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Nigella sativa: effect on human lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocyte phagocytic activity.
The effects of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seeds and their soluble fractions were studied in vitro on lymphocyte response to different mitogens and on polymorphonuclear leukocyte phagocytic activity. No stimulatory effect of N. sativa was detected on lymphocyte response to phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin-A or pokeweed mitogen. A stimulatory effect of N. sativa was noticed on the lymphocyte response to pooled allogeneic cells. This effect was more pronounced when the low molecular weight (< 10 kDa) fraction was used and varied from one normal individual to another (25% to 825%). N. sativa enhanced the production of interleukin-3 by human lymphocytes when cultured with pooled allogeneic cells or without any added stimulator. N. sativa did not, however, enhance or suppress interleukin-2 secretion by mitogen activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Interestingly, N. sativa increased interleukin-1 beta, suggesting therefore, that it has an effect on macrophages. It also suppressed the leukocyte chemiluminescence activity using phorbol myristate acetate and Zymosan as stimulants. No effect of N. sativa or its fractions was, however, noticed on bacterial phagocytosis or killing when Staphylococcus aureus was used, indicating that the decrease in chemiluminescence activity in the presence of N. sativa is not relevant to the bactericidal activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intrahepatic portal venous system: variations demonstrated with duplex and color Doppler US.
Seventeen cases of variations of the intrahepatic portal venous system were investigated with use of duplex and color Doppler ultrasound (US). Seven cases involved absence of the horizontal segment of the left portal vein, with portal supply to the left lobe arising from the right lobe. The 10 remaining cases involved variations of intrahepatic portal branching resulting from absence of the right portal vein, taking four patterns. It is thought that these findings represent variants of normal. These variants are important in two settings: in planning hepatic surgery and in the differential diagnosis of chronic portal vein thrombosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry analysis of fibronectin and laminin binding to Sporothrix schenckii yeast cells and conidia.
The adherence of Sporothrix schenckii yeast cells to several extracellular matrix (ECM) components has already been demonstrated, but the mechanisms of these interactions remained to be defined. In indirect immunofluorescence assays with polyclonal antibodies directed towards the ECM proteins, both hyphae and yeast cells of S. schenckii exhibited the ability to bind laminin and fibronectin. Flow cytometry confirmed the binding of these proteins, and revealed a significant greater binding capability for the yeast cells than for the conidia. Fibronectin and laminin binding was dose-dependent and specific. In addition, competition experiments with synthetic peptides mimicking the adhesive sequences of these proteins, or with cell wall fractions and carbohydrates constitutive of their sugar chains, were performed in order to specify the peptide or carbohydrate motifs involved in the recognition process. A 50% reduction was noticed in fibronectin binding in the presence of the synthetic peptide RGD, and a 38% reduction in laminin binding with the peptide YIGSR. Some carbohydrate-containing fractions of the yeast cell wall also inhibited the binding of fibronectin, but had no significant effect on laminin binding. Together, these results suggest the presence at the yeast surface of distinct receptors for laminin and fibronectin. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Refixation of muscular insertions after endoprosthetic replacement of the proximal humerus.
We describe the refixation of muscle insertions after resection of the proximal humerus in tumor patients. The prosthesis specially designed for this purpose carries large drill holes in the places corresponding to the anatomical sites of the muscle insertions. The muscles are attached to the prosthesis by means of tendon strips from the fascia lata. This can be expected to produce better functional results and to prevent subluxation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Involvement of c-Myc in growth inhibition of Hep 3B human hepatoma cells by a vitamin K analog.
A synthetic vitamin K analog, compound 5 (Cpd 5), is a potent inhibitor of cell growth. The aim was to investigate whether c-Myc was involved in Cpd 5-induced cell growth inhibition. Human hepotoma cells (Hep 3B) were cultured and treated with Cpd 5, and c-Myc protein expression and phosphorylation were investigated using Western blot analysis. Cpd 5 was found to inhibit c-Myc protein expression and induce c-Myc phosphorylation in Hep 3B cells. The phosphorylation of c-Myc was induced by both Cpd 5-mediated persistent extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and Cpd 5 increased glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) activity. When using GSK-3 inhibitor, SB216763, c-Myc phosphorylation was significantly decreased and c-Myc levels were restored in Cpd 5 treated cells, suggesting that Cpd 5-mediated increase of GSK-3 activity enhanced c-Myc degradation and resulted in reduction of c-Myc levels. The lower c-Myc levels were found to cause altered expression of two c-Myc target genes, growth arrest gene gadd45 and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). The results suggest that Cpd 5-mediated c-Myc phosphorylation resulted in enhanced c-Myc protein degradation and reduced c-Myc protein levels, which may contribute to cell growth inhibition by Cpd 5. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Establishing drug use questionnaire concurrent validity: methodological considerations.
The recent call for comprehensive drug education programs has provided a multitude of opportunities for health education specialists. Unfortunately, not all drug education programs are effective. Because of their lack of effectiveness, there is a need for comprehensive evaluation of existing programs. In order to conduct high quality evaluations, valid data collection procedures must be used. Probably the most common method of collecting data in drug use studies is the self-report questionnaire. One method of establishing the validity of these questionnaires is through urinalysis-based concurrent validity studies. Despite results similar to laboratory tests, investigators may have increased confidence in the results obtained from their questionnaires. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The context and experience of becoming HIV infected for Zimbabwean women: unheard voices revealed.
Zimbabwean women are at high risk for HIV infection but often are not the focus of inquiry unless they are participants in controlled trials. In this phenomenological study, we interviewed 17 women living with advanced HIV infection to better understand their experiences and the aftermath of being diagnosed with HIV. Open-ended interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, translated into English, and analyzed. Two themes (living with suspicion of HIV infection and sensing the engulfing anguish of being HIV infected) emerged and were found to reflect the essence of the phenomena. Even though the women had suspected being HIV infected from internal and external cues, a confirmed diagnosis threw them into a state of anguish prompted by the possibility of dying from a disease they "did not deserve." When designing prevention and treatment interventions, for the interventions to be effective, clinicians working with this population should consider the complexity of issues involved. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ferritin heavy chain controls the HIF-driven hypoxic response by activating the asparaginyl hydroxylase FIH.
Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a key player in cellular response to hypoxia. The stability and transcriptional activity of this protein are oxygen-dependently regulated by the prolyl hydroxylases PHD1-3 and the asparaginyl hydroxylase FIH. Recently, ferritin heavy chain (FTH1) has been characterized to reinforce the HIF-1 signaling pathway in an indirect way through the inhibition of PHD activity by depleting the free iron pool in the cytoplasm. In the present study, we addressed the role of FTH1 in the FIH control of HIF-1 activity. Unexpectedly, immunoprecipitation analyses revealed that FTH1 directly interacted with FIH. In an in vitro hydroxylation assay, FTH1 was found to facilitate the FIH-mediated Asn803 hydroxylation in HIF-1α. As expected, FTH1 prevented the recruitment of p300 to HIF-1α through the Asn803 hydroxylation. In luciferase reporter analyses, FTH1 was found to repress the transcriptional activity of HIF-1α in HCT116 cells under either normoxic or hypoxic conditions. Consequently, FTH1 downregulated the expression of the HIF-1 target genes, such as VEGF, CA9 and GLUT1. Our results suggest a new role of FTH1 as a co-regulator for the FIH-mediated oxygen sensing pathway. Since HIF-1α is involved in pathogenesis of diverse hypoxia-associated diseases, we propose that FTH1 be a potential target in developing new therapeutic strategies against such diseases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Long-acting injectable vs oral risperidone for schizophrenia and co-occurring alcohol use disorder: a randomized trial.
Alcohol use disorders worsen the course of schizophrenia. Although the atypical antipsychotic clozapine appears to decrease alcohol use in schizophrenia, risperidone does not. We have proposed that risperidone's relatively potent dopamine D2 receptor blockade may partly underlie its lack of effect on alcohol use. Since long-acting injectable (LAI) risperidone both results in lower average steady-state plasma concentrations than oral risperidone (with lower D2 receptor occupancy) and encourages adherence, it may be more likely to decrease heavy alcohol use (days per week of drinking 5 or more drinks per day) than oral risperidone. Ninety-five patients with DSM-IV-TR diagnoses of schizophrenia and alcohol use disorder were randomized to 6 months of oral or LAI risperidone between 2005 and 2008. Explanatory (efficacy) analyses were carried out to evaluate the potential benefits of LAI under suitably controlled conditions (in contrast to real-world settings), with intent-to-treat analyses being secondary. Explanatory analyses showed that heavy drinking in the oral group worsened over time (P = .024) and that there was a statistical trend toward significance in the difference between the changes in heavy drinking days in the oral and LAI groups (P = .054). Furthermore, the 2 groups differed in the mean number of drinking days per week (P = .035). The intent-to-treat analyses showed no difference in heavy drinking but did show a difference in average drinking days per week similar to that obtained from the explanatory analyses (P = .018). Neither explanatory nor intent-to-treat analyses showed any between-group differences in alcohol use as measured by intensity or the Alcohol Use Scale. The plasma concentrations of the active metabolite 9-hydroxyrisperidone were significantly lower in patients taking LAI (P < .05), despite their significantly (overall) better treatment adherence (P < .005). For the population considered here, schizophrenia patients with alcohol use disorder appear to continue drinking some alcohol while taking either form of risperidone. Nonetheless, our data suggest that injectable risperidone may be a better choice than the oral form for these dual diagnosis patients. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00130923. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Presynaptic augmentation induced by NaF in sympathetic ganglion of bullfrog].
Effects of NaF on the synaptic transmission of bullfrog sympathetic ganglia were studied by extra- and intracellular recordings. The results obtained were as follows: 1) The amplitude of the orthodromic compound action potential (CAP) evoked by preganglionic nerve stimulation was remarkably augmented with 10 microM NaF, whereas that of the antidromic CAPs remained unchanged with the same dose of NaF. The low amplitude of the orthodromic CAP which was diminished by a low-Ca2(+)-ringer's solution reversed with an additional administration of NaF. The amplitudes of the orthodromic CAPs were enhanced by phosphodiesterase inhibitors such as isobutylmethylxanthine, theophylline, and physostigmine. In addition, augmentation of the orthodromic CAPs was induced by an adenylate cyclase activator (forskolin) and d.b-cAMP; however, its augmented responses were not affected by an additional administration of NaF. 2) In the intracellular recording, NaF showed no effect on the resting membrane potential and depolarizing response induced by acetylcholine. However, the EPSP appearing in the phase of afterhyperpolarization of the orthodromic action potential was significantly increased by NaF, whereas no effect was found on the antidromic action potential. In order to evaluate these findings, effects of NaF on the decreased low-Ca2(+)-action potential were observed. After application of NaF, the low-Ca2(+)-orthodromic EPSPs were reversed, and when the height of the EPSP was raised to the critical firing level, a spike potential was driven in the cell. These facts suggest that the site of NaF action seems to exist in the presynaptic rather than postsynaptic process. Furthermore, it suggests that NaF probably acts on Gs-protein which activates adenylate cyclase at the presynaptic membrane. This resulted in a great increase in intracellular cAMP at the synaptic terminal and it triggered the Ca2(+)-increase. As an inevitable consequence, release of transmitter from the nerve terminals of the frog sympathetic ganglion was finally facilitated. These factors supposedly resulted in augmentation of the amplitude of the orthodromic CAP. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Lung tumor induction in A/J mice and clastogenic effects in CD-1 mice of the sequence-selective DNA alkylating agents (+)-CC-1065 and (-)-CC-1065.
The in vivo genotoxic effects of the antitumor antibiotic, (+)-CC-1065, and its unnatural enantiomer, (-)-CC-1065, were investigated in two mouse models. These two compounds alkylate AT-rich regions of double stranded DNA with distinct sequence selectivities. (+)-CC-1065 dose-dependently increased the chromosomal aberration frequency in bone marrow cells of CD-1 mice from 1.2 +/- 0.8% in vehicle control animals to 5.0 +/- 1.2%, 11.4 +/- 3.9%, and 20.6 +/- 2.3% 24 hours following single intravenous doses of 2, 4, and 8 micrograms/kg, respectively. (-)-CC-1065 was significantly less potent with a maximal response at 8 micrograms/kg approximately one-third of that observed for (+)-CC-1065. (+)-CC-1065 induced a significant (P < or = 0.05), three-fold increase in the number of lung tumors/mouse in strain A/J mice from 0.27 +/- 0.15 for vehicle control animals to 0.83 +/- 0.15 24 weeks following a single intravenous dose of 8 micrograms/kg. This effect was paralleled by corresponding threefold increases in the percentage of mice with tumors and the percentage of mice with multiple tumors, compared to vehicle controls. (-)-CC-1065 at 8 micrograms/kg induced 0.67 +/- 0.15 tumors/mouse and resulted in slightly smaller increases in the tumor incidence and multiple tumor incidence, compared to (+)-CC-1065. The above results demonstrate that single intravenous doses of (+)- CC-1065 and (-)-CC-1065 which cause chromosomal damage in CD-1 mice also induce an increased incidence of lung tumors in A/J mice.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Progress of a room temperature electron cyclotron resonance ion source using evaporative cooling technology at Institute of Modern Physics.
A new room temperature ECR ion source, Lanzhou Electron Cyclotron Resonance ion source No. 4 (LECR4, previously named DRAGON), is under intense construction at Institute of Modern Physics. LECR4 is designed to operate with 18 GHz microwave frequency. The maximum axial magnetic fields are 2.3 T at injection and 1.3 T at extraction, and the radial field at the plasma chamber wall of 76 mm inner diameter is 1.0-1.2 T. One of the unique features for LECR4 is that its axial solenoids are winded with solid square copper wires which are immersed in a kind of special evaporative cooling medium for cooling purpose. Till now, a prototype of the cooling system has been successfully constructed and tested, which has demonstrated that the cooling efficiency of the designed system could meet the requirements of LECR4 under the routine operation conditions. All the main components of the ion source have been completed. Assembly and commissioning is ongoing. The latest developments and test results will be presented in this paper. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nutrition with 'light and water'? In strict isolation for 10 days without food - a critical case study.
In her book 'Living on Light', Jasmuheen tries to animate people worldwide to follow her drastic nutrition rules in order to boost their quality of life. Several deaths have been reported as a fatal consequence. A doctor of chemistry who believably claimed to have been 'living on light' for 2 years, except for the daily intake of up to 1.5 l of fluid containing no or almost no calories was interested in a scientific study on this phenomenon. PARTICIPANT AND METHODS: The 54-year-old man was subjected to a rigorous 10-day isolation study with complete absence of nutrition. During the study he obtained an unlimited amount of tea and mineral water but had no caloric intake. Parameters to monitor his metabolic and psychological state and vital parameters were measured regularly and the safety of the individual was ensured throughout the study. The subject agreed on these terms and the study was approved by the local ethics committee. The most important observations were a permanent urinary excretion of ketones, up to a 3-fold increase in free fatty acid plasma levels, a mean weight loss of 0.26 kg/d, and an initially secondary hyperaldosteronism. Additionally, his ability to exercise was reduced. The subject remained psychologically stable and testing did not reveal any relevant changes. The results refute the claim and indicate a phase-II fasting state. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The Scope and Nature of Reading Comprehension Impairments in School-Aged Children with Higher-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder.
This study of 8-16-year-olds was designed to test the hypothesis that reading comprehension impairments are part of the social communication phenotype for many higher-functioning students with autism spectrum disorder (HFASD). Students with HFASD (n = 81) were compared to those with high attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptomatology (ADHD; n = 39), or typical development (TD; n = 44), on a comprehensive battery of oral language, word recognition, and reading comprehension measures. Results indicated that students with HFASD performed significantly lower on the majority of the reading and language tasks as compared to TD and ADHD groups. Structural equation models suggested that greater ASD symptomatology was related to poorer reading comprehension outcomes; further analyses suggested that this relation was mediated by oral language skills. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of small fenestra and total stapedectomy.
A biostatistical study of the results of 280 consecutive operations for clinical otospongiosis are analyzed over a seven-year period. One hundred forty-one (141) operations were done utilizing the "total stapedectomy" technique, and 139 were done utilizing the "small fenestra" technique. The auditory acuity of the two groups is compared with reference to conductive and sensorineural performance. All the surgery was performed by the authors, the data was collected by a third party and analyzed by a statistician. All audiograms were performed by the same audiologist under the same conditions. The data indicates that the preferred operation for this clinical disease is the small fenestra technique. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Treatment of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a comprehensive review.
The current standard therapy for metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the single-agent gemcitabine, by the increasingly used fixed rate infusion of 10 mg/m2/min. There is strong reason to anticipate that additional benefits will accrue with gemcitabine-based combination chemotherapy. Gemcitabine and CPT-11 are synergistic with many drugs and non-cross-resistant with each other. Rigorous clinical investigations will be performed in an effort to identify optimal drug sequence and schedules for these novel combinations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Risk stratification for secondary prophylaxis of gastric varices due to portal hypertension.
Gastroesophageal variceal hemorrhage is a common complication associated with portal hypertension. Current guidelines provide well-established recommendations for esophageal varices, while that of gastric varices remain scarce and lack evidential strength. The aim of the study is to identify a feasible risk stratification method based on imaging findings to evaluate patient response to cyanoacrylate injection for the treatment of gastric varices. A prospective cohort study including patients diagnosed with gastric varices admitted for initial secondary prophylactic treatment for GV was conducted. Routine endoscopic examination and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) were performed on all subjects to evaluate extraluminal collaterals. All patients with gastric varices were treated uniformly with cyanoacrylate injection. Patients were prospectively followed for at least 12 months and any occurrence of variceal rebleed was recorded. 102 subjects were enrolled in the study, 66.7% had GOV Type 2, 27.5% had GOV Type 1 and 5.9% had IGV Type 1. During the 12 months follow-up, 33.3% patients experienced variceal rebleed. A risk assessment scoring system was proposed based on endoscopic and EUS findings. A Cox regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between the merited risk score and incidence of variceal rebleed (P < 0.001). Presence of red wales sign, size of varix, and presence of para-gastric vein were all independent risk factors for variceal rebleed after endoscopic therapy for the treatment of gastric varices. Early identification of this subgroup, especially those with higher risk scores, necessitates a change in course of treatment, which can improve prognosis and overall patient outcome. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Auditory assessment of alcoholics in abstinence.
Alcoholism is considered the most relevant addiction in the international arena and few investigations have examined the association between sensorineural hearing loss and alcohol abuse, with conflicting results. To analyze the effects of alcohol abuse on the auditory system of alcoholics in abstinence taking into account the duration of alcohol abuse and associated noise exposure. our series comprehended 75 individuals, divided into two groups: trial and control. The audiological assessment was made by means of: pure-tone audiometry, transient evoked otoacoustic emissions, tympanometry. The Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were used in the statistical analysis of the data. the groups of patients who had been alcoholics evidenced a statistically significant worse performance in the audiological assessment. The combined exposure to alcohol and noise was not synergic on the auditory system. long-term alcohol abuse can damage the cochlear function, specifically the outer hair cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Methods for quantifying the onset of arteriosclerotic wall changes in the carotid arteries].
Two different methods of quantifying arteriosclerotically changed vessel walls of carotid arteries were compared: the two-dimensional method of measuring intima and media thickness (IMT) and the three-dimensional measurement of plaque volume. The results of 433 carotid arteries in 174 patients indicate a positive correlation in measurements of IMT between internal and common carotid arteries (P < 0.001), but no correlation between IMT measurements and three-dimensional measurements of plaque volume. For follow-up studies of carotid artery disease the three-dimensional volume measurements are the best method of evaluating progression or regression of focal plaque volume. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Correction of myopia and astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty with laser in situ keratomileusis.
We evaluated whether laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) was a safe and effective treatment for myopia and astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). We performed a retrospective review of medical records of all the patients who underwent LASIK following PK at the University of Minnesota between January 1999 and March 2000. Seventeen patients (20 eyes) underwent LASIK following PK between January 1999 and March 2000. Mean age of the patients at the time of LASIK was 37 years (range, 20-62). Keratoconus was the indication for PK in the majority of the eyes (73.7%). Anisometropia and/or contact lens intolerance was the indication for LASIK following PK. No intraoperative complications occurred. Following LASIK, the best spectacle-corrected visual acuity remained within 1 line of preoperative visual acuity in 94.7% of the eyes. The mean sphere was reduced by 3.93 diopters (80.0%) and the mean cylinder was reduced by 2.83 diopters (69.9%) from the preoperative values at the last follow-up visit. Uncorrected visual acuity became 20/40 or better in 73.7% of the eyes after LASIK. LASIK is a safe procedure in eyes in which PK has previously been performed. LASIK is effective in the treatment of myopia and astigmatism following PK. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Management of invasive populations of the freshwater crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Decapoda, Cambaridae): test of a population-control method and proposal of a standard monitoring approach.
Invasive species are one of the main threats to biodiversity. When an alien species is introduced into a new environment, fast identification and definition of management strategies may avoid or minimize impacts. When an invasive species is already established, the most adopted approaches are population control and monitoring. In order to perform such strategies, assessment of characteristics of the invasive population is imperative. This study tested a new method of population size estimation and monitoring in an invasive population of crayfish Procambarus clarkii in a conservation area in the Atlantic Rain Forest (Southeastern Brazil). The population dynamics was studied for 1 year to examine the efficacy of the selected method and to evaluate if the population is stable. Later, the effect of periodical removal of animals on the population size was tested. The method of population estimation used in this study proved to be very effective. We recommend using it to monitor invasive populations of P. clarkii. The population size varied discretely over the year with variable but low growth rate, indicating that the population is already established which introduce a notable threat to native species. The continuous removal of specimens proved to be inefficient since the growth rate was higher after the removal. One intensive removal event might be more effective than a continuous moderate removal as the one applied in this study. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effectiveness of intradiscal electrothermal therapy in increasing function and reducing chronic low back pain in selected patients.
Intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET) is a percutaneous intervention used to treat pain from internal disc disruption. We reviewed the patients who underwent this procedure in our practice. We found, in an appropriately selected group of patients, an increase in sitting and standing tolerances and a decrease in pain levels. After completion of post-IDET rehabilitation, 66% of the patients returned to work. There were no complications. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Airway epithelial cell changes in rats exposed to 0.25 ppm ozone for 20 months.
The present study was designed to characterize and quantify morphologic changes occurring in rat intra-pulmonary airway epithelia after long-term exposure to a high ambient level of ozone. Fifteen rats were exposed to 0.25 ppm ozone for 20 months (5 hr/day, 7 days/week) and a control group of 15 rats were exposed to filtered room air. Many intra-cellular brown pigmented granules (presumed to be lipofuscin) were seen in both the control and exposed animals; however, more of these granules were observed in the bronchial and bronchiolar epithelia of the exposed animals. To detect DNA synthesis that occurred in airway epithelial cells during the repair process induced by ozone toxicity, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was injected intraperitoneally one hour before animals were sacrificed; the BrdU-labeling index was evaluated immunohistochemically. There was no difference in the BrdU-labeling index between the groups, the airway epithelia of the ozone-exposed animals exhibiting tolerance to ozone toxicity. However, the epithelial populations in the airways were altered by ozone exposure, and regional differences were seen in the changes. In the exposed animals, mucous cells increased in the lobar bronchus. Calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactive pulmonary endocrine cells and neuroepithelial bodies were more frequently observed in the terminal bronchioles of the exposed animals than in the controls, although there were no differences in the lobar bronchus. Moreover, one adenoma in the peripheral lung was found in the exposed animals, while no tumorous lesions were detected in the controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of the action of calcium antagonists on basophil histamine release.
The inhibitory capacity of calcium antagonists on basophil histamine release was examined in allergic patients and in controls. All dihydropyridines tested (nifedipine, nimodipine, nitrendipine, nicardipine, felodipine) dose-dependently inhibited anti-IgE- and A23187-induced release with an order of potency of felodipine greater than nicardipine greater than nifedipine = nimodipine = nitrendipine. Only the inhibition induced by felodipine and nicardipine on anti-IgE-induced release could be counteracted by increasing extracellular calcium. Diltiazem, not belonging to the dihydropyridines, was a weak inhibitor. A combination of felodipine and verapamil in low concentrations exerted a synergistic inhibitory effect on histamine release, whereas this was not the case with other combinations of antagonists. The results suggest differences in the mode of action of the 1.4-dihydropyridines. This might be of significance in the search for calcium antagonists suitable in the treatment of allergic diseases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Complications following surgery for female urinary incontinence].
The two competitive methods available for operative treatment of female stress incontinence are the suspension procedures according to Marshall-Marchetti and according to Burch. With respect to continence, equally favorable results are achieved using both dethods. One way of assessing their value is by measuring the complications involved. A report is presented on osteomyelitis of the pubic symphysis in two cases after the Marshall-Marchetti operation and hydronephrosis in one case after the Burch operation. In all three patients, the complications were accompanied by postoperative fever as an early symptom. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Compact 1 x N thermo-optic switches based on silicon photonic wire waveguides.
Using silicon photonic wire waveguides, we constructed compact 1 x 1, 1 x 2, and 1 x 4 Mach-Zehnder interferometer type optical switches on a silicon-on-insulator substrate and demonstrated their switching operations through the thermo-optic effect. These switches were smaller than 140 x 65, 85 x 30, and 190 x 75 mum, respectively. At a 1550-nm wavelength, we obtained an extinction ratio larger than 30 dB, a switching power as low as 90 mW, and a switching response time of less than 100 mus. Furthermore, switching operations were successfully demonstrated for the 1 x 4 switch. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The Asymmetric Piers Hydrosilylation.
An axially chiral, cyclic borane decorated with just one C6F5 group at the boron atom promotes the highly enantioselective hydrosilylation of acetophenone derivatives without assistance of an additional Lewis base (up to 99% ee). The reaction is an unprecedented asymmetric variant of Piers' B(C6F5)3-catalyzed carbonyl hydrosilylation. The steric congestion imparted by the 3,3'-disubstituted binaphthyl backbone of the borane catalyst as well as the use of reactive trihydrosilanes as reducing agents are keys to success. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characteristics of AZD9708, a novel, selective β2-adrenoceptor agonist with rapid onset and long duration of action.
Here we describe the pre-clinical pharmacological profile of AZD9708, a novel long-acting β(2)-adrenoceptor agonist that has potential as a once-daily therapy for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). AZD9708 is a potent and selective agonist at the human β(2)-adrenoceptor, with selectivity over human β(1)- and β(3)-adrenoceptors of >500 and >24 fold, respectively. AZD9708 relaxes carbachol-induced contraction of human bronchial rings with a time to 90% of maximal relaxation of 13-20 min, similar to that seen with formoterol and quicker than salmeterol. In anesthetized guinea pigs, AZD9708 provides significant protection against histamine-induced airway constriction at 24 h after intratracheal and nebulized doses. This is longer than with intratracheal salmeterol, which is bronchoprotective for approximately 8 h, and formoterol, which is bronchoprotective for 8 and 12 h following nebulized and intratracheal dosing, respectively. AZD9708 also shows the potential for a greater therapeutic margin than widely used β(2)-adrenoceptor agonists such as formoterol. At a defined efficacy dose that provides 80% bronchoprotection (ED(80)), formoterol leads to a decrease in blood potassium levels in guinea pigs, whilst AZD9708 is not associated with significant reductions in potassium levels at doses up to 7 times the ED(80). [(14)C]AZD9708 is associated with extensive protein binding in both human (mean 1.0% free) and rat (mean 2.6% free) plasma. This pharmacological profile indicates the potential of AZD9708 to become an important addition to the range of bronchodilators available for the treatment of patients with obstructive airways disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A comparative study of synchronised and conventional culture methods on the micronucleus dose-response curve.
Micronucleus (MN) dose-response curves have been studied in blood samples obtained from a healthy volunteer with both a methotrexate synchronised culture and with a conventional culture method. The curve obtained with the synchronised culture, showed better response at higher doses compared to that obtained with the conventional procedure. Generally, MN frequency obtained at a dose of 4.0 Gy with the conventional procedure is lower, compared to that obtained with dicentric (DC) frequency. The present study also showed that MN frequency obtained at this dose was lower (0.79 +/- 0.09) compared to that obtained with DC frequency (0.91 +/- 0.10). However, DC frequency obtained with the synchronised culture was almost the same as that obtained with the conventional method, whereas acentric frequency showed an increase with the synchronised culture. The study showed that the ratios of MN frequency/total aberration frequency observed with the synchronised (0.63) and that obtained with the conventional culture (0.59) was more or less the same indicating that higher acentric frequency may be the cause for higher MN frequency in the synchronised culture. The present study indicates that methotrexate may not be the cause of higher acentric frequency in synchronised culture. A possible reason for the higher acentric frequency in the synchronised culture, is highlighted. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Phase II antioxidant enzyme activities in brain of male and female ACI rats treated chronically with estradiol.
Activities of Phase II antioxidant enzymes, including NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), glutathione S-transferase (GST), UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT), and phenol sulfotransferase 1A1 (SULT1A1) were measured in brain of August-Copenhagen Irish (ACI) rats exposed chronically to low doses of estradiol (E(2)). ACI rats were selected for study because this strain is highly responsive to treatment with low doses of E(2) as indexed by a high incidence of E(2)-induced mammary tumors compared to other strains. Rats were exposed chronically to 3 mg E(2) contained in cholesterol pellets implanted subcutaneously for 6 weeks. This treatment increased activities of all four enzymes in the striatum of male but not female ACI rats. Blood E(2) levels at time of sacrifice correlated closely with activities of striatal NQO1, GST, and SULT1A1, but not with striatal UGT. NQO1, GST, and SULT1A1 activities in other brain regions including the cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus were less sensitive to chronic E(2) treatment. NQO1 was primarily localized in vascular elements and neurons and SULT1A1 primarily in neurons and neuropil of control and E(2)-treated rats. Collectively, these results suggest that enhanced expression of NQO1, GST, and SULT1A1 may contribute to the antioxidant effects of E(2) in the striatum, an area of the brain that may be particularly prone to oxidative stress because of its high content of catecholamines. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Tau and HMW microtubule-associated proteins have different microtubule binding sites in vivo.
We have previously demonstrated the immunofluorescent localization of the tau and HMW MAPS on microtubules in vivo. When cells were treated with the non-ioni detergent triton before fixation, however treated with the non-ionic detergent triton before fixation, however, the immunofluorescent staining of microtubules with antiserum to HMW protein disappears, while the staining with anti-tubulin of anti-tau serum remains unaffected. Because of these differences in sensitivity to triton, we conclude that tau protein and HMW protein have different binding sites on microtubules. Parallel ultrastructural studies indicate that this loss of staining correlates with a loss of filamentous projections from the outer wall of cytoplasmic microtubules. These results indicate that in vivo the HMW protein is most probably distributed along the outer surface of the microtubule as filamentous projections similar to those observed in vitro. The in vivo distribution of the HMW protein suggests that it may form part of the microtrabecular system and be involved in the interaction of microtubules with other cell organelles. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Factors affecting the measure of inhibitory control in a fish (Poecilia reticulata).
Inhibitory control allows an individual to block automatic responses as well as to control behaviour and attention. There is growing evidence that many species possess this ability, although the difference in performance among species is great. Inhibitory control has been frequently measured using the detour task: a desired reward is placed behind a transparent barrier, and the animal has to inhibit the tendency to directly move toward the goal, instead making a detour around the barrier. Mammals' and birds' inhibitory performance varies according to several factors, such as the distance from the reward and its value, and in dogs, the breed also affects it. We investigated whether these factors affected performance in a fish, the guppy (Poecilia reticulata), by using the detour task, with reaching a social group as goal. We found that guppies were more proficient in making a detour around the barrier when the goal was far, but the value of the reward (i.e., the size of the social group) had no effect. We also found a clear effect of strain, with the guppies that descended from a wild population performing better than the domesticated guppies. Our study revealed that some of the factors affecting inhibitory control in warm-blooded vertebrates also modulate the performance of fish. These factors should be taken into account when comparing this function across species. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Low-energy electron scattering with the purine bases of DNA/RNA using the R-matrix method.
R-matrix calculations on electron collisions with the purine bases found in DNA and RNA (i.e., adenine and guanine) are presented. Resonant anion states of these systems are identified by employing different approximation levels of ab initio theoretical methods, such as the static exchange, the static exchange plus polarization, and the close-coupling methods. The results are compared with other available calculations and experiments. All of these ab initio approximations, which we refer to as a scattering "model," give four shape resonances of (2)A'' (π) symmetry within the energy range of 10 eV for both molecules. For adenine, the most sophisticated method, the close-coupling model, gives two very narrow (2)A' (σ) symmetry Feshbach-type resonances at energies above 5 eV. Quantitative results for the total elastic and electronic excitation cross sections are also presented. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mechanisms of endogenous endothelial repair in stroke.
Recent evidence indicates that circulating endothelial progenitor cells can play an important role, not only in endothelium homeostasis of the pre-stroke brain, but also in angiogenesis of the post-stroke brain. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells are considered to repair endothelial cells by incorporating them into newly formed vessels, or by releasing pro-angiogenic factors. The number or function of circulating endothelial progenitor cells can be modulated by various kinds of factors. For example, elevated serum cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes and smoking decreased the number whereas vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), exercise, and statins can increase it. In this review, we discuss the present knowledge of endogenous mechanisms for the repair of endothelial cells, and how to enhance their possible capacity to remodel vascular units as neuronal self-repair strategies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Estrogen receptor inhibits c-Jun-dependent stress-induced cell death by binding and modifying c-Jun activity in human breast cancer cells.
c-Jun, a major component of the AP-1 transcription factor, is either pro- or anti-apoptotic with cellular determinants unknown. Nuclear estrogen receptor (ER), on the other hand, regulates gene expression through both estrogen response elements and AP-1. Here we show that stress stimulates c-Jun phosphorylation and AP-1 activity in both ER+ and ER- human breast cancer cells and only induces cell death in ER- cells, indicating a determinant role of ER in c-Jun/AP-1 activity. The inhibitory effect of ER in stress-induced cell death is confirmed by ER transfection into ER- cells. Furthermore, inhibition of c-Jun activation by a dominant negative c-Jun blocks AP-1 activity in ER+ cells and attenuates stress-induced cell death but not AP-1 activity in ER- cells, suggesting that the c-Jun/AP-1 activity has distinct properties depending on ER status. ER was shown to inhibit stress-induced cell death through its physical interaction with c-Jun. This is because ER binds c-Jun in breast cancer cells, stress treatment further increases the ER-bound phosphorylated c-Jun, and the c-Jun binding-deficient ER mutant fails to protect stress-induced cell death. Together, our studies reveal a novel function of ER in stress response by modification of c-Jun activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Estrogenic regulation of diamine oxidase activity in rat uterus.
Diamine oxidase activity was studied in female rat tissues during the estrous cycle and after 17 beta-estradiol administration. During the estrous cycle, uterine and hepatic enzyme activities were highest at proestrus and lowest at estrus, when estrogen plasma levels are known to be respectively high and low. The administration of 17 beta-estradiol to ovariectomized rats caused a rapid and prolonged increase in enzyme activity in uterus and only a transient increase in the liver. Such increases were prevented by cycloheximide and by actinomycin D administration. No changes were observed in renal enzyme activity during estrus or after hormone treatment. Our data suggest that estrogens regulate diamine oxidase activity in rat uterus by a mechanism of enzyme induction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pegfilgrastim compared with filgrastim after high-dose melphalan and autologous hematopoietic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma patients.
We undertook a comparative study of Pegfilgrastim vs. Filgrastim after high-dose melphalan and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (APBSCT) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Thirty-seven consecutive patients were randomly assigned to receive a single 6 mg dose of Pegfilgrastim on day 1 post-transplant (n = 18 patients) vs. daily subcutaneous injections of Filgrastim 5 microg/kg (n = 19 patients) starting on day 5 post-transplant. The median duration of grade 4 neutropenia in the Pegfilgrastim and Filgrastim groups was 5 and 6 d, respectively (P = ns). The results for the two groups were also not significantly different for time to neutrophil and platelet recovery, but incidence of febrile neutropenia (61.1% vs. 100%, P = 0.003) and duration of febrile neutropenia (1.5 d vs. 4 d, P = 0.005), were lower in the Pegfilgrastim arm. After initial haematopoietic reconstitution, we observed significantly higher value of leukocytes x 10(9) L on day 15 (6.0 vs. 2.7, P = 0.004), in the Pegfilgrastim group compared with the Filgrastim group. This study shows that a single injection Pegfilgrastim can be used with safety and efficacy similar to those provided by daily injections of Filgrastim and it is associated with a decrease incidence of infectious events after APBSCT in MM patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Tyrosine phosphorylation mapping of the epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway.
Phosphorylation is one of the most common forms of protein modification. The most frequent targets for protein phosphorylation in eukaryotes are serine and threonine residues, although tyrosine residues also undergo phosphorylation. Many of the currently applied methods for the detection and localization of protein phosphorylation sites are mass spectrometry-based and are biased against the analysis of tyrosine-phosphorylated residues because of the stability and low reactivity of phosphotyrosines. To overcome this lack of sensitive methods for the detection of phosphotyrosine-containing peptides, we have recently developed a method that is not affected by the more predominant threonine or serine phosphorylation within cells. It is based on the specific detection of immonium ion of phosphotyrosine at 216.043 Da and does not require prior knowledge of the protein sequence. In this report, we describe the first application of this new method in a proteomic strategy. Using anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies for immunoprecipitation and one-dimensional gel electrophoresis, we have identified 10 proteins in the epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway, of which 8 have been shown previously to be involved in epidermal growth factor signaling. Most importantly, in addition to several known tyrosine phosphorylation sites, we have identified five novel sites on SHIP-2, Hrs, Cbl, STAM, and STAM2, most of which were not predicted to be phosphorylated. Because of its sensitivity and selectivity, this approach will be useful in proteomic approaches to study tyrosine phosphorylation in a number of signal transduction pathways. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Conservative management of aplasia cutis congenita: case report.
A male newborn with a large scalp and skull defect and a cervical meningocele was transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit of the North Carolina Baptist Hospital. The scalp defect measured 8.5 x 9.5 cm, and the sagittal sinus was exposed. Because the defect was considered too large to be covered with a rotation skin flap, it was treated thrice daily with the topical application of bacitracin ointment and circumferential dressings. By the end of 3 months, the skull defect was covered with skin. The cervical meningocele was then removed without incident. At the 9-month follow-up examination, the scalp defect was well healed and the skull defect was closing slowly; the neurological findings were still normal for the patient's age. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Optimal blood pressure decreases acute kidney injury after gastrointestinal surgery in elderly hypertensive patients: A randomized study: Optimal blood pressure reduces acute kidney injury.
To determine the appropriate mean arterial pressure (MAP) control level for elderly patients with hypertension during the perioperative period. A prospective, randomized study. Three teaching hospitals in China. Six hundred seventy-eight elderly patients with chronic hypertension undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery. Patients were randomly allocated to three groups and the target MAP level was strictly controlled to one of three levels: level I (65-79mmHg), level II (80-95mmHg), or level III (96-110mmHg). The primary outcome was acute kidney injury (AKI) (50% or 0.3mg·dL-1increase in creatinine level) during the first 7 postoperative days. The secondary outcomes were perioperative adverse complications. Moreover, vasoactive agents were observed during surgery. The overall incidence of postoperative AKI was 10.9% (71/648). AKI occurred significantly less often in patients with level II MAP control (6.3%;13/206) than in patients with level I (13.5%; 31/230) and level III (12.9%; 27/210) (P<0.001) MAP control. Level II was associated with lower incidences of hospital-acquired pneumonia (6.7%; 14/206; P=0.014) and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) (4.4%; 9/206; P=0.015) and with shorter length of stay in the ICU (P=0.025) when compared with level I and level III. Use of norepinephrine, phenylephrine, and nitroglycerin was significantly higher for patients with level III MAP control than for patients with level I and level II MAP control (P=0.001). For elderly hypertensive patients, controlling intraoperative MAP levels to 80 to 95mmHg can reduce postoperative AKI after major abdominal surgery. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Photorespiration and nitrate assimilation: a major intersection between plant carbon and nitrogen.
C3 carbon fixation has a bad reputation, primarily because it is associated with photorespiration, a biochemical pathway thought to waste a substantial amount of the carbohydrate produced in a plant. This review presents evidence collected over nearly a century that (1) Rubisco when associated with Mn(2+) generates additional reductant during photorespiration, (2) this reductant participates in the assimilation of nitrate into protein, and (3) this nitrate assimilation facilitates the use of a nitrogen source that other organisms tend to avoid. This phenomenon explains the continued dominance of C3 plants during the past 23 million years of low CO2 atmospheres as well as the decline in plant protein concentrations as atmospheric CO2 rises. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Protective effect of octreotide on intra-tracheal bleomycin-induced oxidative damage in rats.
The present study is aimed at determining the effect of parenteral octreotide against oxidative damage caused by intra-tracheal bleomycin (BLM) administration. A total of 30 male Wistar rats randomly divided into three groups (control, bleomycin alone, and bleomycin and octreotide) were used in the study. A group of animals received a single dose of intra-tracheal bleomycin (7.5mg/kg). Animals in another group, which also received intra-tracheal bleomycin, were given 82.5 microg/kg octreotide via i.m. injection for a week. Animals in the control group received neither bleomycin nor octreotide. All animals were sacrificed at the end of the experiment. Serum levels of malondialdehyde, vitamins A, E, and C, selenium levels were determined. In addition, glutathion peroxidase activity levels in erythrocytes were also determined. Malondialdehyde levels and glutathion peroxidase activity were increased whereas antioxidant vitamin levels were decreased significantly in animals that received only bleomycin compared to control animals (p<0.05). The values in rats that received bleomycin and octreotide were found to be closer to the control group (p<0.05). Selenium levels in animals that received only bleomycin were determined to be reduced compared to controls (p<0.05). On the other hand, selenium levels in bleomycin and octreotide groups were similar to control values in (p<0.05). In conclusion, bleomycin induces a severe stress and more importantly increases the amount of free radicals whereas octreotide administration reduces this oxidative damage significantly. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
PP2C phosphatases Ptc2 and Ptc3 are required for DNA checkpoint inactivation after a double-strand break.
Saccharomyces cells suffering a DNA double-strand break (DSB) ultimately escape checkpoint-mediated G2/M arrest either by recovery once the lesion is repaired or by adaptation if the lesion proves irreparable. Cells lacking the PP2C-like phosphatases Ptc2 and Ptc3 are unable to adapt to a HO-induced DSB and are also defective in recovering from a repairable DSB. In contrast, overexpression of PTC2 rescues adaptation-defective yku80Delta and cdc5-ad mutants. These effects are not explained by alterations either in the processing of DSB ends or in DSB repair. In vivo and in vitro evidence suggests that phosphorylated forms of Ptc2 and Ptc3 specifically bind to the Rad53 FHA1 domain and inactivate Rad53-dependent pathways during adaptation and recovery by dephosphorylating Rad53. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
PULMONARY EMBOLISM AFTER ABDOMINOPLASTY - ARE WE REALLY ABLE TO AVOID ALL COMPLICATIONS? CASE REPORTS AND LITERATURE REVIEW.
Pulmonary embolism is a potentially lethal complication in plastic surgery patients. About 34% of the members of American Society of Plastic Surgery have diagnosed pulmonary embolism in their patients, and 7% had experienced at least 1 death due to this complication. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons Executive Committee approved the Venous Thromboembolism Task Force Report. The members agreed that there was not enough evidence to make all-inclusive recommendations for plastic surgery deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism prophylaxis, but released the 2005 Caprini Scale accompanied by the Task Force recommendations for use in plastic surgery. It is generally strongly advised to use appropriate prophylactic measures against venous thromboembolism in all surgical procedures. However, even then we cannot completely avoid this serious complication. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Structure of the sweat glands in essential axillar hyperhidrosis and after its surgical treatment].
The structure of sweat glands in their skin portions in axillar regions was investigated in essential hyperhydrosis and after its treatment using mechanical curettage, performed solely or in combination with ultrasonic destruction. There was shown, that hyperhydrosis is accompanied by the sweat glands canaliculus secretory portion enlargement and their diameter as well. Additionally, the secretory epithelium area is practically enhanced twice as in a control and its thickness - in 1.5 times. Curettage is accompanied with removal, along with hypoderma, of majority of the sweat glands terminal portions and, due to evolvement of a dense connective tissue regenerate, prophylaxes their regeneration with a staged hypotrophy of residual secretory portions. The combined application of curettage with ultrasonic destruction, during treatment of hyperhydrosis, secures more prominent, alike while only curettage performance, reduction of terminal parts of sweat glands. It takes place on background of the inflammatory reaction reduction and the connective tissue subtle regenerate formation. Surgical methods of treatment, alike botulotoxin injections, secures more pronounced and persistent reduction of sweat glands in hyperhydrosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Wilson's disease: presymptomatic patients and Kayser-Fleischer rings.
We evaluated patients with Wilson's disease to determine (1) whether presymptomatic patients who have Kayser-Fleischer (K F) rings demonstrate a more significant alteration of copper metabolism than those who do not have K F rings, and (2) whether presymptomatic patients have smaller K F rings than symptomatic Wilson's disease patients. Thirty-two patients with presymptomatic Wilson's disease were retrospectively analyzed. Sixteen of these had received no prior anti-copper therapy and underwent testing for baseline copper metabolism (24-hour urine copper, liver copper, and plasma ceruloplasmin). Quantitative measurements of K F rings were made for the group of untreated presymptomatic patients and a control group of symptomatic Wilson's disease patients. We hypothesized that the 24-hour urine copper, in particular, would correlate with the presence of a K F ring. However, no significant difference was found between any of the baseline copper variables for presymptomatic patients who had K F rings compared to those who did not. K F rings of presymptomatic patients were found to be significantly smaller than K F rings of patients with symptomatic Wilson's disease (p < 0.05). While this study does not show any relationship between urinary copper excretion and the presence of K F rings, it suggests that the larger K F ring size correlates with Wilson's disease severity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Dietary fiber content in the various groups of foods of plant origin].
The article presents data on the content of soluble, insoluble and total dietary fiber in foods Russian and CIS countries of origin (528 samples (47 types) of food). Conducted a comparative analysis of these data with data on the content of dietary fiber in analogous products on the European market. Statistical analysis of the results was conducted on a PC program designed to package "Microsoft Excel office 2003", using the library of statistical functions. Comparative analysis revealed significant differences in content of various fractions of dietary fiber in plant food of domestic production compared to similar products of the production of the European Union, particularly Germany, more than 1/3 of the time. These differences can't be explained by analytical errors, because, for the purposes of these studies used the method recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission to conduct similar studies. Consequently, the results are directly related to differences in the chemical composition of domestic food products, compared with foreign counterparts, which determines the further development and refinement of existing tables of chemical composition. Thus, our data on the content of soluble, insoluble and total dietary fiber can enhance the chemical composition of Russian food. In addition, studies show once again the need for the Russian Federation of their own, national tables of chemical composition of foods, consistent with modern scientific and technological level of development. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Amitriptyline-induced morphological alterations of the rat blood-brain barrier.
Amitriptyline is known to increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier but the morphological basis of this increase has not been studied. As catecholamines can influence pinocytosis in dog peripheral blood vessels, the effect of amitriptyline on the pinocytotic activity of blood brain microvessels was studied. Amitriptyline, 34 mg.kg-1 i.p., was injected to rats and the parietal cortex of control and treated animals was prepared for ultrastructural study. Pinocytotic vesicles in endothelial cells were quantified. Amitriptyline significantly increased the density of pinocytotic vesicles in capillary endothelial cells. No other morphological changes occurred after amitriptyline treatment. We conclude that the increase in blood-brain barrier permeability due to amitriptyline may be ascribed at least in part to an increase of pinocytotic activity in brain capillary endothelial cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cerebral ventricular size in twins discordant for schizophrenia.
Comparison of the computerised tomographic scans of 11 pairs of healthy monozygotic (MZ) with those of 8 pairs of dizygotic (DZ) twins showed that ventricular size for seven pairs of MZ twins discordant for schizophrenia was not as high as in normal MZ twins. Furthermore, the schizophrenics had significantly larger ventricles than both control twins and their own co-twins, although there was a non-significant trend for their co-twins also to have larger ventricles than the controls. Some common environmental factor, possibly perinatal damage, may have led to the increase in ventricular size in the schizophrenia-discordant pairs, with schizophrenia developing in the more severely affected twin. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The Pyrenoid: An Overlooked Organelle Comes out of Age.
The pyrenoid is a membrane-less organelle that exists in various photosynthetic organisms, such as algae, and wherein most global CO2 fixation occurs. Two papers from the Jonikas lab in this issue of Cell provide new insights into the structure, protein composition, and dynamics of this important organelle. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cloning of malic acid assimilating activity from Leuconostoc oenos in E. coli.
High molecular weight DNA was extracted from a malo-lactic fermenting strain of Leuconostoc oenos by a specifically designed lysis procedure, restricted, and ligated into Escherichia coli cloning vector pTR 262, which allows for positive selection for inserts. Malic acid assimilating activity was directly selected for using a host blocked in malic acid utilization. Transformants grew on malate minimal medium but were genetically unstable and contained plasmid DNA that was altered through recA independent events. Analogous results were obtained from a test system using prototrophic transformants of a proline auxotrophic host. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Quantitation of mule duck in goose foie gras using TaqMan real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction.
A real-time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method has been developed for the quantitation of mule duck (Anas platyrhynchos x Cairina moschata) in binary duck/goose foie gras mixtures. The method combines the use of real-time PCR with duck-specific and endogenous control "duck + goose" primers to measure duck content and total foie gras content, respectively. Both PCR systems (duck-specific and duck + goose) were designed on the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene (rRNA). The duck-specific system amplifies a 96 bp fragment from duck DNA, whereas the duck + goose system amplifies a 120 bp fragment from duck and goose DNA. The method measures PCR product accumulation through a FAM-labeled fluorogenic probe (TaqMan). The C(t) (threshold cycle) values obtained from the duck + goose system are used to normalize the ones obtained from the duck-specific system. Analysis of experimental duck/goose foie gras binary mixtures demonstrated the suitability of the assay for the detection and quantitation of duck in the range of 1-25%. This genetic marker can be very useful to avoid mislabeling or fraudulent species substitution of goose by duck in foie gras. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Obstetric performance of ethnic Kosovo Albanian asylum seekers in London: a case-control study.
The most recent Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths expressed concern that mortality in women from non-English-speaking ethnic groups was twice that of native-born women. There are very few published data on the obstetric performance of Kosovo Albanian refugees who have relocated to the United Kingdom and the aim of this study was to compare the obstetric performances of Kosovo Albanian women currently residing in the United Kingdom with their British-born Caucasian counterparts. Sixty-one index and 61 control cases were analysed; 63% of the Kosovo Albanian women spoke little or no English and 50% were on income support. Of the study group, 9.8% had caesarean sections, 8.2% had instrumental vaginal deliveries and 82% achieved normal deliveries. The Kosovo Albanian women were statistically younger and had shorter duration of labour compared to controls (P < 0.05, unpaired t-test). Epidural use was significantly lower in Kosovan women (P < 0.05, chi2 test). The rates of induction of labour (IOL), caesarean section, instrumental deliveries, premature delivery and low birth weight < 2.5 kg were not statistically different (P > 0.05 in all cases, chi2 test) between the two groups. This is the first study to examine the obstetric outcomes of Kosovo Albanian women who have resettled in a western European country. Most Kosovo Albanian refugees living in the United Kingdom are not socio-economic migrants but displaced due to civil unrest and many had reasonable socio-economic status prior to resettlement. The similarity in obstetric and fetal outcomes between the study and control groups could be attributed to the 'healthy immigrant effect', where immigrant groups appear to have better outcomes due to family support and relatively lower intake of alcohol and nicotine. It also suggests that obstetricians may be heeding the recommendations from recent Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths, which highlight the need for increased vigilance in women from ethnic minorities. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Primary pulmonary carcinoma in Lagos, Nigeria: a clinicopathological study.
A retrospective clinicopathological study of bronchogenic carcinoma in patients admitted to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) during a 17-year period (1975-1991) is presented. Out of the 148 cases, 88 were confirmed histopathologically and in the remaining 66 cases, diagnosis was based on a combination of clinical and radiological features. Epidermoid carcinoma was the commonest histopathological variant and the male/female ratio was 2:1. Sixty five percent of the patients admitted to being heavy smokers. The majority of patients presented with weight loss, chronic cough with chest pain and haemoptysis in that order. With an average of nine cases yearly, this study shows that this disease is still uncommon in Nigerians. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Spontaneous passage of glass beads from the canine gallbladder: facilitation by sphincterotomy.
To investigate the mechanism by which ablation of the sphincter of Oddi prevents gallstone formation, we assessed passage of glass beads out of the gallbladders of dogs with sphincterotomy and sham sphincterotomy. One month after bead implantation, dogs with an intact sphincter passed 52%, 26%, 22%, 10%, 0%, and 0% of beads with diameters of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 mm, respectively. For the same respective bead diameters, dogs with a sphincterotomy passed 90%, 90%, 88%, 75%, 75%, and 42% of beads (p less than 0.05 for all bead diameters). No beads were in the common bile duct of any dog. In separate dogs studied by cholescintigraphy, sphincterotomy significantly increased gallbladder ejection fraction from 0.46 to 0.76 (p less than 0.01). In addition, sphincterotomy significantly lowered resting gallbladder volume from 24.4 to 15.8 ml (p less than 0.025) and lowered cholecystokinin-stimulated gallbladder volume from 13.3 to 5.9 ml (p less than 0.025). These data indicate that even with an intact sphincter, small solids can pass from the gallbladder and into the duodenum. Sphincterotomy facilitates passage of solids, apparently by general improvement in gallbladder emptying. Facilitated passage of crystals, microliths, or small stones seems the most likely explanation for prevention of gallstone formation by sphincterotomy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Aspirin dosing in cardiovascular disease prevention and management: an update.
Aspirin has been in use for prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases for several decades. Clinical and epidemiological literature suggests that while net benefits of aspirin in primary prevention of CVDs are less clear, the benefits of aspirin in acute scenarios and secondary prevention settings are well established. However, its optimum dosing requirements have been up for debate especially in various settings of acute coronary syndrome and stable ischemic heart disease. The role of clinician in stratifying individual risk score to achieve net clinical benefit is an important determinant of initiating aspirin therapy. The purpose of this article is to review association of aspirin and CVD in general, and to review its dosing regimens in acute settings as well as primary and secondary prevention as suggested by various established guidelines. We also aim to provide the readers an update on recent changes and current evidence based practice trends. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cortisol determination in hair and faeces from domestic cats and dogs.
The present study explored the feasibility of a hair cortisol assay in domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) and dogs (Canis familiaris) as a valid and reliable alternative to existing non-invasive techniques for monitoring the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity. To this aim, 56 new hair growth samples and 870 faecal samples from 27 domestic cats and 29 domestic dogs were collected and cortisol content was assessed. A significant positive association was observed in both species between the concentrations of cortisol determined in hair and faeces. This finding is discussed in the light of the existing knowledge of hair physiology and in the perspective of its application to studies on chronic stress. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The narghile and its effects on health. Part I: the narghile, general description and properties].
A narghile is a water-pipe used to smoke a tobacco preparation. As the smoker inhales, the tobacco smoke is sucked down from the bowl and then bubbles up through the water into the air of the smoke chamber and then through the hose to the smoker. Its origins are mysterious and controversial. Nevertheless it remains, under different names, an object used regularly by more than one hundred million people in the world. Since the eighties and especially nineties, its consumption has grown significantly and is now considered to be a worldwide epidemic. However, the knowledge about the effects of narghile smoke on health is partial and sometimes contradictory. Indeed, we are witnessing increasing confusion in biomedical studies and scientific debate about its health impact is unresolved. Given this situation, revealing a serious and profound lack of information about the real nature and toxicity of hookah smoke, the authors conducted this two-part study. The first part presents epidemiological data, describes the narghile and the different types of narghile tobacco and exposes the composition of narghile smoke. The second part highlights the lack of reliable data about the detrimental effects of the narghile pipe on health and especially on the cardiopulmonary function. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Subcellular Localization of Histidine Phosphorylated Proteins Through Indirect Immunofluorescence.
Immunofluorescence (IF) takes advantage of biological and physical mechanisms to identify proteins in cell or tissue samples, exploiting the specificity of antibodies and stimulated fluorescence light emission. Here, we describe an immunofluorescence staining method for the identification of histidine phosphorylated proteins that uses neutral/alkaline conditions and targeted reagents to overcome the chemical lability of histidine phosphorylation. This method describes how 1- and 3-phosphohistidine (pHis) monoclonal antibodies can be used to reveal the localization of proteins containing these elusive phosphoramidate bonds in cells. Standard procedures and materials for IF staining with adherent and nonadherent cells are described. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Sequence of radiation therapy and chemotherapy as adjuvant treatment in breast cancer.
The aim of the work was to evaluate the prognostic importance of the sequence of radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT) as adjuvant treatment in women with breast cancer who were treated with modified radical mastectomy or total mastectomy and their correlation also with other known prognostic factors. In this retrospective study, 200 women with breast cancer were evaluated. The age ranged from 25 to 73 years, with the mean age of 44 years; 125 patients had stage II and 75 had stage III disease. All were subjected to mastectomy. The influence of the following prognostic factors were evaluated: Age, histological grade, nodal status, number of positive nodes, tumor size, estrogen receptor status, menstrual status and as well as the sequence of radiotherapy and chemotherapy on 5-year locoregional disease free survival, 5-year systemic disease-free survival, and 5-year overall survival. The 5-year locoregional disease free survival was 90.9% for the entire patient population. Nodal status, number of positive nodes and estrogen receptor status were prognostically significant for locoregional recurrence. The 5-year systemic disease-free survival was 67.6% for the whole group. On univariate analysis, the presence of positive axillary nodes, grade III tumor, ER-negative disease and radiotherapy first followed by chemoyherapy, were independent poor risk factors for systemic recurrence. The 5-year overall survival was 71.8%. On univariate analysis, the presence of positive axillary nodes, grade III tumor, ER-negative disease and radiotherapy first followed by chemotherapy, were independent poor risk factors for death from breast cancer In patients with breast cancer, a treatment protocol consisting of 6 cycles of CT followed by RT resulted in a better 5-year OS and DFS, and was easier to administer when compared with other treatment protocols. Ideal candidates are those with early-stage, age >35 years, low tumor grade, positive ER, and absence of positive axillary lymph nodes. Longer follow-up will be necessary to assess efficacy and a randomized clinical trial that included a group for simultaneous comparison would be required to produce definitive results. Breast cancer - Prognostic factors - Radiotherapy sequence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Health-related quality of life in adolescents with comorbidities related to obesity.
Psychosocial correlates of medically complex obesity are poorly understood in adolescents. Health-related quality of life was examined among 111 obese adolescents with medical comorbidities. A higher body mass index and greater number of comorbidities were associated with diminished health-related quality of life, thus underscoring the relevance of psychosocial functioning in obese youth. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The cannabinoid antagonist AM251 attenuates nicotine self-administration and nicotine-seeking behaviour in rats.
The cannabinoid receptor subtype (CB1) antagonist rimonabant (SR141716) has been shown to decrease nicotine self-administration and attenuate nicotine-evoked dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens; effects that support recent findings on its clinical efficacy as a smoking cessation aid. The present experiments aim to advance our understanding on the role of CB1 receptors in rodent models of nicotine dependence. AM251, a selective antagonist at CB1 receptors dose-dependently (1, 3 and 10mg/kg IP) suppressed intravenous nicotine (0.03mg/kg per infusion) self-administration in rats during three successive days of pre-treatment. This reduction was short lasting since behaviour was reinstated by suspending AM251 pre-treatment. This was relatively specific to nicotine self-administration since the profile of these reductions produced by AM251 was significantly different from the responses maintained by food pellets. In a model of nicotine-seeking behaviour, rats that had been extinguished by removal of nicotine and associated cues, and presented with a priming dose of nicotine (0.2mg/kg SC) with the cues, showed robustly reinstated responses to nicotine-seeking behaviour. Acute pre-treatment with AM251 (1-10mg/kg IP) dose-dependently attenuated the reinstatement effects produced by nicotine and the contingently presented cues. These preclinical findings support the use of rimonabant as a smoking cessation aid and highlight the CB1 receptor as a viable target to control intake of nicotine and prevent relapse. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A sampling and analytical method for vinylidene chloride in air.
A sampling and analytical method for the determination of vinylidene chloride in air is presented. Vinylidene chloride can be quantitatively trapped on charcoal over a wide range of concentrations. The collected vapors are desorbed with carbon disulfide and analyzed by gas chromatography utilizing a flame ionization detector. The analytical column is packed with Durapak OPN. The lower limit for the method is approximately 7 micrograms of vinylidene chloride per sampling tube. The breakthrough volume was found to be dependent upon the concentration sampled and the relative humidity of the air sampled. The overall precision of the analytical method is 5% (relative standard deviation). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Coronary angioplasty and stent placement through the radial artery. Report of a case].
Coronary angiography and percutaneous treatment of stenotic lesions have expanded in the last few years, due to availability of better diagnostic equipment. The femoral technique applied to this aims has prevailed, considering its efficacy, safety and wide acceptance. Since the beginning of this decade, an alternative access has been developed, in relation to miniaturization of the required elements to perform coronary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This new radial artery access is supported by multiple reports from many centers around the world that are increasingly using the technique. With this access it is possible to perform all the regular procedures done regularly through the femoral route. This case report illustrates a coronary angiography study through the radial access, followed by a stent implantation, through the same route. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mitotic recombination among acrocentric chromosomes' short arms.
Routine Q-banding chromosome analysis detected the jumping behaviour of bright fluorescent chromosome 22 satellites (22s+) in two unrelated males (case 1 ascertained for recurrent abortions and case 2 for infertility), and in the mother of one of them, all with a normal karyotype. The 22s+ was present in more than 90% of the cells. In a minority of the cells the polymorphism was present alternatively on another acrocentric, on one chromosome 22 and on another acrocentric, on both chromosomes 22 or it was absent. We take these findings as evidence of mitotic exchanges between the short arms of the acrocentric chromosomes. The presence of a stable 22s+ in the fibroblasts of case 1 and in the lymphocytes of his son indicates that acrocentric short arm exchanges depend both on the type of tissue and on the genetic content of all the other acrocentrics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fabrication and characterization of self-folding thermoplastic sheets using unbalanced thermal shrinkage.
Self-folding or micro-origami technologies are actively investigated as a novel manufacturing process to fabricate three-dimensional macro/micro-structures. In this paper, we present a simple process to produce a self-folding structure with a biaxially oriented polystyrene sheet (BOPS) or Shrinky Dinks. A BOPS sheet is known to shrink to one-third of its original size in plane, when it is heated above 160 °C. A grid pattern is engraved on one side of the BOPS film with a laser engraver to decrease the thermal shrinkage of the engraved side. The thermal shrinkage of the non-engraved side remains the same and this unbalanced thermal shrinkage causes folding of the structure as the structure shrinks at high temperature. We investigated the self-folding mechanism and characterized how the grid geometry, the grid size, and the power of the laser engraver affect the bending curvature. The developed fabrication process to locally modulate thermomechanical properties of the material by engraving the grid pattern and the demonstrated design methodology to harness the unbalanced thermal shrinkage can be applied to develop complicated self-folding macro/micro structures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Biometric verification with correlation filters.
Using biometrics for subject verification can significantly improve security over that of approaches based on passwords and personal identification numbers, both of which people tend to lose or forget. In biometric verification the system tries to match an input biometric (such as a fingerprint, face image, or iris image) to a stored biometric template. Thus correlation filter techniques are attractive candidates for the matching precision needed in biometric verification. In particular, advanced correlation filters, such as synthetic discriminant function filters, can offer very good matching performance in the presence of variability in these biometric images (e.g., facial expressions, illumination changes, etc.). We investigate the performance of advanced correlation filters for face, fingerprint, and iris biometric verification. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Magnetic properties of polydisperse ferrofluids: a critical comparison between experiment, theory, and computer simulation.
Experimental magnetization curves for a polydisperse ferrofluid at various concentrations are examined using analytical theories and computer simulations with the aim of establishing a robust method for obtaining the magnetic-core diameter distribution function p(x). Theoretical expressions are fitted to the experimental data to yield the parameters of p(x). It is shown that the majority of available theories yield results that depend strongly on the ferrofluid concentration, even though the magnetic composition should be fixed. The sole exception is the second-order modified mean-field (MMF2) theory of Ivanov and Kuznetsova [Phys. Rev. E 64, 041405 (2001)] which yields consistent results over the full experimental range of ferrofluid concentration. To check for consistency, extensive molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations are performed on systems with discretized versions of p(x) corresponding as closely as possible to that of the real ferrofluid. Essentially perfect agreement between experiment, theory, and computer simulation is demonstrated. In addition, the MMF2 theory provides excellent predictions for the initial susceptibility measured in simulations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Quantitative measurement of cyclin D1 mRNA, a potent diagnostic tool to separate mantle cell lymphoma from other B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders.
Cyclin D1 overexpression as a result of t(11;14) is a specific marker for diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and plays an important role in MCL pathogenesis. To set a highly reliable cutoff value that discriminates MCL from other B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, we performed a retrospective study of cyclin D1 expression. We established cyclin D1 expression level in 116 frozen and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary tumors from patients diagnosed with a variety of B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. We used real time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction to quantify levels of cyclin D1 mRNA. The range of cyclin D1 expression in MCLs exceeded the range found in other lymphomas and reactive lymph nodes by a considerable margin. Cyclin D1 overexpression was found in 60/61 MCLs and in none of the other lymphomas, except for 12/19 mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphomas from the lungs and stomach, which also revealed cyclin D1 overexpression. As epithelial tissues are known to express cyclin D1, an admixture of non-neoplastic epithelial cells present in the extranodal specimens probably influenced the quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction result. Quantitative cyclin D1 monitoring provides a diagnostic test and an approach for studying MCL pathogenesis and may be of clinical importance. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cadaveric Evaluation of Dorsal Intermetatarsal Approach for Plantar Plate and Lateral Collateral Ligament Repair of the Lesser Metatarsophalangeal Joints.
Access to the plantar plate has been described using either a plantar approach or an extensive dorsal approach that required complete joint destabilization and often a metatarsal osteotomy. Clinical scenarios related to plantar plate tear vary and the pathologies in early stages are frequently limited to unilateral soft tissue structures; a less invasive operative approach may be possible. A novel approach requiring a release of only the lateral collateral ligament and the lateral half of the plantar plate is presented in this cadaver model; the extent of joint exposure possible is described. The ability to place a secure suture through the lateral collateral ligament and the plantar plate was analyzed. Nine fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were dissected in a randomized fashion across the second to fourth metatarsophalangeal joints through the intermetatarsal space dorsally. Under distraction, soft tissue was sequentially released, including dorsal capsule, lateral collateral ligament, and the lateral half of the plantar plate. Integrity of the extensor tendons, deep transverse intermetatarsal ligament, proximal attachment of the plantar plate, and osseous structures was carefully preserved. The joint exposure was quantified after each step with sizing rods. Using a suture passer, 2-0 nonabsorbable braided sutures were passed into the lateral collateral ligament and the plantar plate, and the construct strength was measured using a tensiometer. Progressive increase in mean joint exposure was noted after each step of soft tissue release with the final exposure of 6 mm after release of the lateral half of the plantar plate. Joint exposures after a capsulotomy and a lateral collateral release were 3 mm and 4 mm, respectively. Under distraction, the unilateral release of soft tissue created a lateral opening of the joint while the proximal phalangeal base adducted and medially deviated. Successful suture passage was noted in all specimens that could sustain a minimum tension of 25 N without a catastrophic failure. There was no statistically significant correlation with age, sex, foot length, and rays of the specimens when joint exposure was considered. The dorsal intermetatarsal approach appeared to be feasible for access to the lateral collateral ligament and the lateral half of the plantar plate. The average joint exposure of 6 mm allowed a quality suture passage by a suture passer in both structures in all specimens without the need of a metatarsal osteotomy. This operative approach may be appropriate for early stages plantar plate tear when only lateral soft tissue repair is needed. This technique should not preclude conversion to a more extensile operative approach or an additional metatarsal osteotomy if needed. Applicability of this operative approach in cases with more advanced pathologies or involving only medial soft tissue structures requires further studies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Growth hormone induced stimulation of the T4 to T3 conversion in fed and fasting dwarf goats.
Fed and food deprived (7 days) adult dwarf goats were injected intravenously with 75 micrograms/kg b. w. of ovine growth hormone (o-GH). Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein -2, -1 and 0 hr prior to and 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after injection and assayed for thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations. The 5'-monodeiodination (5'-D) activity was consequently determined in liver and kidney samples following slaughtering. Fasting alone increased plasma concentrations of T3 and T4, whereas injection of o-GH raised T3 additionally and more profoundly in food deprived animals compared to fed ones. A small increase in plasma T4 was also observed following o-GH injection, but only in starved goats. At the same time the hepatic, but not the kidney, 5'-D activity was stimulated in food deprived and GH injected animals. It is concluded that during prolonged fasting an increased peripheral T4 to T3 conversion is occurring contrary to the known decrease in T3 production during short periods of food deprivation. This increased conversion may be under the control of GH. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An open-ended waveguide system for SAR system validation or probe calibration for frequencies above 3 GHz.
Compliance with safety guidelines prescribed in terms of maximum electromagnetic power absorption (specific absorption rate or SAR) for any 1- or 10-g of tissue is required for all newly introduced personal wireless devices such as wireless PCs. The prescribed SAR measuring system is a planar phantom with a relatively thin base of thickness 2.0 mm filled with a lossy fluid to simulate dielectric properties of the tissues. A well-characterized, broadband irradiator is required for SAR system validation or submerged E-field probe calibration for the Wi-Fi frequencies in the 5-6 GHz band. We describe an open-ended waveguide system that may be used for this purpose. Using a fourth-order polynomial least-squares fit to the experimental data gives SAR variations close to the bottom surface of the phantom that are in excellent agreement with those obtained using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) numerical method. The experimentally determined peak 1- and 10-g SARs are within 1 to 2% of those obtained using the FDTD both at 5.25 and 5.8 GHz. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Steady and transient fluid shear stress stimulate NO release in osteoblasts through distinct biochemical pathways.
Fluid flow has been shown to be a potent stimulus in osteoblasts and osteocytes and may therefore play an important role in load-induced bone remodeling. The objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics of flow-activated pathways. Previously we reported that fluid flow stimulates rapid and continuous release of nitric oxide (NO) in primary rat calvarial osteoblasts. Here we demonstrate that flow-induced NO release is mediated by shear stress and that this response is distinctly biphasic. Transients in shear stress associated with the onset of flow stimulated a burst in NO production (8.2 nmol/mg of protein/h), while steady flow stimulated sustained NO production (2.2 nmol/mg of protein/h). Both G-protein inhibition and calcium chelation abolished the burst phase but had no effect on sustained production. Activation of G-proteins stimulated dose-dependent NO release in static cultures of both calvarial osteoblasts and UMR-106 osteoblast-like cells. Pertussis toxin had no effect on NO release. Calcium ionophore stimulated low levels of NO production within 15 minutes but had no effect on sustained production. Taken together, these data suggest that fluid shear stress stimulates NO release by two distinct pathways: a G-protein and calcium-dependent phase sensitive to flow transients, and a G-protein and calcium-independent pathway stimulated by sustained flow. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Are people who claim compensation "cured by a verdict"? A longitudinal study of health outcomes after whiplash.
This study examines whether the lure of injury compensation prompts whiplash claimants to overstate their symptoms. Claim settlement is the intervention of interest, as it represents the point at which there is no further incentive to exaggerate symptoms, and neck pain at 24 months is the outcome of interest. Longitudinal data on neck pain scores and timing of claim settlement were regressed, controlling for the effect of time on recovery, to compare outcomes in claimants who had and had not settled their compensation claims. The results show clearly that removing the financial incentive to over-report symptoms has no effect on self-reported neck pain in a fault-based compensation scheme, and this finding concurs with other studies on this topic. Policy decisions to limit compensation in the belief that claimants systematically misrepresent their health status are not supported empirically Claimants do not appear to be "cured by a verdict". | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Protective effect of Acacia ferruginea against ulcerative colitis via modulating inflammatory mediators, cytokine profile and NF-κB signal transduction pathways.
In the present study, we evaluated the protective effect of A. ferruginea extract against ulcerative colitis (UC). Male Wistar rats received A. ferruginea extract (10 mg/kg body weight) or sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg body weight) for 5 consecutive days before inducing UC via intrarectal acetic acid (3%) administration. Colonic mucosal injury was assessed by macroscopic scoring, vascular permeability testing, and histopathological examination. The mucosal contents of glutathione, lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, and nitric oxide were evaluated as parameters for the redox state. Inflammatory response was determined by measuring inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclo-oxygenase (COX-2) expression. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), lactate dehydrogenase assay (LDH), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6) were measured using ELISA. Transcription factor profiling of nuclear factor (NF)-κB subunits (p65/p50) was also conducted using ELISA. All of the relevant parameters were altered in rats with UC, and these parameters improved in animals that received A. ferruginea extract. Colonic mucosal injury parallels antioxidant and anti-inflammatory evaluations, and A. ferruginea extract was considered comparable to the standard treatment drug sulfasalazine. Histopathological studies confirmed these findings. A. ferruginea extract inhibited the activation and translocation of transcription factors, that is, NF-κB subunits (p65/p50). The results of our investigation clearly indicate that treatment with A. ferruginea extract exerted a marked protective effect against experimental UC via modulation of oxidant/anti-oxidant balance and inhibition of inflammatory mediators. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Wave emission from heterogeneities opens a way to controlling chaos in the heart.
The effectiveness of chaos control in large systems increases with the number of control sites. We find that electric field induced wave emission from heterogeneities (WEH) in the heart gives a unique opportunity to have as many control sites as needed. The number of pacing sites grows with the amplitude of the electric field. We demonstrate that WEH has important advantages over methods used in clinics, and opens a new way to manipulate vortices in experiments, and potentially to radically improve the clinical methods of chaos control in the heart. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A fluorimetric enzyme assay for the diagnosis of MPS II (Hunter disease).
4-Methylumbelliferyl-alpha-iduronate 2-sulphate was synthesized and shown to be a specific substrate for the lysosomal iduronate-2-sulphate sulphatase (IDS). Fibroblasts (n = 17), leukocytes (n = 3) and plasmas (n = 9) from different MPS II patients showed < 5% of mean normal IDS activity. The enzymatic liberation of the fluorochrome from 4-methylumbelliferyl-alpha-iduronate 2-sulphate requires the sequential action of IDS and alpha-iduronidase. A normal level of alpha-iduronidase activity was insufficient to complete the hydrolysis of the reaction intermediate 4-methylumbelliferyl-alpha-iduronide formed by IDS. A second incubation step in the presence of excess purified alpha-iduronidase is needed to avoid underestimation of the IDS activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A half-century of nonclassical organometallic chemistry: a personal perspective.
A review of some developments in transition metal (nonclassical) organometallic chemistry is presented, with emphasis on areas to which the author himself has made major and/or seminal contributions: especially fluxional organometallics, fluxional metal carbonyls, and the discovery and full explanation of agostic hydrogen atoms. An effort has been made to present these topics from the perspective of today rather than in strictly chronological order, with a sufficient number of specific examples to be concrete, but by no means encyclopedic. Particular topics covered are "ring whizzers", concerted shifts of two or more CO ligands, twirling M(CO)(3) groups, and merry-go-rounds. In addition, the following topics are discussed: the unfinished business of mu(2),eta(2),eta(2)-ethene complexes and arene complexes of the lanthanides and actinides. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In vitro study of transgenic tobacco expressing Arabidopsis wild type and mutant acetohydroxyacid synthase genes.
Genes coding for the enzyme acetohydroxyacid synthase, often referred to as acetolactate synthase (AHAS, ALS; EC 4.1.3.18), from wild type Arabidopsis thaliana and a sulfonylurea-resistant mutant line GH50 (csrl-1; Haughn et al. 1988) were introduced in Nicotiana tabacum. Both genes were expressed at high levels with the 35S promoter. The csrl-1 gene conferred high levels of resistance to chlorsulfuron whereas the wild type gene did not. As selectable markers, chimaeric AHAS genes yielded transgenic plants on chlorsulfuron but at much lower efficiencies than with a chimaeric neomycin phosphotransferase gene on kanamycin (Sanders et al. 1987). Shoot differentiation from leaf discs was delayed on chlorsulfuron by 4-6 weeks. This study indicated a role for mutant AHAS genes in the genetic manipulation of herbicide resistance in transgenic plants but as selectable markers for plant cells undergoing differentiation no advantage over other genes was perceived. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Algorithm for extracorporal blood glucose regulation (author's transl)].
A control mechanism is described, based on a simple proportional/differential regulation. The calculation takes one minute and it takes into account glucose degradation, insulin half life in vivo, and the delay between blood sampling and insulin action on the blood glucose value. This is repeated continuously every minute (short time mode) or every 5 minutes or more (long time mode), depending on the rate of change of the blood glucose. Operator decision is based on digitally converted tables, which are analogous to the graph of proportional control, and on glucose equivalent tables, which give the insulin effect on glucose as a function of time. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Relationships between work-related factors and disorders in the neck-shoulder and low-back region among female and male ambulance personnel.
This cross-sectional study on a random sample of 1,500 ambulance personnel investigated the relationships between self-reported work-related physical and psychosocial factors, worry about work conditions, and musculoskeletal disorders among female and male ambulance personnel. Three different outcomes, complaints, activity limitation, and sick leave, for the neck-shoulder and low-back region, respectively, were chosen. Among the female personnel, physical demands was significantly associated with activity limitation in the neck-shoulder (OR 4.13) and low-back region (OR 2.17), and psychological demands with neck-shoulder (OR 2.37) and low-back (OR 2.28) complaints. Among the male personnel, physical demands was significantly associated with low-back complaints (OR 1.41) and activity limitation (OR 1.62). Psychological demands and lack of social support were significantly associated with neck-shoulder complaints (OR 1.86 and OR 1.58, respectively) and activity limitation (OR 3.46 and OR 1.71) as well as activity limitation due to low-back complaints (OR 2.22 and OR 1.63). Worry about work conditions was independently associated with activity limitation due to low-back complaints among the female (OR 5.28), and to both neck-shoulder and low-back complaints (OR 1.79 and OR 2.04, respectively) and activity limitation (OR 2.32 and OR 1.95) among the male personnel. In conclusion, the association patterns between physical and psychological demands and MSDs suggest opportunities for intervention. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Subinsular vascular lesions: an analysis of 119 consecutive autopsied brains.
The insula of Reil constitutes a functionally intriguing complex of the brain related to multifunctional activities. We examined the subinsular region in 119 consecutively autopsied patients, as T2 hyperintense lesions are frequently observed in magnetic resonance diagnosis of this region. The patients were admitted in neurology wards and were diagnosed as having cerebrovascular disease in 55 patients (46%), other neurological diseases in 57 patients (48%) and non-neurological diseases in seven patients (6%). Demyelination of the white matter was semi-quantified as a fiber density score (percent stained area/total area) with computer-assisted image analysis on Klüver-Barrera-stained sections. Astrogliosis was assessed by immunohistochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein. The lesion analysis showed a dilated perivascular space in 29 patients (24%), demyelination (fiber density score less than the mean - 1 SD) in 27 patients (23%), slit-shaped lesion in six patients (5%), lacunar infarction in one patient (1%) and cerebral hemorrhage in one patient (1%). A histologic-radiologic comparison in two patients with subcortical ischemic vascular dementia showed correspondence between subinsular hyperintensities, and demyelination, gliosis and a dilated perivascular space. These results indicate that subinsular lesions rarely signifies focal vascular lesions, and are consisted of demyelination, gliosis and a dilated perivascular space. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transmembrane gradient driven phase transitions within vesicles: lessons for drug delivery.
Phase transitions in closed vesicles, i.e., microenvironments defined by the size of the vesicle, its contents, and permeability of its membrane are becoming increasingly important in several scientific disciplines including catalysis, growth of small crystals, cell function studies, and drug delivery. The membrane composed from lipid bilayer is in general impermeable to ions and larger hydrophilic ions. Ion transport can be regulated by ionophores while permeation of neutral and weakly hydrophobic molecules can be controlled by concentration gradients. Some weak acids or bases, however, can be transported through the membrane due to various gradients, such as electrical, ionic (pH) or specific salt (chemical potential) gradients. Upon permeation of appropriate species and reaction with the encapsulated species precipitation may occur in the vesicle interior. Alternatively, these molecules can also associate with the leaflets of the bilayer according to the transmembrane potential. Efficient liposomal therapeutics require high drug to lipid ratios and drug molecules should have, especially when associated with long circulating liposomes, low leakage rates. In this article we present very efficient encapsulation of two drugs via their intraliposomal precipitation, characterize the state of encapsulated drug within the liposome and try to fit the experimental data with a recently developed theoretical model. Nice agreement between a model which is based on chemical potential equilibration of membrane permeable species with experimental data was observed. The high loading efficiencies, however are only necessary but not sufficient condition for effective therapies. If adequate drug retention within liposomes, especially in the case of long-circulating ones, is not achieved, the therapeutic index decreases substantially. Anticancer drug doxorubicin precipitates in the liposome interior in a form of gel with low solubility product and practically does not leak out in blood circulation in the scale of days. With an antibiotic, ciprofloxacin, the high loading efficacy and test tube stability is not reproduced in in vitro plasma leakage assays and in vivo. We believe that the reasons are higher solubility product of precipitated drug in the liposome, larger fraction of neutral molecules due closer pK values of the drug with the pH conditions in the solutions and high membrane permeability of this molecule. High resolution cryoEM shows that encapsulated anticancer agent doxorubicin is precipitated in the form of bundles of parallel fibers while antibiotic ciprofloxacin shows globular precipitate. Doxorubicin gelatin also causes the change of vesicle shape. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Botulinum toxin for the treatment of sialorrhea: a meta-analysis.
Botulinum toxin has emerged as an effective approach for the management of sialorrhea. This study presents a critical literature review and meta-analysis to determine the impact of botulinum toxin on drooling severity in patients with sialorrhea. Ovid MEDLINE and the Cochrane databases. The above sources were searched to identify studies examining botulinum toxin for the treatment of sialorrhea. Included studies were randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Excluded studies failed to report quantifiable outcome measures of drooling severity at 4 weeks postintervention. Eight studies involving 181 patients (83 placebo; 98 active) were included in the analysis. Botulinum toxin was found to significantly decrease the severity of drooling in patients with sialorrhea (standardized mean difference [SMD], -1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.05 to -1.04; P = .06; I (2) = 48%) when compared with placebo control using random effects models. The effect was significant in both adult (SMD, -1.29; 95% CI, -1.88 to -0.71) and pediatric (SMD, -1.84; 95% CI, -2.67 to -1.00) populations. Both botulinum toxin A (SMD, -1.53; 95% CI, -2.27 to -0.79) and B (SMD, -1.56; 95% CI, -2.32 to -0.79) produced similar effects. Botulinum toxin doses greater than 50 U (SMD, -3.81; 95% CI, -6.19 to -1.43) produced much stronger effects compared with doses less than or equal to 50 U (SMD, -1.32; 95% CI, -2.28 to -0.36). Botulinum toxin is a clinically effective therapy that improves drooling severity in patients with sialorrhea. Future studies will need to further evaluate the technique and examine dosages required to achieve optimal outcomes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Phospholipase A(2) modification of low density lipoproteins forms small high density particles with increased affinity for proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans.
The presence of a lipoprotein profile with abundance of small, dense low density lipoproteins (LDL), low levels of high density lipoproteins (HDL), and elevated levels of triglyceride-rich very low density lipoproteins is associated with an increased risk for coronary heart disease. The atherogenicity of small, dense LDL is believed to be one of the main reasons for this association. This particle contains less phospholipids (PL) and unesterified cholesterol than large LDL, and the apoB-100 appears to occupy a more extensive area at its surface. Although there are experiments that suggest a metabolic pathway leading to the overproduction of small, dense LDL, no clear molecular model exists to explain its association with atherogenesis. A current hypothesis is that small, dense LDL, because of its higher affinity for proteoglycans, is entrapped in the intima extracellular matrix and is more susceptible to oxidative modifications than large LDL. Here we describe how a specific reduction of approximately 50% of the PL of a normal buoyant LDL by immobilized phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) (EC 3.1.1.4) produces smaller and denser particles without inducing significant lipoprotein aggregation (<5%). These smaller LDL particles display a higher tendency to form nonsoluble complexes with proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans than the parent LDL. Binding parameters of LDL and glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans produced by human arterial smooth muscle cells were measured at near to physiological conditions. The PLA(2)-modified LDL has about 2 times higher affinity for the sulfated polysaccharides than control LDL. In addition, incubation of human plasma in the presence of PLA(2) generated smaller LDL and HDL particles compared with the control plasma incubated without PLA(2). These in vitro results indicate that the reduction of surface PL characteristic of small, dense LDL subfractions, besides contributing to its small size and density, may enhance its tendency to be retained by proteoglycans. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Maintenance of meiotic prophase arrest in vertebrate oocytes by a Gs protein-mediated pathway.
Maintenance of meiotic prophase arrest in fully grown vertebrate oocytes depends on an elevated level of cAMP in the oocyte. To investigate how the cAMP level is regulated, we examined whether the activity of an oocyte G protein of the family that stimulates adenylyl cyclase, Gs, is required to maintain meiotic arrest. Microinjection of a dominant negative form of Gs into Xenopus and mouse oocytes, or microinjection of an antibody that inhibits the Gs G protein into zebrafish oocytes, caused meiosis to resume. Together with previous studies, these results support the conclusion that Gs-regulated generation of cAMP by the oocyte is a common mechanism for maintaining meiotic prophase arrest in vertebrate oocytes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Phosphorylation of ligand-gated ion channels: a possible mode of synaptic plasticity.
Most neurotransmitter receptors examined to date have been shown either to be regulated by protein phosphorylation or to contain consensus sequences for phosphorylation by protein kinases. Neurotransmitter receptors that mediate rapid synaptic transmission in the nervous system are the ligand-gated ion channels and include the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of muscle and nerve and the excitatory and inhibitory amino acid receptors: the glutamate, GABAA, and glycine receptors. These receptors are multimeric proteins composed of homologous subunits which each span the membrane several times and contain a large intracellular loop that is a mosaic of consensus sites for protein phosphorylation. Recent evidence has suggested that extracellular signals released from the presynaptic neuron, such as neurotransmitters and neuropeptides as well as an extracellular matrix protein, regulate the phosphorylation of ligand-gated ion channels. The functional effects of phosphorylation are varied and include the regulation of receptor desensitization rate, subunit assembly, and receptor aggregation at the synapse. These results suggest that phosphorylation of neurotransmitter receptors represents a major mechanism in the regulation of their function and may play an important role in synaptic plasticity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Phase-encoded binary filters for optical pattern recognition.
We have previously reported a technique for suppressing one of the two first-order diffracted beams from binary phase-only gratings written onto spatial light modulators by writing the cosine and sine filters onto separate halves of a spatial light modulator. We report the use of this phase-encoding technique for constructing binary approximations to continuous phase-only filters for use in optical correlators. Computer simulations of these filters are given. These results show that our new filters do not recognize inverted occurrences of the input object in contrast to binary phase-only filters made using previous techniques. In addition, these filters yield a greatly improved SNR over earlier types of filters. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Diagnosis and treatment of fat embolism.
Fat emboli syndrome is one of the major causes of early posttraumatic respiratory distress. Careful attention to the multiple factors associated with the early resuscitative period can minimize this lethal complication of multisystem injury. The use of high-dose steroids and appropriate ventilatory support will decrease the high mortality rate associated with this disease syndrome once it has developed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Prevention of medico-legal conflicts in medical practice].
Generally, medico-legal conflicts which occur in surgical and medical practice are a source of worry for both the medical profession and the society as a whole, because on one hand, they could cause high emotional stress for doctors, and on the other hand, patients could be rejected. Once consolidated, defensive medicine increases treatment costs and the doctor-patient relationship could transform into a tragedy. There are many causes for this, including non-treatment factors, such as an unsupported and disorganized health system, lack of participation from society and the doctor in improving this system, the training machine which launches a large number of young unprepared doctors to practice in this noble profession, along with a lack of continuing training, as there are few public or private institutions providing preparation, or further medical training. The related treatment factors are generally, a deficient doctor-patient relationship, poor work condition, power abuse by the doctor, a lack of clear agreement, and poor medical record keeping. These conflicts cannot be solved by simple creating legislation, or by denying the existence of medical error, which occurs at higher frequency than the actual conflicts. It is very important to improve the doctor-patient relationship because an effective fraternal relationship reduces the chance of a judicial demand. The doctor still needs to fully understand his/her conduct obligations and mainly to avoid power abuse. Doctors must also professionally link themselves with politicians who fight for the individual's rights against the system. Society must also understand that health is not just an issue exclusive for doctors, and people must fight to improve living conditions. Society must seriously show its frustration with the increasing disparity between scientific possibilities and actual wellbeing. The training machine needs immediate profound changes to produce professionals with the highest qualifications equipped for the needs of our population. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Identification and characterization of the toll-like receptor 8 gene in the Chinese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides).
TLR8 is an important sensor of single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) from the viral genome and plays an essential role in innate antiviral responses via the recognition of conserved viral molecular patterns. In this report, TLR8 in the Chinese raccoon dog was characterized and analyzed for the first time. The full-length sequence of raccoon dog TLR8 (RdTLR8) cDNA was cloned by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) and is 3191bp with a 3117-bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding 1038 amino acids. The putative protein exhibits typical features of the TLR families, with 19 leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) in the extracellular domain and a cytoplasmic TIR domain. Comparative analyses of the RdTLR8 amino acid sequence indicated a 73.6-99.4% sequence identity with dog, horse, pig, sheep, cattle, human and mouse TLR8. Phylogenetic analysis grouped 71 mammalian TLR proteins into five sub-families, wherein RdTLR8 was clustered into a monophyletic TLR8 clade in the TLR9 family, which was completely coincident with the evolutionary relationship among mammals. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed extensive expression of RdTLR8 in tissues from healthy Chinese raccoon dogs with the highest expression in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the lowest expression in the skeletal muscle. HEK293 cells cotransfected with a RdTLR8 expression plasmid and an NF-κB-luciferase reporter plasmid significantly responded to the agonist 3M-002, indicating a functional TLR8 homolog. In addition, raccoon dog PBMCs exposed to the canine distemper virus (CDV) wild strain CDV-PS and the TLR8 agonist 3M-002 showed significant upregulation of RdTLR8 mRNA and proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFN-α, suggesting that RdTLR8 might play an important role in the immune response to viral infections in the Chinese raccoon dog. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Novel genes required for meiotic chromosome segregation are identified by a high-throughput knockout screen in fission yeast.
Two rounds of chromosome segregation after only a single round of DNA replication enable the production of haploid gametes from diploid precursors during meiosis. To identify genes involved in meiotic chromosome segregation, we developed an efficient strategy to knock out genes in the fission yeast on a large scale. We used this technique to delete 180 functionally uncharacterized genes whose expression is upregulated during meiosis. Deletion of two genes, sgo1 and mde2, caused massive chromosome missegregation. sgo1 is required for retention of centromeric sister-chromatid cohesion after anaphase I. We show here that mde2 is required for formation of the double-strand breaks necessary for meiotic recombination. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The EGF receptor binding of recombinant heregulinbeta1/EGF hybrids is blocked by heregulin residue glutamate 195.
Defined sequences from the EGF-like domain of human heregulin-beta1 (HRGbeta1) were recombined with a synthetic gene for human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) in an attempt to locate receptor-specific determinants within the HRGbeta1 molecule that blocks its inappropriate association with the EGF receptor (EGFR). Receptor competition assays detected only minor changes in relative EGFR affinity for those hybrids containing up to 12 N-terminal HRGbeta1 residues. However, extending the N-terminal substitution to include 20 HRGbeta1 residues resulted in a 100-fold drop in relative EGFR binding. Both interruption of the major beta-sheet structure of hEGF by insertion of a three amino acid loop present in HRGbeta1 and replacement of nearly the entire C-terminal hEGF subdomain with segments of HRGbeta1 sequence resulted in a 5-fold decreased EGFR affinity. The results presented here demonstrate that while a substantial portion of the hEGF and HRGbeta1 protein sequences were nearly interchangeable with regard to EGFR binding, the introduction of HRGbeta1 residue Glu195 effected a major decrease in EGFR binding. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Isolated fallopian tube torsion with hydrosalpinx: Review of a debated management in a pediatric population.
To quantify our experience with and assess the literature on diagnosis and management of isolated fallopian tube torsion (IFTT) with hydrosalpinx (HSX) in children. A PubMed search was performed on pediatric cases of IFTT with HSX to provide a comprehensive review analyzing details and management of this association, focusing on the problem of fertility preservation. In addition to our 3 cases, 17 patients of pediatric IFTT associated with HSX were identified, for a total of 21 cases (median age 12.2 years). Menarchal status was present in 10/13 (76.9%); blood tests were reported in 9/20 (42%) showing leucocytosis in 7/9 (75%). Ultrasonography was performed in all cases except one. Laparoscopy was the surgical approach in 84.6% of the reported cases. The torsion was to the right in 36.8%, and to the left in 63.2% of the cases. In one case the torsion was bilateral and asynchronous. Performed procedures were salpingectomy (52.4%) and partial salpingectomy (14.3%); conservative management was reported in 33.3% of the cases. The literature describes different management techniques. Salpingectomy is the most frequently performed procedure but recently conservative management seems to be increasingly applied. A long-term study is necessary to define the most effective treatment for the preservation of future fertility in pediatric patients. Treatment study (Retrospective Study): LEVEL IV. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Atrial development in the human heart: an immunohistochemical study with emphasis on the role of mesenchymal tissues.
The development of the atrial chambers in the human heart was investigated immunohistochemically using a set of previously described antibodies. This set included the monoclonal antibody 249-9G9, which enabled us to discriminate the endocardial cushion-derived mesenchymal tissues from those derived from extracardiac splanchnic mesoderm, and a monoclonal antibody recognizing the B isoform of creatine kinase, which allowed us to distinguish the right atrial myocardium from the left. The expression patterns obtained with these antibodies, combined with additional histological information derived from the serial sections, permitted us to describe in detail the morphogenetic events involved in the development of the primary atrial septum (septum primum) and the pulmonary vein in human embryos from Carnegie stage 14 onward. The level of expression of creatine kinase B (CK-B) was found to be consistently higher in the left atrial myocardium than in the right, with a sharp boundary between high and low expression located between the primary septum and the left venous valve indicating that the primary septum is part of the left atrial gene-expression domain. This expression pattern of CK-B is reminiscent of that of the homeobox gene Pitx2, which has recently been shown to be important for atrial septation in the mouse. This study also demonstrates a poorly appreciated role of the dorsal mesocardium in cardiac development. From the earliest stage investigated onward, the mesenchyme of the dorsal mesocardium protrudes into the dorsal wall of the primary atrial segment. This dorsal mesenchymal protrusion is continuous with a mesenchymal cap on the leading edge of the primary atrial septum. Neither the mesenchymal tissues of the dorsal protrusion nor the mesenchymal cap on the edge of the primary septum expressed the endocardial tissue antigen recognized by 249-9G9 at any of the stages investigated. The developing pulmonary vein uses the dorsal mesocardium as a conduit to reach the primary atrial segment. Initially, the pulmonary pit, which will becomes the portal of entry for the pulmonary vein, is located along the midline, flanked by two myocardial ridges. As development progresses, tissue remodeling results in the incorporation of the portal of entry of the pulmonary vein in left atrial myocardium, which is recognized because of its high level of creatine. Closure of the primary atrial foramen by the primary atrial septum occurs as a consequence of the fusion of these mesenchymal structures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Temporal patterns of vasopressin release following electrical stimulation of the amygdala and the neuroendocrine pathway in the monkey.
To evaluate a possible role of the amygdala (Amyg) in the neural control of arginine vasopressin (AVP) release, adult female monkeys (Macaca mulatta) with electrodes chronically implanted in the Amyg, hypothalamus and pituitary gland were given 5% dextrose and water infusions and were stimulated electrically at these sites. Immediately before and after, and at 5, 10, 15 and 30 min intervals following electrical stimulation, blood samples were withdrawn from unanesthetized monkeys, through implanted cardiac cannulae, for radioimmunoassay (RIA) of plasma AVP and for plasma osmolality determination. In the Amyg-stimulated monkeys, plasma AVP rose rapidly to peak values at the end of stimulation followed by an abrupt post-stimulation fall to control levels in 30 min. A small yet significant rise in plasma osmolality was also observed. Electrical stimulation of the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland yielded a temporal pattern of plasma AVP rise and fall identical to that seen following Amyg stimulation. Blood sampling, precisely timed to the onset and end of the stimulus train, was important in capturing the rise and fall in plasma AVP. Stimulus intensity determined the magnitude of plasma AVP elevation at each of these sites, with the highest current densities yielding the highest levels of plasma AVP. It is suggested that the Amyg may be involved in the neural triggering of AVP release from the neurohypophysis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Penetration of ceftazidime into the normal rabbit and human eye.
The penetration of ceftazidime into the aqueous humour and the vitreous body of the rabbit eye, after intravenous (i.v.) bolus or subconjunctival injection, was investigated. A dose of 50 mg/kg body weight was administered. After i.v. administration the mean penetration into the aqueous humour was 13% of the plasma values. After subconjunctival injection into the left eye, mean levels of 14% and 25% of the plasma concentrations were found in the right and left eye, respectively. The concentrations in the vitreous body were in all cases below the ceftazidime detection limit (1 mg/l), i.e. less than 1% of the plasma levels. The mean penetration of ceftazidime into human aqueous humour (measured during cataract extraction) was 19% after 2 g i.v. bolus injection. Ceftazidime levels sufficient to inhibit the growth of most pathogens commonly responsible for intraocular infections, including Pseudomonas spp., were consistently found in the aqueous humour. However, inadequate concentrations were achieved in the vitreous body. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Maternally derived FILIA-MATER complex localizes asymmetrically in cleavage-stage mouse embryos.
Initial cell lineages that presage the inner cell mass and extra-embryonic trophectoderm are established when eight blastomeres compact to form polarized morulae in preimplantation mouse development. FILIA has been identified as a binding partner to MATER (maternal antigen that embryos require; also known as NLRP5), which is encoded by a maternal effect gene. Products of each gene are detected in growing oocytes and, although transcripts are degraded before fertilization, the cognate proteins persist in early blastocysts. The two proteins co-localize to the cytocortex of ovulated eggs, where the stability of FILIA is dependent on the presence of MATER. After fertilization, FILIA-MATER complexes become asymmetrically restricted in the apical cytocortex of two-cell embryos due to their absence in regions of cell-cell contact. This asymmetry is reversible upon disaggregation of blastomeres of the two- and four-cell embryo. Each protein persists in cells of the preimplantation embryo, but the continuous cell-cell contact of ;inner' cells of the morulae seemingly precludes formation of the subcortical FILIA-MATER complex and results in cell populations that are marked by its presence (;outer') or absence (;inner'). Thus, the FILIA-MATER complex provides a molecular marker of embryonic cell lineages, but it remains to be determined if the molecular asymmetry established after the first cell division plays a role in cell fate determinations in the early mouse embryo. If so, the plasticity of the FILIA-MATER complex localization may reflect the regulative nature of preimplantation mouse development. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hemodynamic consequences of axillo-axillary bypass.
The combination of the right carotid bifurcation stenosis and the left subclavian steal provides an intraoperative hemodynamic study demonstrating that the placement of an axillo-axillary bypass graft to correct the subclavian steal improves the intracranial perfusion despite the donor side carotid stenosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Osmometry. 1. Terminology and principles of measurement.
The measurement of the osmolality of body fluids is used increasingly in clinical practice. This paper discusses the terminology and describes the methods available for its measurement. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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