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[The effect of ketalar on fatty acid metabolism in the myocardium].
The intraperitoneal administration of ketalar in a dose of 50 mg/kg elevated the myocardial levels of triglycerides, reduced non-esterified fatty acids and enhanced uncontrolled mitochondrial respiration during oxidation of caprylate and palmitoylcarnitine. The efficiency of phosphorylation remained unchanged. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Human T lymphocyte colonies in agar: a comparison with other T cell assays in healthy subjects and cancer patients.
Colonies of human lymphocytes with T cell characteristics will grow in agar from repeated mitotic divisions with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation. The colonies comprise spheres of tightly-packed cells with up to 500-1,000 blast-like cells in each colony. 65% of cells from pooled colonies bound AET-treated sheep red cells. 1,100-2,500 colonies/10(6) peripheral blood lymphocytes developed when cell donors were healthy but lower numbers (350-1,000 colonies/10(6) lymphocytes) were detected in blood from cancer patients. Comparison with other non-specific assays of cell-mediated immunity showed that while 66% of cancer patients were anergic (to five recall antigens) and 78% exhibited depressed mitotic activity in standard cultures with low dose PHA, 100% of these patients revealed T cell colony formation below normal. It is suggested that further studies of T lymphocyte colony-forming cells in healthy people and in a number of disease states may significantly advance our understanding of mechanisms of cell-mediated immunity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) versus cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) for two contiguous levels cervical disc degenerative disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) has been considered as a gold standard for symptomatic cervical disc degeneration (CDD), which may result in progressive degeneration of the adjacent segments. The artificial cervical disc was designed to reduce the number of lesions in the adjacent segments. Clinical studies have demonstrated equivalence of cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in single segment cervical disc degeneration. But for two contiguous levels cervical disc degeneration (CDD), which kind of treatment method is better is controversial. To evaluate the clinical effects requiring surgical intervention between anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) at two contiguous levels cervical disc degeneration. We conducted a comprehensive search in multiple databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EBSCO and EMBASE. We identified that six reports meet inclusion criteria. Two independent reviewers performed the data extraction from archives. Data analysis was conducted with RevMan 5.3. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, six papers were included in meta-analyses. The overall sample size at baseline was 650 patients (317 in the TDR group and 333 in the ACDF group). The results of the meta-analysis indicated that the CDA patients had significant superiorities in mean blood loss (P < 0.00001, standard mean differences (SMD) = -0.85, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = -1.22 to -0.48); reoperation (P = 0.0009, risk ratio (RR) = 0.28, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.13-0.59), adjacent segment degeneration (P < 0.00001, risk ratio (RR) = 0.48, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.40-0.58) and Neck Disability Index (P = 0.002, SMD = 0.31, 95 % CI = 0.12-0.50). No significant difference was identified between the two groups regarding mean surgical time (P = 0.84, SMD = -0.04, 95 % CI = -0.40 to 0.32), neck and arm pain scores (P = 0.52, SMD = 0.06, 95 % CI = -0.13 to 0.25) reported on a visual analog scale and rate of postoperative complications [risk ratio (RR) = 0.79; 95 % CI = 0.50-1.25; P = 0.31]. The CDA group of sagittal range of motion (ROM) of the operated and adjacent levels, functional segment units (FSU) and C2-7 is superior to ACDF group by radiographic data of peroperation, postoperation and follow-up. We can learn from this meta-analysis that the cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) group is equivalent and in some aspects has more significant clinical outcomes than the ACDF group at two contiguous levels CDD. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Space radiation research in Europe: flight experiments and ground-based studies.
Exposure to space radiation has long been acknowledged as a potential showstopper for long-duration manned interplanetary missions. In an effort to gain more information on space radiation risk and to develop countermeasures, NASA initiated several years ago a Space Radiation Health Program, which is currently supporting biological experiments performed at the Brookhaven National Laboratory. Accelerator-based radiobiology research in the field of space radiation research is also under way in Russia and Japan. The European Space Agency (ESA) supports research in the field in three main directions: spaceflight experiments on the International Space Station; modeling and simulations of the space radiation environment and transport; and, recently, ground-based radiobiology experiments exploiting the high-energy SIS18 synchrotron at GSI in Germany (IBER program). Several experiments are currently under way within IBER, and so far, beams of C and Fe-ions at energies between 11 and 1,000 MeV/n have been used in cell and tissue targets. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pharmacologic analysis of the ip administration of fludarabine phosphate in the swine.
Fludarabine phosphate, an investigational water-soluble adenosine analog, was administered ip to five miniature swine at doses of 10, 16, and 25 mg/m2. Blood and peritoneal fluid samples were collected for 4 hours following drug administration and were submitted to high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis for the concentrations of the dephosphorylated derivative, 2-fluoro-ara-A. Peak peritoneal fluid concentrations of 2-fluoro-ara-A ranged from 7.72 to 18.01 micrograms/ml at the doses tested; peritoneal fluid areas-under-the-curve (AUCs) ranged from 19.23 to 47.33 micrograms X hour/ml. The peak serum concentrations of 2-fluoro-ara-A ranged from 0.15 to 0.46 micrograms/ml; serum AUCs ranged from 0.51 to 1.2 micrograms X hour/ml. The ip administration of fludarabine phosphate results in a 28-62-fold peak peritoneal concentration advantage over peak serum concentrations and a 20-53-fold advantage for peritoneal over serum AUCs. Comparison of data generated in this swine study to data from pilot studies of the ip administration of fludarabine phosphate in humans will be of interest. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
pH-triggered delivery of magnetic nanoparticles depends on tumor volume.
Nowadays there is growing recognition of the fact that biological systems have a greater impact on nanoparticle target delivery in tumors than nanoparticle design. Here we investigate the targeted delivery of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles conjugated with pH-low-insertion peptide (MNP-pHLIP) on orthotopically induced MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma xenografts of varying volumes as a model of cancer progression. Using in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and subsequent determination of iron content in tumor samples by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy we found that MNP-pHLIP accumulation depends on tumor volume. Transmission electron microscopy, histological analysis and immunohistochemical staining of tumor samples suggest that blood vessel distribution is the key factor in determining the success of the accumulation of nanoparticles in tumors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evidence for an inhibitory A1 subtype adenosine receptor on pancreatic insulin-secreting cells.
The effects of L- and D-phenylisopropyladenosine (L- and D-PIA) were studied on glucose-induced insulin secretion from the isolated perfused rat pancreas. L-PIA at the low dose of 16.5 nM inhibited insulin secretion by 50%. In contrast, D-PIA at 16.5 and 82.5 nM was ineffective. D-PIA used at a 100-fold higher concentration (1.65 microM) than L-PIA induced a similar inhibition of insulin secretion. The inhibitory effect of L-PIA was abolished by 8-phenyltheophylline (1 microM), a potent P1 purinoceptor antagonist. The present experiments provide evidence for an adenosine receptor of the A1 subtype on the insulin-secreting pancreatic cell of rats. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Amniocentesis in the second trimester: the effect on fetal movement.
Linear array real-time ultrasound was utilized to observe gross fetal body movements before and after second-trimester amniocentesis. No significant differences were found between the two observation periods. All pregnancies continued to term, and no evidence of fetal trauma was found at delivery. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mitral valve replacement on a beating heart.
We report the case of a patient who needed mitral valve replacement but was at a high risk of myocardial injury with the conventional technique (cardioplegic arrest on cardiopulmonary bypass). Valve replacement was carried out on a beating heart on cardiopulmonary bypass by perfusing the heart continuously with oxygenated noncardioplegic normothermic blood via the coronary sinus. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of intra-operative mechanical ventilation using 50% inspired oxygen on pulmonary oxygenation.
Forty-three ASA Grade I patients scheduled for elective abdominal surgery received at random either 25% or 50% inspired oxygen for intra-operative mechanical ventilation lasting 4-6 h. Pulse oximetry was monitored continuously. Venous admixture was assessed from the PaO2/FIO2 ratio and was measured twice intraoperatively: at the time of incision, and during surgical wound closure. PaO2 was measured 1 h after extubation having breathed room air for 10 min, if tolerated. The patients in the two groups were similar in regard to general characteristics, and had similar operations. Patients given oxygen 50% had operations that lasted longer, which made the trial more sensitive. The inspired oxygen did not affect pulmonary gas exchange either within each group or between groups under the conditions of the study. In no patient did pulse oximetry record an oxygen saturation below 95% intra-operatively. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Benthic nutrient flux in a shallow coastal environment.
Ammonia and nitrate efflux from a fine sand in Carmarthen Bay was studied by incubating undisturbed cores of sediment on board ship. At the end of each incubation, the macrofaunal and bacterial biomass in each core and the organic content of the sediment were determined. Oxygen consumption was measured in another series of cores. The relationship between ammonia flux and biomass was investigated using a lattice of hypotheses approach to multiple linear regression, where all possible submodels of a general model are fitted. Ammonia flux was significantly related to the biomass of polychaetes and molluscs and "other macrofauna" but the inclusion of bacterial biomass did not improve the regressions. The estimated annual efflux of ammonia was 778 mmol N m-2 which is 44% of the estimated annual nitrogen demand of the phytoplankton. However, at the time of maximum primary production in June, only 16% of the phytoplankton requirement for nitrogen was met by benthic ammonia flux. Nitrate efflux was an order of magnitude less than that of ammonia and reached a maximum in the autumn. No significant relationship was found between oxygen consumption and macrofaunal or bacterial biomass at any time of the year. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Two concentrations of topical tretinoin (retinoic acid) cause similar improvement of photoaging but different degrees of irritation. A double-blind, vehicle-controlled comparison of 0.1% and 0.025% tretinoin creams.
The efficacy of topical tretinoin (all-trans-retinoic acid) in treating photoaging is well established. Questions that remain are (1) whether irritation causes all or part of the improvement; (2) the concentration of tretinoin that maximizes clinical response with minimal side effects; and (3) the effects of long-term treatment on components of the cutaneous immune system. To address these issues, 99 photoaged patients completed a 48-week study using 0.1% tretinoin cream (n = 32), 0.025% tretinoin (n = 35), or vehicle (n = 32) once daily in a double-blind manner. Before and after treatment, we assessed histologic features, keratinocyte expression of HLA-DR and intercellular adhesion molecule-1, numbers of epidermal Langerhans' cells and epidermal and dermal T lymphocytes, and vascularity as measured by dermal endothelial cell area. Both 0.1% and 0.025% tretinoin produced statistically significant overall improvement in photoaging of the face compared with vehicle; there were no clinically or statistically significant differences in efficacy between the two concentrations of tretinoin. After 48 weeks, 0.1% and 0.025% tretinoin produced similar statistically significant epidermal thickening (by 30% and 28%, respectively) compared with vehicle (11% decrease) and increased vascularity (by 100% and 89%, respectively) compared with vehicle (9% decrease). By various analyses, irritant side effects (erythema and scaling) were statistically significantly greater with 0.1% tretinoin than with 0.025% tretinoin. No significant changes occurred in any immunologic markers when tretinoin and vehicle treatments were compared. Tretinoin 0.1% and 0.025% produce similar clinical and histologic changes in patients with photoaging, despite significantly greater incidence of irritation with the higher concentration. The separation between clinical improvement and irritation suggests that mechanisms other than irritation dominate tretinoin-induced repair of photoaging in humans. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Structured Reporting of Magnetic Resonance Enterography for Pediatric Crohn's Disease: Effect on Key Feature Reporting and Subjective Assessment of Disease by Referring Physicians.
To objectively compare the content of structured reports (SR) vs nonstructured reports (NSR) for magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) of pediatric patients with Crohn's disease, and to evaluate referring clinicians' subjective assessment of reports. This institutional review board-approved, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant retrospective study included 25 pediatric subjects (15 male, 10 female; mean age = 14 years [range: 9-18 years]) with Crohn's disease imaged with MRE. Three radiologists independently interpreted all examinations using both NSR and SR, separated by 4 weeks. Reports were assessed for documentation of the presence or absence of 15 key reporting features. A total of 30 reports (15 NSR [5 per reader] and 15 SR [5 per reader]) were randomly selected for review by 3 referring physicians, who subjectively evaluated the reports independently. NSR documented the presence or absence of 7.7 ± 2.5 key features, whereas SR documented 14.0 ± 0.8 features (P < 0.001). SR resulted in increased documentation of 12 of 15 features including stricture (P < 0.001), fistula (P < 0.001), fluid collection (P = 0.003), and perianal disease (P < 0.001). Referring physicians preferred SR regarding ease of information extraction, clarity of anatomy, and ability to identify disease phenotype (P < 0.01 for each). The use of structured reporting in describing pediatric Crohn's disease, MRE resulted in significantly increased reporting of key features. Referring clinicians also demonstrated a subjective preference for SR. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transient ischemic colitis. Case report.
A 78-year-old man had profuse bloody diarrhea of sudden onset following a traffic accident associated with mild hypothermia. Rectoscopy performed one day later showed severe acute inflammatory changes, and biopsy revealed acute necrotizing colitis. Treatment was conservative. At control colonoscopy 3 weeks later the mucosa was mainly normal. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Adipose tissue-derived tumor necrosis factor-alpha activity is elevated in older rats.
High levels of adipose tissue-derived tumor necrosis factor-alpha (AT-TNF) mRNA and protein have previously been associated with genetic models of obesity and insulin resistance. Because there are endogenous TNF inhibitors it is unknown if AT-TNF activity is also increased. We hypothesized that AT-TNF activity would increase in older animals because of an accumulation of fat mass. We chose to study 2 different-aged male Fischer 344 rats, 3-month-old (young) and 14-month-old (mature) because fat mass should be quite different but insulin action on glucose metabolism similar. Indeed, mature rats had over 1.5-fold more fat mass, but whole body insulin resistance, as estimated by fasting plasma insulin, was similar to young rats. Mature rats had twice as much AT-TNF activity as the young in both the epididymal (EPI) and retroperitoneal (Retro) fat pads (p < .0005). AT-TNF correlated with fasting plasma insulin in Retro only (r = .48, p = .04). AT-TNF activity strongly correlated with cell size in both EPI and Retro (r = .79 and .81, respectively, p < .0001). Because cytokines can be regulated at several levels, AT-TNF activity, protein, and mRNA were measured. AT-TNF protein levels were higher in young rats, suggesting that these animals may secrete an inhibitor that reduces AT-TNF activity. There were no significant differences in AT-TNF mRNA between groups. Since TNF has been shown to affect several key genes in tissue culture, mRNA for lipoprotein lipase, hormone-sensitive lipase, and Glut4 were measured. No differences were found between groups. In summary, AT-TNF activity increased in mature animals in relation to adipose cell size. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Melatonin as a chronobiotic: PROS and CONS.
The pineal gland is a major component in the regulation of photoperiodic responses and hence, saisonality. All functions which appear to be controlled by the daylength can be influenced by modifying the output signal of the pineal gland, i.e. melatonin. An important property of the melatonin signal is that the duration of melatonin synthesis and release varies proportionally with the length of the night suggesting that the duration of elevated melatonin is the most important signal conveying the photoperiodic message. In addition to the temporal coordination of saisonal phenomena, melatonin appears to be involved in the control of circadian rhythms in mammals. Activity-rest cycles of rats can be entrained by infusion or injection of melatonin at appropriate times of the daily cycle. Rhythms of neuronal activity of the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus can be inhibited and phase-shifted by application of melatonin. The firing rate of SCN neurones of rats can be inhibited by iontophoretic application of melatonin. These data are in good agreement with the high density of melatonin receptors found in the SCN of most--but not all-mammalian species. On the other hand, activity-rest cycles appear to be perfectly normal in animals which lack a daily melatonin rhythm. This, however, might be a laboratory artefact, and this system will probably fail when challenged in a complex situation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Validation of Serial Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score as an Outcome Predictor in Thrombolyzed Stroke Patients.
The Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) on baseline imaging is an established predictor of functional outcome in anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We studied ASPECTS before intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and at 24 hours to assess its prognostic value. Data for consecutive anterior circulation AIS patients treated with IVT from 2006 to 2013 were extracted from a prospectively managed registry at our tertiary center. Pre-thrombolysis and 24-hour ASPECTS were evaluated by 2 independent neuroradiologists. Outcome measures included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH), modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days, and mortality. Unfavorable functional outcome was defined by mRS >1. Dramatic ASPECTS progression (DAP) was defined as deterioration in ASPECTS by 6 points or more. Of 554 AIS patients thrombolyzed during the study period, 400 suffered from anterior circulation infarction. The median age was 65 years (interquartile range (IQR): 59-70) and the median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 18 points (IQR: 12-22). Compared with the pre-IVT ASPECTS (area under the curve [AUC] = .64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: .54-.65, P = .001), ASPECTS on the 24-hour CT scan (AUC = .78, 95% CI: .73-.82, P < .001), and change in ASPECTS (AUC = .69, 95% CI: .64-.74, P < .001) were better predictors of unfavorable functional outcome at 3 months. DAP, noted in 34 (14.4%) patients with good baseline ASPECTS (8-10 points), was significantly associated with unfavorable functional outcome (odds ratio [OR]: 9.91, 95% CI: 3.37-29.19, P ≤ .001), mortality (OR: 21.99, 95% CI: 7.98-60.58, P < .001), and SICH (OR: 8.57, 95% CI: 2.87-25.59, P < .001). Compared with the pre-thrombolysis score, ASPECTS measured at 24 hours as well as serial change in ASPECTS is a better predictor of 3-month functional outcome. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Re-working biographies: Women's narratives of pregnancy whilst living with epilepsy.
This paper explores the multiple ways experiences of pregnancy and early motherhood come to 'rework' the biographies of women living with epilepsy. Pregnancy is explored as a temporarily concurrent status alongside the long-term condition of epilepsy. Narrative interviews were conducted with 32 women from across the UK. Analysis of these narratives suggests that biographical disruption and continuity are both useful in the conceptualisation of women's diverse experiences of pregnancy and epilepsy. Such findings challenge the notion that the presence of a condition over a long period of time leads to the normalisation of illness. Participants' narratives demonstrate that, for some, pregnancy and early motherhood may be disruptive and can raise concerns regarding an ever present condition that may previously have been taken for granted. Findings also indicate the need for a greater consideration of gender and care responsibilities, as well explorations of concomitant conditions, in the theorising of biographies and chronic illness. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pneumocephalus after shunting for hydrocephalus.
A case of tension pneumocephalus that occurred after ventriculoperitoneal shunting is presented. We have reviewed 12 cases of pneumocephalus in association with ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. This phenomenon occurs when air is forced through the shunt or enters through the cranial base because of: iatrogenic postsurgical connection, congenital fistula, trauma, or thinning of the cranial base. Ways of preventing and treating this problem are outlined. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Osteochondritis dissecans of the patella (author's transl)].
Five cases of osteochondritis dissecans patellae were seen and followed during years 1971--1978. Special interest was pointed to the site of the lesion, at which age the disease appeared, and to the physical activity of the patients. In one case only patellar subluxation could be confirmed. In two cases radioisotope (Tc99) szintigraphy was done with positive finding. The radiological finding was typical in all cases. The treatment was conservative in all cases but one. Loose body formed once in the series. Operative treatment should be directed only to the cases with persistent symptoms and/or loose bodies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Connective tissue graft technique assuring wide root coverage.
Gingival recession related to periodontal disease or developmental problems can result in root sensitivity, root caries, and esthetically unacceptable root exposures. Consequently, root restorations are performed that often complicate, rather than resolve, the problems created by exposed roots. This article presents a predictable procedure for root coverage on areas of wide denudation in the maxilla and the mandible. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
GLP-1(7-36)amide-stimulated insulin secretion in rat islets is sodium-dependent.
We examined the Na(+)-dependency of the effects of GLP-1(7-36)amide in normal, overnight cultured rat islets. It was found that GLP-1(7-36)amide stimulated insulin secretion, 45Ca(2+)-efflux, and 86Rb(+)-efflux from prelabelled islets. All these effects were abolished by omitting Na+ from the medium and replacing it with N-methyl-glucamine. This suggests that GLP-1(7-36)amide stimulates insulin secretion by depolarizing the beta-cells by increasing their permeability to Na+. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Detection of left ventricular regional myocardial ischaemia in dogs by intraventricular conductance catheter.
Nine adult mongrel dogs were instrumented with ultrasonic microcrystals to measure left ventricular basal anteroposterior diameter and midwall myocardial segment length near the cardiac apex. Pneumatic cuff occluders were positioned around the left circumflex coronary artery near its origin and around the left anterior descending coronary artery two thirds of the way along its length. A pressure microtransducer was implanted into the left ventricle. Ten days after instrumentation the animals were anaesthetised with morphine chlorhydrate and pentobarbital sodium. An eight electrode catheter was advanced into the left ventricle to measure ventricular apical and basal regional and total electrical conductance. Minor ischaemia caused by occlusion of the left anterior descending artery was detected only by the electrode pair located near the apex, as decreased local ejection fraction. Major ischaemia caused by left circumflex artery occlusion was detected by both apical and basal electrode pairs and by total conductance, the three conductance signals indicating reduced ejection fractions compared with control values. The basal diameter signal indicated that basal regional motility changed only during major ischaemia, thus confirming the specificity of the changes in the basal conductance signals. The apical segment length signal confirmed the altered motility indicated by the apical conductance signal. These results suggest that regional wall motion abnormalities may be detected by the use of a multielectrode conductance catheter. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Construction of Hg(2+)-induced luminescent reporter gene system and its application to detect mercury in red soil].
A luminescent reporter gene system was constructed by fusing the mercury-inducible promoter, P(merT), and its regulatory gene, merR with a promoterless reporter gene EGFP. A stable whole-cell reporter was created by mini-Tn5 and introducing the merR-egfp system cassette into the chromosome of Pseudomonas putida strain, then applied it for mercury detection in the red soil of Jiangxi province, the fluorescence density of the sensor strain was confirmed in soil extraction and fluorescence intensity was quantified by flow cytometry. The results showed positive correlation with the mercury pollutant in the concentration range of 0.04-50 mg x kg(-1). The background heavy metal irons such as Cr2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, Ag+ at certain level did not interfere with the measurement. The key factor for detecting the fluorescence density was the induction time and the optimal temperature for EGFP expression was 30-35 degrees C. Spiked with 0.1 mg x kg(-1) Hg2+ and after 15 and 30 days incubation, red soil samples were extracted and evaluated water soluble, bioavailable, organic matter bound and residual fractions of mercury by both sensor strain and analytical way. The sensor strain appeared to have a detection range similar to that of atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) method and the effective detection ratio was 35%-64%. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Predicting need for surgical drainage of pericardial effusion in patients with end-stage renal disease.
The best approach to treatment of pericarditis accompanied by substantial pericardial effusion in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is unknown. In a review of our experience, we found that ESRD patients with moderate-to-large or large (circa 250 mL or larger) pericardial effusions usually failed to improve with intensive dialysis and ultimately required surgical drainage of the effusion. Multivariate analysis revealed that effusion size was by far the most important factor predicting need for surgery. Since early pericardial drainage obviates the risk of sudden tamponade, we recommend that surgery without prior intensive dialysis therapy be considered in such patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Anxiety in anorexia nervosa and its management using family-based treatment.
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by its similarity to anxiety disorders, especially obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Family-based treatment (FBT) has shown promising initial results for treatment of AN in adolescents, yet the precise mechanisms of action are unknown. We present a theoretical argument and model, suggesting that FBT may work via exposure (and habituation) to food and its consumption. First, we review the evidence for pathological anxiety in AN, and suggest a framework for identifying specific anxious triggers, emotions (fear and worry) and avoidance strategies. Second, we briefly review evidence indicating that cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and specifically exposure in its various forms is most effective for treating anxiety disorders in youth. Third, we consider distinct approaches to exposure therapy based on the pattern of triggers, anxious emotions and avoidance. We conclude that the interventions utilized in FBT share clear similarities to exposure with response prevention, a type of exposure therapy commonly used with OCD, and may work via facilitating habituation to food and eating in one's natural environment. We also highlight how parents facilitate this process in between sessions by effectively coaching their children and facilitating naturalistic exposure to food and related triggers. Options for future research are considered. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Use of the MicroResp™ method to assess pollution-induced community tolerance to metals for lotic biofilms.
Understanding the ecological status of aquatic ecosystems and the impact of anthropogenic contamination requires correlating exposure to toxicants with impact on biological communities. Several tools exist for assessing the ecotoxicity of substances, but there is still a need for new tools that are ecologically relevant and easy to use. We have developed a protocol based on the substrate-induced respiration of a river biofilm community, using the MicroResp™ technique, in a pollution-induced community tolerance approach. The results show that MicroResp™ can be used in bioassays to assess the toxicity toward biofilm communities of a wide range of metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Ag, Ni, Fe, Co, Al and As). Moreover, a community-level physiological profile based on the mineralization of different carbon substrates was established. Finally, the utility of MicroResp™ was confirmed in an in-situ study showing gradient of tolerance to copper correlated to a contamination gradient of this metal in a small river. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Management of Early-Stage Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagus: Endoscopic Mucosal Resection and Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection.
Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia and early-stage adenocarcinoma is amenable to curative treatment by endoscopic resection. Histopathological correlation has established that mucosal cancer has minimal risk of nodal metastases and that long-term complete remission can be achieved. Although surgery is the gold-standard treatment once there is submucosal involvement, even T1sm1 (submucosal invasion ≤ 500 μm) cases without additional risk factors for nodal metastases might also be cured with endoscopic resection. Endoscopic resection is foremost an initial diagnostic procedure, and once histopathological assessment confirms that curative criteria are met, it will be considered curative. Endoscopic resection may be achieved by endoscopic mucosal resection, which, although easy to perform with relatively low risk, is limited by an inability to achieve en bloc resection for lesions of size more than 1.5 cm. Conversely, the technique of endoscopic submucosal dissection is more technically demanding with higher risk of complications but is able to achieve en bloc resection for lesions larger than 1.5 cm. Endoscopic submucosal dissection would be particularly important in specific situations such as suspected submucosal invasion and lesion size more than 1.5 cm. In other situations, since endoscopic resection would always be combined with radiofrequency ablation to ablate the remaining Barrett's epithelium, piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection would suffice since any remnant superficial invisible dysplasia would be ablated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Early neuroimaging findings of glioblastoma mimicking non-neoplastic cerebral lesion.
A 54-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman presented with glioblastoma manifesting as seizure and headache, respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging of the two patients revealed hypointense area on T(1)-weighted imaging, and hyperintense area on T(2)-weighted and diffusion-weighted imaging, with no enhancement after gadolinium administration. Both patients underwent conservative therapy under diagnoses of non-neoplastic cerebral lesion. Six months later, they suffered aggravated symptoms and new neurological deficits. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging revealed hypointense area on diffusion-weighted imaging and ring enhancement on T(1)-weighted imaging with gadolinium at the site of the previously detected lesions. The tumors showed growth pattern of superficial origin. The large enhanced masses were totally removed through craniotomy under neuronavigator guidance. The histological diagnoses were glioblastoma. Glioblastoma may mimic non-neoplastic conditions on neuroimaging in the early stages. Close follow up of such patients is essential. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Detection of coronary arterial lesions by two dimensional echocardiography in patients with Kawasaki disease.
A two-dimensional echocardiographic examination was conducted on 184 patients with Kawasaki disease iteratively from the acute phase to the convalescent phase. Aneurysms or dilatation of the coronary arteries were observed in 37 patients (20.1%). Among these 37 patients, 22 had persistent abnormality even after eight weeks from the onset. In the remaining 15 patients, abnormal findings disappeared within eight weeks. Coronary angiography was performed on all of these 37 patients and compared with the findings of echocardiography. In consequence, echocardiographic findings were concordant with those of the angiography in 35 patients. Therefore, the two-dimensional echocardiographic examination is thought to be a reliable noninvasive method for evaluating the coronary arterial lesions of Kawasaki disease in the acute phase. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Diode laser surgery in the endoscopic treatment of laryngeal paralysis].
Several surgical procedures have been proposed for the treatment of respiratory distress secondary to bilateral vocal cord paralysis. The aim of all surgical techniques used is to restore a glottic lumen sufficient to guarantee adequate breathing through the natural airway, without tracheotomy and preserving an acceptable phonatory quality. In this study we present our experience from 1998 to 2004 concerning the use of the diode contact laser for a modified Dennis-Kashima posterior endoscopic cordectomy (extended to the false homolateral chord in 3 cases and to the homolateral arytenoid vocal process in 6 cases). 18 patients (15 male, 3 female) were treated; the age range was 35-84 years. The etiology of paralysis varied: iatrogenic post-thyroidectomy and post-thoracic surgery in 5 cases (28%), post-traumatic in 2 cases (11%), secondary to a central lesion in 11 (61%). The operation was carried out with a diode contact laser (60W; 810 nm). Follow-up was 20 months. Dyspnea improved in all patients; the 9 tracheostomized patients were decannulated within 2 months after surgery. Final voice quality was subjectively good in 16 patients (88%). None of patients had any complications after surgery. In conclusion, the endoscopic posterior cordectomy performed by contact diode laser is an effective and reliable method for the treatment of dyspnea secondary to bilateral laryngeal paralysis, guaranteing a sufficient airway without impairing swallowing and maintaining acceptable voice quality. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Polyphenols targeting diabetes via the AMP-activated protein kinase pathway; future approach to drug discovery.
Regarding the widespread progression of diabetes, its related complications and detrimental effects on human health, investigations on this subject seems compulsory. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a serine/threonine kinase and a key player in energy metabolism regulation. AMPK is also considered as a prime target for pharmaceutical and therapeutic studies on disorders such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity, where the body energy homeostasis is imbalanced. Following the activation of AMPK (physiological or pharmacological), a cascade of metabolic events that improve metabolic health is triggered. While there are several publications on this subject, this is the first report that has focused solely on polyphenols targeting diabetes via AMPK pathway. The multiple characteristics of polyphenolic compounds and their favorable influence on diabetes pathogenesis, as well as their intersections with the AMPK signaling pathway, indicate that these compounds have a beneficial effect on the regulation of glucose homeostasis. PPs could potentially occupy a significant position in the future anti-diabetic drug market. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Time-dependent effect of cyclosporine on mitogenic responses and lymphocyte subset populations in rat spleen and submaxillary lymph nodes.
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and concanavalin A (ConA)-induced proliferation and T lymphocyte subsets were measured in spleen and submaxillary lymph nodes of male rats injected with cyclosporine (5 mg/kg s.c. for 5 days, at 12.00 or 24.00 h; animals kept under light from 08.00 to 20.00 h daily). One hour before the third injection, Freund's complete adjuvant or its vehicle was administered. A suppressive effect of cyclosporine on the mitogenic action of LPS was seen in the spleen of rats injected with cyclosporine at noon whereas the effect of ConA remained unaffected. CD4+, CD8+ and CD4+-CD8+ cells decreased in spleen and lymph nodes of Freund's adjuvant-injected rats only with cyclosporine given at noon. The results further support occurrence of time-of-day-dependent effects of cyclosporine on lymphocyte subsets and proliferation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Kinetics of IL-6 and TNF-α changes in a canine model of sepsis induced by endotoxin.
Sepsis is a major cause of death in veterinary medicine, although a better prognosis can result from an early diagnosis. To speed the diagnosis, the biomarkers TNF-α and IL-6 can provide valuable information regarding systemic inflammatory response. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in cytokine levels in an experimental model of sepsis using ELISA and real-time PCR. Ten adult Beagles were studied; seven received an IV bolus of high dose lipopolysaccharide solution (1mg/kg) to induce sepsis. The remaining three beagles were the control group. Blood samples were collected before and 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after administering LPS. Serum IL-6 level peaked at 3h (1.89 ± 0.10 ng/ml) and serum TNF-α peaked at 1h (1.11 ± 0.01 ng/ml). The expression of IL-6 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) increased 62-fold compared to the control group at 1h; TNF-α mRNA increased by 4.5-fold at 1h. The expressions of IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA in PBMCs changed more rapidly than serum IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations. In addition, TNF-α mRNA levels in PBMCs remained elevated longer than serum TNF-α. Our study establishes the basis for future work aimed at a better understanding of the systemic inflammatory response to infection and sepsis in canine patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of PAF on human lymphocyte membranes: a fluorescence study.
We have studied the effect of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on the physico-chemical organization of human lymphocyte plasma membranes by measuring the steady-state fluorescence anisotropy and the fluorescence decay of 1-(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH) incorporated in lymphocyte plasma membranes. PAF induced a time-limited and significant increase of the lipid order in the exterior part of the membrane and a decrease in membrane heterogeneity. These changes were blocked in the presence of PAF antagonist L-659,989. The results indicate that the observed changes in the physico-chemical properties of the lymphocyte plasma membranes may be attributed to a PAF-receptor interaction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Quality of life in patients with K-RAS wild-type colorectal cancer: the CO.20 phase 3 randomized trial.
The CO.20 trial randomized patients with K-RAS wild-type, chemotherapy-refractory, metastatic colorectal cancer to receive cetuximab (CET) plus brivanib alaninate (BRIV) or CET plus placebo (CET/placebo). Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 at baseline and at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, and 24 weeks until disease progression. Predefined coprimary QoL endpoints were time to deterioration (first worsening from baseline of ≥ 10 points) on the Physical Function (PF) and Global (GHS) scales. Of 750 randomized patients, 721 (358 of whom received CET/BRIV) were assessable for QoL. QoL compliance and baseline PF and GHS scores did not differ by treatment arm. The median time to deterioration was 1.6 months versus 1.1 months for GHS (P =.02) and 5.6 months versus 1.7 months for PF (P <.0001) favoring CET/placebo. Secondary analysis favored CET/placebo for QOL response on the PF, Cognitive Function, Fatigue, Nausea, Appetite, and Diarrhea scales. A greater percentage of patients on the CET/BRIV arm had PF worsening at 6 weeks (31% vs 17%). Clinical adverse events of ≥ grade 3 were more common with CET/BRIV than with CET/placebo, including fatigue (25% vs 11%), hypertension, rash, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dehydration, and anorexia. Compared with CET/placebo, the combination of CET/BRIV worsened time to QoL deterioration for patients with K-RAS wild-type, chemotherapy-refractory, metastatic colorectal cancer on the PF and GHS scales of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30. This result may be due to higher rates of fatigue and gastrointestinal adverse events. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characterization of deoxycytidylate methyltransferase in Xanthomonas oryzae infected with bacteriophage Xp12.
Three methods, chromatographic, spectrophotometric and tritium-release assay, were used and compared for the assay of deoxycytidylate methyltransferase. All three methods can be used for assay of this enzyme but the tritium-release assay appears to be the most simple and convenient. With the help of this assay the deoxycytidylate methyltransferase has been isolated and purified from sonically disrupted cells of Xp12-infected Xanthomonas oryzae. Using a procedure that involves fractionation with streptomycin sulfate and ammonium sulfate, filtration through Sephadex G-100 and chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, a 214-fold increase in specific activity was obtained. The enzyme displays a narrow pH optimum at 6.0 Among the buffers tested, 6-morpholinoethane sulfonate with the addition of Mg2 is the best. The enzyme can utilize dCMP as a substrate. The enzyme can also convert tetrahydrofolic acid into dihydrofolic acid. The Km value for dCMP is 31.3 micrometer and the Km value for tetrahydrofolic acid is 71.4 micrometer. There is no absolute requirement of ions for the activity of the enzyme; however, the presence of ions causes stimulating or inhibiting effects on enzyme activity that are dependent on the variety and concentration of ions used. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The metabolic needs of head trauma victims.
Malnutrition increases the morbidity and mortality associated with severe illness, injury, and sepsis. The neuroendocrine changes associated with trauma intensify the body's metabolic demands. The neuroendocrine response to trauma is discussed. Methods to determine calorie needs of head trauma patients are presented, along with a case study. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
X-ray telescope onboard Astro-E. III. Guidelines to performance improvements and optimization of the ray-tracing simulator.
We present a detailed study of the performance of the Astro-E x-ray telescope (XRT) onboard the Astro-E satellite. As described in preceding papers the ground-based calibrations of the Astro-E XRT revealed that its image quality and effective area are somewhat worse than that expected from the original design. Conceivable causes for such performance degradation are examined by x-ray and optical microscopic measurements at various levels, such as individual reflectors, sectors, and quadrants of the XRT and their alignments. We can attribute, based on detailed measurements, the degradation of the image quality to a slope error in the individual reflectors and the positioning error of reflectors. As for the deficit of the effective area, the shadowing of x rays within the XRT body is the dominant factor. Error budgets for the performance degradation of the Astro-E XRT are summarized. The ray-tracing simulator, which is needed to construct the response function for arbitrary off-axis angles and spatial distributions of any celestial x-ray sources, has been developed and tuned based on the results of detailed measurements. The ray-tracing simulation provides results that are consistent within 3% with the real measurement except for large off-axis angles and higher energies. We propose, based on knowledge obtained from all the measurements and simulations, several plans for future developments to improve the performance of the nested thin-foil mirrors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Relative weight and mobility: a longitudinal study in a biracial population of older adults.
We examined the association of relative weight with mobility and changes in mobility over time and whether these associations differed by race. Data come from a prospective, population-based, observational study of adults aged 65 years or older. Mobility outcomes were assessed at baseline and two follow-up interviews at 3-year intervals. The study included 4195 participants with a mean age of 73.8 +/- 6.3 (SD) years; 61.4% were women, and 60.9% were black. Assessment of mobility included a brief self-report instrument and a performance-based walk test. Body mass index (BMI, kilograms per square meter) was used as a measure of relative weight. We used generalized estimating equation models to examine change in mobility outcomes over time as a function of BMI. Average BMI was 26.6 +/- 5.7 kg/m(2), with 34.0% overweight and 23.4% obese. BMI showed a significant curvilinear association with mobility outcomes at baseline (p < 0.001), but was not associated with change in mobility during follow-up. Maximum mobility levels occurred at a significantly higher level of BMI among blacks than whites. Higher levels of BMI may lead to mobility impairments earlier in life, but there is little evidence that they increase the rate of decline in mobility in older age itself. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Clinical observation of Alzheimer's disease treated with acupuncture].
To compare the differences in the clinical efficacy on Alzheimer's disease between acupuncture and medicine. One hundred and forty-one patients were randomized into an acupuncture group (72 cases) and a medicine group (69 cases). In the acupuncture group, the needling technique for benefiting qi, promoting blood circulation, regulating mind and improving intelligence was used at Shenting (GV 24), Baihui (GV 20), Fengchi (GB 20), Wangu (GB 12), Danzhong (CV 17), Zhangwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), Xuehai (SP 10) and Zusanli (ST 36). The supplementary acupoints were selected according to the symptoms and physical signs. Acupuncture was given once a day and 6 treatments were required for a week. In the medicine group, the choline sterase inhibitor, donepezil (aricept) was prescribed for oral administration, 1 tablet (5 mg) each time, once every night. Four weeks later, the dose was increased to 2 tablets (10 mg) each time. In the two groups, the treatment of 4 weeks made one session and 4 sessions were required. The changes of scores before and after treatment in the minimum mental state examination (MMSE), the activity of daily living scale (ADL), Alzheimer's disease assessment scale-cognition (ADAS-cog) and the digit span (DS) were observed. After treatment, scores of MMSE and DS were increased as compared with those before treatment (both P < 0.05) and scores of ADL and ADAS-cog were reduced as compared with those before treatment. The score differences in MMSE, ADL, ADAS-cog and DS before and after treatment were significant in the two groups (all P < 0.01). The needling technique for benefiting qi, promoting blood circulation, regulating mind and improving intelligence significantly improves the overall function, cognition and activity of daily life in the patients of Alzheimer's disease and the efficacy is better than donepezil. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Quality improvement in large healthcare organizations.
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the obstacles and challenges associated with organizational monitoring and follow-up (M & F) processes related to health care quality improvement (QI) and development. A longitudinal case study of a large health care organization during a system-wide QI intervention. Content analysis was conducted of repeated interviews with key actors and archival data collected over a period of four years. The demand for improved M & F strategies, and what and how to monitor were described by the respondents. Obstacles and challenges for achieving M & F strategies that enables system-wide and coherent development were found in three areas: monitoring, processing, and feedback and communication. Also overarching challenges were found. A model of important aspects of M & F systems is presented that can be used for analysis and planning and contribute to shared cognition of such systems. Approaches for systematic analysis and follow-up of identified problems have to be developed and fully incorporated in the organization's measurement systems. A systematic M & F needs analytic and process-oriented competence, and this study highlights the potential in an organizational function with capacity and mandate for such tasks. Most health care systems are flooded with a vast amount of registers, records, and measurements. A key issue is how such data can be processed and refined to reflect the needs and the development process of the health care system and how rich data can be used for improvement purposes. This study presents key organizational actor's view on important factors to consider when building a coherent organizational M & F strategy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fluorescent labelling in living dental pulp stem cells by graphene oxide quantum dots.
Cellular labelling is possible to offer significant information after transplantation for the purpose of determining stem cell therapy's efficacy. According to the research, it has been reported that graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) are a kind of healthy biological labelling agent for stem cells which show little cytotoxicity. GOQDs' interactions have been examined on the dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) of human beings for the purpose of investigating GOQD's biocompatibility and uptake and explored GOQDs' effects on hDPSCs' metabolic activity and the proliferation. According to the outcomes, GDQDs have been accepted by hDPSCs in a time-dependent and concentration-dependent behaviour. Moreover, no important changes have been discovered within hDOPSCs' proliferation, viability as well as metabolic activity after treatment with GOQDs. Therefore, such resources have shown that GOQDs can be multifunctional agents for cell therapy, drug delivery as well as cell imaging and also as outstanding candidates for labelling stem cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Delayed neuropsychiatric effects of malaria in Ghana.
This study investigated the long-term emotional and cognitive effects of malaria infection in a sample of community resident nonmigratory Ghanaian adults, comparing 142 individuals with a documented history of clinical falciparum malaria and 30 controls without a lifetime medical diagnosis of malaria. Results were based on self-report inventory and interview-based approaches to assessment of emotional status as well as individual administration of the Mini-Mental State Examination. Our findings indicated the presence of an enduring, albeit subclinical, mixed anxiety-depression syndrome after medical recovery from falciparum malaria. There were, however, no significant neurocognitive deficits associated with malaria status on the objective screening instrument, nor were there reports of subjective attention, concentration, memory, or other cognitive complaints by self-report. Malaria may be a risk factor for psychiatric morbidity. We therefore recommend a search for effective malaria prevention and intervention strategies to avert the more serious clinical manifestations of mental disorder likely to evolve in this imminently lethal infectious disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Getting a handle on virtual tools: An examination of the neuronal activity associated with virtual tool use.
Tool use is associated with three visual streams-dorso-dorsal, ventro-dorsal, and ventral visual streams. These streams are involved in processing online motor planning, action semantics, and tool semantics features, respectively. Little is known about the way in which the brain represents virtual tools. To directly assess this question, a virtual tool paradigm was created that provided the ability to manipulate tool components in isolation of one another. During functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), adult participants performed a series of virtual tool manipulation tasks in which vision and movement kinematics of the tool were manipulated. Reaction time and hand movement direction were monitored while the tasks were performed. Functional imaging revealed that activity within all three visual streams was present, in a similar pattern to what would be expected with physical tool use. However, a previously unreported network of right-hemisphere activity was found including right inferior parietal lobule, middle and superior temporal gyri and supramarginal gyrus - regions well known to be associated with tool processing within the left hemisphere. These results provide evidence that both virtual and physical tools are processed within the same brain regions, though virtual tools recruit bilateral tool processing regions to a greater extent than physical tools. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Polyelectrolyte functionalized carbon nanotubes as efficient metal-free electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction.
Having a strong electron-withdrawing ability, poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) was used to create net positive charge for carbon atoms in the nanotube carbon plane via intermolecular charge transfer. The resultant PDDA functionalized/adsorbed carbon nanotubes (CNTs), either in an aligned or nonaligned form, were demonstrated to act as metal-free catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in fuel cells with similar performance as Pt catalysts. The adsorption-induced intermolecular charge-transfer should provide a general approach to various carbon-based efficient metal-free ORR catalysts for oxygen reduction in fuel cells, and even new catalytic materials for applications beyond fuel cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Skin tag as a cutaneous marker for impaired carbohydrate metabolism: a case-control study.
Skin tags are common benign skin tumors usually occurring on the neck and major flexors of older people. A possible association with impaired carbohydrate metabolism has been suggested in previous studies, but the results are not conclusive. To investigate and compare the prevalence of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in patients with skin tag and a control group. A case-control study was conducted in individuals over 15 years old, comparing cases (n = 104) with at least three skin tags and age-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls (n = 94) without skin tag. Cases and controls were recruited from patients consecutively seen at an academic outpatient dermatology clinic. All patients underwent a standard 2-h oral glucose tolerance test with 75 g glucose. Patients with skin tag had higher frequency of diabetes than the control group (23.07% vs. 8.51%, chi(2)-test, P = 0.005). The difference in the frequency of IGT was not significant (13.46% vs. 10.63%, chi(2)-test, P = 0.543). There was a positive correlation between the total number of skin tags and the mean fasting plasma glucose (Pearson correlation, r = 0.260, P = 0.031); patients with more than 30 skin tags were particularly at an increased risk of diabetes (52.0%). No correlation was found between the number of skin tags and BMI. We did not find any correlation between the anatomical localization of skin tags and impaired carbohydrate metabolism, except for skin tags under the breast in women. These results show an increased risk of diabetes mellitus in patients with multiple skin tags. With regard to the importance of early diagnosis of diabetes, we recommend a high level of suspicion for impaired carbohydrate metabolism in patients with skin tag. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characterization of metal doped-titanium dioxide and behaviors on photocatalytic oxidation of nitrogen oxides.
A series of nanosized ion-doped TiO2 catalysts with different ion content (between 0.1 at .% and 1.0 at .%) have been prepared by wet impregnation method and investigated with respect to their behavior for UV photocatalytic oxidation of nitric oxide. The catalytic activity was correlated with structural, electronic and surface examinations of the catalysts using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy disperse spectrometer (EDS) and high resolution-transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) techniques. An enhancement of the photocatalytic activity was observed for Zn2+ doping catalyst ranged from 0.1 at .% to 1.0 at .% which was attributed to the lengthened lifetime of electrons and holes. The improvement in photocatalytic activity could be also observed with the low doping concentration of Cr3+ (0.1 at .%). However, the doping of Fe3+, Mo6+, Mn2+ and the high doping concentration of Cr3+ had no contribution to photocatalytic activity of nitric oxide. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The Role of Mediators in the Indirect Effects of Religiosity on Therapeutic Compliance in African Migrant HIV-Positive Patients.
This research investigates the indirect effects of religiosity (practice and belief) on therapeutic compliance in 81 HIV-positive patients who are migrants from sub-Saharan Africa (23 men and 58 women). Using analyses of mediation and standard multiple regression, including a resampling procedure by bootstrapping, the role of these mediators (magical-religious beliefs and nonuse of toxic substances) was tested. The results show that, through magical-religious beliefs, religiosity has a negative indirect effect, while with the nonuse of toxic substances, religious practice has a positive indirect effect. Beyond religiosity, the role of mediators is highlighted in the interaction with therapeutic compliance. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antitumour activity of diallyl sulfide on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-induced mouse skin carcinogenesis.
Diallyl sulfide (DAS), a major flavour component of garlic, is known to modulate xenobiotic metabolism and possess antitoxic, bactericidal, antineoplastic, hypolipidemic and hypocholesteromic effects. In the present study, the anticarcinogenic activity of DAS on a 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)- or benzo[a]pyrene (B(a)P)-induced mouse skin model of carcinogenesis was evaluated. DAS was applied topically either 1 h prior to or 1 h after the administration of DMBA or B(a)P. A significant protection from neoplasia was observed in DAS- and DMBA/B(a)P-exposed animals when DAS was applied topically compared to the animals exposed only to DMBA/B(a)P. In the animals where DAS was applied 1 h prior to the application of DMBA, a lower magnitude of neoplasia was recorded in terms of the cumulative number of tumours and average number of tumours per mouse during the entire period of study (28 weeks) compared to the animals exposed to DAS 1 h later, while in B(a)P-exposed animals, the antitumorigenic potential of DAS was more evident in the mice treated with DAS 1 h after the B(a)P exposure compared to the animals treated with DAS 1 h prior to B(a)P. The antitumour activity of DAS was of a much higher magnitude in B(a)P-induced carcinogenesis in comparison to animals exposed to DMBA in terms of tumour incidence, cumulative number of tumours and average number of tumours per mouse. The results suggest that DAS has a protective effect in PAH-induced mouse skin carcinogenesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nitrate tolerance does not increase production of peroxynitrite in the heart.
Clinical studies have suggested that long-term nitrate treatment does not improve and may even worsen cardiovascular mortality, and the possible role of nitrate tolerance has been suspected. Nitrate tolerance has been recently shown to increase vascular superoxide and peroxynitrite production leading to vascular dysfunction. Nevertheless, nitrates exert direct cardiac effects independent from their vascular actions. Therefore, we investigated whether in vivo nitroglycerin treatment leading to vascular nitrate tolerance increases cardiac formation of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species, and peroxynitrite, thereby leading to cardiac dysfunction. Nitrate tolerance increased bioavailability of NO in the heart without increasing formation of reactive oxygen species. Despite elevated myocardial NO, neither cardiac markers of peroxynitrite formation nor cardiac mechanical function were affected by nitroglycerin treatment. However, serum free nitrotyrosine, a marker for systemic peroxynitrite formation, was significantly elevated in nitroglycerin-treated animals. This is the first demonstration that, although the systemic effects of nitroglycerin may be deleterious due to enhancement of extracardiac peroxynitrite formation, nitroglycerin does not result in oxidative damage in the heart. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Growth hormone and the adolescent athlete: What are the data for its safety and efficacy as an ergogenic agent?
There is great interest among athletes and in the sports and general media for the subject of "doping" with human growth hormone (hGH). The hype about this substance goes far beyond the available data. The issue of administration of recombinant rhGH to adolescents, whether for athletic performance or for esthetic purposes adds another wrinkle because normal pubertal growth and the acquisition of adult body composition depends upon the GH/IGF-I and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axes. The range of normal is wide and it is more difficult to determine the natural evolution of pubertal development from that fueled by rhGH (or anabolic steroids). There are no compelling data based on clinical trials to indicate enhanced athletic performance (young adults); however, one cannot be sure how rhGH is used in combination with other agents, including anabolic steroids and anabolic "supplements". There are no studies in adolescent athletes. The detection of administration of rhGH to adolescents using the analytes of the GH/IGF-I and of collagen turnover (bone modeling and remodeling) is complicated by the physiologic increases in these parameters during normal puberty. It should be noted that many older adolescents are physiologically younger, especially in those aesthetic sports that demand the thin (linear) physique. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ethnic disparities in the prevalence of periodontitis among high school students in Sudan.
There are limited data on the epidemiology and risk factors of periodontitis in young populations in developing nations. This study assesses the prevalence of periodontal attachment loss and aggressive periodontitis and the association with ethnicity among high school students in Sudan. The study sample consisted of 1,200 students, 13 to 19 years old, selected from 38 public and private high schools using a multistage, stratified sampling design. The subjects were interviewed and examined clinically. Periodontal parameters were assessed at six sites per tooth. Subjects with aggressive periodontitis were identified. A total of 3.4% of the subjects had aggressive periodontitis, and 16.3% and 8.2% of the subjects had at least one tooth with > or = 4 and > or = 5 mm attachment loss, respectively. A significantly higher percentage of subjects of African tribal ethnicity had attachment loss > or = 4 and > or = 5 mm compared to Afro-Arab tribes (19.8% versus 14.7%, P = 0.02; and 12% versus 6.4%, P = 0.004, respectively), and had a higher prevalence of aggressive periodontitis (6% versus 2.3%; P = 0.01) and higher risk of being diagnosed with this disease (odds ratio = 2.7; P <0.0001). African ethnicity was also associated with a significantly higher number of teeth with attachment loss than in Afro-Arabs (P <0.01). Comparison by gender showed a significantly higher percentage of males with aggressive periodontitis (4.9% versus 2%; P <0.01) and a higher risk for this disease (odds ratio = 2.5; P = 0.01) than in females. However, the prevalence of subjects with attachment loss > or = 4 and > or = 5 mm was comparable in the two gender groups. Our results show that aggressive periodontitis is highly prevalent in this population. African ethnicity (versus Afro-Arab) and male gender were risk factors for aggressive periodontitis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
dl-alpha-Tocopheryl acetate induces hypocoagulability and platelet hypoaggregability in rats.
Rats receiving daily IP injections of dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (50 mg/kg) for 4 days showed levels of plasma alpha-tocopherol slightly increased and normal platelet count but platelet aggregation (induced by ADP or adrenaline) was significantly decreased when compared with the control animals. In addition, both platelet-rich plasma and platelet-poor plasma-thromboelastograms from treated rats showed thromboplastine-formation times significantly higher than those from control animals. Serum biochemical parameters showed several minor modifications in treated rats with respect the control ones. It suggests that vitamin E could be considered as a possible useful tool for the therapy of several hyperaggregable or hypercoagulable states. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
From interception to incorporation: degeneracy and promiscuous recognition as precursors of a paradigm shift in immunology.
The paper evaluates the role of the concept of degeneracy in current immunology. The historical background of the notion is considered, as well as that of related concepts like 'cross-reactivity' and 'promiscuity'. A distinction is made between degeneracy, as a property of a system and promiscuity, as a property of antibodies and lymphocytes, followed by a discussion of the relation of degeneracy to the clonal selection theory (CST). Attempts to accommodate the notion of degeneracy with the CST theory are critically reviewed. The notion of specific agency is identified as central for this debate, and an alternative conception of the immune response, focused on incorporation rather than interception, is discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neutralizing antibody responses to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in primary infection and long-term-nonprogressive infection.
The role of neutralizing antibodies in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection is poorly understood and was assessed by evaluating responses at different stages of infection. Undiluted sera from long-term nonprogressors (LTNP) had broad neutralizing antibodies against heterologous primary isolates and were more likely to neutralize the contemporaneous autologous isolate than were sera from short-term nonprogressors and progressors. In primary infection, envelope-specific IgG was detected before the initial decline in plasma viremia, but neutralizing antibodies developed more slowly. Here, neutralizing antibodies against strains SF-2 and MN were sometimes the first to be detected, but titers were low for at least 17 weeks from onset of symptoms. Neutralizing antibodies against the early autologous isolate were detected for 4 patients by 5-40 weeks but were undetectable in 2 additional patients for 27-45 weeks. The results indicate that neutralizing antibody responses are slow to develop during primary infection and are uniquely broad in LTNP. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Long-term outcome of Heller myotomy in achalasic sigmoid esophagus.
We sought to assess the long-term outcome of Heller myotomy and anterior fundoplication in patients with achalasic sigmoid esophagus. Fourteen patients with achalasia and sigmoid esophagus (median age, 42.5 years) operated on by the same surgeon through a laparotomy (n = 8) or laparoscopic approach (n = 6) between 1985 and 2000 were evaluated. According to a 4-grade classification (1, no symptoms; 4, persistent symptoms), both dysphagia and regurgitation had a median score of 4.0. Five patients complained of respiratory symptoms. Six patients had undergone previous pneumatic dilation. Preoperative and postoperative workup included an esophagogram, esophagoscopy, manometry, and health-related quality-of-life assessment with the Short-Form 36-item questionnaire. Median follow-up was 85 months. At 24 months, esophageal width decreased by 10 mm (P =.003), and the change correlated inversely with the age of the patients (R = -0.61; P =.02). Lower esophageal sphincter pressure decreased by 17 mm Hg (P =.001), and both dysphagia and regurgitation scores decreased to 1.0 (P <.003). Comparison with the results of 37 patients with earlier-stage achalasia showed no difference in changes of esophageal width, lower esophageal sphincter pressure, dysphagia score, and regurgitation score. Quality-of-life Short-Form 36-item questionnaire domains, including general health, social functioning, and vitality, improved significantly. Overall results were classified as excellent or good in 10 patients and as satisfactory and unsatisfactory in 2 patients each. No patient required esophagectomy or had esophageal carcinoma. In this study Heller myotomy proved effective in improving subjective, objective, and quality-of-life outcome measures in patients with achalasic sigmoid esophagus and should be considered as the first-choice treatment for this severe condition. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Theoretical and electrochemical analysis of dissociative electron transfers proceeding through formation of loose radical anion species: reduction of symmetrical and unsymmetrical disulfides.
The dissociative reduction of a series of symmetrical (RSSR, R = H, Me, t-Bu, Ph) and unsymmetrical disulfides (RSSR', R = H, R' = Me and R = Ph, R' = Me, t-Bu) was studied theoretically, by MO ab initio calculations and, for five of them, also experimentally, by convolution voltammetry in N,N-dimethylformamide. The reduction is dissociative but proceeds by a stepwise mechanism entailing the formation of the radical anion species. The electrochemical data led to estimated large intrinsic barriers, in agreement with an unusually large structural modification undergone by the disulfide molecules upon electron transfer. The theoretical results refer to MP2/3-21G*//MP2/3-21G*, MP2/3-21*G*//MP2/3-21G*, CBS-4M, and G2(MP2), the latter approach being used only for the molecules of small molecular complexity. A loose radical-anion intermediate was localized and the dissociation pattern for the relevant bonds analyzed. For all compounds, the best fragmentation pathway in solution is cleavage of the S-S bond. In addition, S-S bond elongation is the major structural modification undergone by the disulfide molecule on its way to the radical anion and eventually to the fragmentation products. The calculated energy of activation for the initial electron transfer was estimated from the crossing of the energy profiles of the neutral molecule and its radical anion (in the form of Morse-like potentials) as a function of the S-S bond length coordinate. The inner intrinsic barrier obtained in this way is in good agreement with that determined by convolution voltammetry, once the solvent effect is taken into account. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Efficient conversion of nitronate into nitrile oxide using cyanuric chloride. One-pot synthesis of bicyclic isoxazolines and isoxazoles from nitroalkenes.
Bicyclic isoxazolines and isoxazoles are obtained in good yields by proceeding through a convenient one-pot, two-step procedure utilizing 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine (TCT) as a dehydrating agent. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ipsilateral eye contributions to online visuomotor control of right upper-limb movements.
A limb's initial position is often biased to the right of the midline during activities of daily living. Given this specific initial limb position, visual cues of the limb become first available to the ipsilateral eye relative to the contralateral eye. The current study investigated online control of the dominant limb as a function of having visual cues available to the ipsilateral or contralateral eye, in relation to the initial start position of the limb. Participants began each trial with their right limb on a home position to the left or right of the midline. After movement onset, a brief visual sample was provided to the ipsilateral or contralateral eye. On one third of the trials, an imperceptible 3 cm target jump was introduced. If visual information from the eye ipsilateral to the limb is preferentially used to control ongoing movements of the dominant limb, corrections for the target jump should be observed when movements began from the right of the body's midline and vision was available to the ipsilateral eye. As expected, limb trajectory corrections for the target jump were only observed when participants started from the right home position and visual information was provided to the ipsilateral eye. We purport that such visuomotor asymmetry specialization emerges via neurophysiological developments, which may arise from naturalistic and probabilistic limb trajectory asymmetries. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
PCR identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in a clinical sample from a patient with symptoms of tuberculous spondylodiscitis.
A 42-year-old male complaining of thoracic spine pain was admitted to the hospital for evaluation. An X-ray and computer tomography of the thoracic spine showed spondylodiscitis of the L3 lumbar and L2-L3 intervertebral disk. The tuberculin skin test (PPD) was strongly positive. A radioscopy-guided fine needle aspirate of the affected area was cultured but did not reveal the cause of the disease. Two biopsy attempts failed to reveal the cause of the disease by culturing or by acid-fast-resistant staining (Ziehl Neelsen) of the specimens. A third biopsy also failed to detect the infectious agent by using microbiological procedures, but revealed the presence of a 245-bp amplicon characteristic of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex after PCR of the sample. The result demonstrates the efficacy of PCR for the identification of M. tuberculosis in situations in which conventional diagnosis by culturing techniques or direct microscopy is unable to detect the microorganism. Following this result the patient was treated with the antituberculous cocktail composed by rifampicin, pirazinamide and isoniazid during a six-month period. At the end of the treatment the dorsalgia symptoms had disappeared. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Safety and efficacy of anticoagulation therapy with low molecular weight heparin for portal vein thrombosis in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Treatment of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in patients with liver cirrhosis is not well established. We intended to assess the safety and efficacy of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) to treat PVT in cirrhotic patients. All 39 patients diagnosed with non-neoplastic PVT and cirrhosis from June 2005 to December 2006 were evaluated for anticoagulation therapy (AT). PVT was occludent in 15.4%, partial in 64.1%, and portal cavernoma presented in 20.5%. Twenty-eight patients received 200 U/kg/d of enoxaparin for at least 6 months. In 39.3% of patients PVT was an occasional finding, in 10.7% presented with acute abdominal pain, in 50% with bleeding from gastroesophageal varices. In this last group LMWH was started after endoscopic eradication of varices by band ligation. Complete recanalization of portal vein occurred in 33.3%, partial recanalization in 50% and no response in 16.7% of patients. Further 12 patients who continued AT obtained complete recanalization at a median time of 11 months (range 7 to 17 mo). Overall, a complete response was obtained in 75% of patients. No significant side effects, particularly bleeding complications, were observed during the treatment. LMWH demonstrated safe and effective in the treatment of PVT in patients with liver cirrhosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Lack of effect of long-term fluoride ingestion on blood chemistry and frequency of sister chromatid exchange in human lymphocytes.
Two studies were conducted to assess the potential for adverse physiologic and genotoxic effects of long-term fluoride ingestion in adults residing in three communities with varying water fluoride levels (0.2 ppm, 1.0 ppm, and 4.0 ppm). All were long-time (> or = 30 years) residents of their respective communities. Plasma and urine samples were collected for fluoride analyses. Additional plasma was collected to determine blood chemistry, and plasma lymphocytes were examined to determine the frequency of sister chromatid exchange. Significant differences in urine (P = 0.001) and plasma (P = 0.0001) fluoride levels were found in the three communities. Seven of the blood parameters were statistically different among the communities, although all were within the defined normal range of the pathology laboratory. Sister chromatid exchange frequency was statistically higher in the 4.0 ppm fluoride community as compared to the other communities. Because of the higher SCE frequency in the 4.0 ppm fluoride community, a second study was performed to determine if the increased frequency was potentially related to the fluoride level of the communal water supply. Of the 58 adults recruited; 30 had used city water and 28 had used well water (< or = 0.3 ppm fluoride) as their principal water source for 30 years. Data analyses showed that the sister chromatid exchange frequency did not differ between the groups, indicating that the increased sister chromatid exchange frequency was not related to the fluoride level of the communal water. The investigation provided evidence that the long-term ingestion of water containing 4.0 ppm fluoride did not have any clinically important physiologic or genotoxic effects in healthy adults. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Preparation and photocatalytic activity of boron doped CeO2/TiO2 mixed oxides].
Boron doped CeO2/TiO2 mixed oxides photocatalysts were prepared by adding boric acid and cerous nitrate during the hydrolyzation of titanium trichloride and tetrabutyl titanate. XRD, UV-Vis DRS and XPS techniques were used to characterize the crystalline structure, light absorbing ability and the chemical state of Boron element in the photocatalyst sample. The photocatalytic activities were evaluated by monitoring the degradation of acid red B under UV irradiation. These results indicate that the wavelengths at adsorbing edge are affected by the content of cerous nitrate and the maximum absorption wavelength is about 481 nm when the mole ratio of Ce/Ti is 1.0. For higher dosage of Cerium, the absorbance edge shifts to blue slightly. The prepared photocatalyst is composed of anatase TiO2 and cubic CeO2 when calcined at 500 degrees C. An increase in the calcination temperature transforms the crystalline structure of the titanium oxides from anatase to rutile, and has no obvious influence on crystalline structure of CeO2 but crystallites growth up. The absorbance edge decreases drastically with the increase of calcination temperature. With a view to the stability of photocatalyst and utilization of sun energy, 500 degrees C of calcination temperature is recommended. The XP spectrum for B1s exhibits that only a few boron ions dope into titania and ceria matrix, others exist in B2O3. The photocatalytic activity increases with increase of cerous nitrate dosage, and decreases drastically due to higher dosage (the mol ratio of Ce/Ti > 0.5). After 10 min UV irradiation, 96% of acid red B is degraded completely over photocatalyst under optimum reaction condition. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mutagenicity studies on tiopronin.
alpha-Mercaptopropionylglycine (tiopronin, Mucolysin), a drug endowed with an interesting mucolytic activity, was tested for mutagenicity by means of the following in vitro and in vivo tests: mutagenesis on S. typhimurium with and without metabolic activation, genetic mutation on S. pombe P1 with and without metabolic activation, gene conversion on S. cerevisiae D4 with and without metabolic activation, urinary assay in the mouse with S. cerevisiae D4, host mediated assay in the mouse with S. cerevisiae D4 and micronucleus test in the mouse. On the basis of the results obtained tiopronin proved to be free of mutagenic activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neuropsychology and ECT: past and future research trends.
Past research focused on characterizing the cognitive deficits caused by ECT, understanding their causes, and defining ways of ameliorating the deficits. Future research includes the following recommendations. IN CHARACTERIZING THE DEFICITS: more accurately defining the time course to recovery; finding out whether specific memory tasks and specific patients show long-lasting effects; and defining specific components of memory and non-memory deficits (e.g., associative memory, incidental everyday memory, inattention). IN UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSES: determining whether seizure activity in certain brain structures is associated with specific cognitive deficits; finding out in which ways electric dose, electrode placement, seizure duration, and seizure threshold interact in causing the deficits; evaluating the effects of mediating variables such as blood pressure rise; and assessing the influence of background variables such as age, sex, and brain abnormality. IN AMELIORATING THE DEFICITS: continuing the search for effective medication; defining ways of reducing the number of treatments (twice weekly ECT, caffeine or thyroxine modified treatment); and manipulating dose in relation to electrode placement. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Meta-Analysis Comparing Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation With Versus Without Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.
Patients having transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) routinely undergo coronary angiography before the procedure to define the coronary anatomy and to evaluate the extend of coronary artery disease (CAD). Whether percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) prior/concomitant with TAVI confers any additional clinical benefit in patients with CAD remains unclear. Literature search was performed using Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and Scopus from inception of these databases till April 2019. Included outcomes were 30-day all-cause mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), acute kidney injury, and 1-year mortality. The main summary estimate was random effects odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Eleven cohort studies enrolling 5,580 patients (mean age 82.4 years and 52.6% females) were included. Our study found no difference in effect estimates for 30-day all-cause mortality (OR 1.30 [0.85 to 1.98], p = 0.22, I2 = 37.5%), stroke (OR 0.7 (0.36 to 1.45), p = 0.36, I2 = 32.8%), MI (OR 2.71 [0.55 to 12.23], p = 0.22, I2 = 41.3%), acute kidney injury (OR 0.7 [0.46 to 1.06], p = 0.08, I2 = 14.4%) and 1-year all-cause mortality (OR 1.19 [0.92 to 1.52], p = 0.18, I2 = 0.0%) in patients who underwent TAVI with and without PCI. In conclusion, our analysis indicates that PCI with TAVI in patients with severe aortic stenosis and concomitant CAD grants no additional clinical advantage in terms of patient important clinical outcomes. Further randomized studies are needed to better delineate the clinical practice for myocardial revascularization in patients receiving transcatheter therapy for aortic valve disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Laser photobiostimulation-induced hypoalgesia in rats is not naloxone reversible.
Laser photobiostimulation (LPBS) at the pulsing frequency of 4 Hz applied to the low resistance point located at the base of the tail of the rat, (Governing Vessel Meridian 1), produced a hypoalgesic effect, measured by tail-flick and hot-plate techniques. Pre-treatment with low dose naloxone (2 mg/kg) did not reverse the hypoalgesic effect of LPBS. High dose naloxone (20 mg/kg) reversed only partially, but significantly, the hypoalgesic effect of LPBS measured by hot-plate, but not that measured by the tail-flick technique. These data suggest that mechanisms other than endogenous opioids may be involved in LPBS-induced hypoalgesia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hepatitis B immunoprophylaxis failure and the presence of hepatitis B surface gene mutants in the affected children.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is usually vertically transmitted from the mother to child during birth in Asian countries. Despite immunization, immunoprophylaxis failure is well-documented. The aim of the study was to study immunoprophylaxis failure rate in the cohort of infants delivered by chronic HBV-infected mothers and to determine risk factors for failure. This was an observational study involving chronic hepatitis B infected mothers seen at a tertiary care center in Singapore between June 2009 and December 2013. Infants born to these mothers were recruited after they had completed the recommended vaccination schedule. Serological testing for the children was performed 3 months after completion of the last dose of vaccine. HBV surface gene sequencing was carried out if HBV DNA was detectable in the children. Among the 161 mothers enrolled, most were HBeAg negative. HBeAg positive mothers were younger and had a significantly higher viral load (6.5 log) as compared to HBeAg negative mothers (1.35 log) (P < 0.001). Four children (2.6%) were found to have immunoprophylaxis failure. Two occurred in children delivered by mothers with extremely high viral load of more than 5 × 10(7) IU/ml. HBV surface gene mutations were detected in most children (3 out of 4) with immunoprophylaxis failure. The overall effectiveness of the hepatitis B vaccination program was high. High maternal viral load and presence of surface gene mutants may be potential contributors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Study on antiplatelet and antithrombin activitives and effective components variation of Puhuang-Wulingzhi before and after compatibility].
The changes of bioactive constituents were analyzed for Puhuang-Wulingzhi before and after compatibility and the antiplatelet and antithrombin activitives were evaluated in order to elucidate the scientific and reasonable of Puhuang-Wulingzhi compatibility. UPLC-QTOF-MA-Markerlynx, principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis were used for data analysis and tracking changes of chemical composition during the decocting process. In vitro platelet aggregation induced by ADP, thrombin time(TT) and prothrombin time (PT) were investigated for Puhuang-Wulingzhi before and after compatibility. The results showed that significant differences were found between the mixed decoction and codecoction of Wulingzhi and Puhuang. Five compounds changed obviously were identified as typhaneoside, naringenin, isorhamnetin-3-O-ruinoside, quercetin-3-O-neohesperidoside, kaempferol-3-O-neohesperidoside. The codecoction, comparing with the single decoction, was more significant in antiplatelet aggregation and could prolong thrombin time. In the same crude drug dose, the thrombin time (TT) elongation were greater. These data could provide references for elucidation of bioactive components for this herb pair. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Development and evaluation of an arterial spin-labeling digital reference object for quality control and comparison of data analysis applications.
Longitudinal assessment of quantitative imaging biomarkers (QIBs) requires a comprehensive quality control (QC) program to minimize bias and variance in measurement results. In addition, the availability of data analysis software from multiple vendors emphasizes the need for a means of quantitatively comparing the computed QIB measures produced by the applications. The purpose of this work is to describe a digital reference object (DRO) that has been developed for the evaluation of arterial spin-labeling (ASL) measurement results. The ASL DRO is a synthetic data set consisting of 10 × 10 voxel square blocks with a range of ASL control image signal-to-noise ratio (SNRControl), blood flow (BF), and proton density (PD) image SNR values (SNRControl:1-100, BF:10-210 ml/100 g min-1, SNRPD:10-100). A pseudo-continuous ASL sequence was simulated with acquisition parameters and modeled signal intensities defined according to those typically associated with clinically-acquired ASL images. ASL parameters were estimated using the commercially-available nordicICE software package (NordicNeuroLab, Inc, Milwaukee, WI). Percent bias measures and Bland-Altman analyses demonstrated decreased bias and variance with increasing SNRControl and BF values. Excellent agreement with reference values was seen for all BF values above an SNRControl of 5 (concordance correlation coefficient greater than 0.92 for all SNRPD values). The ASL DRO developed in this work allows for the evaluation of software bias and variance across physiologically-meaningful BF and SNRControl values. Such studies are essential to the transition of quantitative ASL-based BF measurements into widespread clinical research applications, and ultimately, routine clinical care. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effective membrane capacity of Xenopus eggs: its relations with membrane conductance and cortical granule exocytosis.
The effective membrane capacity (Ceff) of the Xenopus egg has been measured integrating the membrane current transients in response to small voltage-clamp pulses. Before activation Ceff has a value of 1.34 +/- SE. 0.13 microF/cm2 (apparent surface area, 13 eggs from 3 females) and is essentially constant over the voltage range between - 30 and + 60 mV. During artificial activation of the eggs by pricking or by addition of Ca2+ ionophore A23187, Ceff increases by about 60% in 2-3 min and then slowly decreases returning to near the initial value in 15-20 min. Electron microscopic observations of the egg surface at different times reveal that the capacity time course parallels the changes in plasma membrane area due to cortical granule exocytosis and to a later reduction of microvillar extension. Simultaneous measurements of capacity and conductance show that the capacity changes are slower and delayed in comparison with the transient development of the chloride conductance responsible for the activation potential. In CO2-treated eggs the cortical granule exocytosis is prevented and, correspondingly, the transient capacity increase is strongly reduced or absent, but the development of the chloride conductance remains normal. This technique gives a method to electrophysiologically monitor the cortical granule exocytosis; moreover our results show that the exocytotic process can be blocked without affecting the membrane conductance changes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transmastoid labyrinthectomy: reliable surgical management of vertigo.
Transmastoid labyrinthectomy has continued to be an important part of the surgical armamentarium for patients with vertigo and nonserviceable hearing loss. Continuing experience substantiates our earlier impression that the vestibular system usually accommodates rapidly to complete unilateral surgical ablation, regardless of age or degree of residual vestibular activity in the ear (as measured by preoperative bithermal caloric testing). Although the symptom of vertigo is reliably treated by transmastoid labyrinthectomy, a patient questionnaire has demonstrated a significant incidence of mild to moderate persisting postoperative dysequilibrium. Although this dysequilibrium is usually not debilitating, this questionnaire has demonstrated its existence more precisely than a retrospective review of the patients' clinical records. This study reviews 110 patients who underwent labyrinthectomy between 1978 and 1985. We remain impressed at the efficacy of the transmastoid labyrinthectomy in relieving the symptom of vertigo. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Tubocutaneous fistula. Case report.
A 40-year-old woman with Crohn's disease had a cutaneous fistula discharging only during menstruation. Surgical exploration showed a tubocutaneous fistula. Such fistula is extremely rare without prior surgery of the reproductive organs. Discharge during menstruation was the salient feature in most reported tubocutaneous fistulas. Resection of the fistula and salpingectomy is the treatment of choice. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of salting and cold-smoking process on the culturability, viability, and virulence of Listeria monocytogenes strain Scott A.
The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of the different steps of the cold-smoking process and vacuum storage on the culturability and viability of Listeria monocytogenes strain Scott A inoculated in sterile salmon samples. Additionally, the virulence of L. monocytogenes cells was assessed by intravenous inoculation of immunocompetent mice. Salmon (Salmo salar) portions were inoculated with L. monocytogenes at a level of 6 log CFU/g and were then dry salted (5.9%), smoked (0.74 mg phenol per 100 g), partially frozen (-7 degrees C), vacuum packed, and stored for 10 days at 4 degrees C followed by 18 days at 8 degrees C. Salting represented the only step of the process with a weak but significant listericidal effect (0.6 log reduction). Although the other processing steps had no immediate reduction effect on L. monocytogenes, the combination of steps significantly lowered by 1.6 log CFU/g the number of L. monocytogenes. The culturable count remained less than 7 log CFU/g until the end of the storage period, whereas in unprocessed samples (control) the culturable counts reached values up to 9 log CFU/g. To mimic a postprocess contamination, salmon portions were also inoculated with L. monocytogenes after being cold-smoke processed. A reduction of the culturable count during the 2 first weeks of storage was observed, but then growth occurred and identical values observed for preprocess contamination were reached at the end of the storage. A viable but nonculturable state transition of strain Scott A was not observed, and the cold-smoking process did not affect the virulence of bacteria isolated at the beginning and end of the storage. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Optimizing the Use of Medications and Other Therapies in Infant Gastroesophageal Reflux.
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is the retrograde movement of gastric (and sometimes duodenal) contents into the esophagus. While the majority of GER is physiologic, for patients, it can be associated with symptoms. While some symptoms are merely bothersome (crying), others can be life threatening (cough, gagging, choking). The main driver of GER in infants is the frequent feedings that produce increased intra-abdominal pressure, which is known to trigger transient relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter. The recent 2018 clinical practice guidelines reported by the North American and European Societies for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN) have recommended non-pharmacologic management initially with subsequent consideration of brief trials with acid suppressants. The main target for these acid suppressants is the gastric parietal cells. Our review of the literature has revealed a paucity of data regarding the use of histamine-2 receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors in infants. Despite the absence of well-controlled clinical studies, the prescription rate of these medications has increased internationally. Risks to patients of all ages have become increasingly recognized, with new associations being reported all too often. Here we report our review of all pharmacologic modalities as well as some non-surgical options. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Complementation studies with clinical and biochemical characterizations of a new variant of multiple sulphatase deficiency.
A patient with a new variant of multiple sulphatase deficiency (MSDv) is reported. Unlike the usual type, onset was late and progress was slow. The phenotypic changes were those usually seen in multiple sulphatase deficiency but much milder. Cytoplasmic accumulations were found in skin fibroblasts, and urinary mucopolysaccharides and sulphatides were high. Arylsulphatases A, B and C (ASA, B and C), heparan N-sulphatase sulphoiduronate sulphatase, and N-acetylgalactosamine 6-sulphatase all had low activity in lymphocytes and cultured skin fibroblasts. Complementation for ASA activity was found in hybrids between MSDv and metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) as well as between multiple sulphatase deficiency (MSD) and MLD. Complementation for ASC activity was also seen in hybrids between MSDv and X-linked ichthyosis (XLI), and between MSD and XLI. However, neither ASA nor ASC activity increased in hybrid cells of MSDv and MSD. These results suggested that the mutations of MSDv and of MSD were allelic, although of different phenotypes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Blood volume distribution in patients with cirrhosis: aspects of the dual-head gamma-camera technique.
Patients with cirrhosis have increased total blood volume (TBV). The size of the "effective" blood volume has been closely investigated, whereas the distribution of the blood volume outside the thorax has not been examined. The aim was to estimate the blood volume distribution in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension, using a dual-head gamma-camera technique (DHGCT) and to validate this technique. Twenty-three patients with cirrhosis, 11 non-cirrhotic control patients, and six healthy controls had their blood volume distribution determined by the DHGCT. The close relation between the estimated blood volume in the thorax region and the central and arterial blood volume, obtained by the dynamic indicator dilution technique (r=0.87, P<0.001), indicates validity of the DHGCT. Whole-body scintigraphy showed altered blood volume distribution in the cirrhotic patients with increased splanchnic blood volume (SpBV: 25.0 vs. 18.2% of TBV in controls, P<0.001), and all but one patient with hepatic venous pressure gradient above 12 mmHg had SpBV above 20% of TBV, but the blood volumes in the liver region were similar. DHGCT is a valid method of estimating the blood volume distribution. Patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension have grossly increased blood pooling in the splanchnic region, indicating splanchnic congestion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The attack mechanism of an exo-1,3-beta-glucosidase from Basidiomycete sp. QM 806.
The attack mechanism of a purified exo-1,3-beta glucosidase (1,3-beta-D-glucan glucohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.58) was investigated by using as a substrate a mixture of two structurally characterized periodate-oxidized and reduced unbranched 1,3-beta-D-glucans which differed only at the reducing terminal. The substrates, derivatives of laminarin, were altered only at the terminals due to resistance of the internal (1 leads to 3)-linked glucosyl residues to periodate oxidation. Each glucan has only a single and identical altered non-reducing terminal per molecule. Upon enzymatic hydrolysis, one molar equivalent of glycerol was produced from the altered non-reducing terminal of each substrate molecule attacked. Using glycerol as an indication of the number of chains acted upon, the quantity of D-glucose produced from the internal residues was used to determine the extent to which a chain was initially attacked. The glucose to glycerol ratio during the course of the hydrolysis indicates that the enzyme proceeds by a multiple-attack mechanism where four glucosyl residues are successively removed per encounter from the non-reducing terminal of each substrate molecule. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Optically imageable metastatic model of human breast cancer.
We report an optically imageable orthotopic metastatic nude mouse model of the human breast cancer MDA-MB-435 expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP). We demonstrate fluorescent imaging of primary and metastatic growth in live tissue and in intact animals. Fragments of tumor tissue expressing GFP were sutured into the pocket in the right second mammary gland. Tumor tissue was strongly fluorescent, enabling whole-body imaging of tumor growth by week 5. Neovascularization of the primary tumor was also visualized by whole-body imaging by contrast of the vessels to the fluorescent tumor. At autopsy, the MDA-MB-435-GFP was found to have metastasized to various organs, including the lung in 55% of the animals, the lymph nodes in 15% of the animals including axillary nodes, and the liver in 10% of the animals. These metastases could be visualized in fresh tissue by fluorescent imaging. Detailed fluorescence analysis visualized extensive metastasis in the thoracic cavity and the lymphatic system. Large metastatic nodules in the lung involved most of the pulmonary parenchyma in all lobes. Lymph node metastasis was found mainly in the axillary area. In the liver, fluorescent macroscopic metastatic nodules were found under the capsule. The metastatic pattern in the model thus reflected clinical metastatic breast cancer and provides a powerful model for drug discovery for this disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fragmentation of daily rhythms associates with obesity and cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescents: The HELENA study.
Chronobiology studies periodic changes in living organisms and it has been proposed as a promising approach to investigate obesity. We analyze the association of the characteristics of the rest-activity rhythms with obesity, cardiorespiratory fitness and metabolic risk in adolescents from nine European countries. 1044 adolescents (12.5-17.5 y) were studied. Circadian health was evaluated by actigraphy with accelerometers (Actigraph GT1M). Characteristics of the daytime activity such as fragmentation (intradaily variability), estimated acrophase, and 10 h mean daytime activity index were obtained. Body composition was assessed using Bioelectrical-Impedance-Analysis, skinfold thickness, air-displacement-plethysmography and Dual-energy-X-ray-Absorptiometry. Cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) and metabolic risk were studied. Highly fragmented activity rhythms were associated with obesity and central adiposity (P < 0.05). Obese adolescents had ∼3 times higher odds of having a high fragmentation of daytime activity compared to normal weight adolescents OR (95% CI) = 2.8 (1.170, 6.443). A highly fragmented rhythm was also related to lower cardiorespiratory fitness and higher metabolic risk (P < 0.05) so those adolescents classified as low fitness showed a significantly higher fragmentation of daytime activity than those included in the high fitness group (P < 0.0001). Other characteristics of the rhythms such as smaller 10 h daytime mean activity index and delayed estimated acrophase were also related to obesity and metabolic risk (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that the daily organization of the rest-activity cycle is more fragmented in obese and less fit adolescents and correlates with higher metabolic risk. This fact reinforces our hypothesis that disturbances in daily rhythms can be considered as sensitive markers of poorer adolescent's health. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Treatment of hepatitis C-associated mixed cryoglobulinemia vasculitis.
Hepatitis C virus infection is the main cause of mixed cryoglobulinemia vasculitis. The disease expression of mixed cryoglobulinemia vasculitis is variable, ranging from mild clinical symptoms (purpura, arthralgia) to fulminant life-threatening complications (glomerulonephritis, widespread vasculitis). Treatment of hepatitis C virus-mixed cryoglobulinemia vasculitis may target either the viral trigger (hepatitis C virus) or the downstream B-cell arm of autoimmunity. This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the treatment of hepatitis C virus-mixed cryoglobulinemia vasculitis. Aggressive antiviral therapy with Peg-IFNalpha and ribavirin should be considered as induction therapy for hepatitis C virus-mixed cryoglobulinemia vasculitis with mild to moderate disease severity and activity. In patients presenting with severe disease, an induction phase of immunosuppression is often necessary while awaiting the generally slow response to antiviral treatments. Combination therapy with rituximab and Peg-IFNalpha plus ribavirin appears logical as it may target both the viral trigger (hepatitis C virus) and cryoglobulin-producing B-cells. Antiviral therapy and rituximab are the main therapeutic options in hepatitis C virus-mixed cryoglobulinemia vasculitis. Further studies are needed to better define the therapeutic strategy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Sperm morphology in the domestic cat, and its relation with fertility: a retrospective study.
Knowledge about normal ranges in semen quality and the association between sperm morphology and fertility in felids is limited. The aims of this retrospective study were to (1) define a normal spermiogram in cats; (2) evaluate possible effects of season, age and breed on sperm morphology; and (3) evaluate the relationship between sperm morphology and fertility. Semen samples collected by electroejaculation from 52 cats were evaluated for sperm morphology. The cats constituted two groups: a general population of cats (n = 48) and cats examined because of poor breeding records (n = 4). The general population was divided into household (n = 20), pedigree (n = 19) and colony cats (n = 9) and into three age classes, <12 months, 12-59 months and >or=60 months. The median percentage of normal spermatozoa in the general population was 44.0% (range 1.0-91.0%). Criteria were tentatively set for what was considered a normal spermiogram. The mean percentage of normal spermatozoa was higher during February to July than during August to January (p < 0.05). Pedigree cats had a lower mean percentage of normal spermatozoa than did household cats (p < 0.05). Age had no effect on the percentage of normal spermatozoa but was positively correlated with the percentage of proximal droplets. Of the cats with <40% normal spermatozoa (n = 19), all those with known breeding records (n = 11) had produced litters. The four cats examined because of poor breeding results had higher percentages of different sperm abnormalities than tentatively stipulated for the normal spermiogram. In two of these cats both sperm morphology and fertility changed over time. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nanoscale vacuum channel transistor with in-plane collection structure.
High quality nanoscale vacuum channel transistors (NVCTs) enable carriers to transport ballistically through the vacuum nanogap, achieving high speed and frequency characteristic which are essential for on-chip vacuum electronic devices. However, the studies to date have been largely confined to explore the common electrical performance, while the fast response characteristic of NVCTs remains a challenge. We report the fabrication of metal-based NVCT, with sub-100 nm vacuum channel and specific designed in-plane collection structure which can enhance the emission or collection efficiency of the electrons simultaneously. Importantly, the demonstration of a rise/fall time of less than 100 ns is achieved, which is compatible with those high-quality solid-state transistors based on low-dimensional materials. Moreover, the device can also retain excellent electrical performance, exhibiting a high drive current (>10 μA), low work voltage (<10 V) and high on/off current ratio (>104). The verification of fast temporal response of NVCT makes a significant step towards on-chip vacuum electronics with high speed and integration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A novel caspase-6 from sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota: Molecular characterization, expression analysis and apoptosis detection.
In this study, a novel caspase-6 named HLcaspase-6 was identified from sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota. The full-length cDNA of HLcaspase-6 is 2195 bp in size, containing a 126 bp 5'-untranslated region (UTR), a 1043 bp 3'-UTR and a 1026 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a protein of 341 amino acids with a deduced molecular weight of 38.57 kDa. HLcaspase-6 contains the common signatures of the caspase family, including the conserved pentapeptide motif QACRG, as well as the P20 and P10 domains. In addition, HLcaspase-6 contains a short pro-domain. HLcaspase-6 mRNA is ubiquitously expressed in all tissues examined, with the highest transcript level in the intestine, followed by coelomocytes. In in vitro experiments, the expression of HLcaspase-6 mRNA in coelomocytes was significantly up-regulated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid [poly (I:C)] challenge, suggesting that HLcaspase-6 might play important roles in the innate immune defense of sea cucumber against bacterial and viral infections. Moreover, we further confirmed that overexpression of HLcaspase-6 could induce apoptosis and activate the p53 signal pathway. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The mouse MPTP model: gene expression changes in dopaminergic neurons.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Although valuable animal models have been developed, our knowledge of the aetiology and pathogenic factors implicated in PD is still insufficient to develop causal therapeutic strategies aimed at halting its progression. The neurotoxicity induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is one of the most valuable models for analysing pathological aspects of PD. In this paper we studied the gene expression patterns underlying the pathogenesis of MPTP-induced neurodegeneration. We treated young and old C57BL/6 mice with different schedules of MPTP to induce degenerative processes that vary in intensity and time-course. During the first week after intoxication we used nonradioactive in situ-hybridization to investigate the expression patterns of genes associated with (i) dopamine metabolism and signalling; (ii) familial forms of PD; (iii) protein folding and (iv) energy metabolism. MPTP injections induced different severities of neuronal injury depending on the age of the animals and the schedule of administration as well as a significant degeneration in the striatum. In situ hybridization showed that MPTP intoxication initiated a number of gene expression changes that (i) were restricted to the neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta; (ii) were correlated in intensity and number of changes with the age of the animals and the severity of histopathological disturbances; (iii) displayed in each a significant down-regulation by the end of one week after the last MPTP injection, but (iv) varied within one MPTP regimen in expression levels during the observation period. The subacute injection of MPTP into one-year-old mice induced the most severe changes in gene expression. All genes investigated were affected. However, alpha-synuclein was the only gene that was exclusively up-regulated in MPTP-treated animals displaying cell death. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Levonorgestrel as a postcoital contraceptive.
Time-release pellets of levonorgestrel (LNG), the progestogenic hormone contained in the contraceptive system Norplant, were implanted subdermally in mice, after the animals had mated and ovulated but before uterine implantation of embryos would have occurred, to examine whether the hormone could reduce the number of embryos that subsequently implanted and, if so, when it had to be administered in the postcoital period to achieve that effect. Hybrid female mice (C57BL x CBA) were paired with breeder males (CD-1) and LNG pellets were implanted on day 0, the day on which copulation plugs were found, or on day 2 or day 3 in the postcoital period. Mice in some groups were sacrificed on day 14 of the gestation period, and numbers of fetuses and/or resorption sites were counted, while mice in other groups were allowed to go to term. When LNG pellets were implanted subdermally on day 0 of the postcoital period, pellets designed to release 1.5 mg of hormone in 21 days failed to exhibit a contraceptive effect, but pellets designed to release 5 mg of hormone in 90 days were totally effective in preventing uterine implantation of embryos. Although the 5 mg pellets did not prevent embryos from implanting in all cases when administered on day 2, they prevented pregnancies from going to term by causing resorption of those embryos that did implant. When the pellets were implanted as late as day 3 in the postcoital period, uterine implantation of embryos occurred and fetuses were carried to term. Results of the study indicate that subdermal implants of LNG inserted postcoitally can prevent uterine implantation of embryos in mice, and thereby prevent pregnancy, despite fertilization of oocytes having occurred, if the hormone implants are inserted before day 3 of the postcoital period. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Efficacy of adjunctive anti-plaque chemical agents: a systematic review and network meta-analyses of the Turesky modification of the Quigley and Hein plaque index.
The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) was to compare the efficacy of different anti-plaque chemical agents, in 6-month, home-use, randomized clinical trials (RCTs), in terms of plaque index (PlI) changes. RCTs assessing PlI were identified, screened, and evaluated for inclusion. Relevant information was extracted, and quality and risk of bias were assessed. Mean differences between baseline-end were calculated to obtain weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. NMA protocols were applied to assess direct and indirect comparisons among products using Turesky PlI. Eighty-three papers were included: 49 examined dentifrices, 32 mouthrinses and 2 both. The NMA analysed 51 studies including data from 4242 and 4180 subjects for dentifrices and mouthrinses respectively. For dentifrices, triclosan-copolymer and chlorhexidine showed the greatest effect, with significant differences when compared with stannous fluoride. For mouthrinses, essential oils and chlorhexidine showed the greatest effect, with significant differences when compared with delmopinol, alexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride. Within the limitations of this study (including the severe imbalance in the amount of evidence), dentifrices containing triclosan-copolymer or chlorhexidine and mouthrinses containing essential oils or chlorhexidine showed the greatest effect on PlI scores as assessed with NMA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comment on "Characterization of the tunneling conductance across DNA bases".
In a recent paper, Zikic [Phys. Rev. E 74, 011919 (2006)] present first-principles calculations of the DNA nucleotides' electrical conductance. They report qualitative and quantitative differences with previous work, in particular with that of Zwolak and Di Ventra [Nano Lett. 5, 421 (2005)] and Lagerqvist [Nano Lett. 6, 779 (2006)]. In this comment we address the alleged discrepancies, showing that they come from a misrepresentation of our research. Further, we discuss in more detail the issue of geometric fluctuations previously investigated by us, and raised again in the work of Zikic In addition, we point out erroneous comments made by Zikic regarding the use of density functional theory calculations in transport. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A Comparison of Periodontal Health in Primary Molars Restored with Prefabricated Stainless Steel and Zirconia Crowns.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the periodontal health and clinical success of restoring primary molars with a prefabricated stainless steel crown (SSC) or zirconia crown (ZC). Methods: Six- to nine-year-olds with at least two decayed primary molars were included. Teeth were restored with SSCs and ZCs. Intact contralateral primary molars were evaluated as controls. A simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and clinical success criteria for the crowns were evaluated during follow-up. Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Fifty-two teeth were evaluated in 13 children for 12 months. The OHI-S levels were not different at the follow-ups. Teeth restored with ZCs showed lower GI and PI scores than those restored with SSCs, even among controls. All SSCs were retained after 12 months, while two of the ZCs decemented. Minor staining in one ZC and a fracture on the surface of another ZC were observed. Conclusions: The gingival health and plaque accumulation performance of zirconia crowns were better than those of stainless steel crowns and controls. SSCs are highly retentive and viable restorative option, although they were associated with a decline in gingival health. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of Tamm-Horsfall protein on calcium oxalate precipitation.
The effect of Tamm-Horsfall protein isolated from urine of healthy subjects on calcium oxalate precipitation was studied in model systems of precipitation. The study was performed using following conditions: concentrations of calcium chloride 10 mmol/l, sodium chloride 150 mmol/l, oxalic acid 300 mumol/l; pH 6.0, and temperature 310 K. The concentration of Tamm-Horsfall protein varied between 1-10 mg/l. The kinetics of calcium oxalate precipitation was observed by measuring the number and volume of particles in the suspension, and the precipitate composition by an optic microscope. In all the studied systems, the precipitate morphology corresponded to pure calcium oxalate monohydrate. Tamm-Horsfall protein was found to inhibit the growth of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals and stimulate their aggregation in the given experimental conditions. Both effects were enhanced by increase in the concentrations of Tamm-Horsfall protein and were most pronounced at the concentration of Tamm-Horsfall protein of 10 mg/l. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Thin films of calcium phosphate and titanium dioxide by a sol-gel route: a new method for coating medical implants.
Titanium is a commonly used biomaterial for dental and orthopaedic applications. To increase its ability to bond with bone, some attempts were made to coat its surface with calcium phosphate (CaP). This paper describes a new type of coating. Instead of a pure CaP layer, a mixing of titanium dioxide (TIO2) and CaP is fabricated and deposited as a coating. These layers are deposited by a sol-gel route on pure titanium substrates using various pre-treatments. The method consists of mixing a solution of tetrabutyl ortho-titanate or a sol of titanium dioxide with a solution of calcium nitrate and phosphorous esters. This composite is deposited on to commercially pure titanium plates, mechanically polished or blasted with pure crystalline aluminum oxide, using the spin-coating technique. These coatings are then fired at 650 or 850 degrees C for various times. The samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction for their crystallinity, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for their surface chemical composition and scanning electron microscopy for their topography. Samples treated at 850 degrees C present a well-pronounced crystallinity, and a high chemical purity at the surface. The topography is strongly related to the viscosity of the precursor and the substrate pre-treatment. Possibilities to structure the outermost layer are presented. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Molecular cloning of the fnr gene of Escherichia coli K12.
Mutations in the fnr gene of Escherichia coli have pleiotrophic effects leading to deficiencies in the reduction of fumarate and nitrate, hydrogen production and the ability to grow anaerobically with fumarate or nitrate as terminal electron acceptors. Transducing phages (lambda fnr) carrying the wild-type fnr gene were isolated from populations of artificially-constructed recombinant lambda phages by their ability to complement the lesions of fnr mutants. The lambda fnr phages restored anaerobic growth with fumarate and nitrate as electron acceptors and as prophages, they promoted normal synthesis of fumarate reductase, nitrate reductase and hydrogenase in fnr mutants. Five independently-isolated lambda fnr phages each contained a R.HindIII fragment (11.5 kilobases) that possessed three internal R.EcoRI targets and had inserted with the same orientation relative to the phage. A physical map of the fnr region was constructed by restriction analysis and flanking fragments were identified by DNA : DNA hybridization. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Elimination of benfluron and its metabolites in the faeces and urine of rats.
The study of the biotransformation of the potential cytostatic benfluron has been continued. The elimination of benfluron and of nine of its metabolites whose structure had been established, mainly on the basis of the comparison of their IR, MS and NMR spectra with those of standards, was studied. After oral administration of 500 mg.kg-1 to rats, the amounts of these substances in the faeces and urine were followed up by high-performance liquid chromatography for five days. Striking qualitative and quantitative differences were observed in the elimination of benfluron and its metabolites by both routes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Formation of venous collaterals and regeneration in the donor remnant liver: volumetric analysis and three-dimensional visualization.
We sought was to quantify and visualize the regeneration of the remnant liver after living donor liver transplantation using computed tomographic (CT) data. For the evaluation of preoperative and follow-up data, we developed a software assistant that was able to compute the volume growth of the remnant liver and liver territories as well as visualize the individual growth of hepatic vessels over time. The software was applied to CT data of 20 donors who underwent right hepatectomy including the middle hepatic vein with at least 3 follow-up examinations in the first year after transplantation. After donation of a right lobe graft, the remnant liver regenerated by an average 77% of the original volume within the first 3 postoperative months and to 86% within the first year. The growth of the left lateral segments was increased compared with that of segment IV in all cases. The visualization showed the growth of the portal vein and the hepatic veins. With the simultaneous display of pre- and postoperative results, it was possible to detect the formation of collaterals between truncated segment IVb veins and the veins of segment IVa or of the left lateral lobe. The software-assisted analysis of follow-up data yielded additional insight into territorial liver regeneration after living donor liver transplantation and allowed for reliable detection of relevant hepatic vein collaterals using CT data. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intrinsic neurons and neural connections of the pineal organ of the house sparrow, Passer domesticus, as revealed by anterograde and retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase.
In Passer domesticus, intrapineal nerve cells were labeled by uptake of microiontophoretically administered horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Unipolar nerve cells with a dichotomously branching stem process are the main source of the dominant pinelaofugal component of the pineal tract, whereas multipolar and bipolar neurons appear to represent interneurons. HRP-Labeled nerve fibers are observed in the distal division (end-piece) of the pineal organ; they can be regarded either as processes of intrapineal neurons or projections of pinealopetal axons originating from central neurons. Furthermore, scattered labeled nerve fibers occur in different portions of the pineal stalk. Nerve fibers containing HRP were also demonstrated in the medial and lateral divisions of the habenular complex and in the periventricular layer of the hypothalamus; these axons apparently represent anterogradely labeled pinealofugal elements. On the other hand, retrogradely labeled neurons were found in the medial habenular complex and in the periventricular hypothalamic gray near the paraventricular nucleus, indicating that the pineal organ receives a pinealopetal innervation arising from the central nervous system. Ultrastructurally, the neuropil of the pineal organ of P. domesticus displays single basal processes of pinealocytes containing synaptic ribbons in association with clear synaptic vesicles. Occasionally, conventional synapses were observed the presynaptic terminals of which exhibit granular inclusions. The pineal tract consisting of four to six spatially separated fiber bundles comprises mainly unmyelinated elements accompanied by only few myelinated axons. The functional role of the neural apparatus revealed in the present study is discussed in context with the humoral (hormonal) control of circadian functions; the latter type of activity has been shown to exist in the pineal organ of P. domesticus (Zimmerman 1976). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mapping dark matter with cosmic magnification.
We develop a new tool to generate statistically precise dark matter maps from the cosmic magnification of galaxies with distance estimates. We show how to overcome the intrinsic clustering problem using the slope of the luminosity function, because magnification changes strongly over the luminosity function, while intrinsic clustering only changes weakly. This may allow precision cosmology beyond most current systematic limitations. The Square Kilometre Array is able to reconstruct the projected matter density map at smoothing scale approximately 10' with S/N > or = 1, at the rate of 200-4000 deg2 per year, depending on the abundance and evolution of 21 cm emitting galaxies. This power of mapping dark matter is comparable to, or even better than, that of cosmic shear from deep optical surveys or 21 cm surveys. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A CD44 monoclonal antibody differentially regulates CD11a/CD18 binding to intercellular adhesion molecules CD54, CD102 and CD50.
We have made a monoclonal anti-CD44 antibody which is able to activate the leukocyte integrin CD11a/CD18. Activated T cells strongly aggregated, and the aggregation was shown to be intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 (CD54) and ICAM-2 (CD102) dependent. Using purified ICAM coated on plastic, only binding to ICAM-1 was increased by the CD44 antibody, whereas activation by phorbol ester increased binding to both ICAM-1 and ICAM-3. The binding to ICAM-2 was not affected by either treatment. These findings show that the CD11a/CD18 integrin can be activated in a ligand-specific manner by engagement of CD44. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The PAC protein affects the maturation of specific chloroplast mRNAs in Arabidopsis thaliana.
The pale cress (pac) mutation arrests chloroplast development at an early stage in Arabidopsis thaliana and leads to a white phenotype. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements demonstrated that the photosynthetic apparatus was impaired. The mutation did not reduce transcription of nuclear genes with photosynthetic function. However, distinct chloroplast-encoded transcripts were affected. The mutation mainly changed the maturation pattern, but the abundance of specific transcripts was also reduced. The defects observed imply a specific role for PAC in chloroplast mRNA maturation. PAC is encoded by a nuclear gene and is transported into the chloroplast. Therefore PAC may be one of the nucleus-encoded factors that function in plastid mRNA maturation and accumulation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Defining the role of assessors, mentors and supervisors: Part 1.
This study, carried out over a period of four years, aimed to establish what happens in nursing practice in relation to assessing clinical competence of nursing students during their Common Foundation Programme (CFP). The study was based upon the experiences and perceptions of 155 skilled practitioners and 300 students. Many themes and categories emerged, including role overlap and the lack of understanding of the role of the practitioner who is responsible for assessing student performance on practice placement during the CFP. This week we look at the data relating to the 155 skilled practitioners and next week we will review the student data and final data from the assessors, and make some recommendations for practice. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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