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Quality of treatment and disability compensation in depression: comparison of 2 nationally representative samples with a 10-year interval in Finland.
Depressive disorders cause substantial work impairment that can lead to disability compensation. The authors compared treatment received for depression preceding disability pension between 2 nationally representative samples with a 10-year interval. The medical statements for 2 random samples drawn from the Finnish national disability pension registers, representing populations granted a disability pension for DSM-III-R major depression during a 12-month period from October 1993 through September 1994 (N = 277) and for ICD-10 depressive disorders (F32-F33) from October 2003 through September 2004 (N = 265) were examined. The proportions of persons receiving weekly psychotherapy, antidepressants, adequate antidepressant dosage, sequential antidepressant trials, lithium augmentation, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) were compared. No significant differences emerged between the 2 samples, except for the adequacy of antidepressant dosage. Few subjects in either of the samples (8.7% for 1993-1994 vs. 10.6% for 2003-2004, p = .45) had received weekly psychotherapy. Most had received antidepressants (87.4% vs. 85.6%, p = .55) with increasingly adequate dosage (75.6% vs. 85.0%, p = .02), but only a minority had received sequential antidepressant trials (39.5% vs. 44.5%, p = .24). Lithium augmentation and ECT were rare (1.1% vs. 1.5%, p = .66 and 4.0% vs. 1.5%, p = .08, respectively). Even in 2003-2004, over half of the subjects were granted a disability pension without sequential antidepressant trials. This nationally representative study indicates that, despite an increased antidepressant use and improved practice guidelines for depression, a considerable proportion of the people granted long-term compensation for depression seem to be suboptimally treated. Given the enormous costs of the disability, attention to the quality of treatment provided for depression is warranted before long-term disability compensations are granted.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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MR imaging of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease.
Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD) is a rare, slowly progressive, sex-linked demyelinating disorder generally classified with the sudanophilic leukodystrophies. The onset is most often in the pediatric age group and may be diagnosed as cerebral palsy because of the subtle onset. Cranial magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of two patients with PMD showed reversal of the normal gray/white matter signal relationships, consistent with dysmyelination, as well as low intensity lentiform nuclei and thalami possibly suggesting pathologic iron deposition. Magnetic resonance also better demonstrated low volume brain without the beam hardening limitations of X-ray CT. Although our MR findings correlate well with the pathophysiology of PMD, the MR characteristics are not specific. The diagnosis of PMD remains one of clinical and laboratory exclusion.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The lipid profile of three Malassezia species assessed by Raman spectroscopy and discriminant analysis.
Malassezia yeasts constitute the major eukaryotic cutaneous flora of homoeothermic vertebrates. These lipophilic yeasts are able to cause, trigger, or aggravate common skin diseases under favorable conditions. Species identification and subspecies differentiation is currently based on morphological characteristics, lipid assimilation profile, and molecular tests. Mass spectrometry has been also reported as a reliable, yet costly and labor-intensive, method to classify Malassezia yeasts. Here, we introduce Raman spectroscopy as a new molecular technique able to differentiate three phylogenetically close Malassezia species (M.globosa, M.pachydermatis, and M.sympodialis) by examining their lipid metabolic profile. Using Raman spectroscopy, lipid fingerprints of Malassezia cultures on Leeming-Notman agar, were analyzed by spectral bands assignment and partial least squares discriminant analysis. Our results demonstrate differential utilization of lipid supplements among these three species and the ability of Raman spectroscopy to rapidly and accurately discriminate them by predictive modelling.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Regional procarbazine delivery reduces testicular toxicity.
Procarbazine has been implicated as a cause of infertility. Regionalization of drug delivery is a potential method to avoid this problem. We investigated the protective effect of testicular circulatory isolation (TCI) on gonadal toxicity during procarbazine administration in the Sprague-Dawley rat. Four groups (n = 10/group) were used. Animals in group 1 received no treatment. Rats in groups 2 and 3 were anaesthetized and received TCI of the left testis by clamping of the spermatic cord and gubernaculum immediately before a bolus of intravenous procarbazine (400 mg kg-1). The clamping was maintained for 15 min after procarbazine administration in group 2 and for 45 min in group 3. Rats in group 4 received sham surgery immediately before procarbazine administration. On day 70, all rats were killed and necropsied. Testicular toxicity was evaluated qualitatively by histology and quantitatively by measurements of testicular weight, sperm head count, repopulation index, and epididymal index. The results indicated that 15 min of TCI did not mitigate testicular toxicity; 45 min of TCI provided moderate protection against procarbazine-induced testicular toxicity.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Investigation of non-CB1, non-CB2 WIN55212-2-sensitive G-protein-coupled receptors in the brains of mammals, birds, and amphibians.
Previous studies have found non-CB1 non-CB2 G-protein-coupled receptors in rodents that are activated by the aminoalkylindole cannabinoid agonist WIN55212-2. This work obtained evidence for the presence or absence of similar receptors in the brains of other mammals, birds and amphibians. Antagonism of the stimulation of [35S]GTPγS binding by WIN55212-2 and CP55940 was assessed in multiple CNS regions of rat and canine, and in whole brain membranes from shrew, pigeon, frog and newt. A bioinformatics approach searched for orthologs of GRP3, GPR6, and GPR12 (closely related to cannabinoid receptors) in the genomes of these or related species. Orthologs were examined for amino acid motifs known to impart functionality to receptors. In mammals and pigeon, but not amphibians, a significant fraction of the stimulation of [35S]GTPγS binding by WIN55212-2 was not blocked by the CB1 antagonist SR141716A. BLAST searches found that GPR3 was restricted to mammals. GPR12 orthologs existed in all species, and they shared identical amino acid motifs. GPR6 orthologs existed all species, but with significant departures in the identity of some critical amino acids in bird, more so in amphibian. The portion of WIN55212-2-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding that was antagonized by SR141716A was consistent with stimulation via CB1 receptors, indicating that antagonist-insensitive activity was via a different G-protein coupled receptor. Pharmacological evidence of this receptor was found in the brains of mammals and pigeon, but not frog or newt. Bioinfomatics results implicate GPR6 as a possible candidate for the additional WIN55212-2-sensitive receptor.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A novel endonuclease specified by bacteriophage lambda. Purification and properties of the enzyme.
A DNA endonuclease whose expression is under the control of the b region of bacteriophage lambda has been partially purified from an induced lambda lysogen. In a reaction that requires single-stranded DNA, ATP, and Mg2+, the lambda-induced endonuclease makes one double strand break in pBR322 and other covalently closed circular DNA molecules, converting these substrates into unit-length linear forms. The double strand break in pBR322 DNA occurs at one of several preferred sites. Linear DNA appears not to be a good substrate for the enzyme.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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rTMS of supplementary motor area modulates therapy-induced dyskinesias in Parkinson disease.
The neural mechanisms and circuitry involved in levodopa-induced dyskinesia are unclear. Using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the supplementary motor area (SMA) in a group of patients with advanced Parkinson disease, the authors investigated whether modulation of SMA excitability may result in a modification of a dyskinetic state induced by continuous apomorphine infusion. rTMS at 1 Hz was observed to markedly reduce drug-induced dyskinesias, whereas 5-Hz rTMS induced a slight but not significant increase.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Immunohistochemical evaluation of FLI-1 in acute lymphoblastic lymphoma (ALL): a potential diagnostic pitfall.
Cases of CD45-negative acute lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia (ALL) immunoreactive for CD99 and Friend Leukemia Integration-1 (FLI-1) can occur and may lead to a misdiagnosis of Ewing sarcoma/peripheral neuroectodermal tumor with critical clinical treatment management implications. The objective of this study was to evaluate a panel of antibodies that would allow greater diagnostic accuracy of ALL and evaluate the frequency of FLI-1 immunoreactivity in a series of ALL cases and an expanded series of T-cell lymphoma subtypes. Immunoreactivity for CD3 was seen in 12/20 (60%), CD20 in 5/20 (25%), CD43 in 19/20(95%), CD45 in 15/20(75%), CD99 in 15/20 (75%), FLI-1, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) in 17/20 (85%) cases. Two cases negative for leukocyte common antigen (LCA), CD20, and CD3 were positive for FLI-1, CD99, TdT, and CD43. Two other LCA-negative cases were positive for CD99 but negative for FLI-1. The majority of cases showed immunoreactivity for CD43 and/or TdT. Therefore, CD43 and/or TdT should be included in the immunohistochemical evaluation of small round blue cell tumors. Absence of immunoreactivity for LCA does not exclude ALL and immunoreactivity of FLI-1 is not restricted to Ewing sarcoma/peripheral neuroectodermal tumor. We also report FLI-1 expression in an expanded series of 75 cases of T-cell lymphoma and found high expression in anaplastic large cell lymphoma and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Photopheresis up-regulates CD36 on monocytes and reduces CD25(+) and CD28(+) T cell numbers.
Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is an effective treatment for some malignant T cell proliferations and disorders associated with pathogenic T cell activation. ECP induces apoptosis in lymphocytes and up-regulates the antigen-processing ability of monocytes. Recently, it has been proposed that the anti-tumour response, generated by ECP, can be enhanced by prolonging the co-culture of the ECP-treated lymphocytes and monocytes prior to re-infusion. However, early markers of lymphoid apoptosis and changes in cytokine secretion have been observed immediately following ECP. This study aimed to determine the rapid effects of ECP on significant markers associated with antigen presentation. Pre- and post-ECP samples, from 11 chronic graft versus host disease (cGvHD) and 3 cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) patients, were tested. The monocytes were evaluated for CD36 and CD91 expression, whilst the number of T cells positive for CD25, CD28, CD62L, CD152 and CD154 were determined. The pre- and post-ECP samples were compared statistically to determine change and both pre- and post-samples were compared to age/sex-matched controls. Monocyte expression of CD36 increased to normal immediately post-ECP in both patient groups, whilst the percentage of CD25(+) and CD28(+) T cells fell significantly in the cGvHD cohort following ECP. CD36 is an important receptor for the uptake of apoptotic material and its up-regulation would be beneficial in the antigen-processing mechanism proposed for ECP. No enhancement in markers of T cell activation would indicate that ECP-treated lymphocytes play no direct role in the proposed cytotoxic response. However, reduction in CD25 and CD28 may represent a mechanism beneficial in disease states with excess T cell activation.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Cloning, expression and identification of gametocyte specific protein Pfgdv1 of Plasmodium falciparum].
To clone a gametocyte specific protein Pfgdv1 of Plasmodium falciparum, express and identify recombinant Pfgdvl protein in vitro. PCR was performed to amplify Pfgdv1 from P. falciparum DNA which was got from the patient who was infected with P. falciparum, and the PCR product was inserted into pET28a (+) vector. pET28a-Pfgdv1 recombinant plasmid was constructed and transformed into E. coli host BL21 (DE3+). IPTG was used to induce the recombinant Pfgdv1 protein fused with His tag, and the protein was purified by His-NTA affinity chromatography. The recombinant protein was identified by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. The PCR product of Pfgdv1 gene was about 1.65 kb, meeting the expectation of predicted fragment size. The recombinant protein was about 67 kDa, which could be recognized by His-Tag monoclonal antibody. The Pfgdv1 gene of P. falciparum is successfully cloned, and the recombinant Pfgdv1 protein is expressed, thereby providing an opportunity for further study on transmission blocking vaccine.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Postoperative Delirium in Severely Burned Patients Undergoing Early Escharotomy: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes.
The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence, related risk factors, and outcomes of postoperative delirium (POD) in severely burned patients undergoing early escharotomy. This study included 385 severely burned patients (injured <1 week; TBSA, 31-50% or 11-20%; American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, II-IV) aged 18 to 65 years, who underwent early escharotomy between October 2014 and December 2015, and were selected by cluster sampling. The authors excluded patients with preoperative delirium or diagnosed dementia, depression, or cognitive dysfunction. Preoperative, perioperative, intraoperative, and postoperative information, such as demographic characteristics, vital signs, and health history were collected. The Confusion Assessment Method was used once daily for 5 days after surgery to identify POD. Stepwise binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for POD, t-tests, and χ tests were performed to compare the outcomes of patients with and without the condition. Fifty-six (14.55%) of the patients in the sample were diagnosed with POD. Stepwise binary logistic regression showed that the significant risk factors for POD in severely burned patients undergoing early escharotomy were advanced age (>50 years old), a history of alcohol consumption (>3/week), high American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (III or IV), time between injury and surgery (>2 days), number of previous escharotomies (>2), combined intravenous and inhalation anesthesia, no bispectral index applied, long duration surgery (>180 min), and intraoperative hypotension (mean arterial pressure < 55 mm Hg). On the basis of the different odds ratios, the authors established a weighted model. When the score of a patient's weighted odds ratios is more than 6, the incidence of POD increased significantly (P < .05). When the score of a patient's weighted odds ratios is more than 6, the incidence of POD increased significantly (P < .05). Further, POD was associated with more postoperative complications, including hepatic and renal function impairment and hypernatremia, as well as prolonged hospitalization, increased medical costs, and higher mortality.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Exercise-induced myocardial perfusion abnormalities in sickle beta-thalassemia: Tc-99m tetrofosmin gated SPECT imaging study.
To determine the mechanism of myocardial ischemia in patients with sickle beta-thalassemia, we performed a scintigraphic evaluation of myocardial perfusion during exercise. We studied 30 patients with sickle beta-thalassemia, (mean [+/-SD] age, 37 +/- 10 years) who had no electrocardiographic (ECG), radiographic, or echo-Doppler signs of pulmonary hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, or impaired contractility. All patients had a hemoglobin level greater than 7 g/dL. Treadmill exercise test was performed according to the Bruce protocol. Myocardial perfusion was assessed by single-photon emission computed tomography, using Tetrofosmin Tc-99 m Myoview as radiotracer, at peak exercise and again 4 hours later. Eight patients (27%) developed stress-induced scintigraphic perfusion abnormalities that were reversible in all but 1 patient. Subsequent coronary angiograms were normal in all 8 patients. ST segment depression was seen during exercise in 5 of the 7 patients who had reversible perfusion defects. Except for a significantly greater white blood cell count, these 5 patients did not differ from the rest of patients by sex, age, hemoglobin level, percentage hemoglobin F, beta-thalassemia genotype, or risk factors for coronary artery disease. Three of the 5 patients with perfusion and ECG abnormalities (and another with only perfusion defects) developed a stress-induced sickling crisis. Physical stress may induce myocardial ischemia in sickle beta-thalassemia patients with normal coronary arteries and elicit painful crises. The sickling process, activated by exercise, could be the common underlying mechanism.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Regulation of myometrial smooth muscle functions.
Regulation of myometrial functions during gestation, labor and birth are in the forefront of research in reproductive sciences. The complexity of the problem is reflected by our scant understanding of the intimate cellular and molecular events underlying these phenomena, despite extensive efforts spanning several decades. Unlike other smooth muscles, the myometrium is, to a large extent, under hormonal control. Of these, the steroid hormones, progesterone and estrogen, play dominant roles in terms of uterine growth, the maintenance of quiescence during gestation and the preparation of the uterus for labor and delivery. In addition to steroid hormones, there are a number of factors that modulate myometrial contractility (oxytocin, prostaglandins, endothelin, platelet activating factor) and relaxation (corticotropin releasing hormone, prostacyclin, nitric oxide). Although notable advances have been made towards understanding some of the key steps in receptor signaling that define the actions of these factors, a good deal of new information is needed to fully understand this fundamental life process. Pharmaceutical agents have been used extensively to induce labor or to prolong pregnancy in the case of preterm labor that represents the major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Because preterm labor is a syndrome of multiple etiologies, pharmacologic agents will have to be targeted accordingly. This review attempts to present a critical overview of these topics.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Revision septoplasty: review of sources of persistent nasal obstruction.
Patients with nasal obstruction from septal deviation commonly undergo septoplasty to improve nasal airflow. Some patients suffer from persistent obstruction after their primary septoplasty and may undergo a revision septoplasty to improve their nasal passageway. Our objective was to identify patients who underwent revision septoplasty and to identify their sources of persistent nasal obstruction. Patients who underwent septoplasty at our institution between 1995 and 2005 were reviewed. Data is collected on demographics, comorbidities, age at septoplasty, associated and concomitant procedures, surgical approach, and anatomic site of obstruction. Five hundred forty-seven patients met inclusion criteria including 477 who underwent primary septoplasty and 70 who underwent revision surgery. Nineteen percent of nonrevision patients underwent nasal valve surgery along with their primary septoplasty versus 4% of patients in the revision group. Fifty-one percent of revision patients had nasal valve surgery at revision surgery. Patients who underwent sinus surgery along with primary septoplasty were less likely to undergo revision septoplasty. History of facial trauma, obstructive sleep apnea, site of deviation, and performance of inferior turbinate surgery did not affect the likelihood of revision septoplasty. A significant number of patients who undergo revision septoplasty also have nasal valve collapse. We recommend that in addition to septal deviation and inferior turbinate hypertrophy, nasal valve function be fully evaluated before performing septoplasty. This will help to ensure a complete understanding of a patient's nasal airway obstruction and, consequently, appropriate and effective surgical intervention.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Haematocrit distribution in rabbit tenuissimus muscle.
Low values of mean capillary haematocrit have been reported in many tissues including skeletal muscle. The present study was undertaken to analyse haematocrit distribution in the transverse and terminal arterioles, capillaries and venules of the rabbit tenuissimus muscle preparation. Tube haematocrit, i.e. the volume fraction of red cells, in muscle capillaries (n = 85) was found to be 39% of systematic haematocrit Hsys. In part, this haematocrit reduction is due to the Fahraeus effect. Corresponding capillary discharge haematocrit HD was 56% of Hsys. Tenuissimus muscle capillaries are fed by terminal arterioles originating from transverse arterioles. The latter extend into and supply adjacent connective tissue septa in addition to the muscle tissue proper. In transverse arterioles leaving the muscle to enter the connective tissue, HD was found to be 127% of Hsys (n = 18), and in collecting venules at the muscle edge HD was 129% of Hsys (n = 18). These findings indicate that the connective tissue microcirculation represents a functional red-cell shunt in resting tenuissimus muscle. Since only about 20% of the inflow to the preparation passes through the connective tissue, this shunting is not sufficient to satisfy conservation of red-cell mass. In addition, it is likely that the observed low capillary haematocrit is in part due to a positive correlation between blood-flow velocity and HD in capillaries originating from individual terminal arterioles. This phenomenon is called the network Fahraeus effect.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A Prospective Comparison of Selective Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Fusion-Targeted and Systematic Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Biopsies for Detecting Prostate Cancer in Men Undergoing Repeated Biopsies.
The aim of the study was to compare the prostate cancer (PCa) detection rate of systematic transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsies (TRUS-bx) and multiparametric-MRI targeted biopsies (mp-MRI-bx) in a repeat biopsy setting and evaluate the clinical significance following an "MRI-targeted-only" approach. Patients with prior negative biopsies underwent prostatic multiparametric-MRI that was scored using the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) classification. All underwent both repeated TRUS-bx and mp-MRI-bx using image fusion of any PI-RADS ≥3 lesion. Biopsy results from TRUS-bx, mp-MRI-bx, and the combination were compared. PCa was detected in 89 out of 206 (43%) patients. Of these, 64 (31%) and 74 (36%) patients were detected using mp-MRI-bx and TRUS-bx, respectively. Overall, mp-MRI-bx detected fewer patients with low-grade (Gleason score [GS] 3 + 3) cancers (14/64 vs. 41/74) and more patients with intermediate/high-grade cancers (GS ≥3 + 4) (50/64 vs. 33/74) using fewer biopsy cores compared with TRUS-bx (p < 0.001). Using an "MRI-targeted-only" approach in men with PI-RADS ≥3 lesions reduced the number of men requiring repeated biopsies by 50%, decreased low-grade cancer diagnoses by 66%, and increased intermediate/high-grade cancer diagnoses by 52%. MRI-targeted biopsies have a high detection rate for significant PCa in patients with prior negative transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsies and preferentially detect intermediate/high-grade compared with low-grade tumors.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A retrospective analysis of 2713 hospitalized burn patients in a burns center in Turkey.
Burn trauma is a significant health problem that has physical, psychological, and economic repercussions on affected patients. The aim of this study was to present epidemiological and demographic characteristics of patients treated over an 8-year period at a reference burn treatment center located in the northeast of Turkey and serving a population of approximately four million people. Each patient's medical record was reviewed, and demographic features, source of burns, place of residence, total body surface area (TBSA), surgical treatment, duration of hospital stay, and mortality rates were analyzed. The most frequent cause of burn was scalding from hot liquids (2013 cases, 74.2%). Freeze burn was observed in 16 (0.6%) cases due to climatic conditions of the region where our burn center is located. Grouping based on TBSA revealed that 88.7% patients had TBSA of 0%-15%, 8% patients had TBSA of 15%-30%, and 3.3% patients had TBSA ≥ %30.The most common microorganism was Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A total of 24 patients (0.9%; 8 males, 16 females) died, including 7 children and 17 adults. Removal of tandirs and replacement with high ovens, restriction of cheese and butter production under primitive circumstances, encouraging cheese and butter production via dairy farm systems, and raising people's awareness through training programs could greatly reduce the number of the burn accidents occurring in this region.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Template switching by RNA polymerase II in vivo. Evidence and implications from a retroviral system.
Transfection of retrovirus packaging cells with linear DNA from a retroviral vector missing the 3' long terminal repeat (3' LTR) results in production of infectious virus. Analysis of the newly formed proviruses indicates that restoration of the 3' LTR sequences necessary for reverse transcription and integration occurred due to end-to-end template switching by mammalian RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) in the packaging cells. These observations argue that RNAP II can utilize double-strand breaks and gaps in DNA to generate "recombinant" transcripts in vivo and suggest a mechanism for mutation and recombination of retroviruses.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Epiglottoplasty for reconstruction of defects after laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy.
We present a novel use of sliding epiglottoplasty as an alternative method for closing mucosal defects in selected laryngectomies with partial pharyngectomy. Sliding epiglottoplasty as described and advocated by Sedlacek, Bouche, Kambic, and Tucker for reconstruction in partial laryngectomies was used to close the defects after laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy in 17 patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancers as primary therapy (16 patients) and as post-radiochemotherapy therapy (1 patient). All reconstructions were successful. Primary closures were achieved without additional morbidity, there were no pharyngocutaneous fistulas, and all patients resumed deglutition. Ten patients acquired esophageal speech, speech valves were inserted in 5 cases, and 2 patients required the use of an electrolarynx. If the oncological circumstances allow its preservation in laryngectomy with partial pharyngectomy, the epiglottis is an ideal structure for closing the defect; it is a local tissue with shape, thickness, rigidity, and borders that match the recipient site. In comparison to distant pedicled or free microvascular flaps, the epiglottoplasty is a shorter procedure, requires a smaller surgical team, results in less trauma, has a lower incidence of complications, and enables faster recovery. It is surprising that this elegant, successful, and generally accepted larynx preservation procedure has not been recognized as useful for larger reconstructions.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Tropical spastic paraparesis and HTLV-I associated myelopathy in infancy. A case report and review of the literature].
HTLV-I associated myelopathy is characterised by a clinical picture of slowly progressive spastic paraparesis that generally presents when the patient is at an age somewhere between his or her thirties and sixties; few cases have been reported involving children. It is a pathology that is prevalent in tropical regions that are endemic for HTLV-I (southern Japan, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and some areas of Africa). The authors report the case of a 9-year-old child from Guinea who was admitted to the Paediatric Neurology Unit in the Hospital de Santa Maria with a two-year-old clinical history of spastic paraparesis. Computerised tomography and magnetic resonance imaging did not show any alterations to the spinal cord. Somatosensory evoked potentials revealed a lesion in the posterior dorsolumbar spinal cord. The exclusion of other (infectious, metabolic and demyelinating) pathologies and the confirmation of infection by HTLV-I (by means of PCR) led to a diagnosis of myelopathy associated to this virus. Therapy was established with interferon alfa, but no appreciable significant improvement was observed. This case stands out because of the uncommonness of this pathology at the paediatric age. We review the most relevant aspects of this disorder at the earliest ages, above all with regard to its epidemiology, transmission, clinical symptoms and complementary diagnostic examinations. Known therapeutic options (corticoids, interferon alfa, antiretroviral agents, among others) and prognosis are also discussed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The circadian variation of blood pressure and heart rate in patients with hyperthyroidism.
The circadian variation of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) was examined in 18 normal subjects, 15 patients with essential hypertension treated with beta-blockers and 21 patients with hyperthyroidism. Most of the patients with hyperthyroidism were also treated with beta-blockers. The 24 hr BP was measured with an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring device (UBP-100) every 5 min. A nocturnal fall in BP and HR was observed in the patients with essential hypertension treated with beta-blockers and the patients with mild to moderate hyperthyroidism as well as normal subjects. On the other hand, in patients with severe hyperthyroidism the nocturnal fall was observed in HR alone, and the fall was small in its amplitude. There was a significant negative correlation between triiodothyronine (T3) level and percentage amplitude of the nocturnal fall in systolic BP (n = 21, r = -0.5, p less than 0.01). However, this relation was not significant in diastolic BP and HR. These results indicate that excess thyroid hormone may modulate the circadian variation of BP and HR.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Meningiomas: report of a hospital-based registry.
This is a hospital-based epidemiologic study of meningiomas. Of 1321 central nervous system tumours, meningiomas constituted 21% of the cases, being the second largest category of a single histologic type after astrocytomas. Of the 267 meningiomas studied, 247 were intra-cranial (92.5%). The age of the patients varied between 6 to 84 years. Histological subclassification is presented and treatment schedules discussed. 261 (98%) meningiomas were histologically benign and 5 were malignant meningiomas (1.9%). A 5-year follow-up was available in most cases, with the help of which it was possible to understand the biological behaviour of various sub-types and the influence of other parameters such as location and treatment schedules. Of note was the fact, that out of 261 patients with benign meningiomas, 11 succumbed in the immediate post-operative period and in 8 of these cases, the tumour was located at the base of the skull.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Preparation and recognition performance of cytisine alkaloid-imprinted material prepared using novel surface molecular imprinting technique.
Methacrylic acid was first graft-polymerized on the surfaces of micron-sized silica gel particles in the manner of "grafting from" using 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane as an intermedia, obtaining the grafted particle polymethacrylic acid PMAA/SiO(2). By adopting the novel surface-molecular imprinting technique put forward by us, cytisine molecule-imprinted material MIP-PMAA/SiO(2) was prepared with ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether as crosslinking agent. The binding characteristics of MIP-PMAA/SiO(2) towards cytisine was investigated in depth with both batch and column methods and using matrine and oxymatrine as two contrast alkaloids, which with cytisine coexist in sophora alopecuroides and their chemical structure is similar to cytisine to a certain extent. The experimental results show that the surface-imprinted material MIP-PMAA/SiO(2) has excellent binding affinity for cytisine (20.1 g/100 g of binding capacity), and it is more important that MIP-PMAA/SiO(2) has very high recognition selectivity for cytisine in relation to the two contrast alkaloids. The selectivity coefficients of the grafted particles PMAA/SiO(2) (non-imprinted material) for cytosine in relation to matrine and oxymatrine are only 1.03 and 1.06, respectively, displaying no recognition selectivity for cytisine. However, after imprinting, the selectivity coefficient of MIP-PMAA/SiO(2) for cytisine in respect to matrine and oxymatrine are remarkably enhanced to 12.08 and 15.05, respectively.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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X-ray speckle visibility spectroscopy in the single-photon limit.
The technique of speckle visibility spectroscopy has been employed for the measurement of dynamics using coherent X-ray scattering. It is shown that the X-ray contrast within a single exposure can be related to the relaxation time of the intermediate scattering function, and this methodology is applied to the diffusion of 72 nm-radius latex spheres in glycerol. Data were collected with exposure times as short as 2 ms by employing a resonant shutter. The weak scattering present for short exposures necessitated an analysis formalism based on the spatial correlation function of individual photon charge droplets on an area detector, rather than the usual methods employed for intensity correlations. It is demonstrated that this method gives good agreement between theory and experiment and thus holds promise for extending area-detector-based coherent scattering methods to the study of faster dynamics than previously obtainable.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Microalbuminuria and its associated risk factors in a representative sample of Italian type II diabetics.
A multicenter population-based study was undertaken from 1983 to 1985 in 12 diabetes centers in Lombardy, in order to assess the prevalence of microalbuminuria and clinical proteinuria. Out of a total population of 17,704 diabetics, 1,155 were randomly selected within four strata of duration of disease and albumin excretion rate (AER) assessment was carried out in 541 unselected subjects. Albuminuria was evaluated from an overnight urine collection using a radioimmunoassay. The overall prevalence rates were 25.8% for microalbuminuria (30 less than or equal to AER less than 350 micrograms/min) and 3.0% for macroalbuminuria (AER less than or equal to 350 micrograms/min). In Type II diabetes the rate of microalbuminuria increases with duration of disease up to 10 years and then tends to level off. This could be due to the existence of two subgroups of diabetics with different life expectancy and different degree of risk of nephropathy. The Italian prevalence of microalbuminuria appears to be rather similar to that of other studies, while the prevalence of macroalbuminuria is quite low with respect to middle and northern Europe, indicating a rather slow rate of progression to clinical proteinuria. This could be explained on the basis of differing protein intakes. The cases with AER greater than or equal to 30 micrograms/min, greater than or equal to 70 micrograms/min, and greater than or equal to 350 micrograms/min have been compared with matched diabetic controls with AER less than or equal to 15 micrograms/min.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Cultural dissonance among generations: a solution-focused approach with East Asian elders and their families.
In traditional East Asian cultures, high value is assigned to family harmony and filial piety coupled with the expectation that elders will be honored and obeyed. A lifetime of such expectations shapes how elders perceive their role and status in the family. Problems can arise when younger, less traditional, generations do not share these expectations. This article describes a solution-focused approach that facilitates the family in creating a beneficial harmony in situations of cultural dissonance. Family members are empowered to draw on personal strengths in which multiple worldviews and values of individual members are recognized, incorporated, and negotiated.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Reflective practice will give nursing its voice back.
The nursing profession prides itself on its ability to reflect on practice to improve patient care. Yet we have seen a number of high-profile cases in recent years where care has not been provided at the level you would expect.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Epidemiologically and clinically relevant Group B Streptococcus isolates do not bind collagen but display enhanced binding to human fibrinogen.
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of neonatal septicemia and meningitis. Pili appendages were shown to play a critical role in bacterial adhesion and colonization of human tissues. Recently it was claimed that binding of the pilus-associated adhesin PilA to collagen is a critical, initial step in promoting interactions with the α2β1 integrin expressed on brain endothelial cells. Here we show that strain NCTC10/84 used in this study is not representative for GBS isolates and question the importance of collagen as a critical extracellular matrix component for GBS infections of the central nervous system.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Cervical myelopathy due to atlantoaxial and subaxial subluxation in rheumatoid arthritis.
Four patients aged 41 to 73 years, who had had rheumatoid arthritis for eight to 25 years, had signs and symptoms of cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy due to either atlantoaxial dislocation with herniation of the odontoid through the foramen magnum, or subluxation of the middle to lower cervical vertebrae. Spastic paraparesis or quadriparesis, severe nuchal immobility and pain, and flaccid paresis of the upper limbs necessitated anterior medullary decompression and posterior cervical fusion. Postmortem examination disclosed old ischemic necrosis, atrophy, and gliosis in the low medulla and cervical cord. Anterior and posterior gray horns and contiguous posterior and lateral funiculi bore the brunt of the damage. Ascending and descending wallerian degeneration and atrophy of the cervical nerve root were evident. In three cases, anterior spinal or radicular arteries demonstrated intimal fibrosis with moderate stenosis; two cases depicted chronic phlebitis or subarachnoid vessels. Previous reports have infrequently provided evidence of a vasculopathy.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on depression, anxiety, and stress in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been widely used to improve various physical and mental conditions. Studies show the intervention is particularly effective in alleviating depression, anxiety, and stress in working-aged adults. No recent systematic review has focused on the use of MBSR in older adults. This study aims to examine the effects of MBSR intervention on depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms of older adults. Five electronic databases were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 1990 and 2017. Six eligible studies were included and computed for meta-analysis. The methodological quality and risk of biases across the included RCTs were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Overall, the amount of evidence is limited and of relatively low quality. The results of this review provide evidence that the MBSR is more effective than wait-list-control group to reduce depression in older adults with clinically significant symptoms immediately following the intervention. However, there is no clear evidence that the intervention reduced the perception of stress and anxiety, or that positive effects are maintained over the longer term. More robust studies involving larger sample sizes and using longer follow-up measurements are required.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Prediction of pathological stages before prostatectomy in prostate cancer patients: analysis of 12 systematic prostate needle biopsy specimens.
To identify the most reliable predictor of the pathological stage among multiple parameters obtained by performing systematic biopsies and to assess the predictive value of any identified parameters in combination with the prostate specific antigen and the Gleason scores. We examined 5 biopsy parameters from 12 systematic needle biopsy results in 104 consecutive prostate cancer patients who underwent prostatectomy: the number of cores positive for cancer, percentage of positive biopsy cores, total linear cancer length (absolute sum of tumor length at each core), percentage cancer length (total cancer length divided by total length of cores obtained x100), and maximum cancer core length. The predictive values of these parameters were assessed using multivariate logistic analysis and receiver operating characteristic analysis. We evaluated whether the most reliable biopsy parameter in combination with traditional variables show better predictability of the pathological stage than traditional variables alone by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Of 104 patients, 85 (82.9%) had organ confined cancer and 19 (17.1%) showed extraprostatic extension. Of the five parameters examined, maximum cancer length was found to best predict pathological staging. Although insignificant, adding results of maximum cancer length to prostate specific antigen and Gleason scores improved predictability. Of 41 patients with a maximum cancer length of <0.9 cm, PSA of <16 ng/mL, and Gleason score of <7, none showed extraprostatic extension. The maximum cancer length was found to be the most reliable predictor of disease staging. The findings of a maximum cancer length of <0.9 cm, PSA of <16 ng/mL, and a Gleason score of <7 can suggest an organ-confined disease.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Detrended fluctuation analysis of the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process: Stationarity versus nonstationarity.
The stationary/nonstationary regimes of time series generated by the discrete version of the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck equation are studied by using the detrended fluctuation analysis. Our findings point out to the prevalence of the drift parameter in determining the crossover time between the nonstationary and stationary regimes. The fluctuation functions coincide in the nonstationary regime for a constant diffusion parameter, and in the stationary regime for a constant ratio between the drift and diffusion stochastic forces. In the generalized Ornstein-Uhlenbeck equations, the Hurst exponent H influences the crossover time that increases with the decrease of H.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Optical coherence tomography platform for microvascular imaging and quantification: initial experience in late oral radiation toxicity patients.
An optical coherence tomography (OCT) microvascular imaging platform, consisting of Doppler (DOCT) and speckle variance (svOCT) modalities, and microvascular image quantification tools are developed. The quantification methods extract blood flow-related parameters from DOCT images and vessel morphological parameters from svOCT images. This platform is used to assess the microvascular (DOCT and svOCT) images obtained during a clinical study on late oral radiation toxicity. This specific pathology was considered a suitable scenario for verifying the performance of the developed quantification platform because late oral radiation toxicity is known to involve microvascular damage. The derived parameters are compared between several DOCT and svOCT images from one patient and one healthy volunteer as proof-of-principle, and the significance of the observed differences is discussed. Given the low number of OCT clinical studies that measure and quantify microvascular images and considering the importance of such quantification in a number of pathologies, this newly developed platform can serve as a useful tool in studying diseases and treatments with microvascular involvement.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The failure of perfectly matched layers, and towards their redemption by adiabatic absorbers.
Although perfectly matched layers (PMLs) have been widely used to truncate numerical simulations of electromagnetism and other wave equations, we point out important cases in which a PML fails to be reflectionless even in the limit of infinite resolution. In particular, the underlying coordinate-stretching idea behind PML breaks down in photonic crystals and in other structures where the material is not an analytic function in the direction perpendicular to the boundary, leading to substantial reflections. The alternative is an adiabatic absorber, in which reflections are made negligible by gradually increasing the material absorption at the boundaries, similar to a common strategy to combat discretization reflections in PMLs. We demonstrate the fundamental connection between such reflections and the smoothness of the absorption profile via coupled-mode theory, and show how to obtain higher-order and even exponential vanishing of the reflection with absorber thickness (although further work remains in optimizing the constant factor).
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Combined Effect of Chain Extension and Supramolecular Interactions on Rheological and Adhesive Properties of Acrylic Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives.
A new approach for the elaboration of low molecular weight pressure-sensitive adhesives based on supramolecular chemistry is explored. The synthesis of model systems coupled with probe-tack tests and rheological experiments highlights the influence of the transient network formed by supramolecular bonds on the adhesion energy. The first step of our approach consists of synthesizing poly(butyl acrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) copolymers from a difunctional initiator able to self-associate by four hydrogen bonds between urea groups. Linear copolymers with a low dispersity (Mn = 10 kg/mol, Ip < 1.4) have been synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization. Films of the copolymers were then partially cross-linked through reaction of the epoxy functions with a diamine. The systematic variation of the average ratio of glycidyl methacrylate and diamine per copolymer shed light on the respective role played by the supramolecular interactions (between bis-urea groups and with the side chains) and by the chain extension and branching induced by the diamine/epoxy reaction. In this strategy, the adhesive performance can be optimized by modifying the strength of "stickers" (via the structure of the supramolecular initiator, for instance) and the polymer network (e.g., via the length and level of branching of the copolymer chains) in order to approach commercial PSA-like properties (high debonding energy and clean removal).
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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EVOLUTIONARY ENDOCRINOLOGY OF JUVENILE HORMONE ESTERASE: FUNCTIONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH WING POLYMORPHISM IN THE CRICKET, GRYLLUS FIRMUS.
The existence, nature, and physiological consequences of genetic variation for juvenile hormone esterase (JHE) activity was studied in the wing-polymorphic cricket, Gryllus firmus. Hemolymph (blood) JHE activity was sixfold lower in nascent short-winged (SW) females, relative to nascent long-winged (LW) females during the last juvenile stadium (stage). Morph-associated genetic variation for JHE activity had two causes, variation in loci: (1) regulating whole-organism enzyme activity; and (2) controlling the degree to which JHE is secreted into the blood Reduced JHE activity in nascent SW-selected individuals was associated with reduced in vivo juvenile hormone catabolism. This suggests that variation in JHE activity during juvenile development may have important physiological consequences with respect to the regulation of blood levels of juvenile hormone and consequent specification of wing morph. This is the first definitive demonstration of genetic variation for hormonal metabolism in any insect and a genetic association between hormone metabolism and the subsequent expression of morphological variation (wing morph). However, we have not yet firmly established whether these associations represent causal relationships In contrast to the clear association between JHE activity and wing morph development, we observed no evidence indicating that variation in JHE activity plays any direct or indirect role in causing the dramatic differences in ovarian growth between adult wing morphs. Variation in JHE activity also does not appear to be important in coordinating the development of wing morph with the subsequent expression of reproductive differences between adult morphs. Finally genetic variation for the developmental profiles of JHE activity during juvenile and adult stages are remarkably similar in three Gryllus species. This suggests that genetic correlations between JHE activities during different periods of development, which underlie these activity profiles, have been conserved since the divergence of the three Gryllus species.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Induction of Fos-like immunoreactivity in the hypothalamic, medullary and thoracic spinal cord neurons following middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats.
This study is a sequel of our previous work which demonstrated the expression of Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-LI) in the spinal cord motoneurons of rat following permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). We report here Fos-LI in the hypothalamic, medullary and thoracic spinal cord neurons some of them are believed to be involved in cardiovascular regulation after the cerebral ischaemic insult. At 1 and 2 h, especially in the latter after right sided MCA occlusion, Fos-LI confined to the cell nucleus, was detected bilaterally in cells of the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), the area postrema and ventrolateral medulla (VLM). A few Fos-like immunoreactive neurons were observed in the nucleus raphe pallidus and obscurus, and in the intermediolateral nucleus of the thoracic spinal cord. In the corresponding areas in sham-operated animals, Fos-like immunoreactive neurons were sparsely distributed or absent. Colocalization study showed that a variable number of the Fos-like immunoreactive neurons in NTS and VLM coexpressed tyrosine-hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity. Such double labelled neurons appeared to be more common in the latter. It is suggested that the induction of Fos-LI in neurons of the hypothalamus, medulla and thoracic spinal cord was linked to cardiovascular regulation following the middle cerebral artery occlusion.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Macroscopic vascular invasion in synovial sarcoma evident on MRI.
We present a case of recurrent synovial sarcoma in the soft tissues of the calf, where MR imaging not only confirmed the diagnosis of tumour recurrence, but also demonstrated direct venous invasion and tumour thrombus within the popliteal vein and its tributaries. Venous invasion has particular relevance to synovial sarcoma prognostication and should be actively sought on MR imaging. To our knowledge this is the first reported case in the English literature of histologically proven macroscopic popliteal vein invasion from a synovial sarcoma demonstrated on MR imaging.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Fenofibrate improves endothelial function in the brachial artery and forearm resistance arterioles of statin-treated Type 2 diabetic patients.
Dyslipidaemia contributes to endothelial dysfunction and CVD (cardiovascular disease) in Type 2 diabetes mellitus. While statin therapy reduces CVD in these patients, residual risk remains high. Fenofibrate corrects atherogenic dyslipidaemia, but it is unclear whether adding fenofibrate to statin therapy lowers CVD risk. We investigated whether fenofibrate improves endothelial dysfunction in statin-treated Type 2 diabetic patients. In a cross-over study, 15 statin-treated Type 2 diabetic patients, with LDL (low-density lipoprotein)-cholesterol <2.6 mmol/l and endothelial dysfunction [brachial artery FMD (flow-mediated dilatation) <6.0%] were randomized, double-blind, to fenofibrate 145 mg/day or matching placebo for 12 weeks, with 4 weeks washout between treatment periods. Brachial artery FMD and endothelium-independent NMD (nitrate-mediated dilatation) were measured by ultrasonography at the start and end of each treatment period. PIFBF (post-ischaemic forearm blood flow), a measure of microcirculatory endothelial function, and serum lipids, lipoproteins and apo (apolipoprotein) concentrations were also measured. Compared with placebo, fenofibrate increased FMD (mean absolute 2.1+/-0.6 compared with -0.3+/-0.6%, P=0.04), but did not alter NMD (P=0.75). Fenofibrate also increased maximal PIFBF {median 3.5 [IQR (interquartile range) 5.8] compared with 0.3 (2.1) ml/100 ml/min, P=0.001} and flow debt repayment [median 1.0 (IQR 3.5) compared with -1.5 (3.0) ml/100 ml, P=0.01]. Fenofibrate lowered serum cholesterol, triacylgycerols (triglycerides), LDL-cholesterol, apoB-100 and apoC-III (P < or = 0.03), but did not alter HDL (high-density lipoprotein)-cholesterol or apoA-I. Improvement in FMD was inversely associated with on-treatment LDL-cholesterol (r=-0.61, P=0.02) and apoB-100 (r=-0.54, P=0.04) concentrations. Fenofibrate improves endothelial dysfunction in statin-treated Type 2 diabetic patients. This may relate partly to enhanced reduction in LDL-cholesterol and apoB-100 concentrations.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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MR urography in children and adolescents: techniques and clinical applications.
Renal and urinary tract imaging is commonly performed in the pediatric population, particularly in the setting of suspected or known congenital anomalies. In most cases, adequate anatomic assessment can be achieved using ultrasound and fluoroscopic techniques, and evaluation of differential renal function and urinary tract drainage can be accomplished with renal scintigraphy. However, in a subset of children, anatomic or functional questions may remain after this routine evaluation. In this setting, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tailored to evaluate the kidneys and urinary tract, known as MR urography (MRU), can be used to depict the kidneys, ureters, and urinary bladder in detail and to determine differential renal function and assess urinary tract drainage. The objectives of this review article are to (1) describe pediatric-specific MRI techniques for assessment of the kidneys and urinary tract and (2) present common clinical applications for pediatric MRU where imaging can "add value" in terms of diagnosis and patient management.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Functional evidence for the presence of nitric oxide synthase in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus.
Histochemical studies indicate that reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase, the nitric oxide synthase-related enzyme, is present in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus of the cat. We have previously shown in vitro that NO synthase is present in this nucleus in the rat and that the excitatory effect of N-methyl-D-aspartate on these neurons is in part caused by NO formation. The aim of this study was to obtain functional evidence for the presence of NO synthase in the cat dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. L-Glutamate, L-arginine, D-arginine, the NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine, and the NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester were unilaterally microinjected into the rostral dorsal motor nucleus of anesthetized cats, and antral and pyloric motility were monitored using extraluminal force transducers. Microinjection of L-arginine increased gastric motility, whereas D-arginine had no effect. Vagotomy eliminated the L-arginine-induced increases. Microinjection of S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine increased antral motility. NG-Nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester prevented L-arginine from exerting an effect on gastric motility. Motility increases obtained after microinjection of L-arginine into the dorsal motor nucleus and prevention of these motility increases with microinjection of a NO synthase inhibitor provide functional evidence for the presence of NO synthase in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus in the cat.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Low-temperature response and cold tolerance at spike differentiation stage of winter wheat varieties sowed in spring].
A total of 10 winter wheat varieties were imported from the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River region in China. Those varieties were sowed in spring in Xinding basin area of Shanxi Province, and the field trials were performed for two years (2013-2014). The traits and physiological characteristics under low temperature stress including grain yield, total content of chlorophyll, osmotic adjustment, membrane system, ion leakage rate, contents of soluble sugar and soluble protein were investigated, and the cold tolerance levels of the wheat varieties were assessed. The results showed that low temperature stress led to increases in wheat leaf ion leakage rate, soluble sugar and protein contents, but obvious reduction of chlorophyll content. According to principal component analysis and cold tolerance (D value) , Yumai 10, Yangmai 20, and Yunmai 42 were classed as cold sensitive wheat varieties. Yangmai 13, Yumai 12, and Ningmai 13 were classed as stronger cold-resistant wheat genotypes, and showed stability through two-year field trials, with the D values being 0.665-0.659, 0.493-0.495, and 0.471-0.583, respectively, while the D values for the controls Ning 2038 and Xinchun 30 were 0.368-0.397, and 0.328-0.330, respectively. The grain yields of the cold resistant wheat varieties were significantly higher than that of the other varieties tested. Therefore, Yangmai 13, Yumai 12 and Ningmai 13 could be imported and used as the cold tolerant wheat varieties for North Plain of China.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Efficacy of Perimed antibacterial system on established gingivitis. (I). Clinical results.
A 6-month, double-blind controlled study was conducted on 101 subjects to determine the effect of Perimed antibacterial system, containing povidone-iodine (PVP-I) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), on established gingivitis. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of 4 treatment groups: PVP-I/H2O2, PVP-I/H2O, H2O2/H2O or H2O. Gingivitis was assessed by the papillary bleeding score (PBS) and plaque by a modified Quigley-Hein plaque index (PI) at baseline, 3, 12 and 24 weeks. The average baseline PBS and PI for the 4 groups ranged from 2.16-2.31 and 2.87-2.90, respectively. After baseline evaluation, subjects received a supra-gingival scaling and a subgingival irrigation with their respective rinse. Daily rinses were supervised and subgingival irrigation was repeated every 3 weeks. Duncan's multiple range test determined which groups differed from each other. The mean PI at 24 weeks was lower than at baseline in all groups. PVP-I had the lowest PI at all time points. The mean PBS at 24 weeks was 1.48 for PVP-I, 1.62 for H2O2, 1.88 for H2O and 1.34 for PVP-I/H2O2, a reduction from baseline of 31%, 27%, 18%, and 38% respectively. The difference between the PBS for PVP-I/H2O2 and H2O control was significant at each evaluation. There was a 70% reduction in sites with PBS greater than or equal to 3 for PVP-I/H2O2 between baseline and 24 weeks compared to a 34% decrease in the H2O group. It was concluded that the use of Perimed could be a beneficial adjunctive treatment for the prevention and control of gingivitis when used with routine oral hygiene procedures.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A comparison between intrastomal 3D ultrasonography, CT scanning and findings at surgery in patients with stomal complaints.
Since there are no reliable investigative tools for imaging parastomal hernia, new techniques are needed. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of intrastomal three-dimensional ultrasonography (3D) as an alternative to CT scanning for the assessment of stomal complaints. Twenty patients with stomal complaints, indicating surgery, were examined preoperatively with a CT scan in the supine position and 3D intrastomal ultrasonography in the supine and erect positions. Comparison with findings at surgery, considered to be the true state, was made. Both imaging methods, 3D ultrasonography and CT scanning, showed high sensitivity (ultrasound 15/18, CT scan 15/18) and specificity (ultrasound 2/2, CT scan 1/2) when judged by a dedicated radiologist. Corresponding values for interpretation of CT scans in routine clinical practice was for sensitivity 17/18 and for specificity 1/2. 3D ultrasonography has a high validity and is a promising alternative to CT scanning in the supine position to distinguish a bulge from a parastomal hernia.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Shock temperature measurement using neutron resonance spectroscopy.
We report a direct measurement of temperature in a shocked metal using Doppler broadening of neutron resonances. The 21.1-eV resonance in 182W was used to measure the temperature in molybdenum shocked to approximately 63 GPa. An explosively launched aluminum flyer produced a planar shock in a molybdenum target that contained a 1-mm thick layer doped with 1.7 at. %(182)W. A single neutron pulse, containing resonant neutrons of less than 1 mus duration, probed the shocked material. Fits to the neutron time-of-flight data were used to determine the temperature of the shocked molybdenum.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Studies on the thymus in nonobese diabetic mouse. I. Changes in the microenvironmental compartments.
The nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse develops an autoimmune type I diabetes, which is predominantly seen in females, is triggered by T cells, and whose frequency is enhanced following thymectomy at weaning. Attempting to characterize a thymic pathology in these animals, we analyzed the microenvironmental compartment of the organ with respect to structural and functional molecules expressed by thymic epithelial cells (TEC), as well as extracellular matrix components. We observed, in both males and females, a precocious decrease in the cell numbers of discrete medullary TEC subsets, namely, those respectively defined by the expression of cytokeratins 3/10 and cytokeratin 19. In addition, some cells bearing the TR.5 phenotype (normally restricted to the medulla) could be detected in the NOD mouse thymic cortex. There was also a significant early decrease in thymulin production in females, as compared to males. As regards the extracellular matrix compartment, the most striking alteration was the presence of abnormally enlarged perivascular spaces, increasing in size with age. In these structures large amounts of T cells and, to a lesser extent, B cells were consistently encountered. In addition to B cells, the NOD mouse thymus showed on both TEC and extracellular matrix the presence of deposits of immunoglobulins, revealed with fluorescence-labeled goat anti-mouse Ig sera. Finally, the NOD mouse sera labeled both TEC and extracellular matrix proteins on normal mouse thymus frozen sections. Together, these data clearly demonstrate that the NOD mouse thymus undergoes a variety of microenvironmental changes, whose particular role in the pathophysiology of the disease is yet to be demonstrated.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Assessment of the accuracy of color Doppler flow mapping by digital image analysis.
An in vitro steady flow experiment was performed in order to test the accuracy of velocity measurements obtained through color Doppler flow mapping (CDFM). Using the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) flow phantom, low (maximum velocity = 60 cm/sec), medium (maximum velocity = 300 cm/sec) and high (maximum velocity = 600 cm/sec) speed accelerating flow fields, in which multiple aliases were visible, were imaged. A fully automatic computer algorithm was used to unwrap the aliases and to convert the CDFM to digital velocity. Packet size and wall filter frequency on the ultrasound machine were varied and the measured velocity compared to the true velocity. The results show that the velocity obtained in this way from the CDFM is very accurate at the low and medium velocities, but for the high velocity the turbulence is too intense to obtain an accurate result. There was no marked difference between the data for different packet sizes or wall filter settings.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Maternal preeclampsia and respiratory outcomes in extremely premature infants.
Preeclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy complication characterized by an anti-angiogenic environment. This can affect fetal pulmonary vascular and alveolar development but data of the impact of PE on respiratory outcome in extremely premature infants are inconclusive. The objective of this study was to determine if PE is associated with an increased risk for severe respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in extremely premature infants. Prospectively collected single center data from a cohort of infants born at 23-28 w gestational age between January 2005 and December 2015 were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis and generalized estimating equations were used to model the association between PE and severe RDS (≥30% supplemental oxygen on d1), BPD and severe BPD [supplemental oxygen and ≥30% oxygen at 36 w postmenstrual age (PMA), respectively]. The cohort included 1218 infants of whom 23% were exposed to PE. PE was associated with increased risk for severe RDS as well as severe BPD among infants alive at 36w PMA. Exposure to preeclampsia is independently associated with an increased risk for severe RDS and adverse respiratory outcome in extreme premature infants. The mechanisms behind these associations need to be investigated.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Fragmented QRS is associated with all-cause mortality and ventricular arrhythmias in patient with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.
Several studies have showed that fragmented QRS complexes (f - QRS, defined as different RSR' patterns) on a routine 12 - lead electrocardiogram were associated with increased mortality and arrhythmic events in patients with coronary artery disease, but relatively little data were available regarding idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between fragmentation of QRS and the combined end point of all-cause mortality and ventricular arrhythmias in patients with IDCM. One hundred twenty-eight patients with IDCM and left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction, EF ≤ 40%) were analyzed, respectively. According to QRS duration and the existence of f - QRS on 12-lead electrocardiograph (ECG), the study populations were divided into three groups: (1) the f - QRS group (QRS <120 ms and with fragmented QRS, n = 51), (2) the wide QRS (wQRS) group (QRS ≥ 120 ms, n = 48), and (3) the nonfragmented QRS (non-fQRS) group (QRS < 120 ms and without f - QRS, n = 29). During a mean follow-up of 14 ± 5 months, 25 (19.5%) patients had deaths and ventricular arrhythmic events. The combined end point of all-cause mortality and ventricular tachyarrhythmias was significantly higher in the f - QRS and wQRS groups than the non-fQRS group (23.5%, 25%, and 3.4%, respectively; P < 0.05 for both). Event-free was significantly decreased in the f - QRS group versus the non-fQRS group (P = 0.02). Univaritae regression analysis revealed that f - QRS was a stronger predictor of mortality and arrhythmic events in IDCM patients. f - QRS on 12-lead ECG has a high predictive value for the combined end point of all-cause mortality and ventricular tachyarrhythmias in IDCM patients with left ventricular dysfunction.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Parthenogenetic development of bovine oocytes treated with ethanol and cytochalasin B after in vitro maturation.
The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of different culture durations (24-36 hr) on bovine oocyte maturation in vitro and the effect of the presence or absence of cumulus cells at the time of treatment to induce parthenogenetic activation (exposure to ethanol and cytochalasin B; CB) (experiment I). The effects of dosage (2.5 or 5.0 micrograms/ml) and incubation time (2.5, 5, or 10 hr) in CB (experiment II) on the subsequent development to the blastocyst stage in vitro was also investigated. In experiment I, cleavage and development to the blastocyst stage were not affected by the presence or absence of cumulus cells at the time of parthenogenetic activation. However, the 24-hr culture duration for in vitro maturation had a significantly lower rate of development to the blastocyst stage than the longer culture durations (27-36 hr). In experiment II, treatment with 5 micrograms/ml CB for 5 hr showed the highest percentage of development to blastocyst in the oocytes matured for both 27 and 30 hr. To determine the viability of the parthenogenetic embryos (morulae and blastocysts), four recipient heifers received two embryos each, and one heifer was found to be pregnant on day 35 following transfer. Although fetal heartbeat was not observed, the subsequent estrus was prolonged in all heifers. The present results demonstrate development of in vitro-matured, parthenogenetically activated bovine embryos up to the preimplantation stage.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Comparison of the effect of anemia on in-hospital mortality in patients with versus without preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.
Patients with symptomatic heart failure (HF) frequently have preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fractions (LVEFs). Although anemia is a common finding in this patient population, its prognostic role has not been well studied. This study's aim was to assess if the LVEF interferes in the association between anemia and in-hospital mortality in patients with severe HF. Consecutive patients admitted to an intensive care unit with decompensated chronic HF were prospectively enrolled. The diagnosis of HF was based on clinical criteria. Patients with LVEFs > or =45% (on echocardiography) were diagnosed as having preserved LVEFs. Multivariate analysis was performed to test the independent association between anemia and in-hospital mortality and to evaluate an interaction between anemia and systolic function. In all, 303 patients were recruited (mean age 69 +/- 13 years; 45.5% women). Preserved LVEFs were present in 34% of the population. The prevalence of anemia in this group was 58%, compared with 43% in the group with systolic dysfunction (p = 0.01). Dilated left ventricles, left bundle branch blocks, and valvular dysfunction were significantly more frequent in patients with systolic heart failure. In-hospital mortality was similar in the groups with preserved LVEFs and systolic dysfunction (p = 0.71). On multivariate analysis, anemia was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 2.7, 95% confidence interval 1.43 to 5.04, p = 0.002). There was no interaction between anemia and systolic function (p = 0.08 for interaction). In conclusion, anemia was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in symptomatic patients with severe HF, regardless of whether the patients had preserved or impaired LV systolic function.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Gray matter networks and clinical progression in subjects with predementia Alzheimer's disease.
We studied whether gray matter network parameters are associated with rate of clinical progression in nondemented subjects who have abnormal amyloid markers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), that is, predementia Alzheimer's disease. Nondemented subjects (62 with subjective cognitive decline; 160 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI); age = 68 ± 8 years; Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) = 28 ± 2.4) were selected from the Amsterdam Dementia Cohort when they had abnormal amyloid in CSF (<640 pg/mL). Networks were extracted from gray matter structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 9 parameters were calculated. Cox proportional hazards models were used to test associations between each connectivity predictor and rate of progression to MCI or dementia. After a median time of 2.2 years, 122 (55%) subjects showed clinical progression. Lower network parameter values were associated with increased risk for progression, with the strongest hazard ratio of 0.29 for clustering (95% confidence interval = 0.12-0.70; p < 0.01). Results remained after correcting for tau, hippocampal volume, and MMSE scores. Our results suggest that at predementia stages, gray matter network parameters may have use to identify subjects who will show fast clinical progression.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Organocatalytic Enantioselective Protonation for Photoreduction of Activated Ketones and Ketimines Induced by Visible Light.
The first catalytic asymmetric photoreduction of 1,2-diketones and α-keto ketimines under visible light irradiation is reported. A transition-metal-free synergistic catalysis platform harnessing dicyanopyrazine-derived chromophore (DPZ) as the photoredox catalyst and a non-covalent chiral organocatalyst is effective for these transformations. With the flexible use of a chiral Brønsted acid or base in H+ transfer interchange to control the elusive enantioselective protonation, a variety of chiral α-hydroxy ketones and α-amino ketones were obtained with high yields and enantioselectivities.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Objectively-determined intensity- and domain-specific physical activity and sedentary behavior in relation to percent body fat.
This study examined the independent and joint associations of overall, intensity-specific and domain-specific physical activity and sedentary behavior with bioelectrical impedance-determined percent body fat. Physical activity was measured in 442 Flemish adults (41.4 ± 9.8 years) using the SenseWear Armband and an electronic diary. Two-way analyses of covariance investigated the interaction of physical activity and sedentary behavior with percent body fat. Multiple linear regression analyses, adjusted for potential confounders, examined the associations of intensity-specific and domain-specific physical activity and sedentary behavior with percent body fat. Results showed a significant main effect for physical activity in both genders and for sedentary behavior in women, but no interaction effects. Light activity was positively (β = 0.41 for men and 0.43 for women) and moderate (β = -0.64 and -0.41), vigorous (β = -0.21 and -0.24) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) inversely associated with percent body fat, independent of sedentary time. Regarding domain-specific physical activity, significant associations were present for occupation, leisure time and household chores, irrespective of sedentary time. The positive associations between body fat and total and domain-specific sedentary behavior diminished after MVPA was controlled for. MVPA during leisure time, occupation and household chores may be essential to prevent fat gain.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Disruption to the development of maternal responsiveness? The impact of prenatal depression on mother-infant interactions.
Both prenatal and postnatal maternal depression are independently associated with an increased risk of adverse infant development. The impact of postnatal depression on infants may be mediated through the effect of depression in reducing maternal responsiveness. However, the mechanisms underlying the effect of prenatal depression are unclear. Using longitudinal data from over 900 mother-infant pairs in a UK birth cohort (ALSPAC), we found that women with high depressive symptom scores during mid pregnancy, but NOT when their infants were 8 months, had a 30% increased risk of low maternal responsiveness when the infant was 12 months compared to women with consistently low depression. This may provide a mechanism to explain the independent association between prenatal depression and poorer infant development.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Impaired energy homeostasis in C/EBP alpha knockout mice.
Mice homozygous for the targeted deletion of the c/ebp alpha gene, which expresses the CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBP alpha), did not store hepatic glycogen and died from hypoglycemia within 8 hours after birth. In these mutant mice, the amounts of glycogen synthase messenger RNA were 50 to 70 percent of normal and the transcriptional induction of the genes for two gluconeogenic enzymes, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase, was delayed. The hepatocytes and adipocytes of the mutant mice failed to accumulate lipid and the expression of the gene for uncoupling protein, the defining marker of brown adipose tissue, was reduced. This study demonstrates that C/EBP alpha is critical for the establishment and maintenance of energy homeostasis in neonates.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Targeting of the F-actin-binding protein drebrin by the microtubule plus-tip protein EB3 is required for neuritogenesis.
Interactions between dynamic microtubules and actin filaments (F-actin) underlie a range of cellular processes including cell polarity and motility. In growth cones, dynamic microtubules are continually extending into selected filopodia, aligning alongside the proximal ends of the F-actin bundles. This interaction is essential for neuritogenesis and growth-cone pathfinding. However, the molecular components mediating the interaction between microtubules and filopodial F-actin have yet to be determined. Here we show that drebrin, an F-actin-associated protein, binds directly to the microtubule-binding protein EB3. In growth cones, this interaction occurs specifically when drebrin is located on F-actin in the proximal region of filopodia and when EB3 is located at the tips of microtubules invading filopodia. When this interaction is disrupted, the formation of growth cones and the extension of neurites are impaired. We conclude that drebrin targets EB3 to coordinate F-actin-microtubule interactions that underlie neuritogenesis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Multiagent vaccines vectored by Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus replicon elicits immune responses to Marburg virus and protection against anthrax and botulinum neurotoxin in mice.
The development of multiagent vaccines offers the advantage of eliciting protection against multiple diseases with minimal inoculations over a shorter time span. We report here the results of using formulations of individual Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus replicon-vectored vaccines against a bacterial disease, anthrax; a viral disease, Marburg fever; and against a toxin-mediated disease, botulism. The individual VEE replicon particles (VRP) expressed mature 83-kDa protective antigen (MAT-PA) from Bacillus anthracis, the glycoprotein (GP) from Marburg virus (MBGV), or the H(C) fragment from botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT H(C)). CBA/J mice inoculated with a mixture of VRP expressing BoNT H(C) serotype C (BoNT/C H(C)) and MAT-PA were 80% protected from a B. anthracis (Sterne strain) challenge and then 100% protected from a sequential BoNT/C challenge. Swiss mice inoculated with individual VRP or with mixtures of VRP vaccines expressing BoNT H(C) serotype A (BoNT/A H(C)), MAT-PA, and MBGV-GP produced antibody responses specific to the corresponding replicon-expressed protein. Combination of the different VRP vaccines did not diminish the antibody responses measured for Swiss mice inoculated with formulations of two or three VRP vaccines as compared to mice that received only one VRP vaccine. Swiss mice inoculated with VRP expressing BoNT/A H(C) alone or in combination with VRP expressing MAT-PA and MBGV GP, were completely protected from a BoNT/A challenge. These studies demonstrate the utility of combining individual VRP vaccines into multiagent formulations for eliciting protective immune responses to various types of diseases.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Anticancer steroids: linking natural and semi-synthetic compounds.
Steroids, a widespread class of natural organic compounds occurring in animals, plants and fungi, have shown great therapeutic value for a broad array of pathologies. The present overview is focused on the anticancer activity of steroids, which is very representative of a rich structural molecular diversity and ability to interact with various biological targets and pathways. This review encompasses the most relevant discoveries on steroid anticancer drugs and leads through the last decade and comprises 668 references.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Effects of physiotherapy in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome: a systematic review of the literature.
To critically summarize the effectiveness of physio-therapy in patients presenting clinical signs of shoulder impingement syndrome. Systematic review. Randomized controlled trials were searched electronically and manually from 1966 to December 2007. Study quality was independently assessed by 2 reviewers using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. If possible, relative risks and weighted mean differences were calculated for individual studies, and relative risks or standardized mean differences for pooled data, otherwise results were summarized in a best evidence synthesis. Sixteen studies were included, with a mean quality score of 6.8 points out of 10. Many different diagnostic criteria for shoulder impingement syndrome were applied. Physio-therapist-led exercises and surgery were equally effective treatments for shoulder impingement syndrome in the long term. Also, home-based exercises were as effective as combined physiotherapy interventions. Adding manual therapy to exercise programmes may have an additional benefit on pain at 3 weeks follow-up. Moderate evidence exists that passive treatments are not effective and cannot be justified. This review shows an equal effectiveness of physiotherapist-led exercises compared with surgery in the long term and of home-based exercises compared with combined physiotherapy interventions in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome in the short and long term; passive treatments cannot be recommended for shoulder impingement syndrome. However, in general, the samples were small, and different diagnostic criteria were applied, which makes a firm conclusion difficult. More high-quality trials with longer follow-ups are recommended.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Bronchodilator responsiveness in patients with COPD.
The degree of acute improvement in spirometric indices after bronchodilator inhalation varies among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, and depends upon the type and dose of bronchodilator and the timing of administration. Acute bronchodilator responsiveness at baseline was examined in a large cohort of patients with moderate-to-very-severe COPD participating in the Understanding Potential Long-term Impacts on Function with Tiotropium (UPLIFT) trial, a 4-yr randomised double-blind trial evaluating the efficacy of 18 mug tiotropium daily in reducing the rate of decline in lung function. After wash-out of respiratory medications, patients received 80 mug ipratropium followed by 400 mug salbutamol. Spirometry was performed before and 90 min following ipratropium administration. The criteria used for forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) responsiveness were: >or=12% increase over baseline and >or=200 mL; >or=15% increase over baseline; and >or=10% absolute increase in the percentage predicted value. Of the patients, 5,756 had data meeting the criteria for analysis (age 64.5 yrs; 75% male; baseline FEV(1) 1.10 L (39.3% predicted) and forced vital capacity (FVC) 2.63 L). Compared with baseline, mean improvements were 229 mL in FEV(1) and 407 mL in FVC. Of these patients, 53.9% had >or=12% and >or=200 mL improvement in FEV(1), 65.6% had >or=15% improvement in FEV(1), and 38.6% had >or=10% absolute increase in FEV(1) % pred. The majority of patients with moderate-to-very-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease demonstrate meaningful increases in lung function following administration of inhaled anticholinergic plus sympathomimetic bronchodilators.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Coronary Collateral Growth Induced by Physical Exercise: Results of the Impact of Intensive Exercise Training on Coronary Collateral Circulation in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease (EXCITE) Trial.
A well-developed coronary collateral circulation provides a potential source of blood supply in coronary artery disease. However, the prognostic importance and functional relevance of coronary collaterals is controversial with the association between exercise training and collateral growth still unclear. This prospective, open-label study randomly assigned 60 patients with significant coronary artery disease (fractional flow reserve ≤0.75) to high-intensity exercise (group A, 20 patients) or moderate-intensity exercise (group B, 20 patients) for 4 weeks or to a control group (group C, 20 patients). The primary end point was the change of the coronary collateral flow index (CFI) after 4 weeks. Analysis was based on the intention to treat. After 4 weeks, baseline CFI increased significantly by 39.4% in group A (from 0.142±0.07 at beginning to 0.198±0.09 at 4 weeks) in comparison with 41.3% in group B (from 0.143±0.06 to 0.202±0.09), whereas CFI in the control group remained unchanged (0.7%, from 0.149±0.09 to 0.150±0.08). High-intensity exercise did not lead to a greater CFI than moderate-intensity training. After 4 weeks, exercise capacity, Vo2 peak and ischemic threshold increased significantly in group A and group B in comparison with group C with no difference between group A and group B. A significant improvement in CFI was demonstrated in response to moderate- and high-intensity exercise performed for 10 hours per week. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01209637.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Gene expression in honey bee (Apis mellifera) larvae exposed to pesticides and Varroa mites (Varroa destructor).
Honey bee (Apis mellifera) larvae reared in vitro were exposed to one of nine pesticides and/or were challenged with the parasitic mite, Varroa destructor. Total RNA was extracted from individual larvae and first strand cDNAs were generated. Gene-expression changes in larvae were measured using quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting transcripts for pathogens and genes involved in physiological processes, bee health, immunity, and/or xenobiotic detoxification. Transcript levels for Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein (PGRPSC), a pathogen recognition gene, increased in larvae exposed to Varroa mites (P<0.001) and were not changed in pesticide treated larvae. As expected, Varroa-parasitized brood had higher transcripts of Deformed Wing Virus than did control larvae (P<0.001). Varroa parasitism, arguably coupled with virus infection, resulted in significantly higher transcript abundances for the antimicrobial peptides abaecin, hymenoptaecin, and defensin1. Transcript levels for Prophenoloxidase-activating enzyme (PPOact), an immune end product, were elevated in larvae treated with myclobutanil and chlorothalonil (both are fungicides) (P<0.001). Transcript levels for Hexameric storage protein (Hsp70) were significantly upregulated in imidacloprid, fluvalinate, coumaphos, myclobutanil, and amitraz treated larvae. Definitive impacts of pesticides and Varroa parasitism on honey bee larval gene expression were demonstrated. Interactions between larval treatments and gene expression for the targeted genes are discussed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The fate of free flaps used to reconstruct defects in recurrent head and neck cancers.
The purpose of this study was to assess free-flap viability in patients treated for recurrent head and neck cancers. A 10-year retrospective review identified 121 patients who had had prior head and neck cancers extirpated for cure, who subsequently presented with documented recurrent cancers that were removed, and who then underwent reconstruction with free flaps. The charts of these patients were reviewed for patient demographics, tumor types, location, flaps used for reconstruction, size of area requiring reconstruction, length of operation, previous radiation, and all postoperative morbidity and mortality. The time to recurrence ranged from 21/2 months to 21 years. The majority of tumors treated were squamous cell carcinomas (n = 82). Most of them were located intraorally (n = 75). Radiation therapy had been delivered to 88 patients before their free-flap reconstructions. In this series, 31 percent of all patients required additional surgery for complications, 14 percent of free flaps were lost, and 4 percent of patients died within 30 days of their operation. The significant findings were that a flap that was >4 cm in diameter was related to flap loss (p = 0.03 by the chi2 method) and that flap loss was related to operative times greater than 11 hours (p = 0.03 by the chi2 method). It was concluded that recurrent head and neck cancers with large postextirpation defects that required prolonged operative times yielded a significantly high tendency toward flap failure.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Fine-tuning dual emission and aggregation-induced emission switching in NPI-BODIPY dyads.
Three new NPI-BODIPY dyads 1-3 (NPI = 1,8-naphthalimide, BODIPY = boron-dipyrromethene) were synthesized, characterized, and studied. The NPI and BODIPY moieties in these dyads are electronically separated by oxoaryl bridges, and the compounds only differ structurally with respect to methyl substituents on the BODIPY fluorophore. The NPI and BODIPY moieties retain their optical features in molecular dyads 1-3. Dyads 1-3 show dual emission in solution originating from the two separate fluorescent units. The variations of the dual emission in these compounds are controlled by the structural flexibilities of the systems. Dyads 1-3, depending on their molecular flexibilities, show considerably different spectral shapes and dissimilar intensity ratios of the two emission bands. The dyads also show significant aggregation-induced emission switching (AIES) on formation of nano-aggregates in THF/H2O with changes in emission color from green to red. Whereas the flexible and aggregation-prone compound 1 shows AIES, rigid systems with less favorable intermolecular interactions (i.e., 2 and 3) show aggregation-induced quenching of emission. Correlations of the emission intensity and structural flexibility were found to be reversed in solution and aggregated states. Photophysical and structural investigations suggested that intermolecular interactions (e.g., π-π stacking) play a major role in controlling the emission of these compounds in the aggregated state.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Measuring medication adherence: are missed doses reported more accurately then perfect adherence?
Self-reports overestimate adherence compared to more objective measures such as electronic monitoring. However, self-report is the most feasible method for clinical settings; therefore, it is important to identify the context in which this method can provide an accurate assessment. To address whether self-reports are more accurate when missed doses are reported, we conducted a secondary analysis of data from a methodological study comparing multiple measures of adherence (including self-report and electronic monitoring) to a two-week placebo regimen mimicking HAART among 30 HIV-positive patients not on HAART. Results indicated a mean adherence of 85% and 62%, as measured by self-report and electronic monitoring, respectively. Self-report and electronic monitoring were not significantly correlated in the measurement of proportion of prescribed doses taken among the sub-group of 17 patients who reported missed doses (r = 0.22), nor among those who reported no missed doses, or the group as a whole. Using electronic monitoring as the validity criterion, these findings indicate that self-reports overestimate adherence even among patients who report missed doses.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Imipramine and chloroquine induced alterations in phospholipid content of rat lung.
The influence of the amphiphilic drugs imipramine (150 mg/kg b. w./day) and chloroquine (75 mg/kg b. w./day) on the phospholipid (PL) -metabolism of rat lung, its PL-content and PL-composition were measured in the cell free lung lavage fluid (alveolar surfactant), in the free alveolar cells (mainly alveolar macrophages), and in the residual lung tissue. In addition to the long-term administration (15 applications during a period of 3 weeks), the influence of short-term administration (2 or 4 applications, resp., during a period of 2 or 4 days) was examined. The alveolar macrophages show the largest increase in PL-content. As revealed by its composition the stored PL are of surfactant origin. In chloroquine treated rats the number of macrophages is increased as well. The concentration of stored PL is higher in macrophages of imipramine treated rats. The excessive accumulation of PL in this animal group possibly impairs the clearance function of alveolar macrophages. This is suggested to be the reason for the accumulation of alveolar surfactant in imipramine treated rats. The influence of the drugs on the PL-content of the residual lung tissue was weak. The results of this study show that amphiphilic drugs cause an accumulation of surfactant-PL within the alveolar macrophages and can promote the alveolar surfactant content even after short-term application. The role of alveolar macrophages in alveolar surfactant catabolism is demonstrated.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Case of the month: April 1997--a 32 year old man with mental status changes and a severe occipital headache.
A 32 year old man with symptoms of an upper respiratory infection one week prior presented with mental status changes, diffuse hyperreflexia, and bilateral extensor plantar responses. An MRI scan showed multifocal areas of high signal intensity predominantly in the parietal and occipital white matter, unassociated with mass affect. Despite aggressive treatment, the patient's symptoms rapidly progressed and he was declared brain dead. Post-mortem examination revealed acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalopathy. The clinical and pathologic features of this disorder are reviewed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Reversible transverse sinus collapse in a patient with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
The association of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) with stenosis or narrowing of the transverse sinuses (TSs) is well known. However, there is debate as to whether the stenosis is a cause or consequence. Here we describe a case of IIH and narrowing of the TSs, with four relapses and recoveries after repeated CSF diversions with lumbar puncture (LP) over 2 months. Subsequently, implantation of a lumboperitoneal shunt (LPrS) ensured recovery. MR venography 20 months after LPrS showed normally calibrated TSs. We show repeated MR venography findings before and after the LPs, and discuss the pathogenesis of IIH in terms of the cause and effect relationship between IIH and sinus collapse.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Management of nontuberculous mycobacteria-induced cervical lymphadenitis with observation alone.
Nontuberculous mycobacteria can cause a chronic localized cervicofacial lymphadenitis in immunocompetent children. The recommended treatment is total excision of the affected lymph node. The aim of this study was to describe our experience with an observational approach. Children with chronic nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) cervical lymphadenitis, whose parents opted for conservative treatment, were followed at our center from 1990 to 2004. The diagnosis of NTM was based on mycobacterial culture of lymph node specimens obtained by fine needle aspiration. The clinical laboratory and follow-up data were documented. Ninety-two children with lymph node positive cultures of nontuberculous mycobacterium were included in the study. Mycobacterium avium complex and Mycobacterium hemophilum were isolated in 90% of the cultures. In most cases, the affected lymph nodes underwent violaceous changes with discharge of purulent material for 3-8 weeks. Total resolution was achieved within 6 months in 71% of patients and within 9-12 months in the remainder. At the 2-year follow-up, a skin-colored, flat scar in the region of the drainage was noted. There were no complications. We suggest that the observational approach can be effective for managing NTM lymphadenitis in immunocompetent children.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Cerebral disease in a nationwide Dutch pseudoxanthoma elasticum cohort with a systematic review of the literature.
Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a monogenetic disease with progressive calcification of arteries and potential risk of stroke. To gain insights in the cerebral involvement in PXE, we evaluated prevalence and determinants of cerebral disease in our PXE cohort and performed a systematic review of literature. Systematic history taking concerning cerebral disorders was performed in our PXE cohort. Cardiovascular risk factors were compared between PXE patients with and without cerebral disease. Additionally, Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and PsycINFO were systematically reviewed for studies published up to August 2016 about cerebral disease in PXE. Of the 178 PXE patients 31 (17%) had cerebral disease including ischemic stroke (n=15, 8%) or transient ischemic attack (n=13, 7%). The cerebral disease group was older (61±12 vs. 52±15years, adjusted p=0.004) and had less favorable profiles of traditional cardiovascular risk factors regarding the use of lipid lowering medication (61% vs. 31%, adjusted p=0.037) and levels of HDL-cholesterol (1.4±0.3 vs. 1.6±0.4mmol/L, adjusted p=0.005). One prospective cohort study reporting an incidence rate of ischemic stroke of 477/100,000/year and two cross-sectional studies with a reported prevalence of ischemic stroke of 14% and 0% were identified. Furthermore, 53 unique cases of cerebral disease in PXE including ischemic stroke (n=16) and transient ischemic attack (n=7) were reported. Physicians and patients should be aware of the prevalent occurrence of cerebrovascular disease in PXE, which further stresses the importance of strict cardiovascular risk management in these patients.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Real World Evidence for Treatment of Hyperkalemia in the Emergency Department (REVEAL-ED): A Multicenter, Prospective, Observational Study.
Contemporary emergency department (ED) standard-of-care treatment of hyperkalemia is poorly described. Our aim was to determine the treatment patterns of hyperkalemia management in the ED. This multicenter, prospective, observational study evaluated patients aged ≥ 18 years with hyperkalemia (potassium [K+] level ≥ 5.5 mmol/L) in the ED from October 25, 2015 to March 30, 2016. K+-lowering therapies and K+ were documented at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h after initial ED treatment. The primary end point was change in K+ over 4 h. Overall, 203 patients were enrolled at 14 U.S.-based sites. The initial median K+ was 6.3 (interquartile range [IQR] 5.7-6.8) mmol/L and median time to treatment was 2.7 (IQR 1.9-3.5) h post-ED arrival. Insulin/glucose (n = 130; 64%) was frequently used to treat hyperkalemia; overall, 43 different treatment combinations were employed within the first 4 h. Within 4 h, the median K+ for patients treated with medications alone decreased from 6.3 (IQR, 5.8-6.8) mmol/L to 5.3 (4.8-5.7) mmol/L, while that for patients treated with dialysis decreased from 6.2 (IQR 6.0-6.6) mmol/L to 3.8 (IQR 3.6-4.2) mmol/L. Hypoglycemia occurred in 6% of patients overall and in 17% of patients with K+ > 7.0 mmol/L. Hyperkalemia-related electrocardiogram changes were observed in 23% of all patients; 45% of patients with K+ > 7.0 mmol/L had peaked T waves or widened QRS. Overall, 79% were hospitalized; 3 patients died. Hyperkalemia practice patterns vary considerably and, although treatment effectively lowered K+, only dialysis normalized median K+ within 4 h.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Towards High-efficient Chiral Separation Using Hierarchically Porous HROP@silica-gel-sheet Composite.
Separating racemates is still a great challenge for their similarity in chemical structures and physicochemical properties. Despite exhibiting a significant potential in the adsorption separation due to their intrinsic characteristics, hierarchically porous materials utilized in enantioseparation have rarely been reported to date. Furthermore, the molding of such materials together with their hybrid organic-inorganic monoliths is generally required to meet various prerequisites in the diverse large-scale industrial applications, but without sacrificing their inherently hierarchical architectures. In this work, a three-dimensional hierarchically porous organic-inorganic composite was simply and feasibly prepared via integrating the micro/meso-porous hypercrosslinked resin organic polymer (HROP) with macroporous silica gel sheet (SGS), followed by a chiral selector postmodification, named as HROP@SGS. Racemic 1-phenylethanol, ibuprofen and naproxen could be separated only using such a piece of HROP@SGS as the filler with a solid phase extraction technique. Herein, HROP@SGS exhibited extraordinary chiral resolution performances and succeeded in achieving a complete chiral resolution. Our findings suggest that this simple strategy proposed by us, i.e., combining the chiral micro/mesoporous organic materials with macroporous inorganic substrates, can be employed to prepare an unprecedented enantioseparation material, which has a promising potential in large-scale industrial applications, such as fixed-bed and membrane separation.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Omics Fusion - A Platform for Integrative Analysis of Omics Data.
We present Omics Fusion, a new web-based platform for integrative analysis of omics data. Omics Fusion provides a collection of new and established tools and visualization methods to support researchers in exploring omics data, validating results or understanding how to adjust experiments in order to make new discoveries. It is easily extendible and new visualization methods are added continuously. It is available for free under: https://fusion.cebitec.uni-bielefeld.de/.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The role of the iliotibial band during the pivot shift test.
Several studies have suggested that the iliotibial (IT) band plays a role in knee laxity and that it may affect the magnitude of the pivot shift observed. However, the extent of the role played by the IT band, as well as its mechanism of action, is not currently known. This cadaveric study aimed to quantify the effect of the IT band and the hip abduction angle on the magnitude of anterior tibial translation (ATT) during the pivot shift. Six fresh-frozen hip-to-toes specimens were used. Serial sectioning of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the IT band was performed. Lachman and mechanized pivot shift manoeuvres were employed at each stage, and ATT of the lateral and medial compartments was measured using navigation. Three hip abduction angles were tested for each condition: 0°, 15° and 30°. Sequential sectioning of the ACL and the IT band resulted in a significant increase in ATT in both the lateral (Intact = 0 ± 0.5 mm; ACL deficient = 8.1 ± 0.2 mm; ACL + IT deficient = 10.8 ± 0.3 mm) and medial (Intact = 6.7 ± 0.4 mm; ACL deficient = 8.4 ± 0.3 mm; ACL + IT deficient = 9.9 ± 0.3 mm) compartments. No significant increase in ATT was observed after changing the hip abduction angle at each stage. An increase in the magnitude of the pivot shift and the Lachman was observed as the constraint of the IT band was removed. Additionally, it was shown that the hip abduction angle at which the pivot shift test was performed did not significantly affect the magnitude of ATT in this cadaveric model.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Mast cell cytokine and chemokine responses to bacterial and viral infection.
Mast cells have been most widely studied in the context of allergic disease but also play a critical role in host defence against bacterial infection, most elegantly demonstrated in studies using mast cell deficient w/wv mice. There is less data available concerning the role of mast cells in defence against viral pathogens, however, mast cells have been demonstrated to be a potential reservoir of infection for several pathogens, such as HIV-1 and dengue, and capable of producing mediators following challenge with a number of viral products. Traditional mast cell mediators such as histamine, protease enzymes and leukotrienes are important for effective host responses. The cytokines and chemokines produced by mast cells in response to pathogens are known to profoundly alter the nature of the innate immune response and its effectiveness in eliminating infection. Cytokine and chemokine production by mast cells is closely regulated and may occur independently of classical mast cell degranulation. Depending upon the nature of the stimulus or type of infection, a unique profile of cytokines is induced. In this review, we will examine the role and regulation of mast cell cytokines and chemokines in the context of a number of bacterial and viral infections, emphasizing the multiple receptor mechanisms used to activate mast cells. This area of research is still in its early stages and much work remains to be done. However, understanding the unique properties of resident tissue mast cells and how their cytokine responses are regulated by pathogens or pathogen products, will provide important opportunities for the therapeutic manipulation of local immune responses.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Follow-up: the evidence.
There is currently no consensus on the best strategy for the follow-up of patients who have undergone surgical treatment with curative intent for gastric cancer. The wide variation in recommendations for surveillance among international experts and hospital schedules clearly reflects a lack of an established body of evidence on this subject. Consequently, most of the international guidelines aimed at early detection of disease recurrence gloss over details concerning the mode, duration, and intensity of surveillance since they cannot be based on an acceptable grade of recommendation. Very few report anything other than the detection of recurrences or death as the primary endpoints, and, given the poor survival of patients with recurrent gastric cancer, the prognostic effect of early detection seems doubtful. In recent years, an increasing focus on evidence-based medicine, which has coincided with a growing concern about costs and efficiency in medicine, has caused a reevaluation of most surveillance practices. In this paper, we review and discuss the current body of evidence and follow-up practices after curative resection of gastric cancer.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The relationship among asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels, residual renal function, and left ventricular hypertrophy in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients.
Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of endothelial-based nitric oxide synthase. Its level is increased by end stage renal disease. However, most studies showing an increase in ADMA in dialysis patients have focused on hemodialysis. Results with peritoneal dialysis patients have been more inconclusive. Recent studies suggest that ADMA may be a new cardiovascular risk factor. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between ADMA levels, residual renal function, and left ventricular hypertrophy in peritoneal dialysis patients. Serum ADMA measurements and echocardiographic evaluations were performed in 54 peritoneal dialysis patients and 26 healthy volunteers. Residual renal function was measured in peritoneal dialysis patients by urea clearance from a urine collection. Thirty-two of the 54 peritoneal dialysis patients had residual renal function. ADMA levels of the peritoneal dialysis group were found to be significantly higher than those of healthy individuals (p = 0.03). Within the peritoneal dialysis group, ADMA levels of patients with residual renal function were significantly lower than those without residual renal function (p = 0.01), though they were still higher than the ADMA levels of the control group (p = 0.04). Serum levels of ADMA were positively correlated with left ventricular mass index (r = 0.29, p = 0.01) and negatively correlated with early mitral inflow velocity (Em) (r = -0.28, p = 0.01), Em/Late mitral inflow velocity (Am) (r = -0,32, p = 0.00), and isovolumetric relaxation time (r = -0.30, p = 0.01). In conclusion, increased ADMA levels seem to be associated with left ventricular hypertrophy in peritoneal dialysis patients, and residual renal function may lead to a reduction of serum ADMA levels.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Influences on specialty choice for students entering person-oriented and technique-oriented specialties.
Given changing trends in specialty choices among medical students coupled with continued challenges associated with medical specialty decision-making, it is important for medical educators to understand how students make decisions about their medical career. Medical educators should be aware of how medical school-based experiences and interactions such as faculty, courses, and services impact students' specialty choices and decisions. The study determined if differences in influences on specialty decision-making exist for students entering person-oriented specialties versus technique-oriented specialties. Three hundred and fifty-six fourth-year medical students completed a questionnaire about how the faculty, curriculum, student services, mentoring and professional development programs, lifestyle considerations, family/friends, and other factors influenced their choice of specialty. Chi-square analyses indicated that students pursuing person-oriented specialties compared to technique-oriented specialties were moderately more likely to be influenced by their personal physician, by school faculty, and by medical school activities; slightly more likely to be influenced by medical school offices and services; and slightly less likely to be influenced by income expectations. Students interested in person-oriented specialties versus technique-oriented specialties indicate differences in what influences their specialty choice. This study may be helpful to medical educators and advisors who work with students on specialty decision-making.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Coding polypurine hairpins cause target-induced cell death in breast cancer cells.
Polypurine reverse-Hoogsteen hairpins (PPRHs) are double-stranded DNA molecules formed by two polypurine stretches linked by a pentathymidine loop, with intramolecular reverse-Hoogsteen bonds that allow a hairpin structure. PPRHs bind to polypyrimidine targets by Watson-Crick bonds maintaining simultaneously a hairpin structure due to intramolecular Hoogsteen bonds. Previously, we described the ability of Template-PPRHs to decrease mRNA levels because these PPRHs target the template DNA strand interfering with the transcription process. Now, we designed Coding-PPRHs, a new type of PPRHs that directly target the pre-mRNA. The dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) gene was selected as a target in breast cancer therapy. These PPRHs caused a high degree of cytotoxicity and a decrease in DHFR mRNA and protein levels, but by a different mechanism of action than Template-PPRHs. Coding-PPRHs interfere with the splicing process by competing with U2 auxiliary factor 65 for binding to the polypyrimidine target sequence, leading to a lower amount of mature mRNA. These new PPRHs showed high specificity as no off-target effects were found. The application of these molecules as therapeutic tools was tested in breast cancer cells resistant to methotrexate, obtaining a noticeable cytotoxicity even though the dhfr locus was amplified. Coding-PPRHs can be considered as new molecules to decrease gene expression at the mRNA level and an alternative to other antisense molecules.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Inherited platelet function disorders: overview and disorders of granules, secretion, and signal transduction.
Inherited disorders of platelet function are characterized by highly variable mucocutaneous bleeding manifestations. The platelet dysfunction arises by diverse mechanisms, including abnormalities in platelet membrane glycoproteins, granules and their contents, platelet signaling and secretion mechanisms: thromboxane production pathways and in platelet procoagulant activities. Platelet aggregation and secretion studies using platelet-rich plasma currently form the primary basis for the diagnosis of an inherited platelet dysfunction. In most such patients, the molecular and genetic mechanisms are unknown. Management of these patients needs to be individualized; therapeutic options include platelet transfusions, 1-desamino-8d-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP), recombinant factor VIIa, and antifibrinolytic agents.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Sparse deconvolution in one and two dimensions: applications in endocrinology and single-molecule fluorescence imaging.
Deconvolution of noisy signals is an important task in analytical chemistry, examples being spectral deconvolution or deconvolution in microscopy. When the number of spectral peaks or single emitters in imaging is limited, the solution of the deconvolution is required to be sparse, and desirable results are obtained using a penalized estimation techniques. We impose sparseness by using penalized regression with a penalty based on the L0-norm, as discussed in earlier work. Several extensions to this approach are presented. Results are demonstrated on pulse identification in endocrine data where the aim is to model the secretion pattern as a sparse series of spikes. An application in single-molecule fluorescence imaging demonstrates the algorithm when applied to two-dimensional data.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Incorporation of cytochrome b5 into endoplasmic reticulum vesicles as protein-lysophospholipid micelles.
Cytochrome b5 is incorporated into vesicles of the endoplasmic reticulum as protein-lysophosphatidylcholine micelles. Cytochrome b5 becomes firmly bound to the membrane and at the same time lysophosphatidylcholine is acylated by acyltransferases of the endoplasmic reticulum and converted into the membrane component phosphatidylcholine. The possibility of an insertion of cytochrome b5 into the endoplasmic reticulum in vivo by this mechanism is discussed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Tracheo-oesophageal fistula in a case of button battery ingestion: CT virtual bronchoscopy imaging.
Foreign body ingestion in paediatric population is a very common problem. Usually the foreign bodies pass through the gastrointestinal tract without any complications; however, certain foreign bodies like button batteries might cause severe injuries like tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF), oesophago-aortic fistula, perforation and mediastinitis, vocal cord paralysis and stenosis after suspected perforation. In our case, an infant developed a TOF following ingestion of button battery which was diagnosed with the help of CT virtual bronchoscopy. It also contributed to the decision making regarding suitable operative techniques. Thus, CT virtual bronchoscopy can help in the diagnosis and detection of any complications due to foreign body ingestion with the added advantage of being non-invasive.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The impact of trial baseline imbalances should be considered in systematic reviews: a methodological case study.
It is possible for baseline imbalances to occur between treatment groups for one or more variables in a randomized controlled trial, although the identification and detection of baseline imbalances remain controversial. If trials with baseline imbalances are combined in a meta-analysis, then this may result in misleading conclusions. The identification and consequences of baseline imbalances in meta-analyses are discussed. Metaregression using mean baseline scores as a covariate is proposed as a potential method for adjusting baseline imbalances within meta-analysis. We will use a recent systematic review looking at the effect of calcium supplements on weight as an illustrative case study. Meta-analysis conducted using the mean final values of the treatment groups as the outcome resulted in an apparent, statistically significant, treatment effect. However, using a meta-analysis of baseline values, this was shown to be due to the baseline imbalance between treatment groups, rather than as a result of any intervention received by the participants. Applying the method of metaregression demonstrated that there was in fact a smaller, statistically insignificant effect between treatment groups. The meta-analyst should always consider the possibility of baseline imbalances and adjustments should be made wherever possible.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Selective arterial chemoembolization for hepatic metastases from medullary thyroid carcinoma.
Hepatic metastases from medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) may impair quality of life by hypercalcitonemia-associated diarrhea and pain. In this prospective study, the effect of selective arterial chemoembolization (SACE) was evaluated. Eleven patients with hepatic metastases from MTC received 1 to 9 courses of SACE using epirubicine. Symptomatic, biochemical, and morphologic responses on SACE were recorded. Symptomatic response was observed in all symptomatic patients. However, biochemical and radiologic response occurred only in 6 patients. Liver function was not affected by SACE. One patient with unexpected concurrent pheochromocytoma metastases died after the first course. Development of side effects in the course was observed in 8 patients but were only World Health Organization grade 1. Patients' satisfaction with SACE was excellent. Long-term follow-up found 7 patients alive (1-72 months). Three patients died with tumor 6, 12, and 24 months after SACE, respectively. SACE provided good symptom palliation for the majority of patients with hepatic metastases from MTC. However, transient remission or stabilization of hepatic metastases resulted in only 60%. Further studies using a randomized protocol are required.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Prediction of attachment status from observation of a clinical intensive psychotherapy interview.
The present study addresses whether it is possible to accurately determine a subject's Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) classification by observing a video-recorded clinical psychotherapy discussion that uses the principles of Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP). A random sample of eight of the author's (Robert J. Nebrosky) private practice patients participated in an AAI administered by an experienced interviewer. The authors were blind to the results of the AAI, which were scored and classified by Erik Hesse, PHD (consultant and expert in AAI coding and classification). The authors used the Adult Attachment Clinical Rating Scale (AA-CRS), which is an adapted version of the AAI "states-of-mind scales," in conjunction with the structured ISTDP interview to obtain main classifications and subclassifications. The authors determined the pathway of unconscious anxiety according to the procedures described by Davanloo (1995, 2001) and ten Have-de Labije (2006), beginning with the structured ISTDP interview, then categorized the patient's defenses and quality of the patient's observing and attentive ego, discussed the clinican's knowledge of the patient's attachment history, and from this data drew first the major gateway of attachment using the AA-CRS. Then the authors categorized the subclassifications using the AA-CRS. The authors predicted seven out of eight AAI main classifications correctly, and five out of eight AAI subclassifications correctly, indicating that there was a statistically significant relationship between predicted and expected values for main classifications and subclassifications. The authors conclude that the systematic ISTDP inquiry at the level of the stimulus (current, past, and therapeutic relationship) and response (defence, anxiety, and impulse/feeling) and combined with the clinician's knowledge of the patient's clinical history can effectively substitute for the AAI interview and therefore, yield an experiential reference from which to explore the patient's state of mind using the Adult Attachment Clinical Rating Scale (AA-CRS). The authors speculate that the differences in subclassification could be accounted for by variations and/or differences in biographical knowledge obtained by the the clinician versus that of the AAI coder (Hesse).
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Lysine acetylsalicylate modifies aphagia and thermogenic changes induced by lateral hypothalamic lesion.
These experiments test the effect of intraperitoneal injection of lysine acetylsalicylate on 1) food intake and 2) the sympathetic and thermogenic changes induced by lesion of the lateral hypothalamus (LH). Food intake, firing rate of the nerves innervating interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT), and IBAT and colonic temperatures (TIBAT and TC) were monitored in male Sprague-Dawley rats lesioned in the LH. These variables were measured before and after intraperitoneal injection of lysine acetylsalicylate. The same variables were also monitored in 1) lesioned rats with intraperitoneal administration of saline, 2) sham-lesioned animals with intraperitoneal injection of lysine acetylsalicylate, and 3) sham-lesioned rats with intraperitoneal injection of saline. The results show that lysine acetylsalicylate modifies the aphagia by increasing food intake and also reduces the enhancements in firing rate, TIBAT, and TC induced by LH lesion. These findings suggest that prostaglandin synthesis plays a key role in the control of eating behavior in LH-lesioned rats by acting on the sympathetic and thermogenic changes induced by LH lesion.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Determination of uranium, iron, copper, and nickel from ore samples by MEKC using N,N'-ethylene bis(salicylaldimine) as complexing reagent.
An analytical procedure has been developed for the separation of dioxouranium(VI), iron(III), copper(II), nickel(II), cobalt(II), cobalt(III), palladium(II), and thorium(IV) by MEKC using N,N'-ethylene bis(salicylaldimine) (H(2)SA(2)en) as a complexing reagent with total runtime <4.5 min. SDS was used as micellar medium at pH 8 with sodium tetraborate buffer (0.1 M). An uncoated fused-silica capillary with an effective length of 50 cm x 75 microm id was used with an applied voltage of 30 kV with photodiode array detection at 231 nm. Linear calibrations were obtained within 0.111-1000 microg/mL of each element with LODs within 37-325 ng/mL. The developed method was tested for analysis of uranium ore samples indicating its presence within 103-1789 microg/g with RSD within 0.79-1.87%. Likewise copper, nickel, and iron in their combined matrix were also simultaneously determined with RSD 0.4-1.6% (n = 6).
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes is dependent on glucosylceramide:ceramide processing.
Skin barrier function is primarily assigned to the outer epidermal layer, the stratum corneum (SC), mainly composed of corneocytes and lipid-enriched extracellular matrix. Epidermal ceramides (Cers) are essential barrier lipids, containing ultra-long-chain (ULC) fatty acids (FAs) with a unique ω-hydroxy group, which is necessary for binding to corneocyte proteins. In the SC, Cers are believed to derive from glucosylated intermediates, namely glucosylceramides (GlcCers), as surmised from human Gaucher's disease and related mouse models. Tamoxifen (TAM)-induced deletion of the endogenous GlcCer-synthesizing enzyme UDP-glucose:ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG) in keratin K14-positive cells resulted in epidermal GlcCer depletion. Although free extractable Cers were elevated in total epidermis and as well in SC, protein-bound Cers decreased significantly in Ugcg(f/fK14CreERT2) mice, indicating glucosylation to be required for regular Cer processing as well as arrangement and extrusion of lipid lamellae. The almost complete loss of protein-bound Cers led to a disruption of the water permeability barrier (WPB). UGCG-deficient mice developed an ichthyosis-like skin phenotype marked by impaired keratinocyte differentiation associated with delayed wound healing. Gene expression profiling of Ugcg-mutant skin revealed a subset of differentially expressed genes involved in lipid signaling and epidermal differentiation/proliferation, correlating to human skin diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor beta/delta (PPARβ/δ), a Cer-sensitive transcription factor was identified as potential mediator of the altered gene sets.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Inhibitory effect of taspine derivative TAD1822-7 on tumor cell growth and angiogenesis via suppression of EphrinB2 and related signaling pathways.
The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of TAD1822-7, a synthesized taspine derivative, on cancer through its effects on tumor cell growth and angiogenesis via suppression of EphrinB2. The obtained data showed that TAD1822-7 decreased Bel-7402 cell viability and colony formation ability and suppressed cell migration. TAD1822-7 effectively inhibited blood vessel formation in an aortic ring assay to examine angiogenesis. Moreover, it also down regulated the expression of VEGFR2, VEGFR3, CD34, PLCγ, Akt, MMP2, MMP9, and CXCR4, and suppressed the expression of EphrinB2 and its PDZ protein, PICK1, in Bel-7402 cells. These results indicate that TAD1822-7 is a potential anti-angiogenic agent that can inhibit the viability and migration of Bel-7402 cells via suppression of EphrinB2 and the related signaling pathways.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[30 years cardiac pacemaker therapy: a status evaluation].
Antibradycardiac pacemaker therapy has become established as one of the most effective forms of cardiological therapy for the indications AV-block, sick sinus syndrome, bradyarrhythmia, and hypersensitive carotid sinus. About 220,000 systems are implanted per year worldwide, about 32,000 in West Germany. Of the pacing modes, the fixed-rate ventricular single chamber systems (VVI) dominate with a share of almost 90%. Prognostic importance: For AV-block, the improvement of the prognosis by pacemaker therapy is unquestionable, since it increases the cumulative survival rates to 81% and 95% after 1 year and 50% to 65% after 5 years. For sick sinus syndrome, VVI-pacing proves to be a symptomatic measure, no prognostic importance can be proven. It is not conclusively clarified at present whether physiological pacing modes (AAI, DDD) have any such importance. Pacemaker therapy also has no prognostic importance for bradyarrhythmia. Hemodynamic importance: Numerous hemodynamic studies show that fixed-rate VVI-pacing fails to produce a long-term hemodynamic improvement for either an AV-block or a sick sinus syndrome. In sick sinus syndrome hemodynamic improvement can only be achieved by physiological pacing modes (AAI, DVI, DDD), whereby the increase in cardiac output is between 11% to 30%. For AV-block a long-term hemodynamic improvement can only be obtained by atrial triggered pacing modes (VAT, VDD, DDD); this is higher than the values of fixed-rate VVI-pacing by 7-25% at rest, or 10-40% under exercise. Similar results with improvements of the exercise hemodynamics between 22% and 66% are reported for rate-modulated single-chamber pacing (VVIR) for AV-block. Future trends: In the fourth decade of pacemaker therapy, developments point toward the "smart pacemaker", toward rate-modulated systems with combinations of parameters, toward rate-modulated dual-chamber systems and universal antibradycardiac and antitachycardiac systems.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Dismantling cognitive-behavioral group therapy for social phobia.
The efficacy of Heimberg's (1991) Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy (CBGT) [Unpublished manuscript] for social phobia has been demonstrated in several studies in recent years. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the treatment's success. In order to determine whether the cognitive restructuring component of CBGT is essential, this study compared CBGT to an exposure-based treatment without formal cognitive restructuring. A wait-list control was also included. In general, Ss in the active treatment conditions improved and control Ss did not improve on a variety of self-report, clinician, and behavioral measures. Limited evidence indicated that Ss in the non-cognitive treatment may have made somewhat greater gains on some measures. Although CBGT Ss reported more improvement than exposure-alone Ss in subjective anxiety during an individualized behavioral test at posttreatment, this difference disappeared at 6-month follow-up. Surprisingly, CBGT was less effective than in previous controlled trials, and possible reasons for this are discussed. Implications of the results for cognitive theory and cognitive-behavioral therapy for social phobia are addressed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Total body mass, fat mass, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle in older people: cross-sectional differences in 60-year-old persons.
To evaluate body composition parameters, including fat-free mass (FFM), appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM), relative skeletal muscle mass (RSM) index, body cell mass (BCM), BCM index, total body potassium (TBK), fat mass, percentage fat mass (FM), and their differences between age groups and to evaluate the frequency of sarcopenia in healthy older subjects Cross-sectional, nonrandomized study. Outpatient clinic. Ninety-one healthy men and 100 healthy women age 60 and older. FFM, ASMM, FM, and percentage fat mass by whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; TBK, BCM, and TBK/FFM ratio by whole body potassium-40 counter. All lean body mass parameters were significantly (P <.05) lower in subjects age 80 and older than in those age 70 to 79, except ASMM in women. Mean FFM was 4.2 kg (7.3%) lower in men age 80 and older than in those younger than 70 and 2.9 kg (6.8%) lower in women age 80 and older than in those younger than 70. The skeletal muscle mass, reflected by ASMM, decreased more than FFM. This suggests that nonskeletal muscle mass is proportionally preserved during aging. Forty-five percent of men and 30% of women were sarcopenic by definition of BCM index and 11.0% of men and women by definition of RSM index. Significant age-related differences exist in body composition of older men and women between age 60 and 95. The greater decrease in TBK and BCM than the decrease in FFM and skeletal muscle mass suggests changing composition of FFM with age. Lack of agreement between two independent sarcopenia indexes suggests that further refinement in the definition of a sarcopenia index is necessary.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Biology of the temperate Streptococcus thermophilus bacteriophage TP-J34 and physical characterization of the phage genome.
The temperate Streptococcus thermophilus bacteriophage TP-J34 was identified in the lysogenic host strain J34. The majority of phage particles produced upon induction was defective and noninfectious, consisting of DNA-filled heads lacking tails. A physical map (45.6 kb) was established. Analysis of minor restriction bands of the DNA isolated from phage particles as well as the analysis of the protein pattern indicated that phage TP-J34 is a pac-type phage. This was confirmed by immunoelectron microscopy using antisera raised against virulent cos- and pac-type S. thermophilus phages. The lysogenic host J34 but not its noninducible derivate J34-12 contained phage DNA in the nonintegrated state and exhibited autolysis at elevated temperatures. Prophage-carrying strains grew homogeneously while 16 of 20 prophage-cured derivatives aggregated and sedimented rapidly. When phage TP-J34 was propagated lytically on a prophage-cured host strain, a 2.7-kb site-specific deletion occurred in the phage genome. This deletion was also identified in the prophage DNAs of relysogenized strains.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Abdominal sacrocolpopexy in the enterocoele treatment--analysis of the surgical technique and the course of the initial procedures].
Abdominal sacrocolpopexy is one of the most effective treatments of enterocoele. Alas, little is known about complications resulting from the procedure. The aim of the study was to analyze the course of the operation, the perioperative period and the outcome of abdominal sacrocolpopexy. 8 women, aged 60-75, have undergone the operation. The sacrocolpopexy procedure has been performed through abdominal access on patients with considerable enterocele (III and IV degree on POP-Q scale). Polypropylene multifilament tape Surgipro (Tyco) has been applied in all cases. All of the procedures have run without any complications. The patients did not complain about any major ailments during postoperative period and have been released from the hospital according to schedule. One month after the operation, the check-up proved the outcome was good. After six months, III degree POP has been diagnosed again in two patients with previously performed Richter operation and, additionally, vaginal erosion has been found in one of them. Abdominal sacrocolpopexy procedure involves a low risk of complications. Detailed evaluation will only be possible after assessing higher number of procedures and estimating the results after a longer period of time.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Application of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery and laparoscopic single-site surgery techniques in colorectal surgery].
The research on natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and laparoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) are current worldwide focuses international areas of minimally invasive surgery. NOTES needs further investigation, and as the most available of no scar techniques, LESS provides a transition. Currently, both laparoscopy-assisted NOTES colorectal resection and totally NOTES colorectal resection have been reported, however, the techniques are still mainly under animal investigation. Multiple LESS colorectal resections have been reported worldwide, and the feasibility has been proved by those reports. What's more, whether LESS colorectal resection can fulfil the requirements of radical tumor resection needs further investigation.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Fluctuation of virus antibody levels in healthy adults.
In order to determine fluctuations in virus antibody levels, blood specimens were collected weekly from 13 healthy adults during a nine-week period and tested by enzyme immunoassay for IgG antibodies against measles, rubella and cytomegalovirus. In 29 of 35 subject-titer pairs the difference between the highest and lowest titers observed was less than twofold, in five cases it was between twofold and threefold, and in one case it was 3.3-fold. These differences were higher than those caused by intraassay variation alone. The results indicate that some physiological fluctuations seem to occur in the antibody levels of healthy individuals. Although the fluctuations are usually small, care should be taken if titer increases less than fourfold are used as a criterion to indicate recent infection.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The Development of Glaucoma after Surgery-Indicated Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Population-Based Cohort Study.
This study investigates the development of glaucoma in subjects with surgery-indicated chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) by the use of the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. Individuals that received the functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) with a diagnostic code of CRS were regarded as surgery-indicated CRS and enrolled in the study group. Four non-CRS patients were age- and gender-matched to each patient in the study group. The exclusion criteria included legal blindness, ocular tumor, history of eyeball removal, and previous glaucoma. The outcome was regarded as the development of glaucoma, and conditional logistic regression was used for the statistical analysis, which involved multiple potential risk factors in the multivariate model. A total of 6506 patients with surgery-indicated CRS that received FESS and another 26,024 non-CRS individuals were enrolled after exclusion. The age and gender distributions were identical between the two groups due to matching. There were 108 and 294 glaucoma events in the study group and control group, respectively, during the follow-up period, and the study group had a significantly higher adjusted hazard ratio (1.291, 95% confidential interval: 1.031-1.615). The cumulative probability analysis also revealed a correlation between the occurrence of glaucoma and the CRS disease interval. In the subgroup analysis, the chance of developing open-angle glaucoma and normal-tension glaucoma was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group. In conclusion, the existence of surgery-indicated CRS is a significant risk factor for the development of glaucoma, which correlated with the disease interval.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Genetic susceptibility to respiratory syncytial virus infection in inbred mice.
Differences in the severity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-induced lower respiratory disease in infants have been attributed to multiple environmental and genetic factors. To identify the genetic factor(s) influencing RSV susceptibility, we examined RSV infection in eight inbred mouse strains. Lung RSV titers differed significantly between mouse strains: the RSV titers were 15-fold higher in AKR/J (permissive) mice compared with C57BL/6J (resistant) mice at 4 days after inoculation. This strain-specific difference in RSV titers suggested that susceptibility to RSV infection was attributable to genetic differences between strains. To examine the mode of inheritance of RSV susceptibility, F1 and backcross (F1 x AKR/J) progeny were infected and RSV titers determined. RSV titers in the F1 progeny were similar to those found in the resistant (C57BL/6J) parent, suggesting resistance was inherited as a dominant trait. The distribution of RSV titers in backcross progeny were discordant with that predicted for a single gene effect, suggesting susceptibility was influenced by more than one gene. These data suggest that RSV susceptibility is a multigenic trait that should be amenable to resolution by genomic analysis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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