text
stringlengths 1
10.9k
| meta
dict |
|---|---|
Changes in intensity of neurotic symptoms associated with reduction of suicidal ideation in patients who underwent psychotherapy in the day hospital for the treatment of neurotic and behavioral disorders.
Analysis of associations between changes in the intensity of neurotic symptoms and reduction of suicidal ideation (SI) or lack of SI reduction, in patients who underwent a course of intensive psychotherapy conducted in integrative approach with predominance of psychodynamic approach in a day hospital. Symptom Checklist KO"O" and Life Inventory completed by 461 women and 219 men treated in the psychotherapeutic day hospital due to neurotic, behavioral or personality disorders between 2005-2013. During the qualification for the therapy 134 women and 80 men reported SI, of whom 84.3% and 77.5% respectively improved. The reduction of neurotic symptoms intensity was greater in patients of both genders who improved in terms of SI than in those who did not. This referred to global intensity of neurotic symptoms (OWK coefficient) in both genders (p<0.001), as well as to the majority of the neurotic symptoms subtypes in both genders (p<0.05): Phobic disorders, Other anxiety disorders, Obsessive-compulsive disorders, Conversions and dissociations, Autonomic disorders, Somatization disorders, Neurasthenia, Avoidance and dependence, Sexual dysfunctions, Dysthymia; and in case of women (p<0.05): Hypochondriasis, Depersonalization and derealization, Impulsiveness and histrionism and Non-organic sleep disorders. The results show effectiveness and comprehensiveness of intensive psychotherapy as a treatment method that leads to improvement in terms of both SI and neurotic symptoms. This suggests that the applied therapy may be effective in preventing suicidality in this group of patients. The observed associations also point in favor of hypothesis on similarities in etiopathogenesis of and partly identical personality-related factors predisposing to SI and neurotic disorders. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Three-dimensional model for light-induced chaotic rotations in liquid crystals under spin and orbital angular momentum transfer processes.
Liquid crystals interacting with light represent a unique class of soft-matter systems that exhibit various generic nonlinear behaviors, including chaotic rotational dynamics. Despite several experimental observations, complex nematic liquid crystal director rotations in presence of spin and orbital angular momentum transfer processes were left unexplained. We present a self-consistent three-dimensional model able to describe the previous experimental observations, accounting for the dependence on the incident beam intensity, polarization, finite size and shape. More generally, our model is able to describe quantitatively the dynamics of, and beyond, the optical Fréedericksz transition under realistic experimental conditions almost three decades after its experimental discovery. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Metal-independent production of hydroxyl radicals by halogenated quinones and hydrogen peroxide: an ESR spin trapping study.
The metal-independent production of hydroxyl radicals (*OH) from H(2)O(2) and tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone (TCBQ), a carcinogenic metabolite of the widely used wood-preservative pentachlorophenol, was studied by electron spin resonance methods. When incubated with the spin trapping agent 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO), TCBQ and H(2)O(2) produced the DMPO/*OH adduct. The formation of DMPO/*OH was markedly inhibited by the *OH scavenging agents dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethanol, formate, and azide, with the concomitant formation of the characteristic DMPO spin trapping adducts with *CH(3), *CH(CH(3))OH, *COO(-), and *N(3), respectively. The formation of DMPO/*OH and DMPO/*CH(3) from TCBQ and H(2)O(2) in the absence and presence, respectively, of DMSO was inhibited by the trihydroxamate compound desferrioxamine, accompanied by the formation of the desferrioxamine-nitroxide radical. In contrast, DMPO/*OH and DMPO/*CH(3) formation from TCBQ and H(2)O(2) was not affected by the nonhydroxamate iron chelators bathophenanthroline disulfonate, ferrozine, and ferene, as well as the copper-specific chelator bathocuproine disulfonate. A comparative study with ferrous iron and H(2)O(2), the classic Fenton system, strongly supports our conclusion that *OH is produced by TCBQ and H(2)O(2) through a metal-independent mechanism. Metal-independent production of *OH from H(2)O(2) was also observed with several other halogenated quinones. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Overexpression of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) V protein enhances NDV production kinetics in chicken embryo fibroblasts.
Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is not only one of the most economically important pathogen of poultry but also has a potential as anticancer virotherapy. The role of NDV V protein in virus-production kinetics was investigated using DF-1 cell-based production system. The presence of an anti-interferon (IFN)-alpha antibody resulted in enhanced NDV production kinetics in a dose-dependent manner by blocking binding of NDV-induced IFN to its receptor. To prepare DF-1 cell whose cellular IFN signaling is blocked efficiently, stable cell lines expressing either lentogenic or velogenic NDV V protein known as an IFN antagonist were established. The overexpression of NDV V protein enhanced NDV production kinetics and expedited the rate of NDV production, while it had no effect on Japanese encephalitis virus production. NDV V protein functions as an IFN antagonist by inhibiting the increase in type I IFNs by NDV infection. The IFN signals in cells expressing NDV V protein were weakened by decreased activation or expression of the dsRNA-activated enzymes. These IFN antagonist activities enhance rapid virus replication and spread in the early phase of viral infection and will be useful in improving the production of viral vaccine strains. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Asymptomatic lumbar vertebral erosion from inferior vena cava filter perforation.
In 2002, a 24-year-old female trauma patient underwent prophylactic inferior vena cava filter placement. Recurrent bouts of renal stones prompted serial CT imaging in 2004. In this brief report, we describe erosion and ossification of the L3 vertebral body by a Greenfield filter strut. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of melittin on a model renal epithelium, the toad urinary bladder.
The bee venom melittin, 10(-6) M, on the mucosal (urinary) side of the toad urinary bladder (in vitro), markedly decreased transepithelial potential difference, short-circuit current (Isc, sodium-dependent) and resistance. However, these effects were not seen when the toxin was placed on the opposite (serosal) side of the membrane preparation. The electrical effects were accompanied by a large increase in the transepithelial permeability to 22Na. The response was not changed by meclofenamic acid (which blocks formation of prostaglandins) but it was inhibited by La3+. In the presence of amiloride, which usually inhibits active Na transport and Isc, melittin, on the mucosal side, increased the Isc. The action of melittin appears to involve an interaction with anionic sites, which mediate its effects. Such sites appear to be present on the apical plasma membranes of the toad bladder epithelial cells, but they are not as abundant or they are inaccessible on the basal plasma membrane. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Acute glomerulonephritis in a child with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and multibacillary leprosy.
A 10-year-old boy from Papua New Guinea with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and multibacillary leprosy developed acute glomerulonephritis while being treated as an inpatient at Thursday Island Hospital in the Torres Strait, Queensland. This is the first such case to be reported in Australia, where these diseases are uncommon and the combination is extremely rare, and it outlines important learning points regarding the aetiology of renal disease among patients with tuberculosis and leprosy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Macroscopic scattering of cracks initiated at single impurity atoms.
Brittle crystals, such as coloured gems, have long been known to cleave with atomically smooth fracture surfaces, despite being impurity laden, suggesting that isolated atomic impurities do not generally cause cracks to deflect. Whether cracks can ever deviate when hitting an atomic defect, and if so how they can go straight in real brittle crystals, which always contain many such defects, is still an open question. Here we carry out multiscale molecular dynamics simulations and high-resolution experiments on boron-doped silicon, revealing that cracks can be deflected by individual boron atoms. The process, however, requires a characteristic minimum time, which must be less than the time spent by the crack front at the impurity site. Deflection therefore occurs at low crack speeds, leading to surface ridges which intensify when the boron-dopage level is increased, whereas fast-moving cracks are dynamically steered away from being deflected, yielding smooth cleavage surfaces. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mean platelet volume in predicting short- and long-term morbidity and mortality in patients with or without ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a marker of platelet activation. An increased MPV is associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and long-term mortality. The aim of this study was to compare MPV in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Also, we investigated the value of MPV on in-hospital mortality and long-term prognosis of patients with STEMI and NSTEMI. We studied 429 patients with AMI (70.4% male, 61.9 ± 12.4 years; 279 patients with STEMI, 150 patients with NSTEMI). MPV and platelet count were similar in both groups. Elevated MPV increased the risk of death by 3.1-fold (p < 0.001) in STEMI group during the hospitalization. However, increased MPV was not associated with in-hospital mortality in NSTEMI group. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of MPV was 0.868 (95% CI, 0.830-0.907) for predicting two-year mortality. A cut-off point of 11.1 fL showed a sensitivity of 81% and a specifity of 77% for prediction of two-year mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed two-year mortality rate of 12.5% in patients with MPV >11.1 fL versus 9.9% in patients with MPV <11.1 fL (p < 0.001). Cox regression analysis showed MPV to be an independent predictor of two-year mortality (Hazard ratio 1.7; 95% CI 1.5-1.9; p < 0.001). An increased MPV is an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in patients with STEMI. However, elevated levels of MPV did not predict in hospital mortality in NSTEMI group. The increase in MPV values was independently correlated with two-year mortality in all study patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The relationship between land use and emerging and legacy contaminants in an Apex predator, the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), from two adjacent estuarine watersheds.
Persistent organohalogen contaminant (POC) exposure is of concern in marine mammals due to the potential for adverse health effects. Studies have examined POCs in marine mammals on a regional scale; however, limited data exists on POC concentrations relative to land use and watersheds. Examine geographical variation of POC concentrations in bottlenose dolphins as it relates to land, and watershed, use. POC (PCBs, DDTs, and PBDEs) concentrations were measured in blubber of bottlenose dolphins (n= 40) sampled in estuarine waters near Charleston, SC. Photo-identification sighting histories were used to assess the dolphins' use of estuarine waters in two adjacent watersheds (Cooper Subbasin and Stono Subbasin) in the study area and to determine land use (developed, forested, agriculture, and wetland) associations. Dolphins with ≥ 75% of their sightings in the Cooper Subbasin, which is characterized by a higher degree of developed land use, exhibited higher levels of PCBs, PBDEs, and total pesticides than those with ≥ 75% of their sightings in the Stono Subbasin. Observed differences were significant for ΣPBDEs and ΣDDTs/ΣPCBs ratio. Significant positive correlations were observed between ΣPBDEs and developed land use and between ΣDDTs/ΣPCBs and wetland land use. A significant negative correlation was observed between ΣDDTs/ΣPCBs and developed land use. The spatial pattern of PBDEs and the ΣDDTs/ΣPCBs detected in dolphin blubber was shown to vary significantly with adjacent watersheds and land use associations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Protein binding in deactivation of ferrylmyoglobin by chlorogenate and ascorbate.
Kinetics of reduction of iron(IV) in ferrylmyoglobin by chlorogenate in neutral or moderately acidic aqueous solutions (0.16 M NaCl) to yield metmyoglobin was studied using stopped flow absorption spectroscopy. The reaction occurs by direct bimolecular electron transfer with (2.7 +/- 0.3) x 10(3) M(-)(1).s(-)(1) at 25.0 degrees C (DeltaH( )(#) = 59 +/- 6 kJ.mol(-)(1), DeltaS(#) = 15 +/- 22 J. mol(-)(1).K(-)(1)) for protonated ferrylmyoglobin (pK(a) = 4.95) and with 216 +/- 50 M(-)(1).s(-)(1) (DeltaH( )(#) = 73 +/- 8 kJ. mol(-)(1), DeltaS( )(#) = 41 +/- 30 J.mol(-)(1).K(-)(1)) for nonprotonated ferrylmyoglobin in parallel with reduction of a chlorogenate/ferrylmyoglobin complex by a second chlorogenate molecule with (8.6 +/- 1.1) x 10(2) M(-)(1).s(-)(1) (DeltaH( )(#) = 74 +/- 8 kJ.mol(-)(1), DeltaS( )(#) = 59 +/- 28 J.mol(-)(1).K(-)(1)) for protonated ferrylmyoglobin and with 61 +/- 9 M(-)(1).s(-)(1) (DeltaH( )(#) = 82 +/- 12 kJ.mol(-)(1), DeltaS( )(#) = 63 +/- 41 J. mol(-)(1).K(-)(1)) for nonprotonated ferrylmyoglobin. Previously published data on ascorbate reduction of ferrylmyoglobin are reevaluated according to a similar mechanism. For both protonated and nonprotonated ferrylmyoglobin the binding constant of chlorogenate is approximately 300 M(-)(1), and the modulation of ferrylmyoglobin as an oxidant by chlorogenate (or ascorbate) leads to a novel antioxidant interaction for reduction of ferrylmyoglobin by ascorbate in mixtures with chlorogenate. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Evaluating thyroid gland function in patients with protein anomalies].
The euthyroid hyperthyroxinemia (EHT) is characterized on the one hand by a normal basal THS or TRH-TSH response but also by high plasma values of total thyroxine (TT4) on the other. However if only TT4 is assessed, "hyperthyroidism" may be diagnosed erroneously. EHT may be caused by an increase of specific thyroxine binding proteins which may be hereditary (permanent) or acquired (transient). The most frequent disturbance is due to an estrogen induced increase of thyroxine binding globulin (TBG) in the course of pregnancy, anticonceptive drugs or estrogen treatment. The albumin associated HT (FDH syndrome), first reported in 1979, has autosomal dominant traits. 144 patients with FDH syndrome were observed during the period between 1984 and 1990, i.e. 7% (1986) of all hyperthyroid patients explored. Family screening is required to prevent unjustified treatment. Additionally existing disturbances of thyroid function as well as other protein binding anomalies may both cause problems in differential diagnosis. Prealbumin associated hyperthyroxinemia (PAAH), first published in 1982, may be due to an inherited increase in affinity, but may also be the consequence of a true elevation of prealbumin plasma concentration in the course of an islet cell cancer; both conditions are extremely rare. Nearly as rare are patients with plasma autoantibodies directed against T4 and/or T3 (5 cases); yet, a reverse T3 autoantibody could be observed in merely 1 case. By means of our modified radio-thyroxine-agarosegel-iceelectrophoresis all such protein anomalies may be diagnosed and differentiated in 1 procedure. Moreover, all other types of EHT must be taken into consideration by differential diagnosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Key Aspects of Myo-Inositol Hexaphosphate (Phytate) and Pathological Calcifications.
Phytate (myo-inositol hexaphosphate, InsP6) is an important component of seeds, legumes, nuts, and whole cereals. Although this molecule was discovered in 1855, its biological effects as an antinutrient was first described in 1940. The antinutrient effect of phytate results because it can decrease the bioavailability of important minerals under certain circumstances. However, during the past 30 years, researchers have identified many important health benefits of phytate. Thus, 150 years have elapsed since the discovery of phytate to the first descriptions of its beneficial effects. This long delay may be due to the difficulty in determining phytate in biological media, and because phytate dephosphorylation generates many derivatives (InsPs) that also have important biological functions. This paper describes the role of InsP6 in blocking the development of pathological calcifications. Thus, in vitro studies have shown that InsP6 and its hydrolysates (InsPs), as well as pyrophosphate, bisphosphonates, and other polyphosphates, have high capacity to inhibit calcium salt crystallization. Oral or topical administration of phytate in vivo significantly decreases the development of pathological calcifications, although the details of the underlying mechanism are uncertain. Moreover, oral or topical administration of InsP6 also leads to increased urinary excretion of mixtures of different InsPs; in the absence of InsP6 administration, only InsP2 occurs at detectable levels in urine. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transamination of L-cystathionine and related compounds by a bovine liver enzyme. Possible identification with glutamine transaminase.
A transaminase which catalyses the monodeamination of L-cystathionine was purified 1100-fold with a yield of 15% from bovine liver. The monoketoderivative of cystathionine spontaneously produces the cyclic ketimine. Other sulfur-containing amino acids related to cystathionine such as cystine, lanthionine and aminoethylcysteine were also substrates for the enzyme. The relative molecular mass of the enzyme was determined to be 94 000 with a probable dimeric structure formed of identical subunits. The isoelectric point of the enzyme was at pH 5.0 and the maximal enzymatic activity was found at pH 9.0--9.2. Kinetic parameters for cystathionine and for the other sulfur amino acids as well as for some alpha-keto acids were also determined. Among the natural amino acids tested, glutamine, methionine and histidine were the best amino donors. The enzyme exhibited maximal activity toward phenylpyruvate and alpha-keto-gamma-methiolbutyrate as amino acceptors. The broad specificity of the enzyme leads us to infer that the cystathionine transaminase is very similar or identical to glutamine transaminase. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Asymmetric arrangement of two alpha subunits within Escherichia coli RNA polymerase. Involvement of one alpha subunit in contact with cAMP receptor protein.
Class I transcription factors of Escherichia coli have been proposed to make contact with contact site I on the alpha subunit, C-terminal region of RNA polymerase with the subunit composition of alpha 2 beta beta ' sigma. Both a reconstituted mutant holoenzyme containing two C-terminally truncated alpha-235 subunits and a hybrid enzyme containing one wild-type alpha (alpha-329) and one C-terminal truncated alpha (alpha-235) subunit were found to be as active in transcription from factor-independent simple promoters as the wild-type holoenzyme. The mutant enzyme was, however, inactive in cAMP receptor protein (CRP)-dependent transcription from lacP1 promoter, but the hybrid enzyme was about 50% as active in lacP1 transcription as the wild-type enzyme. The results indicate that only one specific alpha subunit makes contact with CRP. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Infectious agents in ocular adnexal tumours].
In recent years, infectious agents have been increasingly recognised as an important pathogenetic factor for various malignant tumours of the ocular adnexa. Many of these viruses and bacteria affect the cell cycle and physiological apoptosis. Ocular adnexal lymphoma (OAL), especially extranodal marginal cell lymphoma, is associated with Chlamydophila psittaci and Helicobacter pylori in certain geographic regions. Epstein-Barr virus seems to play a role in the natural killer/T-cell lymphoma subtype of the orbit, as has long been described for Burkitt lymphoma. Bacteria seem to induce reactive lymphoid proliferation, while viruses directly infect the lymphoid cells, affecting the cell cycle and suppressing apoptosis, with subsequent malignant transformation. In general, proteins leading to cell cycle progression, like retinoblastoma protein, are elevated, and proteins inhibiting cell cycle progression, like p16 and p21, are absent or unable to function normally. Inactivation of p53 by mutation of its DNA, which leads to elevation of defective p53 protein and inhibition of apoptosis, allows oncogenic by-chance mutations to become effective. Conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is less strongly associated with HPV infection than is cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Based on the localisation of CIN, ultraviolet B radiation seems to play a primary role, leading to p53 inactivation and subsequent inhibition of apoptosis. HIV positivity also seems to aid the development of CIN and conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma, with an increasing number of cases during recent years. Kaposi sarcoma rarely occurs at the ocular adnexa in HIV-positive individuals and seems to be associated with Kaposi sarcoma-associated Herpes virus (KSHV) or HHV8. The KSHV-encoded latency associated nuclear antigen (LANA) protein binds to the negative regulator glycogen-synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3), causing a cell cycle-dependent nuclear accumulation of GSK-3, which stabilises beta-catenin and increases its levels. The findings regarding these various infectious agents and cell cycle alterations might aid the development of new therapeutic strategies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Postpartum thyroiditis: current views on unappreciated disease].
Postpartum thyroiditis is a form of autoimmune thyroiditis developing during the first 12 months postpartum as a consequence of the immunologic flare following the immune suppression of pregnancy. This disease, found in 5-10% of women in a general population and even more frequently in patients suffering from other autoimmune disorders, may re-occur in about 70% of women after a subsequent pregnancy. Postpartum thyroiditis is strongly associated with antithyroid peroxidase antibodies. Patients may present with symptoms of either thyrotoxicosis or hypothyroidism which may be transient or, in some (20-30%) cases of hypothyroidism, permanent in nature. A thyrotoxic phase of postpartum thyroiditis is usually brief and often unnoticed before a more long-lasting hypothyroid phase occurs. The diagnosis of postpartum thyroiditis is based on the observation of abnormal thyroid function tests in a postpartum antithyroid peroxidase- positive woman. In this paper, we discuss the etiopathogenesis, clinical picture, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of postpartum thyroiditis and provide the reader with some practical guidance concerning dealing with a patient suffering from this disorder. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The spread and antibiotic resistance of Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium DT104 in Hungary.
Comparison of phage types (PTs) determined by Felix and Callow's and Anderson's methods was performed testing 99 human strains of S. enterica serotype Typhimurium (S. typhimurium) isolated in Hungary. PT2 and PT2c--according to Felix-Callow--corresponded with Anderson's DT104 in case of 39 strains out of 40. Among 59 isolates belonging to other Felix-Callow's PTs only one strain was found which was DT 104. Similar unambiguous equalities could not be established between any other PTs comparing the two methods. The PTs of 17,877 human strains isolated between 1988 and 1999 were determined using Felix-Callow's method. On the basis of the above equality the emergence of DT104 could be followed retrospectively by means of the rate of PT2 and PT2c. The increase of DT104 began already in 1989, emerging first PT2c then PT2. It predominated since 1991 and it reached its maximum (78.3%) in 1999. The incidence of multiresistance among one of the groups of DT104 strains (Felix-Callow's PT2) was significantly higher in 1998 than the average of non-DT104 strains. The predominant R-type was ACST. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intrastriatal administration of human immunodeficiency virus-1 glycoprotein 120 reduces glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor levels and causes apoptosis in the substantia nigra.
Uninfected neurons of the substantia nigra (SN) degenerate in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients through an unknown etiology. The HIV envelope glycoprotein 120 (gp120) causes apoptotic neuronal cell death in the rodent striatum, but its primary neurotoxic mechanism is still under investigation. Previous studies have shown that gp120 causes neurotoxicity in the rat striatum by reducing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Because glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and BDNF are neurotrophic factors crucial for the survival of dopaminergic neurons of the SN, we investigated whether gp120 reduces GDNF and BDNF levels concomitantly to induce apoptosis. Rats received a microinjection of gp120 or vehicle into the striatum and were sacrificed at various time intervals. GDNF but not BDNF immunoreactivity was decreased in the SN by 4 days in gp120-treated rats. In these animals, a significant increase in the number of caspase-3- positive neurons, both tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive and -negative, was observed. Analysis of TH immunoreactivity revealed fewer TH-positive neurons and fibers in a medial and lateral portion of cell group A9 of the SN, an area that projects to the striatum, suggesting that gp120 induces retrograde degeneration of nigrostriatal neurons. We propose that dysfunction of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system associated with HIV may be caused by a reduction of neurotrophic factor expression by gp120. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Contributions of saturable active secretion, passive transcellular, and paracellular diffusion to the overall transport of furosemide across adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells.
Furosemide permeation across Caco-2 cells was investigated to determine if previously reported directional differences in transport rates are due to a saturable, energy dependent process. In addition, studies were carried out to determine the route of permeation for this drug. By comparing apical (A) to basolateral (B) and B to A directional transport across Caco-2 cells, a saturable, nonlinear component to furosemide transport was observed. Transport in the secretory direction was fit to yield the following apparent parameters K(m) = 63 +/- 28 microM, V(max) = 436 +/- 137 pmol/cm(2)h, and P(app) = 3.7 +/- 0.9 x 10(-7) cm/s. Evidence of energy dependence was demonstrated using both metabolic inhibition, and transport against a diffusion gradient methods. Disruption of tight junctions by use of the calcium chelator, EGTA, caused a significant increase in furosemide transport (twofold and 12-fold increases in B to A and A to B, respectively) indicating the importance of the paracellular route. We conclude that furosemide secretion from Caco-2 cells is the result of saturable active transport and passive diffusion that has a significant paracellular component. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A boundary method for attenuation correction in positron computed tomography.
A new method for attenuation correction in positron computed tomography (PCT) has been developed, and it can improve the quality of PCT images. The method requires a short transmission scan by the PCT system. Then boundaries between tissues with significantly different attenuation coefficients are determined from the transmission image by edge-finding techniques. Attenuation correction factors(ACF) are then calculated using these boundaries and the average attenuation coefficients within the enclosed regions. The method has been tested on computer-simulated data, on scans of phantoms, and on patient studies, and has been found effective in reducing the random noise in transmission measurements and in providing more accurate ACFs than the method using geometric attenuation correction. As a result, transmission scan times can be shortened, inconvenience to patients is reduced, and PCT images are improved. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Sequential phases in the development of Aire-expressing medullary thymic epithelial cells involve distinct cellular input.
Intrathymic deletion of immature thymocytes that express self-reactive TCR specificities is essential in the generation of self tolerance. Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC) expressing the transcriptional regulator Aire play a key role in this process by regulating expression of tissue-restricted antigens to ensure tolerance to peripheral tissues. Here, we have analysed the cellular and molecular requirements for the initial appearance of Aire+ mTEC in the embryonic thymus, in addition to their persistence in the adult thymus. Analysis of thymic ontogeny shows that the emergence of embryonic Aire+ mTEC occurs prior to the appearance of mature thymocytes, and depends upon lymphoid tissue inducer cells expressing retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma. In the adult thymus, we show that Aire+ mTEC develop in the absence of thymocyte positive and negative selection and CD40 signalling, but are present at reduced frequency. Collectively these data support a model where the initial differentiation of Aire+ mTEC involves receptor activator of NF-kappaB (RANK)-RANKL interactions with lymphoid tissue inducer cells, with subsequent mTEC turnover and/or survival involving CD40-mediated signalling following interactions with mature CD4+ thymocytes that express CD40L. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Targeted activation of beta-catenin signaling in basal mammary epithelial cells affects mammary development and leads to hyperplasia.
Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway is involved in the maintenance of the progenitor cell population in the skin, intestine and other tissues, and its aberrant activation caused by stabilization of beta-catenin contributes to tumorigenesis. In the mammary gland, constitutive activation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in luminal secretory cells results in precocious lobuloalveolar differentiation and induces adenocarcinomas, whereas the impact of this signaling pathway on the function of the second major mammary epithelial cell lineage, the basal myoepithelial cells, has not been analyzed. We have used the keratin (K) 5 promoter to target the expression of stabilized N-terminally truncated beta-catenin to the basal cell layer of mouse mammary epithelium. The transgenic mice presented an abnormal mammary phenotype: precocious lateral bud formation, increased proliferation and premature differentiation of luminal epithelium in pregnancy, persistent proliferation in lactation and accelerated involution. Precocious development in pregnancy was accompanied by increased Myc and cyclin D1 transcript levels, and a shift in p63 variant expression towards the DeltaNp63 form. The expression of ECM-degrading proteinases and their inhibitors was altered in pregnancy and involution. Nulliparous transgenic females developed mammary hyperplasia that comprised undifferentiated basal (K5/14-positive, K8- and alpha-smooth muscle-actin-negative) cells. Multiparous mice, in addition, developed invasive basal-type carcinomas. Thus, activation of beta-catenin signaling in basal mammary epithelial cells affects the entire process of mammary gland development and induces amplification of basal-type cells that lack lineage markers, presumably, a subpopulation of mammary progenitors able to give rise to tumors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Kinesin's walk: springy or gated head coordination?
Conventional kinesin (kinesin-1) is a motor protein that performs a vital function in the eukaryotic cell: it actively transports cargo to required destinations. Kinesin pulls cargo along microtubule tracks using twin linked motor domains (heads) that bind the microtubule, hydrolyse ATP, and alternately step forward. The detail of the kinesin walk has yet to be discovered but a prominent theory is that the mechanism is rectified Brownian motion (RBM) biased by linker zippering. There is evidence that an ATP binding gate coordinates the heads. The hypothesis proposed here is that the gate is unnecessary, that entropic linker strain is sufficient to enable procession. An agent-based computer simulation has been devised to explore head coordination in the RBM model. Walking was found to emerge in silico without a gate to synchronise the heads. Further investigation of the model by applying a range of hindering loads resulted in backstepping or detachment with similar characteristics to behaviour observed in vitro. It is unclear whether kinesin waits at an obstacle but adding an ATP hydrolysis gate to the model in order to force waiting resulted in the model behaving less realistically under load. It is argued here that an RBM model free of gating is a good candidate for explaining kinesin procession. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Pharmacokinetic, bacteriological and clinical studies on aztreonam in neonates].
Pharmacokinetic, bacteriological and clinical studies on aztreonam (AZT) were performed in neonates. The results obtained are summarized as follows. 1. Plasma levels and urinary excretion of AZT were determined in 18 neonates with ages between 1 and 30 days (gestation periods were 36 to 40 weeks and birth weights were 1,890 to 4,300 g) and in 2 infants with 54 and 60 days of age (gestation periods were 36 and 40 weeks, and birth weights were 2,300 and 3,300 g, respectively) upon one-shot intravenous injection of AZT 10 mg/kg (7 cases) or 20 mg/kg (11 cases) to the 18 neonates and 20 mg/kg to the 2 infants. Ampicillin (ABPC) 25 mg/kg was simultaneously injected to 5 cases of the neonates given AZT 20 mg/kg by one-shot intravenous injection and plasma concentrations of ABPC in these 5 cases were also studied. Plasma concentrations in neonates at 0.5 hour after intravenous injection of AZT 10 mg/kg were 11.5 to 27.6 micrograms/ml (average 20.3 +/- 5.5 micrograms/ml) and decreased with half-lives of 2.72 to 5.70 hours (average 3.81 +/- 1.28 hours), and the plasma levels at 8 hours after administration were 3.3 to 8.7 micrograms/ml (average 5.8 +/- 2.5 micrograms/ml). In the cases given AZT at 20 mg/kg, plasma levels at 0.5 hour were 12.4 to 48.8 micrograms/ml (average 35.9 +/- 11.6 micrograms/ml) and decreased with half-lives of 1.69 to 4.14 hours (average 2.94 +/- 0.76 hours) and AZT levels at 8 hours were 1.1 to 10.6 micrograms/ml (average 5.6 +/- 3.6 micrograms/ml). Urinary recovery rates in the first 8 hours after intravenous injection of the 10 mg/kg group were 15.5 to 61.9% (average 37.8 +/- 21.8%) and 16.3 to 62.2% (average 43.5 +/- 16.2%) for the 20 mg/kg group. Plasma concentrations in infants after administration of AZT 20 mg/kg were 33.0 to 35.6 micrograms/ml (average 34.3 +/- 1.8 micrograms/ml) at 0.5 hour and decreased with half-lives of 1.76 to 3.77 hours (average 2.77 +/- 1.42 hours) and AZT plasma levels at 8 hours were 1.4 to 5.8 micrograms/ml (average 3.6 +/- 3.1 micrograms/ml). Urinary recovery rates were 35.4 to 64.8% (average 50.1 +/- 20.8%). These results suggested that AZT shows a dose-dependent, high plasma concentration even in the neonatal period, as well as good urinary excretion from an early stage of the administration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Parameters of the distribution of blood cell volumes in chronic renal failure].
Factor analysis was used to study the relationships of the count of red blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and platelets in health and chronic renal failure (CHF). The concentrations of cells, their average volume, and the indices of its distribution volume parameters (standard deviation, asymmetry coefficient, and excess gradient) were determined. It has been shown that the values of these characteristics are closely coordinated and the factor structure of fixed correlations depends on the state of an organism, has gender specific features, and produces a clear morphofunctional portrait of each of the stages of the course of CHF. It is concluded that the data on the volume of blood cells may be used as auxiliary information in the differential diagnosis of CHF. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of long-term survival between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
We have reviewed the literature and our own center's results for patients on long-term continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in comparison to results for patients on hemodialysis (HD). Contrary to recent American data showing one-year survivals to be worse on CAPD, the Canadian Registry and other studies show no significant difference in survivals on the two methods. Results are also conflicting for diabetics. Insufficient adjustments for age and case-mix variations are probably the most important causes for differences. For the general population, personal Cox-adjusted data show no difference between CAPD and HD up to ten-year follow-up, with very close curves for the adults and non-significant differences for the elderly. Old elderly (> 75 years) have better survival on CAPD in the first years of treatment. Dropout, which is higher on CAPD, decreases with age, and the patient retention on CAPD is worse than on HD for all patients, except the old elderly, for whom it is similar. These data were obtained in patients receiving a standard treatment, modified in order to give a more adequate dialysis dose only in recent years. The results of a prospective three-year study on the effect of nutritional [serum albumin and transferrin, normalized protein catabolic rate (PCRN), and subjective global assessment of malnutrition] and adequacy indices [Kt/V, creatinine clearance (Ccr), residual renal function] on patient survival on CAPD and HD are reported. Survival was not different for the two methods. Using the Cox analysis, nutritional indices did not affect survival whereas adequacy indices did. The effect of low serum albumin on survival was referable to the predialysis nutritional state. The similar survivals obtained on CAPD and HD, with Kt/V more or less than 1.0/treatment for HD and 1.7/week for CAPD, support the "peak concentration hypothesis" of Keshaviah et al. Survival in different groups of patients with different Kt/V and Ccr shows that the adequate dose on CAPD is Kt/V between 1.96 and 2.03 and Ccr > or = 70 L/week. A group of 26 patients who remained on CAPD treatment for more than eight years was also studied. Patient age and predialysis comorbidity were the most important factors affecting survival. Patients surviving longest had > 3 g/dL of serum albumin, > 0.8 g/kg/day of PCRN, a Kt/V > 1.6, and a weekly Ccr > 54L/week. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Updating irradiated graphite disposal: Project 'GRAPA' and the international decommissioning network.
Demonstrating competence in planning and executing the disposal of radioactive wastes is a key factor in the public perception of the nuclear power industry and must be demonstrated when making the case for new nuclear build. This work addresses the particular waste stream of irradiated graphite, mostly derived from reactor moderators and amounting to more than 250,000 tonnes world-wide. Use may be made of its unique chemical and physical properties to consider possible processing and disposal options outside the normal simple classifications and repository options for mixed low or intermediate-level wastes. The IAEA has an obvious involvement in radioactive waste disposal and has established a new project 'GRAPA' - Irradiated Graphite Processing Approaches - to encourage an international debate and collaborative work aimed at optimising and facilitating the treatment of irradiated graphite. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Children begin with the same start-up software, but their software updates are cultural.
We propose that early in ontogeny, children's core cognitive abilities are shaped by culturally dependent "software updates." The role of sociocultural inputs in the development of children's learning is largely missing from Lake et al.'s discussion of the development of human-like artificial intelligence, but its inclusion would help move research even closer to machines that can learn and think like humans. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Orally active and brain permeable proline amides as highly selective 5HT2c agonists for the treatment of obesity.
Brain-penetrable proline amides were developed as 5HT2c agonists with more than 1000-fold binding selectivity against 5HT2b receptor. After medicinal chemistry optimization and SAR studies, orally active proline amides with robust efficacy in a rodent food intake inhibition model were uncovered. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dehydration Study of Piracetam Co-Crystal Hydrates.
A hydrate of co-crystal of piracetam and 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid was obtained via crystallization from water. Single-crystal X-ray data show that piracetam/3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid tetrahydrate (P35TH) crystallizes in the triclinic system with a P1 space group. The physicochemical properties of co-crystal hydrate were characterized using powder X-ray diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), and FTIR spectroscopy. The dehydration kinetics of P35TH was monitored at various temperatures and heating rates by DSC and TGA. Activation energy of P35TH dehydration was obtained using temperature ramp DSC, isothermal and nonisothermal TGA methods. Kinetic analysis of isothermal TGA data was fitted to various solid-state reaction models. Mechanistic models derived from isothermal dehydration kinetic data are best described as a 2-dimensional diffusion mechanism. A correlation was noted between the dehydration behavior and the bonding environment of the water molecules in the crystal structure. This study is a good demonstration of complexity of co-crystal hydrate and their dehydration behavior. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Single electrode and multiple electrode guided electrical stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus in advanced Parkinson's disease.
It is still debated to what extent intraoperative electrophysiological techniques contribute to the outcome of subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS). Intraoperative electrophysiological recordings for identification of the STN can be made with one electrode or with multiple, simultaneously implanted electrodes. The latter provide more detailed information about the electrophysiological boundaries of the STN; however, implantation of several electrodes at one time might increase the risk of bleeding. Here we report the results of a study of patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, in which one group of patients underwent bilateral STN DBS with electrophysiological recordings from a single electrode, and the other group received STN DBS with multiple (five or fewer) simultaneously implanted electrodes. Fifty-five patients suffering from advanced Parkinson's disease who underwent bilateral STN stimulation were included in this study. Thirty-two patients underwent STN DBS guided by a single semi-microelectrode, and 23 patients underwent STN DBS guided with simultaneously implanted multiple microelectrodes. All patients were examined preoperatively and 3 and 12 months postoperatively with regard to activities of daily living, motor functions, and neuropsychological functions. We found that the simultaneous implantation of multiple electrodes does not increase the risk of bleeding or any other major intracranial complication. The use of multiple electrodes resulted in better motor results when compared with patients who underwent STN DBS guided with a single recording electrode. There were significantly more improvements in patients' tremor and rigidity, and as a consequence, a better total Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale, Part III score was identified during the medication-off phase. Despite better motor effects, patients treated with multiple electrodes showed subtle deterioration in neuropsychological functions, particularly in memory function. STN DBS performed with multiple electrophysiological recording electrodes resulted in better motor outcome but induced specific mild declines in neuropsychological functions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Effect of combined use of radiation and twice intratumor administration of OK-432 at one week intervals against a murine fibrosarcoma (NFSA)].
Effect of combination use of radiation and multiple administration of OK-432 was studied using a radio-resistant and weakly immunogenic murine fibrosarcoma (NFSa) originated spontaneously in a C3H female mouse. Mice implanted the tumor in the leg were locally irradiated with 40 Gy of gamma rays and locally administered total 8 KE of OK-432. The first group was given 1 KE daily for 8 days, 2 KE every other day in the 2nd group, 4 KE at 1 week interval in the 3rd group and 8 KE immediately after irradiation in the 4th group. The tumor volume at day 19 after irradiation was compared. The tumor growth inhibitory effect was observed in the 3rd group (p less than 0.01) and 4th group (p less than 0.05) compared to the group given radiation alone. This effect was seen at even more smaller dose of OK-432 as 0.5 KE by 2 times administration at 1 week interval. The effect of route of OK-432 administration was studied comparing the tumor volume at day 22. OK-432 was given 2 times at 1 week interval. A significant difference was seen in the group given OK-432 locally compared to the control group given radiation alone (p less than 0.001). There were no significant differences between the groups given OK-432 by the routes of i.p., s.c. i.v. and the control group. TCD50 value was examined giving OK-432 4 KE on the day and 2 KE on day 7 after irradiation. TCD50 value in the group treated with irradiation alone was 83.5 (79.6-87.4) Gy and the group given combination therapy with OK-432 was 60.7 (55.9-65.4) Gy. Two times OK-432 administration at 1 week interval appears to potentiate the radiation response by about 23 Gy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Short term effects by acupuncture to SP3 on the autonomic blood flow control.
In this study, we investigated the short term effects of acupuncture on autonomic control of blood flow in healthy subjects. We also studied whether deqi (obtaining qi) sensations are correlated with these autonomic hemodynamic changes. The experiment had a randomized, crossover design. Five healthy volunteers (age: 18-26 years) participated in this study. Acupuncture (2 Hz rotations for 10 seconds to 20 mm deep) was applied either to the acupuncture point SP3 or KI2 for 5 minutes. Non-invasively obtained continuous hemodynamic measurements of ultrasound Dopplerography were recorded at the radial artery before, during and after acupuncture stimulation. Cardiovascular autonomic tone was also recorded using power spectral analysis of heart rate variability. After acupuncture stimulation, the participants completed the acupuncture perception scales to measure the degree of deqi or pain they had experienced. Acupuncture stimulation to the acupuncture point SP3, when compared to the acupuncture point KI2, decreased the maximum systolic velocity. It also decreased low frequency component and increased high frequency component of heart rate variability, indicating that the decrease in systolic blood flow velocity was due to the increased parasympathetic response. Interestingly, warm, radiating and energetic feeling, which are related to deqi, had close correlations with the decrease in blood flow velocity. Acupuncture stimulation to the acupuncture point SP3 modulates the autonomic cardiovascular responses by enhancing parasympathetic function, and this may help to understand the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Scalar fluctuations from a point source in a turbulent boundary layer.
The downstream development of the concentration probability distribution along the mean-plume centerline of a dispersing plume in the wake of a ground-level continuous point source in a neutrally stratified wall-shear layer is studied. It is shown that the concentration distribution is well described by a family of one-parameter gamma distributions, as first suggested by Villermaux and Duplat [Phys. Rev. Lett. 91, 184501 (2003)] in the context of confined mixing. A prediction of the downstream evolution of the parameter k (which specifies the gamma distribution) is obtained. This prediction includes explicitly the effects of mean shear on the mean-square concentration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Pain school. Therapeutic offers to patients with fibromyalgia and other non-malignant pain problems].
A prospective study of 71 patients with fibromyalgia (Yunus 1981 criteria) experience improved quality of life and management of pain after treatment at a pain school for one year. There was no significant improvement in total pain score (VAS) and sickness impact profile (SIP) for these patients compared with 71 paired controls with fibromyalgia matched by age and sex. The need for health care services was reduced and more patients from the pain school group returned to work. The main programme in the pain school classes consisted of information on chronic, non-malignant pain, psychomotoric physiotherapy and group therapy. The pupils evaluated all three items as important, with group dynamics as most beneficial. Good results have also been achieved in other chronic, non-malignant patients. Organized and structural pain management programmes in pain school classes have a favourable cost benefit profile and we recommend more use of such classes in the Norwegian health care system. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Clinical implication of selective renal tumor biopsy].
Since 1982, we have performed selective needle core biopsy under ultrasonic real time guidance for the specially indicated cases with a suspected renal tumor. Between June 1982 and April 1994, 100 renal tumor cases were examined by biopsy with a success rate of 97%. We evaluated 63 cases of renal cell carcinoma, 7 cases of transitional cell carcinoma, 2 cases of metastatic carcinoma, and 25 cases of benign lesions such as angiomyolipoma and hemorrhagic cyst. In 3 cases no tissue was obtained. No complications occurred except for dissemination in only one case of angiomyoliposarcoma. Recently incidental renal tumors tend to increase more and more, and small incidental renal tumors may have a high possibility of benign tumor compared with symptomatic renal tumor. Selective renal tumor biopsy may be valuable in the diagnosis of an incidental renal tumor which is difficult to differentiate between malignant tumor and benign tumor by several imaging methods. From our experiments and other reports, the clinical implication of renal tumor biopsy is discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A prodrug approach toward cancer-related carbonic anhydrase inhibition.
The selective inhibition of cancer-associated human carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzymes, specifically CA IX and XII, has been validated as a mechanistically novel approach toward personalized cancer management. Herein we report the design and synthesis of a panel of 24 novel glycoconjugate primary sulfonamides that bind to the extracellular catalytic domain of CA IX and XII. These compounds were synthesized from variably acylated glycopyranosyl azides and either 3- or 4-ethynyl benzene sulfonamide using Cu(I)-catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). The CA enzyme inhibition profile for all compounds was determined, while in vitro metabolic stability, plasma stability, and plasma protein binding for a representative set of compounds was measured. Our findings demonstrate the influence of the differing acyl groups on these key biopharmaceutical properties, confirming that acyl group protected carbohydrate-based sulfonamides have potential as prodrugs for selectively targeting the extracellular cancer-associated CA enzymes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Expression of cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A in tissue microarray of colorectal cancer and its clinical significance].
To investigate the expression of cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase 2A(CIP2A) in human colorectal cancer, and to examine the association of CIP2A expression with clinicopathology and prognosis. CIP2A expression in colorectal cancer tissue microarray of 92 cases was detected by immunohistochemistry method. Up-regulated CIP2A expression was closely related with TNM staging, histological type, peritoneal seeding and liver metastasis (all P<0.05), but not related with gender, age, tumor location, CEA, family history and grade of differentiation. Overall survival rates of 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year in high CIP2A expression group were 97.1%, 71.4%, 59.2%, and 44.4% respectively, significantly lower than 98.2%, 85.7%, 80.3%, and 74.9% in low CIP2A expression group(P=0.021). Multivariate analysis showed that CIP2A was not an independent factor associated with prognosis(P=0.099, HR=1.982, 95%CI:0.879 to 4.469). Up-regulated CIP2A expression is closely related to clinicopathology of colorectal cancer. CIP2A may be used as a potential predictive marker of metastasis, prognosis and therapeutic target in colorectal cancer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Inhomogeneous dynamical mean-field theory of the small polaron problem.
We present an inhomogeneous dynamical mean field theory (I-DMFT) that is suitable to investigate electron-lattice interactions in non-translationally invariant and/or inhomogeneous systems. The presented approach, whose only assumption is that of a local, site-dependent self-energy, recovers both the exact solution of an electron for a generic random tight-binding Hamiltonian in the non-interacting limit and the DMFT solution for the small polaron problem in translationally invariant systems. To illustrate its full capabilities, we use I-DMFT to study the effects of defects embedded on a two-dimensional surface. The computed maps of the local density of states reveal Friedel oscillations, whose periodicity is determined by the polaron mass. This can be of direct relevance for the interpretation of scanning-tunneling microscopy experiments on systems with sizable electron-lattice interactions. Overall, the easy numerical implementation of the method, yet full self-consistency, allows one to study problems in real-space that were previously difficult to access. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Improved skin lesion edge detection method using Ant Colony Optimization.
Skin lesion edge detection is a significant step in developing an automatized diagnostic system. The efficient diagnostic system leads to correct identification and detection of skin lesion diseases. In this paper, ant colony optimization (ACO) technique is used to improve the edge contour of skin lesion images. Firstly, a three-stage preprocessing methodology involving color space conversion, contrast enhancement, and filtering is applied to improve the skin lesion image quality. The edge map is obtained by applying three types of conventional edge detection methods namely Canny, Sobel, and Prewitt. Thereafter, ACO is applied on these images to produce an improved edge contour. The improvement of the proposed methodology is quantitatively verified by analysis of the entropy of the final image obtained by conventional and proposed techniques. From the result analysis, we can conclude that introduction of ACO has increased the efficiency of the conventional edge detection method in skin lesion images. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The prognostic and therapeutic value of frozen section determinations in the surgical treatment of squamous carcinoma of the head and neck.
The records of 216 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, and hypopharynx treated by surgery alone were reviewed. Frozen section control at the time of the surgical procedure was used to evaluate the margins of the excision. Findings at frozen section were correlated with local control and survival. The inability of the surgeon to obtain clear margins by frozen section for whatever reason resulted in a very high incidence of local recurrence and death. The fact that the patient's tumor could be removed with free margins at the time of surgery did not guarantee long-term success, although the frozen section technic did prove to be reliable and an effective tool for evaluating the patient's prognosis and the efficacy of the surgical procedure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ethnicity, Household Food Security, and Nutrition and Activity Patterns in Families With Preschool Children.
This study evaluated the relationship between food security and child nutritional intake, sedentary behavior, and body mass index (BMI) and potential moderation by ethnic subgroup membership. Cross-sectional data analysis from baseline data of a preschool intervention trial. Twenty-eight subsidized child care centers in Miami-Dade County, FL. Children ages 2 to 5 (n = 1,211) and their caregivers. The BMI percentile and the following 4 factors (via confirmatory factor analysis): food security, consumption of fruits/vegetables, consumption of unhealthy foods, and sedentary behaviors. Separate linear mixed models tested relationships between food security and main outcome measures with an interaction term to test for possible moderation by ethnicity. Results indicated a significant relationship (P < .05) between food security and child consumption of fruit/vegetables, consumption of unhealthy foods, and sedentary behavior, but not with BMI percentile. With greater food security, Haitians reported greater consumption of fruit/vegetables and sedentary behavior. With greater food security, Cubans and non-Hispanic whites reported less consumption of unhealthy foods, while Haitians reported greater consumption. Results showed higher food security was associated with higher consumption of fruit/vegetables, consumption of unhealthy foods, and sedentary behavior, but this was moderated by ethnicity. Implications for healthy weight interventions among low-income preschoolers should focus on the importance of food security and tailor intervention strategies for diverse ethnic groups accordingly. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Biodegradation of compostable and oxodegradable plastic films by backyard composting and bioaugmentation.
Plastics are widely used in the production of short-life products, which are discarded producing an accumulation of these materials and problems due to their persistence in the environment and waste management systems. Degradable plastics (compostable, oxodegradable) have been presented as an alternative to decrease the negative effect of plastic waste. In this research, the feasibility of degrading a commercially available compostable film and oxodegradable polyethylene, with and without previous abiotic oxidation, is assessed in a home composting system. Reactors (200 L) were used to degrade the plastic films along with a mixture of organic food waste (50 %), mulch (25 %), and dry leaves (25 %), amended with yeast and a solution of brown sugar to increase the speed of the process. The presence of the plastic film did not affect the composting process, which showed an initial increase in temperature and typical profiles for moisture content, pH, with a final C/N of 17.4. After 57 days, the compostable plastic has decreased its mechanical properties in more than 90 %, while the oxodegradable film did not show significant degradation if it was not previously degraded by UV radiation. The use of these plastics should be assessed against the prevailing waste management system in each city or country. In the case of Mexico, which lacks the infrastructure for industrial composting, home composting could be an option to degrade compostable plastics along organic waste. However, more testing is needed in order to set the optimal parameters of the process. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evolution of viviparity in warm-climate lizards: an experimental test of the maternal manipulation hypothesis.
The maternal manipulation hypothesis for the evolution of reptilian viviparity has been claimed to apply to any situation where gravid females are able to maintain body temperatures different from those available in external nests, but empirical data that support this hypothesis are very limited. Here, we tested this hypothesis using gravid females of a warm-climate lizard, Mabuya multifasciata, by subjecting them to five thermal regimes for the whole gestation period. We found gravid females selected lower body temperatures and thermoregulated more precisely than did nongravid females. Offspring produced in different treatments differed in head size, limb length and sprint speed, but not in overall body size or mass. Variation in morphological traits of offspring was induced primarily by extreme temperatures. Sprint speed of offspring was more likely affected by the mean but not by the variance of gestation temperatures. Gravid females maintained more stable body temperatures than did nongravid females not because these temperatures resulted in the optimization of offspring phenotypes but because the range of temperatures optimal for embryonic development was relatively narrow. Our data conform to the main predictions from the maternal manipulation hypothesis that females should adjust thermoregulation during pregnancy to provide optimal thermal conditions for developing embryos and that phenotypic traits forged by maternal thermoregulation should enhance offspring fitness. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Model system to study interaction of platelets with damaged arterial wall. II. Inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation by dipyridamole and AH-P719.
A new in vivo model for the initial events in atherogenesis was employed to investigate drugs which may inhibit intimal muscle cell proliferation following repeated limited endothelial cell injury. An artery forceps was placed over the central artery of the ear of an anesthetized rabbit for 30 min. The forceps were removed, blood flow resumed in the vessel, and platelets contacted the damaged vessel wall. When a vessel was injured two or more times the smooth muscle cells of the media migrated into the intima and proliferated there between 1 and 3 weeks after the last injury despite restoration of an apparently intact endothelium. The intima of control undamaged vessels sometimes contained a few individual smooth muscle cells while vessels injured two, four, or six times showed correspondingly increasing numbers of layers of intimal smooth muscle cells covering increasing amounts of the intima. Arteries from thrombocytopenic rabbits showed, at most, a single layer of smooth muscle cells covering a small area. In rabbits pretreated with dipyridamole (1.5 mg/kg) for 3 days before each injury, proliferation was also limited to a small area. Neither aspirin (8 mg/kg) nor ticlopidine (40 mg/kg, 5X over 3 days), which inhibit platelet aggregation ex vivo, nor the continuous presence of heparin (800 U/kg, bid), reported to inhibit smooth muscle cell growth in vitro and in vivo, prevented smooth muscle cell proliferation in response to two injuries. However, a potent inhibitor of platelet cyclic-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) phosphodiesterase, AH-P719 (1.5 or 2.1 mg/kg), was able to inhibit intimal smooth muscle cell proliferation in doses that inhibited platelet aggregation ex vivo. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hematocrit Levels, Blood Testing, and Blood Transfusion in Infants After Heart Surgery.
To determine whether judicious blood testing impacts timing or amount of packed RBC transfusions in infants after heart surgery. A retrospective study comparing before and after initiation of a quality improvement process. A university-affiliated cardiac ICU at a tertiary care children's hospital. Infants less than 1 year old with Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery category 4, 5, 6, or d-transposition of great arteries (Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery 3) consecutively treated during 2010 through 2013. A quality improvement process implemented in 2011 to decrease routine laboratory testing after surgery. Fifty-two infants preintervention and 214 postintervention had similar age, weight, proportion of cyanotic lesions, and surgical complexity. Infants with single versus biventricular physiology were compared separately. The number of laboratory tests per patient adjusted for cardiac ICU length of stay (laboratory tests/patient/day) was significantly lower in postintervention populations for single and biventricular groups (9 vs 15 and 10 vs 15, respectively; p < 0.001). The proportion of single ventricle patients transfused post- and preintervention was not statistically different (72% vs 90%; p = 0.130). Transfusion in the biventricular groups was the same over time (65% vs 65%). Time to first transfusion was significantly longer in the postintervention single ventricle group (4 vs 1 d; p < 0.001), and was not statistically different in the biventricular patients (4 vs 7 d; p = 0.058). The median hematocrit level at first transfusion was significantly lower (37% vs 40%; p = 0.004) postintervention in the cyanotic population, but did not differ in the biventricular group (31% vs 31%; p = 0.840). In infants after heart surgery, blood testing targeted to individual needs significantly decreased the number of blood tests, but did not significantly decrease postoperative blood transfusion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of prazosin on platelet aggregation and plasma beta-thromboglobulin in essential hypertension.
Platelet aggregation in response to adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) and plasma levels of beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) were followed in 10 subjects with essential hypertension without any manifest vascular complications and in 14 age-matched normotensive controls. The effects of prazosin on blood pressure and platelet function were also examined in the subjects with hypertension. Platelet aggregation in response to 5 microM ADP was significantly greater in the subjects with hypertension than in the controls. Plasma beta-TG levels were 30% higher in the subjects with hypertension than in the controls. The increased platelet aggregation and plasma levels of beta-TG in the subjects with hypertension returned to normal after the blood pressure had been controlled by prazosin therapy. Our data suggest that the aggregation and release reactions of platelets increase in uncomplicated essential hypertension, and that prazosin may have some beneficial effects on the prevention of vascular complications in hypertension by normalizing platelet function as well as by lowering blood pressure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Experimental study on intramaxillary injection of fosfomycin. Effects of fosfomycin on experimental acute sinusitis in rabbits].
We studied effects of intramaxillary injection of fosfomycin (FOM) on experimental sinusitis in rabbits. The experimental sinusitis was induced by intramaxillary injection of Staphylococcus aureus to rabbits for 3 successive days. 1. 0.5, 1, 3 or 5% FOM with saline as a control was instilled into the maxillary sinus and the maxillary sinus mucosa were examined macroscopically and light and electron microscopically. 3% and 5% FOM suppressed the damage of mucosa macroscopically and scanning electron microscopically. 2. After administration of 3% FOM and saline twice a week, the maxillary sinus mucosa was examined macroscopically and light and electron microscopically. The maxillary sinus injected with 3% FOM showed almost normal mucosa after 2 weeks while that injected with saline showed severe mucosal damage. S. aureus were decreased by 3% FOM injection and not found in the maxillary sinus in a week. The results indicate that intramaxillary injection of FOM is very effective in the treatment of sinusitis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A new method for preparing plan-view TEM specimen of multilayered films using focused ion beam.
A new method is proposed for preparing plan-view specimens of a CeO(2)/Gd(2)Zr(2)O(7) multilayer on a metal substrate using focused ion beam milling. In the plan-view specimen, a membrane from the surface region of the CeO(2) to the Gd(2)Zr(2)O(7) layer was thinned to electron transparence so that the entire span of the multilayer can be observed in a single sample. The in-plane alignments of the CeO(2) layer and the Gd(2)Zr(2)O(7) layer were analysed using selected-area diffraction patterns (SADPs). The boundaries between the CeO(2) grains were also examined using SADPs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Psychoactive substance use diagnoses among psychiatric in-patients.
To estimate the prevalence and possible under-diagnosing of substance use disorders and to consider factors that might influence diagnosing of substance use disorders. Data collected from case records and PSE interviews of psychiatric in-patients from 12 psychiatric departments in Denmark admitted during October 1996 were compared with data from the Danish Psychiatric Register. A substantially lower prevalence of substance use diagnoses were found in the register (26.1%) than in the research data (50.0%). A high prevalence of co-occurrence between substance use disorders and mental disorders other than substance use disorders was found (37.3%). In the majority of cases knowledge of the substance use disorders was present in the case records, although they had not resulted in a diagnosis. The under-diagnosis of substance use disorders is due not only to concealed diagnostic signs and symptoms but also to an under-diagnosis by the psychiatrists, in spite of the fact that information on the substance use was accessible. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A tanscriptomics study to elucidate the toxicological mechanism of methylmercury chloride in a human stem cell based in vitro test.
Traditional approaches in evaluating the hazard of drug candidates on the developing offspring are often time-consuming and cost-intensive. Moreover, variations in the toxicological response of different animal species to the tested substance cause severe problems when extrapolating safety dosages for humans. Therefore, more predictive and relevant toxicological systems based on human cell models are required. In the presented study the environmental toxicant methylmercury chloride (MeHgCl), known to cause structural developmental abnormalities in the brain, was used as reference compound to develop a concept contributing to a mechanistic understanding of the toxicity of an investigated substance. Despite the fact, that there are significant data available from animal studies and from poisonings in Japan and Iraq, uncertainties on the mechanism of MeHgCl during human development are still remaining and qualify the substance for further analysis. Transcriptomics analysis in combination with a human cell based in vitro model has been used in order to elucidate the toxicity of MeHgCl at molecular level. Differentiating neural precursor cells that have been exposed continuously to non- and low-cytotoxic concentrations of MeHgCl were investigated. Quantitative change in the mRNA expression profiles of selected genes demonstrated the sensitivity of the cell model and its qualification for a transcriptomics study screening changes in the expression profile of the complete human genome of MeHgCl-treated human neural cells. Potential biomarkers were identified and these candidate marker genes as well as their involvement in a possible toxic mechanism of MeHgCl during the human neurulation process are hereby introduced. The study confirmed the hypothesis that a cellular model based on a human stem cell line can be applied for elucidating unknown mode of actions of developmental toxicants. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cardiovascular mortality--the hidden peril of heat waves.
Define the mortality associated with extremely hot weather during the 04 July through 14 July, 1993 heat wave that struck the northeastern United States. DESIGN--A rapid field assessment was used to compare mortality occurring during the heat wave to mortality occurring during a period in which there was no heat wave using copies of death certificates. The findings of the rapid field assessment were validated, and it was determined whether increases in mortality occurred in other metropolitan east-coast counties also affected by the heat wave, by reviewing computerized mortality files. SETTING--Information was collected on all deaths occurring in Baltimore City, Maryland; Baltimore County, Maryland; Essex County, New Jersey; Newcastle County, Delaware; and Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania; during these specified study periods: 08-18 June (comparison period) and 06-16 July (heat wave study period), 1993. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Ratios for total mortality, cause-specific mortality, and variables such as age, sex, race, residence, and day and place of death, that were available from death certificates were calculated. From the rapid field assessment, the following were observed: a 26% increase in total mortality and a 98% increase in cardiovascular mortality associated with the heat wave in Philadelphia. Data from the computerized mortality files showed an increase in total mortality in four of five counties examined and an increase in cardiovascular mortality in all five counties. The risk for death for those dying from cardiovascular disease increased significantly for people older than 64 years, for both sexes, and all races. As initially indicated by the Philadelphia Medical Examiner, there was excess mortality associated with a heat wave in Philadelphia. All other nearby counties examined also experienced excess mortality associated with the heat wave, although this excess was not recognized by the local health officials. The true impact of a heat wave that causes excess preventable mortality must be appropriately and rapidly ascertained. Using a national standard to certify a death as heat-related will provide the needed information rapidly so that public health resources can be more effectively allocated and mobilized to prevent further heat-related illnesses and death. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Malignant triton tumor of the acoustic nerve. Case report.
The authors present the clinical, radiological, pathological features, and autopsy findings of a patient with malignant triton tumor of the acoustic nerve, which probably arose from a pre-existing acoustic schwannoma. The term "malignant triton tumor" is applied to malignant schwannomas with rhabdomyoblastic differentiation. A cerebellopontine angle tumor with spinal drop metastasis occurred in this patient 10 months after near-total removal of the original tumor. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Long-term follow-up of kidney transplants in a region of Southern Italy.
Several donor and recipient factors are known to be associated with graft loss in a kidney transplant. In this retrospective single-center study, we analyzed the effect of clinical and immunologic factors on kidney transplant outcomes in our region in Italy. The study included 245 transplanted recipients from deceased donors at Federico II University of Naples, Kidney Transplant Centre, between the years 2000 and 2006. Age, cause of death, history of hypertension, hypotension or cardiac arrest, length of time spent in the intensive care unit, serum creatinine levels and human leukocyte antigen typing all were evaluated in the donors. Age, time spent on the wait list, human leukocyte antigen typing, antibody sensitization, and allocation were evaluated in the recipients. Age, donor/recipient matching, and human leukocyte antigen mismatches also were evaluated. Cox regression analysis showed that in recipients, time spent on the wait list increased the risk of restarting dialysis (OR 1.019, 95% CI: 1.000-1.038; P = .050) and dying (OR 1.017, 95% CI: 1.000-1.038; P = .032). Patients who received a kidney from a donor with a history of hypertension presented a major risk of death (OR 3.212, 95% CI: 1.190-8.668; P = .021), while human leukocyte antigen-A mismatch increased the risk of restarting dialysis (OR 3.137, 95% CI: 1.255-7.842; P = .014). In our study, in recipients, time spent on the wait list, and a history of hypertension were associated with a greater risk of death. Human leukocyte antigen-A mismatch is associated with a greater risk of restarting dialysis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Attributional and social comparison processes in depression.
In this study we examined the consequences for depressed and nondepressed individuals of receiving comparison feedback regarding their causal understandings of an event. Specifically, the effects of similar, dissimilar, or no-comparison feedback on depressed and nondepressed subjects' evaluations of the comparison other and on their feelings about themselves were investigated. Because the reduction of uncertainty about one's conception of social reality is a major motive underlying social-comparison processes, we expected that depressed individuals, who are assumed to have experienced heightened uncertainty associated with frequent exposure to uncontrollable life events, would be more motivated to engage in social comparison and would be more sensitive to social-comparison feedback. Results generally were consistent with this reasoning. The implications of the results in terms of the development and maintenance of depression were discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
High-content screening of functional genomic libraries.
Recent advances in functional genomics have enabled genome-wide genetic studies in mammalian cells. These include the establishment of high-throughput transfection and viral propagation methodologies, the production of large-scale cDNA and siRNA libraries, and the development of sensitive assay detection processes and instrumentation. The latter has been significantly facilitated by the implementation of automated microscopy and quantitative image analysis, collectively referred to as high-content screening (HCS), toward cell-based functional genomics application. This technology can be applied to whole genome analysis of discrete molecular and phenotypic events at the level of individual cells and promises to significantly expand the scope of functional genomic analyses in mammalian cells. This chapter provides a comprehensive guide for curating and preparing function genomics libraries and performing HCS at the level of the genome. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Sensitivity and specificity of traumatic brain injury diagnosis codes in United States Department of Veterans Affairs administrative data.
To examine the validity of using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) diagnosis codes from United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) data to describe prevalence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) among military veterans. VA clinicians complete a standardized TBI evaluation to determine whether veterans' deployment exposures resulted in TBI. Clinician-confirmed cases and non-cases of TBI were used as recorded on the evaluation as the criterion standard against which to evaluate three series of TBI-related ICD diagnosis codes in national VA datasets. Focusing on codes used within VA, measures of validity were calculated and correlates of discordance examined, including patient characteristics, region and time. Secondarily, it was examined whether TBI codes can differentiate mild from more severe TBI cases. Of 49 962 veterans with completed TBI evaluations, 29 534 (59%) received clinician-confirmed TBI diagnoses. Sensitivity of the VA series of codes was 70%, specificity was 82% and concordance was 75%. Concordance varied by region, but not by patient characteristics or time. Codes were not useful for distinguishing mild TBI. Estimates of TBI prevalence in military veterans are important for national programme development and resource distribution. Estimates derived from ICD diagnosis codes in administrative data should take potential misclassification into account. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Parasitic rachipagus conjoined twin: case report.
A parasitic twin represents a rare developmental anomaly in which an asymmetrical, nonviable conjoined twin is attached to the host body at the time of birth. Rachipagus is among the rarest of conjoined twin subtypes and typically features a parasitic twin mass attached at the spine. Herein, the authors review the literature and describe the case of a 9-month-old girl presenting with a rachipagus parasitic twin consisting of a fully developed set of lower extremities originating from the midline upper back. After a complete workup to delineate parasite and autosite anatomy, the parasitic twin mass was successfully excised by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, and the resulting defect was closed in a single stage. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Hyperthyroidism, psychiatric syndromes and cranial CT].
Acute hyperthyroidism is known to be a cause of psychopathologic and especially anxiety syndromes. A review of the literature will be given. Nonreversible psychopathologic changes in an euthyroid state after hyperthyroidism are also described. Correlations between T4-concentration and neuropsychologic and electroencephalographic findings were reported. CT findings of the brain are not mentioned. A case report should help to discuss nonreversible changes after hyperthyroidism and cranial CT findings. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Gamma knife radiosurgery for the management of cerebral metastases from non-small cell lung cancer.
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most frequent cancer that metastasizes to brain. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has become the management of choice for most patients with such metastatic tumors. Therefore, the authors endeavored to elucidate the survival and SRS outcomes for patients with NSCLC metastasis at their center. In this single-institution retrospective analysis, the authors reviewed their experience with NSCLC metastasis during a 10-year period from 2001 to 2010. Seven hundred twenty patients underwent Gamma Knife radiosurgery. A total of 1004 SRS procedures were performed, and 3143 tumors were treated. The NSCLC subtype was adenocarcinoma in 386 patients, squamous cell carcinoma in 111 patients, and large cell carcinoma in 34 patients. The median aggregate tumor volume was 4.5 cm(3) (range 0.1-88 cm(3)). The median survival time after diagnosis of brain metastasis from NSCLC was 12.6 months, and the median survival after SRS was 8.5 months. The 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates after SRS were 39%, 21%, and 10%, respectively. Postradiosurgery survival was decreased in patients treated with prior whole-brain radiation therapy compared with SRS alone (p = 0.003). Aggregate tumor volume was inversely related to survival after SRS (p < 0.001), and the histological subgroups demonstrated significant survival differences (p = 0.023). The overall local tumor control rate in the entire group was 92.8%. One hundred seventy-four patients (24%) underwent repeat SRS for new or resistant metastatic deposits. Stereotactic radiosurgery is an effective means of providing local control for NSCLC metastases. Neurological function and survival benefit from serial patient monitoring and repeat SRS for new tumors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The mystery of Sneddon syndrome: relationship with antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Since its description in 1965, Sneddon syndrome (SNS) is usually characterized by the association of an ischemic cerebrovascular disease and a widespread livedo reticularis. The presence of many other manifestations suggests that it is a systemic syndrome. The prevalence of anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL) is highly variable, 41% in our experience. Comparison of patients with or without aPL showed that the fishnet of the livedo was clearly larger in aPL-negative patients who nevertheless, did not develop thrombocytopenia. Seizures and clinically audible mitral regurgitation were more frequently observed in aPL-positive patients. These data lead to consider that SNS is not a unique entity. As patients with primary anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) and SNS did not differ from those with livedo reticularis, ischemic cerebral events and APS within systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), there is no reason today to exclude patients with SLE. On one hand, SNS might cover a continuum spectrum joining diverse clinico-biological entities ranging from aPL-negative to SLE-related cases, with primary APS-SNS standing amidst. On the other hand, one might speculate that SNS should be regarded as a nearly similar clinical expression of two distinct disorders, i.e. a peculiar form of APS characterized by preferential arteriolar involvement or on the opposite a primary non-aPL related small artery disease mainly involving brain and skin vessels. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of efficacy of antisense oligomers directed toward TNF-alpha in helper T and macrophage cell lines.
The authors investigated the use of antisense oligomers specific for TNF-alpha (AS-2) and nonsense control oligomers (NS) in T cells (HT2) and macrophages (RAW264.7), comparing three distinct chemical formulations. Phosphorothioate antisense (S-AS) caused sequence-specific inhibition of TNF-alpha production by activated HT2s (0.5 microM S-AS 2 vs S-NS: 31.4 +/- 1.2%, 4.2 +/- 3.2% inhibition, respectively). In contrast, S-AS were ineffective in RAW264.7, despite greater uptake as measured with fluorescent S-oligonucleotides. Furthermore, differences in efficacy of S-AS (HT2 > RAW) were not attributable to differences in the pinocytic (HT2 = RAW) or adsorptive endocytic (RAW > HT2) pathways implicated in oligonucleotide uptake, suggesting an important role for intracellular events after antisense uptake. Morpholino oligomers (M-AS), in contrast, were more effective in RAW264.7 than in HT2 (32.6 +/- 2.6% vs 12.3 +/- 0.5% inhibition), consistent with uptake experiments using fluorescent M-oligomers. Phosphodiester oligonucleotides were ineffective in both cell types. It was concluded that antisense efficacy in leukocytes varies according to type of oligomer, cell target and intracellular processing event(s). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Identification of antibodies in anti-CNS and anti-PNS myelin sera by immunoblot, characterization by immunohistochemistry, and their effect in tissue culture.
Immunoblot analysis of antiserum to rat central nervous system (CNS) myelin revealed antibodies to myelin basic protein (MBP), proteolipid protein (PLP), and numerous high molecular weight proteins. In addition, anti-CNS myelin serum exclusively immunostained 4 basic proteins of rat peripheral nervous system (PNS) myelin. Similarly, anti-PNS myelin sera immunostained many high molecular weight proteins in both CNS and PNS myelin in addition to P0 and 4 basic proteins. Purified MBP and PLP were immunostained by anti-CNS myelin sera and MBP and P0 by anti-PNS myelin sera, indicating that antigenic sites are preserved during protein purification. Immunohistochemical localization with antisera was confined to the myelin sheath except that antisera to CNS myelin also stained oligodendrocytes during the active period of myelination. While anti-CNS myelin sera specifically demyelinated centrally myelinated fibers in culture, none of the anti-PNS myelin sera used here demyelinated organotypic spinal cord-dorsal root ganglion cultures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cytotoxic T-cells elicited in cattle challenged with Theileria parva (Muguga): evidence for restriction by class I MHC determinants and parasite strain specificity.
The MHC restriction and parasite strain specificity of cytotoxic cells elicited in a group of Theileria parva (Muguga)-immunized cattle following homologous challenge, were investigated. The cytotoxic cells were specific for parasitized target cells and in 9 of the 10 animals examined, they were clearly genetically restricted. Cytotoxicity could be inhibited by monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) to class I MHC molecules but not by MoAb to class II molecules, indicating that a large component of the response was restricted by class I MHC determinants. Low levels of inhibition of cytotoxicity were also obtained with a MoAb to the T-cell subset marker BoT8, suggesting that at least part of the response was mediated by BoT8+ lymphocytes. When cytotoxic cells from individual cattle were assayed on panels of parasitized target cells, there was a close correlation between susceptibility of the target cells to lysis and sharing of BoLA-A locus-encoded specificities with the effectors. This observation, taken together with the knowledge that within several of the sets of BoLA-A-matched targets the relevant BoLA-A specificities were on different MHC haplotypes, indicated that the responses were restricted predominantly by BoLA-A products. In individual cattle there was a striking bias in the restriction of the response to one or other BoLA-A specificity. Among the six specificities represented, responses restricted by w6, w8 and KN18 consistently predominated over responses restricted by w7, w10 and w11. In the three cattle tested for parasite strain specificity, two showed complete specificity and one partial specificity for cells infected with the parasite stock used for immunization, T. parva (Muguga). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Community-acquired bacteremia in HIV-positive patients: protective benefit of co-trimoxazole.
To evaluate the effect of the type of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis on the development of community-acquired bacteremia. Case-control study using all cases of community-acquired bacteremia identified prospectively during a longitudinal study of all infections in a cohort of HIV-infected persons. University-affiliated Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center HIV program. All patients with community-acquired bacteremia seen at the facility between January 1990 and December 1995 were included. Controls, seen at the same facility and matched by date and CD4 count, were used to assess risk factors. A total of 57 cases and 114 controls were analysed. Risk of development of bacteremia, distribution of organisms, and effect of specific prophylactic regimens for PCP. Bacteremia was caused by Staphylococcus aureus (23%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18%), Escherichia coli (16%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (14%) and others (31%). Groups were similar by age, race, HIV risk factors and CD4 count. The presence of an intravenous catheter was mildly predictive of the development of bacteremia [odds ratio (OR), 2.67; P = 0.024]. Type of PCP prophylaxis in cases and controls with CD4 < 200 x 10(6)/l included co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, TMP-SMX; 31 and 60%, respectively), dapsone (33 and 24%, respectively) and aerosolized pentamidine (27 and 13%, respectively). Use of TMP-SMX (but not dapsone or aerosolized pentamidine) was associated with the absence of bacteremia (OR, 0.28; P = 0.001). A similar protective effect was found when controlling for the presence of an intravenous catheter. PCP prophylaxis with TMP-SMX apparently protects against community-acquired bacteremia in HIV-infected persons. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Post-mortem analysis of bone marrow osteoclasts using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining: does histochemistry work and correlate with time since death?
In bone marrow (BM) biopsies, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining represents the gold standard for the characterisation of osteoclasts. TRAP is one of the few enzymes that is histochemically detectable on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. This study investigated whether TRAP is also able to visualise BM osteoclasts in autopsy tissue. It was hypothesised that, due to a progressive loss of enzymatic activity in osteoclasts post-mortem, TRAP staining could allow the time of death of a patient to be determined. TRAP-stained BM slides of 96 cases including 51 pathology and 23 forensic autopsies and 22 biopsies were histologically evaluated and their staining intensity (SI) semi-quantitatively graded. In the autopsy cases, the results were correlated with the post-mortem interval (PMI, time span in days between death and autopsy). TRAP staining intensities (TRAP-SIs) did not differ between men and women and showed a steady decrease with age. TRAP-SIs were significantly stronger in biopsies than in autopsy cases. Among the autopsies, TRAP-SIs were highly variable and not dependent on PMI, except for three forensic cases with PMI ≥7 days which showed a complete loss of TRAP stainability. On the whole, the TRAP-SIs of pathology and forensic cases did not differ significantly. This study clearly shows that BM osteoclasts stay TRAP-positive for 7 days post-mortem, although with markedly reduced TRAP-SIs compared with biopsies. Since TRAP-SIs were not correlated with the duration of PMI, TRAP staining of BM osteoclasts cannot serve as a tool to determine the time of death of a patient. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of an intra-uterine device on uterine cell division and epithelial morphology in ovariectomized mice treated with oestrogen and progesterone.
Silk threads placed in the uteri of ovariectomized mice increased cell proliferation in all tissues including regions of the uterus remote from the site of insertion. Many of the effects resembled those produced by oestrogens. An intra-uterine device (IUD) increased luminal and glandular mitosis and produced various degrees of luminal epithelial hyperplasia in untreated animals. In progesterone-treated mice bearing IUD's, luminal and stromal mitosis was increased. Epithelial morphology was not affected or luminal mitosis inhibited in oestrogen-treated animals with IUD's, but stromal and glandular mitosis was increased. After combined treatment with progesterone and oestrogen, stromal mitosis was suppressed at the contact site but was increased elsewhere. Both oestrogen and progesterone suppressed the luminal leucocytosis induced by the IUD. Despite this, the IUD prevented complete progestational differentiation of the luminal epithelium and closure of the lumen. The degree to which IUD-induced abnormalities were observed depended on the hormonal status of the animal at the time of sampling. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Microbiological non-culture methods for the diagnosis of invasive candidiasis: usefulness of surrogate markers].
The usefulness of surrogate markers in the diagnosis of invasive candidiasis is based on their ability to detect the infection caused by the different Candida spp. and to differentiate when the fungus is a colonizer or it is causing an invasive disease. This differentiation has been tried by detecting antigens, antibodies and other Candida components in the patient's sera. In this paper we will review the antigens, antibodies and other Candida components which may be useful in the laboratory diagnosis of invasive candidiasis in the non-neutropenic critically ill patient. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Assessment of renal function, iatrogenic hyperkalemia and acute renal dysfunction in cardiology. Contrast-induced nephropathy].
Renal impairment influences the prognosis of patients with cardiovascular disease and increases cardiovascular risk. Renal dysfunction is a marker of lesions in other parts of the vascular tree and detection facilitates early identification of individuals at high risk of cardiovascular events. In patients with cardiovascular disease, renal function is assessed by measuring albuminuria in a spot urine sample and by estimating the glomerular filtration rate using creatinine-derived predictive formulas or equations. We recommend the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration or the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formulas. The Cockcroft-Gault formula is a possible alternative. The administration of drugs that block the angiotensin-renin system can, on occasion, be associated with acute renal dysfunction or hyperkalemia. We need to know when risk of these complications exists so as to provide the best possible treatment: prevention. Given the growing number of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the field of cardiology that use intravenous contrast media, contrast-induced nephrotoxicity represents a significant problem. We should identify the risk factors and patients at greatest risk, and prevent it from appearing. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Human aconitase polymorphism in three samples from northeastern Brazil.
Human aconitase (ACONS) polymorphism was studied in three samples from northeastern Brazil. Two of the samples were collected in the State of Bahia and one in the State of Sergipe. The main characteristic of the samples was given by different degrees of Black admixture. The results showed that the more negroid the samples the higher the frequencies of the alleles ACONS4, ACONS2 and ACONS6. These findings fit well with the known ACONS gene frequencies in present-day Nigerians and with the past history of Yoruba slaves in Bahia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effectiveness of family planning education on acceptance of contraception by postpartum mothers.
A prospective controlled study on the maternity service of the American University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon, tested the effect of family planning education during the postpartum lying-in period on recruiting contraceptive acceptors. The study further determined how women with different socio-demographic backgrounds, life styles, and levels of readiness for the practice of family planning responded to the educational program. The results revealed that a postpartum educational effort could almost double family planning acceptance among women who returned to the postpartum clinic within the first 9 weeks after delivery and that the educational impact was evident irrespective of the respondents' socio-demographic characteristics, life styles, and levels of readiness for family planning. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evaluation of laboratory management training.
The purpose of this study was to determine if motivation to manage increased simultaneously with planned-for cognitive learning of management. A management course designed to stimulate cognitive learning was studied. It was presented to supervisors in hospital, independent, and public health laboratories. Two groups of 22 and 26 participants, respectively, were identified to be studied. Measures of cognition and motivation were taken before and after training. The analysis revealed statistically significant increases in cognitive learning in both study groups. The analysis of motivational data did not reveal a statistically significant increase in motivation to manage for either group. It was concluded that it is possible to stimulate cognitive learning of management if such learning is consciously planned. It was also concluded that under the experimental conditions, motivation to manage does not increase when it is treated as incidental to the planned-for cognitive learning. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Disease control and treatment modalities have impact on quality of life in acromegaly evaluated by Acromegaly Quality of Life (AcroQoL) Questionnaire.
Various factors influence quality of life (QoL) in acromegaly. Whether disease control and treatment approach are related to QoL is still a matter of debate. The aim of the present study was to evaluate QoL in patients with acromegaly using the disease-specific Acromegaly Quality of Life Questionnaire in respect to disease activity, treatment modalities, and other factors. We studied 212 patients with acromegaly in a cross-sectional manner over a 6-year period in a single tertiary center. As a second step, seventy of the patients who were with active disease at baseline were followed up prospectively and 45 of them were in remission at re-evaluation. In regard to the cross-sectional group, active acromegaly independently predicted worse appearance scores. Prior radiotherapy and older age were independent negative predictors of all scales. Female gender negatively predicted all scales except the appearance domain. Longer duration of remission predicted worse personal relations scores in biochemically controlled patients. The use of somatostatin analog (SSA) was associated with worse personal relations scores, while higher IGF-1 index predicted worse appearance scores in patients with active acromegaly. In the prospective group, achievement of remission independently predicted improvement of the total scale. Lower corresponding baseline scores predicted improvement of the total, physical, and appearance scales, while the absence of hypopituitarism independently predicted improvement of the appearance scale. The use of SSA was associated with improvement of the total and appearance scores. In conclusion, QoL is a multifactorial issue that needs an individualized approach for detection and management. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intermolecular potential energy surface and thermophysical properties of propane.
A six-dimensional potential energy surface (PES) for the interaction of two rigid propane molecules was determined from supermolecular ab initio calculations up to the coupled cluster with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations level of theory for 9452 configurations. An analytical site-site potential function with 14 sites per molecule was fitted to the calculated interaction energies. To validate the analytical PES, the second virial coefficient and the dilute gas shear viscosity and thermal conductivity of propane were computed. The dispersion part of the potential function was slightly adjusted such that quantitative agreement with the most accurate experimental data for the second virial coefficient at room temperature was achieved. The adjusted PES yields values for the three properties that are in very good agreement with the best experimental data at all temperatures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prognostic impact of percutaneous coronary intervention in octogenarians with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction: A report from SWEDEHEART.
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) improves outcomes in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACSs). Octogenarians, however, were underrepresented in the pivotal trials. This study aimed to assess the effect of PCI in patients ≥80 years old. We used data from the SWEDEHEART registry for all hospital admissions at eight cardiac care centres within Västra Götaland County. Consecutive patients ≥80 years old admitted for NSTE-ACS between January 2000 and December 2011 were included. We performed instrumental variable analysis with propensity score. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 30 days and one year after index hospitalization. During the study period 5200 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In total, 586 (11.2%) patients underwent PCI, the remaining 4613 patients were treated conservatively. Total mortality at 30 days was 19.4% (1007 events) and 39.4% (1876 events) at one year. Thirty-day mortality was 20.7% in conservatively treated patients and 8.5% in the PCI group (adjusted odds ratio 0.34; 95% confidence interval 0.12-0.97, p = 0.044). One-year mortality was 42.1% in the conservatively treated group and 16.3% in the PCI group (adjusted odds ratio 0.97; 95% confidence interval 0.36-2.51, p = 0.847). PCI in octogenarians with NSTE-ACS was associated with a lower risk of mortality at 30 days. However, this survival benefit was not sustained during the entire study-period of one-year. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
LH-RH nasal spray treatment for cryptorchidism. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy of LH-RH nasal spray in treatment of cryptorchidism involving 252 prepuberal boys with 301 undescended testes, showed a success rate of 9% (14 testes) for LH-RH and 8% (10 testes) for placebo. Including a subsequent open study and a second course of LH-RH as required, the rate for LH-RH rose to 18% (48 testes). The follow-up period saw late descent in another 5% (14 testes), in a few cases coinciding with the onset of puberty. Retrospective evaluation revealed a previous scrotal position of the testes for 43% of the boys with success of treatment and even for 17% of the boys with failure of treatment. In many of these cases surgery revealed an anatomical anomaly that might have caused testicular ascent. Hormonal evaluation revealed no abnormalities in cryptorchid boys compared with control subjects, nor was there a divergence in values before and after treatment. The lower the pretreatment testicular position, the better the rate of success. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Macrophage oxidative burst and related cytotoxicity. I. Differential activation by tumor-promoting and non-tumor-promoting phorbol esters.
Mouse peritoneal macrophages elicit an oxidative burst (OB) response upon stimulation with the tumor promoter 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol 13-acetate (TPA). In this study we compare the OB-stimulating capacity of phorbol ester derivatives, structurally related to TPA, which differ in their tumor-promoting activity. Non-tumor-promoting derivatives such as phorbol 13-acetate, phorbol 12-myristate, TPA-20-aldehyde and 4-O-methyl TPA were tested. These reagents stimulate macrophages to generate OB products such as O-2 and H2O2, yet the amounts required for stimulation are 1,000 times higher than the amounts of TPA required to elicit a comparable response. It has also been observed that, in the same order of magnitude, the above-mentioned derivatives are less efficient than TPA in rendering macrophages cytolytic toward erythrocytes. Another strong tumor promoter tested, teleocidin, has been found to be as potent as TPA in the activation of macrophage OB and in related activities. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Current standards of care in small-cell and non-small-cell lung cancer.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, accounting for over 30% of cancer deaths in men and 25% in women. Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are uniformly aggressive tumors, with rates of regional or distant metastases at diagnosis as high as 70%. Because the majority of these tumors are unresectable, patients with relatively good performance status receive platinum-based chemotherapy. Although no treatment consensus exists, currently recommended regimens for SCLC include PE (cisplatin and etoposide), CAV (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine), CAE (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and etoposide), and CAVE (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and etoposide). Of these, the PE regimen has been widely accepted in the United States, although CE (carboplatin and etoposide) provides better tolerability. For NSCLC, standard chemotherapy regimens have included platinum-based therapy (cisplatin and a vinca alkaloid or PE). Data from recent studies suggest that the addition of paclitaxel to platinum modestly improves tumor response and survival in NSCLC. Although SCLC and NSCLC are both responsive to first-line chemotherapy, most patients relapse and die from their disease, with 5-year survival rates of approximately 15%. Given the disappointing survival rates associated with SCLC and NSCLC, the introduction of new cytotoxic agents has been eagerly anticipated. Evidence of improved response and extended survival is mounting for various combinations of established regimens (e.g., PE) with newer drugs exhibiting novel mechanisms of action and single-agent antitumor activity, such as gemcitabine, paclitaxel, docetaxel, vinorelbine, and topotecan. This article reviews the current standards of care in SCLC and NSCLC, and introduces the potential role of newer agents given in combination with standard chemotherapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of dietary nitrate on blood pressure, endothelial function, and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes.
Diets rich in green, leafy vegetables have been shown to lower blood pressure (BP) and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Green, leafy vegetables and beetroot are particularly rich in inorganic nitrate. Dietary nitrate supplementation, via sequential reduction to nitrite and NO, has previously been shown to lower BP and improve endothelial function in healthy humans. We sought to determine if supplementing dietary nitrate with beetroot juice, a rich source of nitrate, will lower BP and improve endothelial function and insulin sensitivity in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Twenty-seven patients, age 67.2±4.9 years (18 male), were recruited for a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial. Participants were randomized to begin, in either order, a 2-week period of supplementation with 250ml beetroot juice daily (active) or 250ml nitrate-depleted beetroot juice (placebo). At the conclusion of each intervention period 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, tests of macro- and microvascular endothelial function, and a hyperinsulinemic isoglycemic clamp were performed. After 2 weeks administration of beetroot juice mean ambulatory systolic BP was unchanged: 134.6±8.4mmHg versus 135.1±7.8mmHg (mean±SD), placebo vs active-mean difference of -0.5mmHg (placebo-active), p=0.737 (95% CI -3.9 to 2.8). There were no changes in macrovascular or microvascular endothelial function or insulin sensitivity. Supplementation of the diet with 7.5mmol of nitrate per day for 2 weeks caused an increase in plasma nitrite and nitrate concentration, but did not lower BP, improve endothelial function, or improve insulin sensitivity in individuals with T2DM. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antibiotic-treated acute appendicitis-reception in social media.
Social media, especially Twitter®, is becoming increasingly important for medical topics. Systematic analyses of the content of these tweets are rare. To date, no analysis of the reception of antibiotic/non-operative-treated acute appendicitis on Twitter® has been performed. Tweets with the content "appendicitis," "appendix," and "appendectomy" from December 31, 2010, to September 27, 2017, were recorded. Further analysis was performed by secondary search strings related to antibiotic-treated acute appendicitis. Subsequent systematic analysis of content, author groups, and followers was performed. Out of 22,962 analyzed tweets, 3400 were applicable on all search strings, and 349 dealt meaningfully with antibiotic-treated acute appendicitis. 47.9% of the tweets were published by individuals, of which non-surgical consultants comprised the largest group. The tweets published by organizations and institutions were mostly published by publishing platforms. Half of the tweets were neutral, with an overall positive trend for antibiotic-treated acute appendicitis, but significant differences were noted among the authors. The number of followers showed a wide range, with an considerable numeric impact. The scientific discussion of antibiotic-treated acute appendicitis is reflected on Twitter®. Overall, antibiotic-treated acute appendicitis is presented in a neutral and differentiated manner on Twitter®, but this picture is exclusively derived from assessment of a variety of tweets. Individual tweets are partially undifferentiated in content and misrepresent antibiotic-treated acute appendicitis. In addition, content and intentions are significantly author dependent. Scientists should therefore use Twitter® to make sound medical information heard. If this policy is not implemented, the importance of inadequate and incorrect information transfer is indirectly increased. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Pyogenic granuloma: report of a case].
An instance of pyogenic granuloma in a nine years old boy is reported as well as clinical features, hystology, radiographic report and post-operative result. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An appraisal of cuticular wax of Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br.: Extraction, chemical composition, biosafety and application.
Plastic and polythene as hydrophobic materials become a grave concern due to their non-biodegradable nature, cumbersome recycling and waste management. Cuticular wax derived from Calotropis procera is explored as an eco-friendly and safe hydrophobic material. The effects of duration of exposure to solvent, solvent type, size and side of the leaf on cuticular wax yield have been studied. Leaf with the smallest area (10 cm2-25 cm2) was found to be the most suitable to isolate the wax. GC-MS analysis of the wax revealed that the wax consists of mainly esters, alkane and alkene. Mitochondrial reductase (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay have been carried out on M5S cell line at various concentrations and the results indicate that up to 1 μg/ml (acetone as solvent) and 3 μg/ml (chloroform as solvent) use of wax has no toxic effect. To evaluate the hydrophobic potential of the wax in developing hydrophobic paper water regains and contact angle has been measured. The gain in hydrophobicity of the paper is evident from the rise in contact angle (≥90˚) of paper coated with wax. Scanning electron micrograph and FTIR spectra generated physical and chemical evidence of coating of wax on paper. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In-vitro nanodiagnostic platform through nanoparticles and DNA-RNA nanotechnology.
Nanocomposites containing nanoparticles or nanostructured domains exhibit an even higher degree of material complexity that leads to an extremely high variability of nanostructured materials. This review introduces analytical concepts and techniques for nanomaterials and derives recommendations for a qualified selection of characterization techniques for specific types of samples, and focuses the characterization of nanoparticles and their agglomerates or aggregates. In addition, DNA nanotechnology and the more recent newcomer RNA nanotechnology have achieved almost an advanced status among nanotechnology researchers¸ therefore, the core features, potential, and significant challenges of DNA nanotechnology are also highlighted as a new discipline. Moreover, nanobiochips made by nanomaterials are rapidly emerging as a new paradigm in the area of large-scale biochemical analysis. The use of nanoscale components enables higher precision in diagnostics while considerably reducing the cost of the platform that leads this review to explore the use of nanoparticles, nanomaterials, and other bionanotechnologies for its application to nanodiagnostics in-vitro. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
New chemotherapeutic advances in pancreatic, colorectal, and gastric cancers.
Pancreatic, gastric, and colorectal cancers are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. When curative surgical resection is not an option, these malignancies tend to respond very poorly to chemotherapy and carry a dismal prognosis. There is, therefore, an urgent need for novel treatment strategies for these cancers. Great strides have been made in colon cancer treatment with the recent introduction of several novel agents, including capecitabine, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin either alone or in combination regimens. Treatment of advanced colon cancer, however, remains essentially palliative, and treatment-related toxicity remains a significant problem. The treatment of advanced gastric and pancreatic cancer has also seen the introduction of new agents, such as gemcitabine and irinotecan; however, the impact of these agents on survival has been small, and toxicity continues to be a major obstacle. The search for new chemotherapeutic agents and treatment strategies will need to focus on improving outcomes and safety and tolerability profiles. To date, several new agents have shown promise, including pemetrexed, G17DT, bevacizumab, and other targeted agents. Further research into their optimal use either alone or in combination regimens should be a priority. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Serial assessments to determine normalization of gait following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
There is an increased emphasis to identify clinically applicable methods that quantify gait deficits following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The purpose of this study was to perform serial gait assessments in a clinical setting to determine whether and when clinical gait parameters normalize in patients following ACLR. The hypothesis was that a clinically available gait treadmill would quantify gait deficits measured at 4 weeks post-reconstruction. The secondary hypothesis was that patients would demonstrate incremental improvements in these gait parameters measured at each interval up to 12 weeks post-reconstruction, and that the objectively measured improvements would correlate to the patient's subjective rating of function. Fifteen subjects, five male and 10 female, who had initial unilateral anterior cruciate ligament injury were selected for this study on the basis of operative data. All subjects were evaluated in a physical therapy clinic within 3 days following ACLR and were enrolled in a standardized rehabilitation program. The dependent gait variables of step length, stance time and gait velocity were measured at 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks post-ACLR on a commercially available gait treadmill. A 2 x 4 multivariate analysis of variance (2 within factors) with measures for limb involvement (uninvolved and involved) and repeated measures for time (4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks) was used to assess the interactions and the main effects on the gait variables of stance time and step length. The results of this study supported the hypothesis that gait deficits and serial improvements can be objectively quantified in a clinical setting (P<0.001). Specifically, stance time, step length and gait velocity deficits evaluated at 4 weeks showed significant improvements at the measured intervals. Step length normalized at week 8. Stance time and gait velocity reached normal levels at the 12-week time interval. Subjective activity of daily living scores (ADLS) also improved following the 12-week rehabilitation, from 53+/-17% to a mean score of 88+/-11% (P<0.001). ADLS scores significantly correlated to step length (R=0.63) and stance time (R=0.53) in the involved limb. Self-selected gait velocity also correlated to ADLS scores and significantly predicted 49% of the variance in the subjective outcome measure. A clinically available gait treadmill can be used to quantify gait deficits and improvements following ACLR. Serial assessments of walking gait may aid clinicians to identify and target deficits in their patients during rehabilitation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Keeping staff and cutting costs.
With NHS trusts up and down the country trying to balance their books and save money, staffing budgets come under close scrutiny. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Norepinephrine accelerates HIV replication via protein kinase A-dependent effects on cytokine production.
To explore the role of sympathetic nervous system activation in HIV pathogenesis, we examined the effect of the neuroeffector molecule norepinephrine (NE) on HIV-1 replication in quiescently infected PBMCs that were subsequently activated with Abs to CD3 and CD28. NE accelerated HIV-1 replication at concentrations ranging from 10(-8) to 10(-5) M. This effect could be mimicked by protein kinase A (PKA) activators (forskolin or dibutyryl-cAMP) and abrogated by beta-adrenoreceptor antagonists or the PKA inhibitor rp-cAMP, indicating transduction via the adrenoreceptor signaling pathway. NE reduced cellular activation and altered the production of several HIV-modulating cytokines: IL-10 and IFN-gamma were markedly suppressed; TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6 were mildly suppressed; and levels of IL-12 were not significantly altered. The addition of either exogenous IFN-gamma or IL-10 abrogated the effect of NE on virus production. Thus PKA-dependent suppression of cytokine production appears to mediate the enhancement of HIV-1 replication by NE. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An international collaborative study on a method for determination of formaldehyde in veterinary vaccines.
An international collaborative study of a quantitative colorimetric method for determination of formaldehyde in veterinary vaccines was conducted on a series of replicate, blinded veterinary vaccine products by 15 laboratories in three regions: North America, Europe and Japan. Participants conducted determinations using a modification of a method from the European Pharmacopoeia, a colorimetric method based on the reaction of formaldehyde with methylbenzothiazolone hydrazone hydrochloride. For this study, three licensed vaccine products containing formaldehyde were revialed, randomly numbered, tested for uniformity and distributed by one of the participating laboratories through regional coordinators to collaborators. One of the revialed products was spiked with a known amount of formaldehyde and included in the test series. Results along with all raw data were returned to the distributing laboratory for consolidation and statistical treatment. For the modified method spike recovery was 101% and reproducibility (inter-laboratory variation expressed as relative standard deviation) ranged from 18.0 to 8.0% for respective formaldehyde concentrations of 0.28 to 1.07 g/l. Based on the study, the method was proposed by the Biologicals Working Group of the International Cooperation on Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Registration of Veterinary Medicinal Products (VICH) as a candidate for the VICH Guideline standard method for residual formaldehyde. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Improvement of the efficacy of treatment of hypertensive encephalohathy by using mexidol].
To assess the efficacy and tolerability of mexidol used to improve cognitive impairment in patients with hypertension and clinical manifestations of chronic cerebral circulatory insufficiency. Forty-two patients with chronic cerebral circulatory insufficiency and cognitive impairment were examined. MMSE, МоСА and the clock drawing test were used to assess neuropsychological status. The Morisky-Green test was administered to evaluate medication adherence. Patients were stratified into two groups: patients of the first group (n=21) received standard treatment. Patients of the second group (n=21) received additionally mexidol in dose 200 mg (4 ml) in 100 ml of NaCl isotonic solution intravenously during 10 days and then in tablets (2 tablets 0,125 mg) twice a day during 8 weeks. According to the 4-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS), 31% of respondents were not adherent to the treatment (MMAS score 0-2), 35.7% (n=15) of patients showed high adherence (MMAS score 4), 33.3% (n=14) demonstrated low adherence (MMAS score 3). The average score on the questionnaire was 2.85. In patients treated with mexidol, the absence of complaints increased by 3 times and headache regression increased by 90%. The improvement of memory, concentration and anxiety was observed in 50%, 55%, 67% of patients, respectively. Patients treated with mexidol demonstrated more significant changes during the clock drawing test. The average change in the scores increased by 0.95 compared to the control group, where the changes were 0.54 (p<0.02). The positive dynamics on MMSE and МоСА was shown in the mexidol group that indicated the positive effect of this drug on cognitive symptoms. The positive impact on cognitive symptoms and health in patients with chronic cerebral circulatory insufficiency allows to recommend mexidol as add-on to standard treatment of the main disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Colon carcinoma metastasis to the intrapancreatic tract of the common biliary duct: a first case report.
Jaundice, a common feature of advanced colon cancer, is usually due to liver parenchyma metastasis, but it can sometimes be caused by extrahepatic biliary obstruction. This rare event is related to metastasis to the lymph nodes placed behind the duodenum, along the choledochus or the vena porta, extrinsically compressing the common duct. Stenosis of the common bile duct secondary to parietal metastatic involvement is extremely rare. We report on a case of colon carcinoma metastasis to the intrapancreatic tract of the common bile duct, with a review of the literature. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Spatial coherence in complex photonic and plasmonic systems.
The concept of cross density of states characterizes the intrinsic spatial coherence of complex photonic or plasmonic systems, independently of the illumination conditions. Using this tool and the associated intrinsic coherence length, we demonstrate unambiguously the spatial squeezing of eigenmodes on disordered fractal metallic films, thus clarifying a basic issue in plasmonics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
European multicenter survey on the laparoscopic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux in patients aged less than 12 months with supraesophageal symptoms.
This multicenter survey includes neonates and infants who underwent surgery for primary gastroesophageal reflux (GER) who presented with supraesophageal symptoms of unknown origin with a minimum of 12 months postoperative follow-up. A total of 726 patients underwent GER surgery in 10 European Centers in the period 1998-2002. Respiratory symptoms were present in 204 patients (28%); 135 patients (17%) had surgery under 1 year of age, and 46 of them (6.3%) because of respiratory symptoms. Surgery was performed without any previous medical treatment in 10 cases (21%). The type of procedure included 37 complete 360 degrees wraps (80%) (Nissen, 12, and Rossetti, 25) and nine partial wraps (20%) (Thal five, Lortat Jacob one, Toupet one, others two). Gastrostomy was associated in 17 cases (37%) (6 PEG and 11 modified Stamm). No gastric emptying procedures were recorded. No major intraoperative complications were reported. Six patients developed complications (13%) and a redo operation was performed in three (6.5%). Respiratory outcome after antireflux surgery was good in 35 patients (76%) and fair with significantly improved respiratory symptoms in 11 (24%). This multicenter survey underlines that GER has to be suspected and aggressively treated in infants with difficult-to-treat supraesophageal symptoms, and also in high-risk cases, in order to prevent major complications. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Selenium, oxygen-derived free radicals, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. An experimental study in the rat.
Circulatory shock and its treatment have been compared to a whole-body ischemia and reperfusion with activation of oxygen-derived free radicals. A pilot study had suggested a selenium redistribution in this context. To verify this hypothesis, an experimental study was designed. Temporary occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery was performed in 18 male adult Wistar rats using clamping for 0, 10, and 20 min. Hemodynamic and biochemical data were assessed before clamping and 20 min after release of the mesenteric blood flow. After release, mean arterial pressure decreased, plasma lactate increased, and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase decreased. Plasma and erythrocyte selenium did not change; however, a slight decrease in plasma selenium was observed when related to hematocrit (to take into account the fluid balance). Erythrocyte-reduced glutathione did not change. In contrast, liver and kidney selenium increased, whereas reduced glutathione decreased in kidney, but not in liver after 20 min of clamping as compared to the sham-operated group. These results suggest that, after temporary intestinal ischemia, the changes in selenium and reduced glutathione observed in blood and tissues, like liver or kidney, could be related to a redistribution pattern in selenium metabolism during shock injury. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Genetic and correlation analysis of hepatic copper content in the rat.
Thirty recombinant inbred (RI) strains derived from the spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR/OlaIpcv) and the Brown Norway (BN-Lx/Cub) progenitors were used to search for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that are responsible for differences in liver copper between these two strains. The heritability of liver copper concentration (expressed as microg/g liver wet wt and microg/g liver dry wt) and liver copper store (microg/whole liver) was estimated to be 57, 57, and 46%, respectively. In a total genome scan of the RI strains, involving over 600 genetic markers, suggestive association was found between liver copper store (microg/whole liver) and the D16Wox9 marker on chromosome 16 (lod score = 2.8), and between liver copper concentration (microg/g dry wt) and the D10Cebrp1016s2 marker on chromosome 10 (lod score = 3.0). These putative QTLs are responsible for nearly 34 and 40% of the additive genetic variability for liver copper store and concentration, respectively. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A rare case of Guillain-Barre syndrome with pregnancy.
Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare neuorological disorder affecting 6-24/ 1,00,000 population during pregnancy. The case involved a 29-year-old woman conceived after 14 years of marriage presenting with 16 weeks pregnancy and clinical symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome. It was confirmed by nerve conduction test and patient was started on intravenous immunoglobulin. She had a rapid recovery following therapy and subsequent follow-up 3 months later showed complete recovery and healthy ongoing pregnancy. Various diagnostic and treatment options are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Meningioma of the chiasm and optic nerves: CT and MR findings.
A case of meningioma involving the optic nerves, optic chiasm, and optic tracts at presentation is reviewed. Computed tomography showed the chiasm to be engulfed by tumor, and this finding was helpful in differentiating this lesion from an optic chiasm glioma. Magnetic resonance further characterized the lesion by demonstrating the presence of a cystic component along the lateral aspect of the mass. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Audience shocked by video showing genital mutilation.
Nurses and other health professionals were stunned and angered last week by a video of a young girl undergoing genital mutilation, which was shown at a seminar jointly sponsored by the Royal College of Nursing and the National Council of Women. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of filter media size, mass flow rate and filtration stage number in a moving-bed granular filter on the yield and properties of bio-oil from fast pyrolysis of biomass.
Fast pyrolysis of cassava rhizome was performed in a bench-scale fluidised-bed reactor unit incorporated with a cross-flow moving-bed granular filter. The objective of this research was to examine several process parameters including the granular size (425-1160 μm) and mass flow rate (0-12 g/min) as well as the number of the filtration stages (1-2 stages) on yields and properties of bio-oil. The results showed that the bio-oil yield decreased from 57.7 wt.% to 42.0-49.2 wt.% when increasing the filter media size, the mass flow rate and the filtration stage number. The effect of the process parameters on various properties of bio-oil is thoroughly discussed. In general, the bio-oil quality in terms of the solids content, ash content, initial viscosity, viscosity change and ageing rate could be enhanced by the hot vapour granular filtration. Therefore, bio-oil of high stability could be produced by the pyrolysis reactor configuration designed in this work. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of intermittent treatment with human Parathyroid Hormone 1-34 in SAMP6 senescence-accelerated mice.
We examined trabecular and cortical bone in the senescence-accelerated mouse prone 6 (SAMP6) murine model of senile osteoporosis after treatment with human PTH 1-34. Sixteen-week-old female SAMP6 mice were assigned to control and PTH groups. PTH (20 microg/kg) was administered sc 3 times a week for 12 weeks. The control mouse strain, senescence-accelerated mouse resistant 1 (SAMR1), was used for comparison. The femoral metaphysis and diaphysis were used to measure bone mineral density (BMD), analyze the trabecular and the cortical structure by micro-computed tomography, and for conducting the bone strength test. PTH significantly attenuated the loss of BMD, improved the trabecular bone microstructure, and increased the bone strength in the femoral metaphysis. We did not find any differences in the bone strength of the femoral diaphysis after PTH treatment, although the cortical bone volume and cortical thickness were improved. Although the cortical thickness increased, the cortical bone density decreased, likely because of the increase of cortical porosity in the distal metaphysis after administration of PTH. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.