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Abnormal bone scans of the tibial tunnel 2 years after patella ligament anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: correlation with tunnel enlargement and tibial graft length.
Tibial bone tunnels were examined with bone scans 2 years after patella ligament ACL reconstruction in 68 patients. At 2 years, scan uptake at the tibial tunnel was increased in 29% of patients. Marked increase of scintigraphic uptake was associated with tibial tunnel enlargement of more than 35% and a graft length in the tibial tunnel over 14 mm. Scan uptake was correlated to tunnel enlargement (r = 0.64, P < 0.01) and tunnel enlargement was correlated to graft length inside the tibial tunnel (r = 0.59 P < 0.001). No correlation was found between scan uptake or tunnel enlargement and anterior laxity, sagittal tunnel position and subjective outcome. Scintigraphy indicates the enlarged tibial tunnels are filled with remodelling bone. Tibial fixation location influences ligament healing inside the tunnel: Return of osseous homeostasis at the tibial tunnel can take more than 2 years when fixation is more than 14 mm below the joint. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Endocytosymbiosis of microorganisms in mammal eukaryotic cells and factors of its regulation].
Morphofunctional equivalents of the process of long-term intracellular prokaryotes--eukaryotes interaction were studied by light and electron microscopy. The mechanisms for adaptation, elaborated in the course of evolution of bacteria-host interaction, were analysed on the ultrastructural level. A concept on the role of hypothalamic nonapeptides, as factors of regulation of intracellular persistence and symbiosis of prokaryotes, is discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Enzymatic basis for fungicide removal by Elodea canadensis.
Plants can absorb a diversity of natural and man-made toxic compounds for which they have developed diverse detoxification mechanisms. Plants are able to metabolize and detoxify a wide array of xenobiotics by oxidation, sugar conjugation, glutathione conjugation, and more complex reactions. In this study, detoxification mechanisms of dimethomorph, a fungicide currently found in aquatic media were investigated in Elodea canadensis. Cytochrome P450 (P450) activity was measured by an oxygen biosensor system, glucosyltransferases (GTs) by HPLC, glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and ascorbate peroxidase (APOX) were assayed spectrophotometrically. Incubation of Elodea with dimethomorph induced an increase of the P450 activity. GST activity was not stimulated by dimethomorph suggesting that GST does not participate in dimethomorph detoxification. In plants exposed to dimethomorph, comparable responses were observed for GST and APOX activities showing that the GST was more likely to play a role in response to oxidative stress. Preincubation with dimethomorph induced a high activity of O- and N-GT, it is therefore likely that both enzymes participate in the phase II (conjugation) of dimethomorph detoxification process. For the first time in aquatic plants, P450 activity was shown to be induced by a fungicide suggesting a role in the metabolization of dimethomorph. Moreover, our finding is the first evidence of dimethomorph and isoproturon activation of cytochrome P450 multienzyme family in an aquatic plant, i.e., Elodea (isoproturon was taken here as a reference molecule). The detoxification of dimetomorph seems to proceed via hydroxylation, and subsequent glucosylation, and might yield soluble as well as cell wall bound residues. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Bronchoscopic management of patients with symptomatic airway stenosis and prognostic factors for survival.
Interventional bronchoscopy is effective in the management of patients with symptomatic airway obstruction for both malignant and benign conditions. The main aim of this study is to report our experience with emergency interventional bronchoscopy in patients with symptomatic airway obstruction and identify prognostic factors for survival. This is a retrospective observational study of patients undergoing emergency interventional bronchoscopy over a 4-year period. Survival times were analyzed separately for patients with benign and malignant airway obstruction by the Kaplan-Meier method. Between June 2009 and July 2013, 168 emergency interventional bronchoscopies were performed in 112 patients for airway obstruction. The median age was 63 years (range, 20 to 86), and 91 patients (54%) patients were female. Seventy-two cases (43%) had airway obstruction due to malignant disease. There were 3 in-hospital deaths (2.7%). Median survival of the study population was 5.6 months (range, 0 to 51) with a median follow-up of 7.3 months (range, 0 to 51). Median survival for patients with malignant airway obstruction was 3.5 months (range, 0 to 21), and 9.8 months (range, 0.1 to 51) for those with benign disease. Airway intervention facilitated palliative chemotherapy in 32 patients (44%) of those with malignant airway obstruction. At multivariate analysis in patients with malignant airway obstruction, presence of stridor (hazard ratio 1.919, 95% confidence interval: 1.082 to 3.404, p = 0.026) and not receiving postprocedure chemotherapy (hazard ratio 2.05, 95% confidence interval: 1.156 to 3.636, p = 0.014) were independent prognostic factors for death. Emergency interventional bronchoscopy for airway obstruction is safe, relieved symptoms, and facilitated palliative chemotherapy, which improved survival. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Regulation of influenza A virus induced CXCL-10 gene expression requires PI3K/Akt pathway and IRF3 transcription factor.
Influenza A virus infects human airway epithelial cells, and induces the CXC chemokine gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-inducible protein CXCL-10/IP-10 production. To understand the regulation of CXCL-10, we investigated the role of PI3K/AKT pathway in regulating virus induced CXCL-10 production. Previously we have shown that wild type (WT) influenza A virus infection activates PI3K/AKT pathway, whereas PR8-SH3-mf-1 mutant virus is unable to activate this pathway. Here we report that WT influenza A virus infection induced CXCL-10 production in A549 cells. PR8-SH3-mf-1 mutant virus infection led to reduced level of CXCL-10 mRNA transcription and protein expression. To define the transcriptional regulation factors that are important in this process, we performed studies using several mutant CXCL-10 promoter-luciferase constructs. Mutation of either of four Forkhead binding sites and two NF-κB response elements in CXCL-10 promoter did not alter promoter activity induced by WT virus. However, mutation of ISRE binding site markedly reduced luciferase activity. Our data suggested that PI3K/AKT pathway contributes to influenza A virus induced CXCL-10 production. This process is involved in binding of IRF3 to the ISRE binding site in CXCL-10 promoter region. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fractures in patients with myopathies.
During the past 4 years, 15 fractures in 10 patients were encountered among 48 hospitalized patients with myopathies. The dominant sites were the femur (supracondylar) and humerus (subcapital). By assessing the total body potassium volume, bone mineral content, serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus, 25-OH vitamin D3, parathyroid hormone, and calcitonin, it is concluded that the proclivity to fracture in myopathic patients is caused by bone atrophy due to a lack of muscle tension related to decrease in muscle volume. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Bypassing phase variation of lipooligosaccharide (LOS): using heptose 1 glycan mutants to establish widespread efficacy of gonococcal 2C7 anti-LOS antibody.
The sialylatable lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT; Gal-GlcNAc-Gal-Glc) moiety from heptose I (HepI) of the lipooligosaccharide (LOS) of Neisseria gonorrhoeae undergoes positive selection during human infection. Lactose (Gal-Glc) from HepII, although phase-variable, is commonly expressed in humans; loss of HepII lactose compromises gonococcal fitness in mice. Anti-LOS monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2C7, a promising anti-gonococcal immunotherapeutic that elicits complement-dependent bactericidal activity and attenuates gonococcal colonization in mice, recognizes an epitope that comprises lactoses expressed simultaneously from HepI and HepII. Glycan extensions beyond lactose on HepI modulate binding and function of mAb 2C7 in vitro Here, four gonococcal LOS mutants, each with lactose from HepII, but fixed (unable to phase-vary) LOS HepI glycans extended beyond the lactose substitution of HepI (lactose alone, Gal-lactose, LNnT or GalNAc-LNnT) were used to define how HepI glycan extensions affect i) mouse vaginal colonization and ii) efficacy in vitro and in vivo of a human IgG1 chimeric derivative of mAb 2C7 (2C7-Ximab) with a 'complement-enhancing' E-to-G Fc mutation at position 430 (2C7-Ximab-E430G). About 10-fold lower 2C7-Ximab-E430G concentrations achieved similar complement-dependent killing of three gonococcal mutants with glycan extensions beyond lactose substituted HepI (the lactose alone, LNnT or GalNAc-LNnT) as 2C7-Ximab (unmodified Fc). The fourth mutant (Gal-lactose) resisted direct complement-dependent killing, but was killed approximately 70% by 2C7-Ximab-E430G in the presence of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and complement. Only mutants with (sialylatable) LNnT from HepI colonized mice for >3 days, reiterating the importance of LNnT sialylation for infection. 2C7-Ximab-E430G significantly attenuated colonization caused by the 'virulent' mutants. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison and Evaluation of Multiple Users' Usage of the Exposure and Risk Tool: Stoffenmanager 5.1.
Stoffenmanager is an exposure and risk assessment tool that has a control banding part, with risk bands as outcome and a quantitative exposure assessment part, with the 90th percentile of the predicted exposure as a default outcome. The main aim of the study was to investigate whether multiple users of Stoffenmanager came to the same result when modelling the same scenarios. Other aims were to investigate the differences between outcomes of the control banding part with the measured risk quota and to evaluate the conservatism of the tool by testing whether the 90th percentiles are above the measured median exposures. We investigated airborne exposures at companies in four different types of industry: wood, printing, metal foundry, and spray painting. Three scenarios were modelled and measured, when possible, at each company. When modelled, 13 users visited each company on the same occasion creating individual assessments. Consensus assessments were also modelled for each scenario by six occupational hygienists. The multiple users' outcomes were often spread over two risk bands in the control banding part, and the differences in the quantitative exposure outcomes for the highest and lowest assessments per scenario varied between a factor 2 and 100. Four parameters were difficult for the users to assess and had a large impact on the outcome: type of task, breathing zone, personal protection, and control measures. Only two scenarios had a higher measured risk quota than predicted by the control banding part, also two scenarios had slightly higher measured median exposure value than modelled consensus in the quantitative exposure assessment part. Hence, the variability between users was large but the model performed well. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reaction of fumonisin with glucose prevents promotion of hepatocarcinogenesis in female F344/N rats while maintaining normal hepatic sphinganine/sphingosine ratios.
The reaction of the primary amine of fumonisin B(1) (FB(1)) with glucose was hypothesized to detoxify this mycotoxin. Eighty 10-day-old female F344/N rats were injected intraperitoneally with diethylnitrosamine (DEN; 15 mg/kg of body weight). At 4 weeks of age, the weaned rats were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups with 20 rats each. At 9 weeks of age, four rats from each treatment group were killed. At 12 weeks, another five rats from each group were killed. At 20 weeks of age, the remaining rats were killed. In comparison with the rats fed basal diet or FB(1)-glucose (containing 25 ppm of FB(1)), rats fed 8 ppm (residual amount of free FB(1) in the FB(1)-glucose mixture) or 25 ppm of FB(1) had greater alanine aminotransferase activity at 9 and 20 weeks of age (P < 0.001), greater endogenous hepatic prostaglandin E(2) production at 20 weeks of age (P < 0.05), and significantly lower plasma cholesterol at 20 weeks of age (P < 0.01). Placental glutathione S-transferase (PGST)-positive and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT)-positive altered hepatic foci (AHF) occurred only in rats fed 25 ppm of FB(1) at 20 weeks of age. Hepatic natural killer (NK) cell activities were similar among the four groups, but the percentage of total liver-associated mononuclear cells exhibiting the NKR-P1(bright) marker was significantly greater in rats fed FB(1)-glucose, FB(1) (8 ppm) and FB(1) (25 ppm) than in control rats at 9 weeks of age, and FB(1)-glucose-treated rats had significantly lower NKR-P1(bright) cells as a percentage of total liver-associated mononuclear cells than rats fed 25 ppm of FB(1) at 20 weeks of age (P < 0.05). PGST- or GGT-positive AHF were not detected in any treatment group at 9 or 12 weeks of age. At 20 weeks of age, half of the rats fed 25 ppm of FB(1) had PGST- and GGT-positive AHF. The sphinganine (Sa) concentration and the Sa/sphingosine (So) ratio were significantly greater in the rats fed 25 ppm of FB(1) diet as compared with the control groups at, respectively, 12 or 20 weeks of age. Therefore, modifying FB(1) with glucose seems to prevent FB(1)-induced hepatotoxicity and promotion of hepatocarcinogenesis. The Sa/So ratio was not the most sensitive biomarker of FB(1) toxicity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A preprandial rise in plasma ghrelin levels suggests a role in meal initiation in humans.
The recently discovered orexigenic peptide ghrelin is produced primarily by the stomach and circulates in blood at levels that increase during prolonged fasting in rats. When administered to rodents at supraphysiological doses, ghrelin activates hypothalamic neuropeptide Y/agouti gene-related protein neurons and increases food intake and body weight. These findings suggest that ghrelin may participate in meal initiation. As a first step to investigate this hypothesis, we sought to determine whether circulating ghrelin levels are elevated before the consumption of individual meals in humans. Ghrelin, insulin, and leptin were measured by radioimmunoassay in plasma samples drawn 38 times throughout a 24-h period in 10 healthy subjects provided meals on a fixed schedule. Plasma ghrelin levels increased nearly twofold immediately before each meal and fell to trough levels within 1 h after eating, a pattern reciprocal to that of insulin. Intermeal ghrelin levels displayed a diurnal rhythm that was exactly in phase with that of leptin, with both hormones rising throughout the day to a zenith at 0100, then falling overnight to a nadir at 0900. Ghrelin levels sampled during the troughs before and after breakfast correlated strongly with 24-h integrated area under the curve values (r = 0.873 and 0.954, respectively), suggesting that these convenient, single measurements might serve as surrogates for 24-h profiles to estimate overall ghrelin levels. Circulating ghrelin also correlated positively with age (r = 0.701). The clear preprandial rise and postprandial fall in plasma ghrelin levels support the hypothesis that ghrelin plays a physiological role in meal initiation in humans. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effect of dehydration and irrigation on tendon adhesion formation after tendon exposure.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dehydration due to tendon exposure on adhesion formation on the tendon surface. Achilles tendons of 60 New Zealand white rabbits were surgically exposed and evaluated. In the control group (Group 1), the wound was closed immediately; and in the remaining two groups, Achilles tendons were exposed to air for 60 minutes without (Group 2) or with (Group 3) regular saline irrigation. After undergoing clinical examination, 50% of rabbits in each group were sacrificed 3 weeks postoperatively and 50% at the 6th postoperative week. All tendons exposed to air exhibited mild or moderate degrees of adhesion. Compared to the control group, the incidence of adhesion formation was significantly higher in the groups where tendons had been exposed to air for 60 minutes, whereas no significant difference was found between the irrigated and non-irrigated groups. No limitations or contractures were detected in the hind limbs of the animals at the clinical examination. Regardless of irrigation, tendons are not prone to form clinically apparent adhesions during operations under 60 minutes of duration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Molecular Dynamics Simulation and Experimental Studies of Gold Nanoparticle Templated HDL-like Nanoparticles for Cholesterol Metabolism Therapeutics.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) plays an important role in the transport and metabolism of cholesterol. Mimics of HDL are being explored as potentially powerful therapeutic agents for removing excess cholesterol from arterial plaques. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with apolipoprotein A-I and with the lipids 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionate] have been demonstrated to be robust acceptors of cellular cholesterol. However, detailed structural information about this functionalized HDL AuNP is still lacking. In this study, we have used X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and lecithin/cholesterol acyltransferase activation experiments together with coarse-grained and all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to model the structure and cholesterol uptake properties of the HDL AuNP construct. By simulating different apolipoprotein-loaded AuNPs, we find that lipids are oriented differently in regions with and without apoA-I. We also show that in this functionalized HDL AuNP, the distribution of cholesteryl ester maintains a reverse concentration gradient that is similar to the gradient found in native HDL. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Murine typhus as a cause of Fever in travelers from Tunisia and mediterranean areas.
Travelers are exposed to a variety of health risks in unfamiliar environments and fever is a common problem in patients returning from travel abroad. Rickettsial diseases are increasingly frequently being reported among international travelers. Here we present cases of Rickettsia typhi infection, the agent of murine typhus, that were identified in our laboratory the last year, in travelers from Tunisia. For each patient we tested an acute-phase serum sample and for one patient we tested a convalescent-phase serum sample. IgG and IgM antibody titers were estimated with use of the microimmunofluorescence (MIF) assay. Western blot (WB) assay was performed for all the patients. We identified three cases of murine typhus after a travel in Tunisia. All cases were observed during late summer and early autumn and patients were suffering by persistent fever. None of them presented rash or inoculation eschar. MIF was positive for Rickettsia sp. in the acute-phase serum samples of two patients. In one patient, two acute-phase serum samples were Rickettsia sp. negative whereas a third convalescent-phase serum sample that was obtained 2 weeks after was Rickettsia sp. positive. By WB assay we identified infection by R typhi. A treatment was immediately started and patients became apyretic. In the countries of North Europe, although autochthones cases of murine typhus have not been described, sporadic cases of R typhi infection are identified in travelers who visited murine typhus endemic areas. Murine typhus should be considered in the diagnosis of febrile illness without rash in travelers returning from disease endemic areas, like the south Mediterranean area. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Surgical treatment of aortic stenosis in small aortic annulus].
The purpose of this work is to demonstrate that the aortic enlargement procedures, first described for patients with small aortic annulus, are reproducible with excellent results. A retrospective revision of 72 cases in which an enlargement procedure was done, with consideration regarding the relationship between valve size and patient body surface area, in order to avoid prosthesis-patient mismatch, was done. We consider the immediate mortality of the group, differentiating the cardiac mortality, concluding with other authors that body surface areas between 1.3 and 1.7 m2 should receive aortic prosthesis larger than #23, which will eventually improve the late outcome of this population. We demonstrate that the aortic annular enlargement procedures can be safely done in our hospital, with a slight increase in mortality during the learning phase, but great benefit afterwards. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A high-throughput method for the quantitative analysis of indole-3-acetic acid and other auxins from plant tissue.
To investigate novel pathways involved in auxin biosynthesis, transport, metabolism, and response, we have developed a high-throughput screen for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels. Historically, the quantitative analysis of IAA has been a cumbersome and time-consuming process that does not lend itself to the screening of large numbers of samples. The method described here can be performed with or without an automated liquid handler and involves purification solely by solid-phase extraction in a 96-well format, allowing the analysis of up to 96 samples per day. In preparation for quantitative analysis by selected ion monitoring-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, the carboxylic acid moiety of IAA is derivatized by methylation. The derivatization of the IAA described here was also done in a 96-well format in which up to 96 samples can be methylated at once, minimizing the handling of the toxic reagent, diazomethane. To this end, we have designed a custom diazomethane generator that can safely withstand high flow and accommodate larger volumes. The method for IAA analysis is robust and accurate over a range of plant tissue weights and can be used to screen for and quantify other indolic auxins and compounds including indole-3-butyric acid, 4-chloro-indole-3-acetic acid, and indole-3-propionic acid. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
K-aggravated myotonia mutations at residue G1306 differentially alter deactivation gating of human skeletal muscle sodium channels.
Fast inactivation and deactivation gating were compared between wild-type human voltage-gated skeletal muscle sodium channel (hNaV1.4) and potassium-aggravated myotonia (PAM) mutations G1306A, G1306E, and G1306V. Cell-attached macropatches were used to compare wild-type and PAM-gating properties in normal extracellular K+ (4 mM), decreased K+ (1 mM), and increased K+ (10 mM). G1306E/A increased the apparent valence of the conductance (g(V)) curve. Compared to hNaV1.4, the steady-state inactivation (h infinity) curve was depolarized for G1306E/A but hyperpolarized by G1306V, and this mutation increased apparent valence. G1306A/E slowed the rate of current rise towards peak activation. G1306V slowed open-state deactivation, inactivated-state deactivation, and recovery from fast inactivation. G1306A/E abbreviated open-state deactivation at negative commands. These mutants slowed open-state deactivation at more positive commands, at voltages for which fast inactivation might influence tail current decay. G1306E abbreviated recovery delay without affecting recovery rate. Low K+ increased peak current in hNaV1.4 and in G1306V. For G1306E, low K+ increased the rate of entry into fast inactivation, hyperpolarized the g(V) and h(infinity) curves, and increased recovery delay. Biophysical underpinnings of PAM caused by mutations of G1306 thus vary with the specific mutation, and hyperkalemic exacerbation of effects of mutations at this residue are not direct. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Subcortical volume and cortical surface architecture in women with acute and remitted anorexia nervosa: An exploratory neuroimaging study.
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a highly heritable psychiatric disorder characterized by starvation and emaciation and associated with changes in brain structure. The precise nature of these changes remains unclear, as does their developmental time course and capacity for reversal with weight-restoration. In this comprehensive neuroimaging study, we sought to characterize these changes by measuring subcortical volume and cortical surface architecture in women with acute and remitted AN. Structural magnetic resonance imaging data was acquired from underweight women with a current diagnosis of AN (acAN: n = 23), weight-recovered women with a past diagnosis of AN (recAN: n = 24), and female controls (HC: n = 24). Subcortical segmentation and cortical surface reconstruction were performed with FreeSurfer 6.0.0, and group differences in regional volume and vertex-wise, cortex-wide thickness, surface area, and local gyrification index (LGI), a measure of folding, were tested with separate univariate analyses of covariance. Mean hippocampal and thalamic volumes were significantly reduced in acAN participants, as was mean cortical thickness in four frontal and temporal clusters. Mean LGI was significantly reduced in acAN and recAN participants in five frontal and parietal clusters. No significant group differences in cortical surface area were detected. Reductions in subcortical volume, cortical thickness, and right postcentral LGI were unique to women with acute AN, indicating state-dependence and pointing towards cellular remodeling and sulcal widening as consequences of disease manifestation. Reductions in bilateral frontal LGI were observed in women with acute and remitted AN, suggesting a role of atypical neurodevelopment in disease vulnerability. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Laser Doppler vibration measuring system using bispectral analysis.
A new laser Doppler vibration measuring method, which operates correctly even in fairly large disturbing Gaussian noise, is developed. In this method the amplitude and phase of vibration are extracted by bispectral analysis between the detected and reference signals so that the significant bispectral characteristics of the detected signal, which reflects the frequency modulation by the vibration, is used. Application of the bispectral analysis excludes disturbing Gaussian noise, resulting in realization of a measuring system effective even under noisy circumstances. The experimental results show clearly the usefulness of the proposed method. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Revision surgery in thoracic disc herniation.
Surgical treatment failures or strategies for the reoperation of residual thoracic disc herniations are sparsely discussed. We investigated factors that led to incomplete disc removal and recommend reoperation strategies. As a referral centre for thoracic disc disease, we reviewed retrospectively the clinical records and imaging studies before and after the treatment of patients who were sent to us for revision surgery for thoracic disc herniation from 2013 to 2018. A total of 456 patients were treated from 2013 to 2018 at our institution. Twenty-one patients had undergone previously thoracic discectomy at an outside facility and harboured residual, incompletely excised and symptomatic herniated thoracic discs. In 12 patients (57%), the initial symptoms that led to their primary operation were improved after the first surgery, but recurred after a mean of 2.8 years. In seven patients (33%) they remained stable, and in two cases they were worse. All patients were treated via all dorsal approaches. In all 21 cases, the initial excision was incomplete regarding medullar decompression. All of the discs were removed completely in a single revision procedure. After mean follow-up of 24 months (range 12-57 months), clinical neurological improvement was demonstrated in seven patients, while three patients suffered a worsening and 11 patients remained stable. Our data suggest that pure dorsal decompression provides a short relief of the symptoms caused by spinal cord compression. Progressive myelopathy (probably due to mechanical and vascular deficits) and scar formation may cause worsening of symptoms. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Modeling Ignition of a Heptane Isomer: Improved Thermodynamics, Reaction Pathways, Kinetics, and Rate Rule Optimizations for 2-Methylhexane.
Accurate chemical kinetic combustion models of lightly branched alkanes (e.g., 2-methylalkanes) are important to investigate the combustion behavior of real fuels. Improving the fidelity of existing kinetic models is a necessity, as new experiments and advanced theories show inaccuracies in certain portions of the models. This study focuses on updating thermodynamic data and the kinetic reaction mechanism for a gasoline surrogate component, 2-methylhexane, based on recently published thermodynamic group values and rate rules derived from quantum calculations and experiments. Alternative pathways for the isomerization of peroxy-alkylhydroperoxide (OOQOOH) radicals are also investigated. The effects of these updates are compared against new high-pressure shock tube and rapid compression machine ignition delay measurements. It is shown that rate constant modifications are required to improve agreement between kinetic modeling simulations and experimental data. We further demonstrate the ability to optimize the kinetic model using both manual and automated techniques for rate parameter tunings to improve agreement with the measured ignition delay time data. Finally, additional low temperature chain branching reaction pathways are shown to improve the model's performance. The present approach to model development provides better performance across extended operating conditions while also strengthening the fundamental basis of the model. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Combined treatment including postoperative chemotherapy in lung cancer patients.
The results of a cooperative randomized study performed in Poland, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and the Soviet Union on the treatment of lung cancer patients are presented. Three hundred and sixty patients were treated only surgically, 360 patients received combined therapy. Adjuvant chemotherapy was performed using 3 preparations (cyclophosphane, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil) within 2-3 weeks after operation (first course) followed by another 3 courses at intervals of 8-9 weeks. The combined therapy increased the 5-year survival rate of patients with Stage III squamous cell carcinoma with thoracic lymph node metastases. Better results were achieved when 3-4 courses of adjuvant chemotherapy were performed. In patients with Stage I-II squamous cell carcinoma of the lung without regional lymph node metastases the used regimen of combined therapy had no significant effect. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of cortical kindling on [3H]D-aspartate uptake and glutamate metabolism in rats.
The effects of cortical kindling in rats on [3H]D-aspartate uptake and on glutaminase and glutamine synthetase activities has been studied. The high affinity uptake of [3H]D-aspartate in control cortical tissue (Km approximately 2 microM) was undetectable in the kindled tissue, whilst the enzyme activities were unchanged. A loss of the high-affinity uptake sites for excitatory amino acids may be a contributing factor to the kindling phenomenon. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The mechanical properties and stiffness of aorta in obese children.
Obesity in children has also been associated with the development of early cardiovascular abnormalities. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between aortic stiffness and some risk factors in obese children. Sixty obese children and 60 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were assessed. The mechanical property parameters were measured or computed: lumen diastolic and systolic diameters, aortic strain and elastic modules. Compared to controls, obese children had altered stiffness values of the aorta, whereas strain was not different. Compared to controls, obese children had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure values. Insulin level, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) score, and total cholesterol, triglycerides, lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL), and leptin levels were significantly higher, while adiponectin, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) scores were significantly lower in obese children than in controls. Obesity in children increases aortic stiffness, which suggests that the joint effect of insulin resistance, serum leptin and adipokine levels and obesity can have a considerable impact on preclinical arterial changes and could play an important role in the early pathophysiology of macrovascular disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of chronic ethanol feeding on rat hepatocytes.
Ethanol was fed at a level of 35% of total caloric intake to mature male rats for intervals of one to 38 days. Mitochondrial content of cytochrome c oxidase per mg protein was maximally depressed, to 40% of control values, after 10 days feeding. After 15 days of ethanol feeding, leucine incorporation into total hepatocyte protein, as well as into total intracellular (subcellular fractions) or extracellular (secreted) proteins was substantially inhibited. At the level of total protein, alterations in isotope ratio as a consequence of ethanol feeding were only manifest in the secreted proteins. However, when component proteins of subcellular fractions were separated by gel electrophoresis, two specific early effects of ethanol feeding on protein synthesis by the endoplasmic reticulum could be detected. Aberrant isotope ratios established that synthesis of two entities, of 20000 and 50000 apparent molecular weight, was depressed after intervals of one and five days, respectively, feeding of 10% ethanol. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Active form of vitamin D in overweight and obese pediatric patients in northwest Mexico].
Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with a range of clinical conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes mellitus, among others. There are few studies that measure the active form of vitamin D (1,25 (OH)2 vitamin D) in obese children. However, published data are inconclusive. The aim of this study was to determine the active levels of vitamin D in obese and overweight children and to find an association between low levels of vitamin D, obesity and impaired glucose metabolism. A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted in 6 to 12-year-old children with excess adiposity determined by waist-stature index and body mass index. Levels of glucose, insulin, complete lipid profile, homeostatic model assessment and the active form of vitamin D were measured in each patient. Levels < 30 pg/ml were considered as low levels of vitamin D. The prevalence of low levels of active vitamin D was 36%. A significant association between low levels of active vitamin D and high levels of insulin was found. No significant association was found between vitamin levels and adiposity measures. Low levels of active vitamin D were found in 36% of the population studied. A significant association with insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia was demonstrated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Accuracy of Off-Line Bioluminescence Imaging to Localize Targets in Preclinical Radiation Research.
In this study, we investigated the accuracy of using off-line bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and tomography (BLT) to guide irradiation of small soft tissue targets on a small animal radiation research platform (SARRP) with on-board cone beam CT (CBCT) capability. A small glass bulb containing BL cells was implanted as a BL source in the abdomen of 11 mouse carcasses. Bioluminescence imaging and tomography were acquired for each carcass. Six carcasses were setup visually without immobilization and 5 were restrained in position with tape. All carcasses were setup in treatment position on the SARRP where the centroid position of the bulb on CBCT was taken as "truth". In the 2D visual setup, the carcass was setup by aligning the point of brightest luminescence with the vertical beam axis. In the CBCT assisted setup, the pose of the carcass on CBCT was aligned with that on the 2D BL image for setup. For both 2D setup methods, the offset of the bulb centroid on CBCT from the vertical beam axis was measured. In the BLT-CBCT fusion method, the 3D torso on BLT and CBCT was registered and the 3D offset of the respective source centroids was calculated. The setup results were independent of the carcass being immobilized or not due to the onset of rigor mortis. The 2D offset of the perceived BL source position from the CBCT bulb position was 2.3 mm ± 1.3 mm. The 3D offset between BLT and CBCT was 1.5 mm ± 0.9 mm. Given the rigidity of the carcasses, the setup results represent the best that can be achieved with off-line 2D BLI and 3D BLT. The setup uncertainty would require the use of undesirably large margin of 4-5 mm. The results compel the implementation of on-board BLT capability on the SARRP to eliminate setup error and to improve BLT accuracy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Vestibular primary afferent activity in an in vitro preparation of the mouse inner ear.
Most information on the properties of mammalian vestibular primary afferents has been obtained in deeply anesthetized animals, in vivo. Generally, non-human primates and larger rodents have been the species of choice. Investigations using smaller rodents, such as the laboratory mouse, have been limited despite the increasing availability of naturally occurring or engineered mutants that result in balance disorders. Furthermore, in vitro preparations of the intact peripheral vestibular apparatus are only available for non-mammalian vertebrates. To take advantage of the genetic/molecular advances available in mice and the utility of in vitro preparations that permit manipulations of the extracellular milieu, we developed an isolated mouse inner ear preparation with the attached eighth cranial nerve for electrophysiological recording. Intra-axonal recordings of background activity in vestibular primary afferents were obtained in a modified Ringer's solution (0.25 mM Ca2+; 3.25 mM Mg2+) at 22 degrees C. We also recorded afferent activity in the presence of neuroactive drugs known to affect various stages of the transduction cascade. These results, together with responses to sinusoidal mechanical deformation of the membranous ducts, showed that transduction mechanisms remain viable. Where possible, we also obtained results in vivo for comparison. In future, the in vitro mouse preparation will allow investigation of the effects of genetic manipulations and pharmacological agents on the intact peripheral vestibular apparatus. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The role of school nurses in the prevention of adolescent obesity].
Due to the worrying increase in the number of obese children and adolescents and the known related risks, programs for the prevention of obesity are being introduced in the public health sphere. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , obesity is common in all the industrialized countries and plays a significant role in mortality and morbidity in the European population. The aim of this study is to establish: the role of school nurses in schemes for preventing obesity in schools; the measures adopted to establish prevention schemes in school. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Potential drug-drug interactions in cardiothoracic intensive care unit of a pulmonary teaching hospital.
Little is known about clinically significant drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in respiratory settings. DDIs are more likely to occur in critically ill patients due to complex pharmacotherapy regimens and organ dysfunctions. The aim of this study was to identify the pattern of potential DDIs (pDDIs) occurring in cardiothoracic intensive care unit (ICU) of a pulmonary hospital. A prospective observational study was conducted for 6 months. All pDDIs for admitted patients in cardiothoracic ICU were identified with Lexi-Interact program and assessed by a clinical pharmacologist. The interacting drugs, reliability, mechanisms, potential outcomes, and clinical management were evaluated for severe and contraindicated interactions. The study included 195 patients. Lung cancer (14.9%) was the most common diagnosis followed by tracheal stenosis (14.3%). The rate of pDDIs was 720.5/100 patients. Interactions were more commonly observed in transplant patients. 17.7% of pDDIs were considered as severe and contraindicated interactions. Metabolism (54.8%) and additive (24.2%) interactions were the most frequent mechanisms leading to pDDIs, and azole antifungals and fluoroquinolones were the main drug classes involved. The pattern of pDDIs in cardiothoracic ICU differs from other ICU settings. Specialized epidemiological knowledge of drug interactions may help clinical practitioners to reduce the risk of adverse drug events. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Conserving and managing the subnivium.
In regions where snowfall historically has been a defining seasonal characteristic of the landscape, warming winters have reduced the depth, duration, and extent of snowpack. However, most management and conservation has focused on how aboveground wildlife will be affected by altered snow conditions, even though the majority of species that persist through the winter do so under the snowpack in a thermally stable refugium: the subnivium. Shortened winters, forest management practices, and winter recreation can alter subnivium conditions by increasing snow compaction and compromising thermal stability at the soil-snow interface. To help slow the loss of the subnivium in the face of rapidly changing winter conditions, we suggest managers adopt regional conservation plans for identifying threatened snow-covered environments; measure and predict the effects land cover and habitat management has on local subnivium conditions; and control the timing and distribution of activities that disturb and compact snow cover (e.g., silvicultural practices, snow recreation, and road and trail maintenance). As a case study, we developed a spatially explicit model of subnivium presence in a working landscape of the Chequamegon National Forest, Wisconsin. We identified landscapes where winter recreation and management practices could threaten potentially important areas for subnivium persistence. Similar modeling approaches could inform management decisions related to subnivium conservation. Current climate projections predict that snow seasons will change rapidly in many regions, and as result, we advocate for the immediate recognition, conservation, and management of the subnivium and its dependent species. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In vitro comparison of sputtered iridium oxide and platinum-coated neural implantable microelectrode arrays.
Neural interfaces connect signal processing electronics to the nervous system via implanted microelectrode arrays such as the Utah electrode array (UEA). The active sites of the UEA are coated with thin films of either platinum (Pt) or iridium oxide (IrOx). Pt and IrOx have attracted attention as a stimulating or recording material due to their ability to transfer between ionic and electronic current and to resist corrosion. The physical, mechanical, chemical, electrical and optical properties of thin films depend on the method and deposition parameters used to deposit the films. In this work, surface morphology, impedance and charge capacity of Pt and sputtered iridium oxide film (SIROF) were investigated and compared with each other. UEAs with similar electrode area and shape were employed in this study. DC sputtering was used to deposit Pt films and pulsed-dc reactive sputtering was used to deposit SIROF. The electrodes coated with SIROF and Pt were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potential transient measurements to measure charge injection capacity (CIC). SIROF and Pt selectively deposited on the electrode tip had dendrite and granular microstructure, respectively. The CIC of unbiased SIROF and Pt was 2 and 0.3 mC cm(-2), respectively. The average impedance at 1 kHz, of SIROF and Pt electrodes, was 6 kOmega and 125 kOmega, respectively. Low impedance and high CIC make SIROF promising stimulation/recording material for neural prosthetic applications. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Diagnosis and management of aortic mycotic aneurysms.
We reviewed all papers most recently reported in the literature (January-December 2008) with regard to infected arterial aneurysms (IAAs) affecting the aorta. Most of the recently reported knowledge is limited to case reports and small series of aortic mycotic aneurysms. Most patients are elderly men and have comorbidities at presentation. Aneurysms were most commonly associated to Salmonella and Staphylococcus. However, several cases of aortic IAAs caused by atypical pathogens were also reported, likely due to an increase in immunosuppressive illnesses, increased life expectancy, improved diagnostic methods, and increasing medical awareness. Open surgical therapy of IAAs remains the gold standard. Some have reported successful outcomes with endovascular methodologies for patients medically compromised or for particular challenging clinical or anatomical scenarios. However, at this time, conclusive evidence is lacking and it should be in general considered a bridge to open repair. The latter should be planned at the earliest possible, when medically permissible. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A new concept of charging supercapacitors based on the photovoltaic effect.
A significant enhancement in the areal capacitance of a Co(OH)2 supercapacitor charged and discharged under light illumination is clearly observed, with the capacitance about two-fold higher than that operated under dark conditions. This is because Co(OH)2 has an energy band gap of 2.85 eV and can absorb blue light and generate photoelectrons via the photovoltaic effect, leading to high current density. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Carotenoids modulate the trade-off between egg production and resistance to oxidative stress in zebra finches.
The allocation of resources to reproduction and survival is a central question of studies of life history evolution. Usually, increased allocation to current reproduction is paid in terms of reduced future reproduction and/or decreased survival. However, the proximal mechanisms underlying the cost of reproduction are poorly understood. Recently, it has been shown that increased susceptibility to oxidative stress might be one of such proximate links between reproduction and self-maintenance. Organisms possess a range of antioxidant defenses, including endogenously produced molecules (e.g., enzymes) and compounds ingested with food (e.g., carotenoids). If reproductive effort increases the production of reactive oxygen species, the availability of antioxidant defenses may partly or fully counteract the free-radical damages. One could, therefore, expect that the trade-off between reproduction and oxidative stress is modulated by the availability of antioxidant defenses. We tested this hypothesis in zebra finches. We manipulated reproductive effort by either allowing or preventing pairs to breed. Within each breeding or non-breeding group, the availability of antioxidant compounds was manipulated by supplementing or not supplementing the drinking water with carotenoids. We found that although birds in the breeding and non-breeding groups did not differ in their resistance to oxidative stress (the breakdown of red blood cells submitted to a controlled free-radical attack), one aspect of breeding effort (i.e., the number of eggs laid by birds in both breeding and non-breeding groups) was negatively correlated with resistance to oxidative stress only in birds that did not benefit from a carotenoid-supplemented diet. This result therefore suggests that carotenoid availability can modulate the trade-off between reproduction and resistance to oxidative stress. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Autologous transplantation of mononuclear bone marrow cells in patients with acute myocardial infarction: the effect of the dose of transplanted cells on myocardial function.
Despite the reports on successful treatment of acute myocardial infarction using autologous mononuclear bone marrow cell transplantation, many unresolved questions still remain. We studied the impact of the dose of transplanted cells on myocardial function and perfusion. Sixty-six patients with a first acute myocardial infarction were randomized into 3 groups. Two groups were intracoronarily given mononuclear bone marrow cells in either higher (10(8) cells, higher cell dose [HD] group, n = 22) or lower (10(7) cells, lower cell dose [LD] group, n = 22) doses. Twenty-two patients without cell transplantation served as a control (C) group. At 3 months of follow-up, the baseline peak systolic velocities of longitudinal contraction of the infarcted wall of 5.2, 4.5, and 4.3 cm/s in C, LD, and HD groups increased by 0.0, 0.5 (P < .05 vs C group), and 0.9 cm/s (P < .05 vs LD group, P < .01 vs C group), respectively, as demonstrated by Doppler tissue imaging. Baseline left ventricular ejection fractions of 42%, 42%, and 41% in C, LD, and HD groups increased by 2%, 3%, and by 5% (P < .05 vs group C), respectively, as assessed by the gated technetium Tc 99m sestamibi single photon emission computed tomography. Mononuclear bone marrow cell transplantation improves regional myocardial function of the infarcted wall in a dose-dependent manner. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Heavy metals in liquid pig manure in light of bacterial antimicrobial resistance.
Heavy metals are regularly found in liquid pig manure, and might interact with bacterial antimicrobial resistance. Concentrations of heavy metals were determined by atomic spectroscopic methods in 305 pig manure samples and were connected to the phenotypic resistance of Escherichia coli (n=613) against 29 antimicrobial drugs. Concentrations of heavy metals (/kg dry matter) were 0.08-5.30 mg cadmium, 1.1-32.0 mg chrome, 22.4-3387.6 mg copper, <2.0-26.7 mg lead, <0.01-0.11 mg mercury, 3.1-97.3 mg nickel and 93.0-8239.0 mg zinc. Associated with the detection of copper and zinc, resistance rates against β-lactams were significantly elevated. By contrast, the presence of mercury was significantly associated with low antimicrobial resistance rates of Escherichia coli against β-lactams, aminoglycosides and other antibiotics. Effects of subinhibitory concentrations of mercury on bacterial resistance against penicillins, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides and doxycycline were also demonstrated in a laboratory trial. Antimicrobial resistance in the porcine microflora might be increased by copper and zinc. By contrast, the occurrence of mercury in the environment might, due to co-toxicity, act counter-selective against antimicrobial resistant strains. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Detection of myocardial ischemia by transesophageal echocardiographically determined changes in left ventricular area in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.
To evaluate left ventricular (LV) dimensions and function during myocardial ischemic episodes in anesthetized patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Prospective, nonrandomized study. Large, medical school-affiliated tertiary-care medical center. 36 adults undergoing elective primary coronary artery bypass surgery. Transesophageal atrial pacing for 3 to 5 minutes at heart rates (HRs) of 65, 70, 80, and 90 beats per minute. Arterial, pulmonary artery, and venous pressures, transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) determined LV end-diastolic (EDA) and end-systolic (ESA) areas, and fractional area change (FAC = [FDA-ESA]/EDA). Myocardial ischemia determined as at least 1 mm ST segment deviation at J + 60 milliseconds from 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) and TEE detected new LV regional wall motion abnormalities. Biplane TEE images were recorded on videotape, and LV EDA and ESA were determined with planimetry from images of the LV short axis. Myocardial ischemia was observed in 12 patients. In these patients, EDA and ESA were higher and FAC lower than those patients without ischemia at the same HR. There were no differences between patients with and without myocardial ischemia with regard to pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, stroke volume, or other hemodynamic variables. The positive predictive values were best for ESA (67%) and EDA (58%), and least for FAC (18%). Negative predictive values were highest for ESA (85%) and EDA (80%), and least for FAC (47%). In anesthetized patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery, myocardial ischemia observed during atrial pacing results in increases in LV dimensions and decreases in FAC compared with values in patients without ischemia. These results support further investigations of the clinical usefulness of monitoring LV EDA and LV ESA with TEE as a method of myocardial ischemia detection. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Langerhans cell receptors.
Langerhans cells (LC) are a subtype of dendritic cells, which reside in the epidermis. LCs are antigen-presenting cells that originate in bone marrow and enter the epidermis through blood vessels. LCs exhibit a variety of antigen receptors that are able to respond to a wide range of antigens. Within the last two decades, these receptors have been the subject of considerable research. This article focuses on the rapidly growing body of knowledge with respect to the functions of LC receptors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Endoscopic treatment of encephaloceles of the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus.
The suitability of the endoscopic approach for the treatment of an encephalocele of the lateral wall of the sphenoid is discussed. This is a retrospective review of 4 cases diagnosed with temporosphenoidal encephalocele and having a history of CSF leak who were surgically treated using an endoscopic endonasal approach between January 2001 and June 2002 at the Department of Otolaryngology of Sant'Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital and the Department of Neurosurgery at Bellaria Hospital in Bologna. Three patients were female between 48 and 73 years of age (mean: 61 years). All patients had suffered from a CSF leak for 5 months to 18 years. None of the patients had a past medical history of head trauma. A fourth patient had undergone a previous microscopic approach for a previously misdiagnosed CSF leak wrongly ascribed to an empty sella. Three patients underwent an ethmoid-pterygo-sphenoidal endoscopic approach (EPSEA), while the patient who had undergone previous microscopic surgery, was treated using a transnasal transsphenoidal endoscopic approach. The follow-up of the patients ranged from 10 to 26 months (mean: 18 months) and no case of a recurrent CSF leak was observed postoperatively. In our report, the endoscopic approach was a useful tool for the treatment of encephaloceles of the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus. In skilled hands, this technique permits both the resection of the encephalocele and the subsequent reconstruction of the defect also with a low rate of morbidity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The interaction of heparin with plasma proteins. Demonstration of different binding sites for antithrombin III complexes and antithrombin III.
Affinity chromatography of plasma and serum with the use of heparin conjugated Sepharose has confirmed the existence of two types of protein binding sites. A minor heparin fraction binds free AT III selectively and firmly but not its protease complexes. The complexes bind less firmly to another, much larger heparin fraction together with a select group of the plasma proteins at physiological pH and ionic strength. These included complement proteins (C1q, C2, factor B, properdin, and beta 1H), protease inhibitors (inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor and C3b inactivator) and cell surface proteins (protein HC and fibronectin) as well as beta-lipoproteins. The results demonstrate that affinity chromatography with heparin-Sepharose is extremely useful as an early preparative step in the isolation of these minor plasma components. The results also indicate that the said proteins can be linked to cell surfaces carrying heparinoids in the intercellular space. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Can extra-articular strains be used to measure facet contact forces in the lumbar spine? An in-vitro biomechanical study.
Experimental measurement of the load-bearing patterns of the facet joints in the lumbar spine remains a challenge, thereby limiting the assessment of facet joint function under various surgical conditions and the validation of computational models. The extra-articular strain (EAS) technique, a non-invasive measurement of the contact load, has been used for unilateral facet joints but does not incorporate strain coupling, i.e. ipsilateral EASs due to forces on the contralateral facet joint. The objectives of the present study were to establish a bilateral model for facet contact force measurement using the EAS technique and to determine its effectiveness in measuring these facet joint contact forces during three-dimensional flexibility tests in the lumbar spine. Specific goals were to assess the accuracy and repeatability of the technique and to assess the effect of soft-tissue artefacts. In the accuracy and repeatability tests, ten uniaxial strain gauges were bonded to the external surface of the inferior facets of L3 of ten fresh lumbar spine specimens. Two pressure-sensitive sensors (Tekscan) were inserted into the joints after the capsules were cut. Facet contact forces were measured with the EAS and Tekscan techniques for each specimen in flexion, extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending under a +/- 7.5 N m pure moment. Four of the ten specimens were tested five times in axial rotation and extension for repeatability. These same specimens were disarticulated and known forces were applied across the facet joint using a manual probe (direct accuracy) and a materials-testing system (disarticulated accuracy). In soft-tissue artefact tests, a separate set of six lumbar spine specimens was used to document the virtual facet joint contact forces during a flexibility test following removal of the superior facet processes. Linear strain coupling was observed in all specimens. The average peak facet joint contact forces during flexibility testing was greatest in axial rotation (71 +/- 25 N), followed by extension (27 +/- 35 N) and lateral bending (25 +/- 28 N), and they were most repeatable in axial rotation (coefficient of variation, 5 per cent). The EAS accuracy was about 20 per cent in the direct accuracy assessment and about 30 per cent in the disarticulated accuracy test. The latter was very similar to the Tekscan accuracy in the same test. Virtual facet loads (r.m.s.) were small in axial rotation (12 N) and lateral bending (20 N), but relatively large in flexion (34 N) and extension (35 N). The results suggested that the bilateral EAS model could be used to determine the facet joint contact forces in axial rotation but may result in considerable error in flexion, extension, and lateral bending. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The influence of single VB thalamocortical impulses on barrel columns of rabbit somatosensory cortex.
Extracellular recordings were obtained from single neurons in ventrobasal (VB) thalamus of awake rabbits while field potentials were recorded at various depths within topographically aligned and nonaligned barrel columns of somatosensory cortex (S1). Spike-triggered averages of cortical field potentials were obtained following action potentials in thalamic neurons. Action potentials in a VB neuron elicited a cortical response within layer 4 with three distinct components. 1) A biphasic, initially positive response (latency <1 ms) was interpreted to reflect activation of the VB axon terminals (the AxTP). This response was not affected by infusion of an alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)/kainate receptor antagonist within the barrel. In contrast, later components of the response were completely eliminated and were interpreted to reflect focal synaptic potentials. 2) A negative potential [focal synaptic negativity (FSN)] occurred at a mean latency of 1.65 ms and lasted approximately 4 ms. This response had a rapid rise time ( approximately 0.7 ms) and was interpreted to reflect monosynaptic excitation. 3) The third component was a positive potential (the FSP), with a slow rise time and a half-amplitude duration of approximately 30 ms. The FSP showed a weak reversal in superficial cortical layers and was interpreted to reflect di/polysynaptic inhibition. The amplitudes of the AxTP, the FSN, and the FSP reached a peak near layer 4 and were highly attenuated in both superficial and deep cortical layers. All components were attenuated or absent when the cortical electrode was missaligned from the thalamic electrode by a single cortical barrel. Deconvolution procedures revealed that the autocorrelogram of the presynaptic VB neuron had very little influence on either the amplitude or duration of the AxTP or the FSN, and only a minor influence (mean, 11%) on the amplitude of the FSP. We conclude that individual VB thalamic impulses entering a cortical barrel engage both monosynaptic excitatory and di/polysynaptic inhibitory mechanisms. Putative inhibitory interneurons of an S1 barrel receive a highly divergent/convergent monosynaptic input from the topographically aligned VB barreloid, and this results in sharp synchrony among these interneurons. We suggest that single-fiber access to disynaptic inhibition is facilitated by this sharp synchrony, and that the FSP reflects a consequent synchronous wave of feed-forward inhibition within the S1 barrel. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A phase-II trial of Corynebacterium parvum as adjuvant to surgery in the treatment of operable lung cancer.
A phase-II randomized trial has been undertaken in 49 patients with operable lung cancer, to determine the effect of a single IV infusion of killed C. parvum vaccine as an adjuvant to surgery. The number of patients was insufficient to provide a decisive result, but analysis 6 years after the last patient was admitted shows that the adjuvant therapy certainly did not shorten, and may well have prolonged, survival. Of the patients with squamous cell carcinoma who were alive 1 year after operation all except one in the C. parvum-treated group were alive 4 years later, whereas five in the control group died during this interval. Judgement concerning the value of IV administration of CP as adjuvant therapy in patients with operable lung cancer should be deferred until further evidence is available. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Abdominal aortic aneurysm and its correlation to plasma homocysteine, and vitamins.
Hyperhomocysteinemia is a recognised independent risk factor in the genesis of atherosclerotic diseases. However, very little is known about the relationship between homocysteine and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Vitamins, namely B12 and folic acid have been implicated in the regulation of plasma homocysteine levels. However, there has been no prospective study that has analysed the relationship of AAA and plasma homocysteine in light of serum vitamin levels. To study the relationship between plasma homocysteine, serum B12 and folic acid levels, and AAA. Case control study including 38 AAA patients and 36 controls. Fasting homocysteine, B12 and folic acid were determined in serum separated within 1 h of blood collection using a fluorescence polarisation immunoassay technique (FPIA). Twenty-six (68%) of the AAA patients had elevated levels of homocysteine compared to 2 (6%) in the case control group. The mean homocysteine level in the AAA group was 19.4 micromol/L (SE +/- 1.1) (95% CI 17.17-21.65) and in the control group was 10.9 micromol/L (SE +/- 1) (95% CI 9.95-11.88) (p<0.001). Mean vitamin B12 levels in the AAA and the controls was 332.11 pg/L (SE +/- 16.44) and 414.33 pg/L (SE +/- 19.72), respectively (p<0.004). Mean folic acid in the AAA was 8.02 (SE +/- 0.71) and the control was 9.8 etagm/L (SE +/- 0.69), (ns). This study confirms significantly higher levels of plasma homocysteine in AAA patients but lower levels of B12. Use of supplemental vitamins that should lower plasma homocysteine may modify vascular disease progression. Clinical trials in this direction are warranted. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Opening and closing kinematics of fresh and calcified aortic valve prostheses: an in vitro study.
In vitro testing of biologic valves has been performed using only fresh but treated valves suitable for patient implantation. The present study investigates changes in hemodynamic performance and leaflet kinematics in progressively calcified porcine and pericardial aortic valve prostheses. Edwards Perimount Magna (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, Calif) (n = 5) and Medtronic Mosaic Ultra (Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, Minn) (n = 5) heart valves (23 mm) were investigated in an artificial circulation system (70 beats/min, cardiac output 5 L/min). Leaflet kinematics were visualized with a high-speed camera (3000 frames/sec). Valves were then exposed to a calcium-phosphate solution at a constant pulse rate of 300 beats/min for a total of 6 weeks. Repeated testing was performed after 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks of calcification. The calcification process might not be similar to in vivo performance. Initially, the Perimount Magna valves demonstrated lower pressure gradients compared with the Mosaic Ultra valves (9.7 +/- 0.36 mm Hg vs 14.0 +/- 1.16 mm Hg), but they showed higher closing volume and leakage flow. Total energy loss was equivalent after 1 week of calcification. Perimount Magna valves calcified significantly faster and more severely, leading to an increase in gradients and closure volume. Leaflet kinematics showed progressively longer opening and closing times for the pericardial valves (closing time Perimount Magna 135 +/- 11 msec vs Mosaic Ultra 85 +/- 9 msec after 6 weeks). On the basis of visual inspection, despite the new ThermaFix (Edwards Lifesciences) tissue treatment, the Perimount Magna pericardial valves calcified in vitro faster and more severely than did the Mosaic Ultra porcine valves, which demonstrated a more constant performance throughout the calcification process. Leaflet kinematics showed a progressive prolongation of opening and closing times for pericardial valves, leading to higher closing volume. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Updated review on the benefits of weight loss.
Obesity is associated with type 2 diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. Modest weight loss has been shown to have a beneficial effect on these cardiovascular risk factors and to improve risk factor clustering. Recent lifestyle intervention studies also suggest that modest weight loss can help to prevent two of the most common conditions associated with obesity: hypertension and type 2 diabetes. The practical problem is how to translate results from these studies into daily practice. In the studies, only a limited number of individuals maintained substantial weight loss over the follow up period. New approaches are needed to achieve and maintain weight loss. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Rollerball endometrial ablation: new treatment options for women.
1. Endometrial ablation with a rollerball electrode is an alternative to hysterectomy for selected women with menorrhagia. Patients are usually discharged the same day and recover more quickly than women who undergo hysterectomy. 2. Preoperative patient preparation includes endometrial suppression through drug therapy and placement of a laminaria tent in the uterine cervix. 3. Because large amounts of irrigating solution are used during the procedure, careful monitoring of fluid balance is essential to avoid fluid overload. 4. Diagnostic hysteroscopy is useful for evaluating abnormal bleeding. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neonatal nutrition: a brief review.
With increasing survival of extremely premature infants, emphasis is now focused on the quality of these survivors' lives. Possibly the most important factor in the premature's ability to survive in the NICU and thrive is the ability to replicate in utero growth through enteral and parenteral nutrition. Current literature and review articles were retrieved from PubMed and personal files of the authors. The use and complications of the various components of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) were reviewed. The composition of appropriate enteral feeds for the premature was reviewed as was the difficulties associated with the establishment of adequate enteral feeds in the premature infants. Early initiation of amino acids in TPN and timely increases in the components of TPN can improve the caloric intake of prematures. Enteral feeds, particularly of breast milk, may be started within the first few days of life in all but hemodynamically unstable prematures. Newer lipid preparations show promise in reversing the hepatic damage of TPN associated cholestatic jaundice. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Adaptation of Skyline for Targeted Lipidomics.
In response to the urgent need for analysis software that is capable of handling data from targeted high-throughput lipidomics experiments, we here present a systematic workflow for the straightforward method design and analysis of selected reaction monitoring data in lipidomics based on lipid building blocks. Skyline is a powerful software primarily designed for proteomics applications where it is widely used. We adapted this tool to a "Plug and Play" system for lipid research. This extension offers the unique capability to assemble targeted mass spectrometry methods for complex lipids easily by making use of building blocks. With simple yet tailored modifications, targeted methods to analyze main lipid classes such as glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, glycerolipids, cholesteryl-esters, and cholesterol can be quickly introduced into Skyline for easy application by end users without distinct bioinformatics skills. To illustrate the benefits of our novel strategy, we used Skyline to quantify sphingolipids in mesenchymal stem cells. We demonstrate a simple method building procedure for sphingolipids screening, collision energy optimization, and absolute quantification of sphingolipids. In total, 72 sphingolipids were identified and absolutely quantified at the fatty acid scan species level by utilizing Skyline for data interpretation and visualization. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Impaired pulmonary function is a risk predictor for sudden cardiac death in men.
Little is known about the association of reduced pulmonary function and the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Our aim was to examine the relation of forced expiratory volume (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and the ratio of FEV1 to FVC with SCD in a population-based sample of men. This study was based on 1250 men 42-60 years of age without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and lung cancer. During the 20-year follow-up, 95 SCDs occurred. FEV1, FVC, and ratio of FEV1 to FVC were used as lung function tests. As a continuous variable, each 10% increase in the percentage predicted FEV1 was associated with 18% (adjusted risk 0.82, 95% CI 0.73-0.93, P < 0.002) reduced risk for SCD. Subjects with most reduced (lowest quintile) FEV1 had a 3.5-fold increased risk for SCD (95% CI 1.42-8.41, P = 0.006), after adjustment for conventional risk factors. Similar results were observed with FVC. The results remained statistically significant among non-smokers and smokers respectively. Our study shows that reduced lung function is a robust predictor of SCD in middle-aged men. Lung function test may be useful in risk stratification for SCD in general population. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mesoporous silica films as a novel biomaterial: applications in the middle ear.
In this tutorial review we present the process of the development of functional implants using mesoporous silica. The different steps from chemical synthesis and physicochemical characterization followed by in vitro testing in cell culture assays to clinically relevant in vivo animal studies are examined. Since the end of the 1990s, mesoporous silicas have been considered as biomaterials. Numerous investigations have demonstrated their non-toxic and biocompatible properties. These qualities in combination with the unique properties of high surface area and pore volume, uniform and tunable pore sizes and chemical modifiability are the reasons for the great scientific interest in this field. Here we show that besides bulk materials or mesoporous silica nanoparticles, mesoporous silica films are highly promising as coatings on medical prostheses or implants. We report on the development of functionalized mesoporous silica materials specifically for middle ear applications. Middle ear prostheses are used to restore the sound transmission through this air-filled cavity when the small bones of the middle air (the ossicular chain) have been destroyed by disease or by accidents. In addition to optimal restoration of sound transmission, this technique bears several challenges, e.g. an ongoing bacterial infection or the displacement of the prosthesis due to insufficient fixation. To improve the healing process, a mesoporous silica coating was established on ceramic middle ear prostheses, which then served as a base for further functionalizations. For example, the bone growth factor BMP2 was locally attached to the coating in order to improve the fixation of the prosthesis by forming a bony connection to the remainder of the ear bones. Further, an implant-based local drug delivery system for the antibiotic ciprofloxacin was developed with the aim of fighting bacterial infections. Further possibilities using mesoporous silica nanoparticles as part of a composite on an implant are briefly discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Quinolone resistance in veterinary isolates of Salmonella.
Twenty-seven nalidixic acid-resistant (MIC > or = 256 mg/L) isolates of salmonella from veterinary sources were also less susceptible to fluoroquinolones (range of MICs of ciprofloxacin, 0.12-2 mg/L). Six isolates were cross-resistant to one or more chemically unrelated antibacterial agents. The concentrations of enrofloxacin that inhibited DNA synthesis by 50% were similar to the MIC values for 23 of 27 isolates, suggesting a mutation in gyrA. Insertion of pNJR3-2 (gyrA) in nine of 20 isolates increased susceptibility to quinolones, suggesting that resistance was due to mutation in gyrA. Five of 27 isolates had reduced levels of accumulation of enrofloxacin. Two of the five also had increased susceptibility to quinolones when pNJR3-2 was introduced. None of the outer membrane protein profiles of the resistant isolates differed from those of sensitive control strains. Three of 27 isolates had differences in lipopolysaccharide profiles compared to control strains. Although the MIC of ciprofloxacin was less than the recommended UK break point concentrations for most isolates, the increasing incidence of quinolone-resistance in salmonella from veterinary sources is a matter of concern. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Aspects of Sexuality in Adolescents and Adults Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Childhood.
The literature concerning sexuality in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is limited regarding inappropriate sexual behaviours and paraphilias and its relation to age, verbal ability, symptom severity, intellectual ability, or adaptive functioning. A cohort of 184 adolescents and young adults (ages 15-39 years) with ASD diagnosed in childhood, including both low and high functioning individuals, was examined. The large majority were found to have a sexual interest and showed interest towards the opposite sex. Inappropriate sexual behaviours and paraphilias were reported for about a fourth of the individuals. No relationships were found between inappropriate sexual behaviours and any of the background variables listed above. However, associations were found between paraphilias and ASD symptom severity, intellectual ability, and adaptive functioning. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comorbidity and cognitive overlap between developmental dyslexia and congenital amusia.
This study investigated whether there is a co-occurrence between developmental dyslexia and congenital amusia in adults. First, a database of online musical tests on 18,000 participants was analysed. Self-reported dyslexic participants performed significantly lower on melodic skills than matched controls, suggesting a possible link between reading and musical disorders. In order to test this relationship more directly, we evaluated 20 participants diagnosed with dyslexia, 16 participants diagnosed with amusia, and their matched controls, with a whole battery of literacy (reading, fluency, spelling), phonological (verbal working memory, phonological awareness) and musical tests (melody, rhythm and metre perception, incidental memory). Amusia was diagnosed in six (30%) dyslexic participants and reading difficulties were found in four (25%) amusic participants. Thus, the results point to a moderate comorbidity between amusia and dyslexia. Further research will be needed to determine what factors at the neural and/or cognitive levels are responsible for this co-occurrence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Comparison of antimicrobial effect of alcohol gel according to the amount and drying time in health personnel hand hygiene].
The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of alcohol gel according to the amount and drying time in health personnel hand hygiene and to promote in their practice adequate and effective hand hygiene. The cross-over experimental study was performed with 14 volunteers. Hands were artificially contaminated with 5 mL of 10⁸ CFU/mL of Serratia marcescens (ATCC 14756) and four different alcohol gel hand hygiene methods varying by the amount of alcohol gel (2 mL vs. 1 mL) and drying time (complete vs. incomplete) were compared. Samples were collected by glove juice sampling procedures. Mean log reduction values of the four different hand hygiene methods were 2.22±0.36, 1.26±0.53, 1.49±0.60, 0.89±0.47 respectively for the 4 groups: adequate amount (2mL) and complete dry (30 seconds rubbing followed by 2 min air-dry), inadequate amount (1 mL) and complete dry, adequate amount and incomplete dry (15 seconds rubbing and no air-dry), and inadequate amount and incomplete dry. The difference was statistically significant in the adequate amount and complete dry group compared to other three groups (p<.001). Only alcohol gel hand hygiene with adequate amount and complete drying was satisfactory by U.S. FDA-TFM efficacy requirements for antiseptic hand hygiene products. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Correction of disorders of systemic hemodynamics and rheologic indices of the blood in patients with chronic kidney failure during hemodialysis].
During hemodialysis, 44 patients with terminal chronic renal failure were examined for the systemic hemodynamics and blood rheological properties as well as for the possibility of their correction by infusion of the plasma substitutes: polyglucine, rondex or 10% albumin at a volume of 400 ml per administration. It was established that patients on hemodialysis manifested pronounced hemodynamic and rheological disorders. During hemodialysis, the hemodynamic disorders correlated with the changes in the rheological properties of the blood (r = 0.23-0.45, p less than 0.05). It is indicated that to treat the hypotensive states occurring in the course of hemodialysis, infusions of the plasma expanders, rondex, 10% albumin and polyglucine may be used at a limited volume. The plasma substitute rondex ensures a more favorable hemodynamic and rheological effect, comparing very favourably with other preparations investigated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Spatial extent of plasmonic enhancement of vibrational signals in the infrared.
Infrared vibrations of molecular species can be enhanced by several orders of magnitude with plasmonic nanoantennas. Based on the confined electromagnetic near-fields of resonantly excited metal nanoparticles, this antenna-assisted surface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy enables the detection of minute amounts of analytes localized in the nanometer-scale vicinity of the structure. Among other important parameters, the distance of the vibrational oscillator of the analyte to the nanoantenna surface determines the signal enhancement. For sensing applications, this is a particularly important issue since the vibrating dipoles of interest may be located far away from the antenna surface because of functional layers and the large size of biomolecules, proteins, or bacteria. The relation between distance and signal enhancement is thus of paramount importance and measured here with in situ infrared spectroscopy during the growth of a probe layer. Our results indicate a diminishing signal enhancement and the effective saturation of the plasmonic resonance shift beyond 100 nm. The experiments carried out under ultra-high-vacuum conditions are supported by numerical calculations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characterization of pollutants in Florida street sweepings for management and reuse.
Disposal and beneficial-use options for street sweeping residuals collected as part of routine roadway maintenance activities in Florida, USA, were assessed by characterizing approximately 200 samples collected from 20 municipalities. Total concentrations (mg/kg or microg/kg) and leachable concentrations (mg/L or microg/L) of 11 metals and a number of organic pollutant groups (volatile organics, semi-volatile organics, pesticides, herbicides, carbamates) in the samples were measured. The synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP) was performed to evaluate the leachability of the pollutants. From the total metal analysis, several metals (e.g., arsenic, barium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc) were commonly found above their detection limits. Zinc was found to have the highest mean concentration of all metals measured (46.7 mg/kg), followed by copper (10.7 mg/kg) and barium (10.5mg/kg). The metal with the smallest mean concentration was arsenic (0.48 mg/kg). A small fraction of the total arsenic, barium, lead, and zinc leached in some samples using the SPLP; leached concentrations were relatively low. A few organic compounds (e.g., 4,4'-DDT, endrin, and endosulfan II) were detected in a limited number of samples. When the total and leaching results were compared to risk-based Florida soil cleanup target levels and groundwater cleanup target levels, the street sweepings were not found to pose a significant human-health risk via direct exposure or groundwater contamination. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of copper on the post acidification of fermented milk by St. thermophilus.
As an initial investigation of using Cu²⁺ to control post acidification, the fermentation time, pH and the viable counts of bacteria of fermented milk during fermentation and storage were studied.Streptococcus thermophilus was used as the starter culture to ferment the whole milk. Cu²⁺ was added to whole milk at a concentration ranging from 1.25 to 20 mg/kg before fermentation. It was observed that increasing the concentration of Cu²⁺, the fermentation time of yoghurt was prolonged, while the post acidification of fermented milk was decreased during storage. The results showed that Cu²⁺ at the concentration of 1.25 mg/kg could reduce the post acidification of fermented milk effectively and showed no significant effect on neither the fermentation time nor the viable counts of S. thermophilus (P > 0.05) compared with the control sample. These findings indicated that Cu²⁺ could be used as a potential additive to inhibit the post acidification of yoghurt. Adding copper to milk has an effect on fermented milk products such as yoghurt. Increasing the concentration of Cu2⁺ decreased the post acidification of fermented milk. The fermentation time is prolonged with the increase of Cu2⁺ concentration. Cu2⁺ at 1.25 mg/kg exhibited inhibition on post acidification and had no significant effect on fermentation time and the viable counts of fermented milk. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Analysis of the c-src gene product structure, abundance, and protein kinase activity in human neuroblastoma and glioblastoma cells.
We have compared in different human neuroblastoma cell lines and human glioblastoma cells the expression level, structure, and tyrosine-specific protein kinase activity of pp60c-src. Our results show that not all human neuroblastoma cell lines express pp60c-src molecules with amino-terminal structural alterations. In neuroblastoma cells which possess pp60c-src with altered gel migration, the diminished polyacrylamide gel mobility of pp60c-src was found not to be dependent upon amino-terminal phosphorylations since extensive treatment of these molecules with phosphatase did not significantly change their gel migration properties. Similar differences in gel migration were observed when RNA from the various neuroblastoma and glioblastoma cells was translated in vitro using either rabbit reticulocyte or wheat germ lysates. White the level of c-src mRNA in the different cells analyzed was found to be similar, the abundance of pp60c-src in these same cells was found to vary by as much as 12-fold. This suggests that the abundance of pp60c-src in human neuroendocrine tumors is regulated through post-transcriptional and/or post-translational events which may be related to the stage of neuronal differentiation of the cells. Based upon determination of pp60c-src abundance by immunoblot analysis, we demonstrate that pp60c-src molecules derived from human neuroblastoma and glioblastoma cells have very similar in vitro protein kinase activities. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Legionella pneumophila pneumonia community epidemic outbreak in Barcelona: "The Barceloneta outbreak". Effect on the early diagnosis and treatment].
Clinical and microbiological descriptive analysis of the outbreak of community legionnaire's disease recorded in the Barcelona's Barcelonesa neighborhood in November 2000. Retrospective review of the epidemiological and clinical manifestations, as well as the evolution of the cases of Legionella pneumophila pneumonia associated with the outbreak and cared of in the Hospital del Mar. The 48 patients evaluated, all of them with confirmed diagnoses, represent 89% of the cases communicated. Seventy-five percent of patients showed some underlying disease, 54% had some criterion for severity, and mortality was 4%. In 81% of cases the detection of the antigen of Legionella pneumophila in urine was the diagnostic method. The detection in urine of the Legionella pneumophila antigen makes possible the early diagnosis of legionnaire's disease, particularly in epidemic outbreaks, which that facilitates the fast establishment of the adequate treatment and contributes to the reduction in mortality even in patients of high risk. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Studies on the placental transfer in rats of 59Fe- and 14C-labelled iron-poly (sorbitol-gluconic acid) complex.
The placental transfer of an iron-poly (sorbitol-gluconic acid) complex, Ferastral, has been studied. By use of the 59Fe-, 14C-sorbitol, and 14C-gluconic acid labelled complexes it was shown that the passage of the iron moiety is related to foetal need and that only negligible amounts of 14C from either 14C-sorbitol or 14C-gluconic acid labelled iron complexes were found in the foetus. This implies that the intact complex does not pass the placental barrier. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
FuGE: Functional Genomics Experiment Object Model.
This is an interim report on the Functional Genomics Experiment (FuGE) Object Model. FuGE is a framework for creating data standards for high-throughput biological experiments, developed by a consortium of researchers from academia and industry. FuGE supports rich annotation of samples, protocols, instruments, and software, as well as providing extension points for technology specific details. It has been adopted by microarray and proteomics standards bodies as a basis for forthcoming standards. It is hoped that standards developers for other omics techniques will join this collaborative effort; widespread adoption will allow uniform annotation of common parts of functional genomics workflows, reduce standard development and learning times through the sharing of consistent practice, and ease the construction of software for accessing and integrating functional genomics data. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A Very Fast and Momentum-conserving Tree Code.
The tree code for the approximate evaluation of gravitational forces is extended and substantially accelerated by including mutual cell-cell interactions. These are computed by a Taylor series in Cartesian coordinates and in a completely symmetric fashion, such that Newton's third law is satisfied by construction and that therefore momentum is exactly conserved. The computational effort is further reduced by exploiting the mutual symmetry of the interactions. For typical astrophysical problems with N=105 and at the same level of accuracy, the new code is about 4 times faster than the tree code. For large N, the computational costs are found to scale almost linearly with N, which can also be supported by a theoretical argument, and the advantage over the tree code increases with ever larger N. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cardiovascular effects of carbachol and other cholinomimetics administered into the cerebral ventricles of conscious cats.
1. The cholinomimetic substances acetylcholine, nicotine, tetramethylammonium chloride and carbachol were infused intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) into conscious, normotensive cats and their effects on behaviour, blood pressure and heart rate recorded. 2. Intracerebroventricular acetylcholine, nicotine and tetramethylammonium chloride each produced small, mainly stimulant, effects on the cardiovascular system which were not accompanied by any marked behavioural effects. 3. Intracerebroventricular carbachol at a dose of 30 microgram produced marked and persistent cardiovascular stimulant effects accompanied by a striking rage/fear reaction. When the dose of carbachol was reduced to 7.5 microgram the behavioural effects were no longer seen but marked cardiovascular stimulant effects remained. 4. The cardiovascular stimulant effects of i.c.v. carbachol were apparently mediated via the peripheral sympathetic system since they were abolished by peripheral adrenergic neurone blockade. 5. The blood pressure and heart rate increases produced by i.c.v. carbachol were blocked by prior i.c.v. treatment with atropine, hexamethonium, guanethidine, bethanidine or propranolol. 6. The data are consistent with an interaction between central cholinergic and catecholaminergic neural pathways involved in central regulation of blood pressure and further suggest the involvement of beta-adrenoreceptors in the responses to centrally-administered cholinomimetics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Catalytic Hydrolysis of Phosphate Monoester by Supramolecular Phosphatases Formed from a Monoalkylated Dizinc(II) Complex, Cyclic Diimide Units, and Copper(II) in Two-Phase Solvent System.
Design and synthesis of enzyme mimic with programmed molecular interaction among several building blocks including metal complexes and metal chelators is of intellectual and practical significance. The preparation of artificial enzymes that mimic the natural enzymes such as hydrolases, phosphatases, etc. remains a great challenge in the field of supramolecular chemistry. Herein we report on the design and synthesis of asymmetric (nonsymmetric) supermolecules by the 2:2:2 self-assembly of an amphiphilic zinc(II)-cyclen complex containing a 2,2'-bipyridyl linker and one long alkyl chain (Zn2L3), barbital analogues, and Cu2+ as model compounds of an enzyme alkaline phosphatase that catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphate monoesters such as mono(4-nitrophenyl)phosphate at neutral pH in two-phase solvent system (H2O/CHCl3) in pH 7.4 and 37 °C. Hydrolytic activity of these complexes was found to be catalytic, and their catalytic turnover numbers are 3-4. The mechanistic studies based on the UV/vis and emission spectra of the H2O and CHCl3 phases of the reaction mixtures suggest that the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity balance of the supramolecular catalysts is an important factor for catalytic activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Inhibitory action of naphtho[1,2-b]furan-4,5-dione on hepatocyte growth factor-induced migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells: mechanisms of action.
Naphtho[1,2-b]furan-4,5-dione (NFD), a bioactive component of Avicennia marina, has been shown to exhibit anticancer activity. The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of NFD on hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-induced cell migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells, as well as the underlying mechanism of action. Cell viability was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2 thiazoyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay, western blot analysis was used to measure protein expression and cell migration and invasion were evaluated by the cell wound healing assay, Boyden chamber assay and gelatin zymography. When cells were treated with non-toxic concentrations of NFD (1-3 μmol/L, 24 h), NFD concentration-dependently inhibited HGF-promoted cell migration and invasion. Simultaneously, NFD efficiently suppressed c-Met phosphorylation and downstream activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt. In addition, NFD inhibited the phosphorylation of IκB kinases and IκBα and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, as well as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activity. Furthermore, the c-Met inhibitor PHA665752 (10 μmol/L) inhibited HGF-induced MMP-9 expression, cell migration and invasion, as well as the activation of PI3K/Akt, suggesting that PI3K/Akt activation occur downstream of c-Met activation. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that NFD inhibits HGF-induced invasion and migration of MDA-MB-231 cells via HGF- and/or c-Met-mediated PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signalling pathways, leading to downregulation of MMP-9 expression and cell migration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The binuclear dual emitter [Br(CO)3Re(PN)(NP)Re(CO)3Br] (PN): 3-chloro-6-(4-diphenylphosphinyl)butoxypyridazine, a new bridging P,N-bidentate ligand resulting from the ring opening of tetrahydrofuran.
Lithium diphenylphosphide unexpectedly provokes the ring-opening of tetrahydrofuran (THF) and by reaction with 3,6-dichloropyridazine leads to the formation of the ligand 3-chloro-6-(4-diphenylphosphinyl)butoxypyridazine (P⋯N), which was isolated. The reaction of this ligand with the (Re(CO)3(THF)Br)2 dimer yields the novel complex [Br(CO)3Re(μ-3-chloro-6-(4-diphenylphosphinyl)butoxypyridazine)2Re(CO)3Br] (BrRe(P⋯N)(N⋯P)ReBr), which was crystallized in the form of a chloroform solvate, (C46H40Br2Cl2N4O8P2Re2)·(CHCl3). The monoclinic crystal (P21/n) displays a bimetallic cage structure with a symmetry inversion centre in the middle of the rhenium to rhenium line. The molecule shows two oxidation signals occurring at +1.50 V and +1.76 V which were assigned to the ReI/ReII and ReII/ReIII metal-centered couples, respectively, while signals observed at -1.38 V and -1.68 V were assigned to ligand centered reductions. Experimental and DFT/TDDFT results indicate that the UV-Vis absorption maximum of BrRe(P⋯N)(N⋯P)ReBr occurring near 380 nm displays a metal to ligand charge transfer (MLCT) character, which is consistent with CV results. Upon excitation at this wavelength, a weak emission (Φem < 1 × 10-3) is observed around 580 nm (in dichloromethane) which decays with two distinct lifetimes τ1 and τ2 of 24 and 4.7 ns, respectively. The prevalence of non-radiative deactivation pathways is consistent with efficient internal conversion induced by the high conformational flexibility of the P⋯N ligand's long carbon chain. Measurements in a frozen solvent at 77 K, where vibrational deactivation is hindered, show intense emission associated with the 3MLCT state. These results demonstrate that BrRe(P⋯N)(N⋯P)ReBr preserves the dual emitting nature previously reported for the mononuclear complex RePNBr, with emission associated with and states. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Demonstration of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-like immunoreactivity in the rat forebrain and upper brainstem.
The distribution of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor protein (mAChR) in the rat forebrain and upper brainstem was described by using a monoclonal antibody (M35) raised against mAChR purified from bovine forebrain homogenates. A method is investigated for light microscopic (LM) and electronmicroscopic (EM) immunocytochemical visualization of reactivity to mAChR-proteins. Putative cholinoceptive neurons including their dendrites were found immunoreactive in the cortical mantle, hippocampus, basal ganglia, amygdala, thalamus and several midbrain regions. In the neocortex, immunoprecipitate with M35 was mainly present in layer 5 pyramidal cells, some layer 3 pyramidal neurons and layer 2 stellate cells, all including their characteristic dendritic profiles of both basal and apical dendrites. In the hippocampus, a variety of pyramidal, granular and non-pyramidal celltypes were stained in various hippocampal cell layers, in the dentate hilus and in stratum oriens of cornu ammonis. Moreover, positively reacting cells occurred in central and lateral amygdala, all parts of the basal ganglia and ventral pallidum. The thalamus was very richly provided with labeled neurons in several nuclei but notably numerous in the ventrolateral, anteroventral and geniculate nuclei. In cortex and hippocampus also some staining of astrocytes occurred. Electron microscopic study of the intracellular distribution of M35 immunoreactivity in all cases showed dense precipitates in the soma cytoplasm in close association with the golgi apparatus, but conspicuous absence near the endoplasmic reticulum. Immunoprecipitate can be followed within the dendritic tree along the microtubular transport system, up to proximal and distal postsynaptic membrane positions, apposing non labeled presynaptic endings. Muscarinic receptor subtype recognition by M35 will be discussed by comparing M35 distribution with cholinergic innervation patterns, muscarinic receptor ligand binding studies and localization of muscarinic receptor subtype mRNAs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Treatment of femoral fracture with nonunion.
Thirty-four patients with femoral nonunion were managed by autogenous and/or allogenous bone graft alone, or internal fixation (including DCP or intramedullary nail) combined with bone graft, or external fixation in Taichung Veterans General hospital. Adequate follow-up study was obtained in 32 patients; two patients were unable to be contacted for follow-up. All 32 patients had received one or more operations. All but four patients showed clinical and radiological union, with an overall union rate 87.5%. Twenty-five patients (89.3%) returned to work, but half of these patients changed jobs. All twenty-eight patients with solid unions could walk, but eleven patients (39.3%) had a slight limp. Twenty-two patients (78.6%) could squat, and all patients could straighten their knees. Fourteen patients (50%) complained of occasional soreness over the operated area. In our limited experience, most femoral nonunions result from (1) inappropriate selection and usage of internal fixator, (2) severe stripping of soft tissue around the fracture site, or inappropriate usage of cerclage wire, and (3) infection. Treatment must depend on the causes and types of nonunion. In this study, a high union rate and good functional recovery were achieved with interlocking nails with or without autogenous bone graft. Plating would extend the time for union to take place, and even resulted in refracture of the plate by contact with the medial cortex when there was no medial buttress. In general, detailed planning before operation, skilled surgical techniques and aseptic procedures are essential in the prevention and treatment of nonunion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Improved detection of recurrent laryngeal tumor after radiotherapy using (18)FDG-PET as initial method.
Timely detection of recurrent laryngeal tumor after radiation is an important predictive factor for curation as well as preservation of laryngeal function. Direct laryngoscopy under general anesthesia with taking of biopsies is the standard diagnostic procedure to detect recurrence when suspicion is raised. This, however, is an invasive and potentially damaging technique. Hence, a non-invasive diagnostic procedure, such as (18)FDG-PET to stratify patients for direct laryngoscopy could be useful. (18)FDG-PET is interpreted visually so that observer variation may affect clinical practice. In the present study, we therefore investigated this aspect of reproducibility. Thirty consecutive patients suspected of recurrent laryngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy underwent (18)FDG-PET and direct laryngoscopy under general anesthesia with taking of biopsies. (18)FDG-PET scans were reported by nine nuclear medicine physicians and residents, using a three-point scaling system. The reference was the absence or appearance of a local recurrence in the 12 months following (18)FDG-PET. Eight patients had biopsy proven recurrent laryngeal carcinoma. Sensitivity of (18)FDG-PET was 88% (95% CI 53-98%) and specificity was 82% (95% CI 62-93%). The observers had a moderate to reasonable agreement (weighted kappa 0.45 (95% CI 0.20-0.69)) vs. the clinical gold standard and interobserver kappa was 0.54 (95% CI 0.40-0.69). (18)FDG-PET seems to be a promising technique to detect recurrent laryngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy, and selecting patients for direct laryngoscopy. This will avoid futile invasive procedures. Interobserver agreement and variability is reasonable using this technique, but training is necessary. Studies comparing different strategies to select patients for direct laryngoscopy in case of suspected recurrence are warranted. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Development of the conducting airway epithelium in fetal Syrian golden hamsters during normal and diabetic pregnancies.
The conducting airway epithelium of fetal Syrian golden hamsters was studied from gestational day 12 to day 15, during normal and uncontrolled diabetic pregnancies. Diabetes was induced in the pregnant hamsters by injecting streptozotocin at 60 mg/kg body weight, subcutaneously, early on gestational day 10. Cells in S-phase were labelled immunochemically with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), and the day on which endocrine cells and ciliated cells first appeared was determined. In control fetuses, the BrdU-labelling indices (LI's) of different anatomical airway levels were significantly different from one gestational day to the next. For example, the LI of the lobar bronchus was significantly different on each gestational day (P less than .0001), and the same was true of the bronchioles. Moreover, the difference between LI's of the lobar bronchus and bronchioles-terminal buds was highly significant on day 12 (P less than .0001), and on day 13 the differences between lobar bronchus and bronchioles, lobar bronchus and terminal buds, and bronchioles and terminal buds were also highly significant (P less than .0001). However, on gestational days 14 and 15, the LI's were reduced and were comparable at different airway levels. The BrdU-labelling indices were very consistent among fetuses of the same age, and the differences between the average LI's for pups of different litters was numerically very small. Hyperglycemia (mild, moderate, severe) did not alter LI's in the fetal airway epithelial cells. Furthermore, although glycogen was not depleted from the airway epithelium of the hyperglycemic fetuses as it was in the controls, the endocrine cells first appeared on gestational days 12, 13, and 14, respectively, in the trachea, lobar bronchus and bronchioles, followed 1 day later by the ciliated cells, in the fetuses of control and diabetic mothers. In our experimental model, induction of diabetes in the pregnant hamsters on gestational day 10 did not appear to alter development or differentiation of the fetal conducting airway epithelium. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The activator-binding site of Onchocerca volvulus S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase, a potential drug target.
S-Adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC) is a key enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis. In many eukaryotes its activity is stimulated specifically by putrescine. The AdoMetDC of the filarial parasite Onchocerca volvulus, however, is not only stimulated by putrescine but also by the naturally occuring polyamines spermidine and spermine. Several diamines, acetylated polyamines and polyamine analogues were used to analyse what molecular prerequisites are needed to stimulate nematode AdoMetDC activity. In the absence of an activator, the O. volvulus enzyme exhibits an extremely low specific activity. This fact, together with the unspecificity of activator binding, was thought to be useful for a new strategy to inhibit nematode AdoMetDC activity. Therefore, different polyamine analogues were tested as competitive inhibitors towards the stimulatory effect putrescine has on the O. volvulus and, in comparison, on the Caenorhabditis elegans and human AdoMetDC. Bis(aralkyl)- and bis(alkyl)-substituted polyamine analogues with a 3-7-3 backbone were found to inhibit AdoMetDC activities, however, probably without interfering with the putrescine stimulation. The best inhibitor, BW-1, was about 10-fold more effective against O. volvulus AdoMetDC than against the human enzyme. Unexpectedly, BW-1 was determined to be a competitive inhibitor with respect to AdoMet, having a Ki value of 310 microM for the putrescine-stimulated human AdoMetDC. Furthermore, we show for the O. volvulus and the human enzyme that the degree of inhibition by BW-1 depends on the actual putrescine concentration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Thalamic vacuolation in acute Wernicke's encephalopathy [corrected].
Two patients with acute Wernicke's encephalopathy, with the diagnosis confirmed pathologically at autopsy, showed substantial vacuolation and neuronal degeneration in discrete nuclei of the thalamus. Thalamic vacuolation has not been described previously in acute Wernicke's encephalopathy. The use of frozen sections to minimize processing artifact was fundamental in demonstrating this pathology. The pathogenic mechanism underlying this change appears to be different to that seen in the more typical periventricular, mamillary body and brainstem lesions. We hypothesize that a specific neural pathway may be involved and suggest that this pathway could be the ascending nitric oxide-containing cholinergic pathway from the brainstem. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Improving the reuse of computational models through version control.
Only models that are accessible to researchers can be reused. As computational models evolve over time, a number of different but related versions of a model exist. Consequently, tools are required to manage not only well-curated models but also their associated versions. In this work, we discuss conceptual requirements for model version control. Focusing on XML formats such as Systems Biology Markup Language and CellML, we present methods for the identification and explanation of differences and for the justification of changes between model versions. In consequence, researchers can reflect on these changes, which in turn have considerable value for the development of new models. The implementation of model version control will therefore foster the exploration of published models and increase their reusability. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Restoration of T cell responsiveness to interleukin-2 in recipients of pancreatic islet xenografts treated with cyclosporine.
The immunosuppressive mechanism of cyclosporine (CsA) was studied using pancreatic islet xenotransplantation. A dose of 40 mg/kg/day CsA significantly prolonged survival of hamster islet grafts in BDE rats to 14.0 +/- 7.1 days compared with 2.0 +/- 0.9 days in controls (P less than 0.01), and antihamster lymphocytotoxic antibody was not detected in recipient sera even after rejection. Responses of spleen cells to pokeweed mitogen (PWM) and to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) were inhibited at least 21 days after transplantation in recipients treated with CsA. The addition of exogenous interleukin-2 (IL-2) to spleen cell cultures on day 7 had no effect on the impaired response to PHA. At the time of graft rejection (day 14), the T cell response to PHA recovered with the addition of IL-2. However, significant changes were not observed in the ratio of spleen cell subpopulations, which were studied with monoclonal antibodies of W3/ 13, OX-12, W3/25, and OX-8. From these results we conclude that CsA can significantly prolong islet xenograft survival in closely related species, and inhibit the production of humoral antibodies and T cell responses. At the time of graft rejection, recipient T cell responsiveness to IL-2 was restored. This suggest that islet xenograft rejection is caused by the recovery of cellular immunity in recipients treated with CsA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Quantitative estimation of phenytoin sodium disproportionation in the formulations using vibration spectroscopies and multivariate methodologies.
Phenytoin sodium (PS) has a tendency to convert to its base form; phenytoin base (PHT) during manufacturing, packaging, shelf life and in-use conditions that can influence its clinical performance. The objective of the present work was to develop a non-destructive, quick and easy analytical method for quantification of PHT in the drug product. A formulation was prepared to contain the excipients of commercial capsule formulation of PS. The formulation containing either 100% PHT or PS was prepared and these formulations were mixed in different proportion to achieve 0-100% PHT matrices. FTIR, NIR and Raman spectra of samples were collected. Data were truncated and mathematically pretreated before development of partial least squares (PLS) and principal component analysis (PCA) regressions model. The models were assessed by slope, intercept, R, R2, root mean square error (RMSE) and standard error (SEP). The models exhibited good linearity over the selected range of PHT in the formulations with low error as indicated by slope that was close to one and small values of intercept, RMSE and SE. The models of NIR based data were more accurate and precise than Raman data based models as indicated by the low values of RMSE and SE. Prediction accuracy of independent samples containing 25% PHT using NIR models were similar to Raman models. On the other hand, the prediction was more precise for the independent sample containing 5% PHT using NIR data based models compared to Raman data based models as indicated by standard deviation. In conclusion, chemometric models based on NIR and Raman spectroscopies provides a fast and easy way to monitor the disproportionation of PS in the drug products. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Morphological manifestations of the immune response in breast cancer as indices of disorders of immune homeostasis, adequacy of treatment and evaluation of prognosis].
An analysis of the literature has shown that the relationship observed between the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of lymphocytic infiltration in the mammary cancer stroma, the stage of cancer, the degree of its histologic differentiation, and the patient's age reflect, as do the changes in regional lymph nodes, the alterations undergone by immune homeostasis in this disease. The quantitative and qualitative compositions of lymphocytes in the neoplastic tissue, regional lymph nodes, and peripheral blood must be thoroughly studied if the adequacy of treatment and the prognosis are to be assessed correctly. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Expression, regulation, and signaling of the pattern-recognition receptor nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts.
Since pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), in particular Toll-like receptors (TLRs), were found to be overexpressed in the synovium of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to play a role in the production of disease-relevant molecules, we sought to determine the expression, regulation, and function of the PRR nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD-2) in RA. Expression of NOD-2 in synovial tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Expression and induction of NOD-2 in RA synovial fibroblasts (RASFs) were measured by conventional and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses. Levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) by ELISA and/or real-time PCR. NOD-2 expression was silenced with small interfering RNA. Western blotting with antibodies against phosphorylated and total p38, JNK, and ERK, as well as inhibitors of p38, JNK, and ERK was performed. Activation of NF-kappaB was measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. NOD-2 was expressed by fibroblasts and macrophages in the synovium of RA patients, predominantly at sites of invasion into articular cartilage. In cultured RASFs, no basal expression of messenger RNA for NOD-2 was detectable, but was induced by poly(I-C), lipopolysaccharide, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. After up-regulation of NOD-2 by TLR ligands, its ligand muramyl dipeptide (MDP) increased the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 via p38 and NF-kappaB. Stimulation with MDP further induced the expression of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13. Not only TLRs, but also the PRR NOD-2 is expressed in the synovium of RA patients, and activation of NOD-2 acts synergistically with TLRs in the production of proinflammatory and destructive mediators. Therefore, NOD-2 might contribute to the initiation and perpetuation of chronic, destructive inflammation in RA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Molecular genetics, recombinant DNA techniques, and genetic neurological disease.
The molecular defects responsible for Huntington's disease, the spinocerebellar degenerations, myotonic muscular dystrophy, neurofibromatosis, and tuberous sclerosis, among other major dominant inherited diseases of the nervous system, will be identified using the new techniques of molecular genetics. With synthesized nucleic acid segments complementary to portions of the patient's DNA, known as complementary DNA probes, it will be possible to identify and isolate the mutant gene responsible for a particular disease. These events are referred to as gene cloning. In addition, complex genetic regulatory mechanisms involved in cell differentiation during neuroembryogenesis will be elucidated with the application of these strategies. It is important for the clinician to become familiar with the precision and potential of these new methodologies, because they will soon influence significantly the practice of neurology. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The long-term contrastive result of neo-urethra reconstructed with different kinds of tissue].
To observe the long-term apparent and structural change of the neo-urethra inner wall reconstructed with different kinds of tissue. To compare the difference between normal and reconstructed urethra for urethra reconstruction with more appropriate materials. The neo-urethra inner wall was observed during operation, through urography and urethroscope. The tissue section of neo-urethra inner wall was observed through light microscope and electron microscope. With unchanged structure, the appearance of neo-urethra reconstructed with skin or mucosa could be close to normal urethra after a long time. Neo-urethra made of buccal mucosa possesses some of the most important basic structures for normal urethral microenvironment to form. The structure of neo-urethra made of bladder could be close to normal urethra after a long time. Buccal and bladder mucosa may be a better material than skin for urethra reconstruction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Assessment of the Authenticity of Herbal Dietary Supplements: Comparison of Chemical and DNA Barcoding Methods.
About 7 % of the U. S. population reports using botanical dietary supplements. Increased use of such supplements has led to discussions related to their authenticity and quality. Reports of adulteration with substandard materials or pharmaceuticals are of concern because such substitutions, whether inadvertent or deliberate, may reduce the efficacy of specific botanicals or lead to adverse events. Methods for verifying the identity of botanicals include macroscopic and microscopic examinations, chemical analysis, and DNA-based methods including DNA barcoding. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations may fail when a supplement consists of botanicals that have been processed beyond the ability to provide morphological characterizations. Chemical analysis of specific marker compounds encounters problems when these compounds are not distinct to a given species or when purified reference standards are not available. Recent investigations describing DNA barcoding analysis of botanical dietary supplements have raised concerns about the authenticity of the supplements themselves as well as the appropriateness of using DNA barcoding techniques with finished botanical products. We collected 112 market samples of frequently consumed botanical dietary supplements of ginkgo, soy, valerian, yohimbe, and St. John's wort and analyzed each for specific chemical markers (i.e., flavonol glycosides, total isoflavones, total valerenic acids, yohimbine, and hypericins, respectively). We used traditional DNA barcoding techniques targeting the nuclear ITS2 gene and the chloroplast gene psbA-trnH on the same samples to determine the presence of DNA of the labelled ingredient. We compared the results obtained by both methods to assess the contribution of each in determining the identity of the samples. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A high performance hybrid battery based on aluminum anode and LiFePO4 cathode.
A novel hybrid battery utilizing an aluminum anode, a LiFePO4 cathode and an acidic ionic liquid electrolyte based on 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMImCl) and aluminum trichloride (AlCl3) (EMImCl-AlCl3, 1-1.1 in molar ratio) with or without LiAlCl4 is proposed. The hybrid ion battery delivers an initial high capacity of 160 mA h g(-1) at a current rate of C/5. It also shows good rate capability and cycling performance. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Enhancing mechanical properties of multiwall carbon nanotubes via sp3 interwall bridging.
Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations under transverse shear, uniaxial compression, and pullout loading configurations are reported for multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with different fraction of interwall sp3 bonds. The interwall shear coupling in MWCNTs is shown to have a strong influence on load transfer and compressive load carrying capacity. A new continuum shear-coupled-shell model is developed to predict MWCNT buckling, which agrees very well with all MD results. This work demonstrates that MWCNTs can be engineered through control of interwall sp3 coupling to increase load transfer, buckling strength, and energy dissipation by nanotube pullout, all necessary features for good performance of nanocomposites. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Blunted kaliuresis after an acute potassium load in patients with chronic renal failure.
We evaluated renal handling and plasma potassium (K) and aldosterone (PA) responses to acute oral K loading in 11 patients with tubulointerstitial renal disease (creatinine clearance 32 +/- 5 ml/min [SE] ) and 13 control subjects (creatinine clearance 123 +/- 5). After 4 days of a 10 mEq Na, 50 mEq K diet, the subjects received 0.5 mEq KCl/kg body weight. Prior to KCl there were no differences between the groups in plasma K or urinary K excretion (UKV). In the 4 hr following KCl, less of the load (13 +/- 4%) was excreted by patients than control subjects (54 +/- 5%; P less than 0.001). Plasma K at 3 hr post KCl, and the amount of retained potassium translocated into the intracellular compartment (patients 14 +/- 3; control subjects 7 +/- 2 mEq; P less than 0.05) were significantly higher in the patients than in control subjects. After KCl, PA levels increased in both groups, and the increments in the patients tended to exceed those of controls; patients with hypoaldosteronism, however, transferred less K into cells and had an even greater impairment of renal K excretion than those with normal baseline PA. The results indicate that the impaired response to an acute oral potassium load in chronic renal failure is related primarily to defective renal rather than extrarenal mechanisms. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Stretchy nerves are an essential component of the extreme feeding mechanism of rorqual whales.
Rorqual whales (Balaenopteridae) are among the largest vertebrates that have ever lived and include blue (Balaenoptera musculus) and fin (Balaenoptera physalus) whales. Rorquals differ from other baleen whales (Mysticeti) in possessing longitudinal furrows or grooves in the ventral skin that extend from the mouth to the umbilicus. This ventral grooved blubber directly relates to their intermittent lunge feeding strategy, which is unique among vertebrates and was potentially an evolutionary innovation that led to gigantism in this lineage [1]. This strategy involves the rorqual whale rapidly engulfing a huge volume of prey-laden water and then concentrating the prey by more slowly expelling the water through baleen plates (Figure 1A). The volume of water engulfed during a lunge can exceed the volume of the whale itself [2]. During engulfment, the whale accelerates, opens its jaw until it is almost perpendicular to the rostrum, and then the highly compliant floor of the oral cavity is inflated by the incoming water [3]. The floor of the oral cavity expands by inversion of the tongue and ballooning of the adjacent floor of the mouth into the cavum ventrale, an immense fascial pocket between the body wall and overlying blubber layer that reaches as far back as the umbilicus. The ventral grooved blubber in fin whales expands by an estimated 162% in the circumferential direction and 38% longitudinally [4]. In fin whales, multiple lunges can occur during a single dive, and the average time between lunges is just over forty seconds [3]. Here, we show that nerves in the floor of the oral cavity of fin whales are highly extensible. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
More than 100,000 detectable peptide species elute in single shotgun proteomics runs but the majority is inaccessible to data-dependent LC-MS/MS.
Shotgun proteomics entails the identification of as many peptides as possible from complex mixtures. Here we investigate how many peptides are detectable by high resolution MS in standard LC runs of cell lysate and how many of them are accessible to data-dependent MS/MS. Isotope clusters were determined by MaxQuant and stringently filtered for charge states and retention times typical of peptides. This resulted in more than 100,000 likely peptide features, of which only about 16% had been targeted for MS/MS. Three instrumental attributes determine the proportion of additional peptides that can be identified: sequencing speed, sensitivity, and precursor ion isolation. In our data, an MS/MS scan rate of 25/s would be necessary to target all peptide features, but this drops to less than 17/s for reasonably abundant peptides. Sensitivity is a greater challenge, with many peptide features requiring long MS/MS injection times (>250 ms). The greatest limitation, however, is the generally low proportion of the target peptide ion intensity in the MS/MS selection window (the "precursor ion fraction" or PIF). Median PIF is only 0.14, making the peptides difficult to identify by standard MS/MS methods. Our results aid in developing strategies to further increase coverage in shotgun proteomics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Blood pressure lowering efficacy of reserpine for primary hypertension.
Many antihypertensive agents exist today for the treatment of primary hypertension (systolic blood pressure >/=140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure >/=90 mmHg). Randomised controlled trials have been carried out to investigate the evidence for these agents.There is, for example, strong RCT evidence that thiazides reduce mortality and morbidity. Reserpine has been used as a second-line therapy in some of those trials. However, the dose-related blood pressure reduction with this agent is not known. To investigate the dose-related effect of reserpine on blood pressure, heart rate and withdrawals due to adverse events. The databases CENTRAL, EMBASE, and MEDLINE were searched. We also traced citations in the reference sections of the retrieved studies. Included studies were truly randomised controlled trials comparing reserpine monotherapy to placebo or no treatment in patients with primary hypertension. Methods of randomization and concealment were assessed. Data on blood pressure reduction, heart rate,and withdrawal due to adverse effects were extracted and analysed. Four RCTs (N =237) were found that met the inclusion criteria. The overall pooled effect demonstrates a statistically significant systolic blood pressure (SBP) reduction in patients taking reserpine compared to placebo (WMD -7.92, 95% CI -14.05, -1.78). Due to significant heterogeneity across trials, a significant effect in diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) could not be found. The SBP effects were achieved with 0.5 mg/day or greater. However, the dose-response pattern could not be determined because of the small number of trials. Data from the trial that investigated Rauwiloid against placebo was not combined with reserpine data from the remaining three trials. This is because Rauwiloid is a different alkaloid extract of the plant Rauwolfia serpentina and the dose used is not comparable to reserpine. None of the included trials reported withdrawals due to adverse effects. Reserpine is effective in reducing SBP roughly to the same degree as other first-line antihypertensive drugs. However, we could not make definite conclusions regarding the dose-response pattern because of the small number of included trials. More RCTs are needed to assess the effects of reserpine on blood pressure and to determine the dose-related safety profile before the role of this drug in the treatment of primary hypertension can be established. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Assessment of Gaps in Care and the Development of a Care Pathway for Anemia in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.
Anemia is a common complication among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and is associated with high rates of IBD-related complications, resource utilization, and impaired quality of life. Despite practice guidelines for anemia in patients with IBD, gaps remain in the perceptions of anemia among health care providers. The aims of this study were to identify gaps in care and to develop a care pathway for anemia in patients with IBD. The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America anemia care pathway was developed by a committee using principles of cognitive task analysis. Focus groups of providers of patients with IBD were performed to identify domains of perceptions and management decisions for anemia and IBD. Knowledge elicitation from subject experts in anemia was conducted using case-based scenarios of patients with IBD and anemia to determine decision-making branch points. The care pathway was modified in an iterative fashion to encompass clinical presentations of anemia in IBD and potential barriers to the recognition, management, and follow-up of anemia. Variations were observed in how providers define iron deficiency, thresholds for treatment of anemia, and route of iron therapy. A care pathway for anemia incorporating the World Health Organization definition of anemia, universal hemoglobin and ferritin screening, evaluation of iron stores using ferritin and transferrin saturation, management of anemia based on adequacy of iron stores, and follow-up was developed. The authors identified domains of how providers perceive and manage patients with IBD and anemia, and developed a care pathway to align clinical practices with guideline recommendations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The lipolytic effects of mouse placental lactogen II, mouse prolactin, and mouse growth hormone on adipose tissue from virgin and pregnant mice.
The lipolytic activities of three structurally related mouse hormones, placental lactogen II (mPL-II), GH (mGH), and PRL (mPRL), and human PL (hPL) were investigated. Adipose tissue was obtained from virgin and day 12 and day 16 pregnant mice. Lipolytic activity was assessed by the ability of the hormones to stimulate glycerol release from fat explants in the presence of dexamethasone and by the ability of the hormones to sensitize adipose tissue to the lipolytic stimulus theophylline. In the first experiment, adipose tissue explants were incubated in Krebs-Ringer buffer with 0.0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, and 10.0 micrograms/ml hormone for 4 h. mGH was lipolytic at a concentration of 0.5 micrograms/ml or greater in adipose tissue from both virgin and pregnant mice. mPRL was lipolytic at a concentration of 5.0 micrograms/ml or greater in adipose tissue from virgin mice. In adipose tissue from pregnant mice mPRL was not lipolytic in day 12 tissue, but it was lipolytic at a concentration of 5.0 micrograms/ml in day 16 tissue. mPL-II and hPL did not stimulate glycerol release in mouse adipose tissue from virgin or pregnant mice. In the second experiment preincubating adipose tissue from virgin mice in the presence of 0.5 or 5.0 micrograms/ml mGH significantly increased the ability of the tissue to respond to theophylline; however, mGH did not induce this response in adipose tissue from pregnant mice, mPRL, mPL-II, and hPL did not increase theophylline-induced lipolysis in adipose tissue from either virgin or pregnant mice. These results indicate that two lipolytic mechanisms are activated in adipose tissue from mice; mGH can activate both mechanisms, whereas mPRL can activate only one. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Chemical response of aldehydes to compression between (0001) surfaces of α-alumina.
First-principles molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the chemical response of acetaldehyde molecules (MeCHO) to compression and decompression between (0001) surfaces of α-alumina (Al(2)O(3)), with pressures reaching approximately 40 GPa. The results demonstrate that the MeCHO molecules are transformed into other chemical species through a range of chemical processes involving the formation of C-O and C-C bonds between MeCHO monomers as well as proton transfer. The mechanistic details of a representative set of the observed reactions are elucidated through analysis of maximally localized Wannier functions. Analysis of the changes in structure demonstrates that the main role of compression is to reduce the distances between MeCHO molecules to facilitate the formation of C-O bonds. Additional examination of the electronic structure demonstrates that the surface plays a role in facilitating proton transfer by both rendering hydrogen atoms in adsorbed MeCHO molecules more acidic and by acting as a proton acceptor. In addition, adsorption of the MeCHO molecules on the surface renders the sp(2) carbon atoms in these molecules more electrophilic, which promotes the formation of C-C and C-O bonds. It is suggested that the reaction products may be beneficial in the context of wear inhibition. Comparison of the surface structure before compression and after decompression demonstrates that the aldehydes and reaction products are capable of inhibiting irreversible changes in the structure as long as there is at least a monolayer coverage of these species. As a whole, the study sheds light on the chemical behavior of the aldehydes in response to uniaxial compression in nanoscopic contacts that likely applies to other molecules containing carbonyl groups and other metal oxide surfaces. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Injuries of basal ganglia following head trauma in children.
7 pediatric patients with injuries of basal ganglia following head trauma were reported. They ranged in age from 10 months to 10 years. 5 boys and 2 girls comprised the patients. Cases 1--4 are mild cases in which the children fell down backward while playing, followed by a minimum loss of consciousness. In every case there was hemiparesis, but all of them showed remarkable recovery. CT findings are that of unilateral basal ganglia infarction. In cases 5--7, patients suffered from symptoms of brain contusion after running out in front of an oncoming car, and they developed hemiparesis. CT findings in cases 5 and 6 showed unilateral infarction. CT of case 7 showed a massive unilateral hemorrhage of the basal ganglia. All 7 cases sustained only slight scalp wounds and no skull fracture in spite of the severity of injuries signs and CT findings. This discrepancy seems to be explained only by the so-called shearing strain theory. But we have hypothesized that anterior stretch of the lateral branch of the perforator of the middle cerebral artery plays a major role in its pathogenesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cognitive and affective associations with an ecologically valid test of theory of mind across the lifespan.
Many studies have demonstrated that theory of mind (ToM) ability declines with increasing age. Research has found that ToM-age associations are often mediated by other cognitive abilities particularly executive function. However, older adults rarely complain about real-world ToM difficulties. It has been suggested that older adults may perform better in real-world situations compared with experimental settings. We examined performance on the Strange Stories Film Task (SSFT) which has been designed to assess ToM using naturalistic, video scenarios. Sixty adults aged between 17- and 95-years-old completed the SSFT, inhibitory control (Stroop) and working memory (letter-number sequencing) measures, the basic empathy scale (cognitive and affective empathy), and the broad autism phenotype questionnaire. ToM performance correlated significantly with age, whereas performance on a control task did not. Partial correlations and stepwise regression analyses demonstrated that performance on the three SSFT ToM measures was explained by a combination of executive function and empathy measures, with age explaining none of the variance. Using a naturalistic test of ToM, performance was shown to decline with age for ToM but not control scenarios. Across the lifespan, the variance in ToM performance was explained by cognitive abilities and empathy but not age. Age alone may not influence ToM ability, but may be associated with age-related changes in cognition and social-cognition. (PsycINFO Database Record | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Identification of transforming activity of free fatty acid receptor 2 by retroviral expression screening.
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a highly fatal malignancy in humans. Genetic alterations in KRAS or TP53 as well as overexpression of ERBB2 have been shown to contribute to the development of certain types of GBC. However, many cases of GBC do not harbor such genetic changes, with other transforming events awaiting discovery. We here tried to identify novel cancer-promoting genes in GBC, with the use of a retroviral cDNA expression library. A retroviral cDNA expression library was constructed from a surgically resected clinical specimen of GBC, and was used to infect 3T3 fibroblasts in a focus formation assay. cDNA incorporated into the transformed foci was rescued by PCR. One such cDNA was found to encode free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2), a G protein-coupled receptor for short-chain fatty acids. The oncogenic potential of FFAR2 was confirmed both in vitro with the focus formation assay and by evaluation of cell growth in soft agar as well as in vivo with a tumorigenicity assay in nude mice. The isolated FFAR2 cDNA had no sequence alterations, suggesting that upregulation of FFAR2 expression may contribute to malignant transformation. Indeed, all of quantitative RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemical analyses showed that the amount of FFAR2 mRNA and its protein product was increased in digestive tract cancer specimens. Furthermore, short-chain fatty acids potentiated the mitogenic action of FFAR2 in 3T3 cells. Our data thus, for the first time, implicate FFAR2 in carcinogenesis of the digestive tract. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Training for lifting; an unresolved ergonomic issue?
The paper describes a nine year project on lifting training which included nine trans-Australia consensus conferences attended by more than 900 health professionals. Major outcomes were: (1) The essence of lifting work is the need for the performer to cope with variability in task, environment, and self, and the essence of lifting skill is therefore adaptability; (2) the semi-squat approach provides the safest and most effective basis for lifting training; (3) for lifting training to be effective, the basic principles of skill learning must be systematically applied, with adaptability as a specific goal; (4) physical work capacity (aerobic power, strength, endurance, joint mobility) is a decisive ingredient of safe and effective lifting and, in addition to skill learning, should be incorporated in the training of people engaging regularly in heavy manual work; (5) if effective compliance with recommended skilled behaviour is to be achieved, then training must apply the principles and methods appropriate to adult learning and behaviour modification. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Centrally administered bombesin activates COX-containing spinally projecting neurons of the PVN in anesthetized rats.
The paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus has a heterogenous structure containing different types of output neurons that project to the median eminence, posterior pituitary, brain stem autonomic centers and sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the spinal cord. Presympathetic neurons in the PVN send mono- and poly-synaptic projections to the spinal cord. In the present study using urethane-anesthetized rats, we examined the effects of centrally administered bombesin (a homologue of the mammalian gastrin-releasing peptide) on the mono-synaptic spinally projecting PVN neurons pre-labeled with a retrograde tracer Fluoro-Gold (FG) injected into T8 level of the spinal cord, with regard to the immunoreactivity for cyclooxygenase (COX) isozymes (COX-1/COX-2) and Fos (a marker of neuronal activation). FG-labeled spinally projecting neurons were abundantly observed in the dorsal cap, ventral part and posterior part of the PVN. The immunoreactivity of each COX-1 and COX-2 was detected in FG-labeled spinally projecting PVN neurons in the vehicle (10 μl of saline/animal, i.c.v.)-treated group, while bombesin (1 nmol/animal, i.c.v.) had no effect on the number of these immunoreactive neurons for each COX isozyme with labeling of FG. On the other hand, the peptide significantly increased the number of double-immunoreactive neurons for Fos and COX-1/COX-2 with FG-labeling in the PVN (except triple-labeled neurons for FG, COX-2 and Fos in the dorsal cap of the PVN), as compared to those of vehicle-treated group. These results suggest that centrally administered bombesin activates spinally projecting PVN neurons containing COX-1 and COX-2 in rats. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prophylaxis with nystatin pastilles for HIV-associated oral candidiasis.
To determine whether daily use of nystatin pastilles can prevent initial outbreak or recurrence of oral candidiasis in HIV-infected patients and to identify factors associated with outbreaks during 20-week follow-up, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. Subjects were 128 HIV-infected men (aged 27-60 years) who either had had no documented episode of oral candidiasis in the previous year or had been clinically clear of oral candidiasis for at least 72 h before randomization. Study arms were two placebo pastilles, one nystatin (200,000 U) and one placebo pastille, or two nystatin pastilles daily for 20 weeks. The main outcome measure was time to oral candidiasis, as determined by potassium hydroxide (KOH) smear and fungal culture. A multivariate proportional hazards model showed that four factors were significant (p < 0.001) in predicting time to oral candidiasis: nystatin treatment (hazard ratio 0.59), history of oral candidiasis (3.58), Candida albicans carriage (2.79), and CD4 count at randomization (0.65). In this small group of subjects, nystatin appeared to be effective in delaying onset of oral candidiasis. Patients with CD4 counts < 200 who are carriers of C. albicans and have a history of oral candidiasis may be most likely to benefit from antifungal prophylaxis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Genetic potential of local endemic forms of the pea (Pisum sativum L.) on the basis of nitrogen fixation and productivity].
Morphological and symbiotic traits were studied in local endemic forms of the pea originating from Egypt, Syria, Afghanistan, and Palestine. A number of endemic forms exceeded the zoned Druzhnaya variety of the fodder pea in productivity of the seeds in field and greenhouse experiments. In order to improve nodulation and nitrogen fixation, endemic forms were crossed with the supernodulating K301 mutant marked by the nod4 gene. Recurrent selection of lines up to F5,6 generations was conducted with an estimation of productivity, nodulation, and nitrogen fixation. The most promising recurrent lines with a high productivity, active nodulation, and high nitrogen fixation were obtained during the crossing of endemic forms with the recurrent line marked by the nod4 gene. The line was previously created during the crossing between the Druzhnaya variety and the supernodulating K301 mutant marked by the nod4 gene. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characteristics of industrial di(alkylphenyl)dithiophosphoric acids.
Instrumental and classical methods have been used to characterize some industrial di(alkylphenyl)dithiophosphoric acids. The (31)P-NMR chemical shifts of di(nonylphenyl)dithiophosphoric acid and its derivatives are summarized. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Expression of bikunin mRNA in renal epithelial cells after oxalate exposure.
To determine the changes in expression of bikunin in renal epithelial cells on exposure to oxalate and calcium oxalate crystals. This study used reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to examine bikunin mRNA expression levels in MDCK cells exposed to oxalate or calcium oxalate crystals. Poly(A)+ RNA was isolated directly from renal epithelial cells, then converted to cDNA with random primers and reverse transcriptase. To quantify the expression level ofbikunin mRNA, we developed a competitive DNA template for competitive PCR analysis. The PCR products were resolved by electrophoresis on 1.3% agarose gel and visualized with ethidium bromide. In this system, we could quantify the exact number of bikunin mRNA transcripts. Bikunin mRNA from rat liver was expressed as a positive control. Bikunin mRNAs and competitive templates from renal epithelial cells were expressed in all samples as 434 bp and 312 bp bands, respectively. Bikunin expression was significantly increased in oxalate exposed cells. Cells exposed to calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals or latex beads showed no significant change in expression of bikunin. Western blotting analysis also showed increased expression of bikunin and inter-alpha-inhibitor-related proteins in the culture medium of oxalate exposed cells. These findings suggest that renal epithelial cells express bikunin gene and have the capability to produce bikunin when stimulated by certain agents such as oxalate. This increased expression and production of bikunin may represent a protective response of renal epithelial cells to nephrotoxic challenges of oxalate. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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