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Self-association of block copoly(oxyalkylene)s in aqueous solution. Effects of composition, block length and block architecture.
The article deals with the association behaviour in dilute aqueous solution of block copoly(oxyalkylene)s in which hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) is combined with hydrophobic poly(propylene oxide), poly(1,2-butylene oxide) or poly(styrene oxide). Polymers with three simple architectures are considered, i.e. copolymers of type EmAn, EmAnEm and AnEmAn, where E denotes an oxyethylene unit, A denotes a hydrophobic oxyalkylene unit, and the subscripts m and n denote number-average block lengths in repeat units. The aim is to examine how composition, block length and block architecture govern two fundamental properties, critical micelle concentration (cmc) and micelle association number (N), for systems which are in dynamic equilibrium. Copolymers with properties known to be greatly affected by heterogeneity in composition are excluded from consideration. A uniform pattern of behaviour emerges when log(cmc) is plotted against reduced hydrophobic block length (x), consistent with the micellisation equilibrium changing from one between unimers and multimolecular micelles at low values of x, to one between unimolecular micelles and multimolecular micelles at high values of x. Support for this model is provided by the enthalpy of micellisation, values of which fall effectively to zero as x is increased. Values of the micelle association number are used to define a critical hydrophobic block length for micellisation (n(cr)) for each class of diblock copolymers, values of which apply equally well to the half-length of the central block of corresponding EmAnEm triblock copolymers. Given these values, and irrespective of block architecture, the overall scaling law for the weight-average association number of the micelles is shown to be Nw = n'(1.07)m(-0.63) where m is the length (or half-length) of the hydrophilic block, and n' is the effective length of the hydrophobic block, equal to its length (or half-length) minus the critical length, i.e. n' = n-n(cr). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Are actuarial risk data used to make determinations of sex offender risk classification? An examination of sex offenders selected for enhanced registration and notification.
This study examined whether evaluators use actuarial risk scores and risk information to make determinations about sex offender risk status for the purpose of enhanced registration and notification. Although it was expected that sexual offenders selected for enhanced registration and notification would have higher scores on actuarial risk assessment tools than those who were not selected, few differences were found between groups with regard to risk factors associated with sexual offense recidivism. Given that actuarial tools enhance the prediction of sexual recidivism, this study may shed light on problems in the implementation of sex offender policy measures. Results are discussed as they pertain to the assessment and application of registration and community notification statutes for sexual offenders. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effects of sterilization on addition silicone impressions in custom and stock metal trays.
Five groups of addition silicone impressions (four made in custom autopolymerizing acrylic resin trays and one in stock metal rim-lock trays) were made of a stainless-steel master die. The first group (control group) was not sterilized. The second group was sterilized in an ethylene oxide gas autoclave, the third group in a steam autoclave, and the fourth and fifth groups by immersion for 12 hours in 2% glutaraldehyde. Casts made from each sterilization group were found to be significantly different from control impressions by multivariate analysis of variance and should not be used to fabricate prostheses. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Child sexual abuse and persistence of risky sexual behaviors and negative sexual outcomes over adulthood: findings from a birth cohort.
To determine the impact of child sexual abuse (CSA) on adult sexual behaviors and outcomes over three age periods. A longitudinal study of a birth cohort born in Dunedin, New Zealand in 1972/1973 was used. Information on CSA was sought at age 26, and on sexual behaviors and outcomes at ages 21, 26, and 32. Comparisons were over the whole period from age 18 to 32, then for the three age periods from age 18 to 21, 21 to 26, and 26 to 32, adjusting for measures of family environment. Overall, 465 women and 471 men (91.9% of the surviving cohort) answered questions about CSA. Contact CSA was reported by 30.3% of women and 9.1% of men. For abused women, significantly increased rates were observed for number of sexual partners, unhappy pregnancies, abortion, and sexually transmitted infections from age 18 to 21; with rates approaching those of nonabused over time. Conversely, for abused men rates were not significantly elevated in the youngest age period, but were for number of partners from age 26 to 32 and acquisition of herpes simplex virus type 2 from age 21 to 32. Gender and age are critical when considering the effect of CSA. While the profound early impact of CSA demonstrated for women appears to lessen with age, abused men appear to carry increased risks into adulthood. CSA is common and should be considered when young women present with unwanted conceptions or seek multiple terminations, and when men continue to have high risk sexual behavior into adulthood. Furthermore, if CSA is disclosed, sexual risks in adulthood need to be considered. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mice with a regenerative wound healing capacity and an SLE autoimmune phenotype contain elevated numbers of circulating and marrow-derived macrophage progenitor cells.
Mice from the MRL strain are prone to develop systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and have demonstrated accelerated wound healing and scarless tissue regeneration; however, many of the mechanisms involved in these clinically relevant pathologies are unclear. Prior studies have described macrophage accumulation and functional defects in mice prone to lupus. Monocyte-macrophages have also been shown to have a high degree of plasticity. To determine whether there might be innate differences in the hematopoietic systems of MRL mice, we evaluated hematopoietic progenitor cell content in a variety of tissues and the proliferative responses of derived marrow and thioglycolate (TG)-elicited peritoneal macrophages. Our experiments reveal that MRL mice have significantly lower numbers of circulating blood leukocytes and platelets. Even more strikingly, we found that MRL blood and marrow contain an unusually robust number of unique and assayable macrophage colony-stimulating factor responsive cells which have the characteristics of macrophage colony-forming cell precursors. In culture, in contrast to cells derived from control C57BL/6 mice, this cell type and thioglycolate-elicited peritoneal macrophages from MRL mice can be extensively expanded with just macrophage colony-stimulating factor to acquire an in situ "f-mac-like" (see Y. Zhao, D. Glesne and E. Huberman, A human peripheral blood monocyte-derived subset acts as pluripotent stem cells. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 100, (2003) 2426-2431.) morphology when plated on plastic surfaces. Our results suggest that these increased numbers of macrophage progenitor cells and their potential differentiation plasticity may play a functional role in the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus and may also contribute to the accelerated and scarless tissue regenerative repair response observed in MRL mice. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Site-specific effects of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug lysine clonixinate on rat brain opioid receptors.
In addition to effects in the periphery through inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, several lines of evidence suggest that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) act in the central nervous system. The possibility that the central action of NSAIDs involves regulation of opioid receptors was investigated by quantitative autoradiography of mu, delta, and kappa sites in rat brain slices. Increased (p < 0.05) labeling of mu receptors was observed in thalamic nuclei, gyrus dentate, and layers of the parietal cortex of rats treated for 10 days with lysine clonixinate. Labeling of delta receptors was lower in the lateral septum, and kappa sites decreased in thalamic nuclei. These effects were not mediated through direct interaction with opioid-binding sites, since receptor-binding assays using rat brain membranes confirmed that clonixinate up to 1 x 10(-4) mol/l does not inhibit mu, delta, and kappa receptor specific binding. Central effects of NSAIDs might, therefore, involve interaction with the opioid receptor system through indirect mechanisms. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Man of destiny: the life and work of Fritz Haber.
'The German physical chemist Fritz Haber was distinguished not only for his researches, but also for his services to industry and to his country. Haber and the research institutes he directed contributed to a wide range of advances in physical chemistry. His most outstanding scientific achievement was his synthesis of ammonia, which solved the urgent problem of meeting the world demand for nitrogen fertiliser'. So begins the entry to Haber in the 1972 Encyclopaedia Britannica. Haber was indeed a great and versatile scientist, but his was also a vigorous and complex personality that interacted in unexpected ways with the social and political circumstances of his time. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In vivo biocompatibility, vascularization, and incorporation of Integra® dermal regenerative template and flowable wound matrix.
Integra® matrix wound dressing (MWD) is used for the reconstruction of full-thickness skin defects. For the treatment of complex wounds, this dermal substitute is available as a flowable wound matrix (FWM) of identical composition. To clarify whether variations in sample preparation and consistency affect the biocompatibility and tissue incorporation, we herein compared MWD and FWM. The matrices were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and histology. Moreover, they were implanted in mouse dorsal skinfold chambers to analyze their in vivo performance over 2 weeks. Scanning electron microscopy showed a planar surface of MWD whereas FWM presented an irregular, fissured morphology. However, histology of the two matrices revealed an identical fiber thickness, fiber length, and interfiber distance. Repetitive stereo-microscopy and immunohistochemical analyses of MWD and FWM showed a comparable epithelialization of the implants in the dorsal skinfold chamber model. At day 14, both matrices exhibited a low collagen content and microvessel density. Moreover, they were infiltrated by a high number of myeloperoxidase (MPO)-positive neutrophilic granulocytes and a lower number of MAC387-positive macrophages and CD3-positive lymphocytes. These findings demonstrate that differences in preparation and consistency do not affect the tissue response to MWD and FWM, indicating a comparable regenerative capacity in wound healing. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 52-60, 2018. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Robot-Assisted McKeown Procedure via a Cervical Mediastinoscopy Avoiding an Abdominal and Thoracic Incision.
Total esophagectomy for esophageal cancer is associated with high morbidity. The avoidance of a thoracic access could especially reduce the occurrence of pulmonary complications. Therefore, the combination of a high transhiatal dissection of the esophagus and a neck access with mediastinal dissection of the esophagus appears to be a possibility to reduce the pulmonary risks. However, the access to the posterior mediastinum is very limited with the conventional minimal invasive instruments. These limitations can be overcome by the use of a surgical robot.In this article, we present a novel operation technique for a complete robot-assisted (da Vinci Xi) McKeown procedure avoiding a thoracic approach and abdominal incision by using a rendezvous technique with an abdominal and cervical docking of the robot system. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
GC content-independent amino acid patterns in bacteria and archaea.
Every organism can be characterized by the amino acid composition of its proteome. So far it was assumed that these compositions are determined by the GC content of the DNA or, in some cases, by extreme lifestyles, like thermophily or halophily. Here, we focussed our analysis on eight amino acids, each of which is encoded by both, GC and AT rich codons, to identify finer amino acid patterns beyond the GC dominance. We investigated the conceptually translated proteomes of 1029 bacterial and archaeal strains with sequenced genomes for amino acid composition. Using correspondence analysis, we found that phylogenetic groups within bacteria and archaea generally can be discriminated from other groups due to their amino acid composition. In some cases, single organisms, e.g. Treponema pallidum strains or Mycoplasma penetrans, are characterized by extreme amino acid compositions. We assume that our data could provide a basis for a new approach to analyze evolution of bacterial and archaeal groups. Furthermore, for single organisms, the detailed knowledge of the amino acid composition of the entire proteome encoded in the genome could lead to a better understanding, important for pharmaceutical or biotechnological applications. We recommend that information about amino acid compositions should be provided in databases, comparable to the GC content of genomes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Coenzyme Q10 in the central nervous system and its potential usefulness in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Coenzyme Q10 is an essential cofactor of the electron transport chain and is an antioxidant. We examined the effects of oral feeding with coenzyme Q10 in young animals on brain concentrations. Feeding with coenzyme Q10 at a dose of 200 mg/kg for 1-2 months in young rats resulted in significant increases in liver concentrations, however, there was no significant increase in brain concentrations of either reduced- or total coenzyme Q10 levels. Nevertheless there was a reduction in malonate-induced increases in 2,5 dihydroxybenzoic acid to salicylate, consistent with an antioxidant effect. In other studies we found that oral administration of coenzyme Q10 significantly reduced increased concentrations of lactate in the occipital cortex of Huntington's disease patients. These findings suggest that coenzyme Q10 might be useful in treating neurodegenerative diseases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Induction of heat shock proteins in short-term cultured hepatocytes derived from normal and chronically griseofulvin-treated mice.
Freshly isolated mouse hepatocytes were tested with respect to the induction of heat shock (stress) proteins by elevated temperature, sodium arsenite and ethanol treatment. With heat, arsenite and ethanol treatments, the synthesis of a protein with a molecular weight of 68 kD (heat shock protein 68) was predominantly elevated; arsenite and ethanol exerted their effects on heat shock protein synthesis in a dose-dependent manner. Hepatocytes derived from livers of chronically griseofulvin-pretreated mice differed in their response from normal hepatocytes in that ethanol was ineffective in these cells. These results indicate that different modes and pathways of the stress response exist, depending on the nature of the inducing agent but also on pretreatment conditions. In vivo, pathologic alterations of cells and organs (e.g., in the course of chronic diseases) can, therefore, be expected to modulate the stress response. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Micro-determination of fluoride in biological samples by pyrohydrolysis and flow-injection analysis using a fluoride ion-selective electrode].
An apparatus has been developed for the isolation of fluoride in biological samples through pyrohydrolysis. With this apparatus, it is possible to determine both organic and inorganic fluorocompounds with a recovery close to 100% and precision within 5%. The high recovery rate can be expected even for highly heat-resistant compounds such as CaF2, without using WO3 as a catalyst. For determination of the isolated fluoride, a separate apparatus was developed in which flow-injection analysis was used in conjunction with a fluoride ion-selective electrode as a detector. With this apparatus, fluoride in a sample solution with a volume as small as 0.2 ml, and at a concentration as low as 0.5 microgram/l, can be determined within 3 minutes with a precision of several percent. Combined use of the two apparatuses makes it possible to determine fluoride in different biological samples within 10-15 minutes with a precision of several percent, free from external contamination. By selecting suitable conditions for analysis and using a 1 g sample, it is possible to determine fluoride at a concentration as low as 5 ng/g. By employing these apparatuses, the fluoride content in different biological samples has been determine and the effectiveness of their use confirmed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Sports medicine in the Soviet Union and German Democratic Republic.
This paper is concerned with definitions, the contribution of sports medicine to success in sport, especially at the Olympics, the structure and history of sports medicine in two societies. The author maintains that sports medicine is an integral part of communist sports success; the nations of Eastern Europe have found it easier to employ sports medicine in this way owing to the centrally-controlled nature of their sports systems and the clear-cut targets the authorities have set sport. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Incorporation of iron from an oral dose into the ferritin of the duodenal mucosa and the liver of normal and iron-deficient rats.
To further characterize the role of ferritin in regulating iron absorption, uptake of an oral dose of 59Fe (0.2 mg Fe/kg body wt.) into duodenal and hepatic ferritin of control and iron-deficient (ID) rats was studied. Retention and uptake of 59Fe from Fe(II)-sulfate, Fe(III)-chloride, or Fe(III)-polymaltose were measured up to 28 h after dosing. Ferritin was determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and 59Fe ferritin-iron by gel electrophoresis. Retention and liver content of 59Fe was higher in ID rats than in controls. The mucosa of ID rats, however, retained only one third of the amount of 59Fe retained by the mucosa of controls. The mucosal and hepatic ferritin levels were lower in ID rats than in controls. The percentage of orally administered 59Fe found in the liver ferritin was therefore higher in control than in ID rats. However, when expressed as per unit of ferritin, iron uptake was eight times higher in ID rats. In contrast, mucosa ferritin of ID rats contained one-third of 59Fe per unit of ferritin than that of controls. Assuming no change in the mechanism of iron uptake into ferritin of control and ID rats, the differential uptake of oral iron into mucosa and liver ferritin indicates either a different compartmentation of the tissue ferritin or differences in the iron transport processes, but mucosal ferritin does not withdraw iron from intestinal absorption. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Role of complement-derived peptides in thrombocytopenia elicited by soluble aggregates of immunoglobulin G in the rat.
The variations in platelet counts upon intravenous challenge with soluble aggregates of IgG were assessed in normal rats. A time- and dose-dependent thrombocytopenia, followed by recovery to preinfusion values after 30 minutes was observed. Rats injected with immune aggregates showed an increase in plasma levels of immunoreactive thromboxane B2, however, this increase was delayed as compared with the peak level of the thrombocytopenia. Previous treatment of rats with either indomethacin or aspirin, inhibited thromboxane B2 release, but did not affect thrombocytopenia. Pretreatment of the animals with BN 52021, a potent antagonist of platelet-activating factor binding to its receptor, also failed to block thrombocytopenia. Complement depletion by prior treatment with cobra venom factor, caused a significant reduction of the thrombocytopenia, whereas DL-2-mercaptomethyl-3-guanidinoethylthiopropanoic acid, an inhibitor of carboxypeptidase N, potentiated the thrombocytopenia elicited by submaximal doses of either IgG aggregates or a homogeneous preparation of rat anaphylatoxin containing C5a. In addition, rats challenged with doses of IgG aggregates higher than 5 mg/kg showed a massive complement consumption coincident with the onset of thrombocytopenia. "In vitro" aggregation/secretion experiments with rat platelets showed little platelet-stimulating activity either by aggregated IgG through the Fc receptor or through the CR1 receptor. By contrast, a preparation of rat serum anaphylatoxins containing C5a, showed a high platelet-secreting activity. These data suggest that a complement-derived peptide(s), most probably C5a, is one of the effector substances for platelet activation in response to soluble aggregates of IgG. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Metal-ligand bifunctional activation and transfer of N-H bonds.
The concept of metal-ligand bifunctionality can be employed for an efficient activation of N-H bonds by well-defined ruthenium amido complexes. An enantioselective catalytic aza-Michael reaction was developed on the basis of this process, which gives rise to indoline β-amino acids. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Large-area free-standing ultrathin single-crystal silicon as processable materials.
Silicon has been driving the great success of semiconductor industry, and emerging forms of silicon have generated new opportunities in electronics, biotechnology, and energy applications. Here we demonstrate large-area free-standing ultrathin single-crystalline Si at the wafer scale as new Si materials with processability. We fabricated them by KOH etching of the Si wafer and show their uniform thickness from 10 to sub-2 μm. These ultrathin Si exhibits excellent mechanical flexibility and bendability more than those with 20-30 μm thickness in previous study. Unexpectedly, these ultrathin Si materials can be cut with scissors like a piece of paper, and they are robust during various regular fabrication processings including tweezer handling, spin coating, patterning, doping, wet and dry etching, annealing, and metal deposition. We demonstrate the fabrication of planar and double-sided nanocone solar cells and highlight that the processability on both sides of surface together with the interesting property of these free-standing ultrathin Si materials opens up exciting opportunities to generate novel functional devices different from the existing approaches. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mast cells stimulate lymphangiogenesis in the gingiva of patients with periodontal disease.
The presence and distribution of lymphatic vessels and mast cells in the gingiva under normal and pathological conditions have been reported by several studies, but the relationship between them during inflammatory lymphangiogenesis is virtually unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the lymphatic microvessel density (LMVD) and mast cell density (MCD) in the gingiva of patients with periodontal disease compared to normal-like gingiva. Gingival punch biopsies from 51 patients with periodontal disease were investigated. MCs and LVs were detected by double-immunohistochemistry, using primary antibodies against mast cell tryptase and D2-40. The inflammatory infiltrate was evaluated on a scale from 0 (absent) to +3 (severe inflammation). MCs and LVs were counted in the same microscopic field for each case at ×200 magnification. We found a significant increase in the number of both MCs and LVs in cases with mild and moderate inflammatory changes, followed by a slight decrease in cases with severe inflammation. We have shown a particular association between MCs and LVs that may support the contribution of MCs to the development of the lymphatic vasculature in inflammatory conditions. MCD correlated with LMVD in all cases with mild and moderate inflammatory changes, but not in cases with severe inflammation. No correlation was found between MCD/LMVD and the density of the inflammatory infiltrate. Our results suggest the potential involvement of MCs in the induction and maintenance of lymphangiogenesis in the gingiva of patients with periodontal disease in the early steps of evolution. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Developmental validation of PACE™: Automated artifact identification and contributor estimation for use with GlobalFiler™ and PowerPlex® fusion 6c generated data.
DNA mixture interpretation remains one of the major challenges in forensic DNA analysis. DNA mixture samples are inherently complex due to several factors including the variations in the quantity of DNA, the presence of non-allelic artifactual peaks and the presence of multiple contributors with variable levels of allele sharing. The Probabilistic Assessment for Contributor Estimation (PACE) is a fully continuous probabilistic machine learning-based method to predict the number of contributors (n) in a sample, and was previously developed for use with the Identifiler amplification kit. This system required manual preprocessing of data and was limited, exclusively, to samples amplified using said kit. This study introduces PACE™ v1.3.7 for use with both the GlobalFiler and PowerPlex Fusion 6c amplification kits. An automated artifact identification and management system has been added to accompany the rapid estimation of the number of donors in a given mixture. The artifact management module, when evaluated using previously unseen data, identified true allelic peaks and removed artifacts such as elevated baseline noise, stutter, and pull-up with accuracy over 93.5%. The systems yield the correct n classifications in over 90% of the samples, and demonstrate consistent accuracies as the number of donors and the overall mixture complexity increase. Misclassified samples generally exhibited high levels of allele sharing among donors, low DNA template amounts and high incidence of allelic dropout. This system offers a means for both artifact management and n estimation as well as a quantitative and reproducible method of assessing the quality of a profile. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
All about compression: A literature review.
Lower extremity ulcers represent a significant public health problem as they frequently progress to chronicity, significantly impact daily activities and comfort, and represent a huge financial burden to the patient and the health system. The aim of this review was to discuss the best approach for venous leg ulcers (VLUs). Online searches were conducted in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, EBSCO CINAHL, and reference lists and official guidelines. Keywords considered for this review were VLU, leg ulcer, varicose ulcer, compressive therapy, compression, and stocking. A complete assessment of the patient's overall health should be performed by a trained practitioner, focusing on history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dietetic habits, medications, and practice of physical exercises, followed by a thorough assessment of both legs. Compressive therapy is the gold standard treatment for VLUs, and the ankle-brachial index should be measured in all patients before compression application. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Infant mortality in Madura, Indonesia. Implications for action.
Infant mortality by age at death and birth weight was assessed in a prospective, population-based study in Madura, East Java. Even after elimination of neonatal tetanus by vaccination during pregnancy as a major cause of death, the infant mortality rate was high, viz. 121 per 1000 live births. The majority of live born infants died in the first 6 months of life. Birth weight was the best practical indicator of survival. The implications for Primary Health Care are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Specific Inner Retinal Layer Cell Damage in an Autoimmune Glaucoma Model Is Induced by GDNF With or Without HSP27.
Previously, immunization of rats with ocular antigens induced retinal ganglion cell (RGC) degeneration. We investigated the effect of immunization with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) or GDNF in combination with heat shock protein 27 (GDNF+HSP) on RGCs and other retinal cells. Rats were immunized with GDNF or GDNF+HSP. After 4 weeks, retinas were stained with Brn-3a and NeuN to quantify RGCs. GFAP and vimentin staining were used to investigate macroglia. Microglia were marked with Iba1 and ED1. Amacrine cells were labeled with parvalbumin and ChAT. Photoreceptors were evaluated with rhodopsin and opsin staining and bipolar cells with PKCα and recoverin. For these cell types, Western blotting was also performed. Retinas of immunized animals showed a significant loss of Brn-3a+ and NeuN+ RGCs. No significant changes could be observed in regard to macroglia. An increase in Iba1+ microglia was detected in both groups, but little change in regard to activated microglia. A loss of cholinergic amacrine cells was seen in the GDNF+HSP group by immunohistochemistry and in both groups via Western blot analysis. AII amacrine cells, bipolar cells, and photoreceptors were not affected. Immunizations led to loss of RGCs and cholinergic amacrine cells and a strong increase in microglial cells. Our data suggest that RGC loss is the consequence of immunization with GDNF. Astrocyte activity and its neuroprotective effects seem to be inhibited by GDNF immunization. We presume more complex interactions between GDNF and HSP27 because no additive effects could be observed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reliability and differentiation of pelvic floor muscle electromyography measurements in healthy volunteers using a new device: the Multiple Array Probe Leiden (MAPLe).
A new multiple electrode probe, the Multiple Array Probe Leiden (MAPLe), has been developed for biofeedback registration of the individual pelvic floor musculature (PFM). The aim was to determine the reliability and differentiation of electromyography (EMG) signals measured with the MAPLe in healthy volunteers. Two hundred twenty nine healthy volunteers not seeking treatment or using medication for symptoms of prolapse, lower urinary tract, bowel, pain, and/or sexual function related to pelvic floor dysfunction were qualified to participate. Subjects were asked to perform five tasks: rest, maximum voluntary contractions, endurance, cough, and valsalva. Mean EMG values per electrode were registered. Test-retest reliability was assessed using linear mixed model with random subject effects. One-way ANOVA tests were performed to detect differences between groups. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that each of the electrodes could be related nearest to the individual muscles. For test-retest, the intraclass correlation ranged from 0.53 to 0.91. The MAPLe showed significant differences in average EMG values between men and women, and between nulliparous and parous, pre- and prostmenpausal women. Significant differences were seen between the left and right sides of the pelvic floor. In addition, the activity nearest to the individual pelvic floor muscles (external anal sphincter (EAS), puborectalis muscle, bulbospongiosus, ischiocavernosus and the pubococcygeus muscle) could be determined. The MAPLe is a reliable instrument measuring the EMG signals of the different sides and levels nearest to the pelvic floor musculature and is capable to differentiate between men and women, nulliparous, parous, pre- and postmenopausal. The findings of this study have implications for the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction in the future. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hybrid coating of alginate microbeads based on protein-biopolymer multilayers for encapsulation of probiotics.
A hybrid coating based on multilayers of proteins and biopolymers was developed to enhance the protection performance of alginate microbeads against acidic conditions for delivery of probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG). Zeta potential measurements and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation confirmed layer-by-layer deposition of protein-polymer layers. The stability of protein-based coatings during simulated gastric fluid (SGF) treatment was monitored by microscopy. Protein-coated microbeads were partially dismantled, whereas polymer-coated microbeads were intact after a sequential treatment in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. This suggests that hybrid formulation offers an advantage over the coatings based on biopolymer multilayers in terms of better release of bacteria. Uncoated alginate microbeads completely dissolved and could not protect bacteria after SGF treatment whereas microbeads with hybrid coating showed increased physical stability and a modest decrease of culturability of 3.8 log units. Therefore, this work provides a concept for future protein-based hybrid coatings for bacterial delivery systems. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Alanine-scanning mutagenesis of plasmatocyte spreading peptide identifies critical residues for biological activity.
Plasmatocyte spreading peptide (PSP) is a 23-amino acid cytokine that induces a class of insect immune cells called plasmatocytes to spread on foreign surfaces. The structure of PSP consists of a disordered N terminus (residues 1-6) and a well-defined core (residues 7-23) stabilized by a disulfide bridge between Cys(7) and Cys(19), hydrophobic interactions, and a short beta-hairpin. Structural comparisons also indicate that the core region of PSP adopts an epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like fold very similar to the C-terminal subdomain of EGF-like module 5 of thrombomodulin. To identify residues important for plasmatocyte spreading activity, we bioassayed PSP mutants in which amino acids were either replaced with alanine or deleted. Within the well-defined core of PSP, alanine replacement of Cys(7) and Cys(19) (C7.19A) eliminated all activity. Alanine replacement of Arg(13) reduced activity approximately 1000-fold in comparison to wild-type PSP, whereas replacement of the other charged residues (Asp(16), Arg(18), Lys(20)) surrounding Cys(19) diminished activity to a lesser degree. The point mutants Y11A, T14A, T22A, and F23A had activity identical or only slightly reduced to that of wild-type PSP. The mutant PSP-(7-23) lacked the entire unstructured domain of PSP and was found to have no plasmatocyte spreading activity. Surprisingly, E1A and N2A had higher activity than wild-type PSP, but F3A had almost no activity. We thus concluded that the lack of activity for PSP-(7-23) was largely due to the critical importance of Phe(3). To determine whether reductions in activity correlated with alterations in tertiary structure, we compared the C7.19A, R13A, R18A, and F3A mutants to wild-type PSP by NMR spectroscopy. As expected, the simultaneous replacement of Cys(7) and Cys(19) profoundly affected tertiary structure, but the R13A, R18A, and F3A mutants did not differ from wild-type PSP. Collectively, these results indicate that residues in both the unstructured and structured domains of PSP are required for plasmatocyte-spreading activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Simulating PFAS transport influenced by rate-limited multi-process retention.
The transport of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the vadose zone is complicated by the fact that multiple mass-transfer processes can contribute to their retention and retardation. In addition, PFAS transport at some sites can be further complicated by the presence of organic immiscible liquids (OIL). Mass-transfer processes are inherently rate limited and, therefore, have the potential to cause nonideal transport of PFAS. The objectives of this research were to: (1) develop a solute-transport model that explicitly accounts for multiple retention processes, including adsorption at air-water and OIL-water interfaces, adsorption by the solid phase, and diffusive mass-transfer between advective and nonadvective domains, and (2) apply the model to measured transport data to delineate which processes are rate limited and contribute to observed nonideal transport. Breakthrough curves for transport of two PFAS and one hydrocarbon surfactant in sand obtained from prior miscible-displacement experiments exhibited nonideal transport. The multiprocess model effectively simulated the measured transport data. The results of the analyses indicate that adsorption at the air-water and OIL-water interface can generally be treated as effectively instantaneous for transport in porous media. The rate limitations associated with solid-phase adsorption and diffusive mass transfer between advective and nonadvective domains were of greater significance. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Optimising the performance of a lab-scale tidal flow reed bed system treating agricultural wastewater.
A gravel-based tidal flow reed bed system was operated with three different strategies in order to investigate its optimal performance for the treatment of a high strength agricultural wastewater. According to the three strategies, individual reed beds were saturated and unsaturated with the wastewater for different periods while reasonably stable hydraulic and organic loadings were maintained. Experimental results demonstrated that the system produced the highest pollutant removal efficiencies with a relatively short saturated period and long unsaturated period, highlighting the importance of oxygen transfer into reed bed matrices during the treatment. Significant removals of some major organic and inorganic pollutants were achieved under all three operational conditions. Nitrification was not the major route of ammoniacal-nitrogen removal when the system was under high organic loading. Due to the filtration of suspended solids and the accumulation of biomass, gradual clogging of the reed bed matrices took place, which caused concerns over the long-term efficiency of the tidal flow system. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of improvement in quality of life score with objective parameters of pulmonary function in Indian asthmatic children receiving inhaled corticosteroid therapy.
This prospective, hospital based, descriptive study was designed to compare improvement in quality of life (QOL) score with objective measures of pulmonary function in children with persistent bronchial asthma receiving inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy. QOL score (measured by an indigenous tool), forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and asthma symptom score were measured in 20 newly diagnosed children with persistent asthma- before, during and eight weeks after ICS therapy. There was a significant improvement in all parameters compared at each follow up visit and at termination of the study (p less than 0.05). The magnitude of improvement in QOL was similar to improvement in objective measures of pulmonary function; although these changes were not similar to changes in asthma symptom score. Improvement in QOL score is likely to be a sensitive measurement of functional improvement in asthmatic children on treatment; however subjective sensation of improvement lags behind objective measures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Quantitative proteomics suggests decrease in the secretogranin-1 cerebrospinal fluid levels during the disease course of multiple sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the CNS with unknown cause. Proteins with different abundance in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients and neurological controls could give novel insight to the MS pathogenesis and be used to improve diagnosis, predict prognosis and disease course, and guide in therapy decisions. We combined iTRAQ labeling and Orbitrap mass spectrometry to discover proteins with different CSF abundance between six RRMS patients and 18 neurological disease controls. From 777 quantified proteins seven were selected as biomarker candidates, namely chitinase-3-like protein 1, secretogranin-1 (Sg1), cerebellin-1, neuroserpin, cell surface glycoprotein MUC18, testican-2 and glutamate receptor 4. An independent sample set of 13 early-MS patients, 13 RRMS patients and 13 neurological controls was used in a multiple reaction monitoring verification study. We found the intracellular calcium binding protein Sg1 to be increased in early-MS patients compared to RRMS and neurological controls. Sg1 should be included in further studies to elucidate its role in the early phases of MS pathogenesis and its potential as a biomarker for this disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
cDNA cloning and expression of the gene encoding murine stromelysin-2 (MMP-10).
Recently, we demonstrated a biphasic induction of the epithelial broad-spectrum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) stromelysin-2 during cutaneous wound healing. Now we have generated a murine wound cDNA libary and have used it to isolate the putative cDNA of this murine matrix metalloproteinase. The predicted sequence of the protein shows 76 and 89% identity with its human and rat analogues, respectively. Stromelysin-2 and stromelysin-1 transcripts were both detected at very low levels in the lung and the heart of adult Balb/c mice, whereas stromelysin-2 mRNA expression alone was found at comparatively high levels in the small intestine, a tissue characterized by continuous epithelial renewal. Recombinant forms of murine stromelysin-1 and -2 produced in transfected COS cells were secreted and could be induced to undergo autocatalytic processing by addition of the organomercurial salt 4-aminophenylmercuric acetate (APMA). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nerve growth factor is critical requirement for in vitro angiogenesis in gastric endothelial cells.
Angiogenesis is critical for the healing of gastric mucosal injury and is considered to be primarily regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the fundamental proangiogenic factor. The role of nerve growth factor (NGF) in gastric angiogenesis is unknown. We examined the expression of NGF and its TrkA receptor in endothelial cells (ECs) isolated from gastric mucosa of rats (GMECs), the effect of NGF treatment on in vitro angiogenesis in GMECs, and, the mechanisms underlying NGF's proangiogenic actions. Isolated GMECs from Fisher rats were treated with vehicle, NGF (10-1,000 ng/ml), VEGF (20 ng/ml), or NGF+VEGF. To determine whether and to what extent NGF is critical for angiogenesis in GMECs, we silenced NGF expression using specific siRNA and examined in vitro angiogenesis with and without treatment with exogenous NGF and/or VEGF. Treatment of GMECs with NGF significantly increased in vitro angiogenesis similar to that seen in GMECs treated with VEGF. Silencing of NGF in GMECs abolished angiogenesis, and this effect was reversed only by exogenous NGF but not VEGF, which indicates a direct proangiogenic action of NGF on GMECs that is, at least in part, distinct and independent of VEGF. NGF's proangiogenic action on GMECs was mediated via PI3-K/Akt signaling. This study showed for the first time that gastric mucosal ECs express NGF and its receptor TrkA and that NGF is critical for angiogenesis in these cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Occurrence and suitability of pharmaceuticals and personal care products as molecular markers for raw wastewater contamination in surface water and groundwater.
This study aimed to provide the first and comprehensive data on the occurrence of 17 target pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in urban water environment in Singapore. Meanwhile, this study also verified the suitability of these PPCPs as specific markers of raw wastewater contamination in receiving water bodies in highly urbanized areas where both surface water and groundwater are not impacted by the discharge of treated wastewater effluents. Analytical results of wastewater showed that among 17 target PPCPs examined, only 5 PPCPs were detected in 100 % of raw wastewater samples, including acetaminophen (ACT), carbamazepine (CBZ), caffeine (CF), diethyltoluamide (DEET), and salicylic acid (SA). Similarly, these PPCPs were found in most surface water and groundwater. Interestingly, the three PPCPs (ACT, CBZ, and SA) were only detected in surface water and groundwater in the sampling sites close to relatively older sewer systems, while they were absent in background samples that were collected from the catchment with no known wastewater sources. This suggests that ACT, CBZ, and SA can be used as specific molecular markers of raw wastewater in surface water and groundwater. This study also confirmed that CF and DEET were not really associated with wastewater sources, thus cannot serve well as specific molecular markers of wastewater contamination in receiving water bodies. To the best knowledge of the authors, the use of ACT and SA as specific molecular markers of raw wastewater contamination in urban surface waters and groundwater was first reported. Further studies on the use of ACT, CBZ, and SA along with other chemical/microbial markers are recommended to identify and differentiate contamination sources of surface waters/groundwater. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Long-term care reform in Alberta, Canada: the role of the resident classification system.
In 1988 the Alberta government, Canada, introduced a patient (now called resident) classification system (RCS) to measure the care requirements of residents in long-term care facilities and provide case-mix information so that funding could be based on resident need rather than a system of global funding. The RCS is described and issues relating to the measurement of patient/resident need are discussed, together with some suggestions as to how the tool might be used in quality assurance and outcome measurement. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Outcome of gonadotropin therapy for male infertility due to hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism.
Data on the management of male infertility secondary to hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (HH) are limited. We report our extensive experience with intramuscular injections of gonadotropins, one of the two methods used for this purpose. Eighty-seven married men (median age, 28 years) with either congenital (47 men) or acquired (40 men) HH were treated for a median of 26 months (range, 6-57) with intramuscular injections of gonadotropins (HCG/HMG) three times weekly for the purpose of achieving fertility. The outcome was assessed by achievement of one or more pregnancies. Of the 151 courses of HCG/HMG treatment administered to 87 patients, 85 courses (56.3%) were successful, resulting in 85 pregnancies (median pregnancy rate 2, range 1-10) in 35 patients (40%) while 52 cases did not achieve pregnancy. Responders had larger pretherapy testicular volume (9 +/- 3.6 cc) compared to non-responders [(5.7 +/- 2.0 cc), P < 0.0001], but there was no difference in age, LH, FSH or testosterone levels or doses of HCG/HMG used. The pregnancy rate was similar in those with congenital (51.4%) and acquired causes (48.6%) of HH (P = 0.83). Only testicular size was predictive of conception (P < 0.001, odds ratio 1.5, 95% CI 1.21-1.92) while age, pretherapy levels of testosterone, LH, FSH and doses of HCG/HMG did not predict the success of pregnancy. Gonadotropins are moderately effective in achieving one to several pregnancies in HH. Only testicular size is predictive of success in achieving pregnancy. There is no difference in success between those with congenital and acquired causes of HH. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Paraneoplastic retinopathy: a novel autoantibody reaction associated with small-cell lung carcinoma.
We present the case of a 74-year-old man with rapidly progressive bilateral visual loss, optic disc pallor, retinal arteriolar attenuation, and an abnormal electroretinogram with a 90% reduction in cone function and a 50% reduction in rod function. He was examined for a suspected cancer-associated retinopathy (CAR). Although he was found not to have expressed the previously reported 23-kd CAR antibody, high titers were found of an antibody to a 60-kd retinal protein, which as yet remains unidentified. An initial clinical search for an underlying cancer was unsuccessful, but 2 months later a mediastinal mass was found on chest x-rays, and biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of small-cell lung carcinoma. Combined therapy with oral corticosteroids and plasmapheresis resulted in a recovery of vision from counting fingers to 20/200 in the right eye and 20/40 to 20/25 in the left eye. Conventional chemotherapeutic management of the small-cell lung carcinoma was instituted, and the modest visual recovery was maintained. The visual improvement as well as lung tumor regression were accompanied by a decline in antibody titers from 1:2,000 pretreatment to 1:200 during the course of therapy. The absence of reactivity with the previously described 23-kd retinal antigen of the CAR syndrome does not exclude the diagnosis of paraneoplastic retinopathy in patients fitting the clinical profile of this disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
MR imaging in hydatid disease.
Hydatid cysts may develop anywhere in the body as a result of the presence of a viable parasite (Echinococcus granulosus). Depending on the condition of the parasite, the host reaction, and therapy, the hydatid cyst will degenerate and may eventually collapse, leaving an area of calcification in the host tissue. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to demonstrate the use of MR imaging in the diagnosis of the various stages of hydatid disease and in monitoring response to therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Targeting PI3KC2β impairs proliferation and survival in acute leukemia, brain tumours and neuroendocrine tumours.
Eight human catalytic phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) isoforms exist which are subdivided into three classes. While class I isoforms have been well-studied in cancer, little is known about the functions of class II PI3Ks. The expression pattern and functions of the class II PI3KC2β isoform were investigated in a panel of tumour samples and cell lines. Overexpression of PI3KC2β was found in subsets of tumours and cell lines from acute myeloid leukemia (AML), glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), medulloblastoma (MB), neuroblastoma (NB), and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Specific pharmacological inhibitors of PI3KC2β or RNA interference impaired proliferation of a panel of human cancer cell lines and primary cultures. Inhibition of PI3KC2β also induced apoptosis and sensitised the cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents. Together, these data show that PI3KC2β contributes to proliferation and survival in AML, brain tumours and neuroendocrine tumours, and may represent a novel target in these malignancies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Photic maculopathy by low energy laser beam. A case report].
The authors report a case of photic maculopathy that developed in a 30-year-old laboratory worker after repeated, consecutive exposure to low energy He-Ne laser. Pigmented foveal change and a small central scotoma in the right eye with window defect on fluorescein angiography characterized this maculopathy. Photochemical damage is considered to be the cause of the maculopathy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Protein binding of indobufen enantiomers: pharmacokinetics of free fraction-studies after single or multiple doses of rac-indobufen.
The binding of the enantiomers of indobufen (INDB) to human serum proteins was investigated using the racemic mixture or the pure (+)-S-enantiomer in a concentration range of 2.5-100.0 mg/L. In addition, the pharmacokinetics of free (unbound) and total INDB enantiomers were studied 1) following administration of a single 200 mg rac-INDB tablet to healthy volunteers, and 2) in obliterative atherosclerosis patients at steady state. The free fraction of INDB was obtained by ultrafiltration. Using the racemic mixture, the binding parameters of the two enantiomers were different, showing enantioselectivity in protein binding. The (-)-R-enantiomer was bound more strongly to human serum albumin, with association constant K = 11.95 +/- 0.98 x 10(5) M(-1) and n = 0.72 +/- 0.02 binding sites. The comparable data for the (+)-S-enantiomer were K = 4.65 +/- 0.02 x 10(5) M(-1), n = 0.92 +/- 0.01. When the binding of (+)-S-enantiomer was studied alone, the association constant K (2.10 +/- 0.18 x 10(5) M(-1)) was lower and the number of binding sites was increased, to n = 1.87 +/- 0.17. Competition occurred between the enantiomers, with the (-)-R-enantiomer displacing its antipode. The fraction of both enantiomers bound to serum proteins was 99.0%, which increased with decreasing initial concentration of the enantiomers. In healthy volunteers the (+)-S-enantiomer was eliminated faster than its (-)-R antipode, resulting in a lower AUC for the (+)-S-enantiomer. Significant differences were observed in the total INDB enantiomer concentrations. The mean unbound fraction of (-)-R- and (+)-S-INDB was 0.45% and 0.43%, respectively. Levels of the free (+)-S-enantiomer were higher than its (-)-R-antipode at steady state in patients with obliterative atherosclerosis who also took other drugs. The free enantiomer fraction increased to around 1% upon repeated administration. We conclude that the more rapid elimination of the (+)-S enantiomer is associated with its weaker binding to serum proteins. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Thyroid hormone, glucocorticoids, and prolactin at the nexus of physiology, reproduction, and toxicology.
A symposium at the 2003 Annual Meeting of the Society of Toxicology brought together an expert group of endocrinologists to review how non-reproductive hormones can affect the endocrine system. This publication captures the essence of those presentations. Paul Cooke and Denise Holsberger recapitulate the evidence of how thyroid hormones affect male and female reproduction, and reproductive development. Ray Witorsch summarizes the many effects of glucocorticoids on the reproductive system. Finally, Paul Sylvester reviews the mechanism of action of prolactin, and reminds us that this ancient hormone has many functions beyond lactation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
High-speed interlaced spin-echo magnetic resonance imaging.
A new method is introduced for increasing the efficiency in multislice single spin-echo MRI. The method interlaces the excitation and measurement of different slices, resulting in an effective use of the echo delay time between RF excitation and reception. Under certain conditions, the method allows for scan time reduction compared to standard single spin-echo MRI, in particular for long echo times. The technique is demonstrated in examples of brain scans, indicating that a substantial increase is scan speed can be achieved without loss in image signal-to-noise ratio or contrast. Potential applications include perfusion imaging using T(2)-contrast agents, as well as BOLD-based functional imaging. Magn Reson Med 43:905-908, 2000. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Management of pulseless pink hand in pediatric supracondylar fractures of humerus.
Thirteen (3.2%) of 410 patients seen in British Columbia's Children's Hospital in Vancouver from January 1984 to September 1992 with supracondylar fractures did so with an absence of a radial pulse in an otherwise well perfused hand. A combination of segmental pressure monitoring, color-flow duplex scanning, and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) appears to be a valid, noninvasive, and safe technique in evaluating patency of the brachial artery and collateral circulation across the elbow. Based on this study, early revascularization of a pulseless otherwise well-perfused hand in children with type 3 supracondylar fractures, although technically feasible and safe, has a high rate of asymptomatic reocclusion and residual stenoses of the brachial artery. Therefore a period of close observation with frequent neurovascular checks should be completed before more invasive correction of this problem is contemplated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mode-locked Tm fiber laser using SMF-SIMF-GIMF-SMF fiber structure as a saturable absorber.
We demonstrate a mode-locked all-fiber Tm laser using a single mode-step index multimode-graded-index multimode-single mode fiber structure as a saturable absorber based on the nonlinear multimodal interference. Stable fundamentally mode-locking operation was obtained at a pump threshold of 180mW. The output soliton pulses had a center wavelength, spectral width, pulse duration, and repetition rate of 1888 nm, 3.6 nm, 1.4 ps, and19.82 MHz, respectively. This is a simple, low-cost, stable, and convenient laser oscillator with many potential applications in eye-safe ultrafast photonics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Postprandial triglyceride response in visceral obesity in men.
Although metabolic disturbances are often observed in obese patients, increased accumulation of visceral adipose tissue (AT) has been shown to be more closely associated with high fasting triglyceride (TG) and insulin levels as well as with low HDL cholesterol concentrations than with excess body fatness per se. Interestingly, the fasting concentration of plasma TGs has been shown to be an important determinant of the magnitude and duration of the postprandial TG response. Yet little is known about the respective contributions of obesity versus excess visceral AT to the variation in postprandial TG clearance. In the present study, we examined potential differences in postprandial triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) responses in subjects characterized by high versus low levels of visceral AT. In a sample of 43 men (mean age: 41.3 +/- 9.6 years), we found that both excess body fat and visceral obesity were associated with increased postprandial TG responses in total TRL (r = 0.33-0.45). We also found a strong relationship between fasting plasma TG levels and postprandial total TRL-TG concentrations (r = 0.79, P < 0.0001). When matched for total body fat mass, individuals with high levels of visceral AT (> or =130 cm2; n = 10) as assessed by computed tomography were characterized by increased medium- and small-TRL-TG responses (P < 0.05) compared with subjects with low visceral AT accumulation (<130 cm2; n = 10). Moreover, this elevated response of small-TRL triglycerides noted in men with high levels of visceral AT was not accompanied by a concomitant increased retinyl palmitate response in this TRL fraction, suggesting that visceral obesity in men is accompanied by higher postprandial VLDL production than is found in obese men with lower levels of visceral AT. Increased postprandial insulin and free fatty acid (FFA) responses were also noted in men with high levels of visceral AT. Finally, postheparin plasma lipoprotein lipase activity was negatively correlated with the total-TRL-TG response in a subsample of 32 individuals (r = -0.37, P < 0.05). The results of the present study suggest that visceral obesity is associated with an impaired postprandial TG clearance. Furthermore, the exaggerated postprandial FFA response observed in subjects with high visceral AT suggests that visceral obesity may contribute to fasting and postprandial hypertriglyceridemia by altering FFA metabolism in the postprandial state. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Arabidopsis inositol polyphosphate kinase AtIpk2β is phosphorylated by CPK4 and positively modulates ABA signaling.
Arabidopsis inositol polyphosphate kinase 2β (AtIpk2β) has multiple functions in plant development and in responding to abiotic stress. Although some related clues suggested a potential role of AtIpk2β in ABA signaling, the defined evidence was still lack. Here we discovered that a key ABA signaling component calcium-dependent protein kinase 4 (CPK4) can interact with AtIpk2β under ABA treated conditions through affinity purification and mass spectrometry detection. The interaction between CPK4 and AtIpk2β were further confirmed by yeast two hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. Expression of AtIpk2β also can be rapidly induced by ABA. In addition, we found that CPK4 can phosphorylate AtIpk2β in vitro and identified five novel phosphorylation sites of AtIpk2β by CPK4 kinase, including Tyr46, Ser48, Ser51, Thr128, Ser147. Overexpression of AtIpk2β in Arabidopsis was more sensitive to ABA in seed germination, primary root inhibition, ABA-responsive gene expression than wild type plants, whereas knockout mutant atipk2β exhibited no significant difference. The AtIpk2β variants containing Tyr46, Thr128, Ser147 mutated to Ala cannot complement the yeast mutant ipk2 growth in high temperature, suggesting that those three amino acid residues are critical for AtIpk2β. These findings provide insight into the modulation of ABA signaling by AtIpk2β. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Stability and Structure of Activated Macrocycles. Ligands with Biological Applications.
Single p-toluic acid pendant groups were attached to 1,4,7,10,13-pentaazacyclopentadecane (15aneN5) and 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (cyclam) to prepare bifunctional reagents for radiolabeling monoclonal antibodies with (64,67)Cu. The ligands are 1,4,7,10,13-pentaazacyclopentadecane-1-(alpha-1,4-toluic acid) (PCBA) and 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane-1-(alpha-1,4-toluic acid) (CPTA). For the parent macrocycles and their pendant arm derivatives, the 1:1 Cu(2+) complexes dissociate only below pH 2. At pH 0.0 and 25 degrees C the CPTA-Cu complex has a half-life toward complete dissociation of 24 days. A new approach was developed for the estimation of the Cu(2+) stability constant for the kinetically robust CPTA. All other formation constants were determined at 25.0 degrees C with batch spectrophotometric techniques. Potentiometric titrations were used to determine the protonation constants of the macrocyclic ligands as well as of the metal chelates. The protonation constants, stability constants, and pM's are discussed in terms of both molecular mechanics calculations and the ligands' potential applicability as copper(II) radiopharmaceuticals. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Muzolimine in the treatment of essential arterial hypertension not controlled with other antihypertensive drugs.
Fifty-three adult patients suffering from various degrees of essential arterial hypertension, which was not controlled with other antihypertensive drugs, participated in this study with the intention: To demonstrate the effectiveness of a 20 mg or 40 mg daily muzolimine dose as complementary treatment. To determine whether the effective dose obtained can be maintained for a long-term administration. To verify its tolerance. Therefore, muzolimine was administered in addition to the basic treatment, which went on unmodified during this study. A laboratory set of examinations, three controls of systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rate--each in supine and standing position--were performed before starting the treatment. At the end of the two initial weeks of treatment with administrations of 20 mg daily muzolimine doses, the diastolic blood pressure normalized at values below 90 mmHg in sixteen patients. These patients continued the muzolimine treatment taking the same dose for seven days, being submitted to two more controls during this time. As the normalization was confirmed, laboratory controls were repeated. Thirteen patients of this group continued the same treatment for three months. The remaining thirty-seven patients, who did not normalize their diastolic blood pressure, immediately started a second treatment period of two weeks, receiving a 40 mg daily muzolimine dose. At the end of this period, diastolic blood pressure normalized in twenty-four patients, decreased significantly in six, moderately in five, and remained unchanged in two. At the end of this second period, laboratory tests were repeated. Nineteen patients of this group continued the same treatment for three months.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Corrigenda to the validation lists.
Some repetitions, omissions or errors have been made in the Validation Lists published in the International Journal of Systematic Bacteriology and they are corrected in this paper. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Determination of protein--ligand equilibria by difference spectroscopy. Hemerythrin--ligand thermodynamic studies.
A difference spectrophotometric method for the rapid determination of equilibrium constants for protein--ligand interactions has been developed. The method requires no knowledge of the extinction coefficient of either reactants or products. Furthermore the method allows rapid determination of the temperature dependence of a reaction and thus leads to rapid determination of thermodynamic parameters. The method has been tested by following the interactions of ligands with hemerythrin, the nonheme iron, oxygen storage protein isolated from Phasocolopsis gouldii. The reactions were studied at various temperatures and ionic strengths, and standard thermodynamic parameters were determined. The standard thermodynamic parameters for the conversion of metaquohemerythrin to methydroxyhemerythrin were found to be delta H degrees = 5.8 +/- 1.3 kcal mol-1 and delta S degrees = -11.5 +/- 1.5 cal mol-1 deg-1. For the reaction of metaquohemerythrin with thiocyanate ion to produce metthiocyanatohemerythrin delta H degrees = --13.0 +/- 1.6 kcal mol-1 and delta S degrees - --25.3 +/- 5.5 cal mol-1 deg-1. For the reaction of thiocyanate ion with methydroxy-hemerythrin delta H degrees = --6.6 +/- 0.8 kcal mol-1 and delta S degrees = --38.3 +/- 4.0 cal mol-1 deg-1. Perchlorate ion decreases the affinity of metaquohemerhythrin for thiocyanate ion. This is reflected in both the entropy and enthalpy being more unfavorable for the reaction in the presence of perchlorate ion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Discovery and antibacterial activity of glabramycin A-C from Neosartorya glabra by an antisense strategy.
Treatment of drug-resistant bacteria is a significant unmet medical need. This challenge can be met only by the discovery and development of new antibiotics. Antisense technology is one of the newest discovery tools that provides enhanced sensitivity for detection of antibacterials, and has led to the discovery of a number of interesting new antibacterial natural products. Continued utilization of this technology led to the discovery of three new bicyclic lactones, glabramycins A-C, from a Neosartorya glabra strain. Glabramycin C showed strong antibiotic activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae (MIC 2 microg ml(-1)) and modest antibiotic activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 16 microg ml(-1)). The isolation, structure, relative configuration and antibacterial activity, and plausible biogenesis of these compounds have been discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Genetic and morphological studies of Trichosirocalus species introduced to North America, Australia and New Zealand for the biological control of thistles.
Trichosirocalus horridus sensu lato has been used as a biological control agent of several invasive thistles (Carduus spp., Cirsium spp. and Onopordum spp.) since 1974. It has been recognized as a single species until 2002, when it was split into three species based on morphological characters: T. horridus, Trichosirocalus briesei and Trichosirocalus mortadelo, each purported to have different host plants. Because of this taxonomic change, uncertainty exists as to which species were released in various countries; furthermore, there appears to be some exceptions to the purported host plants of some of these species. To resolve these questions, we conducted an integrative taxonomic study of the T. horridus species complex using molecular genetic and morphological analyses of specimens from three continents. Both mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and nuclear elongation factor 1α markers clearly indicate that there are only two distinct species, T. horridus and T. briesei. Molecular evidence, morphological analysis and host plant associations support the synonymy of T. horridus (Panzer, 1801) and T. mortadelo Alonso-Zarazaga & Sánchez-Ruiz, 2002. We determine that T. horridus has been established in Canada, USA, New Zealand and Australia and that T. briesei is established in Australia. The former species was collected from Carduus, Cirsium and Onopordum spp. in the field, whereas the latter appears to be specific to Onopordum. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Short- and long-term beneficial effects of trimetazidine in patients with diabetes and ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Trimetazidine (TMZ) has been shown to partially inhibit free fatty acid oxidation by shifting substrate utilization from fatty acid to glucose. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of TMZ in patients with diabetes and ischemic cardiomyopathy. Sixteen patients with diabetes and ischemic hypokinetic cardiomyopathy (all males) on conventional therapy were randomized to receive either placebo or TMZ (20 mg 3 times per day), each arm lasting 15 days, and then again to receive either placebo or TMZ for 2 additional 6-month periods, according to a double-blind, crossover design. At the end of each period, all patients underwent exercise testing, 2-dimensional echocardiography, and hyperinsulinemic/euglycemic clamp. Among the others, New York Heart Association class, ejection fraction, exercise time, fasting blood glucose, end-clamp M value (index of total body glucose disposal) and endothelin-1 levels were evaluated. Both in the short and long term (completed by 13 patients), on TMZ compared to placebo, ejection fraction (47 +/- 7 vs 41 +/- 9 and 45 +/- 8 vs 36 +/- 8%, P <.001 for both) and M value (4.0 +/- 1.8 vs 3.3 +/- 1.6, P =.003, and 3.5 +/- 1.5 vs 2.7 +/- 1.6 mg/kg body weight/min, P <.01) increased, while fasting blood glucose (121 +/- 30 vs 136 +/- 40, P =.02 and 125 +/- 36 vs 140 +/- 43, P =.19) and endothelin-1 (8.8 +/- 3.8 vs 10.9 +/- 3.8, P <.001 and 6.2 +/- 2.4 vs 9.2 +/- 4.3 pg/mL, P =.03) decreased. In the short term, 10 patients decreased 1 class on the NYHA scale during treatment with TMZ (P =.019 vs placebo). Eight patients decreased 1 NYHA class while on long-term TMZ treatment, while on placebo 1 patient increased 1 NYHA class and none improved (P =.018 vs placebo). In a short series of patients with diabetes and ischemic cardiomyopathy, TMZ improved left ventricular function, symptoms, glucose metabolism, and endothelial function. Shifting energy substrate preference away from fatty acid metabolism and toward glucose metabolism by TMZ appears an effective adjunctive treatment in patients with diabetes with postischemic cardiomyopathy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Atypical manifestations of pneumonia in the elderly.
This article focuses on the features of common lower respiratory-tract infections in the elderly, specifically those age-associated physiologic and immunologic changes that alter the classic clinical picture of infection. Attention is directed at the epidemiology and clinical features of pneumonia in community, institutionalized, and hospitalized individuals. Those treatment factors unique to an elderly patient are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Consensus-based recommendations for case report in Chinese medicine (CARC).
Case reports are valuable clinical evidence in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the general reporting quality is suboptimal. A working group comprising 20 members was set up to develop systematic recommendations on case report in Chinese medicine (CARC). The working group (CARC group) developed a primary checklist based on reviewing the general reporting quality of case reports in TCM and thorough internal discussion. Two-round consensus process had been carried out among clinical experts, evidence-based medicine methodologists, medical journal editors and clinical practitioners with designated questionnaire embedded with the primary checklist. In total, 118 participants from 17 provinces of China and Korea completed the questionnaires. Their feedback was analyzed and discussed by the CARC group. The checklist was amended accordingly, and the final version, comprising 16-item, is presented here. Under the framework of CARC recommendations, the reporting quality of case reports in TCM can be improved. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Postgraduate medical training in laboratory medicine and clinical genetics in Chiba University Hospital].
Compulsory postgraduate clinical training in laboratory medicine will start on a national basis in April 2004. It remains to be discussed how departments of laboratory medicine and/or divisions of clinical laboratory should contribute to the training program. I here summarize what we are planning to do in Chiba University Hospital together with my personal views on this topic. Two points are of note in our program. First, one-week training in the division of clinical laboratory is essential as a part of the 6-month training of internal medicine. The items in the program include Gram staining, white blood cell differential counting, urinary sediment study, and representative point-of-care testing. A program to follow the entire flow of laboratory tests(from withdrawal of blood to reporting of the test results) is also included to highlight a variety of pre-analytical errors. Furthermore, trainees are encouraged to learn how to work and co-operate with co-medical personnel. Second, our program aims at training postgraduate medical students to be clinical geneticists competent at genetic counseling. Genetic counseling is the process by which patients or relatives at risk of a disorder that may be hereditary are advised of the consequences of the disorder, the probability of developing or transmitting it and of the ways to test them. Thus, our final goal is to foster genetically oriented experts in laboratory medicine and clinical geneticists with a wide knowledge of laboratory medicine. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Abdominal pain localization is associated with non-diarrheic Rome III functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Abdominal pain is common in patients with functional bowel disorders (FBDs). The aim of this study was to characterize the predominant sites of abdominal pain associated with FBD subtypes, as defined by the Rome III criteria. A total of 584 consecutive patients attending FBD consultations in a tertiary center participated in the study. Stool form, abdominal pain location (nine abdominal segments), and pain intensity (10-point Likert scale) during the previous week were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was used to characterize the association of abdominal pain sites with specific FBD subtypes. FBDs were associated with predominant pain sites. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with constipation was associated with pain in the left flank and patients were less likely to report pain in the right hypochondrium. Patients with functional constipation reported pain in the right hypochondrium and were less likely to report pain in the left flank and left iliac site. IBS with alternating constipation and diarrhea was associated with pain in the right flank, and unsubtyped IBS with pain in the hypogastrium Patients with functional abdominal pain syndrome reported the lower right flank as predominant pain site. Patients with unspecified FBDs were least likely to report pain in the hypogastrium. Patients with functional diarrhea, IBS with diarrhea, or functional bloating did not report specific pain sites. The results from this study provide the basis for developing new criteria allowing for the identification of homogeneous groups of patients with non-diarrheic FBDs based on characteristic sites of pain. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Social stress alters the severity of acute Theiler's virus infection.
Our laboratory has previously shown that restraint stress resulted in decreased Theiler's virus-induced CNS inflammation, while exacerbating illness behaviors during the acute phase of disease. In contrast, social disruption stress (SDR) applied prior to infection led to the development of glucocorticoid (GC) resistance, and these animals developed more severe disease course, with increased inflammation. However, when SDR was applied concurrent with infection, GC resistance fails to develop, disease course is less severe and inflammation was moderate. These results suggest that the effects of SDR on Theiler's virus infection are dependent upon the timing of SDR application in relation to infection. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
One thousand laparoscopic cholecystectomies in a single surgical unit using the "critical view of safety" technique.
Bile duct injuries have been substantially increased after the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). They are accompanied by major morbidity, occasional mortality, lengthening of hospital stay, additional health costs, and deterioration of patients' quality of life and life expectancy. The aim of this study was to present the method of "critical view of safety" (CVS) as safe and feasible for the prevention of bile duct injuries during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. During a 6-year period from January 2002 till December 2007, 1,046 LCs (369 men and 677 women) were performed mainly for symptomatic gallstone disease. The CVS technique recommends clearing the triangle of Calot of fat and fibrous tissue and taking the gallbladder off the lowest part of its attachment to the gallbladder bed. The "infundibular" technique (identification of cystic duct and gallbladder junction) was used whenever CVS was not possible to perform. The CVS was performed in 998 patients (95.4%). Overall, 27 patients needed conversion to the open approach (2.6%). This rate was higher in patients with acute inflammation undergoing early operation (nine of 128, 7%) compared with patients operated later or electively (18 of 914, 1.9%). There was no bile duct injury in the 1,046 cholecystectomies. Postoperatively, five patients had bile leaks which were transient and stopped spontaneously after 2-14 days. Two reoperations were performed because of severe bleeding. CVS clarifies the relations of the anatomic structures that should be divided, and therefore, it should be ideally and routinely applied in all LCs because of its highly protective role against bile duct injuries. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Does fluorescent urine indicate antifreeze ingestion by children?
Fluorescent urine has been reported to indicate antifreeze ingestion. Recently, we evaluated a child who was suspected of ethylene glycol ingestion. Although she had fluorescent urine, subsequent studies showed that she had not ingested antifreeze. We tested whether fluorescent urine indicates antifreeze ingestion by children. A convenience sample of urine specimens from 30 hospitalized children was obtained. All of the patients had been hospitalized for reasons unrelated to poisoning. The specimens were viewed with a Wood's lamp, and the samples were identified as fluorescent or not fluorescent. A second convenience sample of urine specimens from a group of 16 healthy children was obtained, and these specimens were identified as fluorescent or not fluorescent in a similar manner. The majority of urine specimens obtained from children are fluorescent. There is variation in the interpretation of urine fluorescence among observers. The type of container used may influence the finding of fluorescence. Fluorescent urine is not an indicator of ethylene glycol antifreeze ingestion by children. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cessation and relapse in a year-long workplace quit-smoking contest.
In an attempt to increase the impact of smoking cessation activities, some recent studies have examined the use of contests and competitions. The study reported here evaluates a year-long multiple-lottery quit-smoking contest at Volvo Flygmotor, the Volvo aircraft engine manufacturing company in Trollhattan, Sweden. Lotteries were held at 1, 6, and 12 months after the contest began. By quitting for at least 1 month, enrollees were eligible to win cash prizes. Maintaining nonsmoking status from a previous lottery automatically qualified enrollees for the next one. Smoking status was established by self-report, expired carbon monoxide, and saliva cotinine. Seventy-three employees, representing approximately 10% of the company's smokers, entered the contest during the initial 2-week enrollment period. Point prevalence 1-month and 6-month cessation rates were 64.4 and 49.3%, respectively. Continuous abstinence 6-month and 1-year rates were 45.2 and 32.8% respectively. Psychological, home, work and smoking history variables generally were not related to cessation or relapse. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Near melting point flow injection: a drastic enhancement in FAAS detection limits.
The described technique is based on segregation phenomena taking place in solids near their melting point. High impurity concentration occurs in a liquid phase at the grain boundaries. A continuous flow of an adequate solvent is used in far from equilibrium conditions to reach high extraction efficiency of the analyte. As an example, the determination of trace amounts of caesium in metallic sodium is described. The 5 mg/kg detection limit of conventional FAAS is thus lowered to a few microg/kg. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mechanistic studies of 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of bicyclic thioisomünchnones with alkenes. A computational rationale focused on donor-acceptor interactions.
This paper describes a mechanistic study, with the interplay of experiment and theory, on the cycloadditions of a bicyclic mesoionic 1,3-dipole versus a series of representative symmetrical (1-phenyl-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione and dimethyl maleate) and asymmetrical [(E)-(2-nitrovinyl)benzene, acrylonitrile, and but-3-en-2-one] olefinic dipolarophiles. These results allow a comparative analysis with monocyclic dipoles and open further avenues to structurally diversified heteroatom-rich rings. The unichiral version of the bicyclic dipole leads to adducts containing up to five chiral centers, whose formation proceeds with high levels of facial stereoinduction in reactions involving bulky dipolarophiles. The second and largest part of this study provides a theoretical interrogation on the pericyclic mechanism with DFT-methods [M06-2X/6-311++G(d,p)]. In order to get further mechanistic insights, we have also explored charge transfers between reaction partners using NBO analysis, which satisfactorily justifies the stereochemical outcome. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Abnormal mitochondria organization and oxidative activity in the palate muscles of long-term snorers with obstructive sleep apnea.
Histopathological alterations and a reduced number of capillaries have been observed in the palate muscles of snorers with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). These changes may create a substrate for decreased microcirculation, impaired aerobic metabolism and muscle dysfunction and contribute to upper airway obstruction during sleep. The aim was to analyze mitochondria distribution and oxidative enzyme activity in relation to capillary supply in the palate muscles of patients with a history of long-term snoring and OSAS. Palatopharyngeus (PP) and uvula (UV) muscle samples were obtained from 8 patients undergoing uvulopalatopharyngoplasty due to habitual snoring and OSAS. The muscles were analyzed with enzyme- and immunohistochemistry and morphometry. Abnormalities in the internal organization of mitochondria and oxidative activity were observed in 39 ± 15% of the fibers in the PP and 4 ± 3% in the UV, but not in control samples. The majority of these fibers had a lobulated contour and trabecular internal organization of mitochondria. The number of capillaries around abnormal fibers (PP 0.9 ± 0.3, UV 0.4 ± 0.1) was lower than in fibers of a normal appearance in both patients (PP 1.4 ± 0.6, UV 1.2 ± 0.3) and references (PP 2.7 ± 0.7, UV 1.9 ± 0.9) (p < 0.05). Abnormal mitochondrial distribution, a low capillary supply and signs of impaired oxidative activity suggest that muscle dysfunction of the palate muscles in long-term snorers may contribute to the upper airway obstruction during sleep. The cause of these abnormalities remains unclear, but local muscle and nerve trauma due to vibration and stretch is a possible etiology. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Recent advances and prospects in periodic hemodialytic treatment for patients with uremia].
Following a brief outline of the history of haemodialytic technique, the most relevant recent progress is illustrated. Advances include the success of the internal artero-venous fistula for access to the vessels, of "less than" single "greater than" haemodialytic units, of three-times-a-week dialysis, and the creation of new disposable dialyzers of high efficiency and low priming volume. Some of the problems posed by the patient in periodic haemodialysis are then examined (the problem involved in the risk of hepatitis, that of persistent severe anemia even after haemodialysis has been begun and that of osteopathy) and the most suitable measures for preventing or limiting these situations are presented. Finally, survival indices of patients undergoing periodic haemodialysis are examined and it is concluded that, although various clinical problems have as yet failed to find a complete solution, the patient under haemodialysis can enjoy a satisfactory state of rehabilitation to family and working life and survive even for more than ten years after the terminal phase of uraemia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mixed-Solvent Polarity-Assisted Phase Transition of Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals with Improved Stability at Room Temperature.
Cesium lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have attracted enormous interest in light-emitting diode, photodetector and low-threshold lasing application in terms of their unique optical and electrical performance. However, little attention has been paid to other structures associated with CsPbBr3, such as CsPb2Br5. Herein, we realize a facile method to prepare dual-phase NCs with improved stability against polar solvents by replacing conventional oleylamine with cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) in the reprecipitation process. The growth of NCs can be regulated with different ratios of toluene and ethanol depending on solvent polarity, which not only obtains NCs with different sizes and morphologies, but also controls phase transition between orthorhombic CsPbBr3 and tetragonal CsPb2Br5. The photoluminescence (PL) and defect density calculated exhibit considerable solvent polarity dependence, which is ascribed to solvent polarity affecting the ability of CTAB to passivate surface defects and improve stoichiometry in the system. This new synthetic method of perovskite material will be helpful for further studies in the field of lighting and detectors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mitochondrial metabolism impairment in muscle fibres of rats chronically intoxicated with Senna occidentalis seeds.
The chronic administration of S. occidentalis seeds was found to induce a mitochondrial myopathy in hens. This study was undertaken to determine if the chronic treatment with S. occidentalis seeds of rats (as a mammalian model) would induce a mitochondrial myopathy similar to those described in humans and to determine if the histological changes could be correlated with the amount of ingested seeds. Twenty-one days old rats were fed S. occidentalis seeds at different diet concentrations (1, 2, 3%). Rats fed 1% S. occidentalis seeds had only a few COX-negative muscle fibers in the pectoralis major muscle. Rats fed 3% Senna occidentalis seeds had a greater number of COX-negative fibers. Rats fed 2% had an intermediate number of COX-negative fibers. Activity of SDH and NADH-tr were decreased in rats of groups 2% and 3%. Our data indicate that a progressive mitochondrial metabolism impairment can be produced in rats fed S. occidentalis seeds and that this impairment can be correlated with the amount of ingested seeds. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prohemorrhagic potential of dipyrone, ibuprofen, ketorolac, and aspirin: mechanisms associated with blood flow and erythrocyte deformability.
Dipyrone, ibuprofen, ketorolac, and aspirin were tested in a well-defined perfusion system (shear rates: 300/s, 800/s, and 1,800/s). Whole blood samples were treated with the drugs at analgesic doses and platelet interaction with damaged subendothelium was measured. All the drugs fully inhibited platelet cyclooxygenase, as assessed by classic aggregometry. Perfusion studies showed that there was a general tendency to reduce the percentage of large aggregates (thrombus; %T), to increase the percentage of adhered platelets (adhesion; %A), and to reduce the height of thrombi with respect to control. Aspirin significantly increased %A and reduced %T at all shear rates tested, whereas dipyrone had the same effect at 800/s, and ketorolac and ibuprofen at 1,800/s. In addition, aspirin significantly reduced erythrocyte deformability with respect to the other drugs. In conclusion, under our experimental conditions, aspirin showed the most remarkable effects on platelet function, closely followed by dipyrone. The effects of ketorolac were moderate, whereas ibuprofen had a minor impact on platelet function. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program. Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education. Final regulations.
The Secretary amends the regulations governing the State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program (VR program) by revising the scope of employment outcomes under the VR program. These regulations redefine the term "employment outcome" (as it applies to the VR program) to mean outcomes in which an individual with a disability works in an integrated setting. This action is necessary to reflect the purpose of Title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Act), which is to enable individuals with disabilities who participate in the VR program to achieve an employment outcome in an integrated setting. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Foetal anasarca in Awassi sheep.
Two anasarcous foetuses of Awassi sheep are described. The foetuses were removed from the dams by caesarean section because of dystocia due to failure of cervical dilation. Uterine incision was made in situ because uteri were so distended they could not be brought out from the site of incision. Large quantities of uterine fluids and abnormal thick placentas were found. One foetus weighed about 7 kg and the other 13 kg. The foetal heads were deformed: the upper jaw was prognathic and the left ear of the small foetus was cystic. Necropsy revealed subcutaneous musculature was soft and flabby and abdominal and thoracic cavities contained serosanguinous fluid. Histopathological examination revealed that only the larger foetus had focal aggregates of basophilic nucleated red blood cells and scattered megakaryocytes in the liver. We conclude that anasarca can occur in Awassi sheep, with and without associated extramedullary haematopoiesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The workinghman's diet. II. Effect of weight reduction in obese patients with hypertension, diabetes, hyperuricemia and hyperlipidemia.
Weight reduction is almost always successful in cases of essential hypertension if and when the weight loss is accompanied by a drastic sodium reduction. (2) Weight normalization is of remarkable help in complete reversal of abnormal glucose tolerance, decrease in insulin requirement in manifest diabetes mellitus, and - in many patients with mild diabetes - discontinuation of oral hypoglycemic agents. (3) Weight loss will occasionally relieve gout patients of their symptoms. The majority of hyperuricemic patients will benefit with a lowering of serum uric acid levels. (4) An unresolved issue is the influence of weight reduction on the cholesterol metabolism - short- and long-term results are by no means predictable. Whereas the triglycerides in obese patients almost always return to lower serum concentrations, and with them the hyperlipoproteinemias of type IIB, III and IV, the type IIA is only rarely seen in association with obesity. Therefore, information on this lipid abnormality is very limited regarding the effect of weight loss. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Decay accelerating factor (DAF) as the host antigen with protective activity to complement killing of schistosomula.
The acquisition of host antigens by Schistosoma mansoni was studied by evaluating the resistance of schistosomula to the complement attack mediated by lethal antibody. Schistosomula cultured for 24 hours with intact human erythrocytes (N-HuE) or ghosts of any type of ABO or Rh blood group, showed a marked resistance to complement damage. Sheep red blood cells, pronase-treated N-HuE or erythrocytes from patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, which are complement-sensitive cells, were unable to protect schistosomula. Schistosomula protected by N-HuE became again susceptible to complement killing after incubation with a monoclonal antibody anti-DAF. These results indicate that, in vitro, host DAF from N-HuE can be acquired by schistosomula surface in a biological active form that protects the parasite from the complement lesion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Molecular phylogenetics of the spider family Micropholcommatidae (Arachnida: Araneae) using nuclear rRNA genes (18S and 28S).
The spider family Micropholcommatidae is an enigmatic taxon of uncertain limits and uncertain affinities. Various phylogenetic hypotheses have been proposed for the family, but these hypotheses have never been tested with a robust phylogenetic analysis. The existence of similar Australasian and New World taxa, the possibility of morphological convergence associated with extreme 'smallness', and the apparent paucity of synapomorphic morphological characters, have all clouded generic relationships in this group. We used fragments from two nuclear ribosomal RNA genes (18S and 28S) to test the monophyly and phylogenetic position of the Micropholcommatidae. The analyses incorporated 50 ingroup spider species, including 23 micropholcommatid species and representatives from 14 other spider families. Ribosomal RNA secondary structures were inferred for the V3-V5 region of the 18S rRNA gene, and Domain II of the 28S rRNA gene of Hickmania troglodytes [Higgins, E.T., Petterd, W.F., 1883. Description of a new cave-inhabiting spider, together with notes on mammalian remains from a recently discovered cave in the Chudleigh district. Pap. Proc. R. Soc. Tasman. 1882, 191-192]. These secondary structures were used to guide multiple sequence alignments, and determine the position and nature of indels in different taxa. Secondary structure information was also incorporated into a structurally partitioned rRNA analysis in MrBayes Version 3.1.2, using a doublet model of nucleotide substitution. This structurally partitioned rRNA analysis provided a less resolved but more conservative and informative estimate of phylogeny than an otherwise identical, unpartitioned rDNA analysis. With the exception of the Chilean species Teutoniella cekalovici [Platnick, N.I., Forster, R.R., 1986. On Teutoniella, an American genus of the spider family Micropholcommatidae (Araneae, Palpimanoidea). Am. Mus. Novit. 2854, 1-9], the family Micropholcommatidae was found to be monophyletic with three monophyletic sub-lineages-congruent with the Micropholcommatinae, Textricellinae, and a group of 'taphiassine' species. Teutoniella cekalovici never grouped with the other micropholcommatid taxa, and could not be assigned to any family group with confidence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Temporal patterns of physical activity in Olympic dinghy racing.
The objective of the present study was to determine the temporal patterns of physical activity in four classes of Olympic racing dinghy. Descriptive. A field (on-water) study. Nineteen elite New Zealand sailors (fifteen male and four female). Not applicable. The temporal pattern (duration and frequency) and nature of the physical activities of each sailor during each leg of simulated races were recorded on video tape and subsequently systematically quantified and categorised using notational analysis. The accumulated percentage of total leg time spent sitting (upright or leaning backwards), hiking (upright or fully extended) whilst trimming and whilst pumping the mainsheet and for the time spent on rig adjustments, tacking and gybing were calculated for both up-wind and off-wind sailing. When sailing up-wind, the most time was spent hiking upright (average 29-66% of total leg time) while trimming the mainsheet. During off-wind sailing, sailors spent the most time sitting upright while trimming the mainsheet (average 29-55% total leg time). Hiking upright while trimming the mainsheet was executed the greatest number of times (average 15.8-23.9) when sailing up-wind and sitting upright while trimming was executed the most times (average 3.5-7.4) when sailing off-wind. The most lengthy continuous activity was hiking upright while trimming the mainsheet when sailing up-wind (9-18 seconds) and sitting upright while trimming the mainsheet when sailing off-wind (17-34 seconds). The most physically demanding aspect of Olympic yacht racing is hiking. It occurs for the majority of up-wind legs when the wind starts to exceed approximately 8 knots. The only respite that the sailor gets from hiking is during tacking, rig adjustments or sitting in-board for brief periods when the wind is low. Sustained hiking tends to last for no more than approximately 20 seconds before the sailor changes to either a more extended or more upright hiking posture. The physical demands during off-wind sailing are generally less, except for a greater requirement for power in the arms and shoulders to pump the mainsheet in order to assist the dinghy in accelerating down waves. The findings of the present study are directly applicable to the design of sailing specific physical conditioning programmes for Olympic class sailors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The challenges facing midwifery educators in sustaining a future education workforce.
national and international trends have identified concerns over the ability of health and social care workforces in meeting the needs of service users. Attention has increasingly been drawn to problems of recruiting and retaining professionals within higher education; however data in relation to the midwifery profession is scant. to examine the perceptions and experiences of midwifery educators, in south-west England, about the challenges facing them sustaining the education workforce of the future. a mixed methodology approach was adopted involving heads of midwifery education and midwife educators. midwifery participants were recruited from three higher education institutions in south west England. Data collection comprised of self-administered questionnaires plus individual qualitative interviews with heads of midwifery education (n=3), and tape recorded focus groups with midwife academics (n=19). Numerical data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Textual data were analysed for themes that represented the experiences and perspectives of participants. Ethics approval was granted by one University Ethics committee. demographic data suggests that within south-west England, there is a clear ageing population and few in possession of a doctorate within midwifery. The six identified sub-themes represented in the data describe challenges and tensions that midwifery academics experienced in their efforts to attract new recruits and retain those in post in a highly changing educational environment which demands more from a contracting workforce. there remain some serious challenges facing midwifery educators in sustaining the future education workforce, which if unresolved may jeopardise standards of education and quality of care women receive. Active succession planning and more radical approaches that embrace flexible careers will enable educational workforce to be sustained and by a clinically credible and scholarly orientated midwifery workforce. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reprobing multicolor FISH preparations in lepidopteran chromosome.
Multicolor fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) and subsequent reprobing of chromosome preparations increase the number of chromosomes and/or anchor loci on the chromosomes simultaneously identified. Reprobing techniques have been widely applied to chromosomes of vertebrates and plants. We have developed a novel reprobing protocol that utilizes multicolor FISH and bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) probes to examine chromosome preparations in a model lepidopteran species, the silkworm, Bombyx mori. With standard two-color BAC-FISH, routinely used to map genes on B. mori chromosomes, we could localize only two probes on one preparation, whereas our new protocol combining five-color BAC-FISH and preparation reprobing enabled us to simultaneously map 10 probes, as demonstrated with the Bombyx Z chromosome. The improved BAC-FISH technique will facilitate karyotyping and synteny analysis in Lepidoptera. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Vitamin E protected cultured cortical neurons from oxidative stress-induced cell death through the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase.
The role of vitamin E in the CNS has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we found that pre-treatment with vitamin E analogs including alphaT (alpha-tocopherol), alphaT3 (alpha -tocotrienol), gammaT, and gammaT3 for 24 h prevented the cultured cortical neurons from cell death in oxidative stress stimulated by H2O2, while Trolox, a cell-permeable analog of alphaT, did not. The preventive effect of alphaT was dependent on de novo protein synthesis. Furthermore, we found that alphaT exposure induced the activation of both the MAP kinase (MAPK) and PI3 kinase (PI3K) pathways and that the alphaT-dependent survival effect was blocked by the inhibitors, U0126 (an MAPK pathway inhibitor) or LY294002 (a PI3K pathway inhibitor). Interestingly, the up-regulation of Bcl-2 (survival promoting molecule) was induced by alphaT application. The up-regulation of Bcl-2 did not occur in the presence of U0126 or LY294002, suggesting that alphaT-up-regulated Bcl-2 is mediated by these kinase pathways. These observations suggest that vitamin E analogs play an essential role in neuronal maintenance and survival in the CNS. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Depressive symptoms among adolescents in Sri Lanka: prevalence and behavioral correlates.
A cross-sectional study conducted on a sample of 891 adolescents in Sri Lanka revealed that 57.7% of the participants were having elevated depressive symptoms. Alcohol use, smoking, and low physical activity were found to be associated with elevated depressive symptoms. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The Association between ANXA11 Gene Polymorphisms and Sarcoidosis: a Meta-Analysis and systematic review.
The associations of ANXA11 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to sarcoidosis have been evaluated in recent years. However, the results remain controversial, especially in different ethnicity. To assess the associations between ANXA11 and sarcoidosis, we conducted this meta-analysis. Articles were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE and PubMed from their establishment date to August of 2014, and 4,567 sarcoidosis patients and 4,278 controls from 6 studies were included. The strength of associations was determined by ORs with 95% CIs. The associations between ANXA11 SNP rs1049550, rs2573346, rs2789679 polymorphisms and sarcoidosis risk were assessed using additive, recessive and dominant models. ANXA11 SNP rs2573346 and rs2789679 T allele conferred protection against sarcoidosis (OR: 0.664, 95% CI: 0.607-0.726 for rs2573346, and OR: 0.698, 95% CI: 0.640-0.762 for rs2789679). For SNP rs1049550, individuals carrying the ''T'' allele (TT+CT) had a nearly 46% increased risk for the development of sarcoidosis, when compared with CC homozygotes (OR: 1.461, 95% CI: 1.183-1.803) in overall population. A significant association was also found in additive model (OR: 1.477, 95% CI: 1.328-1.642 for CC vs. CT; OR: 0.610, 95% CI: 0.412-0.905 for TT vs. CC). In addition, ethnicity factors may contribute to the disease risk. The meta-analysis revealed that ''T'' allele of ANXA11 SNP rs2573346 and rs2789679 conferred protection against sarcoidosis. ''C'' allele of SNP rs1049550 may be a risk factor for sarcoidosis in overall population. Our study shows that ANXA11 closely associated with the development of sarcoidosis but further studies in different ethnicity were needed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Tufted hemangioma. Clinicopathologic and immunohistologic analysis of 5 cases of a distinct entity within the spectrum of capillary hemangioma].
Two female and three male patients with acquired "tufted angioma" are presented. The age of these patients ranged from 10 to 62 years. Two lesions were sited in the head and neck region, two in the upper extremities, and one on the trunk. Clinically, the angiomatous lesions appeared as elevated plaques, flat lesions with papular and macular areas, or erythematous plaques with small nodules. In four cases a biopsy was done, and in one case the tumour was excised. Histologically, the neoplasms were characterized by irregularly distributed vascular tufts in the dermis, and, in one case, in the upper subcutis. The vascular tufts were composed of plump endothelial cells and spindle-shaped pericytes surrounded by crescent-shaped vascular spaces. The positive staining for CD 31 and for CD 34 and alpha-smooth muscle actin, and the negative staining of endothelial cells for factor VIII underline both the existence of two cellular components in tufted angioma and the immaturity of endothelial cells. Evidence of regular mitotic figures in two cases and increased proliferative activity in three out of four cases tested, emphasize the neoplastic nature of slowly growing tufted angioma. Benign tufted angioma is a distinct entity in the spectrum of capillary haemangiomas and must be distinguished from other vascular neoplasms. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
New thrombolytic brush catheter in thrombosed polytetrafluoroethylene dialysis grafts: preclinical animal study.
To assess the safety, efficacy, endothelial changes, and risks of pulmonary embolic events after the use of a new thrombolytic brush catheter in mature thrombosed polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) dialysis grafts in an animal model. Loop configuration PTFE grafts were implanted in the femoral vessels of 12 canines 4 weeks before mechanical thrombosis was performed. The thrombus was allowed to consolidate for 24 hours in 10 animals, 72 hours in one animal, and 7 days in one animal. Standard percutaneous criss-cross catheter access was performed, and a soft, low-speed, brush (6 mm in diameter), aided by 250,000 U of periprocedural urokinase, was utilized for thrombolysis. The native vessels, just distal to the anastomosis, and lungs were evaluated macro- and microscopically. Thrombolysis was complete in all grafts with the exception of a small segment between the crossing of the access vascular sheaths. The total thrombolysis time ranged from 8 to 12 minutes; this included 5 minutes of pulse-spray lacing. No difference in thrombolysis time was found with regard to the age or amount of thrombus. Minimal endothelial changes were noted and no evidence of acute pulmonary embolus was found on necropsy or histologic studies. This method offers a simple, safe, and efficient means of recanalization of thrombosed PTFE dialysis grafts in this canine model. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ultraviolet degradation of procymidone--structural characterization by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and potential toxicity of photoproducts using in silico tests.
Procymidone is a dicarboximide fungicide mainly used for vineyard protection but also for different crops. The structural elucidation of by-products arising from the UV-visible photodegradation of procymidone has been investigated by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The potential toxicities of photoproducts were estimated by in silico tests. Aqueous solutions of procymidone were irradiated for up to 90 min in a self-made reactor equipped with a mercury lamp. Analyses were carried out on a gas chromatograph coupled with an ion trap mass spectrometer operated in electron ionization and methanol positive chemical ionization. Multistage collision-induced dissociation (CID) experiments were performed to establish dissociation pathways of ions. Toxicities of byproducts were estimated using the QSAR T.E.S.T. program. Sixteen photoproducts were investigated. Chemical structures were proposed mainly based on the interpretation of multistage CID experiments, but also on their relative retention times and kinetics data. These structures enabled photodegradation pathways to be suggested. Only three photoproducts remain present after 90 min of irradiation. Among them, 3,5-dichloroaniline presents a predicted rat LD50 toxicity about ten times greater than that of procymidone. 3,5-Dichloroaniline is the only photoproduct reported in previous articles. Eight by-products among the sixteen characterized might be as toxic, if not more, than procymidone itself considering the QSAR-predicted rat LD50. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characterization and determination of lipophilic hydrocarbons in the Chao Phraya, Bang Pakong and Tha-Chin rivers and the Upper Gulf of Thailand.
Carbon tetrachloride extracts of water samples collected from the Chao Phraya, Bang Pakong and Tha-Chin rivers and the Upper Gulf of Thailand in the rainy season (1983) and dry season (1984) were studied in order to characterize and determine the lipophilic hydrocarbons. The major lipophilic organic compounds present were n-alkanes (C17-C33), dibutyl phthalate and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. However, polyaromatic hydrocarbons were hardly detectable level (0.1 microgram/l by high-performance liquid chromatography). The concentrations of these lipophilic hydrocarbons were correlated with the effective rainfall content of the river. These data suggest a multiplicity of sources ranging from indigenous biological materials to petroleum activities. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Inhibition of anaerobic digestion process: a review.
Anaerobic digestion is an attractive waste treatment practice in which both pollution control and energy recovery can be achieved. Many agricultural and industrial wastes are ideal candidates for anaerobic digestion because they contain high levels of easily biodegradable materials. Problems such as low methane yield and process instability are often encountered in anaerobic digestion, preventing this technique from being widely applied. A wide variety of inhibitory substances are the primary cause of anaerobic digester upset or failure since they are present in substantial concentrations in wastes. Considerable research efforts have been made to identify the mechanism and the controlling factors of inhibition. This review provides a detailed summary of the research conducted on the inhibition of anaerobic processes. The inhibitors commonly present in anaerobic digesters include ammonia, sulfide, light metal ions, heavy metals, and organics. Due to the difference in anaerobic inocula, waste composition, and experimental methods and conditions, literature results on inhibition caused by specific toxicants vary widely. Co-digestion with other waste, adaptation of microorganisms to inhibitory substances, and incorporation of methods to remove or counteract toxicants before anaerobic digestion can significantly improve the waste treatment efficiency. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Vulnerability and determinants of reproductive success in the narrow endemic Antirrhinum microphyllum (Scrophulariaceae).
The breeding system and flowering phenology of the narrow endemic Antirrhinum microphyllum (Scrophulariaceae) were studied in order to assess the main factors affecting female reproductive success and to identify existing or potential threats to the viability of its populations. Hand-pollination experiments showed that A. microphyllum is an allogamous self-incompatible species. In both populations studied, the flowering season was 4 mo long and mean flowering duration per plant was about 1 mo. Peak flower production took place between mid-April and mid-May and overlapped with the period of activity of the main pollinator, Rhodanthidium sticticum (Megachilidae). Estimated mean number of seeds produced per plant was 9391, showing that population viability is not presently limited by seed output. The study of the direct and indirect effects of plant size, phenological traits (first flowering date, flowering duration, and flowering synchrony), and distance to neighbor plants on reproductive success was performed using structural equation modeling (SEM). In both populations, number of flowers and plant size were the main factors that determined the total number of fruits produced by a plant. First flowering date and flowering synchrony also affected fruit production. Multisample comparison of path coefficients for the two populations rejected the possibility that reproductive patterns could be described by one single model. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Catheter-related infections by Hansenula anomala in children.
During August and September, 1992, we experienced 4 cases of Hansenula anomala (H. anomala, synonym Pichia anomala) fungemia in immunocompromised patients. Two patients had been suffering from a malignant disease, 3 of them had received broad-spectrum antibiotics and a central venous catheter (CVC) had been inserted in all of them. H. anomala was isolated as the sole pathogen from all 4 patients. Three of them responded favorably to fluconazole after withdrawal of the catheter, but one failed. H. anomala should be considered as a possible cause of catheter-related infections. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A case of primary malignant lymphoma of the bladder].
A case of primary malignant lymphoma of the bladder is reported. A 61-year-old female visited our outpatient clinic with the chief complaints of asymptomatic grosshematuria and was recognized as having a bladder tumor by abdominal ultrasonography. On cystoscopic examination, the tumor was non-papillary and dome-like in shape. Computed tomography revealed that the bladder tumor was invading into the bladder wall. The histopathological study of endoscopic biopsy specimen revealed malignant lymphoma. After further examinations, it was diagnosed as primary malignant lymphoma of bladder, stage IE (Ann Arbor classification). Four courses of CHOP regimen (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, predonisolone) was performed and no lymphoma cell was found by re-biopsy at the primary site. No local or distant recurrence was found during the 15 months' follow up. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
mRNA detection in living cells: A next generation cancer stem cell identification technique.
Cancer stem cells (CSC) are a distinct subpopulation within a tumor shown to drive tumor progression, metastasis, and recurrence. A review of the literature reveals poor consensus, with the use of a wide variety of surface markers and functional assays to identify and isolate cancer stem cells. Utilizing a novel technology that enables live-cell mRNA quantitation, we have demonstrated the ability to identify and sort viable CSC based on markers associated with stemness in pluripotent cells. Fresh tumor samples from a variety of cancer types were examined by flow cytometry for Nanog expression. Levels of CSC detected ranged from 6% to 19%. This method of CSC detection was cross-validated with other commonly used surface markers with good correlation. Matrigel invasion assays confirmed that CSC isolated using this method are both highly motile and invasive. This approach simplifies the process of identifying viable CSC from fresh tumor tissue, providing a level of accuracy not previously available. This method may also provide a valuable tool for screening and validating new CSC biomarkers. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of smoking on spontaneous and induced sister chromatid exchanges in lymphocytes.
Spontaneous and mitomycin C-induced sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in lymphocytes were analyzed in 24 non-smokers and 24 sex- and age-matched smokers. Mean spontaneous SCE frequency for non-smokers was 9.8 SCEs/cell, and that for smokers was 11.5 SCEs/cell. The difference was statistically significant (P less than 0.001 by t-test). These results suggest that spontaneous SCE frequency in lymphocytes is useful for evaluation of biological effects of environmental mutagens. However, we could not find any effects of smoking on the sensitivities of lymphocytes to mitomycin C in vitro. The effects of mutagens on humans may be independent of one another. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Identification and characterization of a nucleotide binding site on recombinant murine granulocyte/macrophage-colony stimulating factor.
Granulocyte/macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a regulatory cytokine important in the proliferative and functional activation of hematopoietic cells. It belongs to a family of 20 kDa or less acidic glycoprotein molecules found in a broad range of cellular sources. On the basis of the previously reported nucleotide-binding properties of interleukin-2 (IL-2), atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), and glucagon, the interaction of GM-CSF with nucleotides was investigated. Using radiolabeled 8-azidoadenosine-containing photoprobes of ATP ([gamma-32P]-8N3ATP) and Ap4A, the putative biological alarmone ([beta'-32P]-8N3Ap4A), we have identified a nucleotide binding site on recombinant murine GM-CSF (rmGM-CSF). Specificity of binding was demonstrated by saturation and competition experiments. Saturation of photoinsertion by [gamma-32P]-8N3ATP and [beta'-32P]-8N3Ap4A occurs with apparent Kd's of 10 and 0.7 microM, respectively. Using an immobilized Fe3+ affinity chromatography technique, developed specifically for the isolation of photolabeled peptides, a single radiolabeled peptide was isolated. It was identified as amino acids 5-14 near the N-terminus of GM-CSF. This peptide region has been shown in previous studies to be critical for biological activity. Also consistent with this observation is our finding that the photolabeled GM-CSF has lost most, if not all, of its biological activity, as determined by a cellular proliferation assay. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Isolation of murine cementoblasts: unique cells or uniquely-positioned osteoblasts?
While cementoblasts express a number of mineral-related proteins, including bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin (OC), these proteins do not appear to be expressed by cells of the intermediate dental follicle/periodontal ligament (PDL). This information was utilized in an experimental strategy to isolate presumptive cementoblasts from the root surface of day 24 murine mandibular first molars. Using microscopic dissection techniques, molars were carefully extracted from their alveolar crypts and subjected to trypsin-collagenase digestion to remove adherent cells. Primary cultures were established and assayed for expression of proteins known to be expressed by cementoblasts at this timepoint in vivo (i.e. BSP, OPN, OC) and also an odontoblast-specific protein (i.e. DSP) to rule out contamination by pulpal cells. A subgroup of cells were found to express Type I collagen (89% of cells), BSP (46%), OPN (23%) and OC (30%); DSP was not detected within these cultures. We propose that cells within this heterogeneous population, which express this profile of osteogenic proteins, represent cementoblasts. The availability of a cementoblast cell line will make possible rigorous and controlled in vitro analysis of these cells and allow for determination of the unique characteristics of these cells not shared with other cells, particularly osteoblasts. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Local envenoming by the Western hognose snake (Heterodon nasicus): a case report and review of medically significant Heterodon bites.
A case of clinically significant local envenoming resulting from a bite inflicted by a Western hognose snake, Heterodon nasicus, is described. The patient was bitten while offering a juvenile mouse to a captive snake. The snake maintained a grip on the patient's arm (left anticubital fossa) for several minutes. The bite resulted in marked edema, ecchymoses, lymphadenopathy, cutaneous signs suggestive of mild cellulitis and blister formation. There were no systemic effects. Recovery was complete after approximately five months. Several documented Heterodon sp. bites with significant clinical effects are reviewed. This common xenodontine colubrid must be considered capable of inflicting medically significant bites. It is currently unclear whether the pathological changes associated with these bites are due to specific Duvernoy's secretion components, Type I hypersensitivity or a combination of these. The influence of the feeding response on the severity of clinical effects is considered as is the discrepancy between experimentally verified pharmacological activities of Duvernoy's secretions from Heterodon sp. and medical sequelae of documented bites. Although hognose snakes may uncommonly produce medically significant bites, they should not be considered dangerous or venomous. Captive specimens should be handled carefully, particularly when offered food. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Modified use of methylene blue in the tissue compression technique to detect sarcocysts in meat-producing animals.
Sarcocystosis in meat-producing animals is a major cause of reduced productivity in many countries, especially those that rely on agriculture. Although several diagnostic methods are available to detect sarcocystosis, many are too time-consuming for routine use in abattoirs and meat inspection centers, where large numbers of samples need to be tested. This study aimed to compare the sensitivity of the methylene blue tissue preparation, unstained tissue preparation and nested PCR in the detection of sarcocysts in tissue samples. Approximately three-fold more sarcocysts were detected in methylene blue-stained tissue compared to unstained controls (McNemar's test: P<0.01). Test sensitivity was comparable to that of the gold standard for sarcocyst detection, nested polymerase chain reaction. These results suggest that methylene blue can be used in tissue compression as a rapid, safe, and inexpensive technique for the detection of ruminant sarcocystosis in abattoirs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Occupational risk factors for the development of systemic lupus erythematosus.
There have been few studies of occupational exposures and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We examined the association between the risk of SLE and occupational exposures (mercury, solvents, and pesticides), specific jobs (ever worked in teaching, healthcare, and cosmetology), and working night or rotating shifts. Patients with recently diagnosed SLE (n = 265) were recruited through 4 university based and 30 community based rheumatology practices in North Carolina and South Carolina, USA. Controls (n = 355) were identified through driver's license records and were frequency matched to patients by age, sex, and state. Data collection included an in-person interview with detailed farming and work histories. Associations were seen with self-reported occupational exposure to mercury (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.3, 10.0), mixing pesticides for agricultural work (OR 7.4, 95% CI 1.4, 40.0), and among dental workers (OR 7.1, 95% CI 2.2, 23.4). Although these associations were fairly strong and statistically significant, the prevalence of these exposures was very low and thus these estimates are based on a small number of exposed cases and controls. Weaker associations were seen between SLE and shift work (OR 1.6, 95% CI 0.99, 2.7) and among healthcare workers with patient contact (OR 1.7, 95% CI 0.99, 2.9). There was no association of SLE with use of solvents or among teachers or cosmetologists. This study reveals the potential contribution of occupational exposures to the development of SLE, and highlights some exposures and experiences that should be examined in other studies using more extensive exposure assessment techniques and in experimental studies of autoimmunity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Health benefits of algal polysaccharides in human nutrition.
The interest in functional food, both freshwater and marine algal products with their possible promotional health effects, increases also in regions where algae are considered as rather exotic food. Increased attention about algae as an abundant source of many nutrients and dietary fiber from the nutrition point of view, as well as from the scientific approaches to explore new nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, is based on the presence of many bioactive compounds including polysaccharides extracted from algal matter. Diverse chemical composition of dietary fiber polysaccharides is responsible for their different physicochemical properties, such as their ability to be fermented by the human colonic microbiota resulted in health benefit effects. Fundamental seaweed polysaccharides are presented by alginates, agars, carrageenans, ulvanes, and fucoidans, which are widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industry and also in other branches of industry. Moreover, freshwater algae and seaweed polysaccharides have emerged as an important source of bioactive natural compounds which are responsible for their possible physiological effects. Especially, sulfate polysaccharides exhibit immunomodulatory, antitumor, antithrombotic, anticoagulant, anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral activities including anti-HIV infection, herpes, and hepatitis viruses. Generally, biological activity of sulfate polysaccharides is related to their different composition and mainly to the extent of the sulfation of their molecules. Significant attention has been recently focused on the use of both freshwater algae and seaweed for developing functional food by reason of a great variety of nutrients that are essential for human health. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Construction of two vectors for gene expression in Trichoderma reesei.
We report the construction of two filamentous fungi Trichoderma reesei expression vectors, pWEF31 and pWEF32. Both vectors possess the hygromycin phosphotransferase B gene expression cassette and the strong promoter and terminator of the cellobiohydrolase 1 gene (cbh1) from T. reesei. The two newly constructed vectors can be efficiently transformed into T. reesei with Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The difference between pWEF31 and pWEF32 is that pWEF32 has two longer homologous arms. As a result, pWEF32 easily undergoes homologous recombination. On the other hand, pWEF31 undergoes random recombination. The applicability of both vectors was tested by first generating the expression vectors pWEF31-red and pWEF32-red and then detecting the expression of the DsRed2 gene in T. reesei Rut C30. Additionally, we measured the exo-1,4-β-glucanase activity of the recombinant cells. Our work provides an effective transformation system for homologous and heterologous gene expression and gene knockout in T. reesei. It also provides a method for recombination at a specific chromosomal location. Finally, both vectors will be useful for the large-scale gene expression industry. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cytokine-induced inhibition of insulin release from mouse pancreatic beta-cells deficient in inducible nitric oxide synthase.
Cytokines may participate in islet destruction during the development of type 1 diabetes. Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and subsequent NO formation induced by IL-1 beta or (IL-1 beta + IFN-gamma) may impair islet function in rodent islets. Inhibition of iNOS or a deletion of the iNOS gene (iNOS -/- mice) protects against cytokine-induced beta-cell suppression, although cytokines might also induce NO-independent impairment. Presently, we exposed wild-type (wt, C57BL/6 x 129SvEv) and iNOS -/- islets to IL-1 beta (25 U/ml) and (IL-1 beta (25 U/ml) + IFN-gamma (1000 U/ml)) for 48 h. IL-1 beta and (IL-1 beta + IFN-gamma) induced a significant increase in NO formation in wt but not in iNOS -/- islets. Both IL-1 beta and (IL-1 beta + IFN-gamma) impaired glucose-stimulated insulin release and reduced the insulin content of wt islets, while (IL-1 beta + IFN-gamma) reduced glucose oxidation rates and cell viability. IL-1 beta exposure to iNOS -/- islets impaired glucose-stimulated insulin release, increased insulin accumulation and reduced the insulin content, without any increase in cell death. Exposure to (IL-1 beta + IFN-gamma) had no effect on iNOS -/- islets except reducing the insulin content. Our data suggest that IL-1 beta may inhibit glucose-stimulated insulin release by pathways that are not NO-dependent and not related to glucose metabolism or cell death. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Conformational properties of purine-pyrimidine and pyrimidine-purine dinucleoside monophosphates.
The detailed conformational features and dynamics of heterodinucleoside monophosphates ApU, ApC, GpU, GpC, UpA, CpA, UpG, and CpG have been studied in aqueous solution by high field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Analysis of the resultant NMR parameters leads to a number of discernible trends throughout the series. Thus the ribose rings of the dimers exist as equilibrium mixtures of C(2')-endo(2E) in equilibrium C(3')-endo(3E) conformers with a proclivity for the 3E pucker in most cases; the C(4')-C(5') bonds of both nucleotidyl units show significant preference (74-96%) for a gg conformation and the dominant conformer (85-89%) about C(5')-O(5') is g'g'. Orientation about the C(3')-O(3') bond is coupled to the ribose conformational equilibrium and the system exists with a bias for the 3Eg- coupled conformation in which the H(3')-C(3')-O(3')-P dihedral angle occupies the narrow range of 33-35 degrees. Dimerization, on the average, causes about 10% increase in gg and g'g' populations and the g-domain becomes increasingly populated about the C(3')-O(3') bond. The ribose equilibrium 2E in equilibrium 3E shifts in favor of 3E upon dimerization, the effect being very conspicuous for the pu-py series (similar to 40 yields 60%) and less noticeable for the py-pu systems (similar to 47 yields 58%), clearly suggesting a correlation between sequence and ribose conformational equilibrium. The temperature and dimerization data for the heterodinucleoside monophosphates show that the transition 2E yields 3E is directly related to XCN changes induced by dimerization and stacking. Analysis of the ribose coupling data shows that the percentage populations of stacked species vary from dimer to dimer with GpC displaying a maximum of 45% stacked population and UpG about 10%. However, in general, the pu-py dimers show a higher preference (27-45%) for stacked conformations than py-pu dimers (10-25%). It is proposed that the pronounced deshielding of H(5') of the 5'-nucleotidyl units upon dimerization is associated with the presence of right-handed stacks (g-g-), whereas the chemical shift trends of H(5') and H(5') of 3'-nucleotidyl units are due to the presence of left-handed stacks (g+g+) in all the dimers. In pu-py dimers, the population of the g-g- species is found to be greater than that of g+g+. Also the population of g-g- stacks in pu-py dimers is generally greater than in their corresponding matched py-pu dimers. Thus the base sequence has not only an explicit effect on the overall populations of stacked species, but also on the handedness of the stacks. The present results further confirm the interdependence of conformational bonds throughout the nucleotidyl framework. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ancestral roles of eukaryotic frataxin: mitochondrial frataxin function and heterologous expression of hydrogenosomal Trichomonas homologues in trypanosomes.
Frataxin is a small conserved mitochondrial protein; in humans, mutations affecting frataxin expression or function result in Friedreich's ataxia. Much of the current understanding of frataxin function comes from informative studies with yeast models, but considerable debates remain with regard to the primary functions of this ubiquitous protein. We exploit the tractable reverse genetics of Trypanosoma brucei in order to specifically consider the importance of frataxin in an early branching lineage. Using inducible RNAi, we show that frataxin is essential in T. brucei and that its loss results in reduced activity of the marker Fe-S cluster-containing enzyme aconitase in both the mitochondrion and cytosol. Activities of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase and fumarase also decreased, but the concentration of reactive oxygen species increased. Trypanosomes lacking frataxin also exhibited a low mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced oxygen consumption. Crucially, however, iron did not accumulate in frataxin-depleted mitochondria, and as T. brucei frataxin does not form large complexes, it suggests that it plays no role in iron storage. Interestingly, RNAi phenotypes were ameliorated by expression of frataxin homologues from hydrogenosomes of another divergent protist Trichomonas vaginalis. Collectively, the data suggest trypanosome frataxin functions primarily only in Fe-S cluster biogenesis and protection from reactive oxygen species. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cyclin C is a primary 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) responding gene.
1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (VD) is a pleiotropic nuclear hormone that also has effects on cell cycle regulation. VD and its synthetic analogues are known inhibitors of cellular growth and inducers of apoptosis, however, the primary mediator genes of these effects largely remain unknown. In order to identify novel targets for VD, that may be involved in the regulation of the cell cycle, a differential display PCR (ddPCR) approach was applied to the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line, which provided the gene for cyclin C as an interesting candidate. Quantitative assessment of cyclin C expression showed that the gene was significantly upregulated by VD and its analogues, EB1089 and CB1093 both on the level of mRNA expression and more so on the level of protein expression in MCF-7 cells. Upregulation of cyclin C protein expression could also be confirmed in MeWo human melanoma and in U937 human promyelocytic leukemia cells. This observation adds a new gene candidate to the list of primary VD responding genes. Cyclin C is not a typical cyclin, as it apparently modulates the activity of the RNA polymerase II complex, which provides fresh insight into the mechanisms of cell cycle and general transcriptional regulation by VD and its analogues. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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