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The nucleotide sequence of a transposable haloalkanoic acid dehalogenase regulatory gene (dehRI) from Pseudomonas putida strain PP3 and its relationship with sigma 54-dependent activators.
The mobile genetic element, DEH found in Pseudomonas putida PP3 carries a 2-haloalkanoic acid dehalogenase structural gene, dehI, and its associated regulatory gene, dehRI. The nucleotide sequence of dehRI was determined. The gene had an open reading frame putatively encoding for a 64 kDa protein containing 571 amino acid residues. The protein was similar to previously published sequences of several other sigma 54-dependent activator proteins. Amino acid sequence analysis showed that the deduced DehRI protein clustered with the NifA nitrogenase regulatory activator family, and was most closely related, with 47.7% similarity, to a 'NifA-like' deduced partial sequence from a plasmid-encoded ORF in Pseudomonas sp. strain NS671, associated with L-amino acid production. The domain structure of DehRI was analysed by alignment with other NifA-like and NtrC-like sequences and showed a highly conserved central region of approximately 230 amino acids, and a potential DNA-binding domain. No homology was detected between the deduced DehRI and other sigma 54-dependent activator sequences at the N-terminus, a result which was consistent with that region being the domain which recognised inducer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
α,β-Divinyl tetrahydropyrroles as chiral chain diene ligands in rhodium(I)-catalyzed enantioselective conjugated additions.
A series of α,β-divinyl tetrahydropyrroles, synthesized by asymmetric allylic C-H bond activation/conjugated diene addition reaction of ene-2-dienes, were found to be very efficient chiral chain diene ligands in the rhodium-catalyzed conjugated addition of organoboronic acids to various α,β-unsaturated compounds, achieving the desired chiral adducts with good to excellent yields and ee values. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transcriptional activation by Arabidopsis GT-1 may be through interaction with TFIIA-TBP-TATA complex.
GT-1 belongs to the class of trihelix DNA-binding proteins and binds to a promoter sequence found in many different genes. Data presented in this report show that GT-1 contains a trans-activation function in yeast and in plant cells. However, in tobacco BY-2 protoplasts, this activity functions only when an internal region containing the DNA-binding domain is deleted. Gel-shift and co-immunoprecipitation assays have revealed that GT-1 can interact with and stabilize the TFIIA-TBP-TATA complex. These results suggest that GT-1 may activate transcription through direct inter- action with the transcriptional pre-initiation complex. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hormesis and disease resistance: activation of cellular stress response pathways.
The survival of all organisms depends upon their ability to overcome stressful conditions, an ability that involves adaptive changes in cells and molecules. Findings from studies of animal models and human populations suggest that hormesis (beneficial effects of low levels of stress) is an effective means of protecting against many different diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. Such stress resistance mechanisms can be bolstered by diverse environmental factors including exercise, dietary restriction, cognitive stimulation and exposure to low levels of toxins. Some commonly used vitamins and dietary supplements may also induce beneficial stress responses. Several interrelated cellular signaling molecules are involved in the process of hormesis. Examples include the gases oxygen, carbon monoxide and nitric oxide, the neurotransmitter glutamate, the calcium ion and tumor necrosis factor. In each case low levels of these signaling molecules are beneficial and protect against disease, whereas high levels can cause the dysfunction and/or death of cells. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of hormesis are being revealed and include activation of growth factor signaling pathways, protein chaperones, cell survival genes and enzymes called sirtuins. Knowledge of hormesis mechanisms is leading to novel approaches for preventing and treating a range of human diseases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Quality standards for real-world research. Focus on observational database studies of comparative effectiveness.
Real-world research can use observational or clinical trial designs, in both cases putting emphasis on high external validity, to complement the classical efficacy randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with high internal validity. Real-world research is made necessary by the variety of factors that can play an important a role in modulating effectiveness in real life but are often tightly controlled in RCTs, such as comorbidities and concomitant treatments, adherence, inhalation technique, access to care, strength of doctor-caregiver communication, and socio-economic and other organizational factors. Real-world studies belong to two main categories: pragmatic trials and observational studies, which can be prospective or retrospective. Focusing on comparative database observational studies, the process aimed at ensuring high-quality research can be divided into three parts: preparation of research, analyses and reporting, and discussion of results. Key points include a priori planning of data collection and analyses, identification of appropriate database(s), proper outcomes definition, study registration with commitment to publish, bias minimization through matching and adjustment processes accounting for potential confounders, and sensitivity analyses testing the robustness of results. When these conditions are met, observational database studies can reach a sufficient level of evidence to help create guidelines (i.e., clinical and regulatory decision-making). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of intravenous extracellular gadolinium based contrast medium on renal diffusion weighted images.
The aim of this study was to compare precontrast and postcontrast renal diffusion-weighted images for signal intensity (SI), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and lesion conspicuity. In 62 patients (mean age, 54 ± 29; 29 men, 33 women) precontrast and postcontrast (0.1 mmol/kg of extracellular gadolinium-based contrast medium; mean, 3.3 ± 0.9 minutes], diffusion-weighted images at b values of 50 and 400 s/mm² were compared (3 T). The SI, signal-to-noise ratio, and ADC of the renal cortex, medulla, and lesions were measured. Lesion contrast-to-noise ratios (against the medulla and cortex) were calculated. Postcontrast medullary SI decreased by 50% and cortical SI decreased by 33% and 39% on images at b = 50 s/mm² and b = 400 s/mm², respectively (P < .0001). The SI and signal-to-noise ratio of lesions did not change significantly after contrast, but lesion-medullary contrast-to-noise ratio was increased by 50% at both b = 50 s/mm² and b = 400 s/mm² (P < .005 and P = .0005, respectively) following contrast. Qualitative postcontrast lesion conspicuity was improved, with average scores of 2.8 ± 0.9 for all lesions (κ = 0.7 ± 0.08) and 3.2 ± 0.9 for solid lesions (κ = 0.82 ± 0.1). The ADC of renal cortex decreased (P = .03), but the ADC of renal medulla or renal lesions did not significantly change. Postcontrast diffusion-weighted imaging causes a significant decrease in renal parenchymal signal without a significant change in lesion signal, resulting in increased lesion conspicuity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical relevance of combined anti-mitochondrial M2 detection assays for primary biliary cirrhosis.
Antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) is a specific serologic marker in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of combined AMA assays. Sera were obtained from 79 patients with PBC and 108 patients with other liver disease. They were tested by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) using rat kidney/stomach tissue and HEp2 cells as substrate, 4 AMA-M2 assays, anti-sp100, and anti-gp210 assays. Using IIF-AMA with cut-off titer of 1:40, the sensitivity and specificity for PBC were 88.6% and 87.0%, respectively. A cut-off titer of 1:80 improved the specificity to 93.5%. The 4 commercial assay kits using AMA-M2 autoantibodies showed sensitivity of 55.7-79.7% and specificity of 91.7-95.4% with moderate to good agreement. AMA-M2 assays using both native and recombinant E2 antigens had higher sensitivity. ANAs on HEp2 cells, anti-sp100, and anti-gp210 were detected in 67.1%, 13.9-15.2%, and 22.8-27.8% of PBC patients, respectively. Additional AMA-M2 specific assays in IIF-AMA negative and low titer positive (1:40) sera increased the sensitivity and specificity to 88.6% and 90.7%, respectively. Serological diagnosis for PBC using IIF with high titer cut-off and additional AMA-M2 specific tests by ELISA or LIA in IIF-negative sera should be used. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The pre- and intraoperative localization of superficially situated metallic objects in the head and neck area using a metal detector].
For prevention of infections and with regard to forensic implications foreign bodies lost in the soft tissues should be taken out. A good alternative for the localization of metallic objects superficially situated in the soft tissues of the oral facial region, other than the use of radiographic means and stereotactic localization, is the use of a metal detector. This method can be used without complication before or during each operation demonstrated by two clinical cases. Its use avoids a large-scale tissue removal and exposure in the search of foreign bodies in superficial soft tissues. It is a non invasive simple method for localization of metallic foreign bodies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The balance between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic pathways in the failing myocardium.
The purpose of this review is to highlight those circulating molecules, membrane receptors, and signaling pathways that initiate, potentiate, or conversely, inhibit apoptosis within cardiomyocytes. This review focuses on pathways directly related to the failing heart and discusses the limitations of current methodologies for assessing cardiomyocellular apoptosis. It is important to note that the adrenergic, reactive oxygen species, and proinflammatory cytokine signaling pathways are not the only pro-apoptotic pathways active in the myocardium, nor are IL-6-related cytokine, calcineurin, and IGF-1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathways the only anti-apoptotic pathways active in the myocardium. However, they are among the best-characterized apoptosis-mediating pathways and therefore they may serve as foundation for future studies aimed at identifying novel apoptotic regulating pathways active in cardiomyocytes. Considering the short history of studying cardiomyocellular apoptosis, a tremendous body of knowledge has been collected. Understandably, much more work remains. Tomorrow's studies must (1) continue to examine the signaling pathways mediating cardiomyocellular apoptosis by focusing on the links to the ubiquitous apoptosis effectors, (2) use the expanding body of knowledge to develop more specific inhibitors of apoptosis, and then (3) confirm the causal relationship of cardiomyocellular apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction in physiologic models of cardiac challenge. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
RA-RhoGAP, Rap-activated Rho GTPase-activating protein implicated in neurite outgrowth through Rho.
Rap1 and Rho small G proteins have been implicated in the neurite outgrowth, but the functional relationship between Rap1 and Rho in the neurite outgrowth remains to be established. Here we identified a potent Rho GTPase-activating protein (GAP), RA-RhoGAP, as a direct downstream target of Rap1 in the neurite outgrowth. RA-RhoGAP has the RA and GAP domains and showed GAP activity specific for Rho, which was enhanced by the binding of the GTP-bound active form of Rap1 to the RA domain. Overexpression of RA-RhoGAP induced inactivation of Rho for promoting the neurite outgrowth in a Rap1-dependent manner. Knockdown of RA-RhoGAP reduced the Rap1-induced neurite outgrowth. These results indicate that RA-RhoGAP transduces a signal from Rap1 to Rho and regulates the neurite outgrowth. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Emergency nurses' perceived barriers to demonstrating caring when managing adult patients' pain.
Pain is the most common presenting complaint in emergency departments and the primary reason patients seek medical care and take prescription medications. Improving inadequate pain control is a critical goal in emergency health care. As patients' primary health care advocates, emergency nurses play a vital role in resolving under-treated pain in their patients. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perceptions of ED nurses regarding the processes used when managing adult patients' pain and to increase understanding of how these perceptions affect patients' pain management. Participants were recruited from the membership of the local emergency nurses association and 6 hospital-based emergency departments in Northeast Florida. Fifteen emergency nurses with tenure ranging from 1 to 35 years were individually interviewed. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis methodology. The central core category that emerged highlighted the ED environment as a barrier to demonstrating caring when managing adult patients' pain. The core category was supported by 3 broad themes, each consisting of 3 subcategories: (a) feeling overwhelmed as a result of constant prioritizing and perceived lack of control and adequate staffing, (b) perceived non-cohesiveness of the health care team, including nurses, administrators, and emergency physicians, and (c) frustration concerning abuse of the emergency department, complexity of pain, and unrealistic patient expectations of the nurses' role. Interventions that improve the ED environment and facilitate the process of pain management are warranted. Implications for accomplishing these interventions clearly exist in nursing education, practice, research, and public policy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Resource recycling through artificial lightweight aggregates from sewage sludge and derived ash using boric acid flux to lower co-melting temperature.
This study focuses on artificial lightweight aggregates (ALWAs) formed from sewage sludge and ash at lowered co-melting temperatures using boric acid as the fluxing agent. The weight percentages of boric acid in the conditioned mixtures of sludge and ash were 13% and 22%, respectively. The ALWA derived from sewage sludge was synthesized under the following conditions: preheating at 400 degrees C 0.5 hr and a sintering temperature of 850 degrees C 1 hr. The analytical results of water adsorption, bulk density, apparent porosity, and compressive strength were 3.88%, 1.05 g/cm3, 3.93%, and 29.7 MPa, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the ALWA show that the trends in water adsorption and apparent porosity were opposite to those of bulk density. This was due to the inner pores being sealed off by lower-melting-point material at the aggregates'surface. In the case of ash-derived aggregates, water adsorption, bulk density, apparent porosity, and compressive strength were 0.82%, 0.91 g/cm3, 0.82%, and 28.0 MPa, respectively. Both the sludge- and ash-derived aggregates meet the legal standards for ignition loss and soundness in Taiwan for construction or heat insulation materials. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Measuring permanent damage in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus.
The survival rates in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) have improved greatly over recent decades. Increased life expectancy has meant that more children are growing up with the consequences of chronic disease and prolonged therapy. Assessing complications of disease and its therapy becomes an important outcome measure by which to evaluate our therapeutic interventions and appraise quality of life. In this paper we review the development of the Systemic Lupus International Collaborative Clinics (SLICC)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Damage Index (SDI) and its application to the pSLE population. We examine the profile of damage in pSLE as identified by the SDI. However we also critically appraise its application and identify potential limitations in the SDI as a measure of permanent disease damage in children. In this paper we put forth suggestions for additional domains addressing pediatric specific issues such as decreased final height and delayed puberty. We also suggest modifications to domains of gonadal failure, diabetes mellitus, cognitive impairment and osteonecrosis in the SDI to make it more reflective of the damage phenomenon observed in pediatrics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Psychosocial stress impairs working memory at high loads: an association with cortisol levels and memory retrieval.
Stress and cortisol are known to impair memory retrieval of well-consolidated declarative material. The effects of cortisol on memory retrieval may in particular be due to glucocorticoid (GC) receptors in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Therefore, effects of stress and cortisol should be observable on both hippocampal-dependent declarative memory retrieval and PFC-dependent working memory (WM). In the present study, it was tested whether psychosocial stress would impair both WM and memory retrieval in 20 young healthy men. In addition, the association between cortisol levels and cognitive performance was assessed. It was found that stress impaired WM at high loads, but not at low loads in a Sternberg paradigm. High cortisol levels at the time of testing were associated with slow WM performance at high loads, and with impaired recall of moderately emotional, but not of highly emotional paragraphs. Furthermore, performance at high WM loads was associated with memory retrieval. These data extend previous results of pharmacological studies in finding WM impairments after acute stress at high workloads and cortisol-related retrieval impairments. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pulmonary endarteritis and subsequent pulmonary embolism associated with clinically silent patent ductus arteriosus.
A 49-year-old man without heart murmur was admitted with fever because of bacteremia following a tooth extraction. Antibiotics rapidly alleviated the fever; however, a small nodule in the pulmonary artery was identified on computed tomography (CT). When the patient experienced chest discomfort with fever, CT demonstrated the absence of the nodule and the appearance of an abnormal lung opacity, and echocardiography showed turbulent retrograde flow in the pulmonary artery. We had the rare opportunity to follow a case of pulmonary bacterial endarteritis and subsequent pulmonary embolism with clinically silent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) that was confirmed by 3-dimensional CT. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hemodynamic effects of terazosin in congestive heart failure.
To determine the hemodynamic effects of a new alpha-1 blocker, terazosin, in congestive heart failure, 10 patients with this condition underwent hemodynamic testing at rest. Thirty minutes after the oral administration of 4 mg terazosin, mean right atrial pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure were found to be decreased, while the cardiac index was increased significantly. Improvement in hemodynamics persisted for more than 15 h, without an increase in heart rate. It is suggested that terazosin may have effective applications in the treatment of congestive heart failure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Low Ca2+ stripping of differentiating cell layers in human epidermal cultures: an in vitro model of epidermal regeneration.
An in vitro model of the epidermal regeneration process is described. Incubation of multilayered, keratinizing cultures of human epidermal cells in Ca2+-free medium for 72 h results in a complete stripping of all suprabasal layers. When the Ca2+ stripped cultures are refed normal Ca2+ medium a reproducible series of morphologic and cell kinetic changes takes place. It is suggested that these changes represent a general pattern of regeneration after epidermal wounding. After an initial lag phase the regenerative response is principally effected by a recruitment to the proliferating pool of cells with a high rate of DNA synthesis. The cells seem to be programmed to rapid differentiation. Studies with cholera toxin suggest that this adenylate cyclase-stimulating agent is able to induce significant changes in the regenerative process causing a prolonged, but less intense, proliferative response leading to lateral growth rather than to rapid differentiation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Purification and characterization of an (S)-3-hydroxycarboxylate oxidoreductase from Clostridium tyrobutyricum.
An NADP(+)-dependent reversible 3-hydroxycarboxylate oxidoreductase present in Clostridium tyrobutyricum has been purified. As judged by gel electrophoresis the enzyme was pure after a 940-fold enrichment by four chromatographic steps. Its molecular mass was estimated to be 40-43 kDa. The enzyme was most active at pH 4.5 in the reduction of 3-oxobutyrate. Other substrates were 3-oxovalerate, 3-oxocaproate, 3-oxoisocaproate and 4-chloro-3-oxobutyrate. Except for the latter all substrates were converted enantioselectively to (S)-3-hydroxy acids in the presence of NADPH. 4-Chloro-3-oxobutyrate was reduced to the (R)-3-hydroxy acid. The specific activity of the enzyme was about 1400 mumol min-1 mg-1 protein for the reduction of 3-oxobutyrate at pH 5.0. The Michaelis constant (Km) values for 3-oxobutyrate, 3-oxovalerate and 3-oxocaproate were determined to be 0.22, 1.6 and 3.0 mM, respectively. The Km values for dehydrogenation of (S)-3-hydroxybutyrate, (S)-3-hydroxyvalerate and (S)-3-hydroxycaproate were found to be 2.6, 1.1 and 5.2 mM, respectively. The identity of 43 of the first 45 N-terminal amino acid residues has been determined. So far such enzyme activities have been described in eucaryotes only. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins in renal failure: the relation to mode of dialysis.
The aim of this study was to establish whether there is a differential effect of mode of dialysis, hemodialysis (HD), or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) on the dyslipidemia of renal failure. The lipoprotein profile was determined in 61 non-diabetic patients on chronic HD (N = 30) and CAPD treatment (N = 31), and in a control group of 27 healthy subjects. The analysis included the measurement of individual apolipoprotein (apo) A- and apo B-containing lipoproteins (LPs) separated by sequential immunoaffinity chromatography. Apo A-containing lipoproteins include lipoprotein A-I with apo A-I and lipoprotein A-I:A-II with apo A-I and apo A-II as the main protein constituents, whereas apo B-containing lipoproteins comprise simple cholesterol-rich lipoprotein B (LP-B), with apo B as the only protein moiety and complex triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoprotein B complex (LP-Bc) particles with apo B, apo A-II, apo C, and/or apo E as the protein constituents. CAPD patients had significantly higher concentrations of total cholesterol (6.8 vs. 5.1 mmol/liter), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (4.6 vs. 3.2 mmol/liter), TG (2.3 vs. 1.5 mmol/liter), apo B (155.3 vs. 105.7 mg/dl), LP-B (136.0 vs. 91.9 mg/dl), and LP-Bc (19.3 vs. 13.8 mg/dl) than HD patients. Both HD and CAPD patients had significantly higher TG, VLDL cholesterol, apo C-III, and apo E and significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apo A-II, and lipoprotein A-I:A-II levels than control subjects. The distribution of apo C-III in high-density lipoprotein and VLDL-LDL was altered in CAPD patients in comparison with control subjects. This suggests that the removal of TG-rich lipoproteins is less efficient in patients on CAPD. Normotriglyceridemic (NTG; TG < or = 1.7 mmol/liter, 150 mg/dl) CAPD patients had significantly higher levels of TC, LDL cholesterol, apo B, and LP-B than NTG-HD patients. There was little difference in the LP-Bc levels between NTG-CAPD, NTG-HD, and controls. Similarly, hypertriglyceridemic (HTG) CAPD patients had significantly higher TC, LDL cholesterol, apo B, and LP-B levels than HTG-HD patients. The LP-Bc levels were significantly increased in HTG-HD and HTG-CAPD patients compared with controls, but the slightly higher levels in the CAPD patients did not differ significantly from the HD group. CAPD and HD patients have a lipoprotein profile characteristic of renal failure. Patients on long-term CAPD have higher levels of cholesterol-rich apo B-containing lipoproteins unrelated to TG levels. Many patients on CAPD also have a substantial elevation of the plasma concentrations of TG-rich LPs. The clinical significance of increased levels of potentially atherogenic LP-B during CAPD remains to be investigated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Paradoxical role of apoptosis in tumor progression.
Tumors frequently acquire resistance to apoptosis that is expected to contribute to malignant phenotype and reduce sensitivity to treatment. In fact, inactivation of p53 tumor suppressor gene resulting in suppression of apoptosis serves as a negative prognostic marker. Surprisingly, expression of a strong anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, another mechanism to avoid apoptosis, was found to be associated with a favorable prognosis. This paradoxical anti-progressor function of Bcl-2 has been explained in literature based on the negative effect of Bcl-2 on cell proliferation. Here, by analyzing accumulated experimental and clinical data, we provide evidence supporting another hypothesis that defines apoptosis as an accelerator of tumor progression. The mechanism of anti-progressor function of Bcl-2 is based on creation of tumors that maintain control of genomic stability by eliminating selective advantages for the cells that acquire resistance to apoptosis through loss of p53. Thus, inhibition of apoptosis does not lead to loss of genomic stability and creates tumor environment that no longer supports further tumor progression and inhibitors of apoptosis can be considered as factors suppressing tumor progression. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dietary supplementation with turmeric polyherbal formulation decreases facial redness: a randomized double-blind controlled pilot study.
Facial redness is multifactorial in nature and may be a sign of many different conditions, including rosacea, photo damage and flushing. Herbal medicines have been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of dermatological conditions. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its constituents have been shown to mediate dilation and constriction of peripheral arterioles and have demonstrated anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. To investigate the effects of turmeric and turmeric-containing polyherbal combination tablets versus placebo on facial redness. This was a prospective, double-blind, randomized pilot study. Thirty-three healthy participants were recruited from the dermatology clinic at the University of California, Davis and nearby community from 2016 to 2017. Thirty participants were enrolled, and 28 participants completed the study. The enrolled participants were randomized to receive one of three interventions (placebo, turmeric or polyherbal combination tablets) and were told to take the intervention tablets by mouth twice daily for 4 weeks. Facial redness was assessed at baseline and 4 weeks after intervention by clinical grading and by image-based analysis. The primary outcome measure was image-based facial quantification of redness using a research camera and software analysis system. The investigators performed an intention-to-treat analysis by including all subjects who were enrolled in the trial and received any study intervention. Differences were considered statistically significant after accounting for multiple comparisons. Effect sizes for clinical grading were calculated with a Hedges' g where indicated. Twenty-eight participants completed the study and there were no reported adverse events. Based on clinical grading, facial redness intensity and distribution down trended in the polyherbal combination group after 4 weeks (P = 0.1). Under photographic image analysis, the polyherbal combination group had a significant decrease in redness of 40% compared to baseline (P = 0.03). The placebo and turmeric groups had no statistically significant changes in image analysis-based facial redness. Polyherbal combination tablet supplementation improved facial redness compared to the turmeric or placebo. Overall, our findings suggested further investigations into the effects of turmeric and polyherbal formulations in skin conditions associated with facial redness would be warranted. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03065504. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Compressive sensing and adaptive sampling applied to millimeter wave inverse synthetic aperture imaging.
In order to improve speed and efficiency over traditional scanning methods, a Bayesian compressive sensing algorithm using adaptive spatial sampling is developed for single detector millimeter wave synthetic aperture imaging. The application of this algorithm is compared to random sampling to demonstrate that the adaptive algorithm converges faster for simple targets and generates more reliable reconstructions for complex targets. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Value of early rest myocardial perfusion imaging with SPECT in patients with chest pain and non-diagnostic ECG in emergency department.
Evaluation of atypical presentation of angina chest pain in emergency department is difficult. Hospitalization of this patient may impose additional costs and waste the time, early discharge may lead to miss the patients. The aim of this study was to determine volubility of Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) in management of patients admitted to emergency department with atypical manifestations of angina pain, un-diagnostic Electrocardiogram (ECG) and negative enzyme. Half of 100 patients admitted to emergency department with atypical chest pain and un-diagnostic ECG who were candidate for admission, underwent ECG gated resting SPECT. According to the results of SPECT, low risk patient discharged after negative stress SPECT. All discharged patients were followed up for major cardiac events (cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction and repeat admission for congestive heart failure) for 12 months. According to rest SPECT Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI), about 70% of patients in case group was low risk and 30% of them had moderate or high risk. Case group represented lower hospitalization rate and lower need for Coronary Artery Angiography (CAG) in comparison with control group. Mean cost in case group was significantly lower than control group (175.15$ vs. 391.33$, P < 0.001). In one year follow- up no cases of mortality or major cardiovascular events as cardiac infraction were found in discharged patients in case group. our study showed that rest SPECT fulfillment in admitted patients in emergency department was validated method for assessing patients' risk which avoids unnecessary hospitalizations and additional costs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
First Report of Verticillium Wilt of Mango (Mangifera indica) Caused by Verticillium dahliae in Italy.
Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is an important fruit crop in many tropical and subtropical countries. This crop has been recently introduced in Italy, mainly in Sicily (southern Italy), where it proves to be a good commodity for the national market. However, the future of mango cultivation in Sicily is threatened by diverse biotic and abiotic factors, which may limit production and fruit quality. For this reason, an investigation into soilborne diseases of mango was carried out in summer 2009 and spring 2010 (1). During May 2009, typical symptoms of Verticillium wilt were observed in four young mango orchards, cv. Kensington Pride, in Catania Province. The symptoms observed included gradual leaf yellowing, marginal browning, slow growth, and dieback on one side of the shoots. The dead leaves remained attached to infected branches and no defoliation was observed. Cross sections of affected branches showed brown vascular discoloration. The incidence of infected trees was about 25% of 96 examined trees. Small pieces of brownish, vascular wood tissues were surface disinfested and placed onto potato dextrose agar (PDA). After 5 days of incubation at 25°C in the dark, the isolates were purified using the single-spore isolation method. Pathogen identification was initially based on morphological characteristics, and then confirmed by molecular methods. The colonies produced from all the tested isolates showed irregular shape, black microsclerotia, and hyaline, elliptical, single-celled conidia developed on verticillate conidiophores (2). For molecular identification, two specific primer pairs (Ver2-Ver3 and Vd7b-Vd10) of the intergenic spacer region (IGS) were used (3). A fragment of 339 bp was obtained by Ver2-Ver3 primer pair, which is a genus-specific primer, while a fragment of 139 bp was amplified by Vd7b-Vd10 primer pair specific for V. dahliae. To fulfil Koch's postulates, 10-month-old mango plants cv. Kensington Pride were inoculated by dipping the roots in Verticillium conidial suspension for 10 min. Conidial suspension was approximately 4 × 106 conidia/ml, prepared from Verticillium isolates Vd-1 and Vd-2 (10 plants for each isolate). Plants dipped in sterile water were used as controls. All plants were kept in a greenhouse at 25°C and 90 to 95% relative humidity. After 10 months, all inoculated plants showed symptoms identical to those observed in mango plants in the field; plants inoculated with water did not show symptoms. V. dahliae was consistently isolated from symptomatic plants but not from plants inoculated with water. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Verticillium wilt caused by V. dahliae on mango in Italy. Verticillium wilt is known to be a serious threat for the mango industry worldwide. The disease, still localized in Catania Province, may soon affects all Sicilian mango-growing provinces with serious economic consequences. References: (1) Y. M. Ahmed et al. J. Plant Pathol. 92:S4.71, 2010. (2) D. L. Hawksworth and P. W. Talboys. CMI Descriptions of Pathogenic Fungi and Bacteria, No. 256. CAB International, Wallingford, UK, 1970. (3) L. Schena et al. Phytopathol. Mediterr. 43:273, 2004. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Individual bioaerosol particle discrimination by multi-photon excited fluorescence.
Femtosecond laser induced multi-photon excited fluorescence (MPEF) from individual airborne particles is tested for the first time for discriminating bioaerosols. The fluorescence spectra, analysed in 32 channels, exhibit a composite character originating from simultaneous two-photon and three-photon excitation at 790 nm. Simulants of bacteria aggregates (clusters of dyed polystyrene microspheres) and different pollen particles (Ragweed, Pecan, Mulberry) are clearly discriminated by their MPEF spectra. This demonstration experiment opens the way to more sophisticated spectroscopic schemes like pump-probe and coherent control. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Glucose-induced incretin hormone release and inactivation are differently modulated by oral fat and protein in mice.
Monounsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid (OA), and certain milk proteins, especially whey protein (WP), have insulinotropic effects and can reduce postprandial glycemia. This effect may involve the incretin hormones glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). To explore this, we examined the release and inactivation of GIP and GLP-1 after administration of glucose with or without OA or WP through gastric gavage in anesthetized C57BL/6J mice. Insulin responses to glucose (75 mg) were 3-fold augmented by addition of WP (75 mg; P < 0.01), which was associated with enhanced oral glucose tolerance (P < 0.01). The insulin response to glucose was also augmented by addition of OA (34 mg; P < 0.05) although only 1.5-fold and with no associated increase in glucose elimination. The slope of the glucose-insulin curve was increased by OA (1.7-fold; P < 0.05) and by WP (4-fold; P < 0.01) compared with glucose alone, suggesting potentiation of glucose-stimulated insulin release. WP increased GLP-1 secretion (P < 0.01), whereas GIP secretion was unaffected. OA did not affect GIP or GLP-1 secretion. Nevertheless, WP increased the levels of both intact GIP and intact GLP-1 (both P < 0.01), and OA increased the levels of intact GLP-1 (P < 0.05). WP inhibited dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity in the proximal small intestine by 50% (P < 0.05), suggesting that luminal degradation of WP generates small fragments, which are substrates for dipeptidyl peptidase IV and act as competitive inhibitors. We therefore conclude that fat and protein may serve as exogenous regulators of secretion and inactivation of the incretin hormones with beneficial influences on glucose metabolism. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Male quality, signal reliability and female choice: assessing the expectations of inter-sexual selection.
Numerous models have attempted to explain the evolution of extravagant male ornaments found in many species. Inter-sexual indicator models postulate that male ornaments evolved as signals of quality, and that females use these signals to select the highest quality males. These models involve three traits--male quality, male signals and female preferences--and have specific expectations about the relative strengths of the phenotypic relationships between these traits. Using data from anuran species, we assessed the relative strengths of the phenotypic relationships using meta-analysis. The relative strengths of these phenotypic correlations were as expected by indicator models, providing support for indicator models of inter-sexual selection. We also found much variation in our data, suggesting that additional, untested factors may mediate inter-sexual interactions in this taxon, such as differences in the importance of quality signalling between species. These factors require investigation, in order to improve our understanding of inter-sexual selection. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fully integrated PCR-capillary electrophoresis microsystem for DNA analysis.
A fully integrated genomic analysis microsystem including microfabricated heaters, temperature sensors, and PCR chambers directly connected to capillary electrophoretic separation channels has been constructed. Valves and hydrophobic vents provide controlled and sensorless sample positioning and immobilization into 200 nL PCR chambers. The use of microfabricated heating and temperature sensing elements improves the heating and cooling rates for the PCR reaction to 20 degree C s(-1). The amplified PCR product, labeled on-column with an intercalating fluorescent dye, is injected into the gel-filled capillary for electrophoretic analysis. Successful sex determination using a multiplex PCR reaction from human genomic DNA is demonstrated in less than 15 min. This device is an important step toward a microfabricated genomic microprocessor for use in forensics and point-of-care molecular medical diagnostics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Surgical treatment and complications of urinary incontinence.
Numerous surgical approaches to the management of incontinence, particularly genuine stress incontinence, have been reported. No single operation is a panacea for the condition, and many factors must be taken into account before deciding which procedure is best tailored to an individual's needs. The procedures vary in their results, morbidity, and associated complications. Awareness of these previous complications encourages their avoidance and permits better management should they occur. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Plasma lipids, lipoproteins and post-heparin lipases in ponies with hyperlipaemia.
The metabolic origins of equine hyperlipaemia were investigated by analysing the concentration and composition of plasma lipoproteins in 18 ponies with the condition. The mean concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) were increased by 4-, 52- and 19-fold, respectively, compared with a control group of 18 healthy ponies. These increases were due to the appearance of a buoyant VLDL fraction (VLDL1) not present in healthy ponies. The mean diameter of VLDL1 particles was 44% greater than control VLDL, and the particles were enriched in triglyceride and free cholesterol and depleted of cholesteryl esters, phospholipid and protein. The apolipoprotein (apo) B-100 content of VLDL1 was reduced and the ratio of apoB-100 to apoB-48 particles was 1:1, compared with 2:1 in control VLDL. The VLDL1 was also enriched in apoE, but had normal complements of apoC-II and apoC-III. The conventional VLDL (called VLDL2), LDL and HDL fractions were moderately enriched with triglyceride, and HDL contained increased amounts of apoE, apoC-II and apoC-III. The activities of lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase, the enzymes responsible for the catabolism of VLDL and their remnants, were increased by 2- and 3-fold, respectively, in response to the increased concentrations of their substrates. The composition of VLDL1 suggested that the liver was maximising the secretion of triglyceride by producing larger number of VLDL particles that accommodated a greater mass of triglyceride by having apoB-48 rather than apoB-100 as their structural protein. Plasma free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations were elevated in 17 of the 18 ponies, suggesting that increased FFA flux might be the stimulus for hepatic triglyceride synthesis and VLDL secretion. We conclude that overproduction, rather than defective catabolism, of VLDL was the cause of the hyperlipidaemia and that lipid lowering agents which reduce VLDL synthesis, by decreasing adipose lipolysis and FFA flux, are candidates for the management of hyperlipaemia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hepatic 'stem cell' malignancies in adults: four cases.
Combined hepatocellular/cholangiocarcinomas have been explained by some investigators as bidirectional differentiation of neoplastic progenitor cell populations. The presence of hepatic progenitor cells has now been confirmed in humans, though whether they can give rise to malignant tumours has not been confirmed. We report four cases of small tumours identified in livers with features of chronic hepatitis which may suggest a role for malignant transformation of hepatic stem cells in hepatic malignancies. Tumour samples were studied from four patients by histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Two patients had chronic hepatitis B, one had chronic hepatitis C and chronic alcoholic liver injury, and one had non-B non-C chronic hepatitis. Stages of disease ranged from portal fibrosis to cirrhosis. All tumours contained undifferentiated cells with morphological and immunohistochemical features that would be expected of hepatic progenitor cells. These cells merged with both hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma components as well as with mature appearing hepatocytes within the tumours. We suggest that these tumours are of hepatic progenitor cell origin, supporting the concepts that human hepatocarcinogenesis can be based on transformation of progenitor cells and that such a process may underlie development of some mixed hepatocellular/cholangiocarcinomas and dysplastic nodules. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Central synaptic neurotransmission: universal self-regulation theory.
A prospective randomized study based on case monitoring and treatment of the patients with chronic tension-type headache was carried out, which revealed the regularities in the effects of basic groups of central neurotropic drugs on clinical manifestations and the EEG data. The patients of control (n=90) and experimental (n=91) groups were followed up for 3 months. The experimental group patients were treated with central neurotropic preparations in addition to the routine medicines having peripheral effects. The control group patients received only the routine preparations. The efficiency was assessed by clinical and EEG criteria. The data obtained were analyzed based on fundamental views of modern experimental neurobiology on the gradual nature of postsynaptic responses and their role in universal process of the central neurotransmission. This analysis led to the views on neurochemical origin of EEG rhythms, which has not been yet defined. A theory is advanced, which is based on clinical experience gained in the process of treatment of various functional CNS disorders in more than 5000 patients. This theory makes it possible to use EEG as an objective criterion of efficiency of neurotropic drugs administered to correct central neurotransmission in the patients with clinical pathological functional disorders of CNS. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The estimation of hepatic blood flow with indocyanine green: comparison between the continuous infusion and single injection methods.
We compared the estimation of hepatic blood flow obtained using a continuous infusion of indocyanine green with that obtained after a single intravenous injection of indocyanine green in 35 patients with liver disease. There was no significant difference in the values of hepatic blood flow measured by these two methods, and there was a close correlation between the continuous infusion and single injection methods (r = 0.926, p less than 0.001). In a second group of nine patients with cirrhosis, we evaluated the effect of sampling from the right versus left hepatic vein on hepatic blood flow estimation. There was no significant difference between the two estimates and a good correlation was found (r = 0.878, p less than 0.001). Since values of hepatic blood flow measured after a single indocyanine green injection are similar to those measured using the more classical continuous infusion method, the single injection method may be preferable since it requires only 15 min to be performed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Involvement of ionotropic purinergic receptors in the histamine-induced enhancement of the cough reflex sensitivity in guinea pigs.
We examined the effect of inhaled histamine on citric acid-induced coughs and clarified the role of ionotropic purinergic receptors in the resulting changes. Although the inhalation of 0.1 M citric acid by itself produced only a few coughs in guinea pigs, exposure to histamine, at concentrations of 0.3 to 1 mM, for 2 min concentration dependently increased the number of citric acid-induced coughs. This histamine-induced increase in the number of citric acid-induced coughs was dose dependently and significantly reduced when animals were pretreated with fexofenadine, a histamine H1 receptor antagonist. The histamine-induced increase in the number of citric acid-induced coughs was completely reduced when animals were co-pretreated with 2',3'-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) adenosine 5-triphosphate (TNP-ATP, 50 microM), a P2X receptor antagonist, and reactive blue 2, a P2Y receptor antagonist, for 2 min. Furthermore, the ATP-induced increase in the number of citric acid-induced coughs was dose dependently and significantly decreased when animals were pretreated with fexofenadine, at doses of 0.3, 1 and 3 mg/kg, p.o. These results suggest that histamine enhances the excitability of rapidly adapting receptors to tussive stimuli via modulation of ATP release in the airways. Furthermore, ATP might act not only on P2X receptors to directly activate rapidly adapting receptors, but also on P2Y receptors to increase histamine release, indirectly increasing the cough reflex sensitivity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Do asthma patients with panic disorder really have worse asthma? A comparison of physiological and psychological responses to a methacholine challenge.
Panic disorder (PD) has been linked to worse asthma outcomes. Some suggest that asthmatics with PD have worse underlying asthma; others argue that worse outcomes are a result of their tendency to over-report symptoms. This study aimed to measure physiological and psychological responses to a simulated asthma attack (methacholine challenge test: MCT) in asthmatics with and without PD. Asthmatics with (n = 19) and without (n = 20) PD were recruited to undergo a MCT. Patients completed subjective symptom questionnaires (Panic Symptom Scale, Borg Scale) before and after a MCT. Physiological measures including heart rate (HR), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) were also recorded. Analyses, adjusting for age and sex, revealed no difference in methacholine concentration required to induce a 20% drop in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1: F = 0.21, p = .652). However, PD patients reported worse subjective symptoms, including greater ratings of dyspnea (F = 8.81, p = .006) and anxiety (F = 9.44, p = .004), although they exhibited lower levels of physiological arousal (i.e., HR, SBP/DBP). An interaction effect also indicated that PD, relative to non-PD, patients reported more panic symptoms post-MCT (F = 5.05, p = .031). Asthmatics with PD report higher levels of subjective distress, despite exhibiting lower levels of physiological arousal, with no evidence of greater airway responsiveness. Results suggest that worse outcomes in PD patients may be more likely due to a catastrophization of bodily symptoms, rather than worse underlying asthma. Interventions designed to educate patients on how to distinguish and manage anxiety in the context of asthma are needed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Some aspects of optimization of an invasive microwave antenna for local hyperthermia treatment of cancer.
Hyperthermia has emerged as a promising alternative or adjunct to other forms of cancer therapy. In order to utilize hyperthermia in very localized volumes immersed in regions of vital normal tissue, an invasive microwave coaxial monopole antenna has been developed. An experimental approach has been taken to characterize and optimize the electromagnetic properties and heating capabilities of bare and insulated antennas imbedded in tissue equivalent phantoms and dog brain. Four methods have been used to visualize the thermal profiles of the microwave probes: the liquid crystal technique, the gelatin technique, and the direct measurement of temperature with thermistor probes in phantom and dog brain. Among the parameters studied are: antenna impedance, insertion depth, antenna insulation (dielectric constant and thickness), shaft insulation, and frequency. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A new Drosophila homeo box gene is expressed in mesodermal precursor cells of distinct muscles during embryogenesis.
Several Drosophila homeo box genes have been shown to control cell fates in specific positions or cell groups of the embryo. Because the mechanisms involved in the pattern formation of complex internal organs, such as the musculature and the nervous system, are still largely unknown, we sought to identify and analyze new homeo box genes specifically expressed in these tissues. Here, the molecular analysis and expression pattern of one such gene, containing both a homeo box and a PRD repeat, is described. This gene, designated S59, is expressed in a small number of segmentally repeated mesodermal cells approximately 2 hr postgastrulation. Gradually, four groups of S59-expressing mesodermal cells appear in each abdominal hemisegment, each one giving rise to a particular somatic muscle after fusion with surrounding myoblasts. Thus, individual precursors for particular muscles, which we call "founder cells," are specified relatively early during mesodermal development. The expression of a particular homeo box gene in these cells suggests that distinct programs of gene expression are active in subsets of mesodermal cells after germ band elongation, resulting in a specification of their developmental fates. In addition to the mesoderm, S59 is expressed in a subset of neuronal cells of the CNS and their precursors and also in cells of a small region of the midgut. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The potential of ecosystem-based management to integrate biodiversity conservation and ecosystem service provision in aquatic ecosystems.
Global aquatic biodiversity keeps declining rapidly, despite international efforts providing a variety of policies and legislations that identify goals for, and give directions to protecting the world's aquatic fauna and flora. With the H2020 project AQUACROSS, we have made an unprecedented effort to unify policy strategies, knowledge, and management concepts of freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems to support the achievement of the targets set by the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020. AQUACROSS has embraced the concept of ecosystem-based management (EBM), which approaches environmental management from a social-ecological system perspective to protect biodiversity and to sustainably harvest ecosystem services. This special issue includes contributions resulting from AQUACROSS, which either tackle selected EBM challenges from a theoretical point of view or apply EBM in one of the selected case studies across Europe. In this article, we introduce relevant topics, address the most important lessons learnt, and suggest where research should go with aquatic EBM. We hope that this special issue will foster and facilitate the uptake of EBM in aquatic ecosystems and, therewith, provide the on-ground applications needed for evaluating EBM's utility to safeguard aquatic biodiversity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fusing character strengths and mindfulness interventions: Benefits for job satisfaction and performance.
In recent years, both mindfulness and character strengths have started to garner interest in industrial and organizational psychology. The growing research interest in their effects on employee well-being and performance, individually, has strong practical implications for organizations. Given the interconnection of mindfulness and character strengths, the present study examined the effectiveness of training that combined the two practices regarding well-being and work-related outcomes, and it tested the potential mediators of the effects at work. A total of 63 participants from various job branches were randomly assigned to three conditions: (a) mindfulness-based strengths practice (MBSP), (b) mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and (c) wait-list control. Participants' applicability of character strengths at work, well-being, perceived stress, job satisfaction, and task performance (supervisor rating) were assessed before and after the intervention, and 1, 3, and 6 months afterward. A set of linear mixed-effects models was applied, modeling changes in participants' outcome variables over time. Potential mediators for the intervention effect of MBSP at work were tested using four criteria adapted from a previous study. Results showed the MBSR was effective for increasing well-being, reducing perceived stress, and increasing job satisfaction, whereas the MBSP was effective for increasing well-being, job satisfaction, and task performance. These findings suggest that mindfulness alone seems to function better when regarding well-being at work, while fusing character strengths on top of it seems to influence the participants, on a motivational level, and thus bolsters task performance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[On-scene medical response].
In cases of exceptional medical emergencies, the setting up and organisation of a response to the increased need for medical aid are complex. Command of the operations and responsibilities are assured by specific people depending on the seriousness of the situation. Each role is identified. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The Spatial Morphology of Intraluminal Thrombus Influences Type II Endoleak After Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.
Type 2 endoleaks (T2E) after endovascular repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) can lead to sac expansion or failure of sac regression, and often present as a management dilemma. Intraluminal thrombus (ILT) may influence the likelihood of endoleaks after EVAR and can be characterized using routine preoperative imaging. We examined the relationship between preoperative spatial morphology of ILT and the incidence of postoperative T2E. All patients who underwent EVAR at the John Radcliffe Hospital (Oxford, UK) were prospectively entered in a clinical database. Computerized tomography angiograms (CTAs) were performed as part of routine clinical care. The ILT morphology of each patient was determined using the preoperative CTA. Arterial phase cross sectional images of the AAA were analysed according to the presence and morphology of thrombus in each quadrant. The overall ILT morphology was defined by measurements obtained over a 4cm segment of the AAA. The diagnosis of T2E during EVAR surveillance was confirmed by CTAs. The relation between ILT morphology and T2E was assessed using logistic regression. Between September 2009 and July 2016, 271 patients underwent EVAR for infra-renal AAAs (male:241, age = 79±7). ILT was present in 265 (98%) of AAAs. Mean follow up was 1.9±1.6 years. T2E was observed in 77 cases. 61% of T2E were observed within the first week after surgery. T2E was observed in 50% (3/6) of cases without ILT (no-ILT). Compared to no-ILT, the presence of circumferential or posterolateral ILTs was protective from T2E (odds ratio= 0.33 and 0.37, p=0.002 and p=0.047, respectively). The spatial ILT morphology on routine preoperative CTA imaging can be a biomarker for post EVAR T2Es. ILTs that cover the posterolateral aspects of the lumen, or circumferential ILTs, are protective of T2Es. This information can be useful in the pre-operative planning of EVARs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Student athletes, sudden cardiac death, and lifesaving legislation: a review of the literature.
The purpose of this article is to present findings of a literature review examining the use of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) for student athletes experiencing sudden cardiac arrest and variances in state legislation regarding the mandatory placement of AEDs in school gymnasiums and athletic fields. A broad search of computerized databases was conducted utilizing PubMed, Medline, CINHAHL, and the Cochrane Databases, which provided a broad but not exhaustive review of the current literature related to student athletes, sudden cardiac death, and the use of AEDs. The articles were evaluated and graded using Stetler's strength of evidence guidelines. A total of 17 articles are included in this literature review (Stetler's Grade I, n = 1; Grade II, n = 2; Grade III, n =2; Grade IV, n = 5; Grade V, n = 3; and Grade VI, n = 4). The literature produced few meta-analyses of controlled studies, experimental studies, and quasi-experimental studies on the topic of student athletes at risk for sudden cardiac death. The majority of the literature is based on expert opinion, case reports, and retrospective data sets. The literature does support the correlation of early cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation with increased survival rates among persons experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Additional evidence-based research is needed to support the long-term outcomes of AED legislation and its utility in sparing the lives of student athletes. However, the evidence supporting early intervention, a coordinated emergency plan, and rapid emergency medical services response is conclusive enough to warrant state or federal legislation mandating that AEDs be present in all school gyms and athletic fields. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Effect of nutrient support on severe infant pneumonia].
To explore the effect of nutrient support on severe infant pneumonia. Prospective study was conducted on the outcome of 567 inpatients suffering from severe pneumonia in 13 hospitals randomly selected in Hunan. Twelve factors were surveyed and data analyzed by multiple logistic regression. Malnnutrition, anemia and rickets were risk factors in severe pneumonia, and nutrient support had protective effect on severe pneumonia. Nutrient support contributes to the positive outcome of severe infant pneumonia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Endosymbiotic bacteria associated with nematodes, ticks and amoebae.
Endosymbiosis is a mutualistic, parasitic or commensal symbiosis in which one symbiont is living within the body of another organism. Such symbiotic relationship with free-living amoebae and arthropods has been reported with a large biodiversity of microorganisms, encompassing various bacterial clades and to a lesser extent some fungi and viruses. By contrast, current knowledge on symbionts of nematodes is still mainly restricted to Wolbachia and its interaction with filarial worms that lead to increased pathogenicity of the infected nematode. In this review article, we aim to highlight the main characteristics of symbionts in term of their ecology, host cell interactions, parasitism and co-evolution, in order to stimulate future research in a field that remains largely unexplored despite the availability of modern tools. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Is there a place for FET PET in the initial evaluation of brain lesions with unknown significance?
The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of the use of O-(2-[(18)F]fluoroethyl)-L: -tyrosine (FET) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in patients of a neurological clinic for evaluation of brain lesions newly diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We evaluated 88 patients (44 women and 44 men) with a mean age of 50 +/- 19 years who were sent consecutively for evaluation of an intracerebral mass or lesion observed by MRI from 2006 to 2008. Hospitalization was necessary due to neurological clinical symptoms. Images were obtained by PET/CT 30 min after i.v. injection of 185 MBq FET. Coregistration with MRI was done by HERMES workstation. FET uptake above the cortical level was observed in 60 patients. Neurosurgery was performed in 60 patients (51 with FET-positive imaging); 36 high-grade and 19 low-grade tumours were verified histologically. The sensitivity of FET PET for high-grade tumours (WHO III-IV) was 94% in this setting. Among the low-grade brain tumours (WHO I-II) 13 of 19 were FET positive, which indicates a sensitivity of 68%. Five of ten (50%) astrocytomas I and II could not be visualized by FET. Histological data were not provided for 28 of 88 patients, so the diagnostic approach is based upon longitudinal observation. Radiological and/or clinical control was done at a median of 7 months later. Three patients (all FET positive) died a few months after the examination because of rapid progression of the malignant brain tumour. A malignant entity could be excluded in the other 25 patients. Considering the whole cohort of 88 patients, 43 patients with malignant tumour could be identified, including high-grade glioma, intracerebral lymphoma (n = 1) and metastasis (n = 3). The sensitivity of FET PET for detecting a malignant tumour entity was 93%. We observed two false-positive cases with postischaemic lesions. Remarkably, the two patients with cerebral gliomatosis were false-negative on FET PET imaging. The negative predictive value for a malignant entity was calculated to be 89%. Our results indicate a high sensitivity of FET PET for detecting high-grade glioma in patients with neurological symptoms and recently observed brain lesions by MRI. In the setting of evaluating new brain lesions of unknown significance via FET PET a negative image can encourage a wait and see strategy-of course in accordance with the clinical picture and morphological imaging. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Failure of alefacept in the treatment of vitiligo.
Vitiligo is a common acquired pigmentary disorder with a profound psychosocial impact. The exact pathogenesis of vitiligo is not fully understood; however, vitiligo appears to be an autoimmune disease involving T-cell-mediated melanocyte destruction. Recently, complete clearance of coexisting vitiligo without recurrence over 2 years was reported in 2 psoriasis patients treated with alefacept. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of alefacept in the treatment of vitiligo. After providing informed written consent, 4 adult patients with widespread vitiligo (covering a body surface area ≥5%) were treated with weekly intramuscular injections of 15 mg alefacept for 12 weeks. All patients were monitored clinically, by laboratory investigation, and by digital image analysis. All patients were followed up with for 24 weeks. All patients tolerated alefacept well, without any adverse events. None of the patients showed any repigmentation. However, 1 patient developed new depigmented patches during treatment with alefacept. A pilot study with a small number of patients. Alefacept as a monotherapy for vitiligo treatment did not result in any patient improvement, and further evaluation in larger studies may be required. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Autologous Adipose Tissue Graft to Treat Hypertensive Leg Ulcer: A Pilot Study.
Adipose tissue is an abundant source of mesenchymal stem cells, called adipose-derived stem cells, which have anti-inflammatory and trophic effects to enhance overall tissue repair. To determine the healing effects of autologous adipose tissue graft on hypertensive leg ulcers. Prospective pilot study in 1 French dermatology department. Ten patients with a hypertensive leg ulcer were enrolled from April 2013 to June 2015. The primary end point was the wound closure rate at each follow-up visit. The secondary end points were wound characteristics, pain assessment and adverse events. One patient, the only smoker, was lost to follow-up at month 5 (M5). For the 9 non-smokers, wound surfaces constantly and significantly decreased: the median wound closure rate was 73.2% at M3 and 93.1% at M6, p < 0.001. The median wound closure rate of the 10 patients was 63.2% at M3, p < 0.001. Percentages of fibrin and necrosis decreased, granulation tissue increased significantly. Pain rapidly and significantly decreased. No recurrence or adverse event was observed. Our data suggest that autologous adipose tissue grafting induces pain relief and promotes wound healing with a good skin quality. Large prospective controlled randomized studies are required to confirm these results. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Lack of genotoxic activity of 2-(2',4'-diaminophenoxy)ethanol in Escherichia coli strains WP2, WP2uvrA and WP2uvrA/recA.
A new hair-dyeing ingredient, 2-(2',4'-diaminophenoxy)ethanol, was tested for its genotoxic potential with Escherichia coli WP2, WP2uvrA and WP2uvrA/recA. The tests were conducted in the presence and absence of a post-mitochondrial supernatant fraction from the livers of male rats induced with Aroclor 1254. Tests for DNA damage and repair and tests for mutagenic activity failed to demonstrate any genotoxic potential associated with the compound. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Ctla-4 blockade: a new hope for the immunotherapy of malignant melanoma].
Ipilimumab (Yervoy) is a monocLonal antibody designed to block cytotoxic T cell antigen 4 (CTLA-4), an inhibitory receptor of T lymphocytes. This drug is the first to receive US FDAs approval for advanced stage malignant melanoma in the last 13 years. So far, no survival benefit was achieved for this patient group with single drug or combination chemo- and chemo-immunotherapy. In phase II and III trials, up to 15% of patients had melanoma regressions, with a decreased hazard ratio of death of 0.72 compared to the standard chemotherapy with Dacarbazine. The development of Ipilimumab marks a success in deciphering the check-point control on the immune response. Activated T cells over-express CTLA-4 molecule on their surface and become susceptible to its inhibitory effect. CTLA-4 decreases the signaling network derived by antigen recognition of T cells. Alongside of its therapeutic effect, the CTLA-4 blockade enhances autoimmune responses. Severe diarrhea results from toxicity to the colonic mucosa which may eventuate in perforation and, in rare cases, death. Other adverse events of varying severity occur in many patients and include skin eruption, uveitis, endocrinopathies such as thyroiditis and hypophysitis and autoimmune hepatitis. Ipilimumab toxicity is reversible with systemic use of corticosteroids, but the use of TNF inhibitors is sometimes indicated in the absence of resolution. The clinical success of the CTLA-4 blockade motivated intense searches for additional check-point modifiers, such as PD-1 molecule, with encouraging preliminary results. Ipilimumab's entry into the clinic is the opening of a new chapter in the immunotherapy of melanoma in particular, and of cancer, in general. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Day care for ill children: an employed mother's dilemma.
The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the process that employed mothers used to make child care decisions for children who became ill while enrolled in day care and the factors that influenced those decisions. Responding to an investigator-developed interview schedule, 20 married, employed mothers of preschoolers in day care each described a recent experience when her child was ill on a work day, her feelings, advantages and disadvantages of available options, preferences, job characteristics, and demographics. Inductive analysis of narrative data revealed themes of anxiety and decisional conflict between work and motherhood responsibilities and limited care options. These mothers usually cared for their sick children, sometimes sharing the duty with another caregiver. Data were categorized by actually selected and usually selected modes of care: mother; mother and father; mother and grandparent; mother and sitter; and mother and day care center. Influencing factors included: certainty and severity of illness, relative advantages and disadvantages of available options, job flexibility, and availability of paid leave. A model describing the decision-making process is proposed. While further research is needed, this model provides some guidance for nursing practice with families who face this dilemma and for evaluation of workplace policies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
High-arched runners exhibit increased leg stiffness compared to low-arched runners.
Leg stiffness between high-arched (HA) and low-arched (LA) runners was compared. It was hypothesized that high-arched runners would exhibit increased leg stiffness, increased sagittal plane support moment, greater vertical loading rates, decreased knee flexion excursion and increased activation of the knee extensor musculature. Twenty high-arched and 20 low-arched subjects were included in this study. Leg stiffness, knee stiffness, vertical loading rate and lower extremity support moment were compared between groups. Electromyographic data were collected in an attempt to explain differences in leg stiffness between groups. High-arched subjects were found to have increased leg stiffness and vertical loading rate compared to low-arched runners. Support moment at the impact peak of the vertical ground reaction force was related to leg stiffness across all subjects. High-arched subjects demonstrated decreased knee flexion excursion during stance. Finally, high-arched subjects exhibited a significantly earlier onset of the vastus lateralis (VL) than the low-arched runners. Differences exist in leg stiffness and vertical loading rate between runners with different foot types. Differences in lower extremity kinetics in individuals with different foot types may have implications for new treatment strategies or preventative measures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prostate cancer, miRNAs, metallothioneins and resistance to cytostatic drugs.
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) translationally repressing their target messenger RNAs due to their gene-regulatory functions play an important but not unexpected role in a tumour development. More surprising are the findings that levels of various miRNAs are well correlated with presence of specific tumours and formation of metastases. Moreover, these small regulatory molecules play a role in the resistance of cancer cells to commonly used anti-cancer drugs, such as cisplatin, anthracyclines, and taxanes. In that respect, miRNAs become very attractive target for potential therapeutic interventions. Improvements in the sensitivity of miRNAs detection techniques led to discovery of circulating miRNAs which became very attractive non-invasive biomarker of cancer with a substantial predictive value. In this review, the authors focus on i) oncogenic and anti-tumour acting miRNAs, ii) function of miRNAs in tumour progression, iii) possible role of miRNAs in resistance to anticancer drugs, and iv) diagnostic potential of miRNAs for identification of cancer from circulating miRNAs with special emphasis on prostate cancer. Moreover, relationship between miRNAs and expression of metallothionein is discussed as a possible explanation of resistance against platinum based drugs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of chondroitin sulfate on the endothelium in corneal storage.
The scope of this study includes investigations on uptake of dextran and chondroitin sulfate in human donor corneas, and effects of chondroitin sulfate on adhesion and growth of rabbit and cat corneal endothelial cells. Fibronectin and dextran sulfate served as controls. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed no detectable osmotic agents in the corneas stored in either Dexsol or Optisol at 4 degrees C for 6 days. The study showed that chondroitin sulfate enhanced cell adhesion marginally at 2.5%, but >40% at 0.5%, comparable to that of 10 mu g/ml fibronectin, whereas 2% dextran sulfate abolished approximately 70% of cell adhesion capability. In cultures with fibronectin present, the duration for cells to reach confluence was extended from 1.75 to 3 days. Chondroitin sulfate (2%) elicited no apparent cytotoxic effect, with cells becoming polygonal and reaching confluence in approximately 9 days. Cell growth was retarded by 2% dextran sulfate, with signs of senescence on day 3 and clear evidence of cell degeneration on day 9. The cells did not survive without serum in cultures, especially at 36 degrees C. These findings suggest that corneal deterioration probably is linked primarily to serum-free storage conditions, not uptake of osmotic agents in the cornea. The highly negatively charged sulfate group, however, may have rendered chondroitin sulfate less effective as an additive. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
mRNA stabilization in continuous flow translation system.
In contrast with standard in vitro translation systems, where 1 to 2 copies of polypeptide per mRNA molecule are produced, the continuous flow cell-free translation system is able to synthesize hundreds of polypeptide molecules per one mRNA molecule. Our investigations have shown that the poor yield obtained in the standard analytical system is due to rapid mRNA decay as opposed feedback inhibition by low molecular weight translation by products. In contrast, continuous flow system was found to stabilize mRNA for up to two-three days. RNAse activity can not be removed from wheat germ extract unless mRNA is added and compartmentalization of the translational machinery occurs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ethical decisions at the edge.
Medicine grows incrementally in its ability to treat patients and at the growing edge it poses problems about the appropriateness of treatments that are different from those where good practice conforms to widely agreed standards. The growth of access to medical knowledge and the diversity of contemporary theoretical and clinical medicine have spawned deep divisions in the profession and divergent opinions about what constitutes reasonable care. That hallmark of acceptable practice is also under pressures from the threat of litigation, a highly commercialised contemporary medical environment, patient demands based on medical journalism and the internet and the exponential growth of bio-medical technology. Patient empowerment can result in complaints arising in new and complex areas and expert opinion can often differ markedly depending on where on the medical spectrum the experts are aligned. This column lays out some broad-brush principles to assess the adequacy of medical advice in such a climate. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Random forest feature selection, fusion and ensemble strategy: Combining multiple morphological MRI measures to discriminate among healhy elderly, MCI, cMCI and alzheimer's disease patients: From the alzheimer's disease neuroimaging initiative (ADNI) database.
In the era of computer-assisted diagnostic tools for various brain diseases, Alzheimer's disease (AD) covers a large percentage of neuroimaging research, with the main scope being its use in daily practice. However, there has been no study attempting to simultaneously discriminate among Healthy Controls (HC), early mild cognitive impairment (MCI), late MCI (cMCI) and stable AD, using features derived from a single modality, namely MRI. Based on preprocessed MRI images from the organizers of a neuroimaging challenge,3 we attempted to quantify the prediction accuracy of multiple morphological MRI features to simultaneously discriminate among HC, MCI, cMCI and AD. We explored the efficacy of a novel scheme that includes multiple feature selections via Random Forest from subsets of the whole set of features (e.g. whole set, left/right hemisphere etc.), Random Forest classification using a fusion approach and ensemble classification via majority voting. From the ADNI database, 60 HC, 60 MCI, 60 cMCI and 60 CE were used as a training set with known labels. An extra dataset of 160 subjects (HC: 40, MCI: 40, cMCI: 40 and AD: 40) was used as an external blind validation dataset to evaluate the proposed machine learning scheme. In the second blind dataset, we succeeded in a four-class classification of 61.9% by combining MRI-based features with a Random Forest-based Ensemble Strategy. We achieved the best classification accuracy of all teams that participated in this neuroimaging competition. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme to simultaneously discriminate among four groups using morphological MRI features for the very first time in the literature. Hence, the proposed machine learning scheme can be used to define single and multi-modal biomarkers for AD. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The management by the processes in a cancer center, an utopian initiative?].
The process approach is a mode of quality improvement. It leans on the cartography's establishment, allows to redefine organization around patients trajectory, the measure of defects and their correction. The process pilot is a new actor in the management of the establishment. It is developed since 3 years in the Institute Claudius Regaud, regional cancer center treatment of Midi-Pyrénées. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Acute hemodynamic and coronary effects of captopril in chronic cardiac failure].
The acute effects of captopril on haemodynamics, coronary flow and myocardial metabolism were studied in 12 patients with chronic severe cardiac failure (primary cardiomyopathy: 10 cases; ischaemic: 2 cases) in functional Classes III or IV of the NYHA. All patients were male and their average age was 51.3 +/- 14.1 years (range 27 to 68 years). Measurements were carried out under basal conditions and 90 minutes after a single dose of 50 mg (5 cases) or 100 mg (7 cases) of captopril. Captopril administration leads to an increase in cardiac index from 2.05 +/- 0.32 to 2.34 +/- 0.35 l/min/m2 (p less than 0.05) and a greater increase in systolic index from 23.9 +/- 6.7 to 29.8 +/- 6.9 ml/syst/m2 (p less than 0.01), because the heart rate decreased slightly (p less than 0.05). These changes were the result of a decrease in afterload: mean aortic pressure fell from 85 +/- 11.8 to 68 +/- 19.6 mmHg (p less than 0.01) and systemic arterial resistance fell from 2 886 +/- 745 to 2 010 +/- 610 dynes/cm-5/sec/m-2 (p less than 0.01). Captopril also led to a fall in venous tone, i.e. pre-load: left ventricular end diastolic pressure fell from 26.9 +/- 6.1 to 20.8 +/- 6.6 mmHg: p less than 0.01. There was no change in contractility as shown by the absence of variation of the V.max (0.92 +/- 0.18 under basal conditions, and 0.90 +/- 0.15 after 90 minutes).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The morphology and thickness of cornea in patients with Marfan syndrome].
To search for the characteristics of MFS in corneal morphology and thickness. Twenty-four patients (48 eyes) with MFS and 24 healthy age- and gender-matched volunteers (48 eyes) were recruited in this clinical prospective, and comparative series study. Firstly, biomicroscopic examination and Type-A ultrasonometry was conducted to search for ectopia lentis and axis length. Secondly, the corneal morphologic parameter [including the height of anterior and posterior surface, the centre corneal curvature, the mean astigmatism in the 3.0-mm central zone (Mean A), the mean simulated astigmatism (Sim A), the mean keratometry in the 3.0-mm central zone (Mean K), the mean simulated keratometry (Sim K), the 3.0-mm zone irregularity (3.0ZI), the 5.0-mm zone irregularity (5.0ZI), corneal thickness index (CTI)] and thickness (at the central location and at eight midperipheral locations) were obtained by the the autorefractometer and the Orbscan II Z corneal topography. Last, the statistics method including Crosstabs, One-way ANOVA, student-t test and discriminant analysis were applied and the correlations were established. There is no statistically significance between MFS group and control group in ages (38 ± 7) and (37 ± 8) years, gender (8/16) and (9/15), and axis length (23.12 ± 1.06) mm and (24.26 ± 2.96) mm (age χ(2) = 0.091, P = 0.763;gender t = 0.324, axis length t = 1.976, P > 0.05). Flat cornea ratio (66.7% and 12.5%) and topography of the oval (25.0% and 16.7%), irregular bow-shaped (41.7% and 37.5%) and irregular-shaped (12.5% and 8.3%) were increased significantly in patients with MFS. The corneal topography (MFS/control) showed that there are statistically significance in the thinnest thickness of cornea (489.8 ± 42.9)µm and (544.8 ± 25.7)µm, Mean K (40.60 ± 1.30) D and (42.80 ± 1.40) D, Sim K (40.50 ± 1.30) D and (42.80 ± 1.20) D, Sim A (1.08 ± 0.86)D and (0.91 ± 0.46) D, CTI 1.57 ± 0.24 and 1.21 ± 0.14, 3.0ZI (1.76 ± 0.96) D and (1.54 ± 0.82) D, and 5.0ZI (1.91 ± 1.26) D and (0.92 ± 0.68) D (thinnest thickness t = 6.996, Mean K t = 2.554, Sim K t = 3.326, Sim A t = 2.324, CTI t = 3.116, 3.0ZI t = 2.686, 5.0ZI t = 3.768, P < 0.05), while no statistically significance in the Mean A between the MFS (1.11 ± 0.89) D and control group (0.99 ± 0.49) D (Mean A t = 1.898, P = 0.08); except for temple inferior, the significant decrease of pachymetry (including the center and the seven midperipheral locations) appeared in the MFS group compared with the control group. The characteristic of MFS in corneal topography is that corneal axial refractive power descends and corneal thickness decreases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The impact of pay for performance on the control of blood pressure in people with chronic kidney disease stage 3-5.
The implementation of national estimated glomerular filatration rate reporting and the inclusion of renal-specific indicators in a primary care pay for performance (P4P) system since April 2006 has promoted identification and better management of risk factors related to chronic kidney disease (CKD). In the UK, the P4P framework is known as the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF). One of the key targets for intervention in primary care was hypertension. It is clear that hypertension is a major predictor of development and progression of CKD; thus, targeting better blood pressure control is likely to have a positive impact on outcomes in CKD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of renal indicators outlined in P4P on the management of hypertension in primary care. To estimate the cost implications of the resulting changes in prescribing patterns of antihypertensive medication following introduction of such indicators. We performed a prospective cohort study using a large primary care database. This cohort was taken from a database collated as part of a clinical decision support system used to assist the management of CKD in primary care. We investigated a total population of 90 250 individuals on general practitioner (GP) registers with a valid serum creatinine estimation in the 6-year study period. A total of 10 040 patients had confirmed stage 3-5 CKD in the 2 years pre-QOF and formed the study cohort. Patients were studied over three time periods, pre-QOF (1 April 2004 to 31 March 2006), 2 years post-QOF (1 April 2006 to 31 March 2008) and finally the two subsequent years (1 April 2008 to 31 March 2010). The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures (BP) together with antihypertensive medication were analysed over the three time periods. Cost calculation was based on 2009 British National Formulary list prices for antihypertensives. The mean age of the cohort at the start of the study period was 64.8 years, 55% were female. In those patients with stage 3-5 CKD 83.9% were hypertensive, defined by a pre-P4P BP of >140/85 or currently taking antihypertensive medication. The proportion of patients with CKD 3-5 attaining the BP target of 145/80 increased from 41.5% in the pre-QOF period to 50.0% in the post-QOF period. This increase was even more marked for those with hypertension in the pre-QOF period (28.8-45.1%). In the hypertensive patients, mean BP fell from 146/79 mmHg to 140/76 in the first 2 years post-P4P [P < 0.01, analysis of variance (ANOVA)]. This BP reduction was sustained in the last 2 years of the study, 139/75 (P < 0.01, ANOVA). The proportion of hypertensive patients taking angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin blockers increased, this was also sustained in the third time period. An increase in the prescribing of diuretics, calcium channel blockers and β-blockers was also observed. The additional cost of increased prescribing was calculated to be €25.00 per hypertensive patient based on GP prescription data. Population BP control has improved since the introduction of P4P renal indicators, and this improvement has been sustained. This was associated with a significant increase in the use of antihypertensive medication, resulting in increased prescription cost. Longer-term follow-up will establish whether or not this translates to improved outcomes in terms of progression of CKD, cardiovascular disease and patient mortality. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
EEG spectral analysis and coherence in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy.
Hemiparetic cerebral palsy (HCP) is described as having two main forms: arm-dominant, associated with large cortical/subcortical lesions and leg-dominant, associated with central white matter lesions. Twelve children with HCP underwent clinical assessment and imaging studies. For each child, 20 artifact-free EEG epochs, each of 2s duration, were selected for spectral analysis and coherence functions. The objective of this research was to estimate EEG spectral power, interhemispheric coherence (ICoh), and intrahemispheric (Hcoh) coherence in children with HCP as compared to healthy children. Significant differences between the HCP and control children were detected in the distribution of alpha, theta, delta and beta rhythms over the left and right hemispheres. The ICoh values in the alpha band in the temporal, parietal and occipital regions were significantly lower in the HCP patients than in the controls. There was a significant ICoh increase in the HCP in the theta and delta band, involving frontal and temporal derivations. The significantly lower ICoh values in the HCP children in the beta band involved the frontal, central, parietal and occipital derivations. A higher HCoh value in the HCP children in the alpha band was detected at the right hemisphere. The lower ICoh at the temporal, parietal and occipital derivations in the alpha band implies hypoconnectivity between the right and left hemispheres. HCoh asymmetry, which implies relative hypoconnectivity within the left hemisphere as compared with the right, suggests that functional hemispheric differentiation may be diminished. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Which evidence has an impact on dentists' willingness to change their behavior?
There is some literature on how to find the best evidence for clinical practice but little is known about which evidence clinicians actually seek when they look for scientific support in changing behavior. The aim of this study was to explore which evidence has an impact on dentists' willingness to change their behavior by investigating the requirements for seeking and understanding new knowledge, as well as perceived barriers or motives for doing this. A postal questionnaire was analyzed according to demographic information, access to and use of a personal computer, postgraduate education activity, knowledge about evidence-based medicine and scientific terms, and seeking and grasping new and actual knowledge from 177 dentists. Fifteen of these dentists formed 3 focus groups that were interviewed about the areas in the questionnaire. First-order information, that was required in a short time, was sought by the nearest colleagues. Literature and Internet-based technology were second-order information, mainly sought by younger dentists. The people that were interviewed claimed that the real point of issue was to find new knowledge that could be transferred into practice. Many studies pointing to sometimes diverging results only seem to create confused professionals. To include some qualitative aspects in evidence-based reports could be a way of improving understanding and changing behavior in a favorable direction and perhaps also increase interest for new knowledge. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cost of privatisation versus government alcohol retailing systems: Canadian example.
Alcohol retail monopolies have been established in many countries to restrict alcohol availability and thus, minimise alcohol-related harm.The aim of this study was to estimate the impact of the privatisation of alcohol sales on the burden and direct health-care, law enforcement costs and indirect costs (lost productivity due to disability or premature mortality) in Canada. Simulation modelling. International Guidelines for the Estimation of the Avoidable Costs of Substance Abuse were used. All burden and costs were compared with the baseline taken from the aggregate Cost Study on Substance Abuse in Canada 2002. If all Canadian provinces and territories were to privatise alcohol sales we assume that consumption would increase from 10% to 20% based on available Canadian literature. Under the 10% scenario the costs would increase from 6% ($828 million) and under the 20% scenario costs would increase 12% ($1.6 billion).This increase is substantially greater than the tax and mark-up revenue gained from increased sales,and represents a net loss. Alcohol-attributable burden and associated costs will increase markedly if all Canadian provinces and territories gave up the government alcohol retailing systems.For public health and economic reasons, governments should continue to have a strong role in alcohol retailing. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evidence-based education and nursing pressure ulcer prevention textbooks: does it match?
The education of nurses has influenced the way of nursing practice for a long time. Nurse educators are required to offer up-to-date educational material, and textbooks are the most frequently used sources of knowledge during a nurse's education. In this study, researchers investigated the extent to which textbooks were evidence based regarding preventing pressure ulcers and knowing what recommendations to make for nursing students and publishers of nursing textbooks. Educators at nursing schools in Germany were contacted by telephone to identify the most often used nursing textbooks. The recommendations of the German Expert Standard of Pressure Ulcer Prevention were compared with the content of the textbooks in a content analysis. Additionally, teachers were asked what additional material they were using to help prepare lectures. Only one of the four analysed textbooks complied with the recommendations of the German Expert Standard. Contents of the other books were incomplete. The authors of some books did not mention any up-to-date scientific evidence. The teachers often used additional material such as the German Expert Standard and research articles to prepare their lectures. German nursing textbooks were classified into research-based and authoritative texts. Because of the fast development and availability of research findings, one recommendation is that new forms of "textbooks" such as CD ROMs should be considered. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Identification, characterization and expression of Toxocara canis nematode polyprotein allergen TBA-1.
We have cloned the cDNA of TBA-1, the Nematode polyprotein allergen (NPA) of Toxocara canis and found it to be most similar to ABA-1, the Ascaris NPA, on the basis of amino acid sequence. We could study the antigenic properties of an E-coli synthesized fusion protein prepared with the cloned gene since no glycosylation site was expected from the deduced amino acid sequence. Although no IgE responses to TBA-1 were detected, recombinant TBA-1 was differently recognized by serum IgG antibodies when the recombinant TBA-1 was directly adsorbed vs when immobilized via a streptavidin linkage on polystyrene microtitre wells. One group of sera recognized TBA-1 directly immobilized while the second only recognized TBA-1 immobilized via streptavidin linkage. The former were from rodents immunized with a Toxocara sp. adult worm extract while the latter were obtained from rodents infected with T. canis larva or immunized with a Anisakis simplex L3 larval extract. These observations suggest that the two in vivo forms of TBA-1 are expressed, but during different stages of the parasite's life cycle. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Besides Purkinje cells and granule neurons: an appraisal of the cell biology of the interneurons of the cerebellar cortex.
Ever since the groundbreaking work of Ramon y Cajal, the cerebellar cortex has been recognized as one of the most regularly structured and wired parts of the brain formed by a rather limited set of distinct cells. Its rather protracted course of development, which persists well into postnatal life, the availability of multiple natural mutants, and, more recently, the availability of distinct molecular genetic tools to identify and manipulate discrete cell types have suggested the cerebellar cortex as an excellent model to understand the formation and working of the central nervous system. However, the formulation of a unifying model of cerebellar function has so far proven to be a most cantankerous problem, not least because our understanding of the internal cerebellar cortical circuitry is clearly spotty. Recent research has highlighted the fact that cerebellar cortical interneurons are a quite more diverse and heterogeneous class of cells than generally appreciated, and have provided novel insights into the mechanisms that underpin the development and histogenetic integration of these cells. Here, we provide a short overview of cerebellar cortical interneuron diversity, and we summarize some recent results that are hoped to provide a primer on current understanding of cerebellar biology. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Molecular and physiological evaluation of subtropical environmental isolates of Acanthamoeba spp., causal agent of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Previous molecular examination of Acanthamoeba spp. has resulted in the determination of distinct genotypes in this genus (designated T1-T12, T14). Genotype T4 has been responsible for the majority of cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis. Here we examine the relative abundance of environmental T4 isolates on beaches and ask whether they have temperature and salinity tolerances that could enhance pathogenicity. Twenty-four Acanthamoeba strains were isolated from beach sand (n = 20), soil (n = 3), and tap water (n = 1) in south Florida. Phylogenetic analysis identified 19 of 24 isolates as T4, the Acanthamoeba keratitis-associated genotype. The remaining isolates were genotype T5 (4) and T11 (1). Nearly all beach isolates were genotype T4, whereas the tap water and soil isolates were mostly T5. All amoebae grew at 0, 1.0, and 2.0% salt and 19 of 20 beach isolates also grew at 3.2%. No soil or tap-water acanthamoebae reproduced at 3.2%. All isolates grew at 37 degrees C and two (T5) at 42 degrees C. Little correlation existed between beach location, salt-tolerance, and genetic relatedness. Overall, the large majority of environmental isolates obtained were genotype T4, suggesting it may be the most common genotype in this environment and could be a potential source of Acanthamoeba keratitis infections. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Colonization and Gut Flora Modulation of Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens ZW3 in the Intestinal Tract of Mice.
This study evaluated the distribution and colonization of Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens ZW3 and determined its capacity to modulate the gut microbiota in an animal model. Based on (1) fluorescence imaging, (2) flow cytometry, and (3) qPCR, we found that ZW3 successfully adhered to mouse mucous tissue and colonized the mouse ileum. Gut microbiota profiling was performed using high-throughput sequencing. After continuous intubation with ZW3 for 1 week, the proportion of Lachnospiraceae, a family of butyric acid-producing bacteria, increased at day 7 (11.9% at day 0 versus 18.4% at day 7). In addition, Lactobacillaceae showed an increasing trend (4% at day 0 versus 13% at day 7) that was accompanied by an observable decline in the Rikenellaceae family (1.58% at day 7, 0.14% at day 14, and 0.75% at day 21) in the tested mouse. The results demonstrate that ZW3 could successfully adhere to and colonize the mouse gut throughout the course of the experiment. The profiling analysis of the gut microbiota also provided evidence supporting the function of ZW3 in improving the intestinal flora of mice. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The smoB mutation suppressing cell filamentation and ability to support the multiplication of phage P22 in Salmonella typhimurium.
Isolation and properties of a Salmonella typhimurium mutant smoB are described. The mutation maps at unit 99 of the S. typhimurium chromosome between pyrB and deoC. It suppresses cell filamentation and temperature sensitivity of histidine-constitutive mutants, but does not restore the normal regulatory pattern to the histidine operon. Strains carrying the mutation have greatly reduced ability to support the growth of phage P22, but not of ES18 or Felix O. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Emotional enhancement of memory via amygdala-driven facilitation of rhinal interactions.
Emotions generally facilitate memory, an effect mediated by the basolateral amygdala (BLA). To study the underlying mechanisms, we recorded BLA, perirhinal and entorhinal neurons during an appetitive trace-conditioning task. We focused on the rhinal cortices because they constitute the interface between the hippocampus, a mediator of memory consolidation, and the neocortex, the storage site of declarative memories. We found that, after unexpected rewards, BLA activity increased impulse transmission from perirhinal to entorhinal neurons and that this effect decayed as the association between conditioned stimuli and rewards was learned. At this late phase of learning, the BLA effect occurred when the animals were anticipating the reward. By enhancing the processing of sensory cues, the BLA-mediated facilitation of rhinal interactions may explain how the amygdala promotes memory formation in emotional conditions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The treatment of agitation during initial hospitalization after traumatic brain injury.
Agitation after traumatic brain injury is disruptive for patient care, distressing, and difficult to treat. The use of propranolol has been advocated to control agitation after brain injury. It reportedly lacks some of the deleterious cognitive and emotional effects of other medications and physical restraints. This study was designed to test if propranolol is effective in reducing agitated behavior. Subjects had traumatic closed-head injury treated at a combined Level I Trauma Center and Rehabilitation Center. Twenty-one subjects met the criteria of agitation and were treated with propranolol or placebo in a double-blind fashion. The intensity of agitation was significantly lower in the treatment group although the number of episodes were similar. The use of restraints was also significantly lower in the treatment group. The results support the effectiveness of propranolol in reducing the intensity of agitation during the initial hospitalization after closed-head injury. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Assistive listening device versus conventional hearing aid in an elderly patient: case report.
An elderly patient with a relatively severe problem in speech understanding tried out, and rejected, use of a conventional hearing aid. She has accepted, however, and successfully used an assistive listening device (ALD). Her experience highlights the importance of considering trial use of an ALD in the elderly patient who rejects use of a conventional aid. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Anaphylaxis to muscle relaxants: cross sensitivity between relaxants.
Two patients are described who had clinical anaphylaxis due to muscle relaxants. One patient had systemic hypersensitivity and positive intradermal tests to d-tubocurarine and alcuronium. The second had systemic hypersensitivity to d-tubocurarine and positive intradermal tests to d-tubocurarine, alcuronium, and pancuronium. It is suggested that positive intradermal tests to more than one relaxant may mean allergy to more than one relaxant rather than false positive test. Cross sensitivity between alcuronium and d-tubocurarine occurs and a similar situation may exist for suxamethonium and gallamine. When intradermal testing is carried out after anaesthetic reactions all relaxants should be tested. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Accurate solution of the Dirac equation on Lagrange meshes.
The Lagrange-mesh method is an approximate variational method taking the form of equations on a grid because of the use of a Gauss quadrature approximation. With a basis of Lagrange functions involving associated Laguerre polynomials related to the Gauss quadrature, the method is applied to the Dirac equation. The potential may possess a 1/r singularity. For hydrogenic atoms, numerically exact energies and wave functions are obtained with small numbers n+1 of mesh points, where n is the principal quantum number. Numerically exact mean values of powers -2 to 3 of the radial coordinate r can also be obtained with n+2 mesh points. For the Yukawa potential, a 15-digit agreement with benchmark energies of the literature is obtained with 50 or fewer mesh points. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The urinary excretion of cocaine and metabolites in humans: a kinetic analysis of published data.
Cocaine plasma levels and urinary excretion data from the literature were subjected to kinetic analysis. The objective was to present the available empirical data in a more useful form and provide a basis for interpretation of cocaine and/or metabolite concentrations in isolated urine samples. Cocaine disposition was modeled as a one-compartment open kinetic system exhibiting linearity within the usually encountered dose range. Model-predicted urine concentrations of cocaine, benzoylecgonine, and ecgonine methyl ester after a 100-mg cocaine dose were compared with literature values to test the validity of the model, and to indicate the use of ratios of concentrations in isolated urine samples to estimate the time since the dose of cocaine. A nomogram relating BZ urine concentrations to cocaine doses was constructed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A novel member of the adipokinetic peptide family in a "living fossil", the ice crawler Galloisiana yuasai, is the first identified neuropeptide from the order Grylloblattodea.
This is the first report on the structural identity of a neuropeptide of the insect order Grylloblattodea. A peptide was isolated and sequenced from the retrocerebral corpora cardiaca-corpora allata complex of the ice crawler, Galloisiana yuasai. The sequence of the peptide was deduced from the multiple MS(N) electrospray mass data as that of an octapeptide: pGlu-Val-Asn-Phe-Ser-Pro-Thr-Trp amide. The retention time on reversed-phase HPLC and the CID MS(2) mass spectra of a synthetic peptide with the same primary structure were exactly the same as of the natural peptide. The sequence represents a novel peptide of the adipokinetic hormone family which contains presently 50 members. The primary structure differs in only one position to a few previously discovered AKHs. A scenario is outlined that makes it likely that the most recently discovered insect order, the Mantophasmatodea, and the Grylloblattodea are closely related. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Surgical therapy of bronchial cancer].
Over the last decades the medical and social importance of bronchial carcinoma has increased because of its incidence and poor prognosis. Until recently only surgery has offered the chance of a cure for non-small-cell lung cancer with a 5-year-survival of 25%. Today with the development of tissue-sparing techniques curative treatment is accessible also to patients with limited lung function and centrally located tumors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characterization of lpd (lipid defect): a novel mutation on mouse chromosome 16 associated with a defect in triglyceride metabolism.
Recent epidemiological studies have identified plasma triglyceride as a risk factor for atherogenesis. We have generated a mouse transgenic line that carries a recessive mutation designated lpd (lipid defect). Homozygous lpd mice develop as runts and die by age 10-15 days with striking liver pathology characterized by the presence of numerous lipid-containing vacuoles and extensive accumulation of triglycerides. Cloning of the mutant insertion locus and the wild-type lpd locus have revealed a duplication of host genomic sequences at the site of integration. Mapping of the lpd locus with the Jackson Laboratory BSS interspecific backcross panel of (C57BL/6JEi x SPRET/Ei) F1 x SPRET/Ei placed the lpd locus to the distal part of chromosome 16. These observations suggest that the transgene disrupts a putative gene at the lpd locus and that lpd is a novel locus related to triglyceride metabolism. The lpd mutant mice may serve as models for human disorders of fatty livers or hypertriglyceridemia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Implementation of paragraph 11b of the German Animal Welfare Act on the basis of the so-called "Quality Breeding" Report].
Enforcement of paragraph 11b of the German Animal Welfare Act is a responsibility of breeders and their organisations as well as executive local authorities. The Report on Defective Breeds of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture describes numerous breeding traits which are in conflict with animal welfare and gives valuable information for fancy or pet breeding. Yet a selection has to be made for taking legal actions, following specific criteria. With four examples different cases are presented, each requiring a different approach by the veterinarian authorities. Court decisions in Hessen concerning bans on breeding white cats and crested ducks show that the paragraph 11b is executable. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hydrostatic weighing without head submersion in morbidly obese females.
This study tests the validity of hydrostatic weighing without head submersion (HWNS) for determining the body density (Db) of morbidly obese (MO) females. Eighty MO females who were able to perform traditional hydrostatic weighing at residual volume (HW) underwent four counterbalanced trials for each procedure (HW and HWNS) to determine Db. Residual volume was determined by oxygen dilution. Twenty subjects were randomly excluded from the experimental group (EG) and assigned to a cross-validation group (CV). Simple linear regression was performed on EG data (n = 60, means = 36.8 y, means % fat = 50.1) to predict Db from HWNS (Db = 0.569563 [Db HWNS] + 0.408621, SEE = 0.0066). Comparison of the predicted and actual Db for CV group yielded r = 0.69, SEE = 0.0066, E statistic = 0.0067, mean difference = 0.0013 kg/L. The SEE and E statistic for body fat were 3.31 and 3.39, respectively. Mean difference for percent fat was 0.66%. Results indicate that HWNS is a valid technique for assessing body composition in MO females. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hypertrophy of the rat Golgi complex during enhancement of cholesterol and bile acids synthesis.
There are some evidences that the Golgi apparatus could be involved in bile salts transport. In this study we investigate the morphology of the Golgi apparatus in rats with a chronic bile fistula or treated with 4% cholestyramine, a bile salts chelating agent. In both models liver histology was normal by light microscopy. With electron microscopy--compared to sham groups--the only obvious change was the enlargement of the Golgi complex. Morphometric data confirmed that the Golgi rich area volume density was almost doubled after chronic bile fistula or cholestyramine treatment. These data give another support for the participation of the Golgi complex in bile salts transport. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The E2F-regulated gene Chk1 is highly expressed in triple-negative estrogen receptor /progesterone receptor /HER-2 breast carcinomas.
We previously showed that checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) and Claspin, two DNA-damage checkpoint proteins, were down-regulated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3), a known inhibitor of cell proliferation. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the transcriptional regulation of Chk1 and Claspin and to study their expression levels in human breast cancer tissue. Transient transfection experiments in MCF-7 breast cancer cells showed that promoter activities of Chk1 and Claspin were regulated by the E2F family of transcription factors. Subsequently, transcript levels of Chk1, Claspin, and E2F1 were determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis in 103 primary invasive breast carcinomas and were compared with several clinicopathologic variables in breast cancer. A strong correlation was found between Chk1 and Claspin transcript levels. Transcript levels of Chk1, Claspin, and E2F1 were highest in histologic grade 3 tumors and in tumors in which the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) was lost. Moreover, Chk1 expression was significantly elevated in grade 3 breast carcinomas showing a triple-negative ER-/PR-/HER-2- phenotype compared with other grade 3 tumors. Further research is warranted to validate the use of Chk1 inhibitors in triple-negative breast carcinomas for which treatment strategies are limited at present. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Circulating Th17 and Th1 cells expressing CD161 are associated with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis.
To determine whether the percentages of major CD4+CD161+ T-cell subsets [T-helper (Th)17, Th1, and Th17/Th1] in peripheral blood are correlated with disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In 42 RA patients and 15 healthy controls (HCs), the percentages of interleukin (IL)-17- and/or interferon (IFN)-γ-producing CD4+CD161+ T cells and the plasma levels of related cytokines were assessed by flow cytometry and cytometric bead array (CBA) analysis, respectively. Disease activity was evaluated by the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28). The percentage of circulating CD4+CD161+IL-17+IFN-γ- T cells (CD161+ Th17) in RA patients increased significantly and was higher in patients with active disease status (DAS28 > 3.2) compared with those with low disease status (DAS28 ≤ 3.2), and correlated positively with DAS28, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), IL-17, and IL-6 levels in RA patients. The percentage of circulating CD4+CD161+IL-17-IFN-γ+ T cells (CD161+ Th1) decreased and correlated negatively with DAS28, CRP, and ESR levels in RA patients, while the percentage of CD4+CD161+IL-17+IFN-γ+ T cells (CD161+ Th17/Th1) was unchanged in RA patients and was not correlated with RA disease activity. These data suggest that the percentages of circulating CD161+ Th17 and CD161+ Th1 cells in RA patients reflect the degree of disease activity. They support the hypothesis that Th17 cells are involved in the pathogenesis of RA and that CD161+ Th17/CD161+ Th1-cell imbalance may contribute to the development of RA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Lack of CbrB in Pseudomonas putida affects not only amino acids metabolism but also different stress responses and biofilm development.
The CbrAB two-component system has been described in certain species of Pseudomonads as a global regulatory system required for the assimilation of several amino acids (e.g. histidine, proline or arginine) as carbon or carbon and nitrogen sources. In this work, we used global gene expression and phenotypic analyses to characterize the roles of the CbrAB system in Pseudomonas putida. Our results show that CbrB is involved in coordination with the nitrogen control system activator, NtrC, in the uptake and assimilation of several amino acids. In addition, CbrB affects other carbon utilization pathways and a number of apparently unrelated functions, such as chemotaxis, stress tolerance and biofilm development. Based on these new findings, we propose that CbrB is a high-ranked element in the regulatory hierarchy of P. putida that directly or indirectly controls a variety of metabolic and behavioural traits required for adaptation to changing environmental conditions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Food environments in university dorms: 20,000 calories per dorm room and counting.
Few young adults meet national dietary recommendations. Although home food availability likely has important influences on dietary intake, little research has examined this issue among young adults. The objective of this research was to conduct a detailed, observational assessment of food and beverages available in college-student dormitory rooms. Dormitory-residing students (n=100) were recruited from a large, public university. Research staff completed a detailed inventory of food and beverages in the dorm rooms, including nutrient contents and purchasing sources. Data were collected and analyzed in 2008. The mean number of food and beverage items per participant was 47 (range: 0-208), with 4% of participants not having any food or beverages. More than 70% of students had each of the following types of items: salty snacks, cereal or granola bars, main dishes, desserts or candy, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Fewer students had low-calorie beverages, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, tea/coffee, and 100% fruit/vegetable juice. The average number of calories per dorm room was 22,888. Items purchased by parents had a higher calorie and fat content than items purchased by students. Findings indicate that students maintain a wide array of food and beverages in their dormitory rooms. Parents purchased a substantial amount of food for their children's dormitory rooms, and these food items were less healthful than the food that students purchased. The foods observed in college students' living spaces may have an important impact on eating habits. Overall, young adult-oriented obesity prevention efforts are needed, and improving the various facets of campus food environments may mark an important component of such strategies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The Arabidopsis KNOLLE and KEULE genes interact to promote vesicle fusion during cytokinesis.
Partitioning of the cytoplasm during cytokinesis or cellularisation requires syntaxin-mediated membrane fusion [1-3]. Whereas in animals, membrane fusion promotes ingression of a cleavage furrow from the plasma membrane [4,5], somatic cells of higher plants form de novo a transient membrane compartment, the cell plate, which is initiated in the centre of the division plane and matures into a new cell wall and its flanking plasma membranes [6,7]. Cell plate formation results from the fusion of Golgi-derived vesicles delivered by a dynamic cytoskeletal array, the phragmoplast. Mutations in two Arabidopsis genes, KNOLLE (KN) and KEULE (KEU), cause abnormal seedlings with multinucleate cells and incomplete cell walls [1,8]. The KN gene encodes a cytokinesis-specific syntaxin which localises to the cell plate [9]. Here, we show that KN protein localisation is unaffected in keu mutant cells, which, like kn, display phragmoplast microtubules and accumulate ADL1 protein in the plane of cell division but vesicles fail to fuse with one another. Genetic interactions between KN and KEU were analysed in double mutant embryos. Whereas the haploid gametophytes gave rise to functional gametes, the embryos behaved like single cells displaying multiple, synchronously cycling nuclei, cell cycle-dependent microtubule arrays and ADL1 accumulation between pairs of daughter nuclei. This complete inhibition of cytokinesis from fertilisation indicates that KN and KEU, have partially redundant functions and interact specifically in vesicle fusion during cytokinesis of somatic cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Extraction of zirconium and hafnium thiocyanate with polyurethane foam.
Conditions for the extraction of zirconium and hafnium thiocyanate by polyether-type polyurethane foam were studied in detail. The composition of the extractable species was found to be dependent on both the thiocyanate and metal-ion concentrations. The extraction efficiency for zirconium and hafnium depended on the size of the counter-cation as well as on the type of anion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The change of immunoglobulin in patients with eyeball perforation at high altitude].
To explore the change of tear immune function on eyeballs with perforating injury at high altitude. In 51 patients (53 eyes) with eyeball perforating injury at high altitude (sea level 3658 m), by using single agar immune diffusion test, IgG, IgA, IgM, C(3) and C(4) values of tears were separately measured before and after clinical cure. The Ig values of tears increased universally. The IgA value increased especially in the 7th day. The IgG and IgM value in the serum increased in the 3rd day after injury (P < 0.05), and the IgG, IgA and IgM of tears increased especially on the 7th day (P < 0.01). The C(3) and C(4) value of tears did not change significantly (P < 0.05). The change of Ig value is a useful detective means to evaluate the treatment effect. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neutrophil CD64 level as a rapid and promising diagnostic tool for infectious diseases in elderly patients.
We examined the utility of the neutrophil CD64 level as a rapid and sensitive diagnostic marker for infections in febrile aged patients. The expression level of CD64 per neutrophil was quantitatively measured with flow cytometry using a QuantiBrite kit in samples from febrile (aged >65 years) patients. Information about the presence or absence of infectious disease was retrospectively obtained from each patient's medical record in which attending physicians were obliged to write down a tentative diagnosis after resolution of manifestations. With receiver operating characteristic curve evaluation using the results, a CD64 level >2000 molecules per neutrophil was sensitive and specific for detecting infection. Among 102 patients suspected of having infection, 72 patients were diagnosed with infectious diseases, and 30 patients had non-infectious diseases. The sensitivity and specificity of determination of the neutrophil CD64 level were 88% and 63%, respectively. However, considering the high frequency of infections in elderly patients (71% in the present study), the post-test probability reached as high as 93%. The positive likelihood ratio was 2.4, and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.2. Considering the frequency of infectious diseases in elderly patients, determination of the neutrophil CD64 level helps detect infectious diseases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Modern methods of examination in the diagnosis of orbital neurilemmoma].
The important symptoms in 58 cases of neurilemmoma were slow exophthalmos and visual impairment. The diagnosis was discussed and the values of B-scan, CT and MRI were analysed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cocaethylene in meconium specimens.
Cocaethylene, a metabolite of cocaine and ethanol, exhibits cardiac and neurobehavioral effects. In order to determine the prevalence of this compound in meconium specimens, samples which gave a positive result for benzoylecgonine using fluorescence polarization immunoassay were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for cocaine, cocaethylene and benzoylecgonine. Deuterated cocaine, cocaethylene and benzoylecgonine were used as internal standards. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry cutoff concentrations of 5.0 ng/g were utilized for all analytes. Of the 361 specimens which consecutively confirmed positive for cocaine or benzoylecgonine, 114 (31.6%) tested positive for cocaethylene. Further, cocaethylene accumulates in greater concentrations in meconium than urine, and is a useful analyte for identifying fetal alcohol exposure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Participatory action research with self-help groups: an alternative paradigm for inquiry and action.
Presents participatory action research (PAR) as a scientific paradigm most relevant for inquiry and action with self-help groups. "Subjects" individual and collective involvement in the design, conduct, and utilization of research, and scientists' involvement in action to improve group functioning, are among the hallmarks of PAR. Such an approach is most consistent with self-help characteristics and ideology: highly participative membership, aprofessional leadership, localist and grass-roots orientation, and respect for experience-based knowledge. Conducting research and action for change that simultaneously generates useful knowledge and advances group goals requires new scientific roles and techniques. The orthodoxy of the conventional scientific paradigm is problematic for productive inquiry about self-help and for aiding self-help groups. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Structural and biochemical investigation of the role in proofreading of a beta hairpin loop found in the exonuclease domain of a replicative DNA polymerase of the B family.
Replicative DNA polymerases, as exemplified by the B family polymerases from bacteriophages T4 and RB69, not only replicate DNA but also have the ability to proofread misincorporated nucleotides. Because the two activities reside in separate protein domains, polymerases must employ a mechanism that allows for efficient switching of the primer strand between the two active sites to achieve fast and accurate replication. Prior mutational and structural studies suggested that a beta hairpin structure located in the exonuclease domain of family B polymerases might play an important role in active site switching in the event of a nucleotide misincorporation. We show that deleting the beta hairpin loop in RB69 gp43 affects neither polymerase nor exonuclease activities. Single binding event studies with mismatched primer termini, however, show that the beta hairpin plays a role in maintaining the stability of the polymerase/DNA interactions during the binding of the primer DNA in the exonuclease active site but not on the return of the corrected primer to the polymerase active site. In addition, the deletion variant showed a more stable incorporation of a nucleotide opposite an abasic site. Moreover, in the 2.4 A crystal structure of the beta hairpin deletion variant incorporating an A opposite a templating furan, all four molecules in the crystal asymmetric unit have DNA in the polymerase active site, despite the presence of DNA distortions because of the misincorporation, confirming that the primer strand is not stably bound within the exonuclease active site in the absence of the beta hairpin loop. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effect of vitamin A on the proliferation of oral epithelium in the rat.
This study assessed the effect of topical and systemic 13-cis-retinoic acid on rat palatal epithelial proliferation with bromodeoxyuridine labelling and silver stained nucleolar organizer regions. Sixty male Wistar rats were assigned randomly to a control group or treatment groups of topical orabase, RA in orabase, 5 times/week or twice weekly systemic doses of 12 mg RA in coconut oil. The rats were treated for 1, 2, 4 or 8 weeks and killed 1 h post-injection of 40 mg/kg BrdUrd. The palatal mucosae were processed, using immunoperoxidase staining or silver stain to visualize BrdUrd utilization or AgNORs, respectively. The number of BrdUrd positive nuclei/mm overlying epithelium and number and area of AgNORs in the basal cells were assessed using image analysis. ANOVA indicated there was no significant effect of treatment on LN/mm or the numbers or areas of AgNORs. The LN/mm for the 8 w group (29.5) was significantly lower than the other groups. RA did not influence rat palatal epithelial proliferation, but across all groups increased age was associated with decreased proliferation. It would appear that the proliferation of normal oral mucosa may not be subject to altered proliferation when treated with therapeutic doses of topical or systemic RA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Congenital cardiopathy in a series of 53,578 children born in Oviedo (1976-1985)].
A diagnosis of congenital heart disease was carried out in the 5.2/1,000 of 53,578 live neonates who were born in the Hospital "Nuestra Señora de Covadonga" from 1-1-1976 to 12-31-1985. A relatively high and low incidences of ventricular and atrial septal defects were respectively found. The 69.1% of heart diseases were identified in the first month of life. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Enzyme activity and effect of heat treatment on some fungal diseases of postharvest tomato fruits.
The activity of heat treatments for controlling tomato black mould caused by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler and grey mould caused by Botrytis cinerea Pers. Ex. Pers. wWas tested. Spore suspension of the grey mold pathogen which was exposed to hot water treatment at 58 degrees C for 6 min., failed to germinate, whereas A. alternata failed to germinate when exposed to hot water at 58 degrees C, for 8 min. Exposing discs bearing growth of any both tested fungi to hot air at 48 degrees C for 72 h caused growth suppression for the both tested pathogens. Dipping tomato fruits in hot water at 58 degrees C for 8 min or keeping in hot air for 72 h at 40 degrees C prevented decay development in non inoculated or artificially inoculated fruits with A. alternata and B. cinerea up to 12 days when stored at 24 degrees C. The high amount of polygalacturonase (PG) and pectinmethylestrase (BME) enzymes were investigated in infected fruits by the two tested pathogens as compared by healthy ones. The culture filtrate of A. alternata had the highest protease activity, white B. cinerea was the lowest. Protease activity was higher when CD liquid medium contain casein was used. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Estimation of total bacteria by real-time PCR in patients with periodontal disease.
Periodontal diseases are associated with the presence of elevated levels of bacteria within the gingival crevice. The aim of this study was to evaluate a total amount of bacteria in subgingival plaque samples in patients with a periodontal disease. A quantitative evaluation of total bacteria amount using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed on 20 samples of patients with ulceronecrotic periodontitis and on 10 samples of healthy subjects. The estimation of total bacterial amount was based on gene copy number for 16S rRNA that was determined by comparing to Ct values/gene copy number of the standard curve. A statistically significant difference between average gene copy number of total bacteria in periodontal patients (2.55 x 10⁷) and healthy control (2.37 x 10⁶) was found (p = 0.01). Also, a trend of higher numbers of the gene copy in deeper periodontal lesions (> 7 mm) was confirmed by a positive value of coefficient of correlation (r = 0.073). The quantitative estimation of total bacteria based on gene copy number could be an important additional tool in diagnosing periodontitis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A comparative study of the patello-femoral joint on axial roentgenogram, axial arthrogram, and computed tomography following arthrography.
After arthrography 71 young patients with pain in the knee had a computed tomography (CT) examination. The form of the patella is classified according to the method of Wiberg [12] and on CT 50% of them do not correspond to the type described on the axial roentgenogram. The position of the patella can be examined on CT with a relaxed knee in 15 degrees of flexion. The patellar cartilage is easier to assess on CT: congruity, regularity, imbibition of contrast material and thickness are studied. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Readers panel - A weighty surgical problem.
Our experts consider a hot topic of the day. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
How reliable is depression screening in alcohol and drug users? A validation of brief and ultra-brief questionnaires.
Depression is highly comorbid with alcohol and drug problems, resulting in greater impairment, reduced treatment adherence and poor outcomes. Little evidence exists to support the use of mental health screening tools in routine addiction treatment. This study tested the validity and reliability of PHQ-9 and PHQ-2 as depression case finding tools in an outpatient drug treatment sample in the United Kingdom. A sample of 103 patients took part in diagnostic assessments using CIS-R and completed brief screening questionnaires. A subgroup of 60 patients completed retests after 4 weeks. Diagnostic results were compared to brief measures using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Psychometric properties were also calculated to evaluate the validity and reliability of self-completed questionnaires. A PHQ-9 score ≥ 12 had a sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 75% for major depression, also displaying good retest reliability (intra-class correlation, 0.78) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha, 0.84). PHQ-2 had 68% sensitivity and 70% specificity, with more modest retest reliability (0.66) and internal consistency (0.64). Diagnostic interviews did not consider the temporal sequencing of the onset of drug use and mental health problems. PHQ-9 is a valid and reliable depression screening tool for drug and alcohol users. The brevity and ease of administration of self-completed questionnaires make them useful clinical tools in addiction services commonly encountering a high prevalence of depression. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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