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Effect of in ovo feeding of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate on hatchability, muscle growth and performance in prenatal and posthatch broilers.
β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) is the metabolite of leucine that plays an important role in muscle protein metabolism. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of in ovo feeding (IOF) of HMB at 7 days of incubation (DOI) via air cell or 18 DOI via amnion on hatchability, muscle growth and performance in prenatal and posthatch broilers. IOF of HMB via air cell at 7 DOI increased hatchability by 4.34% compared with the control (89.67% versus 85.33%). Birds in IOF groups exhibited higher body weight, average daily body weight gain and pectoral muscle percentage. Furthermore, IOF of HMB significantly increased the level of plasma growth hormone, insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1. Chicks hatched from IOF treatment had larger diameters of muscle fiber and higher mitotic activity of satellite cells at early posthatch age. IOF of HMB activated satellite cells by upregulation of mRNA expression of myogenic transcription factors, myogenic differentiation one (MyoD) and myogenin. Chicks hatched from air cell injection group had higher pectoral muscle percentage at 5 d posthatch and greater satellite cell mitotic activity at 7 d posthatch than counterparts from amnion injection group. IOF of HMB via amnion at 18 DOI or especially via air cell at 7 DOI could be used as an effective approach to enhance hatchability, productive performance and breast muscle yield in broilers. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Biomimetic fibrin-hyaluronan hydrogels for nucleus pulposus regeneration.
To develop a biomimetic polymeric injectable hydrogel that can support nucleus pulposus (NP) regeneration. Natural polymer-based hydrogels were synthesized using fibrinogen (FBG) and hyaluronic acid (HA), conjugated by a novel two-step procedure. Bovine NP cells were cultured in FBG-HA conjugate-based 3D beads in vitro and in a nucleotomized organ culture model. FBG-HA conjugate-based hydrogels prepared with 235 KDa HA at a FBG/HA w/w ratio of 17:1 showed superior gel stability and mechanical properties and markedly increased glycosaminoglycan synthesis compared with a FBG/HA mixture-based hydrogels or fibrin gels. Gene-expression levels of NP markers were maintained in vitro. In organ culture, NP cells seeded in FBG-HA conjugate-based hydrogels showed better integration with native NP tissue compared with fibrin gels. Moreover, FBG-HA conjugate-based hydrogels restored compressive stiffness and disc height after nucleotomy under dynamic load. Specific FBG-HA conjugate-based hydrogels may be suitable as injectable materials for minimally invasive, biological NP regeneration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characterization of Salmonella Typhimurium and its monophasic variant 1,4, [5],12:i:- isolated from different sources.
In order to characterize the most commonly detected Salmonella serotypes, we tested 124 isolates of S. Typhimurium and 89 isolates of the monophasic variant of S. Typhimurium (S. 1,4, [5],12:i:-) for their antimicrobial susceptibility by means of the Kirby-Bauer disk-diffusion method, and for the detection of 19 genes (four Phage Markers (g13, Sieb, eat, g8), ten prophage-related virulence genes (gipA, gtgB, nanH, gogB, grvA, sopE, sspH1, sspH2, sodC1, gtgE), and five plasmid-borne virulence genes (spvC, pefA, mig5, rcK, srgA)) by means of PCR-based assays. A total of 213 strains were analyzed from, humans (n = 122), animals (n = 25), food (n = 46), and irrigation water (n = 20). S. Typhimurium isolates showed higher variability, in both their resistance profiles and molecular typing, than S. 1,4, [5],12:i:-. Strains from irrigation water displayed significantly higher susceptibility to antibiotics than those from the other sources. Resistance to ampicillin, streptomycin, sulfonamide, and tetracycline was the most commonly detected resistance profile (R-type), being in serovar S. 1,4, [5],12:i:-, frequently associated to resistance to other antimicrobials. Significant differences in genetic profiles in the two abovementioned Salmonella serotypes were found. None of the plasmid-borne virulence genes investigated were detected in S. 1,4, [5],12:i:- isolates, while those genes, characterized 37.9% of the S. Typhimurium strains. Differences in the prevalence of some molecular targets between the two Salmonella serotypes deserve further study. Importantly, the grvA gene was found exclusively in S. Typhimurium strains, whereas sopE, sodC, gtgB, and gipA were mainly detected, with a statistically significant difference, in S. 1,4, [5],12:i:- isolates. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reinnervation of denervated muscle by transplantation of fetal spinal cord to transected sciatic nerve in the rat.
When motor neurons in the spinal cord are destroyed, regeneration of motor axons and muscle reinnervation cannot be expected. We attempted reinnervation of the denervated muscle, i.e. motor unit reconstruction, using transplantation of the fetal spinal cord to the peripheral nerve. The sciatic nerve of an adult rat was resected for 20 mm, and a cavity was prepared using an autologous femoral vein at the distal stump of the nerve. The fetal spinal cord was then transplanted into the venous cavity. After 3-6 months, no voluntary muscle contraction was observed due to the absence of communication with the central nervous system. However, reinnervation of the muscles via the sciatic nerve by the transplanted spinal neurons was demonstrated electrophysiologically and histochemically. This suggested that a motor unit can be reconstructed by fetal spinal cord transplantation even if the original motor neurons in the spinal cord are not available. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Treatment of nonepitheliotropic cutaneous B-cell lymphoma in an umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba).
A 3.5-year-old umbrella cockatoo (Cacatua alba) was presented because of the development of widely disseminated subcutaneous nodules. The diagnostic work-up included a complete blood count, plasma biochemical analysis, and whole body radiographs. Biopsy samples of the skin lesions were submitted for histopathologic evaluation, bacterial culture and sensitivity testing, immunohistochemistry staining, and acid-fast staining. The diagnosis was nonepitheliotropic cutaneous B-cell lymphoma with a leukemic blood picture. The bird was treated with a chemotherapeutic regimen consisting of vincristine and chlorambucil for 17 weeks. During treatment, the complete blood count was monitored every 1-3 weeks, and the plasma biochemical analysis was monitored every 3-4 weeks. The bird was in partial remission on week 9. On week 17, the bird became acutely ill and was fluffed, depressed, anorectic, and anemic. The chemotherapeutic regimen was discontinued. At this time, the bird had a consistent lymphocytosis but no neoplastic lymphocytes were seen in the general circulation. At week 29 the bird was in complete remission and remains in complete remission 8 years after chemotherapy was discontinued. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The influence of low-frequency left prefrontal repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on memory for words but not for faces.
Brain imaging studies suggest localization of verbal working memory in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) while face processing and memory is localized in the inferior temporal cortex and other brain areas. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of left DLPFC low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on verbal recall and face recognition. The study revealed a significant decrease of free recall in word encoding under rTMS (110% of motor threshold, 0.9 Hz) in comparison with sham stimulation (p=0.03), while no significant difference was found with facial memory tests. Our findings support the essential role of the left DLPFC in word but not facial memory and confirm the content specific arrangement of cortical areas involved in semantic memory. As a non-invasive tool, rTMS is useful for cognitive brain mapping and the functional localization of the category specific memory system. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Autopsy profiles of malpractice cases.
Claims for medical malpractice and the number of lawsuits filed thereafter are increasing in Turkey as is the case throughout the world. In the present study all files issued by the associated boards of the Council of Forensic Medicine between 2001 and 2005 were studied and of those, 525 death cases in which there was a medical malpractice claim were included. 303 of the cases (57.7%) were male, 215 (41%) were female, while no gender was mentioned in seven cases (1.3%). The age of the subjects ranged between 0 and 90, with an average of 26.8. 147 cases (28%) were related to Emergency Units. 92% of the cases (482 cases) were resolved in the Council of Forensic Medicine, Ministry of Justice. 167 of the resolved cases were concluded as medical malpractice. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Epidemiological analysis of tuberculosis in the Kingdom of Croatia and Slavonia during 1901-1910.
To analyze data on epidemiology and treatment of tuberculosis from the sources related to the history and epidemiology of tuberculosis in the Kingdom of Croatia and Slavonia in the 1900-1910 period. Epidemiological data were obtained from the statistical yearbooks of the Kingdom of Croatia and Slavonia for years 1905 and 1910. A number of sources and publications on the history of medicine, especially on the history of tuberculosis in the studied period were analyzed. Mortality ratio, birth rate ratio, and population growth were calculated. Tuberculosis mortality per 100,000 inhabitants was calculated for four major cities and eight counties of the Kingdom of Croatia and Slavonia. The difference in tuberculosis mortality rates between urban and rural areas and socio-economic situation and organization of the health service were analyzed. The incidence, prevalence, and morbidity from tuberculosis were not analyzed because of the lack of data. The tuberculosis mortality ratio per 100,000 inhabitants in the Kingdom of Croatia and Slavonia were constantly high (above 400 on average), with higher mortality ratio in urban than in rural areas. According to the opinion of the Croatian physicians and statistical data of the period, this was due to the constant growth of population, insufficient health care system, and bad living conditions. The highest tuberculosis mortality rates were in the cities of Zemun (600-800) and Zagreb (500-700), and in the counties of Srijem (600-400), Virovitica (600-400), and Lika- Krbava (500-400). There was a concordance between the statistical data and the publications, reports, and articles written in the 19th and 20th century on tuberculosis situation in the Kingdom of Croatia and Slavonia. The analysis showed that tuberculosis was one of the major causes of death in the Kingdom of Croatia and Slavonia from 1901 to 1910. This fact had a significant influence on tuberculosis prevention and eradication efforts in the first half of the 20th century in Croatia and laid basis for further and more elaborate measures against tuberculosis epidemics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), including the disease stages steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and linked to the epidemic of diabetes mellitus and obesity. It is characterized by a high cardiovascular and liver-related mortality and expected to be the leading cause for liver transplantation in the near future. This review summarizes recent progress made in our understanding of the disease pathogenesis and the clinical management of patients with NAFLD. Strategies to manage diabetes mellitus will be evaluated in terms of their effectiveness in treating patients with NAFLD and novel pharmacological targets capable to treat diabetes mellitus and NAFLD will be highlighted. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mutations in the protease gene of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 affect release and stability of virus particles.
The expression of the pol gene of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) occurs by a ribosomal frameshift between the gag and the pol genes. The Gag-Pol polyprotein is produced at levels of 5 to 10% of that of the Gag protein, and is incorporated into virions to provide the viral protease, reverse transcriptase, and integrase which are essential for replication. The mechanism(s) by which the Gag-Pol polyprotein are targeted to the HIV virion is unknown, although it is believed to be via an interaction with the Gag protein. To further explore the mechanism by which the Gag-Pol polyprotein is incorporated into virions, we have constructed a mutation which changes an aspartic acid in the protease active site to asparagine (pHXB2pro-); a four-amino-acid insertion into the protease gene (pHXB2Smal); and insertion of translational termination codons in the protease gene following the gag gene (pHXB55). Transfection of these proviral genomes into COS-1 cells resulted in intracellular expression of only Pr55gag, demonstrating the inactivation of the viral protease. The expression of Pr55gag was evident in cells transfected with pHXB2pro- during a short pulse and first 3 hr of chase period, whereas at later times the intracellular levels of Pr55gag were greatly reduced. In contrast, the intracellular Pr55gag expressed from transfection of pHXB2Smal or pHXB55 were evident even after 6- or 12-hr chase times. To ascertain the effects of the mutations on the assembly and release of viruslike particles, the supernatants from the transfected cells were analyzed for the presence of Pr55gag. The release of Pr55gag from cells transfected with pHXB2pro- occurred as early as 1 hr following chase period, and increased for up to 3 hr. In contrast, reduced levels of Pr55gag were detected in the medium from cells transfected with pHXB2Smal or pHXB55. Subcellular fractionation studies demonstrated that the Pr55gag expressed from transfection of pHXB2pro- was rapidly targeted to intracellular membranes, while the majority of the Pr55gag expressed from transfection of pHXB2Smal or pHXB55 was distributed evenly between the cytoplasm and membrane fractions. Finally, the released viruslike particles obtained from the transfection of proviral genome pHXB2pro- were stable to mild detergent treatment, whereas particles obtained from transfection of pHXB2Smal and pHXB55 were relatively unstable. These results demonstrate that subtle changes in the Gag-Pol polyprotein of HIV-1 can have significant effects on the assembly and physical stability of the released virus. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Learning categories by touch: on the development of holistic and analytic processing.
The development of holistic and analytic processing often studied in the visual domain was investigated in haptics. Children 3 to 9 years of age and adults had to categorize haptic exemplars that varied systematically in four attributes (size, shape, surface texture, and weight). The subjects could learn the categories either analytically--that is, by focusing on a single attribute--or holistically--that is, in terms of overall similarity. The data show that even the youngest children learned the haptic categories far more often in an analytic mode than in a holistic mode. Nevertheless, an age trend was observed, referring to the attributes that the analytic learners used for their categorization. The children preferred substance-related attributes, especially surface texture, whereas the adults preferred structure-related attributes, especially shape. Thus, it appears that analytic and/or holistic processing in category learning develops in a similar manner in the visual and haptic domains. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Debatable problems of intravascular dilatation of the brachiocephalic artery].
Roentgen--guided endovascular dilatation (RED) was conducted in 23 patients with atherosclerotic stenoses of branches of the arch of the aorta, in 20 with stenoses of the subclavian artery, and in 3 with stenoses of the brachiocephalic trunk. Before dilatation the patients had a systolic pressure gradient of 25 to 55 mm Hg in the region of the stenosis and constriction of the arterial lumen by 40 to 80%. Systolic pressure gradient disappeared completely in 17 cases and persisted at a level of 10 to 40 mm Hg in 7 cases. During RED of the left subclavian artery a complication, acute thrombosis of the distal part of the artery, occurred in one case. Indications for dilatation of stenosed subclavian arteries were elaborated on the basis of the accumulated experience. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Increased sensitivity of mice to tremorogenic agents following MPP+.
The behavioral effects following intrastriatal MPP+, the neurotoxic metabolite of MPTP, were evaluated in mice. Bilateral injections of 10 micrograms MPP+ to mice previously trained in the shuttle box paradigm produced a 66% decrease in striatal dopamine and significant deficits in all measures of conditioned avoidance responding. In addition, although these mice showed no deficits in baseline rotorod performance, challenge with the cholinergic agonist oxotremorine revealed that MPP+-treated mice exhibited an increased sensitivity to the disruptive effects of the drug at each dose and time point. Finally, MPP+-treated mice also exhibited an increase in tremor induced by 0.1 and 0.15 mg/kg oxotremorine. These observations are discussed in reference to idiopathic parkinsonism. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Gender-related differences in subacute fumonisin B1 hepatotoxicity in BALB/c mice.
Fumonisin B1 (FB1), a potent mycotoxin prevalent in corn, is a carcinogen and causative agent of various animal diseases. Species and sex variations to chronic FB1 toxicity have been reported. Free sphingoid bases and cytokine levels are the two major biochemical alterations of FB1 in vivo and may explain any sex differences in FB1 toxicity. Male and female BALB/c mice (5/group) were injected subcutaneously with either saline vehicle or 2.25 mg/kg/day of FB1 for 5 days. One day after the last injection females showed a greater increase in circulating alanine aminotransferase and greater number of apoptotic cells in liver after FB1 treatment than males, indicating greater hepatotoxicity. Peripheral leukocytic counts, including neutrophils, were increased in females only after FB1 treatment. The increased toxicity in females correlated with a greater increase of sphinganine and sphingosine levels in liver after FB1 treatment compared to males. No sex differences in kidney sphinganine or sphingosine levels were observed after FB1 treatment. Previously we have shown the induction of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) in FB1-induced hepatotoxicity. While in males FB1 treatment caused increased expression of TNFalpha, interleukin (IL)-12 p40, interferon gamma (IFNgamma), IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL-10, females showed an increased expression of IL-6 only, and a downward modulation of IFNgamma, indicating gender differences in cytokine pathways in liver activated by FB1. The basal expression of TNFalpha, IL-12 p40, IL-1beta and IFNgamma in liver of females was higher compared to males. Gender differences in alterations of free sphingoid bases and cytokine modulation after FB1 treatment suggest their possible involvement in sex-dependent differential hepatotoxicity in mice. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Allele frequencies for markers CSF1PO, TPOX, TH01, F13A01, FESFPS, vWA, D16S539, D7S820, D13S317 in the general population of Nicaragua.
General Hispanic-admixed individuals from Nicaragua. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Analysis of the RET proto-oncogene in sporadic parathyroid adenomas.
Missense germline mutations of the RET proto-oncogene have recently been identified in the hereditary cancer syndromes MEN2A, MEN2B, and FMTC, all characterized by medullary carcinoma, but also including phaeochromocytoma in MEN2A and MEN2B and parathyroid disease in MEN2A. In addition, somatic RET proto-oncogene mutations have been identified in a subset of sporadic medullary carcinomas and phaeochromocytomas. This study investigated the possibility that RET plays a role in sporadic parathyroid neoplasia. Firstly, normal and neoplastic parathyroid tissues were screened for expression of the RET proto-oncogene, using an RT-PCR approach on autopsy material. Secondly, 20 archival parathyroid adenomas were screened for somatic mutations in the transmembrane region of RET, the region associated with germline mutations in MEN2A and hence parathyroid disease, using a PCR-solid phase direct sequencing approach. RET expression was identified in all the parathyroid tissues analysed. However, no mutations were identified in any of the 20 adenomas, suggesting either that other mechanisms of RET activation occur, such as translocation, or that RET plays a more minor role in the growth control of the parathyroid cells than in C cells or phaeochromocytes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Psychoanalysis and empirical research.
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the idea of reason began to lose its universal and absolute value, undermining the view of science as a form of objective knowledge that reveals a fundamental reality. These changes have also had an impact on psychoanalysis, leading to a proliferation of theories and the end of a positivistic approach, epitomized by a 'neutral' analyst who knows the contents of the patient's mind. Hermeneutic philosophy provides a tool with which to explore both theoretical multiplicity and the contribution of the analyst's subjectivity to the analytic process. Furthermore, a hermeneutic approach does not have to be hostile to empirical science, but can be integrated with it in a 'scientific-hermeneutic model' in which historical and biological principles are given equal value. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Patents.
3,630,597; 3,632,868; 3,641,354; 3,644,017; 3,703,332; 3,704,058; 3,704,059; 3,708,219; 3,712,705; 3,715,150; 3,717,769; 3,722,977; 3,722,978; 3,731,225. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Spaceflight alters immune cell function and distribution.
Experiments were carried out aboard COSMOS 2044 to determine the effects of spaceflight on immunologically important cell function and distribution. Control groups included vivarium, synchronous, and antiorthostatically suspended rats. In one experiment, rat bone marrow cells were examined in Moscow, for their response to recombinant murine granulocyte/monocyte colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). In another experiment, rat spleen and bone marrow cells were stained in Moscow with a variety of antibodies directed against cell surface antigenic markers. These cells were preserved and shipped to the United States for analysis on a flow cytometer. Bone marrow cells from flown and suspended rats showed a decreased response to granulocyte/monocyte colony-stimulating factor compared with bone marrow cells from control rats. Of the spleen cell subpopulations examined from flown rats, only those cells expressing markers for suppressor-cytotoxic T- and helper T-cells showed an increased percentage of stained cells. Bone marrow cells showed an increase in the percentage of cells expressing markers for helper T-cells in the myelogenous population and increased percentages of anti-asialo granulocyte/monocyte-1-bearing interleukin-2 receptor-bearing pan T- and helper T-cells in the lymphocytic population. Cell populations from rats suspended antiorthostatically did not follow the same pattern of distribution of leukocytes as cell populations for flown rats. The results from COSMOS 2044 are similar, but not identical, to earlier results from COSMOS 1887 and confirm that spaceflight can have profound effects on immune system components and activities. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Total Synthesis of Bistratamide D.
The total synthesis of the macrocyclic hexapeptide bistratamide D is reported. The synthetic strategy involved assembly of enantiomerically pure oxazole, thiazole, and oxazoline segments derived from amino acids. Macrocyclization of the hexapeptidic aminooxazoline-oxazole-thiazole carboxylic acid fragment was accomplished by activation with O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N',N'-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate (HATU). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
NMO sera down-regulate AQP4 in human astrocyte and induce cytotoxicity independent of complement.
Autoantibodies against astrocyte water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) are highly specific for neuromyelitis optica (NMO). However, the molecular mechanism of NMO still remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify the possible humoral mechanisms responsible for the occurrence of astrocytic damage. Human primary astrocytes (AST) were immortalized by retroviral vectors harboring temperature-sensitive SV40 T antigen gene and AQP4 cDNA (M23), designated as hAST-AQP4. The effects of NMO sera on the content and localization of AQP4, including cytotoxicity and astrocytic morphology, were evaluated. In addition, this study examined whether the amount and localization of AQP4 protein in astrocytes were influenced by direct contact with the immortalized human brain microvascular endothelial cell line, TY09. NMO sera alone induced cytotoxicity and addition of complement had a more harmful effect on hAST-AQP4. NMO sera also decreased AQP4 mRNA and protein. NMO sera alone up-regulated TNFα and IL-6 in astrocytes and co-incubation with anti-TNFα and anti-IL-6 neutralizing antibodies blocked both the cytotoxicity and reduction of AQP4 in astrocytes. In the experiment using the in vitro BBB models, AQP4 protein mainly localized at the astrocytic membrane after co-culture with TY09, in contact with TY09. The future elucidation of factors that up-regulate AQP4 in astrocytes presumably released by blood brain barrier forming endothelial cells and that block the production of inflammatory cytokines may therefore lead to the development of a novel therapeutic strategy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Economic impact of introducing the injectable inactivated polio vaccine in Colombia].
Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of introducing the injectable inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) in Colombia versus the current system based on the use of the oral vaccine (OPV). A Markov model was designed, based on a hypothetical cohort of newborns that would receive the IPV or the OPV vaccine, with a two-year follow-up and monthly estimates of the number of cases of vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) that would emerge. The cost was analyzed from the perspective of the insurer (costs throughout life) and society (cases of VAPP and disability-adjusted life years [DALYs] prevented). From 1988 to 1998, some 22.5 million doses of OVP were administered in Colombia and nine cases of VAPP were detected, for a rate of 4.0 yen 10-7 dose. According to the model, 2 to 4 cases of VAPP could be anticipated in the following two years. The cost of treating the VAPP cases would total US$302,008, with the cost of vaccination with OPV coming to US$737,037 and with IPV, US$5,527,777. Vaccination with IPV would prevent 64 DALYs, at a cost of US$71,062 per DALY prevented; preventing one case of VAPP by substituting OPV with IPV would cost between US$1.8 and US$2.2 million. Substituting OPV with IPV is not a cost-effective measure in Colombia, even if the cellular vaccine against whooping cough currently in use were replaced with an acellular vaccine combined with an IPV. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A mechanism on the drug release into a perfect sink from a coated planar matrix with a super-saturation loading in the core.
A comprehensive model is proposed to accurately describe drug release kinetics from a coated plane sheet when drug loading in the core is above its saturation level. The general solutions are acquired in a dimensionless form by the Laplace transform and the solution for the special case-a perfect sink condition, is derived from these general ones. On the basis of the model calculations, the effects of the diffusion ratios and thickness ratios of the coatings to the core, and drug loading entrapped in the core during the release processes have been discussed over wide range of variables. To validate the model equations proposed, the coated systems, 5-fluoracilum/ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (5-Fu/EVAL) core matrix coated with various polymeric materials such as EVAL, cellulose acetate (CA), poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) and poly( methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), having different diffusivities, are designed, experimentally investigated and graphically and quantitatively compared with the theoretical values. The results show a good correlation between the theory and experiment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Primary HIV-1 drug resistance in Spain before and after the introduction of protease inhibitors.
The prevalence of genotypic resistance to nucleoside analogues was examined in 150 naive individuals with chronic HIV-1 infection acquired before June 1996, when protease inhibitors began to be used in Spain, and in a group of 52 recent seroconverters infected since 1997. Overall, the prevalence of subjects carrying nucleoside-resistant genotypes was similar in both groups (12.6% and 15.4%, respectively). A polymorphism at codon 70 accounted for more than half of cases (63.1%) in naive individuals infected before protease inhibitors became available, in contrast most recent seroconverters carried genotypes with one or more key nucleoside resistance mutations, mainly associated with lack of sensitivity to zidovudine or lamivudine (prevalence 9.6% and 5.9%, respectively). When only key mutations were considered in each of the two periods, the prevalence of nucleoside-resistant genotypes was increased significantly among recent seroconverters (13.5% vs. 4.7%; P<0.05). The relatively high rate of resistance to nucleosides in Spain justifies the introduction of drug resistance testing in naive recent seroconverters before beginning antiretroviral therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nursing injury rates and negative patient outcomes--connecting the dots.
The connection between nursing injury rates and patient outcomes has not been totally grasped in the health care occupational health setting. This article concludes that nursing injury rates are linked to the nursing shortage and less nursing time at the bedside, both of which have been scientifically linked to negative patient outcomes. Because nurses' working conditions affect patients' outcomes, more funding and changes are needed to improve these conditions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A family of spino-cerebellar degeneration with disturbance of ocular movement, choreoathetosis, amyotrophy and dementia--a consideration in clinical features].
Seven cases in a family of hereditary spino-cerebellar degeneration (SCD) similar to dentatorubro-pallido-Luysian atrophy (DRPLA) were reported. The clinical features of these cases were disturbance of ocular movement (limitation of ocular movement and slow eye movement (SEM], remarkable amyotrophy, choreoathetosis, dementia and sleep apnea. The brain CT's revealed marked atrophy in pons and cerebellum. Amyotrophy had been reported in the case of DRPLA, particular ataxo-choreoathetoid form (by Hirayama). Muscle biopsy was performed in these cases, which showed scattered small angulated fiber, severe atrophic fiber with pyknotic nuclear clump, fiber type grouping and small rounded fiber were mixed. These findings indicates neurogenic change of radiculoneuropathy type (by Tanabe). In many reported cases of DRPLA and SCD with amyotrophy, this type of muscle biopsy had not been recognized. In SCD with amyotrophy, a main lesion had existed on peripheral nerve. In this case, there was no definite clinical findings (sensory disturbance, delay of conduction nerve velocity, peripheral neuropathy in nerve biopsy). In recent years, several unclassified cases of SCD with amyotrophy had been reported, which had multi-system degeneration involving peripheral neuropathy. This case is similar to these cases, which is speculates multi-systemic lesions, not only DRPLA but also peripheral nerve involvement. On neuro-otological study, velocity of saccade was slow and persuit was reserved in proband case. In younger onset case, disturbance of saccade and pursuit was mild. In older progressive case, disturbance of saccade and pursuit was progressive and accompanied with severe limitation of ocular movement. Several autopsy cases of SEM had been reported.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ecto-5'-nucleotidase promotes invasion, migration and adhesion of human breast cancer cells.
Associated with many molecules, metastasis includes cell adhesion to extracellular matrix, migration towards specific direction and invasion into local vessel of distant organs. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the role of ecto-5'-nucleotidase (eN, ecto-5-NT, CD73) generated extracellular adenosine in biologically malignant behaviors of human breast cancer cell lines. Two human breast cancer cell lines, T-47D with lower expression of CD73 and MB-MDA-231 with higher expression of CD73, were used to investigate the functions of CD73. The effects of CD73 over-expression on invasion, migration and adhesion were observed in T-47D transfected with pcDNA-NT5E plasmid. The effects of specific CD73 inhibitor, alpha, ss-methylene ADP (APCP), were observed in MB-MDA-231 cells. The results showed CD-73 overexpression increased invasion, migration and adhesion to ECM of the pcDNA-NT5E transfected T-47D cells compared to the saline and mock vector controls. The increased cell mobility of CD-73-overexpressed T-47D cells was blocked by APCP. Adenosine increased the mobility of wild type T-47D cells. APCP inhibited the mobility of the MB-MDA-231 cells. Taken together, our results indicated that CD73 may facilitate the adhesion, migration and invasion of human breast cancer cells through its enzyme activity of generating adenosine. This study provided a possibly molecular mechanism of metastasis of breast carcinoma. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Maternal right ventricular function, uteroplacental circulation in first trimester and pregnancy outcome in women with congenital heart disease.
Pregnant women with congenital heart disease (CHD) have an increased risk of abnormal uteroplacental flow, measured from the second trimester onwards, which is associated with pregnancy complications affecting the mother and the fetus. Maternal right ventricular (RV) dysfunction has been suggested as a predisposing factor for impaired uteroplacental flow in these women. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of first-trimester uteroplacental flow measurements with prepregnancy maternal cardiac function and pregnancy complications in women with CHD, with particular focus on the potential role of RV (dys)function. This study included 138 pregnant women with CHD from the prospective ZAHARA III study (Zwangerschap bij Aangeboren HARtAfwijkingen; Pregnancy and CHD). Prepregnancy clinical and echocardiographic data were collected. Clinical evaluation, echocardiography (focused on RV function, as assessed by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)) and uterine artery (UtA) pulsatility index (PI) measurements were performed at 12, 20 and 32 weeks of gestation. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to assess the association between prepregnancy variables and UtA-PI during pregnancy. The association between UtA-PI at 12 weeks and cardiovascular, obstetric and neonatal complications was also assessed. On multivariable regression analysis, prepregnancy TAPSE was associated negatively with UtA-PI at 12 weeks of gestation (β = -0.026; P = 0.036). Women with lower prepregnancy TAPSE (≤ 20 mm vs > 20 mm) had higher UtA-PI at 12 weeks (1.5 ± 0.5 vs 1.2 ± 0.6; P = 0.047). Increased UtA-PI at 12 weeks was associated with obstetric complications (P = 0.003), particularly hypertensive disorders (pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia, P = 0.019 and P = 0.026, respectively). In women with CHD, RV dysfunction before pregnancy seems to impact placentation, resulting in increased resistance in UtA flow, which is detectable as early as in the first trimester. This, in turn, is associated with pregnancy complications. Early monitoring of uteroplacental flow might be of value in women with CHD with pre-existing subclinical RV dysfunction to identify pregnancies that would benefit from close obstetric surveillance. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Emotion Regulation in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Unaffected Siblings, and Unrelated Healthy Control Participants.
Functional neuroimaging endophenotypes of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have been suggested during executive tasks. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether behavioral and neural responses during emotion processing and regulation also represent an endophenotype of OCD. Forty-three unmedicated adult OCD patients, 19 of their unaffected siblings, and 38 healthy control participants underwent 3T functional magnetic resonance imaging during an emotion regulation task including neutral, fear-inducing, and OCD-related visual stimuli. Stimuli were processed during natural appraisal and during cognitive reappraisal, and distress ratings were collected after each picture. We performed between-group comparisons on task behavior and brain activation in regions of interest during emotion provocation and regulation. Siblings reported similar distress as healthy control participants during provocation, and significantly less than patients. There was no significant three-group difference in activation during fear provocation or regulation. Three-group comparisons showed that patients had higher amygdala and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex activation during OCD-related emotion provocation and regulation, respectively, while siblings were intermediate between patients and control participants but not significantly different from either. Siblings showed higher left temporo-occipital activation (compared with both healthy control participants and patients) and higher frontolimbic connectivity (compared with patients) during OCD-related regulation. Unaffected siblings do not show the same distress and amygdala activation during emotional provocation as OCD patients. Siblings show distinct activation in a temporo-occipital region, possibly related to compensatory cognitive control. This suggests that emotion regulation is not a strong endophenotype for OCD. When replicated, this contributes to our understanding of familial risk and resilience for OCD. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
3D dosimetry in patients with early breast cancer undergoing Intraoperative Avidination for Radionuclide Therapy (IART) combined with external beam radiation therapy.
Intraoperative Avidination for Radionuclide Therapy (IART) is a novel targeted radionuclide therapy recently used in patients with early breast cancer. It is a radionuclide approach with (90)Y-biotin combined with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) to release a boost of radiation in the tumour bed. Two previous clinical trials using dosimetry based on the calculation of mean absorbed dose values with the hypothesis of uniform activity distribution (MIRD 16 method) assessed the feasibility and safety of IART. In the present retrospective study, a voxel dosimetry analysis was performed to investigate heterogeneity in distribution of the absorbed dose. The aim of this work was to compare dosimetric and radiobiological evaluations derived from average absorbed dose vs. voxel absorbed dose approaches. We evaluated 14 patients who were injected with avidin into the tumour bed after conservative surgery and 1 day later received an intravenous injection of 3.7 GBq of (90)Y-biotin (together with 185 MBq (111)In-biotin for imaging). Sequential images were used to estimate the absorbed dose in the target region according to the standard dosimetry method (SDM) and the voxel dosimetry method (VDM). The biologically effective dose (BED) distribution was also evaluated. Dose/volume and BED volume histograms were generated to derive equivalent uniform BED (EUBED) and equivalent uniform dose (EUD) values. No "cold spots" were highlighted by voxel dosimetry. The median absorbed-dose in the target region was 20 Gy (range 15-27 Gy) by SDM, and the median EUD was 20.4 Gy (range 16.5-29.4 Gy) by the VDM; SDM and VDM estimates differed by about 6 %. The EUD/mean voxel absorbed dose ratio was >0.9 in all patients, indicative of acceptable uniformity in the target. The median BED and EUBED values were 21.8 Gy (range 15.9-29.3 Gy) and 22.8 Gy (range 17.3-31.8 Gy), respectively. VDM highlighted the absence of significant heterogeneity in absorbed dose in the target. The EUD/mean absorbed dose ratio indicated a biological efficacy comparable to that of uniform distribution of absorbed dose. The VDM is recommended for improving accuracy, taking into account actual activity distribution in the target region. The radiobiological model applied allowed us to compare the effects of IART® with those of EBRT and to match the two irradiation modalities. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Polyposis of the gallbladder].
A rare observation of the gall bladder polyposis in a woman of 56 with clinical symptoms of chronic cholecystitis is described. In this case, polyposis of the gall bladder was combined with extensive extra- and intrahepatic lithiasis. The observation is compared with reports in the literature. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol by activating persulfate and peroxomonosulfate using micron or nanoscale zero-valent copper.
The ability of persulfate (PS) and peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activated by micron or nanoscale zero-valent copper (ZVC or nZVC) to degrade 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) was quantified under various conditions. Mechanism investigation revealed that PS and PMS accelerated the corrosion of ZVC or nZVC to release Cu+ under acidic conditions. The in-situ generated Cu+ further decomposed PS or PMS to produce SO4- and OH, which then dramatically degraded 2,4-DCP. The kobs for 2,4-DCP removal followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, kobs of ZVC/PMS and nZVC/PMS systems were 10∼30 times greater than these in ZVC/PS and nZVC/PS systems. The nZVC/PMS system was most effective to remove 2,4-DCP which even did better than the nZVI/PMS system, with rate constant values ranging from 0.041 to 1.855min-1. At higher pH ZVC is ineffective, but nZVC can activate PS and PMS to significantly degrade 2,4-DCP at pH up to 7.3. The 2,4-DCP degradation pathway was found to involve dechloridation, dehydrogenation, hydroxylation, ring open and mineralization. 56.7% and 45.3% of TOC removals were respectively obtained in the ZVC/PMS and nZVC/PMS systems within 120min. This study helps to comprehend the application of zero-valent metals in reactive radicals-based oxidation processes and the reactivity of Cu+ as an activator of PS and PMS. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Complete nucleotide sequence of a Chinese serotype Asia1 vaccine strain of foot-and-mouth disease virus.
The full-length nucleotide sequence of the Chinese vaccine strain Asia1/YNBS/58 of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) was determined. The results showed that the complete genome of YNBS/58 is 8,164 nucleotides (nt) in length including a 1,061-nt 5' untranslated region (UTR), a 6,990-nt open reading frame (ORF), and a 113-nt 3' UTR. Genome sequences of Asia1/YNBS/58 and other known FMDV strains were compared. The homology analysis indicated that non-structural proteins are more conserved than structural proteins in FMDV and that the 5' UTR is more conserved than the 3' UTR. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Asia1/YNBS/58 is clustered in the Asia1 serotype and is linked to three other isolates, Asia1/IND/63/72, Asia1/3kimron/63, and Asia1/2ISRL/63, suggesting that they have a close genetic relationship. The VP1-, VP2-, and VP3-based phylogenetic trees divided into distinct clusters according to the different serotypes, while other gene-based phylogenetic trees exhibited some degree of intercrossing among serotypes. According to the nucleotide similarities between Asia1/YNBS/58 and two recent Chinese Asia1 isolates, Asia1/HKN/05, and Asia1/JS/05, each forms a distinct genotype. This study is the first description of the full-length genomic sequence of FMDV Chinese serotype Asia1. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide causes rapid Ca2+ release from intracellular stores and long lasting Ca2+ influx mediated by Na+ influx-dependent membrane depolarization in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) has been reported to increase intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and catecholamine release in adrenal chromaffin cells. We measured [Ca2+]i with fura-2 and recorded ion currents and membrane potentials with the whole cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique to elucidate the mechanism of PACAP-induced [Ca2+]i increase in bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. PACAP caused [Ca2+]i to increase due to Ca2+ release and Ca2+ influx, and this was accompanied by membrane depolarization and inward currents. The Ca2+ release was suppressed by ryanodine, an inhibitor of caffeine-sensitive Ca2+ stores, but was unaffected by cinnarizine, an inhibitor of inositol trisphosphate-induced Ca2+ release. Ca2+ influx and inward currents were both inhibited by replacement of extracellular Na+, and Ca2+ influx was inhibited by nicardipine, an L-type Ca2+ channel blocker, or by staurosporine, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, but was unaffected by a combination of omega- conotoxin-GVIA, omega-agatoxin-IVA, and omega-conotoxin- MVIIC, blockers of N-, P-, and Q-type Ca2+ channels. Moreover, 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol, a PKC activator, induced inward currents and Ca2+ influx. These results indicate that PACAP causes both Ca2+ release, mainly from caffeine-sensitive Ca2+ stores, and Ca2+ influx via L-type Ca2+ channels activated by membrane depolarization that depends on PKC-mediated Na+ influx. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pyridinyl polythiazole class peptide antibiotic micrococcin P1, secreted by foodborne Staphylococcus equorum WS2733, is biosynthesized nonribosomally.
Recently, foodborne Staphylococcus equorum WS2733 was isolated from a French red smear cheese on account of its strong inhibitory activity against Gram-positive pathogens such as Listeria. The antagonistic substance was identified as macrocyclic peptide antibiotic micrococcin P1, which had previously not been reported for the genus Staphylococcus. Micrococcin P1, also a potent inhibitor of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, is structurally related to thiostrepton, thiocillins and nosiheptide. Although all of these peptide antibiotics have been known for quite a long time, their mode of biosynthesis had not been determined in detail yet. By using degenerated PCR, a gene fragment encoding a nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) could be amplified from S. equorum. The corresponding chromosomal locus was disrupted by insertional mutagenesis, and it could be shown that all mutants obtained displayed a micrococcin P1-deficient phenotype. Sequence analysis of a coherent 2.8-kb fragment revealed extensive homology to known NRPSs, and allowed the assignment of the domain organization 'condensation-adenylation-thiolation-condensation'; an arrangement predicted only for two loci within the presumably 14-modular, 1.6-MDa biosynthetic NRPS template. Biochemical characterization of the adenylation domain exhibited selectivity for the substrate amino-acid threonine. All of these data substantiate that the macrocyclic peptide antibiotic is biosynthesized nonribosomally, and provide the basis for the characterization of the entire biosynthetic gene cluster. The biosynthetic machinery of micrococcin will serve as a model system for structurally related, pharmacologically important pyridinyl polythiazole class peptide antibiotics. Furthermore, this knowledge will enable the manipulation of its NRPS template, which in turn may grant the targeted engineering of even more potent anti-listerial and anti-malaria drugs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Prevalence of depression and dementia in residents of old age homes in Mannheim and Camden (London)].
Numerous epidemiological studies corroborate that residents of nursing homes constitute a particular risk group for mental disorders. There is, however, an enormous deficit of internationally comparable representative studies in which the prevalence of mental disorders among residents in old-age homes is determined using identical instruments. A German-English cooperative project studied residents over the age of 65 years in 12 residential homes in Mannheim (1988) and 12 in the London borough of Camden (1982 and 1986) using the Brief Assessment Interview (BAI). This instrument permits reliable assessment of depression and dementia, the most frequent psychiatric disorders in old age. While approximately one-third of the home residents in Mannheim (34.6%) and in Camden (1982, 38.1%; 1986, 33.5%) suffered from depression, the prevalence of dementia was significantly higher in Camden (1982, 65.7%; 1986, 77.5%) than in Mannheim (37.8%). Prevalence rates were determined for various sociodemographic subgroups (sex, age, level of education, marital status) and in terms of the limitations on activities of daily living, length of stay, and frequency of visits by relatives and friends. In both catchment areas the prevalence rates of both dementia and depression were particularly high among residents who were impaired in their activities of daily living. Neither in Camden nor in Mannheim was the rate of depression among demented home residents significantly increased. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Speech recovery and language plasticity can be facilitated by Sensori-Motor Fusion training in chronic non-fluent aphasia. A case report study.
The rehabilitation of speech disorders benefits from providing visual information which may improve speech motor plans in patients. We tested the proof of concept of a rehabilitation method (Sensori-Motor Fusion, SMF; Ultraspeech player) in one post-stroke patient presenting chronic non-fluent aphasia. SMF allows visualisation by the patient of target tongue and lips movements using high-speed ultrasound and video imaging. This can improve the patient's awareness of his/her own lingual and labial movements, which can, in turn, improve the representation of articulatory movements and increase the ability to coordinate and combine articulatory gestures. The auditory and oro-sensory feedback received by the patient as a result of his/her own pronunciation can be integrated with the target articulatory movements they watch. Thus, this method is founded on sensorimotor integration during speech. The SMF effect on this patient was assessed through qualitative comparison of language scores and quantitative analysis of acoustic parameters measured in a speech production task, before and after rehabilitation. We also investigated cerebral patterns of language reorganisation for rhyme detection and syllable repetition, to evaluate the influence of SMF on phonological-phonetic processes. Our results showed that SMF had a beneficial effect on this patient who qualitatively improved in naming, reading, word repetition and rhyme judgment tasks. Quantitative measurements of acoustic parameters indicate that the patient's production of vowels and syllables also improved. Compared with pre-SMF, the fMRI data in the post-SMF session revealed the activation of cerebral regions related to articulatory, auditory and somatosensory processes, which were expected to be recruited by SMF. We discuss neurocognitive and linguistic mechanisms which may explain speech improvement after SMF, as well as the advantages of using this speech rehabilitation method. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Radiosensitization by gemcitabine in p53 wild-type and mutant MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell lines.
The nucleoside analogue 2',2'-difluoro-2'-deoxycytidine (dFdCyd) is a potent radiosensitizer in several solid tumor cell lines. Radiosensitization has correlated with the dFdCyd-mediated decrease in dATP levels and is S-phase specific. Previous studies suggested that a cell line that was unable to progress through S phase after dFdCyd and radiation was not radiosensitized apparently because of the expression of wild-type p53. We have extended these results by using the MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cell line (wild-type p53) and the MCF-7/Adr subline (mutant p53) to determine whether p53 status affected radiosensitization or cell cycle progression after dFdCyd and radiation treatment. Both cell lines were sensitive to nanomolar concentrations of dFdCyd and showed significant radiosensitization, with radiation enhancement ratios of 1.6-1.8 after a 24-h exposure to either the IC(10) or IC(50) for dFdCyd. Nucleotide pool analysis demonstrated a >85% reduction in dATP pools in both cell lines within 8 h after drug addition. Both cell lines accumulated in S phase after a 24-h incubation with dFdCyd. After subsequent irradiation, MCF-7/Adr cells continued to progress through the cell cycle for at least 72 h. MCF-7 cells progressed for at least 24 h, and then exhibited a G(1) block at 48 h after drug and radiation treatment. These results demonstrate that a wild-type p53 cell line can be radiosensitized by dFdCyd, presumably because it was able to deplete dATP levels and progress through the cell cycle for at least 24 h after drug and radiation treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Desalination and removal of pesticides from surface water in Mekong Delta by coupling electrodialysis and nanofiltration.
The shortage of drinking water is a major problem in the rural areas of the Mekong Delta, especially, when surface water, a main local direct drinking water source is being threatened by pesticide pollution and salinity intrusion. A hybrid process coupling electrodialysis (ED) and nanofiltration (NF) is proposed as an effective process easy to setup in a small plant to treat complex matrix with high salinity and pesticide concentration as is the Mekong Delta surface water. Performance of the ED-NF integration was evaluated with synthetic solutions based on the comparison with a single NF step generally used for pesticide removal. Both energy consumption and water product quality were considered to assess process efficiency. The ED stage was designed to ensure a 50% removal of salinity before applying NF. As expected, the NF rejection is better in the hybrid process than in a case of a single NF step, especially for pesticide rejection. The integration of a NF stage operated with NF270 membrane consumes less energy than that with NF90 membrane but its efficiency was observed not high enough to respect the Vietnamese guidelines. Using NF90, the optimal recovery rate of the NF stage varies from 30 to 50% depending on the salt content in the feed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Infection control during filoviral hemorrhagic fever outbreaks: preferences of community members and health workers in Masindi, Uganda.
Interviews were conducted with health workers and community members in Masindi, Uganda on improving the acceptability of infection control measures used during an Ebola outbreak. Measures that promote cultural sensitivity and transparency of control activities were preferred and should be employed in future control efforts. We suggest assessing the practicality of body bags with viewing windows, and face shields with or without chin protectors, in future outbreaks. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A new phenylethanoid glucoside from Plantago depressa Willd.
Chemical research of Plantago depressa Willd. led to one new phenylethanoid glucoside with α-L-rhamnosyl (1 → 2)-β-D-glucose structure, together with four known compounds. These five compounds (1-5) were isolated from the family Plantaginaceae for the first time; the chemotaxonomic significance of cerebrosides was also discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Correlation between vitamin A and zinc levels in Ghanaian pre-school children.
To asses the vitamin A and zinc nutritional status of preschool children and determine if there was any correlation between them in the various nutritional states, as determined by anthropometric measures and to find out the usefulness of an age-independent anthropometric index in determining the nutritional status of preschool children. Prospective, investigative and comparative study. The study was carried out in a rural southern village of Ghana. Two hundred preschool children (2.5-6 years) were enrolled into the study. Age and anthropometric measures of weight, height, mid upper arm circumference (MUAC), subscapular (SS) and triceps, were taken. Blood and hair samples were taken for analyses. Vitamin A nutritional status was adequate and the community was not a vitamin A-deficient society. Out of a total of 200 preschool children screened, four per cent (8/200) had deficient level of <10 microg/dL; 17% (34/200) had low (marginal) level of 10-20 microg/dL, while 78% (156/200) had adequate status of 20-50 microg/dL and 1% (2/200) had high level of >50 microg/dL. The zinc nutritional status was also adequate, both in terms of serum and hair zinc. There was a significant correlation between serum vitamin A and plasma zinc levels (r=0.517), hair zinc and plasma zinc (r=0.613) in the various nutritional states and between serum vitamin A and plasma zinc (r=0.903) in the various age groups of the children. There was also very high linear correlation (r=0.781-0.977) among the various anthropometric indices. Vitamin A and zinc nutritional status were adequate and there was a high and linear correlation (r=0.903) between vitamin A and plasma zinc in the children of various ages. The use of anthropometric measures without age is limited, since such an index cannot differentiate between cohorts of normal status and those stunted and between children wasted and those both wasted and stunted. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Photodetection with active optical antennas.
Nanoantennas are key optical components for light harvesting; photodiodes convert light into a current of electrons for photodetection. We show that these two distinct, independent functions can be combined into the same structure. Photons coupled into a metallic nanoantenna excite resonant plasmons, which decay into energetic, "hot" electrons injected over a potential barrier at the nanoantenna-semiconductor interface, resulting in a photocurrent. This dual-function structure is a highly compact, wavelength-resonant, and polarization-specific light detector, with a spectral response extending to energies well below the semiconductor band edge. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Continuum in the spin-excitation spectrum of a haldane chain observed by neutron scattering in CsNiCl3.
The spin-excitation continuum, expected to dominate the low-energy fluctuation spectrum in the Haldane spin chain around the Brillouin zone center, q = 0, is directly observed by inelastic magnetic neutron scattering in the S = 1 quasi-1D antiferromagnet CsNiCl3. We find that the single mode approximation fails, and that a finite energy width appears in the dynamic correlation function S(q,omega) for q less, similar 0.5 pi. The width increases with decreasing q, while S(q,omega) acquires an asymmetric shape qualitatively similar to that predicted for the two-magnon continuum in the nonlinear sigma-model. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Familial Pierre Robin's anomaly].
The present paper describes a family with daughter and son affected with clinical characteristics of Pierre Robin's anomaly. The pedigree suggests an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. The authors mention that in order to have more genetic evidence on this trait, an extensive study of families, with at least one proband should be made for a correct genetic analysis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Down-regulation of CBP80 gene expression as a strategy to engineer a drought-tolerant potato.
Developing new strategies for crop plants to respond to drought is crucial for their innovative breeding. The down-regulation of nuclear cap-binding proteins in Arabidopsis renders plants drought tolerant. The CBP80 gene in the potato cultivar Desiree was silenced using artificial microRNAs. Transgenic plants displayed a higher tolerance to drought, ABA-hypersensitive stomatal closing, an increase in leaf stomata and trichome density, and compact cuticle structures with a lower number of microchannels. These findings were correlated with a higher tolerance to water stress. The level of miR159 was decreased, and the levels of its target mRNAs MYB33 and MYB101 increased in the transgenic plants subjected to drought. Similar trends were observed in an Arabidopsis cbp80 mutant. The evolutionary conservation of CBP80, a gene that plays a role in the response to drought, suggests that it is a candidate for genetic manipulations that aim to obtain improved water-deficit tolerance of crop plants. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Acute changes in neuromuscular excitability after exhaustive whole body vibration exercise as compared to exhaustion by squatting exercise.
The effects of hard squatting exercise with (VbX+) and without (VbX-) vibration on neuromuscular function were tested in 19 healthy young volunteers. Before and after the exercise, three different tests were performed: maximum serial jumping for 30 s, electromyography during isometric knee extension at 70% of the maximum voluntary torque, and the quantitative analysis of the patellar tendon reflex. Between VbX+ and VbX- values, there was no difference found under baseline conditions. Time to exhaustion was significantly shorter in VbX+ than in VbX- (349 +/- 338 s versus 515 +/- 338 s), but blood lactate (5.49 +/- 2.73 mmol l-1 versus 5.00 +/- 2.26 mmol l-1) and subjectively perceived exertion (rate of perceived exertion values 18.1 +/- 1.2 versus 18.6 +/- 1.6) at the termination of exercise indicate comparable levels of fatigue. After the exercise, comparable effects were observed on jump height, ground contact time, and isometric torque. The vastus lateralis mean frequency during isometric torque, however, was higher after VbX+ than after VbX-. Likewise, the tendon reflex amplitude was significantly greater after VbX+ than after VbX- (4.34 +/- 3.63 Nm versus 1.68 +/- 1.32 Nm). It is followed that in exercise unto comparable degrees of exhaustion and muscular fatigue, superimposed 26 Hz vibration appears to elicit an alteration in neuromuscular recruitment patterns, which apparently enhance neuromuscular excitability. Possibly, this effect may be exploited for the design of future training regimes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Measuring antioxidant efficiency of wort, malt, and hops against the 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride-induced oxidation of an aqueous dispersion of linoleic acid.
This paper presents a simple, convenient method for determining the efficiency of antioxidants in aqueous systems. Production of conjugated diene hydroperoxide by oxidation of linoleic acid in an aqueous dispersion is monitored at 234 nm. 2, 2'-Azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride is used as a free radical initiator. Among 12 antioxidants tested, phenolic compounds proved to be the most efficient, both kinetically and in terms of the inhibition time (T(inh)). Applied to wort, malt, and hops, the method confirmed a significant antioxidant activity in such products, especially hops. This assay can be used to follow oxidative changes throughout the brewing process and to understand the contribution of each raw material. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Liposomes-entrapped chondroitin sulphate: ultrastructural characterization and in vitro biocompatibility.
The purpose of this study was ultrastructural characterization of liposomes-entrapped chondroitin sulphate and to prove their in vitro biocompatibility in a human dermal fibroblast culture system, in order to use liposome-entrapped chondroitin sulphate in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Chondroitin sulphate entrapped in liposomes appears as electron-dense particles in ultra-thin section. Comparative studies using chondroitin sulphate, empty liposomes and liposome-chondroitin sulphate systems were performed in order to evaluate their effect on growth and morphology of fibroblasts after 48 h of culture. Light microscopy indicated that chondroitin sulphate, empty liposomes and liposome-chondroitin sulphate systems do not induce appreciable cytotoxic effects, and cells maintain normal morphology when compared to control fibroblasts. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Features of varicella zoster virus myelitis and dependence on immune status.
Myelitis is a rare complication of varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection and is more prevalent in immunocompromised individuals. Clinical features, outcomes, and presentations vary. The aim of the current study was to compare the clinical presentations of our patients with those reported in the literature, and to evaluate the differences in clinical features between immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. A review of the literature on VZV myelitis was carried out by searching PUBMED from 1980 to 2012. Clinical features of our cases and those in the literature were compared. There were 5 cases at our hospital and 26 were reported in the literature. Seventeen patients were immunocompromised (54.8%), and most had acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Typical presentations (skin lesions followed by myelopathy at the corresponding level) were observed in 14 patients (45.2%). The immunocompromised patients were prone to atypical presentations (p<0.05). Outcomes were good in immunocompetent patients and relatively poor in immunocompromised patients (p<0.05). Anti-herpetic agents had no statistically significant effect on outcomes in immunocompromised patients (p=0.280), but could reduce mortality rate in AIDS patients (p<0.05). Immunocompromised individuals are susceptible to this disease, and prone to atypical presentations and poorer outcomes. Timely recognition and anti-herpes therapy may be beneficial to the outcomes. In the AIDS patients, anti-herpes therapy can reduce mortality effectively. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Making errorless learning more active: self-generation in an error free learning context is superior to standard errorless learning of face-name associations in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Errorless learning (EL) principles have been shown to enable people with memory impairments to acquire various types of information (Grandmaison & Simard, 2003; Wilson, 2005). However, the effects of EL, based on simple repetition only, tend to be limited with regards to their size and longevity. The present study investigated whether EL could be improved by actively engaging people with Alzheimer's disease in the learning process. Patients learned the names of famous faces over 10 training sessions, treated either with a non-learning control, a simple repetition EL procedure, or an EL condition in which responses had to be self-generated. Cued recall rates after the final training session were significantly greater for the names treated with the self-generated EL technique compared to the control and the repetition EL conditions. In addition, there was evidence that patients with less severe general cognitive impairment benefit more from active generation than more severely impaired patients. The implications of this research for individualised memory rehabilitation programmes are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Core genome sequence analysis to characterize Salmonella enterica serovar Rissen ST469 from a swine production chain.
Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype Rissen is the predominant serotype found in Thai pork production and can be transmitted to humans through contamination of the food chain. This study was conducted to investigate the genetic relationships between serovar Rissen isolates from all levels of the pork production chain and evaluate the ability of the in silico antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genotypes to predict the phenotype of serovar Rissen. A total of 38 serovar Rissen isolates were tested against eight antibiotic agents by a disk diffusion method and the whole genomes of all isolates were sequenced to detect AMR genetic elements using the ResFinder database.A total of 86.84% of the isolates were resistant to tetracycline, followed by ampicillin (78.96%) and sulfonamide-trimethoprim (71.05%). Resistance to more than one antimicrobial agent was observed in 78.95% of the isolates, with the most common pattern showing resistance to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfonamide-trimethoprim, and tetracycline. The results of genotypic AMR indicated that 89.47% of the isolates carried tet(A), 84.22% carried blaTEM-1B, 78.95% carried sul3, and 78.95% carried dfrA12. The genotypic prediction of phenotypic resistance resulted in a mean sensitivity of 97.45% and specificity of 75.48%. Analysis by core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) demonstrated that the Salmonella isolates from various sources and different locations shared many of the same core genome loci. This implies that serovar Rissen has infected every stage of the pork production process and that contamination can occur in every part of the production chain. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Genomic taxonomy of the genus prochlorococcus.
The genus Prochlorococcus is globally abundant and dominates the total phytoplankton biomass and production in the oligotrophic ocean. The single species, Prochlorococcus marinus, comprises six named ecotypes. Our aim was to analyze the taxonomic structure of the genus Prochlorococcus. We analyzed the complete genomes of 13 cultured P. marinus type and reference strains by means of several genomic taxonomy tools (i.e., multilocus sequence analysis, amino acid identity, Karlin genomic signature, and genome to genome distance). In addition, we estimated the diversity of Prochlorococcus species in over 100 marine metagenomes from all the major oceanic provinces. According to our careful taxonomic analysis, the 13 strains corresponded, in fact, to ten different Prochlorococcus species. This analysis establishes a new taxonomic framework for the genus Prochlorococcus. Further, the analysis of the metagenomic data suggests that, in total, there may only be 35 Prochlorococcus species in the world's oceans. We propose that the dearth of species observed in this study is driven by high selective pressures that limit diversification in the global ocean. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Preparation of the GO/Pd nanocomposite and its application for the degradation of organic dyes in water.
A GO/Pd nanocomposite has been successfully synthesized applying a simple method via immobilizing Pd on the surface of the graphene oxide (GO). The GO/Pd nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Raman, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. The surface morphology of Pd NPs was viewed by TEM, the particles are spherical with an average particle size of 11nm. The catalytic activity of the GO/Pd nanocomposite is excellent for the degradation of organic dyes such as Congo red (CR), methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) in the presence of NaBH4 in aqueous media at room temperature. For the first time, the degradation of CR, MB and MO was reported using GO/Pd nanocomposite as a heterogeneous catalyst. The excellent catalytic effect for the degradation of dyes was monitored by UV-visible spectroscopy at regular time intervals. When GO/Pd nanocomposite was added into the solution containing dye and NaBH4, the intensity of the strong absorption peak gradually decreased and the whole peak disappeared. It followed the pseudo-first order reaction and time of the reduction reactions is short. In addition, the catalyst can be recovered and reused up to multiple runs without any marked loss in its catalytic activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Spontaneous regression of multiple pulmonary recurrences of hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy: report of a case.
Spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an extremely rare phenomenon. We herein report the case of a 73-year-old man who showed the spontaneous regression of multiple pulmonary recurrences of HCC that had occurred after hepatectomy. The patient was undergoing dialysis due to diabetic renal failure when ultrasonography revealed a liver tumor (diameter ~ 10 cm). A preoperative diagnosis of HCC with hepatic vein thrombosis was made. The liver function was well preserved and then the right hepatic vein area was resected. Two months after hepatectomy the α-fetoprotein level increased, and multiple lung nodules were observed on follow-up computed tomography. A diagnosis of multiple lung metastases was made, but no therapy was started because of the patient's renal failure. Five months after hepatectomy the α-fetoprotein level normalized, and the metastases regressed completely. The patient is now doing well without any recurrence at 13 months after the surgery. The associated literature on spontaneous HCC regression is also reviewed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hypertension and vascular disease in the 1990s.
Many pharmacologic agents are effective in normalizing blood pressure in the hypertensive patient. The major issues in antihypertensive therapy today transcend control of blood pressure and focus, instead, on safety considerations, patient acceptance, and additional benefits to target organs. With the drugs currently available, 10-15% of patients withdraw from therapy because of undesirable clinical side effects. Nonclinical side effects such as hyperlipidemia, hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia can limit the clinician's choice of drugs, especially for elderly patients. Antihypertensive agents should also limit target organ damage. The prevalence of stroke can be reduced solely by controlling blood pressure, but inhibition of cardiac ischemic events requires use of specific classes of agents. Beta blockers reduce mortality and reinfarction postmyocardial infarction, whereas angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors affect several factors leading to heart failure, including cardiac and vascular hypertrophy, remodeling and dilatation postmyocardial infarction, and arrhythmias. Specific actions on intrarenal and other vascular dynamics may make these drugs appropriate for use in patients with diabetes and perhaps hypertensive kidney disease and systemic arterial disease. The range of options available in antihypertensive therapy in the 1990s affords the physician the opportunity to meet additional goals of therapy, specific for each patient. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Salmonellosis - a real threat for infants].
Salmonella spp. are a common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis. In infants, Salmonella infection is uncommon, posing a higher risk for a severe course. The authors present a case of a 3-month-old infant with suspected Salmonella sepsis. Also discussed are the correct approach to therapy and potential errors in the treatment of the youngest age groups. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Immunological and morphological effects of vasectomy in the rabbit.
Half of the rabbits developed antisperm antibodies (measured by either indirect immunofluorescence or sperm immobilization tests) after either a unilateral or bilateral vasectomy. The raised antibody levels, particularly six months or longer after vasectomy, often accompanied patchy orchitis. Seminiferous tubules from such animals exhibited sloughed, multinucleated, and immature germinal cells which were engulfed by phagocytic cells. Mononuclear infiltrates were occasionally present. The basal lamina infolded and thickened by means of supernumerary layers and appeared to be endocytosed by cells of the seminiferous tubules. Four months after vasectomy, numerous phagocytic cells were seen in migrate through the intact epithelium of zone 1 in the caput epididymidis, and were particularly prevalent in animals that exhibited testicular damage. These macrophages may serve to present sperm antigens to lymphocytes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Phonomechanography: a premature requiem].
The value of phonomechanographic recordings has been contested in recent years. This seems to be the result of the upsurge in other non-invasive methods of investigating cardiac diseases and left ventricular function such as those based on ultrasound, pulsed Doppler or radioisotopes. Far from opposing these techniques, phonocardiography has benefited from their comparison and association which have validated the systolic time and amplitude indices previously used empirically. This validation justifies maintaining and developing phonomechanographic recordings. Whilst recognising their limits, five of their main advantages are emphasised. As a true extension of our senses and complementary to the human ear phonomechanography is, foremost, the continuation of clinical examination and an unique and ideal instrument for teaching cardiac auscultation. By confirming and explaining the nature of an auscultatory abnormality, recording the morphology and timing of the arterial and venous pulses and of the apex beat, phonomechanography participates in the positive and etiological diagnosis of various conditions and even provides a semiquantitative assessment in some diseases. Left ventricular function may be assessed by measuring the systolic time intervals and by quantifying the systolic apical impulse. This appreciation based on the period of isovolumic contraction is complementary to echocardiographic assessments of LV function which are calculated during the ejection period. Only by combining the various non-invasive methods can the weakness and practical limitations of each particular method be avoided. Finally, as the reliability of systolic time and amplitude indices have been validated, the relative ease of their determination and their economic advantages must be emphasised.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Surgical treatment for carcinoma of the esophagus in the elderly patient.
Sixty-three elderly patients with carcinoma of the esophagus were operated upon in the department of chest cancer in Tianjin Cancer Hospital from January 1978 to January 1992. Eleven patients had a tumor located in the upper part of the thoracic esophagus; 30 patients in the middle part and 22 patients in the lower part. Squamous cell carcinoma was 55 cases, adenocarcinoma was 7 cases and small cell carcinoma was 1 case. The classification by stages according to criteria established by UICC, based on operative evaluation, showed 3 patients in stage I; 24 patients in stage II and 25 patients in stage III. Forty-seven patients were operated as "curative" resection, 5 patients as "palliative" resection and 11 patients underwent exploratory laparotomy or thoracotomy alone. The total resection rate was 82.5%. For tumors in the upper thoracic part of the esophagus, a total esophagectomy was performed using the triple approach. In the remaining patients, a subtotal esophagectomy was performed using the Sweet technique. There were no operative deaths in all patients. One or more postoperative complications were seen in 16 patients (25.4%). The most frequently recorded complications were pulmonary ones. The survival rate at two, three and five years were respectively 65, 35 and 20% in patients who underwent "curative" resection. The survival rates for patients in whom resection was considered "palliative" was zero after 3 years and for patients who received exploration alone was zero after one year. The survival rates at 3 years for patients who underwent "curative" resection were respectively 100, 35 and 25% in stage I, stage II and staged III. We hold the view that the esophagectomy is still a predominant measure for esophageal carcinoma in the elderly and limited surgery (palliative resection) was recommended in consideration of the postoperative quality of life. If the elderly can tolerate the operative procedure, long-term survival with excellent functional status is attainable in this age group. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Long-term treatment of growth hormone insensitivity syndrome with IGF-I. Results of the European Multicentre Study. The Working Group on Growth Hormone Insensitivity Syndromes.
A total of 33 patients (17 female, 16 male) with Laron syndrome (n = 31) or hGH-1 gene (n = 2, type IA deletion) from 22 centres in 12 countries were enrolled in a study conducted by Pharmacia & Upjohn, Stockholm, which was designed to test the efficacy, in terms of growth promotion and safety, of IGF-I (Igef(TM)). The patients were treated with 40-120 microg/kg IGF-I s.c. twice daily after meals. After the study ended, the patients continued to be treated on an individual basis. The results of 17 patients, who were treated for 48 months or longer were available for the present analysis. Six patients were treated for up to 72 months. When treatment started, the mean age of these patients (8 female, 9 male) was 9.1 (3.7-13.5) years and mean height was -6.5 +/- 1.3 SDS. At the end of the observation period, the mean age of the 17 patients was 14.2 (9.1-17. 7) years and mean height was -4.9 +/- 1.9 SDS. All patients showed a significant increase in growth during the final year on IGF-I, with two of them reaching the age-corresponding 3rd centile. The total gain in height (DeltaHT) was 1.7 +/- 1.2 SDS. DeltaHT SDS correlated negatively with age at onset of treatment (R(2) = -0.78, p < 0.02). BMI was 0.6 +/- 1.8 SDS at start of treatment and 1.8 +/- 1.5 SDS at the end of observation. Total DeltaHT SDS correlated positively with total DeltaBMI SDS (R(2) = 0.59, p < 0.01). Long-term treatment of patients with GHIS thus proved to be effective in promoting growth. If treatment is started at an early age, there is considerable potential for achieving height normalisation. The treatment modalities need to be optimized with respect to the growth-promoting and metabolic effects of IFG-I. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Modifications of the nonlinearity of the cochlear microphonic responses produced by noise exposure in the guinea pig.
Cochlear microphonics (CM) were recorded with differential electrodes from several locations in the guinea pig cochlea. Input-output curves and amplitude-frequency curves were plotted before and after short exposures to intense noise. In addition to amplitude losses, important changes in the intensity functions resulted in a decrease of the nonlinearity and in a modification of the frequency response. The mechanisms producing these alterations are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
To what end does nature produce superoxide? NADPH oxidase as an autocrine modifier of membrane phospholipids generating paracrine lipid messengers.
Production of superoxide anion O2*- by the membrane-bound enzyme NADPH oxidase of phagocytes is a long-known phenomenon; it is generally assumed that O2*-helps phagocytes kill bacterial intruders. The details and the chemistry of the killing process have, however, remained a mystery. Isoforms of NADPH oxidase exist in membranes of nearly every cell, suggesting that reactive oxygen species (ROS) participate in intra- and intercellular signaling processes. What the nature of the signal is exactly, how it is transmitted, and what structural characteristics a receptor of a "radical message" must have, have not been addressed convincingly. This review discusses how the action of messengers is in agreement with radical-specific behavior. In search for the smallest common denominator of cellular free radical activity we hypothesize that O2*- and its conjugate acid, HO2*, may have evolved under primordial conditions as regulators of membrane mechanics and that isoprostanes, widely used markers of "oxidative stress", may be an adventitious correlate of this biologic activity of O2*-/HO2*. An overall picture is presented that suggests that O2*-/HO2* radicals, by modifying cell membranes, help other agents gain access to the hydrophobic region of phospholipid bilayers and hence contribute to lipid-dependent signaling cascades. With this, O2*-/HO2* are proposed as indispensable adjuvants for the generation of cellular signals, for membrane transport, channel gating and hence, in a global sense, for cell viability and growth. We also suggest that many of the allegedly O2*- dependent bacterial pathologies and carcinogenic derailments are due to membrane-modifying activity rather than other chemical reactions of O2*-/HO2*. A consequence of this picture is the potential evolution of the "radical theory of ageing" to a "lipid theory of aging". | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Factors associated with suicidal behavior in polydrug abusers.
In 155 polydrug abusers, drug use patterns that were associated with serious suicidal behavior included preference for depressant drugs, history of withdrawal from barbiturates, and lower frequency of PCP use. Diagnostic factors associated with increased suicidal behavior included a history of depression in the subject's mother and a diagnosis of antisocial personality in the subjects themselves. These findings are discussed in relation to Winokur's concept of broad spectrum depressive disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Over a decade of experience with a yeast recombinant hepatitis B vaccine.
Experience with the yeast recombinant hepatitis B vaccine Engerix-B now exceeds 10 years. We reviewed published studies on this vaccine. These show the vaccine to be safe, causing mostly only minor local symptoms and to be highly immunogenic both in monitored clinical trials and under field conditions. Engerix-B consistently elicits high geometric mean antibody titres and a high protective efficacy has been established in three groups at high-risk of hepatitis B infection, homosexual men, institutionalised mentally handicapped subjects and neonates of chronic carrier mothers. The profile of the recombinant hepatitis B vaccine in certain high-risk groups and immuno compromised people is discussed. Finally we present updated post marketing surveillance data based on 496 million distributed doses of vaccine. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Spirurids from Gracilinanus agilis (Marsupialia: Didelphidae) in Brazilian Pantanal wetlands with a new species of Physaloptera (Nematoda: Spirurida).
Gastrointestinal nematodes were recovered from thirty four Gracilinanus agilis from forty four collected in Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. Two hundred seventy four spirurids were recovered from the esophagus, stomach and intestines, comprising three species from three different genera. These were identified as Pterygodermatites (Paucipectines) jägerskiöldi, Spirura guianensis and Physaloptera herthameyerae n. sp. is first described. This is the first record of nematodes of the genera Physaloptera and Spirura in hosts of the genus Gracilinanus. The high prevalence of spirurids in 72.3% of the G. agilis collected probably is influenced by the arboreal and diet behaviors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mechanism of activation of acyl-CoA substrates by medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase: interaction of the thioester carbonyl with the flavin adenine dinucleotide ribityl side chain.
The flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) cofactor of pig kidney medium-chain specific acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) dehydrogenase (MCADH) has been replaced by ribityl-3'-deoxy-FAD and ribityl-2'-deoxy-FAD. 3'-Deoxy-FAD-MCADH has properties very similar to those of native MCADH, indicating that the FAD-ribityl side-chain 3'-OH group does not play any particular role in cofactor binding or catalysis. 2'-Deoxy-FAD-MCADH was characterized using the natural substrate C8CoA as well as various substrate and transition-state analogues. Substrate dehydrogenation in 2'-deoxy-FAD-MCADH is approximately 1.5 x 10(7)-fold slower than that of native MCADH, indicating that disruption of the hydrogen bond between 2'-OH and substrate thioester carbonyl leads to a substantial transition-state destabilization equivalent to approximately 38 kJ mol-1. The alphaC-H microscopic pKa of the substrate analogue 3S-C8CoA, which undergoes alpha-deprotonation on binding to MCADH, is lowered from approximately 16 in the free state to approximately 11 (+/-0.5) when bound to 2'-deoxy-FAD-MCADH. This compares with a decrease of the same pKa to approximately 5 in the complex with unmodified hwtMCADH, which corresponds to a pK shift of approximately 11 pK units, i.e., approximately 65 kJ mol-1 [Vock, P., Engst, S., Eder, M., and Ghisla, S. (1998) Biochemistry 37, 1848-1860]. The difference of this effect of approximately 6 pK units ( approximately 35 kJ mol-1) between MCADH and 2'-deoxy-FAD-MCADH is taken as the level of stabilization of the substrate carbanionic species caused by the interaction with the FAD-2'-OH. This energetic parameter derived from the kinetic experiments (stabilization of transition state) is in agreement with those obtained from static experiments (lowering of alphaC-H microscopic pKa of analogue, i.e., stabilization of anionic transition-state analogue). The contributions of the two single H-bonds involved in substrate activation (Glu376amide-N-H and ribityl-2'-OH) thus appear to behave additively toward the total effect. The crystal structures of native pMCADH and of 2'-deoxy-FAD-MCADH complexed with octanoyl-CoA/octenoyl-CoA show unambiguously that the FAD cofactor and the substrate/product bind in an identical fashion, implying that the observed effects are mainly due to (the absence of) the FAD-ribityl-2'-OH hydrogen bond. The large energy associated with the 2'-OH hydrogen bond interaction is interpreted as resulting from the changes in charge and the increased hydrophobicity induced by binding of lipophilic substrate. This is the first example demonstrating the direct involvement of a flavin cofactor side chain in catalysis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hormones and prostate cancer: current perspectives and future directions.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer in men in most western countries. Despite the high morbidity and mortality from prostate cancer, its etiology remains obscure. Although compelling laboratory data suggest a role for androgens in prostate carcinogenesis, most epidemiologic data on humans are inconclusive. To provide insights and directions for future epidemiologic research on hormones and prostate cancer, this review focuses on current perspectives of serum-based studies and polymorphisms in relevant hormone-related genes. We highlight the importance of methodologic studies and investigations of hormone levels in the prostatic tissue to help clarify the often-contradictory data on serologic studies. We recommend careful analysis and cautious interpretation of studies of genetic markers, including repeats and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), as false positive and negative results may arise in many current and future studies with limited statistical power and non-representative samples from the population. The review also highlights the reasons to perform functional analyses of SNPs, a critical and often under-appreciated component of molecular epidemiologic investigations. The time is ripe for large-scale multidisciplinary investigations that incorporate molecular genetics, biochemistry, histopathology, and endocrinology into traditional epidemiologic studies. Such collaboration will lead to a deeper understanding of the etiologic pathways of prostate cancer, ultimately yielding better preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Functional specializations in lateral prefrontal cortex associated with the integration and segregation of information in working memory.
Control processes are thought to play an important role in working memory (WM), by enabling the coordination, transformation, and integration of stored information. Yet little is known about the neural mechanisms that subserve such control processes. This study examined whether integration operations within WM involve the activation of distinct neural mechanisms within lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC). Event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to monitor brain activity while participants performed a mental arithmetic task. In the integration (IN) condition, a WM preload item had to be mentally inserted into the last step of the math problem. This contrasted with the segregation (SG) condition, which also required maintenance of the WM preload while performing mental arithmetic but had no integration requirement. Two additional control conditions involved either ignoring the preload (math only condition) or ignoring the math problem (recall only condition). Left anterior PFC (Brodmann's Area [BA] 46/10) was selectively engaged by integration demands, with activation increasing prior to, as well as during the integration period. A homologous right anterior PFC region showed selectively increased activity in the SG condition during the period in which the math problem and preload digit were reported. Left middorsolateral PFC regions (BA 9/46) showed increased, but equivalent, activity in both the SG and IN conditions relative to both control conditions. These results provide support for the selective role of lateral PFC in cognitive control over WM and suggest more specific hypotheses regarding dissociable PFC mechanisms involved during the integration and segregation of stored WM items. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Versatile sterile field for nail surgery using a sterile glove.
Nail surgery is frequently done by dermatologists. Post-operative complications of nail surgery include infection, bleeding, pain, pyogenic granuloma, and nail dystrophy. Infectious complications after nail surgery can be prevented with proper aseptic techniques. Standard fenestrated surgical drapes used for a sterile field during nail surgery are cumbersome and difficult to keep in place during surgery. We present a versatile sterile field for nail surgery using a sterile glove that will facilitate nail surgery and concomitantly decrease the risk of infection. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Successful strategy for the hysteroscopic myomectomy of a submucous myoma arising from the uterine fundus.
To introduce a technique for hysteroscopic resection of submucous myoma arising from the uterine fundus. Case report. University hospital. A 43-year-old nulliparous Japanese woman. An original combination technique of hysteroresectoscopy using circumferential myoma scraping, central vaporization, and intraoperative injection of prostaglandin F2alpha. Evaluation of clinical symptoms and imaging diagnosis. Resection of a 40-mm fundal myoma was performed hysteroscopically, and the menorrhagia of the patient was remedied by the operation. Although large sessile fundal myomas are difficult to resect by hysteroscopic myomectomy, our original strategy may allow safe and certain surgery in such cases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Inhibition of hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme a reductase reduces Th1 development and promotes Th2 development.
Several prospective clinical studies have indicated that hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, statins, prevent cardiovascular events in part through their antiinflammatory properties. Because inflammation is positively and negatively regulated by T helper (Th) 1 cells and Th2 cells, respectively, we examined the effects of statins on the Th polarization in vitro and in vivo. Here we demonstrated that the statins tested, ie, cerivastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin, and atorvastatin, promoted Th2 polarization through both inhibition of Th1 development and augmentation of Th2 development of CD4+ T cells primed in vitro with anti-CD3 antibody and splenic antigen-presenting cells. Cerivastatin exerted most potent effect on modulation of Th1/Th2 development, and the effect was completely abrogated by an addition of mevalonate. Consistent with in vitro experiments, cerivastatin treatment decreased IFN-gamma production of lymph node cells from mice immunized with ovalbumin emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant, indicating that Th1 development is also suppressed in an in vivo proinflammatory environment. In this murine model, cerivastatin significantly reduced mesangial matrix expansion of glomeruli in the kidney and attenuated proteinuria. The decrease of glomerular sclerosis by cerivastatin treatment was positively related to the suppression of interferon (IFN)-gamma-producing Th1 response in draining lymph node cells. Hence, these findings strongly suggest that statins' inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase regulates Th1/Th2 polarization in vivo and such a mechanism possibly plays a pathophysiological role in immune-related glomerular injury. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Brain pharmacokinetics and in vivo receptor binding of 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel antagonists.
Brain pharmacokinetics of 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP) calcium channel antagonists and their in vivo receptor binding in mice were characterized. The area under the concentration vs time curve (AUCbrain) for [3H]nifedipine, [3H]nimodipine and [3H]PN 200-110 in mouse brain after intravenous injection was higher than that for [3H]amlodipine. Brain/plasma concentration ratios (AUCbrain/AUCplasm) for [3H]nimodipine and [3H]PN 200-110 were 3 to 5 times higher than those for [ H]nifedipine and [3H]amlodipine. Further, brain/heart concentration ratios (AUCbrain/AUCheart) for [3H]nifedipine, [3H]nimodipine and [3H]PN 200-110 were about 20 times higher than the ratio for [3H]amlodipine. A significant amount of specific binding in particulate fractions of mouse brain was detected in vivo by intravenous injection of [3H]nifedipine, [3H]nimodipine and [3H]PN 200-110 but not [3H]amlodipine. These data suggest that [3H]nifedipine, [3H]nimodipine and [3H]PN 200-110 are more extensively taken up into brain from plasma than [3H]amlodipine and bind to the receptor sites in brain parenchymal cells in a significant amount in vivo. In conclusion, the present simultaneous measurement of pharmacokinetics and in vivo receptor binding in mouse brain suggests an usefulness of calcium channel antagonists such as nimodipine in the pharmacotherapy of brain diseases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Heart transplantation for chyloptysis after Fontan operation.
Chyloptysis is a rare clinical problem, fewer than 10 patients having been reported in the literature. We report a patient with intractable chyloptysis associated with a Fontan procedure, who was palliated by heart transplantation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neuromuscular adaptations in shoulder function and dysfunction.
Neuromuscular activity, organized in coordinated patterns, forms the basis of task-specific function in sports and exercise. The content and extent of these patterns may be variable, but include elements of activation/inhibition, co-activation, concentric/eccentric activation, proximal-to-distal activation, plyometric activation, and preactivation stiffness. They may be based on inherent neuromuscular architecture, but are commonly affected by positive or negative adaptations to imposed functional demands. Positive neuromuscular adaptations improve the efficiency of performing the task, which can result in less energy expenditure, maximum force delivered to the task, and protection of involved joints from excessive loads/motions, and improve the effectiveness of task performance. They frequently result from specific training in task mechanics and optimal conditioning of the neuromuscular structures involved in the task. Negative neuromuscular maladaptations can affect the efficiency of performing the task, increase energy expenditure and loads, decrease the effectiveness of task performance, and can be associated with clinical presentation of injury symptoms. They can result from overload, injury, and/or limited recovery. This chapter will focus specifically on shoulder joint function to provide examples of positive adaptations and negative maladaptations. It will then provide guidelines for clinical evaluation, treatment of clinical injury, and training/conditioning, based on understanding the neuromuscular activation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Inpatient treatment costs of exacerbated chronic obstructive lung disease].
Economic aspects are of increasing importance in health care. However, treatment expenditures for most diseases are unknown. We performed a detailed cost analysis for the treatment of the exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (ECOPD) in our department. For one year, all patients admitted because of exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were included in this study. The workload was assessed for each patient by time keeping. Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were considered according to the price list of the German hospital association. From 101 patients included into the study, 100 were evaluable. The median duration of inpatient hospitalisation amounted to 18 days (range: 4 to 210 days). Median total cost was DM 7680.- and mean cost DM 11900.-. This consisted of non-medical cost items (36%), personnel expenditures (29%), laboratory tests (14%), respiratory and cardiovascular laboratory (7%), radiology (5%) and pharmacy cost (7%). Endoscopy, external diagnostics and medical reports amounted to 2.8% of the expenditure. Treatment cost correlated with the duration of stay, but hardly with lung function and blood gases, these being independent of age and sex, but significantly higher in case of bronchiectasis, enterobacteriae, cor pulmonale or intensive care. The proportion of the pharmacy expenditures was rather small, and hence this is not a primary target for the realisation of major savings. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prof. Ioan Jianu: founding member of SICOT.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, Romania witnessed the rise of some brilliant doctors. One of them was Prof. Ioan Jianu, also known in the scientific world as Jean Jiano, whose career was dedicated to medicine and training young generations of doctors. He was one of the founding members of SICOT, at the first meeting held in 1929 at the Hotel de Crillon in Paris, representing Romania. He was a main figure in Romanian surgery, pioneering in the fields of traumatology, reconstructive and plastic surgery and also showing interest in replantation surgery. He also founded the first laboratory of experimental surgery in Romania and two professional associations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometric studies of canine urinary metabolism.
After the urine was treated with urease, lyophilized, and trimethylsilylated, it was examined for metabolic profiles in Dalmatian dogs and Shetland sheepdogs by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), which simultaneously analyzes organic acids, amino acids, sugars, sugar alcohols, purine and pyrimidine bases, and nucleosides. The profiles were compared with those from human specimens. As clarified in past studies, Dalmatian dogs showed an extreme decrease in allantoin, which is the final product of purine metabolism in the canine of other species, and a marked detection of uric acid peak. This finding suggests that purine metabolism in Dalmatian dogs is different from that in the other species. Only two Shetland sheepdogs, whose mother had chronic renal failure, showed a marked excretion of uric acid, as in Dalmatian dogs. In addition, some Dalmatian dogs, who were maintained on a protein-restricted diet, showed a little excretion of uric acid. A large amount of uric acid is detected in combination with pentose-monosaccharides, hexose-monosaccharides and sugar alcohols in neonatal human urine in comparison with the present dog samples. A marked difference between the canine and the humans is that phenylacetylglycine, which is derived from the aromatic amino acid phenylalanine, is excreted in the canine urine. Phenylacetylglycine is not detected in the human urine, and there have been no reports of its excretion in canine urine. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Alternative methods for mechanistic studies in toxicology. Screening of hepatotoxicity of pesticides using freshly isolated and primary cultured hepatocytes and non-liver-derived cells, SIRC cells.
We constructed a screening battery for the evaluation of hepatotoxicity using freshly isolated and primary cultured rat hepatocytes (abbreviated to FIH and PCH, respectively) and rabbit eye derived cell line, SIRC cells. Effects on cell viability and drug metabolizing enzyme activities were examined by several pesticides and compared to those of in vivo. Among the pesticides studied, prometryn and ametryn showed cytotoxicity on PCH at lower concentration than on SIRC cells. Cytotoxicities of these chemicals on FIH were inhibited by metyrapone. They also increased rat serum AST in vivo. On the other hand, cytotoxicities of IBP, erusan, alanicarb, benfuracarb, and swep in PCH were observed at similar concentration to those in SIRC cells. Linuron, nitrofen, and chlomethoxifen increased ethoxycoumarin O-deethylation activities by almost similar concentration to those of benzo[a]pyrene. Linuron also induced ethoxycoumarin O-deethylation activity in vivo. These findings indicated that a battery of in vitro tests consisting of FIH, PCH and SIRC cells was useful to screen the hepatotoxicity of pesticides. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In vivo biosynthesis of cholecystokinin in hog cerebral cortex.
The biosynthesis of cholecystokinin (CCK) in the cerebral cortex of hogs was studied by intracisternal injections of [32S]methionine. At different times (15, 60 and 120 min) after the injection, cortex was isolated and extracted with boiling water and 0.5 M acetic acid. CCK in the extracts was immunosorbed, using an antiserum specific for the COOH-terminal sequence of CCK. Subsequently, the CCK-immunoreactivity was applied to Sephadex G-50 superfine columns. The fractionation showed incorporation in five molecular forms with elution constants of 0.08, 0.50, 0.90. 1.1 and 1.3. After a pulse period of 15 min, [32S]methionine was incorporated mainly into the largest form of CCK (Kav of 0.08). The incorporation in all forms increased during the first hour. After 2 hours, a decline occurred in the larger forms, whereas the incorporation in the octapeptide form and tetrapeptide-like form increased. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Increased oxidative stress in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as measured by redox status of plasma coenzyme Q10.
The percentage of oxidized coenzyme Q10 in total coenzyme Q10 (%CoQ-10) has been shown to indicate the degree of systemic oxidative stress. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is regarded as a systemic disease that is linked to oxidative stress in its pathogenesis. In this study, the plasma %CoQ-10 levels in COPD patients were determined and assessed. In addition, the effect of oxygen supplementation on plasma %CoQ-10 was also evaluated. Thirteen COPD patients who had not received oxygen supplementation (COPD-Pt), five COPD patients who had received oxygen supplementation (COPD + O2) and 20 age-matched control subjects (CONTROL) were enrolled. We have also enrolled 83 young healthy non/slight smokers (smoking index <20 pack-year) and 24 young healthy smokers (smoking index > or = 20 pack-year) in order to assess the effect of smoking history on %CoQ-10 level. Their plasma was collected and plasma %CoQ-10 levels were determined and compared. The plasma %CoQ-10 of COPD-Pt was 6.3 +/- 2.3, significantly higher than that of CONTROL, 4.7 +/- 1.6 (p < 0.05), indicating an increased oxidative stress in the patients. In contrast, no significant difference in %CoQ-10 was observed between young healthy non/slight smokers (%CoQ-10 = 3.2 +/- 0.9) and young healthy smokers (%CoQ-10 = 3.7 +/- 1.3). Our observation of five COPD patients who received an oxygen supplementation revealed that their %CoQ-10 values (4.0 +/- 1.5) were significantly lower than those in COPD-Pt subjects (p < 0.05), suggesting that oxygen supplementation ameliorates the oxidative stress. In contrast, our study showed that no significant difference was observed among the three groups in plasma levels of Vitamin C or E. In conclusion, plasma %CoQ-10 levels are increased in COPD patients and oxygen supplementation attenuates this increasing effect by COPD. This implies that %CoQ-10 might be used practically to assess the COPD patients systemically. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Levosalbutamol in the treatment of asthma.
With the exception of levosalbutamol, all of the beta2-agonists that are currently in use are racemic mixtures that are composed in equal amounts of (R)- and (S)-enantiomers. Clinical and mechanistic studies have demonstrated that (R)-salbutamol alone provides the beta2-agonist activity that is needed for the relief of bronchoconstriction, as well as the beta2-adrenergically mediated side effects. (S)-Salbutamol, on the other hand, has minimal binding affinity for the beta2-receptor, indicating that its effects are likely to be mediated through another site. Furthermore, there is evidence that (S)-salbutamol opposes the desirable effects of (R)-salbutamol in the racemic mixture and contributes to the development of characteristic features of asthma, such as airway obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and airway inflammation. Evidence from clinical studies shows delayed recovery from exacerbation of asthma by patients who are exposed to high concentrations of (S)-salbutamol. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Techniques for perfusion and storage of heterotopic heart transplants in mice.
Organ pretreatment prior to transplantation has assumed increasing importance. We studied the ability to preserve and perfuse hearts in well-defined genetic mouse models, prior to heterotopic engraftment. Hearts were manually perfused through the aortic root and stored in a variety of cold solutions or were perfused using a continuous perfusion pump. Different electrolyte solutions, mouse strains, perfusion, and storage times as well as perfusion volumes were studied. Treated hearts were than transplanted heterotopically and short- and long-term function assessed. Hearts stored for more than 1 hour in cold solutions (saline 0.9%, or lactated Ringer's) failed to function. Hearts perfused with 0.25-0.4 ml of cold solution for a maximum of 30 minutes functioned well after transplantation. C3H (H-2k) mice provided the most resilient hearts. We conclude that short-term perfusion or storage of mouse hearts is feasible and should provide an excellent model for the study of organ pretreatment with monoclonal antibodies or other agents prior to transplantation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Exercising pulmonary blood flow in mitral stenosis with anomalous pulmonary venous connection.
Exercising pulmonary blood flow was estimated from indicator-dilution curves in a patient with the infrequent combination of rheumatic mitral stenosis and anomalous pulmonary venous connection from the left lung. During supine exercise against progressively increasing external workloads, the proportion of flow to each lung remained nearly constant. The pulmonary vascular resistance was highest in the left lung, which emptied into the low-pressure systemic vein. Although right and left atrial pressures differed markedly during supine exercise, the proportion of pulmonary blood flow shunted to the systemic venous sytem remained essentially unchanged. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Assessment of physical activity in an outpatient obesity clinic in southern Italy: results from a standardized questionnaire.
Sedentary lifestyle contributes to increased body weight in western societies. We evaluated physical activity (PA) and its association with some clinical and biochemical parameters in overweight and obese outpatients. Two hundred and seventy-eight overweight obese outpatients, aged 18-65 years, were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Patients were interviewed about their usual PA, using a standardized questionnaire. A total metabolic index (TMI) was derived estimating weekly energy expenditure. In Class III obese patients, fasting serum HDL-cholesterol (HDL-Chol) and resting heart rate (HR) were also measured. BMI was inversely related to TMI in the whole group (r = -0.123, p = 0.041). Dividing the patients into groups 1 and 2 according to median BMI (30.3 kg/m(2)), group 1 had a significantly higher TMI than group 2 (p = 0.003), mainly due to the difference in weekly walking time (p < 0.001). Among Class III obese patients, despite similar BMI, the group with longer walking time had both significantly higher HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.046) and lower HR (p < 0.001). In overweight and obese individuals BMI is inversely related to PA energy expenditure. This relationship can be, at least in part, ascribed to the reduction of weekly walking time with increasing BMI. In Class III obese patients, even a low level of PA can positively affect both HDL-Chol and resting HR. It appears useful to focus on obese patients in also in general practice in order to recognize sedentary life styles and encourage PA through individualized programs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
99mTechnetium-labeled low density lipoprotein: receptor recognition and intracellular sequestration of radiolabel.
99MTechnetium-labeled low density lipoprotein (99MTc-labeled LDL) was developed to detect atherosclerosis by external imaging with the gamma scintillation camera (Lees, et al. J. Nucl. Med. 1985. 26: 1056-1062; Lees, et al. Arteriosclerosis. 1988. 8: 461-470). The present study examined high affinity LDL receptor recognition and intracellular sequestration of 99MTc-labeled LDL by fibroblasts. There were no significant differences between 99MTc-labeled LDL and 125I-labeled LDL in binding parameters or percent inhibition of accumulation, which indicated that 99MTc labeling did not alter receptor recognition of LDL. At 4 degrees C the Kd (+SE) for 99MTc-labeled LDL and 125I-labeled LDL, respectively, was 1.52 +/- 0.24 and 1.45 +/- 0.14 micrograms/ml; Bmax (+/- SE) was 5.45 +/- 0.48 and 4.89 +/- 0.25 ng/well, respectively. Binding was saturated at about 2 micrograms/ml. The complete linearity of 99MTc-labeled LDL accumulation from 0-6 h and the positive slope from 6-24 h indicated that radiolabel that entered cells as 99MTc-labeled LDL was sequestered; pulse-chase experiments, which measured residual cell-associated radioactivity out to 24 h, also showed that radiolabel was trapped. Because radiolabel sequestration was essentially complete, and because 99MTc-labeled LDL was recognized by the LDL receptor equally as well as 125I-labeled LDL, it should be useful not only for imaging atherosclerosis, but also for quantitatively determining sites of utilization and degradation of LDL. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[New professional field in France: Analysis of the training needs of case managers].
Case management is a relatively new career field in France. It was first introduced on an experimental basis in 2007-2008, and was then developedfollowing the National Alzheimer Plan and finally enshrined in legislation in 2012. This careerfield is based on a set of tasks widely described internationally: identifying the right level of intervention, standardized multidimensional assessment, planning all aid (care and social services), implementation of the plan, monitoring and reassessment and periodic reassessment of all needs in a continuous and long-term process. The specific, systematic and dedicated nature of these tasks to these tasks makes training essential. Regulations also stipulate that the professional must acquire additional training by a dedicated inter-university degree. This requirement is a French specificity The authors present the history of case management and training in France and analyze the various international training frameworks identified by an Internet search. Moreover, based on the opinions expressed by case managers at different times of the scientific assessment and a review ofseveral studies conducted by inter-university case management program students, this article highlights the specific training needs of case managers and how the proposed training can meet these needs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Phase descriptions of a multidimensional Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process.
Stochastic oscillators play a prominent role in different fields of science. Their simplified description in terms of a phase has been advocated by different authors using distinct phase definitions in the stochastic case. One notion of phase that we put forward previously, the asymptotic phase of a stochastic oscillator, is based on the eigenfunction expansion of its probability density. More specifically, it is given by the complex argument of the eigenfunction of the backward operator corresponding to the least-negative eigenvalue. Formally, besides the "backward" phase, one can also define the "forward" phase as the complex argument of the eigenfunction of the forward Kolomogorov operator corresponding to the least-negative eigenvalue. Until now, the intuition about these phase descriptions has been limited. Here we study these definitions for a process that is analytically tractable, the two-dimensional Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process with complex eigenvalues. For this process, (i) we give explicit expressions for the two phases; (ii) we demonstrate that the isochrons are always the spokes of a wheel but that (iii) the spacing of these isochrons (their angular density) is different for backward and forward phases; (iv) we show that the isochrons of the backward phase are completely determined by the deterministic part of the vector field, whereas the forward phase also depends on the noise matrix; and (v) we demonstrate that the mean progression of the backward phase in time is always uniform, whereas this is not true for the forward phase except in the rotationally symmetric case. We illustrate our analytical results for a number of qualitatively different cases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Description and surgical removal of the cranial cervical ganglia in 3- to 5-day-old chicks.
The cranial cervical sympathetic ganglion (CCG) provides the primary innervation of the pineal gland in several gallinaceous species. The CCG is located at the base of the skull near the exoccipital bone, dorsal to the level of the vagus and glossopharyngeal nerves. It occupies a much larger volume and appears pinkish-gray, instead of white, when compared to the petrosal ganglion. To surgically remove the CCG, chicks were anesthetized with halothane vapor. Following a small skin incision, blunt dissection was used to expose the CCG lying adjacent to the internal carotid. The ganglion was grasped with small forceps and pinched free of its fine neural connections to adjacent nerves. The success of the surgery was confirmed visually and by complete adrenergic dennervation of the pineal gland. The entire surgical procedure required approximately 20 min per bird. Mortality was less than 20% overall. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
History of the operative management of pectus deformities.
This article examines the history of the operative management of pectus deformities, tracing the surgical innovations of such pioneers as Drs. Ochsner, Ravitch, Sanger, and Wada. Guidelines for the selection of patients for operative correction are also discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Aerosol formulations of terbutaline and isoproterenol in theophylline-stabilized asthmatic patients.
A metered-dose aerosol formulation of terbutaline sulfate (Brethaire), 0.400 mg four times daily, was compared with an identical formulation of isoproterenol sulfate, 0.150 mg four times daily, in a parallel, double-blind, clinical study completed by 40 adult patients with asthma. All patients had been stabilized on theophylline (serum levels of 10 to 20 micrograms/ml). The effectiveness of isoproterenol peaked between 5 and 15 minutes after administration. The effectiveness of terbutaline peaked between 5 and 120 minutes after administration. In each of five visits spaced over a three-month period, patients receiving terbutaline showed a longer duration of bronchodilatory effect than those receiving isoproterenol, with the greatest difference occurring at 60 and 120 minutes after drug administration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Downstaging of bilobar hepatocellular carcinoma after radioembolization with 90Y microspheres as a bridge to liver transplantation.
Hepatic radioembolization with 90Y is an increasingly widely used locoregional therapy in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Its potential benefit has recently been described as a downstaging treatment, achieving a decreased tumour burden and allowing patients to be rescued for more radical treatments, such as liver transplantation. The case is presented of a patient diagnosed with multifocal bilobar hepatocellular carcinoma, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) intermediate stage, in whom treatment with 90Y achieved a satisfactory radiological response with a very significant reduction of tumour burden, allowing rescue with liver transplantation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Gene Expression Profiling Supports the Neural Crest Origin of Adult Rodent Carotid Body Stem Cells and Identifies CD10 as a Marker for Mesectoderm-Committed Progenitors.
Neural stem cells (NSCs) are promising tools for understanding nervous system plasticity and repair, but their use is hampered by the lack of markers suitable for their prospective isolation and characterization. The carotid body (CB) contains a population of peripheral NSCs, which support organ growth during acclimatization to hypoxia. We have set up CB neurosphere (NS) cultures enriched in differentiated neuronal (glomus) cells versus undifferentiated progenitors to investigate molecular hallmarks of cell classes within the CB stem cell (CBSC) niche. Microarray gene expression analysis in NS is compatible with CBSCs being neural crest derived-multipotent progenitor cells able to sustain CB growth upon exposure to hypoxia. Moreover, we have identified CD10 as a marker suitable for isolation of a population of CB mesectoderm-committed progenitor cells. CD10 + cells are resting in normoxia, and during hypoxia they are activated to proliferate and to eventually complete maturation into mesectodermal cells, thus participating in the angiogenesis necessary for CB growth. Our results shed light into the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in CBSC fate choice, favoring a potential use of these cells for cell therapy. Stem Cells 2016;34:1637-1650. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Location of the yttrium atom in Y@C82 and its influence on the reactivity of cage carbons.
The first single-crystallographic results of Y@C(82) unambiguously disclosed that the yttrium atom is located under a hexagonal ring along the C(2) axis, which makes only 1 out of 24 nonequivalent carbons of the C(2v)-C(82) sufficiently reactive toward the electrophile adamantylidene carbene, affording only two monoadduct isomers. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Observation on treatment of lacrimal passage obstruction under lacrimal endoscope].
To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of lacrimal endoscope treatment for lacrimal passage obstruction, and to compare the effectiveness of endoscopically controlled laser surgery and micro-drill surgery for lacrimal passage obstruction. It was a prospective random controlled trial. Eighty nine patients (104 eyes) with lacrimal passage obstruction, including presacral canalicular obstruction (PSCO) and nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO), were collected from September 2006 to December 2006 in Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Patients were examined by endoscopy of the lacrimal drainage system under local anesthesia to detect the obstruction and changes of lacrimal mucous membrane. The obstructions were treated with laser or microdrill. Irrigation was performed to prove the recanalization of the lacrimal passage followed by injected ointment with 0.3% tobramycin and 0.1% dexamethasone into the lacrimal passage. All patients were followed up after the operation for 9-12 months. The difference between the laser and the microdrill treatment was observed. Chi-square test was used to evaluate the curative effect and complications differences between these two groups. The obstruction scene in the lacrimal passage of 89 patients could be observed effectively. All obstructions (104/104 eyes) were eliminated after the operation. Through the follow-up, the cure rate reached 78.85% (82/104 eyes). The cure rate of PSCO group and NLDO group, reached 77.78% (42/54 eyes) and 80.00% (40/50 eyes), respectively (chi2 = 0.077, P = 0.782). The cure rate of laser group and micro-drill group, was 80.43% (37/46 eyes) and 77.59% (45/58 eyes), respectively (chi2 = 0.125, P = 0.724). The cure rate of laser treatment was 89.66% (26/29 eyes) in the PSCO group and 64.71% (11/17 eyes) in the NLDO group (P = 0.040). The cure rate of micro-drill treatment was 64.00% (16/25 eyes) in the PSCO group and 87.88% (29/33 eyes) in the NLDO group (chi2 = 4.664, P = 0.031). Hemorrhage and palpebral edema occurred in 10.87% (5/46 eyes) and 4.35% (2/46 eyes) after laser treatment, respectively. Percentage of hemorrhage and palpebral edema after the micro-drill treatment was 55.17% (32/58 eyes) (compared to the laser group, chi2 = 21.969, P = 0.000) and 6.90% (4/58 eyes) (compared to the laser group, chi2 = 0.017, P = 0.896). Lacrimal passage obstruction can be observed and treated directly through the endoscopy of lacrimal drainage system. Choosing an appropriate surgical procedure according to the locations of the obstruction can be helpful for improving the effectiveness of the operation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evaluation of multivalent dendrimers based on melamine: kinetics of thiol-disulfide exchange depends on the structure of the dendrimer.
The rate of thiol-disulfide exchange of dansyl groups mediated by dithiothreitol depends on the structure of the dendrimer. In general, the rate of exchange decreases as the size of the dendrimer increases. Dendrimers with disulfides attached near the core undergo exchange more slowly than dendrimers with disulfides near the periphery. Exchange is a bimolecular (noncooperative) process between dansyl-linked disulfides and dithiothreitol. No evidence for intramolecular macrocylization (cooperative) exchange is observed. Mass spectrometry is used to follow exchange in two dendrimers, providing qualitative and quantitative information about this process. Mathematical models suggest that the rates for exchange for all disulfides of a dendrimer are similar, but increase as the exchange reaction progresses. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Expression of insulin-like growth factors and their receptors in human meningiomas.
Meningiomas have previously been shown to highly express the gene for insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II), and receptors for IGF-I have been demonstrated by binding studies in membranes prepared for meningiomas. The co-expression of insulin and the insulin-like growth factors with their corresponding receptors in meningiomas has not been explored. Immunofluorescence microscopy was carried out on twelve meningotheliomatous meningiomas using antibodies directed against insulin, IGF-I, IGF-II, insulin receptor and IGF-I receptor. In addition, these results were contrasted with similar studies using antibodies against desmoplakin and basic fibroblast growth factor. Although insulin immunoreactivity was detected in only one tumor, IGF-I and IGF-II immunoreactivity was present in six and eight of the tumors, respectively. In addition, the IGF-I receptor was expressed in four of the tumors while the insulin receptor was expressed in 10 out of 12 meningiomas. The pattern of distribution of IGF-II and the insulin receptor was especially regional. The insulin-like growth factors and their receptors are expressed in meningiomas in a pattern of distribution suggestive of a paracrine mechanism. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Self-organized periodic structures on Ge-S based chalcogenide glass induced by femtosecond laser irradiation.
Self-organized periodic structures have been observed on the surface of the ablation craters of Ge-S based chalcogenide glass produced after irradiation by a focused beam of a femtosecond Ti:sapphire laser (1 kHz, 34 fs, 806 nm). Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy images of irradiated spots show a periodic structure of ripples with a spatial period of 720 nm (close to the wavelength of fs laser pulses) and an alignment parallel to the electric field of light. With an increasing number of pulses, from 5 to 50 pulses, a characteristic evolution of ripples was observed from a random structure to a series of generally aligned peaks-and-valleys self-organized periodic structures. Additionally, at the center of the ablated spot, micro-domains appear where the ripples are still regular but are assembled in a more complex fashion. The experimental observations are interpreted in terms of strong temperature gradients combined with interference of the incident laser irradiation and a scattered surface electromagnetic wave. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Simultaneous measurement of gallbladder emptying with cholescintigraphy and US during infusion of physiologic doses of cholecystokinin: a comparison.
Both ultrasonography (US) and cholescintigraphy are used to study gallbladder dynamics. The present study was undertaken to determine whether the two methods provide the same or different information relating to gallbladder emptying. Emptying was simultaneously studied with both methods during infusion of graded physiologic doses of cholecystokinin (CCK) in six healthy subjects. Infusion of stepwise increasing doses of CCK, ranging from 0.03 to 0.5 Ivy dog units per kilogram of body weight per hour (IDU/kg.h), induced significant dose-related increases in plasma CCK, decreases in gallbladder volume assessed with US, and gallbladder emptying assessed with cholescintigraphy. The threshold dose for inducing significant gallbladder emptying was 0.13 IDU/kg.h, as determined with both techniques, indicating similar detection limits. There was a highly significant correlation between decreases in gallbladder volume and decreases in radioactive counts over the gallbladder region, with a tendency toward greater gallbladder responses at sonography during the early phase of gallbladder contraction and toward greater responses at cholescintigraphy during the later phase of gallbladder contraction. It is concluded that these methods can be used interchangeably for the quantitation of gallbladder emptying. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Suppression of immune surveillance in melanoma.
Numerous reports of IL-10 cytokine secretion by tumor infiltrating cells indicate there is suppression of immune surveillance within the milieu of many melanomas. In this paper we have outlined the suppressor system that best fits the published data. The regulatory system is composed of CD4+ T-lymphocytes which have been activated and programmed to secrete Th2 cytokines. Initially these cells do not secrete cytokines, but subsequently they enter an IL-10 secretory phase as a result of T-T cell interaction. After activation, Th1 programmed T-cells express MHC class II molecules and B7 second signals. When these Th1 T-cells express MHC II molecules containing 'self' polypeptides coupled with faulty B7-H1 second signals they are subject to inactivation by Th2 T-cells. If this system can be inactivated, immunotherapy of melanoma will be more successful. If an antigen can be discovered that stimulates sensitized Th2 T-cells without stimulating Th1 T-cells, this antigen, followed with cyclophosphamide, can be used to destroy the Th2 T-cells in the course of both active and passive immunotherapy. Solubilized MHC II molecules with appropriate 'self' polypeptides should qualify as such an antigen. We postulate such an antigen can be prepared using poliovirus 1 (Sabin) to lyse melanoma tissue cultures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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