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The effect of long-term disinfection procedures on hardness property of resin denture teeth.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of long-term disinfection procedures on the Vickers hardness (VHN) of acrylic resin denture teeth. Five acrylic resin denture teeth (Vipi Dent Plus-V, Trilux-T, Biolux-B, Postaris-P and Artiplus-A) and one composite resin denture teeth (SR-Orthosit-O) were embedded in heat-polymerised acrylic resin within polyvinylchloride tubes. Specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 48 h. Measurements of hardness were taken after the following disinfection procedures: immersion for 7 days in 4% chlorhexidine gluconate or in 1% sodium hypochlorite (CIm and HIm group, respectively) and seven daily cycles of microwave sterilisation at 650 W for 6 min (MwS group). In the WIm group, specimens were maintained in water during the time used to perform the disinfection procedures (7 days). Data were analysed with anova followed by the Bonferroni procedure (α = 0.01). Microwave disinfection decreased the hardness of all acrylic resin denture teeth (p < 0.001). Immersion for 7 days in 4% chlorhexidine gluconate or distilled water had significant effect on the hardness of the acrylic resin denture teeth A (p < 0.01), and 1% sodium hypochlorite on teeth T (p < 0.01). All disinfection procedures decrease the hardness of the composite resin denture teeth (p < 0.01). Teeth O exhibited the highest and teeth V the lowest hardness values in the control group (p < 0.01). Disinfection procedures changed the hardness of resin denture teeth. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Are You SURE You Want to Send That? A Model for Email Professionalism in Medical Education.
Email is an essential method of communication within academic medical environments and elsewhere. There is a growing body of literature that focuses on provider-to-patient communication in addition to studies examining the intersection of social networking and professionalism. Relatively little research exists, however, regarding the components of professional email interactions or "best practices" for electronic correspondence among colleagues, faculty, and trainees. After reviewing the existing literature, the authors created a practical approach for skillful email construction; the SURE model proposes a simplified framework that teaching institutions can use to improve interdisciplinary interactions and enhance email professionalism. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Forthcoming topics
Forthcoming Topics | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Importance of an individual's evaluation of functional status for health-related quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Quantifying the clinical impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most important determinants for optimizing individual patient care. Useful clinical measures for MS can be evaluated from different perspectives. This cross-sectional study compared physical disability and functional status as assessed by a neurologist and by a patient and explored how they are associated with the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We collected data from 223 patients. One neurologist scored functional disability using the Kurtzke's Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and patients evaluated their functional status using the Incapacity Status Scale (ISS). HRQoL was assessed using the Physical and Mental Component Summary (PCS, MCS) of the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). Multiple linear regressions were applied to analyze the data. Total EDSS and ISS scores correlated significantly (r = .67; p ≤ .001). Regression analyses showed that EDSS was significantly related to PCS, but not to MCS. After adding ISS into the analysis the association between EDSS and PCS became non-significant. ISS contributed significantly to the explained variance in both models. The final model explained 49% of the total variance for PCS and 15% for MCS. Functional disability as measured by a neurologist (EDSS) is associated with PCS, but not with MCS, whereas functional disability as measured by patients (ISS) is significantly associated with both HRQoL dimensions. Neurologists should target their attention more on patients' evaluations of their functional status in order to detect the most bothersome problems that are affecting a patient's quality of life. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Kribbella ginsengisoli sp. nov., isolated from soil of a ginseng field.
A Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, aerobic bacterium, designated Gsoil 001(T), was isolated from the soil of a ginseng field in Pocheon province, South Korea. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain Gsoil 001(T) was shown to belong to the genus Kribbella. The closest phylogenetic relatives were Kribbella koreensis LM 161(T) (99.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Kribbella flavida KACC 20248(T) (98.8 %) and Kribbella alba (98.8%). Lower similarity (98.4-96.9 %) was found with the other recognized species of the genus Kribbella. The major quinone was MK-9(H(4)), the major fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0) and iso-C(16 : 0) and the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained ll-2,6-diaminopimelic acid. These chemotaxonomic data and the high genomic DNA G+C content (66.3 mol%) supported the affiliation of strain Gsoil 001(T) to the genus Kribbella. The results of physiological and biochemical tests differentiated strain Gsoil 001(T) genotypically and phenotypically from the Kribbella species with validly published names. Therefore, this isolate represents a novel species, for which the name Kribbella ginsengisoli sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain Gsoil 001(T) (=KCTC 19134(T) =DSM 17941(T)). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Enterovesical fistula caused by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the ileum: report of a case.
We herein present a rare case of enterovesical fistula caused by ileal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A 75-year-old Japanese male presented with macrohematuria at Kosei General Hospital in December 2010. An egg-sized mass was palpable in his right lower abdominal region, and computed tomography (CT) revealed that the ileal tumor had invaded the right posterior wall of the urinary bladder (UB). A histopathological examination of a CT-guided needle biopsy specimen revealed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma involving the ileum and the UB. Thereafter, fecaluria appeared. A transurethral catheter was put in place, and there were no symptoms of cystitis. The patient received chemotherapy for the lymphoma, which produced a partial response. However, the fecaluria continued, and an examination of the small intestine with contrast revealed a thick and irregular wall of the ileum and a fistula between the ileum and UB. A partial resection of the ileum and a partial cystectomy were carried out in April 2011. The surgical specimen demonstrated two tumors 5 cm apart in the ileum, measuring 4.5 × 7 and 4 × 3 cm in size. The proximal tumor had directly invaded the UB and formed an ileovesical fistula. The patient made a good recovery and was doing well 5 months after the surgery without any evidence of recurrence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Breastfeeding: A Review of Its Physiology and Galactogogue Plants in View of Traditional Persian Medicine.
The beneficial effects of breastfeeding for the infant and mother are well recognized. Many natural products are reputed to be galactogogue agents in major Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) textbooks. The aim of this study is to review those medicinal plants that are reported to be effective in increasing breast milk in TPM and to compare the data from TPM texts with the findings of modern pharmacological and clinical research. Data on the medicinal plants used to increase breast milk were obtained from major TPM textbooks. A detailed search in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases was performed to confirm the effects of medicinal plants mentioned in TPM on lactation in view of the identified pharmacological actions. Foeniculum vulgare, Anethum graveolens, Pimpinella anisum, Nigella sativa, and Vitex agnus-castus are among the most effective galactogogue TPM plants. Many pharmacologically relevant activities have been reported for these herbs. The use of traditional knowledge can pave the way toward finding effective phytopharmaceuticals for increasing breast milk. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Status of immune reactivity in patients after surgery on the bile ducts using various methods of combined general anesthesia].
The immune status was studied in two groups of patients after surgery on bile ducts performed under neuroleptanalgesia (NLA) or electroacupuncture++ (EAP) analgesia. It has been established that neither EAP analgesia nor NLA have a considerable effect on immunoreactivity of patients operated on bile ducts. The use of agents for NLA in combined general analgesia inhibits intracellular lymphocyte metabolism which can entail their functional disturbances. EAP analgesia somewhat activates metabolic process in lymphocytes, while agents for NLA increase phagocytic activity of neutrophils. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Decline in the United States black preterm/low birth weight rate in the 1990s: can the economic boom explain it?
Macroeconomic improvements have been posited as an explanation of the decline in the Black preterm birth rate during the 1990s. This study assessed whether decreasing unemployment explained the decline in preterm, low birth weight births (PT-LBW) for Black women. United States singleton births to non-Hispanic Black women ages 18 and over, conceived between 1990 and 2001, were pooled to examine PT-LBW trends by level of social advantage (approximated by education and marital status). The impact of the state-level unemployment rate in the first and second trimester of pregnancy was evaluated in multiple logistic regression models. During the 1990s, PT-LBW declined 11% among disadvantaged (unmarried, less than high school educated) Black women. Although the unemployment rate and PT-LBW were positively related, decreases in unemployment did not explain the decline in PT-LBW. Instead, improvements in prenatal care utilization and smoking behavior largely accounted for the temporal trend. Macroeconomic improvements, measured by unemployment, only marginally contributed to the Black PT-LBW trend in the 1990s. To effect further reductions, future studies should investigate other possible determinants of the proximate behavioral changes that did explain the trend (e.g., Earned Income Tax Credit expansions, increased, cigarette taxes/smoking legislation). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Restoration of DLC1 gene inhibits proliferation and migration of human colon cancer HT29 cells.
DLC1 (deleted in liver cancer-1) is a new candidate tumor suppressor gene, which is inactive in various types of human cancers including colon cancer. To study the function of DLC1, we constructed a pcDNA3.1 vector containing the DLC1 gene and transfected it into HT29 colon cancer cells that were deficient in DLC1 expression. The restoration of DLC1 expression in HT29 cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration. Flow cytometry showed that DLC1 transfection into HT29 cells induced apoptosis and that the cell cycle was arrested at S-phase. Additionally, cyclinD1 mRNA and protein expression were down-regulated while p21 expression was increased in pcDNA3.1-DLC1-HT29 cells compared to wild HT29 cells. These results confirm the role of DLC1 gene as a tumor suppressor, which may be manifested by regulation of p21 and cyclinDl. The DLC1 gene has a potential therapeutic role in inhibiting the development of colon cancer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Risk factors for death in children with severe hand, foot, and mouth disease in Hunan, China.
In recent years, outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) have increased throughout East and Southeast Asia, especially in mainland China. The disease now presents as an increasingly serious public health threat in China. A case-control study was designed to examine risk factors associated with death from severe HFMD. A total of 553 severe HFMD cases were collected from the National Surveillance System. Multifactorial logistic regression was used to analyse independent associations between potential influence factors and death from severe HFMD. We found that the migrants were more likely to die from severe HFMD than the resident population (OR = 3.07, 95%CI: 1.39-8.32). Additionally, the children whose first visit was to a village-level clinic had a high risk of death from severe HFMD. Patients with EV71 infection or symptoms of convulsion, dyspnoea, cyanosis, coolness of extremities, and vomiting had an increased risk of death from severe HFMD. While breastfeeding children, having a confirmed diagnosis at the first visit to the hospital and with symptom of hyperarousal were identified as protective factors for death from severe HFMD. To reduce the mortality from severe HFMD, doctors and health care providers need to pay attention to the patients with EV71 infection or with symptoms of convulsion, dyspnoea, cyanosis, coolness of extremities, and vomiting. Health administration departments should pay more attention to the rational allocation of health resources. Furthermore, they should increase financial support and manpower in village-level health institutions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Development of an in vitro culture method for stepwise differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells into mature osteoclasts.
The development of methods for differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSCs) into functional cells have helped to analyze the mechanism regulating cellular processes and to explore cell-based assays for drug discovery. Although several reports have demonstrated methods for differentiation of mouse ESCs into osteoclast-like cells, it remains unclear whether these methods are applicable for differentiation of iPSCs to osteoclasts. In this study, we developed a simple method for stepwise differentiation of mouse ESCs and iPSCs into bone-resorbing osteoclasts based upon a monoculture approach consisting of three steps. First, based on conventional hanging-drop methods, embryoid bodies (EBs) were produced from mouse ESCs or iPSCs. Second, EBs were cultured in medium supplemented with macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), and differentiated to osteoclast precursors, which expressed CD11b. Finally, ESC- or iPSC-derived osteoclast precursors stimulated with receptor activator of nuclear factor-B ligand (RANKL) and M-CSF formed large multinucleated osteoclast-like cells that expressed tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and were capable of bone resorption. Molecular analysis showed that the expression of osteoclast marker genes such as Nfatc1, Ctsk, and Acp5 are increased in a RANKL-dependent manner. Thus, our procedure is simple and easy and would be helpful for stem cell-based bone research. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A monolayer study on phase behavior and morphology of binary mixtures of sulfatides with DPPC and DPPE.
Sulfatides are important constituents of brain myelin membranes and it is thought to be involved in lateral domain formation in biological membranes. In this work, the interaction of mixed systems of sulfatide with 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) and 1, 2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DPPE), two of the major components in biological membranes, was investigated using the monolayer technique at the air-water interface. Based on the regular solution theory, the miscibility of the two binary systems in the mixed monolayer was evaluated in terms of mean surface area per molecule (A(m)), excess molecular area (DeltaA((ex))), surface excess Gibbs energy (DeltaG((ex))), interaction parameter (omega) as well as activity coefficients (f(1) and f(2)) of formed films. Thermodynamic analysis indicates in the two binary systems with negative deviations from the ideal behavior. Accordingly, the values of the Gibbs energy of mixing, sulfatide-DPPC form stable mixtures at X(sul)=0.4 (X(sul) is molar ratio of sulfatide in binary mixture) for all the selected pressures. As for sulfatide/DPPE system, at pi=5 and 30 mN m(-1), the minimum for the Gibbs energy of mixing was found at X(sul)=0.6 and 0.2 respectively. But the minimum appeared at X(sul)=0.4 for other surface pressures. The activity coefficients (f(1) and f(2)) of mixed monolayers were evaluated which show a marked dependence on the mole faction of sulfatide X(sul). AFM images could support the above findings as well as interpretation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Stent undersizing can result in procedure-related very late stent thrombosis.
We describe a case of very late stent thrombosis (LST) occurring 18 months after implantation of a Taxus stent in an insulin-dependent diabetic patient after stopping his antiplatelet therapy. Intravascular ultrasound performed during his acute admission showed gross undersizing of his stent that was originally sized with quantitative coronary angiography. It highlights the importance of the overreliance on a single quantitative technique and suggests that the abnormally induced shear stresses through the reduced vessel caliber, augmented by a distal lesion, can result in LST when clopidogrel is stopped. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Impacting Parental Vaccine Decision-Making.
An increase in vaccine hesitancy is contributing to an increase of vaccine refusal and the use of an alternative vaccine schedule (AVS) in the United States. Increasing vaccine knowledge and correcting vaccine misinformation has the potential of shifting parental attitudes, decreasing vaccine hesitancy, and increasing parental intent to vaccinate. The aim was to examine the impact of a voice-over PowerPoint™ presentation on vaccine education and decision-making by vaccine-hesitant parents in a pediatric primary care clinic. A quasi-experimental study using the Parent Attitude about Childhood Vaccine (PACV) Survey was conducted in a suburban pediatric clinic to explore the impact of vaccine education on decision-making by vaccine-hesitant parents. PACV Survey scores were collected over three months. Surveyed parents reported they trust their healthcare provider. Unfortunately, although parents trust the information their medical providers give them on vaccine safety, they continue to be concerned about vaccine side effects. Mothers tended to provide more vaccine-hesitant scores than fathers related to safety and efficacy concerns. The utilization of the PACV Survey and voice-over PowerPoint presentation on vaccine education is an intervention that may be used in pediatric clinics to assist in vaccine education and identify vaccine-hesitant parents. The study contributes to the addition of evidence- based vaccine education. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The personal digital assistant: A tool for supporting mental health rehabilitation].
People living with mental illness may manifest cognitive and social-emotional difficulties leading to several challenges in their daily lives. Using technological aids may help to compensate for some of these difficulties. The objective of this study was to document the effects and issues of the use of mobile technology applications (apps) with people with mental illness during the rehabilitation process. Using an exploratory qualitative evaluative approach, 12 participants were engaged in ongoing brief interviews in which they discussed their use of a variety of apps that met their rehabilitation needs. A thematic analysis (descriptive interpretive) was used to uncover the effects and issues of the integration of apps in participants' daily life. The apps helped participants to overcome their cognitive difficulties, facilitated the management of their daily tasks and socialization, and prevented boredom. However, several issues related to the context, the technology, and the person need to be considered. The findings prompt one to consider the therapist's role in the integration of personal digital assistants in psychosocial rehabilitation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of high bone turnover on the biomechanical properties of the L3 vertebra in an ovine model of early stage osteoporosis.
Investigations of the effects of high bone turnover on the L3 vertebra were carried out, using an ovariectomized (OVX) ovine model of early stage osteoporosis. To assess the contribution of bone turnover to the biomechanics of L3. Clinically, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is used to measure bone mineral density (BMD). However, this can only predict 60% to 70% of bone strength; the remainder is due to bone quality. There is currently little information available on how strength is affected by changes in bone quality parameters, particularly bone turnover. Turnover can be assessed clinically using biochemical markers; however, this provides systemic values, whereas localized values are required to predict site-specific fracture risk. Thirty-eight sheep were assigned to 2 groups (control, n = 19; OVX, n = 19). Both groups were intravenously administered a fluorochrome dye on the day of surgery and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months thereafter, to label sites of bone turnover. After 12 months, animals were killed and the spinal columns harvested. L3 vertebrae were scanned using DEXA. Bone turnover was quantified using epifluorescence microscopy, and microarchitecture was assessed by microCT scanning. Compressive testing was used to characterize the mechanical properties of the vertebrae. BMD and microarchitecture were unchanged in OVX compared with controls. However, bone turnover, as measured by fluorochrome labeled sites, was significantly increased in the OVX group in cortical and trabecular compartments. As a consequence, the biomechanical properties were significantly reduced in that group. These findings show that OVX resulted in changes in bone turnover, which reduced biomechanical properties in a model of early stage osteoporosis. These differences were present despite microarchitecture or BMD remaining unchanged. In the future, the ability to assess site-specific bone turnover would greatly enhance the accuracy with which fracture risk could be predicted. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Surgery for outer ear canal exostoses and osteomata: focusing on patient benefit and health-related quality of life.
To analyze the impact of surgery for ear canal exostoses and osteomata on patients' health-related quality of life because the literature suggests that surgery cannot achieve excellent symptom control in all cases and has a considerable complication rate. Retrospective data collection. Germany's largest university clinic for otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery. Thirty-nine patients having received surgery for ear canal exostoses and osteomata. Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), a retrospective questionnaire well validated for measuring the effect of otorhinolaryngologic interventions on the health-related quality of life. None. GBI total scores and subscores. Thirty of the 39 patients returned a valid questionnaire (return rate, 76.9%). The mean total GBI score was 14.6 (p < 0.001), suggesting a benefit from the operation. In contrast to the general subscale score (mean, 21.0; p < 0.001), the mean physical health score and the mean social support score were not significantly increased. Of all patients, 83.3% had a total GBI score higher than 0, indicating a benefit from the operation. In 90% of the cases, patients were satisfied with the result of the operation, and 86.7% would again decide in favor of the operation. Most patients preoperatively experienced hearing loss, wax retention and recurrent otitis externa. Postoperatively, 70% of the patients were free of any complaints. The patients not satisfied were the only patients with negative GBI scores in the whole patient collective, and all had had complications from surgery. Surgery for ear canal exostoses and osteomata can significantly improve patients' health-related quality of life and leads to a high rate of patient satisfaction. Postoperative complications are the most important factor for a negative impact on the patient's health-related quality of life. Therefore, in the authors' opinion, only patients with symptoms should have surgery. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Long-term incidence of inappropriate shocks in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators in clinical practice-an underestimated complication?
Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) are life-saving device therapy, and patients often carry devices for decades with interim pulse generator exchanges. Inappropriate shocks are associated with impaired quality of life and increased mortality, but available data on their incidence and etiology outside of clinical trials is limited and usually restricted to the lifespan of a singular device. We hypothesized that the incidence in clinical practice is underestimated and aimed this study to retrospectively assess the long-term incidence and etiology of inappropriate shocks in a real-world cohort of patients with multiple ICDs over a long follow-up period. Patients with ICDs implanted between 1998 and 2012 in two Swiss cardiology departments and at least one device exchange in the same department thereafter were included in this cohort. Retrospective analysis with follow-up until 2016 was conducted to assess incidence and etiology of inappropriate ICD shocks. Two hundred forty-nine ICDs were implanted in 100 patients (mean age: 60.1 ± 11.7; 80% male). Over a mean follow-up time of 11.2 (± 3.6) years, 555 shocks occurred in 55 patients. One hundred twenty-three (22%) shocks in 23 (23%) patients were inappropriate. Supraventricular arrhythmia and oversensing were the most frequent causes of inappropriate shock. Patients with younger age or previous supraventricular arrhythmias were at increased risk of inappropriate shocks. Patients with inappropriate shocks during the lifespan of their first ICD were at increased risk for inappropriate shocks in subsequent devices. Inappropriate shocks are an underestimated and frequent problem in clinical practice with an incidence that may exceed numbers of previously reported clinical trials with shorter follow-up periods. Patients at increased risk for inappropriate shocks need careful evaluation of potential therapeutic optimization strategies including pharmacological treatment, device programming, electrophysiological ablation, device downgrading, and telemonitoring. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Development and characterisation of a head calibration phantom for in vivo measurements of actinides.
The investigation of actinides' internal contamination in human body makes use of a variety of techniques. In large scale screening the technique of "in vivo" evaluation of bone 241Am burden via the determination of the nuclide activity in the skull is often used. For this purpose, adequate calibration procedures and standard phantoms are needed. The present paper summarises the studies and technical procedures followed for the development of a calibration phantom based on a commercial Alderson angiographic head in which a set of 24 241Am point sources were embedded. A theoretical study was first carried out, at the ENEA Institute for Radiation Protection, using the MCNP4-B Monte Carlo code to determine the point source distribution that closely approximates a homogeneous bone contamination. The numerical models were also used to evaluate the resulting degree of approximation. The point sources were prepared at the ENEA National Metrology Institute for ionising radiation quantities and were traceable to the Italian national standard of radionuclide activity. The sources were prepared by quantitatively dispensing a liquid solution onto a plastic disc. The activity of each source was checked by gamma-ray spectrometry and the reproducibility of the activity values was determined. Each source was then placed in the optimum position in the skull, given by the Monte Carlo modelling, by a precision mechanical device. The phantom was finally used to calibrate a whole body counter operating at the ENEA Institute for Radiation Protection. The paper reports the main theoretical and experimental aspects of this work, and also discusses the results of the first calibrations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Novel parathyroid hormone (1-84) assay as basis for parathyroid hormone monitoring in renal hyperparathyroidism.
Cross-reactivity of parathyroid hormone (PTH) fragments with immunometric "intact" PTH assays limited the use of intraoperative PTH monitoring in renal hyperparathyroidism. A new assay generation measuring whole PTH (1-84) should be able to predict complete or incomplete resection of hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue. Consecutive series for evaluation of intraoperative PTH monitoring using a second-generation assay. University hospital section of endocrine surgery. Twenty-two patients received hemodialysis; 9 patients showed good and 4 patients reduced graft function after kidney transplantation. Total parathyroidectomy, central neck dissection, bilateral thymectomy, and immediate autotransplantation was the standardized approach in 35 consecutive patients. Blood samples were drawn before incision and at 5-minute intervals after excision of the last gland. Stored samples were analyzed using a "second-generation" assay (Bio-Intact PTH [1-84]; Nichols Institute Diagnostics, San Clemente, Calif). Parathyroidectomy was classified as total, subtotal, or insufficient according to first-generation intact PTH values in the first postoperative week. Intraoperative ability to predict total, subtotal, or incomplete parathyroidectomy. Independent of renal function, Bio-Intact PTH dropped into the normal range in all patients with total and subtotal resections after a maximum of 20 minutes. It indicated insufficient parathyroidectomy in 4 (80%) of 5 patients. One failure was caused by devascularization of remaining parathyroid tissue. An intraoperative differentiation between total and subtotal resection was not possible. Intraoperative monitoring with quick, second-generation assays for PTH (1-84) seems to be a valuable new tool in surgery for renal hyperparathyroidism because a more accurate differentiation between sufficient and insufficient parathyroidectomy may be achieved. An intraoperative decision about the need for immediate or delayed autotransplantation seems impossible because a differentiation between total or subtotal parathyroidectomy cannot be made. Because of possible devascularization of parathyroid tissue, Bio-Intact PTH monitoring can only be interpreted in the context of the operative findings. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Role of endothelin-1 and big endothelin-1 in modulating coronary vascular tone, contractile function and severity of ischemia in rat hearts.
The effect of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and big ET-1 on coronary flow and contractile function was determined in isolated nonischemic and ischemic rat hearts. Both ET-1 (IC50 = 12 pMol) and big ET-1 (IC50 = 2 nMol) reduced coronary flow in a concentration-dependent manner, although ET-1 was > 100-fold more potent. Both compounds decreased contractility, an effect which was lost when coronary flow was held constant, indicating that ET-1 and big ET-1 decrease contractility secondary to reducing coronary flow. Mechanical reduction in coronary flow to levels equivalent to those seen for ET-1 or big ET-1 caused similar reductions in contractility. Both 30 pMol ET-1 and 10 nMol big ET-1 pretreatment significantly reduced the time to contracture in globally ischemic rat hearts, suggesting a proischemic effect. Phosphoramidon (100 microM, endothelin-converting enzyme inhibitor) and BQ-123 (0.3 microM, ETA receptor antagonist) abolished the preischemic increase in coronary perfusion pressure induced by big ET-1 as well as its proischemic effect, whereas only BQ-123 abolished the cardiac effect of ET-1. Neither phosphoramidon nor BQ-123 had an effect on severity of ischemia when given alone. Phosphoramidon was also given i.v. to rats subjected to coronary occlusion and reperfusion and was found to significantly reduce infarct size 24 hr postischemia. Thus, in isolated rat hearts, big ET-1 appears to be converted to ET-1 and is a potent coronary constrictor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Use of a TLD-based multisphere spectrometry system to measure the neutron spectra around a not-self-shielded PET cyclotron: Preliminary results.
In the present work, we utilized the BSS system with TLD-600 and TLD-700 to measure the neutron spectra around the GE-PETtrace 8 cyclotron of the Development Centre of Nuclear Technology (CDTN/CNEN) in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The cyclotron is capable of accelerating protons up to 16.5 MeV, to production of fluorine-18. Four points inside the bunker of the cyclotron were studied. Two points in front of the primary radiation beam and other two opposed to the primary radiation beam. The measurements were unfolded with the BUMS and the NSDUAZ computer codes. The dosimetric quantities obtained were in agreement with the other published data and were coherent with the expected from theoretical estimates obtained from source term informed by the manufacturer of the cyclotron. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Semiconductor saturable absorber mirror passively Q-switched fiber laser near 2 μm.
A passively Q-switched fiber laser near 2 μm is achieved with a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM) as a saturable absorber. Stable Q-switched pulses are generated from an extremely compact setup with a central wavelength of 1958.2 nm. Under the bidirectional pump configuration, the repetition rate of the fiber laser can be widely tuned from 20 to 80 kHz by increasing the pump power at the same time the pulse width decreases from 1 μs to 490 ns. When the incident pump power is 1.3 W, the average output power, the pulse repetition rate, the pulse width, and the highest single pulse energy are 91 mW, 80 kHz, 490 ns, and 1.14 μJ, respectively. To further optimize the system configuration, the pulse width can be reduced to 362 ns when the cavity length is reduced. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Positron emission tomography in the diagnosis and treatment management of tuberculosis.
Early diagnosis of TB is essential for community health and infection control, as well as for starting appropriate therapy for patients. Early detection of MDR is essential for the same reasons, plus the fact that currently a very high percentage of MDR patients die, especially in developing countries. Both genotypic and phenotypic methods allowing assessment of MDR tuberculosis on the bacilli isolated from fluids of infected patients are available, but these tests are lengthy (6-16 weeks) and require infected body fluids, which are not always easily assessable. Patients presenting pulmonary TB can also be culture-negative. Diagnosis of active disease in a pulmonary tuberculoma has long been problematic because the non-specific character of the disease, its changing manifestations and the slow growth of the organisms make its isolation a long and time-consuming process. Determination of pulmonary tuberculoma activity may be mandatory for optimal treatment strategy, therefore imaging techniques may be helpful in early detection. The aim of this review is to assess the role of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging in the diagnosis and therapy management of TB. Although studies and data on the potential role of FDG PET in the diagnosis of tuberculosis are limited, a literature search revealed some interesting studies on this subject. Most of the studies described indicate that PET imaging, especially FDG PET as diagnostic tool, could be a noninvasive method that gives additional information about the disease status, enabling improved therapeutic management of pulmonary mycobacterial infection. Furthermore, several studies provide evidence that PET imaging could be useful in tuberculostatic therapy evaluation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
SU-E-T-508: A Novel Method of Heterogeneity Compensation for the Convolution / Superposition Algorithm.
We developed a better method of accounting for the effects of heterogeneity in convolution algorithms. We integrated this method into our GPU-accelerated, multi-energetic convolution/superposition (C/S) implementation. In doing so, we have created a new dose algorithm: heterogeneity compensated superposition (HCS). Convolution in the spherical density-scaled distance space, a.k.a. C/S, has proven to be a good estimator of the dose deposited in a homogeneous volume. However, near heterogeneities electron disequilibrium occurs, leading to faster fall-off and re-buildup than predicted by C/S. We propose to filter the actual patient density in a position and direction sensitive manner, allowing the dose deposited near interfaces to be increased or decreased relative to traditional C/S. We implemented the effective density function as a multivariate first-order recursive filter. We compared HCS against traditional C/S using the ICCR 2000 Monte-Carlo accuracy benchmark, 23 similar accuracy benchmarks and 5 patient cases. For the patient cases, we created custom routines capable of using the discrete material mappings used by Monte-Carlo. C/S normally considers each voxel to be a mixture of materials based on a piecewise-linear density look-up table. Multi-energetic HCS increased the dosimetric accuracy for the vast majority of voxels; in many cases near Monte-Carlo results were achieved. HCS improved the mean Van Dyk error by 0.79 (% of Dmax or mm) on average for the patient volumes; reducing the mean error from 1.93%|mm to 1.14%|mm. We found a mean error difference of up to 0.30 %|mm between linear and discrete material mappings. Very low densities (i.e. <0.1 g / cm3 ) remained problematic, but may be solvable with a better filter function. We have developed a novel dose calculation algorithm based on the principals of C/S that better accounts for the electron disequilibrium caused by patient heterogeneity. This work was funded in part by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. EEC9731748, in part by Johns Hopkins University internal funds and in part by Elekta. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cervical spondylosis: most common cause of position and vibratory sense loss.
At present, spondylosis of the cervical spine is the most common cause of loss of position and vibratory sense. The loss is asymmetric in regard to location and degree of involvement and results from intermittent contusion of the posterior columns against the lamina in persons having congenital narrow spinal canal. Subluxation of the vertebrae, reversal of cervical lordosis, and a hypertrophic ligamentum flavum further compromise the canal. Measurement of the anteroposterior diameter of the spinal canal is meaningful, as a narrow canal correlates best with the clinical symptoms. Not all patients with a narrow sagittai diameter have clinical signs, but all patients with clinical signs have a narrow sagittal diameter. Immobilization of the cervical spine in partial flexion with a light collar is the proper treatment in the absence of spinal fluid block. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Electroosmotic flow variations caused by the volatility of buffer components: diagnosis and therapy.
In order to separate a polar amine pharmaceutical and its potential impurities, a micellar electrokinetic chromatography method was developed. The main compound and 11 other substances were completely separated using a 20 mM Tris buffer, pH 8.0, containing 50 mM sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) and 24% (v/v) acetonitrile. However, a strong, continuous reduction in the EOF occurred and quantification was not possible. The EOF reproducibility could not be improved by suitable rinsing procedures. Surface effects or interactions did not cause the EOF changes, but the evaporation of acetonitrile was identified as the major source for EOF instability. However, a high concentration of acetonitrile was decisive for selectivity. Thus a reliable protection against the evaporation of this buffer constituent had to be found. Paraffin and various silicon oils were tested as covering film. In order to quickly test buffer systems if the evaporation of electrophoresis solutions is acceptable, an alternative experimental design without doing CE experiments had to be found. Electrical conductivity was chosen as parameter, because it can be determined simply and fast. The buffers under investigation were placed in a 50-ml beaker with a magnetic stirring rod, placed on a magnetic stirrer. The buffer solution was kept in motion at 120 rev./min. The beaker was covered around the measuring head with laboratory film and in addition to this with paraffin or silicon oil. An acetonitrile content up to 10% (v/v) was acceptable if a coverage was used. The various cover liquids had a similar effect. A content of 15% (v/v) already increased the evaporation effect significantly. Higher acetonitrile contents are not acceptable. A buffer similar to the originally transferred method, 20 mM Tris (pH 8.0), 50 mM SDS containing 10% (v/v) acetonitrile as well as 10% (v/v) isopropanol showed an acceptably low evaporation in the conductivity experiments. With this buffer, a stable EOF was also obtained. Conductivity measurements are generally applicable to quickly test buffers that contain organic solvents. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Histomorphometric analysis of a half hydroxyapatite-coated implant in humans: a pilot study.
The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of the bone-to-implant interface of hydroxyapatite-coated and non-coated commercially pure titanium threaded implants after different periods of healing in humans. To eliminate possible variations of the results from differences in bone quality and in surgical techniques used in the different test and control sites, only one half of each implant was coated with hydroxyapatite. The coated portions of the implants showed a tendency toward a higher percentage of direct bone-to-implant contact at each period of healing that was observed, although the small number of specimens does not allow definitive conclusions to be made. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Efficacy and safety evaluation of once-daily fluticasone furoate/vilanterol in Asian patients with asthma uncontrolled on a low- to mid-strength inhaled corticosteroid or low-dose inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta2-agonist.
Response to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) combinations varies across ethnic groups. To investigate the efficacy and safety of the ICS/LABA combination fluticasone furoate/vilanterol (FF/VI) 100/25 μg in Asian patients with asthma. A randomized (1:1), 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, multicenter phase III study of once-daily FF/VI 100/25 μg versus placebo in patients of Asian ancestry ages ≥12 years with asthma, uncontrolled on a low- to mid-strength ICS or low-dose ICS/LABA. The primary end point was the mean change from baseline in the daily evening peak expiratory flow. Secondary end points were the mean change from baseline in percentage rescue-free 24-hour periods, daily morning peak expiratory flow, percentage symptom-free 24-hour periods, Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire score, adverse events, and severe exacerbations. The intent-to-treat population was 307 patients. There were significant (p < 0.001) improvements from baseline for FF/VI 100/25 μg versus placebo in evening peak expiratory flow (51.0 L/min [95% confidence interval {CI}, 42.2-59.7 L/min]) and all secondary end points (percentage rescue-free 24-hour periods 21.8% [95% CI, 14.6-29.1%]; morning peak expiratory flow 52.9 L/min [95% CI, 44.2-61.6 L/min]; percentage symptom-free 24-hour periods 15.8% [95% CI, 9.4-22.3%]; Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire score 0.52 [95% CI, 0.28, 0.75]). On-treatment adverse events were 35% with FF/VI (n = 2 [serious]), 31% with placebo; severe exacerbations were FF/VI (n = 1), placebo (n = 7). In patients of Asian ancestry, once-daily FF/VI 100/25 μg produced statistically and clinically significant improvements in efficacy end points versus placebo, with a generally similar safety profile. Results were consistent with a global phase III study of FF/VI 100/25 μg. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01498679. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An enzyme-based DNA preparation method for application to forensic biological samples and degraded stains.
Extraction of DNA from forensic samples typically uses either an organic extraction protocol or solid phase extraction (SPE) and these methods generally involve numerous sample transfer, wash and centrifugation steps. Although SPE has been successfully adapted to the microdevice, it can be problematic because of lengthy load times and uneven packing of the solid phase. A closed-tube enzyme-based DNA preparation method has recently been developed which uses a neutral proteinase to lyse cells and degrade proteins and nucleases [14]. Following a 20 min incubation of the buccal or whole blood sample with this proteinase, DNA is polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-ready. This paper describes the optimization and quantitation of DNA yield using this method, and application to forensic biological samples, including UV- and heat-degraded whole blood samples on cotton or blue denim substrates. Results demonstrate that DNA yield can be increased from 1.42 (±0.21)ng/μL to 7.78 (±1.40)ng/μL by increasing the quantity of enzyme per reaction by 3-fold. Additionally, there is a linear relationship between the amount of starting cellular material added and the concentration of DNA in the solution, thereby allowing DNA yield estimations to be made. In addition, short tandem repeat (STR) profile results obtained using DNA prepared with the enzyme method were comparable to those obtained with a conventional SPE method, resulting in full STR profiles (16 of 16 loci) from liquid samples (buccal swab eluate and whole blood), dried buccal swabs and bloodstains and partial profiles from UV or heat-degraded bloodstains on cotton or blue denim substrates. Finally, the DNA preparation method is shown to be adaptable to glass or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microdevices with little impact on STR peak height but providing a 20-fold reduction in incubation time (as little as 60 s), leading to a ≥1 h reduction in DNA preparation time. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A one-dimensional moving-boundary model for tubulin-driven axonal growth.
A one-dimensional continuum-mechanical model of axonal elongation due to assembly of tubulin dimers in the growth cone is presented. The conservation of mass leads to a coupled system of three differential equations. A partial differential equation models the dynamic and the spatial behaviour of the concentration of tubulin that is transported along the axon from the soma to the growth cone. Two ordinary differential equations describe the time-variation of the concentration of free tubulin in the growth cone and the speed of elongation. All steady-state solutions of the model are categorized. Given a set of the biological parameter values, it is shown how one easily can infer whether there exist zero, one or two steady-state solutions and directly determine the possible steady-state lengths of the axon. Explicit expressions are given for each stationary concentration distribution. It is thereby easy to examine the influence of each biological parameter on a steady state. Numerical simulations indicate that when there exist two steady states, the one with shorter axon length is unstable and the longer is stable. Another result is that, for nominal parameter values extracted from the literature, in a large portion of a fully grown axon the concentration of free tubulin is lower than both concentrations in the soma and in the growth cone. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hepatocanalicular bile salt export pump deficiency in patients with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis.
Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC), an inherited liver disease of childhood, is characterized by cholestasis and either normal or increased serum gamma-glutamyltransferase activity. Patients with normal gamma-glutamyltransferase activity have mutations of the FIC1 locus on chromosome 18q21 or mutations of the BSEP gene on chromosome 2q24. Also, patients with bile acid synthesis defects have low gamma-glutamyltransferase activity. We investigated expression of the bile salt export pump (BSEP) in liver samples from patients with a PFIC phenotype and correlated this with BSEP gene mutations. BSEP and multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2) expressions were studied by immunohistochemistry in liver specimens of 28 patients and BSEP gene mutation analysis in 19 patients. Bile salt kinetics were studied in 1 patient. Sixteen of 28 liver samples showed no canalicular BSEP staining. Staining for MRP2 showed a normal canalicular pattern in all but 1 of these samples. Ten of 19 patients showed BSEP gene mutations; BSEP protein expression was lacking in all 10 patients. No mutations were found in 9 of 19 patients, and in all except 1, BSEP protein expression was normal. Bile salt concentration in bile of BSEP-negative/MRP2-positive PFIC patients was 0.2 +/- 0.2 mmol/L (n = 9; <1% of normal) and in BSEP-positive PFIC patients 18.1 +/- 9.9 mmol/L (n = 3; 40% of normal). The kinetic study confirmed the dramatic decrease of bile salt secretion in BSEP-negative patients. The findings show a close correlation between BSEP gene mutations and canalicular BSEP expression. Biliary secretion of bile salts is greatly reduced in BSEP-negative patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Use of terazosin and alfuzosin in the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH): our experience].
Dynamic and static factors cause infravesical obstruction in men with BPH. The dynamic component is determined by alpha 1-adrenoceptor-mediated contractions of the prostate smooth muscle and bladder neck. Using alpha-receptor-blockers will relieve bladder outlet obstruction, improving urinary flow rates and obstructive and irritative symptoms as well as the physician's global assessment. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of alpha 1 blockers (terazosin and alfuzosin) in ambulatory patients (n = 20) with BPH. After 24 weeks of therapy, the peak flow rate increased 54% from a baseline average of 8.5 ml/s to 13.1 ml/s (p < 0.01). The mean flow rate increased 49%, from a baseline of 4.61 ml/s to 6.9 ml/s (p < 0.01); residual volume decreased 74% from 48.3 ml to 12.5 ml (p < 0.001). Mean systolic blood pressure decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from baseline, but this change wasn't clinically important. The clinical experience with alpha-blockers in BPH indicates that these drugs increase urinary flow rates, decrease obstructive and irritative symptoms, without serious side effects. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Progress in the World and challenges in Japan on HPV vaccination for cervical cancer prevention].
For cervical cancer prevention, Cervarix(HPV-16/18)was approvedin Japan andvaccination programs against HPV-16/18 were startedin December, 2009. This vaccine is almost 100% effective in preventing high-grade precancer associated with the HPV types; it is safe and well tolerated. In Japan, universal vaccination of females between 11 and 14 years is recommended. We all look forward to eradicating cervical cancer in the not too distant future. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Symmetry-resolved absorption spectra of vibrationally excited CO2 molecules.
Symmetry-resolved x-ray absorption spectroscopy has been first carried out on high-temperature molecules. From the angle-resolved ion yield spectra of CO2 both at room temperature and at 430 degrees C, symmetry-resolved absorption profiles of the C 1s(-1) 2pi(u) and O 1s(-1) 2pi(u) resonances have been extracted for the vibrational ground state molecules and bending-vibration excited ones. The profiles change dramatically between them, and the Renner-Teller effect becomes more evident for the vibrationally excited molecules. The effects of the multimode vibronic coupling are suggested for the O 1s(-1) 2pi(u) and O 1s(-1) 3s sigma(g) resonances. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Automatic extraction of corresponding points for the registration of medical images.
In this paper we address the problem of finding corresponding points in a reference and its subsequent image with the aim of registering the images. A whole-image-content-based automatic algorithm for extracting point pairs from 2-D monomodal medical images has been developed. The properties of point distinctiveness, point pair similarity, and point pair consistency have been incorporated into the steps which lead to the automatic extraction and weighting of point pairs. The selection of the most distinctive points of the reference image, and the search for their corresponding points in the subsequent image, have two things in common. First, the local operator by which the distinctive points are selected mimics the template matching used to find the corresponding points. Second, the same similarity measure is used for both tasks. We have applied the algorithm to a variety of computer-generated and real medical images, and have both qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated its performance. The results show that the proposed automatic algorithm for point extraction is accurate and robust and that it may significantly improve on the accuracy, reproducibility, and speed of the manual extraction of corresponding points. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prenatal diagnosis of diastematomyelia: a case report and review of the literature.
Diastematomyelia is a rare congenital disorder in which the spinal cord is divided longitudinally for part of its length. It can be accurately identified in the prenatal period by detailed sonographic examination of the spine. We report a case of diastematomyelia localized to spinal levels T6-T9 diagnosed prenatally at 31 weeks' gestation and review the existing literature on the diagnosis and management of this condition during pregnancy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hydrophobic metallic nanorods with Teflon nanopatches.
Introducing a hydrophobic property to vertically aligned hydrophilic metallic nanorods was investigated experimentally and theoretically. The platinum nanorod arrays were deposited on flat silicon substrates using a sputter glancing angle deposition technique (GLAD). Then a thin layer of Teflon (nanopatch) was partially deposited on the tips of platinum nanorods at a glancing angle of theta(dep) = 85 degrees for different deposition times. Teflon deposition on Pt nanorods at normal incidence (theta(dep) = 0 degrees) was also performed for comparison. Morphology and elemental analysis of Pt/Teflon nanocomposite structures were carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX), respectively. It was found that the GLAD technique is capable of depositing ultrathin isolated Teflon nanostructures on selective regions of nanorod arrays due to the shadowing effect during obliquely incident deposition. Contact angle measurements on nanocomposite Pt nanorods with Teflon nanopatches exhibited contact angle values as high as 138 degrees, indicating a significant increase in the hydrophobicity of originally hydrophilic Pt nanostructures that had an angle of about 52 degrees. The enhanced hydrophobicity of the Pt nanorod/Teflon nanopatch composite is attributed to the presence of nanostructured Teflon coating, which imparted a low surface energy. Surface energy calculations were performed on Pt nanorods, Teflon thin film, and Pt/Teflon composite using the two-liquid method to confirm the contact angle measurements. Furthermore, a new contact angle model utilizing Cassie and Baxter theory for heterogeneous surfaces was developed in order to explain the enhanced hydrophobicity of Pt/Teflon nanorods. According to our model, it is predicted that the solid-liquid interface is mainly at the Teflon tips when the composite nanorods are in contact with water. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effect of facial expressions on peripersonal and interpersonal spaces.
Identifying individuals' intent through the emotional valence conveyed by their facial expression influences our capacity to approach-avoid these individuals during social interactions. Here, we explore if and how the emotional valence of others' facial expressiveness modulates peripersonal-action and interpersonal-social spaces. Through Immersive Virtual Reality, participants determined reachability-distance (for peripersonal space) and comfort-distance (for interpersonal space) from male/female virtual confederates exhibiting happy, angry and neutral facial expressions while being approached by (passive-approach) or walking toward (active-approach) them. Results showed an increase of distance when seeing angry rather than happy confederates in both approach conditions of comfort-distance. The effect also appeared in reachability-distance, but only in the passive-approach. Anger prompts avoidant behaviors, and thus an expansion of distance, particularly with a potential violation of near body space by an intruder. Overall, the findings suggest that peripersonal-action space, in comparison with interpersonal-social space, is similarly sensitive to the emotional valence of stimuli. We propose that this similarity could reflect a common adaptive mechanism shared by these spaces, presumably at different degrees, for ensuring self-protection functions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Lipoprotein glomerulopathy may provide a key to unlock the puzzles of renal lipidosis.
Lipoprotein glomerulopathy is an inherited renal disease characterized by unique lipoprotein thrombi in the glomerulus and is associated with the APOE mutation. Hu and colleagues investigated the genetic and clinical features of a large group of patients with lipoprotein glomerulopathy who carried APOE Kyoto, a major APOE variant. Their findings suggest its descent through a founder effect. Fibrate therapy in this group showed favorable results in the patient and renal survival rates. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Primary isolated amyloidosis--a rare corneal degeneration].
Report on a 47-year-old woman patient in whom an eccentric tumorlike corneal change was found in the left eye. Only after penetrating keratoplasty was the exact diagnosis--a primary isolated corneal amyloidosis--established, by light microscopic examination. The graft remained clear. Familial and systemic amyloidosis were ruled out by further examinations. The prognosis is favorable. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Downregulation of circulating MOTS-c levels in patients with coronary endothelial dysfunction.
MOTS-c is one of the newly identified mitochondrial-derived peptides which play a role in regulating metabolic homeostasis. The current study aimed to investigate whether circulating MOTS-c levels are also associated with endothelial dysfunction(ED) in patients without significant structural coronary lesions. Forty patients undergoing coronary angiography and endothelial function testing for clinical indications of recurrent angina with no structural coronary lesions were included in the study. They were divided into two groups based on coronary blood flow response to intracoronary acetylcholine (ACh) as normal endothelial function (≥ 50% increase from baseline) or ED, (n=20 each). Aortic plasma samples were collected at the time of catheterization for analysis of circulating MOTS-c levels by ELISA. The effect of MOTS-c on vascular reactivity was assessed in organ chambers using aortic rings collected from rats and renal artery stenosis (RAS) mice. Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. MOTS-c plasma levels were lower in patients with ED compared with patients with normal endothelial function (p=0.007). Furthermore, plasma MOTS-c levels were positively correlated with microvascular (p=0.01) and epicardial (p=0.02) coronary endothelial function. Although MOTS-c did not have direct vasoactive effects, pretreating aortic rings from rats or RAS mice with MOTS-c (2μg/ml) improved vessel responsiveness to ACh compared with vessels without MOTS-c treatment. Lower circulating endogenous MOTS-c levels in human subjects are associated with impaired coronary endothelial function. In rodents, MOTS-c improves endothelial function in vitro. Thus, MOTS-c represents a novel potential therapeutic target in patients with ED. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The application of uncut Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy with distal jejunal pouch on behalf of the stomach surgery in the digestive tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy].
To study the clinical value of uncut Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy with distal jejunal pouch on behalf of the stomach (URYAJP) surgery in the digestive tract reconstruction after total gastrectomy. A retrospective analysis of radical resection of the whole stomach in 486 cases of gastric cancer patients, divided into the URYAJP group (n = 189), the P-loop Roux-en-Y behalf of the stomach surgery (PRY) group (n = 150) and pure Roux-en-Y reconstruction (RY) group (n = 147). Three groups were compared in patients with surgical reconstruction time, the occurrence of postoperative complications, the postoperative weight after 6, 12 and 24 months, the single meal food intake and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and Visick points class situation after 12 and 24 months. (1) The URYAJP group and RY group had no significant difference in digestive tract reconstruction time ((37 ± 6) minutes and (38 ± 6) minutes respectively), but PRY group was significantly prolonged ((47 ± 6) minutes, t = 7.52 and 6.54, P < 0.05). (2) In the comparison of the incidence of complications, URYAJP group has 2.1% rate of Roux stay syndrome (RSS) incidence, significantly less than PRY group (21.3%) and RY group (19.7%) (χ² = 14.84, P < 0.05). (3) In the comparison the postoperative nutritional status, URYAJP group clear asset, showing the degree of ((3.1 ± 1.0) kg) weight loss after 12 months (t = 25.03 and 22.99, P < 0.05). And after 12, 24 months, a single meal eating reached the preoperative level is 94.8% and 96.9% in URYAJP group, while PRY group and RY group is less than 50% (χ(2) = 61.10, 69.17, 65.17 and 73.29, P < 0.05). URYAJP Group reach the preoperative levels of PNI in 24 months after surgery, while PRY and RY group were still lower than per-operation (t = 106.97 and 100.37, P < 0.05). (4) The Visick points class I-II postoperative 12 and 24 months in URYAJP group were 92.7% and 93.8%, significantly better than group B and C (χ² = 10.63, 14.19, 10.10 and 10.74, P < 0.05). URYAJP surgery give full play to maintain intestinal continuity, simple operation, and advantages of food storage bags, it can reduce the long-term postoperative complications, improve the nutritional status of patients and improve quality of life. It is worthy of promoting a way of gastrointestinal reconstruction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Termination of resuscitative efforts: medical futility for the trauma patient.
Despite years of research on the resuscitation of the patient with critical traumatic injuries, controversy remains surrounding the criteria to waive initiation of resuscitation in the pre-hospital setting or to terminate such efforts in the emergency department. The decision to initiate or continue resuscitation on moribund trauma patients is associated with considerable costs. Ambulance transport using lights and sirens carries potential risk. Emergency department thoracotomy, with exposure to high risk bodily fluids, involvement of numerous staff, and usage precious blood products, is a procedure that has fewer and fewer indications. This review presents guidelines to help determine when to initiate resuscitation for the critically injured trauma patient and when to cease these efforts in the emergency department. Since there are economic, societal, and ethical implications, each system should establish their own criteria, using these guidelines as a basis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Two year follow-up comparing computer assisted versus freehand TKR on joint stability, muscular function and patients satisfaction.
Computer assisted (CAS) knee surgery has been established in clinical routine. There is still no study that investigates clinical outcome. Fifty patients who received a primary total knee replacement 2 years before were investigated. These patients were divided into two groups of matched-pairs; group A was operated in the freehand technique and group B with support of a computer system. We compared Womac score, Knee Society score, range of motion, leg alignment, knee stability and isokinetic muscle strength. We found similar results for WOMAC, Knee Society score and isokinetic muscle force. Stability and range of motion revealed slightly better values for the CAS group. A statistically significant difference could only be demonstrated for postoperative leg alignment. Two years after freehand versus computer assisted TKR we found slightly better values for range of motion and ligamentous stability. Only postoperative leg alignment was statistically better in the CAS group. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Split-course radiotherapy or treatment interruption].
Experimental and clinical studies have shown that a prolonged overall treatment time is associated with a decrease in local tumor control. In a brief review, the clinical data of radiotherapy with split-course or treatment interruption were collected. There was a detrimental effect of the treatment interruption on overall or disease-specific survival in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer or non-small-cell lung cancer in particular in patients with good prognostic factors and well to moderate differentiated tumors. Therefore, interruption of radiotherapy in patients with curative treatment should be avoided. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of levosimendan, a novel inotropic calcium-sensitizing drug, in experimental septic shock.
Levosimendan is a novel inodilator that improves cardiac contractility by sensitizing troponin C to calcium. This drug has proved to be effective in treating advanced congestive heart failure but has not been evaluated in septic settings. The purpose of the present study was to study the effects of this drug in a porcine model of endotoxemia. Prospective experimental study. Fourteen landrace pigs. All animals were anesthetized and catheterized for measurement of central and pulmonary hemodynamics. Ultrasonic flow probes were placed around the renal artery and portal vein to measure blood flow. A tonometer was placed in the ileum to measure mucosal pH. Levosimendan was given to six animals as a bolus (200 microg x kg(-1)) followed by a continuous infusion (200 microg x kg(-1) x hr(-1)). Thirty minutes after onset of levosimendan treatment, all animals received endotoxin (20 microg x kg(-1) x hr(-1) for 3 hrs). At baseline, levosimendan induced a systemic vasodilation with a reduction in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate. A tendency to an increase in cardiac index did not reach statistical significance (p =.055). Cardiac index and systemic oxygen delivery were markedly improved in the levosimendan group during endotoxemia. Systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure were reduced in the levosimendan group. The latter parameter, however, was only different from the control group during the initial phase of endotoxin shock but not at the late, most pronounced phase of shock. Levosimendan also efficiently attenuated endotoxin-induced pulmonary hypertension. Portal venous blood flow and gut oxygen delivery were improved, but no concomitant reduction in endotoxin-induced intestinal mucosal acidosis was observed. Renal blood flow was unaffected, as was the endotoxin-induced increase in plasma endothelin-1-like immunoreactivity. These findings support previous reports of calcium desensitization as a potential component in septic myocardial depression. Furthermore, the vasodilatory properties of this drug were well tolerated in the current model of hypodynamic endotoxin shock, and they may have contributed to improved regional blood flow as seen in the gut as well as improved systemic perfusion by means of reduced biventricular afterload. Pretreatment with levosimendan in pigs subjected to endotoxin shock improved cardiac output and systemic and gut oxygen delivery. In addition, pulmonary hypertension largely was attenuated without any adverse effects on gas exchange. These results are promising in several aspects, but the role of levosimendan in the treating circulatory failure in sepsis remains to be established. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Potentialities of bioluminescence analyses in research on the pancreatic islets.
Progress in bioluminescence assay permits not only determinations of nucleotide and substrate concentrations, but also estimation of concentration shifts. The analyses can be extended to comprise Ca2+ since the Aequorea system is sensitive enough for applications in islet research. By connecting the bioluminometer to a microprocessor with a suitable readout device, it is possible to collect and evaluate large amounts of data which may be required in studies of concentration shifts. Thus, blanks, samples and standards can be processed completely within short time periods so that the light-yielding solutions remain stable. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Immunoreactive systems in the healing of aseptic and infected wounds in an experiment].
Main parameters of systemic immune reactivity were studied in 240 mature Wistar male rats with simulated aseptic and infected surface wounds before surgical intervention, and 1-10, 12 and 15 days after it. It was stated that aseptic wounds were responsible for nonspecific systemic response to the stress, whereas the presence of bacterial flora in the wound inhibited the development of humoral immune response in the presence of T-cell activation thus causing the dysfunction of the immune system and therefore affecting the course of wound progress. The consideration of all factors mentioned permits averting wound purulent complications in postsurgical period. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pesticide poisonings in the lawn care and tree service industries. A review of cases in the New York State Pesticide Poisoning Registry.
Although pesticides are used extensively by lawn care and tree service workers, the incidence of pesticide poisonings among this population has never been systematically assessed. This article is a review of suspected and confirmed pesticide poisonings of lawn care and tree service applicators that were reported to the New York State Pesticide Poisoning Registry from 1990 to 1993. Thirty-nine cases were identified, of which 28 satisfied the criteria for a suspected or confirmed poisoning. At the time of the poisoning, the majority of applicators reported the use of more than one class of pesticide. The most common classes of pesticide applied were organophosphates (71%) and herbicides (43%). Twenty-four cases were identified through laboratory reporting. All 24 laboratory tests had been ordered for worker surveillance. Twenty of the reported workers were symptomatic. Personal protective equipment was used routinely by 22 of the 27 applicators for whom information was available. These data suggest that pesticide exposures are occurring among a subset of the lawn care and tree service applicators, despite the reported routine use of safety measures. More rigorous evaluation of the control measures utilized in the lawn care and tree and shrub industry is warranted. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ontogenic reduction of Aph-1b mRNA and gamma-secretase activity in rats with a complex neurodevelopmental phenotype.
Selectively bred apomorphine susceptible (APO-SUS) rats display a complex behavioral phenotype remarkably similar to that of human neurodevelopmental disorders, such as schizophrenia. We recently found that the APO-SUS rats have only one or two Aph-1b gene copies (I/I and II/II rats, respectively), whereas their phenotypic counterpart has three copies (III/III). Aph-1b is a component of the gamma-secretase enzyme complex that is involved in multiple (neuro)developmental signaling pathways. Nevertheless, surprisingly little is known about gamma-secretase expression during development. Here, we performed a longitudinal quantitative PCR study in embryos and the hippocampus of I/I, II/II and III/III rats, and found gene-dosage dependent differences in Aph-1b, but not Aph-1a, mRNA expression throughout pre- and post-natal development. On the basis of the developmental mRNA profiles, we assigned relative activities to the various Aph-1a and -1b gene promoters. Furthermore, in the three rat lines, we observed both tissue-specific and temporal alterations in gamma-secretase cleavage activity towards one of its best-known substrates, the amyloid-beta precursor protein APP. We conclude that the low levels of Aph-1b mRNA and gamma-secretase activity observed in the I/I and II/II rats during the entire developmental period may well underlie their complex phenotype. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Discourse of 'transformational leadership' in infection control.
The article explores the impact of the ;transformational leadership' style in the role of modern matron with regards to infection control practices. Policy and guidance on the modern matron role suggest that it is distinctive in its combination of management and clinical components, and in its reliance on transformational leadership. Senior nurses are therefore expected to motivate staff by creating high expectations, modelling appropriate behaviour, and providing personal attention to followers by giving respect and responsibility. In this article, we draw on policy documents and interview data to explore the potential impact of this new management style on infection control practices. Combining the techniques of discourse analysis and corpus linguistics, we identify examples where matrons appear to disassociate themselves from the role of ;an empowered manager' who has control over human and financial resources to resolve problems in infection control efficiently. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In-vitro assessment of antimicrobial properties and lymphocytotoxicity assay of benzoisochromanequinones polyketide from Streptomyces sp JRG-04.
The chromanequinone (BIQ) compound produced by the mangrove estuary derived strain, Streptomyces sp. JRG-04 was effective even at low MIC level concentration against Methicillin resistant S. aureus and other clinical pathogens. In this study, we have investigated the antimicrobial potential of chromanequinone compound by using various microscopy and imaging techniques. The flow cytometry (FACS) analysis suggested the BIQ aromatic polyketide compound produced by the Streptomyces sp. JRG-04 has toxic effect on MRSA cell membrane by increased up take of propidium iodide dye. The bacterial imaging analysis by high content screening experiment (HCS) revealed the increased number of dead MRSA cells than the live MRSA populations with chromanequinone treatment. Furthermore, atomic force microscopic study proved the MRSA cell surface ultra-structure changes when the cells exposed to chromanequinone compound at 3 h and 6 h. Further, in-vitro lymphocytotoxicity effect of chromanequinone compound at different concentrations with the combination of complement was performed on human lymphocytes by cell lysis assay. Interestingly, we have found that the higher concentration of BIQ chromanequinone (10 mg/mL) compound without complement induced apoptosis of human lymphocytes. The present investigation reveals that the toxic potential of chromanequinone on human lymphocytes might be associated with the complement dependent. This study strongly suggests that the chromanequinone compound produced by the Streptomyces strain with bioactive property can be developed as a therapeutic leads for various pharmaceutical applications. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Lack of in vivo activation of the interferon system in HBsAg-positive chronic active hepatitis.
The in vivo activation state of the interferon system was biochemically evaluated in patients with HBsAg-positive liver disease by assaying the interferon-induced enzyme, 2'5'-oligoadenylate synthetase, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. All patients with chronic active hepatitis had normal levels of enzyme activity. Increased values were found in 77% of patients with acute hepatitis, 50% of those with chronic persistent hepatitis and 54% chronic healthy carriers. These results provide evidence for lack of activation of the interferon system in HBsAg-positive chronic active hepatitis and support the hypothesis that an in vivo defective interferon response may aid in development of chronic active hepatitis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Constructing the cascade of HIV care: methods for measurement.
Although the concept of the HIV treatment cascade has reached nearly ubiquitous acceptance in international HIV policy and research, methods for estimating it vary drastically. These variations become increasingly important as the focus of the HIV response shifts from emergency response to long-term outcomes and financial and organizational sustainability. We review the history of the cascade and the current literature and develop the first comprehensive typology of cascade scope and methods. We define the cascade scope in terms of both breadth (range from first to final event) and depth (given breadth, number of cascade stages that analyzed). We distinguish cascade measurement according to four dimensions: denominator-denominator linkage (data used for cascade construction are linked at the individual level across stages); denominator-numerator linkage (data are linked at the individual level within each stage); single vs. multiple populations from which data sources are drawn; and longitudinal vs. cross-sectional design. Everything else equal, we would prefer broader and deeper cascades, denominator-denominator linkage, denominator-numerator linkage, single population, and longitudinal data over their respective alternatives. Increased investments in population-based cohorts and data linkage are required to complement clinical cohorts for 'broad' longitudinal cascade analyses. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Assessment of pain quality in a clinical trial of gabapentin extended release for postherpetic neuralgia.
To replicate and extend previous research concerning the validity and utility of using pain quality measures in clinical trials. One hundred fifty-eight patients with moderate-to-severe postherpetic neuralgia were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment conditions: (1) extended release gabapentin (G-ER) 1800 mg once-daily administered in the evening; (2) G-ER 1800 mg asymmetric divided dose (600 mg AM and 1200 mg PM); or (3) placebo G-ER. A measure of different pain qualities, the Neuropathic Pain Scale, was administered as a secondary measure in this study before, during, and after the treatment. The results suggest that G-ER, especially when administered twice-daily, have the greatest effects on sharp, dull, sensitive, and itchy pain. Few between-condition effects were found for the global ratings of intensity or unpleasantness, and for hot, cold, deep, or surface pain qualities. The results provide further support for the importance of assessing specific pain qualities as outcomes in clinical trials. The findings may also be used by clinicians for identifying those patients for whom G-ER may be particularly effective; that is, patients with postherpetic neuralgia presenting with pain described as sharp, dull, sensitive, or itchy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Association of first-trimester HbA1c levels with adverse pregnancy outcomes in different ethnic groups.
To determine, in a multi-ethnic cohort, the association of first-trimester HbA1c levels with the development of pregnancy complications. A prospective study between April 2013-October 2016. Participants were stratified in five ethnic groups. Women had an HbA1c measurement added to their first antenatal bloods. Primary outcome was macrosomia and secondary outcomes included preeclampsia and large-for-gestational age (LGA). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust for potential confounders in determining the association between different HbA1c cut-off points and obstetric outcomes on each ethnic group. 1,882 pregnancies were included. Analysis was limited to the three main ethnic groups: Caucasian (54.3%), South-Central Asian (19%) and Latin-American (12.2%). There was no association between HbA1c levels and obstetric outcomes among Caucasians. In Latin-Americans, an HbA1c ≥ 5.8% (40 mmol/mol) was associated with higher risk of macrosomia, whereas an HbA1c ≥ 5.9% (41 mmol/mol) was associated with LGA. In South-Central Asian, an HbA1c ≥ 5.7% (39 mmol/mol) was associated with increased risk of macrosomia and a continuous graded relationship between HbA1c levels and preeclampsia and LGA was detected starting at HbA1c levels of 5.4% (36 mmol/mol). First-trimester HbA1c levels perform as a suitable predictor of pregnancy complications in South-Central Asian and Latin-American women whereas in Caucasian no significant associations were found. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of stress and trauma on bacterial translocation from the gut.
Previously, we established that bacteria contained within the gut can cross the GI mucosal barrier and spread systemically, a process termed bacterial translocation. Three models were used to extend this work: cold exposure (up to 16 hr at 4 degrees C), a nontissue injury stress model; femoral fracture-amputation, a trauma model; and thermal injury (30% third-degree burn), a trauma model with retained necrotic tissue. CD-1 mice either with a normal GI microflora or who were monoassociated with Escherichia coli C-25 were subjected to sham or actual stress or trauma. The animals were sacrificed at various times postinsult and the ceca, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), spleens, and livers were quantitatively cultured. Neither the incidence nor the magnitude of bacterial translocation was increased in the cold-exposed animals compared to control mice. The incidence of bacterial translocation to the systemic organs was higher in the animals with a normal flora receiving femoral fracture amputation (11%) (P less than 0.02) than in animals receiving a thermal injury (1%) or sham-injured control mice (0%). In contrast, the incidence of translocation to the liver or spleen was higher in burned mice monoassociated with E. coli C-25 (60%) (P less than 0.01) than in E. coli monoassociated mice sustaining femoral fracture amputation (17%). Stress alone (cold exposure) does not promote bacterial translocation; however, trauma, especially in combination with retained necrotic tissue, promotes bacterial translocation. Thus bacteria colonizing the gut can invade systemic organs after trauma, especially when the normal ecology of the gut flora has been disrupted. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Overdentures for acquired and congenital anomalies: 1. Complete dentures.
Overdenture principles can be applied to dentitions that are relatively complete without preparation or alteration of the existing teeth. Such overdentures may cover the traditional denture-bearing tissues as well as the unaltered remaining teeth. The primary advantages derived are reversibility, simplicity, and cost effectiveness. The primary indications are restoration of congenital and acquired anomalies. A detailed clinical and laboratory technique for fabricating these overdentures is presented. Effective restorations require care and attention to detail using the principles of conventional prosthodontics. No special equipment or material is needed. Two patient histories are presented, illustrating use of the technique. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The median artery: its potential implications for the radial forearm flap.
The median artery is an infrequent anomaly with a highly variable origin and course in the forearm. It is associated with other local anatomical variations, and may contribute significantly to the superficial palmar arch. We describe the incidental finding of a palmar median artery during harvesting of a radial forearm flap despite normal preoperative Allen's test and colour Doppler ultrasonography. A review of the anatomy and embryology suggests that there is an association of a persistent palmar median artery and an incomplete palmar arch, and that the median artery may arise from the radial artery, leading to an increased risk of hand ischaemia if it is sacrificed during harvesting. In this case the origin of the median artery was not encountered, and the patient did not develop ischaemia. We suggest that in the event of finding such an artery, the surgeon must be vigilant in order to ensure its origin is not ligated during harvesting. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
T-cell activation follows Th1 rather than Th2 pattern in haemodialysis patients.
Patients on chronic intermittent haemodialysis (HD) show an impaired cellular and humoral immune response that clinically appears with frequent infectious complications and low vaccination responses. This immune defect strongly correlates with reduced in vitro proliferative responses of T cells. The defect is localized in antigen presenting cells, which show a decreased co-stimulatory activity. Furthermore, the impaired immune response correlates with an increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In response to primary activation, CD4 positive T helper (Th) cells mainly differentiate into either Th1 or Th2 cells. Th1 cells support cell mediated immunity whereas Th2 cells enhance humoral immune responses. Since both types of responses mutually inhibit each other, the impaired humoral immune response seen in HD patients could either be due to a reduced number of Th2 cells or to a predominant Th1 response. We analysed the Th cell profile in HD patients using flow cytometry. Monocytic cytokine expression was analysed using both flow cytometry and enzyme linked immunoadsorbant assays. Our data demonstrate that the cytokine differentiation profile in circulating T cells from HD patients is dysregulated and characterized by an increase in Th1 cells, but a normal amount of Th2 cells. Moreover, the skewed helper cell responses correlate with a higher percentage of monocytes capable of secreting the Th1 promoting cytokine interleukin 12 (IL-12). Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of impaired cellular immune functions in dialysis patients and, in particular, the decreased antibody production after vaccination. They provide a link between overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-12) and imbalanced T-cell activation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Enhancement of antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in the guinea pig after intravascular complement activation with cobra venom factor.
The purpose of the present studies was to begin to test the hypothesis that the complement system is important for antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in the guinea pig. The effect of the complement-depleting agent cobra venom factor (CVF) on antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs passively sensitized with IgG or IgE antibody to ovalbumin was determined. Intravenous injection of CVF significantly reduced total hemolytic complement activity (CH50), caused a transient decrease in dynamic lung compliance, an increase in pulmonary resistance, and a decrease in circulating white blood cells with a sustained decrease in platelets. Antigen-induced bronchoconstriction was not inhibited in either IgG- or IgE-sensitized guinea pigs depleted of complement. Thus, a role for the complement system as a contributing factor in antigen-induced bronchoconstriction was not supported. On the contrary, our studies revealed an enhanced antigen-induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs depleted of complement with CVF. Our studies were then directed towards characterizing the enhanced response to begin to determine the mechanism responsible. The enhanced antigen-induced bronchoconstriction occurred in both IgG- and IgE-sensitized guinea pigs and was most apparent at lower antigen doses. The enhanced response still occurred in animals treated for 5 min with a dose of CVF (10 U) which caused no demonstrable decrease in CH50, a 30% level of conversion of C3, and a normal response to C5a. These data suggested that the enhanced response was not related to the level of C5a responsiveness of the animal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of active warming on shivering during spinal anesthesia.
Hypothermia is considered one of the reasons for intraoperative shivering. The purpose of this study is to assess whether active warming can prevent hypothermia and shivering in young adults under spinal anesthesia. Fifty male patients scheduled for an elective operation on lower extremity under spinal anesthesia were randomly assigned into the warming group (n = 25) and the control group (n = 25). The active warming was performed using a forced air-warming device, a warmed blanket and warmed fluid. Axillary and tympanic temperatures, shivering degree, thermal discomfort, and anesthetic level were checked every 10 minutes after intrathecal injection of local anesthetics. Patients' characteristics and anesthetic levels were comparable between the groups. Axillary and tympanic temperatures were maintained higher in the warming group than the control group 10 minutes and 20 minutes after intrathecal injection respectively. The lowest temperature in operating room was higher in the warming group (36.3 +/- 0.5degrees C) compared with the control group (35.7 +/- 0.5degrees C) (P < 0.05). Incidences of intraoperative shivering and thermal discomfort were lower in the warming group. We conclude that intraoperative active warming can prevent hypothermia and shivering during spinal anesthesia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Resveratrol is a potent inducer of apoptosis in human melanoma cells.
Resveratrol is a plant polyphenol found in grapes and red wine. It has been found to have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. Resveratrol also inhibits the growth of various tumor cell lines in vitro and inhibits carcinogenesis in vivo. In this study we examined the effect of resveratrol on growth of two human melanoma cell lines. We found that this plant polyphenol inhibited growth and induced apoptosis in both cell lines, with the amelanotic cell line A375 being more sensitive. The potential involvement of different MAP kinases in the action of resveratrol was also examined. Although resveratrol did not alter the phosphorylation of p38 or JNK MAP kinases in either cell line, it induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in A375, but not in SK-mel28 cells. These results suggest that in vivo studies of the effect of resveratrol on melanoma are warranted and that this plant polyphenol might have effectiveness as either a therapeutic or chemopreventive agent against melanoma. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Targeting Smox Is Neuroprotective and Ameliorates Brain Inflammation in Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Rats.
Spermine oxidase (Smox) is a member of the polyamine oxidases and has been demonstrated to be involved in ischemic brain damage. In this study, we found that Smox expression was increased in a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model and in cultured primary neurons after oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R). Smox downregulation by the adeno-associated virus RNA interference system significantly reduced the MCAO-induced brain infarct volume and neurological deficits and decreased neuronal apoptosis and inflammatory reactions. In addition, significant microglial activation and increased IL-6 and TNF-α expression were observed in microglia treated with supernatant from neurons after OGD/R. However, a significant reduction in microglial activation as well as IL-6 and TNF-α expression was observed in microglia treated with supernatant from Smox downregulated neurons after OGD/R. Therefore, the results indicated that Smox is an important mediator of cerebral ischemia injury and may be a therapeutic target for cerebral ischemia patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nodal nevi and cutaneous melanomas.
Nevocytes in melanoma-draining lymph nodes can be mistaken for melanoma metastases and may possibly transform to melanoma. During the development of a new technique for managing high-risk primary melanomas, selective lymph node dissection, we examined 4,821 nodes from 208 melanoma patients by light microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Nodal nevi were identified in 49 of 226 lymphadenectomy specimens (22%), a frequency considerably higher than previously recorded (5-6%). Nevi occurred in 57 of 4,821 nodes (1.2%), in 84% of patients in one node, in 13% of patients in two nodes, and in 3% of patients in three nodes. Nevocytes were detected in hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections in 38 of 49 cases (78%) and exclusively by immunocytochemistry with an antibody to S-100 protein in 11 of 49 (22%). Nevi were in the peripheral capsule in 93% of cases and in internal trabecula in the remaining 7%. Nevocytes surrounded a small vessel in 33% of cases. Nevi were more frequent in axillary (37 of 140, 26%) and cervical nodes (seven of 40, 18%) than in inguinal nodes (five of 46, 11%). Nevi were more frequent in sentinel nodes, the first nodes on the lymphatics draining a primary melanoma (11 of 284, 3.9%), than in nonsentinel nodes (46 of 4,537, 1.01%; p < 0.0008). One of 1,071 nodes from 50 patients with breast cancer (0.1%) and none of 521 nodes from 50 patients with pelvic cancer contained nevocytes. That nodal nevi are selectively present in melanoma patients raises the possibility of their origin from nodal melanocytes influenced by tumor products. Alternatively, the association may indicate that the nevocytes of cutaneous nevi can be disrupted and displaced by the growth of an adjacent melanoma. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Modelling and predicting the simultaneous growth of Escherichia coli and lactic acid bacteria in milk.
Modelling and predicting the simultaneous competitive growth of Escherichia coli and starter culture of lactic acid bacteria (Fresco 1010, Chr. Hansen, Hørsholm, Denmark) was studied in milk at different temperatures and Fresco inoculum concentrations. The lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were able to induce an early stationary state in E. coli The developed model described and tested the growth inhibition of E. coli (with initial inoculum concentration 10(3) CFU/mL) when LAB have reached maximum density in different conditions of temperature (ranging from 12 ℃ to 30 ℃) and for various inoculum sizes of LAB (ranging from approximately 10(3) to 10(7) CFU/mL). The prediction ability of the microbial competition model (the Baranyi and Roberts model coupled with the Gimenez and Dalgaard model) was first performed only with parameters estimated from individual growth of E. coli and the LAB and then with the introduced competition coefficients evaluated from co-culture growth of E. coli and LAB in milk. Both the results and their statistical indices showed that the model with incorporated average values of competition coefficients improved the prediction of E. coli behaviour in co-culture with LAB. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Medial column instability in the Lisfranc's fracture dislocation injury.
The authors present a descriptive report on medial column instability with Lisfranc's fracture dislocation injuries. Subtleties of recognizing and diagnosing this injury are emphasized within a literature review. Eleven cases of tarsometatarsal injuries were reviewed over an 18-month period. Eight cases involved acute injuries, while three cases presented as delayed or misdiagnosed injuries. Due to the instability of the medial column, failure in reduction methods for this injury consistently occurred. With proper sequential placement of Kirschner wires, reduction failure is minimized. A fixation method for medial column Lisfranc's injuries with Kirschner wire placement is described. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants and traditional therapies on Batan Island, the Philippines.
We studied the local knowledge and uses of medicinal plants among the Ivatan people of Batan Island by documenting their traditional practices. To identify the types of medicinal plants used in self-care by the indigenous people of Batan Island, the Philippines and to investigate the extent to which the plants are used. Conservation of medicinal plants and natural resources is becoming increasingly important; thus, this research aims to collect information from local people concerning the use of medicinal plants on Batan Island. A total of 116 informants were interviewed, allowing for calculated informant consensus factors (ICF), use value (UV), and fidelity levels (FL) for each medicinal plant species used to cure various ailments. This helped to establish a consensus on which species are effective for particular ailments, as well as the species' relative importance, and enabled us to understand the extent of the potential utilization of each species. We describe the therapeutic effects of 112 plant species used medicinally against 13 categories of ailments. The highest ICF value (1.00) was cited for diseases of the ear and respiratory system and for use during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. The maximum FL of 100% was found for Carica papaya, Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, Musa sapientum, and Pedilanthus tithymaloides, used for the treatment of constipation, cuts and wounds, diarrhea, and dislocations and fractures, respectively. The highest UV was for Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (0.67). All plants with high UV were used for exogenous diseases, certain infectious and parasitic diseases, injuries, poisonings and other consequences of external factors, and diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. In addition to its use for endogenous disease and lifestyle-related diseases and illnesses, Moringa oleifera is also used for diseases of the circulatory system, with a UV of 0.57 and Cocos nucifera is used for diseases of the genitourinary system, with a UV of 0.56. This study demonstrates that many plant species play an important role in local healing practices and that knowledge of traditional medicine is still utilized and plays a significant role on Batan Island. The documentation of this rich traditional ethno-medicinal knowledge has furnished us with novel information that not only will provide recognition of this undocumented knowledge but also could provide new avenues for pharmacological investigations to improve healthcare for a range of ailments. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Novel Approaches for the Treatment of Familial Hypercholesterolemia.
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal disorder characterized by increased levels of total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.The extent of underdiagnosis and undertreatment of individuals with FH is largely unknown.The LDL-lowering capacity of statins in combination with other lipid-lowering drugs is maximally around 50-60%. FH patients have a strongly elevated LDL-C and in most cases maximal current treatment is not sufficient to reach the desired LDL targets.Therefore, FH patients have a large residual cardiovascular risk despite the use of statins and there is a medical need for new additional drugs to further lower LDL-C in patients with FH to improve their prognosis.PCSK9 inhibitors have shown great efficacy in lowering lipids with very few side effects. No synergism between statins and PCSK9 inhibition was observed in many trials, allowing clinicians to select a statin dose before considering the initiation of PCSK9-inhibitor therapy.In patients with FH, who are at risk for markedly accelerated atherosclerosis and premature cardiovascular death, also treatment with lomitapide or mipomersen has the potential to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and premature mortality.These new drugs will be probably reserved for the most severely affected FH patients and could help clinicians to reduce their residual cardiovascular risk. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
PAMAM-pullulan conjugates as targeted gene carriers for liver cell.
Targeted nano-carriers are highly needed to promote nucleic acid delivery into the specific cell for therapeutic approaches. Pullulan as a linear carbohydrate has an intrinsic liver targeting property interacting with asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) found on liver cells. In the present study, we developed polyamidoamine (PAMAM)-pullulan conjugates and investigated their targeting activity in delivering gene into liver cells. The particle size, zeta potential, buffering capacity and ethidium bromide exclusion assays of the conjugates were evaluated. The cytotoxicity and transfection efficiency of new derivatives were assessed following in vitro transfection of HepG2 (receptor positive) and N2A (receptor negative) cell lines. Size of conjugated polymers ranged between 118 and 184 nanometers and their cytotoxicity were similar to PAMAM. Among six produced nanocarriers, G4PU4 and G5PU4 enhanced transfection efficiency in HepG2 cells compared to unmodified PAMAM. Therefore, the PAMAM-pullulan derivatives seem to improve delivery of nucleic acids into the liver cells expressing asialoglycoprotein receptor with minimal transfection in non-targeted cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cerebral evoked responses to skin warming recorded from human scalp.
Reponses evoked by warming the glabrous palmar skin were recorded maximally from a contralateral parietal scalp site that approximated the hand projection area of sensorimotor cortex. A smaller and later occurring response was also seen at the corresponding ipsilateral site. The temperature to which the skin was adapted was critical and was maintained at 35 degrees C rather at 30 degrees C as it was in an earlier study where no responses were seen. Peak latencies ranged from 280 msec to 356 msec for stimulus intensities of 8 degree C presented at a rate of 19 degrees C/sec. This warm evoked response appeared to have its origin in the specifically sensitive primary warm afferents. The presence of an evoked response when warming occurred from the 35 degrees C adapting temperature (AT) and its absence at the 30 degrees C AT coincide with the greater sensitivity of warm receptors at the higher AT. Comparison of these results with those for evoked responses to skin cooling and tactile tap suggest that the cortical organization of temperature (both warm and cool stimuli) in human is similar to that of touch. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Review of epidemiologic evidence on benzene and lymphatic and hematopoietic cancers.
Exposure to benzene is generally accepted as a cause of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but the association with other cell types of leukemia and other lymphatic and hematopoietic cancers is controversial. We compiled epidemiologic research on benzene and lymphatic and hematopoietic cancers in order to assess the pattern of associations. Eighteen relevant community-based and 16 industry-based studies were located. Four of seven studies of lymphatic and hematopoietic cancer in the aggregate identified relative risks of 1.8 or more, and eight of 14 total leukemia studies yielded relative risks in that range. The few available studies of specific histologic types of leukemia do not indicate larger or more consistent elevations in risk for AML compared to other leukemia cell types. Sporadic reports have linked benzene to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma, but most studies do not indicate a positive association. Limitations in study quality, particularly exposure assessment, pervade all of the studies reviewed, and the distinction between studies addressing benzene and those addressing jobs in industries that use benzene is somewhat arbitrary. Nonetheless, the epidemiologic evidence linking benzene to leukemia in the aggregate, as well as for subtypes other than AML, is no less persuasive than that for AML alone. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Predation of army ants by Toppin's titi monkey, Plecturocebus toppini Thomas 1914 (Primates: Pitheciidae), in an urban forest fragment in eastern Acre, Brazil.
The predation of army ants (Eciton rapax) was recorded during an observational study of the feeding behavior of a group of titi monkeys (Plecturocebus toppini) in an urban fragment of forest in Acre, Brazil. During one observed event, the group's adult female used its tail to retrieve ants, a type of behavior not observed previously in this genus. All incidents of on-forest floor foraging occurred during the dry season, when fruit was least abundant in the forest, while on other occasions, the ants were captured from tree branches and leaves. The observation of predation and ground-level foraging recorded in this study reinforce the adaptive capacity of P. toppini for survival in fragmented forests, and this was also the first record of the predation of army ants by this titi species. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Air-Stable Porous Fe2N Encapsulated in Carbon Microboxes with High Volumetric Lithium Storage Capacity and a Long Cycle Life.
The development of inexpensive electrode materials with a high volumetric capacity and long cycle-life is a central issue for large-scale lithium-ion batteries. Here, we report a nanostructured porous Fe2N anode fully encapsulated in carbon microboxes (Fe2N@C) prepared through a facile confined anion conversion from polymer coated Fe2O3 microcubes. The resulting carbon microboxes could not only protect the air-sensitive Fe2N from oxidation but also retain thin and stable SEI layer. The appropriate internal voids in the Fe2N cubes help to release the volume expansion during lithiation/delithiation processes, and Fe2N is kept inside the carbon microboxes without breaking the shell, resulting in a very low electrode volume expansion (the electrode thickness variation upon lithiation is ∼9%). Therefore, the Fe2N@C electrodes maintain high volumetric capacity (1030 mA h cm-3 based on the lithiation-state electrode volume) comparable to silicon anodes, stable cycling performance (a capacity retention of over 91% for 2500 cycles), and excellent rate performance. Kinetic analysis reveals that the Fe2N@C shows an enhanced contribution of capacitive charge mechanism and displays typical pseudocapacitive behavior. This work provides a new direction on designing and constructing nanostructured electrodes and protective layer for air unstable conversion materials for potential applications as a lithium-ion battery/capacitor electrode. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[One case of huge cyst at the back end of nasal septum].
A male of 17 years old complained of bilateral nasal congestion with mouth breathing for half a year. The physical examination showed patency of bilateral nasal cavity. Nasopharyngeal fiberscope revealed a huge spherical smooth reddish mass at the nasopharyngeal posterior wall and the back-end of nasal cavity blocking the entire postnaris and contacting with bilateral tubal tori, the size of which is about 3.5 cm x 2.5 cm. The nasopharyngeal 3D-CT showed a low density cystic mass area in the nasopharynx with smooth edges, and the CT value is approximately 32.4 HU. No exact enhancement was observed. The cystic mass originated from and compressed the back end of nasal septum. A semicircular defect in the leading edge of clivus was observed, and the inferior wall of sphenoid sinus is compressed uplifted upwards. The nasopharyngeal MR showed that the nasopharyngeal lesion presented short T1 and long T2 signals with multiple small wall nodules around. Neither the lesion nor the peripheral nodules can be significantly enhanced by enhancement scan. After a nasal endoscopic surgery, the case was definitely diagnosed as nasal septum back-end huge cyst. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Headache and sferics.
Many patients with migraine believe weather is a trigger for their headaches. The objective of this study was to determine if very low frequency sferics, pulse-shaped electromagnetic fields originating from atmospheric discharges (lightning), are precipitating factors. The occurrence of sferics impulses is characterized by a daily, as well as an annual, periodicity and is thought to be associated with various pathological processes. The diaries of 37 women suffering from migraine and tension-type headaches were analyzed over a period of 6 months and correlated with daily sferics activity and other weather phenomena in the area of Giessen, Germany. From October through December (autumn), sferics activity was correlated with the occurrence of migraine (r = 0.33, P<.01); however, there was no correlation in July and August (summer), when the thunderstorm activity had been very intense. In summer, tension-type headaches were associated with other weather parameters such as temperature (r = 0.36, P<.01) and vapor pressure (r = 0.27, P<.05). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Distinct responses of planktonic and sedimentary bacterial communities to anthropogenic activities: Case study of a tributary of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China.
Anthropogenic activities can cause serious negative effects on ecosystems. Despite the ecological significance of bacterial communities, the integrated biogeography of planktonic and sedimentary bacterial communities in response to anthropogenic activities is not adequately understood. Here, we examined environmental parameters and the composition of planktonic and sedimentary bacteria in the Yulin River, a tributary of Three Gorges Reservoir, in response to changes in land use and dam construction. The results revealed that human-induced land use changes enhanced the nutrient concentrations in surface water and dam construction reduced the content of carbon and nitrogen in immediately downstream sediments. Intensified human-dominated land use showed a slight impact on sedimentary bacterial communities but largely reduced the diversity of planktonic bacterial communities. Moreover, human-induced land use changes increased the abundance of genes associated with denitrification, nitrification, and anammox in planktonic bacterial communities by 19.04%, 32.40% and 30.45%, respectively. In dam construction regions, the diversity and nutrient-related metabolic activity of sedimentary bacterial communities immediately downstream of the dam were decreased, whereas these changes were not observed in planktonic bacterial communities. Additionally, bacterial community composition was significantly related to nutrient concentrations variability and followed a distance-decay pattern. Furthermore, environmental effects explained more of the variation in planktonic bacterial community composition as compared with spatial effects did, whereas, sedimentary bacterial communities were more closely related to spatial effects. Our results demonstrated the distinct responses of planktonic and sedimentary bacterial communities to anthropogenic activities, and offered new insight for understanding their potential ecological influence on rivers. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Rotavirus Infection in Pediatric Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients: Clinical Course and Experience Using Nitazoxanide and Enterally Administered Immunoglobulins.
Rotaviruses may produce prolonged and severe disease in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients. Nitazoxanide and enterally administered human immunoglobulins are potential therapeutic options. This retrospective study describes the clinical course of rotavirus infection in pediatric allogeneic HCT recipients and a single-center experience with nitazoxanide and oral immunoglobulins as potential treatment options. We identified 36 patients who had positive stool rotavirus antigen assays after allogeneic HCT from May 30, 2012, to July 31, 2015. Clinical, microbiologic and treatment data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Forty-nine discrete episodes of rotavirus infection were identified among these 36 patients for a cumulative incidence of 19.7%. For these 49 episodes, the median day to infection after HCT was day 82, and the median duration of diarrhea was 17.5 days (range 4-122). Nitazoxanide and enteral immunoglobulins were prescribed for 41 episodes. The median duration of clinical symptoms after initiation of nitazoxanide was 11 days (range 2-85), 23 days (range 10-107) after enteral immunoglobulins and 26 days (range 6-90) after a combination of nitazoxanide and enteral immunoglobulins (P = 0.1). No adverse effects of either treatment were documented, but efficacy could not be assessed in this patient population. In pediatric HCT recipients, the clinical illness produced by rotaviruses is prolonged compared with otherwise healthy children. Nitazoxanide appears safe, but its efficacy for this indication requires further study. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Enhancement of CsLiB(6)O(10) surface-damage resistance by improved crystallinity and ion-beam etching.
The surface laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of CsLiB(6)O(10) (CLBO) crystal was enhanced twofold with improved crystallinity and ion-beam etching. For crystals with high crystal quality (bulk LIDT, 15.0-19.0 GW/cm(2)), the surface LIDT was 1.4-fold higher than for those with conventional crystal quality (bulk LIDT, 9.0-12.0 GW/cm(2)). In addition, removal of residual surface-polishing compounds by means of ion-beam etching can further enhance the surface LIDT by another 1.5-fold. Thus, CLBO crystals with high crystal quality and ion-beam etching are now more reliable for high-power UV light generation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Brain aromatase and the control of male sexual behavior.
The activational effects of testosterone (T) on male copulatory behavior are mediated by its aromatization into estradiol. In quail, we have shown by stereotaxic implantation of steroids and metabolism inhibitors and by electrolytic lesions that the action of T and its aromatization take place in the sexually dimorphic medial preoptic nucleus (POM). The distribution and regulation of brain aromatase was studied in this species by product-formation assays measuring aromatase activity (AA) in microdissected brain regions and by immunocytochemistry (ICC). Aromatase-immunoreactive (ARO-ir) neurons were found in four brain regions: the POM, the septal region, the bed nucleus of the stria terminals (BNST) and the tuberal hypothalamus. ARO-ir cells actually outline the POM boundaries. ARO-ir material is found not only in the perikarya of neurons but also in the full extension of their cellular processes including the axons and the presynaptic boutons. This is confirmed at the light level by the demonstration of immunoreactive fibers and punctate structures in brain regions that are sometimes fairly distant from the closest ARO-ir cells. A lot of ARO-ir cells in the POM and BNST do not contain immunoreactive estrogen receptors (ER-ir) as demonstrated by double label ICC. These morphological data suggest an unorthodox role for the enzyme or the locally formed estrogens. In parallel with copulatory behavior, the preoptic AA decreases after castration and is restored by T to levels seen in sexually mature males. This probably reflects a change in enzyme concentration rather than a modulation of the activity in a constant number of molecules since the maximum enzymatic velocity (Vmax) only is affected while the affinity (Km) remains unchanged. In addition, T increases the number of ARO-ir neurons in POM and other brain areas suggesting that the concentration of the antigen is actually increased. This probably involves the direct activation of aromatase transcription as demonstrated by RT-PCR studies showing that aromatase mRNA is increased following T treatment of castrates. These activating effects of T seem to result from a synergistic action of androgenic and estrogenic metabolites of the steroid. The anatomical substrate for these regulations remains unclear at present especially in POM where ARO-ir cells do not in general contain ER-ir while androgen receptors appear to be rare based on both [3H] dihydrotestosterone autoradiography and ICC. Transynaptic mechanisms of control may be considered. A modulation of brain aromatase by catecholamines is also suggested by a few pharmacological studies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Surfing depth on a behaviour change website: predictors and effects on behaviour.
The primary objectives of the present study were to gain insight into website use and to predict the surfing depth on a behaviour change website and its effect on behaviour. Two hundred eight highly educated adults from the intervention condition of a randomised trial received access to a medical intervention, individual coaching (by e-mail, post, telephone or face-to-face) and a behaviour change website. Website use (e.g. surfing depth, page view duration) was registered. Online questionnaires for physical activity and fat intake were filled out at baseline and after 6 months. Hierarchical linear regression was used to predict surfing depth and its effect on behaviour. Seventy-five per cent of the participants visited the website. Fifty-one and fifty-six per cent consulted the physical activity and fat intake feedback, respectively. The median surfing depth was 2. The total duration of interventions by e-mail predicted deeper surfing (beta=0.36; p<0.001). Surfing depth did not predict changes in fat intake (beta=-0.07; p=0.45) or physical activity (beta=-0.03; p=0.72). Consulting the physical activity feedback led to more physical activity (beta=0.23; p=0.01). The findings from the present study can be used to guide future website development and improve the information architecture of behaviour change websites. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Manic-depressive psychoses in adolescence. Influence of life change events. Study of family dynamics].
A sample of 38 adolescents hospitalized for a major depressive episode melancholic type or a manic episode during the course of a bipolar disorder (according to the DSM III-R Criteria) was examined with particular emphasis on precipating life events and family relationships. Psychosocial stressors in the year preceding onset of the affective disorder were found in a very high proportion of cases (about 80%). Stressors are most often severe. All of these stressors have to do with loss or threat of loss, particularly the most frequent one: the sentimental failure. Analyzing results of a familial dynamic questionnaire, we showed in the MDD sample the prevalence of two psychopathological index: maternal rejection, parental dysharmony. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Highly efficient and perfectly vertical chip-to-fiber dual-layer grating coupler.
A novel high-efficiency silicon-chip-to-fiber grating coupler is investigated here. By introducing a dual layer grating structure with an inter-layer lateral shift to mimic 45° tilted mirror behavior, perfectly vertical coupling is successfully demonstrated. Our numerical results show that a peak silicon-chip-to-fiber coupling efficiency about 70% is possible near 1550 nm. Meanwhile, for the entire telecom C-band, i.e. wavelengths from 1530 nm to 1565 nm, the coupling efficiency is > 50% and the back reflection is less than < 1%. Our proposed high-performance silicon perfectly vertical coupling structure is suitable for interfacing with multi-core fiber platform, which may play an important role in the future CMOS photonic integration technology. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Frequency of Dermatologic Findings at Autopsy.
A complete academic autopsy includes an external examination with inspection of gross dermatologic findings. At our institution, the postmortem examination also includes a standard skin biopsy. We determined the microscopic yield of this standard postmortem skin biopsy and the overall frequency of macroscopic dermatologic diagnoses. We reviewed 389 complete autopsies conducted between 2012 and 2014. Both microscopic and macroscopic dermatologic diagnoses were analyzed. A macroscopic dermatologic diagnosis was made in 32% of cases while a microscopic diagnosis was recorded in 10% of cases. Dermatologic diagnoses were identified as leading directly to cause of death in 4% of patients and as contributing to death in another 20%. Targeted biopsies were more likely to reveal histologic abnormalities than routine biopsies from a standard anatomic site. Better training in skin gross examination in addition to systematic sampling of both skin lesions and grossly normal skin may improve diagnostic accuracy and enhance clinical pathologic correlations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pathogenesis of feline diabetes mellitus.
The common form of spontaneous diabetes mellitus that occurs in domestic cats bears close resemblance clinically and pathologically to human type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). For example, the typical diabetic cat is obese and middle-aged, and has low but detectable circulating insulin levels. However, the most striking similarity is the occurrence of islet amyloidosis (IA) in nearly all diabetic cats and in over 90% of humans with T2DM. IA in both humans and cats is derived from islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP, or amylin) which is a hormone produced and secreted along with insulin by the pancreatic beta cells. Since all cats and humans normally produce IAPP, additional factors must be invoked in order to explain the development of IA. Several lines of evidence support the concept that IA is caused by chronically increased stimulus for beta cells to secrete IAPP (and insulin). For example, peripheral insulin resistance such as in chronic obesity results in increased IAPP and insulin secretion. A recent study, in which diabetes mellitus was induced in cats, demonstrated that IAPP hypersecretion was induced by treatment with a sulfonylurea drug and resulted in 4/4 cats in this group developing IA. In contrast, cats treated with insulin had low IAPP secretion and minimal IA developed in 1/4 cats. Several human-IAPP transgenic mouse models, in which there is IAPP overexpression, also support the notion that prolonged high expression of IAPP leads to IA. In vitro models of IAPP overexpression also support this mechanism for IA formation and by demonstrating an association between IA formation and beta cell toxicity, suggest a linkage between IA formation and loss of beta cells in T2DM. A recent study has indicated that intermediate-sized IAPP-derived amyloid fibrils can disrupt cell membranes and therefore, may be involved in the destruction of beta cells. Striking parallels between the pathogenesis of IA and beta-amyloid plaque formation in Alzheimer's disease suggest possible parallel pathogenetic mechanisms of cell death and provide potential avenues for future studies into the pathogenesis of IA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reduction of major histocompatibility complex class I antigens on invasive and high-grade transitional cell carcinoma.
We examined immunohistologically the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II antigens, which play important roles in immune reactions, on transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). When stained with monoclonal antibody W6/32 against class I antigens, reduced staining was observed in 34 of 46 TCCs and was virtually absent in 15 of these. The cases showing reduced staining were much more frequent (29 of 34) in high- to moderate-grade than in low-grade TCC. Furthermore, class I antigens were reduced in 18 of 19 invasive TCCs, but in 16 of 27 superficial TCCs. Thus, the reduction of class I antigens was correlated significantly with a decreased degree of tumour cell differentiation and the presence of invasion. Class II antigens on TCC showed variable expression and were not related to tumour grade or stage. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Recognizing and treating anxiety and depression in adolescents. Normal and abnormal responses.
Recognition of depressive and anxiety disorders in adolescents reduces morbidity, mortality, and lifetime risk for psychiatric illness and maladaptive behaviors. Effective treatments for these disorders are available and are associated with minimal severe side effects. Because adolescents tend to underreport their psychologic distress, screening for these disorders in the primary care setting is incumbent on the clinician. Depression or anxiety may be a primary or a secondary condition--with each other and with other medical illness. Substance abuse, including cigarettes, should not be overlooked as an accompanying risk factor for poor health care habits and as an indicator of degree of family (lack of) support. Adolescents at risk should be screened and their symptoms taken seriously. This brief overview does not focus on the need for primary care clinicians to seek assistance and support of psychiatrists in the diagnosis and development of treatment algorithms. All clinicians should be reminded that judgments about peoples' internal mental states and function are difficult to assess objectively and with compassion. Initial assessment in the primary care setting should include a telephone consultation with a reliable psychiatric colleague and referral for more in-depth evaluation in the event of more complicated course. These disorders need to be treated comprehensively because of the lifelong implications that having a chronic disease bear on the individual and his or her physiology. Primary care clinicians are pivotal instruments in engaging adolescents to embrace appropriate therapeutic measures for their current and future health. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Salmon silk genes contribute to the elucidation of the flavone pathway in maize (Zea mays L.).
We utilized maize (Zea mays L.) lines expressing the salmon silk (sm) phenotype, quantitative trait locus analysis, and analytical chemistry of flavone compounds to establish the order of undefined steps in the synthesis of the flavone maysin in maize silks. In addition to the previously described sm1 gene, we identified a second sm locus, which we designate sm2, located on the long arm of maize chromosome 2. Our data indicate that the sm1 gene encodes or controls a glucose modification enzyme and sm2 encodes or controls a rhamnosyl transferase. The order of intermediates in the late steps of maysin synthesis was established as luteolin --> isoorientin --> rhamnosylisoorientin --> maysin. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Fetal systolic time intervals. A non-invasive parameter for assessing the intrauterine condition of the fetus].
Various methods are employed in obstetric prophylaxis and treatment to assess the intrauterine condition of the foetus. The systolic time-intervals appear to be a promising new method because they reflect the contractility of the foetal heart which is a reflection of various physiological factors indluding hypoxia and asphyxia. Monitoring of the foetal systolic time intervals is therefore a more sensitive parameter of cardiac function than the foetal heart rate alone. By measurement of the foetal systolic time-intervals, it is therefore theoretically possible to evaluate the intrauterine situation of the foetus as abbreviated pre-exjection time (PEP) is a normal physiological reaction to scalp compressions, uterine contractions, or umbilical cord complications. Finally, the relationship between PEP and the ejection time (PEP/VET) is raised in asphyxia and greatly raised in imminent foetal death. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Whole-cell arsenite biosensor using photosynthetic bacterium Rhodovulum sulfidophilum. Rhodovulum sulfidophilum as an arsenite biosensor.
An arsenite biosensor plasmid was constructed in Escherichia coli by inserting the operator/promoter region of the ars operon and the arsR gene from E. coli and the crtA gene, which is responsible for carotenoid synthesis in the photosynthetic bacterium, Rhodovulum sulfidophilum, into the broad-host-range plasmid vector, pRK415. The biosensor plasmid, pSENSE-As, was introduced into a crtA-deleted mutant strain of R. sulfidophilum (CDM2), which is yellow in culture due to its content of spheroiden (SE) and demethylspheroidene (DMSE). CDM2 containing pSENSE-As changed from yellow to red by the addition of arsenite, which caused enzymatic transformation of SE and DMSE to spheroidenone (SO) and demethylspheroidenone (DMSO). Reverse transcriptase PCR analysis showed that the color change depended on transcription of the crtA gene in pSENSE-As. The color change could be clearly recognized with the naked eye at 5 microg/l arsenite. The biosensor strain did not respond to other metals except for bismuth and antimony, which caused significant accumulation of SO and DMSO in the cells at 60 and 600 microg/l, respectively. This biosensor indicates the presence of arsenite with a bacterial color change without the need to add a special reagent or substrate for color development, enabling this pollutant to be monitored in samples by the naked eye in sunlight, even where electricity is not available. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Glucose-6-phosphatase activity is not suppressed but the mRNA level is increased by a sucrose-enriched meal in rats.
The expression of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) mRNA is repressed by insulin and stimulated by cAMP and dexamethasone, with the insulin effect dominant. Both lipids and glucose increase the expression of G6Pase mRNA under conditions in which insulin is either absent or at basal levels. The aim of the present study was to investigate dietary nutrient regulation of G6Pase mRNA and protein under postprandial conditions. Male rats (n = 6-8/group) were deprived of food for 48 h and then either remained food deprived (FD) or were refed diets containing 68% cornstarch and 12% corn oil (ST; % energy), 68% sucrose and 12% corn oil (SU) or 35% cornstarch and 45% corn oil (HF) for 3 h. Rats were anesthetized, blood was drawn from the portal vein, and the liver was removed and immediately processed for subsequent analyses. Energy intake over the 3-h refeeding period did not differ among groups (209 +/- 25 kJ). Portal vein glucose and insulin were 5.0 +/- 0.2 mmol/L and 90 +/- 18 pmol/L, respectively, in FD rats and were not significantly different among the refed groups (14.5 +/- 1.2 mmol/L and 1302 +/- 154 pmol/L, respectively). Compared with the FD rats, G6Pase mRNA was approximately 50% lower in ST and HF groups, whereas it was approximately 1.6 fold higher in SU-refed rats (P < 0.05). G6Pase activity in whole liver homogenates was lower in ST and HF rats than in FD and SU rats. Insulin receptor substrate (IRS) phosphorylation, IRS-association with phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3)-kinase and activation of protein kinase B (PKB) were not significantly different among the refed groups. However, glycogen synthase kinase-3alpha phosphorylation was lower and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation was higher in SU rats than in ST and HF refed groups. Thus, the postprandial environment after ingestion of sucrose appears to overcome the dominant effects of insulin on G6Pase mRNA, perhaps via cellular changes that reduce phosphorylation of, and therefore activate, glycogen synthase kinase-3alpha. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Current and future perspectives on the TARGET system: the registration system for Glivec established by the JSH.
Since hematology is a highly specialized field, an individual physician may not have much direct treatment experience with a given disease. Therefore, the Japanese Society of Hematology (JSH) has discussed establishing a registry of hematologic disorders, in order to contribute to improving the quality of treatments and clinical outcomes in this field. As a first step, the Timely and Appropriate Registration System for GLIVEC Therapy (TARGET), a registration system for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients treated with imatinib, was established in October 2003. We present the preliminary results of the first 4 years' experience with this system. CML patients treated with imatinib in Japan were registered through the website and the patient's clinical course, including parameters and events like imatinib dose, blood counts, adverse events, and efficacy were recorded in months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 and then every 6 months thereafter. By September 2007, 862 patients from 176 hospitals were registered. Follow-up period was 0-54 months, and 127 patients were followed-up for more than 36 months. Based on these cumulative data, present imatinib treatment trends were analyzed and safety and efficacy were compared with international trial data. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Do parent protective responses mediate the relation between parent distress and child functional disability among children with chronic pain?
To examine whether protective parent responses mediate the relation between parent distress and child functioning. At a pain clinic evaluation, 157 families participated. Parents completed measures of global distress (BSI-18), distress in the context of their child's pain (BAP-PIQ), and protective responses to their child's pain. Children completed measures of functional disability and pain. BAP-PIQ subscales were significantly associated with child functional disability, whereas BSI subscales were unrelated. Protective parent responses partially mediated the relation between parent distress and child functional disability for depression, anxiety, and catastrophizing. However, parent protective behavior fully mediated the relationship between parent helplessness and child functional disability, indicating that feelings of parent helplessness did not uniquely contribute to child functional disability. Discussion Results suggest that when treating youth with chronic pain, parental distress in the context of children's pain needs to be addressed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Forensic expert opinion on sexual delinquents].
The author gives a critical account of the development of views regarding the imputability of sexual delinquents and the possibility of protective therapy in sexual deviations. The attitudes of specialists are changing constantly and an uniform opinion was not achieved so far. The author conceives sexual deviation as a mental disorders which in some instances may reduce the imputability of the person in relation to the sexual delict. Modern therapeutic procedures try to apply in indicate cases a comprehensive therapeutic approach combining biological therapy and psychotherapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mitoxantrone treatment in multiple sclerosis induces TH2-type cytokines.
Mitoxantrone is a cytotoxic drug with immune modulatory properties used in the treatment of progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). We explored the effect of mitoxantrone treatment in MS patients on cytokine patterns induced in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and T-cell subsets ex vivo. Blood was obtained before mitoxantrone infusion and 6, 12 and 18 days thereafter. Proliferation and prototypic TH1-, TH17- and TH2-type cytokines were determined following in vitro stimulation of PBMC, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. In addition, a patient cohort receiving its first mitoxantrone treatment was cross-sectionally compared with a cohort of patients with more than 1 year of treatment. Mitoxantrone treatment increased the ex vivo production of the TH2 cytokines interleukin-4 (IL-4; P < 0.05) and IL-5 (P < 0.001) in phytohemagglutinin-stimulated CD4+ T cells within 18 days of treatment. The cross-sectional study revealed that long-term treatment with mitoxantrone increased the inducibility of IL-4 and IL-5 secretion by PBMCs and CD4+ T cells even further. No significant changes were observed for interferon-γ, tumour necrosis factor-α, IL-17 and IL-10. Mitoxantrone did not alter the proliferative capacity of ex vivo-stimulated T cells. Mitoxantrone treatment in MS enhances the inducibility of TH2-type cytokines, which may contribute to its beneficial effects in MS. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical outcome following stimulation with HMG versus highly purified HMG in patients undergoing ICSI.
Current purification processes allow the production of highly purified human menopausal gonadotrophin (HP-HMG), with human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) constituting most of its LH-like activity. This retrospective study aimed to compare the effectiveness of HP-HMG to the widely used traditional human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) preparation. A total of 174 women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles were allocated to either HMG or HP-HMG for ovarian stimulation. The number of mature oocytes was significantly higher in the HP-HMG group (14.72 +/- 7.81) than in the HMG group (12.15 +/- 11.07) (P < 0.05). However, the number of good quality embryos was not significantly different between both groups (HMG: 1.65 +/- 1.54; HP-HMG: 1.78 +/- 1.41). Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference in number of embryos transferred per woman (HMG: 3.95 +/- 1.87; HP-HMG: 4.27 +/- 1.60). The pregnancy rate per woman was 38.39% versus 51.79% in the HMG- and HP-HMG-treated groups respectively. These findings suggest that HP-HMG produces more mature oocytes than ordinary HMG, but similar pregnancy rates. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Increasing the yield of Eimeria tenella oocysts in primary chicken kidney cells.
The present study was undertaken to increase the yield of Eimeria tenella oocysts in primary chicken kidney cells (PCKCs) using a comparatively inexpensive cell-culture system. PCKCs growing on coverslips positioned on the bottoms of individual wells in 24-well tissue-culture plates were infected with sporozoites of E. tenella. The effects of changing the culture medium (RPMI 1640), medium pH, serum type, and serum concentration in the wells were determined by counting newly produced oocysts at 7 days postinoculation. There were significantly more (P < 0.01) oocysts produced when the medium was supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and changed either daily or every other day compared with not changing the medium. When the same medium was changed daily, significantly more (P < 0.05) oocysts were produced at pH 7.4 than at pH 8.0 but not at pH 6.0. If the medium was changed daily, significantly more (P < 0.05) oocysts were produced when medium was supplemented with 10% FBS only rather than 5% and 10% chicken serum. The cell-culture system described in this study offers a convenient and efficient method for investigating the biological, biochemical, and immunological relationships between E. tenella and the host cell. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neospora caninum tachyzoites inoculated by the conjunctival route are not vertically transmitted in pregnant cattle: a descriptive study.
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether Neospora caninum tachyzoites (Nc-1) inoculated by the conjunctival route in pregnant cows were able to generate infection in their fetuses. Group 1 contained 2 naturally infected cows; group 2 contained two cows inoculated intravenously with 2.5 × 10(8) tachyzoites, group 3 contained two cows inoculated with 2.5 × 10(8) tachyzoites by the conjunctival route, and group 4 contained two uninfected control cows. The four inoculated cows from groups 2 and 3 were challenged at 23 weeks of gestation. An indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), recombinant NcGRA7-based ELISA, ELISA for IgG subisotypes and Western blot analysis were assessed to characterize the humoral immune response in dams. Sera from their fetuses were tested also using Western blot analysis. Routine microscopic evaluation of H&E stained fetal tissues was made and any fetal tissues and placentas with lesions compatible with Neospora-infection were processed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). DNA extraction from fresh and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded fetal tissues were tested by nested PCR. All dams from groups 1, 2 and 3 were seropositive by IFAT, rNcGRA7-based-ELISA and Western blot. IgG1/IgG2 ratios were ≤ 1 at weeks 27 and 29 of gestation. Only fetuses from groups 1 and 2 developed N. caninum specific antibodies by Western blot. Histopathological lesions compatible with those caused by N. caninum were observed in fetuses from groups 1 and 2. N. caninum cysts and tachyzoites were observed by IHC on fetal tissues from groups 1 and 2. Only fetal samples from group 2 were positive by PCR. Further work is needed not only to characterize the cellular immune response but also to clarify the consequences on the dam after conjunctival inoculation of N. caninum tachyzoites. This study shows that N. caninum tachyzoites inoculated by the conjunctival route were not vertically transmitted in pregnant cows. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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