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Coat proteins: shaping membrane transport.
Coat proteins allow the selective transfer of macromolecules from one membrane-enclosed compartment to another by concentrating macromolecules into specialized membrane patches and then deforming these patches into small coated vesicles. Recent findings indicate that coat proteins might also participate in the differentiation of membrane domains within organelles and large transport carriers, as well as in the association of the carriers with the cytosketelon and with acceptor organelles. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
High-resolution MR metabolic imaging.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging has been recognized for a long time as a powerful tool for biochemical imaging. However, its practical utility is still rather limited due to poor spatial resolution, low signal-to-noise ratio, and long data acquisition times. In this work, we propose a new technique that enables reconstruction of metabolite maps with high spatial resolution. This technique uses a statistical model to incorporate known anatomical boundaries for edge-preserving noise filtering. This statistical reconstruction scheme makes it possible to use very noisy data, thereby enabling the collection of high-resolution data in a reasonable amount of time. We illustrate the performance of this method with images of the N-acetyl-L-aspartate distribution from an in vivo mouse brain. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
IgE alone-induced actin assembly modifies calcium signaling and degranulation in RBL-2H3 mast cells.
In the mast cell signaling pathways, the binding of immunoglobulin E (IgE) to FcepsilonRI, its high-affinity receptor, is generally thought to be a passive step. In this study, we examined the effect of IgE alone, that is, without antigen stimulation, on the degranulation in mast cells. Monomeric IgE (500-5,000 ng/ml) alone increased cytosolic Ca2+ level ([Ca2+]i) and induced degranulation in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 mast cells. Monomeric IgE (5,000 ng/ml) alone also increased [Ca2+]i and induced degranulation in bone marrow-derived mast cells. Interestingly, monomeric IgE (5-50 ng/ml) alone, in concentrations too low to induce degranulation, increased filamentous actin content in RBL-2H3 mast cells. We next examined whether actin dynamics affect the IgE alone-induced RBL-2H3 mast cell activation pathways. Cytochalasin D inhibited the ability of IgE alone (50 ng/ml) to induce de novo actin assembly. In cytochalasin D-treated cells, IgE (50 ng/ml) alone increased [Ca2+]i and induced degranulation. We have summarized the current findings into two points. First, IgE alone increases [Ca2+]i and induces degranulation in mast cells. Second, IgE, at concentrations too low to increase either [Ca2+]i or degranulation, significantly induces actin assembly, which serves as a negative feedback control in the mast cell Ca2+ signaling and degranulation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In situ hybridization reveals transient laminin B-chain expression by individual glial and muscle cells in embryonic leech central nervous system.
Laminin, which strongly stimulates axon outgrowth in vitro, appears transiently within the central nervous system (CNS) in embryos. After CNS injury, laminin reportedly reappears along axonal pathways only in animal species in which central axon regeneration is successful, including the leech Hirudo medicinalis. Although glia have been suspected of making CNS laminin, in adult leeches glia are not required for laminin synthesis and evidently microglia, not present in the early embryo, produce laminin. To determine which embryonic cells make laminin, a 1.2 kb DNA fragment of leech laminin B1 chain, with homology to Drosophila, human, and mouse B1 laminins and rat S laminin, was isolated using reverse-transcription and degenerate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cloning. In situ hybridization revealed that laminin expression began before embryonic day 8, and by days 8 and 9 it was seen in paired CNS muscle cells. By late day 9, the two neuropil glial cells began to express laminin. Lucifer Yellow dye was injected intracellularly and muscle cells stimulated to contract, confirming the identities of muscle and glial cells. Packet glial cells began to express B1 laminin by embryonic day 12. By day 15, the cells of the perineurial sheath expressed B1 laminin, whereas it was no longer detectable in CNS muscle and glia. The results agree with published immunohistochemistry showing laminin within the CNS among growing axons by day 8, and only later in the perineurial sheath, by which time laminin disappears from within the CNS. Therefore, different cells synthesize laminin in the embryo and during repair in adults. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Phosphodiesterase inhibitor pentoxifylline, a selective suppressor of T helper type 1- but not type 2-associated lymphokine production, prevents induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in Lewis rats.
The phosphodiesterase inhibitor pentoxifylline (POX), which is known to have pharmacological effects in animal models of multiorgan failure and endotoxin-mediated shock, was tested for its immunosuppressive potential on T lymphocyte activation in vitro and in vivo. POX was found to have a profound inhibitory effect on both mitogen- and antigen-induced proliferation of CD4+ T cells in vitro. This inhibitory activity of the drug could be reproduced by treating T lymphocytes with cAMP analogues during stimulation. Responses of repeatedly in vitro stimulated cells were much more strongly inhibited by the drug and by cAMP analogues than responses of fresh resting lymphocytes. Furthermore, POX could drastically down-regulate tumor necrosis factor regulate production and to a lesser extent interleukin (IL)-2 secretion in activated T cells, but an excess of exogenous IL-2 did not override the antiproliferative effect of the drug. In contrast, the same doses of POX had no inhibitory effect on spontaneous or induced IL-4 and IL-6 production by short-term cultured T lymphocytes, indicating a selective sparing of T helper type 2 (Th2)-associated lymphokine functions by the drug. To test a potential use of POX as an antiinflammatory agent in T cell-mediated autoimmune disease, the influence of POX on myelin basic protein (MBP)-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was assessed. The onset of EAE in Lewis rats could almost completely be abrogated by oral administration of POX during the induction phase of disease. Lack of clinical symptoms in POX-treated animals coincided with a marked suppression of MBP-specific T cell reactivity in vitro, without any evidence for a generalized impairment of T cell activity. Collectively, our data suggest the potential use of xanthine derivatives of the POX type as a supporting antiinflammatory therapeutic agent in Th1 CD4+ T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases in animal models and possibly in man. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Observation on therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture at points of different channels at different stages on hemiplagia after apoplexy].
To compare the therapeutic effects at points of different channels at different stages on hemiplegia after apoplexy. One hundred and twenty-eight cases of hemiplegia after apoplexy were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, 64 cases in each group. The Brunnstrom cerebral apoplexy motor recovery six-stages scale was used as criterion for division of stages in treatment of the treatment group, and different points were selected according to different stages, and the brief Fugl-Meyer motor scale was used as criterion for assessment of the therapeutic effect; the control group were treated with routine acupuncture. The total effective rate was 93.8% in the treatment group and 57.9% in the control group, the treatment group being better than the control group (P < 0.01). Electroacupuncture at points of different channels at different stages has a good therapeutic effect on hemiplegia after apoplexy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Elevated platelet and leukocyte response to oral bacteria in periodontitis.
Periodontitis is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Recently, we showed that platelets from periodontitis patients are more activated than those from controls. Given the regularly occurring bacteremic episodes in periodontitis patients, we hypothesized that platelets and/or leukocytes from periodontitis patients are more sensitive to stimulation by oral bacteria, in particular the known periodontal pathogens, than platelets from control subjects. Three-color flow cytometry analysis was performed to quantify activation of platelets (P-selectin, PAC-1, CD63) and leukocytes (CD11b) in whole blood from patients with periodontitis (n = 19) and controls (n = 18), with and without stimulation by oral bacteria. Phagocytosis was assessed by using green-fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa). Neutrophils and monocytes were activated by all species of oral bacteria tested, but no differences were observed between patients and controls. In response to several species of oral bacteria, platelets from periodontitis patients showed, compared with controls, increased exposure of P-selectin (P = 0.027) and increased formation of platelet-monocyte complexes (P = 0.040). Platelet-leukocyte complexes bound and/or phagocytosed more GFP-Aa than platelet-free leukocytes (for neutrophils and monocytes, in both patients and controls, P < 0.001). In periodontitis, increased platelet response to oral bacteria is paralleled by increased formation of platelet-leukocyte complexes with elevated capacity for bacterial clearance. We speculate that activated platelets and leukocytes might contribute to increased atherothrombotic activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Serine proteases and their homologs in the Drosophila melanogaster genome: an initial analysis of sequence conservation and phylogenetic relationships.
Serine proteases (SPs) and serine protease homologs (SPHs) constitute the second largest family of genes in the Drosophila melanogaster genome. Eighty-four SPs comprise less than 300 amino acid residues, and a significant portion of them are probably digestive enzymes. Some larger SPs may contain one or more regions important for protein-protein interactions, including clip domains, low-density lipoprotein receptor class A repeats, and scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domains. We identified 37 clusters of SP or SPH genes, which probably evolved from relatively recent gene duplication and sequence divergence. A majority of the SPs may be trypsin-like and activated by cleavage after a specific arginine or lysine residue. Among the 147 SPs and 57 SPHs studied, 24 SPs and 13 SPHs contain at least one regulatory clip domain. A multiple sequence alignment of the clip domains provided further information on structural conservation of these regulatory modules. Detailed sequence comparison led to an improved classification system for SPs containing clip domains. These analyses have established a framework of information about evolutionary relationships among the Drosophila SPs and SPHs, which may facilitate research on these proteins as well as homologous molecules from other invertebrate species. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Parkinsonian disorders: from clinical manifestations to diagnostic classification].
Parkinsonism may include atypical clinical manifestations, which are warning signs for the clinicians and motivate further investigations to identify an etiology other than idiopathic Parkinson's disease. The dismemberment of pathological entities, the advances of morphological and functional imaging of the brain, and new insights into molecular biology have successively led to more precise clinical phenotype and mechanisms. Except for etiologies with specific treatment, such as Wilson's disease or Parkinsonism secondary to a lesion of basal ganglia, or the discontinuation of a culprit drug, the treatment of Parkinsonian syndrome is mainly based on a multidisciplinary approach, involving occupational therapist, physiotherapist, speech therapist, psychologist and social worker. L-Dopa may be tried but it is less effective in atypical Parkinsonian syndrome than in Parkinson's disease. Formal diagnosis, only achievable post-mortem, is not available during the lifetime of the patient. Although some additional tests provide undeniable assistance, the clinical approach remains an essential and critical step to avoid costly and unnecessary investigations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evidence for a medial K+ recycling pathway from inner hair cells.
K+ effluxed from outer hair cells and their nerves is thought to flow laterally to strial marginal cells for recycling into scala media. Observations reported here provide evidence that K+ effluxed from inner hair cells and inner radial nerves travels medially through border cells, inner sulcus cells (ISCs), limbal fibrocytes and interdental cells (IDCs) for return to endolymph. Morphologic features of ISCs in the medial route resembled those of Hensen and Claudius cells in the lateral indicating an ion transport role for ISCs like that of Hensen and Claudius cells. Na,K-ATPase in plasmalemma of IDCs testified to their capacity to resorb and transport K+ through their known gap junctions. IDCs were differentiated into three subgroups. The most lateral IDCs formed short and long columns. Long columns contacted the medialmost ISC inferiorly and the undersurface of the tectorial membrane superiorly providing thereby a potential transcellular route for K+ transit from ISCs to endolymph. Short columns faced inner sulcus below and tectorial membrane above and accordingly possessed cells with opposite polarity at the bottom and top of the column. Short columns thus appeared situated to resorb electrolytes from limbal stroma for release into inner sulcus and beneath tectorial membrane at opposite ends of the column. The central IDCs were positioned for resorbing and transporting K+ effluxing from the Na,K-ATPase-rich stellate fibrocytes which spread toward the IDCs from near the inner sulcus. The most medial IDCs lined cuplike invaginations near the attachment of Reissner's membrane and lay apposed to light fibrocytes located between supralimbal fibrocytes and the medial IDCs. Content of Na,K-ATPase and position in the K+ transport route likened the limbal stellate fibrocytes to the spiral ligament type II fibrocytes and supralimbal fibrocytes to suprastrial fibrocytes in the lateral wall. From content of creatine kinase and position in the transport path, limbal light fibrocytes appeared analogous to spiral ligament type I fibrocytes. The additional finding that limbal fibrocytes showed unchanged or upregulated Na,K-ATPase immunoreactivity in aged gerbils with strial atrophy provided further evidence for an independent medial transport route and for the survival of inner hair cells in presbyacusis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Measurement of the leakage radiation from linear accelerators in the backward direction for 4, 6, 10, 15, and 18 MV x-ray energies.
The x-ray leakage from the housing of a therapy x-ray source is regulated to be <0.1% of the useful beam exposure at 1 m from the source. It is to be expected that the machine leakage in the backward direction would be less because the gantry and stand contain significant amounts of additional metal to attenuate the x rays. A reduction in head leakage in this direction will have a direct effect on the thickness of the shielding wall behind the linear accelerator. However, no reports have been published to date on measurements in this area. The x-ray leakage in the backward direction has been measured from linacs having energies of 4, 6, 10, 15, and 18 MV using a 100 cm ionization chamber and Al2O3 dosimeters. The leakage was measured at nine different positions over the rear wall using a 3 x 3 matrix with a 1-m separation between adjacent horizontal and vertical points with either the leftmost or rightmost column aligned with the target and isocenter. In general, the leakage is less than the canonical value, but the exact value depends on energy, gantry angle, and measurement position. There is significantly greater attenuation directly behind the gantry stand for all energies. Leakage at 10 MV for some positions exceeded 0.1%. Additionally, neutron leakage measurements were made for 10, 15, and 18 MV x-ray beams using track-etch detectors. The average neutron leakage was less than 0.1% except for 18 MV, where neutron leakage was more than 0.1% of the useful beam at some positions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Acetone photolysis at 248 nm revisited: pressure dependence of the CO and CO2 quantum yields.
Pressure dependent CO and CO2 quantum yields in the laser pulse photolysis of acetone at 248 nm and T = 298 K have been measured directly using quantitative infrared diode laser absorption. The experiments cover the pressure range from 50 to 900 mbar. It is found that the quantum yields show a significant dependence on total pressure, with Phi(CO) decreasing from around 0.5 at 20 mbar to approximately 0.3 at 900 mbar. The corresponding CO2 yields as observed when O2 exists in the reaction mixture, exhibit exactly the opposite behaviour. For the sum of both a value of 1.05(-0.05)(+0.02) independent of pressure is obtained, showing that the sum of (Phi(CO) + Phi(CO2)) is a measure for the primary quantum yield in the photolysis of acetone. In addition, CO quantum yields and corresponding pressure dependences were measured in experiments using different bath gases including He, Ar, Kr, SF6, and O2 as third body colliders. The theoretical framework in which we discuss these data is based on our previous findings that the pressure dependence of the CO yield is a consequence of a stepwise fragmentation mechanism during which acetone decomposes initially into methyl and a vibrationally 'hot' acetyl radical, with the latter being able to decompose promptly into methyl plus CO. The pressure dependence of the CO yield then originates from the second step and is modelled quantitatively via statistical dynamical calculations using a combination of RRKM theory with a time-dependent master equation (ME) approach. From a comparison of experiment with theory the amount of excess energy in the vibrationally hot acetyl radicals (E* approximately 65 kJ mol(-1)) as well as the characteristic collision parameters for interaction of acetyl with the different bath gases were derived. Values of 90, 280, 310, 545, 550 and 1800 cm(-1) for the average energy transferred per downward collision for the bath gases He, Ar, Kr, O2, N2, and SF6, respectively, are obtained. The calculations also considered different models for the energy transfer kernel P(E,E') and best fits were obtained with a rho-weighted exponential down model. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Extrachromosomal circular DNAs from murine hemopoietic tissue cells.
Extrachromosomal circular DNA complexes from cells of murine hemopoietic organs, bone marrow, thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes were examined by mica-press-adsorption method (H. Yamagishi, T. Kunisada, and T. Tsuda, 1982, Plasmid 8, 299-306). They showed wide size distribution, from 0.3 to 10 micron. The large-size DNAs of more than 1 micron (3.1 kb) in contour length were more abundant in bone marrow and thymus than they were in spleen and lymph nodes. The appearance of the large size DNAs was examined on splenocytes of athymic nude mice during ontogeny. The large-size DNAs first became detectable after 2 weeks of age and the amount increased thereafter until 9 weeks of age. It appears that large-size circular DNAs appear during differentiation from the hemopoietic stem cells into several descendent cells. Possible immunological implications for the appearance of extrachromosomal circular DNAs are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Investigation of oral health status in freshmen of university students].
To investigate the oral health status of freshmen of university students and to guide their oral hygiene behaviors. 6,575 freshmen of Peking University students were investigated in this study according to the criterion issued by World Health Organization (WHO) on the basic methods of oral health investigation and China oral health epidemiology survey protocol. The inspection item included caries, gingivitis, malocclusions and impacted teeth. In 6,575 freshmen of university students, the prevalence rate of caries, gingivitis, malocclusions and impacted teeth were 35.47%, 60.87%, 19.70% and 24.62%, respectively. There were statistical significance between the prevalence rate of caries, gingivitis, malocclusions and impacted teeth of male and female (chi2=131.94, P<0.001: chi2=216.85, P<0.001; chi2=14.54, P<0.01; chi2=23.56, P<0.001). There were statistical significance between the prevalence rate of caries, gingivitis and impacted teeth of postgraduate and undergraduate (chi2=4.62, P<0.05: chi2=129.56, P<0.001; chi2=178.05, P<0.001), while there was no statistical significance between the prevalence rate of malocclusions of postgraduate and undergraduate (chi2=0.61, P>0.05). The oral health status of freshmen of university students are not ideal. It is necessary to strengthen the propaganda education of prevention and protect to freshmen of university students. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Enteral nutrition in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit: challenges and considerations.
Cardiovascular disease is a common preexisting condition among hospitalized patients. Acute myocardial infarction and cardiac surgery account for 2 of the most common reasons patients are admitted to the intensive care unit. Determining how and when to feed these patients is a constant challenge presented to nutrition support practitioners. Enteral nutrition has emerged as the preferred route of feeding particularly in critical illness. By providing enteral nutrition instead of parenteral nutrition, the natural physiologic pathway is being followed and gut immunity preserved. However, obstacles such as upper gastrointestinal intolerance, hypoperfusion vasopressor support, and glycemic control make the task of initiating feeds a challenge. Once a patient has successfully tolerated feeds, the nutrition support clinician must still determine how much to feed and if specialty formulas such as those containing omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for their patient. The purpose of this review is to present recent research on the feeding challenges in the critical care population with a focus on the cardiothoracic population and an emphasis on improving patient outcomes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Bacterial lipase and high-fat diets in canine exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: a new therapy of steatorrhea?
Nutrients and properties of lipases affect survival of lipolytic activity during aboral gastrointestinal transit. Whether different doses and formulations of bacterial lipase and diets affect steatorrhea was tested in pancreatic-insufficient dogs. A dose of 0-600,000 IU of powdered and 135,000 and 300,000 IU of liquid bacterial lipase was given with a standard meal to 5 dogs with ligated pancreatic ducts. In 4 dogs, 0 or 300,000 IU (normal 6-hour postprandial amount) of powder bacterial lipase was also given with five meals containing 850 kcal with different nutrient caloric densities (mixture design). Coefficients of fat absorption during 72-hour fecal balance studies were used to assess treatments. With the standard meal, powder bacterial lipase reduced steatorrhea in a dose-dependent manner (P = 0.03), and 135,000 and 300,000 IU of the liquid form decreased steatorrhea more than powder bacterial lipase (P = 0.017 and 0.057, respectively). Coefficients of fat absorption with 300,000 IU of powder bacterial lipase correlated (r2 = 0.79; P < 0.001) with increasing proportions of fat calories in diets. Liquid bacterial lipase decreases steatorrhea more than powder, and 300,000 IU of powder bacterial lipase ingested with high-fat meals corrects canine pancreatic steatorrhea. The combination of adequate mixing of small amounts (milligrams) of bacterial lipase and high-fat meals abolishes canine steatorrhea and may abolish human pancreatic steatorrhea. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Three-dimensional culture of keratinocytes and the formation of basement membrane for canine footpad substitute.
A pad equivalent for a dog was prepared as a substitute for the loss of footpad. In addition to the time course of formation on epidermal morphogenesis, we investigated expressions of alpha(6) integrin subunit as adhesive molecule, and laminin and type IV and VII collagens as extracellular matrices of basement membrane components. Epithelium of the pad equivalent was thick enough to be easily confirmed at 5 days at the air-liquid interface, but many creases appeared on it at 7 days, and it shrank at 10 and 14 days. Keratinocytes were increased in 4 to 5 cell layers at 1 day at the air-liquid interface, differentiating into basal cell layer. Granular and corneal cell layers were confirmed until 5 days, and maintained their shape at least until 14 days. Alpha 6 integrin was expressed at almost the same fluorescent intensity as native pad tissue at 1 day at the dermal-epidermal junction. Laminin and type IV collagen were intermittently expressed at 5 and 10 days, respectively, at the dermal-epidermal junction, and at 14 days the fluorescence showed almost the same intensity as native pad tissue. The expression of type VII collagen was discontinuous at 2 days at the dermal-epidermal junction, but remained as it was at 14 days. The present findings suggested that although the formation of anchoring fibrils in basement membrane was incomplete, the pad equivalent in the dog was reconstructed similar to a native pad by epidermal morphogenesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Bilateral chronic sacral neuromodulation for treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction.
Chronic sacral neuromodulation aims at functional restoration of selected forms of nonneurogenic and neurogenic bladder dysfunction. The original technique, as described by Tanagho and Schmidt, provides unilateral sacral nerve stimulation via an implanted stimulator powering an electrode inserted into a sacral foramen. Its drawback was that the implant failed unpredictably in some patients despite previous successful percutaneous test stimulation. Therefore, we modified the stimulation technique to improve the efficacy of chronic sacral neuromodulation. Guarded bipolar electrodes powered by an implantable neurostimulator were attached bilaterally directly to the S3 nerves through a sacral laminectomy in 9 women and 2 men (mean age 43.4 years). Of the patients 5 had urinary incontinence due to detrusor hyperactivity and 6 had urinary retention from detrusor hypocontractility. Mean followup with repeated urodynamics was 13 months (range 9 to 28). Four significant complications were encountered in 4 patients. In 10 patients the urological sequelae of the neurological disorder were alleviated significantly (50% or more), including 5 who experienced complete relief of symptoms. The efficacy of chronic sacral neuromodulation can be improved by bilateral attachment of electrodes directly to the sacral nerves. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic status differences in overweight and health-related behaviors among American students: national trends 1986-2003.
This article reports long-term trends by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES) in the percent of American students who are overweight and who engage in three health-related behaviors hypothesized to be associated with overweight. Data are from the Monitoring the Future annual surveys, using nationally representative samples of eighth, 10th, and 12th grade students. Participants include 62,156 eighth and 64,899 10th graders who completed the 1993-2003 surveys and 35,107 12th graders who completed the questionnaire form containing the measures pertaining to this study in the 1986-2003 surveys. Trends are presented separately by gender and grade level for different racial/ethnic and SES subgroups, in: (a) percent overweight (body mass index > or = 85th percentile), (b) percent who always or almost always eat breakfast, (c) percent who regularly exercise vigorously, and (d) average hours of weekday television viewing. The prevalence of overweight and of engaging in less healthy behaviors is considerably greater among youth from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds, of lower socioeconomic status, and in higher grades. Trends in overweight and these behaviors are found to vary substantially by gender, racial/ethnic group, socioeconomic status, and grade level. The study findings show well-established and persistent differences in the percent of racial/ethnic minority and low SES youth who are overweight and whose dietary and exercise habits are less healthy. Documentation of these problems may lead to research and policy agendas that will contribute both to our understanding and to the reduction of these important health disparities. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Personality as a predictor of hypochondriacal concerns: results from two longitudinal studies.
To explore the extent to which the domains of the Big 5 are risk factors for hypochondriacal concerns (HCs). Two longitudinal studies, one using blood donors (over a 16-17-month period) and one using undergraduate students (over a 2.5-month period), were used to collect data on the Big 5 and HCs. Univariate analyses indicated that: (1) emotional stability predicted future levels of HCs once baseline levels of HCs were controlled, and (2) reductions in HCs over time were predicted primarily by increases in conscientiousness and emotional stability scores. Structural modelling of cross-lagged effects indicated that emotional stability was related to future levels of hypochondriacal concerns by contributing to initial levels of HCs. Regression analysis indicated that those who become more conscientious become less health anxious. Emotional stability and conscientiousness have predictive roles with respect to HCs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Impact of organic load on Escherichia coli O157:H7 survival during pilot-scale processing of iceberg lettuce with acidified sodium hypochlorite.
Chemical sanitizers are routinely used during commercial flume washing of fresh-cut leafy greens to minimize cross-contamination from the water. This study assessed the efficacy of three chlorine treatments against Escherichia coli O157:H7 on iceberg lettuce, in wash water, and on surfaces of a pilot-scale processing line using flume water containing various organic loads. Iceberg lettuce (5.4 kg) was inoculated to contain 10(6) CFU/g of a 4-strain cocktail of nontoxigenic, green fluorescent protein-labeled, ampicillin-resistant E. coli O157:H7 and held for 24 h at 4°C before processing. Lettuce was shredded using a Urschel TransSlicer, step conveyed to a flume tank, washed for 90 s using water alone or one of three different sanitizing treatments (50 ppm of total chlorine either alone or acidified to pH 6.5 with citric acid or T-128) in water containing organic loads of 0, 2.5, 5, or 10% (wt/vol) blended iceberg lettuce, and then dried using a shaker table and centrifugal dryer. Next, three 5.4-kg batches of uninoculated iceberg lettuce were processed identically. Various product (25 g), water (50 ml), and equipment surface swab (100 cm(2)) samples were homogenized in neutralizing buffer, diluted appropriately, and plated on tryptic soy agar containing 0.6% (wt/vol) yeast extract and 100 ppm of ampicillin without prior 0.45- m m membrane filtration to quantify E. coli O157:H7. Organic load negatively impacted the efficacy of all three chlorine treatments (P < 0.05) at the end of processing, with typical E. coli O157:H7 reductions of >5 and 0.9 to 3.7 log CFU/ml for organic loads of 0 and 10%, respectively. Organic load rarely had a significant impact (P < 0.05) on the efficacy of chlorine, chlorine plus citric acid, or chlorine plus T-128 against E. coli O157:H7 on iceberg lettuce. Reduced sanitizer efficacy generally corresponded to changes in total solids, chemical oxygen demand, turbidity, and maximum filterable volume, indicating that these tests may be effective alternatives to the industry standard of oxygen/reduction potential. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Never-married childless women in Australia: health and social circumstances in older age.
A growing proportion of women reach older age without having married or having children. Assumptions that these older women are lonely, impoverished, and high users of social and health services are based on little evidence. This paper uses data from the Older cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health to describe self-reported demographics, physical and emotional health, and use of services among 10,108 women aged 73-78, of whom 2.7% are never-married and childless. The most striking characteristic of this group is their high levels of education, which are associated with fewer reported financial difficulties and higher rates of private health insurance. There are few differences in self-reported physical or emotional health or use of health services between these and other groups of older women. Compared with older married women with children, they make higher use of formal services such as home maintenance and meal services, and are also more likely to provide volunteer services and belong to social groups. Overall, there is no evidence to suggest that these women are a "problem" group. Rather, it seems that their life experiences and opportunities prepare them for a successful and productive older age. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Correlation between immunological stage and response to chemotherapy. Results in 64 patients with nonresectable epidermoid bronchial cancers].
Out of 64 patients with non resectable epidermal bronchus carcinoma, 26 patients had before any treatment positive responses of skin tests to recall antigens. In these patients we found a correlation between the reactivity of the skin tests, the presence of seric factor inhibiting the leucocyte migration, the mean count of peripheral lymphocytes and the response to combination chemotherapy protocol. The patients who respond to treatment have a significantly better prognosis than the patients who do not respond. With this correlation it seems to be possible to distinguish between two populations of patients with non resectable bronchus carcinoma : one population with a good risk who can be significantly improved by the treatment : the other population with a very severe prognosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Sorption of sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate by montmorillonite.
Sorption of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates by soils and sediments is an important process that may affect their fate, transport, toxicity and their application in remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater. In this study, batch experiments were conducted to elucidate the sorption of a widely used anionic surfactant, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS), by montmorillonite. It was observed that: (i) SDBS was sorbed significantly by montmorillonite saturated with Ca(2+), but little by Na-saturated montmorillonite; (ii) the amount of SDBS sorbed by Ca(2+)-montmorillonite was enhanced by NaCl; and (iii) no significant intercalation of SDBS into Ca(2+)-montmorillonite was observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. These results indicate that the removal of SDBS by Ca(2+)-montmorillonite was primarily attributed to the precipitation between DBS(-) and Ca(2+) in solution which was released from montmorillonite via cation exchange. These results will help us to understand the sorption behavior and environmental effects of anionic surfactants. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia with Mitral Valve Prolapse.
Clinical and investigational features of a case of congenital hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia in a young boy are described. In addition, he was found to have mitral valve prolapse, which was confirmed by echocardiography. The available literature is discussed. Such an association, though probably fortuitous has not been previously reported. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Comparison and analysis of the molecular character of breakpoints in introns of deletion hotspots of dystrophin gene].
To study the exons deletion mechanisms for dystrophin gene, the molecular characters of breakpoints of junction fragments for deletion-type Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients with 46 and 51 exons deletion were compared and analyzed. Deletion-type DMD patients were detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction(mPCR). The breakpoints of junction fragments with 46 and 51 exons deletions were cloned and sequenced respectively. Analysis of sequences of deletion-junction fragment of exon 46 showed that the 5'breakpoint was located in AT-rich region of intron 45 and the 3' breakpoint was in medium reiteration repeats (MER1) sequence. There existed 2 bp(ta) junction homology between two breakages. No small insertion, small deletion or point mutation was located near the junction point. Similarly, analysis of sequences of deletion-junction fragment of exon 51 showed that the 5 breakpoint was located in transposon-like human elements (THE1) of intron 50 and the 3' breakpoint was in L2 sequence. There existed 3 bp(cta) junction homology between two breakages. No small insertion, small deletion or point mutation was located near the junction point. By analyzing the secondary structure of junction fragments with 46 and 51 exons deletions, it was demonstrated that all breakpoints of junction fragments were located at the non-matching regions of single-strand hairpin. By comparing the junction fragments with 46 or 51 exons deletion, it was found that all of breakpoints were located in repeat sequences and the repeat sequences formed the single-strand hairpin which could make the introns instable and result in exon deletion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The descending motorcortical pathway to the laryngeal motoneurons in the squirrel monkey.
The motor cortex of primates contains an area ("larynx area") which, when stimulated unilaterally, produces bilateral vocal fold adduction. In order to identify the pathway along which the cortical larynx area exerts its control on the laryngeal motoneurons, we have blocked excitatory neurotransmission in each of the main projection fields of the cortical larynx area and tested for the elicitability of vocal fold movements from this area in the squirrel monkey. Blocking was carried out by injection of the glutamate antagonist kynurenic acid. We found that injection into the dorsal reticular nucleus of the caudal medulla ipsilateral to the stimulation site blocked vocal fold movements bilaterally; injections invading major parts of the nucleus ambiguus blocked vocal fold movements exclusively ipsilateral to the injection site; and injections centered on the parvocellular reticular formation bordering the nucleus ambiguus blocked exclusively contralateral vocal fold movements. We conclude from this that the corticobulbar laryngeal control pathway synapses in the ipsilateral dorsal reticular nucleus and then divides into one component running directly to the ipsilateral nucleus ambiguus and a second component crossing to the contralateral nucleus ambiguus after having synapsed in the ipsilateral peri-ambigual reticular formation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Critical analysis of the diet quality of the Brazilian population according to the Healthy Eating Index: a systematic review].
In light of the importance of studying instruments that assess the food quality of the population, this study sought to conduct a systematic review of the quality of the diet of the Brazilian population using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and duly analyzing its methodology and results. The major electronic databases were used for the selection of studies. After the searches with the key words, 32 articles were included in this review. The growing interest of the scientific community in addressing this issue was observed, with recent studies using this instrument in Brazil. Methodological issues of articles were evaluated and discussed taking into consideration the revised versions and adaptations of the HEI. Some common results were highlighted among the studies such as low consumption of fruit, vegetables and/or dairy products, and the wider consumption of meat and eggs, cholesterol, total fat and saturated fat. Among the articles that address the HEI and socioeconomic aspects it was seen that quality of diet improves both in accordance with the increasing level of education of parents and with the family income in the population studied. The HEI can be used to monitor changes in dietary patterns and also as a nutrition education and health promotion tool. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Enjoyment of smoking and urges to smoke as predictors of attempts and success of attempts to stop smoking: a longitudinal study.
'Enjoyment' and 'addiction' have been proposed as opposing reasons why people continue to smoke despite the manifest dangers. This study examined the roles of these as barriers to smoking cessation. 2257 smokers taking part in a national household survey completed postal-follow-up questionnaires 6 months later. Enjoyment of smoking was measured at baseline as was strength of urges to smoke during a normal smoking day as a subjective marker of addiction. Smoking status, quit attempts and quit success were assessed at follow-up. Data on age, sex, social grade and method of cessation support used were also collected. Associations between baseline measures and smoking outcomes were assessed using logistic regression. Only enjoyment of smoking predicted whether a quit attempt was made (OR=0.70, p<0.001, 95% CI=0.62-0.78) and only strength of urges to smoke predicted whether a quit attempt was successful (OR=0.70, p<0.001, 95% CI=0.57-0.87). This pattern of results remained when controlling for sociodemographic factors and method of support used. Both enjoyment of smoking and strength of urges to smoke are important in the smoking cessation process, but in different ways. Interventions to promote cessation need to address both in order to maximise the rate of quit attempts and their chances of success. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Proteomic investigation of resistance to chemotherapy drugs in osteosarcoma.
Osteosarcoma, which is also termed osteogenic sarcoma or osteoma sarcomatosum, is the most common form of bone cancer. Typical osteosarcoma can occur at any age, including in infants, children, and the elderly, but more than half of cases occur in individuals who are 10-20 years old. Here, the objective was to search for protein markers to indicate resistance to cisplatin in osteosarcoma and provide a theoretical basis for the early and accurate use of cisplatin to treat osteosarcoma. Thirty patients with osteosarcoma were selected for the study. Experimental studies on the chemosensitivity of osteosarcoma using an in vitro kit method were performed, and cisplatin-resistant and cisplatin-sensitive osteosarcoma tissues were obtained. A representative sample was chosen to analyze and identify differentially expressed proteins in cisplatin-resistant tissues. The osteosarcoma-sensitive tissue was analyzed using 2-D electrophoresis and time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Differently expressed proteins were analyzed by western blotting to identify markers. Cisplatin-resistant and cisplatin-sensitive osteosarcoma tissues were obtained. Five significantly differentially expressed proteins were identified, including ALDOA and PGK1. The results indicate that ALDOA and PGK1 might be appropriate markers that can be used when treating osteosarcoma with cisplatin. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Glucose intolerance in uremia (A- and B-cell function during conservative and dialytic management.
Glucose tolerance and insulin and glucagon secretion were investigated in two groups of uremic patients, respectively on conservative and hemodialytic treatment. For this purpose, a glucose infusion was performed in the fasting state. Glucose intolerance was observed in uremic patients; hemodialysis improved, but did not normalize the glucose disposal. In uremic patients both on conservative and dialytic treatment plasma insulin and glucagon levels were higher than in the control group; the pattern of glucagon suppression was well maintained. The data obtained suggest that glucose intolerance in uremia is related mainly to peripheral insulin resistance and is not due to hyperglucagonemia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Psychoanalytic application and psychoanalytic integrity.
In this article, the author offers an analysis of psychoanalytic application, defined as the breaking of new conceptual ground in some field of knowledge whereby the new idea is conceived, and later articulated, with the aid of reference to analogous phenomena in psychoanalysis. It requires apt analogy based on competent understanding of the applied field and of psychoanalysis. Only when the relevant differences between the applied and psychoanalytic fields are grasped can the extent of certain parallels emerge. The thinking by analogy that comprises psychoanalytic application may be intuitive and implicit, but should be susceptible of explicit theoretical elaboration that specifies, precisely, the point(s) of correspondence between psychoanalysis and the applied field in relation to a precise specification of their relevant differences. Applied psychotherapy at the interface of the internal and external worlds (historically rooted in casework) is employed as a model. By analogy with Donnet's concept of the analytic site, the author proposes the concept of the psychodynamic (case)work site, and elaborates it for that applied field in order to elucidate the proposed principles of psychoanalytic application. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Phenylketonuria: an update.
Phenylketonuria is a flagship inborn error of metabolism and has been at the forefront of our growing understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of this family of disorders. In this article, the current understanding of its diagnosis, treatment, and complex molecular biology and physiology is reviewed. Recent papers exploring newer and less well-delineated areas of cofactor supplementation and genetic and epigenetic modification of the genotypic expression are presented. The excitement surrounding the continued exploration of the hyperphenylalaninemias is emphasized. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Volatile anesthetic effects on glutamate versus GABA release from isolated rat cortical nerve terminals: basal release.
The effects of three volatile anesthetics (isoflurane, enflurane, and halothane) on basal release of glutamate and GABA from isolated rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals (synaptosomes) were compared using a dual isotope superfusion method. Concentration-dependent effects on basal release differed between anesthetics and transmitters. Over a range of clinical concentrations (0.5-2x minimum alveolar concentration), basal glutamate release was inhibited by all three anesthetics, whereas basal GABA release was enhanced (isoflurane) or unaffected (enflurane and halothane). These effects may represent a balance of stimulatory and inhibitory mechanisms between transmitters and anesthetics. There were no significant differences between anesthetic effects on basal release in the absence or presence of external Ca(2+), whereas intracellular Ca(2+) buffering limited volatile anesthetic inhibition of basal glutamate release. Although these results demonstrate fundamental differences in anesthetic effects on basal release between glutamatergic and GABAergic nerve terminals, all three volatile anesthetics at clinical concentrations consistently reduced the ratio of basal glutamate to GABA release. These actions may contribute to the net depression of glutamatergic excitation and potentiation of GABAergic inhibition characteristic of general anesthesia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Vibrational characteristics of Balinese gamelan metallophones.
A study of the eight metallophone pairs from a Balinese gamelan semara dana has been conducted. Acoustical recordings of metallophone bars being struck were used to examine ratios of overtone frequencies to the fundamental. Results showed large variability in the number and ratios of overtones present. Scanning laser Doppler vibrometry measurements made on several bars also revealed great variability in mode shapes present. The distribution of prominent overtones and their modal shapes do not appear to match those of Western metallophones. Notably, the overall gamelan metallophone characteristics are quite dissimilar to the glockenspiel, which disagrees with previous studies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Electrophysiologic and voltage clamp analysis of the effects of sotalol on isolated cardiac muscle and Purkinje fibers.
The effect of dl-, d- and I-sotalol on electrophysiologic characteristics of guinea-pig papillary muscles, sheep and rabbit Purkinje fibers was studied. Standard electrophysiologic and voltage clamp techniques were used. At concentrations between 10(-6) and 10(-4) M, the main effect of sotalol consisted of prolongation of the action potential duration. In voltage clamp experiments this effect correlated with a substantial reduction of the time-dependent K current activated during the plateau of the action potential and a small reduction of the background K current. At concentrations above 10(-4) M, a secondary shortening of the action potential concomitant with a fall in maximal rate of depolarization was seen. In voltage clamp experiments this effect correlated with a decrease of a slowly inactivating Na current. In the absence of catecholamines d- and I-sotalol exerted identical effects on action potentials and voltage clamp currents. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Research thoughts and methodology on efficacy specificity of needling and moxibustion methods based upon data mining].
The method for needling and moxibustion is an indispensable component of acupuncturology. In clinical practice of acupuncture and moxibustion, efficacy specificity of different needling and moxibustion methods for different clinical conditions or different phases of a disease exists objectively, which is in a close relation with the results of clinical interventions. Starting with the correlation between the efficacy specificity of different needling and moxibustion methods and different clinical conditions or syndromes, the authors of the present paper put forward to collect abundant literature on needling and moxibustion methods, extract and analyze standard formats of information, establish literature database on needling and moxibustion methods and then design literature data application platform. On the basis of those mentioned above, a data mining model of needling and moxibustion methods will be established for revealing the potential knowledge and regularities about application of needling and moxibustion methods from the related abundant fuzzy and incomplete literature data according to data analysis and designed research program on efficacy specificity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Simultaneous determination of arsenic, antimony, selenium and tin by gas phase molecular absorption spectrometry after two step hydride generation and preconcentration in a cold trap system.
A cold trap system for the simultaneous determination of arsenic, antimony, selenium and tin by continuous hydride generation and gas phase molecular absorption spectrometry is described. The hydride generation is carried out in two steps; first, tin hydride is generated at low acidity and second, arsenic, antimony and selenium hydrides are formed at higher acidity. All the hydrides are collected in a liquid nitrogen cryogenic trap and transported to the flow cell of a diode array spectrophotometer, where molecular absorption spectra are obtained in the 190-250 nm range. Five calibration solutions containing arsenic, antimony, selenium and tin are solved using multiple linear regression analysis. Tests are performed in order to extend the same manifold to other hydrides but no signals are obtained for bismuth, cadmium, lead, tellurium and germanium. Under the optimum conditions found and using the wavelengths of maximum sensitivity (190, 198, 220 and 194 nm), the analytical characteristics of each element are calculated. The detection limits are 0.050, 0.020, 0.12 and 1.1 mug ml(-1) and the RSD values are 3.7, 3.1, 3.5 and 3.0% for As, Sb, Se and Sn, respectively. The method is applied to As, Sb, Se and Sn determination in natural spiked water samples. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Changes over time in echocardiographic measurements in young Standardbred racehorses undergoing training and racing and association with racing performance.
To evaluate changes over time in echocardiographic measurements in young Standardbred racehorses undergoing training and racing and determine whether there was any relationship between cardiac dimensions and racing performance. Longitudinal observational study. 103 horses. 2-dimensional and M-mode echocardiography was performed 4 times at 6-month intervals. Significant cardiac enlargement took place during the study period as indicated by increases in left ventricular internal diameter in diastole (LVIDd), estimated left ventricular muscle mass (LV mass), and mean wall thickness attributable to eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy. Estimated body weight was positively correlated with left ventricular size, and males had significantly larger LVIDd and LV mass than did females. Horses that were racing regularly had larger LVIDd and LV mass than did unraced horses. A significant relationship between left ventricular size and racing performance was observed. The relationship was strongest at the time of the fourth examination. Results suggest that age must be taken into account when interpreting results of echocardiography in young Standardbred racehorses because significant cardiac enlargement takes place with age and training. A larger heart was found in horses that were racing, and size of the heart was correlated with athletic performance of the horse. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Potamodromous fish movements under multiple stressors: Connectivity reduction and oxygen depletion.
Rivers are impacted by multiple stressors that can interact to create synergistic, additive or antagonistic effects, but experimental studies on fish encompassing more than one stressor are seldom found. Thus, there is the need to study stressors through multifactorial approaches that analyse the impact of fish exposure to multiple stressors and evaluate fish sensitivity to stressor combinations. Some of the most common impacts to Mediterranean rivers are of two natures: i) water abstraction and ii) diffuse pollution. Therefore, the present study aims at studying the responses of potamodromous fish facing combinations of: 1) a primary stressor (two levels of connectivity reduction due to water scarcity), and 2) a secondary stressor (three levels of oxygen depletion due to increase organic load - of anthropogenic nature). Schools of five wild fish from a cyprinid species (Luciobarbus bocagei) were placed in a flume, equipped with see-through sidewalls to allow for behavioural analysis, and subjected to different combinations of the stressors. Results show that at the unconnected level the primary stressor (lack of connectivity) overrode the effect of the secondary stressor (oxygen depletion), but when connectivity existed oxygen depletion caused a reduction of fish movements with decreasing oxygen concentrations. This multifactorial study contributes to improved prediction of fish responses upon actual or projected pressure scenarios. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Combined testing of autonomic and sensory dysfunction in patients with unilateral facial flushing and sweating during exercise.
Patients with unilateral facial flushing are occasionally referred to clinical neurophysiological evaluation with the question of the site of lesion. These patients may have a mixture of autonomic and sensory symptoms. We wanted to study to which extent a combined autonomic and sensory clinical neurophysiological testing before and after exercise may help in the diagnostic evaluation of the patients. Five patients were investigated at rest with quantitative sensory thresholds (QST, measurement of thermal thresholds) and quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART) in all extremities. Sweet volumes (QSWEAT) and skin temperatures were then measured after 30 to 60 minutes of exercise. Marked side-to-side differences were observed for QST and QSART at rest as well as for QSWEAT and skin temperatures following exercise, in accordance with the patients' symptoms. However, asymptomatic abnormal findings were also demonstrated in the feet of four patients, following both crossed and non-crossed distributions. EMG/neurography and MRI-findings were normal in all patients and no aetiological explanations were found. Combined autonomic and sensory testing including the legs provided evidence of unexpectedly more widespread abnormalities, including asymptomatic findings. Although the patients presented with seemingly similar symptoms, there was a striking heterogeneity in their results, suggesting different sites of dysfunction. An extracranial lesion was considered likely in one or maybe two patients, while the possibility of a central lesion had to be considered in the three other patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Can bone growth be stimulated (author's transl)].
Stimulation of bone growth by heterologous (bovine) bone grafts may help in leg length discrepancies. Arrest of epiphyseal growth plates or leg lengthenning by osteotomy may be necessary to a lesser extent or be entirely unnecessory. 72 cases, 88 stimulations in 16 years. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Part I: an introduction to conducting qualitative research in children with cancer.
Over the past decade, pediatric nurse researchers have acknowledged the need to study children's cancer illness experiences within the qualitative research framework. Support for more qualitative research is based on the belief that it will afford researchers the opportunity to get closer to understanding children's perspectives of their cancer experience. A priori theories or generalizations by the researcher are not imposed; therefore, information emerging from the research is believed to be more a reflection of the perspectives of child participants and not adult researchers. Although pediatric oncology nurses may be interested in using more qualitative methods in their research, deciding on the appropriate qualitative research design may not always be so evident, considering that the adoption of qualitative inquiry in the study of childhood cancer is in its infancy. Accordingly, the purpose of this article is to increase the reader's understanding of the use of the qualitative research paradigm in the study of children's experiences with cancer. An overview of four qualitative research designs that pediatric oncology nurse researchers may adopt is presented. Specifically, the qualitative designs of grounded theory, ethnography, phenomenology, and biography or illness narratives are examined. To facilitate discussion, each of the four designs are applied to the study of symptom experiences in children with cancer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Expression of β1- and β2-adrenoceptors in different subtypes of interneurons in the medial prefrontal cortex of mice.
Noradrenaline acting via β-adrenoceptors (β-ARs) in the CNS plays an important role in learning/memory and cognitive functions. β-ARs have been shown to be expressed in cortical pyramidal and subcortical principal cells. However, little is known about β-AR expression in different subtypes of GABAergic neurons. Here, we report that both β1- and β2-ARs are expressed in a majority of GABAergic interneurons in the medial prefrontal cortex of mice, including parvalbumin (PV)-, calretinin (CR)-, calbindin D-28k (CB)-, somatostatin (SST)- and Reelin-immunoreactive (ir) interneurons. Relative to PV-, CB-, SST- and Reelin-ir interneurons, CR-ir interneurons are less likely to express β1- and β2-ARs. SST-ir interneurons are more likely to express β2-AR compared with the other subtypes of interneurons. The present results are of significance for understanding the role of β-ARs in prefrontal cortical functions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Modelling and forecasting spatio-temporal variation in the risk of chronic malnutrition among under-five children in Ghana.
Spatio-temporal variation in under-5-year-old children malnutrition remains unstudied in most developing countries like Ghana. This study explores and forecasts the spatio-temporal patterns in childhood chronic malnutrition among these children. We also investigate the effect of maternal education on childhood malnutrition. We analysed data on 10,036 children residing in 1516 geographic locations. A spatio-temporal model was fitted to the data and was used to produce predictive maps of spatio-temporal variation in the probability of stunting. The study found substantial spatio-temporal variation in the prevalence of stunting. Also, higher levels of mother's education were associated with decreased risk of being stunted. Our spatio-temporal model captured variations in childhood stunting over place and time. Our method facilitates and enriches modelling and forecasting of future stunting prevalence to identify areas at high risk. Improving maternal education could be given greater consideration within an overall strategy for addressing childhood malnutrition. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Contribution of residential relocation and lifestyle to the structure of health trajectories.
Underlining ecological theories of aging, we assessed the impact of relocation, residential type, and individual lifestyle factors on the structure of health status overtime. From the data of Longitudinal Study on Aging II, we included older adults aged 70 and older (N = 5,294). To analyze individual longitudinal trajectories of health outcomes, Latent Growth Curve Modeling (LGCM) was employed. LGCMs supported that older adults' residential relocation and health-related lifestyles were important in preserving better health outcomes. Multiple structural equations corroborated the causal chains in the multidimensionality of health structure. These findings suggest a necessity to design policies for older adults to create a synergy between housing and health care and to translate meaningful health-related lifestyles into diverse long-term care settings. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Misperception of rigidity from actively generated optic flow.
It is conventionally assumed that the goal of the visual system is to derive a perceptual representation that is a veridical reconstruction of the external world: a reconstruction that leads to optimal accuracy and precision of metric estimates, given sensory information. For example, 3-D structure is thought to be veridically recovered from optic flow signals in combination with egocentric motion information and assumptions of the stationarity and rigidity of the external world. This theory predicts veridical perceptual judgments under conditions that mimic natural viewing, while ascribing nonoptimality under laboratory conditions to unreliable or insufficient sensory information--for example, the lack of natural and measurable observer motion. In two experiments, we contrasted this optimal theory with a heuristic theory that predicts the derivation of perceived 3-D structure based on the velocity gradients of the retinal flow field without the use of egomotion signals or a rigidity prior. Observers viewed optic flow patterns generated by their own motions relative to two surfaces and later viewed the same patterns while stationary. When the surfaces were part of a rigid structure, static observers systematically perceived a nonrigid structure, consistent with the predictions of both an optimal and a heuristic model. Contrary to the optimal model, moving observers also perceived nonrigid structures in situations where retinal and extraretinal signals, combined with a rigidity assumption, should have yielded a veridical rigid estimate. The perceptual biases were, however, consistent with a heuristic model which is only based on an analysis of the optic flow. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In vitro studies on interactions of iron salts and complexes with food-stuffs and medicaments.
It has been shown in the present study that food components such as phytic acid, oxalic acid, tannin, sodium alginate, choline and choline salts, vitamins A, D3 and E, soy oil and soy flour, do not undergo any interactions with iron(III)-hydroxide polymaltose complex (Ferrum Hausmann). Phytic acid, oxalic acid, tannin and sodium alginate, however, react with iron(II) or iron(III)-salts at pH values of 3.0, 5.5 and 8.0, giving rise to iron complexes. Trimethylamine-N-oxide, which is present in fish meal, reacts with iron(II)-sulphate to produce iron(III) reaction products; it does not react with iron(III)-hydroxide polymaltose complex. Special soybean flours show no irreversible adsorption or precipitation with iron(III)-hydroxyide polymaltose complex over the pH range 3.0-8.0, in contrast to iron(II)-sulphate. Antacids containing aluminium hydroxide, talc, ion exchange resins or other unabsorbable, insoluble components absorb iron(III)-hydroxide polymaltose complex in the pH range 3.0-8.0 in a reversible manner, while the strong adsorption or precipitation observed with iron(II)-sulphate at pH 8.0 is irreversible. No interaction was observed between the steroid hormones studied and iron(II)-sulphate or iron(III)-hydroxide polymaltose complex. On the basis of the measured compatibilities, iron(III)-hydroxide polymaltose complex can be administered orally simultaneously with many other drugs, without prejudicing the absorption of iron or of the other drug as is often seen with iron(II) and iron(III) salts. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nevus elasticus and lichen sclerosus et atrophicus on the vulva.
A sixty-seven-year-old woman had complained of vulvar pruritus and vaginal soreness for eight months. Clinical and histologic examination showed an admixture of two different entities: nevus elasticus and lichen sclerosus et atrophicus. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Using psychological assessment and therapeutic strategies to enhance well-being.
To provide an overview of the psychological assessment; results from studies examining psychological issues among individuals with craniofacial anomalies (CFA) and other chronic conditions; resilience; and therapeutic strategies to enhance psychological well-being. The literature on chronic conditions and findings from studies with people having CFA and their families demonstrate a range of effective adaptation patterns and strategies to enhance issues having an impact on quality of life. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
1H NMR metabolic signature of cerebrospinal fluid following repetitive lower-limb remote ischemia preconditioning.
Background OBJECTIVE: The cerebral ischemia/reperfusion greatly influences brain metabolism. Remote ischemia preconditioning (RIPC) is reported to confer neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia in animal models and human. This study aims to investigate the metabolomic profiles of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients treated with repetitive lower limb RIPC and provides an insight into possible mechanism underlying RIPC-induced neuroprotection. Fifty healthy patients undergoing minor surgery under spinal anesthesia were randomly allocated to 2 groups: control group (Group C, n = 25) and RIPC treatment group (Group T,n = 25). Repetitive limb RIPC were performed 3 sessions, consisting of three 5-min cycles per session from the day before surgery to the morning on the surgery day. The CSF samples were collected from 48 patients before intrathecal injection of local anesthetic. A proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR)-based metabonomics approach was used to obtain the CSF metabolic profiles of the samples (n = 24 each). The acquired data were processed with MestReNova and followed by statistical analysis with SIMCA-P. The model obtained with the orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) identified difference of metabolite profiles between two groups. The validation of the discriminant analysis showed that the accuracy of the OPLS-DA model was 81.3%. Sixteen metabolites including glucose, amino-acids and organic acids et al. were identified as the most influential CSF biomarkers for the discrimination between two groups, which are involved in pathways of energy metabolism and amino-acids metabolism. 1H NMR spectra combined with pattern recognition analysis offers a new and promising platform to investigate metabolic signatures in patients treated with RIPC. Our results suggest repetitive RIPC mainly changes energy metabolism and amino-acid metabolism in brain, which provides a potential mechanistic understanding of RIPC-induced tolerance to cerebral ischemia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) 3435C/T genotyping in childhood drug-resistant epilepsy.
A mutation at nucleotide position 3435 in exon 26 of the multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) gene is the most frequently studied polymorphism in relation to multidrug resistance. However, there are conflicting data as to whether the CC or TT genotype of the 3435C>T polymorphism is associated with drug resistance. We investigated the association between this polymorphism in drug-resistant childhood epilepsy by comparison with drug-responsive patients. In total, 59 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, defined as having four or more seizures within a 12-month period while using three or more AEDs, 60 children with drug-responsive epilepsy who had remained seizure-free for 12months on their current AED regimen and 76 healthy children were involved in this study. Genotype frequencies in drug-resistant patients were as follows: 32.2% CC, 44.1% CT, 23.7% TT; in the drug-responsive group: 20.0% CC, 50.0% CT, 30.0% TT; in the control group: 24.3% CC, 50.0% CT, 25.7% TT. Comparison of drug-resistant and drug-responsive patients revealed no significant difference in genotype frequency. The findings of the epilepsy patients were not significantly different from those of the healthy control subjects. Our study does not support any significant association between the MDR1 polymorphism and drug-resistant childhood epilepsy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comprehensive pancancer genomic analysis reveals (RTK)-RAS-RAF-MEK as a key dysregulated pathway in cancer: Its clinical implications.
Recent advances in Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) have provided remarkable insights into the genomic characteristics of human cancers that have spurred a revolution in the field of oncology. The mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (MAPK) and its activating cell receptor, the receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), which together encompass the (RTK)-RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK axis, are central to oncogenesis. A pan-cancer genomics analysis presented in this review is made possible by large collaborative projects, including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), and others. Landmark studies contributing to these projects have revealed alterations in cell signaling cascades that vary between cancer types and within tumors themselves. We review several of these studies in major tumor types to highlight recent advances in our understanding of the role of (RTK)-RAS-RAF alterations in cancer. Further studies are needed to increase the statistical power to detect clinically relevant low-frequency mutations, in addition to the known (RTK)-RAS-RAF pathway alterations, and to refine the resolution of the genomic landscape that defines these cancer mutations. The (RTK)-RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK mutation status, and their prognostic value, are also examined and correlated with clinical phenotypes. Treatments targeting various components of this pathway are ongoing, and are often effective initially in defined subgroups of patients. However, resistance to these agents can develop through adaptive mechanisms. With our steady increase in understanding the molecular biology of cancer, ongoing evaluation and monitoring through genomic analysis will continue to provide important information to the clinician in the context of treatment selection, response, resistance and outcomes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Expression pattern of the drm/gremlin gene during chicken embryonic development.
The drm gene encodes a cystine knot-containing secreted and cell membrane-associated glycoprotein shown to be an antagonist of BMPs. Drm was recently reported to play a crucial role in limb bud development, by its capacity to bind BMPs. Here, we have studied the expression pattern of drm transcripts during chicken development, by using whole-mount in situ hybridization. We show that, from stage 22HH to stage 26HH, in addition to limb buds, drm is expressed in cephalic neural crest-derived branchial arches I, II and III, in the medio-dorsal lip of the myotome and in the superficial dermatome | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Value of x-ray computed tomography in cancer of the esophagus. Prospective and blind study].
Most complementary investigations assessing the resectability of esophageal carcinoma are not very accurate. In approximately half of the patients who undergo surgery, the surgeon discovers unknown growth extension of the tumor. The aim of this study was to define the place of CT scan in the assessment of esophageal cancer. A prospective study concerning 54 cases of squamous cell carcinoma was conducted during 18 months. We consecutively tested the sensitivity and the specificity of information supplied by a CGR 10000 CT scan. The reading was done by the same radiologist who was unaware of the other preoperative findings. All cases of carcinoma were proved histologically. The characteristics of the tumor itself were accurately described by CT scan. Tracheobronchial spread was correctly assessed in 96.2 p. 100 of cases; specificity was 100 p. 100. On the contrary, the sensitivity of the nodal involvement was weak (less than 55 p. 100) for the abdominal as well as the mediastinal areas. Moreover, CT scan identified 48 out of 49 patients without metastases. The results of this study did not allow to determine the value of signs of tumoral spread to the aorta, pericardium, and intra-abdominal regions and therefore CT scan can not be used to determine invasion of the pleural or peritoneal serosa. These results suggest that: a) CT scan alone is not sufficient in the assessment of patients for surgery, b) CT scan facilitates the choice of operative strategy, c) oncologic classification of non operative carcinoma, correct fields of radiation therapy, and follow-up of malignancy through chemotherapy are improved. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Facial nerve palsy in a thirteen-year-old male youth with Kawasaki disease.
A 13-year-old male youth was hospitalized with Kawasaki disease. In the course of the disease he developed a facial nerve palsy and an aneurysm of the right coronary artery. After treatment with immunoglobulins both complications disappeared within 10 days and 1 month, respectively. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nondissection method in distal arterial bypass surgery.
One of the most conspicuous advances in vascular surgery during the past two decades has been the improvement of the patency of distal bypasses. The nondissection method, in particular, has made a great contribution to better the tibioperoneal bypass patency. This review describes the operative procedure and background of the method, in which only the vascular sheath of the recipient artery is exposed and circumferential dissection of the artery avoided. The limb is exsanguinated with an Esmarch's bandage, and haemostasis is maintained with a pneumatic tourniquet. Vascular clamps are not applied to the artery at the distal anastomotic site. In a series of 42 tibial bypasses, a primary revised patency of 84% has been achieved after five years with this method. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Executive dysfunction following traumatic brain injury: neural substrates and treatment strategies.
Executive dysfunction is among the most common and disabling aspects of cognitive impairment following traumatic brain injury (TBI), and may include deficits in reasoning, planning, concept formation, mental flexibility, aspects of attention and awareness, and purposeful behavior. These impairments are generally attributed to frontal systems dysfunction, due either to direct insult to the frontal lobes or to disruption of their connections to other brain regions. Evaluation of executive deficits typically includes neuropsychological assessment, though adjunctive interviews can be critical in detecting subtle dysexecutive symptoms that may not be apparent on standardized testing. Rehabilitation programs emphasizing cognitive-behavioral approaches to the retraining of planning and problem-solving skills can be effective in ameliorating identified executive deficits. In addition, pharmacological approaches may be useful in addressing aspects of executive dysfunction. This review summarizes the nature of executive deficits following TBI, their neuroanatomical substrates, selected assessment and treatment strategies, and recent research findings and trends. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Measurement of C9 concentrations using an immunochemiluminometric assay.
A 2-site immunochemiluminometric assay is described for the measurement of complement component C9 concentrations in biological fluids as an aid in the diagnosis and management of immune-based diseases. The assay utilises 2 monoclonal antibodies one of which is labelled with a chemiluminescent acridinium ester and one of which is covalently coupled to reprecipitated aminoaryl cellulose. The incubation time is 1 h with simultaneous reagent addition. The working range of the assay is 10-2500 micrograms/1 at CVs less than or equal to 10% and the results are in excellent agreement with those of an immunoradiometric assay. The assay exhibits superior performance to other immunochemical and immunoassay techniques and has the advantage of using stable, non-radioactive reagents. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Trends in the use of puberty blockers among transgender children in the United States.
The objective of the study was to identify national trends in the utilization of histrelin acetate implants among transgender children in the United States. We analyzed demographic, diagnostic and treatment data from 2004 to 2016 on the use of histrelin acetate reported to the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) to determine the temporal trends in its use for transgender-related billing diagnoses, e.g. "gender identity disorder". Demographic and payer status data on this patient population were also collected. Between 2004 and 2016, the annual number of implants placed for a transgender-related diagnosis increased from 0 to 63. The average age for placement was 14 years. Compared to natal females, natal males were more likely to receive implants (57 vs. 46) and more likely to have implants placed at an older age (62% of natal males vs. 50% of natal females were ≥;13 years; p<0.04). The majority of children were White non-Hispanic (White: 60, minority: 21). When compared to the distribution of patients treated for precocious puberty (White: 1428, minority: 1421), White non-Hispanic patients were more likely to be treated with a histrelin acetate implant for a transgender-related diagnosis than minority patients (p<0.001). This disparity was present even among minority patients with commercial insurance (p<0.001). Utilization of histrelin acetate implants among transgender children has increased dramatically. Compared to natal females, natal males are more likely to receive implants and also more likely to receive implants at an older age. Treated transgender patients are more likely to be White when compared to the larger cohort of patients being treated with histrelin acetate for central precocious puberty (CPP), thus identifying a potential racial disparity in access to medically appropriate transgender care. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Increase in bone mass and bone strength by Sambucus williamsii HANCE in ovariectomized rats.
Herbal Sambucus williamsii HANCE (SWH) is a folk medicine with a long history of safe use for treatment of bone fractures and joint diseases in China. The present study was designed to investigate if SWH extract could be used for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. SWH extracts (30 or 60 mg/100 g body weight/d) were orally administrated to four-months-old ovariectomized (OVX) rats for 3 months. SWH extracts did not alter weight gain and uterus weight in OVX rats. SWH extracts significantly increased serum Ca levels (p<0.05, vs. OVX control group) as well as decreased urinary Ca excretion (p<0.01, vs. OVX control group) in OVX rats. The upregulation of serum alkaline phosphatase, serum osteocalcin as well as urinary deoxypyridinoline levels by OVX was suppressed by treatment with SWH extracts in rats (p<0.05, vs. OVX control group). SWH extract increased the stiffness of femur at both dosage (p<0.05, vs. OVX control group) and increased tibial bone mineral density at 60 mg/100 g body weight/d (p<0.05, vs. OVX control group) in OVX rats. Our results indicate that orally administrated SWH extracts can decrease urinary calcium excretion and bone turnover rate in OVX rats, resulting in positive effects on biomechanical strength of bone and bone mineral density. This study is the first to report that SWH could be considered as a potential candidate for management of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Then in vitro experiments were performed to determine the potential molecular mechanism of the anti-osteoporotic effect of SWH. Results suggested that chloroform fraction and ethyl acetate fraction of SWH can inhibit osteoclastogenesis osteoclast by modulating the expression of osteoprotegrin (OPG) and receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) mRNA in osteoblastic UMR 106 cells. Both of them increased OPG mRNA and decreased RANKL mRNA expression, resulting in a dose-dependent increase in OPG/RANKL mRNA ratio (p<0.01, vs. vehicle-treated). Taken together, SWH treatment can effectively suppress the OVX-induced increase in bone turnover and its effects might be mediated by a decrease in osteoclastogenesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of matrix metalloproteinase inhibition on ventricular remodeling due to volume overload.
Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and dilatation are important compensatory responses to chronic volume overload. Although LV function is initially preserved by these responses, the continued structural remodeling of the myocardium ultimately becomes maladaptive, leading to the development of heart failure. We have shown previously that increased myocardial matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity precedes LV dilatation induced by a chronic volume overload. Accordingly, this study focused on the effects of MMP inhibition therapy (PD 166793, 1 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) on LV size and function in a rat model of volume overload-induced heart failure. Rats were divided into the following groups: treated and untreated infrarenal abdominal aortocaval fistula and treated and untreated sham-operated (control). LV weights of both fistula groups were increased above that of the control group (868+/-79 mg; P< or =0.001); LV weights in the treated fistula group, however, were lower than in the untreated fistula group at 8 weeks (1447+/-186 versus 1715+/-279 mg, respectively; P< or =0.012). The marked ventricular dilatation seen in the untreated fistula group was significantly diminished in the treated fistula group, although the increase in LV compliance was similar in both treated and untreated fistula hearts. MMP inhibition significantly attenuates the myocardial remodeling associated with chronic volume overload, as evidenced by prevention of dilatation, a marked reduction in LV hypertrophy, and preservation of ventricular function. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
New data for vitamin D in Australian foods of animal origin: impact on estimates of national adult vitamin D intakes in 1995 and 2011-13.
To assess the potential dietary supply of vitamin D to Australian adults by application of new data for Australian primary foods of animal origin. New published analytical data on the vitamin D contents of Australian primary foods from animal products were obtained and assessed for reliability. Using food consumption data from Australian population dietary surveys for 1995 and 2011-2013, estimates were made of the likely average daily intakes of vitamin D equivalents from these sources by Australian adults. Meats, chicken, fish, eggs and dairy produce may alone have contributed about 4.2 μg vitamin D equivalents per day to average Australian diets of adults >18 years in 1995 and 4.3 μg in 2011-2013. Dietary vitamin D intake in Australia is likely to be higher than previously estimated because new data from improved analytical methods reveal the contributions to vitamin D supply from foods of animal origin. Absence of reliable vitamin D data for milk and milk products, and the gaps in vitamin D data for many commonly consumed seafood, poultry, eggs and processed animal products greatly limit estimation of dietary vitamin D intakes by Australians. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A prospective study on the risk of exposure to HIV during surgery in Zambia.
To investigate the relative risk of occupational HIV transmission for surgeons practising in tropical Africa compared with their western colleagues. From June to November 1993, a prospective study was performed at St Francis' Hospital, Katete, Zambia (350-bed hospital which serves a community of 300,000 people). The HIV seroprevalence among consecutive surgical patients and the incidence of occupational parenteral exposures to blood during surgery were prospectively studied in a Zambian district hospital. HIV seroprevalence was determined by taking blood from the surgical patients on admission into the operating theatre. Serum was stored at -20 degrees C and transported to the Academic Medical Centre of the University of Amsterdam, where the presence of HIV antibodies was tested by enzyme immunoassay and seropositive samples confirmed by Western blot. Number of parenteral exposures during the study period was scored by interviewing the seven surgeons and their personnel after each surgical procedure about accidental parenteral exposures to blood. The total number of parenteral exposures per surgeon per year was obtained by extrapolation. The cumulated risk of seroconversion due to parenteral blood exposure can be calculated as: 1-(1-fp)ny, where f is the population seroprevalence, p the chance of transmission per incident (estimated to be 0.46%), n the number of parenteral exposures per year and y the years of practice. HIV seroprevalence in the surgical patient group was 22.3%. Twelve parenteral exposures to blood (surgeons, n = 8; other personnel, n = 4) took place in 1161 operations. Number of parenteral exposures per surgeon was extrapolated to three per year. The non-dominant index finger was exposed in 10 out of the 12 parenteral exposures. Based on these data, the risk of contracting HIV infection for a surgeon practising in Zambia for 5 years is 1.5%. The risk for a surgeon working in a western hospital when f = 0.23%, n = 20 per year (5.6% of 350 operations) and y = 5 is estimated at 0.1%. Although occupational exposure rate was relatively low, the HIV seroprevalence was so high that the relative cumulated seroconversion risk for surgeons in tropical Africa is estimated to be 15 times higher than in western countries. This implies that health-care organizations should bear in mind that each year one out of 300 employees working in tropical Africa may become occupationally infected with HIV. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Inhibition of the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2 suppresses angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo.
Endothelial cell survival is indispensable to maintain endothelial integrity and initiate new vessel formation. We investigated the role of SHP-2 in endothelial cell survival and angiogenesis in vitro as well as in vivo. SHP-2 function in cultured human umbilical vein and human dermal microvascular endothelial cells was inhibited by either silencing the protein expression with antisense-oligodesoxynucleotides or treatment with a pharmacological inhibitor (PtpI IV). SHP-2 inhibition impaired capillary-like structure formation (p < 0.01; n = 8) in vitro as well as new vessel growth ex vivo(p < 0.05; n = 10) and in vivo in the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (p < 0.01, n = 4). Additionally, SHP-2 knock-down abrogated fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2)-dependent endothelial proliferation measured by MTT reduction (p < 0.01; n = 12). The inhibitory effect of SHP-2 knock-down on vessel growth was mediated by increased endothelial apoptosis (annexin V staining, p < 0.05, n = 9), which was associated with reduced FGF-2-induced phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K), Akt and extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and involved diminished ERK1/2 phosphorylation after PI3-K inhibition (n = 3). These results suggest that SHP-2 regulates endothelial cell survival through PI3-K-Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways thereby strongly affecting new vessel formation. Thus, SHP-2 exhibits a pivotal role in angiogenesis and may represent an interesting target for therapeutic approaches controlling vessel growth. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Polar organometallic strategies for regioselective C-H metallation of N-heterocyclic carbenes.
N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have become indispensable ligands across a broad swathe of the synthetic and catalytic landscape, not in small part due to their ease of electronic and steric tunability. One of the latest additions to this important family of ligands are anionic NHCs, which have become valuable precursors to access abnormal NHC complexes as well as shown great potential for further NHC functionalisation. Deprotonative metallation has emerged as one of the most versatile methodologies to access anionic NHCs, where judicious choice of reaction conditions and metallating agents can finely tune the regioselectivity of the reaction. This Feature Article focuses on the recent emergence of s-block metal-mediated NHC metallations and the new opportunities this methodology offers. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Over-expression of Bcl2-associated athanogene 2 in oral cancer promotes cellular proliferation and is associated with poor prognosis.
The aim of the present study was to state the role of BAG2 in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). Expression data of BAG2 in OSCC tissues were extracted from Oncomine and TCGA database. Expression levels of BAG2 mRNA and protein were examined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot assay. The Kaplan-Meier method was conducted to evaluate the overall survival of OSCC patients. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) strategy was used to confirm the effect of BAG2 expression on proliferative, invasive, migrated capacities of OSCC cells by Cell Counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colon formation assay, wound healing and transwell assay. Our results showed that BAG2 expression was up-regulated in oral squamous cell carcinomas tissues. Compared with OSCC patients with low BAG2 expression, poorer overall survival rate was found in OSCC patients with high BAG2 expression. Furthermore, proliferation, invasion and migration of HO-1-N-1 cells were significantly inhibited because of the knockdown of BAG2. Transfection of si-BAG2 has no impacts on proliferation in HNOEC cells. Inhibition of BAG2 downregulated the expression of relevant proteins, such as proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), c-Myc, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and Vimentin. Additionally, the expression levels of the important protein phosphorylation (p-ERK1/2 and p-MEK) in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway were reduced in HO-1-N-1 cells transfected with si-BAG2. High-regulated BAG2 is related to poor prognosis and could promote proliferation, invasion and migration of OSCC cells by activating the MAPK signaling pathway. Thus, BAG2 may be a potential target for OSCC therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Role of beta-blockers in patients with COPD: current perspective.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by poorly reversible airflow limitation, with an abnormal pulmonary and systemic inflammatory response to tobacco smoking. Systemic inflammation promotes atherosclerosis, to treat the complications of which beta-blockers are paramount. In the COPD setting, however, the use of beta-blockers has been limited by fears that they could adversely affect lung function. However, by controlling adrenergic drive and reducing the heart rate, beta-blockers could reduce the risk of arrhythmias and sudden death among COPD patients. Thus, beta-blocker use is strongly supported by evidence in COPD patients with history of myocardial infarction, but warrants consideration in other cardiovascular comorbidities. Studies specifically designed to ascertain the role of beta-blockers in patients with COPD with cardiovascular conditions are still needed, because the majority of the current evidence is based on retrospective observational studies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A familial disorder with low bone density and renal phosphate wasting.
Hereditary forms of renal phosphate wasting have been studied thoroughly in the past years. X-linked Hypophosphatemic rickets (XLH), autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia (ADHR) and autosomal recessive hypophosphatemic rickets (ARHR) are known genetic disorders in which a disturbance of phosphatonins is a causative factor in the pathogenesis. We describe a comparable but yet undescribed disorder in a family in which a 53 year old man presented with a spontaneous fracture after suffering for years with severe fatigue and musculoskeletal pains. A low serum phosphate was discovered. The two subsequent generations of this family developed the same symptoms but at an earlier age. Almost all family members have been investigated and the majority appears to have low bone density and/or renal phosphate wasting and/or low serum phosphate. Remarkably no rickets was found. No elevation of FGF23 or mutations in the gene encoding FGF23 were found. We believe this is a new familial disorder of bone metabolism and phosphate homeostasis in which a disturbance of bone modulators may play a central role. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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