text
stringlengths 1
10.9k
| meta
dict |
|---|---|
Surgeon-Controlled Comparison of Direct-to-Implant and 2-Stage Tissue Expander-Implant Immediate Breast Reconstruction Outcomes.
Current literature comparing outcomes of immediate breast reconstruction using direct-to-implant (DTI) single-stage and 2-stage tissue expanders (TEs) is conflicting. This study compared overall outcomes and determined predictive patient factors associated with higher complication rates. After institutional review board approval, a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction from 2010 to 2014 at a single hospital was performed. Demographic data and complications were recorded and compared using univariate analysis. Infection was defined as any patient receiving antibiotics beyond the expected postoperative course or restarting antibiotics for a suspected infection. Seventy-nine breasts (50 patients) underwent immediate breast reconstruction using tissue expansion, and 117 breasts (69 patients) underwent immediate breast reconstruction using the DTI technique. Overall complications, infection rate, and rate of aesthetic revisions were higher in the TE group compared with the DTI group. There was no difference in rates of seroma, hematoma, and mastectomy skin flap necrosis between the 2 groups. Infectious complications were significantly higher in patients with body mass index of greater than 30 who underwent TE-based reconstruction than those who underwent DTI-based reconstruction. Single-stage DTI immediate breast reconstruction has less overall complications than 2-stage TE-based immediate reconstruction. Direct-to-implant immediate breast reconstruction may provide favorable outcomes in patients with body mass index of greater than 30. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Bioprosthesis degeneration and reoperation in the aortic and mitral position].
In agreement with our experiences from our first study 15 patients (8 men, 7 women) underwent reoperation because of degeneration of bioprosthetic valves implanted in aortic or mitral position during the last 24 months. At reoperation 4 patients had a more complex cardiac procedure (double valve replacement, double valve replacement with bypass grafting, valve replacement with enlargement of the valvular area). There was no acute operation and only 1 patient was serious symptomatic preoperatively (NYHA IV). We revealed a mean implantation time of 126.4 months +/- 32.2 (median 130) for all bioprostheses without a significant difference in implant time regarding to aortic or mitral position. At reoperation bypass time (p = 0.001) and aortic clamp time (p = 0.011) was significantly longer compared to the first operation. There was no perioperative death, all patients are still alive and in good condition (8 of them NYHA I, 7 NYHA II). The early change of tissue degenerated bioprostheses can be carried out under elective conditions with improved postoperative outcome: mortality and morbidity remains acceptable low. In our group incremental risk factors for early mortality are severely affected patients with low functional status (NYHA IV) and acute operation. Preoperative coronary angiography remains essential for evaluation of concomitant coronary artery disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Early experience of limb salvage in critical leg ischaemia.
We report the retrospective review of 82 leg bypass grafts done in 79 patients who had critical leg ischaemia between May 1993 and November 1996. The mean age of the patients was 68 years (range 50 to 82). There were 49 male and 35 female patients. Fifty-nine percent of the study population presented with gangrene, 33% had ischaemic ulceration and 58% had rest pain. Seventy-five percent of them were diabetics. Thirty-eight femoro-popliteal, 28 femoro-distal, 6 popliteal-distal, 5 pedal, 1 aorto-bifemoral, 3 axillo-bifemoral and 1 cross-over bypass grafts were done. The peri-operative mortality rate was 11.3% and 71% of patients were discharged with salvaged feet. Ninety percent of these legs were still viable 12 months after the operation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Suicide in the Ukraine.
The suicide rates of the 24 provinces (oblasts) of the Ukraine were found to be strongly associated with indices of social disintegration (such as divorce and illegitimacy rates), with the Western provinces incorporated in the USSR later than other Ukrainian territories having lower suicide rates and lower levels of social disintegration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and risk of heart failure exacerbation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
The association between exacerbation of heart failure (HF) and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has long been recognized but the data on this adverse effect are limited. To further characterize this possible association, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observation studies that reported odds ratio, relative risk, hazard ratio or standardized incidence ratio comparing risk of exacerbation of HF in patients with pre-existing HF who took NSAIDs versus non-users. Pooled risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals for conventional NSAIDs, celecoxib and rofecoxib were calculated using random-effect, generic inverse variance method. Six studies were identified and included in our data analysis. Use of conventional NSAIDs was associated with a significantly higher risk of development of exacerbation of HF with the pooled RR of 1.39 (95% CI 1.20-1.62). Elevated risk was also observed among celecoxib and rofecoxib users (RR 1.34, 95% CI 0.98-1.85 and RR 2.04, 95% CI 1.68-2.48). The pooled RR of rofecoxib was significantly higher than conventional NSAIDs (p=0.02). Use of NSAIDs is associated with an increased risk of HF exacerbation among patients with pre-existing HF. The excess risk was approximately 40% for conventional NSAIDs and celecoxib. The highest risk was observed among rofecoxib users. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Estrogen receptor expression in tumors different from breast cancer].
A review of the literature data on expression of estrogen receptor alpha and beta (ERalpha and ERbeta) in tumors different from breast cancer. The results regarding the ERalpha and ERbeta expression frequency in non-small cell and small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal, ovarian, prostate and brain tumors are presented. High frequency of estrogen receptor expression (in up to 50 and more per cent of cases) in various types of tumors, differences between ERalpha and ERbeta in expression frequency, prognostic significance and prediction of the neoplastic process aggressiveness as well as in biological implications of interaction with antiestrogens (antagonistic and/or agonistic effect) are shown. The data on comparative evaluation of ERalpha and ERbeta expression in lung, ovarian, prostate tumor cells and corresponding nonneoplastic tissues are reported. Authors consider necessary to include the ERalpha and ERbeta detection into the routine clinical practice not only in breast cancer but in other tumors as well. Prospects of the clinical application of antiestrogens, in particular tamoxifen, in adjuvant therapy of different tumors with positive ER status are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ascorbate enhancement of H1 histamine receptor sensitivity coincides with ascorbate oxidation inhibition by histamine receptors.
Ascorbate has previously been shown to enhance both alpha(1)- and beta(2)-adrenergic activity. This activity is mediated by ascorbate binding to the extracellular domain of the adrenergic receptor, which also decreases the oxidation rate of ascorbate. H1 histamine receptors have extracellular agonist or ascorbate binding sites with strong similarities to alpha(1-) and beta(2)-adrenergic receptors. Physiological concentrations of ascorbate (50 microM) significantly enhanced histamine contractions of rabbit aorta on the lower half of the histamine dose-response curve, increasing contractions of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 microM histamine by two- to threefold. Increases in ascorbate concentration significantly enhanced 0.2 microM histamine (5-500 microM ascorbate) and 0.3 microM histamine (15-500 microM ascorbate) in a dose-dependent manner. Histamine does not measurably oxidize over 20 h in oxygenated PSS at 37 degrees C. Thus the ascorbate enhancement is independent of ascorbate's antioxidant effects. Ascorbate in solution oxidizes rapidly. Transfected histamine receptor membrane suspension with protein concentration at >3.1 microg/ml (56 nM maximum histamine receptor) decreases the oxidation rate of 392 microM ascorbate, and virtually no ascorbate oxidation occurs at >0.0004 mol histamine receptor/mol ascorbate. Histamine receptor membrane had an initial ascorbate oxidation inhibition rate of 0.094 min.microg protein(-1).ml(-1), compared with rates for transfected ANG II membrane (0.055 min.microg protein(-1).ml(-1)), untransfected membrane (0.052 min.microg protein(-1).ml(-1)), creatine kinase (0.0082 min.microg protein(-1).ml(-1)), keyhole limpet hemocyanin (0.00092 min.microg protein(-1).ml(-1)), and osmotically lysed aortic rings (0.00057 min.microg wet weight(-1).ml(-1)). Ascorbate enhancement of seven-transmembrane-spanning membrane receptor activity occurs in both adrenergic and histaminergic receptors. These receptors may play a significant role in maintaining extracellular ascorbate in a reduced state. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Delta-opioid receptor blockade in the ventral pallidum increases perceived palatability and consumption of saccharin solution in rats.
The ventral pallidum (VP) is involved in ingestive behaviour. It receives dense GABAergic projections from the nucleus accumbens. GABAergic terminals in the VP co-express enkephalin, an endogenous ligand of delta-opioid receptors. The role of the delta-opioid receptors in the VP in the context of ingestive behaviour remains unclear, in contrast to the well-understood involvement of the mu-opioid receptors. We used the single-bottle test to examine the effects of VP microinjections of the delta-opioid receptor antagonist naltrindole on consumption of a saccharin solution. Naltrindole injections significantly increased the intake of saccharin, but not water, during a 2-h test session. We also investigated perceived palatability of saccharin using a taste reactivity test. The drug treatments increased ingestive responses to intraorally infused saccharin. Further experimentation explored the role of VP delta-opioid receptors in behavioural responses to saccharin that were previously paired with malaise upon the retrieval of conditioned taste aversion (CTA). Naltrindole-injected rats exhibited longer latency for the first occurrence of aversive responses than vehicle-injected control rats. However, there was no between-group difference in total aversive responses. These results suggest that naltrindole injections into the VP induce an enhancement of perceived palatability of a normally preferred saccharin solution, and thereby facilitate consumption of the solution. On the other hand, delayed aversive responses to the conditioned aversive saccharin suggest that the delta-opioid receptors in the VP mediate the initiation of aversive taste reactivity responses to the conditioned stimulus upon CTA retrieval. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A simple plasma anticoagulant-exchange method to increase the recovery of factor VIII in therapeutic concentrates.
Donor blood, primarily anticoagulated by acid citrate dextrose formula A (ACD-A), was separated by means of the HemaScience Autopheresis C plasmapheresis device. The citrated plasma was collected directly into a solution of heparin and calcium chloride to achieve a final plasma-ionised calcium concentration of approximately 2 mM, and a heparin concentration of 1.0 IU/ml. Heparin at this concentration provided adequate anticoagulation, and did not result in insoluble cryoprecipitates. Three pairs of donor-matched 4-kg plasma pools (anticoagulant-exchanged variant and ACD-A-anticoagulated control) were constructed and subsequently fractionated to an intermediate stage. The mean recovery of factor VIII from 3 anticoagulant-exchanged pools (394 IU/kg) was 23% greater than the mean recovery from the matched control pools (319 IU/kg). This increased recovery was not achieved at the expense of specific activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Modeling power law absorption and dispersion in viscoelastic solids using a split-field and the fractional Laplacian.
The absorption of compressional and shear waves in many viscoelastic solids has been experimentally shown to follow a frequency power law. It is now well established that this type of loss behavior can be modeled using fractional derivatives. However, previous fractional constitutive equations for viscoelastic media are based on temporal fractional derivatives. These operators are non-local in time, which makes them difficult to compute in a memory efficient manner. Here, a fractional Kelvin-Voigt model is derived based on the fractional Laplacian. This is obtained by splitting the particle velocity into compressional and shear components using a dyadic wavenumber tensor. This allows the temporal fractional derivatives in the Kelvin-Voigt model to be replaced with spatial fractional derivatives using a lossless dispersion relation with the appropriate compressional or shear wave speed. The model is discretized using the Fourier collocation spectral method, which allows the fractional operators to be efficiently computed. The field splitting also allows the use of a k-space corrected finite difference scheme for time integration to minimize numerical dispersion. The absorption and dispersion behavior of the fractional Laplacian model is analyzed for both high and low loss materials. The accuracy and utility of the model is then demonstrated through several numerical experiments, including the transmission of focused ultrasound waves through the skull. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Uremic encephalopathy and other brain disorders associated with renal failure.
Kidney failure is one of the leading causes of disability and death and one of the most disabling features of kidney failure and dialysis is encephalopathy. This is probably caused by the accumulation of uremic toxins. Other important causes are related to the underlying disorders that cause kidney failure, particularly hypertension. The clinical manifestations of uremic encephalopathy include mild confusional states to deep coma, often with associated movement disorders, such as asterixis. Most nephrologists consider cognitive impairment to be a major indication for the initiation of renal replacement therapy with dialysis with or without subsequent transplantation. Sleep disorders, including Ekbom's syndrome (restless legs syndrome) are also common in patients with kidney failure. Renal replacement therapies are also associated with particular neurologic complications including acute dialysis encephalopathy and chronic dialysis encephalopathy, formerly known as dialysis dementia. The treatments and prevention of each are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evaluation of the replication and pathogenicity of a variant avian paramyxovirus serotype 6 in mice.
Avian paramyxoviruses (APMVs) have been evaluated for their potential use as vaccine vectors, sparking research efforts leading to a better understanding of APMVs' replication and pathogenicity. However, within APMV serotypes, significant genetic diversity exists, and the infectivity of variant strains in mammals has not been studied. We utilized a mouse model to evaluate the pathogenicity of a variant strain of APMV-6 (APMV-6/red-necked stint/Japan/8KS0813/2008) in comparison with the prototype APMV-6 strain (APMV-6/duck/Hong Kong/18/199/1977). Although the two viruses differ substantially, both genetically and antigenically, we found that the variant and prototype strains could similarly replicate in respiratory tissues of infected mice and induce respiratory disease, sometimes resulting in death of the mice. Both viruses induced a humoral immune response that could be clearly detected by ELISA but which was poorly recognized by the hemagglutination inhibition test. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Revisiting electronic couplings and incoherent hopping models for electron transport in crystalline C60 at ambient temperatures.
We assess the validity of incoherent hopping models that have previously been used to describe electron transport in crystalline C(60) at room temperature. To this end we present new density functional theory based calculations of the electron transfer parameter defining these models. Specifically, we report electronic coupling matrix elements for several ten thousand configurations that are thermally accessible to the C(60) molecules through rotational diffusion around their lattice sites. We find that the root-mean-square fluctuations of the electronic coupling matrix element (11 meV) are almost as large as the average value (14 meV) and that the distribution is well approximated by a Gaussian. Importantly, due to the small reorganisation energy of the C(60) dimer (≈0.1 eV), the ET is almost activationless for the majority of configurations. Yet, for a small but significant fraction of orientations the coupling is so strong compared to reorganisation energy that no charge-localised state exists, a situation that is aggravated if zero-point motion of the nuclei is taken into account. The present calculations indicate that standard hopping models do not provide a sound description of electron transport in C(60), which might be the case for many other organics as well, and that approaches are needed that solve the electron dynamics directly. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Graft rejection in experimental xenogenic transplantation of isolated islands of Langerhans of the pig].
Prevention of the occurrence of diabetes-specific vascular complications is the final aim of clinical islet transplantation. Pancreatic islets isolated from adult pigs may be a suitable tissue source to transplant a large number of type 1 diabetic patients. Acute cellular rejection may be finally overcome by clinically applicable protocols for tolerance induction. However, primary nonfunction of the graft, as regularly observed in the porcine islet-to-rat xenotransplantation model, may be an additional problem. In this paper, species-specific inflammatory and immunological mechanisms are discussed which prevent early porcine islet graft function in rats but not in mice. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characteristics of a mild head injury subgroup with extreme, persisting distress on the Rivermead Postconcussion Symptoms questionnaire.
Kirsch NL, de Leon MB, Maio RF, Millis SR, Tan-Schriner CU, Frederiksen S. Characteristics of a mild head injury subgroup with extreme, persisting distress on the Rivermead Postconcussion Symptoms Questionnaire. To examine baseline variables and identify characteristics of participants with extremely high reports of symptoms (ie, outliers) 12 months after mild head injury (MHI). A prospective cohort study of MHI with and without loss of consciousness (LOC) and/or posttraumatic amnesia (PTA) recruited from and interviewed at the emergency department (ED), with a follow-up telephone interview at 12 months. Level II community hospital ED. Participants (n=58) with MHI and LOC less than or equal to 30 minutes and/or PTA less than 24 hours and participants (n=173) with MHI but no PTA/LOC. age greater than or equal to 18 years, less than or equal to 24 hours after injury, Glasgow Coma Scale score greater than or equal to 13, and discharge from the ED. Fourteen (6%) participants had extremely high scores on the Rivermead Postconcussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ). RPQ and questions on health services use and litigation. Characterizing the outlier cases are prior head injury, preinjury disability, history of substance use, unemployment, and elevated somatic symptoms at the ED. At 12 months, outliers had higher use of health services and litigation. The existence of a subgroup with a distinctive pattern of baseline characteristics in combination with elevated somatic symptoms at the time of presentation to the ED suggests that further taxonomic distinctions may be warranted for the MHI population, each requiring appropriately targeted interventions for addressing symptomatic complaints. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Plasticity of frequency organization in auditory cortex of guinea pigs with partial unilateral deafness.
We have examined the effect of restricted unilateral cochlear lesions on the orderly topographic mapping of sound frequency in the auditory cortex of adult guinea pigs. These lesions, although restricted in spatial extent, resulted in a variety of patterns of histological damage to receptor cells and nerve fibres within the cochlea. Nevertheless, all lesions resulted in permanent losses of sensitivity of the cochlear neural output across a limited frequency range. Thirty-five to 81 days after such damage to the organ of Corti, the area of contralateral auditory cortex in which the lesioned frequency range would normally have been represented was partly occupied by an expanded representation of sound frequencies adjacent to the frequency range damaged by the lesion. The thresholds at their new characteristic frequencies (CFs) of clusters of cortical neurones in these regions were close to normal thresholds at those frequencies (mean difference across all animals was 3.8 dB). In a second series of experiments, the responses of neurone clusters were examined within hours of making similar cochlear lesions. It was found that shifts in CF toward frequencies spared by the lesions could occur, but thresholds were greatly elevated compared to normal (mean difference was 31.7 dB in five animals). The emergence of sensitive drive in such regions after prolonged recovery periods in lesioned animals thus suggests that the auditory cortical frequency map undergoes reorganization in cases of partial deafness. Some features of this reorganization are similar to changes reported in somatosensory cortex after peripheral nerve injury, and this form of plasticity may therefore be a feature of all adult sensory systems. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Videodefecography: a study of the rectal motile pattern.
The mechanism of rectal motility has remained largely obscure. Recently, by recording rectal electromechanical activity, we identified the rectal motility pattern as occurring in a "mass squeeze" manner. In the current communication, rectal motility was studied by means of videodefecography. The study comprised 28 healthy volunteers (18 men, 10 women; mean age 37.6+/-11.8 years). Evacuation dynamics were studied and registered using a videocassette tape with a high-resolution recorder. The rectum showed no peristaltic or segmentation activity at rest. When the subject was asked to evacuate, a contraction wave started at the rectosigmoid junction (RSJ) and spread aborally. The upper rectum appeared to contract producing anal canal opening and the closure of the RSJ; after rectal evacuation, the anal canal closed and the RSJ opened. The rectal contraction wave was repeated as long as the rectum still contained barium paste. The subjects strained prior to the start of each contraction wave. Some waves did not effect rectal evacuation. These "incomplete" waves started at the mid- or lower rectum and were followed by "complete" waves that produced evacuation. In five of 28 subjects, rectal intussusception occurred during rectal contraction. A small anterior rectocele occurred in another two subjects during rectal contraction. Videodefecography revealed that upon rectal distension with barium paste, a contraction wave, initiated at the RSJ, effected reflex RSJ closure and anal canal opening. The wave spread aborally, "squeezing" the rectal contents towards the opened anal canal. Two types of contraction waves were observed: "complete" which produced rectal evacuation, and "incomplete" which failed to effect evacuation. Physiologic intussusception or rectocele were seen in a few subjects. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Radionuclides for metastatic bone pain palliation].
The paper overviews the role of systemic radionuclide therapy in patients with disseminated bone metastases. Most patients with bone metastases experience painful symptoms. Systemic radioisotope therapy is an alternative to traditional hemibody radiation in cases of multiple, diffuse metastases. Usually given as a single i.v. slow infusion it provides a pain relief beginning in one to three weeks, with a mean duration up to several months, depending on the kind of radioisotope applied. The paper overviews the role of unsealed source therapy with these bone-seeking radiopharmaceuticals in palliating pain, improving quality of life, indications, contraindications and complications of this therapy are discussed, as well as cost-benefit aspects. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ankle arthrodesis by chevron fusion with internal fixation and bone-grafting.
We evaluated the results in thirteen patients with disabling tibiotalar arthritis who underwent a new operation for ankle fusion for relief of pain. The procedure in all of these patients was a chevron (pitched-roof) tibiotalar osteotomy and excision of the joint. A bilateral approach to the ankle joint was used and the arthrodesis was supplemented by internal fixation and a tibial onlay graft applied medially. There were few complications, none of them of major importance. The after-care required only immobilization in a short cast. All but one patient had a solid fusion. The final result was a normal-looking ankle with good function. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Protective effects of voluntary exercise during the postinitiation phase of pancreatic carcinogenesis in the rat.
Studies were undertaken to evaluate the effects of exercise on the development of pancreatic cancer. Exercise is one life-style factor that has received little attention with regard to its role in the etiology of cancer. Male Lewis and female F344 rats were initiated with azaserine during the suckling period and weaned to the experimental protocols. Food and water were available ad libitum. A purified diet of 20% unsaturated fat was fed to both the sedentary and exercise groups. Rats of the exercise group had free access to voluntary exercise wheels. At approximately 2 and 4 months postinitiation, pancreases were evaluated for the number and size of azaserine-induced putative preneoplastic foci by quantitative stereology. Voluntary exercise activity peaked at approximately 2 months postinitiation with a gradual decline in activity there-after. Male Lewis rats averaged 0.95 +/- 0.13 km/day (SE) and female F344 rats averaged 2.73 +/- 0.26 km/day of voluntary wheel running. Compared with the sedentary groups, male Lewis and female F344 rats with access to the running wheels had significantly smaller foci at 4 months postinitiation. Azaserine-induced foci were evaluated in the male Lewis rats at both 2 and 4 months postinitiation. At 4 months postinitiation, the size and growth rate (as measured by [3H]thymidine autoradiography) of foci were less in the rats with access to the exercise wheels. No differences were observed at 2 months postinitiation. Access to voluntary exercise reduced the growth rate of azaserine-induced pancreatic foci. The effect occurred late in the postinitiation phase and was not directly related to the extent of running activity early in the postinitiation phase. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A study of risk factors for ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy.
Ruptured ectopic pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal mortality in the United States. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of tubal rupture. A retrospective chart review of 236 ectopic pregnancies in 215 patients treated at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation from 1983 through 1996 was performed. Patients were stratified by rupture status of the ectopic pregnancy and compared for the following parameters: age, gravida, parity, aborta, gestational age, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin level, need for blood transfusion, serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels, and findings on ultrasonogram and at surgery. We also compared the two groups in multiple risk factors for ectopic pregnancy. We used the generalized estimating equation (GEE) methodology and unbalanced repeated measures analysis of variance to compare the two groups. Tubal rupture was found in 26.3% of ectopic pregnancies. Tubal rupture occurred with any serum hCG level, even with those under 100 mIU/ml. There was no significant difference between the two groups in gestational age, serum hCG levels, or ultrasound findings except that the frequency of ruptured pregnancies increases as the fluid amount documented on ultrasonography increases (p < 0.001). There was no association between any of the risk factors or the number of risk factors and frequency of tubal rupture. There was no significant decrease in the rupture rate over time (p = 0.34). There was an increased morbidity associated with tubal rupture. Tubal rupture cannot be predicted on the basis of any known risk factor, ultrasonogram findings, or serum hCG levels. Early diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy are the only modality available to prevent tubal rupture and its associated morbidity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Rituximab-containing Chemotherapy (R-CHOP)-induced Kaposi's Sarcoma in an HIV-negative Patient with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma.
Rituximab treatment may cause or exacerbate Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated multicentric Castleman's disease. Despite the widespread use of rituximab, rituximab-induced KS has not yet been reported in HIV-negative patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We herein report a case of KS that developed after undergoing rituximab-containing chemotherapy in an HIV-negative patient with DLBCL. An 84-year-old man who received rituximab-containing chemotherapy for the treatment of DLBCL developed severe infection, and subsequently KS. Our observations indicate that serious infections under rituximab treatment may trigger KS. KS should therefore be considered when skin tumors appear in lymphoma patients receiving rituximab-containing chemotherapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Rett syndrome--a review and discussion of syndrome delineation and syndrome definition.
The current status of clinical genetic and pathogenetic knowledge in Rett syndrome is reviewed and updated. Some of the concepts which are highlighted include among others, casual homogeneity vs heterogeneity; the difficulty of dealing with potential variability while the possibility of heterogeneity still exists; progress in examining genetic hypotheses. We review our experience with 8 new patients, note the evidence for the presence of congenital hypotonia in all and several instances of minor anomalies and again raise the issue of whether girls with the Rett syndrome are in fact normal from the time of birth and in early infancy until the characteristic phenotype is recognizable. Previous recommendations for standardized international history, examination and investigation protocols are strongly reinforced, and the question as to who should study brains of Rett syndrome patients is raised by a parent. As is the case in most conditions now being studied by molecular geneticists, finding a marker will be a major etiologic breakthrough, but the work of delineating the pathogenesis will remain to be done. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mutation of Celsr1 disrupts planar polarity of inner ear hair cells and causes severe neural tube defects in the mouse.
We identified two novel mouse mutants with abnormal head-shaking behavior and neural tube defects during the course of independent ENU mutagenesis experiments. The heterozygous and homozygous mutants exhibit defects in the orientation of sensory hair cells in the organ of Corti, indicating a defect in planar cell polarity. The homozygous mutants exhibit severe neural tube defects as a result of failure to initiate neural tube closure. We show that these mutants, spin cycle and crash, carry independent missense mutations within the coding region of Celsr1, encoding a large protocadherin molecule [1]. Celsr1 is one of three mammalian homologs of Drosophila flamingo/starry night, which is essential for the planar cell polarity pathway in Drosophila together with frizzled, dishevelled, prickle, strabismus/van gogh, and rhoA. The identification of mouse mutants of Celsr1 provides the first evidence for the function of the Celsr family in planar cell polarity in mammals and further supports the involvement of a planar cell polarity pathway in vertebrate neurulation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Recurrence patterns in locally advanced cervical carcinoma: role of nodal status and 72-kDa metalloproteinase index.
The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between lymph nodal involvement and regional and/or distant recurrences in locally advanced squamous cervical carcinomas, and also evaluate tumor 72-kDa metalloproteinase, as a biologic parameter useful for understanding the mechanisms of disease relapse and prognosis. In particular, 72-kDa metalloproteinase is an enzyme that specifically cleaves type IV collagen and seems to play a critical role in tumor invasion and metastatic dissemination. The medical records of 62 patients with FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage Ib and IIa squamous cervical carcinoma who underwent primary radical surgery with systematic pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy and then were routinely followed were recruited from our series of 76 consecutive cases and reviewed. Fifty-four patients with complete clinicopathologic information were considered eligible for the study. All recurrences were defined as histologically and/or cytologically documented disease, following a minimum 3-month disease-free interval. Sites of recurrences were classified as distant, or regional to the pelvis. Immunostaining with 72-kDa metalloproteinase was performed on serial sections of tumors using avidin-biotin complex technique. Affinity-purified rabbit anti-72-kDa metalloproteinase antibody was used. Positive staining was expressed as a percentage of positive cells per 10(3) counted neoplastic cells (72-kDa metalloproteinase index). After a median follow-up of 38 months (range 9-71 months), 11 patients recurred with a 20% overall incidence. Seven patients (64%) recurred regionally, with side-wall infiltration in 2 cases, and 4 patients (36%) recurred distantly. By Cox hazard multivariate analysis, lymph nodal status was significantly related to disease-free survival (P = 0.01); in particular, all the patients with side-wall or distant recurrences had lymph nodal involvement. A significant relationship was also observed between tumor 72-kDA metalloproteinase immunostaining and disease-free survival (P = 0.02). The 72-kDA metalloproteinase index was significantly higher in patients who recurred than in patients with disease-free follow-up (P < 0.001); in particular, the highest values were detected in patients who recurred distantly. A relationship between 72-kDa metalloproteinase staining and nodal status was observed (P < 0.001). In conclusion, nodal status and the 72-kDa metalloproteinase index were two independent prognostic parameters, significantly related to recurrence risk and pattern of recurrence in locally advanced cervical carcinoma. Although they are independent prognostic parameters, a relationship between nodal involvement and 72-kDa metalloproteinase was observed. A model of tumor recurrence in which intrinsic tumor factors exert their negative influence directly or by contributing to the development of nodal metastases seems possible. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Noise-reduction through interaction in gene expression and biochemical reaction processes.
We demonstrate that interaction in gene expression and biochemical reaction processes has a significant influence on reducing fluctuations. Especially, we have found that the interaction between synthesized proteins and background molecules can reduce the fluctuation level in gene expression, which is a counter example to the intuition that background factors disturb information processing in genetic networks by increasing the noise level. This fact also indicates that the macromolecular crowding observed in actual cells can contribute to reduce the noise level. In addition, the noise-reduction phenomenon is not limited to the interaction between the proteins and background molecules, but can be applied to other reactions such as a dimerization process and the coupling of reactions with large fluctuations by intrinsic noise. Finally, on the basis of these results, we propose a new and plausible method for reducing the fluctuations generated in synthesized genetic networks, and also discuss the applicability of this method to the stabilization of system dynamics by using a toggle switch model. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Photoelasticity in dentistry. 2. Influence of the supporting apical base].
Thirty photoelastic dental-periodontal patterns were prepared according to the following criteria: ten with cilindrical shaped roots (series I), ten with conical shaped roots from apical do cervical (series II), ten with conical shaped roots from cervical to apical (series III), all of them having the same superficial area and apical basis. The photoelastic analysis showed that the main factor in determining the force distribution is the apical basis and that the conical roots from cervical to apical (series III) elicit a lateral compression on the periodontal support, which influences the magnitude of the force that is necessary to the formation of the some photoelastic deformations produced in the other series. The spectral distribution of the internal stress in the patterns of the series III showed the formations of incomplete fringes along with the lateral aspects of the roots. It was concluded that to make a comparison of the periodontal distribution of occlusal forces, it is of paramount importance the standardization of all steps concerning the construction of the patterns, the measurement of the photoelastic blocks and mainly the apical area of the root, which is the main determinant factor of the qualitative and quantitative results produced by the photoelastic analysis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
DEVELOPMENT OF IDIOPATHIC MACULAR HOLE IN FELLOW EYES: Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Features.
To investigate the long-term incidence and risk factors of macular hole (MH) development in the fellow eyes of patients with unilateral idiopathic MH. The retrospective case-control study involved the fellow eyes of 215 consecutive patients with idiopathic MH. The patients were classified into two groups according to the presence or development of MH in the fellow eye. The spectral domain optical coherence tomography features and clinical characteristics of each group were compared. Twelve (5.6%) patients presented with bilateral MH at the initial visit, whereas 20 (9.3%) initially unilateral patients developed MH in the fellow eye over a median interval of 44 months. Vitreomacular traction and inner foveal cyst were noted more frequently in the baseline spectral domain optical coherence tomography scans of fellow eyes of the bilateral group (P < 0.01). An outer foveal defect was found in five patients (35.7%) of the bilateral MH group (P < 0.01). The incidence of MH in fellow eyes was approximately 10%. The presence of outer foveal defect, inner foveal cyst, and vitreomacular adhesion or traction on spectral domain optical coherence tomography in the fellow eye was the risk factor for MH. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies in clinic.
Immunoglobulins (Ig) or antibodies are heavy plasma proteins, with sugar chains added to amino-acid residues by N-linked glycosylation and occasionally by O-linked glycosylation. The versatility of antibodies is demonstrated by the various functions that they mediate such as neutralization, agglutination, fixation with activation of complement and activation of effector cells. Naturally occurring antibodies protect the organism against harmful pathogens, viruses and infections. In addition, almost any organic chemical induces antibody production of antibodies that would bind specifically to the chemical. These antibodies are often produced from multiple B cell clones and referred to as polyclonal antibodies. In recent years, scientists have exploited the highly evolved machinery of the immune system to produce structurally and functionally complex molecules such as antibodies from a single B clone, heralding the era of monoclonal antibodies. Most of the antibodies currently in the clinic, target components of the immune system, are not curative and seek to alleviate symptoms rather than cure disease. Our group used a novel strategy to identify reparative human monoclonal antibodies distinct from conventional antibodies. In this chapter, we discuss the therapeutic relevance of both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies in clinic. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prediction of extraprostatic extension by prostate specific antigen velocity, endorectal MRI, and biopsy Gleason score in clinically localized prostate cancer.
To investigate the clinical value of prostate specific antigen velocity (PSAV) in predicting the extraprostatic extension of clinically localized prostate cancer. One hundred and three patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer were included in the analysis. The correlation between preoperative parameters, including PSA-based parameters, clinical stage, and histological biopsy findings, and the pathological findings were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify a significant set of independent predictors for the local extent of the disease. Sixty-four (60.2%) patients had organ confined prostate cancer and 39 (39.8%) patients had extraprostatic cancer. The biopsy Gleason score, PSA, PSA density, PSA density of the transition zone, and PSAV were significantly higher in the patients with extraprostatic cancer than in those with organ confined cancer. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the biopsy Gleason score, endorectal magnetic resonance imaging findings, and PSAV were significant predictors of extraprostatic cancer (P < 0.01). Probability curves for extraprostatic cancer were generated using these three preoperative parameters. The combination of PSAV, endorectal magnetic resonance imaging findings, and biopsy Gleason score can provide additional information for selecting appropriate candidates for radical prostatectomy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Conformational heterogeneity at position U37 of an all-RNA hairpin ribozyme with implications for metal binding and the catalytic structure of the S-turn.
The hairpin ribozyme is an RNA enzyme that performs site-specific phosphodiester bond cleavage between nucleotides A-1 and G+1 within its cognate substrate. Previous functional studies revealed that the minimal hairpin ribozyme exhibited "gain-of-function" cleavage properties resulting from U39C or U39 to propyl linker (C3) modifications. Furthermore, each "mutant" displayed different magnesium-dependence in its activity. To investigate the molecular basis for these gain-of-function variants, crystal structures of minimal, junctionless hairpin ribozymes were solved in native (U39), and mutant U39C and U39(C3) forms. The results revealed an overall molecular architecture comprising two docked internal loop domains folded into a wishbone shape, whose tertiary interface forms a sequestered active site. All three minimal hairpin ribozymes bound Co(NH(3))(6)(3+) at G21/A40, the E-loop/S-turn boundary. The native structure also showed that U37 of the S-turn adopts both sequestered and exposed conformations that differ by a maximum displacement of 13 A. In the sequestered form, the U37 base packs against G36, and its 2'-hydroxyl group forms a water mediated hydrogen bond to O4' of G+1. These interactions were not observed in previous four-way-junction hairpin ribozyme structures due to crystal contacts with the U1A splicing protein. Interestingly, the U39C and U39(C3) mutations shifted the equilibrium conformation of U37 into the sequestered form through formation of new hydrogen bonds in the S-turn, proximal to the essential nucleotide A38. A comparison of all three new structures has implications for the catalytically relevant conformation of the S-turn and suggests a rationale for the distinctive metal dependence of each mutant. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of adrenaline, fentanyl and warming of injectate on shivering following extradural analgesia in labour.
This prospective, controlled study was undertaken to determine whether addition of adrenaline or fentanyl to bupivacaine or warming of the injectate had any effect on the incidence of shivering following extradural analgesia in the labouring parturient. Eighty-four patients were sequentially allocated to four groups (control, warm injectate, extradural adrenaline and extradural fentanyl). The adrenaline group had the highest incidence of shivering, the warm injectate and fentanyl groups the lowest. Extradural fentanyl also seemed promising in reducing shivering in pre-block shiverers. This paper also explores the rapidity of temperature decay of solutions of bupivacaine in different clinical situations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Does Sexual Satisfaction Change With Relationship Duration?
Despite a large body of empirical literature on sexual satisfaction, its development over the course of a relationship is still unclear. Only a small number of studies, most of which have relied on cross-sectional data of convenience samples, have explicitly focused on relationship duration, and empirical evidence is mixed. We analyzed how sexual satisfaction changes over the course of a relationship using three waves of the German Family Panel study (pairfam). We concentrated our analyses on young and middle-aged heterosexual individuals in committed relationships (N = 2,814) and applied fixed effects regression models, which have the advantage of estimations based on changes within individuals over time. We found a positive development of sexual satisfaction in the first year of a relationship, followed by a steady decline. This pattern persisted even when controlling for the frequency of intercourse, although the effects were, in part, mediated by intercourse frequency. We explained the non-linear effect of relationship duration on sexual satisfaction with an initial learning effect regarding partner-specific sexual skills, which is then outweighed by a decline in passion at later stages of a relationship. Moreover, we found significant effects for the control variables of health status, intimacy in couple communication, and conflict style, as expected. In contrast to past research, however, cohabitation and marriage were not found to play a role for sexual satisfaction in our data. Further research is required to deepen the understanding of the reasons why sexual satisfaction changes with relationship duration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A machine-learning approach to predicting smoking cessation treatment outcomes.
Most cigarette smokers want to quit smoking and more than half make an attempt every year, but less than 10% remain abstinent for at least 6 months. Evidence-based tobacco use treatment improves the likelihood of quitting, but more than two-thirds of individuals relapse when provided even the most robust treatments. Identifying for whom treatment is effective will improve the success of our treatments and perhaps identify strategies for improving current approaches. Two cohorts (training: N=90, validation: N=71) of cigarette smokers enrolled in group CBT. Generalized estimating equations were used to identify baseline predictors of outcome, as defined by breath carbon monoxide and urine cotinine. Significant measures were entered as candidate variables to predict quit status. The resulting decision trees were used to predict cessation outcomes in a validation cohort. In the training cohort, the decision trees significantly improved on chance classification of smoking status following treatment and at 6-month follow-up. The first split of all decision trees, which was delay discounting, significantly improved on chance classification rates in both the training and validation cohort. Delay discounting emerged as the single best predictor of group CBT treatment response with an average baseline discount rate of ln(k) = -7.1 correctly predicting smoking status of 80% of participants at post-treatment and 81% of participants at follow-up. The current study provides a first step towards personalized care for smoking cessation though future work is needed to identify individuals that are likely to be successful in treatments beyond group CBT. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Purging disorder--a distinct diagnosis? Review about the current state of research].
The article at hand reviews the current state of research of Purging Disorder (PurD). First, we report study results of comparisons between patients with PurD and controls and patients suffering from other established eating disorders. Then we present prevalence data and results of empirical classification studies and follow-up studies. Based on this, we discuss whether PurD meets the requirements of a distinct diagnosis. Despite some opposing results and outstanding research the article concludes that PurD as a diagnostic category offers the possibility to reduce the large and heterogeneous group of patients with the diagnosis "eating disorder not otherwise specified". | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reduced number of angiotensin II receptors on platelets in insulin-dependent diabetes.
Angiotensin II receptors on platelets were studied in 13 patients with uncomplicated type I diabetes mellitus and in 15 age-matched normal subjects. Receptor density on cells from the diabetic patients was 15% lower than the normal subjects (5.2 +/- 0.8 SD sites/platelet in diabetic patients and 6.4 +/- 0.8 in normals, P less than 0.001), but there were no differences in receptor affinity as measured by Kd (4.9 +/- 1.5 X 10(-10) mol/l in diabetic patients and 5.4 +/- 1.4 X 10(-10) mol/l in normals). Plasma concentrations of renin and angiotensin II were similar in both groups. The reduced density of angiotensin II receptors on platelets from patients with insulin-dependent diabetes may reflect a generalized abnormality of angiotensin II receptor regulation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Difference in XTcf-3 dependency accounts for change in response to beta-catenin-mediated Wnt signalling in Xenopus blastula.
Wnt signalling functions in many tissues and during different stages of animal development to produce very specific responses. In early Xenopus embryos there is a dramatic change in response to Wnt signalling within only a few hours of development. Wnt signalling in very early embryos leads to a dorsalising response, which establishes the endogenous dorsal axis. Only a few hours later in development, almost the opposite happens: Xwnt-8 functions to pattern the embryonic mesoderm by promoting ventral and lateral mesoderm. The specificity of the response could conceivably be carried out by differential use of different signal transduction pathways, many of which have recently been described. We have found, however, that this dramatic shift in response to Wnt signalling in early Xenopus is not brought about by differential use of distinct signal transduction pathways. In fact beta-catenin, a downstream component of the canonical Wnt signal transduction pathway, functions not only in the early dorsalising response but also in the later ventrolateral-promoting response. Interaction of beta-catenin with the XTcf-3 transcription factor is required for the early dorsalising activity. In contrast, our experiments suggest that late Wnt signalling in the ventrolateral mesoderm does not require a similar dependency of beta-catenin function on XTcf-3. Our results highlight the potential versatility of the canonical Wnt pathway to interact with tissue-specific factors downstream of beta-catenin, in order to achieve tissue-specific effects. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Microwave-enhanced persulfate oxidation to treat mature landfill leachate.
Microwave oxidation process (MOP) was evaluated for treatment of landfill leachate. Kinetics of persulfate oxidation in MOP, effects of pH and persulfate doses on fates of derivative organic acids, and the energy cost of MOP were evaluated. The results showed that total organic carbon (TOC) removal of 79.4%, color removal of 88.4%, and UV254 removal of 77.1% were reached at MOP 550 W/85 °C within 30 min. The kinetics of oxidation by MOP followed the first-order reaction. For a given persulfate dose, the reaction rate increased with the microwave power setting (775 W>550 W>325 W>128 W) with reaction rate constants ranging from 10(-5) to 10(-2) min(-1). The adverse effects on reaction rates under higher microwave power settings and high persulfate doses are plausibly caused by excessive persulfate oxidation and self-scavenging termination of free radicals. During the MOP treatment, TOC/COD ratio dropped with time and an 86.7% reduction in TOC/COD ratio after 120 min at pH 7. Oxalic acid was the major derivative and its concentrations were higher under acidic conditions. Malic, lactic, and acetic acids were formed and soon degraded, and the solution pH has an insignificant effect on their fates. The energy cost of MOP (USD$6.03/m(3)) is essentially similar to that of conventional heating oxidation (CHO) (USD$6.10/m(3)). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Long-term serial changes in left ventricular function and reversal of ventricular dilatation after valve replacement for chronic aortic regurgitation.
In most patients with aortic regurgitation, valve replacement results in reduction in left ventricular dilatation and an increase in ejection fraction. To determine the relation between serial changes in ventricular dilatation and changes in ejection fraction, we studied 61 patients with chronic severe aortic regurgitation by echocardiography and radionuclide angiography before, 6-8 months after, and 3-7 years after aortic valve replacement. Between preoperative and early postoperative studies, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension decreased (from 75 +/- 6 to 56 +/- 9 mm, p less than 0.001), peak systolic wall stress decreased (from 247 +/- 50 to 163 +/- 42 dynes x 10(3)/cm2), and ejection fraction increased (from 43 +/- 9% to 51 +/- 16%, p less than 0.001). Between early and late postoperative studies, diastolic dimension and peak systolic wall stress did not change, but ejection fraction increased further (to 56 +/- 19%, p less than 0.001). The increase in ejection fraction correlated with magnitude of reduction in diastolic dimension between preoperative and early postoperative studies (r = 0.63), between early and late postoperative studies (r = 0.54), and between preoperative and late postoperative studies (r = 0.69). Late increases in ejection fraction usually represented the continuation of an initial increase occurring early after operation. Thus, short-term and long-term improvement in left ventricular systolic function after operation is related significantly to the early reduction in left ventricular dilatation arising from correction of left ventricular volume overload. Moreover, late improvement in ejection fraction occurs commonly in patients with an early increase in ejection fraction after valve replacement but is unlikely to occur in patients with no change in ejection fraction during the first 6 months after operation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Animal model studies of benzodiazepine-induced amnesia.
The development of a mouse passive avoidance test as a model for amnesia produced by benzodiazepines is described. The model appropriately classifies the amnesic potential of a wide range of psychoactive drugs as validated by clinical findings. Control experiments indicate that the effect is best described as anterograde amnesia resulting from a failure of consolidation. gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) antagonists had almost no effect on benzodiazepine-induced amnesia, whereas the benzodiazepine-receptor antagonist Ro 15-1788 completely and specifically reversed it. This clinically confirmed finding suggests that benzodiazepine-induced amnesia is mediated through the benzodiazepine-receptor. However, in vivo inhibition of benzodiazepine binding does not correlate well with amnesia in the mouse, and some benzodiazepine-receptor agonists with potent CNS effects in other in vitro models do not produce amnesia. Additional work is needed to clarify what aspects of benzodiazepine receptor occupancy mediate amnesia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Monitoring type 2 diabetes from volatile faecal metabolome in Cushing's syndrome and single Afmid mouse models via a longitudinal study.
The analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as a non-invasive method for disease monitoring, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) has shown potential over the years although not yet set in clinical practice. Longitudinal studies to date are limited and the understanding of the underlying VOC emission over the age is poorly understood. This study investigated longitudinal changes in VOCs present in faecal headspace in two mouse models of T2D - Cushing's syndrome and single Afmid knockout mice. Longitudinal changes in bodyweight, blood glucose levels and plasma insulin concentration were also reported. Faecal headspace analysis was carried out using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) and thermal desorption coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). Multivariate data analysis of the VOC profile showed differences mainly in acetic acid and butyric acid able to discriminate the groups Afmid and Cushing's mice. Moreover, multivariate data analysis revealed statistically significant differences in VOCs between Cushing's mice/wild-type (WT) littermates, mainly short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), ketones, and alcohols, and longitudinal differences mainly attributed to methanol, ethanol and acetone. Afmid mice did not present statistically significant differences in their volatile faecal metabolome when compared to their respective WT littermates. The findings suggested that mice developed a diabetic phenotype and that the altered VOC profile may imply a related change in gut microbiota, particularly in Cushing's mice. Furthermore, this study provided major evidence of age-related changes on the volatile profile of diabetic mice. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Hemodynamic changes in the greater and lesser circulations of patients with a mitral heart defect and primary pulmonary hypertension under the influence of differentiated treatment].
The state of the greater and lesser hemodynamics in patients with rheumatic mitral heart disease complicated by pulmonary hypertension was analyzed after treatment with peripheral vasodilators and hemosorption. It is suggested that inclusion of hemosorption in the treatment complex favoured reduction of the degree of pulmonary hypertension, improvement of the central hemodynamics which may be directly related to improvement of the rheological properties of the blood. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Amyotrophy, cerebellar impairment and psychiatric disease are the main symptoms in a cohort of 14 Czech patients with the late-onset form of Tay-Sachs disease.
Tay-Sachs disease (TSD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by a lysosomal β-hexosaminidase A deficiency due to mutations in the HEXA gene. The late-onset form of disease (LOTS) is considered rare, and only a limited number of cases have been reported. The clinical course of LOTS differs substantially from classic infantile TSD. Comprehensive data from 14 Czech patients with LOTS were collated, including results of enzyme assays and genetic analyses. 14 patients (9 females, 5 males) with LOTS were diagnosed between 2002 and 2018 in the Czech Republic (a calculated birth prevalence of 1 per 325,175 live births). The median age of first symptoms was 21 years (range 10-33 years), and the median diagnostic delay was 10.5 years (range 0-29 years). The main clinical symptoms at the time of manifestation were stammering or slurred speech, proximal weakness of the lower extremities due to anterior horn cell neuronopathy, signs of neo- and paleocerebellar dysfunction and/or psychiatric disorders. Cerebellar atrophy detected through brain MRI was a common finding. Residual enzyme activity was 1.8-4.1% of controls. All patients carried the typical LOTS-associated c.805G>A (p.Gly269Ser) mutation on at least one allele, while a novel point mutation, c.754C>T (p.Arg252Cys) was found in two siblings. LOTS seems to be an underdiagnosed cause of progressive distal motor neuron disease, with variably expressed cerebellar impairment and psychiatric symptomatology in our group of adolescent and adult patients. The enzyme assay of β-hexosaminidase A in serum/plasma is a rapid and reliable tool to verify clinical suspicions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Planimetric hematoma measurement in patients with intraventricular hemorrhage: is total volume a preferred target for reliable analysis?
Reliable quantification of both intracerebral hemorrhage and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) volume is important for hemostatic trials. We evaluated the reliability of computer-assisted planimetric volume measurements of IVH. Computer-assisted planimetry was used to quantify IVH volume. Five raters measured IVH volumes, total (intracerebral hemorrhage+IVH) volumes, and Graeb scores from 20 randomly selected computed tomography scans twice. Estimates of interrater and intrarater reliability were calculated and expressed as an intrarater correlation coefficient and an absolute minimum detectable difference. Planimetric IVH volume analysis had excellent intra- and interrater agreement (intrarater correlation coefficient, 0.96 and 0.92, respectively), which was superior to the Graeb score (intrarater correlation coefficient, 0.88 and 0.83). Minimum detectable differences for intra- and interrater volumes were 12.1 mL and 17.3 mL, and were dependent on the total size of the hematoma; hematomas smaller than the median 43.8 mL had lower minimum detectable differences, whereas those larger than the median had higher minimum detectable differences. Planimetric total hemorrhage volume analysis had the best intra- and interrater agreement (intrarater correlation coefficient, 0.99 and 0.97, respectively). Computer-assisted planimetric techniques provide a reliable measurement of ventricular hematoma volume, but are susceptible to higher absolute error when assessing larger hematomas. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Gastrin and interleukin-1beta stimulate growth factor secretion from cultured rabbit gastric parietal cells.
The hormone gastrin stimulates proliferation of the gastric mucosa. Inflammation of the stomach is also associated with increased proliferation. The proliferative response is important in the reparative response to injury but can be deleterious by predisposing to the development of cancer. Parietal cells, but not the cells in the proliferative zone of the gastric glands, express the appropriate gastrin receptor. Parietal cells may mediate the trophic effects of gastrin by secreting other growth factors. The role of parietal cells in the proliferative responses has been examined in this study. Rabbit parietal cells were cultured with gastrin or the cytokine interleukin-1beta for 18 hours. The conditioned medium from gastrin or IL-1beta stimulated parietal cells increased proliferation of HeLa cells in an epidermal growth factor-receptor dependant manner. Gastrin and IL-1beta stimulated the secretion of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor and amphiregulin but not transforming growth factor-alpha from parietal cells. Combinations of gastrin and IL-1beta on growth factor secretion were synergistic. The protein kinase C inhibitor staurosporine abolished these stimulatory effects of gastrin and IL-1beta. Divergent effects on histamine-stimulated acid secretion were observed; 18 hours pre-treatment with gastrin enhanced acid secretion by 50% but IL-1beta inhibited acid secretion in both control and gastrin pre-treated parietal cells. The acid-secreting parietal cell plays a central role in the regulation of mucosal proliferation in gastric inflammation. Secretion of paracrine growth factors by parietal cells may be an important point of integration between the endocrine and inflammatory stimuli in determining mucosal responses to injury and inflammation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
"Imagine Neuro-Oncology"- a one week course with medical and technical students: students' reflections about multidisciplinarity and its practical relevance.
Modern medicine requires tight multidisciplinary collaboration and communication among several technical disciplines. Nevertheless, multidisciplinary medical courses are rare and even less often scientifically evaluated. The aim was to evaluate an innovative neuro-oncology course for medical students (MED) and students of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) so that they learn and practice mutual understanding, communication and cooperation. 10 MED and 9 STEM were trained together during a one-week-course on the topic of "brain tumor" in imaging, surgical planning, surgery, pathological diagnosis, and adjuvant therapy. Evaluation was undertaken via focus groups and accompanying questionnaires about motivation, course acceptance, and multidisciplinary attitude. Students evaluated course structure, content, and multidisciplinary setting positively and showed high intrinsic motivation. However, the students sensed an "artificial dividing line" between both groups, which was conceptually encouraged by the deliberate temporary subdivision into "monodisciplinary" seminars and during the preparation of presentations. Students' opinion of the concept was generally positive as they learned about the challenges in finding a "common scientific language". Nevertheless, some criticisms were raised concerning the dividing line between the disciplines, which in part led to organizational changes. Even though the current reality may be reflected here, the goal of future interprofessional courses should definitely be to dissolve this dividing line. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Leptin inhibits cell growth of human vascular smooth muscle cells.
Elevated leptin levels are thought to contribute to the individual cardiovascular risk, however, the role of leptin in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis remains unclear. The aim of our study was to elucidate the effects of leptin on growth of human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and leptin receptor expression. By establishing a new quantitative real-time PCR for leptin receptor (ObR) isoforms we showed that the short isoforms of ObR were expressed in a 10- to 27-fold excess compared to the long isoform in cultured human VSMCs. Incubation of VSMCs with 100 ng/ml leptin downregulated the short isoforms significantly, whereas the long isoform was not influenced. Increasing leptin concentrations of 50 and 100 ng/ml significantly reduced the cell number of VSMCs compared to untreated controls. Our findings suggest a role for leptin in vascular smooth muscle cell growth, associated to a downregulation of leptin receptor isoforms. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Assessment of integrated process based on hydrothermal and alkaline treatments for enzymatic saccharification of sweet sorghum stems.
In this study, sweet sorghum stem was subjected to hydrothermal pretreatment (HTP) and alkaline post-treatment to enhance its saccharification ratio by reducing its recalcitrance. The results showed that the HTP (110-210°C, 0.5-2.0h) significantly degraded hemicelluloses, and the pretreatment at the temperature higher than 190°C led to the partial degradation of the cellulose. As compared to the sole HTP, the integrated process removed most of lignin and hemicelluloses, which incurred a higher cellulose saccharification ratio. Under an optimum condition evaluated (HTP at 170°C for 0.5h and subsequent 2% NaOH treatment), 77.5% saccharification ratio was achieved, which was 1.8, 2.0 and 5.5 times as compared to the only HTP pretreated substrates, alkaline treated substrates alone and the raw material without pretreatment, respectively. Clearly, the integrated process can be considered as a promising approach to achieve an efficient conversion of lignocellulose to fermentable glucose. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy and miniincision surgery in the treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion.
Lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion (LIDP) is a frequently occurring disease and 10-20% of patients require surgical treatment. Percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (PTED) and mini-incision surgery are currently the most common surgeries for patients. To analyze the efficacy of PTED and mini-incision surgery in the treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion, this study selected 216 patients with LIDP who were admitted to the hospital between February 2014 and June 2015. The subjects were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 108 each. Patients in the observation groups were treated by PTED, while patients in the control group were treated by mini-incision surgery, and treatment efficacy of the two groups was observed. The results demonstrated that the duration of surgery and length of hospital stay of the observation group were significantly shorter than those of the control group, the intraoperative blood loss of the observation group was significantly less than that of the control group and the size of surgical incision of the observation group was much smaller than that of the control group (P less than 0.05). As to clinical efficacy, in accordance with the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, results of the observation group were superior to those of the control group at 3 months after surgery (P less than 0.05). In conclusion, treating patients with LIDP through PTED can significantly improve treatment efficacy, shorten surgical and healing time and relieve pain. This therapy is worth clinical promotion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Induction of IL 2 receptor expression and cytotoxicity of thymocytes by stimulation with TCF1.
We investigated the role of T cell cytotoxicity inducing factor 1 (TCF1) in the induction of a cytotoxic T cell response. We found that help-deficient thymocyte cultures supplied with saturating amounts of purified IL 2 did not develop CTL in a 5-day culture. The expression of cytotoxicity was dependent on the addition of TCF1 derived from the T cell hybridoma K15. TCF1 also induced proliferation of thymocytes in the presence of IL 2. Only the PNA- thymocyte subpopulation responded to TCF1 with proliferation and cytotoxicity in the presence of IL 2. The monokine IL 1 also induced proliferation in this subpopulation but failed to induce cytotoxicity. IL 1 was further distinguished from TCF1 by inhibition of IL 1-induced but not TCF1-induced proliferation by anti-IL 1 antibodies. In addition, using anti-IL 2 receptor antibodies (AMT 13), we showed that TCF1 in the presence of IL 2 substantially increased IL 2 receptor expression in thymocytes. IL 1 had the same effect on induction of IL 2 receptor expression as TCF1. Because some effects of IL 1 and TCF1 are distinct and some overlap, we discuss whether IL 1 and TCF1 induce different subsets of PNA- thymocytes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Viral-associated thrombotic microangiopathies.
Thrombotic microangiopathies encompass a group of disorders characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia associated with hyaline thrombi (comprised primarily of platelet aggregates in the microcirculation), and varying degrees of end-organ failure. Many primary (genetic) and secondary etiological predisposing factors have been described-namely pregnancy, autoimmune disorders, cancer, drugs and antineoplastic therapy, bone marrow transplantation/solid organ transplantation, and infections. In the setting of infectious diseases, the association with Shiga or Shiga-like exotoxin of Escherichia coli 0157:h7 or Shigella dysenteriae type 1-induced typical hemolytic uremic syndrome is well known. Recently however, an increasing body of evidence suggests that viruses may also play an important role as trigger factors in the pathogenesis of thrombotic microangiopathies. This is a comprehensive review focusing on the current understanding of viral associated/induced endothelial stimulation and damage that ultimately leads to the development of this life-threatening multisystemic disorder. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Quantifying vocal fold wound-healing biomechanical property changes.
Development of novel vocal fold (VF) therapeutics is limited by a lack of standardized, meaningful outcomes. We hypothesize that automated microindentation-based VF biomechanical property mapping matched to histology permits quantitative assessment. Ex vivo. Twelve anesthetized New Zealand white rabbits underwent endoscopic right VF injury. Larynges were harvested/bisected day 7, 30, or 60 (n = 4/group), with four uninjured controls. Biomechanical measurements (normal force, structural stiffness, and displacement at 1.96 mN) were calculated using automated microindentation mapping (0.3 mm depth, 1.2 mm/s, 2 mm spherical indenter) with a grid overlay (>50 locations weighted toward VF edge, separated into 14 zones). Specimens were marked/fixed/sectioned, and slides matched to measurement points. In the injury zone, normal force/structural stiffness (mean, standard deviation [SD]/mean, SD) increased from uninjured (2.2 mN, 0.64/7.4 mN/mm, 2.14) and day 7 (2.7 mN, 0.75/9.0 mN/mm, 2.49) to day 30 (4.3 mN, 2.11/14.2 mN/mm, 7.05) and decreased at 60 days (2.7 mN, 0.77/9.1 mN/mm, 2.58). VF displacement decreased from control (0.28 mm, 0.05) and day 7 (0.26 mm, 0.05) to day 30 (0.20 mm, 0.05), increasing at day 60 (0.25 mm, 0.06). A one-way ANOVA was significant; Tukey's post hoc test confirmed day-30 samples differed from other groups (P < 0.05), consistent across adjacent zones. Zones far from injury remained similar across groups (P = 0.143 to 0.551). These measurements matched qualitative histologic variations. Quantifiable VF biomechanical properties can be linked to histology. This technological approach is the first to simultaneously correlate functional biomechanics with histology and is ideal for future preclinical studies. NA Laryngoscope, 2019. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ophthalmoplegic migraine with unusual features.
We report the details of a patient with an unusual form of ophthalmoplegic migraine resulting in permanent vertical misalignment of the affected eye. The presentation, history, and ophthalmologic examination are reported as well as disease course and follow-up complications. We review the literature on ophthalmoplegic migraine with discussion regarding typical presentation, methods of diagnosis, and other diseases which may cause diagnostic confusion. In light of current case reports on ophthalmoplegic migraine, this is the first documented example with a permanent deficit. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The "double-faced" effect of VC-12 on free-radical-induced haemolysis of human erythrocytes: antioxidant and prooxidant.
Vitamin C is a popular antioxidant; however, its water solubility limits its function in the lipid environment. As a result, the antioxidative properties of its lipophilic derivatives have aroused research attention, especially L-ascorbyl-6-laurate (VC-12). We have investigated the effect of a high concentration of VC-12 on 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane hydrochloride) (AAPH)-induced haemolysis of human erythrocytes. The findings indicated that VC-12 was capable of protecting erythrocytes against AAPH-induced haemolysis when its concentration was below 60 microM. With an increase in the concentration of VC-12 and a decrease in the concentration of AAPH, VC-12 promoted haemolysis remarkably, the mechanism of which has been proposed as VC-12-mediated peroxidation. When the concentration of VC-12 was increased to above 150 microM, VC-12 promoted haemolysis by its function as a surfactant, to unbalance the osmotic pressure within and outside erythrocytes. High concentrations of VC-12 may have generated radicals via autooxidation, resulting in eventual haemolysis. Therefore, the double-faced effect of VC-12 on haemolysis of human erythrocytes was due to its concentration. This information may be useful for the safe use of lipophilic vitamin C. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Activating the unfolded protein response in osteocytes causes hyperostosis consistent with craniodiaphyseal dysplasia.
Bone remodeling is a balanced process between bone synthesis and degradation, maintaining homeostasis and a constant bone mass in adult life. Imbalance will lead to conditions such as osteoporosis or hyperostosis. Osteoblasts build bone, becoming embedded in bone matrix as mature osteocytes. Osteocytes have a role in sensing and translating mechanical loads into biochemical signals, regulating the differentiation and activity of osteoblasts residing at the bone surface through the secretion of Sclerostin (SOST), an inhibitor of WNT signaling. Excessive mechanical load can lead to activation of cellular stress responses altering cell behavior and differentiation. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a shared pathway utilized by cells to cope with stress stimuli. We showed that in a transgenic mouse model, activation of the UPR in early differentiating osteocytes delays maturation, maintaining active bone synthesis. In addition, expression of SOST is delayed or suppressed; resulting in active WNT signaling and enhanced periosteal bone formation, and the combined outcome is generalized hyperostosis. A clear relationship between the activation of the unfolded protein response was established and the onset of hyperostosis that can be suppressed with a chemical chaperone, sodium 4-phenobutyrate (4-PBA). As the phenotype is highly consistent with craniodiaphyseal dysplasia (CDD; OMIM 122860), we propose activation of the UPR could be part of the disease mechanism for CDD patients as these patients are heterozygous for SOST mutations that impair protein folding and secretion. Thus, therapeutic agents ameliorating protein folding or the UPR can be considered as a potential therapeutic treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Branch point control by the phosphorylation state of isocitrate dehydrogenase. A quantitative examination of fluxes during a regulatory transition.
To understand how enzymatic pathways respond to changing external conditions, the fluxes through the tricarboxylic acid cycle and ancillary reactions were determined under three different growth conditions in Escherichia coli. The velocities through the major steps in each pathway were measured (a) for growth on acetate alone, (b) for growth on acetate plus glucose, and (c) during the transition caused by addition of glucose to cells growing on acetate. During the transition, the carbon flow through the Krebs cycle decreased by a factor of 5 despite an increase in the growth rate of the culture. Under these conditions, the dephosphorylation of isocitrate dehydrogenase caused a 4-fold increase in its activity. This, together with the decreased rate of substrate production and the kinetic parameters of the branch point enzymes, led to a cessation of the flux through the glyoxylate shunt. The decreased rate of acetyl-CoA turnover, not an inhibition of acetate transport, caused a slower rate of acetate uptake in the presence of glucose. The modulation of protein phosphorylation and metabolite levels is one of the regulatory mechanisms which enables the bacterium to make dramatic shifts between metabolic pathways within a fraction of a doubling time. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Validation of a tool to measure processes of change for fruit and vegetable consumption among male college students.
To develop a valid tool to measure processes of change for fruit and vegetable consumption, and examine the relationship between stage and processes of change among several cultural groups. Cross-sectional, using a self-report questionnaire. Convenience sample of male college students living in apartments. 105 US white, 53 international Latino, and 92 international Asian males. Fruit and vegetable intake, stage and processes of change characterizations. Analysis of covariance, with age as a covariate, was used to determine differences in processes of change scores among 3 cultural groups and stages of change. Two-way analysis of variance investigated relationships between stage of change and fruit and vegetable consumption. The pattern of differences across cultural groups was examined using chi-squared analysis. Self-reported fruit and vegetable intake was higher (P < .01) in action and maintenance than in other stages. Participants in precontemplation/contemplation used significantly less of any process of change than those in preparation or action/maintenance. There were no significant interactions between stage of change and culture for any of the processes of change, but international Asians used significantly more dramatic relief and environmental reevaluation than did US whites and more stimulus control processes than US whites or international Latinos. At all stages, students used significantly more cognitive/experiential processes than behavioral processes. The use of processes increased within action-oriented stages, consistent with previous studies using the Transtheoretical Model in the nutritional area. The greater use of cognitive/experiential than behavioral processes at all stages was not consistent with predictions. Evidence of cultural differences in the use of processes of change was found. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Neoplasms and kidney transplantation. Case contribution].
The incidence of malignancies after transplantation is higher when compared with expected cancer in control patients, particularly skin and female genital cancer, non-Hodgkin's disease and Kaposi's sarcoma. The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency and the efficacy of the treatment of cancer following renal transplantation. A retrospective analysis of 404 recipients was performed and it showed the onset of 15 cancers (8 skin cancers, 3 Kaposi's sarcomas, 2 renal carcinomas, 1 urotelioma and 1 colon cancer) in 11 patients (3.7%). At the time of diagnosis, the mean period of immunosuppressive therapy (7 cases of double therapy, 4 cases of triple therapy) was 44.8 months. Skin cancer (53.3%) and Kaposi's sarcoma (20%) were the most frequent in personal experience as reported in literature. Neither lymphomas, nor female genital cancers were detected. All the cases were surgically treated, except patients with Kaposi's sarcoma, whose immunosuppressive therapy was reduced without alteration of renal function. Death-rate was 0.25% (1 case), the remaining patients show no signs of local recurrence or metastasis with preserved renal function except for the patient with renal carcinoma of the transplanted kidney, who underwent nephrectomy and returned in replacement therapy. The conclusion is drawn that the research of relationship between type of immunosuppressive therapy and cancer incidence and careful clinical and instrumental examination of transplant patients may contribute to reduce the onset of neoplastic degenerations and lead to an early diagnosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pulmonary hypertension in type 1 Gaucher's disease: genetic and epigenetic determinants of phenotype and response to therapy.
Type 1 Gaucher's disease (GD) is recognized for striking but unexplained phenotypic diversity. Rarely, severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) may occur in GD but its clinical spectrum, determinants or its response to enzyme replacement therapy (ERT)+/-vasodilators is not known. One hundred and thirty-four consecutive patients with Type 1 GD were screened to estimate right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) by Doppler echocardiography. Ninety-four patients were on ERT and 40 were untreated. Eight additional GD patients were studied that represented consecutive tertiary referrals with severe PH. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphisms and acid beta-glucosidase gene (GBA) mutations were determined by DNA analysis. Mild, asymptomatic PH (RVSP>35<50 mmHg) was prevalent in Type 1 GD: 30% in untreated patients and 7.4% among patients receiving ERT (P<0.001). Splenectomy was strongly associated with severe, life-threatening PH: all patients with severe PH (RVSP 50-130 mmHg) were asplenic compared to only 31% of patients with RVSP<50 mmHg (Odds ratio [OR] 28.8, 95% CI 1.6-531.6, P<0.001). Other characteristics of patients presenting with severe PH were poor compliance to ERT (4/9 patients) or no ERT (5/9 patients), a family history of a sib with GD and PH (2/2 patients), an excess of ACE I allele (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-4.9, P=0.034) and an excess of non-N370S GBA mutation (OR 6.0, 95% CI 1.1-33, P=0.003). Severe PH was ameliorated by ERT+/-vasodilators during 4.6+/-4.0 yr (range 1-12 yr) follow-up; three patients were initially considered for lung transplantation but improved such that they are no longer active transplant candidates. Our study reveals a remarkable predisposition for PH in type 1 GD. Progression to severe, life-threatening PH occurs in the presence of additional genetic factors (non-N370S GBA mutation, positive family history, and ACE I gene polymorphism) and epigenetic modifiers (i.e., asplenia and female sex). Splenectomy should be avoided and in high-risk patients, ERT+/-vasodilators/coumadin should be initiated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Rat gustatory neurons in the geniculate ganglion express glutamate receptor subunits.
Taste receptor cells are innervated by primary gustatory neurons that relay sensory information to the central nervous system. The transmitter(s) at synapses between taste receptor cells and primary afferent fibers is (are) not yet known. By analogy with other sensory organs, glutamate might a transmitter in taste buds. We examined the presence of AMPA and NMDA receptor subunits in rat gustatory primary neurons in the ganglion that innervates the anterior tongue (geniculate ganglion). AMPA and NMDA type subunits were immunohistochemically detected with antibodies against GluR1, GluR2, GluR2/3, GluR4 and NR1 subunits. Gustatory neurons were specifically identified by retrograde tracing with fluorogold from injections made into the anterior portion of the tongue. Most gustatory neurons in the geniculate ganglion were strongly immunoreactive for GluR2/3 (68%), GluR4 (78%) or NR1 (71%). GluR1 was seen in few cells (16%). We further examined if glutamate receptors were present in the peripheral terminals of primary gustatory neurons in taste buds. Many axonal varicosities in fungiform and vallate taste buds were immunoreactive for GluR2/3 but not for NR1. We conclude that gustatory neurons express glutamate receptors and that glutamate receptors of the AMPA type are likely targeted to synapses within taste buds. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nucleotide sequence of the amicyanin gene from Methylobacterium extorquens AM1.
The gene for amicyanin from the methylotrophic bacterium, Methylobacterium extorquens AM1 was identified. It encodes a protein consisting of 119 amino acids with a molecular weight of 12,609 kDa. The amino acid sequence shows the presence of a typical leader sequence and signal peptidase recognition site. Two putative hairpin structures were found, one located directly behind the amicyanin gene and another located 50 bp upstream. The same sequence AAAATCCC was found near the start codons for the small subunit of methylamine dehydrogenase and amicyanin, but its significance is not known. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evidence that fibrin alpha-chain RGDX sequences are not required for platelet adhesion in flowing whole blood.
The role of the RGDX putative receptor-recognition sites, which are present on the alpha chains of fibrin, in promoting platelet adhesion has been examined in flowing whole blood using the rectangular perfusion chamber at wall shear rates of 340 and 1,600/s. Platelets adhered to a comparable extent to surfaces coated with native fibrin and surfaces coated with fragment X-fibrin, a product of limited fibrinolysis that lacks the RGDS sites normally present at positions 572 to 575 of the alpha chains. The strengths of these adhesive interactions were comparable based on the concentrations of the antiadhesive peptide D-RGDW required to block platelet deposition to native and fragment X-fibrin at both low and high wall shear rate. Blocking either or both RGDX sequences with peptide-specific monoclonal antibodies did not inhibit platelet deposition in perfusion experiments performed with normal blood at 340/s, indicating that neither RGD motif is required for adhesion. However, adhesion was partly inhibited by anti-RGDX antibodies when perfusions were performed with blood from an afibrinogenemic patient, suggesting the RGDX sequences may play a limited role in platelet deposition. Exposure of fibrin surfaces to plasminogen/tissue-type plasminogen activator did cause a time-dependent loss of adhesiveness, but this effect was only weakly correlated with proteolysis of the fibrin alpha chains. These observations provide evidence that neither RGDX sequence is required for platelets to adhere avidly to fibrin in flowing blood. These results further suggest that incomplete fibrinolysis yields a highly thrombogenic surface. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Influence of moisture on the availability and persistence of clotrimazole and fluconazole in sludge-amended soil.
Applying sewage sludge to soil is a common practice in many parts of the world. Thus, pharmaceutical compounds, such as azoles, can be released into the environment after sludge is applied to soil. To understand the fate of clotrimazole and fluconazole (pharmaceuticals used as antifungals in humans) in soil after its amendment with sludge, a reliable and sensitive method has been developed to determine these compounds in the solid and aqueous phases of soil. Desorption of clotrimazole from soil amended with sludge was negligible, whereas a rapid desorption of fluconazole was observed. Dissipation rates of these azoles were determined in amended soil incubated at 25°C with moisture contents ranging from 4.5 to 20%. Clotrimazole was more persistent than fluconazole in dry soil, whereas the contrary occurred in wet soil. Partitioning soil:soil solution of these azoles varied with time and moisture contents. Clotrimazole was found in soil with negligible amounts in soil solution, whereas fluconazole was approximately partitioned 50:50 during the assay time (60 d) at any soil moisture content. Occasional rainfall coupled with a relatively low binding soil capacity can result in the contamination of surface and groundwaters by fluconazole, whereas clotrimazole will remain in the soil. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The diagnostic utility of submandibular gland sonography and labial salivary gland biopsy in IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis: Its potential application to the diagnostic criteria.
In this study, we investigated the diagnostic utility of submandibular gland (SMG) sonography and labial salivary gland (LSG) biopsy as a less invasive procedure for diagnosing IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis (IgG4-DS) Methods: Sixty-eight patients with suspected IgG4-DS by presenting swelling of elevated serum IgG (>1747 mg/dl) and/or swelling glands underwent SMG sonography, LSG biopsy and measurement for serum IgG4. SMG sonographic diagnosis was determined by the following characteristic changes; 'hypoechoic areas of a nodal pattern with high vascularity' and/or 'hypoechoic areas of a reticular pattern in the superficial part'. Thirty-one patients were diagnosed with IgG4-DS, 5 with IgG4-RD unaccompanied by lacrimal and salivary gland lesions, 28 with Sjögren's syndrome, and 4 with malignant lymphoma. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of SMG sonography and LSG biopsy were 100%, 83.8%, 91.2% and 64.5%, 73.8%, 75.0%, respectively. Moreover, those of SMG sonography and LSG biopsy combined with serum IgG4 concentration (>135 mg/dl) were 100%, 94.6%, 97.1% and 64.5%, 91.9%, 79.4%, respectively. LSG biopsy needs to be extremely careful to diagnose IgG4-DS because of its low sensitivity. SMG sonography is sufficient for the diagnosis of IgG4-DS, especially when combined with serologic analysis. Thus, SMG sonography could adapt to the diagnostic criteria of IgG4-DS as a non-invasive method. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evaluation of two methods of predicting MLC leaf positions using EPID measurements.
In intensity modulated radiation treatments (IMRT), the position of the field edges and the modulation within the beam are often achieved with a multileaf collimator (MLC). During the MLC calibration process, due to the finite accuracy of leaf position measurements, a systematic error may be introduced to leaf positions. Thereafter leaf positions of the MLC depend on the systematic error introduced on each leaf during MLC calibration and on the accuracy of the leaf position control system (random errors). This study presents and evaluates two methods to predict the systematic errors on the leaf positions introduced during the MLC calibration. The two presented methods are based on a series of electronic portal imaging device (EPID) measurements. A comparison with film measurements showed that the EPID could be used to measure leaf positions without introducing any bias. The first method, referred to as the "central leaf method," is based on the method currently used at this center for MLC leaf calibration. It mimics the manner in which leaf calibration parameters are specified in the MLC control system and consequently is also used by other centers. The second method, a new method proposed by the authors and referred to as the "individual leaf method," involves the measurement of two positions for each leaf (-5 and +15 cm) and the interpolation and extrapolation from these two points to any other given position. The central leaf method and the individual leaf method predicted leaf positions at prescribed positions of -11, 0, 5, and 10 cm within 2.3 and 1.0 mm, respectively, with a standard deviation (SD) of 0.3 and 0.2 mm, respectively. The individual leaf method provided a better prediction of the leaf positions than the central leaf method. Reproducibility tests for leaf positions of -5 and +15 cm were performed. The reproducibility was within 0.4 mm on the same day and 0.4 mm six weeks later (1 SD). Measurements at gantry angles of 0 degrees, 90 degrees, and 270 degrees for leaf positions of -5 and +15 cm showed no significant effect of gravity. The individual leaf method could be used in various applications to improve the accuracy of radiotherapy treatment from planning to delivery. Three cases are discussed: IMRT beam verification, MLC calibration and dose calculation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Kinetics and morphology of cluster growth in a model of short-range attractive colloids.
We present results from detailed three-dimensional Brownian dynamics simulations of the self-assembly process in quenched short-range attractive colloids. Clusters obtained in the simulations range from dense faceted crystals to fractal aggregates which show ramified morphology on large length scales but close-packed crystalline morphology on short length scales. For low volume fractions of the colloids, the morphology and crystal structure of a nucleating cluster are studied at various times after the quench. As the volume fraction of the colloids is increased, growth of clusters is controlled by cluster diffusion and cluster-cluster interactions. For shallower quenches and low volume fractions, clusters are compact and the growth-law exponent agrees well with Binder-Stauffer predictions and with recent experimental results. As the volume fraction is increased, clusters do not completely coalesce when they meet each other and the kinetics crosses over to diffusion-limited cluster-cluster aggregation (DLCA) limit. For deeper quenches, clusters are fractals even at low volume fractions and the growth kinetics asymptotically reaches the irreversible DLCA case. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Recurrent pulmonary hemorrhage].
The results of treatment of 235 patients with pulmonary hemorrhage of various etiology which stayed in clinic in 1980-1992 yrs. were analyzed. Of 216 patients, whom diagnostic bronchoscopy was performed, the hemorrhage origin was found in 137, of whom in 13 its localization was imprecise. Seventeen patients have died, of whom 11--before operative intervention was done. The method of temporary occlusion of presumably bleeding lobar or segmental bronchus with the help of obturator containing the leaded out transnasally catheter was proposed to localize precisely the pulmonary hemorrhage origin. The hemorrhage origin localization is confirmed by subsequent appearance of blood from the external end of catheter. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Decision analysis to define the optimal management of athletes with anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery.
The goal of this study was to use decision analysis to evaluate the impact of varying uncertainties on the outcomes of patients with anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery. Two separate decision analysis models were created: one for anomalous left coronary artery (ALCA) and one for anomalous right coronary artery (ARCA). Three strategies were compared: observation, exercise restriction, and surgery. Probabilities and health utilities were estimated on the basis of existing literature. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. Surgery was the optimal management strategy for patients <30 years of age with ALCA. As age increased, observation became an equivalent strategy and eventually surpassed surgery as the treatment of choice. The advantage on life expectancy for surgery over observation ranged from 2.6 ± 1.7 years for a 10-year-old patient to -0.03 ± 0.1 for a 65-year old patient. In patients with ARCA, observation was the optimal strategy for most patients with a life expectancy advantage over surgery of 0.1 ± 0.1 years to 0.2 ± 0.4 years, depending on age. Surgery was the preferred strategy only for patients <25 years of age when the perceived risk of sudden cardiac death was high and the perioperative mortality was low. Exercise restriction was a suboptimal strategy for both ALCA and ARCA in all scenarios. The optimal management in anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery depends on multiple factors, including individual patient characteristics. Decision analysis provides a tool to understand how these characteristics affect the outcomes with each management strategy and thus may aid in the decision making process for a particular patient. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comprehensive royal jelly (RJ) proteomics using one- and two-dimensional proteomics platforms reveals novel RJ proteins and potential phospho/glycoproteins.
Royal jelly (RJ) is an exclusive food for queen honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) that is synthesized and secreted by young worker bees. RJ is also widely used in medical products, cosmetics, and as health foods. However, little is known about RJ functionality and the total protein components, although recent research is attempting to unravel the RJ proteome. We have embarked on a detailed investigation of the RJ proteome, using a modified protein extraction protocol and two complementary proteomics approaches, one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (1-DGE and 2-DGE) in conjunction with tandem mass spectrometry. Simultaneously, we examined total soluble protein from RJ collected at 24, 48, and 72 h after honey bee larvae deposition twice (in two flower blooming seasons), to check differences, if any, in RJ proteome therein. Both 1- and 2-D gels stained with silver nitrate revealed similar protein profiles among these three time points. However, we observed a clear difference in two bands (ca. MW of 55 and 75 kDa) on 1-D gel between the first and the second collection of RJ. A similar difference was also observed in the 2-D gel. Except for this difference, the protein profiles were similar at the 3 time points. As the RJ from 48 (or sometimes 72) is commercially used, we selected the RJ sample at 48 h for detailed analysis with the first collection. 1-DGE identified 90 and 15 proteins from the first and second selection, respectively; in total, 47 nonredundant proteins were identified. 2-DGE identified 105 proteins comprising 14 nonredundant proteins. In total, 52 nonredundant proteins were identified in this study, and other than the major royal jelly protein family and some other previously identified proteins, 42 novel proteins were identified. Furthermore, we also report potentially post-translationally modified (phosphorylation and glycosylation) RJ proteins based on the Pro-Q diamond/emerald phosphoprotein/glycoprotein gel stains; MRJP 2p and 7p were suggested as potential phosphoproteins. The 2-DGE data were integrated to develop a 2-D gel reference map, and all data are accessible through RJ proteomics portal (http://foodfunc.agr.ibaraki.ac.jp/RJP.html). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Development of the optic tract in the cichlid fish Haplochromis burtoni.
In the teleost fish, Haplochromis burtoni, the optic tract is composed of 3 distinct components: the marginal tract, which projects to the optic tectum and is by far the largest, and the axial and medial tracts which project to diencephalic targets. In this paper we report on the normal development of these pathways in larval H. burtoni, an African cichlid fish. The earliest optic tract fibers are found in what will become the marginal optic tract. These fibers hug the wall of the diencephalon in a cohesive bundle. The first fibers in the axial tract location appear on day 5, increasing in number between days 6 and 18. Like marginal tract fibers, axial tract fibers form a cohesive bundle. It is not clear from these experiments whether the first axial tract fibers actually arrive at this location at day 5, or whether they are fibers arriving earlier that were physically displaced from the marginal tract at day 5. Medial tract fibers are not evident until day 6 of development and the number of medial tract fibers also increases as the animal gets older. Unlike fibers in the other two pathways, medial tract fibers do not travel together in a bundle. Rather, each one follows an independent trajectory to its target site. Comparison of this larval development with the adult optic tract organization which we have studied earlier suggests constraints on the mechanisms of axon guidance. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Diagnosing and staging lung cancer involving the mediastinum.
The purpose of this article is to provide an update on evidence-based methods for mediastinal staging in patients with lung cancer. This is a review of the recently published studies and a summary of relevant guidelines addressing the role of CT scan, PET scan, endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), and mediastinoscopy as pertinent to lung cancer staging and restaging. The focus is on how these diagnostic methods fit into the best algorithm for patients with chest imaging abnormalities suspected of malignant disease. Several studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews specifically targeted the role of PET scan, EBUS-TBNA, and mediastinoscopy for detecting mediastinal lymph node involvement in patients suffering from lung cancer. Based on the recommendations from the currently published guidelines, algorithms of care are proposed for staging and restaging of the mediastinum. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Distribution of tumor-associated antigens in the various histologic components of germ cell tumors of the testis.
The various histologic components of 39 germ cell tumors of the testis were studied with indirect labeled immunoperoxidase technique for the presence of the following tumor-associated antigens: alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), alpha 1-antitrypsin (A1AT), chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), specific pregnancy beta 1-glycoprotein (SP1), human placental lactogen (HPL), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and ferritin (Fe). Embryonal carcinoma components were positive for AFP in 9/16, for A1AT in 6/16, for CEA in 2/16, and for Fe in 14/16. All yolk-sac tumor components were positive for AFP and Fe, and 8/13 contained A1AT and 2/13 CEA. Epithelium in teratoid components was positive for AFP in 5/14 cases, for A1AT in 8/14, for CEA in 7/14, and for Fe in 8/14. Syncytial trophoblast in choriocarcinoma components and syncytial giant cells were all positive for HCG, SP1 and HPL. In addition, tumor giant cells in two nonseminomatous tumors and in one seminoma contained HCG. Otherwise, all pure seminomas were negative for all antigens, except for Fe, which was positive in 12/16 cases. Demonstration of this functional aspect of germ cell tumors of the testis may clarify problems of classification and elucidate histogenesis. Furthermore, immunohistochemical demonstration of tumor-associated antigens is of value in the management of the patient as an indicator of which tumor markers should be used for monitoring the treatment. In addition, the presence of tumor-associated antigens may be used in prognostic evaluation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Alterations in dendritic morphology of hippocampal neurons in adult rats after neonatal administration of N-omega-nitro-L-arginine.
The dendritic length and dendritic-spine density of the pyramidal neurons of the prefrontal cortex and the CA1 hippocampus of rats using the nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N-omega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) at different postnatal day (P) periods of the brain development (P1-P3, P4-P6, and P7-P9) were assessed using Golgi-Cox staining after puberty (P60). At P4-P6, the L-NNA treatment produced a significant decrease of the dendritic length and dendritic-spine density of the pyramidal cells of the CA1 hippocampus. In addition, the dendritic length of the pyramidal neurons of the CA1 hippocampus decreased because of the L-NNA treatment at P1-P3. These data suggest that during a specific step in the development of the brain, the nitric oxide levels may play a critical role in the morphological modifications of the pyramidal neurons of the CA1 hippocampus at postpubertal age. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Biomechanical application of finite element method in upper cervical spine].
Biomechanics plays an important role in the pathogenesis of upper cervical spine disease. Traditional biomechanical test, such as animal experiment, physical experiment and vitro experiment exists many problems. Finite element method, a new biomechanical method, can repeat in sustainability study, change quality and quantity, provide the manifestation of local and internal region and make up the deficiency of current methods. The paper summaries the biomechanical application of finite element method in upper cervical spine, including the finite element modeling, pathophysiological mechanism of upper cervical spine and biomechanical analysis of internal fixation devices. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A rapid method for determining Mycobacterium tuberculosis based on a bulk acoustic wave impedance biosensor.
The bulk acoustic wave impedance biosensor was set up and used to monitor the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.TB). This sensor is rapid, simple, sensitive (lower limit is 2 x 10(3) cells ml(-1)) and cheap (easy to generalize). The typical response curve was different from other bacteria's, such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis. The frequency detection time was used to quantitatively determine M.TB. It was proportional to logarithm of the initial concentration of M.TB in the range of 2 x 10(3)-3 x 10(7) cells ml(-1). The set up sensor was applied to the direct diagnosis of M.TB samples. The interference of other bacteria was eliminated by pretreatment. Our results confirmed that the use of the set up biosensor was reliable, sensitive. It gives out the potential use for determining M.TB. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A versatile prokaryotic cloning vector with six dual restriction enzyme sites in the polylinker facilitates efficient subcloning into vectors with unique cloning sites.
In large and complex vectors a single restriction enzyme recognition site may be available for introduction of additional DNA requiring the development of linker fragments to create compatible insertion sites. This technology can be time consuming and costly. We describe the construction of a simple phagemid, pSFI, with a polylinker that contains six pairs of dual, rare-cutting, restriction enzyme recognition sites (NotI, SpeI, EcoRV, PstI, SacII, EagI) with multiple unique sites between each pair. This has permitted rapid subcloning of DNA with creation of single flanking restriction enzyme sites. pSFI was used to expedite transfer of viral genes to a LacZ-inducible expression vector and to an adenovirus expression cassette for production of replication-defective virus. The use of this phagemid has facilitated complex vector manipulations and is a valuable adjunct to the family of multifunctional cloning vectors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Possible association of atrophic gastritis and arterial stiffness in healthy middle-aged Japanese.
Helicobacter pylori (HP) has been implicated as a risk factor for cardiovascular and atherosclerotic diseases. Arterial stiffness determined by pulse wave velocity (PWV) or the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) has been shown to be higher in HP-positive subjects than in HP-negative subjects; however, this result has been observed only in young subjects. The aim of the study was to investigate the possible correlation between HP infection and PWV or CAVI in middle-aged subjects. We measured brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV), CAVI, metabolism markers, pepsinogens (PGs) and IgG antibody to HP in 343 individuals aged either 60 or 65 year old. Atrophic gastritis (AG) was diagnosed based on the values of PGs. baPWV and CAVI were significantly higher in the AG-positive group than in the AG-negative group even after adjusting for possible confounding factors (baPWVc; 16.63+/-3.50 vs. 15.59+/-3.47 p=0.010, CAVIc; 8.59+/-1.20 vs. 8.27+/-1.19 p=0.022). baPWV and CAVI values tended to be higher in the HP-positive group than in the HP-negative group. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level and the adiponectin level were lower in the AG-positive group than in the AG-negative group. There may be an association between atrophic gastritis and atherosclerosis in middle-aged subjects. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cortical auditory evoked potential correlates of categorical perception of voice-onset time.
The goal of this study was to examine the neural encoding of voice-onset time distinctions that indicate the phonetic categories /da/ and /ta/ for human listeners. Cortical Auditory Evoked Potentials (CAEP) were measured in conjunction with behavioral perception of a /da/-/ta/ continuum. Sixteen subjects participated in identification and discrimination experiments. A sharp category boundary was revealed between /da/ and /ta/ around the same location for all listeners. Subjects' discrimination of a VOT change of equal magnitude was significantly more accurate across the /da/-/ta/ categories than within the /ta/ category. Neurophysiologic correlates of VOT encoding were investigated using the N1 CAEP which reflects sensory encoding of stimulus features and the MMN CAEP which reflects sensory discrimination. The MMN elicited by the across-category pair was larger and more robust than the MMN which occurred in response to the within-category pair. Distinct changes in N1 morphology were related to VOT encoding. For stimuli that were behaviorally identified as /da/, a single negativity (N1) was apparent; however, for stimuli identified as /ta/, two distinct negativities (N1 and N1') were apparent. Thus the enhanced MMN responses and the morphological discontinuity in N1 morphology observed in the region of the /da/-/ta/ phonetic boundary appear to provide neurophysiologic correlates of categorical perception for VOT. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prognostic factors in non-small cell lung cancer: multiregression analysis in the National Cancer Center Hospital (Japan).
A total of 190 patients with unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were analyzed retrospectively using eight pretreatment and three treatment-related prognostic factors in terms of influence on survival. All the patients received chemotherapy with or without chest irradiation, according to the protocol of phase II or phase III trials of the National Cancer Center Hospital Tokyo between April 1980 and December 1985. The eight pretreatment factors selected were performance status, sex, stage, age, histology, and metastasis to brain, bone or, liver. Three treatment-related factors were radiation therapy to the primary site, response to chemotherapy, and treatment period, before or after clinical administration of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (CDDP). Of the 190 patients, 71 (37.4%) were alive for more than 1 year, but only 17 patients (8.9%) survived 2 years after the initiation of chemotherapy. By univariate analysis, performance status 0-1, female, no metastasis to bone or liver, response to chemotherapy, and treatment period after CDDP were considered to be favorable prognostic factors. By multiregression analysis, performance status, sex, and treatment period after CDDP proved to be important factors for long-term survival. Consideration of these prognostic factors could enable the results of chemotherapy to be more accurately evaluated, and stratification of patients with advanced NSCLC based on performance status and sex before entry into a randomized controlled trial is recommended. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Relaxation properties of porphyrin, diprotonated porphyrin, and isoelectronic tetraoxaporphyrin dication in the S2 state.
The fluorescence spectra of unsubstituted porphyrin (H2P), diprotonated porphyrin (H4P2+), and isoelectronic tetraoxaporphyrin dication (TOxP2+) have been measured in solution at room temperature. The S2-->S0 fluorescence has been observed, much more intense for TOxP2+ than for H4P2+ and H2P. In the TOxP2+ case, the S2-->S0 fluorescence spectrum is remarkably sharp and shows an excellent mirror symmetry with respect to S0-->S2 absorption. On the contrary, the spectra of H4P2+ and H2P are shifted and more extended with respect to the absorption counterparts. The differences have been attributed primarily to the change of the equilibrium geometry upon excitation, larger in H2P and H4P2+ than in TOxP2+ and in the case of H4P2+ to the nonplanar conformation of the macrocycle. Also the S1-->S0 spectra of H2P, H4P2+, and TOxP2+ have been measured and more qualitatively discussed. The S1 and S2 fluorescence decays have been observed for H4P2+ and TOxP2+ exciting with ultrashort pulses. The S2 lifetime of TOxP2+ is of the order of the temporal resolution of our experimental apparatus, whereas that of H4P2+ is shorter. The S2-->S0 quantum yield of TOxP2+ has been estimated to be 0.035, approximately 3 orders of magnitude higher than that of H4P2+. It is proposed on the basis of ab initio model calculations that excited states of the H4P2+(CF3COO-)2 complex with charge-transfer character are responsible of the increased extension of the S2-->S0 spectrum with respect to that of H2P. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Contribution of Qualitative Research to Evidence in Practice for People With Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Appraising the best available evidence substantiating and informing occupational therapy practice is a commonly expressed obligation for the profession (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2007). In this article we argue for the full inclusion of qualitative research, on parity with quantitative research, as a source for evidence of relevant and effective occupational therapy practice, review the limitations of quantitative research, and outline the distinctive contributions of qualitative studies to the practice of occupational therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In addition, we describe the role of qualitative studies in the fulfillment of the Centennial Vision (AOTA, 2007) and recommend three action steps for the profession. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hypnosis, suggestion type, and subjective experience--the order-effects hypothesis revisited: a brief communication.
In a replication and extension of Field, Evans, and Orne's (1965) research, no support was found for the hypothesis that suggestion order is related to hypnotic responding. Confirming earlier findings, Ss were no more responsive to suggestions ordered from easy-to-difficult than they were to suggestions ordered from difficult-to-easy. Measures of subjective involvement in suggestions, involuntariness, and archaic involvement with the hypnotist were no more sensitive to order effects than was the measure of objective responding. Nor were order effects more apparent with Ss who received direct versus indirect suggestions. Direct suggestions facilitated suggestion-related involuntariness and response to the hypnotic amnesia item after cancellation, whereas indirect suggestions enhanced fears of negative appraisal by the hypnotist. Finally, female Ss were more involved in suggestions than were the males, particularly in response to more difficult test items. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
OMNEX surgical sealant in the extracorporeal repair of renal artery aneurysms.
OMNEX (Ethicon, Inc.; Somerville, NJ) is a cyanoacrylate-based synthetic surgical sealant. To date, the use of OMNEX has only been described in a limited number of vascular surgery procedures. We present the cases of two patients who underwent successful extracorporeal renal artery aneurysm repair with the aid of OMNEX sealant. This report is the first evidence to suggest the utility of OMNEX in renovascular surgery. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A transient VEP-based real-time brain-computer interface using non-direct gazed visual stimuli.
It is necessary for brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to be non-offensive devices for daily use to improve the quality of life of users, especially for the motor disabled. Some BCIs which are based on steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs), however, are unpleasant because users have to gaze at high-speed blinking light as visual stimuli. Furthermore, these kinds of BCIs may not be used as universal devices because SSVEPs are not detectable by some users. Considering these facts, we previously proposed a BCI using a non-direct gazing method based on transient VEPs. This interface used a low-speed blinking lattice pattern as visual stimuli and visual targets displayed on the right and the left sides of the stimuli. The gazing direction was determined by the waveform difference of transient VEPs detected when users gazed at either target. Compared with SSVEP-based BCLs, this BCI was less annoying because it used low-speed blinking visual stimuli, and it was not necessary for users to gaze at the stimuli directly. In this study, we propose an improved version of the BCI. Specifically, the gazing direction is determined in real time, and another gazing direction in which users gaze at a visual target displayed on the center of the screen is introduced while maintaining the annoyance-free advantage of the BCI. Experiments with 6 volunteer subjects showed an 84.2% accuracy rate in gazing direction judgments. The result suggests that the proposed BCI is more practical than the previous one because it can adapt to the change of gazing direction in real time. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Socio-economic class differences in cancer incidence in Cali, Colombia.
Based on census tract information, cancer incidence rates for three socio-economic strata of the city of Cali, Colombia, were calculated. Strong negative associations with socio-economic status were found for cancers of the cervix and stomach. Colon cancer and endocrine-related cancers were positively associated with socio-economic status, while no such association was found for rectal cancer. Contrary to data from developed countries, all smoking-related cancers were positively associated with socio-economic class. The role of socio-economic gradients in developing countries is stressed as a basis for etiological research. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A selectively terminable transgenic rice line expressing human lactoferrin.
Human lactoferrin (hLF) is a multifunctional milk protein which could be utilized for promoting human health. Transgenic rice has been used as a bioreactor for mass production of recombinant hLF. However, one major concern over such transgenic rice is the risk of its unintended spreading into environment and into our food supplies. Here we report the development of selectively terminable transgenic rice expressing human lactoferrin in seeds. These transgenic rice plants could be selectively terminated by bentazon, a common herbicide used for rice weed control. The hLF expression cassette was constructed into a T-DNA containing the RNA interference cassette suppressing the expression of the rice gene CYP81A6 which detoxifies herbicide bentazon, and the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) cassette which confers to glyphosate tolerance. A transgenic line, named as G281, was identified for its high sensitivity to bentazon, high tolerance to glyphosate, and high expression of hLF. Southern analysis suggested G281 is a single copy insertion event. Field tests demonstrated that G281 plants can be completely killed by a single spray of bentazon at 1000 mg/L, which is safe to regular rice and represents only half of the dose recommended by manufacturer for rice field weed control. Therefore, any G281 contaminations in regular rice could be selectively terminated to make sure it will not enter food or feed supplies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Incidence of lymph node metastasis and its impact on long-term prognosis in clinically localized prostate cancer.
Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is an important staging method for men with clinically localized prostate cancer. We report our experience with staging PLND and the impact of lymph node metastasis on long-term prognosis. One hundred forty-eight consecutive patients who underwent staging PLND for clinically localized prostate cancer were retrospectively studied. Patients were evaluated for the presence and number of lymph node metastases, treatment (prostatectomy vs. radiotherapy), and endocrine therapy, and analyzed with respect to disease progression and survival. The mean follow-up period was 52.9 months (range, 2.3 to 165.8 months). Thirty-two patients (21.6%) had pelvic lymph node metastases, the incidence of which markedly decreased from 32.3% in 1982 to 1987 to 6.7% in 1994 to 1997. The intervals to disease progression and cancer death were significantly shorter in patients with positive lymph nodes (P < 0.001). In stage D1 disease, patients who underwent a radical prostatectomy tended to be free of progression longer than those receiving radiotherapy or conservative therapy (P = 0.0546). Other factors, such as early endocrine therapy, the extent of lymph node involvement and the Gleason score of the primary tumor did not predict disease progression or survival. These data suggest a decreasing trend in the incidence of lymph node metastasis in the PSA era. Although longer disease-free intervals were observed in radical prostatectomy-treated patients, the impact of an aggressive approach to stage D1 disease awaits further studies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Metal and metalloid exposure and oxidative status in free-living individuals of Myotis daubentonii.
Metal elements, ubiquitous in the environment, can cause negative effects in long-lived organisms even after low but prolonged exposure. Insectivorous bats living near metal emission sources can be vulnerable to such contaminants. Although it is known that bats can bioaccumulate metals, little information exists on the effects of metal elements on their physiological status. For example, oxidative status markers are known to vary after detoxification processes and immune reactions. Here, for two consecutive summers, we sampled individuals from a natural population of the insectivorous bat, Myotis daubentonii, inhabiting a site close to a metal emission source. We quantified metals and metalloids (As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn) from individual fecal pellets. We measured enzymatic antioxidants (GP, CAT, SOD), total glutathione (tGSH) and ratio between reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH:GSSG) from their red blood cells together with biometrics, hematocrit and parasite prevalence. In general, metal concentrations in feces of M. daubentonii reflected the exposure to ambient contamination. This was especially evident in the higher concentrations of Cd, Co, Cu and Ni close to a smelter compared to a site with less contaminant exposure. Annual differences were also observed for most elements quantified. Sex-specific differences were observed for calcium and zinc excretion. SOD and CAT enzymatic activities were associated with metal levels (principal components of six metal elements), suggesting early signs of chronic stress in bats. The study also shows promise for the use of non-invasive sampling to assess the metal exposure on an individual basis and metal contamination in the environment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The opening lectures in chemistry of the French pharmacists].
The opening lectures, which formerly marked the beginning of a professor's duties in an academic institution, are important documents for science historians. Several opening lectures in chemistry (organic, inorganic, analytical, biological or medicinal chemistry), which were given by French pharmacists in the Ecole or the Faculté de pharmacie de Paris, in the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle in Paris, or in the Collège de France are analyzed. First, these lectures reveal formal aspects, such as the history of the chair or a eulogy of the works and personal qualities of the predecessor. Then, the educational aspects contained in the opening lectures provide information, as well as the opinions of the new professor about teaching and research, history of the subject and its interest for the pharmaceutical students. The final aspects cited concerned the education of the new professor, the birth of his vocation and the help provided by his mentors during his university studies, his periods of instruction and his first experimental works. The opening lecture reveals sociological aspects of how knowledge was built. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reciprocal Reprogramming of Cancer Cells and Associated Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Gastric Cancer.
The interactions of cancer stem cells (CSCs) within the tumor microenvironment (TME), contribute to the overall phenomenon of intratumoral heterogeneity, which also involve CSC interactions with noncancer stromal cells. Comprehensive understanding of the tumorigenesis process requires elucidating the coordinated gene expression between cancer and tumor stromal cells for each tumor. We show that human gastric cancer cells (GSC1) subvert gene expression and cytokine production by mesenchymal stem cells (GSC-MSC), thus promoting tumor progression. Using mixed composition of human tumor xenografts, organotypic culture, and in vitro assays, we demonstrate GSC1-mediated specific reprogramming of "naïve" MSC into specialized tumor associated MSC equipped with a tumor-promoting phenotype. Although paracrine effect of GSC-MSC or primed-MSC is sufficient to enable 2D growth of GSC1, cell-cell interaction with GSC-MSC is necessary for 3D growth and in vivo tumor formation. At both the transcriptional and at the protein level, RNA-Seq and proteome analyses, respectively, revealed increased R-spondin expression in primed-MSC, and paracrine and juxtacrine mediated elevation of Lgr5 expression in GSC1, suggesting GSC-MSC-mediated support of cancer stemness in GSC1. CSC properties are sustained in vivo through the interplay between GSC1 and GSC-MSC, activating the R-spondin/Lgr5 axis and WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. β-Catenin+ cell clusters show β-catenin nuclear localization, indicating the activation of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway in these cells. The β-catenin+ cluster of cells overlap the Lgr5+ cells, however, not all Lgr5+ cells express β-catenin. A predominant means to sustain the CSC contribution to tumor progression appears to be subversion of MSC in the TME by cancer cells. Stem Cells 2018 Stem Cells 2019;37:176-189. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Application of treatment fidelity in tailored caregiver interventions.
Objectives: Demonstrations of the effectiveness of interventions requires evidence that the model can be implemented with fidelity. Caregiving interventions that are tailored to the individual or family require flexibility, which adds some challenges to the assessment of fidelity. This paper outlines the components necessary for examining treatment fidelity and common barriers to implementing fidelity studies, offers considerations for designing fidelity studies with tailored caregiver interventions, and aims to provide a set of procedures that can be used to guide future fidelity studies. Method: Case study methods are used to illustrate the processes and findings, drawing on two research studies of fidelity in tailored caregiver interventions. Results: Fidelity studies consist of core components (i.e. training on intervention delivery, adherence to the intervention, therapist competence, acceptability and outcomes) that should be maintained and monitored throughout the study to elucidate the relationship between the intervention and outcomes. These components are applicable to tailored caregiver interventions and can be implemented with the consideration of some key issues that are addressed prior to the evaluation. The two cases presented utilized similar methods to evaluate fidelity of two different tailored caregiver interventions. Conclusion: Treatment fidelity can be assessed for tailored caregiving interventions, which increases confidence about the potency of the active ingredients in the interventions. Standard fidelity guidelines can be implemented with minor additional considerations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of quality attributes of shell eggs subjected to directional microwave technology.
Microwaves have been shown to cause thermal as well as nonthermal destruction of pathogens such as Salmonella, which can be found in shell eggs. The objective of this study was to determine if using microwave technology would cause detrimental quality effects in shell eggs. Treatments included control (no treatment) and microwave-treated (20 s) shell eggs. There were no differences in mineral content, fatty acid profile, Haugh units, broken-out score, yolk index, emulsion stability, pH of whole egg, and foaming capacity between 2 treatments (P >or= 0.05). At 0 and 30 d, there were no noticeable differences in H(2)O activity between 2 treatments. The foaming stability and albumen thermocoagulation of microwave-treated eggs were significantly higher than control eggs (P <or= 0.05). The control eggs had significantly higher emulsion capacity and lower vitelline membrane strength than the microwave-treated eggs (P <or= 0.05). Poached eggs were evaluated by sensory testing for hardness, yolk color, and albumen color, and there are no noticeable differences at 0, 15, or 30 d. At 0 d, the color of control albumen was more yellow than the microwave-treated albumen, and the chalazae of the microwave-treated eggs was more attached than the control eggs (P <or= 0.05). The TBA reactive substances were similar for 2 treatments at 0, 15, and 30 d. Peroxide values were significantly higher in the microwave-treated eggs at d 0 (P <or= 0.05), but at 15 and 30 d, no prominent differences in peroxide values were noted (P >or= 0.05). Therefore, microwave technology can be applied to shell eggs without causing detrimental effects to quality. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Turkish nursing students' knowledge of and attitudes towards patients with HIV/AIDS.
To assess nursing students' knowledge of and attitudes towards such patients and to determine the variables associated with students' knowledge and attitudes towards them. Improving nurses' and nursing students' knowledge and attitudes towards patients with HIV/AIDS is vital for providing quality care for such patients. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at three nursing schools located in two different cities in Turkey. The inclusion criteria for the nursing students were as follows: being at least 18 years old; being a first-, second-, third- or fourth-year nursing student; and giving consent to participate in the research. The sample comprised 580 nursing students. The study used three data collection tools: (1) the Student Socio-Demographic Questionnaire, (2) the HIV/AIDS Knowledge Questionnaire and (3) the HIV/AIDS Attitude Questionnaire. Participants' knowledge was found to be insufficient, particularly with regard to HIV transmission routes. They generally had positive attitudes towards patients with HIV/AIDS. However, they expressed some concerns and were hesitant about working with AIDS and HIV-positive patients. The current results reveal that nursing students still have misconceptions and a lack of knowledge of HIV/AIDS and that their attitudes need to be improved. Improving education programmes about HIV/AIDS and using information sources effectively may contribute to better knowledge and more desirable attitudes towards HIV/AIDS. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Oligothiophene molecular beacons.
Oligomers of thiophene are widely studied compounds for their electronic and optoelectronic properties. Despite their strong fluorescence, their use as markers for biomolecules, especially for oligonucleotides (ONs), is still largely unexplored. Here, we describe the synthesis of a series of ON molecular beacons employing different oligothiophenes as fluorescent probes and discuss their fluorescence emissions in comparative experiments with and without dabcyl as a quencher, in their hairpin and linear conformations, and as duplexes after hybridization with a complementary target. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Surgical problems in patients on ventilators.
Patients on ventilators for respiratory failure due to pulmonary disease may develop three major complications requiring general surgical evaluation: gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, paralytic ileus, and mesenteric vascular insufficiency. GI bleeding from acute hemorrhagic gastritis (stress ulceration) can be avoided by aggressive medical therapy consisting of volume replacement, antacids, nutrition, and treatment of the precipitating causes. When conservative therapy fails, surgery will be needed to control bleeding. Intestinal ileus is of uncertain etiology. Initially, it is treated conservatively. Rarely, when the patient develops peritoneal irritation or a cecal diameter of greater tha 9 cm, surgery is indicated. Mesenteric vascular insufficiency of the nonocclusive type occurs in elderly individuals with heart disease, who develop a low cardiac output syndrome. Therapy must consist of avoiding a low flow state with proper fluid management, cardiorespiratory care, and drug therapy. Surgical intervention is indicated when physical examination and laboratory data point to a loss of intestinal viability. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Aggregation kinetics of UV irradiated nanoplastics in aquatic environments.
Nanoplastics (NPs) derived from degradation of macroplastics and microplastics possess potential threat to aquatic biota and human health. Their fate and transport in aquatic systems are mainly governed by aging processes and aggregation behavior. In this study, we simulated plastic aging process using UV-irradiation and compared the aggregation kinetics of fresh versus aged polystyrene NPs (PSNPs) under aqueous conditions. The results showed that fresh PSNPs had strong negative surface charge and exhibited both reaction- and diffusion-limited aggregation regimes, in agreement with classic Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory. Divalent electrolytes were 10-15 times more effective in inducing PSNP aggregation than monovalent electrolytes. The aging process inhibited PSNP aggregation in NaCl solutions by increasing the negative charge on PSNP surface and the organic matter content in solution, while promoted PSNP aggregation in CaCl2 solutions due to interactions between Ca2+ and carboxyl groups formed on aged PSNP surface. Such distinct behaviors were consistent with characterizations by contact angle measurements, potentiometric titration, total organic carbon (TOC) analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Hamaker constants obtained from DLVO fitting decreased from 3.5 × 10-21 J for fresh PSNPs to 1.5 × 10-21 J for aged PSNPs. This study indicated that UV-irradiation plays a vital role in governing the fate, transport, and potential hazards of PSNPs in aquatic environments. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Goal analysis and goal operationalisation: a group intervention for the enhancement of work motivation].
Work motivation, mental well-being and competencies of self-regulation are linked to successful job-related reintegration after rehabilitation. Based on the Diagnostical Instrument to assess Work motivation (Diagnostikinstrument für Arbeitsmotivation DIAMO) and existing training programs, a new group intervention, the goal analysis and goal operationalization, was developed and evaluated. The objective of this intervention, designed for participants of a rehabilitation program was to enhance work motivation and volitional control processes (self-regulation and self-control), to encourage job-related goal orientation and to thereby increase the probability of goal achievement. In a quasi-experimental longitudinal design 207 patients (111 experimental group/96 control group) were tested. The experimental group took part in the job-related training (ZAZO) in addition to the usual rehabilitation. The evaluation was conducted through various scales at t0 (beginning) and t1 (end of the training). Scales for the measurement of work motivation, mental well-being, status of rehabilitation, competencies of self-regulation and the subjective prognosis of the ability to work were used. As direct effects of the training an enhancement of work motivation and of an improved subjective prognosis of the ability to work were expected. Accordingly, a positive influence on the subjective well-being as indirect effects, were anticipated in the long run, the experimental group should also show an enhanced job-related reintegration. Participants of the experimental group showed significantly higher values on particular scales of the Diagnostical Instrument of Work motivation as opposed to the control group (curiosity motive, attitudes to work and contact motive). Most notably, significant interactional effects could be found on the scale for the subjective prognosis of the ability to work, which is a highly reliable instrument and important predictor for prospective job-related reintegration. The training ZAZO led to an enhancement of work motivation and subjective prognosis of the ability to work, both having positive effects on job-related orientation. First evaluation results of the training ZAZO document the positive effect on both work motivation and subjective prognosis of the ability to work. The results of the evaluation present the good acceptance of the participants (93.3% = rather content to very content). The implementation of the group intervention in existing programs of rehabilitation can benefit job-related reintegration and will thereby contribute to lower costs for pension regulatory authorities in the long run. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Product liability forecasting for asbestos-related personal injury claims: a multidisciplinary approach.
This paper focuses on three aspects of forecasting models for asbestos-related disease/injuries relating to the Manville asbestos case: (1) The structure of forecasting models for asbestos-related personal injuries. (2) The epidemiologic evidence supporting the selected model structure and the constraints on the modeling assumptions imposed by that evidence. (3) The range of uncertainty associated with projections based on these forecasting models and issues relating to decision making under uncertainty. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Urothorax Associated with Uroperitoneum in a Dog Without Diaphragmatic Disruption.
Accumulation of urine in the pleural space secondary to uroperitoneum with no disruption of the diaphragm appears to be a rare pathological condition. A 2 yr old male mixed-breed dog was referred with dyspnea and abdominal pain after a road traffic accident. Plain radiographs demonstrated pleural effusion and reduced serosal detail in the abdominal cavity that was compatible with fluid accumulation. Retrograde urethrography revealed a pelvic urethra rupture. Biochemical analysis of the pleural and abdominal fluid confirmed the diagnosis of urothorax and uroperitoneum. The dog underwent a prepubic urethrostomy and intensive care management. The dog was reported to be in good health after a follow up time of 10 mo. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of urothorax associated with uroperitoneum with no detectable defects of the diaphragm in a dog. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Music to my ears, goal for my eyes? Music reward modulates gaze disengagement from negative stimuli in dysphoria.
Attentional bias for negative information, i.e. difficulties in disengagement from negative stimuli, is considered to be one of the core mechanisms involved in the onset and maintenance of depression. However, current attention training procedures aimed at reducing this bias have shown limited success. In addition to the reliability and validity concerns generated by the use of dot-probe paradigm in these procedures, an important factor is the limited consideration of motivational influences in the use of attention training. Therefore, in the current study we examined whether goal stimuli, reinforced with music reward, can modulate attention for negative information in dysphoric individuals. Using a novel attention task which measures gaze disengagement from negative faces, we found that dysphoric individuals displayed greater difficulties in disengaging eye-gaze from negative and directing it towards standard neutral stimuli, as compared to non-dysphorics. However, when using reward-reinforced goal stimuli, dysphoric individuals were as quick as non-dysphorics in disengaging attention from negative stimuli in order to engage with goal-related stimuli. These results provide preliminary evidence for the modulating role of music-reinforced goals in the attention system of depressed individuals, and highlight how music-reinforced goals can be incorporated in current attention training procedures to improve outcomes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.