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Allergic and non-allergic drug hypersensitivity reactions in children.
Adverse drug reactions (ADR) are an important medical problem. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics of children with ADR and to assess the tolerability of alternative drugs in children (under 16 yrs of age) with a history of ADR. We studied 278 children (132 males and 146 females). Patients were studied by recording personal history and performing in vivo skin testing, in vitro laboratory tests and challenge tests. Patients who had experienced mild adverse reactions underwent challenge tests without any premedication; patients with a clinical history of moderate reactions, received a premedication with sodium chromolyn 30 min before the oral challenge; patients with a clinical history of severe reactions or undergoing parenteral challenges, were given an antihistamine 30 minutes before. A total of 660 adverse events were reported with 126 different drugs involved. Antimicrobial agents were the most involved drugs (51.7%). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were involved in 22.7% of episodes. The most reported symptoms were cutaneous. Allergy testing was negative in 272 patients. A diagnosis of drug allergy was reported for 6 patients. A total of 669 challenge tests were performed. 639 were negative at first attempt while 22 were positive. Eight were repeated using a different premedication and resulted negative. Hypersensitivity drug reactions in children are mainly non-allergic. A premedication with sodium cromolyn or with oral H1-antihistamines may be useful in preventing ADR. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparative time-kill study of doxycycline, tigecycline, cefazolin and vancomycin against several clones of Staphylococcus aureus.
We present herein, a comparative study assessing the bactericidal kinetics of tigecycline, doxycycline, cefazolin and vancomycin against several methicllin-susceptible (MSSA) and -resistant (MRSA) Staphylococcus aureus isolates recovered from patients of 24 different cities in Argentina. After genotypic characterization, 20 strains (10 MRSA and 10 MSSA) were selected for time-kill studies. Vancomycin showed bactericidal effect (i.e. ≥3-log(10) CFU/mL decrease) against 50% and 10% of the MRSA strains at 4 x Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and 2xMIC, respectively, after 24 h of incubation and displayed bactericidal activity against all MSSA isolates at 4xMIC. Cefazolin was bactericidal against 30% of MSSA strains at the higher concentration (4xMIC) and against 10% at 2 x MIC and MIC dose concentrations. The bactericidal magnitude of cefazolin observed after 24 h of incubation was lower than the vancomycin one. Albeit bacteriostactic, tigecycline at 2xMIC exerted a -1 to2-log decrease in the viable cell counts after 24-h incubation against 19 of the 20 S. aureus strains. Doxycycline was the least inhibitory of the antibiotics tested against both MRSA and MSSA, displaying no bactericidal activity in any of the cases and showing regrowth after 24 h of incubation at MIC level. Vancomycin at high concentrations showed the best activity. Cefazolin did not show the activity expected for a beta-lactam antibiotic against MSSA. Tigecycline may be a useful option in infections caused by MRSA, where bactericidal activity is not an exclusive requirement and doxycycline does not seem an attractive alternative in serious infections. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Study Probes Burkitt Lymphoma-Malaria Link.
Burkitt lymphoma is unusually common in parts of Africa where malaria is widespread, but the reason for the association has been unclear. A new study suggests that parasitic infection triggers dramatic B-cell proliferation and increased expression of the enzyme activation-induced cytidine deaminase, which generates more potent antibodies-and causes mutations that lead to cancer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Percutaneous implantation technic for a permanent venous access system to the superior vena cava].
A percutaneous implantation technique for permanent transvenous drug delivery systems is described on 2 patients with malignant diseases who needed intravenous administration of cytostatics over many months and had "bad" peripheral veins. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Conformational study of cyclo[D-Trp-D-Asp-Pro-D-Val-Leu], an endothelin-A receptor-selective antagonist.
The conformation of cyclo[D-Trp-D-Asp-Pro-D-Val-Leu], (BQ123), an endothelin-A receptor-selective antagonist, has been studied in 20% acetonitrile in water by CD and NMR spectroscopy. CD studies showed the peptide adopted a similar, constrained conformation in both water alone and 20% acetonitrile in water. NMR spectra showed the proline residue to be in the trans conformation and 2 of the NH protons to exchange slowly with the solvent, indicating hydrogen bonding. Structural constraints derived from the NMR spectra were used to define the conformation in molecular dynamics simulations. A single backbone conformation is observed for the cycle, comprising a beta type II turn and a gamma' turn. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fatal complications of intramuscular and intra-articular injections.
Four fatalities related to intramuscular and intra-articular injections are reported. In two of these cases a Staphylococcus aureus sepsis developed, as a consequence of injections into the left hip joint in one and in the lateral upper quadrant of the gluteal region in the other. The intra-articular injection of triamcinolone produced severe pain, but no marked signs of purulent arthritis were seen at autopsy, probably because of the anti-inflammatory effect of the corticosteroid. A cutaneous infection was seen in the gluteal region of the other patient, but no apparent abscess formation. In another case of intra-articular injection, purulent knee joint arthritis developed after an injection of glucosaminoglycan. The patient died of renal insufficiency, which was probably connected with the treatment of the arthritis with tobramycin and cefuroxim. The fourth case was that of a mentally ill patient who suffered sudden cardiac arrest after an intramuscular injection of chlorpromazine, but with no apparent signs of an anaphylactic reaction. It is suggested that vasodilatation and drop in blood pressure caused by the chlorpromazine could have had some effect, while cardiotoxicity of other psychotropic drugs with which he had been treated cannot be ruled out. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Session-intersession sequences in the treatment of chronic anorexic-bulimic patients: following the model of "family games".
In this article, the author presents some technical aspects of a psychotherapeutic approach for treating chronic anorectic patients. Two basic principles underlie the approach. First, the main purpose of the treatment is to improve the patient's relational skills in order to enable her to cope with her family's "game". Second, the therapeutic relationship is considered hierarchically subordinate to her relationships outside the therapeutic context. Mastering the model of families with anorectics is essential if the therapist is to be consistent with these principles. Specialized training in verbal and nonverbal communication is considered a useful tool. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
High displacement sensitivity in asymmetric plasmonic nanostructures.
The strong couplings between two asymmetric plasmonic nanostructures can lead to ultra-sensitive optical responses when their separation changes. We employ electromagnetic numerical simulations to study the displacement sensitivity of two kinds of plasmonic systems: (1) a split-ring resonator and a metal rod; (2) two metal rods of asymmetric lengths. Structural asymmetry makes antiparallel current interactions possible and greatly enhances the sensitivity to 5%/nm for normalized frequency changes and 29%/nm for normalized transmittance changes. These are the highest displacement sensitivity among all physical systems investigated so far. In addition, we also find that these systems display a universal scaling curve independent of their shapes or dimensions. These asymmetric plasmonic nanostructures will open widespread applications from strain mapping, surface wave or heat wave imaging, optomechanical sensing, to environmental detections. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Lung biopsy in diffuse interstitial lung disease (simple technique).
A simple, safe, easily reproducible and quick method of taking lung biopsy in diffuse interstitial lung disease is described. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, internal consistency and validation of the Spinal Function Sort (SFS) for French- and German-speaking patients with back complaints.
Functional subjective evaluation through questionnaire is fundamental, but not often realized in patients with back complaints, lacking validated tools. The Spinal Function Sort (SFS) was only validated in English. We aimed to translate, adapt and validate the French (SFS-F) and German (SFS-G) versions of the SFS. Three hundred and forty-four patients, experiencing various back complaints, were recruited in a French (n = 87) and a German-speaking (n = 257) center. Construct validity was estimated via correlations with SF-36 physical and mental scales, pain intensity and hospital anxiety and depression scales (HADS). Scale homogeneities were assessed by Cronbach's α. Test-retest reliability was assessed on 65 additional patients using intraclass correlation (IC). For the French and German translations, respectively, α were 0.98 and 0.98; IC 0.98 (95% CI: [0.97; 1.00]) and 0.94 (0.90; 0.98). Correlations with physical functioning were 0.63 (0.48; 0.74) and 0.67 (0.59; 0.73); with physical summary 0.60 (0.44; 0.72) and 0.52 (0.43; 0.61); with pain -0.33 (-0.51; -0.13) and -0.51 (-0.60; -0.42); with mental health -0.08 (-0.29; 0.14) and 0.25 (0.13; 0.36); with mental summary 0.01 (-0.21; 0.23) and 0.28 (0.16; 0.39); with depression -0.26 (-0.45; -0.05) and -0.42 (-0.52; -0.32); with anxiety -0.17 (-0.37; -0.04) and -0.45 (-0.54; -0.35). Reliability was excellent for both languages. Convergent validity was good with SF-36 physical scales, moderate with VAS pain. Divergent validity was low with SF-36 mental scales in both translated versions and with HADS for the SFS-F (moderate in SFS-G). Both versions seem to be valid and reliable for evaluating perceived functional capacity in patients with back complaints. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The key role of records in a production medicine practice.
The needs of dairy farmers for veterinary assistance have changed and are still changing. It appears that many future opportunities in dairy practice will involve active consultation on herd management factors. The ability to evaluate herd records will be crucial to this effort. This article discusses organizing and then utilizing a production medicine program based on systematic records analysis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Normalization of 2-week postoperative parathyroid hormone values in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: four-gland exploration compared to focused-approach surgery.
Elevation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels is commonly seen in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) who have undergone parathyroidectomy. This study evaluates differences in 2-week postoperative PTH levels in patients having focused-approach surgery versus four-gland exploration. Over 6 years, patients at Rhode Island Hospital (RIH) and the Cleveland Clinic (CCF) who had PHPT and underwent localization studies suggestive of single adenoma were analyzed. At RIH patients underwent focused-approach surgery, and at CCF routine four-gland exploration was performed. Postoperative calcium supplementation was routine at RIH and selective at CCF. There were 308 patients at RIH and 370 at CCF. They were similar in age (59.2 +/- 13.0 years at RIH and 60.4 +/- 12.9 years at CCF), and sex (76.9 and 80.0% female at RIH and CCF, respectively). The mean preoperative serum calcium measured 10.9 +/- 0.7 mg/dl at RIH and 11.1 +/- 0.7 mg/dl at CCF (P < 0.001). Preoperative PTH values were similar, measuring 143.8 +/- 104.8 pg/ml in the focused-approach group (RIH) and 157.6 +/- 150.3 pg/ml in the four-gland exploration group (CCF). Preoperative 25-hydroxyvitamin D (vitamin D-25) levels were 24.1 +/- 12.0 ng/ml at RIH and 27.4 +/- 10.6 ng/ml at CCF; and the prevalence of vitamin D-25 deficiency (level <20 ng/ml) was 43.9% at RIH and 27% at CCF (P = 0.017). The proportion of patients whose intraoperative PTH value dropped by >or=50% prior to completion of surgery was 95.0% at RIH and 95.5% at CCF. The total gland weight resected per patient was 942 mg at RIH versus 1,394 mg at CCF (P = 0.003). The 2-week postoperative serum PTH was >65 pg/ml in 18.8% at RIH and in 38.7% at CCF (P < 0.001). The 2-week postoperative serum calcium values dropped to 9.2 +/- 0.6 mg/dl at RIH and to 9.5 +/- 0.8 mg/dl at CCF (P < 0.001). The incidence of multigland disease was 5.8% at RIH and 21.9% at CCF (P <or= 0.001). Among patients with PHPT who underwent a localizing study indicating unilateral disease, a significant proportion had eucalcemic PTH elevation 2 weeks after parathyroidectomy. The elevation was more frequent in the four-gland exploration group and correlated most strongly with greater adenoma mass. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Uveal blood flow after 360 degrees constriction in the rabbit.
We evaluated the effect of scleral buckling procedures on uveal blood flow in rabbits by injection of microspheres labeled with strontium 85. Cerclage reduced both anterior and posterior uveal blood flow, and removing the cerclage returned the blood flow to normal. Sham cerclage and local scleral buckle did not decrease blood flow. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In vitro cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, reactive oxygen species and cell cycle arrest studies of novel ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes towards A549 lung cancer cell line.
Ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes have displayed some promising biological responses against a variety of cancers and have emerged as a potential candidate that can show significant antitumor activity. Three ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes were biologically evaluated in vitro against the A549 cancer cell line. The complexes were selected based on initial DNA intercalation studies and MTT viability screening and were selected based on the most promising candidates, the [Ru(bpy)2o-CPIP].2PF6 (complex 1), [Ru(phen)2o-CPIP].2PF6 (complex 2) and [Ru(biq)2o-CPIP].2PF6 (complex 3). Confocal cellular uptake studies confirmed the intracellular transport of complexes into A549. Cytoplasmic and the nucleic accumulation of the complex 1 and 2 was seen while no fluorescent microscopy was performed for complex 3 due to instrumental limitations. Cellular cytotoxicity was investigated with the aid of the Alamar blue assay. The complexes displayed concentration and time dependent inhibitory effects yielding IC50 values from 5.00 to 32.75 µM. Complex 1 exhibit highest cytotoxicity with IC50 value of 5.00 ± 1.24 µM. All of the complexes have shown a significant effect in the reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Finally, the complexes have shown a transient effect on the cell cycle by arresting it at G0/G1 phase except for complex 2 [Ru(phen)2o-CPIP].2PF6 which has shown the significant G0/G1 arrest. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of low-volume hemoglobin glutamer-200 versus normal saline and arginine vasopressin resuscitation on systemic and skeletal muscle blood flow and oxygenation in a canine hemorrhagic shock model.
To test the hypothesis that low-volume resuscitation with hemoglobin glutamer-200 improves hemodynamic function and tissue oxygenation, whereas arginine vasopressin resuscitation improves blood pressures more than low-volume saline or hemoglobin glutamer infusion but compromises systemic and muscle blood flow and oxygenation. Randomized laboratory investigation. University research facility. Nineteen dogs. Dogs were instrumented to determine heart rate; arterial, central venous, pulmonary arterial, and pulmonary arterial occlusion pressures; cardiac output; and quadriceps muscle blood flow and oxygen tension (PMo2). Total and plasma hemoglobin, oxygen content, lactate, pH, standard base excess, and arginine vasopressin levels were determined, and systemic oxygen delivery (Do2I) and extraction ratio were calculated. Measurements were made before and 30 mins following hemorrhage. Dogs were resuscitated over 60 mins with saline (8.5 mL/kg), arginine vasopressin (0.4 IU/kg bolus plus 0.08 IU x kg x min), or 1:1 diluted hemoglobin glutamer-200. Recordings were then repeated. Subsequently, animals received 30 mL/kg shed blood (60 mL x kg x hr), and recordings were repeated immediately and 1 hr later. Hemorrhage ( approximately 52 mL/kg) caused characteristic changes in hemodynamic, hematologic, systemic PMo2, and acid-base variables. Saline resuscitation increased both Do2I and muscle perfusion by 42% and 51%, while arginine vasopressin treatment reduced heart rate by 31% and increased mean arterial pressure by 22% but not cardiac output, Do2I, or muscle blood flow, resulting in a further decrease of PMo2 by 68% and worse metabolic acidosis. Hemoglobin glutamer-200 infusion caused systemic and pulmonary vasoconstriction, however, without deterioration of cardiac output, Do2I, muscle blood flow, or PMo2 despite lack of oxygen content increase. Blood transfusion restored most variables. Low-volume crystalloid or hemoglobin glutamer-200 resuscitation posthemorrhage may improve (but not restore) macro- and microvascular functions and tissue oxygenation, while arginine vasopressin infusion may only improve blood pressures and result in lower overall systemic perfusion compared with low-volume saline or hemoglobin glutamer-200 treatment and worsening of anaerobic conditions in skeletal muscle. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Age-related changes in P2 receptor mRNA of rat cerebral arteries.
Aging alters the vascular response to extracellular nucleotides. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie the effect of aging remain unclear. We investigated the mRNA expression of P2X(1), P2Y(1), P2Y(2) subtypes of the nucleotide receptors (P2) in the basilar artery, aorta and carotid artery from male Sprague-Dawley rats, 2-months and 19-months old. In the basilar arteries of 19-month old rats, as compared to the 2-month old rats, the P2X(1) receptor transcripts were reduced and the P2Y(1) and P2Y(2) receptor mRNA was increased. In the aorta and carotid arteries, P2Y(1) receptor mRNA was decreased in the 19-month old rats when compared to the 2-month old rats. There were no marked changes of P2X(1) and P2Y(2) receptor mRNA between the two age groups in the aorta or carotid artery. In endothelial cells, P2Y(1) and P2Y(2) receptor mRNA was reduced with age. We concluded that, down-regulation of P2X(1) and up-regulation of P2Y(1), P2Y(2) receptor mRNA in smooth muscle cells and down-regulation of P2Y(1) and P2Y(2) receptor mRNA on vascular endothelial cells might underlie the changes of cerebral vascular tone in aging. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Successful treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis with allopurinol after failure of treatment with ketoconazole.
Treatment of persistent leishmaniasis with oral agents has received increasing attention, although the optimal agent for use in all settings has not been determined. This report describes a patient with persistent cutaneous infection due to Leishmania mexicana mexicana who apparently responded to therapy with allopurinol after treatment with a course of ketoconazole failed. In vitro testing of pre- and posttreatment isolates from the wound did not demonstrate the development of resistance to ketoconazole. To our knowledge, this is the first report that independently confirms the recently reported efficacy of allopurinol for treatment of leishmaniasis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Apparent competition and enemy-free space in insect host-parasitoid communities.
Apparent competition is indirect competition between two or more victim species that share a natural enemy, caused by that enemy's numerical response. We review empirical examples of apparent competition in phytophagous insect hosts attacked by polyphagous parasitoids and develop models of apparent competition in host-parasitoid systems. Apparent competition is particularly likely in insect assemblages because parasitoids can limit their hosts to levels at which resource competition is unimportant. A consideration of both equilibrium and nonequilibrium models in which polyphagous parasitoids impose significant mortality on their hosts suggests that the most common outcome is the exclusion of all but one host species, which generates dynamic monophagy (i.e., a single host species persisting with a potentially polyphagous parasitoid). A crisp criterion for dominance in apparent competition is that the winning host supports the highest parasitoid density. We conclude that it is difficult for alternative hosts to coexist when the sole regulatory factor is a shared parasitoid. Yet in nature, coexisting hosts frequently do share parasitoids. We examine several mechanisms promoting host coexistence, including donor-controlled parasitoid dynamics, additional sources of host density dependence (e.g., resource limitation), spatial and temporal refuges, trophic web structure, and labile parasitoid behavior. Elucidating the mechanisms permitting the coexistence of host species confronted by effective polyphagous parasitoids deserves more attention from experimental field ecologists. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Multiparity, age and overweight/obesity as risk factors for urinary incontinence in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Multiparity, age and high body mass index (BMI) are the most widely investigated factors associated with urinary incontinence (UI) during pregnancy. We hypothesized that multiparity, age 35 years or older and high BMI (prepregnancy and during pregnancy) are risk factors for the occurrence of UI in pregnant women. Searches were done on MEDLINE/PubMed (1966-2017), LILACS/BIREME (1982-2017), CINAHL/Ebsco (1981-2017) and Scopus/Elsevier (1950-2017). The following criteria were used for study eligibility: (1) population: low-risk pregnant women in any trimester and without age restriction; (2) exposure factors: multiparity (≥ 2 deliveries), age 35 years or older and high BMI (overweight and obesity); (3) outcome: UI during pregnancy; (4) study design: cohort, case-control or cross-sectional studies that used multivariate logistic analysis. Two independent reviewers performed the entire systematic review process. Data extraction of each article was done and, when possible, included in a meta-analysis. Risk of study bias was assessed by NOS and quality of evidence by GRADE. A significance level of p ≤ 0.05 was adopted. The PROSPERO registration number was CRD42014013193. Of 1176 articles identified through searches, 13 were included after screening and application of eligibility criteria. Very low quality of evidence shows that multiparity (OR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.07 to 4.08), age 35 years or older (OR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.45 to 1.62) and overweight and obesity during pregnancy (OR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.28 to 1.83) are risk factors for UI in pregnancy. The exposure factors investigated are risk factors for UI in pregnancy based on a very low quality of evidence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
When risk factors combine: the interaction between alcohol and smoking for aerodigestive cancer, coronary heart disease, and traffic and fire injury.
Alcohol and tobacco are responsible for a significant amount of burden of disease, but some diseases may be a result of the interaction between these two risk factors. Systematic literature review identified articles on the interaction of alcohol and smoking on a number of outcomes related to both risk behaviours. The interaction of smoking and alcohol significantly increases risk for aerodigestive cancers, and may increase risk for traffic injury and fire injury, but there were very few quality studies on injury. The indication that the cardioprotective effect of alcohol on coronary heart disease is only valid for smokers, but this result is inconclusive because of small evidence base. The interaction between smoking and alcohol consumption seems to be responsible for a significant amount of disease. Unfortunately, little is known on the mechanisms and details of this interaction on disease outcomes. Future studies, especially for coronary heart disease and injury outcomes, are warranted. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparative genomic hybridization reveals novel chromosome deletions in 90 primary soft tissue tumors.
Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) was used to detect chromosomal gains and losses in a series of 90 frozen soft tissue primary tumors (STTs), all untreated. The material consisted of 69 malignant sarcomas, including 20 malignant fibrous histiocytomas (MFH), 23 liposarcomas (LPS), 6 leiomyosarcomas (LMS), 4 synovial sarcomas, 4 primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs), and various others subtypes, in addition to 21 benign tumors. Within the benign tumors, only 2 of the 3 schwannomas showed genetic changes. In malignant sarcomas, genetic changes were detected in 64 of the 69 samples analyzed (92%), with a mean of 4.5 per sample (range 0-10). Gains and losses on chromosome 13 were observed in 32% of the sarcomas with genomic imbalance. Recurring low-level copy number increases were found at new sites on chromosomes 7 (6 MFH samples, 30%) and 8 (10 LPS samples, 43%), the minimal common regions being 7p15-pter and 8q24. No new recurring high-level amplifications were found. Surprisingly, losses of DNA sequences were more frequent than gains; particularly, losses were the main feature in LMS, with highly recurrent common minimal losses at 11q14-qter and 13q21-q22 (4 samples, 66%, and 5 samples, 83%, respectively). Losses of chromosome 2 sequences (minimal common regions at 2p24-pter and 2q32-qter) were observed in 50% of the MFH analyzed. New recurrent losses of whole or part of chromosome 14 were found in 57% of the pleomorphic LPS (PLPS) analyzed. This study uncovers new clues for the diagnosis of malignant STTs and shows the importance of deletions as events in the early steps involved in the tumorigenesis of STTs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The measurement of coevolution in the wild.
Coevolution has long been thought to drive the exaggeration of traits, promote major evolutionary transitions such as the evolution of sexual reproduction and influence epidemiological dynamics. Despite coevolution's long suspected importance, we have yet to develop a quantitative understanding of its strength and prevalence because we lack generally applicable statistical methods that yield numerical estimates for coevolution's strength and significance in the wild. Here, we develop a novel method that derives maximum likelihood estimates for the strength of direct pairwise coevolution by coupling a well-established coevolutionary model to spatially structured phenotypic data. Applying our method to two well-studied interactions reveals evidence for coevolution in both systems. Broad application of this approach has the potential to further resolve long-standing evolutionary debates such as the role species interactions play in the evolution of sexual reproduction and the organisation of ecological communities. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Characteristics of 273 strains of Brucella abortus of African origin].
273 Brucella strains from Africa have been examined for identification and typing in our laboratory, since 1976. Of these, 213 were isolated from Senegal, 30 from Togo, 12 from Morocco, 10 from Rwanda, 7 from Guinea Bissau and 1 from Niger. 272 strains were from cattle. Most of them (260) were from native animals that showed hygromas. 12 strains from Morocco were isolated from aborted calves of the "Pie Noire" dairy breed. One strain was from a human case of Brucellosis in Rwanda. All the strains were classified as members of B. abortus species by the recommended methods of the Subcommittee on Taxonomy of the genus. Of them, 269--including the human strain--were biotype 3/6. The others--2 from Morocco, 1 from Senegal and 1 from Rwanda--were biotype 1. Comment is needless about the 12 strains isolated from imported "Pie Noire" cattle. Their characteristics are identical with those of the B. abortus same biotypes isolated out of Africa. On the other hand, three unusual characteristics distinguish the 260 strains from native cattle and the human one from the main group of B. abortus: their growth characteristics, their mean oxidative profile and--for 219 of them--a negative oxidase test. The unusual behaviour of native B. abortus strains is discussed from an epidemiological and taxonomical point of view. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Spatial distributions and chemical properties of PM2.5 based on 21 field campaigns at 17 sites in China.
Severe air pollution and its associated health impacts have become one of the major concerns in China. A detailed analysis of PM2.5 chemical compositions is critical for optimizing pollution control measures. In this study, daily 24-h bulk filter samples were collected and analyzed for totally 21 field campaigns at 17 sites in China between 2008 and 2013. The 17 sites were classified into four groups including six urban sites, seven regional sites, two coastal sites in four fast developing regions of China (i.e. Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta and Sichuan Basin), and two ship cruise measurements covered the East China Sea and Yellow Sea of China. The high average concentrations of PM2.5 and the occurrences of extreme cases at most sites imply the widespread air pollution in China. Fine particles were largely composed of organic matter and secondary inorganic species at most sites. High correlation between the temporal trends of PM2.5 and secondary species of urban and regional sites highlights the uniformly distributed air pollutants within one region. Secondary inorganic species were the dominant contributors to the high PM2.5 concentration in Northern China. However in Southern China, the relative contributions of different chemical species kept constant as PM2.5 increased. This study provides us a better understanding of the current state of air pollution in diversified Chinese cities. Analysis of chemical signatures of PM2.5 could be a strong support for model validation and emission control strategy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Detection of cardioembolic sources with echocardiography.
Cerebral ischemic events remain a common cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Although the majority of patients with strokes have cerebrovascular disease, up to 20% of stroke patients have a cardioembolic source, especially younger patients or those with associated cardiac disease. TTE offers limited potential for identifying a cardioembolic source. In contrast, TEE is superior in detecting most cardioembolic sources and should be considered in stroke patients in whom there is a high clinical suspicion for a cardiac source of embolus and whose TTE is technically difficult or negative (Table 3). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evaluation of procedures for detaching particle-associated microbes from forage and concentrate incubated in Rusitec fermenters: efficiency of recovery and representativeness of microbial isolates.
Three detachment procedures (DP) were evaluated for their ability to remove particle-associated microbes from digesta in Rusitec fermenters fed a 30:70 alfalfa hay:concentrate diet. Forage and concentrate were incubated in separate nylon bags, and incubation residues were treated independently. Microbial biomass was labeled with (15)NH(4)Cl. Treatments were 1) MET: residues were incubated at 38 degrees C for 15 min with saline solution (0.9% NaCl) containing 0.1% methylcellulose with continuous shaking; 2) STO: residues were mixed with cold saline solution and homogenized with a stomacher for 5 min at 230 revolutions per min; and 3) FRE: residues were immediately frozen at -20 degrees C for 72 h, thawed at 4 degrees C, mixed with saline solution, and subjected to STO procedure. Common to all treatments was storing at 4 degrees C for 24 h after the treatment, homogenization, filtration, and resuspension of residues 2 times in the treatment solutions. Microbial pellets were obtained by centrifugation, and microbial removal was estimated indirectly by measuring removal of (15)N. The PCR-single-stranded conformation polymorphism analysis of the 16S ribosomal DNA was used to analyze the similarity between microbial communities attached to the substrate and those in the pellet obtained after each DP. There were no feed x DP interactions (P = 0.16 to 0.96) for any variable, except for N content in microbial pellets (P = 0.02). Detaching efficiency (P = 0.004) and total recovery (P = 0.01) were affected by DP, with STO showing the greatest values (mean values across substrates of 64.1% for detaching efficiency and 58.3% for total recovery) and MET the least values (57.0 and 51.8%). Similarity index between the microbes attached to substrates and those in the pellets were affected (P = 0.02) by DP, with MET showing greater (P < 0.02) values (84.0 and 86.4% for forage and concentrate, respectively) than FRE (72.5 and 67.8%) and STO having intermediate values (77.1 and 82.4%). There were no differences (P = 0.70) among particle-associated microbe pellets in their N content, but MET pellets had greater (P < 0.05) (15)N enrichments than those obtained by STO and FRE. Although STO was the most effective method to detach ruminal microbes from concentrate and forage, MET produced pellets with the greatest similarity to the microbial communities attached to the substrates and therefore could be considered the most appropriate DP method for treating digesta from Rusitec fermenters. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dietary trans fatty acids modulate erythrocyte membrane fatty acyl composition and insulin binding in monkeys.
The substitution of trans- for half of the cis-monounsaturated fatty acids in the diet of Macaca fasicularis monkeys resulted in alterations in erythrocyte fatty acid composition and insulin receptor properties but not in membrane fluidity. Both cis and trans diets contained 10% fat and similar fatty acid compositions, except that approximately 50% of the cis-octadecenoate (c-18:1) in the cis diet was replaced with trans-octadecenoate isomers (t-18:1) in the trans diet. Compared with the cis diet, the trans diet resulted in the incorporation of approximately 11% t-18:1, an approximately 50% decrease in c-18:1, an approximately 16% decrease in total saturated fatty acids, and an approximately 20% increase in 18:2(n-6) in erythrocyte membrane lipids. The increase in 18:2(n-6) may reflect on homeostatic mechanisms designed to maintain overall membrane fluidity, as no diet-related changes in fluidity were observed with diphenylhexatriene steady state fluorescence polarization. Values observed for insulin binding and insulin receptor number were higher and binding affinity was lower in monkeys fed the cis diet. In the absence of an effect on overall membrane fluidity, altered receptor activity suggests that insulin receptor activity is dynamic, requiring specific fluid membrane subdomains or highly specific fatty acid-protein interactions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The SCID mouse as a vehicle to study autoimmunity.
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) injected into severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) mice continue to secrete human immunoglobulin and respond to immunization with recall antigens. PBMC for patients with autoimmune diseases produce autoantibodies of the same specificities but at lower levels compared to the donor. SCID recipients of patients' PBMC fail to develop clinical disease although some histological lesions suggestive of autoimmunity have been reported. Transfer of autoimmunity from rodents to SCID mice has been successful in some instances. Despite obstacles related to limited survival and varying degrees of graft vs host disease (GVHD), SCID mice should prove to be a useful vehicle to explore autoantibody regulation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Leptospirosis: a zoonotic disease of global importance.
In the past decade, leptospirosis has emerged as a globally important infectious disease. It occurs in urban environments of industrialised and developing countries, as well as in rural regions worldwide. Mortality remains significant, related both to delays in diagnosis due to lack of infrastructure and adequate clinical suspicion, and to other poorly understood reasons that may include inherent pathogenicity of some leptospiral strains or genetically determined host immunopathological responses. Pulmonary haemorrhage is recognised increasingly as a major, often lethal, manifestation of leptospirosis, the pathogenesis of which remains unclear. The completion of the genome sequence of Leptospira interrogans serovar lai, and other continuing leptospiral genome sequencing projects, promise to guide future work on the disease. Mainstays of treatment are still tetracyclines and beta-lactam/cephalosporins. No vaccine is available. Prevention is largely dependent on sanitation measures that may be difficult to implement, especially in developing countries. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Primary well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor of the filum terminale. Case report and literature review.
To present a case of a well-differentiated primary intradural-extramedullary neuroendocrine tumor of the filum terminale and to conduct a literature review. A 68-years old patient was assessed after presenting lower back pain and sciatica with ineffective pain relief. The patient presented an intradural-extramedullary lumbar lesion arising from the filum terminale, which was partially resected. The pathology diagnosis was a well-differentiated primary neuroendocrine tumor (carcinoid tumor). After a multidisciplinary evaluation, fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy was administered. No progression or metastatic spread was observed in successive assessments. Neuroendocrine tumors are heterogeneous neoplasms derived predominantly from enterochromaffin cells, in which chemotherapy plays a very limited role. In contrast, radiotherapy has been described in partially resected lesions. Well-differentiated primary neuroendocrine tumors with intradural-extramedullary lumbosacral location are an exceptional rarity. Isolated surgical resection, or associated with an adjuvant radiotherapy treatment in subtotal resections, could be considered an effective therapeutic strategy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Infection Prevention Practices in Japan, Thailand, and the United States: Results From National Surveys.
Numerous evidence-based practices for preventing device-associated infections are available, yet the extent to which these practices are regularly used in acute care hospitals across different countries has not been compared, to our knowledge. Data from hospital surveys conducted in Japan, the United States, and Thailand in 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively, were evaluated to determine the use of recommended practices to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). The outcomes were the percentage of hospitals reporting regular use (a score of 4 or 5 on a scale from 1 [never use] to 5 [always use]) of each practice across countries and identified hospital characteristics associated with the use of selected practices in each country. Survey response rates were 71% in Japan and the United States and 87% in Thailand. A majority of hospitals in Japan (76.6%), Thailand (63.2%), and the United States (97.8%) used maximum barrier precautions for preventing CLABSI and semirecumbent positioning to prevent VAP (66.2% for Japan, 86.7% for Thailand, and 98.7% for the United States). Nearly all hospitals (>90%) in Thailand and the United States reported monitoring CLABSI, VAP, and CAUTI rates, whereas in Japan only CLABSI rates were monitored by a majority of hospitals. Regular use of CAUTI prevention practices was variable across the 3 countries, with only a few practices adopted by >50% of hospitals. A majority of hospitals in Japan, Thailand, and the United States have adopted certain practices to prevent CLABSI and VAP. Opportunities for targeting prevention activities and reducing device-associated infection risk in hospitals exist across all 3 countries. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Performance and outcome of pelvic exenteration for gynecologic malignancies: A population-based study.
To examine changes in performance and outcomes of pelvic exenteration for gynecologic malignancies. This is a population-based retrospective study examining the Nationwide Inpatient Sample between 2001 and 2015. Women with cervical, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar malignancies who underwent pelvic exenteration were examined. Comorbidity, perioperative complications, total charges, length of stay, and mortality were assessed. There were 2647 cases included. Cervical cancer was the most common malignancy (45.1%), followed by vaginal cancer (27.6%). 26.9% of women had a Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥3, which significantly increased from 23.3% in 2001-2005 to 33.3% in 2011-2015 (42.9% relative increase, P < 0.001). Obese women undergoing exenteration increased significantly from 4.5% in 2001-2005 to 19.4% in 2011-2015 (3.3-fold relative increase, P < 0.001). The perioperative complication rate was 68.1%, including 38.7% with multiple complications. The mortality rate was 1.9%. The number of women with multiple perioperative complications increased from 29.4% in 2001-2005 to 52.8% in 2011-2015 (78.6% relative increase, P < 0.001). More recent year of surgery, obesity, higher comorbidity, higher household income, surgery at large bedsize hospital, urinary diversion, vaginal reconstruction, and vulvar cancer were associated with an increased risk of multiple complications on multivariable analysis (all, P < 0.05). Median length of stay was 14 (IQR 9-21) days, and the number of women hospitalized ≥28 days significantly increased from 12.6% in 2001-2005 to 19.1% in 2011-2015 (51.6% relative increase, P < 0.001). The median corrected total charges increased from $121,854 to $185,100 between 2001 and 2015 (net difference +$63,246, 51.9% relative increase, P < 0.001). Women undergoing pelvic exenteration for gynecologic malignancies became more obese and comorbid during the study period. Pelvic exenteration for women with gynecologic malignancies is associated with high morbidity and mortality as well as substantial treatment-related costs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Waiting times. Catch up, keep up.
Trusts vary greatly on their progress in achieving waiting-list targets, particularly for 2005. A study of trusts with a range of performances identified four key criteria: information use, managerial focus, capacity and long-term efficiency. Actions that help a trust 'catch up' rarely help them 'keep up; strategies may need to change once waiting lists have fallen markedly. Flexibility, forward planning and 'expecting the unexpected' are characteristics of successful trusts. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Maternal-foetal status of copper, iron, molybdenum, selenium and zinc in obese gestational diabetic pregnancies.
Obesity is well known to be a contributory risk factor for several disease states, including diabetes mellitus. Paucity of data on maternal-foetal status of essential trace elements in obese diabetic pregnancies prompted us to undertake this study. Maternal venous and umbilical arterial and venous blood samples were collected from obese gestational diabetic patients (Body Mass Index (BMI) >30) and control obese pregnant women (BMI>30) at time of spontaneous delivery or caesarean sections and concentrations of essential trace elements such as Cu, Fe, Mo, Se and Zn were determined in various samples by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and total antioxidant (TAO) in maternal and umbilical blood were assessed using appropriate reagent kits. Maternal-foetal disposition and exchange parameters of elements studied were assessed using established criteria. Concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mo, Se and Zn in serum of control obese pregnant women (n=10) averaged 2404, 2663, 11.0, 89.0 and 666 microg/l respectively, while in the obese diabetic group (n=11), the corresponding values averaged 2441, 2580, 13.3, 85.1 and 610 microg/l respectively. Activities of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, GPX and TAO were not significantly different in maternal veins of control and diabetic groups. Varying differences were noted in the case of antioxidant enzyme activities in umbilical blood samples of control and study groups. We conclude that obesity is not associated with significant alterations in antioxidant enzyme status in gestational diabetes and only with relatively minor alterations in status of some essential trace elements. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hypoxia‑mediated activation of autophagic flux inhibits apoptosis of keratinocytes via blocking tumor necrosis factor‑related apoptosis‑inducing ligand.
Tumor necrosis factor‑related apoptosis‑inducing ligand (TRAIL) is toxic against transformed tumor cells. Cornification is the terminal differentiation of keratinocytes and a specific form of programmed cell death caused by TRAIL that occurs in keratinocytes. Apoptosis can also be triggered when TRAIL induces expression of keratinocyte differentiation markers. The present study reported that hypoxia inhibits TRAIL‑induced apoptosis due to autophagic flux. It is well known that hypoxia activates autophagy in keratinocytes and reduces p62 protein levels. The present study demonstrated that hypoxia inhibited TRAIL‑mediated apoptosis and induced autophagic flux in HaCaT cells. In addition, autophagic flux‑inactivating reagents, including 3‑methyladenine and chloroquine, increased the TRAIL sensitivity of HaCaT cells exposed to hypoxia. In conclusion, these results indicated that inactivating autophagy increased TRAIL sensitivity in hypoxic HaCaT cells. Autophagy inhibitors may be beneficial in therapies using TRAIL against skin cancers. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Coupled effects of mass transfer and uptake kinetics on in vivo microdialysis of dopamine.
Voltammetric microelectrodes and microdialysis probes were used simultaneously to monitor extracellular dopamine in rat striatum during electrical stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle. Microelectrodes were placed far away (1 mm) from, immediately adjacent to, and at the outlet of microdialysis probes. In drug-naive rats, electrical stimulation (45 Hz, 25 s) evoked a robust response at microelectrodes far away from the probes, but there was no response at microelectrodes adjacent to and at the outlet of the probes. After nomifensine administration (20 mg/kg i.p.), stimulation evoked robust responses at all three microelectrode placements. These results demonstrate first that evoked release in tissue adjacent to microdialysis probes is suppressed in comparison with evoked release in tissue far away from the probes and second that equilibration of the dopamine concentration in the extracellular fluid adjacent to and far away from the probes is prevented by the high-affinity dopamine transporter. Hence, models of microdialysis, which assume the properties of tissue to be spatially uniform, require modification to account for the distance that separates viable sites of evoked dopamine release from the probe. We introduce new mass transfer resistance parameters that qualitatively explain the observed effects of uptake inhibition on stimulation responses recorded with microdialysis and voltammetry. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Factor analysis of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale in a family study of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Our objective in this study was to determine whether symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) cluster into groups that can usefully subclassify OCD. Psychiatrists or psychologists interviewed 221 subjects using the Lifetime Anxiety Version of the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (SADS-LA) for the diagnosis of DSM-IV disorders, and the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) for OCD symptoms. We analyzed 16 symptom categories from the Y-BOCS using exploratory factor analysis to identify latent symptom dimensions. The relationship between these symptom dimensions and clinical characteristics and familiality was investigated. A four-factor model emerged as the best classification of OCD symptoms in the Y-BOCS. These factors were labeled Pure Obsessions, Contamination, Symmetry/Order, and Hoarding. The contamination factor was least likely to be associated with other Axis I disorders. Whereas no significant relationship was found between the factor scores of probands and the presence of OCD in their first-degree relatives, the Symmetry/Order and Hoarding factors did breed true. Hoarding was found to predict poorer treatment response. A four-factor classification of OCD features best describes the symptom patterns of a sample of patients with OCD. There were specific clinical correlates for these factors, and significant intrafamilial sib-sib correlations were found for the Symmetry/Order and Hoarding factors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The relationship of CD16 (Leu-11) and Leu-19 (NKH-1) antigen expression on human peripheral blood NK cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
We examined the antigenic and functional characteristics of human peripheral blood lymphocytes that differentially express the CD16 (Leu-11) and Leu-19 (NKH-1) antigens. Leu-19 is a approximately 220,000 daltons protein expressed on approximately 15% of freshly isolated peripheral blood lymphocytes. Within the Leu-19+ subset, three distinct populations were identified: CD3-,CD16+,Leu-19+ cells; CD3+,CD16-,Leu-19+ cells; and CD3-,CD16-,Leu-19bright+ cells. Both the CD3+,CD16-,Leu-19+ and CD3-,CD16+,Leu-19+ populations mediated non-major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted cytotoxicity against the NK-sensitive tumor cell K562 and were large granular lymphocytes. CD3-,CD16+,Leu-19+ NK cells were the most abundant (comprising approximately 10% of peripheral blood lymphocytes) and the most efficient cytotoxic effectors. The finding that CD3+,Leu 19+ lymphocytes mediated cytotoxicity against K562 unequivocally demonstrates that a unique subset of non-MHC-restricted cytotoxic CD3+ T lymphocytes are present in the peripheral blood of unprimed, normal individuals. However, CD3+,CD16-,Leu-19+ cells comprised less than 5% of peripheral blood lymphocytes, and the cytotoxic activity of this subset was significantly less than CD3-,CD16+,Leu-19+ NK cells. Most CD3+,Leu-19+ T cells co-expressed the CD2, CD8, and CD5 differentiation antigens. The antigenic and functional phenotype of peripheral blood CD3+,Leu-19+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes corresponds to the interleukin 2-dependent CD3+ cell lines that mediate non-MHC-restricted cytotoxicity against NK-sensitive tumor cell targets. A small population of Leu-19bright+ lymphocytes lacking both CD3 and CD16 was also observed. This population (comprising less than 2% of peripheral blood lymphocytes) contained both large agranular lymphocytes and large granular lymphocytes. CD3-,CD16-,Leu-19bright+ lymphocytes also mediate non-MHC-restricted cytotoxicity. The relationship of these CD3-CD16-,Leu-19bright+ lymphocytes to CD3+ T cells or CD16+ NK cells is unknown. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Step length and frequency effects on ground reaction forces during walking.
It is well established that the speed of walking or running significantly affects ground reaction force (GRF) characteristics. While it is sometimes assumed that the variations in step length (SL) and step frequency (SF) also affect GRF patterns, little documentation of this can be found in the literature. Ten young adults performed overground walking at 1.43 m s-1 across a force platform under five SL conditions: preferred SL and SLs that were longer and shorter than the preferred by 5 and 10% of greater trochanter height. The contact time, anteroposterior braking and propulsive force and impulse descriptors, and vertical impulse per step increased systematically as SL increased. In contrast, vertical peak forces and impulse per meter walked showed little change with SL manipulation. Despite the systematic effect of SL on several GRF descriptors, constraint of SL and SF in gait assessments is not recommended as this would prohibit the evaluation of representative gait kinematics and kinetics. Rather, these results suggest that researchers should report SL and SF data when comparing GRF characteristics between experimental groups or conditions, and should be alert to the association between SL/SF and GRF's when interpreting GRF trends. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Spawning success in the damselfish Amblyglyphidodon leucogaster: the influence of eggs in the nest
Spawning success of males and its correlates were investigated in a natural colony of whitebelly damselfish, A. leucogaster (Pomacentridae), to explore the criteria that females use in choosing mates. The mating success of individual males was variable, with some males acquiring as few as 5000 eggs and others as many as 450 000 eggs during a breeding season. Male spawning success was not correlated with body size, territory size, nest site parameters or parental care behaviour. Egg hatching success was not related to either male size or egg clutch size, and all males were capable of rearing eggs to hatching. The temporal sequence of choices by females indicated non-independent choice by females, such that males chosen by females on the first spawn of the day were also chosen by females that spawned later in the day. Field observations indicated that, in the absence of male courtship, females preferentially visited males that had eggs in their nest site. Males that had recently mated were preferred by females over those males with either late-stage eggs or no eggs in the nest. This female preference did not appear to be related to increased paternal care or egg clutch survival. Given that the mating system is promiscuous and non-resource based, and that there appears to be little difference among males in body size, females may be mating non-independently by mimicking the choice of other females. Copyright 1998 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour Copyright 1998 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Galectin-9 in physiological and pathological conditions.
We first cloned galectin-9 (Gal-9)/ecalectin as a T cell-derived eosinophil chemoattractant. Gal-9 plays a role in not only accumulation but also activation of eosinophils in experimental allergic models and human allergic patients, because Gal-9 induces eosinophil chemoattraction in vitro and in vivo and activates eosinophils in many aspects. Gal-9 requires divalent galactoside-binding activity but not the linker peptide of Gal-9 to exhibit its biological functions, and an unidentified matrix metalloproteinase is involved in the release of Gal-9. Our recent studies also showed that Gal-9 has other functions, such as cell differentiation, aggregation, adhesion, and death. Now, we and other groups are on the way of investigating the regulation and function of Gal-9 in a variety of physiological and pathological conditions. In this article, we will show the possible role of Gal-9 in physiological and pathological conditions by using our recent findings. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Stereotactic fine-needle aspiration cytology of nonpalpable breast lesions: an analysis of 258 consecutive aspirates.
The role of stereotactic fine-needle aspiration cytology (SFNAC) in the diagnosis of nonpalpable breast lesions is poorly defined. Data were prospectively collected from 225 consecutive patients with nonpalpable breast lesions who had aspiration cytology followed by immediate surgical excision. Between 1988 and 1993, 258 such procedures were performed. The results of 84 (33%) were interpreted as benign, 84 (33%) as atypical, 28 (11%) as suspicious for malignancy, and 49 (19%) as malignant. In all, 88 (34%) surgical specimens were malignant. SFNAC had an 80% sensitivity, a 96% specificity, a 91% positive predictive value, and an 89% negative predictive value. There were 18 false-negative and 7 false-positive aspirates. SFNAC for diagnosing nonpalpable breast lesions is moderately sensitive and highly specific, and has a high positive and negative predictive value. In conjunction with mammography and clinical assessment, the procedure is useful for determining which patients with nonpalpable breast lesions may require surgical biopsy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ureteral reimplantation for management of ureteral strictures: a retrospective comparison of laparoscopic and open techniques.
To compare the results of laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation with a previous series of open surgery. We compared ten patients who underwent laparoscopic vesicopsoas-hitch with (n=4) or without Boari-flap (n=6) technique for ureteral obstructions with ten patients treated by open ureteroneocystostomy for similar pathologies. Patient demographics, preoperative symptoms, radiologic imaging, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Postoperative observation time averaged 17 mo (range: 9-23) in the laparoscopic and 65 mo (range: 18-108) in the open group. Success was defined as relief of obstruction in postoperative imaging studies and relief of pain. Mean length of stricture (28.5 vs. 25 mm) was comparable in both groups. In laparoscopy versus open surgery, mean operative time (228 vs. 187 min) was longer, blood loss (370 vs. 610 ml) and analgesic requirement (4.9 vs. 21.5mg) were significantly lower, and mean time to oral intake (1.5 vs. 2.9 d), hospital stay (9.2 vs. 19.1 d), and convalescence time (2.3 vs. 4.2 wk) were significantly shorter. Success rates yielded 10 of 10 after laparoscopy and 8 of 10 after open surgery. No intra- or postoperative major complications occurred in the laparoscopic series. After open surgery, two patients had major postoperative complications, including urinary extravasation with abdominal haematoma and anastomostic stricture, respectively. Laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy is feasible, providing functional outcomes comparable to open surgery while offering the advantages of a minimal invasive technique (e.g., less postoperative analgesics, and shorter hospitalization and convalescence). Nevertheless, it requires a high level of laparoscopic expertise and should be carried out only in specialist centers. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Enhanced triplet formation in polycrystalline tetracene films by femtosecond optical-pulse shaping.
Polycrystalline tetracene films have been explored using weak ∼ 30 fs visible laser pulses that excite the lowest singlet exciton as well as coherent vibrational motion. Transient difference spectra show a triplet absorption which arises following singlet fission (SF) and persists for 1.6 ns without decay. Adaptive pulse shaping identifies multipulse optimal fields which maximize this absorption feature by ∼ 20%. These are comprised of subpulses separated by time delays well correlated with the period of lattice vibrations suggesting such modes control the yield of SF photochemistry. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The Southern European Atlantic Diet is associated with lower concentrations of markers of coronary risk.
The Southern European Atlantic Diet (SEAD) is the traditional diet of Northern Portugal and Galicia, a region in northwest Spain. The SEAD has been associated with a lower risk of non-fatal acute myocardial infarction, but the mechanisms of this association have not yet been investigated. Thus, we examined the association between the SEAD and numerous biomarkers of coronary risk, blood pressure and anthropometrics. Cross-sectional study conducted in 2008-2010 among 10,231 individuals representative of the population aged 18 years and older in Spain. Diet was assessed with a validated computerized diet history. SEAD adherence was measured with an index including 9 food components (fresh fish, cod, red meat and pork products, dairy products, legumes and vegetables, vegetable soup, potatoes, whole-grain bread, and wine), which ranges from 0 (lowest adherence) to 9 (highest adherence). C-reactive protein, uric acid, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, glycated hemoglobin, insulin, leptin, fibrinogen, were determined in 12-h fasting blood samples, while creatinine and urine albumin were determined in urine. Mean SEAD score was 2.9 points (inter-quartile range 2-4 points). Higher SEAD adherence was associated with a lower level of plasma C-reactive protein (adjusted difference in geometric means between the highest and lowest SEAD quartiles -0.2 mg/l; p for trend <0.001), plasma triglycerides (-3.4 mg/dl; p for trend 0.012), insulin (-0.5 mU/l; p for trend <0.001), HOMA-IR (-0.12; p for trend <0.001), urine albumin (-0.8 mg/l; p for trend <0.001), urine albumin-creatinine ratio (-0.3 mg/g creatinine; p for trend <0.034), and systolic blood pressure (-1.6 mm Hg; p for trend <0.001). This study identifies possible mediators of the effect of SEAD on myocardial infarction, because SEAD is associated with a lower concentration of markers of inflammation and with reduced triglycerides, insulin, insulin resistance, and systolic blood pressure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Gait analysis in patients with total hip endoprostheses. Part I: Gait analysis--the electroichnograph--(EKIG-3) Riga].
The pace analysis of patients with a total hip replacement has been carried out by means of the electroichnograph EKIG-3 of the Riga Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. It comprises foot analysis (heel torsion, sole exercise, ball torsion, contact ability by using special sandals) on an electrically flowed carpet. Furthermore, angular changes in the knee-joint have been registered by means of goniometers, and the trunk deviation to the lateral an sagittal direction has also been measured. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
DNA conformation mediates aflatoxin B1-DNA binding and the formation of guanine N7 adducts by aflatoxin B1 8,9-exo-epoxide.
The binding of aflatoxin B1 to DNA and DNA adduction by aflatoxin B1 exo-8,9-epoxide were studied as a function of DNA conformation. Equilibrium binding of aflatoxin B1 to A-, B-, and Z-form helices was monitored by measurement of NMR linewidth for the methoxy protons of aflatoxin B1. The data revealed that as compared to B-form DNA, the association of aflatoxin with the A-form helix is significantly reduced. No binding to Z-DNA was observed. The yields obtained following reaction of the respective monomers with aflatoxin B1 exo-8,9-epoxide revealed that only dG forms an adduct. The reactivity of aflatoxin B1 exo-8,9-epoxide with single-strand DNA was determined via constant-temperature experiments in which the yield of adduct was measured for a family of oligonucleotides of increasing thermal stability. The results demonstrate that duplex structure favors adduct formation. Adduct yields were compared for A-, B-, and Z-form helices. About 12 times less adduct is produced from the A-form helix as compared to B-form, while no adduct is produced from a Z-form duplex. The results support the conclusion that reaction of aflatoxin B1 exo-8,9-epoxide with DNA proceeds via an intercalated transition-state complex only with the B-form double helix. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hepatitis C-associated peripheral corneal ulceration: rapid response to intravenous steroids.
We present a case of peripheral corneal ulceration in a patient with hepatitis C, which rapidly and dramatically responded to intravenous steroid treatment. Clinical examination and photographs were obtained to document initial presentation and therapeutic response of Mooren's-type ulcers to steroids. Bilateral peripheral corneal ulceration with documented progression responded to intravenous administration of steroids within 5 days. Previous reports of Mooren's-type ulcers in patients with chronic hepatitis C have shown a response to interferon alfa-2b, but not to oral corticosteroid therapy. Given the medical contraindications to interferon use in selected patients and the cost, we suggest a trial of high-dose systemic steroids as a possible therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Realizing p-Type MoS2 with Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance by Embedding VMo2S4 Nanoinclusions.
Two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenide semiconductors (TMDCs) such as MoS2 are attracting increasing interest as thermoelectric materials owing to their abundance, nontoxicity, and promising performance. Recently, we have successfully developed n-type MoS2 thermoelectric material via oxygen doping. Nevertheless, an efficient thermoelectric module requires both n-type and p-type materials with similar compatibility factors. Here, we present a facile approach to obtain a p-type MoS2 thermoelectric material with a maximum figure of merit of 0.18 through the introduction of VMo2S4 as a second phase by vanadium doping. VMo2S4 nanoinclusions, confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements, not only improve the electrical conductivity by simultaneously increasing the carrier concentration and the mobility but also result in the reduction of lattice thermal conductivity by enhancing the interface phonon scattering. Our studies not only shed new light toward improving thermoelectric performance of TMDCs by a facile elemental doping strategy but also pave the way toward thermoelectric devices based on TMDCs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparative urease enzyme inhibition profile of leaves and stems of Rumex nervosus vahl.
Ureases inhibitory agents are becoming important because of their application in treating many aliments. This work describes the urease inhibitory potential of the crude extracts of leaves and stems of Rumex nervosus, which includes crude extracts as well as various sub-fractions, n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol. The crude extracts of stems and leaves exhibited promising ureases inhibition (IC50 values of 17.5 ± 0.84 and 29.6 ± 0.96 μg/mL, respectively). Among the sub-fractions, methanol-soluble fractions of leaves and stems showed significant inhibition having IC50 values of 21.9 ± 0.67 and 21.5 ± 0.69 μg/mL, respectively, followed by ethyl acetate fractions of stems and leaves. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Glucose tolerance tests in women with small-for-date fetuses and newborns.
Peroral glucose tolerance tests were performed in women with small-for-date fetuses and in controls with healthy fetuses in the 38th week of pregnancy, 2 days and 6 weeks after delivery. 2 h after the load of 50 g of glucose, the blood glucose level remained significantly higher in pregnant women with small-for-date fetuses. The other parameters followed did not exhibit any difference from the control group. Since this deviation disappeared very rapidly after delivery it may be supposed that it is caused by hormonal and other influences of the atypical conceptus and not by a primary derangement of maternal metabolism or by a disparate responsiveness of the maternal organism to pregnancy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A phylogenetic analysis of genes of the influenza virus. Phylogenetic trees and fixation rates].
The phylogenetic trees of influenza virus genes of hemagglutinins, neuraminidases, and of NS genes were composed. Considering properties of synonimic replacements to be neutral and their rates constant at each tree, the dates of ancestor branch points were calculated, and the rates of fixation of synonimic (Ks) and non-synonimic (Kns) replacements estimated. The epidemic branches were mostly shown to be "deadlocks", non-epidemic ones being internal or "roots." The ratios of the numbers of synonimic to non-synonimic replacements (vs/vns) were correspondingly 1.32+/-0.42 and 4.78+/-1.28 for all trees, the difference being significant. It was shown that the dated branch points for hemagglutinins are non-randomly clustered around the initial points of the main genetic shifts of the A-type virus, corresponding to the influenza pandemics. It seems that these ancestor forms of virus behave similar to the "train" of these shifts, reproducing together with the pandemic forms under conditions of decreased immune resistance of host population. The rates of fixation of non-synonimic replacements in the epidemic branches of this tree are 4 times increased, as compared to non-epidemic ones. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Solvent detergent vs. fresh frozen plasma in cirrhotic patients undergoing liver transplant surgery: a prospective randomized control study.
Although orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is nowadays considered standard practice at experienced centres, it can still be affected by a significant risk of massive bleeding and its related complications. Solvent/detergent plasma (S/D Plasma) has been proposed as an alternative to fresh frozen plasma (FFP) to curtail such complications. This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of S/D Plasma in OLT patients by comparing it to FFP. Sixty-three OLT patients were randomized into two groups depending on whether they were transfused with FFP or S/D plasma. A thromboelastography-based protocol aimed at achieving and maintaining predetermined coagulation goals was used to guide plasma transfusions. At the beginning and the end of surgery, standard laboratory coagulation tests were performed together with the assessment of the VII, VIII, V, XII factors and S protein blood levels. The two study groups equally achieved the thromboelastography goals but with a reduced amount of transfusions in the S/D plasma group (P < 0.0001). At the end of surgery, factors V and XII and S protein blood levels were lower in the S/D plasma patients who also showed lower INR, aPTT and antithrombin III levels. In cirrhotic patients undergoing OLT, the use of S\D plasma associated with thromboelastography allows the same clinical results but with a significant reduction in the amount of plasma transfusions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ovarian fibrosarcoma producing multiple cytokines.
A case of ovarian fibrosarcoma producing multiple cytokines is presented. The tumor occurred in the left ovary of a Japanese woman with epigastralgia, remittent fever, leukocytosis and slight thrombocytosis with moderate increase of mast cells in bone marrow, but lack of hormonal abnormality. The resected tumor of the ovary was well encapsulated and it was composed of spindle-shaped tumor cells and scattered tubules with marked mast cell infiltration. The tumor recurred in the pelvic cavity 14 months later, accompanied by similar signs and symptoms as occurred with the primary tumor. Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were elevated. The recurrent tumor showed similar histological findings to those of the primary tumor, except for lack of tubules. Tumor cells revealed a focally positive immunoreaction for vimentin, IL-6 and TNF-alpha and alpha-inhibin. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using total RNA obtained from the recurrent tumor demonstrated mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha and stem cell factor. This is a rare case of ovarian fibrosarcoma producing multiple cytokines, resulting in atypical clinical findings. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In vitro interaction of chronic wound bacteria in biofilms.
To use in vitro biofilm models of wound bacterial isolates and compare the biofilms produced for different combinations of wound bacterial species. In vitro biofilms, generated by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus oralis and Micrococcus luteus in microtitre plates and a constant depth film fermentor (CDFF), were studied. The tested isolates all originated from chronic venous leg ulcers. Biofilms of individual and dual combinations of these species were generated in microtitre plate wells at 37°C for 24-96 hours and also in the CDFF for 7 days. The extent of biofilm formation from these systems was then measured using crystal violet staining and/or total viable counts. All the chronic wound bacteria formed biofilms (both individually and in mixed culture) in these models. In mixed species microtitre plate biofilms, both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus appeared to antagonise biofilm formation by S. oralis and M. luteus, with P. aeruginosa completely inhibiting the growth of these organisms. Similar effects were evident in the CDFF model, when all four bacterial species were added simultaneously, with M. luteus being 'out-competed' by the other organisms present and occurring at numbers at the limits of detection; however, there was an apparent increase in the numbers of S. oralis compared with its single culture equivalent. The study highlighted differences in biofilm formation ability for the tested species in both closed and open model systems. Using dual species biofilms, distinct species antagonism was observed with apparent antagonism of pathogenic species over 'commensal' ones. Such a finding provides insight into possible bacterial interactions during development of 'non-healing' wound biofilms. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Titanium mineralization in ferritin: a room temperature nonphotochemical preparation and biophysical characterization.
The incremental addition of titanium(III) citrate to H-chain homopolymers of human ferritin results in the formation of 1.5-6.5-nm particles of amorphous TiO(2) within the nanocage of the protein. The mineralization conditions are mild, featuring ambient temperature and no need for photochemical activation. Low ratios of titanium to protein favor intraprotein mineralization, and the products are characterized by stained and unstained transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, analytical ultracentrifugation, and metal analysis. With up to 1,000 equiv of metal, there is no change to the protein hydrodynamic radius or diffusion constant. There is, however, a systematic shift in the sedimentation coefficient, which confirms mineralization within the protein core. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Oligosaccharide mapping of heparinase I-treated heparins by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography separation and online fluorescence detection and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry characterization.
Oligosaccharide mapping based on enzyme cleavage provides a useful molecular fingerprint of the heparin structure revealing detailed structural information regarding its sequence and the content of part of the ATIII-binding region. This approach is performed by strong-anion exchange (SAX)-HPLC separation which is incompatible with MS requiring purification of oligosaccharides for their conclusive identification. We report a novel oligosaccharide mapping strategy based on the HILIC separation of the main heparin disaccharides/oligosaccharides released by heparinase I, fluorotagged with 2-aminoacridone and on-line detected by a fluorescence detector and characterized by ESI-MS. The application of a polar solvent having a high pH with acetonitrile avoided desulfation enabling a simple and accurate structural oligosaccharide assignment. Oligosaccharide mapping, or merely complete disaccharide composition, may be performed on nanogram-scale by the fluorescence detector vs micrograms useful for classical SAX-HPLC. Additionally, only widely commercially available heparin lyase I is necessary, without the use of expensive heparinases II and III. Contrary to SAX-HPLC, this novel HILIC approach is able to separate and identify the saturated trisulfated disaccharide belonging to the non-reducing end of heparin chains. Finally, the content of 3-O-sulfo groups of the ATIII-binding region is determined. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intervention with bacterial adhesion by multivalent carbohydrates.
Bacterial adhesion is often a prelude to infection. In many cases, this process is governed by protein-carbohydrate interactions. Intervention at this early stage of infection is a conceptually highly attractive alternative to conventional antibiotics that are increasingly prone to resistance. The lack of high-affinity inhibitors of adhesion has proven to be a hurdle for further exploitation of this concept; however, new developments indicate a positive change. Structure-based design at the monovalent level and also evaluation of glycodendrimers and glycopolymers have yielded structures of high affinity. In addition to the development of inhibitors, topics of this review include available structural information of adhesion proteins, carbohydrate specificities of the various pathogens and their adhesion proteins. Other new developments aimed at affecting bacterial adhesion and the use of the adhesins for bacterial detection are also discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The causes of musculoskeletal chest pain in patients admitted to hospital with suspected myocardial infarction.
We wished to investigate the causes and characteristics of musculoskeletal chest pain leading to acute medical admission. We studied patients admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, over a 10-week period. Patients with chest pain for which no acute cardiorespiratory cause was evident were identified and only included if they were tender on anteroposterior chest compression, thoracic spine rotation or firm sternal pressure. A detailed clinical history, anxiety and depression scale and a focussed physical examination were done to define the nature of musculoskeletal disease and their therapeutic requirements. Fifty patients satisfying the inclusion criteria were admitted in the 10-week period and comprised 54% females with a mean age of 57 years (S.D.=13.48). Chest pain lasted for 1 h or less in 24 patients and was mostly anterior. Three distinct groups of patients were identified. Twelve patients had evidence of inflammatory joint disease, thirteen had fibromyalgia and half had regional syndromes with pain arising from the shoulder, neck, thoracic spine or sternocostal areas. Visual analogue scores were highest in fibromyalgia for pain, and highest in inflammatory arthritis for impaired mobility. Anxiety and depression scores were highest in fibromyalgia and lowest among patients with regional syndromes. Musculoskeletal causes for acute chest pain are common and varied. Most patients have an identifiable cause of pain, but accurate diagnosis is needed to select the most appropriate intervention. Anxiety and depression are frequent, with much self-reported pain and dysfunction. However, all patients in this study had a disorder that was amenable to treatment and diagnosis. Management needs to be actively pursued in all patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Utility of history, physical examination, electrocardiogram, and chest radiograph for differentiating normal from decreased systolic function in patients with heart failure.
To determine whether clinical parameters alone can differentiate normal versus decreased systolic left ventricular function in patients with heart failure. Detailed clinical data were collected prospectively from 225 consecutive patients who were hospitalized with heart failure. Findings in patients with normal (ejection fraction > or =45%) or decreased (ejection fraction <45%) left ventricular function were compared. Systolic function was normal in 104 patients (46%) and decreased in 121 patients (54%). Patients with normal function were older (mean [+/- SD] age, 59 +/- 13 years vs. 54 +/- 13 years, P = 0.007) and more likely to be female (56% vs. 35%, P = 0.001), obese (body mass index > or =30 kg/m(2), 62% vs. 48%, P = 0.04), have marked systolic (> or =160 mm Hg, 50% vs. 27%, P <0.001) and diastolic (> or =110 mm Hg, 25% vs. 13%, P = 0.02) hypertension, and use calcium antagonists (34% vs. 14%, P = 0.001). Patients with decreased function were more likely to use alcohol (37% vs. 20%, P = 0.007), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (85% vs. 62%, P <0.001), and digoxin (57% vs. 27%, P <0.001); and more likely to have tachycardia (51% vs. 32%, P = 0.004), rales (89% vs. 80%, P = 0.05), electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy (42% vs. 22%, P = 0.002), left atrial abnormality (52% vs. 22%, P <0.001), or flow cephalization on chest radiograph (91% vs. 79%, P = 0.02). Only sex, tachycardia, and use of digoxin and ACE inhibitors were associated with ventricular function in multivariable analysis. However, the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for all clinical variables were low. Differences in clinical parameters in heart failure patients with decreased versus normal systolic function cannot predict systolic function in these patients, supporting recommendations that heart failure patients should undergo specialized testing to measure ventricular function. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A supplement to Prof. Shoji Shibata's achievements: the history of "Shōsō-in Medicines" and the reason why Magnolia obovata (old name: Hoogashiwa) was not given a Chinese herbal name in Japan's oldest anthology "Man'yōshū".
Prof. Shoji Shibata (1916-2016) left behind remarkable achievements in the field of the history of pharmacy. Among those, the scientific survey on medicines preserved in Shōsō-in, globally known as the World Cultural Heritage, is of particular interest, drawing wide attention from scholars to the general public. Its most spectacular and also shocking study in the field of pharmacognosy will be the one on the true origin of Kōboku (Houpu) that seems quite ordinary from its name. Prof. Shibata revealed that it is of juglandaceous origin that is completely different from what is known today under the same name. Juglandaceous Kōboku, which came into wide use in China at that time, was neither a homonym nor adulteration according to the pertinent description on this medicine in Chinese herbal books, and, furthermore, was regarded as authentic even at the Song Dynasty. In the Nara period of Japan, the name of Kōboku is not found except for the archives preserved in Shōsō-in, while the name of Hoogashiwa, an old name of Hoonoki (Magnolia obovata), appears only in "Man'yōshū", Japan's oldest anthology. Therefore, Hoonoki was not recognized as Kōboku at that time. Interestingly, this fact is also reflected in "Man'yōshū". In the epigraph of two poems including Hoonoki, the Japanese name is used instead of the Chinese name that should be employed in principle. The historical circumstances of "Shōsō-in Medicines" will also be outlined with elaborate and reliable evidence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Long-term survival in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer treated with first-line trastuzumab: results from the french real-life curie database.
Outcome of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients has improved since the use of trastuzumab. However, most HER2-positive MBC patients will progress within 1 year of trastuzumab-based therapy. Only limited data are available concerning long-term responders. The primary objective of this study was to compare overall survival (OS) of HER2+ MBC patients with long-term response to first-line trastuzumab with overall survival of those with non-long-term response, based on two institutional databases: the French Epidemiological Strategy and Medical Economics program and the Breast Database. Long-term responders (LTR) were defined as patients with non-progressive disease for ≥ 2 years on first-line trastuzumab. Secondary objectives included progression-free survival (PFS), and predictive factors for LTR status. From 2004 to 2014, 422 HER2-positive MBC patients received first-line trastuzumab. With a median follow-up of 48 months, median OS and PFS were 63 months (CI95%, 50-71), and 18 months (CI95%, 15-21) respectively. In 111 patients (26.3%) classified as LTR, median OS was 110 months (CI95%, 95-not reached) versus 56 months in non-LTR patients (CI95%, 47-68). In multivariate logistic regressions, the following factors were independently associated with LTR status: number of metastatic sites (≤ 2 versus > 2, p = 0.01); endocrine therapy for metastatic disease (p = 0.001) and taxane-based first-line chemotherapy (p = 0.003). Several features are associated with long-term response to trastuzumab: few metastatic sites, taxane-based chemotherapy and maintenance endocrine therapy in HR+ patients. Further studies are needed to identify patients in whom trastuzumab can be stopped after several years of sustained response. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Symptoms of achalasia in young women mistaken as indicating primary anorexia nervosa.
The case of a young women with dysphagia, regurgitation, and weight loss, who was diagnosed as having anorexia nervosa but in whom reevaluation showed that achalasia was causing the symptoms, is presented together with related observations. Misinterpretation of esophageal symptoms may occur not only as a consequence of inadequate history taking and of being biased by a patient's emaciation, age, and gender, which leads to view certain aspects of the patient's history and behavior as suggesting a pathologic attitude towards eating and body weight, but also as a consequence of a misinterpretation of the symptoms as indicative of an eating disorder by the patients themselves. In some cases a disordered attitude toward eating and body weight may develop together or coexist with achalasia. The clinical evaluation of patients with symptoms suggestive of anorexia nervosa but also of bulimia nervosa should include the taking of a thorough history regarding swallowing and vomiting in order to recognize a possible esophageal motor disorder. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dopaminergic control of synaptic plasticity in the dorsal striatum.
Cortical glutamatergic and nigral dopaminergic afferents impinge on projection spiny neurons of the striatum, providing the most significant inputs to this structure. Isolated activation of glutamate or dopamine (DA) receptors produces short-term effects on striatal neurons, whereas the combined stimulation of both glutamate and DA receptors is able to induce long-lasting modifications of synaptic excitability. Repetitive stimulation of corticostriatal fibres causes a massive release of both glutamate and DA in the striatum and, depending on the glutamate receptor subtype preferentially activated, produces either long-term depression (LTD) or long-term potentiation (LTP) of excitatory synaptic transmission. D1-like and D2-like DA receptors interact synergistically to allow LTD formation, while they operate in opposition during the induction phase of LTP. Corticostriatal synaptic plasticity is severely impaired after chronic DA denervation and requires the stimulation of DARPP-32, a small protein expressed in dopaminoceptive spiny neurons which acts as a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatase-1. In addition, the formation of LTD and LTP requires the activation of PKG and PKA, respectively, in striatal projection neurons. These kinases appear to be stimulated by the activation of D1-like receptors in distinct neuronal populations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Acceptance rates in state-federal vocational rehabilitation of clients with brain injury: Is racial disparity an issue?
To utilize Aday and Andersen's Framework for the Study of Access to examine racial disparity within the State-Federal vocational rehabilitation system, among clients with brain injury. Research questions included: Do pre-disposing characteristics such as age, race, ethnicity, gender, marital status and education influence vocational rehabilitation acceptance rates in the US? Do enabling characteristics such as referral source, insurance coverage and primary source of support at application influence vocational rehabilitation acceptance rates in the US? Is there a difference, based on race, in the reason for case closure for vocational rehabilitation services? Exhaustive CHAID analysis was conducted with acceptance for rehabilitation as the criterion variable and pre-disposing characteristics as predictor variables. Chi-square analysis was calculated with regard to reason for closure. Descriptive findings are presented. Of the pre-disposing factors, the most significant predictor of acceptance rate was education level. Pearson Chi-square analyses revealed significant differences between White and non-White clients with brain injury with regard to reason for closure. The data indicate that racial differences were only a small part of the overall equation and again that distinct disparity by race is not evidenced in the RSA-911 data for persons with a primary or secondary diagnosis of brain injury. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Randomized double-blind multicentre placebo-controlled clinical trial of the clonidine adhesive patch for the treatment of tic disorders.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of the clonidine adhesive patch in treating tic disorders. A total of 437 patients, who met Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders-third edition diagnostic criteria for transient tic disorder (5%), chronic motor or vocal tic disorder (40%) or Tourette disorder (55%), aged 6-18 years, were divided randomly into an active treatment group and a clinical control group. Participants in the active treatment group were treated with a clonidine adhesive patch and participants in the clinical control group with a placebo adhesive patch for 4 weeks. The dosage of the clonidine adhesive patch was 1.0mg, 1.5mg or 2.0mg per week, depending on each participant's bodyweight. Participants whose Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) score decreased <30% and Clinical Global Impression score was > or =4 by the end of week 3 were withdrawn from the trial. After 4 weeks of treatment the active treatment group participants' YGTSS score was significantly lower than that of the clinical control group (F=4.63, p=0.03). Further, the active treatment group had a significantly better therapeutic response than the clinical control group (chi(2)=9.15, p=0.003). The response rate in the active treatment group was 68.85% compared to 46.85% in the clinical control group (chi(2)=16.98, p=0.0001). The rate of adverse events was low (active treatment group, 3.08%; clinical control group, 7.21%) and did not differ between the two groups. The clonidine adhesive patch is effective and safe for tic disorders. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A multiscale approach for modelling wave propagation in an arterial segment.
A mathematical model of blood flow through an arterial vessel is presented and the wave propagation in it is studied numerically. Based on the assumption of long wavelength and small amplitude of the pressure waves, a quasi-one-dimensional (1D) differential model is adopted. It describes the non-linear fluid-wall interaction and includes wall deformation in both radial and axial directions. The 1D model is coupled with a six compartment lumped parameter model, which accounts for the global circulatory features and provides boundary conditions. The differential equations are first linearized to investigate the nature of the propagation phenomena. The full non-linear equations are then approximated with a numerical finite difference method on a staggered grid. Some numerical simulations show the characteristics of the wave propagation. The dependence of the flow, of the wall deformation and of the wave velocity on the elasticity parameter has been highlighted. The importance of the axial deformation is evidenced by its variation in correspondence of the pressure peaks. The wave disturbances consequent to a local stiffening of the vessel and to a compliance jump due to prosthetic implantations are finally studied. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reaction time distribution analysis of neuropsychological performance in an ADHD sample.
Differences in reaction time (RT) variability have been documented between children with and without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Most previous research has utilized estimates of normal distributions to examine variability. Using a nontraditional approach, the present study evaluated RT distributions on the Conners' Continuous Performance Test in children and adolescents from the Multimodal Treatment Study of ADHD sample compared to a matched sample of normal controls (n = 65 pairs). The ex-Gaussian curve was used to model RT and RT variability. Children with ADHD demonstrated faster RT associated with the normal portion of the curve and a greater proportion of abnormally slow responses associated with the exponential portion of the curve. These results contradict previous interpretation that children with ADHD have slower than normal responding and demonstrate why slower RT is found when estimates of variability assume normal Gaussian distributions. Further, results of this study suggest that the greater number of abnormally long RTs of children with ADHD reflect attentional lapses on some but not all trials. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Kinetic analysis of albumin-mediated uptake of warfarin by perfused rat liver.
We previously found that the uptake of warfarin in the presence of albumin by perfused rat liver could not be explained simply by the unbound warfarin concentration. The aim of the present study is to develop a kinetic model to account for this albumin-mediated uptake of warfarin. Single circulation indicator dilution studies on warfarin uptake were carried out in the isolated perfused rat liver in the absence and presence of various concentrations of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in the perfusate. A distributed model was fitted to the dilution data and the estimates of the influx, efflux, and sequestration rate constants were obtained. The results showed that the predicted concentration of the unbound warfarin is not high enough to explain the observed uptake rate; the liver cell surface appears to reduce the binding affinity of warfarin for BSA to 1/20 of that observed in vitro. A kinetic model which considers the interaction between albumin and the liver cell surface was fitted to the uptake rates of warfarin over a wide range of BSA concentration. The model gave a dissociation constant of the cell surface for albumin of 160 microM, which is comparable with those reported by others for the hepatic extractions of free fatty acids and rose bengal. Based on this kinetic model, the contributions of the unbound and bound warfarin to its hepatic uptake were estimated, and the bound warfarin was found to contribute most in the physiological albumin concentration range. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Subdivisions of subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue and insulin resistance.
Whereas truncal (central) adiposity is strongly associated with the insulin resistant metabolic syndrome, it is uncertain whether this is accounted for principally by visceral adiposity (VAT). Several recent studies find as strong or stronger association between subcutaneous abdominal adiposity (SAT) and insulin resistance. To reexamine the issue of truncal adipose tissue depots, we performed cross-sectional abdominal computed tomography, and we undertook the novel approach of partitioning SAT into the plane superficial to the fascia within subcutaneous adipose tissue (superficial SAT) and that below this fascia (deep SAT), as well as measurement of VAT. Among 47 lean and obese glucose-tolerant men and women, insulin-stimulated glucose utilization, measured by euglycemic clamp, was strongly correlated with both VAT and deep SAT (r = -0.61 and -0.64, respectively; both P < 0.001), but not with superficial SAT (r = -0.29, not significant). Also, VAT and deep SAT followed a highly congruent pattern of associations with glucose and insulin area under the curve (75-g oral glucose tolerance test), mean arterial blood pressure, apoprotein-B, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride. Superficial SAT had markedly weaker association with all these parameters and instead followed the pattern observed for thigh subcutaneous adiposity. We conclude that there are two functionally distinct compartments of adipose tissue within abdominal subcutaneous fat and that the deep SAT has a strong relation to insulin resistance. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Magnetic response of hybrid ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic core-shell nanostructures.
The synthesis of FeTiO3-Ni(Ni80Fe20) core-shell nanostructures by a two-step method (sol-gel and DC electrodeposition) has been demonstrated. XRD analysis confirms the rhombohedral crystal structure of FeTiO3(FTO) with space group R3[combining macron]. Transmission electron microscopy clearly depicts better morphology of nanostructures with shell thicknesses of ∼25 nm. Room temperature magnetic measurements showed significant enhancement of magnetic anisotropy for the permalloy (Ni80Fe20)-FTO over Ni-FTO core-shell nanostructures. Low temperature magnetic measurements of permalloy-FeTiO3 core-shell structure indicated a strong exchange bias mechanism with magnetic coercivity below the antiferromagnetic Neel temperature (TN = 59 K). The exchange bias is attributed to the alignment of magnetic moments in the antiferromagnetic material at low temperature. Our scheme opens a path towards optimum automotive systems and wireless communications wherein broader bandwidths and smaller sizes are required. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
N-nitroso compounds, genotoxins and their precursors in gastric juice from humans with and without precancerous lesions of the stomach.
We are investigating the interrelationships between levels of total N-nitroso compounds (NOC), genotoxic activity (both before and after nitrosation), degree of bacterial colonization in gastric juice and degree of severity or absence of precancerous lesions of the stomach. The mean level of constitutive total NOC in gastric juice was similar in the different groups of patients, but it was higher in acidic gastric juice (n = 30) than in gastric juice at pH greater than 4.5 (n = 12). Acid-catalysed nitrosation of gastric juice in vitro increased the concentration of total NOC by up to several thousand fold, to a maximum of 1330 mumol/l. Genotoxicity, expressed as SOS-inducing potency per 100 microliters of gastric juice was measurable in only 20% of gastric juice samples tested. After acid-catalysed nitrosation, however, all samples showed genotoxic activity, the mean SOS-inducing potency being four to seven times greater than the corresponding constitutive value. There was no association between the mean SOS-inducing potency of gastric juice and the severity of precancerous lesions. The mean SOS-inducing potency of neutral or basic gastric juice was slightly greater than that of acidic samples. In a kinetic study on N-nitrosation of gastric juice in vitro, a mixture of amino and amido substrates was nitrosated; both qualitative and quantitative individual differences in nitrosatable substrates in gastric juice were seen. Fractionation of acidic, neutral and basic nitrosated gastric juice samples revealed a preponderance of nonvolatile, unknown NOC with varying polarities. The results of our study suggest that only pH determines the nature and level of precursors of NOC and of nitrosation-dependent genotoxins in gastric juice. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Expression pattern of parkin isoforms in lung adenocarcinomas.
The parkin gene has been shown to be genetically altered in a wide variety of human tumors including lung cancer. Although many parkin splice variants have been identified, to date, most of the studies have only been focused on originally cloned isoforms. In this work, for the first time, the expression profile of parkin isoforms in human lung adenocarcinomas has been analyzed to identify their involvement in lung cancer. Their contribution in some biological conditions, such as proteasomal degradation or mitophagy or cell death, has been analyzed in human lung cells. The expression profile of parkin isoforms has been investigated in paraffin-embedded samples of human lung adenocarcinomas by using Western blot analysis. Their expression has also been evaluated in human lung adenocarcinoma and in human normal bronchial epithelial cell lines following treatment with a proteasome inhibitor or mitochondrial depolarizing agent, or in serum starvation. Parkin proteins were detected on blot by using two antibodies, AbI and AbII, which recognize different domains of originally cloned parkin. Furthermore, parkin immunolocalization has been visualized in both cell lines by using immunofluorescence analysis. Results have shown that H1 and/or H5, H14, H4 and/or H8 and/or H17 and H3 and/or H12 isoforms are expressed in human lung adenocarcinomas. Some of them are also present in A549 cell line, whereas they are absent or faintly expressed in BEAS-2B cells. Furthermore, their expression changed after treatment. Human lung adenocarcinomas express different parkin isoforms, which might represent markers of malignancy and could be linked to specific biological functions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ultrabroadband, coherent light source based on self-channeling of few-cycle pulses in helium.
Self-channeling of few-cycle laser pulses in helium at high pressure generates coherent light supercontinua spanning the range of 270-1000 nm, with the highest efficiency demonstrated to date. Our results open the door to the synthesis of powerful light waveforms shaped within the carrier field oscillation cycle and hold promise for the generation of pulses at the single-cycle limit. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Postoperative vomiting causing esophageal rupture after antiemetic use. A case report.
Antiemetic medications are commonly used in the postoperative patient. Despite the lack of evidence-based data, these medications have also been increasingly used in the management of postoperative ileus. This practice is dangerous and increases the risk for morbidity and mortality. A 77-year-old woman underwent an uneventful total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The patient developed abdominal distention and vomiting, which were managed with antiemetic medication. The patient continued to vomit, developed esophageal rupture (Boerhaave's syndrome) and died of sepsis and multiorgan failure. Despite no scientific evidence for it, the practice of using antiemetic medications and prokinetic agents in the management of postoperative ileus continues. This places the patient at increased risk for completely preventable morbidity, including aspiration, pneumonia, esophageal perforation, prolonged hospital stay and death. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Cloning of the recombinant human hepatocyte growth factor gene].
The full length of HGF cDNA gene(2,184 bp) was amplified successfully from human placental tissue using RT-PCR technique, and then cloned into pGEM-T vector, which was identified and confirmed by restriction endonuclease mapping using Nde I, Bg1 II, Hind III, BamH I and Xho I, as well as DNA sequencing. The above clone of HGF cDNA gene was successfully subcloned into the retrovirus vector(pLNL-XHC), which may be used for further studies of gene expression and gene therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Use of Imaging for the Diagnosis of Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis: A Clinician's Perspective.
Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is an inflammatory breast disease with unknown etiology and nonspecific symptoms. Differentiation of breast cancer from granulomatous disease is a diagnostic and clinical challenge. Imaging features and decision of the surgeon, based on these findings, may be important steps during diagnosis and follow-up period. Articles in association with imaging of IGM were evaluated using a PubMed search in August, 2017. Hypo-echoic or heterogeneous mass/es with or without tubular extensions were the most common ultrasonographic findings. Focal asymmetric density with or without skin thickening and parenchymal distortion were detected in most of the patients during mammography. Magnetic resonance imaging most commonly revealed focal or diffuse asymmetrical signal intensity changes without significant mass effect. Although a specified and standardised criteria list for each type of the imaging modality has been lacking, the most commonly detected imaging findings, especially in cases of multiple lesions in accordance with the decision of the surgeon and/or clinician, can be used for the diagnosis and follow-up of IGM with acceptable safety margins. However, in the presence of any suspicious findings during imaging or clinical examination, histopathological analysis should be performed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Structure of bacterial luciferase beta 2 homodimer: implications for flavin binding.
The crystal structure of the beta 2 homodimer of Vibrio harveyi luciferase has been determined to 2.5 A resolution by molecular replacement. Crystals were grown serendipitously using the alpha beta form of the enzyme. The subunits of the homodimer share considerable structural homology to the beta subunit of the alpha beta luciferase heterodimer. The four C-terminal residues that are disordered in the alpha beta structure are fully resolved in our structure. Four peptide bonds have been flipped relative to their orientations in the beta subunit of the alpha beta structure. The dimer interface of the homodimer is smaller than the interface of the heterodimer in terms of buried surface area and number of hydrogen bonds and salt links. Inspection of the subunits of our structure suggests that FMNH2 cannot bind to the beta 2 enzyme at the site that has been proposed for the alpha beta enzyme. However, we do uncover a potential FMNH2 binding pocket in the dimer interface, and we model FMN into this site. This proposed flavin binding motif is consistent with several lines of biochemical and structural evidence and leads to several conclusions. First, only one FMNH2 binds per homodimer. Second, we predict that reduced FAD and riboflavin should be poor substrates for beta 2. Third, the reduced activity of beta 2 compared to alpha beta is due to solvent exposure of the isoalloxazine ring in the beta 2 active site. Finally, we raise the question of whether our proposed flavin binding site could also be the binding site for flavin in the alpha beta enzyme. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Oswald Bumke in Leipzig. Beyond Kraepelin, Freud and Rüdin's Entartungslehre].
Oswald Bumke is a central figure in twentieth-century German psychiatry, having had a considerable influence on its development as one of its best-known representatives. His time in Leipzig from 1921 to 1924 and subsequently in Munich up to the mid-1930s saw the second major phase in his scientific work, during which he laid the basis for the renown he still enjoys as a result of his specialist encyclopaedic textbooks and manuals summarising the current knowledge of his time. At the beginning of the 1920s he made his stand on the burning issues of the day and thus influenced the conceptional history of the subject. For instance, he proposed his own philosophical psychology, rejecting the experimental psychological approach of Emil Kraepelin. By challenging the libido theory and the dynamic unconscious he weakened the impact of Sigmund Freud and psychoanalysis on German scientific psychiatry. Moreover, Bumke strongly opposed the prevailing concept of degeneration and its main protagonist Ernst Rüdin. Owing to the political and social developments at the time, however, he was not able to raise much support among his colleagues. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Complement inhibitor(s) released by leukocytes. I. Pretreatment of sheep erythrocytes with supernatants of mouse spleen and thymus cells inhibit whole complement activity and C2 utilization.
Sheep erythrocytes pretreated with supernatants of mouse spleen or thymus cells become resistant to lysis by guinea pig complement. The inhibitory activity (IA) reduces the utilization of C2 by EAC14. Because IA binds to the surface of sheep erythrocytes and does not inhibit C1 irreversibly, it is probably a hitherto undescribed inhibitor of complement. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dose rate and mode of exposure are key factors in JNK activation by UV irradiation.
Single exposure of cells to UVC (254 nm for 30 s) or to UVB (300 nm for 10 min) was shown to activate jun-NH2 kinases which, in turn, phosphorylate their substrates ELK-1, c-jun and ATF-2. While UVC (40-80 J/m2) activates JNK up to 4 h, with maximal induction after 30 min, UVB (150-300 J/m2) activates JNK over a prolonged period, up to 24 h, with maximal induction after 6 h. UV-mediated activation of src-related tyrosine kinases and MAPK revealed different kinetics, with maximal induction after 24 h. As recent studies had indicated a role of a UVC component in mediating the ability of UVB to activate JNK, we have examined the effect of dose rate as well as of multiplicity of exposures on the activation of these kinases. The UVC portion found in 300 J/m2 UVB (5%, corresponding to 15 J/m2, administered within 10 s) did not activate JNK. However, when the same dose was administered at a lower rate (i.e. over 10 min, as needed for UVB irradiation) it was found capable of activating JNK, MAPK and src kinases, but to a lower degree and with different kinetics than found for UVB. Such differences point to cellular changes which are elicited by UVB, but not UVC. Although a single UVB exposure using a filter that blocks wavelengths below 300 nm prevented activation of JNK, multiple exposures of filtered UVB wavelengths (mimicking chronic exposure) were able to activate JNK. We conclude that the mode of UVB exposure (dose rate and multiplicity) is a crucial determinant for physiologically relevant activation of JNK. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Open colon surgery].
Open resection of the colon is one of the most frequent abdominal operations, which clearly indicates the great importance of colon carcinomas. The surgical aim is resection of the affected intestinal region and the according lymph drainage region. In this respect, the techniques employed are strictly standardized: right hemicolectomy for right colon carcinoma, transverse resection for right colon carcinoma, left hemicolectomy for descendent colon carcinoma, and sigmoid resection for sigmoid carcinoma. In case of benign underlying disease, the operational method depends largely on the extent to which the intestine is affected and can include anything from simple colotomy and polyp removal to colectomy for toxic megacolon. Elective colon surgery is usually primary, but in emergencies a protective stoma might be necessary. Standardized indication and operational techniques enable low perioperative mortality and complication rates that make open colon resection usually un-problematic even in very old patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Thermal reversibility of vitamin E-enriched emulsion-based delivery systems produced using spontaneous emulsification.
The influence of temperature scanning and isothermal storage conditions on turbidity, particle size, and thermal reversibility of vitamin E-enriched emulsions produced by spontaneous emulsification was examined. Initially, the mini-emulsions formed were optically transparent and contained small droplets (d ≈ 44 nm). When heated (20-90 °C), emulsions exhibited a complex turbidity-temperature profile with a phase inversion temperature (PIT) at ≈ 75-80 °C. Temperature scanning rate had a major influence on emulsion thermal reversibility. Slow heating (0.5 °C/min) above the PIT followed by quench cooling (≈ 67 °C min(-1)) to 30 °C did not appreciably increase turbidity or droplet diameter (d ≈ 50 nm), suggesting these systems were thermo-reversible. However, slow heating to temperatures below the PIT followed by rapid cooling appreciably increased droplet size and turbidity (thermo-irreversible). Cooling rate also affected emulsion thermo-reversibility: the turbidity and droplet size after heating above the PIT decreased with increasing cooling rate. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Thiols as classical and slow-binding inhibitors of IMP-1 and other binuclear metallo-beta-lactamases.
The inhibitory effect of a variety of thiol compounds on the function of binuclear metallo-beta-lactamases, with a particular focus on IMP-1 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, has been investigated. Thiol inhibitors, depending on their structural features, fall into two categories, one in which inhibition at neutral pH was instantaneous and the other in which inhibition was time-dependent. While mercaptans with anionic substituents in the vicinity of their SH groups exhibited the former type of inhibition, neutral thiols appear to induce a slow, time-dependent isomerization of the initially formed EI complex to a tighter EI complex. Kinetic parameters describing the latter process were obtained by fitting progress curves of substrate hydrolysis using standard and numerical procedures. The failure of charged thiols to exhibit slow binding is suggested to be due to a rapid isomerization of the initial EI complex. Slow binding in the case of neutral thiols was observed only below pH 8. Studies on the pH dependence of catalysis by IMP-1 revealed that (i) enzyme inactivation at low pH is a slow process with presumably two groups with a pK(a) of approximately 5.2 in the protein being responsible for the loss of activity, (ii) inhibition by thiols is independent of pH between pH 5 and 9, and (iii) an apparent enhancement of the catalytic activity of IMP-1 by thiols occurs at pH <5. The last mentioned phenomenon is explained by a model in which mercaptans retard the proton-dependent isomerization of the enzyme. Studies on the thiol-mediated inhibition of the binuclear forms of Bacteroides fragilis (CcrA) and Bacillus cereus (BcII strain 5/B/6) metallo-beta-lactamase have revealed that while CcrA was instantaneously albeit moderately inhibited by mercaptans, BcII mimicked IMP-1 in its interaction with thiols. These differences are proposed to be due partly to the structural divergence of these proteins in the vicinity of Zn2. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pulse dispersion in optical fibers of arbitrary refractive-index profile.
A complete computational procedure operating within the framework of geometric optics is presented for obtaining the pulse response of multimode graded-index fibers, which have circular cross sections but arbitrary refractive-index profiles. The profile is approximated by parabolic sections, thus reducing the ray transit time calculation to an exact procedure, which involves only the solution of quadratic equations, and the analytical evaluation of standard integrals. The effect of material dispersion, absorption, and tunneling rays can be incorporated exactly within the adopted profile approximation and computational procedure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Investigation of hemodynamic changes after strabismus surgery using color Doppler imaging.
To investigate hemodynamic changes after strabismus surgery using color Doppler imaging (CDI). Group 1 patients (n = 13) underwent surgery on a single horizontal rectus muscle, and group 2 (n = 13) underwent surgery on both horizontal rectus muscles. Subjects with no systemic or ophthalmologic disorders were selected as controls (n = 16). In group 1 and group 2, CDI of the ophthalmic artery (OA), the central retinal artery (CRA), and the nasal and temporal posterior ciliary arteries (PCAs) was performed before surgical correction and on postoperative days 1 and 7. For each vessel, peak systolic (V(max)), end diastolic (V(min)), and mean (V(mean)) blood flow velocities were measured, in addition to the resistivity index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI). V(max) in the OA on postoperative day 1 was higher in group 2 than in group 1 (P =.004). V(min) in the OA on postoperative day 1 was significantly higher in group 2 than in the controls (P =.001) and group 1 (P =.001). For group 2, comparison of the OA preoperative findings to the findings on postoperative day 1 showed that V(min) (P =.003) and V(mean) (P =.02) increased significantly, and the RI (P =.01) and PI (P =.006) decreased significantly. These significant differences were not observed on day 7 (P >.05). Surgery on both horizontal rectus muscles in an eye causes hemodynamic changes in the OA in the early postoperative period. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Regulation of hepatic triiodothyronine production in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat.
The effect of diabetes on 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) production was determined in the isolated perfused rat liver. Induction of diabetes with streptozotocin resulted in decreased serum thyroxine (T4) and T3 levels and a progressive decline in hepatic T3 production over 5 days. The decline in T3 production resulted from decreased conversion of T4 to T3, whereas T4 uptake was unchanged. Insulin administration restored serum T4 and T3, hepatic conversion of T4 to T3, and T3 production to normal levels. When serum T4 levels in diabetic rats were maintained by T4 administration, the conversion of T4 to T3 and T3 production returned to control levels. However, restoration of serum T4 levels in fasted rats failed to correct the decrease in hepatic T4 uptake or T3 production. Glucagon, at supraphysiological concentrations in vitro and in vivo, slightly decreased T4 uptake and T3 production without altering the conversion of T4 to T3. These data suggest that the fall in serum T4 levels observed in diabetic rats is important in mediating the decreased hepatic conversion of T4 to T3 and T3 production. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Do poor-prognosis breast tumours express membrane cofactor proteins (CD46)?
CD46 or membrane cofactor protein (MCP) is a complement regulatory protein that has been identified on all nucleated cells and which protects them from attack by autologous complement. Breast carcinomas are reported to consistently express CD46. Our previous immunohistochemical study showed that in breast carcinomas, loss of CD59 and CD55 correlated with poor survival. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of CD46 on breast tumours using a rabbit polyclonal anti-CD46 antibody with a standard immunohistochemistry method. A total of 510 breast tissues from patients with primary operable breast cancer diagnosed between 1987 and 1992 had previously been included in tissue microarrays. They included patients 70 years of age or less (mean = 54 years) with a long-term follow-up (median = 82 months). Immunohistochemical study revealed that 507/510 (99.4%) of breast tumours expressed CD46. Strong immunoreactivity was exhibited by 136/510 (27%) tumours, while moderate and weak staining was observed in 43% and 29% of tumours, respectively. Intensity of CD46 expression was significantly associated with tumour grade (p < 0.05), histological type of tumour (p < 0.001) and tumour recurrence (p < 0.05). There was no correlation with lymph node stage or the presence of vascular invasion, nor with patient age or menopausal status. Interestingly, as most tumours expressed CD46, it would appear that poor-prognosis tumours that lose CD55 and CD59 still express CD46. Breast tumours express high levels of CD46 that correlates with tumour grade and recurrence. It is therefore likely that loss of CD55 and CD59 could be compensated by expression of CD46. However, loss of CD55 and CD59, even for tumours that still express CD46, is still associated with a poor prognosis. This may suggest that CD46 alone can protect from complement lysis but that loss of CD55 and CD59 are associated with other roles in immune regulation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
High-performance dye-sensitized solar cells based on solvent-free electrolytes produced from eutectic melts.
Low-cost excitonic solar cells based on organic optoelectronic materials are receiving an ever-increasing amount of attention as potential alternatives to traditional inorganic photovoltaic devices. In this rapidly developing field, the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) has achieved so far the highest validated efficiency of 11.1% (ref. 2) and remarkable stability. However, the cells with the best performance use volatile solvents in their electrolytes, which may be prohibitive for outdoor solar panels in view of the need for robust encapsulation. Solvent-free room-temperature ionic liquids have been pursued as an attractive solution to this dilemma, and device efficiencies of over 7% were achieved by using some low-viscosity formulations containing 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate, selenocyanate, tricyanomethide or tetracyanoborate. Unfortunately, apart from tetracyanoborate, all of these low-viscosity melts proved to be unstable under prolonged thermal stress and light soaking. Here, we introduce the concept of using eutectic melts to produce solvent-free liquid redox electrolytes. Using a ternary melt in conjunction with a nanocrystalline titania film and the amphiphilic heteroleptic ruthenium complex Z907Na (ref. 10) as a sensitizer, we reach excellent stability and an unprecedented efficiency of 8.2% under air-mass 1.5 global illumination. Our results are of importance to realize large-scale outdoor applications of mesoscopic DSCs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In-vitro and in-vivo antibacterial activities of CS-834, a new oral carbapenem.
We evaluated the in-vitro and in-vivo antibacterial activities of R-95867 and CS-834, a new oral carbapenem which is an ester-type prodrug of R-95867. Against Gram-positive bacteria, R-95867 was as active or two to 256 times more active than cefpodoxime, cefdinir, cefditoren and ofloxacin, while its activity was similar to or two to eight times lower than that of imipenem. Against most Gram-negative bacteria it was as active or two to 1024 times more active than the other compounds tested. Against Helicobacter pylori it was two to 64 times more active than orally active anti-H. pylori agents, i.e. amoxycillin, clarithromycin and lansoprazole. It also showed potent bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. R-95867 induced a spherical form in E. coli and showed high affinity for PBP 2 in E. coli. Against systemic infections in mice caused by various bacteria, CS-834 showed an excellent protective effect and its in-vivo efficacy correlated well with the in-vitro activity of R-95867. These results suggest that CS-834 may be effective in the therapy of various bacterial infections. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Regulation of translation initiation by herpesviruses.
Viruses are dependent upon the host cell protein synthesis machinery, thus they have developed a range of strategies to manipulate host translation to favour viral protein synthesis. Consequently, the study of viral translation has been a powerful tool for illuminating many aspects of cellular translational control. Although much work to date has focused on translational regulation by RNA viruses, DNA viruses have also evolved complex mechanisms to regulate protein synthesis. Here we summarize work on a large family of DNA viruses, the Herpesviridae, which have evolved mechanisms to sustain efficient cap-dependent translation and to regulate the translation of specific viral mRNAs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characteristics and significance of D-tagatose-induced liver enlargement in rats: An interpretative review.
This review addresses the issue of asymptomatic liver enlargement in rats. It was necessitated by the observation of significantly increased liver weights in rats fed diets with 10 to 20% D-tagatose, a potential new bulk sweetener, for between 28 and 90 days. Increases of liver size without accompanying histopathological changes or impairment of organ function have been observed in rats in response to the ingestion of various xenobiotic compounds (including some food additives), changes of dietary composition (e.g. , high doses of fructose and sucrose), metabolic aberrations (e.g., diabetes), as well as normal pregnancy and lactation. The underlying mechanism(s) are not yet understood in detail but peroxisome proliferation, microsomal enzyme induction, increased storage of glycogen or lipids, and hyperfunction due to an excessive workload are well-established causes of hepatomegaly in rats. In D-tagatose- and fructose-fed rats, a treatment-related increase of hepatic glycogen storage was identified as a likely cause of the liver enlargement. Dietary levels of 5% and about 15-20% were determined as no-effect levels (NOEL) for D-tagatose- and fructose-induced liver enlargement, respectively. At doses above the NOEL, D-tagatose is about four times more efficient than fructose in inducing liver enlargement. On the other hand, the estimated intake of D-tagatose from its intended uses in food is about four times lower than the actual fructose intake. Consequently, a similar safety margin would apply for both sugars. Considering the similarity of the liver effects in rats of fructose, a safe food ingredient, and D-tagatose, the absence of histopathological changes in rats fed a diet with 20% D-tagatose for 90 days, and the absence of adverse long-term consequences of glycogen-induced liver enlargement in rats, it is concluded that the observed liver enlargement in D-tagatose-fed rats has no relevance for the assessment of human safety of this substance. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Equilibrium energy intake estimated by dietary energy intake and body weight changes in young Japanese females.
To determine the energy intake (EI) required to maintain body weight (equilibrium energy intake: EEI), we investigated the relationship between calculated energy intake and body weight changes in female subjects participating in 14 human balance studies (n=149) conducted at the National Institute of Health and Nutrition (Tokyo). In four and a half studies (n=43), sweat was collected from the arm to estimate loss of minerals through sweating during exercise on a bicycle ergometer; these subjects were classified in the exercise group (Ex G). In nine and a half experiments (n=106) subjects did not exercise, and were classified in the sedentary group (Sed G). The relationship between dietary energy intake (EI) and body weight (BW) changes (ΔBW) was analyzed and divided by four variables: body weight (BW), lean body mass (LBM), standard body weight (SBW), and body surface area (BSA). Equilibrium energy intake (EEI) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for EEI in Ex G were 34.3 and 32.8-35.9 kcal/kg BW/d, 32.0 and 30.8-33.1 kcal/kg SBW/d, 46.3 and 44.2-48.5 kcal/kg LBW/d, and 1,200 and 1,170-1,240 kcal/m(2) BSA/d, respectively. EEI and 95% CI for EEI in Sed G were 34.5 and 33.9-35.1 kcal/kg BW/d, 31.4 and 30.9-32.0 kcal/kg SBW/d, 44.9 and 44.1-45.8 kcal/kg LBM/d, and 1,200 and 1,180-1,210 kcal/m2 BSA/d, respectively. EEIs obtained in this study are 3 to 5% higher than estimated energy requirement (EER) for Japanese. In five out of six analyses, EER in a population (female, 18-29 y, physical activity level: 1.50) was under 95% CI of EEI obtained in this study. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Coronary artery disease, lipid disorders and genetic polymorphisms.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in most industrialized countries, accounting for one out of every two deaths in the United States. Disorders of the lipid transport system resulting from complex interactions among nutritional, environmental and genetic factors, play a very important role in the development of this disease. It has been proposed that low density lipoproteins (LDL) cause cholesterol deposition in the arterial wall, whereas high density lipoproteins (HDL) promote efflux of cholesterol from this site. Thus, low levels of HDL and/or high levels of LDL, have been associated with increased risk of CAD. Apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I) is the major protein component of HDL, and it has been proposed that the levels of this protein are a better predictor of risk of CAD than the level of cholesterol in HDL. The human Apo A-I gene has been characterized, and it has been found to be adjacent to the genes for apolipoproteins C-lll and A-lV on the long arm of chromosome 11. The cloning of these genes provides the appropriate tools to apply molecular genetic techniques to find differences between individuals at the gene level (restriction fragment length polymorphisms, RFLP) and to identify specific alleles at this particular gene locus which may be associated with a clinical phenotype, more specifically, premature CAD and familial hypoalphalipoproteinemia. In a preliminary study we have identified a Pst I restriction-endonuclease site flanking the human apolipoprotein A-I gene at its 3' end that is polymorphic.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mechanisms of T cell development and transformation.
T cells are the key mediators in cell-mediated immunity. Their development and maturation involve a complex variety of interactions with nonlymphoid cell products and receptors. Highly specialized to defend against bacterial and viral infections, T cells also mediate immune surveillance against tumor cells and react to foreign tissues. T cell progenitors originate in the bone marrow and, through a series of defined and coordinated developmental stages, enter the thymus, differentiate, undergo selection, and eventually mature into functional T cells. The steps in this process are regulated through a complex transcriptional network, specific receptor-ligand pair interactions, and sensitization to trophic factors, which mediate the homing, proliferation, survival, and differentiation of developing T cells. This review examines the processes and pathways involved in the highly orchestrated development of T cell fate specification under physiological as well as pathological conditions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Identification of candidate T-cell epitopes and molecular mimics in chronic Lyme disease.
Elucidating the cellular immune response to infectious agents is a prerequisite for understanding disease pathogenesis and designing effective vaccines. In the identification of microbial T-cell epitopes, the availability of purified or recombinant bacterial proteins has been a chief limiting factor. In chronic infectious diseases such as Lyme disease, immune-mediated damage may add to the effects of direct infection by means of molecular mimicry to tissue autoantigens. Here, we describe a new method to effectively identify both microbial epitopes and candidate autoantigens. The approach combines data acquisition by positional scanning peptide combinatorial libraries and biometric data analysis by generation of scoring matrices. In a patient with chronic neuroborreliosis, we show that this strategy leads to the identification of potentially relevant T-cell targets derived from both Borrelia burgdorferi and the host. We also found that the antigen specificity of a single T-cell clone can be degenerate and yet the clone can preferentially recognize different peptides derived from the same organism, thus demonstrating that flexibility in T-cell recognition does not preclude specificity. This approach has potential applications in the identification of ligands in infectious diseases, tumors and autoimmune diseases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
High frequency of low serum levels of vitamin 12 among patients attending Jordan University Hospital.
This study aimed to estimate the status of serum vitamin B12 level in patients attending Jordan University Hospital in Amman, and to examine the relationship with demographic data, chronic illness, dietary habits, haematological parameters and symptoms related to vitamin B12 levels. A total of 838 patients completed a questionnaire and gave blood samples; 44.6% were vitamin B12 deficient (< 180 pg/mL) and 34.2% had hypovitaminosis (180-300 pg/mL). Vitamin B12 deficiency was associated with memory impairment, low meat intake and strict vegetarian (vegan) diets. The high frequency of low vitamin B12 warrants the development of a strategy to correct this problem in Jordan. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Identity diffusion and psychopathology: comparison between adult psychiatric patients and normals.
This research studied the characteristics of self representations and ego identity in adult psychiatric patients with different mental disorders according to DSM-IV (APA, 1994) and Kernberg's structural criteria for personality organizations (1986). We constructed Identity Diffusion Questionnaire (IDQ), a self-report measure based on Kernberg's criteria for identity diffusion (1986), and Actual Self - Ideal Self - Significant Other Scales (AISS), a measure for discrepancies between perceived actual self, ideal self and significant other. Both measurements reached sufficiently internal consistency and construct validity. The sample of 186 adult psychiatric in- and outpatients and 109 controls of both sexes served as subjects in the study. All groups of patients reached higher scores on IDQ and AISS compared to healthy controls. Patients revealed more identity problems than normals and they also had bigger discrepancy between actual and ideal self than healthy participants. These results support psychodynamic and cognitive theories and empirical studies that disturbances in self representations and ego identity are related to many different mental disorders. Results also confirmed the claim that identity disturbances are related to big discrepancies in representation of real and ideal self. The hypothesis that severity of identity diffusion is in a positive correlation with severity of pathology was not confirmed. There may be some uncontrolled factors which influenced the results. Despite some theoretical and methodological limitations the present study confirms the relation between disturbances of ego identity and different psychopathology. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In-vitro study of cellular viability and nitric oxide production by J774 macrophages stimulated by interferon gamma with ceramic, polycarbonate, and polyoxymethylene brackets.
Ceramic brackets are chemically inert in the oral cavity, whereas polycarbonate and polyoxymethylene brackets can degrade and release bisphenol-A and formaldehyde, respectively. More reliable tests are needed to assess the potential toxicity of these materials. In addition to traditional cytotoxicity tests, the study of nitric oxide (NO) cellular production stimulated by a specific material has been shown to be a reliable tool for evaluating cytotoxic potential. The purpose of this study was to assess, with esthetic brackets, cellular viability by 3,(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo) in the macrophage cell line J774 stimulated with interferon gamma. Interferon gamma is a key cytokine in the activation of macrophages, plays an important role in immunologic processes, and also quantifies NO production by these macrophages. Well plates were seeded with 2 x 104 J774 cells per well, in a volume of 100 microL, resuspended in Roswell Park Memorial Institute Supplemented Medium 1640. The macrophage cell line J774 was stimulated with interferon gamma. Ceramic, polycarbonate, and polyoxymethylene brackets were added and kept in the culture for 24, 48, or 72 hours in 5% carbon dioxide at 37 degrees C; the control samples did not include brackets. At the end of each incubation period, the supernatant was collected for posterior NO quantification, and the cells were evaluated for cytotoxicity. Cellular viability in all groups was higher at 72 hours than at 24 hours. The final means in the bracket groups did not show significant differences compared with the control group. NO production was significantly greater in all groups at the final time than at the initial time. However, the brackets with the interferon gamma stimulation did not result in greater NO production than did the cells in the control group. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mapping Interaction Energies in Chorismate Mutase with the Fragment Molecular Orbital Method.
The Claisen rearrangement of chorismate to prephenate is mapped across the entire reaction pathway using the fragment molecular orbital (FMO) method. Three basis sets (6-31G(d), cc-pVDZ, and pcseg-1) are studied to provide guidance toward obtaining high accuracy with the FMO method on such systems. Using a fragmentation scheme of one residue per fragment, the FMO method using the 6-31G(d) basis set and second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) with the hybrid orbital projection fragmentation scheme provides the most reliable results across the entire reaction pathway. Calculations using the multilayer FMO method are performed and shown to be in agreement with single-layer calculations in all cases with differences of less than one kilocalorie per mole for all tested basis set combinations along the entire reaction path. The use of restricted Hartree-Fock for the lower-level layer and MP2 for the higher-level layer gives the most consistent results when using the same basis set for both layers. Pair interaction energy decomposition analysis calculations confirm that electrostatic interactions are the predominant force between three key arginine residues and chorismate and that dispersion and charge transfer interactions in the binding pocket also play a role in the local chemistry of the reaction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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