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Anisotropy of water diffusion in corona radiata and cerebral peduncle in patients with hemiparesis.
Diffusion tensor imaging is a magnetic resonance method which provides quantitative measurements of the directionality (anisotropy) of diffusion. Anisotropy measurements can be used to obtain quantitative information about the microstructural integrity of white matter tracts. In intact tracts diffusion is restricted and directional because water molecules move predominantly longitudinally to tracts. The aim of this study was to measure the anisotropy of diffusion in patients with chronic hemiparesis. We measured in the corona radiata and the cerebral peduncle in 10 patients with a chronic hemiparesis and supratentorial lesions and 10 control subjects in regions of interest. In all patients anisotropy was reduced in the coronal radiata contralateral to the hemiparesis by more than 3 SD compared to control subjects. In three patients, each of which had a severe hemiparesis, anisotropy in the cerebral peduncle was reduced by more than 3 SD compared to normal control subjects. Our findings suggest that reduced anisotropy is associated with chronic hemiparesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Traditional birth attendants in developing countries cannot be expected to carry out HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment activities.
Pregnancy and birth, fertility and fertility regulation are all greatly affected by the exigencies of HIV and AIDS, and vice versa. Women and infants can only benefit if the respective policymakers, researchers and service providers in sexual and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS, particularly those involved in prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, gain greater knowledge of each others' expertise and seek to integrate the best of both into the care they each offer. The growth in access to antiretroviral treatment for mothers as well as infants, including during pregnancy and the breastfeeding period, makes such efforts even more timely and crucial. Yet there are worrying signs that specialists in both camps are making inappropriate policy and service delivery recommendations based on too little knowledge of each others' patches. As an example of this problem, this article discusses and rejects a recommendation in a recent BMJ article that traditional birth attendants could be trained to carry out HIV prevention and possibly provide HIV tests and drugs for prevention of HIV transmission during home deliveries in developing countries. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
FeCl3-promoted alkylation of indoles by enamides.
An efficient iron-promoted alkylation of indoles with enamides has been accomplished under mild reaction conditions. The reaction proceeded with remarkable regioselectivity leading exclusively to substitution by indoles at α-position of enamides. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Panfilo Castaldi (1430? - 1487): a physician-typographer].
The issue about whether it was Johann Gutenberg in Mainz or Panfilo Castaldi in Feltre (in the Italian region of Veneto) to first invent movable metal type for printing around 1450 still raises a controversy, even though Gutenberg is generally perceived as the one. What is beyond doubt, however, is that Castaldi pioneered the new revolutionary printing method with the historical texts written by great physicians such as Hippocrates, Galen, and Avicenna. His early publishing success raised bitter competition all around him, which eventually drove him out of this flourishing business, and he returned to his long-neglected medical profession. Castaldi's new "art" was received coldly by his apprehensive fellow citizens. As soon as he was buried, they invaded the printing office and, believing that the printing machines were the "devil's instruments", tore it apart. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Is there any correlation between restriction fragment length polymorphism of the L-MYC gene and metastasis of human nonsmall cell lung cancer?
A potential molecular marker associated with cancer susceptibility as well as metastasis, prognosis and adverse survival, is the L-myc gene. The studies of lung cancer patients from different populations have yielded controversial results. We studied 64 nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and 37 healthy controls of Turkish origin for L-myc gene polymorphism. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that there was association between L-myc S allele in NSCLC and predisposition to the disease and TNM stage indicating tumor size, node classification and metastasis. Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism and agarose gel electrophoresis were used to determine the L-myc oncogene genotypes. We found no significant difference, both in the distribution of the LL, LS and SS genotypes and in the allelic frequencies, between the patient group and the control group; that is, the frequencies of L-myc alleles were, L and S, 0.59 and 0.41, 0.60 and 0.40, respectively. Our data between the patient group and the control group; that is, the frequencies of L-myc alleles were, L and S, 0.59 and 0.41, 0.60 and 0.40, respectively. Our data concerning age, sex, size of tumors, histological type of tumors showed no significant association with L-myc genotype. However, a higher frequency of L-myc S allele in the squamous cell carcinoma compared to other histological groups was found, although this difference was not statistically significant. No association was found between the L-myc RFLP and increased risk of metastasis either to the lymph nodes or to other organs. Our results suggested that L-myc gene polymorphism was not a suitable prognostic marker of metastatic development in Turkish NSCLC patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Multiple-ligament knee injuries: a systematic review of the timing of operative intervention and postoperative rehabilitation.
Traumatic knee dislocations that result in multiple-ligament knee injuries are unusual and are poorly studied. We are not aware of any prospective data regarding their treatment. Both the optimum timing of surgery for repair or reconstruction and the aggressiveness of rehabilitation are debated. The purpose of this systematic review was to compare the outcomes of early, delayed, and staged procedures as well as the subsequent rehabilitation protocols. We surveyed the literature and retrieved twenty-four retrospective studies, involving 396 knees, dealing with the surgical treatment of the most severe multiple-ligament knee injuries (those involving both cruciate ligaments and either or both collateral ligaments). Data were extracted, and surgical timing was categorized as acute, chronic, or staged. Early postoperative mobility and immobilization were also compared. We found that acute treatment was associated with residual anterior knee instability when compared with chronic treatment (odds ratio, 2.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 5.8; p = 0.018). Significantly more patients who were managed acutely were found to have more flexion deficits when compared with those who were managed chronically (odds ratio, 5.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.5 to 17.5; p = 0.004). Staged treatments yielded the highest percentage of excellent and good subjective outcomes (79%; 95% confidence interval, 62.2% to 89.3%). Additional treatment for joint stiffness was significantly more likely in association with acute treatment (17%; 95% confidence interval, 13.0% to 22.4%; p < 0.001) and staged treatment (15%; 95% confidence interval, 7.6% to 28.2%; p = 0.001) when each was compared with chronic treatment (0% [zero of seventy-one]; 95% confidence interval, 0.0% to 5.1%). Early mobility was not associated with increased joint instability in acutely managed patients. Early mobility yielded fewer range-of-motion deficits but did not reduce the rate of follow-up manipulation or arthrolysis. This review of the available literature suggests that delayed reconstructions of severe multiple-ligament knee injuries could potentially yield equivalent outcomes in terms of stability when compared with acute surgery. However, in the acutely managed patient, early mobility is associated with better outcomes in comparison with immobilization. Acute surgery is highly associated with range-of-motion deficits. Staged procedures may produce better subjective outcomes and a lower number of range-of-motion deficits but are still likely to require additional treatment for joint stiffness. More aggressive rehabilitation may prevent this from occurring in multiple-ligament knee injuries that are treated acutely. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Influence of the restoration quality on the success of pulpotomy treatment: a preliminary retrospective study.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical status of pulpotomy treatment with calcium hydroxide and to correlate it with the quality of restoration of the treated teeth. Patients were retrieved from the files of the Operative Dentistry clinics (FOUFPel) between 1996 and 2000. Twenty-two patients were recalled, which had 23 teeth treated with pulpotomy due to exposure by caries. Seven anterior and 16 posterior teeth composed the evaluated group, being all restored with composite resin. The age varied from 15-50 years (mean 23.9) and the follow-up mean was 34.52 months. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed to evaluate the clinical status of treatment. The criteria used, clinically favorable and failure, were based on the following clinical exams: pulp vitality; sensitivity; and periapical alterations. The quality of the restorations was based on the USPHS criteria. Pulpotomy treatment was ranked as clinically favorable in 10 teeth (43.5%), 4 in anterior and 6 in posterior teeth. Failure was verified in 13 teeth (56.5%), 4 anterior and 9 posterior. From the group clinically favorable, 90% of the restorations were ranked as clinically satisfactory, while only 10% were unsatisfactory. In the failure group, 77.8% of the restorations were classified was unsatisfactory and 22.2% were ranked as satisfactory. The statistical analysis (Fisher´s exact test) demonstrated that there is a statistically significant association between the clinical status of pulpotomy and restoration quality (p<0.05). Within the limitation of the study, it was verified that the quality of restoration could influence the favorable clinical status of pulpotomized teeth. Randomized clinical trials are required to confirm these preliminary data. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Combined therapy with interleukin-4 and interleukin-10 inhibits autoimmune diabetes recurrence in syngeneic islet-transplanted nonobese diabetic mice. Analysis of cytokine mRNA expression in the graft.
Syngeneic pancreatic islet grafts in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice elicit a cell-mediated autoimmune response that destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the islet graft. IL-4 and IL-10 are cytokines that inhibit cell-mediated immunity. In this study, we evaluated the effects of IL-4 and IL-10 on the survival of syngeneic pancreatic islets transplanted into diabetic NOD mice. Islet grafts survived beyond 18 days and normoglycemia was maintained in 67% (10 of 15) of mice treated with IL-4 plus IL-10, but in none (0 of 20) of vehicle-injected (control) mice. Also, 40% (6 of 15) of the mice treated with IL-4 plus IL-10 were normoglycemic at 30 days after transplantation, compared with 14% (1 of 7) of the mice treated with IL-4 alone, 8% (1 of 13) of the mice treated with IL-10 alone, and none (0 of 20) of the control mice. Histological examination of grafts at 10 days after transplantation revealed peri-islet accumulations of mononuclear leukocytes and intact islet beta cells in grafts from IL-4 plus IL-10-treated mice, whereas islets were infiltrated by leukocytes and the beta cell mass was greatly reduced in grafts from control mice. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of cytokine mRNA expression in the grafts revealed higher levels of IL-2, IFN gamma, and IL-10 mRNA in grafts of diabetic compared with normoglycemic control mice, whereas IFN gamma and TNF alpha mRNA levels were significantly decreased in grafts of IL-4 plus IL-10-treated mice compared with either normoglycemic or diabetic control mice. These results suggest that T helper (Th)1 cells and their cytokine products (IL-2, IFN gamma, and TNF alpha) may promote islet beta cell destructive insulitis and autoimmune diabetes recurrence in syngeneic islet-transplanted NOD mice, and that administration of IL-4 plus IL-10 may inhibit diabetes recurrence by suppressing Th1 cytokine production in the islet grafts. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A complication of tongue piercing.
The trend of tongue piercing is becoming more popular. A patient with Ludwig's angina, secondary to recent tongue piercing, is presented. The management of the patients and the implications of tongue piercing are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ventromedial hypothalamus as a target for oestradiol action on proceptivity, receptivity and luteinizing hormone surge of the ewe.
Most of the literature suggests that in sheep as in rodents nervous structures involved in female sexual behaviour are not necessarily identical to those involved in the LH surge. In rodents, oestradiol triggers female sexual behaviour by acting on a restricted area of the mediobasal hypothalamus whereas the concomitant induction of the preovulatory LH surge is at least partially under the control of more anterior structures. The central sites of oestradiol action, however, remained poorly defined in sheep. To provide this definition, 37 ovariectomized ewes were stereotaxically implanted unilaterally or bilaterally with a guide cannula in preoptic area (POA), anterior, mediobasal, lateral, or posterior hypothalamus (AH, MBH, LHT, PH). Experiments were made during the breeding season (Br) and the anoestrous period (An: unilat only) and females were primed with a peripheral treatment of progesterone and a dose of 17 beta-oestradiol subthreshold for both the LH surge and sexual behaviour. Intracranial implants (i.d. = 0.45 mm) of crystalline E2 were lowered 16 h after progesterone removal and left in the brain for 48 h. Whereas POA implants never had any significant effects on either the behaviour or the LH surge, all MBH implants caused receptivity (11 bilat, 5 unilat Br and 5 unilat An). Bilateral MBH implants also induced proceptivity in 9 of 11 ewes and increased the LH levels in 7 of them. These proportions do not differ significantly from those observed after a 25 microgram peripheral injection of E2. Unilateral MBH implants had no significant effect on proceptivity and LH increase but oestrous behaviour was induced by some implants placed laterally to the MBH (25 recept and 3/5 procept).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Video image analysis of behavior by microcomputer: categorization of turning and locomotion after 6-OHDA injection into the substantia nigra.
The automated video image analyzing system (VIAS) measures locomotion in meters and turning behavior of rats by digitized video image and microcomputer evaluation. To measure turning behavior the number of 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and complete turns are recorded. The turns are classified in different diameter classes. To test the validity of this system rats were administered unilateral 6-OHDA lesions of the substantia nigra and were observed by human rater and VIAS in parallel. Correlation coefficients for the data obtained by both methods were r = 0.98 for locomotion, r = 0.93 for half turns with diameter greater than or equal to 30 cm. Recovery from lesion-induced turning of animals with striatal dopamine depletion of 81.4% to 87.2% was described in detail by VIAS with respect to the diameter of the turns. It is concluded that VIAS provides a potent tool for the analysis of turning behavior and locomotion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prevalence of clinical (major) depression in general practice using the DSM-IV version of PRIME-MD.
PRIME-MD (Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorder) has been developed to detect the most frequent mental disorders in general practice. A prevalence study with the Danish PRIME-MD's module for major depression was carried out by general practitioners. In total, 16 practices and 2501 patients were involved in the study. The patient questionnaire part of the PRIME-MD was completed by more than 95% of the patients, indicating a high applicability. Around 8% of all patients included suffered from major depression. Of these, the ratio of females to males was 2:1. Three factors were identified in the questionnaire: depression, psychosomatic distress, and alcohol use. Compared to the non-depressed patients, the patients with major depression evaluated their health condition as being considerably impaired. PRIME-MD is highly applicable in general practice. ( Int J Psych Clin Pract 2001; 5:49-54). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A case of superficial epithelioma with sebaceous differentiation.
Superficial epithelioma with sebaceous differentiation (SESD) is a rare benign neoplasm with peculiar histopathologic characteristics, which occurs in aged skin. We report upon a case of SESD occurring on the left upper back, which histopathologically is a superficial, multilobular tumor with numerous basaloid cells mixed with sebaceous cells attached to the overlying epidermis. This case represents a solitary benign neoplasm without any associated malignancy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Enhancing vapor sensor discrimination by mimicking a canine nasal cavity flow environment.
This paper discusses the use of flow dynamics in a model nasal cavity as a novel way to expand the information available from a fiber optic vapor sensor. Nasal cavities are known to play an important role in vertebrate olfaction; however, they have not previously been incorporated into gas-phase sensor technology. By exposing identical sensors to different flow environments, we found that measurements of the combined sensor responses provided increased discrimination of a series of alcohols as compared to measurements obtained from a single sensor at the anterior of the cavity. This methodology is potentially useful for improving the discriminatory power of sensors employed in "artificial noses" and could be used to model the effects of flow dynamics in vertebrate olfaction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hagleromyces gen. nov., a yeast genus in the Saccharomycetaceae, and description of Hagleromyces aurorensis sp. nov., isolated from water tanks of bromeliads.
Three strains of a novel yeast species were isolated from water tanks (phytotelmata) of a bromeliad species collected in the state of Tocantins, Brazil. Analysis of sequences for the region spanning the SSU rRNA gene, the internal transcribed spacer, the 5.8S rRNA gene and the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene and RNA polymerase II gene showed that these novel yeasts belong to a species that is distinct from all recognized ascomycetous yeast species. Based on the results of gene sequence analyses, a novel species representing a new genus in the Saccharomycetaceae is proposed. The novel species is assigned to the genus Hagleromyces gen. nov. The three isolates of the novel yeast species failed to form sexual spores alone or in mixtures. The name Hagleromyces aurorensis sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate these isolates. The type strain of H. aurorensis sp. nov. is UFMG-CM-Y311(T) ( = CBS 13264(T)). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical signs, pathophysiology and management of skin toxicity during therapy with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors.
The last few years, new therapies targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have shown their efficacy in the treatment of several types of cancer. Monoclonal antibodies against the EGFR (e.g. cetuximab, panitumumab) or EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g. gefitinib, erlotinib) are generally well tolerated and do not have the severe systemic side-effects usually seen with cytotoxic drugs. A considerable number of patients treated with these EGFR inhibitors, however, develop dermatological side-effects, most frequently an acneiform eruption but also xerosis, eczema, fissures, telangiectasia, hyperpigmentation, hair changes and paronychia with pyogenic granuloma. These skin effects appear to be mechanism-based linked to the inhibition of EGFR action but the exact pathophysiology remains elusive. Left untreated these dermatological side-effects could represent a threat to patient compliance. Therefore effective management is mandatory. Mild cases of acneiform eruption respond well to topical anti-inflammatory acne therapy, whereas tetracyclines are needed to treat moderate to severe cases. This review outlines the broad spectrum of cutaneous side-effects of EGFR inhibitors, discusses possible underlying mechanisms and provides practical guidelines for the management based on literature data and on personal experience. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Bilateral pneumothorax and hemorrhagic rectocolitis].
Respiratory diseases associated with ulcerative colitis are rare. A 14-year-old girl with ulcerative colitis was admitted for a left pneumothorax. She was given corticoidsteroids and enemas of 5 aminosalicylic acid. The pneumothorax was not controlled by pleural drainage and a pleural irritation was performed under thoracoscopy. Recurrence of pneumothorax led to surgical pleurectomy. The following day, a right pneumothorax occurred, also requiring pleurectomy. The pulmonary biopsies showed constrictive bronchiolitis. A restrictive syndrome was confirmed by functional pulmonary examinations. Total colectomy was performed nine months later for the ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis can be associated with bronchial pathology (bronchitis, bronchiectasis). Occurrence of pneumothorax has never been described; it can be a fortuitous association, but the histological features are not very different from those described in association with ulcerative colitis. The treatment of pneumothorax is difficult if the ulcerative colitis requires corticosteroids. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Isolation and characterization of promoters from the Lactobacillus casei temperate bacteriophage A2.
Random Sau3A1 DNA fragments from the temperate Lactobacillus bacteriophage A2 were cloned into the promoter-probe plasmid pGKV210. Seven DNA fragments with promoter activity were selected, after transformation of Escherichia coli and Lactococcus lactis, subsp, lactis, through the chloramphenicol resistance they conferred to the corresponding clones. The seven promoters were functional in Lactobacillus casei. Their strength was analysed by measuring the levels of chloramphenicol resistance and chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activity induced in each host. The nucleotide sequences of these fragments were determined and primer extension analysis was used to locate the initiation site of transcription from each promoter in E coli. The promoters contained -10 and -35 regions similar to the consensus sequences of E. coli and Lactobacillus promoters. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Detection of Shigella in feces using DNA amplification.
A rapid diagnostic method employing a polymerase chain reaction procedure (PCR) was used to identify Shigella and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli. This procedure amplified a region of the invasive-associated locus (ial) from a crude DNA extract of feces. A synthetic 21-base oligonucleotide corresponding to the ial gene sequence was shown to specifically hybridize only with enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) strains and Shigella species. Upon PCR amplification, a 320-base pair fragment was generated in DNA extracted from feces reconstituted with EIEC or Shigella flexneri but not in DNA from 70 normal stools lacking these organisms and could be readily detected by the ial probe. For identifying Shigella and EIEC, the PCR assay was 10(5)- and 10(2)-fold more sensitive than standard biochemical tests and the macrocolony hybridization assay, respectively. These findings demonstrate a novel methodology for rapid, sensitive, and culture-independent diagnosis of diarrhea caused by these pathogens and underscores the utility of PCR in the diagnostic laboratory. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Anterior subcutaneous transfer of the ulnar nerve in the athlete.
To evaluate the effectiveness of subcutaneous subfascial anterior transfer of the ulnar nerve in the surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome in athletes, we retrospectively reviewed athletes undergoing subcutaneous anterior transfer of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Criteria for inclusion in the study included active participation in athletic activity, confirmed cubital tunnel syndrome, failure to respond to conservative treatment, and having an anterior subcutaneous subfascial transfer as the only procedure performed. Twenty athletes underwent a total of 21 procedures. Results were evaluated by time to return to sport and a questionnaire developed to evaluate elbow function in the athlete. The athletes returned to full activity at an average of 12.6 weeks. Average subjective postoperative scores were 84. Elbow rating scores averaged 9 (range, 0 to 10). Anterior subcutaneous subfascial transfer of the ulnar nerve is a safe, effective means for treating cubital tunnel syndrome in athletes. The findings in this study are significant in that they confirm the effectiveness of the subcutaneous subfascial transfer procedure in returning the athlete to competition. Of secondary importance is the development of an elbow rating questionnaire appropriate to the athlete. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Time window characteristics of cultured rat hippocampal neurons subjected to ischemia and reperfusion.
To explore cell death and apoptosis in rat hippocampal neurons at different time points after ischemia, hypoxia and reperfusion injury and to elucidate time window characteristics in ischemia neuronal injury. Hippocampal neurons were obtained from rat embryo and were cultured in vitro. The ischemia and reperfusion of cultured rat hippocampal neurons were simulated by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and recovery. OGD at different time points (0.25 h to 3.0 h) and then the same recovery (24 h) were prepared. Annexin V-PI staining and flow cytometry examined neuron death and apoptosis at different time after injury. After OGD and recovery, both necrosis and apoptosis were observed. At different times after OGD, there were statistically significant differences in neuron necrosis rate (P < 0.05), but not in apoptosis rate (P > 0.05). At recovery, survival rate of hippocampal neurons further decreased while apoptosis rate increased. Furthermore, apoptosis rates of different time differed greatly (P < 0.05). Apoptosis rate gradually increased with significant difference among those of different time points (P < 0.05). However, 2 h after ischemia, apoptosis rate decreased markedly. Apoptosis is an important pathway of delayed neuron death. The therapeutic time window should be within 2 h after cerebral ischemia and hypoxia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Incidence of accidental dura mater punctures in a university hospital: a prospective observational study].
Accidental dura mater puncture is a potential complication during epidural block, and may be associated with multiple factors. Our objective was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of accidental dural puncture in a university hospital, evaluating the differences in the number of complications during different working hours. A prospective observational study was conducted on all women who requested regional anaesthesia in the Epidural Analgesia Unit between 1 January 2009 and 1 January 2011, and who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The technique employed to control labour pains was epidural analgesia. A total of 12,480 pregnant women were included. The prevalence of accidental dura mater puncture was 0.4% (50 patients). Of these, 28% were due to medical residents. More accidental dura mater punctures were observed during September and in the afternoon shift. The prevalence of accidental dura mater puncture is similar to other patient series. In ours, tiredness or lack of sleep did not influence the incidence of complications in analgesia for labour pains in a 24 hour care unit. This may be due to the distribution of on-call shifts not exceeding more than 6 hours. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Spectrometer for cluster ion beam induced luminescence.
A spectrometer to detect the ultra-weak luminescence originated by the collision of cluster ions on the surfaces of solid materials was constructed. This spectrometer consists of 11 photomultipliers with band-pass interference filters that can detect the luminescence within the wavelength ranging from 300 to 700 nm and of a photomultiplier without filter. The calibration of the detection system was performed using the photons emitted from a strontium aluminate fluorescent tape and from a high temperature tungsten filament. Preliminary measurements show the ability of this spectrometer to detect the cluster ion beam induced luminescence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Characteristics of potential living kidney donors in Ivory Coast: a survey prior to a project of kidney transplantation in French Black Africa].
The source of living kidney donors in the general population remains underused. The present study aims at assessing the prevalence and the characteristics of potential living kidney donors in Ivory Coast in a view of a project of kidney transplantation in French Black Africa. A survey was undertaken in Abidjan from 30 June to 7 July 2006. Nine hundred (and) sixty-two subjects living in the capital and aged between 19 and 64 years old were randomly chosen using data from the 1998 population census. Subjects were asked their age, gender, nationality, marital status, information on kidney graft and renal failure, and their willingness to donate kidney to a relative or friend for transplantation purpose. Seventy per cent of the population study appeared favourable to kidney donation. Potentials living kidney donors have displayed following characteristics: age inferior to 26 years old [OR=2.08, P<0.02, 95%CI: 1.10-3.92]; Ivorians national [OR=2.72, P<0.002, 95% CI 1.42-5.21]; having heard of kidney transplantation (OR=1.89, P<0.047, 95% CI 1-3.54]); the death of a relative or friend from renal failure [OR=1.82, P<0.002, 95% CI 1.25 2.67]. Being married adversely affect kidney donation [OR=0.52, P<0.0002, 95% CI 0.34-0.79]. Potentials living kidney donors are in great number in Ivory Coast, who had specific characteristics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Trypsin and aminopeptidase activities in blood-fed females Anopheles dirus (Diptera: Culicidae) of differing susceptibility to Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis.
Midgut proteolytic enzymes contribute to the success or failure of Plasmodium infection of the mosquito. The present study investigated trypsin and aminopeptidase activities in the midgut of two strains of Anopheles dirus selected for susceptibility and refractoriness to Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis. At intervals of 6 hours following a bloodmeal, the midguts of fully engorged female mosquitos were dissected, homogenized, and assayed for enzyme activity. No differences trypsin activity (nmole/min) were observed between the two strains throughout the course of blood digestion. By contrast, the aminopeptidase activity measured at 0 to 18 hours post-feeding was the same for the two strains, but at 24, 30 and 36 hours significantly less activity was observed in the refractory females. The results suggest neither trypsin nor aminopeptidase plays a role in the limitation of parasite development. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Laparotomy findings in lymphangiogram-staged I and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
Ninety patients with Stage I or II, including extranodal (E), presentations of non-Hodkin's lymphoma were investigated by laparotomy, either for the definitive staging of patients with peripheral presentations or for diagnosis of abdominal disease. Sixty-eight patients had staging laparotomies after extensive work-up, which included lymphangiography and bone marrow biopsy. The remaining 22 patients had laparotomies for diagnosis of abdominal symptoms or for management of unrelated surgical problems, with lyphoma being found incidentally. The incidence of positive abdominal findings in the 68 patients who had staging laparotomies depended on histologic subtype. In nodular lymphoma patients, abdominal disease was found in 17 of 28 (61%) and in diffuse lymphoma patients, in 9 of 40 (22.5%). For patients with nodular lymphomas upstaged by laparotomy, the positive findings tended to cluster around an axis consisting of the celiac, porta-hepatic, para-aortic, and root of the mesentery lymph nodes. In addition, 64% of these patients had splenic involvement. For the diffuse lymphoma upstaged by laparotomy, the distribution of positive findings was similar to that of the nodular lymphoma group; however, only 1 patient had splenic involvement. By contrast, in approximately half of the diffuse lymphoma patients who had laparotomies for diagnosis, the gastrointestinal tract was found to be involved in addition to the previously cited lymph nodes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Anergy and not clonal ignorance determines the fate of B cells that recognize a physiological autoantigen.
Autoantibodies to insulin arise spontaneously in the insulin autoimmune syndrome and in type I diabetes. In addition, administration of insulin to individuals without autoimmune disease routinely results in Abs that bind autologous hormone. These observations and findings in transgenic models of tolerance led to an inference that physiological levels of hormones and growth factors, such as insulin, are not sufficient to induce tolerance in B cells, a state termed clonal ignorance. In contrast, we have discovered that virtually all conventional B cells expressing a low affinity anti-insulin transgene interact with endogenous insulin and are effectively silenced for Ig production and for T cell-dependent immune responses. A fraction of transgenic B cells escapes silencing and functions autonomously to produce insulin Abs that may lower fasting blood sugars similar to an insulin autoimmune syndrome. These B cells have characteristics of a B1-like subset and are depleted by hypotonic peritoneal lysis. These findings question the concept of clonal ignorance and show that physiological concentrations of Ag may effectively silence conventional B cells even when the affinity for autoantigen is low. Self-reactivity may arise in the repertoire because of compartmental differences that govern the fate of B cells and not as a result of true clonal ignorance. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fatty tumor of the liver in a patient with Cushing's syndrome.
Cushing's syndrome is occasionally associated with unusual deposition of fat. A case is reported of fatty mass of the liver in a patient with nodular adrenal hyperplasia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Computer-assisted learning in undergraduate and postgraduate rheumatology education.
Computers and the Internet form a large part of our professional and personal lives. There are advantages and disadvantages to computer-assisted learning which will be discussed. An Internet and Medline search was performed to assess the educational content of rheumatology websites and also their effect on learning in the undergraduate and postgraduate setting. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Quantitation of cross-linked protein: an alternative to counting cornified envelopes as an index of keratinocyte differentiation.
Covalently cross-linked protein is the key feature of the cornified envelope, an important marker of squamous differentiation. Enumeration of cornified envelopes is widely used to assess keratinocyte differentiation, but is tedious and subjective. We report here a rapid, objective, sensitive, and quantitative assay that measures total cross-linked protein in keratinocytes. The method is based on the resistance of cross-linked protein to solubilization in boiling SDS-beta ME, separation of cross-linked from soluble protein by collection of cross-linked protein on sheets of regenerated cellulose, binding of Coomassie blue to protein, and quantitation by scanning laser densitometry. There is excellent correlation between the cross-linked protein measured by this assay and the number of cornified envelopes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Mobile applications for management of Type 2 diabetes].
This literature review describes Type 2 diabetes applications with regard to purpose, effect, preferences and possibilities. Diabetes apps might have a positive effect on the health of a person with diabetes. Some studies have found improve-ments in HbA1c, body weight and health behaviour. Important is to personalise diabetes apps to the target group and involve the group actively in the development and testing of the app. More research on how diabetes apps can be implemented in the healthcare system is crucial. Current research is characterised by methodological challenges. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A clinico - histopathological outcome of 4 weeks methotrexate pluse therapy in psoriasis.
A clinico-histopathological study was carried out In 50 patients of psoriasis to see clinical and histological outcome and/or correlation of weekly methotrexate pulse therapy. Clinically, results of therapy were evalutated by estimating the percentage of total body coverage with psoriasis. Prior to therapy, average involvement was 47.5% which after 4 weeks methotrexate therapy reduced to 8. 3%. A complete clearing of psoriasis occurred in 40% of patients after methotrexate therapy. The clinical response started as early as I week in most of patients. Only 2 patients failed to respond even after 4 weeks of therapy. Histopathologically in pretreatmenl biopsy, 34 showed classical psoriatic pathology while in 16 biopsy was suggestive of psoriasis but not confirmative. Histopathological examination after 4 weeks treatment showed that 41 still showed one or more histological evidence of psoriasis, although only two patients had classical, psoriatic pathology, in rest 9 patients there were complete regression. Thus, with methotrexate, clinical clearance was much faster than histopathological clearance. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The bleeding into the emphysematosus bulla imitating lung tumor].
Bleeding into the lung parenchyma is a rare phenomenon that usually occurs as a result of chest trauma, other causes are anticoagulant therapy, and infections. The following case presents a patient admitted to the hospital due to haemoptysis, which was a symptom of bleeding into the emphysematosus bulla caused by anticoagulation therapy. The decisive diagnostic examination was chest magnetic resonance. This imaging method allows the precise differentiation of tissues. Using modern imaging techniques can often dispense with invasive diagnostic methods. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intermittent heterochronic plasma exchange as a modality for delaying cellular senescence-a hypothesis.
The population of baby boomers (age 60-65) is rapidly increasing globally. The aging of the human body is associated with the decline of cellular function which leads to the development of a variety of diseases. The increased demand for health care for the aging population creates significant financial burden to any healthcare system. Developing strategies and health intervention methods to ameliorate this situation is paramount. Experiments utilizing heterochronic parabiosis in mice have demonstrated that replacing the aging cellular milieu with the plasma of a young experimental animal leads to reversal of cellular senescence. This article describes a hypothetical model of intermittent heterochronic plasma exchange in humans as a modality for heterochronic parabiosis in an attempt to delay cellular senescence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
MR characteristics of benign lymph node enlargement in sarcoidosis and Castleman's disease.
The magnetic resonance characteristics of mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy were reviewed in five patients with sarcoidosis and one with Castleman's disease. Although the T1 values of 26 nodes measured in patients with sarcoidosis ranged from 390 to 786 msec (mean 549 msec; SD 88 msec), the mean values recorded for each patient were quite similar (range 501-616 msec). T2 values ranged from 40 to 68 msec (mean 49 msec; SD 7 msec). In the patient with Castleman's disease T1 and T2 values measured 838 msec and 45 msec respectively. In comparison to T1 and T2 values we have recently measured in patients with proven mediastinal lymph node metastases from bronchogenic carcinoma, lymph nodes in the patients with sarcoidosis have significantly lower T1 (p less than .001) and T2 (p less than .05) values. However, because of significant overlap between the values recorded in these two groups, their differentiation may be difficult in individual cases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Can AST/ALT ratio indicate recovery after acute paracetamol poisoning?
Paracetamol (acetaminophen or APAP) is the most common pharmaceutical exposure in the US. Elevations in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels indicate hepatic toxicity. AST and ALT levels rise in similar proportions but later decline at different rates, with AST falling more rapidly than ALT. To determine whether the AST/ALT ratio can indicate that a patient has passed the time of peak AST concentration. We retrospectively identified cases of patients hospitalized for acute APAP poisoning by querying the pharmacy database of all patients treated with acetylcysteine (NAC) from January 1, 2001 to March 19, 2013. We included all patients with severe APAP poisoning, defined as AST or ALT greater than 1000 IU/L. Patients who were given NAC for other indications, those without APAP poisoning, and those receiving liver transplantation were excluded. We then recorded paired AST and ALT concentrations from each patient's hospital course. We classified each pair as clearly post-peak or not, and calculated the AST/ALT ratio for each pair of values. We compared different thresholds of AST/ALT ratio in increments of 0.1 to find the optimal value that reliably indicated resolving transaminases. We identified 1820 patients who received NAC during the study period. Of these, 333 received NAC for suspected poisoning by APAP. After excluding patients without severe APAP poisoning, other diagnoses explaining transaminase elevations, and patients who underwent liver transplantation, we had 37 evaluable patients with 343 evaluable pairs of AST and ALT concentrations. An AST/ALT ratio less than or equal to 0.4 was 99% sensitive for identifying patients with resolving transaminases. An AST/ALT ratio less than or equal to 0.4 following severe hepatoxicity from paracetamol poisoning appears to be highly predictive of recovery in patients treated with NAC. This has potential to be an indicator of safe discontinuation of NAC treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis: a case report.
Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis is a rare, hereditary disease with distinct clinical and histopathological features. Clinically, it presents with gingival hypertrophy, pappulonodular skin lesions and joint contractures. Bone involvement is usually an uncommon finding. We report a case of a 2-year-old patient, daughter of consanguineous parents, who presented since the age of 2 months with impairment of mental development, multiple joint contractures, motion limitation and nodules on the scalp. The calvarian lesions were surgically removed, and histopathological examination concluded to juvenile hyaline fibromatosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Clinical use of polysomnography (PSG)].
The clinical diagnoses in 695 cases using PSG were analysed. The results are as follows: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in 482 cases (69.4%), chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases with nocturnal hypoxemia in 25 cases (3.6%), epilepsy in 31 cases (4.5%), other sleep disorders in 5 cases (0.7%), and essentially normal in 152 cases (21.9%). Some parameters of PSG in 65 cases with OSAS and those in 2 cases before and after treatment were analysed. It is emphasized that PSG is using for diagnosis of different types of OSAS with appraisable seriousness and of other related sleep disorders. The method and indications of PSG were discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Health and nutrition in newly resettled refugee children from Chile and the Middle East.
The general health and nutritional status of 105 refugee children from Chile and the Middle East were examined shortly after the arrival in Stockholm. A chronic medical condition was present in 10% and there were clinical signs of caries in 57% of the children. Iron deficiency was found in 15% of Chileans and 6% of Middle Easterners, but no other nutritional deficiencies were discovered. Stunting and wasting was rare and a significant catch-up growth was observed in both groups in a follow-up 18 months after resettlement. Obesity was common in the Chilean group on arrival in Sweden and increased further after resettlement. We conclude that chronic medical conditions, caries and obesity were the major somatic health problems in this sample of newly resettled refugee children. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical-psychological characteristics of children with dysgenesis of the cerebellar vermis.
This report addresses behavioral abnormalities in children with cerebellar anomalies demonstrated on MRI scans. Published data are presented showing an interaction between cerebellar pathology and early childhood autism. The cerebellum is involved not only in movement coordination, but also in social adaptation and verbal communication. The genes expressed in the cerebellum during childhood are identical to those expressed in the hippocampus. We have observed 20 children with MRI-identified agenesis of the cerebellar vermis and behavioral abnormalities; children were aged 3-15 (mean 7.05) years and there were 12 males and eight females. A variety of autistic characteristics were identified in these children. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Extensive Nuclear Reprogramming Underlies Lineage Conversion into Functional Trophoblast Stem-like Cells.
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) undergo extensive nuclear reprogramming and are generally indistinguishable from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in their functional capacity and transcriptome and DNA methylation profiles. However, direct conversion of cells from one lineage to another often yields incompletely reprogrammed, functionally compromised cells, raising the question of whether pluripotency is required to achieve a high degree of nuclear reprogramming. Here, we show that transient expression of Gata3, Eomes, and Tfap2c in mouse fibroblasts induces stable, transgene-independent trophoblast stem-like cells (iTSCs). iTSCs possess transcriptional profiles highly similar to blastocyst-derived TSCs, with comparable methylation and H3K27ac patterns and genome-wide H2A.X deposition. iTSCs generate trophoectodermal lineages upon differentiation, form hemorrhagic lesions, and contribute to developing placentas in chimera assays, indicating a high degree of nuclear reprogramming, with no evidence of passage through a transient pluripotent state. Together, these data demonstrate that extensive nuclear reprogramming can be achieved independently of pluripotency. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Post-partum spontaneous coronary artery dissection and the use of veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation.
To present a rare case of a post-partum spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a rarely seen condition which does not yet have a universally agreed treatment method and the role of the intensive care unit (ICU) nurse when caring for the adult ECMO patient. The use of extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for the adult patient has increased slowly since the first reported successful treatment in 1972 (Hill et al., 1972) and is seen increasingly as a successful therapy when conventional medical treatment has failed. In this case, a young lady 2 weeks post-partum presented with acute coronary syndrome secondary to a SCAD. ECMO was used successfully as a bridge to myocardial recovery following coronary artery bypass grafts and cardiogenic shock. A case study underpinned by a review of existing literature relating to spontaneous coronary artery dissection and extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation. ECMO is still a relatively new and invasive technology but continues to improve survival rates in critically ill patients where conventional medical treatment has failed. This article highlights requirement for further research into several aspects of care for the adult ECMO patient. Questions to be answered raised in this case study include recommendations for the weaning of inotropes and vasoconstrictors, frequency of blood gas sampling and whether it remains essential to have two nurses caring for the ECMO patient. As medical treatment progresses, there is an increasing demand for therapies such as ECMO to become more readily available for the care of the critically ill adult patient. This article highlights challenges that may be faced and what changes could be made to further improve standards of care and survival rates for ECMO patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Choices of therapy for exercise-induced asthma in children.
Cough and wheezing interferes with sport and other forms of physical activity in half of asthmatic children. Airway obstruction can be induced by a standard exercise test in over 70% of children with asthma. A beta-adrenergic agonist or cromone taken by inhalation beforehand will usually inhibit bronchoconstriction provoked by a free running exercise test. The duration of protective effect with salbutamol, terbutaline and cromones is less than 4 h. The long acting beta-adrenergic agonists formoterol and salmeterol give protection against exercise-induced airway obstruction for up to 12 h, which implies that treatment given in the morning will offer protection from the effects of physical activity throughout the day. However, the duration of protective effect after a morning dose declines if these compounds are given regularly. Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LRAs) also provide good protection against exercise-induced asthma. Regular administration of LRAs is not associated with tolerance and loss of protective effect. The oral route makes for unobtrusive administration and this may help adherence to prescribed regimens. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Possibilities of using cepeginterferon alpha-2b in double (cepeginterferon alfa-2b and ribavirin) and triple (simeprevir, cepeginterferon alpha-2b, and ribavirin) antiviral therapy regimens for chronic hepatitis C. A review of clinical trials and experience of everyday clinical practice].
Since the incidence of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) increases steadily, the priority of national health care is to provide antiviral therapy (AVT) for the maximum number of patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The regimens including pegylated interferons (PEG-IFN) are still in demand in the Russian Federation. A number of clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cepeginterferon alpha-2b (cePEG-IFN alpha-2b), an original PEG-IFN-α developed in the Russian Federation. Their results have shown that cePEG-IFN alpha-2b in the two-component AVT regimen has at least no less clinical efficacy than PEG-IFN alpha-2b and PEG-INF alpha-2a in HCV monoinfected and HCV/HIV co-infected patients. The pooled analysis of data has indicated that the use of cePEG-IFN alpha-b in combination with ribavirin allows an average of 80% of the patients with HCV genotypes 2 and 3 and 62% of those with HCV genotype 1 to achieve a sustained virological response (SVR). In clinical practice when the two-component AVT regimen (cePEG-IFN alpha-b and ribavirin) was used in patients with early-stage CHC and mild fibrosis, SVR was recorded in 90.7% of the patients with HCV genotype 2/3 and in 75% of those with HCV genotype 1. The experience in using cePEG-IFN alpha-2b as a component of the three-component AVT regimen (simeprevir, cePEG IFN alfa-2b, and ribavirin) has been published. The observational program manly covered young patients with mild or moderate fibrosis. SVR was observed in 94% of the patients. Another paper describes the experience with the triple AVT therapy (simeprevir, cePEG-IFN alfa-2b, and ribavirin) in 22 patients, the majority of whom had advanced fibrosis. SVR was recorded in 71.4% of those who had completed treatment. Thus, an individual approach and assessment of predictive response factors to two- or three-component AVT regimens including cePEG-IFN alpha 2b can achieve successful treatment outcomes in most patients with CHC, which is, in some cases, more economically sound than interferon-free regimens used as first-line therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Validation of 3D surface reconstruction of vertebrae and spinal column using 3D ultrasound data--a pilot study.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional deformity of spine associated with vertebra rotation. The Cobb angle and axial vertebral rotation are important parameters to assess the severity of scoliosis. However, the vertebral rotation is seldom measured from radiographs due to time consuming. Different techniques have been developed to extract 3D spinal information. Among many techniques, ultrasound imaging is a promising method. This pilot study reported an image processing method to reconstruct the posterior surface of vertebrae from 3D ultrasound data. Three cadaver vertebrae, a Sawbones spine phantom, and a spine from a child with AIS were used to validate the development. The in-vitro result showed the surface of the reconstructed image was visually similar to the original objects. The dimension measurement error was <5 mm and the Pearson correlation was >0.99. The results also showed a high accuracy in vertebral rotation with errors of 0.8 ± 0.3°, 2.8 ± 0.3° and 3.6 ± 0.5° for the rotation values of 0°, 15° and 30°, respectively. Meanwhile, the difference in the Cobb angle between the phantom and the image was 4° and the vertebral rotation at the apex was 2°. The Cobb angle measured from the in-vivo ultrasound image was 4° different from the radiograph. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of aortic root motion on wall stress in the Marfan aorta before and after personalised aortic root support (PEARS) surgery.
Aortic root motion was previously identified as a risk factor for aortic dissection due to increased longitudinal stresses in the ascending aorta. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aortic root motion on wall stress and strain in the ascending aorta and evaluate changes before and after implantation of personalised external aortic root support (PEARS). Finite element (FE) models of the aortic root and thoracic aorta were developed using patient-specific geometries reconstructed from pre- and post-PEARS cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) images in three Marfan patients. The wall and PEARS materials were assumed to be isotropic, incompressible and linearly elastic. A static load on the inner wall corresponding to the patients' pulse pressure was applied. Cardiovascular MR cine images were used to quantify aortic root motion, which was imposed at the aortic root boundary of the FE model, with zero-displacement constraints at the distal ends of the aortic branches and descending aorta. Measurements of the systolic downward motion of the aortic root revealed a significant reduction in the axial displacement in all three patients post-PEARS compared with its pre-PEARS counterparts. Higher longitudinal stresses were observed in the ascending aorta when compared with models without the root motion. Implantation of PEARS reduced the longitudinal stresses in the ascending aorta by up to 52%. In contrast, the circumferential stresses at the interface between the supported and unsupported aorta were increase by up to 82%. However, all peak stresses were less than half the known yield stress for the dilated thoracic aorta. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Plate fixation of closed femoral shaft fractures in adolescents].
This study was designed to evaluate the results, advantages, and disadvantages of plate fixation of closed femoral shaft fractures in adolescents between the ages of 11 and 15 years. The study included 35 adolescents (26 males, 9 females; mean age 13.4 years) who were treated by plate fixation for closed femoral shaft fractures and had an adequate follow-up. The fractures were bilateral in two patients, on the left in 17 patients (48%), and on the right in 16 patients (45%). Traffic accidents were the most frequent etiology (57%). Nineteen patients presented with head injuries and/or multiple fractures. The mean follow-up was 34.9 months (range 22 to 156 months). All fractures healed in a mean of 10 weeks (range 6 to 16 weeks). No plate break or refractures occurred. Two patients had a loss of 20 degrees in knee flexion. Atrophy of the quadriceps muscle was observed in nine patients. Evaluations with the use of scanogram, orthorontgenogram, plain radiographs, and clinical examination showed an average overgrowth of 1.2 cm (range 0.4 to 1.6 cm). Despite some disadvantages, plate fixation seems to be an alternative method in the treatment of adolescent femoral fractures, enabling an anatomical reduction and stable internal fixation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ten patients with high-grade transformation of acinic cell carcinomas: Expression profiling of β-catenin and cyclin D1 is useful.
Conventional acinic cell carcinoma (CACC) represents a prototypical low-grade salivary malignancy. Rarely, acinic cell carcinoma (ACC) can demonstrate aggressive features (zones of necrosis, apoptosis, varying nuclear atypia) warranting classification as "ACC with high-grade transformation" (HGT-ACC) or "dedifferentiated" ACC. This study reports ten new cases of HGT-ACC. There is potential for subtlety in recognizing high-grade transformation and distinguishing discrete nodules of necrosis from cytology aspiration changes. We compared immunohistochemical (IHC) profiles, specifically β-catenin (bCAT) and cyclin D1 expression, which have been touted as potentially helpful in this context. We quantified morphology (primary axis nucleus, nuclear area and perimeter) in HGT-ACC and CACC. Clinical outcome is known for eight HGT-ACC patients; three patients developed locoregional or distant metastases, five remained disease-free. Nine of ten HGT-ACC expressed strong, diffuse, membranous bCAT. CACC demonstrated lower intensity of membranous bCAT expression. Strong, diffuse nuclear cyclin D1 was seen in five of ten HGT-ACC whereas no CACC demonstrated cyclin D1 with distribution greater than 50 %. The quantified nuclear morphologic features of CACC and HGT-ACC demonstrated overlapping means values. Maximum values for nuclear primary axis, area, and perimeter were greater for HGT-ACC versus CACC, corresponding to a subpopulation of larger tumor cells in HGT-ACC. The poor outcome associated with HGT-ACC justifies its recognition, which should alter surgical approach with respect to elective neck dissection or possible facial nerve sacrifice. With respect to ancillary IHC studies, strong, diffuse membranous bCAT expression, with or without strong nuclear cyclin D1 ≥ 50 % distribution or Ki67 index ≥ 25 % supports this diagnosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A review of distal ulnar hemi-resection arthroplasty.
15 patients with pain and disability on the ulnar side of the wrist were treated by distal ulnar hemiresection arthroplasty. The patients' diagnoses fell into three groups, namely ulnocarpal impingement, primary osteoarthritis of the distal radio-ulnar joint and traumatic disruption of the distal radioulnar joint. Patients were assessed pre- and post-operatively on the basis of pain and forearm rotation. Grip strength was assessed and compared with the unaffected side. Their subjective view of the operation was also sought. The best results were seen in those patients with osteoarthritis or traumatic disruption, although all patients were improved and none made worse. No patient complained of weakness although three were assessed to have a weak grip. Subjectively, 14 of the 15 were pleased or very pleased. The procedure was well tolerated and had low morbidity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Distinctive features for short-term memory of consonants in noise.
Wickelgren's (1966) short-term memory paradigm was used to investigate distinctive features of consonants in noise; 18 English consonants paired with the vowel /a/ were presented to 3 normal listeners in a CV context. Ss were tested in a quiet sound field at most comfortable listening level in experimental conditions of (1) quiet, (2) speech and noise at 0, (3) --5, and (4) --10 db S/N. Errors in auditory perception were eliminated from the data analysis and only errors in short-term memory recall were used as input to INDSCAL analysis. Results revealed that few errors were made in the quiet condition, but that all the noise conditions had deleterious effects on features. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of frequency deviance direction on performance and mismatch negativity.
The mismatch negativity (MMN) component of the auditory event-related potential is associated with automatic perceptual inference concerning changes in auditory stimulation. Recent studies have addressed the question whether performance and MMN is affected by the direction of frequency deviance. In the present study, the frequency MMN and performance is investigated during an auditory identification task. Specifically, we examined the effect of positive and negative differences between the present stimulus and the previous response frequencies on performance as well as on the characteristics of stimulus-locked ERPs and brain activation maps. The results show that frequency deviants creating mismatch conditions increase the likelihood of error commission. The decrease in performance achieves statistical significance in the case of positive frequency deviants. In the latter case, ERP amplitude values of the Fz electrode at 164 ms after stimulus onset are statistically larger for mismatch as opposed to no-mismatch condition. This corresponds to significance differences in the activation maps at Brodmann area 11, superior frontal gyrus, and the frontal lobe. The present findings revealed dissociations in behavioral and ERP responses in the processing of positive and negative frequency deviance, lending support to the notion that MMN is more sensitive to increments than to decrements in frequency. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Male infertility and genital chlamydial infection: victim or perpetrator?
The role of Chlamydia trachomatis in the cause of male infertility is under discussion. This paper attempts to summarize data from the literature, which support the role of C. trachomatis in male infertility or oppose this suggestion. The following observations are based on a survey of the literature: 1) Chlamydia trachomatis is a frequent pathogen in male genital inflammation, the micro-organisms are rarely present in healthy men. 2) Without doubt, C. trachomatis causes inflammations of the male urethra and the epididymis. Prostatitis and glandulitis vesicalis are discussed controversially. 3) Chlamydia trachomatis antigen or DNA is not demonstrable in secretions of the male accessory glands including the semen with sufficient reproducibility. However, it is easily demonstrable in urethral swabs and the urine. 4) Determination of chlamydial antibodies in serum or semen does not conclusively indicate a current infection with C. trachomatis. 5) There are no conclusive studies showing that men infected with C. trachomatis are less fertile than uninfected men. 6) The male genital chlamydial infection is a threat to the female genital organs, because C. trachomatis infection of the female genital organs may be deleterious to female fertility. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Thromboplastin standards.
The Prothrombin Time (PT) test is used for monitoring of treatment with Vitamin K-antagonists (VKA). The result of the PT test should be expressed as the International Normalized Ratio (INR). Calculation of INR is based on the availability of International Standards (IS) for thromboplastin and a calibration model. Calibration of a new PT test system is performed with the appropriate IS and fresh plasma samples of healthy (normal) volunteers and patients treated with VKA. The calibration model is based on the assumption of a linear relationship between the log(PT)'s obtained with the new PT system and the reference IS for both normal and patients' samples. Patients' samples for calibration should be selected by rejecting samples beyond the 1.5-4.5 INR range. Outliers should be rejected defined as points with a perpendicular distance greater than three residual standard deviations from the line of relationship. Selection of patients' samples and rejection of outliers result in a reduction of the between-laboratory variation of calibration. In addition to monitoring of VKA, the PT is used for management of patients with chronic liver disease. Likewise, INR(liver) should be based on calibration with an IS using samples from patients with chronic liver disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characteristics and clinical relevance of animal models of heart failure.
A number of animal models have been developed to study both the pathophysiology of heart failure and new therapeutic approaches to this complex syndrome. The most widely used preparations today are the models of rapid ventricular pacing in the dog and myocardial infarction in the rat. Other common approaches include surgically induced pressure or volume overload and toxic myocardial depression. There is no ideal animal model that both perfectly imitates human heart failure and is technically feasible in the laboratory. Each model has advantages and specific limitations, and extrapolations from experimental to clinical heart failure therefore require critical evaluation. Still, animal models have provided new insights into many aspects of the complex pathophysiology of this syndrome and have helped to investigate the efficacy of new therapeutic interventions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Substrate dependent modulation of butanol to ethanol ratio in non-acetone forming Clostridium sporogenes NCIM 2918.
Present study reports a non-acetone producing Clostridium sporogenes strain as a potential producer of liquid biofuels. Alcohol production was positively regulated by sorbitol and instant dry yeast as carbon and nitrogen sources respectively. Media optimization resulted in maximum butanol and ethanol titer (gL-1) of 12.1 and 7.9 respectively. Depending on the combination of carbon sources, the organism was found to manipulate its metabolism towards synthesis of either ethanol or butanol, thereby affecting the total alcohol titer. Among various dual substrate combinations, glucose-glycerol mixture in the ratio of 60:40 resulted in maximum butanol and ethanol titer (gL-1) of 11.9 and 12.1 respectively with total alcohol productivity of 0.59gL-1h-1. In the mixture, when pure glycerol was replaced with crude glycerol, butanol and ethanol titer (gL-1) of 11.2 and 11.7 was achieved. Hence, the strain shows immense potential for biofuels production using crude glycerol as cheap substrate. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Does implicit memory extend to legal and illegal nonwords?
In 4 experiments, implicit and explicit memory for words and nonwords were compared. In Experiments 1-2 memory for words and legal nonwords (e.g., kers) was assessed with an identification (implicit) and a recognition (explicit) memory task: Robust priming was obtained for both words and nonwords, and the priming effects dissociated from explicit memory following a levels-of-processing manipulation (Experiment 1) and following a study-test modality shift (Experiment 2). In Experiment 3, priming for legal and illegal nonwords (e.g., xyks) was observed on an identification task, and the effects dissociated from explicit memory following a levels-of-processing manipulation. Finally, in Experiment 4, significant inhibitory priming for legal nonwords was observed when a lexical-decision task was used. Results suggest that implicit memory can extend to legal and illegal nonwords. Implications for theories of implicit memory are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ethnic specific differences in endocrine neoplasms: The role of susceptibility genes.
Ethnic disparity in disease incidence, prevalence, and outcome has been documented for a variety of diseases and cancers. Dr. LaSalle D. Leffall was one of the first to note that genetic susceptibility is one important aspect that needed to be studied to better understand cancer disparity. In this article, we cover disparity in endocrine neoplasm presentation and new, emerging genetic data that may explain this disparity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The relationship between education and risk factors for coronary heart disease. Epidemiological analysis from the nine communities study. The Research Group ATS-OB43 of CNR.
In nine samples of adult populations (2707 males and 2871 females, aged 20-59 years) we studied the relationship between educational level and several lifestyle factors at risk for coronary heart disease (CHD), (i.e., smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary fat intake, sedentary behaviour at work and leisure) and the association between education and certain CHD risk factors (i.e., total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index). The data were analyzed separately in samples from North, Central and Southern Italy. The results show that educational level is often associated to the lifestyle factors considered here. This association was positive for both men and women for physical activity at leisure and work stress and only for women with respect to smoking. It was negative for both men and women for alcohol consumption and physical activity at work and for men only for cigarette smoking. The age-adjusted mean levels of the CHD risk factors show some significant differences among subjects with different educational levels, which were not always the same for the three geographical areas. This was with the exception of BMI in females, which appears negatively associated to education in all areas. These differences decreased after adjustments were made for daily cigarette smoking, wine consumption and dietary fat intake. Education seems to play a determining role in lifestyle, however, its direct and indirect effects on some major CHD risk factors are somewhat different in areas at different socio-economic conditions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Influence of long-term treatment with L-deprenyl on the age-dependent changes in rat brain microanatomy.
The present study was designed to assess whether treatment with the monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitor L-deprenyl, which has been documented to increase both mean and maximum survival in aged rats as well as sexual performance and cognitive function, has any effect on the age-related microanatomical changes occurring in the rat brain. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received a subcutaneous injection of 0.25 mg/kg L-deprenyl every other day from the 19th to the 24th month of age. Age-matched control rats were injected with saline, whereas 11-month-old untreated rats were used as an adult reference group. Both body and brain weight were increased as a function of age, and they were unaffected by treatment with L-deprenyl. The density of nerve cell profiles in the frontal cortex, in the CA-1 and CA-3 subfields of the hippocampus, in the dentate gyrus and in the cerebellar cortex were decreased in aged rats in comparison with adult rats. The density of nerve cell profiles in the above brain areas of L-deprenyl-treated rats was not significantly higher in comparison with age-matched control animals with the exception of Purkinje neuron profiles. The intensity of Nissl's staining, which may be related to the protein synthetic capabilities of nerve cells, is reduced within pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus and Purkinje neurons of the cerebellar cortex of aged rats. The intensity of Nissl's staining in L-deprenyl-treated rats was not different from adult rats. Lipofuscin deposition was significantly increased within the cytoplasm of pyramidal neurons of the frontal cortex, of the CA-3 subfield of the hippocampus and of Purkinje neurons of the cerebellar cortex. L-Deprenyl administration decreased lipofuscin accumulation within the cytoplasm of the above mentioned nerve cell types. The density of sulphide-silver staining in the intrahippocampal pathway of mossy fibres, which participate in the elaboration of passive avoidance responses, is decreased in aged rats. Treatment with L-deprenyl counters this age-related reduction. The above results suggest that long-term treatment with L-deprenyl is able to counter the expression of some microanatomical changes typical of aging brain. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Clinico-psychopathologic characteristics of schizophrenic patients who have performed socially dangerous acts (comparative epidemiological findings)].
A statistical analysis of a multifactorial comparative epidemiological study of schizophrenic patients performing and not performing dangerous actions during the period of the disease detected the following: psychological signs of schizophrenia were significantly more frequently seen at different stages of the disease in these patients who performed dangerous acts. There was a certain correlation between specific clinical signs and the age and sex structure, "prepsychotic" personality properties, exogenous influences. It was also possible to demonstrate a certain correlation between the frequency of dangerous acts and clinical conditions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The prolyl isomerase Pin1 interacts with a ribosomal protein S6 kinase to enhance insulin-induced AP-1 activity and cellular transformation.
Phosphorylation of proteins on serine or threonine residues that immediately precede proline (pSer/Thr-Pro) is specifically catalyzed by the peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase Pin1 and is a central signaling mechanism in cell proliferation and transformation. Although Pin1 is frequently overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the molecular mechanism of Pin1 in HCC has not been completely elucidated. Here, we show that Pin1 interacts with p70S6K in vitro and ex vivo. Overexpression of Pin1 resulted in enhanced p70S6K phosphorylation induced by insulin in SK-HEP-1 cells. In contrast, Pin1(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) exhibited significantly decreased insulin-induced p70S6K phosphorylation compared with Pin1(+/+) MEFs. Furthermore, Pin1 enhanced the insulin-induced extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)1/2 phosphorylation through its interaction with p70S6K, whereas the inhibition of p70S6K activity by rapamycin suppressed insulin-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation in SK-HEP-1 cells. Hence, Pin1 affected activator protein-1 activity through p70S6K-ERK1/2 signaling in SK-HEP-1 cells. Most importantly, Pin1-overexpressing JB6 Cl41 cells enhanced neoplastic cell transformation promoted by insulin much more than green fluorescent protein-overexpressing JB6 Cl41 control cells. These results imply that Pin1 amplifies insulin signaling in hepatocarcinoma cells through its interaction with p70S6K, suggesting that Pin1 plays an important role in insulin-induced tumorigenesis and is a potential therapeutic target in hepatocarcinoma. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Delivery of non-surgical oncology care.
The changes and options for future change in the provision of non-surgical oncology care within the UK are discussed in the context of the recommendations of the Calman report, the drive towards site specialization and the changing nature of the specialties of clinical and medical oncology. Options for the creation of an improved and more flexible service are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The two faces of aldehyde oxidase: Oxidative and reductive transformations of 5-nitroquinoline.
Aldehyde oxidase (AOX) is a cytosolic enzyme responsible for the metabolism of some drugs and drug candidates. AOX catalyzes the oxidative hydroxylation of substrates including several aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes, and nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds. AOX is also reported to catalyze the reductive metabolism of nitro-compounds, N-oxides, sulfoxides, isoxazoles, isothiazoles, nitrite and hydroxamic acids. These reductive transformations are not well understood and are generally believed to only occur at low oxygen concentrations. In this study, we used 5-nitroquinoline (5NQ) as a substrate to further understand both the oxidative and the reductive transformations catalyzed by AOX. In vitro reaction of 5NQ with AOX under aerobic conditions generated the oxidized (2-oxo-5-nitroquinoline, 2-oxo-5NQ), the reduced (5-aminoquinoline, 5AQ) and the oxidized/reduced (2-oxo-5-aminoquinoline, 2-oxo-5AQ) metabolites. Interestingly, in human liver cytosol, co-incubation of 5NQ and known AOX oxidative substrates DACA and phthalazine significantly increased the yield of the reduced metabolite, while oxidized metabolites production decreased. These data indicate that 5NQ can be reduced at atmospheric oxygen concentrations and that the reductive transformation occurs at a second site that is kinetically distinct from the oxidative site. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Acute Q fever hepatitis in Taiwan.
We report a case of a chronic hepatitis B carrier with an episode of acute hepatitis. The patient presented with a headache, arthralgias, jaundice and fever. While the laboratory tests mimicked chronic hepatitis B with an acute exacerbation, lipogranulomatous changes seen in the liver biopsy strongly suggested the presence of Q fever. Serology testing for Coxiella burneti proved positive and the patient responded to tetracycline therapy. While previously unreported in Taiwan, Q fever is important to consider in an atypical hepatitis presentation because it is a treatable condition. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effects of alcohol on fetal development.
Prenatal exposure to alcohol has profound effects on many aspects of fetal development. Although alterations of somatic growth and specific minor malformations of facial structure are most characteristic, the effects of alcohol on brain development are most significant in that they lead to substantial problems with neurobehavioral development. Since the initial recognition of the fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), a number of important observations have been made from studies involving both humans and animals. Of particular importance, a number of maternal risk factors have been identified, which may well be of relevance relative to the development of strategies for prevention of the FAS as well as intervention for those who have been affected. These include maternal age >30 years, ethnic group, lower socioeconomic status, having had a previously affected child, maternal under-nutrition, and genetic background. The purpose of this review is to discuss these issues as well as to set forth a number of questions that have not adequately been addressed relative to alcohol's effect on fetal development. Of particular importance is the critical need to identify the full spectrum of structural defects associated with the prenatal effects of alcohol as well as to establish a neurobehavioral phenotype. Appreciation of both of these issues is necessary to understand the full impact of alcohol on fetal development. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The role of host CD4 T cells in the pathogenesis of the chronic graft-versus-host model of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is characterized by production of autoantibodies and glomerulonephritis. The murine chronic graft-vs-host (cGVH) model of systemic lupus erythematosus is induced by allorecognition of foreign MHC class II determinants. Previous studies have shown that cGVH could not be induced in CD4 knockout (CD4KO) mice. We have further explored the role of host CD4 T cells in this model. Our studies now show that B cells in CD4KO mice have intrinsic defects that prevent them from responding to allohelp. In addition, B cells in CD4KO mice showed phenotypic differences compared with congeneic C57BL/6 B cells, indicating some degree of in vivo activation and increased numbers of cells bearing a marginal zone B cell phenotype. The transfer of syngeneic CD4 T cells at the time of initiation of cGVH did not correct these B cell abnormalities; however, if CD4 T cells were transferred during the development and maturation of B cells, then the B cells from CD4KO mice acquire the ability to respond in cGVH. These studies clearly indicate that B cells need to coexist with CD4 T cells early in their development to develop full susceptibility to alloactivation signals. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Recombinant oncotoxin AR209 (anti-P185erbB-2) diminishes human prostate carcinoma xenografts.
Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy of males in the United States. Although the overall survival rate for early stage prostate cancer is good, if cancer recurs following curative therapies there is no adequate salvage therapy. Systemic chemotherapy has never been associated with any meaningful improvement in overall survival or overall objective benefit. There is a need to develop novel therapies for prostate cancer. Two prostatic cancer cell lines, DU-145 and PC-3, were grown as subcutaneous xenografts in athymic nude mice. The recombinant oncotoxin AR209, formerly OLX-209 [e23(Fv)PE38KDEL]), has the specificity of an anti-p185erbB-2 antibody contained within a single-chain antibody domain (e23Fv) coupled to a portion of the Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE38KDEL). Using Western blot analysis, the cell lines were shown to express p185erbB-2. The mice received either 3 i.v. injections, one every 2 days, of the recombinant oncotoxin AR209 or PBS, or were implanted with osmotic pumps that delivered a constant s.c. amount of AR209 or PBS. The oncotoxin was effective in reducing the size of s.c. prostatic xenografts in athymic nude mice. The data demonstrated that small tumors (<200 mm.3) were effectively reduced in size. However, larger tumors (>500 mm.3) were not effectively diminished. This study provides preliminary evidence for the utility of a recombinant oncotoxin in the treatment of prostate carcinoma. Recombinant oncotoxins may be an effective clinical addition for the management of metastatic prostate lesions in patients treated with conventional therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Exogenous NO mediated the detoxification pathway of tomato seedlings under different stress of Cu and Cd.
Nitric oxide (NO) is a well-known signaling molecular that plays a significant role in stress tolerance of plants to heavy metals. However, the detoxification mechanism of NO has not been well studied. Here, we examined the absorbing and transporting characteristics of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) in tomato seedlings through nutrient solution culture and its response to exogenous NO under Cu and/or Cd stress. Results showed that Cu and Cd with the concentration of 50 &Mgr;mol·L-1 greatly inhibited plant growth, with Cd having a higher inhibiting effect than Cu. Under single or dual stresses of Cu and Cd, their contents in both tomato roots and leaves were significantly increased. However, tomato roots showed preference to essential element Cu with a luxury uptake and strictly against Cd through cell plasma membrane in which the content of Cd was only one tenth of Cu in plants. These metal stresses, especially Cd stress, could be alleviated by application of exogenous NO. Tomato plants detoxify these passively-absorbed elements through similar mechanisms, including chelation with glutathione, phytochelatin or metallothionein, as well as vascular compartmentalization. Exogenous NO could alleviate these stresses through regulating the oxidation-reduction condition of GSH-GSSH, controlling the metabolism of GSH-PCs, as well as promoting the vascular compartmentalization of excessive Cu and Cd. In addition, NO could induce higher expression of chelators, such as MTs, GSH and PCs, in both roots and shoots, which showed additive effects to other responses and might be another important detoxification pathway mediated through NO for the responses of tomato plants to Cu and Cd stresses. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Small intestinal function following syngeneic transplantation in the rat.
Improvements in immunosuppression have led to the use of small intestinal transplantation clinically. Previous studies have suggested that the transplantation process and immunosuppression with cyclosporin independently affect small intestinal function. This study describes the effects of syngeneic small intestinal transplantation and cyclosporine in rats on intestinal permeability and nutrient transport. Orthotopic transplantation of the small intestine was performed between syngeneic (Lewis) rats. Transplanted animals received chronic treatment with cyclosporine (10 mg/kg) or vehicle on alternate days. Sham operated controls received treatment with vehicle. Animals were followed for 60 days monitoring weight gain, feed intake, intestinal permeability, in vivo absorption of dietary fat and carbohydrate, and at sacrifice in vitro transmural flux of 3-O-methyl-D-glucose. Weight gain, feed intake, and absorption of fat and carbohydrate from the diet were not altered by intestinal transplantation alone; transplantation plus cyclosporine treatment caused a slight reduction in dietary fat absorption. Both the transplant and transplant plus cyclosporine groups demonstrated increased permeability to 51Cr-EDTA and mannitol but not lactulose. Jejunal and ileal 3-O-methyl-D-glucose net transmural flux was decreased in both transplant and transplant plus cyclosporin groups. Intestinal transplantation and cyclosporin treatment reduce mucosal glucose transport and increase intestinal permeability. These altered transport characteristics could affect dietary choices and the selection of immunosuppressive drugs during clinical transplantation efforts, however, the overall impact on animal well-being was minimal, and support the continued study of intestinal transplantation for clinical application. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Serine phosphorylation-regulated ubiquitination and degradation of beta-catenin.
Several lines of evidence suggest that accumulation of cytoplasmic beta-catenin transduces an oncogenic signal. We show that beta-catenin is ubiquitinated and degraded by the proteosome and that beta-catenin stability is regulated by a diacylglycerol-independent protein kinase C-like kinase activity, which is required for beta-catenin ubiquitination. We also define a six-amino acid sequence found in both beta-catenin and the NF-kappaB regulatory protein IkappaBalpha, which, upon phosphorylation, targets both proteins for ubiquitination. Mutation of a single serine within the ubiquitination targeting sequence prevents ubiquitination of beta-catenin. Mutations within the ubiquitination targeting sequence of beta-catenin may be oncogenic. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mineralisation of soft and hard tissues and the stability of biofluids.
Evidence is provided from studies on natural and artificial biofluids that the sequestration of amorphous calcium phosphate by peptides or proteins to form nanocluster complexes is of general importance in the control of physiological calcification. A naturally occurring mixture of osteopontin peptides was shown, by light and neutron scattering, to form calcium phosphate nanoclusters with a core-shell structure. In blood serum and stimulated saliva, an invariant calcium phosphate ion activity product was found which corresponds closely in form and magnitude to the ion activity product observed in solutions of these osteopontin nanoclusters. This suggests that types of nanocluster complexes are present in these biofluids as well as in milk. Precipitation of amorphous calcium phosphate from artificial blood serum, urine and saliva was determined as a function of pH and the concentration of osteopontin or casein phosphopeptides. The position of the boundary between stability and precipitation was found to agree quantitatively with the theory of nanocluster formation. Artificial biofluids were prepared that closely matched their natural counterparts in calcium and phosphate concentrations, pH, saturation, ionic strength and osmolality. Such fluids, stabilised by a low concentration of sequestering phosphopeptides, were found to be highly stable and may have a number of beneficial applications in medicine. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pride and perseverance: the motivational role of pride.
Perseverance toward goals that carry short-term costs is an important component of adaptive functioning. The present experiments examine the role that the emotion pride may play in mediating such perseverance. Across 2 studies, pride led to greater perseverance on an effortful and hedonically negative task believed to be related to the initial source of pride. In addition, the causal efficacy of pride was further demonstrated through dissociating its effects from related alternative mechanisms. Study 1 differentiated the effects of pride from self-efficacy. Study 2 differentiated the effects of pride from general positive affect. Taken together, these findings provide support for the proposed motivational function of pride in which this emotion serves as an incentive to persevere on a task despite initial costs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An electrohydraulic ventricular assist system with a linear actuator.
An electrohydraulic ventricular assist system with a linear actuator was developed, and in vitro and in vivo evaluations were performed. During in vitro evaluations this system could yield 5.6 L/min of pump flow against a mean afterload of 100 mmHg. Durability tests were performed for more than 4 months. The system was implanted in three goats and a maximum pump flow of 4.2 L/min was obtained against a mean afterload of 100 mmHg, and 3.2 L/min against 130 mmHg. These evaluations have proven that the system can maintain stable hemodynamics under various conditions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The GABA-withdrawal syndrome: a new model of focal epileptogenesis.
A novel model of focal, cortical epilepsy is described. Chronic (6 h to 14 days), localized application of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) into the somatomotor cortex of rats induces, upon withdrawal, the appearance of epileptogenic activity with maximal electrographic expression circumscribed to the infused site. This GABA-withdrawal syndrome (tested for a 100 micrograms/microliter/h dose) lasted from 24 to 168 h (mean values). A significant correlation was found between infusion time and duration of the excitability rebound, with the longer duration corresponding to the shorter infusion time. A distant lesion effect was observed in the thalamic area of cortical projection. The potential use of this neurotransmitter-induced phenomenon in the study of brain plasticity in general, and of epilepsy in particular, is discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Control of locomotion in marine mollusc Clione limacina. VII Reexamination of type 12 interneurons.
In previous work carried out on the isolated pedal ganglia of the pteropod mollusc Clione limacina we described the activity of a neuronal element (type 12 neuron) and looked into its role in the locomotor rhythm generation (Arshavasky et al. 1985d). As we learned subsequently, the activity was recorded from the neuron axon passing in the pedal ganglia, while the neuron soma was located in the pleural ganglia and consequently was cut off in the course of pedal ganglia isolation. It thus became necessary to reinvestigate the properties of this neuron and its role in locomotory rhythm generation by using less reduced preparation of the central nervous system. The following results were obtained. (1) Each pleural ganglion contains only one neuron of this type, this cell is thus to be considered as the identified neuron. The neuron's axon reaches into the pedal ganglion via the pleuro-pedal connective. Then the axon divides into two branches terminating in the lateral regions of both pedal ganglia. The neurons 12 from the left and right pleural ganglia have no direct connections with one another; their synchronous operation in the locomotor cycle is determined by common inputs. (2) The electrical properties of an intact neuron 12 and one without a soma are about the same. In either case the neuron generates "plateau" potentials, i.e., it may persist for a long time in the depolarized state. Plateau potentials can be induced by a depolarizing current pulse or by an EPSP, and terminated by hyperpolarizing current or by an IPSP. The neuron input resistance drops about twofold during generation of the plateau potential.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antigenotoxic activities of chitin and chitosan as assayed by sister chromatid exchange.
The antigenotoxic activities of chitin and chitosan were studied using sister chromatid exchange assay by examining the adsorption of four kinds of mutagens. These two dietary animal fibers showed similar patterns in reducing the genotoxicity of aqueous solutions of the hydrophobic mutagens, 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide and dinitropyrene, in distilled water. Under similar conditions, the antigenotoxic activities of chitin and chitosan for mitomycin C were 87 and 0%, and those for adriamycin were 47 and 78%, respectively. In addition, the antigenotoxic activity of both fibers for MMC was affected by the pH value of the aqueous solution between 2.5 and 7.2, but that of ADM was not. The results demonstrate that chitin and chitosan may have protective effects against environmental mutagens by adsorbing them in ionic and nonionic solutions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Haematological and immunological variables in a domesticated and wild subspecies of ostrich (Struthio camelus).
1. Domesticated ostriches have been selected rigorously for productive traits with little concern for immunological responses, in contrast to wild ostriches. 2. We hypothesised that the immunological responses of wild and domesticated ostriches would differ. Total leucocyte counts, differential counts, heterophil: lymphocyte ratios, phagocytic activity, lysosome levels and anti-sheep red blood cell (SRBC) antibody titres (total, IgG, IgM) were compared between domesticated (n=3) and wild (n=3) ostrich subspecies. 3. Total leucocytes, lymphocytes and heterophils were similar in the 2 subspecies, but basophils and eosinophils were lower in the wild than in the domesticated ostriches. Lysosome concentrations and phagocytic activities were higher in the wild ostriches. 4. Total and IgM antibody titres to SRBC reached peak values quicker in the domesticated than in wild ostriches. IgG development patterns were similar. 5. The results suggest that a stronger non-specific immune response was shown by the wild ostriches (higher phagocytosis and lysozymes) whereas a stronger specific immune response was shown by the domesticated ostriches (peak values of anti-SRBC antibody titres were reached more quickly). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Molecular identification of entomopathogenic Fusarium species associated with Tribolium species in stored grains.
Fusarium species are common pathogens of plants, animals and insects worldwide, including Iran. The occurrence of entomopathogenic Fusarium species isolated from Tribolium species as one of the most important insect pests of stored grains were sampled from various provinces in western Iran. In total, 15 Tribolium species belonging to T. castaneum (Herbst) and T. confusum (Du Val) (Col: Tenebrionidae) were detected and 8 isolates from Fusarium spp. were collected from them. Based on morphological features, the Fusarium isolates were classified into F. keratoplasticum and F. proliferatum. The phylogenetic trees based on tef1 dataset clearly separated all morphological taxa. DNA sequences of ITS regions and β-tubulin gene were also confirmed morphological taxa. All of the Fusarium isolates were evaluated for their pathogenicity on T. confusum. Maximum mortality rate was observed for F. keratoplasticum (isolate FSSCker2) and this isolate may be considered as a good candidate for biological control in the ecosystem of stored grains. This is the first report on molecular identification of Fusarium species isolated from insects in Iran and F. keratoplasticum and F. proliferatum were isolated for the first time from Tribolium species as two entomopathogenic fungi. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Preoperative Interventions and Charges in the 2-Year Period Before Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: What Happens Before Surgery.
This study investigated preoperative interventions and their costs in the 2-year period before a patient undergoing a unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). A retrospective cohort analysis of patients undergoing UKA between 2009 and 2011 was conducted using the PearlDiver Patient Record Database to track inpatient and outpatient billing records. One thousand eight hundred forty-one patients from Medicare and 4704 patients from United Healthcare underwent UKA between 2009 and 2011. In the 2 years before UKA, the per patient average charge was $3919.96 for Medicare patients and $5219.14 for United Healthcare patients, with 21.7% of Medicare-associated charges and 28.2% of United Healthcare-associated charges occurring within 3 months of surgery. In the 2-year period before surgery, 65.5% of Medicare patients and 53.6% of United Healthcare patients received an intra-articular injection, with 29.1% (Medicare) and 46.0% (United Healthcare) of these injections occurring within 3 months of surgery. In addition, 15.1% of Medicare patients and 20.7% of United Healthcare patients underwent an arthroscopy, with between 32.4% and 43.8% of these occurring in the final 6 months before UKA. Preoperative interventions (ie, imaging, procedures, physical therapy, and injections) occur at a high frequency in close proximity to UKA resulting in substantial costs. The development of algorithms to guide management of these patients is critical in reducing costs before UKA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Electrostatic effects in the alpha-chymotrypsin-catalyzed acyl transfer. I. Influence of different inorganic salts.
We investigated the deacylation of two acyl-alpha-chymotrypsins by added nucleophiles. The nucleophile binding site of the enzyme shows a strong preference for positively charged compounds. Most of our data can be explained by direct electrostatic interaction between the ionic nucleophiles and two negatively charged residues which are located close to the active site of the enzyme molecule. The influence of inorganic salts on the acyl transfer includes the following effects: (1) reduction of electrostatic interactions between the acyl-enzyme and the nucleophile by addition of salts; (2) binding of divalent cations to the nucleophile binding site of the acyl-enzyme leading to a significantly changed specificity; and (3) linear dependence of the activity coefficients of the added nucleophiles on salt concentration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pressure effects for crystal growth in a closed system.
We analyze the growth of a crystal from its supercooled liquid in a closed domain (constrained growth), taking into account the effects due to the different densities rho(s) and rho(l) of the solid and liquid phases. We assume rho(l) > rho(s), i.e., the liquid expands upon solidification. Then, the growth is contrasted by an increasing pressure, which results in a continuous decrease of the coexistence temperature and the effective supercooling. These phenomena have been simulated in two dimensions through a modified version of the classic phase-field model. We observe that for spherical growth the interface temperature reflects almost instantaneously the change of the coexistence temperature. For dendritic growth, we observed a relaxation time for the dendrite tip velocity and the tip radius which is comparable to the characteristic time of the process; however, after the first fast transient, the growth dynamics seems to follow the changing pressure with no appreciable lag. The onset of the morphological instability is slightly anticipated in respect to free growth. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The role of wind-tunnel studies in integrative research on migration biology.
Wind tunnels allow researchers to investigate animals' flight under controlled conditions, and provide easy access to the animals during flight. These increasingly popular devices can benefit integrative migration biology by allowing us to explore the links between aerodynamic theory and migration as well as the links between flight behavior and physiology. Currently, wind tunnels are being used to investigate many different migratory phenomena, including the relationship between metabolic power and flight speed and carry-over effects between different seasons. Although biotelemetry is also becoming increasingly common, it is unlikely that it will be able to completely supplant wind tunnels because of the difficulty of measuring or varying parameters such as flight speed or temperature in the wild. Wind tunnels and swim tunnels will therefore continue to be important tools we can use for studying integrative migration biology. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A fixation apparatus for differential indication on fibular band lesions].
Description of a new radiological technique for examination of lesions of the lateral ligaments of the ankle. With this method it is possible to make differential diagnosis. The drawer sign of the talus is measured. In contrast with conventional stress a.-p. roentgenograms it is also possible to detect isolated tears of the anterior talo-fibular ligament. Additional advantages of the method are no X-ray exposure for the examiner, local anaesthesia is not required and the results are reproducible independent of the examiner. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The risk of injury to neurovascular structures from distal locking screws of the Unreamed Humeral Nail (UHN): a cadaveric study.
When performing distal interlocking of an intramedullary humeral nail, there is risk of iatrogenic injuring to the neurovascular structures. Our cadaveric study with frozen sections through the distal humerus presents the anatomic relationship of the different neurovascular bundles and the trajectories used for the implantation of the three distal interlocking screws of the AO-UHN. The middle lateromedial pin was in direct contact with the radial nerve in 3 out of 10 cases, with the ulnar nerve in 3 out of 10 cases and with the brachial artery in 1 out of 10 cases. We recommend using only the two anteroposterior screws for distal interlocking, avoiding the lateromedial locking option. If this lateromedial locking screw is needed to gain adequate stability, it should be introduced under visual control. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
How stress fracture incidence was lowered in the Israeli army: a 25-yr struggle.
In 1983, a 31% incidence of stress fractures was found among Israeli basic infantry recruits. The purpose of this article is to chronicle the efforts of the Israeli Defense Forces to lower the stress fracture incidence and to present new data showing how reduction was finally achieved. A historical review of the steps taken over the past 25 yr to decrease stress fracture incidence in the Israeli Army is presented: risk factors for stress fracture were identified to create a risk profile and facilitate screening of recruits; modifications in army shoes were made; shock attenuating orthoses and biomechanical orthoses of various compositions were used; and the bisphosphonate risedronate was administered to recruits before and during basic training. In the latest intervention, the combined effect of a minimum nightly sleep requirement (6 h a night) and a decrease in recruits' cumulative marching and running on the incidence of stress fractures was evaluated among 276 infantry recruits. A stress fracture risk profile was developed. It allows a recruit's stress fracture risk to be calculated before infantry training. Shoe modifications, orthoses, and pharmacological treatment with risedronate were not effective in lowering the incidence of stress fractures. The minimum sleep regimen and the reduced cumulative marching lowered the incidence of stress fractures by 62% (from 30.8% to 11.6%) and decreased their severity as compared with the 1983 baseline study. After failing in prior interventions, a more than 60% decrease in stress fracture incidence was achieved by enforcing a minimum sleep regimen and lowering the cumulative marching during infantry training. These changes did not affect the quality of the training or the soldiers' combat readiness. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Social nesting: changes in social network and support across the transition to parenthood in couples that conceived spontaneously or through assisted reproductive technologies.
Research showed that following the birth of a first child, parents increase contact with family members and diminish contact with friends, however, these changes may differ when conception is achieved through assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Based on the convoy model (Kahn & Antonucci, 1980) perspective of close relationships, we examined changes across the transition to parenthood in the social networks and support of men and women that conceived spontaneously or through ART. Thirty one women and 22 men (22 couples) that conceived through ART and 28 women and 24 men (24 couples) with a spontaneous conception provided data on social network and support from nuclear family, extended family, and friends twice: at 24-weeks pregnancy and 4-months postpartum. Results demonstrated that, regardless of method of conception, during the transition to parenthood new parents showed a strong nesting movement towards their nuclear family, perceiving increasing levels of nuclear family support across time. Extended family seemed to have only a secondary role on the social nesting movement and a withdrawal from friends was also observed. Considering the primary role nuclear family members seem to have on providing effective support to child-rearing, a greater emphasis on the importance of parents' relationship with their own parents and siblings could be made and social and working policies that prevent the displacement of families geographically also should be considered. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Monitoring and evaluation of contracts for health service delivery in Costa Rica.
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) has been purchasing primary health care services from the Costa Rican Cooperative, COOPESALUD. The CCSS has made significant progress in establishing performance indicators and conducting evaluations of progress against those indicators. After laying out a general framework for developing performance indicators, this paper analyzes the CCSS's evaluation of its 1998 contract with COOPESALUD in terms of objectives, performance indicators, evaluation results, and use of the evaluation results. The objectives of the COOPESALUD contract, as they are stated within the body of the contract, are to increase coverage, improve quality and increase efficiency. Contract performance is measured through three categories of indicators: organization, service delivery and quality. Service delivery targets are set in terms of volume of services based upon geographic population. A 'yes' or a 'no' rating to indicate whether a particular system is in place is used for scoring organization and quality targets. While the CCSS contract is one of the most advanced in the region, many aspects could be improved. By setting indicator targets based upon population estimates, it is difficult for the CCSS to accurately assess COOPESALUD's performance. Although the CCSS conducts periodic evaluations through formal mechanisms, and some data on volume of service delivery are available, the data gathered in all three categories do not provide the purchaser with information directly related to all of the contract objectives nor to contractor performance. The indicators spelled out in the contract, and the evaluation of those indicators, do not seek to measure quantifiable results or impact through numerical data. There are no process or result indicators in place. The evaluation results could therefore tend to be fairly superficial - based upon population coverage and not on effectiveness of treatment, quality of treatment or efficient resource use. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging using different b-value combinations for the evaluation of treatment results after volumetric MR-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation of uterine fibroids.
To assess the value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping using different b-value combinations for treatment evaluation after magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) of uterine fibroids. Fifty-six patients with 67 uterine fibroids were treated with volumetric MR-HIFU. Pre-treatment and post-treatment images were obtained using contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MRI (CE-T1WI) and DWI using b = 0, 200, 400, 600, 800 s/mm(2). ADC maps were generated using subsets of b-values to investigate the effects of tissue ablation on water diffusion and perfusion in fibroids treated with MR-HIFU. Four combinations of b-values were used: (1) all b-values; (2) b = 0, 200 s/mm(2); (3) b = 400, 600, 800 s/mm(2); and (4) b = 0, 800 s/mm(2). Using the lowest b-values (0 and 200 s/mm(2)), the mean ADC value in the ablated tissue reduced significantly (p < 0.001) compared with baseline. Calculating the ADC value with the highest b-values (400, 600, 800 s/mm(2)), the ADC increased significantly (p < 0.001) post-treatment. ADC maps calculated with the lowest b-values resulted in the best visual agreement of non-perfused fibroid tissue detected on CE images. Other b-value combinations and normal myometrium showed no difference in ADC after MR-HIFU treatment. A decrease in contrast agent uptake within the ablated region on CE-T1WI was correlated to a significantly decreased ADC when b = 0 and 200 s/mm(2) were used. DWI could be useful for treatment evaluation after MR-HIFU of uterine fibroids. The ADC in fibroid tissue is influenced by the choice of b- values. Low b-values seem the best choice to emphasise perfusion effects after MR-HIFU. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A nonstructural and antigenic glycoprotein is encoded by ORF3 of the IAF-Klop strain of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.
Open reading frame 3 (ORF3) of the genome of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), Quebec strain IAF-Klop, was reverse-transcribed and cloned into the procaryotic expression vector pGEX-4T-1, then subcloned into the eucaryotic expression vector pAdCMV5 which was used as a shuttle vector to generate a replication-defective recombinant adenovirus. The procaryotic GST-ORF3 recombinant fusion protein was used to raise a monospecific antiserum in rabbits. By Western-immunoblotting with PRRSV-infected cell extracts, the ORF3 encoded protein had an estimated molecular mass (M(r)) of 42 kDa, similar to that of the protein expressed by the adenovirus vector. Endoglycosidase F digestion showed that the ORF3 encoded protein occurs in an highly glycosylated form (GP3) in the infected MARC-145 cells. Pulse-chase and radioimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed that the GP3 protein was present in amounts equivalent to those of the N, M, and GP5 proteins in the infected cells, whereas no GP3 could be detected in purified virions. During the first 30 min of chase, the GP3 undergoes a gradual downward shift of its apparent M(r), thought to result from trimming of the mannose-rich glycan structures. Tested convalescent pig sera that were found to be seropositive to PRRSV by indirect immunofluorescence reacted positively with the recombinant GST-ORF3 fusion protein by immunoblotting. Data indicated that the ORF3 protein of the Quebec reference strain of PRRSV is a highly glycosylated and antigenic protein, which is nonstructural. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Corresponding states of order parameter in nematic liquid crystals.
In this work, experimental data points from which the profile of the order parameter of nematic liquid crystals can be obtained, mainly magnetic susceptibility anisotropy and dielectric anisotropy, will be used to show that when rescaled they coalesce along a common line that extends from the nematic-isotropic phase transition region, until the nematic-crystalline phase transition region. A large set of experimental data of a diversity of nematic compounds that share the presence of a nematic-isotropic and a nematic-crystalline phase transition, without another phase within, has been collected from the liquid crystals literature. Taking for each of them the temperatures of these two phase transitions as fixed points, a common temperature scale has been constructed and, in this scale, the value of each physical quantity has been uniformly fixed at the nematic-crystalline phase transition temperature. This procedure has revealed the existence of a law of corresponding states that covers the entire nematic phase. As the values assumed by these physical quantities can be used to measure the macroscopic order parameter, the use of this temperature scale suggests that it presents a common behavior that covers the entire nematic phase. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Perineurial cell hypertrophic mononeuropathy manifesting as carpal tunnel syndrome.
A 42-year-old man showed signs and symptoms suggestive of carpal-tunnel syndrome, but EMG showed an isolated motor axon-loss lesion affecting the right median nerve distally. After the MRI revealed a mass in the median nerve, surgical exploration showed a diffusely swollen median motor branch. Biopsy showed a lesion with marked onion-bulb formation composed of perineurial cells as identified by immunohistochemical analyses and electron microscopic examination. Although we previously coined the term "perineurioma" for this condition, re-reviews of our cases do not support the idea that the onion-bulb lesion is a benign tumor; instead, it appears to be reactive hyperplasia. Although rare, electromyographers and neurologists need to be aware of this problem because it is self-limited and does not require surgical resection. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Switch: a planning tool for power systems with large shares of intermittent renewable energy.
Wind and solar power are highly variable, so it is it unclear how large a role they can play in future power systems. This work introduces a new open-source electricity planning model--Switch--that identifies the least-cost strategy for using renewable and conventional generators and transmission in a large power system over a multidecade period. Switch includes an unprecedented amount of spatial and temporal detail, making it possible to address a new type of question about the optimal design and operation of power systems with large amounts of renewable power. A case study of California for 2012-2027 finds that there is no maximum possible penetration of wind and solar power--these resources could potentially be used to reduce emissions 90% or more below 1990 levels without reducing reliability or severely raising the cost of electricity. This work also finds that policies that encourage customers to shift electricity demand to times when renewable power is most abundant (e.g., well-timed charging of electric vehicles) could make it possible to achieve radical emission reductions at moderate costs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Secukinumab as Biological Treatment for Psoriatic Arthritis in Real Clinical Practice.
Clinical trials of secukinumab have demonstrated their efficacy and safety in psoriatic arthritis as biological first choice or after inadequate response to other biological treatments. To analyze the efficacy and safety of secukinumab in peripheral psoriatic arthritis over 12 months in real clinical practice. Patients with active peripheral psoriatic arthritis who started treatment with secukinumab according to the technical specifications were included. Efficacy and safety were evaluated from baseline to 12 months comparing naive and non-naive to biological therapy patients. A total of 76 patients were included (22 naive and 54 non-naive to biological) with an age of 51.9 years (10.3) and duration of the disease of 9.5 years (7.1). Of them, 31.6% with dactylitis, 51.3% with enthesitis and the baseline DAPSA was 19.0 (9.8). The retention rate was high, 90.9% in naive and 81.5% in non-naïve patients, and the percentage of patients with a DAPSA less than or equal to 14 was higher in the naive patients even after adjusting for age, sex and FAMEsc (P=.016). The safety data were similar to those described in the clinical trials. Secukinumab is effective and safe in 12-month treatment in peripheral active psoriatic arthritis in real clinical practice, after inadequate response to TNF or as first biological treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of lactose on gut microbiota and metabolome of infants with cow's milk allergy.
Allergic infants have an unusual gastrointestinal microbiota with low numbers of Bifidobacterium/Lactobacilli and high levels of Clostridium, staphylococci and Escherichia coli. Hydrolyzed formula used to treat these infants is deprived of lactose that instead may influence the gut microbial composition. The aim of the present study is to investigate the influence of lactose on the composition of the gut microbiota and metabolome of infants with cow's milk allergy. Infants prospectively enrolled received an extensively hydrolyzed formula with no lactose for 2 months followed by an identical lactose-containing formula for an additional 2 months. Healthy, age-gender-matched infants were used as controls. The following determinations were performed before and after the introduction of lactose in the diet: enumeration of cells present in the feces using FISH, counts of viable bacterial cells and gas-chromatography mass spectrometry/solid-phase microextraction analysis. The addition of lactose to the diet significantly increases the counts of Bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria (p < 0.01), decreases that of Bacteroides/clostridia (p < 0.05) reaching counts found in healthy controls; lactose significantly increases the concentration of total short-chain fatty acids (p < 0.05). The addition of lactose to an extensively hydrolyzed formula is able to positively modulate the composition of gut microbiota by increasing the total fecal counts of Lactobacillus/Bifidobacteria and decreasing that of Bacteroides/Clostridia. The positive effect is completed by the increase of median concentration of short chain fatty acids, especially for acetic and butyric acids demonstrated by the metabolomic analysis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Significance of postoperative adjuvant immunochemotherapy after curative resection of colorectal cancers: Association between host or tumor factors and survival.
We examined the relationship between host as well as tumor factors and postoperative survival rate in patients who received combination therapy of mitomycin C + fluoropyrimidine oral antineoplastics + protein-bound polysaccharide K (PSK) (MFP therapy) after curative resection of colorectal cancer. Markers that determine prognosis, such as preoperative humoral factors (complement 3 and 4), immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP), lymphocyte transformation (cellular factors) induced by phytohemagglutinin (PHA), pokeweed mitogen (PWM), and PSK, and various tumor markers (CEA, CA19-9) were measured. For each parameter, patients were divided into a high-level and a low-level group according to a predetermined cut-off value, and survival rates were compared between the two groups. The host factors that determined prognosis were 1-month postoperative IAP level [IAP(1M)], preoperative PHA value, and preoperative CA19-9 level. The levels of IAP(1M) <740 microg/ml, preoperative PHA > or =210 (SI value), and preoperative CA19-9 <13 U/ml were associated with a favorable prognosis. When combined with the tumor factors, the prognosis was favorable in Dukes A+B cases with preoperative CA19-9 <13 U/ml, and in Dukes C cases with preoperative PHA > or =210 SI. By the Cox proportional hazard model analysis, among IAP, PHA and CA19-9, CA19-9 was the strongest host factor associated with the prognosis of MFP therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in emphysema.
Human plasma contains a number of proteinase inhibitors which together form 10% of the total plasma proteins. Serine proteases are a group of closely related proteolytic enzymes, with serine in their active site. These play a key role in coagulation, fibrinolysin, kinin and complement activation. Serine protease inhibitors or "serpins" are specific inhibitors which control the activities of these enzymes. Among the serine protease inhibitors. Alpha-1 antitrypsin (alpha1 ATD) is found in highest concentration in plasma. It is the major physiologic inhibitor for neutrophil elastase. It has control over the elastase mediated degradation of elastic tissue in the lung. Alpha1ATD deficiency is a common genetic disorder and potentially lethal disease predominantly found in North European population--where the incidence is one in 2500; worldwide figures suggest that one in 6000 people have classic alpha1ATD. In cases of deficiency, antielastase activity is reduced in the lungs which results in increased elastin breakdown and development of emphysema. Cigarette smoking contributes to destructive changes in emphysema by suppressing the proteinase inhibitory activity of human serum and by inducing certain bronchoalveolar changes. Prevalence and severity of asthma increases in persons with abnormal alpha1ATD phenotype. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Near-IR Electrochromic Film Prepared by Oxidative Electropolymerization of the Cyclometalated Pt(II) Chloride with a Triphenylamine Group.
A cyclometalated platinum chloride [(L)PtCl] {L = 4-[p-(diphenylamino)phenyl]-6-phenyl-2,2'-bipyridine} was successfully synthesized and characterized by (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, MALDI-TOF MS, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallography. Its oxidative electropolymerization proceeds smoothly on the working Pt and ITO electrodes by cyclic voltammetry. The film thickness can be easily tuned by controlling the CV scan number. The orange hybrid polymer film shows the nondiffusion-controlled redox processes and a unusually inverse dependence of ac impedance on its thickness. As a result of switching of the MLCT/ICT and dication absorption transitions, the adherent metallopolymer film exhibits the low-voltage-controlled anodic coloration near-IR electrochromism with significant optical contrast ratio (ΔT% = 88.8% at 820 nm), fast response time (1.9 s for the coloration step and 2.3 s for the bleaching step), and high coloration efficiency (CE = 363.3 C(-1)·cm(2)). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Production of poultry viral vaccines in embryonated eggs.
The review was written in attempt to summarize some aspects of current poultry viral vaccine production. Problems associated with the production of safe and effective viral vaccines were described. Embryonated eggs or CEF are used in veterinary medical research and in the production of viral vaccines owing to their advantages as a suitable substrate for a wide range of viruses. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Government conservation policies on Mexican coastal areas: is "top-down" management working?
Marine and terrestrial ecosystems are declining globally due to environmental degradation and poorly planned resource use. Traditionally, local government agencies have been responsible of the management of natural reserves to preserve biodiversity. Nonetheless, much of these approaches have failed, suggesting the development of more integrative strategies. In order to discuss the importance of a holistic approach in conservation initiatives, coastal and underwater landscape value and biological/environmental indicators of coral reef degradation were assessed using the study case of Zihuatanejo, Guerrero coastal area. This area shelters representative coral reef structures of the Eastern Pacific coast and its terrestrial biodiversity and archaeology enhance the high value of its coastal area. This study explored the landscape value of both terrestrial and marine ecosystems using the geomorphosite approach in two sites on the Zihuatanejo coastal area: Caleta de Chon and Manzanillo Beach. Sedimentation rate, water transparency, chlorophyll and total suspended solids were recorded underwater in each site for environmental characterization. 50 photo-quadrants on five transects were surveyed between 3-4m depth to record coverage (%) of living corals, dead corals, algae, sand and rocks. The conservation status of coral reefs was assessed by the coral mortality index (MI). Landscape values showed that both terrestrial and marine ecosystems had important scientific and aesthetic values, being Manzanillo Beach the site with the highest potential for conservation initiatives (TtV = 14.2). However, coral reefs face elevated sedimentation rates (up to 1.16 kg/m2d) and low water transparency (less of 5m) generated by coastal land use changes that have increased soil erosion in the adjacent coastal area. High coverage of dead corals (23.6%) and algae (up to 29%) confirm the low values in conservation status of coral reefs (MI = 0.5), reflecting a poorly-planned management. Current conditions are the result of "top-down" conservation strategies in Zihuatanejo, as Federal and Municipal authorities do not coordinate, disregard local community in coral reef management, and ignore the intimate relationship between the coastal and marine realms. This work confirms the importance of conservation strategies with a holistic approach, considering both terrestrial and marine ecosystems in coastal areas; and that these initiatives should include local coastal communities in management and decision-taking processes done by government authorities. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Patellar tendon in vivo regional strain with varying knee angle.
Descriptive data on the aspects of site specific in vivo tendon strain with varying knee joint angle are non-existent. The present study determines and compares surface and deep layer strain of the patellar tendon during isometric contractions across a range of knee joint angles. Male participants (age 22.0±3.4) performed ramped isometric knee extensions at knee joint angles of 90°, 70°, 50° and 30° of flexion. Strain patterns of the anterior and posterior regions of the patellar tendon were determined using real-time B-mode ultrasonography at each knee joint angle. Regional strain measures were compared using an automated pixel tracking method. Strain was seen to be greatest for both the anterior and posterior regions with the knee at 90° (7.76±0.89% and 5.06±0.76%). Anterior strain was seen to be significantly greater (p<0.05) than posterior strain for all knee angles apart from 30°, 90°=(7.76vs. 5.06%), 70°=(4.77vs. 3.75%), and 50°=(3.74vs. 2.90%). The relative strain (ratio of anterior to posterior), was greatest with the knee joint angle at 90°, and decreased as the knee joint angle reduced. The results from this study indicate that not only are there greater absolute tendon strains with the knee in greater flexion, but that the knee joint angle affects the regional strain differentially, resulting in greater shear between the tendon layers with force application when the knee is in greater degrees of flexion. These results have important implications for rehabilitation and training. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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