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[The content of sex steroid hormones in the blood of healthy and anemic parturients and in the umbilical vessels of their newborn infants].
The investigation of the venous blood from 62 healthy and anemic parturients and the umbilical vascular blood from their newborns has indicated that lower steroidogenic activity in the fetus was directly related to its maternal disease severity. The synthesis of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and the metabolism of progesterone, estrone, and estradiol are affected. The placental transfer of progesterone, estrone, estradiol, and total estriol is also decreased. Endocrine activity in the placenta drastically drops with severe anemia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Efficacy of antidepressants and thymoregulators in the long-term evolution of depression].
Official recommendations pointed out the long term maintenance treatment of recurrent unipolar depression on the basis of a significant effect of antidepressants and mood-stabilizers versus placebo. The results of controlled studies, mainly using imipramine or lithium salts, have not been encouraging in term of long term prognosis, due to the limited success rate for maintenance phase ranging from 30 to 48%. The "Pittsburgh study" maximized the recurrence potential by defining patients selection on at least 3 previous episodes of unipolar depression, with the immediate previous episode being no more than 2.5 years earlier, beginning the experimental maintenance therapy phase after patients remain relatively symptom free for a total of 20 weeks, and scheduled the imipramine withdrawal in the randomly assigned placebo group by a progressive reduction of 33% per week. Survival analysis in the 5 years maintenance outcome of previously imipramine responders patients demonstrated an increased risk of depressive recurrence at the beginning of discontinuation but did not prove a true prophylactic effect. Furthermore these findings do not prove that treatment are not more effective than placebo, suggesting at least a revisitation of the clinical concept of response. The putative efficacy of biological treatment should be an operational criteria to elicit vulnerability markers, mainly in the field of sleep research. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
hnRNP proteins and splicing control.
Proteins of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoparticles (hnRNP) family form a structurally diverse group of RNA binding proteins implicated in various functions in metazoans. Here we discuss recent advances supporting a role for these proteins in precursor-messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) splicing. Heterogeneous nuclear RNP proteins can repress splicing by directly antagonizing the recognition of splice sites, or can interfere with the binding of proteins bound to enhancers. Recently, hnRNP proteins have been shown to hinder communication between factors bound to different splice sites. Conversely, several reports have described a positive role for some hnRNP proteins in pre-mRNA splicing. Moreover, cooperative interactions between bound hnRNP proteins may encourage splicing between specific pairs of splice sites while simultaneously hampering other combinations. Thus, hnRNP proteins utilize a variety of strategies to control splice site selection in a manner that is important for both alternative and constitutive pre-mRNA splicing. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prevalence of skin diseases in a cohort of 48,665 employees in Germany.
Epidemiological data are important for planning medical care. Thus far, only few prevalence data for skin diseases have been published in Germany, most of them not population based. Estimation of prevalences of common skin diseases in a sample of employees of German companies. Whole-body examinations were performed by trained dermatologists in 150 companies as part of skin cancer screenings. Using a standardized and computerized data entry, all clinical dermatological findings were documented. Explicitly skin lesions requiring current treatment were noted. The retrospective evaluation of the data was descriptive, using the diagnoses defined a priori in the data entry mask. 48,665 persons (52.8% male) with a mean age of 43.2 years were examined. The following frequencies of chronic and acute inflammatory skin diseases were observed: contact eczema 8.9%, acne 4.2%, seborrhoeic eczema 3.4%, rosacea 2.2%, psoriasis vulgaris 2.1%, atopic eczema 1.4% and lichen ruber 0.07%. In total, dermatological findings needing treatment were observed in 19% of the study cohort; 1.3% of the participants presented a suspicious finding requiring diagnostics for skin malignoma. There is a high frequency of chronic inflammatory skin diseases in the general working population and a high need for dermatological treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Billroth in Berlin].
In 1851 Theodor Billroth came to Berlin to continue and complete his study of medicine. In 1852 he graduated and became Dr. med. His surgical training began in 1853 in the Ziegelstrasse--Clinic of the Berlin-University--under the guidance of Prof. Bernhard v. Langenbeck. In 1860 Billroth was appointed to full professorship and head of the Surgical Department of the Kantonsspital Zurich (Switzerland). After a stay of altogether 9 years he left Berlin. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical and laboratory observations in a lymphoma-prone family.
Three sisters developed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Thirteen maternal relatives had adenocarcinomas of various types, predominantly breast and large bowel. Detailed laboratory assessment of this family revealed a variety of immunologic abnormalities. Two lymphoma patients had elevated anti-early antigens (EA) Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) titers. One of the two also had a markedly elevated anti-viral capsid antigen (VCA) EBV titer. The two lymphoma patients were human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-identical, but two unaffected siblings shared the same HLA haplotypes. One of the lymphoma patients and four unaffected family members were anergic; and three unaffected family members had a decreased percentage of T-cells. These data suggest that a subtle disturbance in cellular immune functions may play a causal role in some familial aggregations of malignant lymphoma. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Isotope investigation on groundwater recharge and dynamics in shallow and deep alluvial aquifers of southwest Punjab.
Groundwater samples collected from the alluvial aquifers of southwest Punjab, both shallow and deep zones were measured for environmental tritium (3H) and stable isotopes (2H and 18O) to evaluate the source of recharge and aquifer dynamics. The shallow groundwater shows wide variation in isotopic signature (δ18O: -11.3 to -5.0‰) reflecting multiple sources of recharge. The average isotopic signature of shallow groundwaters (δ18O: -6.73 ± 1.03‰) is similar to that of local precipitation (-6.98 ± 1.66‰) indicating local precipitation contributes to a large extent compared to other sources. Other sources have isotopically distinct signatures due to either high altitude recharge (canal sources) or evaporative enrichment (irrigation return flow). Deep groundwater shows relatively depleted isotopic signature (δ18O: -8.6‰) and doesn't show any evaporation effect as compared to shallow zone indicating recharge from precipitation occurring at relatively higher altitudes. Environmental tritium indicates that both shallow (3H: 5 - 10 T.U.) and deeper zone (3H: 1.5 - 2.5 T.U.) groundwaters are modern. In general the inter-aquifer connections seem to be unlikely except a few places. Environmental isotope data suggests that shallow groundwater is dynamic, local and prone to changes in land use patterns while deep zone water is derived from distant sources, less dynamic and not impacted by surface manifestations. A conceptual groundwater flow diagram is presented. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Region-selective self-assembly of functionalized carbon allotropes from solution.
Approaches for the selective self-assembly of functionalized carbon allotropes from solution are developed and validated for 0D-fullerenes, 1D-carbon nanotubes and 2D-graphene. By choosing the right molecular interaction of self-assembled monolayers (serving the surface) with the functionalization features of carbon materials, which provide the solubility but also serve the driving force for assembly, we demonstrate a region-selective and self-terminating assembly of the materials. Active layers of the carbon allotropes can be selectively deposited in the channel region of thin-film transistor (TFT) devices by this approach. As an example for a 0D system, molecules of C60 functionalized octadecylphosphonic acids are used to realize self-assembled monolayer field-effect transistors (SAMFETs) based on a selective molecular exchange reaction of stearic acid in the channel region. For noncovalently functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and graphene oxide (GO) flakes, the electrostatic Coulomb interactions between the functional groups of the carbon allotropes and the charged head groups of a SAM dielectric layer are utilized to implement the selective deposition. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evaluating preceptorship arrangements in a paediatric setting.
Preceptorship can be a valuable support mechanism for newly qualified nurses. Both preceptors and preceptees need support to ensure effective preceptorship arrangements. Maintaining effective preceptorship arrangements can be challenging for preceptees, preceptors and the organisation. Further research is required to explore the full potential of preceptorship. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The neuropsychology of attention: revisiting the "Mirsky model".
Nearly 25 years ago, Mirsky and colleagues proposed a multiple-component model of attention. It was proposed that attention was characterized by several distinct elements that were organized into a system. A putative neuroanatomical substrate of this model of attention was proposed. This functional anatomy was primarily based upon inferences derived from brain lesion studies. Mirsky and colleagues developed a systematic clinical evaluation of this model by applying a group of neuropsychological tests. Since the introduction of what has been commonly referred to as the "Mirsky model," significant advances have been made in our understanding of brain-behavior relationships. This article applies current neuroscientific principles to "update" our understanding of attention and the "Mirsky model." We also demonstrate how the interpretation of neuropsychological tests can be modified according to principles of large-scale brain systems and patterns of brain network functional connectivity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cholestane rhamnosides from the bulbs of Ornithogalum saundersiae.
Phytochemical examination of the bulbs of Ornithogalum saundersiae yielded six cholestane rhamnosides, two of which had previously been isolated from the same plant material. However, detailed spectroscopic analysis of the aglycone led us to revise the configuration of the C-11 hydroxyl group of the latter two and reassign their structures as (22S)-cholest-5-ene-3 beta,11 alpha,16 beta,22-tetrol 16-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside and (22S)-cholesta-5,24-diene-3 beta,11 alpha,16 beta,22-tetrol 16-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside, respectively. The other four are new naturally occurring constituents and their structures were determined to be (22S)-cholest-5-ene-3 beta,11 alpha,16 beta,22-tetrol 16-O-(2,3-di-O-acetyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside), (22S)-cholest-5-ene-3 beta,11 alpha,16 beta,22-tetrol 16-O-{2-O-acetyl-3-O-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-alpha-L-rhamnopyran oside}, (22S)-cholest-5-ene-3 beta,11 alpha,16 beta,22-tetrol 16-O-{2-O-acetyl-3-O-(p-methoxybenzoyl)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside} and (22S)-cholesta-5,24-diene-3 beta,11 alpha,16 beta,22-tetrol 16-O-(2,3-di-O-acetyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside), respectively. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytostatic activity against leukemia HL-60 cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A randomized controlled trial of plasma real-time PCR and antigenemia assay for monitoring CMV infection after unrelated BMT.
Preemptive therapy is the standard strategy for preventing CMV disease after allogeneic hematopoietic SCT. In this study, unrelated BMT recipients were randomly assigned to a plasma real-time PCR group or an antigenemia group to compare the value of these monitoring tools for CMV reactivation. Ganciclovir (GCV) was started at 5 mg/kg/day when PCR reached 300 copies per ml or when antigenemia reached three positive cells per two slides. A total of 88 patients were randomized into the antigenemia group (n=45) or the PCR group (n=43). A significantly higher number of patients reached the threshold in the antigenemia group than in the PCR group (73.3 vs 44.2%, P=0.0089). However, only three patients (one in the antigenemia group and two in the PCR group) developed early CMV disease. These patients exclusively had colitis and were successfully treated with GCV or foscarnet. The median number of antigenemia-positive cells at the start of GCV was 47 in the PCR group. These findings suggest that antigenemia assay with the current cutoff was too sensitive and led to unnecessary use of GCV. However, the appropriateness of the threshold may be different by the methodology used, and therefore, it is difficult to generalize. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Triennial Reproduction Symposium: sperm characteristics that limit success of fertilization.
Current industry estimates of reproductive performance for cattle, sheep, and swine operations indicate that males contribute significantly to fertility failures. This appears to be due to the use of subfertile individuals and emphasizes the need for additional research in identifying characteristics of sperm that compromise fertilization. In theory, sperm characteristics, such as motility or the percentage of normal sperm, form a positive relationship with fertility that reaches a certain maximal fertility (i.e., an asymptotic relationship). It is clear that variation exists among males in terms of how fertility responds to increasing sperm dosage or numbers of normal sperm, both in the slope of the curve and the point at which the fertility reaches a maximum. Variations along the linear portion of fertility curves are due to compensable traits that are involved with the ability of sperm to penetrate the zona pellucida. It appears that most fertility curves reach their plateau when 70% of sperm possess a given compensable trait. The level of fertility at which the plateau occurs is determined by noncompensable traits that are associated with binding of sperm to the oolemma, syngamy, and subsequent development of the zygote. Several studies have shown differences in fertility among males that have similar levels of compensable traits but differed in their noncompensable characteristics. Compensable and noncompensable traits can estimate either individual or functional characteristics of sperm. Intuitively, functional traits such as in vitro penetration should provide a better indication of fertilization than individual ones such as motility. However, correlations of both types with fertility are very similar. Reasons for this may be related to how characteristics of sperm cells are influenced by the female reproductive tract after insemination. Sperm capacitation is a functional trait in boars that is quite different in vitro versus in vivo. If this relationship holds true for other traits, then development of tests that account for this variation are critical for further elucidation of sperm characteristics that limit fertility. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Application of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel membrane as anti-adhesive interposition after spinal surgery.
Three inflammatory and adhesive changes inside the spinal canal were analyzed histopathologically in cats. To investigate the usefulness of a polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel sheet as an interposition over the dura to prevent inflammatory and adhesive reaction after laminectomy. A major concern after laminectomy is scar tissue formation that may result in extradural compression or make subsequent surgery to the same area difficult and hazardous. Wide laminectomy was performed at L5 in 30 adult cats. The dura was covered with a polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel sheet, free fat graft, or without interposition as a control. Animals were killed at 3 or 12 weeks. In the control group, adhesion of the exposed dura was apparent. Thick, fibrous connective tissue was observed between the dura and the paravertebral muscles. In the fat graft group, the dura was separated from the scar tissue by living grafted fat. However, the dura was adherent to the grafted fat and fibroblasts migrated into the interstitial space. In the polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel group, only a thin synovium-like layer was formed around the polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel sheet. Polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel is made of water and alcohol, and has been shown to be nontoxic to tissues. This is permeable to low molecular weight, but impermeable to large cells such as fibroblasts. Thus, the polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel sheet prevents migration of inflammatory cells and subsequently reduces intraspinal canal scar tissue formation and adhesive reaction. Other beneficial properties are extreme elasticity and low friction, which eliminate mechanical reaction to the spinal cord. The polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel sheet is believed to be useful in eliminating scar tissue formation and does not interfere with the dynamic gliding movement of the spinal cord and nerve roots. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Auditory sensory gating in the rat hippocampus: modulation by brainstem activity.
Auditory stimuli repeated at short intervals result in diminished evoked responses recorded from the skull surface and from the hippocampus in the rat. The rat has been used to model diminished responses to repeated auditory stimuli--a phenomenon seen in normal human subjects, but often absent in schizophrenics. In this study, we examined the neural circuitry involved in the processing and gating of auditory responses recorded from the hippocampus of the rat. Evoked potentials and single neuron activity with diminished responses to the second of paired tones were recorded in the brainstem reticular formation in the paragigantocellular region at the caudal level of the pons, but diminished responses were not observed in the primary auditory relay nuclei. Electrical stimulation of this region of the brainstem reticular formation was able to substitute for the first, or conditioning, auditory tone to produce sensory gating of the response to the second, or test, tone when recording from the hippocampus. Stimulation of the auditory nuclei up to the level of the lateral lemniscus, but not the superior colliculus, was also able to substitute for an auditory stimulus to produce sensory gating in the hippocampus. The gating of hippocampal responses to auditory stimuli may thus involve pathways which branch from the lemniscal auditory pathway at the level of the lateral lemniscus and ascend to the hippocampus via the brainstem reticular formation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of misclassified underlying cause of death on survival estimates of colon and rectal cancer.
Inaccurate coding of patients' Underlying Cause of Death (UCOD) has constrained cause-specific survival estimates for colon and rectal cancers. Using California data from the Accuracy of Cancer Mortality study, we compared the cancer site data from the California Cancer Registry (CCR) with UCODs reported on death certificates and reclassified the UCODs based on cancer registry data when they disagreed. We then calculated 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year cause-specific survival for colon and rectal cancers separately, before and after the reclassification. Records from 26 312 colon and 10 687 rectal cancer patients were examined. UCOD records disagreed with CCR records for 700 (6%) of 11 404 colon cancer deaths and with 1958 (39%) of 5011 rectal cancer deaths, and 82% of the misclassified rectal cancer deaths were coded as colon cancer deaths in the UCOD. Reclassification decreased cause-specific survival for both colon and rectal cancers, but the impact was more pronounced for rectal cancer (eg, 5-year cause-specific survival of colon cancer decreased by 2.8% and of rectal cancer decreased by 20.0% relative to previous estimates; absolute rates changed from 65.4% to 63.6%, and 81.2% to 64.9%, respectively, after reclassification). Interchangeable use of the terms colon cancer and colorectal cancer is likely to be one of the reasons for UCOD misclassification. Educational measures could improve the accuracy of UCOD for colon and rectal cancer deaths. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Schwannoma of the obturatorius nerve as differential diagnosis in cystic adnexa tumors].
We report on a case of benign retroperitoneal schwannoma involving the obturator nerve. Discussing the difficulties of diagnosis and treatment the following became clear: 1.) Clinical examination, ultrasound and computed tomography are not helpful to differentiate a retroperitoneal schwannoma from a cystic ovarian tumour; this problem can perhaps be overcome by MR imaging. 2.) The diagnosis should be borne in mind in cases of retroperitoneal tumours of unclear origin. Appropriate surgery is necessary to avoid nerve damage and paralysis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Chronic Heart Failure and Cardiac Rehabilitation for the Elderly: Is It Beneficial?
Heart failure is a common health problem among persons at or above 65 years of age. To date, no data exist describing to what extent, if any, cardiac rehabilitation or exercise training might be useful in this population. Fourteen randomized trials involving mostly heart failure patients less than 65 years of age showed that exercise training improves exercise tolerance and reverses, in part, abnormalities in both autonomic function and skeletal muscle histology and biochemistry. Based on these trials, the use of exercise training in older persons with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class II or III heart failure appears to be a safe and effective adjunctive therapy. Exercise trials involving patients with heart failure at or above 65 years of age are necessary. (c)1999 by CVRR, Inc. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The eye in bone marrow transplantation. III. Conjunctival graft-vs-host disease.
Of a series of 263 patients undergoing allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT), 24 patients developed conjunctival involvement by graft-vs-host disease (GVHD). In each case, a distinct-appearing conjunctivitis developed that representing GVHD of the conjunctiva. In 19 cases (79%), conjunctival GVHD presented with pseudomembrane formation due to loss of the conjunctival epithelium; in 4 of these cases, the corneal epithelium was lost as well. Nineteen patients developed this feature in association with acute GVHD, and mortality among these patients was 89.5%. Kaplan-Meier analysis of survival demonstrated a decreased survival of patients with conjunctival involvement compared with all marrow transplant recipients and compared with all patients with GVHD. However, survival was similar to that seen in patients with severe systemic GVHD (overall stages II through IV). Five patients developed conjunctival GVHD in association with chronic GVHD, and all had severe chronic GVHD. four of these five with chronic GVHD subsequently died. Conjunctival involvement by GVHD represents a distinct clinical finding and is a marker for severe systemic involvement by GVHD. A clinical staging system for ocular involvement was formulated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Bmi-1-siRNA Regulates the Proliferation of K562 Leukemia Cells in vitro and in vivo by PTEN/pAKT Pathway].
To investigate the effect of Bmi-1 gene silence on the proliferation ability of K562 cells in vitro and in vivo, and to explore the relation of molecular mechanism between proliferation ability of K562 cells in vitro and in vivo with PTEN/pAKT signaling pathway. The Bmi-1 small interference RNA (siRNA) sequences were transfected into K562 cells for decreasing Bmi-1 expression. The effect of Bmi-1 siRNA on the proliferation of K562 cells in vitro and in vivo was detected by MTT method and colony-forming test, the effect of Bmi-1 siRNA on the tumorogenicity of K562 cells was observed by subcutaneous inoculation of K562 cells, LY294002 and Bpv treated K562 cells in nude mice, the expression of Bmi-1, PTEN and pAKT proteins were detected by Western blot. The Bmi-1 siRNA could inhibit the proliferation activity, colony-forming and tumor-forming abilities of K562 cells. After the silence of Bmi-1 gene, the PTEN expression in Bmi-1 gene-silenced group was significantly enhanced. While the pAKT expression in Bmi-1 gene-silenced group was significantly reduced; after the K562 cells were treated with LY294002 (an inhibitor of pAKT), the pAKT expression colony-forming and tumor forming abilities were reduced in comparison with untreated K562 cells; after the K562-S1 cells were treated with Bpv (an inhibitor of PTEN), the PTEN expression decreased, while the pAKT expression, colony forming and tumor-forming abilities were restored. The Bmi-1 gene possibly involves in regulation of K562 proliferation in vivo and in vitro, the effect of PTEN/pAKT signaling pathway maybe one of molecular mechanisms mediating this regulation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fate of histone messenger RNA in mengovirus-infected Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.
Histone mRNA was isolated from mengovirus-infected Ehrlich ascites tumor cells at various times postinfection and quantitated in a reticulocyte cell-free protein-synthesizing system. The amount of translatable histone mRNA decreases during the first hour postinfection by 30%, rises during the following 1-1.5 h by 10-15%, drops progressively in the further course of infection, and reaches 20% of the control at the end of the infectious cycle (8-9 h postinfection). On the basis of the relative histone mRNA contents, the histone-synthesizing potentials of mengovirus-infected Ehrlich ascites tumor cells are substantially higher throughout infection than actually expressed in vivo. This result indicates that the virus-induced shutoff of histone synthesis is not directly the consequence of inactivation or degradation of histone mRNA. Most of the histone mRNA recovered from mengovirus-infected Ehrlich ascites tumor cells is bound to ribosomes. Late in infection, certain mRNAs are co-isolated with histone mRNAs, very likely due to loss or shortening of poly(A) occurring after release of the mRNAs from polyribosomes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A glycine site antagonist, ZD9379, reduces number of spreading depressions and infarct size in rats with permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion.
Spreading depressions (SDs) occur in experimental focal ischemia and contribute to lesion evolution. N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists inhibit SDs and reduce infarct size. The glycine site on the NMDA receptor complex offers a therapeutic target for acute focal ischemia, potentially devoid of many side effects associated with competitive and noncompetitive NMDA antagonists. We evaluated the effect of the glycine antagonist ZD9379 on SDs and brain infarction. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 18) weighing 290 to 340 g undergoing permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) were randomly and blindly assigned to receive drug or placebo: group 1 (pre-MCAO treatment group; n=5), a 5-mg/kg bolus of ZD9379 over 5 minutes followed by 5 mg/kg per hour drug infusion for 4 hours beginning 30 minutes before MCAO; group 2 (post-MCAO treatment group; n=7), a 5-mg/kg bolus of ZD9379 30 minutes after MCAO followed by 5 mg/kg per hour drug infusion for 4 hours; and group 3 (control group; n=6), vehicle for 5 hours beginning 30 minutes before MCAO. SDs were monitored electrophysiologically for 4.5 hours after MCAO by continuous recording of cortical DC potentials and electrocorticogram. Infarct volume was measured 24 hours after MCAO by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Corrected infarct volume was 90+/-72 mm3 (mean+/-standard deviation) in group 1, 105+/-46 mm3 in group 2, and 226+/-40 mm3 in group 3 (P<.001). The corresponding numbers of SDs in the three groups were 8.2+/-5.8, 8.1+/-2.5, and 16.0+/-5.1, respectively (P<.01). When all animals (n=18) were analyzed, infarct volumes and the number of SDs were significantly correlated (r=.68, P=.002). This study demonstrated that ZD9379 initiated before or after MCAO significantly reduced the number of SDs and infarct volume in a permanent focal ischemia model, implying that ZD9379 is neuroprotective and its neuroprotective effect may be related to inhibiting ischemia-related SDs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Day-to-day reproducibility of anorectal sensorimotor assessments in healthy subjects.
The reproducibility of tests widely utilized to assess anorectal sensorimotor functions is not well established. Our aims were to assess the intra-individual day-to-day reproducibility of these parameters in healthy subjects. Anal sphincter pressures were assessed by perfusion manometry on two separate days in 19 healthy subjects. Rectal pressure-volume (p-v) curves and sensory thresholds were assessed in 12/19 subjects by inflating a highly compliant polyethylene balloon from 0 to 32 mmHg in 4 mmHg steps. Subjects also rated intensity of perception by visual analogue scale (VAS) during phasic distentions 8, 16 and 24 mmHg above operating pressure, in randomized sequence. Resting and squeeze anal pressures and rectal compliance were highly reproducible (r(s) > or = 0.7) in the same subject on separate days. Pressure thresholds for urgency appeared less reproducible than thresholds for initial perception and the desire to defecate. VAS scores were highly reproducible only during the 24-mmHg distention. Thus, anal pressures and rectal compliance are highly reproducible within healthy subjects on separate days, while sensory thresholds are reproducible to a variable degree, dependent on the intensity of stimulation and the perception being assessed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effect of Mg2+ and chelating agents on intermediary steps of the reaction ofNa+,K+-activated ATPase.
(1) It has been investigated how varying concentrations of free magnesium with and without EDTA influence the properties of the phospho-enzyme formed in the presence of sodium by the (Na+ plus K+)-activated enzyme system. (2) The phospho-enzyme formed in the presence of sodium and a high concentration of free magnesium has the same rate of (a) spontaneous dephosphorylation, (b) dephosphorylation after addition of potassium, and (c) dephosphorylation after addition of ADP, as a phospho-enzyme formed in the presence of sodium and a low concentration of magnesium. (3) With sodium and a given concentration of free magnesium, high or low, EDTA present during formation of the phospho-enzyme leads to a decrease in the rate of (a) spontaneous dephosphorylation, and (b) dephosphorylation after addition of potassium to the phospho-enzyme. (4) The rate of dephosphorylation after addition of ADP to phospho-enzyme formed without and with EDTA is the same. But as the rate of spontaneous dephosphorylation is lower with EDTA than without, ADP gives a higher increase in the rate of dephosphorylation of phospho-enzyme formed with EDTA than without. (5) The experiments thus show that the reported different sensitivity towards potassium and ADP of phospho-enzyme formed in the presence of a low and high concentration of free magnesium, respectively, is due to the EDTA used to decrease the free magnesium concentration and not to the decrease in the free magnesium as such. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Opioid use disorder in patients with chronic non-cancer pain].
Epidemiology Canada now has the second highest number of opioid prescriptions per capita in the world. The rate of prescriptions has increased over the last decade, most notably in adults over 55 years of age. A recognition of the importance of treating pain has influenced this increase, but higher rates of opioid prescribing have produced undesirable outcomes including the misuse of medication as well as an increased number of deaths and emergency department visits attributable to opioids. Diverse psychiatric disorders, such as major depression, now also occur in 40% of those with an opioid use disorder (OUD). Neuroscience We now understand that addictive behaviors are caused by both environmental and genetic factors. Although OUD has historically been perceived as a weakness of character, it is now clear that it is a chronic disease, which results from a complex interaction between a substance, such as opioid, environmental factors, and an individual's genotype. Unfortunately, this evidence has yet to be successfully translated into clinical practice and most physicians are unable to diagnose and manage OUD patients appropriately.Clinical guidelines Many clinical guidelines for the management of chronic, non-cancer pain are available. All guidelines identify the need to assess the patient appropriately and screen for factors associated with misuse before prescribing opioids. Guidelines generally acknowledge that patients should not be denied appropriate pain management, but that some patients will require close supervision and frequent follow-up to prevent the misuse of prescription opioids. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characterization of the components in circulating immune complexes from infants with congenital syphilis.
Immunoglobulin class-specific Clq-solid-phase assays were used to detect circulating immune complexes in the sera of infants with congenital syphilis. Elevated levels of IgM complexes were present in the sera of all infants with overt disease and in two of 14 asymptomatic infants considered to be "at risk." The sera of infants born to normal, serofast, and biologic false-positive mothers did not contain immune complexes. Immunoblotting techniques revealed that complexes isolated from the sera of the infected infants contained endogenous host antigens, as well as a limited number of treponemal polypeptides. Consistent with earlier findings examining purified immune complexes from adults with secondary syphilis and from infected animals, an 83-kilodalton Treponema pallidum antigen was present in all of the isolated complexes from infants with congenital syphilis. Our findings emphasize the fact that current serological and clinical measures of infection are inadequate and that certain "at risk" infants should be treated despite normal cerebrospinal findings and the absence of clinical manifestations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Production of L-lactic acid and oligomeric compounds from apple pomace by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation: a response surface methodology assessment.
The potential of apple pomace for lactic acid production by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) was evaluated. The effects of the cellulase to solid ratio (CSR), the liquor to solid ratio (LSR), and the beta-glucosidase to cellulase ratio (BCR) on the kinetics of lactic acid generation were assessed, and a set of mathematical models was developed to reproduce and predict the lactic acid concentration of fermentation broths. Operating at low cellulase and cellobiase charges (1 FPU/g and 0.25 IU/FPU, respectively) and short reaction times (10 h), SSF media containing 27.8 g of lactic acid/L were obtained with a volumetric productivity of 2.78 g/Lh. Material balances showed that the SSF processing of 100 kg of dry apple pomace results in the production of 36.6 kg of lactic acid, 18.3 kg of oligomeric carbohydrates (which can be used as ingredients for functional foods), 8.4 kg of microbial biomass, and 8 kg uronic acids. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Impact of sampling techniques on measured stormwater quality data for small streams.
Science-based sampling methodologies are needed to enhance water quality characterization for setting appropriate water quality standards, developing Total Maximum Daily Loads, and managing nonpoint source pollution. Storm event sampling, which is vital for adequate assessment of water quality in small (wadeable) streams, is typically conducted by manual grab or integrated sampling or with an automated sampler. Although it is typically assumed that samples from a single point adequately represent mean cross-sectional concentrations, especially for dissolved constituents, this assumption of well-mixed conditions has received limited evaluation. Similarly, the impact of temporal (within-storm) concentration variability is rarely considered. Therefore, this study evaluated differences in stormwater quality measured in small streams with several common sampling techniques, which in essence evaluated within-channel and within-storm concentration variability. Constituent concentrations from manual grab samples and from integrated samples were compared for 31 events, then concentrations were also compared for seven events with automated sample collection. Comparison of sampling techniques indicated varying degrees of concentration variability within channel cross sections for both dissolved and particulate constituents, which is contrary to common assumptions of substantial variability in particulate concentrations and of minimal variability in dissolved concentrations. Results also indicated the potential for substantial within-storm (temporal) concentration variability for both dissolved and particulate constituents. Thus, failing to account for potential cross-sectional and temporal concentration variability in stormwater monitoring projects can introduce additional uncertainty in measured water quality data. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Marijuana use, motives, and change intentions in adolescents.
Research typically focuses on motives to use or abstain from marijuana (MJ) in isolation; few studies have integrated both constructs in models of MJ use decision making. We expand the existing literature by integrating these motives in cognitive models of use and cessation in adolescents. We expected use motives to account for past use and intentions for future use, and for motives to abstain to dominate models explaining intention, desire, and self-efficacy for quitting. Adolescent MJ users (N = 162) reported their use and abstinence motives as well as their use and cessation behavior via online survey conducted in high schools. Past use was related to high conformity and low coping, while past cessation attempts were related to high enhancement motives. Intentions to use were related to low negative consequences and conformity, and high enhancement and expansion motives to use. Quitting intention was related to social motives to use, as was quitting self-efficacy. Self-efficacy was also related to high personal/peer beliefs motives to abstain. While past MJ use and intended future use were almost exclusively accounted for by use motives, both motives to use and abstain impacted self-reported cognitions associated with cessation in this sample of adolescent MJ users. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Outsourcing versus in-house maintenance of medical devices: a longitudinal, empirical study.
To determine what factors have a significant influence on the performance of medical device maintenance outsourcing, and to determine how the performance of external governance structures differs depending on whether a hospital is private or public. This was a longitudinal study of 590 maintenance transactions at 20 hospitals in Bogotá, Colombia, involving 764 medical devices and 72 maintenance service providers. Maintenance performance data (i.e., turn-around time in hours; TAT) for the service providers (either in-house or outsourced) were primarily collected over a 20-month period, from December 2009-August 2011, by means of a monitoring procedure; then, a hazards model was run. The availability of specific repair parts, in-stock, in the city in which the medical devices were located, had a positive impact on the performance of both internal and external governance structures. Online service also had a positive impact on both, with a stronger positive impact on the performance of internal governance than on that of external governance. For transactions governed by external structures, better performance was seen in private hospitals than in public ones. In public health institutions, internal governance showed better performance than external governance. Both internal and external governance structures showed better performance in private healthcare institutions than in public ones. In public health institutions, internal governance shows better performance than external governance; this suggests that healthcare managers should reconsider the trend to eliminate in-house maintenance service staff in public healthcare institutions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Tuber proteome comparison of five potato varieties by principal component analysis.
Data analysis of omics data should be performed by multivariate analysis such as principal component analysis (PCA). The way data are clustered in PCA is of major importance to develop some classification systems based on multivariate analysis, such as soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA). In a previous study a one-class classifier based on SIMCA was built using microarray data from a set of potatoes. The PCA grouped the transcriptomic data according to varieties. The present work aimed to use PCA to verify the clustering of the proteomic profiles for the same potato varieties. Proteomic profiles of five potato varieties (Biogold, Fontane, Innovator, Lady Rosetta and Maris Piper) were evaluated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) performed on two immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strip lengths, 13 and 24 cm, both under pH range 4-7. For each strip length, two gels were prepared from each variety; in total there were ten gels per analysis. For 13 cm strips, 199-320 spots were detected per gel, and for 24 cm strips, 365-684 spots. All four PCAs performed with these datasets presented clear grouping of samples according to the varieties. The data presented here showed that PCA was applicable for proteomic analysis of potato and was able to separate the samples by varieties. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Crystal structure of 15-mer DNA duplex containing unpaired bases.
Errors during DNA replication or repair can lead to the presence of unpaired or inserted bases in the double helix, as well as to mismatched base pairs. So far only structures of the latter type have been characterized by X-ray crystallography. We report here a 3-A crystal structure of DNA 15-mer d(CGCGAAATTTACGCG), which forms a duplex with two unpaired adenine residues looped outside the B-type helix. This arrangement is in disagreement with the nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy results for the same 15-mer in solution, indicating polymorphic nature of the structure adopted by this sequence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Determination of Pb, Cd, Hg and As in three sorts of Chinese traditional medicine treating tumor by ICP-MS].
A method was proposed to determine Pb, Cd, Hg and As in three sorts of Chinese traditional medicine treating tumor (Jinkehuaier, Huachansu and Fufangkushen) by ICP-MS. The result shows that the contents of the four elements Pb, Cd, Hg and As in these three sorts of Chinese traditional medicine treating tumor are low, which are all correspond with the import standard in Southeast Asia. The contents of Hg and As in Jinkehuaier are higher than the standard of U.S. FDA about drug and health food. ICP-MS is a quick and accurate method for the determination of Pb, Cd, Hg and As in Chinese traditional medicine. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Synthesis, characterization, and photophysical properties of Os(II) diimine complexes [Os(N(wedge)N)(CO)(2)I(2)] (N(wedge)N = bipyridine, phenanthroline, and pyridyl benzoxazole).
A new series of Os(II) diimine complexes with the general formula [Os(N(wedge)N)(CO)(2)I(2)], N(wedge)N = 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) (1), 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine (dbubpy) (2), 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (dpphen) (3), 2-(2'-pyridyl)benzoxazole (pboz) (4), and 5-tert-butyl-2-(2'-pyridyl)benzoxazole (bupboz) (5), were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods and by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study on the dpphen complex 3. The corresponding photophysical properties were studied using UV-vis and emission spectrometry. The resulting phosphorescence features both in solution and as a solid film, in combination with the MO calculation, lead us to conclude that the emissions originate from mixed halide-to-ligand (XLCT approximately 70%) and metal-to-ligand (MLCT approximately 30%) transitions instead of the typical MLCT transition. Using complexes 4 and 5 as the dopant emitters, we evaluated their potential to serve as a phosphor for organic light emitting diodes by examining their electroluminescent performances. Reddish orange electroluminescence centered around 600 nm was observed for organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) fabricated using complex 5 as the emitter; the device efficiency was shown to be as high as 2.8% (and 5.0 cd/A or 2.7 lm/W), and the peak luminance was shown to be 5600 cd/m(2) at a driving voltage of approximately 15 V. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A fibrous stromal component in hepatocellular carcinoma reveals a cholangiocarcinoma-like gene expression trait and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC) are the major primary liver cancers in adults. The phenotypic overlap between HCC and CC has been shown to comprise a continuous liver cancer spectrum. As a proof of this concept, a recent study demonstrated a genomic subtype of HCC that expressed CC-like gene expression traits, such as CC-like HCC, which revealed the common genomic trait of stem-cell-like properties and aggressive clinical outcomes. Scirrhous HCC (S-HCC), a rare variant of HCC, is characterized by abundant fibrous stroma and has been known to express several liver stem/progenitor cell markers. This suggests that S-HCC may harbor common intermediate traits between HCC and CC, including stem-cell traits, which are similar to those of CC-like HCC. However, the molecular and pathological characteristics of S-HCC have not been fully evaluated. By performing gene-expression profiling and immunohistochemical evaluation, we compared the morphological and molecular features of S-HCC with those of CC and HCC. S-HCC expresses both CC-like and stem-cell-like genomic traits. In addition, we observed the expression of core epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes, which may contribute to the aggressive behavior of S-HCC. Overexpression of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling was also found, implying its regulatory role in the pathobiology of S-HCC. We suggest that the fibrous stromal component in HCC may contribute to the acquisition of CC-like gene-expression traits in HCC. The expression of stem-cell-like traits and TGF-β/EMT molecules may play a pivotal role in the aggressive phenotyping of S-HCC. (HEPATOLOGY 2012;55:1776-1786). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Oxidation of dimethylselenide to dimethylselenoxide by microsomes from rat liver and lung and by flavin-containing monooxygenase from pig liver.
Oxidation of [75Se]dimethylselenide by rat liver and lung microsomes and by purified flavin-containing monooxygenase from pig liver was demonstrated. Quantitation of the nonvolatile product showed a 1:1 stoichiometry with NADPH oxidation, consistent with selenoxide formation. The apparent Km for dimethylselenide was 0.7 microM with rat liver microsomes and 0.3 microM with purified pig liver enzyme. Facile reversal of dimethylselenide oxidation by reducing agents present in microsomes, and by glutathione, indicates that redox cycling can occur. Unlabeled dimethylselenoxide carrier circumvented reduction of the labeled product, permitting quantitation. This is the first demonstration of a naturally occurring selenium substrate for the microsomal flavin-containing monooxygenase. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An auditory-motor percussion test for differential diagnosis of children with communication difficulties.
Experience with children who have communication difficulties, are often hard to reach, and present severe barriers to treatment and testing led to the development of an auditory-motor percussion test designed to help distinguish children who show organicity from those who do not. Results of a normative study of 144 children tested in settings for the normal child and 84 in settings for disturbed children supported the hypothesis that the presence of structural alteration in the central nervous system is probable if subject (aged 4 to 7) is unable to tap a rhythmic tonal pattern. With the use of simple percussion instruments in a special method for administering the new procedure, the test can be used as an alert to hidden neurological damage in children over 4 and inaccessible to traditional testing. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Lung Microbiota Promote Lung Cancer.
In mice predisposed to lung cancer, dysregulation of the lung's bacteria creates a proinflammatory environment that promotes tumor growth. Treating the animals with antibiotics or keeping them in bacteria-free conditions results in fewer and smaller tumors, implicating the local microbiota in the development of lung cancer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Premenstrual multiple sclerosis pseudoexacerbations: Role of body temperature and prevention with aspirin.
Many women with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience transient neurologic symptom worsening and fatigue in conjunction with the menstrual cycle. Aspirin reduces MS fatigue in some patients. To describe 3 women with MS who experienced stereotypic, temperature-independent neurologic symptoms and diurnal fatigue in the mid-to-late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Aspirin treatment prevented the symptoms. Case series at the Mayo Clinic outpatient MS clinics, Scottsdale, Ariz, and Rochester, Minn. Three women with relapsing-remitting MS. Body temperature measurement, symptom diary, and oral aspirin. Body temperature, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, and evaluation of neurologic symptoms and signs. Morning oral body temperature did not differ during symptomatic vs asymptomatic portions of the luteal phase (P = .55). Aspirin (650 mg twice daily) prevented symptoms but did not significantly alter the luteal phase body temperature. Aspirin prophylaxis may prevent luteal phase-associated MS pseudoexacerbations. However, the observed relationship between the luteal menstrual phase and MS symptom worsening is not fully explained by thermoregulation, which implicates other hormonal or immunologic mechanisms. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Direct evidence for the importance of p130 in injury response and arterial remodeling following carotid artery ligation.
Remodeling of arterial morphology in atherosclerosis, hypertension, and restenosis following angioplasty involves controlled alterations in total vascular circumference which critically modulate sequelae of changes in vessel wall mass. Despite the clinical relevance of this process little is known about the pathophysiology, especially the correlation between smooth muscle cell proliferation and remodeling. Carotid artery ligation was applied to mice with targeted disruption of the p130 gene (p130 -/-). Mice were allowed to recover for 3 weeks after ligation and then perfusion fixed for histologic and morphometric analysis. P130 -/- mice were indistinguishable from control littermates concerning size and weight. As for the aorta, carotid arteries and femoral arteries, no significant differences were found between the groups with regard to vessel size and cellular density of the vessel wall of non-instrumented vessels. In contrast, following carotid artery ligation we found p130 -/- mice (n=8) to develop a significant increase in vessel wall area compared to controls (n=9). Mean values ranged from 3.07 x 10(-2)+/-0.20 x 10(-2)-3.56 x 10(-2)+/-0.62 x 10(-2) mm(2) for p130 -/- mice versus 2.26 x 10(-2)+/-0.13 x 10(-2)-2.57 x 10(-2)+/-0.26 x 10(-2) mm(2) for controls (p=0.02) along the lesion studied. This increase in vessel wall area was primarily due to a sevenfold mean increase in neointima in p130 -/- mice yielding mean values of 0.43+/-0.18 - 1.19+/-0.70 x 10(-2) mm(2). Remarkably, despite vessel wall increase, the lumen area was not statistically different for both groups. The data indicate that the loss of the cell cycle inhibitor p130 leads to an enhanced injury response, implicating a central role of p130 in cell cycle control during response to injury in the vessel wall. The enhanced injury response in the context of p130 -/- preserves the ability to perform perfect remodeling, thus the remodeling capacity is preserved even in the context of this injury model. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Radiographic and clinical findings in unusual abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Atherosclerotic abdominal aortic aneurysms typically present either asymptomatically or with abdominal or back pain. Inflammatory, mycotic, and traumatic aortic aneurysms and aneurysms complicated by venous fistula are less common. The different clinical presentations of these latter aneurysms should raise a suspicion to their diagnosis and appropriate preoperative evaluation. The radiographic and clinical features of inflammatory, mycotic, traumatic, and complicated atherosclerotic aneurysms are presented and discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Outpatient endometrial biopsy: the pipelle.
The pipelle endometrial biopsy (EB) is accurate, safe, economical and acceptable to patients, clinicians and pathologists. Transvaginal sonography can reduce the number of EBs needed, and when both techniques are used together the sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of endometrial adenocarcinoma reach 100%. Hysteroscopy and dilatation and curettage are indicated in the minority of patients under the age of 40 years. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Improving presurgical pupil dilation for cataract surgery patients.
Insufficient pupil dilation, a common challenge in cataract surgery, may lead to surgical complications. After a quality improvement project was conducted, the proportion of patients with the desired pupil dilation of > or = 7 mm increased from 39.5% to 88.0% (Implementation phase) and then to 82.2% (Sustaining phase). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Estimating mood variation from MPF of EMG during walking.
The information on the mood included in behavior is classified into nonverbal information, and is included in behavior without necessarily being based on the intention of an agent. Consequently, it is considered that we can estimate the mood from the measurement of the behavior. In this work, we estimate the mood from the surface electromyogram (EMG) information of the muscles of the upper limb during walking. Identification of emotion and mood using EMG information has been done with a variety of methods until now. In addition, it is known that human walking includes information that is specific to the individual and be affected by mood. Therefore, it is thought that the EMG analysis of walking is effective in the identification of human mood. In this work, we made a subject walk in the various mood states and answer psychological tests that measure the mood. We use two types of tasks (music listening and numerical calculation) for evoking different moods. Statistical features of EMG signals are calculated using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). These statistical features are related with psychological test scores, using regression analysis. In this paper, we have shown the statistical significance of the linear model to predict the variation of mood based on the information on the variation in MPF of EMG data of the muscles of the upper limb during walking with different moods. This shows the validity of such a mapping. However, since the interpretability of the model is still low, it cannot be said that the model is able to accurately represent the mood variation. Creating a model with high accuracy is a key issue in the future. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Genetic dissection of the zebrafish retinal stem-cell compartment.
In a large-scale forward-genetic screen, we discovered that a limited number of genes are required for the regulation of retinal stem cells after embryogenesis in zebrafish. In 18 mutants out of almost 2000 F2 families screened, the eye undergoes normal embryonic development, but fails to continue growth from the ciliary marginal zone (CMZ), the post-embryonic stem-cell niche. Class I-A mutants (5 loci) display lower amounts of proliferation in the CMZ, while nearly all cells in the retina appear differentiated. Class I-B mutants (2 loci) have a reduced CMZ with a concomitant expansion in the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), suggesting a common post-embryonic stem cell is the source for these neighboring cell types. Class II encompasses three distinct types of mutants (11 loci) with expanded CMZ, in which the progenitor population is arrested in the cell cycle. We also show that in at least one combination, the reduced CMZ phenotype is genetically epistatic to the expanded CMZ phenotype, suggesting that Class I genes are more likely to affect the stem cells and Class II the progenitor cells. Finally, a comparative mapping analysis demonstrates that the new genes isolated do not correspond to genes previously implicated in stem-cell regulation. Our study suggests that embryonic and post-embryonic stem cells utilize separable genetic programs in the zebrafish retina. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Metallothionein mediates the level and activity of nuclear factor kappa B in murine fibroblasts.
The zinc-binding protein metallothionein (MT) is associated with resistance to apoptosis. We examined whether MT regulates the zinc-dependent antiapoptotic transcription factor nuclear factor KappaB (NF-KappaB), which is up-regulated under many conditions that lead to elevated MT expression. NF-KappaB protein levels and NF-KappaB-dependent reporter gene activity were examined in clonal MT(+) (MT-WT) and MT(-) (MT-KO) fibroblastic cell lines. The amount of cellular NF-KappaB p65 protein in MT-KO was less than 20% of the amount in MT-WT cells, in accord with increased sensitivity of MT-KO cells to apoptosis. NF-KappaB p65 mRNA levels, and NF-KappaB p50 subunit and IKappaBalpha protein levels, were unchanged. NF-KappaB activity assessed by expression of a transfected NF-KappaB reporter construct was less than half that observed in MT-KO cells. Decreased nuclear localization of NF-KappaB p65 in MT-KO clones was not responsible for differences in activity. In fact, MT-KO cells had higher nuclear levels of NF-KappaB p65 than did MT-WT cells, despite a lower cellular NF-KappaB level and function, suggesting that metallothionein mediated the specific activity of NF-KappaB. Reconstitution of MT by stable incorporation of an MT-1 expression vector in MT-KO cells resulted in increased NF-KappaB p65 (but not IKappaBalpha or NF-KappaB p50), increased NF-KappaB-dependent reporter activity, and increased resistance to apoptosis. These data support the hypothesis that metallothionein positively regulates the cellular level and activity of NF-KappaB. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Determination of meprobamate in human plasma, urine, and hair by gas chromatography and electron impact mass spectrometry.
A sensitive and specific quantitative assay for the determination of meprobamate in human fluids and hair is described. Meprobamate and an internal standard, vinylbarbital, are isolated by acid extraction and methylated by derivatization. The final extract is separated on a 12-m capillary column HP-1 and drugs are detected by selected ion monitoring at m/z 162 and m/z 182 for meprobamate and the internal standard, respectively. Applications in forensic science, particularly for hair analysis, are presented. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Correlation of KIF3A and OVOL1, but not ACTL9, with atopic dermatitis in Chinese pediatric patients.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease in Chinese pediatric patients. To date, the genetic susceptibility to AD in this population has not been fully clarified. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms have previously been associated with AD in Europeans, rs2897442 (KIF3A), rs479844 (OVOL1) and rs2164983 (ACTL9). To verify the correlation between AD and these three SNPs in the Chinese pediatric population, we conducted a case-control study including 235 pediatric patients with AD and 200 health controls. We confirmed the correlation between rs2897442 and rs479844 and AD in this population at both the genotype and allele levels. Statistical analysis showed that the C allele of rs2897442 is associated with an increased risk of developing AD, while the A allele of rs479844 is associated with a reduced risk. No correlation between rs2164983 and AD was identified. Our study indicates that KIF3A and OVOL1 are involved in the development of AD in the Chinese pediatric population. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cysteinome: The first comprehensive database for proteins with targetable cysteine and their covalent inhibitors.
The covalent modification of intrinsically nucleophilic cysteine in proteins is crucial for diverse biochemical events. Bioinformatics approaches may prove useful in the design and discovery of covalent molecules targeting the cysteine in proteins to tune their functions and activities. Herein, we describe the Cysteinome, the first online database that provides a rich resource for the display, search and analysis of structure, function and related annotation for proteins with targetable cysteine as well as their covalent modulators. To this end, Cysteinome compiles 462 proteins with targetable cysteine from 122 different species along with 1217 covalent modulators curated from existing literatures. Proteins are annotated with a detailed description of protein families, biological process and related diseases. In addition, covalent modulators are carefully annotated with chemical name, chemical structure, binding affinity, physicochemical properties, molecule type and related diseases etc. The Cysteinome database may serve as a useful platform for the identification of crucial proteins with targetable cysteine in certain cellular context. Furthermore, it may help biologists and chemists for the design and discovery of covalent chemical probes or inhibitors homing at functional cysteine of critical protein targets implicated in various physiological or disease process. The Cysteinome database is freely available to public at http://www.cysteinome.org/. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Eye Conditions in Infants and Children: Vision Screening and Routine Eye Examinations.
Vision problems in children are relatively common, with refractive error, strabismus, and/or amblyopia affecting between 5% to 10% of preschool-age children. Amblyopia is most concerning in the pediatric population because the visual system can develop poorly, potentially causing unilateral or bilateral vision impairment, which may or may not be correctable. Because of this, most pediatric vision screening recommendations focus on screening for amblyopia or the risk factors for amblyopia, including anisometropia, high refractive errors, and strabismus. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening children for amblyopia and its risk factors at least once between ages 3 and 5 years. However, the joint policies of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS), and American Association of Certified Orthoptists (AACO) recommend screening starting in the newborn period and continuing through adolescence. These groups advocate for instrument screening in younger children and children who are developmentally delayed because the use of eye charts can be difficult in these children. In general, children with abnormal screening results should be referred to an ophthalmology subspecialist for further evaluation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A study of central neurotransmitter mechanisms in morphine-induced 'Straub reaction' in mice: role of central dopamine receptors.
1. The role of putative neurotransmitters was investigated in morphine-induced Straub reaction (SR) in albino mice. 2. Apomorphine (15 mg/kg) was also effective in inducing SR. However, in a smaller dose (0.2 mg/kg) it blocked SR induced by morphine. 3. Morphine-induced SR was potentiated by tranylcypromine, reserpine (acute effect), imipramine and L-dopa and blocked by reserpine (chronic effect), alpha-methyldopa, pimozide, chlorpromazine, haloperidol and metoclopramide. Prazosin and clonidine partially blocked morphine SR in high doses. 4. Propranolol, yohimbine, cyproheptadine and atropine were ineffective in blocking morphine SR. 5. The results indicate that morphine SR is mediated through release of DA in the CNS which excites central D2 receptors. Activation of central alpha 1-adrenoceptors might also play a minor role. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Linking health-status measurements to the international classification of functioning, disability and health.
With the approval of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health by the World Health Assembly in May 2001, the concurrent use of both health-status measures and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health is expected. It is therefore important to understand the relationship between these two concepts. The objective of this paper is to provide a systematic and standardized approach when linking health-status measures to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. The specific aims are to develop rules, to test their reliability and to illustrate these rules with examples. Ten linking rules and an example of their use are presented in this paper. The percentage agreement between two health professionals for 8 health-status instruments tested is also presented. A high level of agreement between the health professionals reflects that the linking rules established in this study allow the sound linking of items from health-status measures to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
MACULAR HOLE FORMATION FOLLOWED BY SPONTANEOUS CLOSURE AFTER PNEUMATIC RETINOPEXY IN A PATIENT WITH DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA.
To report early formation and spontaneous closure of a full-thickness macular hole that developed after successful pneumatic retinopexy in a patient who had been undergoing treatment for diabetic macular edema. Case report of a 68-year-old man with bilateral nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy who was currently undergoing anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment for bilateral diabetic macular edema. On presentation, visual acuity was 20/200 in the left eye, and examination revealed a bullous, macula-off retinal detachment with a single horseshoe tear at 12 o'clock in the left eye. Pneumatic retinopexy was performed followed by laser augmentation 3 days later. Three weeks postoperatively, he returned with visual acuity of 20/50 and a full-thickness macular hole in the left eye. Although he elected for initial observation, he returned 2 weeks later with visual acuity of 20/50 in both eyes and a retinal detachment with a single break at 10 o'clock in the right eye. The macular hole in the left eye had spontaneously resolved. Pneumatic retinopexy was performed to the right eye. Over 1 year after bilateral pneumatic retinopexy, his retina remains without recurrence of a macular hole in the left eye. In the early postoperative period after pneumatic retinopexy to repair a retinal detachment, a macular hole can form and spontaneously close. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Renovascular hypertension as a complication of umbilical arterial catheterization.
Renovascular hypertension (RVH) in the neonatal period is frequently associated with thromboembolic complications of umbilical artery catheterization. Seven newborn infants with RVH were studied by angiography and/or radionuclide examination. Aortography and, in one case, selective angiography showed variable degrees of renal artery occlusion or attenuation. Thromboembolic defects were frequently present in other vessels. Radionuclide flow studies, renograms, and computer analysis of data (ADAC) demonstrated defects in renal function, indicative of renal ischemia. There was a high degree of correlation between angiographic and radionuclide studies. Successful medical management suggests a more conservative alternative to nephrectomy in the hypertensive newborn. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The movement pattern during cleavage in artificially activated eggs ofPimpla turionellae (Hym.)].
The early embryonic development ofPimpla is characterized by a complicated temporal and spatial pattern of ooplasmic movements detected in time-lapse films made during cleavage. The modified movements observed after the architecture of oviposited eggs had been altered artificially by centrifugation indicated that there are different dynamic systems for ooplasmic streaming, contractions, and nuclear migration. The discovery that unlaid, explanted oocytes ofPimpla can be activated by mechanical deformation provided a new way of studying alterations of egg architecture, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, and the control of morphogenetic processes during cleavage and blastoderm formation. In this article, development and ooplasmic movements in explanted oocytes with and without articifial activation are described and compared with those observed in eggs after normal oviposition. Four categories of explanted "eggs" can be distinguished: 1. Inexplanted eggs which are not activated by mechanical deformation, no movement of egg plasm can be observed, and nuclear multiplication never takes place. Thus the completion of meiosis as well as the ooplasmic movements must be triggered by deformation of the egg in the ovipositor. 2. Inartificially activated eggs with diphasic blastoderm formation, the following deviations from normal development are registered. The mixing motion at the anterior end of the egg, the transfer flow, and the forward component of the fountain flow are all absent. Instead, a homogenizing movement is observed in the ooplasm of the anterior region of the egg. The energids in this region then migrate directly to the periphery, and in due time form the blastoderm (first phase of blastoderm formation). In the posterior 2/3 of the egg, blastoderm formation is slightly retarded. The so-called mixing motion, the unipolar flow and the caudal part of the fountain flow take place as in normal development, and the energids become distributed throughout a central plasm column before they migrate radially to initiate a second phase of blastoderm formation. There are marked ooplasmic contractions at the egg poles. 3. Forartificially activated eggs with successive blastoderm formation we recorded the same deviations from normal development as in the cephalic region of eggs of category 2. Blastoderm formation also occurs in due time. In the caudal region of the egg, a "dilated" unipolar flow is found. The fountain flow is reduced and greatly delayed. Energids migrating from the anterior egg region into the posterior may be carried to the posterior egg pole in a central plasm by the fountain flow. A peripheral, ring-shaped contraction moving in a posterior direction indicates the zone where the preblastoderm gradually forms. A marked antero-posterior time gradient is evident in blastoderm formation. Development of these eggs is greatly retarded up to hatching of the larvae. 4. Ineggs without blastoderm formation after activating treatment, no energids could be found apart from the meiotic nuclei. Nevertheless, the ooplasmic movement pattern and the histological aspect of these eggs sometimes resembled those of eggs oviposited by the female. Also, formation of pseudo-pole cells could be observed. These observations demonstrate that pseudocleavage takes place in such eggs. The streaming system is apparently able to achieve the pattern of ooplasmic movements independently of nuclear multiplication. Our observations demonstrate the autonomy of the streaming systems and of energid migration. The third dynamic system, ooplasmic contractions, occurs in artificially activated eggs combined with the streaming system and/or nuclear multiplication. It may possibly act independently in the very early contractions at the egg poles; these may be comparable to events at the elevation of a fertilization membrane. The discussion concerns exogeneous and endogeneous factors which may affect the pattern of movements, and the functions of mixing motion and unipolar flows in restricting the early nuclear migration to the central plasm. Also discussed are the significance of the anterior and posterior initial regions ("Initialbereiche") and ofsuccessive blastoderm formation with respect to the relation between long-germ and short-germ egg types. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Modified tensor fascia lata musculofasciocutaneous flap for the coverage of trochanteric pressure sores.
The method most frequently used for the coverage of trochanteric pressure sores is the tensor fascia lata (TFL) flap. The authors introduce a new, hatchet-shaped incision strategy for the TFL flap, which preserves the safe blood supply of the flap and keeps the flap mobile enough. The part of the flap including the muscle is adapted to the greater trochanter. This provides a good aesthetic result without dog-ear formation at the rotation point of the flap. The donor site is closed in a V-Y fashion, and the closure does not require any skin grafting or designing a local flap. The TFL hatchet flap was used nine times on eight patients to cover trochanteric pressure sores. With one exception all patients healed. No recurrence was observed during the follow-up period, and no contour difference developed on the lateral aspect of the thigh. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Apneic oxygenation during emergency airway management.
| {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Composition and bioaccessibility of elements in green seaweeds from fish pond aquaculture.
The elemental composition of five species of green seaweeds (Chaetomorpha linum, Rhizoclonium riparium, Ulva intestinalis, Ulva lactuca, Ulva prolifera) grown in fish pond aquaculture systems were studied. The elemental bioaccessibility in these species was also investigated through the application of an innovative in vitro digestive model of the human gastrointestinal tract. It was observed that R. riparium had the highest levels of Mn, Sr, Cd, Sn, and I and that U. lactuca had the highest Ni and Cu concentrations. The daily amounts of dried green seaweed required for achieving specific dietary intakes were calculated, namely: 7g of dried U. lactuca (for meeting Cu Recommended Daily Allowance, RDA); 173g of dried U. lactuca (Zn RDA); 78g of dried C. linum (Se RDA); 41g of dried C. linum (Mo RDA); and 0.5g of dried R. riparium (I Dietary Reference Intake, DRI). Concerning elemental bioaccessibility, Mn and Cu had the highest values, always above 50%, I values were in the lower range, between 14 and 31%. The elemental bioaccessibility range of R. riparium (31-100%) was higher than the ranges for other species, particularly C. linum (0-56%). The bioaccessibility results entailed higher quantities of dried seaweed for reaching dietary intakes: 10g of dried U. lactuca (Cu RDA); 290g of dried R. riparium (Zn RDA); and 2g of dried R. riparium (I DRI). Accordingly, R. riparium is a very rich I source. This study showed the importance of taking into account bioaccessibility results in estimating dietary intakes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Molecular markers guide diagnosis and treatment in Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative disorders (Review).
The Philadelphia negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms are hematological disorders with several diagnostic challenges. Due to recent molecular findings, the WHO classification of Tumors of Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissue 2008 reorganized the field of chronic myeloproliferative diseases. Thus, specific molecular markers provide important information for current diagnostic strategies. This review highlights the important diagnostic tools in classical and atypical myeloproliferative neoplasms mainly the JAK2V617F mutation, the Mpl receptor, Polycythemia rubra vera 1 (PRV1), platelet-derived growth-factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA), platelet-derived growth-factor receptor beta (PDGFRB), fibroblast growth-factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) and c-kit tyrosine kinase. A description of the origin, clinical correlations and role in diagnosis and therapy is provided for each of these molecular markers. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Can the loss of negative regulation theory be compatible with the development of hematological malignancies - (review).
The hematological malignancies evolution exhibits significant differences with the solid tissue tumor development, especially in the initiation step. The loss of negative regulation theory of carcinogenesis was unambiguously demonstrated in the field of colorectal neoplasia, but up to date, several lines of inquiry failed to imply the dysregulation of suppressor genes as an etiologic event in the pathogenesis of leukemias and lymphomas. Considering the peculiarities of self-renewing hemopoietic cells, we propose in this communication a reconciliation of the loss of negative regulation theory with the blood malignancies development. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antifogging abilities of model nanotextures.
Nanometre-scale features with special shapes impart a broad spectrum of unique properties to the surface of insects. These properties are essential for the animal's survival, and include the low light reflectance of moth eyes, the oil repellency of springtail carapaces and the ultra-adhesive nature of palmtree bugs. Antireflective mosquito eyes and cicada wings are also known to exhibit some antifogging and self-cleaning properties. In all cases, the combination of small feature size and optimal shape provides exceptional surface properties. In this work, we investigate the underlying antifogging mechanism in model materials designed to mimic natural systems, and explain the importance of the texture's feature size and shape. While exposure to fog strongly compromises the water-repellency of hydrophobic structures, this failure can be minimized by scaling the texture down to nanosize. This undesired effect even becomes non-measurable if the hydrophobic surface consists of nanocones, which generate antifogging efficiency close to unity and water departure of droplets smaller than 2 μm. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A new microfluidic concept for parallel operated milliliter-scale stirred tank bioreactors.
Parallel miniaturized stirred tank bioreactors are an efficient tool for "high-throughput bioprocess design." As most industrial bioprocesses are pH-controlled and/or are operated in a fed-batch mode, an exact scale-down of these reactions with continuous dosing of fluids into the miniaturized bioreactors is highly desirable. Here, we present the development, characterization, and application of a novel concept for a highly integrated microfluidic device for a bioreaction block with 48 parallel milliliter-scale stirred tank reactors (V = 12 mL). The device consists of an autoclavable fluidic section to dispense up to three liquids individually per reactor. The fluidic section contains 144 membrane pumps, which are magnetically driven by a clamped-on actuator section. The micropumps are designed to dose 1.6 μL per pump lift. Each micropump enables a continuous addition of liquid with a flow rate of up to 3 mL h(-1) . Viscous liquids up to a viscosity of 8.2 mPa s (corresponds to a 60% v/v glycerine solution) can be pumped without changes in the flow rates. Thus, nearly all feeding solutions can be delivered, which are commonly used in bioprocesses. The functionality of the first prototype of this microfluidic device was demonstrated by double-sided pH-controlled cultivations of Saccharomyces cerevisiae based on signals of fluorimetric sensors embedded at the bottom of the bioreactors. Furthermore, fed-batch cultivations with constant and exponential feeding profiles were successfully performed. Thus, the presented novel microfluidic device will be a useful tool for parallel and, thus, efficient optimization of controlled fed-batch bioprocesses in small-scale stirred tank bioreactors. This can help to reduce bioprocess development times drastically. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Improved speech inversion using general regression neural network.
The problem of nonlinear acoustic to articulatory inversion mapping is investigated in the feature space using two models, the deep belief network (DBN) which is the state-of-the-art, and the general regression neural network (GRNN). The task is to estimate a set of articulatory features for improved speech recognition. Experiments with MOCHA-TIMIT and MNGU0 databases reveal that, for speech inversion, GRNN yields a lower root-mean-square error and a higher correlation than DBN. It is also shown that conjunction of acoustic and GRNN-estimated articulatory features yields state-of-the-art accuracy in broad class phonetic classification and phoneme recognition using less computational power. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Paclitaxel-induced arterial wall toxicity and inflammation: tissue uptake in various dose densities in a minipig model.
Paclitaxel is an antiproliferative agent in drug-eluting stents with largely unknown tissue interaction. Toxicity might result from overdosage and/or accumulation. Part 1 of this two-step study investigated how paclitaxel uptake depends on dose density, coronary drug transfer kinetics, and elution efficacy. With cobalt chromium stents and Polyzene-F nanoscale coating, low, intermediate, and high paclitaxel dose densities (25 microg, 50 microg, and 150 microg per stent) were investigated in porcine right coronary arteries (RCAs). Coronary and myocardial tissue concentration measurements and determination of on-stent paclitaxel and plasma concentrations were performed at 2, 8, 24, and 72 hours. For all stents, uptake was similar at all time intervals (paclitaxel RCA concentration range, 1,610-33,300 ng). Low- and intermediate-dose stents showed similar RCA concentrations, but those for high-dose stents were three times greater. Residual on-stent paclitaxel concentration was not time-dependent, at 33.3% on low-, 30.6% on intermediate-, and 17.4% on high-dose stents. Paclitaxel was measurable in only the plasma immediately after stent placement, with a linear dose relationship and a timely regression: measurements in high-dose stents were 0.0454-0.656 ng/mL at 1 minute and 0.0329-0.0879 ng/mL at 5 minutes. Untreated control samples of the left coronary artery showed a linear dose-dependent concentration (12.6 ng/g, 21.2 ng/g, and 85.2 ng/g). Overall coronary paclitaxel uptake is fairly independent from the baseline overall dose density and, hence, depends on immediate binding mechanisms of the arterial wall. This is supported by the fact that, regardless of the applied dose density, the kinetics of paclitaxel uptake did not follow an exposure time pattern. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Osmotic and cryoprotective effects of glycerol-sucrose solutions on day-3 mouse embryos.
The relative volume of Day-3 mouse embryos changed as a linear function of the reciprocal of osmolality [corrected] of non-permeating solutes after 10 min exposure to sucrose and glycerol-sucrose solutions at 20 degrees C. The slope of the linear regression line was less in glycerol-sucrose than in sucrose solutions because glycerol permeation caused re-expansion. Before freezing by direct transfer to -180 degrees C the embryos were placed into glycerol-sucrose in 1-step (1-step equilibration) or first into glycerol and then into glycerol-sucrose (2-step equilibration). Using 2-step equilibration the post-thaw survival rate was substantially higher at 3.0 and 4.0 M-glycerol levels and less dependent on changes in the sucrose concentration within the range of 0.125 to 1.0 M than with 1-step equilibration. Under optimal conditions 90-95% of rapidly frozen embryos developed to blastocysts in vitro and 30% into live young in vivo. It is suggested that the cryoprotective role of glycerol is due to its ability to reduce osmotic pressure differences between the extra and intracellular spaces during rapid freezing of embryos. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The conservative treatment of major kidney injuries].
The choice of treatment (surgical or conservative) for major renal trauma still remains controversial. The objective of this study was to compare the results of patients with major renal trauma (grade III and IV) primarily treated by surgical intervention (1980-1992) with those in patients mainly treated conservatively (1992-1995). Between 1980 and 1995, 83 patients with major renal trauma were hospitalized at our institution. Our results show a higher nephrectomy rate of 44% in the case of primary surgical intervention compared to conservative management (27%). The outcome of twenty-two patients treated conservatively was analyzed prospectively with repeated radiological imaging, blood pressure profiles, and renal function assessment by means of MAG 3 renal scintigraphy. No patient developed renovascular hypertension and the relative function of the traumatized kidney was greater than 40% in 95% of patients. In conclusion, our results confirm a lower nephrectomy rate in the case of conservative management without any increase of the immediate or long-term morbidity. Major renal trauma (grade III, IV) can therefore be effectively treated by conservative management and primary surgical repair is only indicated in patients with hemodynamic instability, persistent hematuria and associated visceral injuries. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Imitation of hierarchical structure versus component details of complex actions by 3- and 5-year-olds.
We investigated developmental changes in the level of information children incorporate into their imitation when a model executes complex, hierarchically organized actions. A total of 57 3-year-olds and 60 5-year-olds participated, watching video demonstrations of an "artificial fruit" box being opened through a complex series of nine different steps. Half of each sample observed the same nine steps performed through either of two different, hierarchically organized procedures, whereas half witnessed differing component action details. Children were found to imitate at both levels but were more likely to copy at the higher hierarchical level than at the level of specific action details. Fidelity to hierarchical organization, but not to the imitation of specific detail, increased with age. However, variation in imitativeness across children at one of these levels did not predict imitativeness at the other level. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Meaning of clinical and electrical positivity in the myocardial perfusion scintigraphy during the administration of dipyridamole].
Administration of dipyridamole produces angina and ST depression in 20%-30% and 6%-34% of patients, respectively. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical implications of the presentation of angina and/or ST depression during the administration of dipyridamole in the study of coronary heart disease by myocardial perfusion SPECT (MPS). The study population is constituted by 593 consecutive patients without left branch block or ventricular pacemaker rhythm who were referred to our service to undergo MPS with dipyridamole. A SPECT was performed after the administration of 99mTc-tetrosfosmine and drug stimulation with dipyridamole (0.142 mg/kg/min for 4 minutes). A coronariography was performed in 338 patients (57%). The frequency of clinical and electrical positivity and their relationship with the MPS and the coronariography were studied. The rate of angina and ST depression was 32% (n = 190) and 10% (n = 58), respectively. Myocardial perfusion defects were observed in 465 patients (78%), and signs of scintigraphic ischemia in 311 (52%). The patients with ST depression presented a higher frequency of perfusion defects (93% vs 76%, p = 0.0012) and scintigraphic ischemia (89% vs 49%, p < 0.0001). In addition, perfusion defects in more than one territory were observed in these patients in a higher percentage (53% vs 34%, p = 0.0036). Among the patients who underwent cardiac catheterization, those who had a ST depression had a greater extension of coronary heart disease (1.8 +/- 1.2 vs 1.3 +/- 1.0 diseased vessels, respectively. p = 0.0100) and a higher frequency of multivessel disease (61% vs 43%, p = 0.0380). Those patients who had clinical positivity showed a scintigraphic ischemia more frequently (66% vs 47%, p < 0.0001), however no statistically significant differences were observed between the presence of patients with perfusion defects or in the extension of these defects as well as in the number of diseased vessels in the coronariographic study. During the administration of dipyridamole, the ST depression is associated with more frequent scintigraphic ischemia, larger extension of perfusion defects and more diseased vessels. The appearance of angina is associated with scintigraphic ischemia, but it is not necessarily associated with the extension of perfusion defects or greater number of diseased vessels. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Stress and wound healing.
There are substantial data to suggest that stress-induced disruption of neuroendocrine immune equilibrium is detrimental to health, with the strongest evidence to date in wound healing. Murine and human studies demonstrated that the down-regulation of the early inflammatory response by an increase in cortisol levels results in delayed wound repair and identified several potential cellular mechanisms linking stress and wound healing. The impact of stress on wound healing has been studied almost exclusively in acute experimentally induced wounds. Because chronic wounds are different entities from acute wounds, the cellular/molecular mechanisms by which stress affects acute wound healing may not necessarily be applied to chronic wounds, hence, the need for studies in stress and chronic wound (eg, diabetic foot ulcer) healing. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Diverse population-bursting modes of adapting spiking neurons.
We study the dynamics of a noisy network of spiking neurons with spike-frequency adaptation (SFA), using a mean-field approach, in terms of a two-dimensional Fokker-Planck equation for the membrane potential of the neurons and the calcium concentration gating SFA. The long time scales of SFA allow us to use an adiabatic approximation and to describe the network as an effective nonlinear two-dimensional system. The phase diagram is computed for varying levels of SFA and synaptic coupling. Two different population-bursting regimes emerge, depending on the level of SFA in networks with noisy emission rate, due to the finite number of neurons. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Auranofin or D-penicillamine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Ninety patients were entered into a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial lasting 12 months to compare auranofin (6 mg/d), and D-penicillamine (250 mg/d for 4 weeks, 500 mg/d for 4 weeks, then 750 mg/d thereafter) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Most patients in both groups completed the trial with significant improvement in all quantitative measures of efficacy. Patients treated with D-penicillamine were more likely to have "important improvement" in physician global assessment, swollen joint count, and score and grip strength. The overall frequency of side effects was similar between the two groups; however, more patients were withdrawn for adverse effects from the D-penicillamine group, and proteinuria (greater than or equal to 2+) and thrombocytopenia (less than 100 000 mm3) occurred significantly more frequently with D-penicillamine than auranofin (p = 0.028). These results suggest that in the dosage regimen used, auranofin is safer than D-penicillamine but that D-penicillamine tends to show greater clinical effectiveness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A model of self-regulation for control of chronic disease.
Chronic disease poses increasing threat to individual and community health. The day-to-day manager of disease is the patient who undertakes actions with the guidance of a clinician. The ability of the patient to control the illness through an effective therapeutic plan is significantly influenced by social and behavioral factors. This article presents a model of patient management of chronic disease that accounts for intrapersonal and external influences on management and emphasizes the central role of self-regulatory processes in disease control. Asthma serves as a case for exploration of the model. Findings from a 5-year study of 637 children with asthma and their care-taking parents supported that the self-regulation elements of the model were reasonably stable over time and baseline values were predictive of important disease management outcomes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Microangiopathy of brain, retina, and inner ear.
Microangiopathy of brain, retina, and inner ear is a rare syndrome manifesting as arteriolar occlusions of the brain, retina, and inner ear, with resultant encephalopathy, visual, and hearing loss. Despite exhaustive laboratory examinations in these patients, no evidence of a systemic disease can be found. We treated and followed an adolescent with this disorder who initially presented with a branch retinal artery occlusion. A unique finding in this case was retinal vessel wall hyperfluorescence noted five days prior to retinal infarction. The patient developed recurrent branch artery occlusions, sensorineural hearing loss, and central nervous system infarctions despite anticoagulation and immunosuppressive treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Contribution of the regulatory gene lasR to the pathogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection of burned mice.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that causes severe infections in patients with burns. The P aeruginosa regulatory gene, lasR, regulates the expression of several virulence factors. The specific lasR isogenic mutant, PAO-R1, is defective in the synthesis of the 2 elastases (LasB and LasA) and produces low levels of exotoxin A and alkaline proteases. In this study, we used a burned mouse model to examine the role of lasR in the pathogenesis of P aeruginosa infections. We have examined the following aspects of P aeruginosa infections: 1) lethality to the burned mouse, 2) the dissemination within the body of the burned mouse, and 3) the local spread within the burned skin. In comparison with its parent strain, PAO1, PAO-R1 was less lethal. In addition, the numbers of PAO-R1 microorganisms recovered from the livers and spleens of the burned mice were less than those of PAO1. Furthermore, at 8 hours postinfection, equivalent numbers of PAO1 and PAO-R1 were detected at the inoculation site of the burned skin. However, only PAO1 microorganisms were detected at other sites of the burned skin. These results suggest that the lasR gene contributes (directly and indirectly) to the dissemination of P aeruginosa within the body of burned mice and its horizontal spread within the burned skin. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Assessing the significance of chromosome-loss data: where are suppressor genes for bladder cancer?
Cytogenetic analysis reveals alterations of chromosome structure (losses, gains, and rearrangements of genetic material) in bladder cancer cells generated using an in vitro/in vivo transformation system. To predict possible locations of bladder cancer suppressor genes, we performed a robust Bayesian analysis of the chromosome-loss data. We postulated a simple stochastic model to describe chromosome loss during tumour progression. Posterior computations are enabled by a dynamic simulation algorithm. Ordered by decreasing posterior probability of putatively harbouring a suppressor gene, we observe significant losses on chromosomes 3, 18, 13, 10, 11, and y. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Regio entorhinalis in schizophrenia: more evidence for migrational disturbances and suggestions for a new biological hypothesis.
Recently we were able to replicate the original finding of migrational disturbances in the entorhinal cortex (ERC) of schizophrenic patients by measuring the distance of pre-alpha cell clusters to the pial surface. In order to replicate this finding, we performed a detailed analysis of the pre-alpha cell clusters in the ERC in post mortem brains of 22 schizophrenic patients and 15 control subjects. Cluster position relative to gray/white matter boundary were measured and normalized by the widths of the gray matter. In the ERC the pre-alpha cell clusters were situated significantly closer to the gray/white matter junction compared to normal controls (around 30 %, F = 9.52, p = 0.004). No specific effects of sex, age or region of investigation were found. In summary, this is another quantitative replication of pre-alpha cell cluster migrational disturbances in schizophrenia, which are possibly linked to neurobiological abnormalities, e.g. myeloarchitectonic changes. This supports the notion that developmental abnormalities are a core feature of schizophrenia and that the search for candidate genes has to include this aspect, too. However, it is very probable that vulnerability-associated changes - as outlined here - have to be distinguished from disease-related changes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Recovery after paediatric daycase herniotomy performed under spinal anaesthesia.
In this prospective survey, recovery in hospital and at home was evaluated in 195 children aged 6 months to 10 years who had undergone herniotomy under spinal anaesthesia as a daycase procedure. Spinal anaesthesia was successful in most of the children, with only two patients being given general anaesthesia. Eighty-three percent of the children had pain at home and 19% had moderate or severe pain. Eighty-five percent of the children needed pain medication at home; the median dose of analgesics was 4 (1-9, 10th and 90th percentiles). Vomiting was noted in two of 195 children in hospital and in 10 of 192 children at home. Eleven children developed a mild position-dependent headache. Most of the children (183/191) recovered their normal daily activities during the first three postoperative days. We conclude that spinal anaesthesia is a safe and effective technique for paediatric herniotomy. Moreover, pain is common following herniotomy and children should be given analgesics for the first two or three postoperative days. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Isolation of human growth hormone isohormones D and E in milligram amounts (I), using isotachophoresis on polyacrylamide gel.
Human growth hormone (hGH) isohormones D and E were isolated from a plasmin digest of 150 mg hGH. Isotachophoresis on a cylindrical polyacrylamide gel of 18 mm diameter served to separate the various isohormone species. The "extended stack" was sliced, and slices containing hGH-D and -E were extracted by Steady-State Stacking on 1% agarose gel and collected in a 1 ml volume. The extract was purified on gel chromatography and lyophilized. The overall yield was approximately 19 mg of hGH (D + E) and 16 mg of hGH-(D, minor E). This represents a 62% recovery of the amount of hGH-D and -E in the digest estimated densitometrically. The purity of the product, based on Lowry analysis, specific RIA or UV-absorbance, was 91%. The isolated hGH-(D+E) exhibited an enhanced bioactivity in the rat tibia line assay. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Computational modeling of temperature elevation and thermoregulatory response in the brains of anesthetized rats locally exposed at 1.5 GHz.
The dominant effect of human exposures to microwaves is caused by temperature elevation ('thermal effect'). In the safety guidelines/standards, the specific absorption rate averaged over a specific volume is used as a metric for human protection from localized exposure. Further investigation on the use of this metric is required, especially in terms of thermophysiology. The World Health Organization (2006 RF research agenda) has given high priority to research into the extent and consequences of microwave-induced temperature elevation in children. In this study, an electromagnetic-thermal computational code was developed to model electromagnetic power absorption and resulting temperature elevation leading to changes in active blood flow in response to localized 1.457 GHz exposure in rat heads. Both juvenile (4 week old) and young adult (8 week old) rats were considered. The computational code was validated against measurements for 4 and 8 week old rats. Our computational results suggest that the blood flow rate depends on both brain and core temperature elevations. No significant difference was observed between thermophysiological responses in 4 and 8 week old rats under these exposure conditions. The computational model developed herein is thus applicable to set exposure conditions for rats in laboratory investigations, as well as in planning treatment protocols in the thermal therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Current status of digestive intolerance to food protein.
Digestive intolerance to food proteins may occur in childhood as a result of a wide range of etiologic and pathophysiologic mechanisms. Cow milk protein intolerance is the most common form of food intolerance in children. Food allergy and food intolerance may be confused because both produce similar symptoms, especially in young children with clinical manifestations of food allergy localized to the gastrointestinal tract. On the other hand, food-sensitive enteropathy may be defined as the clinical food-related syndromes associated with an abnormal small intestinal mucosa. Although several foods have been reported to damage the small intestinal mucosa in infancy (soy, rice, fish, chicken meat, egg), cow milk-sensitive enteropathy is the most common cause. Whatever the mechanisms, digestive intolerance to food proteins with or without enteropathy is primarily a temporary condition of infancy, in contrast to most forms of food allergy. In children with these disorders, symptoms usually resolve by 1 to 3 years of age. The variation in prevalence rates of this disorder in different countries can be explained by different diagnostic criteria. The classic food-sensitive enteropathy syndromes with chronic diarrhea and failure to thrive in infancy have become rarer in some European countries, including Spain. Some risk factors for the development of these conditions appear to be early exposure to cow milk feedings, acute infectious diarrhea, and malnutrition. Breast-feeding appears to be at least partially protective. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dietary fats do not contribute to hyperlipidemia in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
To determine the relative influence of diet, metabolic control, and familial factors on lipids in children with type 1 diabetes and control subjects. We assessed fasting serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein(a), apolipoprotein (apo)-A1, and apoB in 79 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and 61 age- and sex-matched control subjects, together with dietary intakes using a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, apoB, HDL cholesterol, and apoA1 were significantly higher in children with diabetes. Children with diabetes had higher percentage energy intake from complex carbohydrates (P = 0.001) and fiber intake (P = 0.02), and they had lower intake of refined sugar (P < 0.001) and percentage energy from saturated fat (P = 0.045) than control subjects. Total cholesterol (beta = 0.43, P < 0.001), LDL cholesterol (beta = 0.4, P < 0.001), and apoB (beta = 0.32, P = 0.006) correlated independently with HbA(1c) but not dietary intake. HDL cholesterol (beta = 0.24, P = 0.05) and apoA1 (beta = 0.32, P = 0.004) correlated independently with HbA(1c), and HDL cholesterol (beta = -0.34, P = 0.009) correlated with percentage energy intake from complex carbohydrates. Triglycerides correlated independently with percentage energy intake from complex carbohydrates (beta = 0.33, P = 0.01) and insulin dose (beta = 0.26, P = 0.04). Subjects with diabetes and elevated LDL (>3.35 mmol/l, >130 mg/dl), for whom dietary therapy would be recommended, had significantly higher HbA(1c) (P = 0.007), but they had higher intake of complex carbohydrates than subjects with LDL cholesterol <3.35 mmol/l. Lipid abnormalities remain common in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes who adhere to current dietary recommendations, and they relate to metabolic control but not dietary intake. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of pressure on the solubilization of a fluorescent merocyanine dye by a nonionic surfactant.
The target dye, which is a derivative of Merocyanine 540 bearing a naphthoxazole headgroup, persists as a monomer in ethanol solution but dimerizes in water under ambient conditions. Analysis of the absorption spectrum indicates that the dimer has an oblique geometry with the two molecules being held at an angle of ca. 55°. Applying high pressure to the system forces the two molecules into closer contact, resulting in a decreased partial molar volume of 3.1 cm(3). One molecule of the monomeric dye enters a neutral micelle formed from Triton X-100, where it is highly fluorescent and free of exciton coupling. The result of applied pressure on these latter systems depends on the concentration of surfactant. Above the critical micelle concentration (CMC), applied pressure has little effect other than to increase the viscosity inside the micelle. At very low surfactant concentration, applied pressure forces monomeric dye into the dimeric form, as observed in the absence of Triton X-100. It is notable, however, that the pressure effect on the dimerization constant is exaggerated in the presence of surfactant. At intermediate surfactant concentrations, applied pressure leads to a marked change in the CMC. In particular, applied pressure reduces the partial molar volume of the micelle by ca. 7.9 cm(3) and induces micelle formation at relatively low concentration of surfactant. For example, the CMC falls from ca. 250 μM at atmospheric pressure to only 50 μM at 460 MPa. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Health instruction responsibilities for elementary classroom teachers in Pennsylvania.
A joint committee comprised of representatives from the American School Health Association and the Association for the Advancement of Health Education delineated five areas of instructional responsibility and 31 competencies needed for elementary health educators. Practicing elementary educators in southeastern Pennsylvania were surveyed as to their usage and perceived importance of these health instruction responsibilities and competencies. Competency usage varied from a high of 98.6% to a low of 33.5%. The second area of instructional responsibility -- Assessing the Health Instruction Needs and Interests of Elementary Students -- had the highest mean usage per competency. Chi-square tests indicated a statistically significant relationship for competency usage and highest academic degree earned for two competencies, while competency usage and total number of years experience as an elementary educator indicated a statistically significant relationship for three competencies. The authors conclude with suggested strategies to improve the health education preparation of elementary educators. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Distal rhythm influences whether or not listeners hear a word in continuous speech: support for a perceptual grouping hypothesis.
Due to extensive variability in the phonetic realizations of words, there may be few or no proximal spectro-temporal cues that identify a word's onset or even its presence. Dilley and Pitt (2010) showed that the rate of context speech, distal from a to-be-recognized word, can have a sizeable effect on whether or not a word is perceived. This investigation considered whether there is a distinct role for distal rhythm in the disappearing word effect. Listeners heard sentences that had a grammatical interpretation with or without a critical function word (FW) and transcribed what they heard (e.g., are in Jill got quite mad when she heard there are birds can be removed and Jill got quite mad when she heard their birds is still grammatical). Consistent with a perceptual grouping hypothesis, participants were more likely to report critical FWs when distal rhythm (repeating ternary or binary pitch patterns) matched the rhythm in the FW-containing region than when it did not. Notably, effects of distal rhythm and distal rate were additive. Results demonstrate a novel effect of distal rhythm on the amount of lexical material listeners hear, highlighting the importance of distal timing information and providing new constraints for models of spoken word recognition. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Three recently recognized species of cyathostomes (Nematoda: Strongylidae) in equids in Kentucky.
Three species of cyathostomes--Cylicocyclus ashworthi, Cylicostephanus bidentatus, and Cylicostephanus hybridus were identified recently in horses in Kentucky. General characteristics and distinguishing description of these species are presented. Distribution of these species and their role in the horse strongylid community are discussed. The importance of examining the entire contents of the large intestine or alternatively a high number of specimens in order to recover and identify species residing in low numbers is stressed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Asymmetry in emotional face: its role in intensity of expression.
Normal subjects rated expressiveness of two posed facial emotions, happy and sad; the photographs were stratified in terms of intensity of expression and were prepared in composite (right-right, left-left), normal, and mirror-reversed facial orientations. The left side of the face was more expressive for intermediate intensity expressions of happiness and for least intense expressions of happiness and sadness. The right side of the face was more expressive for most intense expressions of happiness and sadness. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Changes in telomere lengths in renal cell carcinomas.
Telomeres, the extreme ends of chromosomes, play an important role in chromosome structure and function. The shortening of telomeres is one of the supposed mechanisms of cellular aging and death. Because of end replication problems the length of telomeres decreases with every cell cycle. This may lead to chromosome instability and additional genetic alterations possibly responsible of significant tumor development. In many cancer cells the length of telomeres depends on a balance between the loss of telomeric repeats, at each replication cycle, and the telomere lengthening, by the enzyme telomerase, which is repressed in most normal somatic cells. Many tumor cells demonstrate shortened telomeres in comparison to the corresponding normal tissue. In some types of human cancers the reduction of telomeric repeats was correlated with increasing disease severity. We analyzed Southern blots of HINF1-digested DNA of a large number of renal cell carcinomas (RCC) including different tumor areas, secondary tumors and metastases (76 cases with 142 tumor samples) for changes in the length of telomeric repeats using the oligonucleotide probe (TTAGGG)3 and found telomere shortening in 54%, suggesting that a reduction of the telomeric repeat length is not a general characteristic in RCC. Intratumor heterogeneity was demonstrated in seven cases. But also two RCC, with elongated telomeres in the tumor tissue, were observed. Shortened telomeres do not seem to be associated with advanced stages of tumor development or specific histopathological subtypes of RCC. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Predictors of emotional functioning in youth after surgical correction of idiopathic scoliosis.
Patients with idiopathic scoliosis, although otherwise healthy, often have significant concerns about their self-image and appearance. In a group of juveniles and adolescents, this can impact adjustment in school, functioning in peer groups, and general sense of well-being. There are limited data to help physicians reliably and precisely identify those who are at higher risk of poor emotional adjustment even after spine deformity correction. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictors of emotional maladjustment in juvenile and adolescent patients after surgical correction of idiopathic scoliosis. A total of 233 juveniles, mean age 11.26 ± 1.02 (range, 8 to 12) years and 909 adolescents, mean age 14.91 ± 1.61 (range, 13 to 21) years, who underwent surgical correction for idiopathic scoliosis and who were participating in a prospective longitudinal multicenter database, were enrolled in the study. Participants completed the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire before surgery and 2 years postoperatively. Radiographs were used to measure Cobb angle and surface measurements were used to determine decompensation and trunk shift. Adolescents reported poorer mental health preoperatively (P<0.05) and 2 years postoperatively (P<0.001) than juveniles; however, both groups reported improved mental health (P<0.001) and self-image (P<0.01) postoperatively. Mental health 2 years postoperatively was predicted by preoperative self-image (P<0.05), mental health (P<0.001), and main thoracic Cobb angle (P<0.05) in the juvenile group. Within the adolescent group, mental health 2 years postoperatively was predicted by preoperative mental health (P<0.001); self-image 2 years postoperatively was predicted by preoperative mental health (P<0.01) and self-image (P<0.001). Self-image and mental health are significantly improved after spine deformity correction in juveniles and adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. However, consistent with normative development, adolescents are at higher risk for emotional maladjustment than juveniles. Surgical decision making in scoliosis correction should take the emotional status of the patient into consideration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
TAILoR (TelmisArtan and InsuLin Resistance in Human Immunodeficiency Virus [HIV]): An Adaptive-design, Dose-ranging Phase IIb Randomized Trial of Telmisartan for the Reduction of Insulin Resistance in HIV-positive Individuals on Combination Antiretroviral Therapy.
Combination antiretroviral therapy results in metabolic abnormalities which increase cardiovascular disease risk. We evaluated whether telmisartan reduces insulin resistance in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals on antiretrovirals. We conducted a multicenter, randomized, open-label, dose-ranging controlled trial of telmisartan. Participants with HIV infection receiving combination antiretroviral therapy were randomized equally to either no intervention (control) or 20, 40, or 80 mg telmisartan once daily. The adaptive design allowed testing of all dose(s) of telmisartan in stage I, with the promising dose(s) being taken into stage II. The primary outcome measure was reduction in homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) at 24 weeks. A total of 377 patients were recruited. In stage I, 48, 49, 47, and 45 patients were randomized to control and 20, 40, and 80 mg telmisartan, respectively (total n = 189). At the interim analysis, 80 mg telmisartan was taken forward into stage II. At the end of stage II (n = 105, control; 106, 80-mg arm), there were no differences in HOMA-IR (estimated effect, 0.007; SE, 0.106) at 24 weeks between the telmisartan (80 mg) and nonintervention arms. Longitudinal analysis over 48 weeks showed no change in HOMA-IR, lipid or adipokine levels. There were significant (P ≤ .05), but marginal, improvements in revised Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) (0.004) and plasma hs-CRP (-0.222 mg/L) and reduction in liver fat content (1.714 mean reduction; P = .005). No significant effect of telmisartan was demonstrated on the primary outcome (HOMA-IR), but there were marginal improvements with some secondary outcome measures. Further studies in this population are warranted to identify novel strategies for preventing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. ISRCTN registry (51069819). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The really effective health service delivery system.
When an attempted suicide jumps off the Golden Gate Bridge, should money be spent on saving him, or on safety nets for the bridge? It's up to the director of the health service's new Suicide Division--and he'll get a bonus if he makes the right decision. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mutagenicity of the components of ozonated humic substance.
Eight components of humic substances were ozonated. Mutagenic activity was found with TA100 with and without S9 mix for all ozonated components. Ozonated products of p-hydroxybenzaldehyde were separated into five fractions by silica gel chromatography and each fraction subjected to mutagenicity assay. Mutagenic activity was found in the chloroform and chloroform-acetone (1:1) fractions. The compounds in these fractions were identified, and aldehydes such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, glyoxal, glyoxylic acid and methyl glyoxal were found to be mutagenic. Mutagenic compounds are present in the polar fraction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pathogenic molecular mechanisms in an animal model of fulminant hepatic failure: rabbit hemorrhagic viral disease.
In this study we sought to determine whether molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of fulminant hepatic failure are present in rabbits experimentally infected with rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV). The activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase, as well as bilirubin concentration, were found to be significantly increased 36 hours after infection. Infected animals also demonstrated significant decreases in factor VII activity, in the Fischer index, and in the deterioration of prothrombin time. The concentration of reduced glutathione was significantly decreased 36 hours after infection, and we noted a marked increase in the ratio of oxidized to reduced glutathione. Infected animals showed progressive decreases in liver activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Expression of hepatocyte growth factor and c-met was found to be progressively reduced from 24 hours after infection, during which time we detected no modification in messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha. TFG-beta 1 was overexpressed 24 and 36 hours after infection, and 36 hours after infection we detected a significant increase in TNF-alpha mRNA levels. Experimental RHDV infection also induced marked activation of nuclear factor-kappaB and a significant increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA levels from 24 hours after infection. Data obtained from this animal model support its usefulness in the investigation of potential novel therapeutical modalities aimed at neutralizing reactive oxygen species and hepatocyte growth inhibitors or enhancing hepatocyte responsiveness to mitogens. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
IR + VUV double resonance spectroscopy and extended density functional theory studies of ketone solvation by alcohol: 2-butanone·(methanol)n, n = 1-4 clusters.
Infrared plus vacuum ultraviolet (IR + VUV) photoionization vibrational spectroscopy of 2-butanone/methanol clusters [MEK·(MeOH)n, n = 1-4] is performed to explore structures associated with hydrogen bonding of MeOH molecules to the carbonyl functional group of the ketone. IR spectra and X3LYP/6-31++G(d,p) calculations show that multiple isomers of MEK·(MeOH)n are generated in the molecular beam as a result of several hydrogen bonding sites available to the clusters throughout the size range investigated. Isomer interconversion involving solvating MeOH rearrangement should probably occur for n = 1 and 2. The mode energy for a hydrogen bonded OH stretching transition gradually redshifts as the cluster size increases. Calculations suggest that the n = 3 cluster isomers adopt structures in which the MEK molecule is inserted into the cyclic MeOH hydrogen bond network. In larger structures, the cyclic network may be preserved. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Analysis of primary processes in the foramtion of acentric fragments.
An analysis of primary processes in the formation of excess acentric fragments in human lymphocytes was carried out in experiments with 220 kV X-rays after acute exposure (D = 50 R/min, 25--400 R) and fractionated exposure (340 R split into two equal fractions, separated by intervals between 50--360 min). Chromosome analyses occurred after conventional staining. Applying G-banding data from an acute X-irradiation experiment representative dose-effect curves for acentrics could be established which take into account one-break and two-break events in the formation of this aberration type. For the time dependent primary breaks necessary for the formation of two-break two-track acentrics a mean interaction time t approximately = 102 min could be calculated. This is well in line with the corresponding time t approximately = 110 min for dicentrics. The distribution of acentrics among cells shows the phenomenon of overdispersion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Studies on the genotoxicity of endosulfan in bacterial systems.
Endosulfan, an organochlorine pesticide, was subjected to the differential sensitivity assay in repair-deficient and repair-proficient strains of Escherichia coli K12, prophage lambda induction assay in WP2s (lambda) and mutation induction in E. coli K12. The induction of umu gene expression with endosulfan was studied also in Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002 cells. The differential sensitivity assay revealed that the recA 13 strain was the most sensitive. Endosulfan induced prophage lambda in E. coli and umu gene expression in S. typhimurium cells; however, the extent of the effects were low. Endosulfan also induced a dose-dependent increase in forward mutations in E. coli K12 cells from ampicillin sensitivity to ampicillin resistance. Our studies indicate the genotoxic potential of endosulfan and the role of the recA gene in the repair of endosulfan-induced DNA damage. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Review of haematology and biochemistry parameters to identify iron deficiency].
There has been a continuous improvement in the methods to detect iron deficiency, a common condition in children, in the last decades or so, but it is still difficult to establish which parameters should be included in a diagnostic panel for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of commonly used haematological and biochemical markers, as well as the reticulocyte haemoglobin content (CHr) in the diagnosis of iron deficiency with or without anaemia. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on an urban population of both sexes aged 6 months to 14 years. A complete blood cell count with CHr was obtained. Biochemical markers of iron metabolism, transferrin saturation, serum iron, ferritin and total iron binding capacity were also measured. Samples were obtained for 237 children. A multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis identified CHr and iron serum as the only parameters independently associated to iron deficiency (P<0.05). CHr was the strongest predictor of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia. Our study indicates that the measurement of CHr may be a reliable method to assess deficiencies in tissue iron supply. CHr together with a complete blood count may provide an alternative to the traditional biochemical panel for the diagnosis of iron deficiency in children. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fecal phagocyte-specific S100A12 for diagnosing necrotizing enterocolitis.
To determine whether longitudinal measurements of fecal S100A12, a fecal marker of intestinal inflammation, can identify very low birth weight infants at risk for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This prospective study included 145 preterm infants with birth weight <1500 g. Meconium and stool samples (n = 843) were collected prospectively on alternate days for 4 weeks, and fecal S100A12 and calprotectin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Eighteen patients (12.4%) developed NEC. Gestational age and birth weight were significantly lower in the patients with NEC compared with unaffected reference infants. Fecal S100A12 levels were significantly higher in patients with severe NEC at onset of disease and also, in contrast to fecal calprotectin, at 4-10 days before onset of NEC compared with unaffected reference infants (ideal cutoff value, 65 μg/kg; sensitivity, 0.76; specificity, 0.56). Fecal S100A12 level may be a helpful marker for predicting disease severity and early risk assessment for subsequent development of NEC. However, the use of fecal S100A12 as a predictive biomarker for NEC in very low birth weight infants may be limited due to a high interindividual and intraindividual variability in S100A12 fecal excretion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Illness perceptions and levels of disability in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis.
To investigate the strength of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients' negative illness perceptions by comparing illness perceptions and self-reported disability in patients with CFS and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Seventy-four RA patients and 49 CFS patients completed the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised and the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. When compared to the RA group, the CFS group attributed a wider range of everyday somatic symptoms to their illness, perceived the consequences of their illness to be more profound and were more likely to attribute their illness to a virus or immune system dysfunction. Both groups reported equivalent levels of physical disability but the CFS group reported significantly higher levels of role and social disability. Although the symptoms of CFS are largely medically unexplained, CFS patients have more negative views about their symptoms and the impact that these have had on their lives than do patients with a clearly defined and potentially disabling medical condition. The data support the cognitive behavioural models of CFS that emphasise the importance of patients' illness perceptions in perpetuating this disorder. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Developmental aspects of verbal fluency and confrontation naming in children.
Developmental changes in children's verbal fluency and confrontation naming were explored in this study. One hundred and sixty children (ages 5 years and 11 months to 11 years and 4 months) completed two verbal fluency tasks (phonemic and semantic) and the Boston Naming Test (BNT). Normative data were compiled for the BNT and the phonemic and semantic fluency tasks. With the exception of the phonemic fluency task, all tests showed a linear increase from year-groups I to V, with a significant increase between year-groups I and II. Principal Component Factor Analysis was conducted to determine whether the tests evaluated similar or different functions. Two factors emerged: the first involving all of the measurements and the second explaining exclusively the phonemic fluency. These results make it possible to conclude that children also seem to have different subsystems responsible for the analysis and processing of different aspects of language. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The neural basis of suppression and amblyopia in strabismus.
The neurophysiological consequences of artificial strabismus in cats and monkeys have been studied for 30 years. However, until very recently no clear picture has emerged of neural deficits that might account for the powerful interocular suppression that strabismic humans experience, nor for the severe amblyopia that is often associated with convergent strabismus. Here we review the effects of squint on the integrative capacities of the primary visual cortex and propose a hypothesis about the relationship between suppression and amblyopia. Most neurons in the visual cortex of normal cats and monkeys can be excited through either eye and show strong facilitation during binocular stimulation with contours of similar orientation in the two eyes. But in strabismic animals, cortical neurons tend to fall into two populations of monocularly excitable cells and exhibit suppressive binocular interactions that share key properties with perceptual suppression in strabismic humans. Such interocular suppression, if prolonged and asymmetric (with input from the squinting eye habitually suppressed by that from the fixating eye), might lead to neural defects in the representation of the deviating eye and hence to amblyopia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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