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Does mood influence the realism of confidence judgments?
Previous research has shown that mood affects cognition, but the extent to which mood affects meta-cognitive judgments is a relatively over-looked issue. In the current study we investigated how mood influences the degree of realism in participants' confidence judgments (based on an episodic memory task). Using music and film in combination, we successfully induced an elated mood in half of the participants, but failed to induce a sad mood in the other half. In line with previous research, the participants in both conditions were overconfident in their judgments. However, and contrary to our prediction, our data indicated that there was no difference in the realism of the confidence between the conditions. When relating this result to previous research, our conclusion is that there is no, or very little, influence of mood of moderate intensity on the realism of confidence judgments. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Endoscopically Assisted Targeted Keyhole Retrosigmoid Approaches for Microvascular Decompression: Quantitative Anatomic Study.
We describe and quantitatively assess minimally invasive keyhole retrosigmoid approaches targeted to the upper, middle, and lower cranial nerve (CN) complexes of the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). Anatomic dissections were performed on 10 sides of 5 fixed, silicone-injected cadaver heads. Surgical views through various trajectories were assessed in endoscopic videos and 3-dimensional (3D) interactive virtual reality microscope views. Surgical freedom and angles of attack to the proximal and distal areas of CN complexes of the CPA were compared among upper and lower keyholes and conventional retrosigmoid craniotomy using neuronavigation. Compared with keyholes, the conventional approach had superior surgical freedom to most areas except for the distal CN V, the root of CN VII, and the root of CN IX, where differences were not significant. The conventional retrosigmoid approach provided a larger horizontal angle of attack than either the upper or lower keyholes for all selected areas; however, the vertical angles of attack were not different. Splitting the petrosal fissure resulted in a significant increase in the vertical angle of attack to the root zones of CNs V and VII but not to the distal areas of these nerves or CN IX. Illustrative cases of endoscope-assisted keyhole retrosigmoid approaches for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, and glossopharyngeal neuralgia are presented. Targeted keyhole retrosigmoid approaches require detailed understanding of the 3D anatomy of the CPA to create appropriate locations of corridors, including skin incisions and keyholes. Endoscope assistance complements the standard microsurgical technique by maximizing the visualization and identification of the delicate neurovascular structures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Contribution to the clinical polymorphism in Huntington's disease].
A family is described in which closely consanguineous parents had Huntington chorea and in their son a severe hypertonic-hypokinetic syndrome with pellagra-like cutaneous changes was present. In two generations of the family in 6 subjects involuntary movements and gait disorders were reported. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Access to antenatal care and children's cognitive development: a comparative analysis in Ethiopia, Peru, Vietnam and India.
Early life interventions are considered essential for reducing the burden of health inequalities over the life course. This paper tests this issue empirically focusing on whether access to antenatal care can later reduce children's health and educational inequalities. Data came from the Young Lives Project for Ethiopia, Peru, Vietnam, and the State of Andhra Pradesh in India. We selected children born in early 2001/2002 and who were followed longitudinally in 2006/2007. We used multilevel mixed effects linear regression models to estimate the parameters of interest. We found a positive and significant relationship between mothers' access to antenatal care and their children's cognitive development in all countries. In addition, we found a positive and significant relationship between antenatal care and children's cognitive development for stunted children but only in Peru and Vietnam. We conclude that (1) antenatal care has the potential to change the negative consequences of early nutritional deficiencies on later cognitive development in Peru and Vietnam; (2) differentials in the quality of antenatal care services could explain the cross-country differentials in the role of early life interventions found here. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Diagnosis of central venous access device occlusion. Implications for nursing practice.
Central venous catheters provide reliable access to patients requiring prolonged parenteral therapies. An occluded catheter can impede treatment and hinder medical management of the patient. Early recognition and treatment of a malfunctioning line are paramount for catheter preservation. An understanding of the causes of catheter occlusion and methods to diagnose and treat obstructions will assist the nurse in developing appropriate nursing interventions for catheter treatment. This article reviews causes of central venous catheter obstruction and describes methods for diagnosis and treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cryptococcosis in pregnancy and the postpartum period: Case series and systematic review with recommendations for management.
Cryptococcal meningitis causes 15% of AIDS-related deaths. Optimal management and clinical outcomes of pregnant women with cryptococcosis are limited to case reports, as pregnant women are often excluded from research. Amongst pregnant women with asymptomatic cryptococcosis, no treatment guidelines exist. We prospectively identified HIV-infected women who were pregnant or recently pregnant with cryptococcosis, screened during a series of meningitis research studies in Uganda from 2012 to 2018. Among 571 women screened for cryptococcosis, 13 were pregnant, one was breastfeeding, three were within 14 days postpartum, and two had recently miscarried. Of these 19 women (3.3%), 12 had cryptococcal meningitis, six had cryptococcal antigenemia, and one had a history of cryptococcal meningitis and was receiving secondary prophylaxis. All women with meningitis received amphotericin B deoxycholate (0.7-1.0 mg/kg). Five were exposed to 200-800 mg fluconazole during pregnancy. Of these five, three delivered healthy babies with no gross physical abnormalities at birth, one succumbed to meningitis, and one outcome was unknown. Maternal meningitis survival rate at hospital discharge was 75% (9/12), and neonatal/fetal survival rate was 44% (4/9) for those mothers who survived. Miscarriages and stillbirths were common (n = 4). Of six women with cryptococcal antigenemia, two received fluconazole, one received weekly amphotericin B, and three had unknown treatment courses. All women with antigenemia survived, and none developed clinical meningitis. We report good maternal outcomes but poor fetal outcomes for cryptococcal meningitis using amphotericin B, without fluconazole in the first trimester, and weekly amphotericin B in place of fluconazole for cryptococcal antigenemia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Outcomes of breast cancer in Brazil related to health care coverage: a retrospective cohort study.
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women in Brazil. Differences between patients with public versus private healthcare coverage about general characteristics, disease presentation, treatment of primary tumors, and clinical outcomes have not been fully investigated. A national, retrospective cohort of 3,142 patients drawn from a representative sample of Brazilian medical centers was selected. Clinical and demographic data and type of healthcare coverage were retrieved by chart review. Groups were compared using the χ(2) test. The log-rank test was used for comparison of disease-free survival (DFS), postrelapse, and overall survival (OS). Multivariate Cox regression modeling with adjustment for patient characteristics and stage at diagnosis was performed. All P values are two sided. Patients with public health coverage presented with more advanced disease at diagnosis (P < 0.001). DFS and OS for patients presenting with stage 0-II disease did not differ according to the type of healthcare coverage, whereas a significant difference in outcomes was seen for stage III-IV patients (P = 0.002 and P = 0.008, respectively). In a Cox multivariate analysis, no association was found for the type of health coverage with either DFS or OS, but there was an association for postrelapse survival (P < 0.001). In Brazil, patients with breast cancer with public health coverage present with more advanced disease, and this possibly explains worse DFS and OS when compared with those with private coverage. Earlier diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer could improve outcomes of women with public health coverage in Brazil. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Simultaneous Determination of Perfluorinated Compounds in Edible Oil by Gel-Permeation Chromatography Combined with Dispersive Solid-Phase Extraction and Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.
A simple analytical method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of 18 perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in edible oil. The target compounds were extracted by acetonitrile, purified by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and dispersive solid-phase extraction (DSPE) using graphitized carbon black (GCB) and octadecyl (C18), and analyzed by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ES-MS/MS) in negative ion mode. Recovery studies were performed at three fortification levels. The average recoveries of all target PFCs ranged from 60 to 129%, with an acceptable relative standard deviation (RSD) (1-20%, n = 3). The method detection limits (MDLs) ranged from 0.004 to 0.4 μg/kg, which was significantly improved compared with the existing liquid-liquid extraction and cleanup method. The method was successfully applied for the analysis of all target PFCs in edible oil samples collected from markets in Beijing, China, and the results revealed that C6-C10 perfluorocarboxylic acid (PFCAs) and C7 perfluorosulfonic acid PFSAs were the major PFCs detected in oil samples. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neuro-oncology practice in the UK.
The aim of the study was to determine current U.K. neuro-oncology practice. A questionnaire was sent to all U.K. clinical oncologists who treat primary brain tumours. Results were distributed to these doctors with an invitation to attend a workshop in September 2000 to debate areas of differing practice and to review the existing related evidence. A further workshop was held in May 2002. The questionnaire responses and discussion of controversial areas, including the management of high-grade gliomas, low-grade gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas and multiple-brain metastases are included in this paper. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of conformity and nonconformity to gender-role expectations for dress: teachers versus students.
Role theory predicts that a student's conformity to gender-role expectations for dress will result in favorable teacher evaluations and expectations. This conformity may be complicated by contradictory expectations from two sources: teachers and peers. This study examined the effects of conformity and nonconformity to gender-role expectations for dress on evaluations made by teachers and students. Both viewed a photograph of a young male student wearing or not wearing an earring and rated his personal traits, educational performance, parents' attitudes, social class, and interpersonal skills. Subjects were also asked to assess guilt and assign punishment after reading a behavior vignette. Results revealed that evaluations of personal traits, social class, and reactions to the behavior vignette were influenced by the presence or absence of an earring and by whether the evaluator was a teacher or a student. Results are discussed in terms of role theory. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
TG2 protects neuroblastoma cells against DNA-damage-induced stress, suppresses p53 activation.
Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is a multifunctional member of the transglutaminase (TGase) family (E.C.2.3.2.13), which catalyzes in a calcium-dependent reaction the formation of covalent bonds between the gamma-carboxamide groups of peptide-bound glutamine residues and various primary amines. Here, we investigated the role of TG2 in a response of the neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells to topoisomerase II inhibitor etoposide, known to trigger DNA-damage cell response. We found an early and transient (approximately 2 h) increase of the TG2 protein in SH-SY5Y cells treated with etoposide, along with the increase of phosphorylated and total levels of the p53 protein. Next, we showed that SH-SY5Y cells, which overexpress wild-type TG2 were significantly protected against etoposide-induced cell death. The TG2 protective effect was associated only with the transamidation active form of TG2, because overexpression the wild-type TG2, but not its transamidation inactive C277S form, resulted in a pronounced suppression of caspase-3 activity as well as p53 phosphorylation during the etoposide-induced stress. In addition, exacerbation of cell death with a significant increase in caspase-3 and p53 activation was observed in SH/anti-TG2 cells, in which expression of the endogenous TG2 protein has been greatly reduced by the antisense cDNA construct. Though the cell signaling and molecular mechanisms of the TG2-driven suppression of the cell death machinery remain to be investigated, our findings strongly suggest that TG2 plays an active role in the response of neuroblastoma cells to DNA-damage-induced stress by exerting a strong protective effect, likely by the suppression of p53 activation and p53-driven cell signaling events. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The ejection of triatomic molecular hydrogen ions H(3) (+) produced by the interaction of benzene molecules with ultrafast laser pulses.
The ejection process of triatomic molecular hydrogen ions produced by the interaction of benzene with ultrafast laser pulses of moderate strong intensity ( approximately 10(14) W/cm(2)) is studied by means of TOF mass spectrometry. The H(3) (+) formation can only take place through the rupture of two C-H bonds and the migration of hydrogen atoms within the molecular structure. The H(3) (+) fragments are released with high kinetic energy (typically 2-8 eV) and at laser intensities >or=10(14) W/cm(2), well above that required for the double ionization of benzene, suggesting that its formation is taking place within multiply charged parent ions. The relative ejection efficiency of H(3) (+) molecular hydrogen ions with respect to the atomic ones is found to be strongly decreasing as a function of the laser intensity and pulse duration (67-25 fs). It is concluded that the H(3) (+) formation is only feasible within parent molecular precursors of relatively low charged states and before significant elongation of their structure takes place, while the higher multiply charged molecular ions preferentially dissociate into H(+) ions. The ejection of H(2) (+) ions is also discussed in comparison to the production of H(3) (+) and H(+) ions. Finally, by recording the mass spectra of two deuterium label isotopes of benzene (1,2-C(6)H(4)D(2), 1,4-C(6)H(4)D(2)) it is verified that the ejection efficiency of some molecular fragments, such as D(2)H(+), DH(+), is dependent on the specific position of hydrogen atoms in the molecular skeleton prior dissociation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The role of analytical SEM in the determination of causation in malignant mesothelioma.
The causative relationship between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is firmly established. Some information in this regard comes from analysis of the fiber content of lung tissue by means of analytical electron microscopy. The author has had the opportunity to study the lung asbestos content of 396 cases of mesothelioma, including 28 peritoneal cases, by means of analytical scanning electron microscopy. The highest fiber levels occurred in patients who also had asbestosis, which was found in 12% of pleural and 43% of peritoneal cases. Elevated tissue asbestos content was identified in 87% of pleural and 75% of peritoneal cases. Peritoneal cases that are asbestos related have on average a higher lung fiber burden than pleural cases. Mesotheliomas in women have elevated tissue asbestos content in about 60% of cases, and many of these had a history of exposure as a household contact of an asbestos worker. The main fiber type identified in our series was amphibole, predominantly amosite. These fibers have been demonstrated to reach the target tissue, the pleura. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The role of lifestyle changes in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common endocrinopathy of the reproductive age. Heterogenity of its clinical symptoms is related to the presence of a number of phenotypes of this disfunction, hence the necessity for individualized treatment is needed. A change of a lifestyle, well-balanced diet and physical activity are the most effective medical way contributing to the improvement of carbohydrate metabolism parameters and weight reduction which reactivates regular ovulation and facilitates getting pregnant. A change of diet should encompass determination for appropriate calorie requirements, content of particular macroelements as well as selection of the products with low glycemic index. Vitamin D supplemantation as well as inosital is of great importance as well. Both these ingredients are extremely effective in treating the disorders resulting from polycystic ovary syndrome. Adding them to a daily diet contributes to improving carbohydrate metabolism and reducing insulin resistance. Additionally, they accelerate weight loss, regulate menstrual cycles and enhance reinstating regular ovulation, hence facilitate to get pregnant. Together with introducing dietary changes, patients should be reminded about the crucial role of physical activity. A kind of exercises should be chosen according to a patient's preferences and be adjusted to her actual health condition. Only physical activity done with pleasure may become a healthy custom improving the effects of a proper diet. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Self-assembled epoxy-modified polymer coating on a poly(dimethylsiloxane) microchip for EOF inhibition and biopolymers separation.
A straightforward approach to generate a stable and protein-resistant poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) surface using self-assembled hydrophilic polymers is demonstrated in this work. Epoxy-modified polymers were directly adsorbed from aqueous solution onto plasma oxidized PDMS based on H-bond interaction, and epoxies of polymer and silanols on oxidized PDMS surface were crosslinked by heating at 110 degrees C. The coating process could be completed within half hour. Poly(dimethylacrylamide-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (PDMA-co-GMA), poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)-g-glycidyl methacrylate (PVP-g-GMA) and poly(vinyl alcohol)-g-glycidyl methacrylate (PVA-g-GMA) (D. P. Wu, B. X. Zhao, Z. P. Dai, J. H. Qin and B. C. Lin, Lab Chip, 2006, 6, 942) were employed as examples here. Unlike PDMA, PVP, and PVA themselves, these epoxy-modified hydrophilic polymers could be directly used as static surface coatings on oxidized PDMS, and inhibited electroosmotic flow (EOF) within pH 3-11. It was also found that hard baking of PDMS at 150 degrees C for 24 hours before surface coating could greatly retard surface hydrophobicity recovery after oxygen plasma exposure, which strengthened epoxy-modified polymer coatings on oxidized PDMS surface, and resulted in EOF less than 0.2 x 10(-4) cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) (pH 9.0) within two weeks. On epoxy-modified polymer coated PDMS microchips, basic proteins, peptides and DNA fragments could be separated satisfactorily, in which more than 2 x 10(4) plates per 2 cm and less than 3% RSD (>8 runs) for migration time were obtained for lysozyme. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Postoperative pancreatic fistula following distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic neoplasm; can pancreatic fistula be prevented?
Pancreatic fistula is a potentially fatal complication in pancreatic surgery. The objective of this study was to analyze the incidence of pancreatic fistula in patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic neoplasm. Forty-seven patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy for neoplasm of the pancreas at Kochi Medical School between October 1981 and December 2002 were studied. Comparative analysis was carried out to identify the correlations between the incidence of pancreatic fistula and parameters of preoperative evaluation, intraoperative procedure, and postoperative laboratory investigation. The incidence of pancreatic fistula in patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic neoplasm was 27.7%. Intraoperatively, the frequency of pancreatic fistula was significantly high in patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy without lymph node dissection and ligation of the splenic artery. No significant difference was recognized between the conventional surgical division and auto suture staple groups, however, in the ultrasonically activated scalpel (USAS) group, no pancreatic fistula was observed. A multivariate analysis revealed that independent high incidence of pancreatic fistula were 1) the situation of the tumor at pancreatic body, 2) the procedure of D2 lymph node dissection, and 3) the ligation of the root of splenic artery. In the group with the presence of pancreatic fistula, the serum amylase level on the first postoperative day was significantly higher than that in the group without fistula. Our findings supported that pancreatic fistula may be preventable by use of the USAS and treatment of acute pancreatitis in the early postoperative stage. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Attending to emotions is sharing of emotions - A multidisciplinary perspective to social attention and emotional sharing. Comment on Zahavi and Rochat (2015).
Attending to bodily expression of emotions plays an important role in the human social world. It provides subjects with valuable information, constructs opportunities to act, and importantly, as Daniel Stern pointed out, it is involved in the constitution of the direct experience of others. Whether mutual or one-sided, these direct experiences, in which the subject can share the perspectives and attitudes of other subjects, always comprise one person's bodily expression of emotions that is available to another person. In this article I suggest that attending to other subjects' expressed emotions involves a special (social) mode of attention and emotional sharing. This suggestion challenges Dan Zahavi's view that confines the sharing of emotions solely to reciprocal experiences. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A Retrospective Tomographic and Histologic Analysis of Horizontal Bone Augmentation in Maxillary Atrophic Ridges Using Resorbable Membrane with Anorganic Bovine Bone-Derived Mineral and Plasma Rich in Growth Factors.
A total of six patients treated from 2010 to 2014, having a knife-edge ridge (Cawood-Howell Class IV resorbed ridges) and requiring an implant-prosthetic rehabilitation, were selected. Tomographic measurement of the edentulous ridges was performed before grafting and after implant placement. At 6 months postgraft, a total of 41 implants had been inserted, 17 in the posterior region, 12 in the central region, and 12 in the anterior region. No surgical or healing complications were recorded, and the prostheses were loaded 6 to 9 months after implant placement. The tomographic measurements demonstrated an increased area in all the sites where bone augmentation had been performed, corresponding to 11.1% in the anterior region, 94.7% in the central region, and 760.2% in the posterior region. Histology was performed in 2 patients, one at 1 year and the other at 5 years postgrafting, and demonstrated the presence of mature lamellar bone tissue and newly formed bone without morphologic signs of necrosis or inflammation and a reduction of 50% to 30% of the grafted material. Although this study included a small number of clinical cases, it demonstrated how management of the atrophic maxillary ridge, with the goal of implant placement, may be handled using a technique that requires a single anorganic bovine bone-derived mineral treatment combined with a plasma rich in growth factors and resorbable collagen membrane. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Investigating integument alterations in cubicle housed dairy cows: which types and locations can be combined?
In this study, a data set of 2922 lactating dairy cows in a sample of 64 conventional and organic dairy farms with Holstein Friesian cows in Germany and 31 conventional dairy farms with the dual purpose breed Fleckvieh in Austria was used to screen for correlations between the occurrences of different integument alterations. All cows were housed in cubicle systems. Alterations were classified as hairless areas (H), scabs or wounds (W) or swellings (S) and assessed at 15 locations of the cows' body. Highest median farm prevalences were found at the joints of the legs, which are already commonly included in studies on integumentary alterations: median farm prevalence was 83% for S and 48% for H at the carpal joints, followed by H (38%) and S (20%) at the lateral tarsal joints and H at the lateral calcanei (20%). Additional body parts with notable median prevalences for H were the hip bones (13%), pin bones (12%) and sacrum (11%). Three cluster models, with 2, 5 and 14 clusters, were built by hierarchical clustering of prevalences of the 30 most relevant alteration location combinations. Clustering revealed that location overruled type of lesion in most cases. Occasionally, clusters represented body segments significantly distant from each other, for example the carpal joints and lateral and dorsal calcanei. However, some neighbouring areas such as the medial and lateral hock area should be analysed separately from each other for causal analysis as they formed distinct clusters. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ketone body turnover at term and in premature newborns in the first 2 weeks after birth.
Using the infusion of D-(-)-3-hydroxy-[1,2,3,4,-13C4]butyrate at tracer doses, we measured total ketone body turnover in 13 premature and 10 at term infants in the first 2 weeks after birth. The premature infants received parenteral and/or oral feeding. The normal newborns were either recently fed or briefly fasting. The premature and the fed at term infants had comparable concentrations of ketone body (476 +/- 86 and 406 +/- 78 mumol/l) and free fatty acids (FFA) (309 +/- 47 and 325 +/- 75 mumol/l). In the premature newborns, ketone body turnover rates (3.2 +/- 0.2 mumol kg-1 min-1) were 74% that of fed newborns at term (4.3 +/- 0.3 mumol kg-1 min-1, p < 0.05), and 18% that of normal newborns during a brief fast (17.3 +/- 1.3 mumol kg-1 min-1, p < 0.01). Ketone body production rates correlated with plasma FFA concentrations in both groups (r = 0.62 and 0.69, p < 0.05). However, for a similar plasma FFA content, ketone production was 2- to 3-fold lower in the premature, indicating an immature hepatic capacity to convert FFA into ketones. Our study therefore shows that ketogenesis is already active in infants born 10 weeks before normal term and continuously fed, but that daily ketone production is lower than at term. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The open d-shell enforces the active space in 3d metal catalysis: highly enantioselective chromium(ii) pincer catalysed hydrosilylation of ketones.
Bis(oxazolinyldimethylmethyl)pyrrol (PdmBox) stereodirecting ligands provided the key to the chromium(ii)-catalysed highly enantioselective hydrosilylation of ketones. A rare square planar, chiral chromium(ii) alkyl complex was found to serve as a potent precatalyst for the reduction of a broad range of aryl alkyl and dialkyl ketone derivatives. The stereoelectronic preference of the open d4 shell of chromium(ii) firmly locks the molecular catalyst in a square planar geometry giving rise to two blocked quadrants of the coordination sphere. This earth-abundant base metal catalytic platform produces the corresponding chiral alcohols in excellent isolated yields with up to 98 %ee under mild reaction conditions (-40 °C to rt) and at low catalyst loadings (as low as 0.5 mol%). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Investigation on microstructure, composition, and cytocompatibility of natural pumice for potential biomedical application.
In this study, the properties of Changbaishan natural pumice were characterized including the microstructure, porosity, mechanical strength, composition, harmful trace element content, and cytocompatibility. The results show that the natural pumice has a porous structure with a pore size ranging from 50 to 150 mum, an interconnective porosity of 80%, and a compressive strength of 1.72 +/- 0.12 MPa, which are adequate as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering. The natural pumice is mainly composed of silicate, and the content of harmful trace elements of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) in the pumice are less than 3 ppm, whereas the content of plumbum (Pb) is less than 5 ppm, which can meet the requirement of China Medicine Standard regulation. Cytocompatibility of the pumice was also evaluated by culturing and seeding MG63 cells on the scaffold and with its medium extraction. The cells present good adhesion and proliferation and the pumice does not show a negative effect on the MG63 cells in vitro. A period of 11 days testing by 3-{4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl}-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium-bromide assay demonstrates that the pumice has little influence on the cell viability. This new investigation paves the way for further study on pumice's potential for biomedical applications, such as for bone tissue engineering scaffold. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Purification and identification of human recombinant IFN-beta expressed in yeast Pichia pastoris].
To find an effective and quick way of purifying and identifying recombinant human IFN-beta (rhIFN-beta) expressed in yeast Pichia pastoris, Blue Sepharose 6 fast flow (Blue S6FF) and immunological affinity chromatography (IAC) were compared in this report. rhIFN-beta was produced in 15 liter bioreactor and purified using the two methods mentioned above. The protein concentrations of rhIFN-beta and residual mouse IgG in purified rhIFN-beta were determined with ELISA. The molecular weight and specificity were demonstrated by PAGE and Western blot. The density of the specific precipitation bands was determined by gel scanning. The relative bioactivities were determined by cyto pathogenic effect inhibition (CPEI). The results showed that 2.65 and 3.03 mg of rhIFN-beta were obtained, respectively, by purifying with Blue S6FF or IAC from 2 liter of fermentation supernatant. The molecular weight was 22 kD. The concentrations of the special precipitation of rhIFN-beta were 95.1% and 96.2% respectively. The relative bioactivity of rhIFN-beta purified by Blue S6FF and IAC were 1.63x10(7) IU/mg and 1.43x10(7) IU/mg, respectively. The residual mouse IgG in purified rhIFN-beta by IAC was less than 50 microg/L. The results indicated that rhIFN-beta could be purified effectively and quickly from fermentation supernatant of yeast Pichia pastoris by IAC. The rhIFN-beta products purified by Blue S6FF and IAC had almost the same purity and bioactivity. The data accumulated from the experiment are useful to the preparation of rhIFN-beta on a larger scale. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Androgen-dependent regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tyrosine kinase B in the sexually dimorphic spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus.
Castration of adult male rats causes the dendrites of androgen-sensitive motoneurons of the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB) to retract. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), via activation of tyrosine receptor kinase B (trkB), has been implicated in mediating androgen effects on SNB dendrites. We used in situ hybridization to demonstrate that SNB motoneurons in gonadally intact adult male rats contain mRNA for both BDNF and trkB. Two weeks after gonadectomy, both transcripts were significantly decreased in SNB motoneurons but not in the non-androgen-responsive motoneurons of the adjacent retrodorsolateral nucleus (RDLN). In a second experiment, target perineal and foot muscles of SNB and RDLN motoneurons, respectively, were injected with the retrograde tracer Fluorogold, and then immunocytochemistry was performed to examine the distribution of BDNF and trkB proteins in SNB and RDLN motoneurons and their glutamatergic afferents. Confocal analysis revealed that gonadectomy induces a loss of BDNF protein in SNB dendrites but not in RDLN dendrites. Testosterone treatment of castrates prevented the loss of BDNF from SNB dendrites. Confocal analysis also revealed trkB protein in SNB and RDLN dendrites and in their glutamatergic afferents. Gonadectomy had no discernable effect on trkB protein in SNB or RDLN motoneurons or in their glutamatergic afferents. These results suggest that androgen maintains a BDNF-signaling pathway in SNB motoneurons that may underlie the maintenance of dendritic structure and synaptic signaling. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reuse of industrial wastewater for the irrigation of ornamental plants.
This paper describes the results of experimental activities carried out for verifying the possibility of reusing reclaimed wastewater originated from textile (70%) and domestic (30%) activities for the irrigation of container-grown ornamental shrubs. Aspects that concern the refinery treatment of reclaimed wastewater and the effect of irrigation on some ornamental plant species were investigated. An experimental site consisting of a refinery treatment pilot plant (filtration and disinfection) and an agronomic experimental area was set-up. The combined treatment of PAA and UV, used for the disinfection, showed to be very effective for inactivation of E. coli with most of PAA and UV dose combinations able to assure total inactivation. The plants (Buxus, Photinia, Pistacia and Viburnum), sprinkle and drip irrigated with well water (WW), reclaimed wastewater (RW) and a water mixed (MW) between reclaimed wastewater and well water (1:1 by vol), showed interesting results. A similar growth among different treatments was achieved for Buxus and Pistacia, while Viburnum and Photinia plants showed a higher sensibility to MW and RW. Photinia, in particular, turned out to be very sensitive to sprinkle irrigation with the reclaimed water, while the drip irrigation had no such bad effects, as reported in previous works. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Variance estimation for nucleotide substitution models.
The current variance estimators for most evolutionary models were derived when a nucleotide substitution number estimator was approximated with a simple first order Taylor expansion. In this study, we derive three variance estimators for the F81, F84, HKY85 and TN93 nucleotide substitution models, respectively. They are obtained using the second order Taylor expansion of the substitution number estimator, the first order Taylor expansion of a squared deviation and the second order Taylor expansion of a squared deviation, respectively. These variance estimators are compared with the existing variance estimator in terms of a simulation study. It shows that the variance estimator, which is derived using the second order Taylor expansion of a squared deviation, is more accurate than the other three estimators. In addition, we also compare these estimators with an estimator derived by the bootstrap method. The simulation shows that the performance of this bootstrap estimator is similar to the estimator derived by the second order Taylor expansion of a squared deviation. Since the latter one has an explicit form, it is more efficient than the bootstrap estimator. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Phase I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose escalation study of the recombinant factor VIIa variant BAY 86-6150 in hemophilia.
BAY 86-6150 is a new human recombinant factor VIIa variant developed for high procoagulant activity and longer action in people with hemophilia with inhibitors. To investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity of BAY 86-6150 in non-bleeding hemophilia subjects. The study included non-bleeding men (18-65 years of age) with moderate or severe hemophilia A or B with or without inhibitors. Sixteen subjects were randomized 3 : 1 to four cohorts of escalating doses of BAY 86-6150 (6.5, 20, 50 or 90 μg kg(-1) [n = 3 per cohort]) or placebo (n = 1 per cohort); an independent data-monitoring committee reviewed previous cohort data before the next dose escalation. Blood sampling was performed predose and postdose; subjects were monitored for 50 days postdose. At the tested doses, BAY 86-6150 was not associated with clinically significant adverse events or dose-limiting toxicities. BAY 86-6150 pharmacokinetics exhibited a linear dose response, with a half-life of 5-7 h. Subjects demonstrated consistent, dose-dependent thrombin generation ex vivo in platelet-poor plasma (PPP) (mean peak effect, 26-237 nm thrombin from 6.5 to 90 μg kg(-1)). Peak thrombin levels over time paralleled BAY 86-6150, with thrombin kinetics appearing to be slightly shorter; thus, circulating BAY 86-6150 retained activity. There were corresponding decreases in activated partial thromboplastin and prothrombin times. No subject developed de novo anti-BAY 86-6150 neutralizing antibodies during the 50-day follow-up. In this first-in-human, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose escalation study, BAY 86-6150 was tolerated at the highest dose (90 μg kg(-1)), with no safety concerns. Safety and efficacy will be further evaluated in phase II/III studies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effect of insulinlike growth factor I on wound healing variables and macrophages in rats.
To assess the effect of insulinlike growth factor I (IGF-I) depletion and restoration on the number of wound macrophages and wound healing variables. Fourteen-day, placebo-controlled trial. Animal research laboratory. Sham-operated and hypophysectomized healthy male rats weighing 300 g. Random assignment to a 14-day IGF-I (10 micrograms per wound per day) or placebo infusion directly into standardized Hunt-Schilling dorsal wound chambers. Wound healing variables (dry tissue weight, total protein, DNA, and hydroxyproline content), and number and concentration of wound macrophages. The IGF-I depletion in hypophysectomized rats decreased wound protein, DNA, and hydroxyproline content of wounds by 50%, and IGF-I infusion returned these variables to near that of sham-operated rats. Wound macrophage concentrations decreased by 50% from control in the IGF-I depleted rats and increased to 75% of control with IGF-I infusion. Insulinlike growth factor I may have a fundamental role in wound healing and may exert part of its stimulatory effect through macrophages. Although an independent effect of hypophysectomy on macrophages and collagen deposition is not excluded, we believe it is unlikely given the return to normal values with IGF-I infusion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reducing the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.
The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) diagnosed in UK genitourinary medicine clinics has increased significantly over the past decade. Nurses are becoming more involved in developing and delivering interventions that aim to control the spread of STIs. A number of control strategies for STIs used by clinicians are reviewed in this paper. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Lower extremity amputation rates in diabetic patients].
The lower extremity amputations diminish the quality of life of patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM). The aim of this study was to describe the lower extremity amputation rates in subjects with DM in the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), comparing 2004 and 2013. A comparative cross-sectional study was done. Amputations were identified from the hospital records of System of Medical Statistics (DataMart). The DM patient census was obtained from the System of Integral Attention to Health. Major and minor amputations rates were expressed per 100,000 DM patients. We observed 2 334 340 and 3 416 643 DM patients during 2004 and 2013, respectively. The average age at the time of the amputation was similar in 2004 and 2013 (61.7 and 65.6 years old for minor and major amputations respectively). The major amputations rates were 100.9 and 111.1 per 100 000 subjects with DM in during 2004 and 2013 (p = 0.001); while minor amputations rates were 168.8 and 162.5 per 100 000 subjects with DM in during 2004 and 2013 respectively (p = 0.069). The lower extremity amputations rates at IMSS are very high compared with that reported in developed countries. The major amputations rate increased in 2013 compared with 2004. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Coadministration of isomalto-oligosaccharides augments metabolic health benefits of cinnamaldehyde in high fat diet fed mice.
Bacteriostatic properties of a potential anti-obesity agent cinnamaldehyde (CMN) may present untoward effects on the resident gut microbiota. Here, we evaluated whether the combination of Isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMOs) with CMN prevents unwanted effects of CMN on gut microbiota and associated metabolic outcomes in HFD-fed mice. Male Swiss albino mice divided into four groups (n = 10), were fed on normal chow, or HFD (58% fat kcal), HFD + CMN (10 mg kg-1 ) and HFD + CMN (10 mg kg-1 ) + IMOs (1 g kg-1 ) for 12 weeks. Effects on HFD-induced biochemical, histological, inflammatory and genomic changes in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and visceral white adipose tissue were studied. Cosupplementation of CMN with IMOs potentiates its preventive action against HFD-induced increase in serum LPS and abundances of selected LPS producing bacteria (Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia Coli, Cronobacter sp, Citrobacter sp., Klebsiella sp., Salmonella sp.). CMN and IMOs co-administration prevented HFD-induced decrease in selected beneficial gut bacterial abundances (Bifidobacteria, Roseburia sp., Akkermansia muciniphila, Feacalibacterium sp.). CMN's effects against HFD-induced increase in gut permeability, histological and inflammatory changes in the colon were further augmented by cosupplementation of IMOs. Similar effects were observed in hepatic inflammatory markers. Cosupplementation of CMN with IMOs and CMN alone administration prevented HFD-induced changes in peripheral hormones and lipid metabolism-related parameters. This study provides evidence that coadministration of IMOs with CMN potentiates its anti-obesity effect and limits the side effects of CMN on gastrointestinal flora. Further, this study gives us important direction for the development of a concept-based novel class of functional foods/nutraceuticals for improved metabolic health. © BioFactors, 43(6):821-835, 2017. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Combined effects of salinity, temperature and hypoxia on Daphnia magna metabolism.
Metabolic changes of Daphnia magna pools due different abiotic factors linked to global climate change (salinity, temperature and hypoxia) were investigated using untargeted GC-MS and advanced chemometric strategies using a three factors two-level full factorial experimental design (DoE). Effects of these three factors and identity of the metabolites whose concentrations changed because of them were investigated. The simultaneous analysis of GC-MS data sets using Multivariate Curve Resolution-Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS) allowed the resolution of the elution and mass spectra profiles of a large number of D. magna metabolites. Changes in peak areas of these metabolites were then analyzed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA), by ANOVA-Simultaneous Component Analysis (ASCA) and by Orthogonal Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA), and the combined effects of the three investigated stressors were assessed. Results confirmed the strong influence of increasing environmental salinity levels on the D. magna metabolome. This impact was specially highlighted by changes on the cellular content of carbohydrates, fatty acids, organic acids and amino acid molecules. In contrast, these effects were less significant for the other two factors (temperature and hypoxia) at the moderate stressing experimental conditions investigated in this work when they were not combined with salinity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Covered Stent and Coils Embolization of a Pulmonary Artery Pseudoaneurysm After Gunshot Wound.
We report the first case of endovascular covered stent implantation for the treatment of a large pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm (PAPA) following a right thoracic gunshot wound. After resuscitation and hemodynamic stabilization, a CT angiography was performed to analyze the neck size of the PAPA and its position relative to the branches of the parent artery. Covered stent implantation with additional coil embolization was successfully performed. At the 4-year follow-up, the stents remained patent and there was neither pseudoaneurysm recurrence nor treatment-related complication. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
First radon measurements and occupational exposure assessments in underground geodynamic laboratory the Polish Academy of Sciences Space Research Centre in Książ Castle (SW Poland).
The article presents the results of the first radon activity concentration measurements conducted continuously between 17th May 2014 and 16th May 2015 in the underground geodynamic laboratory of the Polish Academy of Sciences Space Research Centre in Książ. The data were registered with the use of three Polish semiconductor SRDN-3 detectors located the closest (SRDN-3 No. 6) to and the furthest (SRDN-3 No. 3) from the facility entrance, and in the fault zone (SRDN-3 No. 4). The study was conducted to characterize the radon behaviour and check it possibility to use with reference to long- and short-term variations of radon activity concentration observed in sedimentary rocks strongly fractured and intersected by systems of multiple faults, for integrated comparative assessments of changes in local orogen kinetics. The values of radon activity concentration in the underground geodynamic laboratory of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN) Space Research Centre in Książ undergo changes of a distinctly seasonal character. The highest values of radon activity concentration are recorded from late spring (May/June) to early autumn (October), and the lowest - from November to April. Radon activity concentrations varied depending on the location of measurement points. Between late spring and autumn they ranged from 800 Bq·m-3 to 1200 Bq·m-3, and even 3200 Bq·m-3 in the fault zone. Between November and April, values of radon activity concentration are lower, ranging from 500 Bq·m-3 to 1000 Bq·m-3 and 2700 Bq·m-3 in the fault zone. The values of radon activity concentration recorded in the studied facility did not undergo short-term changes in either the whole annual measuring cycle or any of its months. Effective doses received by people staying in the underground laboratory range from 0.001 mSv/h to 0.012 mSv/h. The mean annual effective dose, depending on the measurement site, equals 1 or is slightly higher than 10 mSv/year, while the maximum dose exceeds 20 mSv/year. The estimated annual effective doses are comparable to the standard value of 20 mSv/year defined by Polish law for people employed in the conditions of radiation exposure. They are also in the range of annual effective dose value (8 mSv/year) recommended in workplaces by International Commission on Radiation Protection. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Examination of the vitreous. A comparison of biomicroscopy using the Goldmann and El Bayadi-Kajiura lenses.
Vitreous examinations using the three-mirror Goldmann and the preset El Bayadi-Kajiura lenses were performed on 222 eyes. The presence of posterior vitreous detachment, vitreous traction, liquefaction, lacunae, and cells was noted. Clinical findings using the two lenses differed in 10% of the variables studied. The accuracy of the El Bayadi-Kajiura technique was confirmed by clinical and histological examination of 20 animal eyes with experimentally altered vitreous. The Goldmann lens afforded examination of peripheral vitreous and better identification of cells in the vitreous, whereas the El Bayadi-Kajiura lens permitted better visualization of complex vitreoretinal relationships. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Structural correlations and melting of B-DNA fibers.
Despite numerous attempts, understanding the thermal denaturation of DNA is still a challenge due to the lack of structural data on the transition since standard experimental approaches to DNA melting are made in solution and do not provide spatial information. We report a measurement using neutron scattering from oriented DNA fibers to determine the size of the regions that stay in the double-helix conformation as the melting temperature is approached from below. A Bragg peak from the B form of DNA is observed as a function of temperature and its width and integrated intensity are measured. These results, complemented by a differential calorimetry study of the melting of B-DNA fibers as well as electrophoresis and optical observation data, are analyzed in terms of a one-dimensional mesoscopic model of DNA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A thalamic terminus of the lateral cervical nucleus: the lateral division of the posterior nuclear group.
The submodality and receptive field properties of single units in the lateral cervical nucleus (LCN) of barbiturate anesthetized cats were studied with glass microelectrodes. In other experiments, a region of the posterior thalamus containing neurons with properties comparable to those seen in the LCN was examined with tungsten microelectrodes. The responses of most units in the LCN reflected a major input from large myelinated afferent fibers innervating guard hairs but no input from Pacinian afferent fibers. The large size of the receptive fields indicated that excitatory input converged selectively from afferent fibers serving hairs over large areas of the body. In the posterior thalamus rapidly adapting neurons characterized by very large receptive fields and driven by the movement of guard hairs were observed to a region identified histologically as the rostral extension of the lateral division of the posterior nuclear group (POl). Caudally this region was located immediately adjacent to the dorsolateral part of the ventroposterior inferior nucleus (VPI). In more rostral parts of the thalamus it was located more dorsally and the ventroposterior lateral nucleus intervened between it and the VPI. This region was less than 1 mm wide in the frontal plane but extended rostrocaudally for several millimeters. Horseradish peroxidase injected into the region of the VPI and the POl labeled many cells in the LCN and the caudal pole of the dorsal column nuclei demonstrating that neurons in the LCN relay information to this part of the thalamus. These data, plus previous experiments showing that the VPI receives a major projection from the caudal poles of the dorsal column nuclei, suggest that the rostral portion of the POl receives an important afferent supply from the LCN. The responses of neurons in the POl appear to arise from specific classes of sensory receptors and cannot be considered less precise or more primitive than responses observed in the ventroposterior nucleus of the thalamus. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Thought suppression in spider-fearful and nonfearful individuals.
The authors examined the suppression of spider-related thoughts in spider-fearful (n = 23) and nonfearful (n = 22) individuals. Participants were primed with vivid pictures of spiders and a story about spiders. Next, they were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 conditions: (a) suppression of thoughts associated with the previously presented spider-related stimuli or (b) free expression of any thoughts, including those related to the spider-related stimuli. All participants completed a subsequent free-expression exercise. Results indicated that spider-fearful individuals expressed thoughts about the spider-related stimuli for a longer length of time than did nonfearful individuals, particularly in the suppression condition. Participants in both groups demonstrated a rebound of thoughts associated with the spider-related stimuli following suppression. The authors propose that the priming of feared stimuli makes suppression of fear-related thoughts particularly difficult for fearful individuals, perhaps by activating a state of heightened arousal. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intensification with intermediate-dose intravenous methotrexate is effective therapy for children with lower-risk B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A Pediatric Oncology Group study.
To determine whether early intensification with 12 courses of intravenous (IV) methotrexate (MTX) and IV mercaptopurine (MP) is superior to 12 courses of IV MTX alone for prevention of relapse in children with lower-risk B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Six hundred fifty-one eligible patients were entered onto the study. Vincristine, prednisone, and asparaginase were used for remission induction therapy. Patients were randomized to receive intensification with IV MTX 1,000 mg/m(2) plus IV MP 1,000 mg/m(2) (regimen A) or IV MTX 1,000 mg/m(2) alone (regimen C). Twelve courses were administered at 2-week intervals. Triple intrathecal therapy was used for CNS prophylaxis. Continuation therapy included standard oral MP, weekly MTX, and triple intrathecal therapy every 12 weeks for 2 years. Six hundred forty-five patients (99.1%) achieved remission. Three hundred twenty-five were assigned to regimen A and 320 to regimen C. The estimated 4-year overall continuous complete remission for patients treated with regimen A is 82.1% (SE = 2.4%) and for regimen C is 82.2% (SE = 2.6%; P =.5). No significant difference in overall outcome was shown by sex or race. Serious grade 3/4 neurotoxicity, principally characterized by seizures, was observed in 7.6% of patients treated with either regimen. Intensification with 12 courses of IV MTX is an effective therapy for prevention of relapse in children with B-precursor ALL who are at lower risk for relapse but may be associated with an increased risk for neurotoxicity. Prolonged infusions of MP combined with IV MTX did not provide apparent advantage. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Expression and clinical significance of IL-17 and IL-21 in patients with acute leukemia].
This study was aimed to investigate the effects of peripheral blood Th17 cells, IL-17 and IL-21 in the occurrence and development of acute leukemia. 60 patients with acute leukemia (19 patients with ALL, 41 patients with AML) were divided into non-remission group (group A, n=24), remission group (group B, n=36); 25 healthy volunteers were used as control group (group C). In addition to this, these 60 patients were divided into infection group (n=32) and non-infection group (n=28) on the basis of infection status. The concentration of IL-17 and IL-21 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell culture supernatant after stimulation with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 mAb were determined with ELISA. The expression of CD4+ IL-17+ cells was determined by flow cytometry. The results showed that (1) the concentrations of IL-17 and IL-21, and proportion of Th17 cells in group A and group B were much lower than those in group C (p<0.05); (2) the expression levels of IL-17 and IL-21, and the proportion of Th17 cells in group A were lower than those in group B (p<0.05); (3) the expression levels of Th17 and IL-17 in infection group were lower than those in non-infection group (p<0.05). It is concluded that Th17 cells may play important roles in the occurrence and development of acute leukemia through secreting IL-17 and IL-21, and their functional level can partially reflect the status of leukemia and can be used to evaluate the risks of infection in patients with leukemia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Subunits of a yeast oligomeric G protein-coupled receptor are activated independently by agonist but function in concert to activate G protein heterotrimers.
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) form dimeric or oligomeric complexes in vivo. However, the function of oligomerization in receptor-mediated G protein activation is unclear. Previous studies of the yeast alpha-factor receptor (STE2 gene product) have indicated that oligomerization promotes signaling. Here we have addressed the mechanism by which oligomerization facilitates G protein signaling by examining the ability of ligand binding- and G protein coupling-defective alpha-factor receptors to form complexes in vivo and to correct their signaling defects when co-expressed (trans complementation). Newly and previously identified receptor mutants indicated that ligand binding involves the exofacial end of transmembrane domain (TM) 4, whereas G protein coupling involves ic1, ic3, the C-terminal tail, and the intracellular ends of TM2 and TM3. Mutant receptors bearing substitutions in these domains formed homo-oligomeric or hetero-oligomeric complexes in vivo, as indicated by results of fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiments. Co-expression of ligand binding- and G protein coupling-defective mutant receptors did not significantly improve signaling. In contrast, co-expression of ic1 and ic3 mutations in trans but not in cis significantly increased signaling efficiency. Therefore, we suggest that subunits of the alpha-factor receptor: 1) are activated independently rather than cooperatively by agonist, and 2) function in a concerted fashion to promote G protein activation, possibly by contacting different subunits or regions of the G protein heterotrimer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prophylactic effect of lithium in bipolar affective illness may be related to serotonin transporter genotype.
Serotonin transporter promoter length polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of mood disorders and in the therapeutic response to serotonergic drugs. In this study, the 5-HTTLPR was estimated in 67 patients with bipolar mood disorder, receiving lithium carbonate for prophylactic purposes for the period of more than 5 years (mean 15 years). The patients were divided into excellent responders (n = 18), partial responders (n = 35) and poor responders (n = 14). In lithium non-responders, the genotype s/s and the allele s was significantly more frequent than in excellent and partial responders. The obtained results are discussed in view of other studies showing an association of S genotype with worse response to serotonergic drugs. A supposition is made that prophylactic management of bipolar illness can be optimized by defining 5-HTTLPR genotype. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dual isotope thallium and indium antimyosin SPECT imaging to identify acute infarct patients at further ischemic risk.
Forty-two patients (28 men and 14 women) with acute myocardial infarction (35 Q, seven non-Q wave) were injected with 2.0 mCi indium 111-labeled antimyosin (AM) monoclonal antibody (111In AM) within 48 hours of the onset of chest pain. Forty-eight hours later (72-96 hours after onset of chest pain), patients were injected with 2.2 mCi thallium 201, and two sets of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images were obtained simultaneously using dual energy windows set for the 247 keV indium photopeak and the 70 keV thallium peak. Seventeen patients had repeat scans at 4 hours. 111In AM uptake and 201Tl defects were localized to one or more of 24 coronal and sagittal segments. Scans with only 201Tl defects and corresponding 111In AM uptake were classified as matches; scans with unmatched 201Tl defects in addition to matching regions corresponding to electrocardiographic infarct location were classified as mismatches; and scans with 201Tl and 111In AM uptake in the same segments were classified as overlap. Scan patterns were correlated with clinical evidence for residual ischemia occurring within 6 weeks of infarct and including infarct extension, recurrent angina, and positive predischarge low-level or 6-week symptom-limited stress tests and with coronary anatomy. Fourteen patients had only matching patterns (group 1), 23 had mismatches (group 2), and five had 201Tl-111In overlap as the predominant pattern. None of the patients in group 1 had previous myocardial infarction; in each, the matched area corresponded to the Q wave location on electrocardiogram, and none had further in-hospital ischemic events or positive stress tests.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
X-linked dilated cardiomyopathy.
To study the inheritance of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, we investigated a large kindred in which 11 young male members had definite or possible evidence of the disorder. The five affected males for whom we had complete clinical data survived for 5 to 12 months after the onset of symptoms, which occurred early in life (ages 15 to 21 years). In six other males, clinical data were incomplete but suggested possible cardiomyopathy. Three mothers of affected males were given a diagnosis of definite, and two of possible, late-onset dilated cardiomyopathy. These women presented in their 40s with atypical chest pain, and progressive congestive heart failure developed gradually over a period of 10 or more years. X-linked inheritance of dilated cardiomyopathy is suggested in this family by the early onset in males, late onset in females, and no evidence of male-to-male transmission. The late onset of the disease in females, in contrast to the early onset in hemizygous males, is compatible with heterozygosity for the mutant allele. Since most cases of genetically lethal X-linked syndromes appear to be sporadic, for every case of "idiopathic" dilated cardiomyopathy in which X-linked inheritance can be confirmed from family information, it is possible that there are several nonfamilial cases due to a mutation at the same locus. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Association between radiation dose to the heart and myocardial fatty acid metabolic impairment due to chemoradiation-therapy: Prospective study using I-123 BMIPP SPECT/CT.
To investigate long term changes in myocardial fatty acid metabolic impairment caused by chemoradiation-therapy (CRT). We investigated 12 esophageal cancer patients who underwent SPECT/CT using I-123-labeled fatty acid analog (BMIPP) at pre-CRT, pre-boost irradiation, 3-month post-CRT, and 1-year post-CRT. The myocardial uptake was measured using the defect score and the total percentage of uptake (%uptake), which were defined as the sum of the visual scores and that of %uptake in each of 17 segments in the left ventricle (LV), respectively. The correlations between radiation dose to the heart (mean dose, V20, V40, and V60 of the LV and the whole heart (WH)) and the change of myocardial BMIPP uptake from pre-CRT (Δmyocardial BMIPP uptake) were assessed. At pre-boost, Δmyocardial BMIPP uptake was significantly correlated with LV-V40 and WH-V60. At 3-month post-CRT, Δmyocardial BMIPP uptake was significantly correlated with LV-V40, WH-V40, and WH-V60. However, there were no statistically significant correlations at 1-year post-CRT. Neither mean dose nor V20 of the LV/WH was significantly correlated with Δmyocardial BMIPP uptake at any time. In the long term after CRT, myocardial metabolism might be affected by factors other than the radiation dose to the heart. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Inhibition of IL-2 induced IL-10 production as a principle of phase-specific immunotherapy.
Leishmania donovani, a protozoan parasite, inflicts a fatal disease, visceral leishmaniasis. The suppression of antileishmanial T cell responses that characterizes the disease was proposed to be due to deficiency of a T cell growth factor, IL-2. We demonstrate that during the first week after L. donovani infection, IL-2 induces IL-10 that suppresses the host-protective functions of T cells 14 days after infection. The observed suppression is concurrent with increased CD4+ glucocorticoid-induced TNF receptor+ T cells and Foxp3 expression in BALB/c mice, implicating IL-2-dependent regulatory T cell control of antileishmanial immune responses. Indeed, IL-2 and IL-10 neutralization at different time points after the infection demonstrates their distinct roles at the priming and effector phases, respectively, and establishes kinetic modulation of ongoing immune responses as a principle of a rational, phase-specific immunotherapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Effects of organic material amendment on vegetable soil nitrate content and nitrogenous gases emission under flooding condition].
Applying large amount of nitrogen fertilizer into vegetable field can induce soil NO(3-)-N accumulation, while rapidly removing the accumulated NO(3-)-N can improve vegetable soil quality and extend its service duration. In this study, a vegetable soil containing 360 mg N x kg(-1) was amended with 0, 2500, 5000, and 7500 kg C x hm(-2) of ryegrass (noted as CK, C2500, C5000, and C7500), respectively, and incubated in a thermostat at 30 degrees C for 240 h under flooding condition, aimed to investigate the effects of organic material amendment on vegetable soil nitrate concentration and nitrogenous gases emission. By the end of the incubation, the soil NO(3-)-N concentration in CK was still up to 310 mg N x kg(-1). Ryegrass amendment could remove the accumulated NO(3-)-N effectively. In treatments C2500, C5000, and C7500, the duration for the soil NO(3-)-N concentration dropped below 10 mg N x kg(-1) was 240 h, 48 h, and 24 h, respectively. After the amendment of ryegrass, soil pH increased significantly, and soil EC decreased, with the increment and decrement increased with increasing amendment amount of ryegrass. The cumulative emissions of soil N2O and N2 in ryegrass amendment treatments amounted to 270-378 mg N x kg(-1), and the N2O/N2 ratio ranged from 0.6 to 1.5. Incorporating with ryegrass under flooding condition could rapidly remove the accumulated NO(3-)-N in vegetable soil, but the high N2O emission during this process should be attached importance to. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Synthesis, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor binding, and antinociceptive properties of 2-exo-2-(2'-substituted-3'-phenyl-5'-pyridinyl)-7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanes. Novel nicotinic antagonist.
A series of 2'-substituted-3'-phenyl epibatidine analogues were synthesized and evaluated for inhibition of binding at nicotine acetylcholine receptors and for antinociceptive properties in mice. The introduction of a bulky phenyl group at the 3'-position exerted a profound influence on both receptor binding and antinociceptive effects. Substitution of different groups at the 2'-position distinguished between agonist and antagonist properties. These results demonstrate that structural requirements for receptor activities and recognition are distinctively different. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
(1)H NMR-based metabolomic approach for understanding the fermentation behaviors of wine yeast strains.
(1)H NMR spectroscopy coupled with multivariate statistical analysis was used for the first time to investigate metabolic changes in musts during alcoholic fermentation and wines during aging. Three Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains (RC-212, KIV-1116, and KUBY-501) were also evaluated for their impacts on the metabolic changes in must and wine. Pattern recognition (PR) methods, including PCA, PLS-DA, and OPLS-DA scores plots, showed clear differences for metabolites among musts or wines for each fermentation stage up to 6 months. Metabolites responsible for the differentiation were identified as valine, 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD), pyruvate, succinate, proline, citrate, glycerol, malate, tartarate, glucose, N-methylnicotinic acid (NMNA), and polyphenol compounds. PCA scores plots showed continuous movements away from days 1 to 8 in all musts for all yeast strains, indicating continuous and active fermentation. During alcoholic fermentation, the highest levels of 2,3-BD, succinate, and glycerol were found in musts with the KIV-1116 strain, which showed the fastest fermentation or highest fermentative activity of the three strains, whereas the KUBY-501 strain showed the slowest fermentative activity. This study highlights the applicability of NMR-based metabolomics for monitoring wine fermentation and evaluating the fermentative characteristics of yeast strains. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Extended apolar beta-peptide foldamers: the role of axis chirality on beta-peptide sheet stability.
This study is on structure and stability of sheetlike conformers of beta-peptides; never seen new foldamers are reported here for the first time. Single- and double-stranded structures are analyzed, and the seeds of large beta-layers and biocompatible nanomaterials are described here. Both the monomeric, HCO-[NH-CH(2)-CH(2)CO](n)-NH(2), and dimeric forms, [HCO-(beta-Ala)(n)-NH(2)](2) n = 3 and 4, of oligo-beta-alanine supramolecular complexes are evaluated by using an adequate level of theory M052X/6-31G(d) for peptides of this size. Polymers composed of backbone foldamers with the central mu torsion angle set to an anti orientation were all probed. Sheet structures built up of strands with carbonyl groups monotonically facing the same spatial direction, polar strands, were previously assigned and synthesized ( Seebach , D. Chem. Biodiversity 2004 , 1 , 1111 - 1239 ). Now we are presenting a novel beta-peptide sheet structure of alternating carbonyl group orientations, called as apolar strands. These novel secondary structural elements of beta-peptides are structural analogs of beta-pleated sheets of proteins. Interestingly enough, the latter type of apolar strands are foreseen as very stable supramolecular complexes and are more firm by approximately 10 kcal.mol(-1) than the aforementioned polar strands. Furthermore, apolar strands lack the inherent twisting of beta-layers, present in polar strands resulting in the tubular shape. Once the effect of substitution of Hbeta1 and/or Hbeta2 atoms are revealed on foldamer stability, short peptide sequence could be designed and synthesized. These new, conformationally optimized beta-sheetlike nanostructures of increased stability with little or no twisting could be used as enzymatically resistant ( Frackenpohl , J. , Arvidsson , P. I. , Schreiber , J. V. , and Seebach , D. ChemBioChem 2001 , 2 , 445 - 455 ) biomaterials. These newly designed models systems could enlarge the arsenal of durable polyesters of similar chemical constitution (e.g., -[O-CH(CH(3))-CH(2)CO](n)- and -[O-CH(COOH)-CH(2)CO](n)-) already used as artificial heart valves, for example. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Experimentally evoking nonbelieved memories for childhood events.
We report on the 1st experimental elicitation of nonbelieved memories for childhood events in adults (Study 1) and children (Study 2) using a modified false memory implantation paradigm. Participants received true (trip to a theme park) and false (hot air balloon ride) narratives and recalled these events during 2 interviews. After debriefing, 13% of adults and 15% of children reported nonbelieved memories. While phenomenal ratings were higher for true than for nonbelieved memories immediately after the debriefing, after a month nonbelieved memories behaved as true memories. Also following debriefing, 23% of adults and 15% of children retracted their false memory claims. Prior to debriefing, participants with nonbelieved memories were most likely to indicate remembering the event, whereas participants with false memories who retracted their claim were most likely to endorse believing but not remembering the event. This research suggests that debriefings in previous false memory studies can lead to the development of nonbelieved memories. Additional findings regarding the correspondence between subjective belief, subjective memory, and objective memory judgments prior to and following debriefing are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Phytochemical and ethnopharmacological review of Elephantorrhiza goetzei (Harms) Harms.
Elephantorrhiza goetzei (E. goetzei) commonly known as Goetze's elephantorrhiza, is traditionally used as a decoction in the treatment of a variety of conditions such as pain, sores, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), gastro-intestinal disorders, microbial infections and genito-urinary system disorders. On the basis of its wide distribution in south central Africa, E. goetzei has a long history of applications among the different ethnic groups. A total of 23 ethnomedicinal uses of E. goetzei are documented in this study from 62.5% of the countries where the species is indigenous. Multiple classes of phytochemicals including phenolic compounds, coumarins, flavonoids, saponins, stilbenoids, tannins and triterpenoids have been identified from E. goetzei bark, leaves and roots in different investigations. Scientific validation of its diverse uses in traditional medicine has been demonstrated through antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anthelmintic, antioxidant and cytotoxicity assays of crude extracts as well as isolated compounds from the species. E. goetzei has been widely used as a source of herbal medicine for several years without any adverse effects. In light of its long traditional use and the modern phytochemical and pharmacological evaluations summarized in this study, E. goetzei has been demonstrated to show a strong potential for therapeutic and health-maintaining uses. However, there is need for additional studies on the isolated compounds to validate the traditional uses in human models as well as evaluating the possible mechanisms of action. The present review focussing on the biology, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of E. goetzei has provided preliminary information for further studies on the species. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
How much should we pay for a new HIV diagnosis? A mathematical model of HIV screening in US clinical settings.
To develop a model to assist clinical setting decision makers in determining how much they can spend on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening and still be cost-effective. The authors developed a simple mathematical model relating the program cost per new HIV diagnosis to the cost per HIV infection averted and the cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) saved by screening. They estimated outcomes based on behavioral changes associated with awareness of HIV infection and applied the model to US sexually transmitted disease clinics. The authors based the cost per new HIV diagnosis (2009 US dollars) on the costs of testing and the proportion of persons who tested positive. Infections averted were calculated from the reduction in annual transmission rates between persons aware and unaware of their infections. The authors defined program costs from the sexually transmitted disease clinic perspective and treatment costs and QALYs saved from the societal perspective. They undertook numerous sensitivity analyses to determine the robustness of the base case results. In the base case, the cost per new HIV diagnosis was $2528, the cost per infection averted was $40,516, and the cost per QALY saved was less than zero, or cost-saving. Given the model inputs, the cost per new diagnosis could increase to $22,909 to reach the cost-saving threshold and to $63,053 for the cost-effectiveness threshold. All sensitivity analyses showed that the cost-effectiveness results were consistent for extensive variation in the values of model inputs. HIV screening in a clinical setting is cost-effective for a wide range of testing costs, variations in positivity rates, reductions in HIV transmissions, and variation in the receipt of test results. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The influence of periodate oxidation on monoclonal antibody avidity and immunoreactivity.
Eight monoclonal antibodies of different classes and isotypes and rabbit IgG were oxidized under a variety of conditions with 5-50 mM periodate. The number of aldehyde groups generated per immunoglobulin were measured by reduction with tritiated sodium borohydride or coupling of fluoresceinthiosemicarbazide. There were up to 25.5 aldehyde groups detected on the periodate-oxidized antibody 96.5, measured by borohydride reduction whereas the same conditions led to only 9.6 aldehydes per IgG on the antibody L6 of the same IgG2A isotype. Fluoresceinthiosemicarbazide bound to oxidized antibodies but not to the same extent as tritium. On mildly oxidized IgMs it was possible to generate more than 200 aldehyde groups per antibody molecule. Depending on the conditions and the antibody used periodate oxidation could lead to antibody crosslinking. The avidities of the modified antibodies were determined by Scatchard analyses and inhibition assays. A new mathematical method to evaluate the immunoreactivities of modified antibodies relative to the unlabeled native antibody from inhibition binding data was established. Periodate concentrations higher than 50 mM decreased the avidities and immunoreactivities of all IgGs tested. This effect is more pronounced if the oxidation is performed at pH 5.6 and 25 degrees C instead of pH 4.6 and 0 degree C. The BR96 antibody is inactivated even under mild oxidation conditions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
High-dose escitalopram for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of high-dose escitalopram in patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In an open-label, 16-week prospective study, patients with OCD received escitalopram at a dose of 20 mg/day for 3 weeks, after a 1-week titration at 10 mg/day. Patients who did not achieve a > or =25% reduction from baseline in the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) score during these 4 weeks were continued on higher doses of escitalopram (maximum 50 mg/day) for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy measure of OCD symptoms was change from baseline in the Y-BOCS score. Overall, 67 patients (33 women, 34 men) with a mean Y-BOCS score of 29.6 entered the study. After 4 weeks of standard-dose escitalopram treatment, one patient discontinued owing to pregnancy, and two patients achieved a reduction in Y-BOCS > or =25%. Consequently, 64 patients were eligible to receive high-dose escitalopram (mean dose, 33.8 mg/day at endpoint). At endpoint, high-dose escitalopram had significantly improved the OCD symptoms (Y-BOCS score) and all the other efficacy measures (P<0.001), compared with baseline. Escitalopram was also well tolerated, with no discontinuations during the 12-week high-dose phase. The only reported adverse drug reactions were dry mouth (n=8, 12.1%) and decreased sexual desire (n=21, 31.8%). Preliminary investigation shows that high-dose escitalopram is an efficacious and well tolerated treatment for patients suffering from severe OCD. Randomized, blinded studies are needed to reinforce these findings. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Oblique femoral shortening osteotomy in total hip arthroplasty for high dislocation in patients with hip dysplasia.
The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes after implantation of total hip arthroplasty for developmental dysplasia with high dislocation of the hip using conical stems combined with oblique subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy. We retrospectively reviewed the functional scores, radiographic results, and complications in a consecutive series of 16 hips (12 patients) with Crowe IV developmental dysplasia of the hip. The average age at surgery was 53.2 years and the patients were operated on between 1999 and 2008. The average Harris Hip Score improved from 37.2 to 83.7 at a mean follow-up of 8.7 years. All acetabular cups were inserted into the true acetabulum and all prosthetic components were stable at the last follow-up visit. No neurovascular damage was recorded. Complications arose in six hips (37.5%): intra-operative fracture of proximal femur requiring fixation (n = 2); dislocation (n = 3); and asymptomatic non-union of the osteotomy (n = 1). The osteotomy healed within less than six months in all the remaining cases. With the numbers given the oblique femur shortening osteotomy led to an increased rotational stability and proved to be a simple and effective method. Compared with transverse osteotomy and as related to our experience, this technique may be a method of choice in selected cases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
CEA-based vaccines.
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), the first tumor-associated antigen to be described, was cloned in 1987 and is expressed on nearly 50% of all human tumors. The identification of T-cell specific epitopes within the coding region of the CEA protein has led to the development of various vaccine strategies that target CEA and CEA-expressing tumors. These vaccines have shown evidence of therapeutic effectiveness in animal models and are being evaluated in early phase clinical trials. Although trials are not designed to elucidate clinical responses, they have provided important information about the ability of individual vaccines to induce CEA-specific immune responses through the use of newer in vitro monitoring assays. Continued clinical testing in patients with less advanced disease and the administration of vaccines in combination with other standard therapy will help define the role of CEA-based vaccines in the treatment and prevention of human cancer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Light-dependent suppression of COP1 multimeric complex formation is determined by the blue-light receptor FKF1 in Arabidopsis.
CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1), a multifunctional E3 ligase protein with many target proteins, is involved in diverse developmental processes throughout the plant's lifecycle, including seed germination, the regulation of circadian rhythms, photomorphogenesis, and the control of flowering time. To function, COP1 must form multimeric complexes with SUPPRESSOR OF PHYA1 (SPA1), i.e., [(COP1)2(SPA1)2] tetramers. We recently reported that the blue-light receptor FKF1 (FLAVIN-BINDING, KELCH REPEAT, F-BOX1) represses COP1 activity by inhibiting its homodimerization, but it is not yet clear whether FKF1 affects the formation of COP1-containing multimeric complexes. To explore this issue, we performed size exclusion chromatography (SEC) of Arabidopsis thaliana proteins and found that the levels and composition of COP1-containing multimeric complexes varied throughout a 24-h period. The levels of 440-669 kDa complexes were dramatically reduced in the late afternoon compared to the morning and at night in wild-type plants. During the daytime, the levels of these complexes were reduced in FKF1-overexpressing plants but not in fkf1-t, a loss-of-function mutant of FKF1, suggesting that FKF1 is closely associated with the destabilization of COP1 multimeric protein complexes in a light-dependent manner. We also analyzed the SEC patterns of COP1 multimeric complexes in transgenic plants overexpressing mutant COP1 variants, including COP1L105A (which forms homodimers) and COP1L170A (which cannot form homodimers), and found that COP1 multimeric complexes were scarce in plants overexpressing COP1L170A. These results indicate that COP1 homodimers serve as basic building blocks that assemble into COP1 multimeric complexes with diverse target proteins. We propose that light-activated FKF1 inhibits COP1 homodimerization, mainly by destabilizing 440-669 kDa COP1 complexes, resulting in the repression of CONSTANS-degrading COP1 activity in the late afternoon in long days, but not in short days, thereby regulating photoperiodic flowering in Arabidopsis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Magnetic resonance imaging of the condylar growth pattern and disk position after chin cup therapy: a preliminary study.
This study was conducted on lateral cephalograms and magnetic resonance images (MRIs) obtained from 20 subjects with Class III malocclusion. Only clinically temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptom-free subjects were included in this study. In the treatment group, a chin cup with 600 g of force was applied in 13 patients (10 girls and three boys) with a mean age of nine years. The chin cup was applied in a direction from the chin toward the TMJ. The control group consisted of seven patients (six girls and one boy) with a mean age of eight year nine months. Orthodontic treatment was not applied in the control group. Records were taken at the beginning and end of chin cup therapy from all the subjects. Measurements were made on lateral cephalograms and unilateral-left sagittal-oblique TMJ MRIs. Variables obtained at the beginning and end of the study were compared by Student's t-tests and paired t-tests. Relationships between craniofacial and TMJ variables were analyzed by correlation analysis. The mandibular corpus length was increased and condylar head angle was decreased by chin cup therapy. A positive correlation existed between activation of sagittal maxillary and mandibular growth and bending of the condylar head. This study showed that the condylar growth pattern was altered by chin cup. It may be implied that the source of improvement is adaptation of the craniofacial structures to the changes of the condylar growth pattern produced by the chin cup. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transcriptional and bioinformatic analysis of the 56.8 kb DNA region amplified in tandem repeats containing the penicillin gene cluster in Penicillium chrysogenum.
High penicillin-producing strains of Penicillium chrysogenum contain 6-14 copies of the three clustered structural biosynthetic genes, pcbAB, pcbC, and penDE [Barredo, J.L., Díez, B., Alvarez, E., Martín, J.F., 1989. Large amplification of a 35-kb DNA fragment carrying two penicillin biosynthetic genes in high penicillin producing strains of Penicillium chrysogenum. Curr. Genet. 16, 453-459; Smith, D.J., Bull, J.H., Edwards, J., Turner, G., 1989. Amplification of the isopenicillin N synthetase gene in a strain of Penicillium chrysogenum producing high levels of penicillin. Mol. Gen. Genet. 216, 492-497.] . The cluster is located in a 56.8 kb DNA region bounded by a conserved TGTAAA/T hexanucleotide that undergoes amplification in tandem repeats [Fierro, F., Barredo, J.L., Díez, B., Gutiérrez, S., Fernández, F.J., Martín, J.F., 1995. The penicillin gene cluster is amplified in tandem repeats linked by conserved hexanucleotide sequences. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 92, 6200-6204; Newbert, R.W., Barton, B., Greaves, P., Harper, J., Turner, G., 1997. Analysis of a commercially improved Penicillium chrysogenum strain series: involvement of recombinogenic regions in amplification and deletion of the penicillin biosynthesis gene cluster. J. Ind. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 19, 18-27]. Transcriptional analysis of this amplified region (AR) revealed the presence of at least eight transcripts expressed in penicillin producing conditions. Three of them correspond to the known penicillin biosynthetic genes, pcbAB, pcbC, and penDE. To locate genes related to penicillin precursor formation, or penicillin transport and regulation we have sequenced and analyzed the 56.8 kb amplified region of P. chrysogenum AS-P-78, finding a total of 16 open reading frames. Two of these ORFs have orthologues of known function in the databases. Other ORFs showed similarities to specific domains occurring in different proteins and superfamilies which allowed to infer their probable function. ORF11 encodes a D-amino acid oxidase that might be responsible for the conversion of D-amino acids in the tripeptide L-alpha-aminoadipyl-L-cysteinyl-D-valine or other beta-lactam intermediates to deaminated by-products. ORF12 encodes a predicted protein with similarity to saccharopine dehydrogenases that seems to be related to biosynthesis of the penicillin precursor alpha-aminoadipic acid. A deletion mutant, P. chrysogenum npe10 lacking the entire AR including ORF12, shows a partial requirement of L-lysine for growth. ORF13 encodes a putative protein containing a Zn(II)2-Cys6 fungal-type DNA-binding domain, probably a transcriptional regulator. Although some of the ORFs in the AR may play roles in increasing penicillin production, none of the 13 ORFs other than pcbAB, pcbC, and penDE seem to be strictly indispensable for penicillin biosynthesis. The genes located in the P. chrysogenum AR have been compared with those found in the Aspergillus nidulans 50 kb DNA region adjacent to the penicillin gene cluster, showing no conservation between these two fungi. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Predicting Prognosis in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in the Contemporary Era.
Next-generation sequencing has identified new genetic markers that have altered prognosis for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) at diagnosis. Understanding the significance of these prognostic indicators and recognizing their potential impact on treatment selection and patients' outcomes is critical for clinicians and investigators. To review novel prognostic factors at CLL diagnosis that have shown an impact on the prognosis and outcomes of this disease. Literature from January 2004 through December 2014 was searched in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scopus to identify English-language, peer-reviewed articles on clinical and prognostic factors for CLL (TP53, ATM, NOTCH1, SF3B1, BIRC3, and MYD88). Reference lists were subsequently reviewed for additional articles. A total of 450 articles was identified, and 48 articles meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed. Among prognostic markers reviewed, chromosomal aberrations have been validated and are currently used clinically to predict prognosis. Patients with 17p13.1 deletion have poor response to chemoimmunotherapy and are treated differently, with some undergoing allogeneic transplantation in first remission. CD38 and ZAP-70 status of malignant cells and unmutated immunoglobulin variable heavy chain gene have similarly been validated to predict adverse prognosis, but their implications on treatment selection have not been proven. The presence of TP53 and ATM mutations predicts worse prognosis, which has been corroborated in various studies. Patients with TP53 mutations have lower responses to chemoimmunotherapy. Furthermore, patients with TP53 and ATM mutations have inferior progression-free survival and overall survival, independent of other factors. Patients carrying the NOTCH1 and SF3B1 mutations have worse prognosis; patients with the NOTCH1 mutation have lower response rates to standard chemoimmunotherapy. The impact of BIRC3 on prognosis and survival requires further confirmation. The heterogeneous clinical course of CLL is likely explained by underlying molecular prognostic factors. Moving forward, analyzing these factors at diagnosis is recommended for better prognostication. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reality confusion in spontaneous confabulation.
A woman produced spontaneous confabulations after rupture of an anterior communicating artery aneurysm. She confused currently irrelevant with currently relevant information in implicit memory; confabulations about people concerned only new acquaintances; false reality could be induced by an intensive 5-minute discussion; and in a recognition task, she confused false repetitions in another modality with real item repetitions. The findings support the theory that the defect causing spontaneous confabulation precedes conscious memory processing. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Immunogenicity of tumor cells modified by trinitrobenzene suflonic acid (TNBS).
The ability of trinitrophenylated tumor cells to stimulate syngeneic antitumor response has been tested in 3 different tumor-host systems: A. Trinitrophenylated and inactivated Moloney induced YAC tumor cells (YAC-TNP) were able to induce the production of cytotoxic antibodies in low responding A/J mice, while inactivated YAC tumor cells (YAC-In) failed to induce such a response. Furthermore, A mice which were injected with YAC-TNP rejected 103 viable YAC tumor cells at a higher frequency than those injected with YAC-In. B. Trinitrophenylated and inactivated Gross virus induced G-35 tumor cells or Monoloney induced LSTRA cells (both syngeneic in BALB/c mice) were as immunogenic as nonmodified inactivated tumor cells. About 50% of the immunized mice survived indefinitely after injection of 103 viable tumors. Fruthermore, spleen cells from mice primed with either modified or nonomodified G-35 cells responded in vitro to G-35 in a mixed leukocyte tumor interaction and generated specific cell-mediated cytotoxic activity to 51Cr-G-35 syngeneic tumors. However, the donors of the primed cells did not produce detectable cytotoxic antibodies to G-35. C. In vitro sensitization of C57B1 spleen cells by trinitrophenylated Mitomycin C treated syngeneic EL-4 generated a stronger cytotoxic response to EL-4 cells than obtained by sensitization with Mitomycin C treated EL-4 cells alone, The superiority of the sensitizing capacity of trinitrophenylated EL-4 was readily demonstrated in conditions which were suboptimal for nonmodified Mitomycin C treated tumor. Both theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of pH on the calcium metabolism of isolated rat kidney cells.
The effects of metabolic and respiratory acidosis and alkalosis on cellular calcium metabolism were studied in rat kidney cells dispersed with collagenase. In both types of acidosis, the intracellular pH, total cell calcium, and the cell relative radioactivity after 60 min of labeling are significantly depressed. Kinetic analysis of 45-ca desaturation curves shows that acidosis decreases all three cellular calcium pools and depresses calcium fluxes between the superficial and cytosolic pools and between the cytosolic and mitochondrial pools. In alkalosis the intracellular pH, the total cell calcium, and the cell relative radioactivity are significantly increased. Kinetic studies show that in alkalosis, only the mitochondrial pool is consistently increased. Calcium exchange between the mitochondrial and cytosolic pool is increased in metabolic alkalosis only. These results suggest that hydrogen ion is an important modulator of calcium metabolism, and that the intracellular pH rather than extracellular pH is the critical factor in determining the calcium status of cells during altered acid-base conditions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
First Report of the Occurrence of Wheat dwarf virus in Wheat in China.
In May of 2004 and 2005, several diseased wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants showing extreme dwarfing, various types of yellowing, and reduced or no heading were found in the breeding fields of the Institute of Crop Science, Shanxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China. On the basis of these symptoms, infection with Wheat dwarf virus (WDV) was suspected. Total DNA was extracted from diseased plants with the DNeasy Plant Mini kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). Primers were designed based on the WDV-Enkoping1 genome sequence (NC_003326) (1), including: 245f, 5'-CGACTACGCCTGGCGAACATTTG-3' (residues 245-267); 806r, 5'-TCTGGCATTGCCTGTTTCGG-3' (complementary to residues 787-806); 1381f, 5'-CAGTGACATCTTCGCCGGAG-3' (residues 1381-1400); and, 1886r, 5'-ACTCCGTAAGCCTCGAATCC-3' (complementary to residues 1867-1886). With primer pairs 245f/806r, 1381f/1886r, 245f/1886r, and 1381f/806r, PCR products of 560, 506, 1642, and 2,275 bp were expected, respectively. After amplification, fragments of the expected sizes were seen on 1% (w/v) agarose gels. The fragments were purified by using a DNA gel extraction kit (TaKaRa, Dalian, China) and cloned into the pGEM-T vector (Promega, Madison, WI). The plasmids were transformed into E. coli strain DH5α and plasmid DNA was isolated from overnight cultures by alkaline lysis. Insert sequences were determined using the dideoxynucleotide chain termination method with an automated sequencer (ABI BigDye 3.1, Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA). At least three independently isolated clones were analyzed for each PCR product. The compiled 2,750 nt sequence (GenBank Accession No. DQ868525) was 98.1, 98.5, 97.8, and 97.9% identical to WDV-Enkoping1 (NC_003326), WDV-SE (X02869), WDV-B (AM040732), and WDV-F (AM040733), respectively. Therefore, the virus isolate (WDV-TY) was identified as WDV (genus Mastrevirus, family Geminividae). Wheat samples collected from different provinces from 2004-2006 were also infected with WDV as indicated by PCR using the same primer pairs. For Shijiazhuang (Hebei Province), Yangling (Shanaxi Province), Kunming (Yunnan Province), Yuncheng (Shanxi Province), Tianshui (Gansu Province), Gangu (Gansu Province), and Zhenzhou (Henan Province), 13 of 14, 6 of 6, 5 of 5, 4 of 4, 2 of 3, 1 of 2, and 1 of 1 samples were positive, respectively, indicating a broad distribution of WDV in China. To our knowledge, this is the first report of WDV in wheat in China. Reference: (1) A. Kvarnheden et al. Arch Virol. 147:205, 2002. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Improved prognosis during long-term treatment with beta-blockers after myocardial infarction: analysis of randomized trials and pooling of results.
We reviewed 14 randomized controlled trials that involved long-term treatment of patients after myocardial infarction with beta-blockers. Studies in which randomization was carried out at the time of hospital admission were excluded because of a very high rate of early withdrawal before hospital discharge. Seven studies were found methodologically acceptable, and their results were analyzed according to the "intention-to-treat" principle to avoid bias caused by late withdrawals. Although only two of the trials found a significant reduction in total deaths in the beta-blocker groups, pooling the data from all seven studies showed a highly significant treatment benefit (p less than 0.001). The best estimate of the magnitude of the reduction in mortality rates is 26%. Pooling of the data revealed similarly significant reductions in the rates of reinfarction (p less than 0.001) and sudden death (p less than 0.001). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of oculoplethysmography/carotid phonoangiography with duplex scan/spectral analysis in the detection of carotid artery stenosis.
The accuracy of the duplex scan with spectral analysis (DS/SA) in predicting the presence of arteriographic carotid stenosis was compared to that of oculoplethysmography/carotid phonoangiography (OPG/CPA) in 234 vessels from 117 patients who had had both non-invasive studies in addition to independently interpreted arteriograms. The DS/SA with 212/234 (91%) overall correct responses was superior to the OPG/CPA which properly classified 181/234 (77%) of the vessels (p less than .01). Of major clinical impact was the superiority of the DS/SA (p less than .001) in identifying the 72 vessels with 50-99% stenosis. The OPG/CPA had a discouraging 39/72 (54%) false-negative rate in this group whereas the DS/SA missed only 9/72 (12%) of these arteries. Of those 39 incorrect responses for the OPG/CPA, 26/39 (67%) were in patients with a 50% or greater stenosis on the contralateral side. This is a recognized area of weakness for that test. Based on the results of this study, we have abandoned the use of the OPG/CPA in the evaluation of patients with suspected carotid stenosis and rely solely on the duplex scan with spectral analysis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis associated with AIDS.
Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is rarely reported in South America. In spite of the fact that there are many reports about the association of visceral leishmaniasis and AIDS, PKDL is very uncommon in HIV-positive patients, and so far only four cases have been documented in the literature. We present another case with unusual clinicopathological aspects. The patient, a 28-year-old male, from Salvador, Bahia (an endemic area) presented with clinical manifestations of visceral leishmaniasis three years after the diagnosis of AIDS. During treatment for visceral leishmaniasis he developed disseminated miliary papules. Microscopically, the skin biopsy showed a "saw-tooth" pattern with a lichenoid mononuclear infiltrate simulating lichen planus. The histopathological diagnosis was achieved through the finding of amastigotes. The authors discuss the clinicopathological aspects of this case based on a review of the specific literature. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circulatory support after congenital cardiac surgery.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is widely used for circulatory support in pediatric cardiac patients with low cardiac output and hypoxemia after cardiac surgery. We evaluated retrospectively, the efficacy of postoperative ECMO support following congenital cardiac surgery in our hospital. From April 2002 to February 2008, seven patients (median age 30 months) received postoperative mechanical support. Three had complete repair including Fontan circulation and four had palliative repair. In four patients, ECMO was initiated in the operating room, in three patients in the intensive care unit, postoperatively. Of the seven patients, one died on ECMO (support withdrawn), one died shortly after ECMO was discontinued, and five were successfully weaned and survived to hospital discharge. One of the survivors died 4 months after the operation due to pneumonia and septic shock. The mean duration of ECMO support was 121 hours (in survivors). During ECMO, the major complication was bleeding, despite adequate control of activated clotting time. We conclude that ECMO support for heart failure and respiratory insufficiency after congenital cardiac surgery was effective, and the result of ECMO support for respiratory insufficiency was better than for heart failure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Changes in plasma levels of acute phase proteins in pancreatitis.
The objective of our study was to determine whether the changes in the plasma levels of C-reactive protein, haptoglobin, transferrin, and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid) in acute pancreatitis patients examined on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 14 after their admission to hospital can be used to assess the course and determine the severity of the disease, and to discriminate edematous from necrotizing pancreatitis. The study included 18 patients with mild pancreatitis and 20 patients with severe pancreatitis. Pancreatitis was classified as mild or severe according to Ranson and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores. Acute phase proteins were determined using the immunoturbidometric assay. The C-reactive protein in the mild pancreatitis patients was six-fold higher at admission, then gradually increased for 5 days and started to drop. In the severe clinical forms of pancreatitis the C-reactive protein had significantly high values throughout the whole time of study retaining this high level to day 14; these elevated levels correlated with the persistent severe general state of the patients and the extent of necrosis in the pancreas. The changes in the haptoglobin and transferrin levels were not significant. Orosomucoid level in mild pancreatitis cases remained constant whereas it was elevated and continuously above the reference values in severe pancreatitis. C-reactive protein level changes significantly in patients with acute pancreatitis; it is in the range of 100-120 mg/l in the mild forms of the disease and between 120 and 360 mg/l in the severe pancreatitis. This renders it a valuable indicator for the discrimination of edematous from necrotizing acute pancreatitis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Radionuclide Imaging of Infection and Inflammation in Children: a Review.
With the exception of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies, antibody fragments and radiolabeled peptides which have seen little application in the pediatric population, the nuclear medicine imaging procedures used in the evaluation of infection and inflammation are the same for both adults and children. These procedures include (1) either a two- or a three-phase bone scan using technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate; (2) Gallium 67-citrate; (3) in vitro radiolabeled white blood cell imaging (using 111Indium-oxine or 99mTechnetium hexamethyl-propylene-amine-oxime-labeled white blood cells); and (4) hybrid imaging with 18F-FDG. But children are not just small adults. Not only are the disease processes encountered in children different from those in adults, but there are developmental variants that can mimic, but should not be confused with, pathology. This article discusses some of the differences between adults and children with osteomyelitis, illustrates several of the common developmental variants that can mimic disease, and, finally, focuses on the increasing use of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis and response monitoring of children with infectious and inflammatory processes. The value of and need for pediatric specific imaging protocols are reviewed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Child abuse and domestic violence in families of children seen for suspected sexual abuse.
We surveyed families of children seen in a sexual abuse evaluation clinic regarding domestic violence in the child's home and physical and sexual abuse during childhood among the mothers. Domestic violence occurred in 54% (216/402) of the children's homes; 28% (111/392) of mothers reported childhood physical abuse, and 42% (167/395) reported sexual abuse. There were no differences in the rates of domestic violence (chi 2 = 0.42, 2 df, p = 0.8), maternal physical abuse (chi 2 = 2.40, 2 df, p = 0.3), or maternal sexual abuse (chi 2 = 2.11, 2 df, p = 0.3) based on whether our current, patient was at high, medium, or low risk for having actually experienced sexual abuse. Neither domestic violence in the child's home nor the mother's childhood experience of abuse was increased if the child's perpetrator was a relative or lived in the home. Domestic violence in the child's home was more frequent if the mother had experienced physical abuse during childhood (65% 70/107) than if she had not (48%, 130/271; chi 2 = 8.69, p < 0.01). Child sexual abuse is part of a global pattern of victimization, and clinicians must address other forms of family violence when evaluating a child for allegations of sexual abuse. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Factors influencing serum free T3 and free T4 in elderly euthyroid subjects].
Thyroid function was investigated in 222 elderly euthyroid subjects (79.6 +/- 7.6 years, males 68, females 154). Serum free T3, free T4, and TSH levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. To assess the factors influencing serum free T3 and free T4, we applied multiple regression analysis. 1) Serum free T3 concentrations were directly proportional to both serum albumin levels and hemoglobin levels. Serum free T3 levels were lower in bedridden male subjects and in female subjects with dementia. 2) Serum free T4 concentrations were negatively correlated to serum TSH levels in male. Serum free T4 levels were higher in bedridden female subjects, and increased in proportion to serum albumin concentrations in females. 3) Age had no apparent effect on either serum free T3 or free T4 concentrations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Colloidal gold: a pluripotent receptor probe.
Colloidal gold is an electron-dense, lyophobic colloid that readily forms a stable electrostatic interaction with a variety of macromolecules. Monodispersed colloids ranging from 3-150 nm in diameter can be produced to provide the researcher with flexibility in selecting the optimally sized probe. Gold labeling of antibodies and lectins has been extensively used to study surface antigens and cell components. Recently, the use of gold labeling has been extended to study receptor-ligand binding, enzyme-substrate reactions, and transcellular pathways. Published applications include gold labeling of metabolites (low-density lipoproteins), enzymes (DNAase and RNAase, RNA polymerase, thrombin, collagenase, elastase), hormones (insulin, epidermal growth factor, glucagon), circulating plasma proteins (asialoglycoprotein, alpha 2-macroglobulin, factor VIII-von Willebrand factor), and endotoxins (tetanus toxin, cholera toxin). This broad spectrum of applications emphasizes the versatility and usefulness of colloidal gold as a probe in areas of cell biology related to receptors, endocytosis, transport, and functions of proteins. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Clinical analysis of upper airway resistance syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome in children].
To analyze the similarities and differences of the clinical manifestations between the children with upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), and to explore the clinical features and characteristics of sleep respiratory parameters. Using the double-blind method, all children were diagnosed as UARS or OSAHS through the polysomnography test and the results of all children were analyzed by a sleep technician and an otolaryngologist. Another ENT doctor recorded their clinical and physical examination in detail. Polysomnography showed that the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and the lowest oxygen in 253 children with OSAHS were 3.60[2.00;7.55] times/h and 0.90[0.85;0.91], and were 0.90[0.50;1.10] times/h and 0.95[0.92;0.96] in 102 children with UARS, the difference of the two groups by rank test was statistically significant. The proportion of UARS and OSAHS was more common during preschool period than during school-age period. The chief complaint in two groups was sleep snoring, and the main symptoms were sleep restless, attention deficit/hyperactivity and breath with mouth open. The incidence rate of above symptoms were as follows, 94.1%, 72.5%, 62.7% and 37.3% in children with UARS, 92.9%, 78.7%, 57.7% and 45.5% in children with OSAHS. The difference was not significant by chi-square test (P>0.05). Tonsil and adenoid hypertrophy were also observed in the two groups, the difference was not significant (chi2 = 0.27, P= 0.87). However, the children with OSAHS were more apt to have the sleep apnea than with UARS, the difference was statistically significant (chi2 = 34.07, P<0.001). The clinical manifestations of two groups are similar, the difference between UARS and OSAHS can not be determined by the patient's clinical performance. Sleep apnea can be more easily observed in children with OSAHS than that in UARS, the final diagnosis is based on polysomnography. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Altered patterns of transcription of the septin gene, SEPT9, in ovarian tumorigenesis.
Ovarian carcinoma represents the most lethal gynaecological malignancy. A variety of morphological subtypes are recognised (e.g. serous, mucinous, endometrioid), which may be benign, borderline or malignant. While their relationship is controversial, knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of ovarian tumorigenesis may help resolve this issue and perhaps identify early markers of disease. Perturbed patterns of expression of the SEPT9 gene on chromosome 17q25.3 have been implicated in a variety of tumour types including both breast and ovarian neoplasia. In preliminary studies, we showed that SEPT9 mRNA was upregulated in a bank of ovarian tumours, which included benign, borderline and malignant tumours, and reported increased levels of one splice variant, SEPT9_v4*. We now describe a comprehensive analysis of SEPT9 expression specifically in serous and mucinous ovarian tumours (benign, borderline and malignant), using cDNA microarray, semi- and quantitative RTPCR of microdissected archival tumour material. Our data show consistent and specific overexpression of both SEPT9_v1 and SEPT9_v4* transcripts in the epithelial component of ovarian tumours. These transcripts show highest levels of expression in serous and mucinous borderline tumours. SEPT9_v1 is also upregulated in both serous and mucinous carcinomas. Interestingly, highest levels of expression are observed in serous borderline and low-grade tumours rather than high-grade in keeping with a model of progression of benign, borderline and low-grade serous tumours. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Risk factors for sexually transmitted disease in Harare: a case-control study.
To obtain information on risk factors and health-seeking behavior of men with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) attending primary care clinics. Unmatched case-control. Cases consisted of 256 consecutive men with genital ulcer disease (GUD) and 256 with other STDs. Control subjects (N = 256) were recruited from every third man with non-STD-related complaints. All subjects were at least 15 years of age. A structured questionnaire was administered. Genital ulcer disease cases reported more frequent sexual intercourse with a commercial sex worker (odds ratio [OR] = 17.4; 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 7.8-40.0) and a recent new sexual contact (OR = 6.7; CI = 3.3-14.1). Similarly, STD cases reported more frequent sexual contact with a commercial sex worker (OR = 3.4; CI = 2.0-5.6) and a recent new sexual contact (OR = 7.9; CI = 3.9-16.3). Reported condom use was less than 30% with all partner types. Of all STD cases, 80% sought treatment at the primary care clinics, with 35% delaying more than 7 days before seeking treatment. Culturally appropriate behavioral educational programs are advocated to reduce the risk of transmission and the period for seeking treatment for all STDs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
People are better at maximizing expected gain in a manual aiming task with rapidly changing probabilities than with rapidly changing payoffs.
Previous research has shown that humans can select movements that achieve their goals, while avoiding negative outcomes, by selecting an "optimal movement endpoint." This optimal endpoint is modeled based on the participants' endpoint variability and the payoffs associated with the target and penalty regions within the environment. Although the values associated with our goals vary on a moment-to-moment basis in our daily interactions, the adaptation of endpoint selection to changing payoffs in laboratory-based tasks has been examined by varying contexts between blocks of trials. The present study was designed to determine whether participants adjust endpoints and aim to optimal endpoints and whether performance differs when probability or payoff parameters change from trial to trial. Participants aimed to a target circle that was partially overlapped by a penalty circle. They received 100 points for hitting the target and lost points for hitting the penalty area. The magnitude of the penalty value or the distance between the centers of the circles (related to the probability of target and penalty contact) was changed randomly from trial to trial in separate blocks. Results revealed that participants shifted their endpoint and generally aimed optimally when the distance between the circles was varied but did not optimally shift their endpoints when the penalty value was varied. The results suggest that participants rapidly adapted endpoints when the probabilities associated with the task change, because the spatial parameters are an intrinsic property of the visual stimuli that are tightly linked with the motor system, whereas consistent feedback may be necessary to adjust to value parameters effectively. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Collaborative study for the quality control of trace element determinations in paint coatings. Part 2. Certification of alkyd resin paint reference materials for the migratable contents of trace elements (CRMs 620 and 623).
This paper describes the preparation, homogeneity studies and certification of a series of two paint reference materials (mild steel coated with alkyd resin paint, CRM620, and comminuted paint from alkyd resin paint, CRM623) which have been produced in support of the EU Toy Safety Directive (88/378/EEC). The reference materials have been certified for levels of toxic element migration using the method specified in European Standard EN71-3:1994 published by the European Committee for Standardization. As such, the certified values, indicative values and range data quoted for the reference materials in this paper are method specific and relate only to European Standard EN71-3:1994. The paper summarizes the analytical work carried out and gives a description of the analytical methods used to measure As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, Sb and Se, the 8 toxic elements specified in European Standard EN71-3:1994, in the sample extracts. Descriptions of the reference materials, certified values, indicative values together with their associated uncertainties or range of laboratory means as appropriate are given. The preparation of a (not certified) reference material (beechwood coated with nitrocellulose paint, RM621) is also described and assigned values for As, Ba, Cd and Se are given. The Hg content could not be certified in any of the reference materials, owing to a high dispersion of results. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Structural transformation and tuning behavior induced by the propylamine concentration in hydrogen clathrate hydrates.
The structures and the guest-host distributions of iso-propylamine (i-PA) and n-propylamine (n-PA) hydrates with hydrogen as a secondary guest were identified by powder X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopic analysis. The structure of 11.1 mol% i-PA + H2 hydrate was identified to be hexagonal (space group P63/mmc) with a few unindexed diffraction peaks, while 5.6 mol% i-PA + H2 hydrate had a cubic structure (space group Fd3¯m). Similarly, the structure of 13.3 mol% n-PA + H2 hydrate was found to be monoclinic (space group P2(1)/n), while 5.6 mol% n-PA + H2 hydrate had a cubic structure (space group Fd3¯m). The 'tuning' phenomenon, multiple occupancy of hydrogen in the large cage at the pressure and temperature regions outside of pure hydrogen hydrate stability, was observed in the i-PA + H2 hydrate only when the amine concentration was lower than the stoichiometric value of structure II hydrate. The three-phase (H-L(w)-V) equilibria for alkylamine + H2 + water mixtures were also measured to investigate their thermodynamic stability. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Temporal variability of exercise Doppler echocardiography in patients with nonstented aortic bioprostheses.
Temporal variability and reproducibility of Doppler-derived variables obtained during supine symptom-limited exercise was investigated in 26 patients who were in clinically and hemodynamically stable condition with normally functioning nonstented aortic bioprostheses (stentless porcine, n = 13; cryopreserved homografts, n = 13). All patients had normal systolic left ventricular function and underwent 2 similar exercise tests within 12 months (mean time interval 7.2 +/- 1.9 months). The coefficient of variation was 8% to 9% for primary Doppler-derived variables (ie, velocities and velocity time integrals) at rest and during exercise. The coefficient of variation for calculated maximal pressure difference was 16% at rest and 15% at peak exercise. Measurement variability assessed from repeated measurements from the same videotaped recording was approximately 2%. High reproducibility was shown for most variables with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.85 or more. We conclude that Doppler echocardiography can be used in patients with nonstented aortic bioprostheses with the same high reproducibility during exercise as at rest. The results provide clinically useful information regarding temporal variability for Doppler-derived variables. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Degradability and Clearance of Inorganic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications.
Inorganic nanoparticles with tunable and diverse properties hold tremendous potential in the field of nanomedicine, while having non-negligible toxicity concerns in healthy tissues/organs that have resulted in their restricted clinical translation to date. In the past decade, the emergence of biodegradable or clearable inorganic nanoparticles has made it possible to completely solve this long-standing conundrum. A comprehensive understanding of the design of these inorganic nanoparticles with their metabolic performance in the body is of crucial importance to advance clinical trials and expand their biological applications in disease diagnosis. Here, a diverse variety of biodegradable or clearable inorganic nanoparticles regarding considerations of the size, morphology, surface chemistry, and doping strategy are highlighted. Their pharmacokinetics, pathways of metabolism in the body, and time required for excretion are discussed. Some inorganic materials intrinsically responsive to various conditions in the tumor microenvironment are also introduced. Finally, an overview of the encountered challenges is provided along with an outlook for applying these inorganic nanoparticles toward future clinical translations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The IL-2/CD25 axis maintains distinct subsets of chronic myeloid leukemia-initiating cells.
Just as normal stem cells require niche cells for survival, leukemia-initiating cells (LICs) may also require niche cells for their maintenance. Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is caused by the activity of BCR-ABL, a constitutively active tyrosine kinase. CML therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors is highly effective; however, due to the persistence of residual LICs, it is not curative. Several factors are known to support CML LICs, but purification of LICs and a thorough understanding of their niche signals have not yet been achieved. Using a CML-like mouse model of myeloproliferative disease, we demonstrate that CML LICs can be divided into CD25(+)FcεRIα(-) Lineage marker (Lin)(-) Sca-1(+)c-Kit(+) (F(-)LSK) cells and CD25(-)F(-)LSK cells. The CD25(+)F(-)LSK cells had multilineage differentiation capacity, with a preference toward cytokine-producing mast cell commitment. Although cells interconverted between CD25(-)F(-)LSK and CD25(+)F(-)LSK status, the CD25(+)F(-)LSK cells exhibited higher LIC capacity. Our findings suggest that interleukin-2 derived from the microenvironment and CD25 expressed on CML LICs constitute a novel signaling axis. The high levels of CD25 expression in the CD34(+)CD38(-) fraction of human CML cells indicate that CD25(+) LICs constitute an "LIC-derived niche" that could be preferentially targeted in therapy for CML. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Adenine arabinoside inhibition of adenovirus replication enhanced by an adenosine deaminase inhibitor.
The inhibition of adenovirus multiplication by adenine arabinoside was determined by yield reduction in one-step multiplication cycle. Inhibition was greatly enhanced by an adenosine deaminase inhibitor (2-deoxycoformycin) in concentrations down to 10 ng/ml. Adenovirus types from four subgroups showed similar results. However, the enhancing effect of adenosine deaminase inhibitor was great in HeLa cells, moderate in human fibroblasts, and negligible in Vero cells. This difference could be explained by different concentrations of adenosine deaminase found in cell homogenates. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A phase II trial of 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-(2,6-dioxo-3-piperidyl)-1-nitrosourea (PCNU, NSC 95466) in recurrent malignant brain tumors.
Twenty-nine patients with recurrent primary malignant brain tumors were treated with 1-(2-chlorethyl)-3-(2,6-dioxo-3-piperidyl)-1-nitrosourea (PCNU) at an initial dose of 110 mg/m2 with subsequent doses determined by the degree of delayed toxicity. The interval between treatments was usually weeks. Eleven of 25 evaluable patients (44%) showed definite improvement and ten (40%) showed disease stability as determined by sequential CT scans and neurologic examination. The estimated median time to tumor progression for all 25 patients treated with PCNU was 28 weeks, 37 weeks for the responding patients but only 20 weeks for patients with stable disease. Toxicity consisted of delayed myelosuppression which was cumulative and occurred mainly with the platelets. Gastrointestinal toxicity occurred in a minority of the patients. PCNU has definite activity in primary malignant brain tumors which appears to be comparable to that reported for BCNU alone, but with less reported gastrointestinal side effects. Further clinical trials in patients with primary malignant brain tumors are indicated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Increased excretion of lactate, glutarate, 3-hydroxyisovalerate and 3-methylglutaconate during clinical episodes of propionic acidemia.
Metabolic changes dependent upon clinical conditions were studied in an eight-month-old girl with propionyl CoA carboxylase deficiency. Only methylcitric acid and 2-methyl-3-oxovaleric acid were detected in the urine of the patient under clinically favorable conditions. During episodes of clinical decompensation, she excreted increased amounts of all the metabolites associated with this disorder. Four acetyl CoA precursors increased during clinical episodes: glutaric acid, a catabolic intermediate of lysine; 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid and 3-methylglutaconic acid, catabolic intermediates of leucine; and lactic acid. This suggests that under clinically favorable conditions the patient has an altered propionate metabolism which proceeds via normal acetyl CoA metabolism with sufficient capacity for acetyl CoA plus propionyl CoA metabolism. When the production of propionyl CoA exceeds the metabolic capacity, however, the catabolism of potent ketogenic amino acids is effectively suppressed in order to reduce acetyl CoA production. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intrapulmonary production of RANTES during rejection and CMV pneumonitis after lung transplantation.
RANTES (regulated upon activation, normally T expressed and secreted) is a chemoattractant for macrophages, memory T lymphocytes, and eosinophils. We investigated whether intrapulmonary production of the chemokine RANTES contributes to the recruitment of immune cells during lung transplantation complications. RANTES concentration was measured in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids using an ELISA assay. It was significantly higher during CMV pneumonitis (36.2 +/- l6 pg/ml, n=12, P=0.031) and allograft rejection (31.1 +/- 8.5 pg/ml, n=27, P=0.013) than in patients without complications (9.1 +/- 2.3 pg/ml, n=22). At least some of the RANTES was produced by lung macrophages: BAL macrophages cultured for 24 hr spontaneously released larger amount of RANTES during CMV pneumonitis (140 +/- 53 pg/ml, n=8, P=0.002) and allograft rejection (84 +/- 44 pg/ml, n=11, P=0.037) than in control patients (15.2 +/- 6.5 pg/ml, n=21). Moreover, macrophages in transbronchial biopsies were labeled by an anti-RANTES mAb. RANTES production by BAL macrophages was followed in 2 patients with CMV pneumonitis. It remained high as long as CMV-induced cytopathic effects or clinical symptoms were present, but it returned to baseline as the infection was controlled. These results suggest that the intrapulmonary production of the chemokine RANTES by activated macrophages contributes to the intrapulmonary accumulation of immune cells during complications of lung transplantation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Primary immunodeficiencies--agammaglobulinemia--a new trend in diagnosis and treatment].
The primary antibody deficiency syndromes are a group of relatively rare disorders characterized by an inability to produce efficient antibody responses, resulting in clinically agammaglobulinemia in affected individuals. Most of them are caused by mutations in genes involved in B cell differentiation. They commonly present with recurrent infections due to encapsulated bacteria. Treatment of primary antibody deficiencies involves immunoglobulin replacement therapy with appropriate antibiotic therapy. However, diagnostic delay in these disorders remains a problem. In this article, we will discuss the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of primary antibody deficiency syndromes, with some attention to recent advances in this field. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Retrograde nontransseptal balloon mitral valvuloplasty by the brachial artery approach.
Retrograde nontransseptal balloon mitral valvuloplasty is a purely transarterial technique for percutaneous treatment of mitral stenosis. We report the first use of this technique via the brachial artery for a patient with aortoiliac atherosclerosis, and we comment on the difficulties and perspectives of this approach. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of graded levels of duodenal infusions of casein on mammary uptake in lactating cows. 2. Individual amino acids.
The experiment examined patterns of mammary uptake of individual AA when graded amounts of calcium caseinate (0, 177, 362, and 762 g/d) were infused duodenally into four lactating cows. Six blood samples were collected over 12 h from the subcutaneous abdominal vein and the carotid. Mammary blood flow was measured by an ultrasonic flow probe implanted around the external pudic artery. Infusions of casein linearly increased the arterial concentrations of all essential AA and several nonessential AA (Pro, Tyr, Orn, and Cit) and increased, or tended to increase, linearly the mammary arteriovenous differences of all AA except Glu and Ala. Absorption ability of the mammary gland was not reduced in vivo. Relationships between mammary arteriovenous differences and arterial concentrations were positive and linear in every cow for all AA except Asn, Ser, Gly, and Ala. Some essential AA (Lys, Arg, and branched-chain AA) were therefore taken up in excess of their output into milk proteins, but others (His, Thr, Met, and Phe) were almost exclusively extracted by the udder in a direct ratio to their output. As infusions of casein increase, Phe becomes probably the most critical AA for milk synthesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Rabies control in Mexico.
Rabies in dogs was unknown in the Americas before the arrival of the Spanish "Conquistadores". Until the mid-1980s rabies in animals and, in turn in humans, changed little from year to year, with the number of dog vaccinations reported annually rarely reaching one million. In Mexico, the national rabies control programme using mass parenteral vaccination of dogs started in 1990 with about seven million dogs vaccinated the same year. The number of vaccinated dogs exceeded 10 and 15 million in 1995 and 2005, respectively. Modern cell culture-based inactivated rabies virus vaccines were used. A key factor for the success of the dog rabies control program was the supply of potent canine rabies vaccines. Between 1990 and 2005, more than 150 million vaccine doses from 300 lots were administered. Each lot was tested for potency prior to use in the field. The required minimum content of rabies virus antigen for vaccines was 2 IU, in accord with WHO standards. Testing revealed antigen contents ranging from 3.28 to 5.59 IU. As a result of the mass dog vaccination campaigns, human rabies cases due to dog-mediated rabies decreased from 60 in 1990 to 0 in 2000. The number of rabies cases in dogs decreased from 3,049 in 1990 to 70 cases last year. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Acquisition of ordered conformation by the N-terminal domain of the human small proline rich 2 protein.
The cornified cell envelope (CE) is a crucial structure for barrier function in terminally differentiated dead stratified squamous epithelia. It is assembled by transglutaminase enzymes (TGases) that cross-link several proteins such as loricrin and the small proline rich (SPR) proteins. Human SPR2 protein is cross-linked with widely differing efficiencies by TGases 1, 2, and 3 using exclusively residues in the N- and C-terminal domains. In order to understand if the absence of the cross-linking catalyzed by TGases in the central domain is due to the conformation adopted, we have investigated the structural properties in solution of three peptides that correspond to the N-terminal domain, to three repeats of the central domain, and to the C-terminal domain. Together, the NMR and CD data strongly indicate the presence of a highly flexible non alpha-helix, non beta-sheet structure in SPR2. Thus, SPR2 appears to function as a flexible cross-bridging protein to provide tensile strength or rigidity to the CE of the stratified squamous epithelia in which it is expressed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Microscopic anterior clinoidectomy with micro-rongeurs for a superior projecting paraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysm: a technical note.
Anterior clinoidectomy is an essential manoeuvre for clipping paraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms. However, the use of a drill or an ultrasonic bone curette in an anterior clinoidectomy involves a high risk for heat or mechanical injury of the superior projecting paraclinoid aneurysm. We report our technique for microscopic anterior clinoidectomy performed only using a micro-rongeur. The case of a superior projecting paraclinoid ICA aneurysm is presented. The anterior clinoid process was removed with our specially crafted micro-rongeurs, while we observed the extradural and intradural routes under a microscope. The aneurysm was completely clipped without any resulting neurological deficits. This technique can be safely used for paraclinoid ICA aneurysms, especially for superiorly projecting aneurysms. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reporting of suicide in the Australian media.
The media monitoring project aimed to establish a baseline picture of the extent, nature and quality of reporting of suicide by the Australian media, with a view to informing future strategies intended to optimize reporting of suicide. Newspaper, television and radio items on suicide were retrieved over 12 months. Identifying and descriptive information were extracted for each item. Approximately 10% of items were rated for quality, using a rating scale based on criteria from Achieving the Balance, a kit designed to promote awareness among media professionals of issues relating to suicide. The scale ranged from 0 (poor quality) to 100 (good quality). Reporting of suicide was extensive (with 4813 items retrieved). The nature of reporting was variable. Items tended to be about completed suicide (rather than attempted suicide or suicidal ideation), and most commonly involved content related to an individual's experiences, policy/programme initiatives and/or suicide statistics, although there were differences across media types. Items showed variability across dimensions of quality. The majority of suicide items did not have examples of inappropriate language, were not inappropriately located, did not use the word 'suicide' in the headline, and did not use explicit photographs/diagrams or footage. However, around half of the suicide items provided a detailed discussion of the method of self-harm and portrayed suicide as merely a social phenomenon. Where items concerned the suicide of a celebrity, reference was commonly made to that person's celebrity status. Most items failed to provide information on help services. The median total quality score was 57.1%. The reporting of suicide is extensive across all media types, and varies in nature and quality. In general, good items outnumber poorer items. However, there are still opportunities for improving media reporting of suicide. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Celecoxib prodrugs possessing a diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate nitric oxide donor moiety: synthesis, biological evaluation and nitric oxide release studies.
A new class of anti-inflammatory (AI) cupferron prodrugs was synthesized wherein a diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolato ammonium salt, and its O(2)-methyl and O(2)-acetoxyethyl derivatives, nitric oxide (NO) donor moieties were attached directly to an aryl carbon on a celecoxib template. The percentage of NO released from the O(2)-methyl and O(2)-acetoxyethyl compounds was higher (18.0-37.8% of the theoretical maximal release of one molecule of NO/molecule of the parent compound) upon incubation in the presence of rat serum, relative to incubation with phosphate buffer saline (PBS) at pH 7.4 (3.8-11.6% range). All compounds exhibited weak inhibition of the COX-1 isozyme (IC(50)=5.8-17.0 microM range) in conjunction with weak or modest inhibition of the COX-2 isozyme (IC(50)=1.6-14.4 microM range). The most potent AI agent 5-[4-(O(2)-ammonium diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolato)phenyl]-1-(4-sulfamoylphenyl)-3-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazole exhibited a potency that was about fourfold and twofold greater than that observed for the respective reference drugs aspirin and ibuprofen. These studies indicate that use of a cupferron template constitutes a plausible drug design approach targeted toward the development of AI drugs that do not cause gastric irritation, or elevate blood pressure and induce platelet aggregation that have been associated with the use of some selective COX-2 inhibitors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Spinal intramedullary mature cystic teratoma in an adult.
Spinal intramedullary teratoma is a rare tumour characterised with slow progression course. Although symptoms are generally mild, long-term complaints can be observed due to the slow progression. In this report, we discuss a 29-year-old female diagnosed as mature cystic teratoma in thoracolumbar junction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Toward robust phase-locking in Melibe swim central pattern generator models.
Small groups of interneurons, abbreviated by CPG for central pattern generators, are arranged into neural networks to generate a variety of core bursting rhythms with specific phase-locked states, on distinct time scales, which govern vital motor behaviors in invertebrates such as chewing and swimming. These movements in lower level animals mimic motions of organs in higher animals due to evolutionarily conserved mechanisms. Hence, various neurological diseases can be linked to abnormal movement of body parts that are regulated by a malfunctioning CPG. In this paper, we, being inspired by recent experimental studies of neuronal activity patterns recorded from a swimming motion CPG of the sea slug Melibe leonina, examine a mathematical model of a 4-cell network that can plausibly and stably underlie the observed bursting rhythm. We develop a dynamical systems framework for explaining the existence and robustness of phase-locked states in activity patterns produced by the modeled CPGs. The proposed tools can be used for identifying core components for other CPG networks with reliable bursting outcomes and specific phase relationships between the interneurons. Our findings can be employed for identifying or implementing the conditions for normal and pathological functioning of basic CPGs of animals and artificially intelligent prosthetics that can regulate various movements. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Designing an intervention to improve the management of Helicobacter pylori infection.
An intervention to improve the testing and treatment of Helicobacter pylori (HP) in patients receiving chronic acid suppression (AS) therapy was developed at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care (HPHC), a mixed-model not-for-profit health maintenance organization. Ten full-time primary care physicians (4 staff model and 6 group practice) were interviewed in 1999 about their knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding dyspepsia, the use of chronic AS drugs, and approaches to HP infection, as well as about the feasibility and acceptability of various potential interventions that might be used in a quality improvement program. Self-reported practice regarding dyspepsia and HP infection were relatively uniform, and physicians were generally aware of current recommendations. Three common misperceptions acted as barriers to optimal HP management: Untreated HP was not considered an important problem; patients who used drugs for chronic AS rarely had HP infection; and chronic use of AS drugs was considered effective and without adverse consequence. All physicians wanted brief educational materials with explicit guidelines, preferably locally adapted and endorsed by local experts. All informants agreed that the main barrier to successful QI interventions was the requirement for any extra time or effort, particularly when directed at populations of patients who do not have symptomatic complaints. The interviews revealed the many barriers to improving the management of HP infection and to targeting educational messages and tailoring different methods for facilitating practice change across different managed care settings. Evidence-based components of the intervention program include physician education, a notification/reminder system, and practice-based tools to facilitate change and minimize workload. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Atherogenesis. Structure of pathomorphic lipid droplets.
Based on a detailed structural analysis of the lipid droplets from human atherosclerotic lesions, it is proposed that these droplets possess an icosahedral capsid (belonging to T = 3 series) containing globular micelles arranged as dimers along axes of 2-fold symmetry, and as trimers giving rise to hexamer and pentamer clustering along axes of 3-fold and 5-fold symmetry. An attempt is made to specify the molecular organization of lipids leading to the formation of intracellular lipid droplets in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Visual processing of contour patterns under conditions of inattentional blindness.
An inattentional blindness paradigm was adapted to measure ERPs elicited by visual contour patterns that were or were not consciously perceived. In the first phase of the experiment, subjects performed an attentionally demanding task while task-irrelevant line segments formed square-shaped patterns or random configurations. After the square patterns had been presented 240 times, subjects' awareness of these patterns was assessed. More than half of all subjects, when queried, failed to notice the square patterns and were thus considered inattentionally blind during this first phase. In the second phase of the experiment, the task and stimuli were the same, but following this phase, all of the subjects reported having seen the patterns. ERPs recorded over the occipital pole differed in amplitude from 220 to 260 msec for the pattern stimuli compared with the random arrays regardless of whether subjects were aware of the patterns. At subsequent latencies (300-340 msec) however, ERPs over bilateral occipital-parietal areas differed between patterns and random arrays only when subjects were aware of the patterns. Finally, in a third phase of the experiment, subjects viewed the same stimuli, but the task was altered so that the patterns became task relevant. Here, the same two difference components were evident but were followed by a series of additional components that were absent in the first two phases of the experiment. We hypothesize that the ERP difference at 220-260 msec reflects neural activity associated with automatic contour integration whereas the difference at 300-340 msec reflects visual awareness, both of which are dissociable from task-related postperceptual processing. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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