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Cardiac autonomic dysfunction in idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder.
More than 50% of persons with idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) will develop Parkinson's disease or Lewy body dementia. Symptom screens and metaiodobenzylguanine (MIBG)-scintigraphy suggest autonomic abnormalities in idiopathic RBD, but it is unclear whether autonomic abnormalities can predict neurodegenerative disease. From a cohort of 99 patients with idiopathic RBD, we selected those who developed parkinsonism or dementia. These were matched by age, sex, and follow-up duration to patients with RBD who remained disease free and to matched controls. From the polysomnographic trace performed at baseline evaluation, measures of beat-to-beat RR variability including time domains (mean RR-interval and RR-standard deviation) and frequency domains (low and high frequency components) were retrospectively assessed. Twenty-one patients with idiopathic RBD who developed neurodegenerative disease were included (Parkinson's disease-11, multiple system atrophy-1, and dementia-9). Age at PSG was 66 years, and 86% were male. PSG was performed on average 6.7 years before defined neurodegenerative disease. Comparing all patients with idiopathic RBD to controls, there were significant reductions in RR-standard deviation (24.6 ± 2.2 ms vs. 35.2 ± 3.5 ms, P = 0.006), very low frequency components (238.6 ± 99.6 ms(2) vs. 840.1 ± 188.3 ms(2), P < 0.001), and low frequency components (127.8 ± 26.3 ms(2) vs. 288.7 ± 66.2 ms(2), P = 0.032). However, despite clear differences between patients with idiopathic RBD and controls, there were no differences in any measure between those who did or did not develop disease. RR-variability analysis demonstrates substantial autonomic dysfunction in idiopathic RBD. However, this dysfunction is identical in patients who will or will not develop defined neurodegenerative disease. This suggests that autonomic dysfunction is linked with RBD independent of associated Parkinson's disease or Lewy body dementia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The influence of rural physicians' perception on referral patterns to a university hospital.
The patient referral process is based on a complex set of social rewards and costs for the referring physician. For the physician or institution potentially receiving referrals, a key question is, why is one institution selected over other available choices? Factor analysis of a survey of rural physicians revealed five factors of reward and cost associated with the choice of where to refer patients. Further analysis of these factors suggested that the ability to have patients admitted and treated when necessary is central to the satisfaction of the referring physician and their willingness to continue the consultant relationship. Adequate information about the consultants was also important to satisfaction. Other factors have less influence. Further, "admissions when necessary" was the only reward/cost factor which predicted physicians who referred more to the university hospital than to other hospitals. If a university hospital wants to develop strategies to encourage referrals from rural physicians, it must be cognizant of these social reward-cost factors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Anti-idiotypic antibodies: from regulation to therapy of factor VIII inhibitors.
Evidence has recently accumulated showing that anti-idiotypic antibodies specific to anti-FVIII antibodies are present in the plasma of healthy individuals and of haemophilia A patients with or without inhibitors, where they can neutralise the FVIII inhibitory activity. Additionally, patients successfully desensitised towards FVIII have an increased production of anti-idiotypic antibodies with no significant reduction in anti-FVIII antibodies. We review here possible strategies for modulating the anti-FVIII immune response by idiotypic interactions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Demodex folliculorum: aetiopathogenesis and therapy of rosacea and perioral dermatitis (author's transl)].
In 16 out of 18 patients with rosacea, mites of the species, Demodex folliculorum were isolated in mostly great numbers from lesions of the facial skin. In patients with perioral dermatitis, the mite was demonstrated in 17 out of 29 patients. All patients, however, including those where no mites were found, could be completely cured by nightly application of hexachlorocyclohexane 0.25% (Jacutin). The average treatment time was 7 weeks for rosacea and 5 weeks for perioral dermatitis. 2 patients with rosacea and 4 patients with perioral dermatitis relapsed, but cleared again after treatment was repeated. The initial flare-up of the dermatitis, which is observed regularly after starting the Jacutin-therapy, is described. Quantitative aspects of Demodex infestation and its histopathological alterations are discussed in relation to present-day knowledge. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
ALDH1-positive cancer stem-like cells are enriched in nodal metastases of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma independent of HPV status.
Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is caused by high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) or alcohol and tobacco abuse. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) is a confirmed marker for cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) of OSCC responsible for therapy resistance, recurrence and metastasis. Associations between HR-HPV/p16, CSC frequency and clinicopathological parameters in patients with metastatic OSCC were investigated. In the present study, HPV genotypes and expression of ALDH1 and p16 was analyzed in 40 paired OSCC and metastases. A significant correlation between ALDH1 positivity with lower primary tumor differentiation grade (P=0.009) and higher nodal status (P=0.015) was noted. Compared to primary tumors, the proportion of ALDH1-expressing cells was significantly increased in metastases (P=0.012), while significantly fewer ALDH1-expressing cells were found in HR-HPV-DNA⁺/p16⁺ primary tumors (P=0.038) compared to HR-HPV-DNA⁻/p16⁻ primary tumors. Metastases showed no difference. ALDH1⁺ CSCs are detectable in OSCC and metastases. ALDH1 high-grade OSCC exhibits a more aggressive phenotype characterized by higher nodal classification and lower differentiation. This suggests a subpopulation contained in the ALDH1-positive OSCC cell pool able to complete the metastatic cascade and subsequently enriching in metastasis independent of tumor etiology and ALDH1 content. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Engagement of protein kinase C-theta in interferon signaling in T-cells.
Protein kinase C-theta (PKC-theta) plays important roles in the activation and survival of lymphocytes and is the predominant PKC isoform expressed in T-cells. Interferons regulate T-cell function and activation, but the precise signaling mechanisms by which they mediate such effects have not been elucidated. We determined whether PKC-theta is engaged in interferon (INF) signaling in T-cells. Both Type I (alpha, beta) and Type II (gamma) IFNs induced phosphorylation of PKC-theta in human T-cell lines and primary human T-lymphocytes. Such phosphorylation of PKC-theta resulted in activation of its kinase domain, suggesting that this kinase plays a functional role in interferon signaling. Consistent with this, inhibition of PKC-theta protein expression using small interfering RNAs (siRNA) abrogated IFN-alpha- and IFN-gamma-dependent gene transcription via GAS elements. Similarly, blocking of PKC-theta kinase activity by overexpression of a dominant-negative PKC-theta mutant also blocked GAS-driven transcription, further demonstrating a requirement for PKC-theta in IFN-dependent transcriptional activation. The effects of PKC-theta on IFN-dependent gene transcription were not mediated by regulation of the IFN-activated STAT pathway, as siRNA-mediated PKC-theta knockdown had no effects on STAT1 phosphorylation and binding of STAT1-containing complexes to SIE/GAS elements. On the other hand, siRNA-mediated PKC-theta inhibition blocked phosphorylation/activation of MKK4, suggesting that interferon-dependent PKC-theta activation regulates downstream engagement of MAP kinase pathways. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that PKC-theta is an interferon-inducible kinase and strongly suggest that it plays an important role in the generation of interferon-responses in T-cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Concurrent Langerhans cell histiocytosis and myelodysplasia in children.
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is characterized by the proliferation of abnormal histiocytes (Langerhans cells), whose origin as a reactive process or a neoplastic disorder is still poorly understood. Although LCH has been recorded as being associated with malignant neoplasms, concurrence of LCH and myelodysplastic syndrome has not been reported so far. We report on four children aged 23, 25, 26, and 53 months with multisystem LCH with organ dysfunction (bone marrow and liver) whose bone marrow pictures, taken at diagnosis, revealed the presence of myelodysplastic abnormalities (RA, RAEB, RAEB-t). We suggest that the commonly used expression of "organ dysfunction," which refers to clinical and functional alterations, could be explained by a myelodysplastic-like disorder. The contemporary presence of both events may provide a better understanding of the pathogenesis of LCH, especially in young children with multisystem disease and organ dysfunction, who are known to have a very poor outcome. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Kinetic and Mechanistic Aspects of Sulfur Recovery from Pd(2)I(2)(&mgr;-S)(&mgr;-dpm)(2) Using I(2) and Structures of Pd(II) Complexes with the Chelated Monosulfide of dpm.
The Pd(2)X(2)(&mgr;-S)(dpm)(2) complexes (2) (X = I, Br) react with halogens to yield PdX(2)(dpm) (3) and elemental sulfur. Kinetic and mechanistic studies on the X = I system in CHCl(3) reveal that the reaction proceeds via addition of I(2) to give Pd(2)I(4)(dpm)(2) (4c), which then undergoes unimolecular decomposition to generate PdI(2)(dpm) (3c); the liberated sulfur concatenates to form elemental S(8). The addition reaction is in the stopped-flow time regime and is first-order in both 2c and I(2), with DeltaH() = 32 +/- 1 kJ mol(-)(1) and DeltaS() = -91 +/- 3 J K(-)(1) mol(-)(1). The slower decomposition reaction of 4c is first order in 4c, with DeltaH() = 80 +/-1 kJ mol(-)(1) and DeltaS() = -26 +/- 3 J K(-)(1) mol(-)(1). Byproduct PdX(2)(dpm(S)) (5) [dpm(S) = Ph(2)PCH(2)P(S)Ph(2)] also forms under some conditions via reaction of 3 with an S(n)() species (n < 8). Complexes 5 (X = Cl (a), Br (b), I (c)) were also synthesized directly, and the structure of the 5c species, as well as of [Pd(dpm(S))(2)]Cl(2), were determined by X-ray analyses that reveal the envelope configuration of the five-membered chelate ring. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Lactation estrus induction in multi- and primiparous sows in an Australian commercial pork production system.
This study evaluated the effect of full physical boar exposure and split weaning on the incidence of lactation estrus within a large commercial piggery. A total of 299 multiparous (MP; parity 2.5 ± 0.03) and 303 primiparous (PP) sows of Large White × Duroc × Landrace genetics were individually housed in conventional farrowing crates from 1 wk before expected farrowing until weaning on Day 30.7 ± 0.05 postparturition. Before shed entry, sows were allocated randomly within parity to receive either boar exposure (BE; n = 454) or no BE (No BE; n = 149). Sows assigned to receive BE were then allocated to 1 of 2 litter size treatments: litter size unchanged (BE; n = 302) or BE and the litter permanently reduced (split weaned) to 7 piglets (BESPW7; n = 152) on Day 18 of lactation. From Day 18 of lactation until weaning, sows in both BE treatments were taken daily to a detection mating area where they received 15 min of full physical BE and were artificially inseminated at the first observed estrus. Providing sows with BE increased the incidence of lactation estrus, with a further increase observed when litter size was reduced to 7 piglets (16% No BE vs. 62% BE and 75% BESPW7; P < 0.05). Multiparous sows exhibited a greater incidence of lactation estrus than PP sows irrespective of treatment (81 compared to 52%, respectively; P < 0.05). Both MP and PP sows exhibited an increased incidence of lactation estrus when a portion of the litter was removed (MP: 76 vs. 89% and PP: 47 vs. 61%; P < 0.05). Farrowing rates were higher in BE MP sows mated postweaning and all BESPW7 sows mated postweaning when compared to their counterparts mated in lactation (P < 0.05). Percentage live weight loss over the course of lactation was greatest for sows in the No BE compared to the BE and BESPW7 treatments (7.7% ± 0.5 vs. 5.4% ± 0.3 and 4.5% ± 0.4, respectively; P < 0.05). Between Day 17 and weaning, piglets suckling sows in the BESPW7 treatment had a higher average weight gain than piglets suckling sows with a full litter (3.5 ± 0.06 vs. 3.1 ± 0.05 kg; P < 0.05). In conclusion these data suggest that providing MP sows with BE is effective at stimulating a synchronous lactation estrus while PP sows require, in addition to BE, a reduction in suckled litter size to 7 piglets. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dynamic imaging of perfusion and oxygenation by functional magnetic resonance imaging.
Cerebral blood flow can be measured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by arterial spin labeling techniques, where magnetic labeling of flowing spins in arterial blood water functions as the endogenous tracer upon mixing with the unlabeled stationary spins of tissue water. The consequence is that the apparent longitudinal relaxation time (T1) of tissue water is attenuated. A modified functional MRI scheme for dynamic CBF measurement is proposed that depends on extraction of T1 weighting from the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) image contrast, because the functional MRI signal also has an intrinsic T1 weighting that can be altered by variations of the excitation flip angle. In the alpha-chloralose-anesthetized rat model at 7T, the authors show that the stimulation-induced BOLD signal change measured with two different flip angles can be combined to obtain a T1-weighted MRI signal, reflecting the magnitude of the CBF change, which can be deconvolved to obtain dynamic changes in CBF. The deconvolution of the T1-weighted MRI signal, which is a necessary step for accurate reflection of the dynamic changes in CBF, was made possible by a transfer function obtained from parallel laser-Doppler flowmetry experiments. For all stimulus durations (ranging from 4 to 32 seconds), the peak CBF response measured by MRI after the deconvolution was reached at 4.5 +/- 1.0 seconds, which is in good agreement with (present and prior) laser-Doppler measurements. Because the low flip angle data can also provide dynamic changes of the conventional BOLD image contrast, this method can be used for simultaneous imaging of CBF and BOLD dynamics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The study of proliferative epithelial activity in cholesteatoma of the middle ear during cytomorphophotometry].
Epithelial proliferation in colesteatoma and its influence on the subepithelial inflammatory reaction was studied using morphometry and nuclear photometry of specimens. Twenty specimens of colesteatoma and 15 specimens of skin from the external auditory canal were examined. Nuclear content was greater in the basal cells of colesteatoma epithelium than in the basal cells of external auditory canal epithelium, suggesting increased proliferative activity. This activity was found to be reted to the inflammatory infiltrate of the conjunctive tissue and varied in different specimens. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Helicobacter pylori in water sources: a global environmental health concern.
Helicobacter pylori are Gram-negative micro-aerophilic motile curve rods that inhabit the gastric mucosa of the human stomach. The bacterium chronically infects billions of people worldwide and is one of the most genetically diverse of bacterial species. More than half of the world population in both developed and developing countries are infected with this organism. Infection usually occurs without overt clinical symptoms, particularly in poor communities. If untreated, the infection can last for decades without causing symptoms. In some communities, however, infection with the organism causes peptic and duodenal ulcers, gastritis, duodenitis, and gastric cancers. How H. pylori initially enters the stomach is not known, but contaminated food particles and water are suspected, with the former physically shielding it from stomach acid. Similarly, the route of transmission of this pathogen is unknown. Several reports have suggested the possibility of waterborne transmission as the organism can survive for a few days in fresh cold water, salt water, distilled water, and tap water. Knowledge of the epidemiology and mode of transmission of H. pylori is important to prevent its spread and may be useful in identifying high risk populations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
PKCtheta and Itk functionally interact during primary mouse CD3+ T cell activation.
PKCtheta serine/threonine and Itk tyrosine protein kinases have been implicated in T lymphocyte signal transmission. We observed a PKCtheta/Itk complex after T cell activation, raising the possibility that PKCtheta and Itk might interact functionally during T cell development and response. To address this question PKCtheta/Itk double knockout mice were generated and T cell activation responses were compared to single deficiencies as well as to wild type controls. Consistent with previous reports, Itk and PKCtheta are required in modulating CD3(+) T cell cytokine secretion responses ex vivo. Itk- and PKCtheta-deficient cells show impaired NFAT/AP-1 and NF-kappaB transactivation responses, however the combined loss, did not exceed but partially rescue the strong NFAT and NF-kappaB activation defects observed in Itk(-/-) single-deficient T cells. Taken together, this provides evidence for a more complex functional crosstalk between Itk and PKCtheta during T cell receptor signalling then previously anticipated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Production of extracellular matrix by glomerular epithelial cells is regulated by transforming growth factor-beta 1.
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has widespread effects on extracellular matrix production by many cultured cell lines and appears to play a role in the pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix that accompanies inflammatory and fibrotic diseases such as glomerulonephritis. Earlier experiments have shown that mesangial cells respond to TGF-beta 1 with a marked increase in the production of two chondroitin/dermatan sulfate proteoglycans, decorin and biglycan, but their production of other matrix components elevated in glomerulonephritis is not substantially affected by TGF-beta 1. Since the glomerular epithelial cells are also thought to contribute to matrix production in the glomerulus, we examined the ability of these cells to produce some of the nonproteoglycan matrix components in response to TGF-beta 1. Exposure of glomerular epithelial cells to TGF-beta 1 increased the production of fibronectin and type IV collagen, in addition to biglycan. Enhancement of the cell layer accumulation of laminin was also observed. These results show that TGF-beta 1 has a differential effect on extracellular matrix production by epithelial and mesangial cells from glomeruli. TGF-beta 1 released in the glomerulus secondary to injury could thus affect both cell types and lead to increased intraglomerular production of proteoglycans, whereas the increased fibronectin, type IV collagen, and laminin may primarily originate from the epithelial cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Barriers to Accessing Optimal Esophageal Cancer Care for Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Patients.
The 5-year survival of patients with low socioeconomic status (SES) and esophageal cancer is significantly lower than that in patients with high SES. It is poorly understood what causes these worse outcomes. We hypothesized that a qualitative approach could elucidate the underlying causes of these differences. Patients with a diagnosis of esophageal cancer were recruited through flyers in regional cancer centers as well as through Facebook advertisements in cancer support groups and newspapers; they participated in a 1-hour semistructured interview or completed an online survey. Patients were stratified into low- and high-SES groups and were surveyed about their health history and access to cancer care. Data were coded into common themes based on participant responses. Eighty patients completed the interviews or surveys, with 38 in the high-SES group and 42 in the low-SES group. There were no clinically significant differences between the groups in comorbidities and cancer staging. Patients with low SES were offered operative treatment at significantly lower rates (19 of 42 [44.7%] versus 29 of 38 [76.3%]; p = 0.0048), had a decreased rate of second opinions (10 of 42 [23.8%] versus 25 of 38 [65.8%]; p = 0.00016), and were more likely to lose their jobs (14 of 42 [33.3%] versus 1 of 38 [2.6%]; p = 0.00044) than their high-SES counterparts. Thematic analysis found that communication difficulties, lack of understanding of treatment, and financial troubles were consistently reported more prominently in the lower-SES groups. Having a facilitator (eg, social worker) improved care by helping patients navigate complex treatments and financial concerns. Financial and communication barriers exist, which may lead to disparities in cancer outcomes for patients with low SES. There is a critical need for medical advocates to assist patients with limited resources. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Molecular arrangement of DNA in nucleohistone.
Several optical and hydrodynamic properties of purified nucleohistone have indicated that the secondary structure of DNA in nucleohistone is slightly different both from the structures of native and denatured DNA in solution. It has been suggested that while histones stabilize the overall DNA-structure they incorporate into the latter some denaturation defects. Rotational diffusion studies of acridine-orange complexes of whole and dehistonized nucleohistones have indicated that nucleohistone should contain a single continuous DNA molecule. The contour length of the DNA molecule would be about 2 to 3 times the end-to-end distance of nucleohistone. Polarized fluorescence microscopy and linear dichroism studies of whole nucleohistone have given an average estimate (about 30% of the total CNA) of oriented DNA in nucleohistone. The degree and the direction of maximum polarization of fluorescence from the dye complexes of whole and partial (i.e. partially dissociated) nucleohistones have been studied. From these studies, it is proposed that no single supercoiled arrangement of the DNA in nucleohistone is tenable. The combined results of all these studies suggest that the basic nucleohistone molecule contains coiled and extended DNA regions. The proportion of the lengths of the DNA constrained in the coiled and the extended regions is about 7:3. Only two probable models or classes have this quantitative feature of the DNA-arrangement and have been discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A simple method for breeding major spore quantities of Clostridium butyricum to be used in experiments for tumour diagnostics and therapy (author's transl)].
A simple method is described for breeding major spore quantities of Clostridium butyricum using a modification of Berger's iron bouillon. The method allows the breeding of cultures with comparatively high spore-forming rates which is essential for the use of such spores in experiments in the field of early tumour diagnostics and tumour therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Male rats exposed to linuron in utero exhibit permanent changes in anogenital distance, nipple retention, and epididymal malformations that result in subsequent testicular atrophy.
Prenatal exposure to the herbicide linuron, a weak androgen receptor antagonist, has been shown to perturb androgen-dependent male rat reproductive development as evidenced by slight decreases in anogenital distance (AGD), increased retention of areolae/nipples, and induction of epididymal malformations in combination with testicular atrophy in the adult rat over dose levels ranging from 12.5 to 100 mg/kg/day. Studies were undertaken to determine whether linuron-mediated changes in AGD and nipple retention are permanent, whether linuron is a direct testicular toxicant, and if there was an association between areola/nipple retention and malformations. Pregnant rats were administered corn oil vehicle or linuron by gavage at 0 or 50 mg/kg/day (n = 8 controls, 20 treated) from gestation days 12 to 21. Male offspring were necropsied on postnatal days (PND) 35 and 56. Linuron-exposed male rats exhibited a significant (8%) decrease in AGD on PND 1 and a similar decrease was also observed on PND 56. Linuron-exposed male rats displayed an increase in areola retention on PND 13, as evidenced by 0.6 +/- 0.5 and 3.3 +/- 0.4 areolae per rat in the control and exposed groups, respectively. Male rats displayed a significant increase in nipple retention on PND 35 and 56 (collectively) of 0 +/- 0.5 and 1.7 +/- 0.3 nipples per rat in control and exposed groups, respectively. On PND 35, 4/51 rats (3/9 litters) from linuron-treated dams displayed enlarged testes in combination with malformed epididymides. Epididymal malformations were observed in 19/51 rats (6/9 litters) in the linuron-exposed dose group. On PND 56, grossly enlarged and edematous testes were seen in 16/56 linuron-exposed rats (6/9 litters). Epididymal lesions were observed in 23/58 rats (6/9 litters). Microscopically, all linuron-exposed animals that exhibited a testicular lesion on PND 56 also displayed an epididymal lesion. These lesions were not seen in control animals. Approximately 25 and 60% of the male offspring that had malformations of the epididymis and vas deferens did not exhibit either areolae on PND 13 or nipples at necropsy, respectively. These data indicate that in utero linuron exposure to 50 mg/kg/day results in permanent changes in AGD and nipple retention in male rats. Moreover, these findings indicate that linuron-induced testicular atrophy, which is observed in adult rats, is secondary to increased intratubular pressure resulting from obstruction of testicular fluid outflow subsequent to malformation of the epididymides. These data also suggest that although linuron-mediated retention of areolae on PND 13 and nipples at necropsy may be suggestive of altered testosterone-mediated reproductive development seen in adult rats, these endpoints are not predictive. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The future progress of teleradiology-an empirical study in Sweden.
This paper describes a novel teleradiology solution, its services and graphical user interfaces (GUIs), and the strategic decisions taken in the development of the services. The novel services are embedded in a radiology information infrastructure in Västra Götalandsregionen (VGR), Sweden. The application is fully integrated with all different RIS and PACS systems in the region and interconnected through the radiology information infrastructure. In practice, the solution offers new ways of collaborating through information sharing within a region. Knowledge can be used collectively to improve the radiology workflow and its outcomes for clinicians and patients. The new shared approach marks the beginning of a change from local to enterprise workflow. The challenges are to develop useful and secure services for different groups related to the radiological information infrastructure. It involves continuous negotiation with people concerning how they should collaborate within the region. The need for teleradiology as a service provided "by somebody" has disappeared in VGR; today it is a shared service embedded in the innovative radiology information infrastructure. This infrastructure is just a starting point for a novel and limitless telemedicine service including limitless healthcare actors and activities. The method applied for this study was action research. The study was carried out in collaboration between practitioners and researchers. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Needs assessment of family caregivers of cancer survivors: three cohorts comparison.
Caregivers' quality of life (QOL) may be maximized when the caregivers' needs in the context of cancer care are met. Therefore, determining what needs are not being satisfied for family caregivers should be the first step in the development of programs designed to enhance caregivers' QOL. The 28-item Needs Assessment of Family Caregivers-Cancer (NAFC-C) scale was developed and validated with caregivers at three different survivorship phases: at 2 months (n=162), 2 years (n=896), and 5 years (n=608) post-diagnosis. The NAFC-C helped to identify caregivers whose needs were less likely to be met, based on their age and ethnicity. Furthermore, the extent to which caregivers' psychosocial needs were not being met was a consistent and strong predictor of poor mental health across all phases of survivorship, beyond the effects of a host of demographic characteristics. Findings suggest that interventions designed to help caregivers manage their own emotional distress as well as the survivors' distress, find meaning in the cancer caregiving experience, and foster supportive familial relationship will benefit caregivers by improving their QOL, not only during the time of diagnosis and treatment but years after. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Improving base rate estimation of alcohol misuse in the military: a preliminary report.
Stigma associated with behavioral health problems in the military pose challenges to accurate base rate estimations. Recent work has highlighted the importance of anonymous assessment methods, yet no study to date has assessed the ability of anonymous self-report measures to mitigate the impact of stigma on honest reporting. This study used the unmatched count technique (UCT), a form of randomized response techniques, to gain information about the accuracy of base rate estimates of alcohol misuse derived via anonymous assessment of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom active duty service members. A cross-sectional, convenience sample of 184 active-duty service members, recruited via online websites for military populations, provided data on two facets of alcohol misuse (drinking more than intended and feeling the need to reduce use) via traditional self-report and the UCT. The UCT revealed significantly higher rates relative to traditional anonymous assessment for both drinking more than intended (51.9% vs. 23.4%) and feeling the need to reduce use (39.3% vs. 18.2%). These data suggest that anonymity does not completely mitigate the impact of stigma on endorsing behavioral health concerns in the military. Our results, although preliminary, suggest that published rates of alcohol misuse in the military may underestimate the true rates of these concerns. The UCT has significant potential to improve base rate estimation of sensitive behaviors in the military. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Microbiology devices; reclassification of nucleic acid-based systems for mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in respiratory specimens. Final rule.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reclassifying nucleic acid-based in vitro diagnostic devices for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in respiratory specimens from class III (premarket approval) into class II (special controls). FDA is also issuing the special controls guideline entitled ''Class II Special Controls Guideline: Nucleic Acid-Based In Vitro Diagnostic Devices for the Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex in Respiratory Specimens.'' These devices are intended to be used as an aid in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Boron-Catalyzed O-H Bond Insertion of α-Aryl α-Diazoesters in Water.
A catalytic, metal-free O-H bond insertion of α-diazoesters in water in the presence of B(C6F5)3· nH2O (2 mol %) was developed, affording a series of α-hydroxyesters in good to excellent yields. The reaction features easy operation and wide substrate scope, and importantly, no metal is needed as compared with the conventional methods. Significantly, this approach further expands the applications of B(C6F5)3 under water-tolerant conditions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Diagnosis and therapy of lymph node tuberculosis].
Due to an increase of lymph node tuberculosis and associated diagnostic problems the question for the easiest and most accurate diagnostic measures was asked. Furthermore, the success of surgical and pharmacologic treatment was evaluated. A total of 16 patients (nine females, seven males) treated at the medical outpatient clinic between 1977 and 1995 because of lymph node tuberculosis were evaluated retrospectively. Diagnosis had been established in all cases either by fine needle aspiration or surgical excision. The mean age was 31 years (range 17-68). In 10 patients cervical lymphomas were found. Other localisations were supraclavicular, inguinal, axillary and mediastinal. In 94% of the patients a fine needle aspiration was performed to ascertain diagnosis. Acid-fast bacilli were found in 36% and mycobacteria were cultured in 92%. Five patients (31%) had a surgical excision with acid-fast bacilli in two and positive cultures from all specimens. All patients had chemotherapy, in most cases started by a combination of three and followed by a combination of two drugs. According to our results a fine needle aspiration is justified as a first diagnostic step if lymph node tuberculosis is suspected. A positive result can be regarded as conclusive and spares surgical intervention. Since negative results do not exclude tuberculosis they justify surgical excision for final diagnosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Study of phenanthrene utilizing bacterial consortia associated with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) root nodules.
Many legumes have been selected as model plants to degrade organic contaminants with their special associated rhizosphere microbes in soil. However, the function of root nodules during microbe-assisted phytoremediation is not clear. A pot study was conducted to examine phenanthrene (PHE) utilizing bacteria associated with root nodules and the effects of cowpea root nodules on phytoremediation in two different types of soils (freshly contaminated soil and aged contaminated soil). Cowpea nodules in freshly-contaminated soil showed less damage in comparison to the aged-contaminated soil, both morphologically and ultra-structurally by scanning electron microscopy. The study of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) attenuation conducted by high performance liquid chromatography revealed that more PAH was eliminated from liquid culture around nodulated roots than nodule-free roots. PAH sublimation and denaturation gradient gel electrophoresis were applied to analyze the capability and diversity of PAH degrading bacteria from the following four parts of rhizo-microzone: bulk soil, root surface, nodule surface and nodule inside. The results indicated that the surface and inside of cowpea root nodules were colonized with bacterial consortia that utilized PHE. Our results demonstrated that root nodules not only fixed nitrogen, but also enriched PAH-utilizing microorganisms both inside and outside of the nodules. Legume nodules may have biotechnological values for PAH degradation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphoma of atypical presentation: case report.
Primary cutaneous lymphomas are defined as lymphocytic neoplasias that present themselves clinically in the skin without extracutaneous disease at diagnosis and up to 6 months after it. The authors report the case of an elderly male patient, with a three- month-history of papules in the axilla which evolved into painful ulceration. Examination found deep ulcer with irregular borders ,infiltrates, in the right axilla. Physical and additional examinations did not evidence disease at distance. Histopathology revealed dense and diffuse dermic sample infiltrate of atypical lymphocytes. Imunohistochemistry shows expression of CD20 and bcl-2 antigens , with negative CD10, configuring diagnosis of cutaneous large B-cell lymphoma. In this type of cutaneous lymphoma, primary cutaneous manifestation is rare ,the incidence in men is lower and it is most commonly located in the lower limbs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Molecular identification of free-living amoebae of the Vahlkampfiidae and Acanthamoebidae isolated in Arizona (USA).
Sediment samples from rivers, canals and lakes in Arizona (USA) were cultured for free-living amoebae at three different incubation temperatures (22, 37 and 40 degrees C). Isolates belonging to the Vahlkampfiidae were identified by sequencing the PCR-amplified ITS1, 5.8S and ITS2 rDNA. With this molecular method three Naegleria spp. were identified, N. gruberi sensu stricto, N. australiensis and N. tihangensis. Also a strain each of Willaertia magna and Vahlkampfia avara were identified. Three samples yielded two new Tetramitus spp. of which the closest relative is T. ovis. Many Acanthamoeba strains were also isolated. The genotype of these strains was identified using Acanthamoeba-specific primers (JDP1 and JDP2) amplifying a part of the SSUrDNA and sequencing with an internal primer (892c). Five of the Acanthamoeba isolates belong to genotype T5 (A. lenticulata), while five are genotype T4. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hexasomy of the Prader-Willi/Angelman critical region, including the OCA2 gene, in a patient with pigmentary dysplasia: case report.
Derivatives of chromosome 15, often referred to as inv dup(15), represent the most common supernumerary marker chromosome (SMC). SMC(15)s can be classified into two major groups according to their length: small SMC(15) and large ones. Depending on the amount of euchromatin, the carriers may either present with a normal phenotype or with a recognizable syndrome. Here we describe a patient with severe mental retardation, epilepsy, dysmorphic features and pigmentary dysplasia. His karyotype was 47,XY,+mar[41]/46,XY[9]. Chromosomal fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed the SMC to be originating from chromosome 15, dicentric and containing four copies of the Prader-Willi/Angelman Syndrome Critical Region (PWACR), including the OCA2 gene. Molecular studies indicated that it is maternally derived. This report supports the previous observations assuming that severity of phenotype in patients with SMC(15) depends on the dosage of the PWACR and that skin pigmentation is correlated to OCA2 gene copy number. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Stereospecificity of lipases. Enzymatic hydrolysis of enantiomeric alkyldiacyl- and dialkylacylglycerols by lipoprotein lipase.
Lipoprotein lipase from dialyzed and lyophilized bovine skim milk hydrolyses specifically the ester in position 1 of triacylglycerols and of enantiomeric alkyldiacylglycerols. No such specificity could be observed when enantiomeric dialkylacylglycerols were used as substrates since hydrolysis in positions 1 and 3 occurred at the same rate. Dialkylacylglycerols are, therefore, unsuitable as model substrates for the assay of the stereospecificity of lipases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A case of curative resection of local recurrence after abdominosacral resection of recurrent rectal cancer based on the diagnosis of PET/CT fusion images].
A 76-year-old male with local recurrence after abdominosacral resection of recurrent rectal cancer was admitted to our hospital. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated a recurrent tumor at the back of the prostate and seminal vesicles up to the resected sacral (S3) stump. However, positron emission tomography (PET)/CT fusion images showed no 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) uptake at the pre-sacral region, which suggested postoperative scarring of the tissue. Based on the PET/CT diagnosis, we performed abdominoperineal en bloc resection of the recurrent tumor with bladder, seminal vesicles, prostate, internal obturator muscle, ischial spine, and gluteal muscle without resection of the sacrum. Specimen revealed no circumferential resection margin involvement by tumor on pathologic examination. The patient was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 23 without major complications. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The segment polarity gene armadillo encodes a functionally modular protein that is the Drosophila homolog of human plakoglobin.
The Drosophila segment polarity gene armadillo is required for pattern formation within embryonic segments and imaginal discs. We have found that armadillo is highly conserved during evolution; it is 63% identical to human plakoglobin, a protein found in adhesive junctions joining epithelial and other cells. We have examined arm protein localization in a number of larval tissues and found that arm protein accumulation within cells shares many features with the accumulation of plakoglobin. We have compared the phenotype and molecular lesions responsible for the different arm mutations. Surprisingly, severely truncated proteins retain some function; the degree of function is strictly correlated with the length of the truncated protein, suggesting that the internally repetitive arm protein is modular in function. We present a possible model for the cellular role of arm. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Linear and angular head acceleration measurements in collegiate football.
Each year, between 1.6x10(6) and 3.8x10(6) concussions are sustained by athletes playing sports, with football having the highest incidence. The high number of concussions in football provides a unique opportunity to collect biomechanical data to characterize mild traumatic brain injury. Human head acceleration data for a range of impact severities were collected by instrumenting the helmets of collegiate football players with accelerometers. The helmets of ten Virginia Tech football players were instrumented with measurement devices for every game and practice for the 2007 football season. The measurement devices recorded linear and angular accelerations about each of the three axes of the head. Data for each impact were downloaded wirelessly to a sideline data collection system shortly after each impact occurred. Data were collected for 1712 impacts, creating a large and unbiased data set. While a majority of the impacts were of relatively low severity (<30 g and <2000 rad/s2), 172 impacts were greater than 40 g and 143 impacts were greater than 3000 rad/s2. No instrumented player sustained a clinically diagnosed concussion during the 2007 season. A large and unbiased data set was compiled by instrumenting the helmets of collegiate football players. Football provides a unique opportunity to collect head acceleration data of varying severity from human volunteers. The addition of concurrent concussive data may advance the understanding of the mechanics of mild traumatic brain injury. With an increased understanding of the biomechanics of head impacts in collegiate football and human tolerance to head acceleration, better equipment can be designed to prevent head injuries. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Regularization of ventricular intervals in atrial fibrillation--electrophysiologic findings on the underlying mechanism].
In 13 patients with chronic atrial fibrillation, programmed right ventricular pacing was performed before and after intravenous administration of 4 mg gallopamil. Application of the Ca-antagonist resulted in a marked decrease in the ventricular response in all and in a regularization of the ventricular response (variation coefficient of the ventricular cycle length: less than 10%) in 7 of 13 cases, while atrial fibrillation persisted. During regularization right ventricular extrastimulus testing showed a constancy of the postextrasystolic interval irrespective of the changes in the coupling interval of the extrasystole. The postextrasystolic cycle was slightly longer than the basic cycle; the difference amounts to a mean value of 107 +/- 22 ms. During the control period the postextrasystolic cycle showed the same irregularity as the basic cycle. The same random distribution was observed if the first 10 cycles of the spontaneous rhythm were analyzed after a short period of ventricular overdrive pacing. After regularization the first 2-3 postpacing cycles were markedly prolonged, and during the following cycles a gradual adjustment to the length of the basic cycles before overdrive pacing was seen, resembling the warming up of a pacemaker. It is concluded that regularization is most probably due to atrioventricular nodal depression and the occurrence of a junctional escape pacemaker. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Economic burden of impairment in children with severe or difficult-to-treat asthma.
The cost associated with asthma impairment in children with severe asthma has not been determined. To assess the asthma cost burden in children with severe or difficult-to-treat asthma based on asthma impairment. Children aged 6 to 12 years in The Epidemiology and Natural History of Asthma: Outcomes and Treatment Regimens study with available data at baseline (n = 628), month 12 (n = 385), and month 24 (n = 280) corresponding to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute asthma guidelines' impairment domain were included. Children were categorized as either very poorly controlled (VPC), not well controlled (NWC), or well controlled (WC) and assessed cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Mean total asthma costs based on direct (medication usage, unscheduled office visits, emergency department visits, hospitalizations) and indirect (school/work days lost) asthma costs were assessed. Mean annual total asthma costs were more than twice as high in the VPC group compared with NWC and WC groups (baseline: $7,846, $3,526, $3,766.44, respectively; month 12: $7,326, $2,959, $2,043, respectively; month 24: $8,879, $3,308, $1,861, respectively (all P < .001). Indirect costs accounted for approximately half the total asthma costs for VPC asthma patients at each time point. Significantly lower costs were observed for patients whose impairment status improved or temporarily improved from VPC after baseline. The economic burden of severe or difficult-to-treat asthma in children is associated with VPC asthma and improvement in asthma control and is associated with reducing cost. Further attention to patients with poorly controlled asthma, through better management strategies or more effective medications, may significantly reduce this burden of illness. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Circumscribed carcinoma of the uterine cervix, with marked lymphocytic infiltration.
The present study was carried out to investigate a distinctive type of carcinoma of the uterine cervix categorized under the designation as circumscribed carcinoma with lymphocytic infiltration. Grossly this carcinoma is characterized by defined circumscription with a superficial ulceration. A microscropic feature characteristic of this tumor is the presence of a loose fibrillary stroma infiltrated densely and uniformly by lymphocytes throughout the tumor mass. The tumor is arranged in solid cords separated by a lymphoid stroma with evidence of minimal squamous differentiation. The authors picked up 709 patients with carcinoma of the uterine cervix who underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy at the Cancer Institute Hospital, Tokyo, between 1956-1967, without preoperative radio- or chemotherapy. Among them, 39 or 5.5% were identified as this type of carcinoma. Patients with this types of carcinoma had a significantly better prognosis than those with other types of cervical carcinoma of the same stage (p less than 0.05). This favorable prognosis is probably due to the less regional node metastases found in the group. A proposal was made to segregate this particular type of carcinoma from other types of cervical carcinoma on the basis of its morphologic and prognostic distinctiveness. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Effectiveness and side effects of the treatment with propafenone and flecainide for recent-onset atrial fibrillation].
The authors report their experience in recent-onset atrial fibrillation treated with intravenous flecainide and propafenone, in comparison with the placebo group. We randomized 352 (138 in the flecainide group, 164 in the propafenone group and 50 in the control group) consecutive patients (167 males, 185 females, mean age 59 +/- 12 years) with recent-onset atrial fibrillation. The electrocardiogram of all patients was monitored for at least 24 hours. The restoration of sinus rhythm occurred in 72.5, 80.4, 86.2 and 89.8% of patients in the flecainide group; in 54.3, 68.3, 75 and 92.1% in the propafenone group; in 22.2, 27.8, 35.2 and 46.3% in the control group, at 1, 3, 6 and 24 hours respectively. The occurrence of side effects was the same in all treatment groups, and occurred in about 10% of patients in the flecainide and propafenone groups, and in 4% in the control group. In our study population the treatment of recent-onset atrial fibrillation with flecainide was faster in converting the arrhythmia to sinus rhythm (p < 0.005 at 1 hour, p < 0.05 at 3 hours, p = 0.05 at 6 hours). However within 24 hours the efficacy of either flecainide or propafenone was the same (p = NS at 24 hours). Side effects were similar in both treatment groups. In particular malignant arrhythmias did not occur in the treatment groups and in the control group. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Molecular phylogenetics of the bee-eaters (Aves: Meropidae) based on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequence data.
The bee-eaters (family Meropidae) comprise a group of brightly colored, but morphologically homogeneous, birds with a wide variety of life history characteristics. A phylogeny of bee-eaters was reconstructed using nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequence data from 23 of the 25 named bee-eater species. Analysis of the combined data set provided a well-supported phylogenetic hypothesis for the family. Nyctiornis is the sister taxon to all other bee-eaters. Within the genus Merops, we recovered two well-supported clades that can be broadly separated into two groups along geographic and ecological lines, one clade with mostly African resident species and the other clade containing a mixture of African and Asian taxa that are mostly migratory species. The clade containing resident African species can be further split into two groups along ecological lines by habitat preference into lowland forest specialists and montane forest and forest edge species. Intraspecific sampling in several of the taxa revealed moderate to high (3.7-6.5%, ND2) levels of divergence in the resident taxa, whereas the lone migratory taxon showed negligible levels of intraspecific divergence. This robust molecular phylogeny provides the phylogenetic framework for future comparative tests of hypotheses about the evolution of plumage patterns, sociality, migration, and delayed breeding strategies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Theophylline--an immunomodulatory role in asthma?
Theophylline, a drug used for the treatment of asthma, is recognized as an immunomodulator affecting T-lymphocytes both in vitro and in vivo. The effect of slow-release theophylline (Uniphyllin Continus) on the late asthmatic response (LAR) has been compared with placebo before and after 5 wk of treatment in a double-blind, randomized, parallel group study. Nineteen volunteers with stable mild asthma successfully completed the study. All were dual responders with a documented late response to inhaled house dust mite extract. The LAR was assessed both in terms of changes in lung function and in peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subsets. The mean (SEM) maximal late fall in FEV1 before and after treatment was 28.8 (4.1)% and 7.8 (2.0)% with theophylline, versus 35.8 (5.1)% and 29.1 (5.0)% with placebo (p = 0.046; Cl, 0.3-26.9). Corresponding figures for specific airway conductance (SGaw) were 46.4 (8.4)% and 7.2 (8.0)% with theophylline versus 46.2 (7.2)% and 44.8 (7.7)% with placebo (p = 0.008; Cl, 11.2 to 64.1). This was achieved at a mean (SD) trough serum theophylline level of only 7.8 (3.5) micrograms/ml. Airway responsiveness to methacholine was not significantly changed 24 h after the initial allergen challenge. There was a trend towards a decrease in baseline responsiveness after treatment with theophylline compared with that after placebo (p = 0.07). Studies of peripheral blood lymphocytes showed a modifying effect of treatment on the allergen-induced changes in CD4 and CD8 counts 48 h after challenge. Previous studies have shown a protective effect of theophylline on the LAR at serum theophylline concentrations within the conventional range for bronchodilation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
EVestG: responses in depressed patients.
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by a sustained period of low mood or loss of interest or pleasure in activities. Dysfunction of the limbic system is implicated in depression. Different areas of this system have bidirectional links with the vestibular nucleus. The diagnosis of depression is subjective. Electrovestibulography (EVestG) might be able to assist in the diagnosis of depression in a more objective way. A dynamic measure of the excitatory (ipsilateral) responses during the background, acceleration and deceleration phases of an active tilt are compared with a small group (n=5) of depressive patients and age matched controls (n=10). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Congenital hemangioma: a report of evolution from rapidly involuting to noninvoluting congenital hemangioma with aberrant Mongolian spots.
Congenital hemangiomas are unusual vascular tumors that are fully developed at the time of delivery. We report a case of an infant with an exophytic congenital hemangioma with features of a rapidly involuting hemangioma on the arm which over 3 years decreased in volume but continued to persist with features of a noninvoluting congenital hemangioma. He also had aberrant, persistent Mongolian spots on both legs. To our knowledge, this association has not been reported to date. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Benefits of Bimodal Hearing With Cochlear and Middle Ear Implants: Preliminary Results in Four Patients.
Conventional hearing aids have some limitations in overcoming a large air-bone gap or in cases of severe high-frequency hearing loss. The authors aimed to evaluate the benefit of a new bimodal hearing configuration combining cochlear implantation (CI) and middle ear implant (MEI) in patients with severe mixed conductive and ski-slope hearing loss. Retrospective case review. Tertiary referral center. Four patients with severe to profound hearing loss, who underwent CI in one ear and MEI in the other, were enrolled. Audiological outcomes were assessed at least 6 months after the MEI/CI operation. Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) in unaided, CI-aided, and MEI-aided conditions were measured. Average threshold changes in bands of frequencies (<1 kHz, ≥1 kHz) were compared between MEI-aided and HA-aided conditions. The Korean version of the Hearing-in-Noise Test (K-HINT), and speech perception score in noisy and quiet conditions were evaluated in the bimodal configuration (i.e., MEI with CI). MEI-aided PTA was especially increased in high-frequency areas (≥1 kHz). Speech perception in noisy and quiet conditions demonstrated better scores in the bimodal configuration. K-HINT also demonstrated better scores in the bimodal configuration. There is an increasing number of patients with unilateral CI and residual hearing in the contralateral ear. The benefits of a new bimodal hearing configuration with CI and MEI were demonstrated in patients with severe high-frequency hearing loss or mixed conductive hearing loss in the contralateral ear. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Compartmental origins of the striatopallidal projection in the primate.
The organization of striatopallidal projection neurons in the primate was studied by injecting horseradish peroxidase conjugated with wheat germ agglutinin and fluorescent markers (latex microspheres, Fluorogold, Diamidino Yellow or Nuclear Yellow) into the globus pallidus of 20 adult squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus). Single injections of horseradish peroxidase conjugated with wheat germ agglutinin were placed so as to involve predominantly either one or both pallidal segments. In the double-tracer experiments, fluorescent tracer injections were centered in the external pallidum and deposits of horseradish peroxidase conjugated with wheat germ agglutinin were made in the internal pallidum. In control cases, injections were made in nearby parts of the internal capsule or striatum. Distributions of retrogradely labeled neurons in the striatum were analysed in relation to its striosomal architecture as demonstrated by histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Three principal findings emerged. (1) Both the external and the internal segments of the primate pallidum receive input from both the caudate nucleus and the putamen, but different sets of striatal cells within these nuclei project to the two segments. (2) The striatopallidal projection in the primate originates mainly in the extrastriosomal matrix, although striosomes in the fields of labeling almost always contain some labeled neurons. (3) Heterogeneous groupings of striatopallidal projection neurons exist in the matrix and appear to be parts of three-dimensional projection-neuron arrays. We conclude that in the primate, separate lines of conduction lead from the striatum to the external and the internal pallidal segments, and raise the possibility that the cells of origin of these pathways form a mosaic in the extrastriosomal matrix. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Turnaround time, Part 2. Stats too high, yet labs cope.
Up to 65% of respondents' workload is ordered Stat, and lab staff view clinicians and nurses as resistant to changing that strategy. MLO's national survey examines Stat necessity and utility. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fox (forkhead) genes are involved in the dorso-ventral patterning of the Xenopus mesoderm.
Fox (forkhead/winged helix) genes encode a family of transcription factors that are involved in embryonic pattern formation, regulation of tissue specific gene expression and tumorigenesis. Several of them are transcribed during Xenopus embryogenesis and are important for the patterning of ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm. We have isolated three forkhead genes that are activated during gastrulation and play an important role in the dorso-ventral patterning of the mesoderm. XFKH1 (FoxA4b), the first vertebrate forkhead gene to be implicated in embryonic pattern formation, is expressed in the Spemann-Mangold organizer region and later in the embryonic notochord. XFKH7, the Xenopus orthologue of the murine Mfh1(Foxc2), is expressed in the presomitic mesoderm, but not in the notochord or lateral plate mesoderm. Finally, XFD-13'(FoxF1b)1 is expressed in the lateral plate mesoderm, but not in the notochord or presomitic mesoderm. Expression pattern and functional experiments indicate that these three forkhead genes are involved in the dorso-ventral patterning of the mesoderm. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Leaving home in Slovenia: a quantitative exploration of residential independence among young adults.
The present paper analyzes and contextualizes the phenomenon of prolonged co-residence of parents and young adult children in Slovenia. It analyzes the process of moving out or staying at home on the basis of a subsample of young people between 19 and 29 who are no longer at school included in the representative Slovenian field survey Youth 2010. Young people still living in the household of their parents or (legal) guardians are compared with those who have already left. The analysis considers factors associated with the status transitions from youth to adulthood; the demographic, social and economic background; and the perception of the parent-child relationship quality and parenting style by the children. Our findings point to the importance of possibilities for independent housing and the economic capacity of young people and their family. The most important factor behind moving out seems to be a stable partnership. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparative proteomic analysis of the esophageal squamous carcinoma cell line EC109 and its multi-drug resistant subline EC109/CDDP.
To gain insights into the mechanisms of drug resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), we employed proteomic techniques to study the global protein change of the multi-drug resistant ESCC cell line EC109/CDDP, which was established in our previous work, in comparison with its parental drug sensitive cell line EC109. By two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, we successfully identified 44 proteins with altered expression levels. These proteins are involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress response, metabolic process, DNA replication and repair, nucleotide binding, calcium binding, and cytoskeletal proteins. Among them, the differential expression levels of thioredoxin domain-containing protein 4 precursor and cystathionine gamma-lyase were further validated by Western blot and RT-PCR. Our present results lay foundation for future in-depth work on molecular mechanism of ESCC drug resistance, and aid in the identification and use of novel markers in clinical practice. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Urban-rural differences in the associations between social deprivation and psychiatric service utilization in schizophrenia and all diagnoses: a case-register study in Northern Italy.
Service utilization measures from the psychiatric case registers for urban South-Verona and rural Portogruaro in North East Italy for the period 1983-9 were used to identify associations with socio-demographic variables from the 1981 census in schizophrenia and related disorders as well as in all diagnoses. The patterns of service use were broadly similar, except that Portogruaro has significantly more community contacts, and has about twice the treated incidence and prevalence of schizophrenia. The census data showed that unmarried and unemployed people were more likely to live alone in the urban than in the rural area. In South-Verona the most strongly associated predictor variables, both for schizophrenia and all diagnoses, are: living alone, unemployment, percentage of the total population who are dependents and the percentage who are divorced, separated or widowed. In contrast, in Portogruaro there were no consistent associations between census and service use variables. Stepwise multiple regression models using three census predictor variables accounted for over 85% of the variance in South-Verona utilization rates. The results indicate that the strongly predictive associations previously described in England hold in urban South-Verona, but not in rural Portogruaro, and may be related to the effect of cities in clustering seriously disabled psychiatric patients in areas of low-cost housing where they live in relative social isolation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Severe Upper Limb Injuries in U.S. Military Personnel: Incidence, Risk Factor and Outcomes.
Severe upper limb injuries (SULI) may pose a significant public health challenge for the military; however, SULI has not been previously defined or studied in the US military. Objective: Determine SULI incidence, risk factors, and outcomes. Active Component (AC) U.S. military personnel who served during January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2012 who met the case definition for SULI (N = 213,745) and a random sample from the same population without SULI were included. Data from the Defense Medical Surveillance System and Defense Medical Epidemiology Database was used to calculate incidence. Multiple logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze SULI risk factors and attrition. SULI incidence was 15/1,000 person-years. Higher SULI risk was observed in men (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.22-1.27), age 25-29 (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.05-1.09) compared to age 20-24, E5-E9 (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.12-1.17) compared to E1-E4, serving in Coast guard (OR 1.62; 95% CI 1.56-1.68) and Air Force (OR 1.17; 95% CI 1.14-1.19) relative to Army and with a deployment history (OR 2.16, 95% CI 2.12-2.19) while SULI risk was lower for blacks (OR 0.91; 95% CI 0.90-0.93) and those in the "other race" category (HR 0.81; 95% CI 0.80-0.84) compared to whites. SULI was associated with 23% increased risk of attrition (HR 1.23; 95% CI 1.22-1.24). The study findings provide preliminary evidence on the incidence, natural history and distribution of SULI in this population. The findings indicate SULI may impact readiness and result in premature military separation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Functional morphology of the forelimb of tupaiids (Mammalia, Scandentia) and its phylogenetic implications.
In this study, the forelimb of 12 species of tupaiids was analyzed functionally and compared to that of other archontan mammals. Several differences that relate to differential substrate use were found in the forelimb morphology of tupaiids. These differences included shape of the scapula, length and orientation of the coracoid process, size of the lesser tuberosity, shape of the capitulum, length of the olecranon process, and shape of the radial head and central fossa. The forelimb of the arboreal Ptilocercus lowii, the only ptilocercine, is better adapted for arboreal locomotion, while that of tupaiines is better adapted for terrestrial (or scansorial) locomotion. While the forelimb of the arboreal Ptilocercus appears to be habitually flexed and exhibits more mobility in its joints, a necessity for movement on uneven, discontinuous arboreal supports, all tupaiines are characterized by more extended forelimbs and less mobility in their joints. These restricted joints limit movements more to the parasagittal plane, which increases the efficiency of locomotion on a more even and continuous surface like the ground. Even the most arboreal tupaiines remain similar to their terrestrial relatives in their forelimb morphology, which probably reflects the terrestrial ancestry of Tupaiinae (but not Tupaiidae). The forelimb of Urogale everetti is unique among tupaiines in that it exhibits adaptations for scratch-digging. Several features of the tupaiid forelimb reflect the arboreal ancestry of Tupaiidae and it is proposed that the ancestral tupaiid was arboreal like Ptilocercus. Also, compared to the forelimb character states of tupaiines, those of Ptilocercus are more similar to those of other archontans and it is proposed that the attributes of the forelimb of Ptilocercus are primitive for the Tupaiidae. Hence, Ptilocercus should be considered in any phylogenetic analysis that includes Scandentia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Blood-brain barrier receptors and transporters: an insight on their function and how to exploit them through nanotechnology.
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly limiting barrier that prevents the brain from contacting with several circulating molecules, including harmful agents. However, certain systemic nutrients and macromolecules are able to cross the BBB and reach the brain parenchyma, involving the interaction with multiple receptors and/or transporters at the BBB surface. Nanotechnology allows the creation of drug vehicles, functionalized with targeting ligands for binding specific BBB receptors and/or transporters, hence triggering the transport through this biobarrier. This review focuses the BBB receptors/transporters to be exploited in regard to their overall structure and biologic function, as well as their role in the development of strategies envisaging drug delivery to the brain. Then, the interplay between the targeting of these BBB receptors/transporters and nanotechnology is explored, as they can increase by several-fold the effectiveness of brain-targeted therapies. Nanomedicine may be particularly useful in brain drug delivery, mainly due to the possibility of functionalizing nanoparticles to target specific receptors/transporters. Since the BBB is endowed with numerous receptors and transporters responsible for regulating the proper metabolic activity of the brain, their targeting can be a promising bypass strategy to circumvent the hurdle that the BBB represents for brain drug delivery. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Atrial fibrillation: the rate versus rhythm management controversy.
The fundamental management strategy for atrial fibrillation (AF) is still debated. There is no doubt that those patients at risk of thromboembolic events should be offered anticoagulant therapy. However, it is uncertain whether rhythm control (restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm) or rate control (adjustment to a physiological ventricular rate while allowing AF to continue) is the preferred primary treatment option for the reduction of symptoms and major cardiovascular (CV) outcomes associated with AF. Several well conducted trials comparing the two strategies led to the conclusion that there was little to choose between them. However, guidelines leaned towards recommending rate control as the initial strategy, and reserved rhythm control for those who remained symptomatic. Recently this status quo is being increasingly challenged by the clear demonstration that left atrial catheter ablation is effective at suppressing AF resistant to traditional antiarrhythmic drugs, such as those that failed to demonstrate any superiority when compared with rate control. Also, recently introduced antiarrhythmic therapy may have superior efficacy with regard to reducing unexpected CV hospitalization, CV mortality and stroke. In addition, there is a growing perception that atrial remodelling should be best prevented by early rhythm control rather than delaying until rate control has proven unsatisfactory. For these reasons the results of large randomised clinical trials, which recruit patients soon after the presentation of AF and compare 'aggressive' modern rhythm control against the guideline approach of primary rate control, are eagerly awaited. In the meantime the pendulum of clinical opinion has begun to swing towards a rhythm control strategy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Purification and enrichment of virus samples utilizing magnetic beads on a microfluidic system.
This study reports a new microfluidic system with three integrated functional devices for pumping, mixing and separation of bio-samples by utilizing micro-electro-mechanical-systems technology. By using antibody-conjugated magnetic beads, the developed system can be used to purify and enrich virus samples such that the subsequent detection of viruses can be performed with a higher sensitivity. The target viruses were first captured by the antibody coated onto the magnetic beads by using a rotary micromixer which performed the incubation process. The viruses were then purified and enriched by a magnetic field generated by planar microcoils. The integrated microfluidic system can perform the whole purification and enrichment process automatically using a rotary micropump and appropriate microvalves. In addition, a numerical simulation was also employed to optimize the design of the microcoils and to investigate the magnetic field strength and distribution. The simulation results were consistent with experimental observations. Finally, the developed system was used to successfully perform the purification and enrichment of Dengue viruses. The detectable limit of Dengue viruses was found to be as low as 10(2) pfu ml(-1) by using this approach. Therefore, the integrated microsystem can perform incubation, transportation, mixing and purification of virus samples, possibly making it a promising platform for future biological and medical applications. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Efficacy of voriconazole in a murine model of invasive paecilomycosis.
We studied the efficacy of voriconazole (VRC) and amphotericin B (AMB) in an immunosuppressed murine model of disseminated infection by two strains of Paecilomyces lilacinus. Mice were treated with VRC 60 mg/kg/day orally or AMB 3mg/kg/day intraperitoneally, beginning 1 day after infection and continuing for 9 days. To avoid rapid clearance of VRC, animals receiving VRC and the control group were given grapefruit juice instead of water. VRC significantly prolonged survival with respect to the group treated with AMB and the control group for both strains (P=0.005 and P<0.0001, respectively, for strain FMR 5522; and P=0.0002 and P<0.0001, respectively, for strain FMR 8252). VRC reduced the fungal load in the spleen, kidneys and liver of infected mice for both strains tested. Survival of mice challenged with strain FMR 8252 treated with AMB did not differ from that of the control group (P=0.223), being worse than that of the mice treated with VRC (P=0.0002). AMB was not able to reduce the tissue burden in any organ with respect to the control group for both strains studied. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A new technique for reconstruction of the middle hepatic vein without graft interposition: "the digging technique".
Ill-located liver metastases close to the cavo-hepatic confluence often require resection and reconstruction of hepatic veins. However, most of the current techniques for reconstruction of the hepatic veins require graft interposition or complex venoplasty. The present case report describes a new surgical procedure which allows reconstructing the middle hepatic vein (MHV) by direct end-to-end anastomosis after a right hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases invading the right and middle hepatic veins. This technique is called the "digging technique", in which an additional atypical resection of a part of segment 4a "digging" around the distal end of the MHV in order to further mobilize the liver and to achieve, with an upward lifting of the remnant liver, a tension-free end-to-end reconstruction of the MHV. The immediate postoperative course was uneventful. After 6 months of follow-up the patient was well and the MHV was patent. In selected patients with liver metastases close to the MHV-inferior vena cava confluence, requiring a right hepatectomy, the "digging technique" allows a safe direct end-to-end anastomosis avoiding graft interposition. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Minimally invasive implantation of a unicondylar knee system].
Unicondylar medial surface replacement of the knee joint by arthrotomy with short incision and in bone-sparing resection technique. Unicompartmental medial arthritis of the joint knee. Unilateral osteonecrosis. Posttraumatic unicompartmental gonarthrosis. Pangonarthrosis. Rheumatoid arthritis. Knee joint instability. Status following osteotomy of the tibial head. The patient should be placed in the supine position with the knee joint uncovered and freely mobile. Short anteromedial skin incision and arthrotomy. Bone-sparing resection at the tibia and femur. Axial malalignment (varus deformity) is not completely corrected. The implants are centered perpendicular to one another. Early functional postoperative management adapted to the symptoms with pain therapy, local application of ice, passive mobilization on an electric exercise splint and physiotherapy. Full weight bearing is usually possible from the 2nd postoperative day. 28 Accuris unicondylar knee systems were implanted medially in 26 patients (14 women, twelve men) in minimally invasive technique from March 2003 to July 2004. One patient was not included in the evaluation because the operation was changed to a bicondylar surface replacement due to a deep-seated infection. The patients' average age at the time of the operation was 73.8 years. On average, the operation scar was 8.2 cm long. The average quantity of secretion in the Redon drain was 155 ml. The hemoglobin value fell from 13.3 to 12.3 g/dl. The total HSS (Hospital for Special Surgery) Score increased significantly from 55.5 (34-75) to 87.4 (71-95) points. In the follow-up examination, 21 unicondylar knee systems (77.8%) were evaluated as excellent and six (22.2%) as good. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Tobacco dependence treatment].
Nicotine is a highly addictive drug with long-term effects on somatic and nervous systems of an individual. The tobacco dependence is a chronic disease which requires an intensive and complex treatment. The treatment should be focused on physical as well as psychological dependence. Nicotine dependence is a disease with a high relapse tendency, therefore requiring long-term therapy as well as patients determination and motivation. We have focused on evaluation of results of our tobacco dependence center over previous 3 years (2010, 2011, 2012). The treatment success is evaluated one year after the first visit at the center (therefore the results for 2012 are not yet available). In 2010, 57 new patients visited our tobacco dependence center (34 men and 23 women); the average age of the patients was 42.3 years. The treatment was successful in 15 out of 57 patients (26.3%). In 2011, 40 new patients (23 men and 17 women) visited the center; the average age was 45 years. The treatment was successful in 13 out of 40 patients (32.5%). In 2012, 50 new patients visited the center, the average age of the patients was 44.4 years. As the success of the treatment is evaluated in yearly intervals, the results for 2012 are not yet available. Treatment of nicotine dependence is essential for the prevention of cardiovascular, pulmonary and oncological diseases. In previous 3 years, 147 new patients visited our tobacco dependence center. The average age of patients coming to the center in order to start treatment was 43.9 years, and their nicotine dependence was fully developed. In the future, we would like to focus on younger age groups, where in general the onset of the dependence is very frequent. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Device closure of congenital ventricular septal defects with Amplatzer devices: first experiences in Turkey.
Ventricular septal defects (VSD), which cause volume overload, may be closed by interventional method. The success depends on the precise anatomic definition of the defect and its relation to other cardiac structures. We report our first experiences of transcatheter closure of perimembranous and muscular VSD. Between May 2005 and September 2006, transcatheter closure of VSD was attempted in 38 patients. Implantation was successful in 37 patients. In one patient, the procedure failed because of the long sheath kinking. We observed important complications in three patients: severe tricuspid valve regurgitation, residual VSD and tricuspid valve regurgitation and right bundle branch block in the short-term follow-up. Transcatheter device closure with Amplatzer device seems to be effective and safe in the treatment of perimembranous and muscular VSDs. Tricuspid valve incompetence may cause problems. Long-term results are required to determine the efficacy and safety. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Uptake and retranslocation of leaf-applied cadmium (109Cd) in diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid wheats.
Uptake and retranslocation of leaf-applied radiolabeled cadmium (109Cd) was studied in three diploid (Triticum monococcum, AA), four tetraploid (Triticum turgidum, BBAA) and two hexaploid (Triticum aestivum, BBAADD) wheat genotypes grown for 9 d under controlled environmental conditions in nutrient solution. Among the tetraploid wheats, two genotypes were primitive (ssp. dicoccum) and two genotypes modern wheats (ssp. durum). Radiolabelled Cd was applied by immersing the tips (3 cm) of mature leaf into a 109Cd radiolabelled solution. There was a substantial variation in the uptake and export of 109Cd among and within wheat species. On average, diploid wheats (AA) absorbed and translocated more 109Cd than other wheats. The largest variation in 109Cd uptake was found within tetraploid wheats (BBAA). Primitive tetraploid wheats (ssp. dicoccum) had a greater uptake capacity for 109Cd than modern tetraploid wheats (ssp. durum). In all wheats studied, the amount of the 109Cd exported from the treated leaf into the roots and the remainder of the shoots was poorly related to the total absorption. For example, bread wheat cultivars were more or less similar in total absorption, but differed greatly in the amount of 109Cd retranslocated. The diploid wheat genotype 'FAL-43' absorbed the lowest amount of 109Cd, but retranslocated the greatest amount of 109Cd in roots and remainder of shoots. The results indicate the existence of substantial genotypic variation in the uptake and retranslocation of leaf-applied 109Cd. This variation is discussed in terms of potential genotypic differences in binding of Cd to cell walls and the composition of phloem sap ligands possibly affecting Cd transport into sink organs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Weight-Based Dosing for Once-Daily Enoxaparin Cannot Provide Adequate Anticoagulation for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis.
Surgeons commonly provide enoxaparin prophylaxis to high-risk patients to decrease venous thromboembolism risk. The authors' prior work demonstrated that most patients receive inadequate venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, based on anti-factor Xa level, when enoxaparin 40 mg/day is provided and that peak anti-factor Xa level correlates with weight. This study models a weight-based strategy for daily enoxaparin prophylaxis and its impact on anti-factor Xa levels. The authors enrolled plastic surgery patients who received enoxaparin 40 mg/day and had anti-factor Xa levels drawn. The enoxaparin dose of 40 mg was converted to a milligram-per-kilogram dose for each patient. Stratified analysis examined the milligram-per-kilogram dose that produced low, in-range, and high anti-factor Xa levels to identify the appropriate milligram-per-kilogram dose to optimize venous thromboembolism prevention and bleeding events. Among 94 patients, weight-based dosing ranged from 0.28 to 0.94 mg/kg once daily. For peak and trough anti-factor Xa levels, there was nearly complete overlap for milligram-per-kilogram dosing that produced low versus in-range anti-factor Xa levels. For peak anti-factor Xa, there was nearly complete overlap for milligram-per-kilogram dosing that produced in-range versus high anti-factor Xa levels. Mean milligram-per-kilogram dose was not significantly different between patients who did or did not have postoperative venous thromboembolism (0.41 mg/kg versus 0.52 mg/kg; p = 0.085) or clinically relevant bleeding (0.48 mg/kg versus 0.51 mg/kg; p = 0.73). Alterations in enoxaparin dose magnitude based on patient weight cannot allow a high proportion of patients to achieve appropriate anti-factor Xa levels when once-daily enoxaparin prophylaxis is provided. Future research should examine the impact of increased enoxaparin dose frequency on anti-factor Xa levels, venous thromboembolism events, and bleeding. Therapeutic, IV. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Management of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the thyroid: the Royal Marsden Hospital experience.
A retrospective review was conducted of patients treated for thyroid non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (TNHL) at the Royal Marsden Hospital between 1936 and 1996 to determine the effect of radiotherapy (RT) on outcome. 91 patients were identified from the Thyroid Unit Database. There were 77 females and 14 males with a median age of 65 years (range 22-87 years). RT was delivered according to two separate policies: (1) involved field radiotherapy (IFRT) to the thyroid bed and cervical lymph nodes; (2) extended field radiotherapy (EFRT) covering the thyroid bed, cervical and mediastinal lymph nodes. 89 patients received RT as part of definitive treatment following surgery, to a dose of approximately 40 Gy. 25 patients received IFRT and 64 patients EFRT. 27 patients received cytotoxic chemotherapy. 18 patients (72%) treated with IFRT died of TNHL with a median relapse free survival (RFS) of 10 months and a median overall survival (OS) of 21 months. In contrast, only 29 patients (46%) treated with EFRT died of TNHL with a median RFS of 76 months (p = 0.01 for RFS with respect to IFRT and p = 0.04 for OS). Significantly more patients treated with IFRT relapsed locally (52% vs 27%). There was no difference in the rates of systemic relapse (20% vs 22%). EFRT alone for Stage I, but not for Stage II disease, yielded acceptable rates of local control and disease free survival with doses of at least 40 Gy. These historical data strongly support the addition of combination chemotherapy to the treatment regimen in all patients with Stage II disease. Indeed, in recent years this has become the standard of care for all cases of thyroid lymphoma unless the histology is of marginal zone type (mucosa associated lymphoma tissue (MALT) lymphoma). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A Single Methylene Group in Oligoalkylamine-Based Cationic Polymers and Lipids Promotes Enhanced mRNA Delivery.
The development of chemically modified mRNA holds great promise as a new class of biologic therapeutics. However, the intracellular delivery and endosomal escape of mRNA encapsulated in nanoparticles has not been systematically investigated. Here, we synthesized a diverse set of cationic polymers and lipids from a series of oligoalkylamines and subsequently characterized their mRNA delivery capability. Notably, a structure with an alternating alkyl chain length between amines showed the highest transfection efficiency, which was linked to a high buffering capacity in a narrow range of pH 6.2 to 6.5. Variation in only one methylene group resulted in enhanced mRNA delivery to both the murine liver as well as porcine lungs after systemic or aerosol administration, respectively. These findings reveal a novel fundamental structure-activity relationship for the delivery of mRNA that is independent of the class of mRNA carrier and define a promising new path of exploration in the field of mRNA therapeutics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Corneal chrysiasis. Gold salt deposits in the cornea in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. An analysis with confocal microscopy].
A 60-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis of 20 years onset, on treatment with monthly intramuscular gold salts (GS) for the last 7 years. She complained of suffering from halo vision, and the examination showed a visual acuity of 0.6 in both eyes (BE). The slit lamp showed some deposits in the stroma with scattered golden granulated, without any further inflammatory reaction. GS deposits are dose-dependent and reversible, although very slowly. In this article, we introduce, for the first time, evidence of deposits of GS in all layers of the cornea, predominantly in the corneal stroma and in the endothelium. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Phosphorylation of a mast cell protein in response to treatment with anti-allergic compounds. Implications for the mode of action of sodium cromoglycate.
Challenge of rat peritoneal mast cells with anti-rat IgE induces a similar pattern of protein phosphorylation to that already reported for compound 48/80. Rapid phosphorylation of a mast cell protein, mol. wt 78,000, is induced by sodium cromoglycate and several chemically related anti-allergic agents in the absence of any challenge. Phosphorylation of this protein reflects their potency in inhibiting anti-IgE-induced histamine release. Compounds which inhibit histamine release by elevating intracellular cAMP levels do not induce phosphorylation. However, dibutyryl-cGMP induces phosphorylation of the 78,000 mol. wt protein in the absence of any challenge, at concns which inhibit IgE-dependent histamine release. Sodium cromoglycate appears to activate an endogenous control mechanism for switching off mediator release using a mechanism mediated by cGMP. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of large Saduria entomon (Isopoda) on spatial distribution of their small S. entomon and Monoporeia affinis (Amphipoda) prey.
We performed laboratory experiments to investigate the effects of predator avoidance and numerical effects of predation on spatial distribution of small Saduria entomon (Isopoda) and Monoporeia affinis (Amphipoda), with large S. entomon as predators. The horizontal distribution and mortality of the prey species, separately and together, were studied in aquaria with a spatial horizontal refuge. We also estimated effects of refuge on mortality of small S. entomon and M. affinis by experiments without the refuge net. In addition, we investigated whether predation risk from large S. entomon influenced the swimming activity of M. affinis, to clarify the mechanisms behind the spatial distribution. Both small S. entomon and M. affinis avoided large S. entomon. The avoidance behaviour of M. fffinis contributed about 10 times more to the high proportion in the refuge than numerical effects of predation. Due to the low mortality of small S. entomon the avoidance behaviour of this species was even more important for the spatial distribution. The combined effect of avoidance behaviour and predation in both species was aggregation, producting a positive correlation between the species in density. M. affinis showed two types of avoidance behaviour. In the activity experiments they reduced activity by 36% and buried themselves in the sediment. In the refuge experiments we also observed avoidance behaviour with the emigration rate from the predator compartment being twice the immigration rate. The refuge did not lower predation mortality in M. affinis, probably due to the small scale of the experimental units in relation to the mobility of the species. Predation mortality in small S. entomon was higher in absence of a refuge and especially high in absence of M. affinis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Testosterone and oestradiol in concert protect seminiferous tubule maturation against inhibition by GnRH-antagonist.
Oestradiol enhances follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) action on seminiferous tubule maturation, but the relative involvement of oestradiol and testosterone remains unclear. This study compares the influences of oestrogen and androgen in FSH and testosterone-deficient rats. Animals were injected daily GnRH-antagonist alone (Ant) or combined with 17β-oestradiol benzoate (EB), or testosterone propionate (TP), or both from post-natal day (pnd) 5 to 15. Hormone levels, tubule growth, cell numbers, germ cell apoptosis and proliferation, and Sertoli cell maturation were evaluated on pnd 16. Ant decreased serum FSH and testosterone levels to ∼60% and ∼50% of control values, respectively, and decreased tubule growth, Sertoli cell number and maturation. Germ cell number declined by apoptosis. Co-administration of EB stimulated spermatogonia proliferation and maintained FSH levels (86% of control). Tubule growth, Sertoli cell number and spermatocyte apoptosis remained normal after TP co-administration, but Sertoli cell maturation, germ cell number and spermatogonia survival were reduced. Co-administration of EB with TP prevented all inhibitions. In conclusion, administration of oestradiol with testosterone, but neither one alone, protected seminiferous tubule maturation against inhibition caused by Ant-induced disruption. Oestrogen was involved in stimulating germ cell proliferation and the maintenance of Sertoli cell maturation, whereas androgen affected seminiferous tubule growth and spermatocyte survival. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Variations in levator ani volume and geometry in women: the application of MR based 3D reconstruction in evaluating pelvic floor dysfunction.
We report on the comparative 3-dimensional (3D) living female pelvic floor geometry in five women, comparing the volume, morphology, and integrity of the levator sling, and pelvic anatomic relationships among study subjects. Five women of varying ages, parity, continence, and prolapse status were studied. Two-dimensional (2D) imaging of the pelvic floor organs was performed on each subject in the supine position. Manual segmentation techniques and solid modeling software was used to build 3D models of each patient's pelvic floor structures, which could then be viewed and measured on the computer screen. We measured levator muscle volume, posterior urethro-vesical angle, distance from the urethra to pubo-coccygeal line, and the levator plate angle. The integrity of pubo-coccygeal attachments was also recorded. Levator muscle volume ranged from 68 ml in the nulliparous female, to 26 ml in the grand multipara with severe prolapse and mild genuine stress incontinence (GSI). The second lowest volume (30 ml) was in the multipara with GSI. Volumes in the parous subjects without stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse were 36 and 39 ml. Pubo-coccygeal attachments were found to be torn in the 2 symptomatic subjects, and were intact in all 3 asymptomatic subjects. MR based 3D modeling is feasible and can be used in a research setting to evaluate complex anatomic relationships which may accompany pelvic floor dysfunction. The technique can also be used to evaluate levator muscle morphology and volume, as well as pelvic floor support integrity and its possible role in GSI and prolapse. We are currently conducting a larger study to validate our technique, and to better define the relationship between pelvic floor geometry and pelvic floor dysfunction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Embolization of the renal artery in the treatment of surgical kidney diseases].
Embolization of renal arteries by an autoclot with thrombin was used in 16 patients. Hypernerphroma was diagnosed in 13 patients, pyonephroses--in 2 patients and adrenal tumor--in one patient. In two patients catheterization of the renal artery failed due to atherosclerotic injury of the aorta. Nephrectomy was fulfilled in 14 patients. In two patients the treatment involved only embolization of the renal artery. The important part is played by adequate anesthesia. The authors highly estimate the method and recommend it for wider use in clinics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Shikonin inhibits inflammatory responses in rabbit chondrocytes and shows chondroprotection in osteoarthritic rabbit knee.
Shikonin, a natural product from Lithospermum erythrorhizon, exerts a wide range of anti-inflammatory actions both in vitro and in vivo. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have long been considered as the major catabolic enzymes involved in osteoarthritis (OA) cartilage erosion. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory and effects of shikonin on MMPs in both IL-1β induced rabbit chondrocytes and the experimental rabbit OA model induced by anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) transection and evaluated the potential involvement of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in the processes. In vitro, rabbit chondrocytes were cultured and pretreated with shikonin (0, 1, 5, 10μM) for 1h (h) with or without IL-1β (10ng/ml) for 24h. The expression of MMPs (MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-13) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) at mRNA and protein levels were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA respectively. NF-κB related signaling molecules were investigated by Western blotting. In vivo study, the effects of shikonin on MMPs and TIMP-1 were determined at the gene level and the cartilage damage was evaluated at the histological level after the rabbits sacrificed. We found that shikonin significantly reversed the elevated expression of MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-13 and the reduced expression of TIMP-1 at both gene and protein levels in IL-1β induced chondrocytes. Additionally, the reduction of IκBα and the activation of NF-κB p65 induced by IL-1β were subsided by shikonin in rabbit chondrocytes. In vivo, both the cartilage damage and the elevated expression of MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-13 and the decreased expression of TIMP-1 were ameliorated in shikonin intra-articular injection knees compared to vehicle knees. Our findings indicated that shikonin have anti-inflammatory and chondro-protective effects and may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of OA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Sickle cell disease and depression: preliminary study using the Hamilton rating scale for depression].
Prolonged latency in the appearance of REM sleep as a marker of depression has been demonstrated in patients with the sickle-cell disease. To detect the possible existence of depressive disturbances in patients with sickle-cell disease, the Hamilton rating scale for depression (17 items) was used in 30 patients with homozygote sickle-cell disease and 31 carriers of the sickle-cell trait, treated or not with vasodilator drugs. None of the 61 subjects studied presented a score of 18 or more on the Hamilton rating scale, this being the threshold value for confirming the existence of moderate depression. However, analysis of variance showed an increase in mental dullness, agitation and somatization disorder. Dullness was related to the extent of anemia and the number of sickle-cell crises per year. Treatment had an effect on agitation in patients, with pentoxyfylline having a soothing effect unlike cinepazide maleate. Women complained of insomnia in the middle of the night and somatic anxiety and presented higher total scores than men. Men exhibited a higher degree of mental dullness. The findings of this preliminary study indicate that while not associated with frank depression, the sickle-cell gene has psychological repercussions on various depressive parameters and that these patients can benefit from treatment with pentoxyfylline. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The distribution of the number of alpha hits per target cell: a new parameter to improve risk assessment for cancer induction using ICRP models.
Doses are calculated from the total energy deposited within the different target regions of the organism. After inhalation exposure, only a few particles can be deposited within the respiratory tract that induces a heterogeneous dose distribution. A decrease in risk for lung tumours induction associated to the presence of hot spots has been reported. This was partly explained by a decrease in the transformation rate per gray when cells received more than one alpha hit. This study provides an estimate of the distribution of alpha hits per target cell of the extra thoracic region (ET2), after inhalation exposure to 238UO2, 239PuO2 or 238PuO2, obtained by a stochastic application of the biokinetic and dosimetric ICRP models. After exposure to one annual limit of intake, homogeneous irradiation of the target cells is observed for 238UO2, whereas, for PuO2, most of the dose is due to cells receiving daily tens or even hundreds of alpha hits. This underlines the uncertainties in risk assessment associated with a dose rate effect. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characterization of cell membrane parameters of clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus with varied susceptibility to alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone.
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a major human pathogen of hospital and community acquired infections, is becoming resistant to almost all commercially available antibiotics. This has prompted development of antimicrobial peptides as therapeutic options. Alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is one such peptide known to possess antimicrobial properties. In the present study, we analyzed the antimicrobial activity of α-MSH against 75 clinical strains of S. aureus including both methicillin susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains. Results of our previous study showed that membrane damage is the major mechanism of staphylocidal activity of α-MSH. In this context, we compared the various bacterial membrane parameters, viz., membrane fluidity, lipid composition, and surface charge of a few selected MSSA and MRSA strains that showed variable susceptibility to the melanocortin peptide. Our results showed that α-MSH killed both type of strains efficiently (≥ 70% killing in 84% clinical strains after exposure with 6 μM of α-MSH for 1h). It was observed that compared to the α-MSH-susceptible strains, the α-MSH-non-susceptible strains had a different membrane order and phospholipid pattern. There was no consistent pattern of cell surface charge to distinguish α-MSH-susceptible strain from a non-susceptible strain. In conclusion, α-MSH possessed potential staphylocidal activity for both against MSSA and MRSA strains. S. aureus strains not susceptible to the peptide exhibited a rigid membrane and a higher amount of the cationic phospholipid as compared to the α-MSH-susceptible strains. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Protection of mice from whole-body gamma radiation by deuteration of drinking water.
Drinking water made available to mice was changed from ordinary tap water to tap water containing 30 atom% D2O when the animals were 6 to 8 weeks old. Twelve days later, the deuterated mice and an approximately equal number of nondeuterated control mice were subjected to whole-body gamma radiation from a 60Co source. All mice received ordinary tap water after the irradiation. Postirradiation mortality was significantly less in deuterated than in nondeuterated animals. These results may have practical implications for radiotherapy of human malignant tumors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Variations in the ionic currents as dependent on the size of the sensory neurons in newborn rats].
In the somatic membrane of acutely isolated newborn rat dorsal root ganglion neurons four inward and three outward currents were separated on the basis of their different voltage dependence and kinetic properties. The capacity of their membrane was measured for 136 investigated neurons. Neurons were separated according to capacities of their somata for three subpopulations: small 26.5 pF, medium 41.5 pF and large 61.4 pF. Neurons with TTX-insensitive sodium current were from medium and, partially, from small subpopulations. Neurons with low threshold calcium current were from large and, partially, from medium subpopulations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Long-term survival in a patient with node-positive adult-onset Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma.
Adult-onset Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma is a rare malignancy that has an aggressive clinical course and poor prognosis. The reasons for this include the fact that most patients have an advanced clinical stage at diagnosis and also that there is a lack of effective systemic therapy. We herein present the case of a 32-year-old woman suffering from node-positive Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma who underwent radical nephrectomy with an extensive retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, followed by two times of surgical resection for recurrent nodal disease. The patient has experienced no recurrent disease 4.5 years after the last operation and remains free of disease. Surgical approach to recurrent disease, if the recurrent site can be judged to be limited, might be one of the feasible treatment options in patients with Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Separation and detection of lipoproteins in human serum by use of size-exclusion liquid chromatography: a preliminary report.
Components of human serum can be separated on the basis of differences in relative molecular mass by using size-exclusion "high-performance" liquid chromatography. Lipoproteins in fractions of the eluate can be quantitated by conventional chemical and enzymatic methods. Alternatively, if lipoproteins in the serum are selectively prestained with diformazan dye, the column effluent can be monitored spectrophotometrically at 580 nm, so that only the lipoprotein components of serum are detected. Samples of purified low-density lipoproteins, so stained and analyzed, provide peak-area values that are proportional to their concentration as evaluated by chemical methods. With this technique, the various lipoprotein classes can be quickly separated and their concentration estimated. These techniques should prove useful in clinical and research laboratories. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Protective role of alpha-tocopherol and caffeic acid phenethyl ester on ischemia-reperfusion injury via nitric oxide and myeloperoxidase in rat kidneys.
The aim of this study was to determine the acute effects of antioxidant caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) on nitric oxide (NO) production, neutrophil infiltration, and antioxidant enzyme activities on an in vivo model of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Rats were divided into five equal groups each consisting six rats: sham operation, ischemia, ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), I/R plus CAPE, and I/R plus vitamin E groups. CAPE or vitamin E was administered intraperitoneally before reperfusion. After experimental procedure, rats were sacrificed and both ipsilateral and contralateral kidneys were removed and prepared for NO concentrations, myeloperoxidase (MPO), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Acute administration of vitamin E decreased NO concentrations in both ipsilateral and contralateral renal tissues compared to I/R group. SOD activity was increased in I/R and I/R + CAPE groups compared to sham operation group. The most prominent results were encountered in MPO activities, which did not change in contralateral kidneys in both ischemia and I/R groups. There was a significant decrease in ipsilateral MPO activity in ischemia group and a significant increase in I/R group compared to sham operation group. Pretreatment with intraperitoneal CAPE significantly diminished the tissue MPO activity indicating the prevention of the neutrophil sequestration into the kidney. There is a role for CAPE in attenuation in renal damage after I/R injury of the kidney, in part at least by inhibition of neutrophil sequestration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Beta adrenoreceptor in vascular smooth muscle with special reference to subcellular localization and number of binding sites.
The binding of monoiodinated cyanopindolol (ICYP) to membranes from canine and rat aortas, mesenteric arteries and mesenteric nerves has been studied. Binding of ICYP was shown by differential centrifugation and sucrose gradient purification as well as digitonin treatment to be directly related to the content of arterial muscle plasma membrane assessed by marker enzymes. The Kd values obtained were all in the range of 10 to 30 pM but maximum binding site (Bmax) values varied depending upon the extent of contamination by nonplasmalemmal membranes. The more purified plasma membrane fractions have Bmax many times higher than those reported in the literature. Although purified membrane fractions all had ICYP binding characterized by a single binding site with similar Kd values, binding to some crude fractions was complex. In addition, plasma membranes for mesenteric nerves, removed carefully by dissection in our study, were shown to contain ICYP binding sites with a similar Kd and Bmax values to those in arterial muscle membrane. Using arterial muscle purified membranes after removal of nerves by dissection, Bmax values from mesenteric arteries were demonstrated to be much larger than those from aorta in both species. Although the necessity of purifying the membranes depends on the objectives of a given experiment, our result strongly suggest that measurement of changes in receptor densities requires an analytical approach which provides plasma membrane-enriched fractions derived from a single cell type and purified to a known and comparable degree, especially when changes in density related to experimental or disease processes are being investigated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Multinodular Goiter Progression Toward Malignancy in a Case of DICER1 Syndrome: Histologic and Molecular Alterations.
Multinodular goiter (MNG) and well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC) are emerging phenotypes of DICER1 syndrome. Histologic and molecular findings of botryoid-type embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (bERMS) and thyroid nodules from a 12-year-old DICER1 mutation carrier (p.Arg1060Ilefs*7) were investigated, providing interesting clues for understanding thyroid carcinogenesis. The patient had bERMS at age 7 years. The thyroid was enlarged and multinodular (61 g). Histologically, some nodules were classified as adenomatous and others as tumors with "intermediate" nuclei. One displayed vascular invasion and was classified as WDTC not otherwise specified (NOS). Somatic DICER1 mutations were identified in bERMS, two tumors with "intermediate" nuclei and WDTC. No somatic DICER1 mutations were found in adenomatous nodules. No molecular alterations were detected in BRAF600, NRAS61, HRAS12/61, KRAS12/61, TERT promoter, RET/PTC1, RET/PTC3, and PAX8/PPARγ. The findings obtained from this single case support the assumption that DICER1 syndrome-related WDTC NOS may develop on a background of MNG, via a stepwise process, involving DICER1 somatic mutations and additional molecular events, distinct from the classic pathways of papillary/follicular carcinoma. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
CT in pyogenic osteomyelitis of the spine.
Six patients with bacteriologically proven pyogenic osteomyelitis of the spine were followed serially with computed tomography (CT). Initial evaluation of the involved vertebral bodies and adjacent soft tissues showed a drop in CT numbers when compared to normal cancellous bone and soft tissues. A soft-tissue mass was seen in all cases. After appropriate antibiotic therapy, all six patients showed an increase in bone density and a diminution of the soft-tissue mass (p less than 0.05). Five of the six patients showed a further decrease in soft-tissue CT numbers. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Retinal arteriolar narrowing and risk of diabetes mellitus in middle-aged persons.
Microvascular processes have been hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, but prospective clinical data regarding this hypothesis are unavailable. To examine the relation of retinal arteriolar narrowing, a marker of microvascular damage from aging, hypertension, and inflammation, to incident diabetes in healthy middle-aged persons. The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, an ongoing population-based, prospective cohort study in 4 US communities that began in 1987-1989. Included in this analysis were 7993 persons aged 49 to 73 years without diabetes, of whom retinal photographs were taken during the third examination (1993-1995). Incident diabetes (defined as fasting glucose levels of > or =126 mg/dL [7.0 mmol/L], casual levels of > or =200 mg/dL [11.1 mmol/L], diabetic medications use, or physician diagnosis of diabetes at the fourth examination) by quartile of retinal arteriole-to-venule ratio (AVR). After a median follow-up of 3.5 years, 291 persons (3.6%) had incident diabetes. The incidence of diabetes was higher in persons with lower AVR at baseline (2.4%, 3.1%, 4.0%, and 5.2%, from highest to lowest AVR quartile; P for trend < .001). After controlling for fasting glucose and insulin levels, family history of diabetes, adiposity, physical activity, blood pressure, and other factors, persons in the lowest quartile of AVR were 71% more likely to develop diabetes than those in the highest quartile (odds ratio [OR], 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-2.57; P for trend =.002). This association persisted with different diagnostic criteria (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.10-3.36; P for trend =.01, using a fasting glucose level of > or =141 mg/dL [7.8 mmol/L] as a cutoff), and was seen even in people at lower risk of diabetes, including those without a family history of diabetes, without impaired fasting glucose, and with lower measures of adiposity. Retinal arteriolar narrowing is independently associated with risk of diabetes, supporting a microvascular role in the development of clinical diabetes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Emergence of optimal decoding of population codes through STDP.
The brain faces the problem of inferring reliable hidden causes from large populations of noisy neurons, for example, the direction of a moving object from spikes in area MT. It is known that a theoretically optimal likelihood decoding could be carried out by simple linear readout neurons if weights of synaptic connections were set to certain values that depend on the tuning functions of sensory neurons. We show here that such theoretically optimal readout weights emerge autonomously through STDP in conjunction with lateral inhibition between readout neurons. In particular, we identify a class of optimal STDP learning rules with homeostatic plasticity, for which the autonomous emergence of optimal readouts can be explained on the basis of a rigorous learning theory. This theory shows that the network motif we consider approximates expectation-maximization for creating internal generative models for hidden causes of high-dimensional spike inputs. Notably, we find that this optimal functionality can be well approximated by a variety of STDP rules beyond those predicted by theory. Furthermore, we show that this learning process is very stable and automatically adjusts weights to changes in the number of readout neurons, the tuning functions of sensory neurons, and the statistics of external stimuli. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Defects of mitochondrial respiratory chain in multiple symmetric lipomatosis.
Using lymphocytes from nine unrelated patients with multiple symmetric lipomatosis we investigated a possible defect in the mitochondrial respiratory chain as the biochemical cause for the disease. A significant decrease in oxygen consumption of intact lymphocytes as well as a decreased activity of the individual components of the respiratory chain were detected. These findings are consistent with the recently described deletions and point mutations of mitochondrial DNA in patients suffering from this disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Outcomes after surgery in patients with previous stroke.
Limited information is available on the association between a medical history of stroke and postoperative outcomes. This study investigated the outcomes following non-neurological surgery in patients with previous stroke. Using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, a nationwide cohort study was conducted of patients who underwent non-neurological surgery between 2008 and 2010 with a medical history of stroke in the 24-month period before operation. Patients who had non-neurological surgeries without previous stroke were selected as controls by the propensity score-matched pair method. Thirty-day postoperative complications and in-hospital mortality were compared between the two groups. Some 1 426 795 adults underwent major inpatient non-neurological surgery, of whom 45 420 had a medical history of previous stroke. Patients with previous stroke who underwent surgery had an increased risk of postoperative pneumonia, septicaemia, acute renal failure, acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism and 30-day in-hospital mortality (adjusted rate ratio (RR) 1·79, 95 per cent c.i. 1·61 to 1·99). Compared with controls, patients with previous stroke due to intracerebral haemorrhage (RR 3·41, 2·97 to 3·91), and those who were treated in intensive care (RR 2·55, 2·24 to 2·90) or underwent neurosurgery (RR 2·49, 2·12 to 2·92), had an increased 30-day in-hospital mortality rate. Postoperative mortality also increased with stroke-related co-morbidities, and with stroke 1-6 months before surgery (RR 3·31, 2·91 to 3·75). Patients with previous stroke had a higher risk of adverse postoperative outcomes; their 30-day in-hospital mortality rate was nearly twice that of patients without previous stroke. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Time to seroconversion of HBsAg to anti-HBs in individuals who lost HBsAg during follow-up.
To determine the time to appearance of antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) after clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in chronically infected individuals, we followed up 3963 cases with positive antibody against hepatitis B e antigen (anti-HBe) from 1991 to 2014. Of these, 101 (67 males, 34 females) lost HBsAg. These serocleared cases were checked every 6-month interval regarding HBsAg, anti-HBs, liver function tests, and liver sonography. Hepatitis B virus DNA was assessed at the time of seroclearance or the appearance of anti-HBs. The mean age of these patients at entry to this study was 34·4 ± 13 years. The mean follow-up duration until seroclearance of HBsAg was 6·6 ± 4·3 years. After the mean follow-up of 43·7 ± 45 months, anti-HBs appeared in 64 (63·4%) cases. The cumulative probabilities of anti-HBs appearance for 2, 5 and 10 years were 24·3%, 58% and 78·2%, respectively. The appearance of anti-HBs was associated with age ⩾35 years and seroclearance of HBsAg (hazard ratio 1·96, 95% confidence interval 1·32-3·38, P = 0·016) but not with sex. The results show that anti-HBs may develop in 78·2% of cases within 10 years of HBsAg clearance. Age ⩾35 years at HBsAg loss was associated with earlier development of anti-HBs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Validity of a Wireless Gait Analysis Tool (Wi-GAT) in assessing spatio-temporal gait parameters at slow, preferred and fast walking speeds.
The wireless gait assessment tool (Wi-GAT) measures have been shown to have good to excellent concurrent validity with preferred walking speeds, however, the validity of the Wi-GAT measures at slow and fast walking speeds is unknown. To establish validity of the Wi-GAT spatio-temporal gait measures at slow, fast, and preferred walking speeds. Twenty two healthy adult volunteers, with a mean age of 25.7 (± 5.3) participated in this study. The spatio-temporal gait variables of each participant were concurrently recorded using the GAITrite and the Wi-GAT system, while the participants performed 3 trials for each walking speed in a randomized order. Intraclass correlation analyses were performed to establish the agreement between the measures recorded by the GAITrite and Wi-GAT systems. Walking speed measured both by the Wi-GAT and the GAITrite systems showed excellent agreement for preferred (ICC = 0.979 p< 0.001), slow (ICC = 0.989 p< 0.001) and fast (ICC = 0.967 p< 0.001) walking speeds. Most gait parameters recorded at slow walking speed showed good (ICC > 0.70) to excellent (ICC > 0.85) agreement. Gait parameters recorded by the Wi-GAT system showed fair to excellent validity for preferred and slow walking speeds. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Carotid endarterectomy indicated in asymptomatic stenosis].
Carotid endarterectomy (CE) is of proven value for patients with a high-grade symptomatic stenosis of the internal carotid artery (ICA). Recently, the Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis Study group showed that in patients with an asymptomatic ICA stenosis of more than 60%, CE caused an absolute risk reduction of perioperative death or stroke during 5 year follow-up of 5.4% (95% confidence interval: 3.0-7.8). Half of these strokes were disabling. The number needed to treat to save one patient from death within 30 days or stroke within in the following 5 years was 19. Further studies are needed to isolate a group of patients that will substantially benefit from the operation. CE is probably most effective in males under 75 years of age. A low surgical morbidity and mortality is an absolute prerequisite to justify CE for an asymptomatic ICA stenosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Administration of dehydroepiandrosterone reverses the immune suppression induced by high dose antigen in mice.
Several factors including antigen concentration, the route of antigen administration, hormones and cytokines have shown to affect T cells to produce the distinct patterns of lymphokines which exert regulatory and effector functions of immune response. In this study, we asked whether administration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to mice which were tolerized by high dose of antigen could modulate T cell functions to restore the suppressed cellular immune response and to produce the distinct lymphokines. An intravenous injection of high dose of sheep red blood cells induced suppression of delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) and a single subcutaneous injection of the tolerant mice with DHEA restored the suppressed DTH response. Furthermore, in vitro treatment of spleen cells from tolerant mice with DHEA abolished the transfer of tolerance to naive recipients. Lymphocytes from the DHEA-treated tolerant mice produced more IFN-gamma and less IL-4 and IL-6 than the cells from tolerant animals without DHEA treatment. These findings indicate that DHEA could recover antigen-specific immune suppression by differentially affecting T cells to produce the distinct lymphokines. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Biochemical and pharmacological characterization of the human bradykinin subtype 2 receptor produced in mammalian cells using the Semliki Forest virus system.
Bradykinin, a vasoactive peptide, plays a crucial role in many cardiovascular processes via activation of the bradykinin subtype 2 receptor (B2R). B2R, a member of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, is a potential drug target in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, pain and inflammation. In this study, human B2R was expressed at high levels in baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells using Semliki Forest virus-based vectors. The recombinant receptor was produced as a fusion protein with affinity tags and an expression level of 11 pmol/mg (i.e., approx. 0.2 mg of active receptor per liter of culture) was obtained. Radioligand binding analysis revealed that the recombinant receptor binds to its endogenous ligand bradykinin with high affinity (Kd = 0.12 nM) and its pharmacological profile was similar to that of B2R in native tissues. Bradykinin-stimulated accumulation of inositol phosphate was observed in BHK cells expressing the recombinant receptor, which indicated the activation of endogenous G alpha(q) protein by the recombinant B2R. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and immunogold staining revealed that the recombinant receptor was predominantly localized intracellularly. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an affinity-tagged recombinant B2R been expressed at high levels in BHK cells and extensively characterized. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Impact of 1.8-GHz radiofrequency radiation (RFR) on DNA damage and repair induced by doxorubicin in human B-cell lymphoblastoid cells.
In the present in vitro study, a comet assay was used to determine whether 1.8-GHz radiofrequency radiation (RFR, SAR of 2W/kg) can influence DNA repair in human B-cell lymphoblastoid cells exposed to doxorubicin (DOX) at the doses of 0microg/ml, 0.05microg/ml, 0.075microg/ml, 0.10microg/ml, 0.15microg/ml and 0.20microg/ml. The combinative exposures to RFR with DOX were divided into five categories. DNA damage was detected at 0h, 6h, 12h, 18h and 24h after exposure to DOX via the comet assay, and the percent of DNA in the tail (% tail DNA) served as the indicator of DNA damage. The results demonstrated that (1) RFR could not directly induce DNA damage of human B-cell lymphoblastoid cells; (2) DOX could significantly induce DNA damage of human B-cell lymphoblastoid cells with the dose-effect relationship, and there were special repair characteristics of DNA damage induced by DOX; (3) E-E-E type (exposure to RFR for 2h, then simultaneous exposure to RFR and DOX, and exposure to RFR for 6h, 12h, 18h and 24h after exposure to DOX) combinative exposure could obviously influence DNA repair at 6h and 12h after exposure to DOX for four DOX doses (0.075microg/ml, 0.10microg/ml, 0.15microg/ml and 0.20microg/ml) in human B-cell lymphoblastoid cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The risk of death from cardiovascular diseases in the male population of working age in Poland. II. Epidemiological observations and basic results.
The objective of this work is to present the methodology and basic results of epidemiological studies, which facilitate the evaluation of risk of death from cardiovascular diseases in males of working age, exposed to risk factors related to this group of diseases, in comparison with females. The results revealed that in Poland, social and stressogenic factors determining strong negative life-styles play a significant part in shaping male mortality. These factors, acting in combination with high rates of hazards such as smoking, arterial hypertension, obesity and diabetes, significantly increase mortality from cardiovascular diseases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Frequency-shifted light storage via stimulated Brillouin scattering in optical fibers.
A method for storing optical data pulse sequences, frequency shifted with respect to the original data pulse frequency, is theoretically described and experimentally demonstrated. Data pulses are converted into long-living acoustic waves via stimulated Brillouin scattering in optical fiber by counterpropagating write pulses of one frequency, and later they are retrieved by read pulses at a different frequency giving rise to frequency-shifted stored pulses. The shifted frequency is governed by the phase-matching condition between the read pulse and the acoustic wave, which can be satisfied using birefringent fibers. The converted frequency is +/-52 GHz and is tuned by applying strain to the fiber with a slope coefficient of +/-1.8 MHz/micro epsilon, and conversion efficiency can be as high as 13% for the storage time of 8-25 ns. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Trial application of a Model of Resource Utilization, Costs, and Outcomes for Stroke (MORUCOS) to assist priority setting in stroke.
Cost-effectiveness data for stroke interventions are limited, and comparisons between studies are confounded by methodological inconsistencies. The aim of this study was to trial the use of the intervention module of the economic model, a Model of Resource Utilization, Costs, and Outcomes for Stroke (MORUCOS) to facilitate evaluation and ranking of the options. The approach involves using an economic model together with added secondary considerations. A consistent approach was taken using standard economic evaluation methods. Data from the North East Melbourne Stroke Incidence Study (NEMESIS) were used to model "current practice" (base case), against which 2 interventions were compared. A 2-stage process was used to measure benefit: health gains (expressed in disability-adjusted life years [DALYs]) and filter analysis. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated, and probabilistic uncertainty analysis was undertaken. Aspirin, a low-cost intervention applicable to a large number of stroke patients (9153 first-ever cases), resulted in modest health benefits (946 DALYs saved) and a mean ICER (based on incidence costs) of US 1421 dollars per DALY saved. Although the health gains from recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA) were less (155 DALYs saved), these results were impressive given the small number of persons (256) eligible for treatment. rtPA dominates current practice because it is more effective and cost-saving. If used to assess interventions across the stroke care continuum, MORUCOS offers enormous capacity to support decision-making in the prioritising of stroke services. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Repeated hospitalization for the same disease: a multiplier of national health costs.
In five typical hospitals, and a specialized treatment center, more than half of all patients--and 60 percent of all costs--were attributable to repeated admissions for the same disease. The fiscal and clinical nature of repeated hospitalization suggests changes for national health policy. These will require more sensitive identification of patients "at risk" of recidivism, and insurance mechanisms that relate more rationally and equitably to long-term needs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Targeted therapies in non-small cell lung cancer: a focus on ALK/ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and ROS1 rearrangements define important molecular subgroups of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The identification of these genetic driver alterations created new potential for highly active therapeutic interventions. After discovery of ALK rearrangements in NSCLC, it was recognized that these confer sensitivity to ALK inhibition. Areas covered: Crizotinib, the first-in-class ALK/ROS1/MET inhibitor, was initially approved as second-line treatment of ALK-positive advanced NSCLC but after this, it was firmly established as the standard first-line therapy for advanced ALK-positive NSCLC. After initial response to crizotinib, tumors inevitably relapse. Next-generation ALK inhibitors, more potent and brain-penetrable than crizotinib, may be effective in re-inducing remissions when cancers are still addicted to ALK. Ceritinib and alectinib are approved for metastatic ALK positive NSCLC patients, while brigatinib received granted accelerated approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Regarding ROS1 rearrangement, to date crizotinib is the only ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitor receiving indication as treatment of ROS1 positive advanced NSCLC. Expert commentary: Although novel ALK-inhibitors are under clinical investigation compared to crizotinib as front-line treatment for ALK-positive NSCLC, nowadays the current standard first-line therapy for these patients is crizotinib. Further research will clarify the best management of ALK-positive NSCLC, above all who progress on first-line crizotinib. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Parallel visual processing characteristics in healthy alexithymic subjects. Administration of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the parallel visual information test].
Alexithymia is a concept created by Sifneos and characterized by an inability to find words to describe feelings or emotions. The phenomenon seems to be also related to a poverty of cognitive and symbolic processes (de Bonis, 1986). Alexithymia was first studied in psychosomatic disorders, then in several other somatic disorders as chronic bronchitis, chronic pain, obesity, abuse disorders. It also appears in non medically ill subjects. The french validation of the Toronto alexithymia Scale (TAS) in general population (n = 786) has shown 8.14% alexithymia frequency. The TAS is a 26-items self-report measure rated on a five-point likert scale. In the study we use the TAS and we refer to a visual test: the Parallel Visual Information Processing Test (PVIPT), involving the connexionist theory in the neuropsychological approach of alexithymia. The neuropsychological model is based on cerebral hemispheric specialization: emotions are localized in the right hemisphere and verbal expression depends on the left hemisphere in right-handed persons. The model posits that alexithymia is related to a lack of connection between the two cerebral hemispheres. It explains the deficit to verbally articulate emotions. The aim of our study is to compare the quality of cognitive and symbolic process (PVIPT) in alexithymic and non alexithymic subjects in general population. 773 students are tested with the TAS. We find 47 alexithymic subjects (6.08%). 22 alexithymic subjects and the control group (35 non alexithymic subjects) are evaluated with the PVIPT. Results are coherent with our previous studies on alexithymia in somatic disorders on one hand and alexithymia in neurological disease on the other hand. Theorical model, clinical observation and experimental results tend to define congruent hypothesis relative to the anxious pathology, supporting the reflexion and the research in the domain of the emotional disorders. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The elemental abundance pattern in a galaxy at z = 2.626.
The discovery of metal-poor stars (where metal is any element more massive than helium) has enabled astronomers to probe the chemical enrichment history of the Milky Way. More recently, element abundances in gas inside high-redshift galaxies has been probed through the absorption lines imprinted on the spectra of background quasars, but these have typically yielded measurements of only a few elements. Furthermore, interpretation of these abundances is complicated by the fact that differential incorporation of metals into dust can produce an abundance pattern similar to that expected from nucleosynthesis by massive stars. Here we report the observation of over 25 elements in a galaxy at redshift z = 2.626. With these data, we can examine nucleosynthetic processes independent of the uncertainty arising from depletion. We find that the galaxy was enriched mainly by massive stars (M > 15 solar masses) and propose that it is the progenitor of a massive elliptical galaxy. The detailed abundance patterns suggest that boron is produced through processes that act independently of metallicity, and may require alternative mechanisms for the nucleosynthesis of germanium. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reflex patterns in preganglionic sympathetic neurons projecting to the superior cervical ganglion in the rat.
Reflex patterns in preganglionic neurons projecting in the cervical sympathetic trunk (CST) were analyzed in response to stimulation of various afferent systems. We focused on the question whether these preganglionic neurons can be classified into functionally distinct subpopulations. Reflex responses were elicited by stimulation of trigeminal and spinal nociceptive, thermoreceptive as well as baroreceptor and chemoreceptor afferents. Multi- and single fiber preparations were studied in baroreceptor intact and sino-aortically denervated animals. Spontaneous activity of 36 preganglionic single neurons ranged from 0.2 to 3.5 imp/s (median= 1.11 imp/s). The degree of cardiac rhythmicity (CR) in the activity of sympathetic neurons was 69.5+/-13% (mean+/-S.D.; N=52; range=39-95%). Noxious stimulation of acral skin activated the majority (67%) of sympathetic preparations by 37+/-25% (N=35) above pre-stimulus activity; 15% were inhibited. In these neurons the response to noxious stimulation of acral skin was significantly correlated with the degree of CR (P<0.001, N=52) in that neurons showing the strongest excitation to noxious stimulation displayed the strongest CR. Noxious mechanical stimulation of body trunk skin (N=60) inhibited the majority (80%) of fiber preparations tested (by 34+/-18% of pre-stimulus activity, N=48); an activation was not observed. Cold stimulation of acral (N=9) and body trunk skin (N=42) activated most fiber preparations. Trigeminal stimulation evoked a uniform reflex activation of preganglionic neurons (+79+/-73% of pre-stimulus activity, N=32). Chemoreceptor stimulation by systemic hypercapnia elicited inhibitory (-31+/-19%, N=8) as well as excitatory (+59+/-5%, N=4) responses. These results show that preganglionic sympathetic neurons projecting to target organs in the head exhibit distinct reflex patterns to stimulation of various afferent systems; however, a clear classification into different functional subgroups did not emerge. Furthermore, reflex patterns showed a segmental organization to noxious cutaneous stimulation of acral parts and body trunk reflecting a differential central integration of spinal afferent input. Compared with the cat the reflex organization of sympathetic neurons projecting to the head seems to be less differentiated in the anesthetized rat. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Prevalence of hepatitis G virus among Tunisian blood donors].
Prevalence of hepatitis G virus among Tunisian blood donors Hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV) is a recently identified virus which occurs worldwide. The prevalence of GBV-C/HGV in Tunisia has not been previously studied. We aimed to assess the prevalence of GBV-C/HGV infection in Tunisian blood donors. A total of 912 blood donors were tested for anti-E2 antibodies of GBV-C/HGV by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and 600 were tested by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. GBV-C/HGV RNA was found in 5.3% of the sample and HGV antibodies occurred in 4.9%. A correlation was noticed between GBV-C/HGV infection and hepatitis C virus (P = 0.006). The prevalence of GBV-C/HGV is similar to that reported worldwide. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Auditory aftereffects with approaching and withdrawing sound sources: dependence on trajectory and domain of presentation of adapting stimuli].
The perceptual peculiarities of sound source withdrawing and approaching and their influence on auditory aftereffects were studied in the free field. The radial movement of the auditory adapting stimuli was imitated by two methods: (1) by oppositely directed simultaneous amplitude change of the wideband signals at two loudspeakers placed at 1.1 and 4.5 m from a listener; (2) by an increase or a decrease of the wideband noise amplitude of the impulses at one of the loudspeakers--whether close or distant. The radial auditory movement of test stimuli was imitated by using the first method of imitation of adapting stimuli movement. Nine listeners estimated the direction of test stimuli movement without adaptation (control) and after adaptation. Adapting stimuli were stationary, slowly moving with sound level variation of 2 dB and rapidly moving with variation of 12 dB. The percentage of "withdrawing" responses was used for psychometric curve construction. Three perceptual phenomena were found. The growing louder effect was shown in control series without adaptation. The effect was characterized by a decrease of the number of "withdrawing" responses and overestimation of test stimuli as approaching. The position-dependent aftereffects were noticed after adaptation to the stationary and slowly moving sound stimuli. The aftereffect was manifested as an increase of the number of "withdrawing" responses and overestimation of test stimuli as withdrawal. The effect was reduced with increase of the distance between the listener and the loudspeaker. Movement aftereffects were revealed after adaptation to the rapidly moving stimuli. Aftereffects were direction-dependent: the number of "withdrawal" responses after adaptation to approach increased, whereas after adaptation to withdrawal it decreased relative to control. The movement aftereffects were more pronounced at imitation of movement of adapting stimuli by the first method. In this case the listener could determine the starting and the finishing points of movement trajectory. Interaction of movement aftereffects with the growing louder effect was absent in all ways of presentation of adapting stimuli. With increase of distance to the source of adapting stimuli, there was observed a tendency for a decrease of aftereffect of approach and for an increase of aftereffect of withdrawal. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Adhesins encoded by the gingipain genes of Porphyromonas gingivalis are responsible for co-aggregation with Prevotella intermedia.
Co-aggregation among bacterial cells caused by the adherence of one bacterial species to another is a potential colonization mechanism. Several putative aggregation factors for co-aggregation between Porphyromonas (Por.) gingivalis and Prevotella (Pre.) intermedia were partially purified from Por. gingivalis vesicles by gel filtration and affinity chromatography. Antisera against the aggregation factors were made. Analysis using these antisera revealed that 18 and 44 kDa proteins might be responsible for Por. gingivalis vesicle-mediated aggregation of Pre. intermedia. Using antiserum against the 18 kDa protein, the DNA region encoding it was cloned from Por. gingivalis genomic DNA. Sequence analysis revealed that the DNA region was located within the rgpA and kgp genes, encoding Arg-gingipain (Rgp) and Lys-gingipain (Kgp), respectively, and it encoded non-catalytic adhesin domain regions, namely a C-terminal portion of HGP15, the entire HGP17 sequence and an N-terminal portion of HGP27. A portion of the DNA sequence was also found in the haemagglutinin A (hagA) gene. A recombinant glutathione S-transferase (GST)-HGP17 fusion protein reacted to antiserum against the 18 kDa protein and Pre. intermedia cells could adhere to GST-HGP17-conjugated Sepharose 4B beads, indicating that the HGP17 domain protein is responsible for Por. gingivalis vesicle-mediated aggregation of Pre. intermedia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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