text
stringlengths 1
10.9k
| meta
dict |
|---|---|
[Chronic pelvic pain syndrome and Crohn's disease : a dangerous association].
We present the case of a 54 year old male complaining of abdominal pain localised in the right flank and irradiating in other abdominal regions. The pain was previously associated with kidney stones, but persisted months after their total evacuation. Suffering from Crohn's disease, low dose corticosteroids likely caused a particularly invalidating chronic prostatitis, which antibiotic treatment aggravated the symptoms of Crohn's disease, therefore complicating the therapeutic care by causing a vicious circle. Further epidemiological and microbiological studies are needed in order to establish an association between low dose steroid for Crohn's disease and chronic pelvic pain syndrome. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Efficacy and safety of extended-release dexmethylphenidate compared with d,l-methylphenidate and placebo in the treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a 12-hour laboratory classroom study.
This study compared the efficacy and safety of extended-release dexmethylphenidate (d-MPH-ER) 20 mg/day and 30 mg/day with extended-release racemic methylphenidate hydrochloride (d,l-MPH-ER) 36 mg/day and 54 mg/day, and placebo in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a laboratory classroom setting. This multicenter, double-blind, crossover study included children (N = 84) 6-12 years of age, stabilized on total daily doses of 40 mg to 60 mg d,l-MPH or 20 mg/day or 30 mg/day d-MPH who were randomized to different treatment sequences. Primary efficacy was measured by the change from pre-dose in Swanson, Kotkin, Agler, M-Flynn, and Pelham (SKAMP) Rating Scale-Combined scores at 2 hours post-dose (d-MPH-ER 20 mg/day versus d,l-MPH- ER 36 mg/day). Adverse events were monitored throughout the study period. Mean change in SKAMP-Combined score at 2 hours post-dose was significantly larger for d-MPH-ER 20 mg/day versus d,l-MPH-ER 36 mg/day (p < 0.001). Both doses of d-MPH-ER had a more rapid onset and greater morning effect relative to d,l-MPH-ER while d,l-MPH-ER had a greater effect at the end of the 12-hour day. All active treatments provided a significant benefit over placebo at most time points to 12 hours post-dosing. Both treatments were well tolerated. d-MPH-ER and d,l-MPH-ER improved ADHD symptoms and were well tolerated. While d-MPH-ER had a faster onset of action, d,l-MPH-ER retained greater effect at the end of the 12- hour classroom day. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Chemical route to the capped RNAs.
Eukaryotic and viral messenger RNAs contain a CAP structure that plays an important role in the initiation of translation and several other cellular processes that involve mRNAs. In this paper, we report a convenient chemical approach to the preparation of milligram quantities of short, capped RNA oligonucleotides, which overcomes some of the limitations of previous approaches. The method is based on the use of a reactive precursor, m7GppQ [P1-7-methylguanosine-5'-O-yl, P2-O-8-(5-chloroquinolyl) pyrophosphate]. The precursor reacts smoothly with 5'-phosphorylated unprotected short RNA in the presence of CuCl2 in organic media. The feasibility of this approach was demonstrated by the synthesis of the capped pentaribonucleotide m7GpppGpApCpU. The synthesized capped oligonucleotide was isolated and purified by reverse phase and ion exchange HPLC with a final yield of 37%. The structure of the m7GpppGpApCpU was confirmed by 31P NMR, mass-spectrometry and enzymatic hydrolysis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Rasch analysis provides new insights into the measurement properties of the neck disability index.
The most widely used neck-specific measure in intervention trials is the 10-item Neck Disability Index (NDI), which is assumed to be a unidimensional interval scale, as shown by how NDI data are scored, analyzed, and interpreted. Our objective was to use modern measurement methods to test this assumption (and thereby to also test the validity of calculating summed scores and parametric statistics on NDI data) through Rasch analysis. NDI data from 521 trial subjects with neck pain were fit to the Rasch model. We examined threshold ordering of NDI items, fit of data to model expectations, presence of differential item functioning, and whether or not the set of NDI items collectively measure a single construct, which is a requirement for calculating summative scores. There was a lack of fit of data to the Rasch model (chi(2) = 140.35, 70 df; P < 0.001). Five items (personal care, lifting, headaches, work, and recreation) had disordered response thresholds. Differential item functioning was detected for age and sex. The NDI items did not contribute to a single construct. Unidimensionality and interval scaling were achieved by removing 2 of the 10 items (resulting in the NDI-8), and converting NDI-8 ordinal (paper) summative scores to NDI-8 interval (Rasch-weighted) scores. As originally proposed and conventionally used, the NDI is not a unidimensional scale, and has only ordinal scaling. This raises fundamental doubts about the practice of calculating change scores and other parametric statistics on NDI data. A revised 8-item version provides unidimensional interval-level measurement of neck pain disability. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Diagnostic pulmonary imaging.
This article examines four common but often confusing radiologic problems: the normal thoracic radiograph (performed when clinical suspicion of pulmonary disease is high), the solitary thoracic mass, loss of organ margination, and the mixed pulmonary pattern. Through the use of case examples, a systematic approach to each of the four problems is taken. Contrast and positional radiography, scintigraphy, ultrasonography, and computed tomography are discussed to demonstrate their applications in pulmonary imaging. A brief review of image formation and interpretation of alternate techniques will be provided. The discussion identifies some of the limitations of the radiographic examination, shows why they exist, and illustrates ways of overcoming them. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Facial inversion effects: parts and whole relationship.
"Facial inversion effects" refers to the findings that recognition of inverted faces is less accurate than recognition of upright faces. We now report inversion effects for isolated facial features: forehead, eyes, nose, mouth, and chin. This shows that configurational information extracted from a whole face (i.e., from spatial relationships among the facial features) is not necessary for obtaining the inversion effects. Other factors, such as "upright-orientation," mental rotation, and feature saliency, account for the inversion effects both in a whole face and in its isolated features. We propose a simple formula that satisfactorily predicts the recognition of a whole face and the inversion effects for that face on the basis of its individual features. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Closed-form confidence intervals on measures of precision for an interlaboratory study.
Within the pharmaceutical industry it is common practice to transfer analytical methods from one laboratory to other laboratories. An experiment or interlaboratory study is performed to estimate the repeatability, the intermediate precision, and the reproducibility of the analytical method. These measures of precision are quantified by appropriate sums of variance components from an analysis of variance model describing the structure of the data. In the literature, several methods have been described for calculating approximate (closed-form) confidence intervals on sums of variance components, i.e., Welch, Satterthwaite, and modified large-sample (MLS). Comparisons between these methods have been performed for one-way and two-way classification analysis of variance models only. Interlaboratory studies though often need higher order classifications. Therefore, these methods for constructing confidence intervals are compared on the measures of precision from a specfic three-way classification analysis of variance model that is frequently used for method transfer studies. Using a simulation study, the coverage probability for these methods is evaluated in situations where variance components may be estimated negatively with the standard moment estimates and where either the standard moment estimates are adjusted to zero or remain unadjusted. The MLS method is superior to the other two methods in case the standard moment estimates are used. If the adjusted moment estimates are used, then the method of Satterthwaite performs similar to the MLS method for many settings of the variance components and sample sizes but much better for some particular settings. The method of Satterthwaite performs better than the method of Welch for all the selected settings of variance components and sample sizes, irrespective of the standard or adjusted moment estimates. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Membrane localization of the ToxR winged-helix domain is required for TcpP-mediated virulence gene activation in Vibrio cholerae.
ToxR is a bitopic membrane protein that controls virulence gene expression in Vibrio cholerae. Its cytoplasmic domain is homologous to the winged helix-turn-helix ('winged helix') DNA-binding/transcription activation domain found in a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic regulators, whereas its periplasmic domain is of ill-defined function. Several genes in V. cholerae are regulated by ToxR, but by apparently different mechanisms. Whereas ToxR directly controls the transcription of genes encoding two outer membrane proteins, OmpU and OmpT, it co-operates with a second membrane-localized transcription factor called TcpP to activate transcription of the gene encoding ToxT, which regulates transcription of cholera toxin (ctxAB) and the toxin-co-regulated pilus (tcp). To determine the requirements for gene activation by ToxR, different domains of the protein were analysed for their ability to control expression of toxT, ompU and ompT. Soluble forms of the cytoplasmic winged-helix domain regulated ompU and ompT gene expression properly but did not activate toxT transcription. Membrane localization of the winged helix was sufficient for both omp gene regulation and TcpP-dependent toxT transcription, irrespective of the type of periplasmic domain or even the presence of a periplasmic domain. These results suggest that (i) the major function for membrane localization of ToxR is for its winged-helix domain to co-operate with TcpP to activate transcription; (ii) the periplasmic domain of ToxR is not required for TcpP-dependent activation of toxT transcription; and (iii) membrane localization is not a strict requirement for DNA binding and transcription activation by ToxR. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment of an infarcted epiploic appendage.
A patient experienced acute abdominal pain that was diagnosed at laparoscopy as being due to an infarcted epiploic appendage. To our knowledge, this is the second report of laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment of an epipolic disorder. Infarcted epiploic appendages may be associated with bowel obstruction and abscess formation. Therefore, they should be looked for at the time of diagnostic laparoscopy for acute abdominal pain of unclear etiology, and removed if present. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Liposomal-encapsulated chemotherapy: preliminary results of a phase I study of a novel liposomal paclitaxel.
Liposome encapsulation of antineoplastic drugs entered clinical testing in the late 1980s. As carriers for a variety of agents, liposomes can allow successful delivery of agents that may be subject to rapid degradation in the serum and can modify the toxicity profile. In general, liposomes have demonstrated an ability to attenuate toxicities by their different pharmacokinetic profile and pattern of distribution. Differences in the constitution of the liposome can greatly affect the pharmacokinetic profile resulting in different patterns of toxicity. Characteristics such as size, charge, composition, and integrity can affect performance of the liposome. Liposome encapsulation of doxorubicin has been shown to reduce cardiac toxicity. Preliminary data suggest that encapsulation of paclitaxel can greatly modify neurotoxicity without the need for cremephor. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Signalling among relatives. II. Beyond the tower of Babel.
Models of costly signalling are commonly employed in evolutionary biology in order to explain how honest communication between individuals with conflicting interests can be stable. These models have focused primarily on a single type of honest signalling equilibrium, the separating equilibrium in which any two different signallers send distinct signals, thereby providing signal receivers with complete information. In this paper, we demonstrate that in signalling among relatives (modelled using the Sir Philip Sidney game), there is not one but a large number of possible signalling equilibria, most of which are pooling equilibria in which different types of signallers may share a common signal. We prove that in a general Sir Philip Sidney game, any partition of signallers into equi-signalling classes can have a stable signalling equilibrium if and only if it is a contiguous partition, and provide examples of such partitions. A similar (but slightly stricter) condition is shown to hold when signals are transmitted through a medium with signalling error. These results suggest a solution to a problem faced by previous signalling theory models: when we consider the separating equilibrium, signal cost is independent of the frequency of individuals sending that signal and, consequently, even very rare signaller types can drastically affect signal cost. Here, we show that by allowing these rare signallers to pool with more common signallers, signal cost can be greatly reduced. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Camel Bites: A Case Study with a Summary of Current Epidemiology, Injury Patterns, and Treatment Modalities.
Animal bites are a major source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the United States, the majority of animal bites come from domestic pets, including dogs, cats, and rodents. Camel bites, on the other hand, are exceedingly rare in the United States and are poorly described in the western medical literature. Special considerations must be made when camel bite injuries occur, as they may be therapeutically challenging. Although some clinical features of camel bites resemble those of the more common animal bite injuries, the camel's unique dentition and bite force must be taken into account when managing these wounds. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Occupational therapists' experiences of improvement work: a journey towards sustainable evidence-based practice.
The aim of this qualitative descriptive study was to describe occupational therapists' experiences of participating in long-term improvement work based on the Occupational Therapy Intervention Process Model. Data were collected by focus groups interviewed on two occasions (2006 and 2011). Nineteen occupational therapists participated on each occasion. The data obtained were analysed using a qualitative content analysis. The long-term improvement work was experienced as a journey towards sustainable and evidence-based occupational therapy practice. The journey, guided by the Occupational Therapy Intervention Process Model, led to increased client-centred and occupation-focused practice. The long journey of change involved three intertwined themes. The first theme describes how the occupational therapists transformed their thoughts and actions on an individual and group level. The second theme describes how they dealt with conflicting feelings and faced the duality of change. The third theme describes a shared professional culture, including confidence, clarity, and inter-professional community. The study shows how the collective use of an occupational therapy model of practice can lead to an integration of evidence-based knowledge that has long-lasting achievements in practice. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Phospholipase A2 enzymes.
Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) catalyzes the hydrolysis of the sn-2 position of membrane glycerophospholipids to liberate arachidonic acid (AA), a precursor of eicosanoids including prostaglandins and leukotrienes. The same reaction also produces lysophosholipids, which represent another class of lipid mediators. So far, at least 19 enzymes that possess PLA2 activity have been identified and cloned in mammals. The secretory PLA2 (sPLA2) family, in which 10 isozymes have been identified, consists of low-molecular weight, Ca2+-requiring secretory enzymes that have been implicated in a number of biological processes, such as modification of eicosanoid generation, inflammation, and host defense. The cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2) family consists of three enzymes, among which cPLA2alpha has been paid much attention by researchers as an essential component of the initiation of AA metabolism. The activation of cPLA2alpha is tightly regulated by Ca2+ and phosphorylation. The Ca2+-independent PLA2 (iPLA2) family contains two enzymes and may play a major role in phospholipid remodeling. The platelet-activating factor (PAF) acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) family contains four enzymes that exhibit unique substrate specificity toward PAF and/or oxidized phospholipids. Degradation of these bioactive phospholipids by PAF-AHs may lead to the termination of inflammatory reaction and atherosclerosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Factors affecting contraceptive use in women seeking pregnancy tests: Missouri, 1997.
If the national health objective of reducing unintended pregnancy is to be met, a better understanding is needed of barriers to women's acquisition and use of contraceptives. A sample of 311 Missouri women who were seeking pregnancy tests in public health department clinics in 1997 and who said their potential pregnancy was unintended were asked about potential barriers to family planning. Factors affecting contraceptive use among these women were examined by frequency of use, insurance status, education and race. In general, the women mostly disagreed that particular factors were potential barriers to contraceptive use. For only one item--worry over the potential side effects of the hormonal injectable contraceptive--did a majority agree or strongly agree that it was a barrier to method use in the previous six months. Women who used a contraceptive infrequently were more likely than frequent users to identify 33 factors in nine areas as being potential barriers to contraceptive use. These ranged from factors involving access to services and condom-specific issues to cost-related concerns, social norms, pregnancy denial, embarrassment over discussing or obtaining birth control, worry about side effects and experience with forced sex, among others. Perceived barriers differed somewhat by insurance status in the areas of access, embarrassment, side effects and forced sex. For example, women with no insurance coverage reported a higher level of agreement that transportation problems had hindered their access to a clinic than did women with private insurance. Level of education affected agreement only in the area of side effects, with more-educated women expressing greater concern about side effects than less-educated women. The respondent's race affected agreement in six areas: access, social norms, pregnancy denial, embarrassment, forced sex and other miscellaneous concerns, such as condom use and relationship issues. Better education and improved access to and delivery of services might address several factors affecting contraceptive use that are associated with unintended pregnancy. Some barriers, however, such as those related to self-efficacy, self-esteem and fatalistic attitudes about pregnancy, would be much harder for family planning providers to resolve. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Analysis of envelope glycoprotein-specific antibodies from SIV-infected and gp110-immunized monkeys in ACC and ADCC assays.
Sera collected from SIV-infected or recombinant glycoprotein-immunized monkeys were characterized for antibodies participating in antibody-complement-mediated cytolysis (ACC) and antibody-dependent cellular cytolysis (ADCC) in terms of their IgG subclass and epitope specificity. In a competitive inhibition ELISA, gp110-specific antibody reactivity with nondenatured rgp110 was blocked completely by soluble homologous rgp110 and partially inhibited by heterologous rgp110, suggesting cross-reactivity between viral strains. However, only partial inhibition was observed with denatured recombinant gp140 (rgp140) in selected monkeys, indicating that the majority of gp110-specific antibodies recognized conformational epitopes. ACC activity against recombinant vaccinia-infected, envelope-expressing targets was found in sera from both infected and immunized monkeys, whereas ADCC activity was observed only in sera from infected monkeys. ACC was blocked with denatured rgp140 as well as nondenatured rgp110, indicating that ACC-mediating antibodies recognized mainly linear epitopes. In contrast, rgp140 did not compete as effectively as rgp110 in the ADCC assay, indicating that the majority of ADCC antibodies recognized conformational epitopes. Competitive inhibition using three peptide fragments of gp110 indicated that epitopes recognized by ACC antibodies lie within amino acid residues 214-471, a region that spans V3, whereas ADCC-reactive epitopes lie between amino acid residues 52 and 214 at the N-terminal end of gp110. Column chromatography of rhesus IgG resulted in three subclass-enriched fractions, designated IgG-I, IgG-II, and IgG-III. IgG-I, but not IgG-II or IgG-III, from both infected and immunized monkeys mediated ACC, whereas IgG-I and IgG-II from infected monkeys mediated ADCC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nurses and the euthanasia debate: reflections from New Zealand.
Through an examination of the present situation relating to legalizing euthanasia and/or physician-assisted death in New Zealand, this paper is intended to encourage nurses worldwide to ponder about their own position on the ever present topic of assisted dying and euthanasia. In New Zealand, euthanasia remains illegal, but in 2012, the 'End of Life Choice Bill' was put in the ballot for potential selection for consideration by Parliament, later to be withdrawn. However, it is increasingly likely that New Zealand will follow international trends to offer people a choice about how their lives should end, and that such a Bill will be resubmitted in the near future. Undoubtedly, the passage of such legislation would have an impact on the day-to-day practices of nurses who work with dying people. This article has been prepared following a comprehensive review of appropriate literature both in New Zealand and overseas. This article aims to highlight the importance of nursing input into any national debates concerning proposed euthanasia or assisted dying laws. The discussion therefore covers New Zealand's experience of such proposed legislation, that is, the draft Bill itself and the implications for nurses, the history of the assisted dying debate in New Zealand, public and professional opinion, and national and international nursing responses to euthanasia. New Zealand nurses will eventually have an opportunity to make their views on proposed euthanasia legislation known, and what such legislation might mean for their practice. Nurses everywhere should seriously consider their own knowledge and viewpoint on this vitally important topic, and be prepared to respond as both individuals and as part of their professional bodies when the time inevitably arrives. The result will be a better informed set of policies, regulations and legislation leading to a more meaningful and dignified experience for dying people and their families. Nurses need to be fully informed about, and contribute to, proposed euthanasia or assisted dying legislation. They have extensive expertise in care of the dying, and should therefore be ready to influence law, policy and future nursing practices. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin, a selective serotonin1A receptor agonist, blocks haloperidol-induced catalepsy by an action on raphe nuclei medianus and dorsalis.
The selective serotonin1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) was studied for its ability to reverse haloperidol-induced catalepsy in rats. Given subcutaneously 8-OH-DPAT (0.06-0.5 mg/kg), dose-dependently antagonized the catalepsy induced by 1 mg/kg of haloperidol. Intraventricular injection of the serotonin (5-HT) neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT), which caused marked depletion of 5-HT in brain, did not change haloperidol-induced catalepsy per se, but completely antagonized the anticataleptic effect of subcutaneously administered 8-OH-DPAT. When injected directly into the median or dorsal raphe nucleus, 8-OH-DPAT, in doses ranging from 0.2 to 5 micrograms/0.5 microliter, reduced the catalepsy induced by haloperidol. The results suggest that the activation of 5-HT1A receptors, probably those located presynaptically on 5-HT-containing cell bodies, reduces the catalepsy induced by haloperidol. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Age-induced changes in the teeth and their attachment apparatus.
Both the hard substances and the soft tissues of the teeth and their attachment apparatus are subject to constant change. This begins immediately after eruption and continues throughout life. An exact dividing line between changes which are physiological and pathological cannot always be drawn. Enamel undergoes attrition, and in addition its mechanical characteristics alter, owing probably to changes in diffusion conditions. The age-induced changes occurring in dentine are much more obvious, the biological properties of this hard substance being fundamentally altered. The dentine of older people is characterized by the continuous narrowing of the lumen of the dentinal tubule, increasing calcification, reduction in the amount of peritubular fluid and reduced sensitivity. In this process, dentine becomes able to assume the function of enamel as it wears. With age cementum undergoes continuous deposition, mainly functionally induced. It is evident, even macroscopically, that the volume of the pulp declines owing to the deposition of secondary dentine or of amorphous dentine with age. Histologically, young pulp differs fundamentally from that of the pulp of an older person. Regressive processes commence immediately after tooth eruption. The number, nature, properties and capabilities of the cells change, but the pulp does not suffer any appreciable loss of vitality. Circulation in the pulp is affected by deposition of hard substance in the apical part of the root canal. These processes are important in endodontics, and because of them different treatment methods have to be used for patients of different ages. The tooth supporting tissues are also subject to constant rearrangements, the physiological occlusal and mesial movements of the teeth being relevant here. All these structural and biological differences must be allowed for when therapy is being considered. They have not hitherto been taken sufficiently into account. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Beyond culture and regular staff meetings.
Joining the radiology department of a New York City hospital, I learned that if I fostered employees' self-respect and self-reliance, they would do a good job. I believed the staff would achieve maximum performance levels when I understood the culture of the department and could work with staff members beyond regular staff meetings. More than anything else, understanding the department culture influenced my style of management. To keep the lines of communication open, department supervisors and attending radiologists meet biweekly with the chairman of radiology to discuss current and anticipated problems. Often, these meetings are charged with new ideas and excitement. An in-services program to educate and motivate employees on the job was another ongoing process, with radiologists and radiology administration working together. In-service presentations emphasized learning by using actual cases. Believing a seminar's effectiveness can be measured by its relevance to staff members, I gave a seminar on financial techniques and explained stocks, bonds, mutual funds, IRAs, 403B, 401K and multiple retirement options. Technical and clerical staffs are unionized so management and union delegates now meet to identify mutual concerns under the hospital-initiated labor management meetings. To meet additional goals, my department closely monitors the QI of the most important aspects of care-waiting times, turnaround times of radiology reports and satisfaction of both physicians and patients. In the creative atmosphere I brought to the hospital, I was able to teach staff members to reach for goals they had considered beyond them. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Preparation of xanthated bentonite and its removal behavior for Pb(II) ions.
Xanthate was successfully grafted onto bentonite by a relatively simple solution reaction. The obtained xanthated bentonite (XBent) was characterized by FT-IR spectrophotometer, thermogravimetric analysis (TG), particle size analysis, x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XBent acting as a type of environmentally friendly adsorbent was applied to remove lead ions from aqueous solutions. The optimum conditions were as follows: [Pb(2+)] = 500 mg L(-1), [XBent] = 2 g L(-1), pH = 5.0; oscillating 60 min under 200 rpm at 25 degrees C. The removal rate of lead was up to 99.9%. It was found that the lead(II) ions-XBent adsorption isotherm model fitted well to the Freundlich isotherm. The adsorption mechanism was also investigated by SEM and XRD, which concluded that lead ions were complexed or chelated with XBent. XBent appears to have potential to be used later in water treatment as a type of inorganic polymer reagent. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Changes in glutamic acid decarboxylase mRNA in the pallidum of the rat following unilateral damage of the striatum and overlying cortex.
The messenger RNA encoding glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) has been examined in the pallidum of the rat using in situ hybridization histochemistry following damage of the striatum and overlying frontal neocortex of one side. Following a postoperative survival time of 5 weeks, ipsilateral shrunken pallidal neurons showed significant decrease in GAD mRNA. The mRNA for GAD is significantly increased in neurons of the contralateral pallidum. These neurons are also significantly enlarged. These findings may be related to pathological changes in pallidal neurons in Huntington's disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The in vivo and in vitro effects of interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor on murine cytomegalovirus infection.
The effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) on infection with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The addition of each of these cytokines (at 1 ng/ml) to tissue culture monolayers 24 hr prior to MCMV challenge produced a reproducible decrease in vital titer (from 1 x 10(8) pfu to approximately 4 x 10(6) pfu for both cytokines). There was no further increase in this effect when a 10 or 100 ng/ml of each of these cytokines was employed. Despite these in vitro effects, the pretreatment of suckling, weanling, or adult mice with 80 or 400 ng of TNF or IL-1 alone, or 80 ng of each cytokine together, had no effect on the survival of mice following MCMV. Similarly, neither of these cytokines adversely influenced the protective effects of hyperimmune anti-MCMV antiserum; that is, they did not attenuate the protection conferred by the antiserum nor affect the protective effects of subtherapeutic doses of the antiserum. We conclude that despite promising antiviral effects against MCMV in vitro, these agents do not result in a useful therapeutic effect in vivo. Moreover, despite the ability of IL-1 to induce ACTH and corticosterone in mice, IL-1 treatment did not increase the mortality to CMV. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
What if plant functional types conceal species-specific responses to environment? Study on arctic shrub communities.
Plant functional types (PFT) are increasingly used to outline biome-scale plant-environment relationship and predict global change effects on community structure. However, the potentials and limitations of the PFT approach have to be tested as they can be less sensitive than trait-based or species-level approaches. Here, we compare the responses of deciduous-evergreen shrub PFTs and species to gradual snow-related environmental conditions by also considering effects of aboveground architectural traits and neighboring shrubs. Five deciduous species and four evergreen dwarf shrub species were transplanted to be exposed to four levels of winter snow cover across mesotopographic gradients in northern Fennoscandian tundra. The survival and growth of individually tagged shoots were monitored over one year, and the change in cover of shrubs was monitored over four years. Evergreen species showed higher resistance to environmental severity and generally benefitted from higher abundance of neighboring shrubs. Deciduous species exhibited negligible to drastic responses to snow thickness and neighboring shrubs tended to have a negative effect on their performance and survival. Tall shoots of deciduous shrubs survived poorly under the thinnest snow cover. Overall, deciduous and evergreen PFTs showed modest differences in their performances along the gradient. Our results show that deciduous-evergreen leaf phenology categories predict shrub responses to changing environmental conditions only to a limited extent. Our findings highlight strong species-specific responses especially among deciduous shrubs, and a differential role of plant-plant interactions for shrubs. Our results emphasize that distribution patterns of arctic-alpine shrubs and shrub community responses to altered snow regimes depend on species-level plant functional attributes, species interactions and species-specific sensitivities to environmental severity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Estrogen stimulates neuronal plasticity in the deafferented hypothalamic arcuate nucleus in aged female rats.
The hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARCN) was examined ultrastructurally 3 weeks after the complete deafferentation of the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH) with the island isolation technique in ovariectomized aged female rats (720-930 days of age). The mean numbers of axodendritic and axosomatic synapses in the ARCN decreased to about one-third of those in the intact controls. However, the treatment with estradiol benzoate (2 micrograms/day) during the 3 weeks following the day of brain surgery brought about a marked increase in the numbers of these synapses. The data suggest that the ARCN neurons of aged female rats still retain plasticity to react to deafferentation under influences of estrogen. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A retroviral vector capable of targeted gene transfer into cells expressing HIV envelope glycoprotein.
An expression vector encoding a chimeric envelope protein composed of CD4 and ecotropic retroviral envelope glycoprotein was constructed with the aim of accomplishing targeted gene transfer into HIV-1-infected cells. The chimeric protein was efficiently expressed and transported to the surfaces of various cell types and supported HIV-1 entry into human cells. A packaging cell line producing retroviral vectors carrying chimeric envelope proteins was then established. The vector particles produced were shown to be capable of specific gene transfer into human cells expressing HIV envelope glycoprotein. Blocking experiments confirmed that the vector particles entered the cells via an interaction between the chimeric and HIV envelope proteins. This targeting vector may thus be a useful tool with which to develop effective gene therapies against HIV infection. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of diethylcarbamazine citrate on Brugia malayi infections in cats following daily, weekly, or monthly administration.
Cats with patent infections of Brugia malayi were treated by intraperitoneal injection of diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC) for 6 consecutive days, weekly for 6 consecutive weeks or monthly for 3 months. Each cat received a total of 100 mg DEC per kg. At necropsy 7 months after infection, no living worms were recovered from any of eight cats treated weekly and only one of nine cats treated daily had a single living Brugia. Five of nine cats treated monthly and six of eight untreated controls had one or more living worms. Cats treated weekly showed a larger decline in microfilariae than those of the other treated groups. The mean microfilariae level of untreated controls increased 2-fold. At necropsy, gross appearance of regional lymphatics in daily and weekly treated cats resembled those of uninfected controls more closely than those in cats treated monthly or untreated. Differences in degree of histological changes between groups of infected cats were not apparent. Weekly administration of DEC appeared to be the most effective regimen; monthly treatment was less effective. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
How preparation and preservation procedures affect the properties of amniotic membrane? How safe are the procedures?
Human amniotic membrane (AM) has been widely used for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. AM has many favorable characteristics such as high biocompatibility, antibacterial activity, anti-scarring property, immunomodulatory effects, anti-cancer behavior and contains several growth factors that make it an excellent natural candidate for wound healing. To date, various methods have been developed to prepare, preserve, cross-link and sterilize the AM. These methods remarkably affect the morphological, physico-chemical and biological properties of AM. Optimization of an effective and safe method for preparation and preservation of AM for a specific application is critical. In this review, the isolation, different methods of preparation, preservation, cross-linking and sterilization as well as their effects on properties of AM are well discussed. For each section, at least one effective and safe protocol is described in detail. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Past temperature and delta18O of surface ocean waters inferred from foraminiferal Mg/Ca ratios.
Determining the past record of temperature and salinity of ocean surface waters is essential for understanding past changes in climate, such as those which occur across glacial-interglacial transitions. As a useful proxy, the oxygen isotope composition (delta18O) of calcite from planktonic foraminifera has been shown to reflect both surface temperature and seawater delta18O, itself an indicator of global ice volume and salinity. In addition, magnesium/calcium (Mg/Ca) ratios in foraminiferal calcite show a temperature dependence due to the partitioning of Mg during calcification. Here we demonstrate, in a field-based calibration experiment, that the variation of Mg/Ca ratios with temperature is similar for eight species of planktonic foraminifera (when accounting for Mg dissolution effects). Using a multi-species record from the Last Glacial Maximum in the North Atlantic Ocean we found that past temperatures reconstructed from Mg/Ca ratios followed the two other palaeotemperature proxies: faunal abundance and alkenone saturation. Moreover, combining Mg/Ca and delta18O data from the same faunal assemblage, we show that reconstructed surface water delta18O from all foraminiferal species record the same glacial-interglacial change--representing changing hydrography and global ice volume. This reinforces the potential of this combined technique in probing past ocean-climate interactions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Acute reduction of ventricular volume decreases QT interval dispersion in elderly subjects with and without heart failure.
To evaluate the effects of acute reduction in ventricular volume (VV) on QT interval dispersion (QTd), 14 men with heart failure (HF; 74.5 +/- 2 yr of age) and 11 healthy male control subjects (68 +/- 2 yr of age) were studied. For 15 min, lower body negative pressure (LBNP) was applied at -15 and -40 mmHg to reduce venous return. At baseline and during LBNP application, QTd was measured with an 87-lead, body-surface-mapping device; chamber volumes were assessed by radioisotope ventriculography; blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were continuously monitored; and blood samples were obtained for assessment of norepinephrine (Nor) levels. At -15 mmHg, LNBP application induced a significant decrease in VV but did not change BP and HR in both groups. In addition, Nor levels increased significantly (P < or = 0.05) in the control group (from 286.7 +/- 31.5 to 388.8 +/- 41.2 pg/ml) and in HF patients (from 405.8 +/- 56 to 477.6 +/- 47 pg/ml), and QTd was significantly (P < or = 0.05) decreased in the control group (57.2 +/- 3.8 vs. 49.1 +/- 3.4 ms) and in HF patients (67.8 +/- 6 vs. 63.7 +/- 5.9 ms). No additional decreases in VV or QTd were produced by -40 mmHg LNBP, but Nor levels did increase in both groups and reach 475.5 +/- 34 and 586.5 +/- 60 pg/ml (P < 0.05) in the control and HF groups, respectively; BP did not change, but HR also increased in both groups. In conclusion, an acute LBNP-induced reduction in VV caused a decrease in the QTd of elderly men regardless of the existence of HF. Because increased sympathetic activity with more intense LBNP was not accompanied by additional changes in QTd, altered QTd may be better related to changes in VV than to autonomic nervous system activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Product and process understanding of a novel pediatric anti-HIV tenofovir niosomes with a high-pressure homogenizer.
A variety of factors were systemically evaluated in order to establish the characteristics of the niosomes obtained with a high-pressure homogenizer. The vesicular sizing parameters, electrical properties, drug entrapment data and drug release characteristics were investigated using two groups of factors. The first group presented the physical process variables such as pressure of the homogenizer and the times that the samples were processed (cycles). The second group encompassed the compositional variables such as the drug loading, surfactant chain length, cholesterol level and the level of the charge imparting agent. The obtained data showed that the drug distributed within both the aqueous and lipid phases of the formed niosomes. Saturation-like behaviors for both the effect of homogenization cycles on the produced size and the effect of the pressure on the size homogeneity were recorded. In contrast to the drug entrapment and conductivity of the niosomal suspension, the vesicular size parameters as well as the zeta potential were inversely proportional with the homogenization parameters. Drug release was significantly affected by the compositional factors rather than the physical ones. The current study demonstrated the usefulness of the microfluidization for the production and further scale-up of anti-HIV niosomes with very small mean vesicular sizes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The Quality and Utility of Surgical and Anesthetic Data at a Ugandan Regional Referral Hospital.
There are little primary data available on the delivery or quality of surgical treatment in rural sub-Saharan African hospitals. To initiate a quality improvement system, we characterized the existing data capture at a Ugandan Regional Referral Hospital. We examined the surgical ward admission (January 2008-December/2011) and operating theater logbooks (January 2010-July 2011) at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. There were 6346 admissions recorded over three years. The mean patient age was 31.4 ± 22.3 years; 29.8 % (n = 1888) of admissions were children. Leading causes of admission were general surgical problems (n = 3050, 48.1 %), trauma (n = 2041, 32.2 %), oncology (n = 718, 11.3 %) and congenital condition (n = 193, 3.0 %). Laparotomy (n = 468, 35.3 %), incision and drainage (n = 188, 14.2 %) and hernia repair (n = 90, 6.8 %) were the most common surgical procedures. Of 1325 operative patients, 994 (75 %) had an ASA I-II score. Of patients undergoing 810 procedures booked as non-elective, 583 (72 %) had an ASA "E" rating. Records of 41.3 % (n-403/975) of patients age 5 years or older undergoing non-obstetric operations were missing from the ward logbook. Missing patients were younger (25 [13,40] versus 30 [18,46] years, p = 0.002) and had higher ASA scores (ASA III-V 29.0 % versus 18.9 %, p < 0.001) than patients recorded in the logbbook; there was no diffence in gender (male 62.8 % versus 67.0 %, p = 0.20). The hospital records system measures surgical care, but improved data capture is needed to determine outcomes with sufficient accuracy to guide and record expansion of surgical capacity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pediatric laryngospasm: prevention and treatment.
The purpose of this review is to discuss the risk factors associated with laryngospasm and the techniques used for prevention and treatment. We also summarize the prevention and treatment modalities in organized algorithms. According to recent endoscopic studies, laryngospasm is always complete, thus airway management and intravenous therapy are indicated. Parental history of children having upper respiratory infection is associated with increased risk of laryngospasm. Anesthesia administered by a pediatric anesthesiologist is associated with lower incidence of laryngospasm. Intravenous anesthesia is associated with lower incidence of laryngospasm than inhalational anesthesia. In tracheal intubation, the use of muscle relaxants decreases laryngospasm. Deep laryngeal mask airway removal is associated with lower incidence of laryngospasm in sevoflurane or isoflurane anesthesia. In no intravenous line situation, laryngospasm can be treated with succinylcholine administration by intramuscular, intraosseous and intralingual routes. Identifying the risk factors and taking the necessary precautions are the key points in prevention of laryngospasm. An experienced anesthesiologist is associated with lower incidence of laryngospasm. Airway management is the most essential part of treatment of laryngospasm. Drugs can be used as an adjunct in treatment of laryngospasm, especially when anesthesia is administered by beginners. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Coupling Reaction of Enol Derivatives with Silyl Ketene Acetals Catalyzed by Gallium Trihalides.
A cross-coupling reaction between enol derivatives and silyl ketene acetals catalyzed by GaBr3 took place to give the corresponding α-alkenyl esters. GaBr3 showed the most effective catalytic ability, whereas other metal salts such as BF3 ⋅OEt2 , AlCl3 , PdCl2 , and lanthanide triflates were not effective. Various types of enol ethers and vinyl carboxylates as enol derivatives are amenable to this coupling. The scope of the reaction with silyl ketene acetals was also broad. We successfully observed an alkylgallium intermediate by using NMR spectroscopy, suggesting a mechanism involving anti-carbogallation among GaBr3 , an enol derivative, and a silyl ketene acetal, followed by syn-β-alkoxy elimination from the alkylgallium. Based on kinetic studies, the turnover-limiting step of the reaction using a vinyl ether and a vinyl carboxylate involved syn-β-alkoxy elimination and anti-carbogallation, respectively. Therefore, the leaving group had a significant effect on the progress of the reaction. Theoretical calculations analysis suggest that the moderate Lewis acidity of gallium would contribute to a flexible conformational change of the alkylgallium intermediate and to the cleavage of the carbon-oxygen bond in the β-alkoxy elimination process, which is the turnover-limiting step in the reaction between a vinyl ether and a silyl ketene acetal. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Interdigitated gel phase bilayers formed by unsaturated synthetic and bacterial glycerolipids in the presence of polymyxin B and glycerol.
The ability of synthetic phosphoglycerolipids with a cis mono-unsaturated acyl chain in the 2-position and a saturated chain in the 1-position of glycerol to form interdigitated gel phase bilayers in the presence of amphipathic substances was monitored using a fatty acid spin label, 16-doxylstearic acid, and a phosphatidylglycerol spin label containing 16-doxylstearic acid. These spin labels become significantly more motionally restricted in an interdigitated gel phase bilayer than in a non-interdigitated gel phase bilayer. The results indicated that polymyxin B and polymyxin B nonapeptide caused interdigitation of 1-palmitoyl,2-oleoyl-phosphatidylglycerol (POPG) and glycerol caused interdigitation of 1-stearoyl,2-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (SOPC), similar to their effects on disaturated lipids. The fluidity gradient present in non-interdigitated gel phase bilayers was abolished. However, glycerol did not cause POPG to become interdigitated, in contrast to SOPC. We reported earlier that there is a kinetic barrier to interdigitation of saturated PG in the presence of glycerol, in contrast to saturated PC. This barrier is even greater for the unsaturated species of PG. Furthermore, these compounds lowered the gel to liquid-crystalline phase transition temperatures of the unsaturated lipids more than of saturated lipids suggesting that the interdigitated bilayer of the former may be less ordered or less stable than that of the latter. Since polymyxin B is an antibiotic we also examined its effect on a lipid extract from the Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa in order to assess whether interdigitation might be involved in its mechanism of bactericidal or bacteriostatic effect. Polymyxin B and polymyxin B nonapeptide also caused motional restriction of a small percentage (about 13% at -2 degrees C and 25% at -14 degrees C for polymyxin B) of the spin label in the lipid extract at low temperatures, where the lipid is in the gel phase, consistent with formation of a small domain of interdigitated bilayer lipid. However, the degree of immobilization was less than that in the interdigitated bilayers of the synthetic unsaturated lipids. This may be a result of the heterogeneous nature of the lipids in the extract. However, it cannot be ruled out that the motional restriction of the spin label in this extract may be caused by something other than interdigitation. Thus the results with the lipid extract are less conclusive of interdigitation than for the synthetic lipids. A motionally restricted population was not detectable at higher temperatures.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Matworld - the biogeochemical effects of early life on land.
Contents 531 I. 531 II. 532 III. 534 IV. 535 V. 535 VI. 535 Acknowledgements 536 References 536 SUMMARY: There is growing evidence that life has been on land for billions of years. Microbial mats fuelled by oxygenic photosynthesis were probably present in terrestrial habitats from c. 3.0 billion yr ago (Ga) onwards, creating localized 'oxygen oases' under a reducing atmosphere, which left a characteristic oxidative weathering signal. After the Great Oxidation c. 2.4 Ga, the now oxidizing atmosphere masked that redox signal, but ancient soils record the mobilization of phosphorus and other elements by organic acids in weathering profiles. Evidence for Neoproterozoic 'greening of the land' and intensification of weathering c. 0.85-0.54 Ga is currently equivocal. However, the mid-Palaeozoic c. 0.45-0.4 Ga shows global atmospheric changes consistent with increased terrestrial productivity and intensified weathering by the first land plants. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Neurological abnormalities in xeroderma pigmentosum].
Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by abnormal sensitivity to sunlight which results in pigmentary changes, telangiectases, keratoses and eventually carcinomata. Additional neurological complications can be associated. The aim of our study was to analyze particularities of neurological abnormalities of Tunisian patients. We conducted a retrospective study in 62 patients suffering from XP included during the period 1992-2007. Patients were aged from 1 to 64 years (mean age: 17.6 +/- 11.4 years). Thirty patients were female and 32 were male. The patients had severe (n=16), variant (n=15) and moderate (n=31) XP. Neurological abnormalities were observed in 21 patients (33.9%). Mental retardation was observed in 15 of the 21 patients, pyramidal syndrome in five, cerebellar syndrome in two, extrapyramidal syndrome in two, microcephalia in two, choreoatetosis in three cases and a peripheral neuropathy in eight. No neurological disorder was observed in the XP-variant patients. Neurological abnormalities were more frequent in the patients with moderate XP (n=17, 64.5%) than with severe XP (p=0.051). This difference in a group of Tunisian patients confirms the heterogeneous nature of XP and is probably due to genetic heterogeneity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The antibody response to myoglobin--I. Systematic synthesis of myoglobin peptides reveals location and substructure of species-dependent continuous antigenic determinants.
Sets of peptides representing all the possible hepta-, octa-, nona- and decapeptides of sperm whale myoglobin were synthesized. An ELISA method was used to detect the ability of antibodies, present in antisera raised against native sperm whale myoglobin, to bind to these peptides. Antisera made in two species were compared. It was found that the peptides recognized by the antibodies were a function of the species in which the antiserum was prepared and of the individual outbred member of that species. Peptides corresponding to surface epitopes of the native antigen were identified by reacting the antisera with native antigen prior to ELISA testing on peptides. More detailed analysis of one epitope revealed that, for some sera, a leucine residue which is facing inwards in the crystal structure is critical for the binding of antibody to the peptide. This suggests that binding between native antigen and antibody can require a restructuring of the native antigen. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Analysis of the Vitellogenin gene of rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica Stainton.
Vitellogenin (Vg) is a precursor of the major yolk protein, an essential nutrient for the embryonic development of oviparous animals including insects. Here, the gene(CceVg [Corcyra cephalonica Vg] ) encoding the Vg (CceVg of moth, C. cephalonica, was cloned and sequenced. The gene sequence was 6,721-bp long and contained 5five introns and six exons that together formed a 5,382-bp open reading frame. The deduced protein (CceVg) consisted of 1,793 amino acid residues, including a 16-amino-acid signal peptide. The putative molecular weight of the primary Vg protein was 202.46 kDa. The CceVg contained all conserved domains and motifs that were commonly found in most insect Vgs except the presence of a polyserine tract at the C-terminal region, which had not been reported in other lepidopteran Vgs. The expression pattern showed that CceVg was first transcribed at a very low level in the early larval stage but disappeared in later stage larva. In female, the CceVg mRNA was detected in early pupal stage and throughout adult stage. Interestingly, the CceVg mRNA was detected only in mated males at low levels, not in the virgin ones. Injection of CceVg double-stranded RNA into early-emergent females caused severely abnormal ovaries. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Changes in posture through the use of simple inclines with notebook computers placed on a standard desk.
This study evaluated the use of simple inclines as a portable peripheral for improving head and neck postures during notebook computer use on tables in portable environments such as hotel rooms, cafés, and airport lounges. A 3D motion analysis system measured head, neck and right upper extremity postures of 15 participants as they completed a 10 min computer task in six different configurations, all on a fixed height desk: no-incline, 12° incline, 25° incline, no-incline with external mouse, 25° incline with an external mouse, and a commercially available riser with external mouse and keyboard. After completion of the task, subjects rated the configuration for comfort and ease of use and indicated perceived discomfort in several body segments. Compared to the no-incline configuration, use of the 12° incline reduced forward head tilt and neck flexion while increasing wrist extension. The 25° incline further reduced head tilt and neck flexion while further increasing wrist extension. The 25° incline received the lowest comfort and ease of use ratings and the highest perceived discomfort score. For portable, temporary computing environments where internal input devices are used, users may find improved head and neck postures with acceptable wrist extension postures with the utilization of a 12° incline. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Rotational energy barrier of 2-(2',6'-dihydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole: a case study by NMR.
2-(2'-Hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole (HBO) derivatives represent an important class of luminescent materials, as they can undergo excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). The material's ESIPT properties are dependent on the ratio of two different rotamers, whose interconversion is poorly understood. By using HBO derivative 4, the rotational energy barrier of 2- (2',6'-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole is determined to be 10.5 kcal/mol by variable-temperature NMR. Although a HBO derivative typically exhibits two rotamers with O···H-O (e.g., 1a) and N···H-O bonding (e.g., 1b), correlation of NMR with fluorescence data reveals that the rotamer with N···H-O bonding is predominant in the solution. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cavity mode waves during terahertz radiation from rectangular Bi(2)Sr(2)CaCu(2)O(8 + δ) mesas.
We re-examined the angular dependence of the radiation from the intrinsic Josephson junctions in rectangular mesas of Bi(2)Sr(2)CaCu(2)O(8 + δ), in order to determine if the cavity mode part of the radiation arises from waves across the width w or along the length l of the mesas, associated with 'hot spots' (Wang et al 2010 Phys. Rev. Lett. 105 057002). We derived analytical forms for the angular dependence expected in both cases for a general cavity mode in which the width of the mesa corresponds to an integer multiple of one-half the wavelength of the radiation. Assuming the coherent radiation from the ac Josephson current source and the cavity magnetic surface current density source combine incoherently, fits to the data of Kadowaki et al (2010 J. Phys. Soc. Japan 79 023703) on a mesa with mean l/ω = 5.17 for both wave directions using two models for the incoherent combination were made, which correspond to standing and traveling waves, respectively. The results suggest that the combined output from the uniform ac Josephson current source plus a cavity wave forming along the rectangle length is equally probable as that of the combined output from the uniform ac Josephson current plus a cavity wave across the width. However, for mesas in which nl/2ω is integral, where n is the index of the rectangular TM(z)(n, 0) mode, it is shown that standing cavity mode waves along the length of the mesa do not radiate in the xz plane perpendicular to the length of the mesa, suggesting experiments on such mesas could help to resolve the question. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Development of a design tool for closed-loop digital vibrometer.
The closed-loop technique has been demonstrated as a possible configuration to design a vibrometer based upon self-mixing interferometry. The electronic feedback loop allows a better linearity while extending the linearity range of a self-mixing interferometer. A deep analysis of the feedback loop is carried out in order to improve stability and performance through a digital approach. This work describes first the simulation of the closed-loop vibrometer, and then the performance obtained through its implementation on an FPGA based prototype. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Correlates of acute insulin resistance in the early phase of non-diabetic ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
The relationship between insulin secretion and acute insulin resistance (as assessed by Homeostatic Model Assessment [HOMA] index) and clinical and biochemical parameters in the early phase of non-diabetic ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is so far unexplored. We aimed at assessing this relation in 286 consecutive STEMI patients without previously known diabetes submitted to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Insulin resistance (as indicated by HOMA) was detectable in 67.1%. Non-parametric correlation showed that HOMA index was significantly correlated with BMI (r = 0.242; p < 0.0001) and HbA(1c) (r = 0.189; p < 0.001). At multivariable backward linear regression analysis, glycaemia was directly related to leukocyte count (p = 0.0003), age (p = 0.0001), creatine kinase isoform MB (CK-MB) (p = 0.00278) and lactate (p < 0.0001). Insulin was directly and significantly related to glycaemia (p = 0.0006), body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.00028) and lactate (p = 0.0096) In the early phase of STEMI without previously known diabetes the acute glucose dysmetabolism is quite complex, comprising increased glucose values and the development of acute insulin resistance. While insulin secretion is strictly related to BMI, apart from glucose levels, increased glucose values can be mainly related to the acute inflammatory response (as indicated to leukocyte count and C-RP), to age and to the degree of myocardial damage (as inferred by CK-MB). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of feeding whey hydrolysate, soy and conventional cow milk formulas on incidence of atopic disease in high risk infants.
The effect of feeding different infant formulas on incidence of atopic disease was assessed in a prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial among "high risk" infants with family history of atopy among first-degree relatives. The incidence of atopic eczema, wheezing, rhinitis, gastrointestinal symptoms, and colic was noted and serum IgE antibodies to milk were estimated. Seventy-two infants were recruited into each of the following groups: cow milk whey hydrolysate formula (NAN/HA), conventional cow milk formula (Similac), soy-based formula (Isomil), and exclusive breast feeding for greater than or equal to 4 months. The number of infants who exited for reasons other than atopy and were excluded from analysis were 4, 5, 4, and 12 in the four groups, respectively. The incidence of one or more symptoms of possible allergic etiology was five of 68 infants fed NAN/HA, 24 of 67 infants fed Similac, 25 of 68 infants fed Isomil, and 12 of 60 breast-fed infants. Among symptomatic infants, skin prick test to milk proteins was positive in four out of five infants fed NAN/HA, 16 of 24 fed Similac, 2 of 25 fed Isomil, and 7 of 12 breast-fed. IgE antibodies to milk were found in 2 of 68, 9 of 67, 0 of 68, and 6 of 60 infants in the four groups, respectively. It is concluded that exclusive breast feeding for more than 4 months is partially protective against the development of atopic disease among high risk infants.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Continuing professional education: luxury or necessity?
The author sets out to define what is meant by continuing professional education, the implications of the terminology and the contribution that it makes to nursing. She then moves on to discuss the distinction between education and learning, and the importance of 'life-long learning' to nursing. The relative merits of voluntary and compulsory education are considered and the attitudes and expectations of both nurses and their managers are examined. Obstacles to the up-take of educational opportunities are outlined, and some of the issues behind this are explored. The assessment of educational requirements and the evaluation of educational offerings are reviewed, along with the importance of assuring quality, not only in the context of proposals for postregistration education and the current market ethos in the United Kingdom, but also with regard to the potential benefits to be gained in the health care of the general public. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The pathology of hepatitis C.
To determine the histologic pattern of hepatitis C, 54 liver biopsy specimens from 45 patients with a clinicopathological diagnosis of hepatitis C were studied. All patients were seropositive for antibody to hepatitis C virus by second-generation testing. Both transfusion-related and sporadic cases were included. More than half the samples showed chronic hepatitis without cirrhosis, whereas 44% showed developing or fully established cirrhosis. A histological pattern of mild chronic hepatitis with portal lymphoid follicles and varying degrees of lobular activity was found in many of the patients. Lymphoid aggregates or follicles were seen in 78% of biopsy specimens, but aggregates, less prominent than in hepatitis C, were also seen in 14 of 27 samples (52%) from patients with hepatitis B. We conclude that a characteristic histological pattern exists in chronic hepatitis C, that this pattern is not always found and that prominent lymphoid follicles, though not unique to hepatitis C, provide a useful diagnostic clue. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Effects of farnesoid X receptor ligand on the metabolism of bile acids in rats with estrogen-induced intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy].
To investigate the effects and mechanism of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and its ligands on the metabolism of bile acids in rats with estrogen-induced intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). An ICP rat model was established with estradiol benzoate (EB) injections. Then FXR ligand chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) was administrated (100 mg/kg daily) to ICP rats for 5 days. The serum TBA and expression of FXR and bile salt export pump (BSEP) in the rat livers were examined by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription PCR. The levels of TBA in the CDCA group rats were significantly lower than the untreated rats [(17.2+/-4.1)micromol/L vs (29.3+/-6.4)micromol/L], and the expressions of mRNA and protein of FXR were significantly higher [(0.76+/-0.09 vs 0.53+/-0.06, P<0.05 and 2.35+/-0.06 vs 1.83+/-0.05, P<0.017, respectively)], and the expressions of BSEP were also higher [(0.99+/-0.21 vs 0.76+/-0.07, P<0.017 and 1.88+/-0.03 vs 1.46+/-0.06, P<0.017, respectively)]. FXR plays an important role in modulating the metabolism of bile acids. CDCA can lower the levels of serum TBA by upregulating the expression of FXR and BSEP and then increasing the transport of the bile acids. These facts might present a new idea and target for the treatment of ICP. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Essential flexibility in the T-cell recognition of antigen.
alpha beta T cells specifically recognize a ligand composed of a peptide bound to a self-major-histocompatibility-complex molecule, but the recognition of slightly altered ligands by T cells can lead to a partial activation. This flexibility is crucial for T-cell development and can have both beneficial and harmful effects on peripheral T cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical characteristics of psychiatrically referred adolescent outpatients with substance use disorder.
There is increasing interest in the developmental relationship of psychopathology and substance use disorders (SUD) in youths. Because the bulk of literature is focused in inpatient or incarcerated youths, inferences and generalizations are limited in outpatient settings. The clinical characteristics of psychiatrically referred outpatients were studied to determine whether differences existed in the nature and severity of comorbid psychiatric disorders when substance abuse was involved. All diagnoses were derived from structured psychiatric interviews completed on all youths on intake assessment. Adolescents with an identified SUD (n = 38) were compared with those without SUD (n = 321) on a number of variables including past and current psychopathology, cognitive and school functioning, and overall impairment. Eleven percent of referred outpatients (mean age = 15.9 +/- 1.3 years) met full criteria for a SUD by parental report. Controlling for age, adolescents with SUD had higher risk for mood and disruptive behavioral disorders compared with psychiatric controls. In the majority of cases, the onset of psychopathology preceded the onset of SUD by at least 1 year. The group with SUD also had lower overall functioning and more school dysfunction and psychiatric hospitalizations than their non-SUD peers. Despite the small number of adolescents with SUD in this sample, these data indicate that SUD is common in outpatient psychiatry referrals. Youths with SUD appear to be at increased risk for more psychopathology and dysfunction in a number of domains. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effect of apparent movement on mental rotation.
Eleven subjects were timed as they judged whether a small bar perpendicular to one side of a clockhand would point left or right if the hand was pointing upward (i.e., at the "12 o'clock" position). The clockhand was shown in two successive orientations 30 degrees apart, so that it was perceived to jump from one to the other in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction. Reaction times were consistent with the interpretation that the subjects "mentally rotated" the clockhand from its perceived orientation back to the upright before making their decisions. The direction of the jump influenced perceived orientation but did not influence either the direction or rate of mental rotation itself. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of high-temperature isochoric pre-treatment on the methane yields of cattle, pig and chicken manure.
Cattle manure, dewatered pig manure and chicken manure were pre-treated in a high-temperature reactor under isochoric conditions for 15 min at temperatures between 100 and 225 degrees C with 25 degrees C intervals to study the effect on their methane yield. After 27 days of batch incubation, cattle manure showed a significant improvement in its biochemical methane potential (BMP) of 13% at 175 degrees C and 21% at 200 degrees C. Pig manure showed improvements at temperatures of 125 degrees C and above, with a maximum 29% increase in yield at 200 degrees C. The BMP of chicken manure was reduced by 18% at 225 degrees C, but at lower temperatures there were no significant changes. It was found that this method of pre-treatment could be feasible if sufficient surplus energy was available or if the energy used in the pre-treatment could be recovered. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
2',4'-Dihydroxy-6'-methoxy-3',5'-dimethylchalcone induced apoptosis and G1 cell cycle arrest through PI3K/AKT pathway in BEL-7402/5-FU cells.
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the fifth most common and the third most lethal cancer worldwide. In recent years, natural flavonoids have drawn great attention as repository for the exploitation of novel antineoplastic agents. 2',4'-Dihydroxy-6'-methoxy-3',5'-dimethylchalcone (DMC), a functional chalcone isolated from the buds of Cleistocalyx operculatus, has been reported to exert potent cytotoxicity against multi-drug resistant BEL-7402/5-FU cells. In this study, the precise mechanisms of DMC-mediated growth inhibition in BEL-7402/5-FU cells were further investigated. DMC was found to trigger apoptosis predominantly via the mitochondria-dependent pathway and the enhancement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Meanwhile, DMC induced G1 cell cycle arrest through downregulation of cyclin D1 and CDK4. Furthermore, DMC increased p53 level and inhibited NF-κB nuclear-localization via suppression of PI3K/AKT signaling axis, which might be the underlying mechanism of DMC-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in BEL-7402/5-FU cells. Collectively, the study elucidated the mechanisms by which DMC may inhibit the growth of BEL-7402/5-FU cells and suggested the possibility that DMC might be a promising candidate therapeutic agent for hepatoma treatment in the future. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Acetabular labral tear and postpartum hip pain.
To educate the obstetrics community regarding postpartum labral tears, an avoidable and treatable potential complication of pregnancy in the postpartum period. From 2009 to 2011, 10 women presented to the second author's office with persistent hip pain that had begun during pregnancy or during delivery. These 10 postpartum women presented with signs and symptoms of labral tears, which were subsequently confirmed with arthroscopy and surgically repaired. Each patient experienced relief of symptoms within 4 months after the procedure. All patients were satisfied with surgery, and all patients had improvement in modified Harris hip score. The average preoperative modified Harris hip score was 53.1 and the average postoperative modified Harris hip score was 84.3 (P<.001). An acetabular labral tear should be considered part of the differential diagnosis for hip pain in postpartum women. Additionally, freeing the distal lower extremity to externally rotate during labor may prevent an acute labral tear. When nonoperative management fails, surgery may lead to positive outcomes. II. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nutrients and clam contamination by Escherichia coli in a meso-tidal coastal lagoon: Seasonal variation in counter cycle to external sources.
The clam Ruditapes decussatus was transplanted from a natural recruitment area of Ria Formosa to three sites, surveyed for nutrients in water and sediments. Specimens were sampled monthly for determination of Escherichia coli, condition index and gonadal index. Higher nutrient values in low tide reflect drainage, anthropogenic sources or sediment regeneration, emphasising the importance of water mixing in the entire lagoon driven by the tide. Despite the increase of effluent discharges in summer due to tourism, nutrient concentrations and E. coli in clams were lower in warmer periods. The bactericide effect of temperature and solar radiation was better defined in clams from the inlet channel site than from sites closer to urban effluents. High temperature in summer and torrential freshwater inputs to Ria Formosa may anticipate climate change scenarios for south Europe. Seasonal variation of nutrients and clam contamination may thus point to possible alterations in coastal lagoons and their ecosystem services. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Treatment of chronically injured spinal cord with neurotrophic factors stimulates betaII-tubulin and GAP-43 expression in rubrospinal tract neurons.
Exogenous neurotrophic factors provided at a spinal cord injury site promote regeneration of chronically injured rubrospinal tract (RST) neurons into a peripheral nerve graft. The present study tested whether the response to neurotrophins is associated with changes in the expression of two regeneration-associated genes, betaII-tubulin and growth-associated protein (GAP)-43. Adult female rats were subjected to a right full hemisection lesion via aspiration of the C3 spinal cord. A second aspiration lesion was made 4 weeks later and gel foam saturated in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was applied to the lesion site for 60 min. Using in situ hybridization, RST neurons were examined for changes in mRNA levels of betaII-tubulin and GAP-43 at 1, 3, and 7 days after treatment. Based on analysis of gene expression in single cells, there was no effect of BDNF treatment on either betaII-tubulin or GAP-43 mRNA expression at any time point. betaII-Tubulin mRNA levels were enhanced significantly at 1 and 3 days in animals treated with GDNF relative to levels in animals treated with PBS. Treatment with GDNF did not affect GAP-43 mRNA levels at 1 and 3 days, but at 7 days there was a significant increase in mRNA expression. Interestingly, 7 days after GDNF treatment, the mean cell size of chronically injured RST neurons was increased significantly. Although GDNF and BDNF both promote axonal regeneration by chronically injured neurons, only GDNF treatment is associated with upregulation of betaII-tubulin or GAP-43 mRNA. It is not clear from the present study how exogenous BDNF stimulates regrowth of injured axons. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prevention of cytomegalovirus infection after organ transplantation with passive immunization. An analysis of 6 randomized clinical trials.
We performed a meta-analysis of 6 randomized clinical trials to study the efficacy of passive immunization against CMV in solid organ transplantation. The results indicate that passive immunization against CMV prevents (fatal) CMV disease in CMV seronegative recipients of a CMV seropositive allograft, even when treated with additional immunosuppression in case of rejections. Passive immunization with anti-CMV immunoglobulin preparations did not reduce the incidence of CMV infection or disease in CMV seropositive recipients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Understanding Early Age of Onset: a Review of the Last 5 Years.
The age at onset of bipolar disorder ranging from childhood to adolescent to adult has significant implications for frequency, severity and duration of mood episodes, comorbid psychopathology, heritability, response to treatment, and opportunity for early intervention. There is increasing evidence that recognition of prodromal symptoms in at-risk populations and mood type at onset are important variables in understanding the course of this illness in youth. Very early childhood onset of symptoms including anxiety/depression, mood lability, and subthreshold manic symptoms, along with family history of a parent with early onset bipolar disorder, appears to predict the highest risk of early onset disorder with the most severe course. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The role of 3',5'-AMP in regulation of activity of histidase from rat liver and skin].
A dependence of activity of histidase from rat liver and skin on the agents affecting the activity of the adenylate cyclase systeme was studied in vitro. Under conditions optimal for the activity of liver phosphorylase protein kinase the skin extract histidase was activated 2-3-fold. This is indicative of a possibility of regulation of the skin histidase activity via the adenylate cyclase system by modification of enzyme by phosphorylation-dephosphorylation, which is performed by 3':5'-AMP-dependent protein kinase. Theophylline at concentrations of 10(-4) M and 10(-3) M activates partially purified histidase (both liver and skin forms), probably in the course of direct interaction with the enzyme. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The use of bitewing positioning devices in children's dentistry.
The use of film-holding, beam-aiming devices have been shown to have a number of potential advantages in achieving high quality bitweing radiographs, however, little information is available about their acceptability to children. The aims of this study were: (1) to determine the level of acceptance of a conventional type of film positioner to child patients in a general practice setting in Scotland and (2) to compare the acceptability to children of bitewing procedures using: the freehand technique, a 'Rinn' positioner and a new positioner, the 'HPL' device. In the general practice group, following modifications made during a pilot study, 211 children aged 3-15 years were offered a bitewing examination with a modified Rinn positioner at recall. The overall acceptance rate of the bitewing procedure was 82.5%. All 10 children aged 3-4 years offered bitewings refused, while 77 (69%) of subjects aged 5-9 years accepted, as did all the 89 children aged 10-15 years. In the comparison of acceptability investigation, three groups of 30 children aged 6-15 years requiring bitewing radiographs were selected at random. Each group had a different bitewing technique carried out by the same operator. The children's acceptance of all three techniques was high (87-97%) and no statistically significant difference was found between the acceptability of the freehand method and those involving film positioning devices. Although the unmodified Rinn design suffered from a number of problems, the modified version was found to be acceptable by many children.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Preparation and evaluation of high drug content particles.
To determine how to prepare high drug content particles using a Wurster fluidized bed to determine realizing the miniaturization of solid dosage forms, aspirin was selected as the model drug and granulated without any additive. In this study, the emphasis was on evaluating the key operation factors of airflow rate and atomizing flow volume. The properties of the resulting particles, such as the average diameter, particle strength, appearance, and compressibility using different airflow rates and atomizing flow volumes, were investigated. Furthermore, detailed optimization of the operation conditions was conducted by artificial neural network (ANN) analysis. The relationship between the controlling factors (powder supplied, concentration of spray liquid, the amount of consumed spray liquid, and spray rate) and the response variables (product yield, median diameter, angle of repose, and degradation of aspirin) was investigated after evaluating the airflow rate and atomizing flow volume effects. The resulting granules under optimum operation conditions showed excellent physicochemical properties such as particle size uniformity, flowability, and compressibility. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Piezoelectric extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy by EDAP LT-01: the Singapore experience.
One hundred and eighty patients with stones in the calyces, renal pelvis, upper, middle, and lower ureter were treated by piezoelectric extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy using the EDAP LT-01 lithotripter. The size of the stones treated ranged from 0.5 cm to 6.5 cm with the vast majority (94%) measuring less than 3.0 cm. Forty-eight patients (27%) had multiple stones in the renal collecting system. Successful fragmentation occurred in 79%, partial fragmentation in an additional 17%, and no fragmentation in 4%. Forty percent of patients required repeated treatment with an average of 2.3 sessions. Of those patients treated, none required general anesthesia, however, analgesia was needed in 121 patients (67%). Urosepsis occurred in 4% and 0.5% developed intrarenal hematoma. There was no mortality or loss of renal units in this series. The auxiliary procedure rate was 15% (percutaneous nephrolithotripsy 5%, ureteroscopic manipulation 9%, and open surgery 1%). The 3-month stone-free rate was 64%. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The influence of genetic variation in the HLA-DRB1 and LTA-TNF regions on the response to treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis with methotrexate or etanercept.
To examine the roles of specific genetic polymorphisms as predictors of response to treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Subjects included 457 patients with early RA (duration of < or =3 years) who participated in a randomized controlled trial comparing weekly methotrexate and 2 dosages of etanercept (10 mg twice weekly and 25 mg twice weekly). Our primary outcome measure was achievement of 50% improvement in disease activity according to the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR50 response) after 12 months of treatment. Subjects were genotyped for HLA-DRB1 alleles and polymorphisms in the following genes: TNF, LTA, TNFRSF1A, TNFRSF1B, FCGR2A, FCGR3A, and FCGR3B. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to define the impact of specific polymorphisms and haplotypes on response to treatment. Covariates for the multivariate analyses included sex, ethnicity, age, disease duration, and baseline values for rheumatoid factor and the tender and swollen joint counts. The presence of 2 HLA-DRB1 alleles encoding the shared epitope (SE) (compared with 1 or 0 copies) was associated with response to treatment with standard-dose etanercept (odds ratio [OR] 4.3, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.8-10.3). Among Caucasian patients, 2 extended haplotypes that included the HLA-DRB1 alleles *0404 and *0101 (both of which encode the SE) and 6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the LTA-TNF region were associated with response to treatment. In a multivariate model that included treatment received and the aforementioned covariates, the ORs for the association of these haplotypes with achievement of an ACR50 response at 12 months were 2.5 (95% CI 0.8-7.3) and 4.9 (95% CI 1.5-16.1) for the *0404- and *0101-containing haplotypes, respectively. Genetic variation in the HLA-DRB1 and the LTA-TNF regions is significantly associated with response to treatment of early RA. These findings may have clinical application through the identification of patients who are most likely to benefit from treatment with methotrexate or etanercept. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Molecular docking studies of curcumin natural derivatives with DNA topoisomerase I and II-DNA complexes.
DNA topoisomerase I (topo I) and II (topo II) are essential enzymes that solve the topological problems of DNA by allowing DNA strands or double helices to pass through each other during cellular processes such as replication, transcription, recombination, and chromatin remodeling. Their critical roles make topoisomerases an attractive drug target against cancer. The present molecular docking study provides insights into the inhibition of topo I and II by curcumin natural derivatives. The binding modes suggested that curcumin natural derivatives docked at the site of DNA cleavage parallel to the axis of DNA base pairing. Cyclocurcumin and curcumin sulphate were predicted to be the most potent inhibitors amongst all the curcumin natural derivatives docked. The binding modes of cyclocurcumin and curcumin sulphate were similar to known inhibitors of topo I and II. Residues like Arg364, Asn722 and base A113 (when docked to topo I-DNA complex) and residues Asp479, Gln778 and base T9 (when docked to topo II-DNA complex) seem to play important role in the binding of curcumin natural derivatives at the site of DNA cleavage. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The future of neuropathology in childhood.
The current state of knowledge of pediatric neuropathology is based upon a rich historical heritage dating back many centuries and representing the genius of many people, although, relatively speaking, little specific attention was paid to the unique issues relating to infants and children. Aside from descriptions of morphological features of disease (including tumors), advances in understanding basic pathogenetic mechanisms have flowered only in the recent past. Most exciting has been the progress in molecular biology and genetics, which has yielded a phenomenal bank of information in a short time, uncovering details of genes involved in development of the nervous system and specifically associated with various types of tumors. The future of pediatric neuropathology requires partnership with molecular geneticists whose studies hold promise of defining morphology. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Longitudinal gonadal steroid excretion in free-living male and female meerkats (Suricata suricatta).
Slender-tailed meerkats (Suricata suricatta) are small, diurnal, cooperatively breeding mongooses of the family Herpestidae. A prerequisite to fully understanding the mating system of meerkats is the development of a normative reproductive-endocrine database. This study examined longitudinal gonadal steroid excretion in all adult and juvenile individuals of both sexes within a social group of free-living meerkats sampled across an entire breeding season. The specific objectives of this study were to (1) validate noninvasive (fecal and urinary) gonadal steroid hormone monitoring techniques in male (testosterone) and female (estrogens, progestagens) meerkats; (2) test the feasibility of using these noninvasive methods under field conditions; (3) characterize the endocrine correlates associated with the female reproductive cycle, including estrus, gestation, and postpartum estrus; (4) examine longitudinal androgen excretion in males; and (5) determine whether social status (i.e., dominant versus subordinate) affected gonadal steroid excretion. In females, the results demonstrated the physiological validity of noninvasive monitoring in meerkats by corresponding excretory hormone concentrations to major reproductive events (i.e., estrous, pregnancy, parturition). Hormone excretory patterns during estrous intervals suggested possible mechanisms whereby reproductive suppression may operate in female meerkats. In males, androgen excretion did not correspond to changes in reproductive and aggressive behaviors, suggesting that dominance, and hence breeding access to females, was not regulated strictly by gonadal steroid production. The consistency in androgen excretion among male meerkats indicated that reproductive suppression may be mediated by behavioral (i.e., intermale aggression) rather than physiological (i.e., depressed spermatogenesis) mechanisms. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An immunocytochemical study of protein clearance in brain infusion edema.
The pathways and mechanisms by which edematous fluid accumulation in the extracellular space (ECS) clears from brain are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to explore, using immunocytochemical technique, the fate of a proteinaceous fluid added to the brain ECS and to study the clearance pathways. The protein movement of this edema fluid was investigated using the direct infusion model on rats. Rat albumin (20 microliters) was slowly infused into the caudate-putamen of anesthetized adult rats and the spread and clearance of the edema was followed in various brain regions using immunocytochemical and conventional light and electron microscopy at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 days post-infusion. Our studies showed that protein-rich edema fluid cleared slowly from the brain, with 8 days required for the infusion albumin to exit completely from the brain parenchyma. Immediately following infusion, the albumin was distributed in the ECS of the white matter and the overlying deep cortical layers related to the infusion site. During the next 24 h, more of the infused albumin traveled through the ECS to the cortical surface where the albumin passed through the glia limitans to reach the subarachnoid front. Additionally, at 48 h post-infusion, that albumin, which had migrated to the ventricular wall, cleared from the ECS of the subependymal white matter and the ependymal clefts to reach the ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In edematous regions, the perivascular spaces of venules and veins were filled with reaction product. Continuity of this perivascular reaction product existed from the deep edematous area to the temporobasal subarachnoid space from where the reaction product gradually disappeared from the parenchyma. From these studies we infer that during the late state of the resolution process the edema front moves toward both the ventricle and the cortical surface to reach the CSF. Thus, among the potential routes for edema clearance, the pathways leading to CSF clearance of fluid predominated. During this clearance process, neither neurons, glia nor the vascular endothelium showed any endocytotic response to the infused albumin throughout the 8-day course. We conclude from these observations that the CSF pathway is the major route of protein-rich edema clearance, when such clearance is not complicated by any concomitant CNS perturbation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The rheumatoid factor response in the etiology of mixed cryoglobulins associated with hepatitis C virus infection.
Studies of mixed cryoglobulins (MC) from patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) show that the principal constituents in cryoprecipitate are IgM rheumatoid factors (RF), polyclonal IgG anti-HCV antibodies, and HCV RNA. The HCV-induced RF response is biased to produce IgM RF encoded by a restricted set of Ig V genes, predominantly the VH/VL gene pair 51p1/kv325. The propensity of such IgM RF to cryoprecipitate is likely a coincidental property of their V region sequences, but the clinical effect of this bias is increased by the persistence of circulating HCV-IgG immune complexes. These complexes might induce production of cryoprecipitable IgM RF and furnish multi-molecular structures that favor binding by cryoprecipitable IgM RF. The V gene sequences of HCV-induced IgM RF have features seen in other RF responses, suggesting a common immunological mechanism that is independent of HCV. B cell proliferation is probably enhanced by HCV-specific properties, however, including the ability of HCV proteins to bind to CD81 on the B cell surface, and to influence intracellular regulatory functions following viral entry into B cells. The V gene bias in HCV-induced RF is most apparent among the B cells in monoclonal expansions responsible for type II cryoglobulins, but it might originate early the polyclonal RF response, before MC are detectable. Monoclonal B cell expansions and lymphomatoid bone marrow infiltrates in HCV+ patients predominantly involve CD5-negative IgM RF B cells. Non-RF B cells can also be expanded, including producers of IgG1 and IgG3 that are likely anti-HCV antibodies. The initial site of B cell clonal expansion may be in the liver, where lymphoid aggregates are abundant and RF are produced. Sorting out how MC formation is influenced by properties that are inherent to the RF response, or specific to HCV infection, will be a challenge to future HCV research. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Electronic cigarette use in patients with schizophrenia: Prevalence and attitudes.
Smoking is highly prevalent in patients with schizophrenia. Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are becoming increasingly popular among smokers. Surveys indicate overall favorable attitudes toward the use of e-cigarettes to reduce or quit smoking, relieve withdrawal symptoms, and with respect to perceived health risks; however, less is known about their use in patients with schizophrenia. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of and attitudes toward e-cigarettes in patients with schizophrenia. Sixty inpatients and outpatients age 18 to 70 with schizophrenia completed a brief survey on e-cigarette use. Thirty-seven percent of participants reported having tried e-cigarettes, 24% of never-users were considering use, and 7% were current users. Thirty-four percent of surveyed patients believed that the health effects of e-cigarettes were less harmful than regular cigarettes. Health benefits (39%), cutting down (37%), and quitting smoking (37%) were the most frequently cited potential advantages, whereas cost (33%) was the most common potential disadvantage of e-cigarettes. Participants who were ever-users reported that regular cigarettes were significantly more helpful with reducing symptoms such as depression/anxiety, impaired concentration, and paranoia, than e-cigarettes (P < .05 for each). These preliminary findings should be investigated in larger samples, but suggest that e-cigarettes have, at best, modest relevance to smoking cessation in patients with schizophrenia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Functional alterations of the endoplasmic reticulum and the detoxification systems during diethyl-nitrosamine carcinogenesis in rat liver.
The mixed-function oxidase system shows a number of variations in the liver of diethyl-nitrosamine (DEN) treated rats. These include a decrease of the cytochrome P450 content and of the aminopyrine demethylase activity both in the hyperplastic nodules and in the hepatoma. Processes of detoxification, such as the glutathione system, show some modifications. These alterations are in accordance with the decrease of glutathione peroxidase and the increase of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase during diethyl-nitrosamine carcinogenesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Responses of Mikania micrantha, an invasive weed to elevated CO₂: induction of β-caryophyllene synthase, changes in emission capability and allelopathic potential of β-caryophyllene.
To better understand the effect of predicted elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) on an invasive weed Mikania micrantha, we constructed a suppressive subtractive hybridization (SSH) library from the leaves of M. micrantha exposed to CO₂ at 350 and 750 ppm for 6 d, and isolated a novel gene named β-caryophyllene synthase. β-Caryophyllene synthase catalyses the conversion of farnesyl diphosphate to β-caryophyllene, a volatile sesquiterpene with allelopathic potential. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that gene expression of β-caryophyllene synthase in M. micrantha leaves was strongly induced in response to elevated CO₂. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography (GC) analyses showed that emission levels of β-caryophyllene from leaves of M. micrantha increased when exposed to 750 ppm CO₂. Bioassays showed that phytotoxicity of β-caryophyllene against Raphanus sativus, Brassica campestris, Lactuca sativa, and M. micrantha was dose-dependent and varied with the receptor plants and concentrations of CO₂. β-Caryophyllene displayed higher phytotoxic effects at 750 ppm than those at 350 ppm CO₂, especially on R. sativus. These results suggest that elevated atmospheric CO₂ levels may enhance biosynthesis and phytotoxicity of allelochemicals in M. micrantha, one of the worst invasive weeds in the world, which in turn might enhance its potential allelopathic effect on neighboring native plants if released in bioactive concentrations. Further investigations are required to determine the adaptive responses of both invasive and native plants to a gradual increase of atmospheric CO₂ to 750 ppm predicted over a 100 year period. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hysterectomy and perceived physical function in middle-aged Australian women: a 20-year population-based prospective cohort study.
Hysterectomy is one of the most common gynaecological procedures worldwide. Changes in endocrine function may impact age-associated decline in physical function and these changes may be accelerated by hysterectomy. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between hysterectomy status and self-reported physical function limitations. Our study sample (n = 8624) came from the mid-cohort (born 1945-1950) of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH). Self-report of physical function was measured by the Physical Functioning (PF) subscale of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) over seven surveys (1998-2016), categorised into substantial, moderate and minimal PF-limitations. The associations between hysterectomy status and de novo substantial or moderate PF-limitations versus minimal PF-limitations were investigated using log-multinomial regression. By Survey 8 (2016), 20% of the study sample had a hysterectomy with ovarian conservation (hysterectomy only) and 9% had a hysterectomy and both ovaries removed (hysterectomy-bilateral oophorectomy). Women with a hysterectomy only had a small increase in risk of substantial PF-limitations (versus minimal PF-limitations) compared to women with no hysterectomy (relative risk [RR]: 1.13; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.00-1.27); the point estimate was stronger for women with a hysterectomy-bilateral oophorectomy (RR: 1.26; 95% CI 1.09-1.46). In a supplementary analysis, the increased risk of substantial PF-limitations was seen only in women who had surgery before the age of 45 years. Compared to women with no hysterectomy, women with hysterectomy-bilateral oophorectomy were at increased risk of substantial PF-limitations versus minimal PF-limitations over 18 years of follow-up. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A collective unconscious reconsidered: Jung's archetypal imagination in the light of contemporary psychology and social science.
A needed rapprochement between Jung and the contemporary human sciences may rest less on the much debated relevance of a biologistic collective unconscious than on a re-inscribing of an archetypal imagination, as the phenomenological and empirical core of Jungian psychology. The most promising approaches in this regard in terms of theory and research in psychology come from combining the cognitive psychology of metaphor and synaesthesia, individual differences in imaginative absorption and openness to numinous experience and spirituality as a form of symbolic intelligence. On the socio-cultural side, this cognitive psychology of archetypal imagination is also congruent with Lévi-Strauss on the metaphoric roots of mythological thinking, and Durkheim on a sociology of collective consciousness. This conjoined perspective, while validating the cross cultural commonality of physical metaphor intuited by Jung and Hillman on alchemy, also shows Jung's Red Book, considered as the expressive source for his more formal psychology, to be far closer in spirit to a socio-cultural collective consciousness, based on metaphoric imagination, than to a phylogenetic or evolutionary unconscious. A mutual re-inscribing of Jung into congruent areas of contemporary psychology, anthropology, sociology, and vice versa, can help to further validate Jung's key observations and is fully consistent with Jung's own early efforts at synthesis within the human sciences. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Change in Abdominal Morphology After Surgical Correction of Thoracolumbar Kyphosis Secondary to Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Computed Tomographic Study.
A computed tomographic study. To investigate the change in abdominal morphology in surgically treated patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and thoracolumbar kyphosis. Severe thoracolumbar kyphosis in patients with AS exerts pressure on the abdominal cavity and subsequently causes intra-abdominal complications. Several spinal osteotomy techniques have been widely used to correct AS-related thoracolumbar kyphosis. To date, the changed abdominal morphology in patients with AS undergoing surgical correction of thoracolumbar kyphosis has not been addressed. A total of 29 patients with AS undergoing lumbar pedicle subtraction osteotomy for correction of thoracolumbar kyphosis were retrospectively reviewed. Computed tomographic scans of the spine were used to measure the longitudinal, transverse, and anterior-posterior diameters of the abdominal cavity. Furthermore, the abdominal cavity was considered as an ellipsoid structure, thereby allowing calculation of its volume. Radiographical evaluations included global kyphosis (GK), thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis (LL), and angle of fusion levels (AFL). The longitudinal diameter of abdominal cavity significantly increased (P < 0.01), whereas the transverse and anterior-posterior diameters of the abdominal cavity did not change, postoperatively (P > 0.05). Significant changes in GK, LL, and AFL were observed (P < 0.01). The abdominal cavity volume (ACV) increased by an average of 652 mL. The change in ACV was significantly correlated with the changes in GK (r = 0.453, P = 0.014), LL (r = 0.42, P = 0.023), and AFL (r = 0.388, P = 0.037). The increased ACV after correction of thoracolumbar kyphosis was quantitatively confirmed by this study. Thus, the improvement in digestive function after correction of thoracolumbar kyphosis secondary to AS, which has been previously documented, may be because of an increase in ACV. Moreover, spine surgeons should be aware of the potential risk for the development of abdominal complications caused by the lengthening of longitudinal diameter of the abdominal cavity. 3. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Molecular models for ferroelectric liquid crystals with conventional and anomalously weak layer contraction.
A molecular theory of the ferroelectric smectic C* phase has been developed using the simple model of a chiral molecule composed of a uniaxial core and a pair of off-center nonparallel dipoles which determine molecular chirality and polarity. The interaction between uniaxial cores is modeled by a rather general effective potential which can be used to describe smectic materials with both conventional and anomalously weak layer contraction in the smectic C* phase. Spontaneous polarization, tilt, and layer spacing are calculated numerically as functions of temperature, and it is shown that the variation of the polarization generally deviates from that of the tilt angle. It is shown that this deviation is more pronounced in smectic materials tilting with low layer contraction which corresponds to existing experimental data. The model has been used to reproduce qualitatively the experimental data for polarization, tilt and layer spacing for two similar mixtures exhibiting conventional and anomalously weak layer contraction. The polarization and the tilt are also calculated in the case when the smectic A-smectic C* transition is characterized by the biaxial primary order parameter. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Calcium glucarate inhibits DMBA-induced oral carcinogenesis in the hamster: histomorphometric evaluation.
Calcium glucarate (CGT) is a promising chemopreventive agent. This study evaluated the in vivo efficacy of CGT in preventing 7,12-dimethylbenz(alpha) anthracene (DMBA)-induced oral carcinogenesis in the hamster. Matherials and Methods: Seventy-six Syrian hamsters were used, divided into four groups: group 1, untreated animals; 2, CGT controls; 3, DMBA-treated; 4, DMBA- and CGT-treated. Hamsters were painted three times weekly with 0.5% solution of DMBA and were fed a diet supplemented with CGT (64 mmol/kg, 2%). Animals were sacrificed at week 9 and 12 and pathology and histomorphometric analyses were performed. At week 9, four dysplastic lesions and six carcinomas were identified in group 3 while only three dysplasias and five carcinomas were detected in group 4. At week 12, five animals of group 3 displayed a dysplasia, which was only detected in one animal of group 4. Squamous carcinomas were identified in all animals of both group 3 and 4. However, in group 3 four of the animals displayed multifocal lesions and carcinomas displayed histological features indicative of increased aggressiveness. The results obtained suggest that CGT can exert an inhibitory effect on oral carcinogenesis in tha hamster and that further studies are warranted to evaluate its potential use as a chemopreventive agent in humans. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Back pain and school bag weight - a study on Indian children and review of literature.
Back pain in children is a complex phenomenon, which has been shown to be associated with physical and psychosocial factors. None of the studies on Indian children have investigated the possible association between back pain and psychosocial factors. We decided to determine the prevalence of back pain in students and association with both physical and psychosocial factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 163 students from two city schools. Physical factors were evaluated using a structured questionnaire. Strengths and difficulties questionnaire was used to assess psychosocial factors. The studied sample consisted of 49.7% boys and 50.3% girls. Mean school bag weight was 6.1±2.4 kg (range: 2.2-15.6 kg). Mean weight of school bag as a percentage of body weight was 13.5±6.2%. Approximately 76% students carried more than 10% of their body weight. The prevalence of back pain (over last 1 month) was 53.9%. No associations were found between back pain and weight of school bag, weight of school bag as a percentage of body weight and physical activities. Significant associations were found between back pain and number of hours spent watching television [odds ratio (OR): 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5-7.5; P=0.003], history of injury to the back (OR: 4.8, 95% CI: 1.47-15.8, P=0.003), presence of a family member complaining of back pain (OR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.25-3.14, P=0.002), conduct (P=0.042) and hyperactivity problems (P=0.045). Thus, there appears a need to consider psychosocial factors along with physical factors when evaluating a young student with back pain. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hydroalcoholic extract from Nerium oleander L. (Apocynaceae) elicits arrhythmogenic activity.
Nerium oleander L. (OLE) has been used medicinally and is reported to possess a wide range of pharmacological activities. OLE effects are caused by different cardiac glycosides (CG), primarily oleandrin, found within the plant. CG can potentially impair sodium-potassium ATPase (NKA) pump activity and cause positive inotropic effects on the heart. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential arrhythmogenic effects of hydroalcoholic extracts from N. oleander (OLE). OLE hydroalcoholic extracts were obtained from N. oleander leaves and analyzed by HPLC. In vivo experiments with guinea pigs consisted if oral administration of water, 150mg/kg and 300mg/kg OLE extract. Clinical signs and ECG analysis were evaluated. Sample tissues from the heart were processed for histopathological and ultra-structural analysis. Autonomic effects were assessed through pharmacological blockade and ECG monitoring. In vitro experiments were conducted with isolated ventricular myocytes from adult mice. The effects of OLE extract on cardiac excitability, Na+/K+ pump current and global Ca2+ transients were evaluated. Our results demonstrated that OLE hydroalcoholic extract elicited severe cardiac arrhythmias that can lead to death with minimal tissue damage. In vitro experiments suggest that OLE causes electromechanical disturbances in the heart due to inhibition of Na+/K+ pump, mitochondrial swelling, and modulation of the sarco(endo)plasmic Ca2+ ATPase without interfering with the autonomic nervous system. Thus, arrhythmias and electrical conduction disturbances promoted by OLE are mainly associated with impaired cardiomyocyte dysfunction, rather than anatomical tissue remodeling and/or autonomic modulation. Our data revealed the potential cardiotoxicity and positive inotropic effect of OLE and its important role in modulation of electrophysiology in cardiomyocytes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Foodborne hepatitis A: evidence that microwaving reduces risk?
During July 1988, 68 persons in Chattanooga, Tennessee, developed serologically confirmed hepatitis A. Between 15 June and 3 July, 93% of case-patients ate at a specific restaurant compared with only 3% of the local community. An intravenous drug user who worked as a cook was identified as the source. A case-control study was done to identify the vehicle of transmission. Case-patients were more likely than controls to have eaten hamburger buns and pickles, the only foods routinely handled after cooking. Of the restaurant patrons included in the study, 12 microwaved their food before consumption; none developed clinical illness despite eating large amounts of food handled after cooking. Sandwiches that were not microwaved were significantly associated with illness (odds ratio = 9.6; P less than .02). This epidemiologic evidence suggests that microwaves inactivate hepatitis A virus in food. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Spiral CT features of hepatocellular caicinoma].
To analyze the features of two-phase spiral scanning in 54 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and to evaluate its usefulness in diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Precontrast and postcontrast CT scans of the whole liver in all cases were carried out with GE-Hispeed Advantage spiral CT scanner. The arterial phase scanning was started at 25 sec after injection of contrast medium and the portal venous phase scanning at 70 sec. In the 54 cases examined, 72 lesions were found in the arterial phase. In 28 of these lesions, it was enhanced homogeneously, while in 40 lesions, the enhancement was not homogeneous. Supplying artery could be seen in 4 of them. The remaining 4 lesions had no enhancement. There were 62 lesiosns with low density in portal venous phase. Portal vein tumor thrombus was seen in 8 cases, and pseudocapsule was observed in 7 lesions. Two-phase spiral CT scanning is of value in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mechanisms of atrial fibrillation: lessons from animal models.
Studies in animal models have provided extremely important insights about atrial fibrillation (AF). The classic mechanisms that still form the framework for our understanding of AF (focal activity, single-circuit or "mother wave" reentry, and multiple circuit reentry) were established based on animal studies almost 100 years ago. The past 10 years have witnessed a tremendous acceleration of animal work in this area, including the development of a range of AF models in clinically relevant pathological substrates (eg, atrial tachycardia remodeling, congestive heart failure, pericarditis, ischemic heart disease, mitral valve disease, volume overload states, respiratory failure) and the establishment of an increasing number of genetically defined transgenic mouse models. This article reviews the contribution of animal models to our knowledge about AF mechanisms and to clinical management, dealing with such issues as the theory of reentry; the specific applications of various animal models and their contribution to our understanding of electrophysiologic, ionic, and molecular mechanisms; the role of the autonomic nervous system and regional factors; and the development of novel therapeutic approaches. The complementary nature of animal research and clinical investigation is emphasized and the clinical relevance of findings in experimental models is highlighted. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Acute necrotizing encephalopathy presenting as a basal ganglia syndrome.
Acute necrotizing encephalopathy is a relatively new disease. The characteristic clinical findings are of febrile illness followed by rapid deterioration in mental status and seizures. The hallmark of the disease is multifocal bilateral symmetric lesions affecting the thalamus, hypothalamus, brainstem tegmentum, cerebral white matter, and cerebellum. The etiology is unknown, but immune-mediated mechanism was suggested. We present a 12-year-old previously healthy girl who developed increased sleepiness progressing to stupor and coma. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed the characteristic findings previously described in acute necrotizing encephalopathy. Her mental status improved dramatically with steroid treatment, and the MRI findings resolved completely within 6 months. Following the acute illness, she developed a complex neuropsychiatric disorder consistent with basal ganglia syndrome. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Risperidone, neuroleptic malignant syndrome and probable dementia with Lewy bodies.
1. Conflicting reports are available regarding the sensitivity of patients with Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) to risperidone. 2. The authors studied a rare familial case of probable DLB, who developed a documented episode of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) following the exposure to risperidone. Previously, the patient had had an episode of NMS on trifluoperazine. 3. The discontinuance of risperidone, in combination with a mild increase of dopaminergic therapy, led to a complete recovery in few days. 4. In patients with DLB, a continued vigilance for extrapyramidal side effects, including NMS, would be advisable during the use of risperidone. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Is VIRTU4L larger than VIR7UAL? Automatic processing of number quantity and lexical representations in leet words.
Recent research has shown that leet words (i.e., words in which some of the letters are replaced by visually similar digits; e.g., VIRTU4L) can be processed as their base words without much cost. However, it remains unclear whether the digits inserted in leet words are simply processed as letters or whether they are simultaneously processed as numbers (i.e., in terms of access to their quantity representation). To address this question, we conducted 2 experiments that examined the size congruity effect (i.e., when comparisons of the physical size of numbers are affected by their numerical magnitudes) in a physical-size judgment task. Participants were presented with pairs of leet words that were nominally identical except for the embedded digit (e.g., VIR7UAL-VIRTU4L) and were asked to decide as quickly and accurately as possible which word in the pair appeared in a bigger font. In Experiment 1, we examined the congruity effect (congruent: VIRTU4L-VIR7UAL vs. incongruent: VIR7UAL-VIRTU4L vs. neutral: VIR7UAL-VIR7UAL) and the numerical distance effect (distance 1: PAN3L-P4NEL vs. distance 3: VIRTU4L-VIR7UAL). To examine whether the meaning of these words was accessed, we also manipulated word frequency (i.e., a marker of lexical access) in Experiment 2. Results revealed effects of congruity, distance, and word frequency, thus suggesting automatic access to both number quantity and word representations for leet words. These findings favor multidimensional accounts of number/word recognition. (PsycINFO Database Record | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Impact of the Aliso Canyon Gas Leak on Respiratory-Related Conditions Among US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Users.
The largest gas leak in United States history occurred October 2015 through February 2016 near Porter Ranch (PR), California, and prompted the temporary relocation of nearby residents because of health concerns related to natural gas exposure. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administrative and clinical data. On the basis of zip codes, we created two groups: PR (1920 patients) and San Fernando Valley (SFV) (15 260 patients) and examined the proportion of outpatient visits to VA providers with respiratory-related diagnoses between October 2014 and September 2017. We observed an increase in the proportion of visits in the PR group during the leak (7.0% vs 6.1%, P<0.005) and immediately after the leak (7.7% vs 5.3%, P<0.0001). For both groups, we observed a decrease in respiratory diagnoses one year after the leak (7.0% to 5.9%, P<0.05 PR; 6.1% to 5.7%, P<0.01 SFV). Exposure to natural gas likely led to the observed increase in respiratory-related diagnoses during and after the PR gas leak. Early relocation following natural gas leaks may mitigate respiratory exacerbations. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:419-423). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Variation of mechanical properties with amino acid content in the silk of Nephila clavipes.
In this paper, we explore the impact of dietary deprivation, where spiders are provided diets missing one or more of the amino acids, on the properties of the spider dragline silk spun after one month on the diet. Cohorts of female N. clavipes spiders were selected for diets deprived of alanine (Ala) and glycine (Gly), arginine (Arg), leucine (Leu), or tyrosine (Tyr), and their silk was harvested twice weekly during the one-month course of the diet. Significant mechanical differences are observed after as little as 6 days on the diet. Utilizing conventional tensile testing methods, single fibers were strained to break so as to study the influence of diet on the stress/strain properties. Diets deprived of Ala and Gly appear to most directly impact the load-bearing foundation of dragline silk. Diets deprived of Arg, Tyr, and possibly Leu reduce the strength of the silk, and diets missing Tyr and Leu reduce the strain-to-failure. Observations obtained from ESEM photos of the fracture interfaces after tensile testing illustrate the fracture mechanics of spider silk. Both solid-state NMR and amino acid analysis of the digested protein suggest, however, that the relationship between diet and amino acid incorporation into the silk fiber is not straightforward. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Topical application of Dermatophagoides farinae or oxazolone induces symptoms of atopic dermatitis in the rabbit ear.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronically relapsing inflammatory skin disease characterized by hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation of the epidermis, and dermal infiltration of inflammatory cells. Appropriate animal models that recapitulate human AD and allow the analysis of disease processes in a reliable manner are essential to the study of AD. In this study, we established two AD models in rabbits by applying an allergen, Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f), or a hapten, oxazolone (OXZ). Application of the allergen or hapten induced a rapid onset and a chronically sustained AD-like skin lesion. The clinical symptoms, which include skin erythema, scaling, papula and edema, of AD-like rabbit skin were similar to those in human AD. Histological analysis showed that allergen- or hapten-treated rabbit skin showed increased epidermal thickening and inflammatory cell infiltration. Furthermore, PCNA and keratin 10 (K10) staining revealed excessive proliferation and insufficient differentiation of the epidermis in the rabbit AD-like skin. Western blot analysis showed decreased expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an AD cytokine, in the rabbit AD-like skin. Our results suggest that the allergen- or hapten-induced rabbit AD models have pathological features of human AD-like symptoms and will be useful for evaluating both pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapeutic agents for human AD. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Harlequin fetus with abnormal lamellar granules and giant mitochondria.
A case of harlequin ichthyosis was studied with electron microscopy. From the basal cell to granular cell layers, keratinocytes contained giant mitochondria (860 nm) which exhibited vesicular cristae. Typical lamellar granules were absent; instead, numerous dense cored granules (DCG) and particles containing cored granules (PCG) were produced. Some of these were discharged into the intercellular spaces of granular cells, but the majority failed to be released from the cytoplasm. These retained DCG and PCG coalesced to form large vacuoles and cavities in the stratum corneum. In the hair follicle, keratinized cells failed to loosen and desquamate into the hair canal; instead, they formed concentric keratin rings surrounding hair, a diagnostic feature of this disease. It is suggested that the abnormal lamellar granule underlies the pathogenesis of this disease and that giant mitochondria may be related to an abnormal lipid metabolism of keratinocytes which may affect lipid composition of lamellar granules. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Sulfazin in the thermoradiotherapy of experimental tumors].
A possibility of radiosensitization of Pliss' lymphosarcoma and tumor RS-1 by using general hyperthermia with sulfazin was studied. Subcutaneous transfusion of sulfazin to rats caused a rise of the body temperature by 2-2.5 degrees C on the 2nd day after injection with the upkeep of hyperthermia for 3 days. A combined effect of sulfazin and irradiation enhanced the retardation of growth rate of tumors and increased their regression. The lifetime of animals increased significantly. A more noticeable postradiation suppression of mitotic activity was observed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antagonism of the estradiol-mediated repression of microsomal 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in rat liver by antiestrogenic substances.
5 alpha-Dihydrotestosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, 2-methoxyestrone and a number of nonsteroidal antiestrogens (clomiphene citrate, nafoxidine hydrochloride, tamoxifen, MER-25) were tested for their ability to block estradiol-mediated repression of the androgen-dependent 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity of male rat liver. With the exception of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, which induced activity in females, none of these substances affected 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity when administered alone to otherwise untreated male and female rats. Tamoxifen (100 or 500 micrograms/day) was the only substance which prevented a decrease in enzyme activity when given simultaneously with estradiol (5 micrograms/day). The estradiol-mediated decrease in activity was not antagonized by a 100-fold higher dose of androgen (5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, 0.5 mg/day), demonstrating the potent antiandrogenic effect of estradiol on this hepatic androgen-dependent enzyme activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mathematical modelling of the sporulation-initiation network in Bacillus subtilis revealing the dual role of the putative quorum-sensing signal molecule PhrA.
Bacillus subtilis cells may opt to forgo normal cell division and instead form spores if subjected to certain environmental stimuli, for example nutrient deficiency or extreme temperature. The resulting spores are extremely resilient and can survive for extensive periods of time, importantly under particularly harsh conditions such as those mentioned above. The sporulation process is highly time and energy consuming and essentially irreversible. The bacteria must therefore ensure that this route is only undertaken under appropriate circumstances. The gene regulation network governing sporulation initiation accordingly incorporates a variety of signals and is of significant complexity. We present a model of this network that includes four of these signals: nutrient levels, DNA damage, the products of the competence genes, and cell population size. Our results can be summarised as follows: (i) the model displays the correct phenotypic behaviour in response to these signals; (ii) a basal level of sda expression may prevent sporulation in the presence of nutrients; (iii) sporulation is more likely to occur in a large population of cells than in a small one; (iv) finally, and of most interest, PhrA can act simultaneously as a quorum-sensing signal and as a timing mechanism, delaying sporulation when the cell has damaged DNA, possibly thereby allowing the cell time to repair its DNA before forming a spore. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A comparison of the genetic and physical size of the streptomycin resistance locus in Pneumococcus.
Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the 30S ribosomal proteins derived from six streptomycin resistant strains indicates that each mutation alters the same ribosomal protein (str-r protein). Preliminary data utilizing SDS gels indicates that the str-r protein has a molecular weight between 10,000 and 20,000 daltons. No significant differences could be detected between the molecular weight of the str-r protein when it is derived either from a sensitive or from a resistant strain, including those derived from strains carrying multisite mutations of different genetic size. We have estimated the size of the multisite str-r mutations to be less than 30 base pairs. Two factor crosses with str-r markers in the trans position demonstrate recombination frequencies expected of closely linked, intragenic markers although cotransfer frequencies, of these same markers from the cis position, are very low. It is concluded that the cotransfer frequencies represent a marker effect and possible explanations are discussed. A reinterpretation of the genetic map of the pneumococcal str-r locus is presented. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Isolation of human prostatic epithelial plasma membranes for proteomics using mirror image tissue banking of radical prostatectomy specimens.
To isolate human prostatic epithelial plasma membranes for the identification of cell surface proteins in the therapeutic targeting of cancer cells while permitting the retrieval of banked samples for clinical purposes. Radical prostatectomies from 84 patients (median, 61 years; prostate-specific antigen, 5.9; 66% nonpalpable) were processed with alternate, mirror image slices submitted for histology and tissue banking. Benign and malignant foci were macrodissected from the banked sections using the pathologically mapped, mirror image histology sections as a guide. Epithelial plasma membranes were isolated using novel immunomagnetic purification and their purity was assessed. Tissue homogenates were probed by Western blot for malignant (AMACR) and benign (p63) markers to test the accuracy of this protocol. Selected banked tissue slices were retrieved, thawed, and compared pathologically to their corresponding routinely processed alternate slices. Plasma membrane preparations showed the enrichment of epithelial plasma membrane markers (prostate-specific membrane antigen and epithelial-specific antigen) with minimal marker expression from nonepithelial cells or intracellular organelles. Cancer homogenates showed up-regulated AMACR and down-regulated p63, whereas benign homogenates showed up-regulated p63 and down-regulated AMACR. There was 30% benign (p63+) contamination in cancer slices and <6% cancer (AMACR+) contamination in benign slices. Retrieved tissues showed the retention of immunoreactivity while their histology was always adequate for diagnosis. We have successfully isolated purified epithelial plasma membranes from benign and malignant human prostates and provided validation data for the accuracy of our protocol in a prostate-specific antigen-screened cohort. Our method also enabled the retrieval of banked tissues for clinical purposes with the retention of good histologic and immunohistochemical quality. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Air pollution and cancer: biomarker studies in human populations.
Large cohort studies in the U.S. and in Europe suggest that air pollution may increase lung cancer risk. Biomarkers can be useful to understand the mechanisms and to characterize high-risk groups. Here we describe biomarkers of exposure, in particular DNA adducts as well as markers of early damage, including mutagenicity, other endpoints of genotoxicity and molecular biomarkers of cancer. Several studies found an association between external measures of exposure to air pollution and increased levels of DNA adducts, with an apparent levelling-off of the dose-response relationship. Also, numerous experimental studies in vitro and in vivo have provided unambiguous evidence for genotoxicity of air pollution. In addition, due to the organic extracts of particulate matter [especially various polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds], particulate air pollution induces oxidative damage to DNA. The experimental work, combined with the data on frequent oxidative DNA damage in lymphocytes in people exposed to urban air pollution, suggests 8-oxo-dG as one of the important promutagenic lesions. Lung cancer develops through a series of progressive pathological changes occurring in the respiratory epithelium. Molecular alterations such as loss of heterozygosity, gene mutations and aberrant gene promoter methylation have emerged as potentially promising molecular biomarkers of lung carcinogenesis. Data from such studies relevant for emissions rich in PAHs are also summarized, although the exposure circumstances are not directly relevant to outdoor air pollution, in order to shed light on potential mechanisms of air pollution-related carcinogenesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The fate of arsenic adsorbed on iron oxides in the presence of arsenite-oxidizing bacteria.
Arsenic (As) is a redox-active metalloid whose toxicity and mobility in soil depend on its oxidation state. Arsenite [As(III)] can be oxidized by microbes and adsorbed by minerals in the soil. However, the combined effects of these abiotic and biotic processes are not well understood. In this study, the fate of arsenic in the presence of an isolated As(III)-oxidizing bacterium (Pseudomonas sp. HN-1, 10(9) colony-forming units (CFUs)·ml(-1)) and three iron oxides (goethite, hematite, and magnetite at 1.6 g L(-1)) was determined using batch experiments. The total As adsorption by iron oxides was lower with bacteria present and was higher with iron oxides alone. The total As adsorption decreased by 78.6%, 36.0% and 79.7% for goethite, hematite and magnetite, respectively, due to the presence of bacteria. As(III) adsorbed on iron oxides could also be oxidized by Pseudomonas sp. HN-1, but the oxidation rate (1.3 μmol h(-1)) was much slower than the rate in the aqueous phase (96.2 μmol h(-1)). Therefore, the results of other studies with minerals only might overestimate the adsorptive capacity of solids in natural systems; the presence of minerals might hinder As(III) oxidation by microbes. Under aerobic conditions, in the presence of iron oxides and As(III)-oxidizing bacteria, arsenic is adsorbed onto iron oxides within the adsorption capacity, and As(V) is the primary form in the solid and aqueous phases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Meeting the challenges of an emerging pathogen: the Henry Schueler 41&9 Foundation International Forum on Mucormycosis.
Invasive mucormycosis comprises a group of uncommon but emerging life-threatening pulmonary, sinal, rhinocerebral, and disseminated infections, which cause debilitating morbidity and severe mortality in our most vulnerable pediatric and adult immunocompromised patients. While important advances are being achieved in understanding the epidemiology, molecular taxonomy, pathogenesis, pharmacology, host defenses, and microbiology of these infections, there are critical needs for improving these approaches for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This supplement is dedicated to the memory and courage of Hank Schueler, who fought valiantly against this infection. It provides a comprehensive resource for current approaches to management of this infection and also reviews the key advances against invasive mucormycosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis: A Narrative Review With a Focus on the High-Risk Critically Ill Patient.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major health concern associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Critically ill patients are at an increased risk of VTE compared to general medical patients due to unique risk factors: prolonged immobilization, invasive lines and devices, certain medications, and acquired thrombophilia. Furthermore, VTE in the critically ill is associated with increased duration of mechanical ventilation, increased length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, and a trend toward increased mortality. Clinical practice guidelines therefore recommend VTE prophylaxis with either subcutaneous heparin or low-molecular-weight heparin for all critically ill patients without contraindication. Yet, many patients will develop VTE despite appropriate pharmacologic prophylaxis, which has led to interest in risk-stratifying critically ill patients for more aggressive prophylaxis strategies. Recent research identified patients at highest risk of failure of thromboprophylaxis and provided insight into the pathophysiologic mechanisms. Obesity and the receipt of vasopressors are 2 risk factors consistently identified in observational studies; further clinical data support decreased absorption of anticoagulant administered via the subcutaneous route as the likely mechanism behind thromboprophylaxis failure in these patient populations. Several studies have investigated novel thromboprophylaxis strategies to circumvent pharmacokinetic limitations in patients who are obese or on vasopressors: increased fixed-dose, weight-based subcutaneous, or continuous intravenous infusion of a prophylactic dose of anticoagulant has shown promise in limited studies; however, the results have yet to demonstrate superiority compared to current standard-of-care. This review discusses observational studies identifying patients at risk of thromboprophylaxis failure and critiques clinical studies evaluating novel thromboprophylaxis strategies in high-risk, critically ill patients with a focus on their limitations. Future studies are currently being conducted that will provide further guidance into the appropriate use of individualized thromboprophylaxis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transmission and reflection characteristics of metal-coated optical fiber tip pairs.
The optical transmission and reflection in between two metalized optical fiber tips is studied in the optical near-field and far-field domains. In addition to aluminum-coated tips for near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM), specifically developed gold-coated fiber tips cut by focused ion beam are investigated. Transverse transmission maps of subwavelength width clearly indicate optical near-field coupling between the tips for short tip distances and become essentially Gaussian-shaped for larger distances in the far-field regime. Moreover, concentric reflection fringes observed for NSOM-type tips illustrate the influence of the receiving fiber tip on the emission pattern of the source tip. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fine structure and morphology of sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus L. 1758) spermatozoa and acrosin localization.
Ultrastructure of sterlet Acipenser ruthenus L. 1758 sperm was examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, which allowed us to use various methods for visualizations of different parts of sterlet spermatozoa. Sperm cells possess a head with a distinct acrosome, a midpiece and a single flagellum surrounded by the flagellar plasma membrane. The average length of the head including the acrosome and the midpiece was estimated as 5.14+/-0.42 microm. Nine to 10 posterolateral projections were derived from the acrosome. Three inter-twining endonuclear canals bounded by membranes traversed the nucleus in its whole length from the acrosome to the implantation fossa. Acrosin was located in all the three parts (acrosome, endonuclear canals and implantation fossa). The proximal and distal centrioles located in the midpiece compacted of nine peripheral triplets of microtubules. One cut of the midpiece contained from two to six mitochondria with area of 215+/-85 nm(2) in average. The flagellum was 42.47+/-1.89 microm in length with typical eukaryotic organization of one central pair and nine peripheral pairs of microtubules. It passed through a cytoplasmic channel in the midpiece, which was formed by an invagination at the plasmalemma. The flagellum gradually developed two lateral extensions of its plasma membrane, so-called "fins". Detected morphological variation can be described by four principal component axes corresponding to groups of individual morphometric characters defined on the sperm structures. Correlations among the characters indicate that the sperms are variable in their shape rather than size. Significant variation among examined fish individuals was found only in flagellum and nucleus length. Comparison between the present and previous studies of morphology of sturgeon spermatozoa confirmed large inter- and/or intra-specific differences that could be of substantial taxonomic value. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Results of sex change operations in 30 transsexual patients: psychosocial and sexual adaptation--surgical complications].
Ten male and twenty female transsexual patients who had undergone sex reassignment surgery were followed-up with regard to postoperative complications, partner and sexual interaction and their overall ability to cope with their new situation. Despite unsatisfactory functional results, social and sexual life improved after sex reassignment surgery. | {
"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.