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Negative hydrophobic ions as transport-mediators for positive ions: evidence for a carrier mechanism.
The permeability of hydrophobic cations, such as tetraphenylarsonium across biological membranes and artificial lipid membranes is strongly increased in the presence of trace amounts of hydrophobic anions like tetraphenylborate (Liberman, Y.A. and Topaly, V.P. (1969) Biofizika 14, 452--461). Voltage-jump relaxation experiments performed on thin lipid membranes support the idea that the anions, A-, act as carriers for the cations, B+, by the formation of neutral ion pairs, A-B+. Their permeability is not affected by the electric dipole potential, which hinders the movement of free cations, B+. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Domestic violence on pregnant women in Abuja, Nigeria.
Violence against women is a human rights violation, which is increasingly becoming a serious public health issue. When it occurs in pregnant women, victims are recognised to be at higher risk of complications of pregnancy. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was carried out over a 3-month period from May to July 2005 to document the prevalence, knowledge and perception of domestic violence (DV) on pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of the National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria. The mean age of the respondents was 31.5 +/- 4.25 years, with a range of 20 - 42 years. Most (85.2%) had attained tertiary education. While most (92.9%) were aware of DV in pregnancy, 125 women (37.4%) had experienced DV. Psychological abuse ranked highest with 66.4%, while physical and sexual abuse accounted for 23.4% and 10.2% of the group. Of this group, 21.2% required medical treatment as a result of DV, and all were aware of possible pregnancy complications, such as abortion, premature labour and depression. Most (81.9%) of the respondents felt DV was illegal. A majority (29.7%) kept their DV secret with a few numbers reporting to family, doctors, clergy or close friends. With higher educational status, the experience of DV was greater, although this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Similarly with increasing parity, although this tended to reverse after parity of 3. The prevalence of DV found in Abuja, the centrally located capital city of Nigeria is higher than that from the study in Zaria, northern Nigeria (28%). This is cause for concern, and points to a rising trend in the northern region of the country although the centres are different. Similarly, the husband/spouse was the most common offender; responsible here for 74.2% of cases. This may give justification to recent calls for paternal educational classes for spouses. Increasing public awareness remains the key, through education and public enlightenment campaigns, with more emphasis on the identified perpetrator class. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prognostic impact of central nervous system metastases after acquired resistance to EGFR-TKI: poorer prognosis associated with T790M-negative status and leptomeningeal metastases.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic impact of central nervous system metastases (CNS) after acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We defined CNS-collapse as death due to uncontrolled and progressive CNS metastases. Post-progression survival (PPS) after initial TKI failure and T790M status were retrospectively compared in 92 patients with or without CNS collapse. The median PPS in 32 patients with CNS-collapse (16.7 months) was significantly shorter than that of 60 without (26.8 months) (p=0.0002). T790M was detected in four (12%) out of the 32 CNS-collapse patients and in 26 (43%) out of 60 without (p=0.0026). Median PPS in 39 patients with leptomeningeal metastases (LM) (11.4 months) was significantly shorter versus 53 without (26.8 months) (p=0.0006). The median PPS was 25.1 months in 40 patients with brain metastases and 11.2 months in 52 without (p=0.0387). T790M was detected in 4/5 resected brain tumors (80%) and in 1/26 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples (4%) (p=0.0008). CNS-collapse represented poorer prognosis, which was associated with T790M-negative status and LM. Controlling CNS metastases, especially LM, is important to achieve longer survival. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Infantile tremor syndrome in Iraqi Kurdistan.
To describe a rare condition that occurred for the first time in Iraqi Kurdistan during the UN Sanctions on Iraq in the nireties. Literature review was made to fine possible causes. Patients were collected from various sources including private clinics, hospital outpatient clinics and the Centre for Handicapped Children in the city of Arbil. Clinical features and proper history were the main diagnostic tools. Different treatment regimes were used on those patients. 24 patients were collected; the majority was between 6-18 months. Males were more affected than females. Half of the patients were exclusively breast-fed and three quarter have received blood for anemia. Infantile tremor syndrome is a rare condition which was described both in India and outside India as well. It was observed among children in Iraqi Kurdistan during the difficult economic situation under the UN Sanctions. The condition has the same features inside and outside India. The etiology is not very clear yet. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Unsupervised learning assisted robust prediction of bioluminescent proteins.
Bioluminescence plays an important role in nature, for example, it is used for intracellular chemical signalling in bacteria. It is also used as a useful reagent for various analytical research methods ranging from cellular imaging to gene expression analysis. However, identification and annotation of bioluminescent proteins is a difficult task as they share poor sequence similarities among them. In this paper, we present a novel approach for within-class and between-class balancing as well as diversifying of a training dataset by effectively combining unsupervised K-Means algorithm with Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) in order to achieve the true performance of the prediction model. Further, we experimented by varying different levels of balancing ratio of positive data to negative data in the training dataset in order to probe for an optimal class distribution which produces the best prediction accuracy. The appropriately balanced and diversified training set resulted in near complete learning with greater generalization on the blind test datasets. The obtained results strongly justify the fact that optimal class distribution with a high degree of diversity is an essential factor to achieve near perfect learning. Using random forest as the weak learners in boosting and training it on the optimally balanced and diversified training dataset, we achieved an overall accuracy of 95.3% on a tenfold cross validation test, and an accuracy of 91.7%, sensitivity of 89. 3% and specificity of 91.8% on a holdout test set. It is quite possible that the general framework discussed in the current work can be successfully applied to other biological datasets to deal with imbalance and incomplete learning problems effectively. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antibiotic resistance profile of the subgingival microbiota following systemic or local tetracycline therapy.
Tetracyclines have been extensively used as adjunctives to conventional periodontal therapy. Emergence of resistant strains, however, has been reported. This study evaluated longitudinally the tetracycline resistance patterns of the subgingival microbiota of periodontitis subjects treated with systemic or local tetracycline therapy+scaling and root planing (SRP). Thirty chronic periodontitis patients were randomly assigned to three groups: SRP+500 mg of systemic tetracycline twice/day for 14 days; SRP alone and SRP+tetracycline fibers (Actsite) at four selected sites for 10 days. Subgingival plaque samples were obtained from four sites with probing pocket depths (PPD)> or =6 mm in each patient at baseline, 1 week, 3, 6 and 12 months post-therapy. Samples were dispersed and diluted in pre-reduced anaerobically sterilized Ringer's solution, plated on Trypticase Soy Agar (TSA)+5% blood with or without 4 microg/ml of tetracycline and incubated anaerobically for 10 days. The percentage of resistant microorganisms were determined and the isolates identified by DNA probes and the checkerboard method. Significance of differences among and within groups over time was sought using the Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman tests, respectively. The percentage of resistant microorganisms increased significantly at 1 week in the tetracycline groups, but dropped to baseline levels over time. The SRP+Actsite group presented the lowest proportions of resistant species at 6 and 12 months. No significant changes were observed in the SRP group. The predominant tetracycline-resistant species included Streptococcus spp., Veillonela parvula, Peptostreptococcus micros, Prevotella intermedia, Gemella morbillorum and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa). A high percentage of sites with resistant Aa, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tanerella forsythensis was observed in all groups at baseline. However, T. forsythensis was not detected in any group and P. gingivalis was not present in the SRP+Actsite group at 1 year post-therapy. Aa was still frequently detected in all groups after therapy. However, the greatest reduction was observed in the SRP+Actsite group. Local or systemically administered tetracycline results in transitory selection of subgingival species intrinsically resistant to this drug. Although the percentage of sites harboring periodontal pathogens resistant to tetracycline were quite elevated in this population, both therapies were effective in reducing their prevalence over time. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Toxicity of beta-carotene and its exacerbation by acetaldehyde in HepG2 cells.
In rats and baboons, the hepatotoxicity of chronic ethanol consumption is exacerbated by beta-carotene feeding, but the mechanism of this adverse effect is unknown. In this study, the toxicity of beta-carotene and acetaldehyde was documented by the MTT test (an assay of reduction of tetrazolium to formazan) and by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage. In HepG2 cells, beta-carotene or acetaldehyde inhibited mitochondrial reduction function as indicated by a decrease of the MTT test. beta-Carotene was inhibitory at very low concentration, in a dose-dependent manner. The combination of these two compounds resulted in an additive effect. Acetaldehyde increased LDH leakage from the HepG2 cells into the medium, whereas beta-carotene by itself did not show such an effect, but it exacerbated the toxicity of acetaldehyde when combined. In addition, this study showed that acetaldehyde and beta-carotene inhibited each other's clearance from the medium, which suggests that these two chemicals may share, at least in part, a common metabolic pathway (possibly via aldehyde dehydrogenase) in the cells, and that a competitive inhibition may exist. In conclusion, this preliminary study indicates that beta-carotene is toxic to hepatocytes, especially when combined with acetaldehyde, the metabolite of ethanol. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dialock: a new vascular access device for extracorporeal renal replacement therapy. Preliminary clinical results.
Vascular access, a vital tool for end-stage renal disease patients, remains a weak component of extracorporeal renal replacement therapy (RRT) and the first cause of morbidity. Permanent catheters proposed as an alternative to permanent AV fistulae are associated with a significant risk of infection. A subcutaneously implantable chamber connected to permanent catheter appears highly desirable to reduce such hazards. Dialock, a metallic port-like valve device connected to permanent silicone twin catheters has been developed (Biolink Corp, Middleboro, MA, USA). After being implanted subcutaneously below the clavicle, Dialock provides a linear flow passage to two Silastic catheters placed in the right atrium via the right internal jugular vein. The valve is accessed percutaneously each dialysis session with needle cannulae that functionally convert the device into twin catheters. Interdialytic patency of the catheters is ensured by antithrombotic lock (heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin). Dialock was implanted in 10 ESRD patients (64+/-12 years) under general anaesthesia, with almost immediate use for HD. RRT consisted of three HD sessions per week lasting 4 h; 699 HD sessions were performed. Average duration of use was 5.7 patient-months (1.3-9.6 months). Patient satisfaction was evident in all cases. Three episodes of bacteraemia occurring in the early phase of the study were cured by appropriate antibiotics. No device was removed because of infection. Skin condition at the puncture sites has remained satisfactory in all patients. Nurse training for cannulating was brief (2-3 x). Effective blood flow was 307+/-3.3 ml/min, with a venous pressure of 195+/-39 mmHg and a recirculation rate of 6.7+/-0.8%. Effective Kt/V dp delivered was 1.36+/-0.03 with a nPCR of 1.20+/-0.005 g/kg/day. Haematoma and a small amount of bleeding of the skin puncture sites observed in the initial period of the study were effectively prevented by reducing heparin lock volume. The Dialock device offers a new and interesting vascular access alternative for haemodialysis bridging the 'gap' between permanent catheters and arteriovenous fistulae. Dialock's place in the vascular access strategy for haemodialysis patients deserves further long-term clinical studies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Magnitude and polarization of P53-specific T-helper immunity in connection to leukocyte infiltration of colorectal tumors.
The tumor antigen p53 is mutated frequently and overexpressed in colorectal cancer. As a result, patients with this type of cancer commonly display p53-specific T-helper (Th) immunity. Examination of the cytokines produced by these Th-cells showed that a majority of the proliferative p53-specific T cell cultures produced none of the key cytokines (IFNgamma, TNFalpha, IL-4, IL-5 or IL-10), indicating that these p53-specific Th-responses are not polarized. In patients who exhibited p53-specific reactivity against multiple p53-epitopes, non-polarized responses could be found side by side with polarized Th-responses that produced INFgamma or other cytokines such as IL-10. Patients who exhibited p53-specific IFNgamma-producing Th cell-immunity before surgical excision of the tumor displayed higher numbers of tumor infiltrating intraepithelial leukocytes (p = 0.04) than patients lacking such responses, suggesting that the systemic presence of p53-specific Th-cells positively affects local tumor-immunity. Our data concerning the polarization-state of p53-specific Th immunity in colorectal cancer patients support the use of vaccine formulations that induce strong Th1-polarized p53-specific immunity to ensure proper (re-)programming of the anti-tumor response. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Acceleration of flow rate as a screening test for detrusor instability in women with stress incontinence.
Forty females with urinary stress incontinence (mean age 52 +/- 10 years) and 20 age-matched controls (mean age 49 +/- 15 years) underwent complete urodynamic evaluation. In the former group, all patients complained of irritative bladder symptoms (frequency, nocturia, urgency) and 20 of them (Group B) showed detrusor instability (DI); in the other 20 (Group A) a final urodynamic diagnosis of genuine stress incontinence (GSI) was made. Instability was not apparent in Group B at standard filling cystometry, but had to be elicited through aggressively stressing the bladder by provocation tests. In all women the acceleration of flow rate (a, in ml/s2) was calculated from free flow uroflowmetry as the ratio of peak flow divided by the time to peak flow. This parameter did not differ significantly in GSI patients when compared with controls but proved higher in the DI group than in either the controls or the GSI patients. It was concluded that measuring the acceleration of flow rate is a simple and reliable test which improves the accuracy of diagnosis of detrusor instability in stress incontinent women. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Simultaneous catalytic ozonation degradation of metronidazole and removal of heavy metal from aqueous solution using nano-magnesium hydroxide.
Simultaneous removal of the antibiotics and heavy metals has attracted increasing attention since these contaminants are frequently detected in the aquatic environment. In this study, highly active nano-Mg(OH)2 was synthesized and firstly applied in catalytic ozonation system for simultaneous removal of metronidazole (MNZ) and heavy metal ions (Cu2+ and Zn2+). The results showed that the synthesized Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles exhibited high efficiencies of removing both MNZ and heavy metal ions (Cu2+ and Zn2+) in the catalytic ozonation process. Surprisingly, the removal efficiency of MNZ in the catalytic ozonation system with nano-Mg(OH)2 catalyst was improved in the presence of Cu2+ and Zn2+. Some parameters such as catalyst dosage, initial concentration of MNZ, initial concentration of heavy metal and reaction temperature could affect the simultaneous removal of MNZ and heavy metal ions (Cu2+ and Zn2+). This study provides an innovative and effective method for the simultaneous removal of antibiotics and heavy metals from the aquatic environment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Activation of AMPK-induced autophagy ameliorates Huntington disease pathology in vitro.
The expansion of a polyglutamine repeat in huntingtin (HTT) causes Huntington disease (HD). Although the exact pathogenesis is not entirely understood, mutant huntingtin (mHTT) causes disruption of various cellular functions, formation of aggregates and ultimately cell death. The process of autophagy is the main degradation pathway for mHTT, and various studies have demonstrated that the induction of autophagy leads to an amelioration of aggregate formation and an increase in cell viability. Commonly, this is achieved by inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a prominent regulator of cell metabolism. Alternatively, non-canonical AMPK or mTOR-independent autophagy regulation has been recognized. Given mTOR's involvement in major cellular pathways besides autophagy, its inhibition may come with potentially detrimental effects. Here, we investigated if AMPK activation may provide a target for the induction of autophagy in an mTOR-independent manner. We demonstrate that activation of AMPK by A769662 and overexpression of a constitutively active form of AMPKα in STHdh cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), leads to increased expression of the autophagosomal markers LC3 and p62, suggesting efficient autophagy induction. The induction of autophagy was independent of mTOR, and accompanied by a decrease of mHTT-containing aggregates as well as improved cell viability. Therefore, we validated AMPK as a promising therapeutic target to treat HD, and identified A769662 as a potential therapeutic compound to facilitate the clearance of mHTT. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dietary NaCl-restriction prevents the calciuria of KCl-deprivation and blunts the calciuria of KHCO3-deprivation in healthy adults.
Previous studies have demonstrated that dietary potassium deprivation in healthy human subjects eating diets otherwise containing normal quantities of NaCl is accompanied by an increase in urinary calcium excretion. This increase in urinary Ca excretion occurs in association with reductions in urinary Na and Cl excretion together with trends for weight gain and is delayed for several days after the initiation of K-deprivation, suggesting that it is mediated by NaCl retention and expansion of the extra-cellular volume. The present studies were thus undertaken to determine whether dietary NaCl restriction prevents the calciuric effect of subsequent K-deprivation. When dietary NaCl intake was limited to 5 +/- 3 mmol/day among 10 healthy adults, subsequent deprivation of KCl (-67 mmol/day) in 5 subjects of deprivation of KHCO3 (-64 mmol/day) in 5 subjects prevented any significant increase in daily urinary Ca excretion during five days of K-deprivation. There was, however, a small but significant cumulative increase above control in urinary Ca excretion at the end of KHCO3-deprivation, averaging + 1.9 +/- 0.6 mmol; P < 0.05. When KCl was restored to the diets urinary Ca excretion increased while restoration of KHCO3 to the diets caused urinary Ca to fall to rates below control. We conclude that the calciuria of K-deprivation when NaCl is present in the diet is largely dependent upon NaCl retention by the kidneys and subsequent ECF-volume expansion. In addition, HCO3 is anti-calciuric. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mercuric chloride-treated brown Norway rats develop widespread tissue injury including necrotizing vasculitis.
Mercuric chloride (HgCl2) induces a T cell-dependent autoimmune syndrome in Brown Norway (BN) rats, characterized by polyclonal B cell activation and circulating autoreactive T cells. A number of autoantibodies are produced, including antibodies to glomerular basement membrane, and there are circulating immune complexes. However, histologic evidence of tissue injury in this model has previously been reported to be rare. Six BN rats were given five injections of HgCl2, each of 1 mg/kg, over 10 days. Controls were four BN rats given equal volumes of saline and 10 Lewis rats given the same amount of HgCl2. Blood samples were taken thrice weekly. Animals were killed at various stages, necropsies performed, and organs histologically examined. The effect of pretreatment with broad spectrum antimicrobial drugs was examined by comparing two further groups of six BN rats: one group was pretreated with tylosin, ivermectin, and metronidazole before HgCl2 was given, and the other group received no pre-treatment. HgCl2-treated BN rats developed inflammation and ulceration of the skin which was most marked at mucocutaneous junctions. Macroscopic examination of internal organs showed hepatomegaly and gross haemorrhagic lesions in the wall of the gut, most marked in the duodenum and caecum. Microscopically, the skin lesions were characterized by a subepidermal mononuclear cell infiltrate with occasional hair shaft necrosis. In the liver there was a periportal mononuclear cell infiltrate, and in the gut there was intense submucosal inflammation and a leucocytoclastic vasculitis accompanied in places by mucosal ulceration. Lewis rats (which are not prone to mercury-induced autoimmunity) showed no such changes after receiving HgCl2, nor did control BN rats given saline. BN rats pretreated with broad spectrum antimicrobial agents and then given HgCl2 showed milder histologic abnormalities, although antimicrobial treatment did not affect the antiglomerular basement membrane autoantibody response. We have identified a syndrome induced by mercuric chloride in BN rats in which there is evidence of tissue injury in many organs, with some features in common with graft-versus-host disease. There is also necrotizing leucocytoclastic vasculitis affecting the gut, and the importance of this is enhanced by the description in the accompanying paper of autoantibodies similar to those found in human systemic vasculitis. Our observations strengthen the analogies between this model and human autoimmune disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Identification of patients receiving peritoneal dialysis using health insurance claims data.
The aim of this analysis was to assess alternative methods of identification of patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) in health care claims databases for possible use in future analyses of costs of this treatment modality. Using a US health insurance claims database spanning January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2006, we identified all patients with renal failure who satisfied a case-finding algorithm for PD anticipated to be highly specific, but not necessarily sensitive-namely, > or =2 claims for PD-related physician services (algorithm 1). All claims from these patients were assessed to identify additional PD-related codes, from which 6 additional algorithms were developed, each of which focused on specific categories of billing codes (eg, diagnostic, procedural/service, equipment). Patient selection was then reimplemented using these alternative algorithms. Concordance between the various algorithms and the extent to which resulting samples were similar in terms of patient characteristics, health care resource utilization, and costs were assessed. We identified a total of 132,274 patients in the database with > or =1 claim for renal failure and valid enrollment data. Among these patients, a total of 2329 satisfied case-selection criteria for algorithm 1, and 4031 patients met criteria for at least 1 of the 7 algorithms for PD. The most sensitive algorithm identified 2859 patients who might have received PD; the least sensitive, 211. Concordance between algorithms was relatively poor. Patients identified using each algorithm were similar, however, with respect to mean age (45-50 years), sex (54%-56% male), and the prevalence of selected comorbidities. Annualized median health care costs were similar across the various algorithms (range, US $80,967-$118,668). Based on the results from this analysis, it seems that health care providers bill insurers for PD-related care using a variety of codes. Investigators using health insurance claims data for analyses of patients treated with PD need to take this into account. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cranial architecture of tube-snouted gasterosteiformes (Syngnathus rostellatus and Hippocampus capensis).
The long snout of pipefishes and seahorses (Syngnathidae, Gasterosteiformes) is formed as an elongation of the ethmoid region. This is in contrast to many other teleosts with elongate snouts (e.g., butterflyfishes) in which the snout is formed as an extension of the jaws. Syngnathid fishes perform very fast suction feeding, accomplished by powerful neurocranial elevation and hyoid retraction. Clearly, suction through a long and narrow tube and its hydrodynamic implications can be expected to require certain adaptations in the cranium, especially in musculoskeletal elements of the feeding apparatus. Not much is known about which skeletal elements actually support the snout and what the effect of elongation is on related structures. Here, we give a detailed morphological description of the cartilaginous and bony feeding apparatus in both juvenile and adult Syngnathus rostellatus and Hippocampus capensis. Our results are compared with previous morphological studies of a generalized teleost, Gasterosteus aculeatus. We found that the ethmoid region is elongated early during development, with the ethmoid plate, the hyosymplectic, and the basihyal cartilage being extended in the chondrocranium. In the juveniles of both species almost all bones are forming, although only as a very thin layer. The elongation of the vomeral, mesethmoid, quadrate, metapterygoid, symplectic, and preopercular bones is already present. Probably, because of the long and specialized parental care which releases advanced developmental stages from the brooding pouch, morphology of the feeding apparatus of juveniles is already very similar to that of the adults. We describe morphological features related to snout elongation that may be considered adaptations for suction feeding; e.g. the peculiar shape of the interhyal bone and its saddle-shaped articulation with the posterior ceratohyal bone might aid in explosive hyoid retraction by reducing the risk of hyoid dislocation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
TLR2: a crossroads between infections and autoimmunity?
Environment has both pathogenic and protective roles in the determination of autoimmune disease development, possibly through infectious agents. TLR2 has the capability to recognize the widest range of PAMPs, and it is important for the recognition of mycobacteria and gram-positive bacteria. Here we review recent information showing that TLR2 ligands, its signaling machinery and the effects of its engagement on T cell polarization and differentiation, all play a decisive role in experimental models of autoimmunity. Thus, we propose that engagement of TLR2 is an important crossroad between encounter with bacteria and development of self-reactive diseases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Distribution of body mass index categories among Polish children and adolescents from rural and urban areas.
To demonstrate differences in nutritional status of school-aged children and adolescents depending on school localization (urban/rural), school level (elementary/middle) and gender. Results of current health survey 'Elaboration of the reference range of arterial blood pressure for the population of children and adolescents in Poland' - PL0080 OLAF were used in the analysis. Data were analysed by SAS. 9.2 for Windows, EpiInfo 3.5.1 and LMSgrowth. The frequency and the Odds Ratio of underweight, overweight, obesity and normal weight were calculated by school localization, school level and gender. Data from 13 129 pupils were used in the analysis: 5 118 from elementary schools in urban areas, 3638 from elementary schools in rural areas, 2792 from middle schools in urban areas and 1581 from middle schools in rural areas. The frequency of normal weight was lower in urban compared with rural elementary schools (67.2% vs 70.0%; OR=0.88; p=0.005). The frequency of underweight, overweight and obesity was higher in urban compared with rural elementary schools, both boys and girls. The frequency of obesity was higher in urban middle schools than rural (3.0% vs 1.6%; OR=1.88; p=0.006). In the case of boys, statistically significant difference in frequency of overweight and obesity (together) was noted in urban middle schools compared to rural middle schools (16.7% vs 11.9%; OR=1.48; p=0.003). In the case of girls, the frequency of underweight was lower in urban compared with rural middle schools (12.7% vs 15.9%; OR= 0.77; p=0.032). Knowing differences in the nutritional status between pupils in urban and rural areas gives the opportunity to modify nutritional education programmes depending on needs identified in the particular type of area and target groups. In urban regions, in both elementary and middle schools, boys are a risk group for excess body weight, and require more attention in preventive undertakings. In rural areas, girls in middle schools should be targeted for preventive measures dealing with underweight. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Exploring embryonic germ line development in the water flea, Daphnia magna, by zinc-finger-containing VASA as a marker.
VASA is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase belonging to the DEAD-box family that, in many organisms, is specifically expressed in germ line cells throughout the life cycle, making it a powerful molecular marker to study germ line development. To obtain further information on germ line development in crustaceans, we cloned VASA cDNAs from three branchiopod species: water fleas Daphnia magna and Moina macrocopa, and brine shrimp Artemia franciscana. RNA helicase domains in branchiopod VASA were highly conserved among arthropod classes. However, N-terminal RNA-binding domains in branchiopod VASA were highly diverged and, unlike other arthropod VASA reported so far, possessed repeats of retroviral-type zinc finger (CCHC) motifs. Raising specific antibodies against Daphnia VASA revealed that the primordial germ cells (PGCs) in this organism segregate at a very early cleavage stage of embryogenesis in parthenogenetic and sexual eggs. Clusters of PGCs then start to migrate inside the embryo and finally settle at both sides of the intestine, the site of future gonad development. RNA analyses suggested that maternally supplied vasa mRNA was responsible for early VASA expression, while zygotic expression started during blastodermal stage of development. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Effect of p53-regulated apoptosis-inducing protein 1 transfection on the biological characteristics of PC-3M human prostate cancer cells].
To investigate the effect of p53-regulated apoptosis-inducing protein 1 (p53AIP1) gene on the proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, invasion and migration of PC-3M human prostate cancer cells in vitro. The eukaryotic expression vector pDC316-p53AIP1 was constructed and confirmed by double enzyme digestion and PCR analysis. Then it was transfected into PC-3M human prostate cancer cells by Lipofectamine (TM) 2000. The expression of p53AIP1 protein was detected by Western blotting. The proliferation of PC-3M cells was tested by CCK-8 assay; the cell cycle and apoptosis rate were analyzed by flow cytometry combined with annexin V-FITC/PI staining; the effect of p53AIP1 on the cell invasion and migration was detected by Transwell(TM) assay. RESULTS The eukaryotic expression vector pDC316-p53AIP1 was constructed successfully. After transfected into PC-3M cells, Western blotting demonstrated that the protein p53AIP1 was effectively expressed. CCK-8 assay revealed that the proliferation of PC-3M cells was significantly inhibited by p53AIP1 (P<0.05). Flow cytometry indicated that the cells were arrested at S/G2-M phase (P<0.05) and cell apoptosis was evidently promoted (P<0.05). Transwell(TM) chamber experiments showed that p53AIP1 decreased the abilities of both invasion and migration of the cells (P<0.05). The p53AIP1 inhibits the proliferation of PC-3M cells, arrests cell cycle at S/G2-M phase, decreases the abilities of invasion and migration and promotes cell apoptosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cast into the wilderness: the impact of institutionalized religion on lesbians.
SUMMARY This article addresses the impact of traditional Judeo-Christian religion as a tool of social injustice against lesbians. The prejudices of sexism and heterosexism in religion are addressed. Biblical interpretations of woman-to-woman sexuality are reviewed. Primary Judeo-Christian groups, and their respective positions on homosexuality, are identified. Conversion therapy as a weapon of oppression against lesbians is addressed. Mechanisms for religious/spiritual transformation and empowerment are discussed, and suggestions for therapeutic intervention with lesbians recovering from religious trauma are offered. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Complications in the ventilated patient.
The use of mechanical ventilation may subject patients to a variety of complications and adverse effects. Certain complications may be a direct result of mechanical ventilation, whereas others seen in association with this modality of therapy appear to be related to concurrent conditions and the severity of underlying disease. The incidence, evaluation, and management of major complications associated with mechanical ventilation are reviewed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Abdominal wound dehiscence.
Abdominal wound dehiscence is a surgical complication with a high morbidity rate but which is associated with predictable and preventable factors. During a 10 year period (1966 to 1975) at the New York Lying-In Hospital, 70 cases were found on the obstetric-gynecologic service, and these cases were analyzed to see why dehiscence remains a problem. Those factors contributing to dehiscence include obesity, pre-existing pulmonary and cardiovascular problems, vertical incisions, the triad of ileus, vomiting, and coughing, and, to a lesser extent, hypoproteinemia, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, and wound infection. The incidence of abdominal wound dehiscence would be much lower if high-risk patients were identified, adequate pulmonary toilet was used, ileus was promptly treated with abdominal decompression, and strict attention was paid to electrolyte and protein balance in the pre- and post-operative period. The management of abdominal wound dehiscence is also discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Urinary glycosaminoglycans excretion in Graves' disease.
Urinary excretion of glycosaminoglycans was measured in 10 patients with pretibial myxoedema, 7 of whom also had thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy, and in 3 additional patients with ophthalmopathy but no skin changes. Total uronic acid excretion was raised above control levels in only 2 patients, who had both eye and skin disease of recent onset. In these patients excretion was initially three times the control level but declined sharply in subsequent months. This decline was in the absence of effective treatment or spontaneous improvement and would appear to reflect the natural history of the disease. These data show that although glycosaminoglycans excretion may be disturbed in Graves' disease, it provides an unreliable reflection of clinical status and of the effectiveness of treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Considerations in a long-term study on progressive cranio-carpo-tarsal osteolysis (author's transl)].
A long-term study conducted in a female patient who is now 21 years old and who showed a disease pattern similar to cranio-carpo-tarsal dystrophia, investigated thoroughly by Liersch and Hoevels when the girl was 6 years old. It must be stated as a result of this long-term study that in our case, the osteolyses at the wristbone (carpalia) and tarsal bone remained progressive up to the onset of puberty. The radiological changes came to a standstill after puberty had set in; in fact, there was even a certain amount of clinical compensation of the radiologically visible defects during the years that followed. It seems that the disease pattern described here, is limited to the growth period of the patient. It was not possible to classify this disease pattern as belonging to a particular category, and its cause remains largely unknown. The author describes the disease pattern as an "essential" one. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Investigation of factors affecting the development of COPD].
To investigate the factors which affect the development of COPD. 88 patients with mPAP less than 20 mm Hg were followed up by 5 - 20 years. Pulmonary ventilation, blood gas analysis, ECG, pulmonary hemodynamic parameters and oxygen saturation at night were performed one time every 5 years. The results showed that: 5 year, 10 year and 20 year's mortality is 6%, 25% and 43% respectively; MVV%, FEV(1)% and PaO(2) declined accompanied by the increase of PaCO(2); among 41 patients with mPAP 16 - 20 mm Hg, 20 patients' mPAP were more than 20 mm Hg and 15 patients died after 10 years' follow up. Among 16 patients with the declination of oxygen saturation, 8 patients' mPAP were more than 20 mm Hg and 6 patients died. 57 strains of infectious bacteria were found in 88 patients' sputum with 43 strains in the death group. These results demonstrated that COPD is a kind of chronic diseases with high death rate; infection, decline of oxygen saturation at night and mPAP more than 16 mm Hg were high risk factors in COPD. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Circadian rhythms of melatonin and cortisol in manifest Huntington's disease and in acute cortical ischemic stroke.
Recent studies indicate disruptions to the circadian system in brain injury and neurodegeneration. The results, however, are often not consistent and limited by measurement of only one circadian marker and by infrequent sampling rates. In this study, we examined diurnal rhythmicity in different stages of Huntington (HD) disease and in patients with acute moderate ischemic stroke (AIS) outside the retinohypothalamic pathway by evaluating serum concentrations of melatonin and cortisol at twelve timepoints. All study participants were subjected to the same study protocol of 12-hour light/dark cycle and controlled room conditions. Using cosinor analysis of data and comparing the results with the controls we found melatonin phase delay with lowered amplitude and mesor in stage III HD patients. These changes coexisted with phase advanced rhythm and elevated values of mesor and amplitude for cortisol. Early and mid-stages of HD showed only a phase advance in cortisol secretion. In AIS the circadian rhythm of serum melatonin was sustained without any phase shift and exhibited more flattened profile (lowered mesor and amplitude values), while advanced rhythm with higher mesor for cortisol was present. In conclusion, 1) abnormal pattern of melatonin release in the late stages of HD and in moderate AIS occurs in conjunction with phase-advanced rhythm of cortisol; 2) changes observed in late stages of HD are similar to those that occur with ageing; 3) brain regions other than the presumptive retinopineal neural pathway may play an important role in the pineal production of melatonin in humans; 4) lesion in extrahypothalamic region is related to the strong adrenal stimulation in response to AIS. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Antibiotic therapy in otorhinolaryngology].
First, the general principles for an antibiotic therapy are stated. The indications have to be well thought through. Frequent viral ENT infections, as well as numerous bacterial infections, should not be treated with antibiotics. Due to the current antibiotic sensitivity of the main ENT pathogens, the antibiotic choice for an empiric therapy is emphasized, and also the advantage of an optimized therapy based on the results of Gram stain (supercalculated empiric therapy) and an antibiogram (specific therapy). Pus characteristics may be the first step in diagnosing the pathogens. The degree of severity of an infection determines the oral or parenteral route of administration. As a rule, antibiotic therapy has to be checked after 2-3 days. The grouping of the different ENT infections with a similar spectrum of pathogens gives a better view of the therapeutic principles and reduces repetitions. The current recommendations for antibiotic treatment of numerous ENT infections with different degrees of severity are indicated. After the presentation of the appropriate antibiotics with their current spectrum of efficacy, the initial therapy, treatment in case of penicillin allergy, and of severe cases and complications or therapeutic failure are mentioned. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Efficacy and feasibility of radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a new treatment which is used to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We performed this clinical trial to investigate whether it could reduce the damage of residual liver function. We studied 40 hepatitis-related chronic patients who underwent RFA for hepatocellular carcinoma. Indocyanine green (ICG) test was performed pre and postoperatively. There were 32 males and 8 females with an average age of 53.98+12.59 years who underwent RFA for HCC. The mean preoperative ICGR15 value of 40 of the patients was (10.17+9.54) lower than the postoperative ICG retention rate at 15 min (ICGR15) value (14.95+12.71).Differences between the preoperative ICGR15 and the postoperative ICGR15 values were not significantly different (p=0.074). The 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates were 98.7%, 88.8% and 76.4%, respectively. The results indicate that RFA is a minimally invasive treatment which provides a possible treatment modality for HCC patients with poor liver function and the efficacy is as well as the surgical treatment for HCC patients within the Milan criteria. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An approach to the supraclavicular and infraclavicular aspects of the brachial plexus.
The surgical approach to the brachial plexus is of great importance during surgery for brachial plexus injuries--obstetric or traumatic. A number of different approaches have been described over the years for these injuries, with each 1 having its own advantages and disadvantages. We describe a novel approach to the supra-clavicular and infra-clavicular aspects of the brachial plexus, which has been used by senior author successfully for the past 15 years. It involves creation of 2 windows, 1 above and 1 below the clavicle in case of adult traumatic plexus injuries. A slight variation of joining the 2 incisions and creation of a laterally based cervicopectoral flap is used for obstetric brachial plexus injuries along with the use of clavicular osteotomy. The advantages of this approach are that it gives rapid access to the brachial plexus; wide exposure can be obtained for all regions of the plexus and donor nerves such as the spinal accessory nerve can be harvested in the same incision. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transformation of urban landscape value perception over time: a Delphi technique application.
The developments in information technologies have changed the values shared in the urban society and the urban dwellers' profile over time. The projects and applications that will enable the cities to reach the standards of the modern world cities have been compulsory. The concept of urban transformation has been put forward in order to solve the problems that arise in the cities and to increase the quality of life of the urban dwellers. The quality of the social and physical structure determines the quality of life in urban areas. Urban natural and cultural landscape value concepts have a broad context which includes many tangible and intangible components of the cities. Urban landscape values are the strongest factors in determining and influencing the quality of urban life due to their scope. In this study, urban landscape values of today's cities on the basis of changing social, ecological, economic, and cultural norms have been determined by gathering the opinion of 13 experts through Delphi technique. In addition, the possible effects of urban renewal applications on urban landscape values were also determined by the data gathered. At the end of the study, 15 natural and 20 cultural urban landscape values were determined and it was concluded that the urban renewal applications have a direct impact on the natural and cultural landscape values of an urban area. As a result of the study, we identified the perception of natural and cultural urban landscape values in the cities under the influence of globalization in accordance with the purpose of the study and discussed the possible effects of urban transformation practices on natural and cultural urban landscape values in cities with a dynamic structure and in constant interaction with the living society. In addition to creating resources for subsequent similar studies, the present study also presents the urban parameters which must be taken into account in all processes including design, implementation, and monitoring stages together starting from the planning stage of urban transformation practices. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prognostic significance of HER-2/neu and survival of breast cancer patients attending a specialized breast clinic in Kolkata, Eastern India.
The worldwide incidence of breast cancer has increased rapidly in recent years. The scenario of Eastern India is also showing the same trend. It is necessary to study the utility of HER-2/neu as a prognostic factor in breast cancer survival. However, there have not been detailed studies in this respect with the breast cancer patients of Eastern India. Thus this study was conducted. In this hospital-based study 86 breast cancer patients attending a breast clinic of a reputed institute of Eastern India and having invasive ductal carcinomas were observed for a period of 5 years after surgery. Associations between 5 years observed survival and status of ER, PR and HER-2/neu of the patients were critically evaluated. There was statistically significant association between survival pattern for 5 years and the HER-2/neu status (p=0.00001). Better survival was observed for the patients with HER-2/neu negative tumors 67(100%) compared to HER-2/neu positive tumors 7(36.8%). There is strong interaction between survival and HER-2/neu expression of breast cancer patients. Thus the patients with HER-2/neu positive tumors need to be treated aggressively. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Urban climate in the Tokyo metropolitan area in Japan.
Long-term climate changes related with urbanization in Tokyo, Japan, and recent temperature and heavy rainfall distribution in the Tokyo metropolitan area are reviewed. A relatively high temperature increase in annual mean temperature at the rate of 3.0°C/century was detected in Tokyo for the period 1901-2015. Some observational evidence showed the existence of both thermal and mechanical effects of urbanization on recent heavy rainfall occurrences, and modeling studies also support precipitation enhancement. Urban influences were recognized in other climatological elements, such as number of fog days, relative humidity, and wind circulation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Increased resistance of mice to Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infection by synbiotic administration of Bifidobacteria and transgalactosylated oligosaccharides.
The anti-infectious activity of Bifidobacteria in combination with transgalactosylated oligosaccharides (TOS) against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium LT-2 in an opportunistic antibiotic-induced murine infection model in mice was examined. B. breve (strain Yakult) with natural resistance to streptomycin sulphate (SM, MIC: > 4 mg ml(-1)), when given daily at a dose of 108 cfu/mouse orally under SM treatment was constantly excreted at 10(10) cfu g(-1) faeces so long as SM was administered, even at 2 weeks after discontinuing administration of B. breve. Explosive intestinal growth and subsequent extra-intestinal translocation of orally infected LT-2 under SM treatment were inhibited by B. breve colonization, and this anti-infectious activity was strengthened by synbiotic administration of TOS with B. breve. Comparison of anti-Salmonella activity among several Bifidobacterium strains with natural resistance to SM revealed that strains such as B. bifidum ATCC 15696 and B. catenulatum ATCC 27539T conferred no activity, even when they reached high population levels similar those of effective strains such as strain Yakult and B. pseudocatenulatum DSM 20439. Both the increase in the concentration of organic acids and the lowered pH in the intestine due to bifidobacterial colonization correlated with the anti-infectious activity. Moreover, the crude cecal extract of B. breve-colonized mice exerted growth-inhibitory activity against LT-2 in vitro, whereas that of the ineffective B. bifidum-colonized cecum showed much lower activity. Intestinal colonization by bifidobacteria given exogenously together with TOS during antibiotic treatment prevents the antibiotic-induced disruption of colonization resistance to oral infection with S. enterica serovar Typhimurium, and the metabolic activity needed to produce organic acids and lower the intestinal pH is important in the anti-infectious activity of synbiotics against enteric infection with Salmonella. These results indicate that certain bifidobacteria together with prebiotics may be used for the prophylaxis against opportunistic intestinal infections with antibiotic-resistant pathogens. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Application of a finite-element model to low-frequency sound insulation in dwellings.
The sound transmission between adjacent rooms has been modeled using a finite-element method. Predicted sound-level difference gave good agreement with experimental data using a full-scale and a quarter-scale model. Results show that the sound insulation characteristics of a party wall at low frequencies strongly depend on the modal characteristics of the sound field of both rooms and of the partition. The effect of three edge conditions of the separating wall on the sound-level difference at low frequencies was examined: simply supported, clamped, and a combination of clamped and simply supported. It is demonstrated that a clamped partition provides greater sound-level difference at low frequencies than a simply supported. It also is confirmed that the sound-pressure level difference is lower in equal room than in unequal room configurations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Risk-reduction mastectomy: clinical issues and research needs.
Risk-reduction mastectomy (RRM), also known as bilateral prophylactic mastectomy, is a controversial clinical option for women who are at increased risk of breast cancer. High-risk women, including women with a strong family history of breast cancer and BRCA1/2 mutation carriers, have several clinical options: risk-reduction surgery (bilateral mastectomy and bilateral oophorectomy), surveillance (mammography, clinical breast examination, and breast self-examination), and chemoprevention (tamoxifen). We review research in a number of areas central to our understanding of RRM, including recent data on 1) the effectiveness of RRM in reducing breast cancer risk, 2) the perception of RRM among women at increased risk and health-care providers, 3) the decision-making process for follow-up care of women at high risk, and 4) satisfaction and psychological status after surgery. We suggest areas of future research to better guide high-risk women and their health-care providers in the decision-making process. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Health-promoting behaviors of African American women.
Limited information exists concerning health behaviors of African American women. The purposes of this study were to describe health-promoting lifestyle behaviors among a sample of 187 African American women and to compare findings to other published reports on the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) instrument. Subscales with the highest means in this study were interpersonal support and self-actualization. However, when compared to reports of HPLP scores for other groups, total HPLP and subscale scores of women in this study were generally lower. Readability and applicability of the HPLP instrument may affect its validity and reliability in a diverse sample. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Proliferation of tumor spheroids after shock-wave treatment.
Multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) grown from the bladder cancer cell line RT112 and from the prostate cancer cell line PCA were exposed to 200 or 800 electromagnetically generated focused ultrasound shock waves. RT112 cells showed a distinct but transient decrease in proliferation whereas the effect of PCA cells was less pronounced. Flow-cytometric measurements of DNA content and Ki67 expression revealed no significant changes in the cell cycle distribution. The capacity of RT112 cells exposed to 800 shock waves to re-grow as MCTS was markedly decreased, indicating an alteration of intercellular adhesion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Second-harmonic imaging microscopy for identifying colorectal intraepithelial neoplasia.
In this study, second-harmonic imaging microscopy was used to monitor precancerous colorectal lesions at different stages. It was found that the morphology of glands and lamina propria in mucosa changes with the progression of colorectal diseases from normal to low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia to high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and this microscopy has the ability of direct visualization of these warning symptoms. Furthermore, two morphologic variables were quantified to determine the changes of glands and collagen in lamina propria during the development of colorectal intraepithelial neoplasia. These results suggest that second-harmonic imaging microscopy has the potential in label-freely and effectively distinguishing between normal and precancerous colorectal tissues, and will be helpful for early diagnosis and treatment of colorectal diseases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Protein source tryptophan versus pharmaceutical grade tryptophan as an efficacious treatment for chronic insomnia.
Intact protein rich in tryptophan was not seen as an alternative to pharmaceutical grade tryptophan since protein also contains large neutral amino acids (LNAAs) that compete for transport sites across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Deoiled gourd seed (an extremely rich source of tryptophan-22 mg tryptophan/1 g protein) was combined with glucose, a carbohydrate that reduces serum levels of competing LNAAs which was then compared to pharmaceutical grade tryptophan with carbohydrate as well as carbohydrate alone. Objective and subjective measures of sleep were employed to measure changes in sleep as part of a double blind placebo controlled study where subjects were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (1) Protein source tryptophan (deoiled gourd seed) in combination with carbohydrate; (2) pharmaceutical grade tryptophan in combination with carbohydrate; (3) carbohydrate alone. Out of 57 subjects 49 of those who began the study completed the three week protocol. Protein source tryptophan with carbohydrate and pharmaceutical grade tryptophan, but not carbohydrate alone, resulted in significant improvement on subjective and objective measures of insomnia. Protein source tryptophan with carbohydrate alone proved effective in significantly reducing time awake during the night. Protein source tryptophan is comparable to pharmaceutical grade tryptophan for the treatment of insomnia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The utility of exhaled nitric oxide in patients with suspected asthma.
The value of FENO measurements in patients with symptoms suggestive of asthma is unclear. We performed an observational study to assess the ability of FENO to diagnose asthma and to predict response to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Our findings suggest FENO is not useful for asthma diagnosis but is accurate at predicting ICS response. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Differentiation-dependent production of a platelet-derived growth factor-like mitoattractant by endoderm cells derived from embryonal carcinoma cells.
Retinoic acid-induced differentiation of F9 embryonal carcinoma cells to endoderm provokes the secretion of a protein factor that acts as both a chemoattractant and mitogen for smooth muscle cells. Undifferentiated F9 cells and PSA-5E (visceral endodermlike) cells produced little of this factor. However, PYS-2 (parietal endodermlike) and Dif 5 endoderm cells were found to produce significant amounts of endoderm-derived mitoattractant (EDM) activity. The activity secreted by the Dif 5 cells was partially purified using gel filtration chromatography using chemotaxis and mitogenic assays as markers for biological activity. The partially purified activity competes with [125I]iodo-platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) for binding to target cells, and the biological activity is neutralized with anti-PDGF IgG, suggesting shared domains in the two molecules. However, the factor appears to be different from PDGF, based on its thermal stability, molecular weight, and charge. The differentiated endoderm cells including retinoic acid (RA)-treated F9, Dif 5, PSA-5E, and PYS-2 cells also exhibit specific [125I]iodo-PDGF binding, and the PSA-5E cells respond to PDGF as a chemoattractant. Conceivably, such a PDGF-like factor may contribute to the regulation of cell growth and migration during the early stages of embryogenesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Feeding pattern of anopheline and culicine mosquitoes in relation to biotopes and seasons in Delhi and environs.
In the studies to know the feeding pattern of various species of mosquitoes, a total of 7461 specimens comprising of Anopheles culicifacies (150), An. stephensi (61), An. subpictus (990), An. annularis (572), Culex quinquefasciatus (5217) and C. vishnui group (471) of mosquitoes were collected from different biotopes of selected localities in Delhi and environs during all the months of the year. The mosquito blood samples were processed by Gel diffusion technique to know the source of blood meal. Results of study revealed that the mosquito species tested in the study were by and large zoophilic and opportunistic feeders. The feeding behaviour was found to be highly influenced by biotopes from where the mosquitoes were collected, village and areas, different climatic seasons, sleeping behaviour of human beings and availability of alternative hosts particularly animal population. Overall anthropophilic index was found to be 24.66% for An. culicifacies, 20.96% for An. stephensi, 16.93% for An. subpictus, 9.96% for An. annularis, 26.33% for C. quinquefasciatus and 36.39% for C. vishnui group of mosquitoes. Feeding behaviour towards other animals viz: bovine, goat, dog, pig and bird for all these mosquito species in different months and biotopes e.g. human dwellings, cattle sheds and mixed dwellings; in different months and seasons of the year have been presented. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The influence of mesenchyme of neonatal seminal vesicle and embryonic urogenital sinus on the morphologic and functional cytodifferentiation of dunning prostatic adenocarcinoma: Roles of growth factors and proto-oncogenes.
Previous studies have demonstrated that male genital tract mesenchymes can induce morphogenetic changes in the rat prostatic Dunning tumor (DT). However, the mechanism of these cellular interactions remains unknown. The aims of this paper are: (I) to examine the influence of neonatal seminal vesicle mesenchyme (SVM) and embryonic urogenital sinus mesenchyme (UGM) on the growth, and morphologic and functional cytodifferentiation of DT; (2) to investigate the possible role of growth factors and receptors including epidermal growth factor and its receptor, basic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta, and two proto-oncogenes, c-fos and c-jun, in these tumor-mesenchymal interactions. Combination of mesenchymes (SVM or UGM) with DT enhanced the growth and induced an apparently more normal morphologic cytodifferentiation in vivo with formation of large tubules lined by highly differentiated columnar epithelial cells and reappearance of fibromuscular stroma. The SDS-PAGE analysis has shown that the DT + UGM enlarged and small tubules secreted proteins different from those of parental DT, demonstrating that mesenchymes can also modulate the functional expression of DT. Interestingly, our immunohistochemical data demonstrate that all the selected growth factors, receptors, and proto-oncogenes are upregulated in the mesenchyme-induced DT epithelial cells, suggesting that these cellular regulators may be closely associated with the mesenchymal induction on the DT phenotypic changes in vivo. This finding implicates the potential role of these growth factors, receptors, and proto-oncogenes in the epigenetic pathway of prostate carcinogenesis via tumor-stromal interactions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Spectroscopic and quantum chemical study of cyclopropylmethylphosphine, a candidate for intramolecular hydrogen bonding.
The properties of the novel compound cyclopropylmethylphosphine (C3H5CH2PH2) have been investigated by means of Stark-modulation microwave spectroscopy and high-level quantum chemical calculations. Spectra attributable to the three conformers of the molecule with a synclinal arrangement of the H-C-C-P atoms were recorded and assigned. The experimental rotational constants obtained for these conformers were found to be in good agreement with those generated by ab initio geometry optimizations at the MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory. An estimate of the relative energies of the three conformers with observable spectra, by means of relative intensity measurements, compared favorably with the results of G3 energy calculations performed for the molecule. In addition to the observation of ground-state rotational spectra for three conformers, spectra belonging to a number of vibrationally excited states were also assigned with the aid of radio frequency microwave double-resonance experiments. A tentative assignment of these excited-state spectra was proposed by appealing to the results of density functional theory vibrational frequency calculations performed at the B3LYP/6-311++(3df,2pd) level. The energetically preferred conformer of the molecule allowed a close approach between a hydrogen atom belonging to the phosphino group and the edge of the cyclopropyl ring. The possibility of the formation of an intramolecular hydrogen bond to electron density associated with so-called banana bonds is discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Host Preference of Mating Type in Pseudoperonospora cubensis, the Downy Mildew Causal Agent of Cucurbits.
The A2 mating type of Pseudoperonospora cubensis was first discovered in Israel in May 2010 on butternut gourd (Cucurbita moschata) (1). We monitored the occurrence of the A2 mating type of P. cubensis in isolates collected during May 2010 through September 2012 from downy mildew-infected cucurbit crops growing along the coastal plain of Israel. Mating type was determined by oospore production in melon leaf discs co-inoculated with sporangia of a test isolate mixed with sporangia of A1 or A2 tester isolates (2). The A1 and A2 tester isolates were maintained at 14°C (14 h light/day) by repeated inoculation of detached leaves of cucumber and pumpkin, respectively. The 29 isolates that were collected from cucumber (Cucumis sativum) were all A1. Of the 33 isolates collected from pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), squash (C. pepo), or butternut gourd (C. moschata), 88% were A2 and 12% were A1. The host preference of mating type in P. cubensis was monitored at Bar-Ilan University farm during April to July 2012, among about 800 plants of eight cucurbit species (~100 plants per species) that were grown side-by-side in three adjacent net-houses (two 6 × 50 m and one 6 × 100 m) and exposed to natural infection. Downy mildew developed on cucumber, melon, pumpkin, squash, and butternut gourd, but not on watermelon, sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica), or Momordica balsamina. Three-hundred and three isolates of P. cubensis were collected and tested for mating type: 123 from cucumber, 53 from melon, 30 from pumpkin, 48 from butternut gourd, and 41 from squash. The cucumber isolates expressed A1, A2, and A1A2 at a ratio of 94.3%, 3.3%, and 2.4%, respectively; the melon isolates 58.5%, 26.4%, and 15.1%; the pumpkin isolates 0%, 96.7%, and 3.3%; the butternut isolate 7.3%, 87.3%, and 5.5%; and the squash isolates 2.4%, 97.6%, and 0%, respectively. A1A2 isolates produce oospores when crossed with either A1 or A2 tester isolates. This is the first evidence suggesting a preference of A1 isolates to Cucumis spp. and of A2 isolates to Cucurbita spp. similar preference was recently observed among Chinese isolates of this pathogen (unpublished data). The mechanism(s) controlling this preference is not known. Classical genetics is currently employed to P. cubensis in order to understand if it derives from true linkage. The practical implication for downy mildew management is that growing cucumber/melon in close proximity to pumpkin/squash/butternut gourd should be avoided as it may enhance oospore production in nature. Oospores in soil were recently shown to serve as a primary source of downy mildew infection in cucumber (3). References: (1) Y. Cohen, A. E. Rubin, and M.Galperin. Plant Dis. 95:874, 2011; (2) Y. Cohen and A. E. Rubin. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 132:577, 2012; (3) Y. J. Zhang et al. J. Phytopathol. 160:469, 2012. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In-office temporal artery biopsy.
Biopsy is essential in the diagnosis of temporal arteritis. Temporal artery biopsy done in the office has many advantages. Patients tolerate the procedure well with little anxiety. There is greater convenience for the patient and ease of scheduling for the referring physician. It can be done promptly and is far more cost-effective than performing the procedure in a surgical center or hospital. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, because the in-office procedure is safe, more convenient, less stressful, and less expensive, clinicians are more likely to obtain a temporal artery biopsy when the diagnosis of temporal arteritis is even a remote possibility. Contrariwise, there is evidence to indicate that many cases of temporal arteritis are not diagnosed because of reluctance to schedule a biopsy. The ophthalmologist is in a unique position to provide help in the diagnosis and follow-up care of the patient with suspected temporal arteritis. Ophthalmologists are familiar with the disease, its treatment, and particularly its ocular manifestations. In addition to the baseline ophthalmic examination to help reveal subclinical pathology, ophthalmologists can evaluate the patient as subsequent visual complaints arise. Finally, by offering a convenient biopsy procedure, the diagnosis can be accurately and promptly confirmed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pharmacological manipulations of anoxia-induced free fatty acid accumulation in the mouse brain.
The accumulation of free fatty acid (FFA) in the brain occurs within minutes of anoxia, induced by exposing mice to a 100% N2 atmosphere. The rate of FFA release is high within the first minute and continues to increase moderately hereafter. FFA is apparently accumulated at the highest concentration in the cerebral hemispheres. The release of FFA can be inhibited partly by CNS depressants like N6-cyclopentyladenosine, pentobarbital, ethanol, or 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo-[5,4-c]pyridin-3(2H)-one (THIP). Antiadrenergic compounds such as reserpine, clondine, or prazosine were also found to be active. The N2 anoxia was initially and temporarily associated with motor excitation termed fight and flight reaction. This behavior could be reduced by administration of N6-cyclopentyl-adenosine, pentobarbital, ethanol, reserpine, and prazosine, but not by THIP or clonidine. The glutamate antagonist MK-801 inhibited the fight and flight reaction, but did not affect the FFA accumulation. The data are consistent with the view that brain anoxia initially increases FFA by receptor-mediated polyphosphoinositide breakdown and that the alpha-1 adrenergic receptor is one of the receptors involved. The data also indicate that the fight and flight reaction is dissociated from the events that lead to FFA release, and may involve the stimulation of glutaminergic NMDA receptors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Myocardial kinetics of Tc-MIBI in canine myocardium after dipyridamole.
Technetium 99m-hexakis-2-methoxy-2-methylpropyl-isonitrile (Tc-MIBI) is a promising new myocardial perfusion imaging agent producing excellent rest images. Imaging, however, will need to be performed with exercise or dipyridamole to detect ischemia and to differentiate salvaged but still ischemic myocardium from scar. Accordingly, 12 dogs were given mild-to-moderate left circumflex coronary stenoses (group 2), and 10 dogs were given severe stenoses (group 3). In five control dogs (group 1), there was no stenosis. After an intravenous infusion of dipyridamole (0.08 mg/kg/min for 4 minutes), Tc-MIBI was injected into the right atrium. Over the next 4-hour study period, myocardial Tc-MIBI activities were continuously monitored in both the left anterior descending (LAD) (normal) and left circumflex (LCx) (ischemic) coronary artery (ischemic) zones using miniature cadmium telluride radiation detectors and serial gamma camera images were acquired when necessary. Tc-MIBI was rapidly taken up by nonischemic, mild-to-moderate, and severe ischemic myocardium. The initial myocardial uptake of Tc-MIBI was linearly related (r = 0.97) to regional myocardial blood flow at rates up to 2.0 ml/min/g. After the initial uptake, the mean 4-hour fractional myocardial clearance was similar between the control (0.09 +/- 0.03 [+/- SEM]) and group 2 (0.07 +/- 0.03) and group 3 (0.09 +/- 0.03) ischemic zones. Tc-MIBI blood clearance was rapid and biexponential with an initial fast clearance phase followed by a slow clearance phase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of aluminum-copper alloy filtration on photon spectra, air kerma rate and image contrast.
This study evaluated the performance of aluminum-copper alloy filtration, without the original aluminum filter, for dental radiography in terms of x-ray energy spectrum, air kerma rate and image quality. Comparisons of various thicknesses of aluminum-copper alloy in three different percentages were made with aluminum filtration. Tests were conducted on an intra-oral dental x-ray machine and were made on mandible phantom and on step-wedge. Depending on the thickness of aluminum-copper alloy filtration, the beam could be hardened and filtrated. The use of the aluminum-copper alloy filter resulted in reductions in air kerma rate from 8.40% to 47.33%, and indicated the same image contrast when compared to aluminum filtration. Aluminum-copper alloy filtration may be considered a good alternative to aluminum filtration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Two-dimensional reverse phase-reverse phase chromatography: A simple and robust platform for sensitive quantitative analysis of peptides by LC/MS. Hardware design.
We have revised current two-dimensional RP-RP approaches and developed a new robust 2-D RP-RP platform. This platform was implemented on an Agilent 1100 2-D liquid chromatography system and is based on high pressure switching between two high-resolution RP columns. An independent binary gradient was implemented for each dimension. The powerful combination of dual analytical columns with independent gradient elution achieves high analyte purity, effectively eliminates matrix effects, and maximizes MS sensitivity in Q1 SIM comparable to the sensitivity enhancements of MS/MS-based methods. Implementation of dual simultaneous gradient profiles (overlapped gradients) reduces 2-D method run-time to the scale of 1-D method run-times. This robust and sensitive approach is particularly suitable for hydrophobic peptides and small proteins and can be used as a routine standard technique for enhanced on-line peptide purification coupled with mass spectrometric detection. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The effect of immunosuppression on the expression of perforin and granzyme B mRNA in hamster to rat liver transplantation].
To explore the variation on the expression of perforin and granzyme B gene mRNA to judge the effect of immunosuppression in acute rejection of liver transplantation. The expression of perforin and granzyme B gene mRNA was examined by RT-PCR in hamster to rat liver grafts under the immunosuppression of cyclosporine and splenectomy. Histological findings were studied comparatively. Cyclosporine and splenectomy could obviously suppress the rejection of liver grafts. The survival time of animals was significantly prolonged (37.1 days). The architecture of hepatic lobule was preserved. There was slight round cell infiltration in the portal tracts and no expression of mRNA of perforin and granzyme B genes could been seen in three weeks after transplantation. Perforin and granzyme B genes are of value in judging the effect of immunosuppression. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Behavioural standard or coercive measure? Some considerations regarding the special issue on ROM].
The cost of mental health care has possibly risen more than costs in other sectors of health care in the Netherlands. In an attempt to control the rising costs, new policies have been implemented that include the introduction of selective financial penalties for those in need of mental health care as well as the start of performance-based mental health care reimbursement. In order to achieve the latter goal, a nation-wide large-scale data collection was introduced based on clinical routine outcome monitoring (ROM) data, with a view to using these data for benchmarking. Closer inspection of the benchmarking efforts in terms of scientific validity. Qualitative review and analysis. Analysis shows that the type of ROM data that is collected in the Netherlands is valid for tracking the outcomes of individual patients, but unsuitable for performance comparisons between institutions for reasons of case-mix, instrument-mix, bias and lack of sensitivity. Attempts to introduce benchmarking based on rom will probably have a negative impact on the practice of mental health care in the Netherlands. More input from mental health professionals and scientists is required in order to identify more rational and efficient ways of spending scarce resources. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of verapamil on pH of ischemic canine myocardium.
Verapamil has been shown to depress the contractility of ischemic myocardium. The present study was designed to determine whether that effect is due to an increase in ischemic injury caused by the drug or whether it might reflect a protective effect. A critical partial occlusion was effected on the left anterior descending coronary artery of 16 open chest foxhounds. A fiberoptic pH probe was implanted in the subendocardium of the ischemic zone, and coronary blood flow was reduced by 79% from a control value of 38 +/- 4 ml/min and held constant. Mean coronary perfusion pressure was decreased 48% from its control value of 90 +/- 6 mm Hg and remained constant. Eight animals were treated with intravenous verapamil, beginning 20 to 30 minutes after the onset of ischemia, in incremental doses (5, 10 and 20 micrograms/kg per min) and eight were treated with placebo. The pH of the ischemic zone increased after institution of treatment in the verapamil group (+ 0.04 +/- 0.05 pH unit) whereas it decreased in the placebo group (- 0.06 +/- 0.4 pH unit) during the first dose (p less than 0.05). Although the difference in pH between the two groups was marked at all doses (p less than 0.03) compared with control partial occlusion, verapamil caused no significant change in heart rate (+ 0.1 +/- 1 beat/min in the verapamil group versus + 0.6 +/- 4.5 beats/min in the placebo group), mean arterial pressure (- 7.5 +/- 4 versus - 4.3 +/- 3 mm Hg, respectively) or cardiac output (- 0.2 +/- 0.07 versus - 0.02 +/- 0.04 liters/min, respectively) comparing control with the first or the second dose of verapamil.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The association of hepatic apoprotein and lipid metabolism in hamsters and rats.
1. The hamster liver but not that of the rat, secretes VLDL containing only apoprotein B100. Apoprotein B48 was identified in mesenteric lymph of hamsters and therefore plasma apoprotein B48 is of intestinal origin. 2. Male hamster livers secrete less free cholesterol but similar cholesterol ester than male rats resulting in a higher CE/FC ratio in hamsters. 3. Hepatic VLDL from male hamsters contain more apo B and E while that from females contains more TG and apo A-II/C. 4. Hamsters fed high-C diets secrete more hepatic VLDL-apoprotein B, -free and -cholesterol ester, and biliary cholesterol. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Two-dimensional spectral processing of sequential evoked potentials.
The processing of sequential evoked potentials (EPs) is investigated using two-dimensional processing techniques. Two-dimensional EP arrays or images are formed by stacking sequential recordings. Processing is accomplished in the frequency domain by 2-D low-pass filtering using Gaussian filters. Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs), which are the early auditory EPs, are used to investigate the effects of the 2-D filtering on real data. Gaussian filtering improves signal-to-noise ratios by reducing high frequency noise effectively in both intra-EP and inter-EP dimensions. Applications to intra-operative monitoring are simulated with real ABR data. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Bone remodeling during the development of osteoporosis in paraplegia.
Osteoporosis developing during the first weeks after the onset of traumatic paraplegia was studied with cortical and cancellous samples of iliac crest and tibia of 14 patients, and compared to normals. We used a procedure of bone particle fractionation (according to degree of mineralization) that allowed us to establish a profile reflecting the metabolic remodeling of bone and to analyze the organic matrix of the newly synthesized tissue. In paraplegics, we observed a large increase in the proportion of little calcified bone in the cortical as well as in the cancellous bone. Based on amino acid analyses, we found a decreased number of hydroxyproline residues in the newly synthesized organic matrix from paraplegia bone resulting either from an alteration of the prolyl hydroxylation or from the presence of an excess of noncollagen polypeptides. These results, together with previously published data reporting increased urinary hydroxyproline and calcium kinetic parameters, suggest an enhanced rate of skeletal remodeling in acute paraplegia. When investigated 2 years after injury, the patterns of distribution approach that of normal subjects. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Initial safety and feasibility of cold-stored uncrossmatched whole blood transfusion in civilian trauma patients.
The transfusion of cold-stored uncrossmatched whole blood (WB) has not been extensively used in civilian trauma resuscitation. This report details the initial experience with the safety and feasibility of using WB in this setting after a change of practice at a Level 1 trauma center was instituted. Up to two units of uncrossmatched group O positive WB that was leukoreduced using a platelet-sparing filter from male donors were transfused to male trauma patients with hypotension secondary to bleeding. Hemolytic marker haptoglobin and reports of transfusion reactions in these patients were followed. Additionally, transfusion volumes and outcomes were compared to a historical cohort of male trauma patients who received at least one red blood cell (RBC) unit, but not WB, during the first 24 hours of admission. There were 47 WB patients who were transfused with a mean (SD) of 1.74 (0.61) WB units. The median haptoglobin concentration on post-WB transfusion Day 1 was 25.1 (9.3) mg/dL in 7 of 30 non-group O recipients. No adverse reactions in temporal relation to the WB transfusions were reported. There were 145 male historical control patients identified who were resuscitated with component therapy; the median volume of incompatible plasma transfused to the WB versus component therapy group was not significantly different (1,000 vs. 800 mL, respectively; p = 0.38); the mean plasma:RBC (0.99 [0.47] vs. 0.77 [ 0.73], respectively; p = 0.006) and platelet:RBC (0.72 [0.40] vs. 0.51 [0.734], respectively; p < 0.0001) ratios were significantly higher in the WB group. Transfusion of two units of cold-stored uncrossmatched WB is feasible and seems to be safe in civilian trauma resuscitation. Determining the efficacy of WB with regard to reducing the number of blood products transfused in the first 24 hours or improving recipient survival will require a larger randomized trial. Therapeutic study, level IV. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nitrogen dioxide formation during inhaled nitric oxide therapy.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a toxic by-product of inhalation therapy with nitric oxide (NO). The rate of NO2 formation during NO therapy is controversial. The formation of NO2 was studied under dynamic flows emulating a base case NO ventilator mixture containing 80 ppm NO in a 90% oxygen matrix. The difficulty in measuring NO2 concentrations below 2 ppm accurately was overcome by the use of tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy. Using a second-order model, the rate constant, k, for NO2 formation was determined to be (1.19 +/- 0.11) x 10(-11) ppm-2s-1, which is in basic agreement with evaluated data from atmospheric literature. Inhaled NO can be delivered safely in a well-designed, continuous flow neonatal ventilatory circuit, and NO2 formation can be calculated reliably using the rate constant and circuit dwell time. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pelvic osteosarcomas causing lumbosacral nerve root compression presenting as herniated intervertebral disc: report of two cases.
Osteosarcomas of the pelvic bone are rare. Neurological complication of osteosarcomas in this location is also rare. Diagnosis is not always easy, and misdiagnosis may occur due to pelvic bone destruction and nerve root compression. We present two cases of pelvic osteosarcoma with lumbosacral radicular symptoms who were previously thought to have lumbosacral herniated intervertebral disc. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Increased power generation from cylindrical microbial fuel cell inoculated with P. aeruginosa.
Herein, carbon brush cylindrical microbial fuel cell is constructed to decrease internal resistance and increase electricity production. The application of cylindrical single-chamber microbial fuel cell gives full play to the role of anode carbon brush and increases contact with surrounding oxygen by enlarging the surface area of the cathode. Both cylindrical design and P. aeruginosa inoculation in anode have positive effects on power output of microbial fuel cells. Changing the configuration from cubic to cylindrical resulted in a substantial reduction in internal resistance from 127.21 Ω to 49.66 Ω. Meanwhile, the cylindrical microbial fuel cell inoculated with mixed anaerobic bacteria exhibits power overshoot, and the dissolved oxygen in the electrolyte is raised. Thus, we also select P. aeruginosa inoculation in cylindrical reactor, where the maximum power density is increased to 3322 ± 38 mW m-2 and internal resistance is reduced to 34.0 ± 1.1 Ω, and then power overshoot is improved. Thus, P. aeruginosa showed better electrogenic performance than anaerobic mixtures. In addition, chemical oxygen demand removal efficiencies (about one cycle) of the three microbial fuel cells are similar, but the cylindrical cell handles about 0.7 times of sewage more than the cubic cell showing that cylindrical microbial fuel cell has a higher capacity of sewage treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nucleic acid-like structures. III. Oligomerization of 3'-deoxyadenosine 2',5'-diphosphoimidazolide.
The activated dimonophosphate of 3'-deoxyadenosine (cordycepin) undergoes oligomerization to produce a new family of pyrophosphate-linked oligomers in which the average repeating unit involves a nine-atom structural group. The presence of a poly(U) template increases the relative yields of higher oligomers, although the template-free reaction is itself extremely efficient. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
New answers from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial on the chemoprevention of prostate cancer.
In this paper, we report ongoing investigations concerning the increased number of high-grade (Gleason grade > or = 7) prostate cancer, despite a reduction in all prostate cancer, found on the finasteride arm of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT). There was a statistically significant 24.8% reduction in prostate cancer found on biopsy on the finasteride arm compared to placebo, and the reduction was also observed in both groups of end-of-study and for-cause biopsies. However, when the prostate cancers were examined by Gleason score, there was an increased number of high-grade prostate cancers found on the finasteride arm than on the placebo arm. This observation was emphasized in the editorial to the first publication of PCPT results and has dampened enthusiasm for recommendation of finasteride for chemoprevention. So, what are the potential reasons for increased grade on the finasteride arm? The number of high-grade cancers that are detected following a PSA prompt is directly proportional to the sensitivity of PSA for high-grade disease times the actual but unknown number of high-grade disease cases. So the higher the sensitivity the more likely one is to detect more of the existing high-grade cases irrespective of the true number of cases, i.e., there is an ascertainment bias. We are currently performing a quantitative investigation of whether or not this ascertainment bias could explain the higher number of high-grade disease cases observed on the finasteride arm. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Scholarship and socialization: reflections on the first year of doctoral study.
The first year of study in our PhD program has both broadened and intensified our knowledge. We have come to expect ourselves to attain better understandings of any given issue or topic within its attendant context and within the larger context of our profession. We have begun to appreciate and to strive for the clarity, thoroughness, and precision of thought and analysis that typify the nurse scholar. We are beginning to recognize who the nurse scholar is, why we want to emulate this person, and how we can become this person. As members of the fourth generation, we are now beginning, through our doctoral program, to live the vision of scholars who preceded us. To fulfill this vision, we understand that learning is a lifelong process that does not end with achievement of the doctorate or with postdoctoral study, but that it is continually evolving. We recognize the crucial role of research in nursing, but temper this recognition with the knowledge that research must progress in a planned manner dovetailing with existing research lest it fail to strengthen the web of nursing knowledge. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Study of the antigenic properties of herpesvirus strains isolated from herpetic lesions at different sites].
The antigenic properties of 15 strains of hepesvirus isolated from herpetic lesions of different localization were studied. The serotype of each strain was established by the neutralization tests with hyperimmune sera to the reference type 1 and 2 strains: the cross-neutralization tests revealed antigenic relationships between the strains of 1 and 2 serotypes. Most strains isolated from lesions of the genitalia belonged to type 2, although one strain isolated in herpes genitalis belonged to type 1, and 2 strains isolated from facial lesions also belonged to type 2. These results confirm the necessity of using inactivated polyvaccine prepared from herpesvirus strains of antigenic types 1 and 2 for relapse control therapy instead of using monovalent type 1 and type 2 vaccines as reported by foreign authors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The novel adaptor protein Swiprosin-1 enhances BCR signals and contributes to BCR-induced apoptosis.
B-cell receptor (BCR) signals are essential for B-cell differentiation, homeostasis and negative selection, which are regulated by the strength and quality of BCR signals. Recently, we identified a new adaptor protein, Swiprosin-1, in lipid rafts of B-cell lines that undergo apoptosis after BCR stimulation. During murine B-cell development, Swiprosin-1 exhibited highest expression in immature B cells of the bone marrow, but was also expressed in resting and activated splenic B cells and in non-lymphoid tissue, especially in the brain. Ectopic expression of Swiprosin-1 in the immature murine B-cell line WEHI231 enhanced spontaneous and BCR-induced apoptosis. In contrast, short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated downregulation of Swiprosin-1 impaired specifically spontaneous and BCR-elicited apoptosis, but not BCR-induced G1 cell cycle arrest and upregulation of the cell cycle inhibitor p27(Kip1). In accordance, Swiprosin-1 abundance regulated net cell growth of WEHI231 cell populations through reciprocal regulation of Bcl-xL, but not Bim, thereby controlling spontaneous apoptosis. Swiprosin-1-enhanced apoptosis was blocked through nuclear factor kappaB-activating stimuli, namely B-cell-activating factor of the TNF family, anti-CD40 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This correlated with enhanced BCR-induced IkappaB-alpha phosphorylation and degradation in cells expressing a Swiprosin-1-specific shRNA. Finally, ectopic Swiprosin-1 expression enhanced BCR-induced cell death in primary, LPS-stimulated splenic B cells. Hence, Swiprosin-1 may regulate lifespan and BCR signaling thresholds in immature B cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A trio of nanoswitches in redox-potential controlled communication.
A potential-controlled two-step bidirectional communication protocol between the nanoswitches [Cu(1)](+), 2 and 3 is set up, in which ligand followed by metal-ion oxidation drives two subsequent metal ion translocations (self-sorting) changing the switching state at each switch. The communication is reset to its starting point by a two-electron reduction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prevalence & risk factors of anaemia among women of reproductive age in Bursa, Turkey.
The control of anaemia in women of childbearing age is essential to prevent low birth weight and perinatal and maternal mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the anaemia prevalence and risk factors in women of reproductive age group in Nilufer Public Health Training and Research Area, Bursa, Turkey. In this cross-sectional study, 530 women were selected using stratified random sampling among 6,506 women in 15-49 age group and 488 women (92.1%) participated in the study. Pregnant women or women who were not sure of their pregnancy were not included in the study. The data collected were analysed by multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the risk factors related to anaemia. The prevalence of anaemia was 32.8 per cent (haemoglobin level < 12 g/dl). Usage of more than 2 sanitary pads in a day during menstruation (OR=3.67, 95% CI 2.30-5.88; P=0.000) and duration of menstrual bleeding more than 5 days (OR=3.01, 95% CI 1.94-4.66; P=0.000) were found to be risk factors for anaemia. Approximately 1 of 3 women in the study area was diagnosed to be anaemic. These data indicated the necessity of a public health programme for prevention and early diagnosis of anaemia. Starting from adolescence, all non pregnant women should be screened for anaemia every 5-10 yr throughout their childbearing years during routine health examinations. The follow up service provided by midwives at the primary health care can be used as a suitable tool for anaemia prevention. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Telescopic prostheses for implants.
This retrospective study investigated the outcome of 73 telescopic implant-supported fixed prostheses. Fifty-four prostheses were entirely cement-retained, and 19 incorporated a screw-clamping unit. The rate of complications was low and in most cases minor in nature. Cement-retained prostheses involving a distal cantilevered extension required the greatest postoperative maintenance. Despite the small number of combined screw- and cement-retained prostheses, the lack of complications and ease of retrievability make this approach worthy of further study. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Bacterial adhesion to metal oxide-coated surfaces in the presence of silicic acid.
This study investigated the effect of silicic acid to the adhesion of Bacillus subtilis to metal oxide-coated surfaces. The first sets of column experiments were conducted under various concentrations of silicic acid. The second and third experiments were performed under various concentrations of sulfate and nitrate to compare the results from silicic acid. Bacterial breakthrough curves were obtained by monitoring effluent, and mass recoveries were quantified from these curves. The results show that, at silicic acid concentrations between 0 and 0.2 mM, bacteria were negatively charged, while the charges of metal oxides were changed from positive to negative. Bacterial adhesion to metal oxide-coated surfaces decreased sharply with increasing silicic acid concentration (bacterial mass recovery increased from 11.5 to 82.2%), as a result of the hindrance effect of silicic acid adsorbed onto metal oxide-coated surfaces. Between 0.2 and 10 mM, both bacteria and metal oxides were negatively charged. Bacterial adhesion remained constant (mass recovery were 80.5 to 82.2%), despite the increasing silicic acid concentration, possibly as a result of the hindrance effect of polymerized silicic acid. That is, the bacterial approach to the metal oxide-coated surfaces could be disturbed through steric hindrance of polymerized silicic acid, which compensates the potential enhancement effect from the electrical double layer compression. The results also illustrate that the effect of silicic acid on bacterial adhesion was greater than those of sulfate and nitrate. This study demonstrates that silicic acid can play a significant role in bacterial interaction with metal oxide-coated surfaces. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Osteolytic intra-osseous meningiomas: illustrated review.
While bone invasion and hyperostosis are frequent phenomena in meningiomas, primary intra-osseous meningiomas are rare. With only 15 reported cases, the osteolytic form of primary intra-osseous meningiomas is most uncommon. Its occurrence in the skull base is an extra-ordinary exception. We have reviewed and categorized the pertinent literature on intra-osseus meningiomas with special emphasis on osteolytic tumours and discuss their clinical implications on the basis of a new case located in the petrous bone without contact with the meninges. It is concluded that due to their different clinical, radiological and pathological features, hyperostotic and osteolytic variants of intra-osseus meningiomas should be distinguished from tumours with soft tissue components and from en-plaque lesions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Finite Element Analysis of Simulations of Cancellous Bone Resorption.
A stochastic simulation of the resorption of cancellous bone has been developed and integrated with a finite element model to predict the resultant change in structural properties of bone as bone density decreases. The resorption represents the net imbalance of osteoclast and osteoblast activity that occurs in osteoporosis. A simple lattice structure of trabecular bone is considered, with an examination of the lattice geometry and discretization indicating that just five trabeculae need to be modelled. The results from the analysis show how the mechanical properties of the cancellous bone degrade with osteoporosis and demonstrate how the method can be used to predict the relationships between stiffness and density or porosity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Adverse health experiences, environmental attitudes, and pesticide usage behavior of farm operators.
Water pollution from agricultural pesticides continues to be a public concern. Given that the use of such pesticides on the farm is largely governed by voluntary behavior, it is important to understand what drives farmer behavior. Health belief models in public health and social psychology argue that persons who have adverse health experiences are likely to undertake preventive behavior. An analogous hypothesis set was tested here: farmers who believe they have had adverse health experiences from pesticides are likely to have heightened concerns about pesticides and are more likely to take greater precautions in dealing with pesticides. This work is based on an original survey of a population of 2700 corn and soybean growers in Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania using the U.S. Department of Agriculture data base. It was designed as a mail survey with telephone follow-up, and resulted in a 60 percent response rate. Farm operators report experiencing adverse health problems they believe are associated with pesticides that is equivalent to an incidence rate that is higher than the reported incidence of occupational pesticide poisonings, but similar to the reported incidence of all pesticide poisonings. Farmers who report experiencing such problems have more heightened concerns about water pollution from fertilizers and pesticides, and illness and injury from mixing, loading, and applying pesticides than farmers who have not experienced such problems. Farmers who report experiencing such problems also are more likely to report using alternative pest management practices than farmers who do not report having such problems. This implies that farmers who have had such experiences do care about the effects of application and do engage in alternative means of pest management, which at least involve the reduction in pesticide use. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Isolation and identification of quorum quenching bacteria from environmental samples.
A large number of Gram-negative pathogens produce N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs) as signal molecules for quorum sensing (QS). This cell-cell communication system allows them to coordinate gene expression and regulate virulence. Therefore, strategies to inhibit QS are promising for the control of infectious diseases. The aim of the present study was to develop a high-throughput method for the isolation and identification of AHL-degrading bacteria from environmental samples. Samples were cultured in a microtitre plate in a minimal medium containing 1 mM N-(3-oxo-dodecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone and 2 mM N-(3-oxo-hexanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone as the sole sources of carbon and nitrogen. Isolates growing on this minimal medium were subcultured and identified by partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Subsequently, the AHL-degrading capacity of each isolate was evaluated in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa QSIS2 biosensor assay, as such or after treatment with heat or proteinase K. The 16 samples tested yielded a total of 59 isolates which are, either alone or as part of a consortium, able to use AHL signal molecules as sole sources of carbon and nitrogen. Follow-up experiments have shown that in each sample there is at least one isolate with quorum quenching (QQ) activity, and that for all samples combined, 41 isolates have QQ activity. Furthermore, heat treatment did not fully inhibit QQ activity in all isolates. In some isolates, QQ activity was lost after proteinase K treatment, while others remained able to quench QS. Therefore, it is likely that some isolates produce and secrete (a) heat-stable, low molecular weight inhibitory compound(s). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Concept-based learning activities using the clinical judgment model as a foundation for clinical learning.
Several forces are influencing clinical education in the early 21st century. The clinical environment is changing as both patient acuity and patient-to-nurse staffing ratios increase. In many communities, the number of nursing students exceeds the number of clinical placements available. As nursing education moves forward, it is worthwhile to look more closely at how education occurs in the clinical environment regarding student progression from novice to more advanced levels of practice and how best to support development of student clinical judgment. Concept-based learning activities, first described by Heims and Boyd, are used to assist students in examining and addressing fundamental aspects (i.e., concepts) of pediatric patient and family care. The Clinical Judgment Model has been incorporated into concept-based learning activities as a framework to guide student thinking about the concepts. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Facilitating Home Hospice Transitions of Care in Oncology: Evaluation of Clinical Pharmacists' Interventions, Hospice Program Satisfaction, and Patient Representation Rates.
The importance of medication reconciliation and the pharmacist's role within the interdisciplinary team at the point of transition to home hospice is understudied. A transitions of care pilot initiative was developed to streamline the transition for patients at end of life from inpatient cancer center care to home hospice. The initiative consisted of using a hospice discharge checklist, pharmacist-led discharge medication reconciliation in consultation with the primary team responsible for inpatient care, review of discharge prescriptions, and facilitation of bedside delivery of discharge medications. This was a single-center, prospective, pilot initiative. The objectives of this study were to characterize pharmacist interventions at the time of transition, to assess changes in hospice organizations' perceptions of discharge readiness, and to evaluate differences in representation rates with the implementation of the pilot discharge process. Fifteen patients in the preimplementation period and 12 patients in the postimplementation period were included. One hundred eleven pharmacist interventions were captured, an average of 9.3 interventions per patient, with an acceptance rate of 82.9% by providers. There was a statistically significant ( P = .035) improvement in hospice organizations' perceptions of discharge readiness. There was no difference in 30-day representation rates postdischarge ( P = 1). This well-received pilot initiative demonstrated an improvement in local hospice's perception of patient readiness for discharge and a high percentage of accepted pharmacist interventions during discharge medication reconciliation. A larger sample size of patients and longer follow-up period may be needed to demonstrate statistically significant improvements in representation rates postintervention. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Treatment of HCC with pravastatin, octreotide, or gemcitabine--a critical evaluation.
New perspectives in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinomas have recently been inaugurated with the application of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors i.e. pravastatin, the somatostatin analogue octreotide, or the cytidine analogue gemcitabine. The present study aimed to evaluate these substances in patients with progressive tumor growth. A total of 58 patients either received 3 x 200 microg/day octreotide for 2 months followed by 20mg octreotide LAR every 4 weeks (n=30) or 40-80 mg pravastatin (n=20) or 80-90 mg/m2 gemcitabine over 24 hours weekly in cycles of 4 weeks (n=8). Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the log-rank test were used for univariate comparison of sur vival. The median overall survival of patients receiving octreotide was 5 months, of patients receiving pravastatin 7.2 months and of patients receiving gemcitabine 3.5 months. The difference between the pravastatin and the gemcitabine groups was significant. No WHO grade 3 or 4 side effects were seen in either group of patients. These results do not confirm those of former studies. Neither pravastatin, nor octreotide, nor gemcitabine did prolong the patients' median overall survival as compared to control groups reported by other authors. New therapeutic strategies have to be found for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinomas. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Expenditures Of Metabolic Diseases - An Estimation on National Health Care Expenditures of Diabetes and Obesity, Hungary 2013.
Obesity could be considered as the main consequence of unhealthy nutrition, responsible for many pathological alterations in human. Obese patients usually need more health care services. The aim of the study was to estimate the financial expenditures of health care provisions in Hungary, related to obesity and diabetes, as its main pathological consequence. Data of the Hungarian National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) were collected for 2013, regarding finances of secondary care, hospital services, reimbursement for medications and healing aids of diabetic patients together with selected morbidities linked to obesity, based on the codes of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and calculated their population prevalence on the population-attributable fraction (PAF). Financial data regarding diabetes care resulted in a 40,311 Million HUF (129 Million EUR) national fund expenses, beside a 7,173 Million HUF (23 Million EUR) contribution from patients. Estimated total health care expenditures related to obesity were 58,986 Million HUF (188 Million EUR) and the financial contribution of patients was calculated as 25,316 Million HUF (81 Million EUR). These data represent a 5.2% and 9.3% of the whole national health services, 16% and 30% of the whole drug-reimbursement budgets, respectively. Although expenditures for some obesity related pathologies analyzed in this paper represent 0.28% of the national GDP, considering other morbidities and other patient's expenses, the real ratio could be between 0.5-1%. The increasing number of overweight and obese persons requires more focus in public health, higher awareness in the society and more governmental support. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characterization of protein tyrosine kinase activity in murine Leydig tumor cells.
The activity of protein tyrosine kinase (EC 2.7.1.37) was characterized from Leydig tumor cells (M5480A) using the synthetic peptide NH2-Glu-Asp-Ala-Glu-Tyr-Ala-Ala-Arg-Arg-Arg-Gly-COOH as a substrate. Relatively high tyrosine-specific protein kinase activity (about 135 pmol/mg protein per min) was detected in a particulate fraction (30 000 X g pellet) and was found to be linear as a function of time and protein concentration. The enzymic activity in the particulate fraction was stimulated 1.4-fold by 0.02% Nonidet P-40 as judged by 32PO4 incorporated into the peptide. Phosphorylation of endogenous proteins in M5480A particulate fractions with [gamma-32P]ATP resulted in several alkali-resistant radiolabeled bands in polyacrylamide gels in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. Included in this group was a major radiolabeled doublet with an apparent molecular-weight in the range of 50 000-54 000. Phosphoamino acid analysis of hydrolysates of these eluted proteins indicated the presence of phosphotyrosine. Several alkali-resistant radio-labeled bands, including a major doublet with an apparent molecular-weight of 32 000, were also detected after culturing M5480A cells in the presence of 32PO4. These studies demonstrate the presence of high levels of protein tyrosine kinase activity in Leydig tumor cells and of endogenous protein substrates for this enzyme activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Biologic and clinical significance of cytokine production in B-cell malignancies.
Cytokines are a group of polypeptide hormones endowed with pleiotropic biological properties. Normal B lymphocytes produce a number of these factors that subserve important regulatory functions in the combined processes of proliferation and differentiation. Also neoplastic B cells can release cytokines and, simultaneously, respond to the same factors in an autocrine circuit that supports their malignant growth. In addition, tumor cells can make use of the factors released by normal cells, either spontaneously or under the influence of inductive signals from the neoplastic cells. Inappropriate or excessive release of cytokines may have an important role in the pathophysiology of some clinical features. Thus, neutralization of cytokine biologic activity in vivo could be a therapeutic strategy for treatment of human B-cell neoplasias. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Identification of potent and selective TACE inhibitors via the S1 pocket.
By focusing on the P1 portion of the piperidine beta-sulfone ligands we identified a motif that induces selectivity and resulted in a series of TACE inhibitors that demonstrated excellent in vitro potency against isolated TACE enzyme and excellent selectivity over MMPs 1, 2, 9, 13, and 14. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Obstructive jaundice from benign hepatic cysts].
Obstructive jaundice secondary to benign, non-parasitic hepatic cysts is rare, since there are only 19 previously reported cases. We reported a case of polycystic disease of the liver and kidneys in which relief of developing jaundice was obtained by hepatic lobectomy and fenestration procedure for the multiple cysts. Immense occupancy and porta hepatis proximity of the cysts were triggers for developing jaundice. Urgent resection of the major cysts is recommended for extremely progressing jaundice. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Use of a geographic information system to evaluate morphometric variations of rumen papillae related to diet and pasture vegetative cycle.
The morphometric variations of the rumen papillae due to different alimentary diets has been analysed using a geographic information system (GIS), as the preliminary stage of a wider study aimed at creating a geo-database to link environmental data (pasture structure and composition, pastoral value) with parameters measuring animal welfare (body condition score, volatile fatty acids concentration, haematochemical profile) both during a pasture vegetative cycle and in different conditions of animal load on pastures, with the ultimate goal of contributing to grassland management. A first step was to collect samples of rumen wall tissue from different groups of sheep (lambs to milky and mixed diet, and adult at the maximum of flowering and at the end of pasture vegetative cycle) to verify morphometric differences in rumen papillae due to different diets. Wall tissues of rumen samples were removed from the dorsal and ventral sac and preserved in a formalin solution. Twenty papillae from the dorsal and ventral sac were taken from each sample and their images were elaborated with ArcGISTM software. Results show that the morphometric variation of papillae is related with the pasture productivity trend: the maximum size of rumen papillae occurs immediately after the phytomass and flowering spike; in this phase the animals utilise a very nourishing and quantitatively abundant pasture. After this phase, a deterioration of pasture occurs and the surface of rumen papillae surface decreases rapidly. Results obtained further confirm the existence of a close relationship between quality and quantity of phytomass and the extent of rumen papillae absorptive surface, demonstrating the effects of this relationship during a pasture vegetative cycle. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Low serum folate levels as a risk factor for depressive mood in patients with chronic epilepsy.
This study takes into consideration whether low serum folate levels may contribute to depressive mood in patients with chronic epilepsy. The serum folate levels and the score on the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were examined in 46 patients with chronic epilepsy. Patients with a score indicating at least minor depression on the SDS had a significantly lower serum folate level than patients with a normal score on SDS. There was a significant negative correlation between the serum folate levels and the SDS score. A serum folate level below 7.5 ng/ml was significantly associated with a pathological score on SDS. Because a serum folate level of 7.5 ng/ml is in the normal range for many laboratories, further studies using total plasma homocysteine as a sensitive measure of functional folate deficiency are required to elucidate the impact of folate metabolism on depressive mood in patients with chronic epilepsy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal deposition disease of the wrist: trapezioscaphoid joint abnormality.
To determine whether trapezioscaphoid (TS) joint alterations are associated with calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystal deposition disease and, if so, to determine the nature of these alterations. Radiographs of 160 wrists with evidence of chondrocalcinosis were evaluated with regard to TS joint abnormalities, and findings were compared with a similar number of radiographs in an age and sex matched control population in whom no evidence of chondrocalcinosis or other calcification in the wrist was seen. Two radiologists in consensus recorded radiographic findings in both groups, and a third radiologist blinded to the presence or absence of chondrocalcinosis reviewed wrist radiographs in both groups in a random order. Correlation of TS joint abnormalities with other changes in the wrist was also accomplished. RESULTS; TS arthropathy was found in 43.7% of CPPD wrists and in 14.4% of control wrists in the consensus evaluation. In the blind evaluation, 30% of CPPD wrists and 12.5% of control wrists had TS arthropathy. The degree of arthropathy was more extensive in the CPPD group than in the control group. Features associated with TS arthropathy in the patient population were first carpometacarpal arthropathy and subchondral cysts in the scaphoid or trapezium, or both bones. CPPD patients, compared to a control population, reveal frequent and significant radiographic abnormalities of the TS joint that may be suggestive of the diagnosis, even in patients in whom chondrocalcinosis is obscured or absent. The features associated with TS arthropathy are first carpometacarpal arthropathy and subchondral cysts in the scaphoid and trapezium. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Differential regulation of primitive human hematopoietic cells in long-term cultures maintained on genetically engineered murine stromal cells.
Various growth factors are known to stimulate both early and late stages of human hematopoietic cell development in semisolid assay systems, but their role as microenvironmental regulators is poorly understood. To address this problem, we developed a novel coculture system in which highly purified primitive human hematopoietic cells were seeded onto an irradiated feeder layer of cells from a murine marrow-derived stromal cell line (M2-10B4) previously engineered by retroviral-mediated gene transfer to produce specific human factors. Effects on cells at very early, intermediate, and late stages of hematopoiesis were then evaluated by assessing the number of clonogenic cell precursors (long-term culture initiating cells [LTC-IC]), clonogenic cells, and mature granulocyte and macrophage progeny present in the cultures after 5 weeks. In the absence of any feeders, cells at all stages of hematopoiesis decreased to very low levels. In contrast, maintenance of LTC-IC was found to be supported by control murine stromal cells as effectively as by standard human marrow adherent layers. The presence of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and interleukin-3-producing M2-10B4 cells in combination was able to further enhance the maintenance and early differentiation of these cells without a decline in their proliferative potential as measured by the clonogenic output per LTC-IC. However, this effect was lost if granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF)-producing feeders were also present. On the other hand, in the presence of GM-CSF-producing feeders, the output of mature granulocytes and macrophages increased 20-fold. These findings show that it is possible to selectively improve the maintenance of very primitive human hematopoietic cells in vitro or their output of mature progeny by appropriate manipulation of the long-term marrow culture system. Further exploitation of this approach should facilitate investigation of the mechanisms operative within the human marrow microenvironment in vivo and the design of protocols for in vitro manipulation of human marrow for future therapeutic applications. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Conjugated dienoic derivatives of linoleic acid: a new class of anticarcinogens.
Evidence establishing the anticarcinogenic activity of the conjugated dienoic derivatives of linoleic acid (CLA) is reviewed. Our findings demonstrate that CLA is a potent antioxidant and that the c-9,t-11 CLA isomer is selectively incorporated into cellular phospholipid, which may at least in part explain the anticarcinogenic activity of CLA. Dietary sources of CLA include grilled beef, cheese, and related foods. Another source of CLA is its endogenous generation via the carbon centered free radical oxidation of linoleic acid. We propose that the formation and action of CLA represents a previously unrecognized in situ defense mechanism against membrane attack by oxygen radicals. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Radiation therapy in the management of locally advanced and disseminated breast cancer.
Radiation therapy should be fully used in the management of advanced breast cancer. Locally advanced primary or recurrent carcinoma, with limited extent, should be treated aggressively, aimed at permanent control. Palliative treatment of incurable or metastatic lesions relieves symptoms and improves patients' quality of survival. Some metastatic lesions involving vital structures may create emergencies. Prompt institution of radiation therapy may reverse the serious complications and save the patient's life. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Extinguishing cue-controlled reward choice: Effects of Pavlovian extinction on outcome-selective Pavlovian-instrumental transfer.
Outcome-selective Pavlovian-instrumental transfer (PIT) refers to the finding that presenting Pavlovian predictors of outcomes can enhance the vigor of instrumental responding for those same outcomes. Three experiments examined the sensitivity of outcome-selective PIT to Pavlovian (stimulus-outcome) extinction. In Experiment 1, participants first learnt to perform different instrumental responses to earn different outcomes. In a separate Pavlovian training phase, certain stimuli were established as Pavlovian signals of the different outcomes. Some of these Pavlovian stimuli were then extinguished (they were presented alone, without any outcome), while others were not. A final transfer test measured the extent to which these Pavlovian cues biased instrumental response choice. Consistent with previous work, the observed PIT effects were immune to Pavlovian extinction; the non-extinguished and extinguished cues produced PIT effects that did not significantly differ in size. In Experiment 2, response choice was tested in the presence of compound stimuli that included both extinguished and non-extinguished cues. Response choice was highly sensitive to the extinction manipulation under these circumstances. Experiment 3 tested whether this sensitivity to Pavlovian extinction was a direct effect of the associative strength of the Pavlovian cues present, or an indirect effect of cue salience. The results provide unique evidence to suggest that PIT is a direct consequence of the strength of the Pavlovian associations. (PsycINFO Database Record | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Typologies of drug dependence: comparative validity of a multivariate and four univariate models.
Data from a longitudinal cohort study were used to directly compare the concurrent and predictive validity of four univariate typologic approaches with a multivariate approach in subtyping drug dependence. The four univariate typologies were based upon: (a) age-of-onset of drug abuse/dependence, (b) presence of drug abuse in first-degree relatives, (c) presence of antisocial personality disorder, and (d) sex. The multivariate typologic approach was based on indices of vulnerability, chronicity, consequences, and psychopathology, yielding the Type A/B dichotomy first demonstrated in alcohol dependence. Subtypes generated from the univariate typologies were then each compared with the multivariate typology on measures of concurrent and predictive validity, and the strength of association was compared statistically. There was evidence of significantly greater concurrent validity of the Type A/B typology compared with the univariate typologies across all the domains of validation (risk, substance use, psychopathology, personality, and overall functioning). The multivariate typology also fared better than the univariate ones in all three domains on which predictive validity was evaluated: substance use, psychopathology, and overall functioning, as well as the degree of change in several composite scores (drug, medical, legal, and psychiatric) and the global psychiatric symptom index. This direct method of comparison seemed to demonstrate the superior validity of the multivariate cluster-analytic approach over the univariate approaches to classifying subjects with drug dependence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intraocular pressure measurement in mice: a comparison between Goldmann and rebound tonometry.
The development of mouse models of glaucoma requires methods to accurately measure the intraocular pressure (IOP) in this species. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of IOP measurements in mice between modified Goldmann and rebound tonometers. IOP was measured either with a modified Goldmann or a rebound tonometer while simultaneously measuring the IOP using invasive manometry in enucleated eyes and in vivo. The level of IOP was controlled hydrostatically. The agreement and correlation between the IOP determined by invasive manometry and by either noninvasive method was evaluated. In addition, the IOP was determined by both noninvasive methods in a cohort of mice with laser-induced ocular hypertension (OHT), and the agreement and correlation between the two tonometry methods were evaluated. Measured IOP by either noninvasive tonometer correlated well with those recorded simultaneously by invasive manometry (r=0.98 for rebound and r=0.94 for Goldmann). In mice with OHT, the IOP correlation between rebound and modified Goldmann was moderate (r=0.71); the IOP measured by modified Goldmann tonometry was consistently higher than that by rebound by approximately 5 mmHg. However, the relative per cent increases in IOP were similar between the two methods. Both noninvasive methods of IOP measurements in mice are suitable to detect changes in IOP although rebound tonometry correlated better with the invasive manometry readings. The results suggest that the relative, rather than absolute, IOP offers a more reliable means of correlating findings from studies using different tonometers. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A rapid [3H]glycerol radioassay for determination of monocyte-mediated growth inhibition of Mycobacterium avium.
[3H]glycerol was used to radiolabel Mycobacterium avium (MA) bacteria after interaction with human monocytes in a rapid in vitro assay for determination of the growth inhibition of the mycobacteria by monocytes. Monocytes and MA were co-cultured in 96-well microtiter plates for 1-5 days, and [3H]glycerol was added for an additional 3 days of incubation to radiolabel residual bacteria. The results indicate that monocytes inhibited mycobacterial growth within 24 h of co-culture, an activity which increased during incubation until optimal growth inhibition was noted by 3-4 days. A comparison with conventional plate counting methodology demonstrated similar responses between the two assays except that the conventional assay required 2-3 weeks of culture before visible MA colonies could be detected and enumerated. Thus, the development of a rapid radiolabel assay to quantitate the interaction between monocytes and MA will facilitate the investigation of normal host responses to this opportunistic pathogen. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Development of an avascular region (the stigma) in ovarian follicles of lizards (Anolis).
The architecture of follicular blood vessels in the ovary of lizards (Anolis equestris and Anolis carolinensis) was studied by standard histology and also after vascular perfusion with an orange silicone-rubber compound or with India ink. The theca of the follicular wall contains a netlike arrangement of anastomosing sinusoids, which increase in size as a follicle grows. An avascular stigma forms in very small, growing follicles when a portion of the follicular wall contacts the ovarian surface epithelium. Blood vessels then invade the theca except in the zone of contact. The diameter of the stigma is about 50% of follicular diameter, regardless of follicular size. Although the stigma of smaller follicles is avascular, that of vitellogenic follicles is hypovascular, i.e., a few vessels radiate into the stigma region. The antiangiogenic process involved in stigma formation may continue as the stigma enlarges. The development pattern of stigma formation found in Anolis is displayed by many other vertebrates. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Surgical treatment as a principle in patients with advanced abdominal carcinoid tumors.
Seventy-five patients with advanced abdominal carcinoid tumors (65 midgut, 10 others) have been examined retrospectively to evaluate the role of surgical treatment as a principle, irrespective of stage of disease. Eighteen of 52 patients (35%) exhibited the carcinoid syndrome. Two or more primaries were found in 39% of patients with midgut lesion, 81% of these patients had regional metastases, 5% of these patients had distant lymph node metastases, and 74% of the patients had liver secondaries. All patients underwent operation, an additional 34% of the patients had a further reoperation, 9% of the patients had a second reoperation, 3% of the patients had a third reoperation, and one patient (2%) had a fourth reoperation. Intraoperative debulking (liver excluded) was performed in 33% of the patients, and 48% of the patients had treatment (resection, hepatic artery ligation, embolization) directed at the liver. The postoperative mortality rate was 2% after the primary operation for midgut lesions. The median survival for midgut tumors was 92 months, compared to 40 months for other lesions (not significant). A significantly higher survival rate was revealed for those patients with midgut lesion who were undergoing intraabdominal debulking procedures (liver excluded); median survival was 139 months versus 69 months without debulking. For those patients with liver metastases, median survival after intervention was 216 months and 48 months without such treatment (p less than 0.001). It is concluded that resection of intraabdominal carcinoid tumor masses can be performed in a high proportion of patients. Despite the retrospective, uncontrolled nature of this study, the difference in survival probabilities in favor of aggressive surgical therapy is so marked that it is not unreasonable to conclude that surgery has played a role in prolonging life in these patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Molecular interactions in nanocellulose assembly.
The contribution of hydrogen bonds and the London dispersion force in the cohesion of cellulose is discussed in the light of the structure, spectroscopic data, empirical molecular-modelling parameters and thermodynamics data of analogue molecules. The hydrogen bond of cellulose is mainly electrostatic, and the stabilization energy in cellulose for each hydrogen bond is estimated to be between 17 and 30 kJ mol-1 On average, hydroxyl groups of cellulose form hydrogen bonds comparable to those of other simple alcohols. The London dispersion interaction may be estimated from empirical attraction terms in molecular modelling by simple integration over all components. Although this interaction extends to relatively large distances in colloidal systems, the short-range interaction is dominant for the cohesion of cellulose and is equivalent to a compression of 3 GPa. Trends of heat of vaporization of alkyl alcohols and alkanes suggests a stabilization by such hydroxyl group hydrogen bonding to be of the order of 24 kJ mol-1, whereas the London dispersion force contributes about 0.41 kJ mol-1 Da-1 The simple arithmetic sum of the energy is consistent with the experimental enthalpy of sublimation of small sugars, where the main part of the cohesive energy comes from hydrogen bonds. For cellulose, because of the reduced number of hydroxyl groups, the London dispersion force provides the main contribution to intermolecular cohesion.This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'New horizons for cellulose nanotechnology'. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Recombination of nanometric vesicles during freeze-drying.
Concentrated dispersions of nanometric lipid vesicles (mean diameter 20 nm) in water/maltose solutions have been freeze-dried and then redispersed in water, yielding again dispersions of lipid vesicles. At each stage of the freeze-drying process, the organization of the vesicles in the dispersion and their size distribution were examined through small-angle neutron scattering and gel permeation chromatography. It was found that the osmotic deswelling of the vesicles caused them to recombine into larger vesicles. A single burst of recombination events occurred when the maltose concentration in the aqueous phase rose above 100 g/L. The final vesicle population was monopopulated, with a central diameter about twice as large as that of the original dispersion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prospects and progress in cell therapy for acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Despite progress in understanding the pathophysiology of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), it remains a devastating clinical disorder associated with high mortality rates, and those who survive can experience significant long-term morbidity. Recent advances in the management of ARDS have mostly been achieved in supportive care, including the use of protective mechanical ventilation, neuromuscular blocking agents, prone positioning, and conservative fluid strategies. However, to date, no pharmacologic therapy has been able to act effectively on disease-specific pathways or to reduce mortality. In this context, current advances in understanding the potential roles of alternative approaches, such as cell therapy, offer new hope for ARDS. This review discusses the use of mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells (MSCs) in pre-clinical experimental models of ARDS and in ongoing clinical trials. Through the secretion of soluble mediators and extracellular vesicles, MSCs have been shown to modulate inflammation, enhance bacterial clearance, and reduce organ injury and death, making them a potential novel treatment for ARDS. Initial clinical trials have demonstrated the safety of MSC administration in patients with ARDS but further investigations are required to further characterize the efficacy profile of these therapies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Indexing cardiovascular and respiratory variables: allometric scaling principles.
To describe the allometric scaling principles underlying appropriate indexing of cardiovascular and respiratory measurements obtained in adult mammals, and to propose guidelines for indexing experimental cardiovascular and respiratory data. PubMed, using the terms 'allometry', 'allometric', 'indexing', 'cardiovascular' and 'respiratory'. Indexing of cardiopulmonary variables is commonly used in attempts to account for the effects of body size on measurements and to standardize them. Some cardiopulmonary variables have been indexed using various functions of body mass in a process that often ignores the underlying relationship between the variable of interest and body size, as described in the allometry literature. This can result in a failure to ideally reduce the effect of body size on measurements in a manner that highlights differences. We review how commonly measured cardiopulmonary variables are related to body mass in mammalian species according to the allometry literature, and offer suggestions on how this information can be used to appropriately index cardiopulmonary variables in a simple and informative manner. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Iatrogenic urinary tract infection with Pseudomonas cepacia after transrectal ultrasound guided needle biopsy of the prostate.
In response to an unexplained development of Pseudomonas cepacia cystoprostatitis after transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy, a retrospective review of records and biopsy protocol was performed at our institution. Between June 5, 1990 and January 9, 1991 no documented infections occurred in 272 patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound and prostate biopsy. During the next 6 months, however, 9 of 110 patients (8.2%) presented again with infectious symptomatology after transrectal ultrasound guided needle biopsy of the prostate. Culture of a majority of the specimens (67%) yielded P. cepacia. Two additional asymptomatic patients became colonized with P. cepacia. Environmental investigations revealed the ultrasound transmission gel as the source of the contamination. The proposed mechanism of infection was direct prostate or bladder seeding of contaminated transmission gel used to prepare the ultrasound transducer probe. Infections developed in immunocompetent patients despite adequate antimicrobial prophylaxis most likely secondary to underlying bladder outlet obstruction and significant direct inoculum of organisms. We currently recommend use of individualized sterile packets of transmission gel in addition to appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis and povidone-iodine cleansing enemas when performing transrectal sonographic guided biopsies of the prostate. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Thermal degradation of Fenitrothion: identification and eco-toxicity of decomposition products.
The thermal decomposition of Fenitrothion [phosphorothioic acid O,O-diethyl O-(3-methyl-4-nitrophenyl) ester] was investigated. Results obtained by different scale calorimetric techniques show that the thermal decomposition of Fenitrothion involves two main steps. Intermediate and final thermal degradation products formed during isothermal and adiabatic thermal decomposition experiments were identified. The eco-toxicological profile of the decomposition products was assessed experimentally and compared to results obtained with a predictive software (ECOSAR). A specific index was defined to assess the change in ecotoxicity profile of decomposition products with respect to the original compound. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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