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[Effect of (-) stepholidine on dopamine turnover in various brain regions].
It has been shown before that DA antagonist (-) stepholidine [(-) SPD] changes the function of feedback regulation in the striatum. In order to compare the effect of the drug on other brain DA systems, the DA content and DOPAC level in brain areas or nuclei of rat were measured by HPLC-ECD. It was found that (-) SPD (10 mg/kg, ip) did not significantly affect the DA contents in the striatum, olfactory bulb, N. accumbens, substantia nigra, ventral tegmentum area, N. amygdala, hypothalamus, pituitary, piriform cortex, but did markedly increase the DOPAC levels in these brain areas or nuclei, and thus increase the DA turnover (DOPAC/DA). However, (-) SPD (10 mg/kg, ip) did not significantly affect either the DA contents or DOPAC levels in the prefrontal cortex and cingulate cortex, thus leaving the DA turnover in these areas unchanges. These results indicated that (-) SPD did affect the nigro-striatal, midbrain-limbic and hypothalamus-pituitary DA systems, but not the midbrain-cortex DA system. It is supposed that this difference may be due to the modulation by presynaptic DA autoreceptors in the major brain areas of DA nerve endings or neurosoma, but none in the cortex DA nerve endings. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Bone mineral density for patients with bone metastasis of prostate cancer: a preliminary report.
Patients with prostate cancer frequently have osseous metastases which are qualitatively assessed with bone scannings. We have studied the quantitative evaluation of skeletal diseases by measuring bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar vertebrae and radius. Forty-four patients with prostate cancer, nine with non-prostatic urogenital cancer and 90 controls were entered in this study. Among the patients with prostate cancer, the values of BMD in the lumbar vertebrae were significantly higher in patients with osseous metastasis than in those without metastasis, whereas the values of BMD in the radius were insignificantly different. Most of the patients with high levels of BMD in the lumbar vertebrae had osseous metastatic disease with no relationship between BMD in the lumbar vertebrae and the radius. The values of BMD in the lumbar vertebrae where hot spot scans were observed were related to X-ray findings. The alterations of BMD levels in the lumbar vertebrae were quantitatively evaluable as responses to androgen deprivation therapy. Measurement of BMD is useful for the accurate diagnosis of osteosclerotic lesions. BMD measurements of the lumbar vertebrae compared with those in the radius were variable in individuals. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Oestrogen receptor-beta and neurohypophysial hormones: functional interaction and neuroanatomical localisation.
Oestrogens affect fluid balance, influencing both ingestive behaviour and renal excretion. The renal effects are partly due to altered release of vasopressin and oxytocin. This study was designed to explore the role of oestrogen receptor-beta (ERbeta) in neurohypophysial hormonal function. Following dietary administration, soya isoflavones reach the brain in sufficient concentration to activate ERbeta, but not oestrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha). ERbeta function was therefore manipulated by feeding rat diets differing in soya isoflavone content. Fluid balance and neurohypophysial hormone release were measured in male rats maintained for 14 days on a soya isoflavone-free diet or one containing 150 microg/g genistein+daidzein. Food and water intake, body weight, urine flow, osmolality and sodium concentrations were determined daily. After 14 days, plasma and urine osmolality and sodium, vasopressin and oxytocin concentrations were determined. There was no significant difference in weight gain between the two groups or in their excretion of sodium and water or plasma sodium and plasma oxytocin. However, plasma vasopressin was significantly lower in the iso-free group. Double-label immunocytochemistry was used to assess colocalisation of ERbeta with the neurohypophysial hormones in male rats. Cell nuclei showing ERbeta immunoreactivity were abundant in the posterior magnocellular paraventricular nucleus (PVNpm) and in the supraoptic nucleus (SON). Vasopressin-immunoreactive neurones were similarly distributed, forming the core of the PVNpm and the ventral portion of the SON; majority were positive for ERbeta. Cells with oxytocin immunoreactivity were located mainly at the periphery of the PVNpm and in the dorsal SON; only approximately a quarter of these cells showed ERbeta immunoreactivity. Thus, the difference in the effects of the soya diet on vasopressin and oxytocin release may be related to the ERbeta-activating properties of this diet and to the preponderance of this receptor in vasopressin as opposed to oxytocin cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reconstituted basement membrane (matrigel) enhances the growth of human glioma cell lines in nude mice.
Transplantation of human cancers into immunologically deficient mice is widely used to study potential therapeutic interventions in vivo. For brain tumor research, however, several factors limit more widespread application of this animal model. First, only a minority of human glioma-derived cell lines are tumorigenic in nude mice. In addition, even for tumorigenic cell lines, tumor take is variable and growth is often slow for tumors derived from cell inoculums. Reconstituted components of tumor basement membrane (matrigel) have been found to improve the growth in nude mice of several types of human tumors originating outside the central nervous system when premixed with the tumor cells before subcutaneous inoculation. We investigated the ability of matrigel to enhance the growth in nude mice of tumors derived from the human glioma cell lines U-251 MG, U-373 MG, SNB-78 and SNB-101. Athymic nude mice (NIH Swiss background, nu/nu genotype) were inoculated subcutaneously with 1.0 x 10(6) tumor cells alone or after premixing with an equal volume of liquid matrigel. U-251 and U-373 cells were tumorigenic, with palpable tumors present by about 2 to 3 weeks. Co-injection of these cell lines with matrigel resulted in higher tumor-take rates, from 6/10 to 8/8 animals for U-251 at 60 days, and from 9/12 to 11/11 animals for U-373 at 60 days. Matrigel also enhanced tumor growth, with tumors at 45 days significantly larger than those formed in the absence of matrigel, for both cell lines (p < 0.01). SNB-78 and SNB-101 cells did not give rise to progressively enlarging solid tumors with or without matrigel. Matrigel enhances the growth of tumorigenic human gliomas in athymic nude mice. This technique provides a model with more consistent tumor take and more rapid growth kinetics for human glioma cell lines that are tumorigenic in nude mice. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Immunochemical fingerprinting of Clostridium difficile strains isolated from an outbreak of antibiotic-associated colitis and diarrhoea.
Twenty eight strains of Clostridium difficile , isolated from an outbreak of antibiotic-associated colitis and diarrhoea in an orthopaedic ward and from sporadic cases throughout Sweden, were sent to Edinburgh for immunochemical fingerprinting without information about their origin. EDTA extracts of the organisms were examined by crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE), polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and electroblot transfer. Two patterns were revealed by CIE: group A (18 strains) and group B (10 strains). PAGE and electroblot transfer revealed one major group of 10 strains (group 1), six small groups of two or three strains and six strains which were unlike any other strain. The CIE group B and PAGE- electroblot group 1 were identical. Nine of the 10 strains in this group were from patients in the outbreak. These findings indicate that a single strain spread in the orthopaedic ward as a nosocomial infection and that this strain differed from most other strains investigated. The PAGE- electroblot technique should, therefore, greatly aid investigations into the epidemiology of C. difficile infections. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The impact of concordant communication in outpatient care planning - nurses' perspective.
To elucidate registered nurses' experiences of coordinated care planning in outpatient care. Coordinated care planning has been studied from the perspectives of both patients and nurses in inpatient care, but it is deficient in outpatient care. Qualitative content analysis of interviews with 10 registered nurses participating in two focus groups. An overall theme was identified: creating concordant communication in relation to patient and health-care providers. The result is based on four categories and nine subcategories. Nurses need extraordinary communication skills to reach concordance in outpatient care planning. In addition to involving and supporting the patients and next of kin in the decision-making process, the outcome of the nursing process must be understood by colleagues and members of other professions and health-care providers (non-nursing). An effective outpatient care-planning process requires that care managers understand the impact of communicating, transferring information and reaching consensus with other health-care providers, actively supporting employees in the outpatient care-planning process and contributing to the development of common goals and policy documents across organisational boundaries. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The role of N-acetylcysteine in the management of acute and chronic pulmonary complications of sulfur mustard: a literature review.
Sulfur mustard exposure, as the most widely used chemical weapon, can lead to acute and long-term pulmonary complications via various pathways, such as triggering an imbalance between the oxidant and antioxidant system. Currently, there is no validated antidote, chemoprophylaxis and curative modality for pulmonary toxicities secondary to sulfur mustard exposure. The aim of this literature review is to collect available experimental and clinical data on the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), as a prominent antioxidant agent, in the prevention and/or treatment of sulfur mustard-induced acute and chronic pulmonary toxicities. A literature search was performed by the relevant keywords like "N-acetyl cysteine", "Sulfur mustard" and "Lung injury" in databases such as Scopus, Medline, Embase and ISI Web of Knowledge. No time limitation was considered. Nineteen articles were selected for review. A number of in vitro and experimental studies concluded that oral, intravenous, intraperitoneal and intra-tracheal administration of NAC is effective in the management of sulfur mustard-induced acute lung injury, in a time-dependent manner, via direct scavenging, inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammatory responses and apoptosis. In addition, oral NAC alone (1200 or 1800 mg/day for 4 months) or at a dose 600 mg/day for 6 months in combination with clarithromycin (500 mg/day) have led to improvements of clinical and paraclinical pulmonary parameters of patients with bronchiolitis obliterans due to sulfur mustard, through undetermined mechanisms. Despite limitations of relevant experimental and clinical studies, NAC can be considered as a candidate agent for prevention and/or treatment of sulfur mustard-induced acute lung injuries, as well as its long-term pulmonary toxicities, especially bronchiolitis obliterans. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cilnidipine attenuates renal nerve stimulation-induced renal vasoconstriction and antinatriuresis in anesthetized dogs.
We examined the effects of cilnidipine, which is an L- and N-type Ca2+ channel blocker, on adrenergically regulated renal functions in anesthetized dogs. Renal nerve stimulation (RNS) at high frequency (3-7 Hz) decreased renal blood flow (RBF) without changes in systemic blood pressure. The RBF response was inhibited by intrarenal arterial (i.r.a.) infusion of cilnidipine at 0.1-0.3 microgram/kg/min. Low-frequency RNS (0.5-1 Hz) reduced absolute and fractional urinary sodium excretion. These responses were attenuated during i.r.a. infusion of cilnidipine at 0.3 microgram/kg/min. An increase in norepinephrine secretion rate induced by low-frequency RNS was also attenuated during cilnidipine infusion. These results suggest that cilnidipine can suppress norepinephrine release from the renal nerve endings and thereby interfere with the neural control of renal functions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Maxillary deformity following CPAP treatment in myasthenia gravis.
Patients with Myasthenia gravis (MG) are characterized by muscle weakness that may cause obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device is often needed in order to maintain free breathing during the night and sometimes even during the day. A 29-year-old MG patient is presented who used a CPAP continuously since the age of 12. Tight fitting of a nasal mask applied enough force to cause severe maxillary deformity. Masks with additional forehead and chin support or a regular full face mask are recommended for patients with muscle weakness, in order to spread forces more evenly. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prevention of chronic experimental heart insufficiency by inosine.
The administration of inosine dosed 25 mg/kg daily during 10 1/2 months prevented the development of excentric cardiac hypertrophy on the background of experimental aortic stenosis in rats, reduced the lowering of the working capacity of the animals, and partially inhibited the full development of functional and morphological myocardial changes, detected by electrocardiographic, vectorcardiographic, microscopic, and electronmicroscopic examinations. Differences were found in the relative weights of the heart, thymus, liver and other organs; these findings attested to an anabolic activity of inosine. The results obtained justify the application of inosine for the prevention of excentric hypertrophy and decompensation of the heart in cardiac failures varying in etiology; any efficient preventive measure is of importance, because the degree of excentric hypertrophy is a factor influencing the survival of the patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[T-cell leukaemia in adults: report of two cases (author's transl)].
Two cases of T-cell chronic lymphoid leukaemia in adults were classified by recently developed immunological methods. Clinically there was splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, marked anaemia, para-aortic lymph nodes, cutaneous infiltration, little peripheral lymph-node enlargement and significant marrow infiltration. Immunological tests of membrane antigens revealed T-cell determinants. T-CLL may differ in its course and prognosis from B-CLL and may require different treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Pruritus and tardive cutaneous porphyria].
Pruritus was present in one half of our cases and ran parallel to the disease, thereby suggesting a causal relationship between it and PCT. Moreover, no correlations could be established between pruritus and the patients' sex, associated treatments (oestrogens, etc.) or underlying disease (liver damage, diabetes mellitus, cancer, hypersideraemia), nor between pruritus and the form of PCT (sporadic or familial) and the levels of urinary porphyrins. Pruritus localized to sun-exposed skin areas belongs to the category of phototoxic symptoms, although a burning sensation is more often observed in such cases, but this cannot explain the generalized pruritus. Immunoglobulin and complement deposits in the vessel walls have been demonstrated in PCT. In addition, the serum of PCT patients may, when irradiated, activate the classical complement pathway, thus promoting the release of mediators. Pro-inflammatory enzymes probably play a secondary role. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Physicians' responsibility for antibiotic use in infants from periurban Lima, Peru.
To describe the use of antibiotics in Peruvian children under 1 year in a setting where they are available without a prescription. Data were analyzed from a cohort study between September 2006 and December 2007 of 1 023 children < 2 months old in periurban Lima, Peru, followed until they were 1 year old. Seven hundred seventy of 1 023 (75.3%) children took 2 085 courses of antibiotics. There were two courses per child per year (range 0-12). Higher rates of antibiotic use were found in children 3-6 months old (37.2%). Antibiotics were given to children for 8.2% of common colds, 58.6% of all pharyngitis, 66.0% of bronchitis, 40.7% of diarrheas, 22.8% of dermatitis, and 12.0% of bronchial obstructions. A physician's prescription was the most common reason for antibiotic use (90.8%). Medication use without a prescription was found in 6.9% of children, and in 63.9% of them it was preceded by a physician's prescription. Infants are often exposed to antibiotics in this setting. Overuse of antibiotics is common for diagnoses such as pharyngitis, bronchitis, bronchial obstruction, and diarrhea but is typically inappropriate (83.1% of courses) based on the most common etiologies for this age group. Interventions to improve the use of antibiotics should focus on physicians, since a physician's prescription was the most common reason for antibiotic use. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Is routine preoperative 2-dimensional echocardiography necessary for infants with esophageal atresia, omphalocele, or anorectal malformations?
Infants with esophageal atresia (EA), omphalocele, and anorectal malformation (ARM) often have associated congenital heart disease. Recognition of significant cardiac defects, which compromise patient well-being in the perioperative period, is essential before going to the operating room. However, urgent echocardiography may be unavailable, and surgery may therefore be delayed in some cases. We wished to determine if routine echocardiography is necessary for neonates with these diagnoses, or if appropriate patients could be selected. Retrospective review of all infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with EA, omphalocele, or ARM for 5 years (2003-2008). Clinically relevant findings in the cardiovascular examination (murmur, tachycardia, abnormal 4 limb blood pressure, cyanosis, shock), abnormalities in respiratory examination (intubation, tachypnea, desaturations), or abnormal chest x-ray (cardiomegaly, abnormal pulmonary vasculature) were documented. Cardiac defects were categorized according to their clinical impact as major or minor to differentiate those disorders which may influence timing of surgical intervention. Eighty-six infants were identified (33 EA, 21 omphalocele, 32 ARM). Thirty-seven (42.9%) patients had congenital heart disease on echocardiography evaluation, of which 11 (12.7%) were classified as major and 26 (30.2%) were minor. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of abnormal clinical and radiologic combined assessment for a major cardiac defect were 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76-1), 64% (95% CI, 0.61-0.64), 28% (95% CI, 0.22-0.29), and 100% (95% CI, 0.94-1.00), respectively. Normal clinical and radiologic examination predicted absence of a significant cardiac abnormality on echocardiography in 100% of cases. We conclude that routine echocardiography before embarking on surgical intervention may not always be necessary but should be reserved for infants with abnormal clinical and/or radiologic findings. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Simultaneous determination of paracetamol, phenylephrine hydrochloride and chlorpheniramine maleate in pharmaceutical preparations using multivariate calibration 1.
Resolution of binary mixtures of paracetamol, phenylephrine hydrochloride and chlorpheniramine maleate with minimum sample pre-treatment and without analyte separation has been successfully achieved by methods of partial least squares algorithm with one dependent variable, principal component regression and hybrid linear analysis. Data of analysis were obtained from UV-vis spectra of the above compounds. The method of central composite design was used in the ranges of 1-15 mg L(-1) for both calibration and validation sets. The models refinement procedure and their validation were performed by cross-validation. Figures of merit such as selectivity, sensitivity, analytical sensitivity and limit of detection were determined for all three compounds. The procedure was successfully applied to simultaneous determination of the above compounds in pharmaceutical tablets. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The murine Cyp1a1 gene is expressed in a restricted spatial and temporal pattern during embryonic development.
In adult mice the cytochrome P450 Cyp1a1 gene is not constitutively expressed but is highly inducible by foreign compounds acting through the aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor. However, the expression profile of the Cyp1a1 gene in the developing embryo is not well under-stood. Using established transgenic mouse lines where 8.5 kb of the rat CYP1A1 promoter is cloned upstream of the lacZ reporter gene (1), we describe the expression of the CYP1A1-driven reporter gene in all tissues through-out stages E7-E14 of embryonic development. In contrast to the absence of constitutive Cyp1a1 and lacZ transgene expression in tissues of the adult mouse, a constitutive cell-specific and time-dependent pattern of CYP1A1 promoter activity was observed in the embryo. This expression pattern was confirmed as reflecting the endogenous gene by measuring Cyp1a1 mRNA levels and protein expression by immunohistochemistry. The number of cells displaying endogenous CYP1A1 activity could be increased in the embryo upon xenobiotic challenge, but only within areas where the CYP1A1 promotor was already active. When reporter mice were bred onto a genetic background expressing a lower affinity form of the Ah receptor (DBA allele), transgene and murine Cyp1a1 protein expression were both attenuated in the adult mouse liver upon xenobiotic challenge. By comparison, constitutive CYP1A1 promoter activity in the embryo was identical in the presence of either the high or low affinity Ah receptor. These novel data suggest that the Cyp1a1 protein may play a role in murine development and that regulation of the Cyp1a1 gene during this period is either through the action of a high affinity Ah receptor ligand or by an alternative regulatory pathway. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical Application of Biomarkers in Heart Failure with a Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Review.
Heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is increasingly prevalent and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. HFpEF has a complex pathophysiology, with recent evidence suggesting that an interaction of cardiovascular and noncardiovascular comorbidities (e.g. obesity, hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and chronic kidney disease) induces an inflammatory state that eventually leads to myocardial structural and functional alterations. Current ACCF/AHA guidelines suggest incorporation of biomarkers along with clinical and imaging tools to establish the diagnosis and disease severity in heart failure (HF). However, the majority of data on biomarkers relating to their levels, or their role in accurate diagnosis, prognostication, and disease activity, has been derived from studies in undifferentiated HF or HF with a reduced EF (HFrEF). As the understanding of the mechanisms underlying HFpEF continues to evolve, biomarkers reflecting different pathways including neurohormonal activation, myocardial injury, inflammation, and fibrosis have a clinical utility beyond the diagnostic scope. Accordingly, in this review article we describe the various established and novel plasma biomarkers and their emerging value in diagnosis, prognosis, response, and guiding of targeted therapy in patients with HFpEF. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Residual infrarenal aortic neck following endovascular and open aneurysm repair.
The effectiveness of open and endovascular aneurysm repair of aortic abdominal aneurysms (AAAs) can be jeopardised by deterioration of the residual infrarenal neck of the aneurysm. The study aims to determine the length of the residual infrarenal aortic segment after endovascular and open aneurysm repair. In a multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing open and endovascular AAA repair, 165 patients were discharged after open AAA repair (OR) and 169 after endovascular repair (EVAR). Immediately after the operation, surgeons were asked to enter in the case record form whether the level of their anastomosis after open repair was within or beyond 10 mm of the caudal renal artery. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans that were obtained within 6 months after surgery were used for comparative analysis. The distance between the caudal renal artery and the proximal anastomosis of the (endo-) graft was measured using axial CT slices and a standardised protocol. CT images were available and suitable for analysis in 156 (95%) of 165 OR patients and in 160 (95%) of 169 EVAR patients. Data are presented as median (range). Differences were analysed using the Mann-Whitney test. The distance from the caudal renal artery to the proximal anastomosis was 24 mm (16-30 mm) in the OR group versus 0 mm (0-6 mm) in the EVAR group (p < 0.0001, Mann-Whitney). In 140 of 156 (90%) patients, at least 1 cm of untreated infrarenal neck persisted after OR and in 17 of 160 (10%) after EVAR. In 84 of the 156 open repair patients (54%), the surgeon had indicated that the proximal anastomosis was within 10 mm of the caudal renal artery. Only five surgeons (6%) were accurate in this respect. After open repair, a longer segment of the infrarenal aortic neck is left untreated compared with endovascular repair and this length is underestimated by most surgeons. Long-term studies are required to determine the consequences of this difference. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characterization of Polymeric Nanoparticle Dispersions for Biomedical Applications: Size, Surface Charge and Stability.
In the last decades, nanoparticles intended for biomedical applications have gained increased attention due to the advantages they represent among the current diagnostic and therapeutic methods. However, the translation of nanomaterials laboratory results to human therapies is limited, mainly due to incomplete characterization of nanosystem properties, before preclinical studies. In this context, this review aims to summarize the main physicochemical characterization techniques of nanoparticles in a liquid dispersion, required in their design steps; which is of utmost importance for successful applications. One of the key physicochemical parameters of nanomaterials is size. To assess nanoparticles' size, a wide revision of light scattering and microscopic techniques is reported here, some of them being also useful for determining nanomaterial morphology. The determination of nanosystem surface charge is also reported, because it is also a key parameter that will influence their interaction with biological components. In addition, the determination of nanomaterials' stability, which is important in terms of storage and use, is described. In conclusion, this review will be a useful support to find the appropriate techniques for an appropriate nanoparticle physicochemical preclinical characterization. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of long-term air jet noise and dietary sodium chloride in borderline hypertensive rats.
The hypothesis that simultaneous exposure to a high (8%) sodium chloride diet and behavioral stress (air jet noise) would act synergistically to increase blood pressure was investigated in male borderline hypertensive rats. Rats were fed either a 1% or an 8% sodium chloride diet beginning at 6 weeks of age. Rats in the Air Noise condition were restrained and exposed to random blasts of air jet noise for 2 h/d, 5 d/wk, from 7 to 17 weeks of age. Controls either were placed in identical restrainers and test chambers but not exposed to air jet noise (Restrained Control) or were left undisturbed (Maturation Control). Biweekly indirect blood pressure measurements showed that by 17 weeks of age, the high-sodium chloride diet and air jet noise exposure produced additive increases in blood pressure. Direct blood pressure measurements at 18 weeks of age confirmed the higher systolic pressures in borderline hypertensive rats exposed to both an 8% sodium chloride diet and air jet noise. After ganglionic blockade, the blood pressure of rats in the Air Noise group remained higher than that of Restrained and Maturation Controls, suggesting that the increased blood pressure of air jet noise-exposed rats was not maintained by increased autonomic activity. Blood pressure after maximal vasodilation by hydralazine was increased in rats exposed to both an 8% sodium chloride diet and air jet noise compared with other groups. Baroreceptor reflex sensitivity (tested by graded doses of angiotensin II) did not differ among groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Experiences of problem-based learning in the UK.
Problem-based learning (PBL) in the UK began with the first version of Tomorrow's Doctors, published in 1993. About 12 of the 32 UK medical schools deliver PBL programmes. At a recent workshop, representatives from 10 UK medical schools, one dental school and one veterinary school discussed implementations, strengths and weaknesses of their PBL curricula. The goal of the workshop was to summarise our 'warts and all' experiences of PBL. A concern expressed by the group is that when a PBL programme runs into difficulties, it is easy to blame PBL rather than what may be issues in implementation or culture. There was strong agreement that PBL performed well, works well. Conversely, PBL performed badly should not be performed at all! The schools representatives outlined the strengths and weaknesses based on collective experience, and offered lessons and tips on how to help PBL succeed. By combining and sharing information and resources from various approaches, a picture emerged of the factors that help create a positive and effective PBL experience, and, conversely, the factors that will make it unlikely to work. Points emerging from the workshop were that strong support from senior leadership is critical, people who will not 'sign up' must not be allowed to undermine the effort, tutors should want the role rather than being co-opted, tutors should be integrated into faculty and curriculum design, induction for staff and students with ongoing tutor development is essential and, finally, personal experience shows that PBL, performed well, works well! | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Papillary carcinoma of the breast. A cytomorphologic analysis.
For the past 15 years at Lankenau Hospital, Philadelphia, more than 10,000 breast lesions have been aspirated; the distinctive cytomorphologic features of common carcinomas have been previously reported. This study is a cytomorphologic analysis of eight invasive papillary carcinomas. The parameters include the pattern and morphology of the tumor cells, and their measurements by ocular micrometry. The distinctive features of this unusual neoplasm are its papillary configuration, tall columnar cells, naked nuclei, and blood. The study is especially important because these neoplasms may be misinterpreted as benign tumors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Separate effects of Mg2+, MgATP, and ATP4- on the kinetic mechanism for insulin receptor tyrosine kinase.
The separate effects of the equilibrium species Mg2+, MgATP substrate, and ATP4- on the reaction catalyzed by insulin receptor tyrosine kinase were examined. The separated kinetic constants show that the K0.5 value for Mg2+ decreased from 23 to 0.43 mM and the Hill coefficient for Mg2+ (hMg2+) decreased from 1.43 to 0.668 when the concentration of ATPT (MgATP + ATP4-) was increased from 50 to 1000 microM. The apparent Ki for ATP4- increased from 0.20 to 136 microM and the Hill coefficient for ATP4- (hATP4-) decreased from 1.41 to 0.82 as the concentration of total ATP (ATPT) increased. These findings suggest that the [ATP4-]/[Mg2+] ratio modulates the shift from positive to negative cooperativity. It was also shown that the apparent affinity of the kinase for MgATP increased as the concentration of free Mg2+ increased and that the apparent affinity of the kinase for free Mg2+ increased as the concentration of MgATP substrate increased. Thus, Mg2+ and MgATP interact with the kinase in a mutually inclusive manner which leads to an increase in the ratio of the enzyme (E) rate-limiting species, [Mg-E-MgATP]/[E-MgATP]. Free ATP4- not only acts as a competitive inhibitor of the substrate but also decreases the relative concentration of Mg-E-MgATP. ATPT-dependent activation of the kinase is, therefore, a result of MgATP's increasing the affinity of the kinase for Mg2+, thereby leading to saturation of the enzyme with Mg2+ at lower concentrations of the divalent metal. This results in an increase in the [Mg-E-MgATP]/[E-MgATP] ratio, and therefore decreases saturation of the kinase with ATP4- inhibitor, not only at the active site but also at a kinetically distinct regulatory site. This kinetic relationship allows not only for the mutually inclusive interaction between Mg2+ and MgATP, but also for the mutually exclusive interaction toward ATP4-, hence indicating that the effect of Mg2+ will be to form an enzyme complex (Mg-E) which will have a higher affinity for MgATP substrate and a lower affinity for ATP4- than E alone. The role of the equilibrium concentrations of Mg-E,E, and ATP-E on the activation of insulin receptor tyrosine kinase is discussed which may account, at least in part, for modulation of cooperativity and the metal-dependent increase in turnover (VM). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Novel silver-containing supramolecular frameworks constructed by combination of coordination bonds and supramolecular interactions.
The hydrothermal reactions of AgNO(3), 4,4'-bipy, and carboxylate ligands gave rise to three supramolecular architectures, namely [Ag(bipy)].H(2)SIPA.1/2bipy.H(2)O (1), [Ag(bipy)].1/2H(2)btec.H(2)O (2), and [Ag(bipy)](2).H(2)dpstc.2H(2)O (3) (H(3)SIPA = 5-sulfoisophthalic acid, bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine, H(4)btec = 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid, H(4)dpstc = 3,3',4,4'-tetracarboxydiphenyl sulfone). All complexes are extended from Ag-bipy linear chains by the combination of coordination bonds and supramolecular interactions in two different approaches. Complexes 1 and 3 comprise two-dimensional frameworks. In the two complexes, a one-dimensional ladderlike structure is first formed by the connection of a Ag-bipy chain through hydrogen bonding between a free carboxylate/bipy ligand and weak coordinative interactions between a free carboxylate ligand and silver ion. The ladderlike structure is then extended to a two-dimensional layer architecture by pi...pi interactions between bipy ligands of the Ag-bipy chains. Complex 2 possesses a three-dimensional framework. The free H(2)btec(2)(-) ligands form a two-dimensional layer network by hydrogen-bonding interactions between protonated and deprotonated carboxylate groups; meanwhile, pi.pi interactions between bipy ligands of Ag-bipy chains also result in a two-dimensional layer. The two layers are further connected by weak Ag-O interactions to generate a three-dimensional supramolecular structure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The role of lattice distortions in determining the thermal properties of electron doped CaMnO(3).
We have investigated the thermal properties of electron doped perovskite manganite CaMnO(3), the end member ([Formula: see text]) of the Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) calcium manganates series with cation doping at the A-site. In this paper the functional relation between the lattice distortions and the thermal properties is determined and compared to available reports. The temperature dependence of the lattice specific heat (C(v(lattice))) of Ca(1-x)Ln(x)MnO(3) (x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20) with Ln(= La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Th, Bi) doping at the A-site has been studied as a function of temperature (10 K≤T≤500 K) by means of a rigid ion model (RIM) after modifying its framework to incorporate the van der Waals interactions. Strong electron-phonon interactions are present in these compounds, which are responsible for the variation of the lattice specific heat with cation doping of varying size and valency. We have found that the calculated thermal properties reproduce well the corresponding experimental data, implying that modified RIM represents properly the nature of these perovskite manganite systems. We demonstrate that the electron concentration, size mismatch and Jahn-Teller (JT) effects are the dominant factors, whereas charge mismatch and buckling of Mn-O-Mn angle influence the thermal properties to a lesser degree in the ferromagnetic state. In the insulating paramagnetic state, JT distortions vary linearly and influence the thermal properties. These specific heat results can be further improved by including the ferromagnetic spin wave and charge order contributions to the specific heat. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hemoptysis secondary to pulmonary pseudoaneurysm 30 years after a gunshot wound.
A 49-year-old man presented with intermittent hemoptysis from a traumatic pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm 30 years following a thoracic gunshot wound. The patient was asymptomatic for 28.5 years, when he began experiencing recurrent hemoptysis, chest pain, and a cough. A left lower lobe mass on chest x-ray film was investigated with contrast-enhanced computed tomography and pulmonary angiogram confirming a 1.5-cm pseudoaneurysm. Intraluminal coil embolization was attempted, but a left lower lobectomy was ultimately necessary to treat persistent hemoptysis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neural correlates of expectation of musical termination structure or cadence.
Music is an essential communication tool that can convey emotional information. Segmentation of a sound stream of music at event boundaries is necessary for identification and extraction of musical context and features. To investigate recognition of music termination structure, or cadence, we composed music sequences with two types of dominant-tonic termination structures and presented them to participants and analyzed their segment recognition and brain activities using EEG. The results revealed that a sense of termination was caused by listening to a tonic chord. Frontal area positivity at 380-480 ms was elicited by a dominant chord in cadence type I with a stronger sense of termination. These activities possibly reflected the expectation of the next tonic chord in the cadence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Identification of a median thalamic system regulating seizures and arousal.
This study better defines the way in which the thalamus controls expression of experimental generalized seizures. The effects of small intrathalamic injections of the direct GABA agonist muscimol on the thresholds of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures and on spontaneous behavior were determined in the rat and compared with the effects of injections of gamma-vinyl-GABA (GVG), an irreversible inhibitor of GABA transaminase. Muscimol injections produced neuronal inhibition in a relatively small area of thalamus, whereas GVG injections produced inhibition in a much larger area. Muscimol injections in the midline thalamus in the vicinity of the paraventricular, paratenial, interanteromedial, intermediodorsal, and central medial nuclei facilitated PTZ myoclonic and clonic seizures and also produced sedation. These effects on seizure thresholds were attributable both to a lower PTZ threshold dose for initiation of electroencephalographic (EEG) seizure activity and to an increased probability of this EEG activity being expressed as behavioral seizures. Midline injections located more posteriorly in the thalamus also inhibited tonic seizures. Muscimol injections placed laterally, dorsally, or ventrally to this midline thalamic region had much less effect on behavior or seizures. In contrast, GVG injections in the anterior medial thalamus elevated the threshold for all PTZ seizure types and for associated EEG seizure activity but had little effect on spontaneous behavior. These findings demonstrate the existence of an important seizure regulatory system in the midline of the thalamus and a direct anatomic link between the mechanisms for regulating arousal and seizure production which may help explain the association between sleep and seizure facilitation in humans.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neovascularization and the appearance of morphological characteristics of the blood-brain barrier in the embryonic mouse central nervous system.
Vascularization and expression of blood-brain barrier (bbb)-associated morphological characteristics during the embryonic development of the mouse central nervous system (CNS) was studied by ultrastructural analysis. At embryonic day 9 (E9) capillaries were only found in the perineural mesenchymal tissue. These capillaries showed fenestrations, and pericyte like cells (PC) were found joined to the vessel walls. Around E10 endothelial cells (EC) together with PC started invading the intraneural section. At this stage, the immigrating endothelial cells lost their fenestrations and exhibited numerous, partly extended junctional complexes, which appeared 'tight' in some places. A first intraneural anastomotic plexus was observed at E10, as evidenced by the presence of blood cells in all capillary lumens. While the number of junctional complexes remained constant in intraneural capillaries, the frequency of pinocytotic vesicles decreased significantly from E10 to E17. These findings indicate that from the first day of intraneural vascularization onwards, the morphological properties of the bbb are present in the early embryonic mouse cerebral cortex. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy.
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in neonates is often difficult to diagnose in "real time" at the bedside because of the variety of disorders that can cause neonatal seizures and other nonspecific signs of encephalopathy. Standard interventions to support respiratory and cardiovascular disorders associated with HIE are appropriate, but none has been demonstrated to alter neurologic outcome. Anticonvulsants are indicated when seizures are observed, although they are considered a sign of HIE rather than a cause of injury. There is overwhelming evidence that the excitotoxic cascade that evolves during HIE extends over several days after the insult and is modifiable. Clinical trials of potentially neuroprotective interventions such as hypothermia are under way. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Atomically dispersed rhodium on a support: the influence of a metal precursor and a support.
The influence of the support type and the metal precursor on the dispersion of rhodium after calcination and reduction was determined. The combination of electron microscopy and X-ray absorption analysis allowed the quantification of the amount of atomically dispersed rhodium in the samples. Higher amounts of atomically dispersed rhodium atoms are obtained when metal impregnation is performed with a rhodium acetate precursor in comparison to a rhodium chloride precursor over supports of the same composition. The stability of rhodium is improved with the addition of promoters; the co-presence of samaria and ceria in the support and metal impregnation with a rhodium acetate precursor leads to the highest amount of atomically dispersed rhodium remaining after reductive treatment at 773 K. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
S-100 protein-positive cells in hidrocystomas.
The histogenesis of hidrocystomas was examined by the use of immunostaining for S-100 protein. In normal sweat glands, S-100 protein was found exclusively in the secretory cells of eccrine glands, whereas this protein was not present in the other parts of eccrine glands or at any levels of the structure of apocrine glands. On the bases of this immunostaining pattern in normal sweat glands, we attempted to correlate the origin of 8 cases of hidrocystoma to the presence of S-100 protein-positive cells. S-100 protein was detected in the cells of one solitary eccrine hidrocystoma, but not in those of 2 cases of "classic", multiple-lesion type of eccrine hidrocystoma. This indicated that the former arose from the secretory portion of the eccrine gland and the latter from the eccrine ductal cells. Two of the 5 cases of apocrine hidrocystoma showed positive staining in a part of the lining cells of the cyst wall, while the other 3 cases were negative to this protein. This finding suggests that some of the tumors diagnosed morphologically as apocrine hidrocystoma differentiate in the direction of eccrine secretory cells. In addition to S-100 protein, we also surveyed for the presence of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and all cases examined were consistently positive to this substance. The detection of S-100 protein was considered to be more helpful in classifying hidrocystomas than that of CEA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cellulitis and septic arthritis caused by Campylobacter fetus and Campylobacter jejuni: report of 2 cases and review of the literature.
Bacteremia caused by gram-negative bacteria occasionally causes soft tissue infections, including cellulitis and septic arthritis. We describe 1 patient each with Campylobacter fetus cellulitis and septic arthritis and review the world literature with regard to C. fetus and C. jejuni infections at these sites. Altogether, 14 patients with cellulitis (12 due to C. fetus and 2 due to C. jejuni) and 20 patients with septic arthritis (15 due to C. fetus and 4 caused by C. jejuni) have been described. Most infections, particularly those causing cellulitis, are found in elderly men with underlying systemic disease. Most patients are febrile but less than half manifest a leukocytosis. There were only 3 deaths in this series of 33 patients. The newer macrolides, including azithromycin and clarithromycin, are considered the drugs of choice, particularly with C. jejuni, while soft tissue infections caused by C. fetus respond nicely to many beta-lactams, particularly to cephalosporins and carbapenems, as well as to macrolides and quinolones. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An anti-inflammatory oligopeptide produced by Entamoeba histolytica down-regulates the expression of pro-inflammatory chemokines.
Axenically grown Entamoeba histolytica produces a pentapeptide (Met-Gln-Cys-Asn-Ser) with anti-inflammatory properties that, among others, inhibits the in vitro and in vivo locomotion of human monocytes, sparing polymorphonuclear leucocytes from this effect [hence the name originally given. Monocyte Locomotion Inhibitory Factor (MLIF)]. A synthetic construct of this peptide displays the same effects as the native material. We now added MLIF to resting and PMA-stimulated cells of a human monocyte cell line and measured the effect upon mRNA and protein expression of pro-inflammatory chemokines (RANTES, IP-10, MIP-1alpha, MIP-1beta, MCP-1, IL-8, I-309 and lymphotactin) and the shared CC receptor repertoire. The constitutive expression of these chemokines and the CC receptors was unaffected, whereas induced expression of MIP-1alpha, MIP-1beta, and I-309, and that of the CCR1 receptor--all involved in monocyte chemotaxis--was significantly inhibited by MLIF. This suggests that the inhibition of monocyte functions by MLIF may not only be exerted directly on these cells, but also--and perhaps foremost--through a conglomerate down-regulation of endogenous pro-inflammatory chemokines. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Demonstration of the Rb1 lipopolysaccharide core structure in Salmonella strains with the monoclonal antibody M105.
The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from 42 strains representing 19 Salmonella serogroups was differentiated into characteristic ladder-like profiles by SDS-PAGE analysis. The core-specific antibody M105 (Ra, Rb1 and Rb2) was used in an immunoblot assay of SDS-PAGE-separated LPS molecules. The M105 antibody bound to the R-type LPS of 18 of the 20 Salmonella strains tested. The results demonstrate that S. enterica serotype Godesberg, S. Adelaide (one of two strains), S. Milwaukee, S. Niarembe, S. Bere and S. Arizonae (serogroup 63) have an atypical LPS core structure which is Rb1 type. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Clinical importance of human plasma proteins and their future development].
For more than 50 years now, proteins based on human blood plasma are used as drugs. More than 20 different protein preparations: Albumin, immunoglobulins, coagulation factors and inhibitors are currently available for substitution therapy. In the near future, antihemophilic globulins and perhaps Factor IX, too, will be produced by genetic engineering, independent from human blood plasma. Albumin and immunoglobulins as well as a number of plasma proteins for which only a small field of indication exists will continue to be produced from blood plasma. On a long-term basis, part of the immunoglobulins with special antibody titers will be replaced by human monoclonal antibodies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Phosphatidylserine decarboxylase from Clostridium butyricum.
Phosphatidylserine decarboxylase activity has been characterized in membrane preparations from Clostridium butyricum ATCC 19398. A particulate fraction was shown to catalyze the formation of phosphatidylethanolamine and plasmenylethanolamine when vesicles containing phosphatidylserine and plasmenylserine were used as substrate. No plasmenylethanolamine was formed when phosphatidylserine alone was used as substrate. The activity with phosphatidylserine was activated by divalent cations and was optimal under anaerobic conditions. Ionic detergents inhibited phosphatidylethanolamine formation strongly and nonionic detergents inhibited partially. In the presence of Triton X-100, phosphate from [32P]phosphatidylserine appeared in three unidentified lipid products, in addition to phosphatidylethanolamine. The formation of these products was time- and Triton X-100 concentration-dependent. Hydroxylamine inhibited phosphatidylserine decarboxylase, but did not prevent the reactions stimulated by Triton X-100. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Acute actions of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 upon chick pancreatic calbindin-D28K.
We have compared the relative responsiveness of pancreatic, intestinal and renal tissue calbindin-D28K protein content to the stimulatory actions of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] in vitamin D-deficient (-D) chicks. Tissue concentrations of calbindin-D28K were undetectable in the -D chick intestine but present, albeit at low concentrations (less than 1 microgram CaBP/mg protein) in the -D kidney and pancreas. Intestinal, pancreatic and renal calbindin-D28K content was stimulated 318, 9.8 and 2.9 fold respectively, 48 hours after -D chicks received a single dose of 1,25(OH)2D3 [6.5 nmol/animal]. The pancreatic calbindin-D28K content could be significantly stimulated as early as 5 hours after 1,25(OH)2D3 administrations in vivo. These findings support the contention that the pancreas is a target for vitamin D, and is consistent with the view that calbindin-D28K plays a role in normal pancreatic functions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The efficacy of loop diuretics in acute renal failure: assessment using Bayesian evidence synthesis techniques.
To quantify the therapeutic efficacy of loop diuretics in acute renal failure using Bayesian evidence synthesis, because despite widespread use, the role of diuretics is controversial. Randomized controlled trials or nonrandomized studies, 1966 to January 2007, identified from MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and manual bibliographic search. Studies with assessable predefined end points, exclusive of those pertaining to acute renal failure prophylaxis or chronic renal failure. Data extraction was performed jointly by the first two authors; independent study assessment was via standard checklist, unblinded. The primary outcome was mortality; secondary outcomes were time to renal function normalization and total number of dialyses. Bayesian hierarchical random effects estimates of treatment effects were determined as risk ratio for mortality, incidence rate ratio for dialysis number, and mean difference for continuous measures. Bayesian outcome probabilities were calculated as probability (P) that risk ratio or incidence rate ratio of loop diuretics >1 and probability that mean difference >0. Five randomized controlled trials and eight nonrandomized studies were identified. Loop diuretics were not associated with decreased mortality in either randomized controlled trials or nonrandomized studies: overall risk ratio 1.10; 95% credible interval 0.85, 1.42; P(risk ratio >1) > 83.8%. The oliguric period was decreased by loop diuretics: overall mean difference -7.70 days; 95% credible interval -12.51, -2.08; P (mean difference >0) = 0.7%. Although the dialysis rate credible interval, loop diuretics vs. control, spanned unity (incidence rate ratio 0.71; 95% credible interval 0.47, 1.06), the probability that the incidence rate ratio exceeded unity indicated a substantial benefit: P (incidence rate ratio >1 = 4.1%. Uremic duration was not substantially different, loop diuretics vs. control: overall mean difference -1.54 days; 95% credible interval -5.62, 2.46; P [mean difference >0] = 17.8%). Loop diuretics were not associated with improved survival benefit in acute renal failure, despite reduction in oliguric period and high probability of a significant reduction in dialysis numbers. Further studies to clarify this dichotomy appear mandated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Orthopedic basic documentation: requirements of diagnostic statistics and results in Göttingen university clinics].
For the first time the revised "Bundespflegesatzverordnung" (Federal Statutory Instrument on Hospital Care Rates) of 1985 has ordered all the hospitals in the F.R.G. to prepare annual statistics of diagnoses giving as part of the anonymous hospital statistics an overview about the medical variety of inpatients and enabling scientific evaluation of cases. The most important documentation items are patient's age, duration of stay, main diagnosis encoded according to ICD-9, and operation characteristic (whether or not any of the operations was carried out because of the main diagnosis). The computerized Goettingen documentation comprises all 15 items of the Minimum Basic Data Set of the European Communities and a few other additional details. The result is a comprehensive and in many directions useful medical documentation for which examples are given. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Secondary intraocular lens implantation in children].
The study was designed to determine the visual outcome and indication of secondary posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. The operation was performed on 34 eyes with aphakia in children after separation of posterior iris synechia from posterior capsule and formation of a posterior chamber space large enough to insert an intraocular lens. Based on whether the integrity of the posterior capsule was complete or not, various techniques of secondary IOL implantation were adopted. The follow-up periods ranged from 6 to 24 months. The results showed that 29 of the eyes (85.29%) achieved a post-operative corrected visual acuity equal to or better than that of the best corrected visual acuity before the surgery; the postoperative uncorrected visual acuities in 16 eyes (47.06%) and corrected visual acuities in 28 eyes (82.35%) reached 0.5 or better. Secondary posterior chamber IOL implantation is a safe and effective method in children who have a complete or partial posterior capsule. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The distribution of calcium in undecalcified bone as revealed by an improved pyro-antimonate method.
The localization of pyro-antimonate-precipitable Ca2+ in the undecalcified femur and calvaria of neonatal rats was examined. The fixation of bones with pyro-antimonate-glutaraldehyde followed by pyro-antimonate-osmium (two-step method) resulted in better preservation of tissue and more precise localization of precipitates than did the direct immersion of specimens in pyro-antimonate-osmium solution (one-step method). The precipitate was frequently observed within the endoplasmic reticulum of obsteoblasts. Most vacuoles in osteoclasts contained precipitate. By contrast, the mitochondria in these cells were associated with small amounts of precipitate. There was no evidence of precipitate in the Golgi apparatus. The presence of calcium in the precipitate was verified by EGTA treatment and X-ray microanalysis. This study demonstrated that (1) the two-step pyro-antimonate method is a useful and reliable procedure for visualizing Ca2+, and (2) cellular Ca2- can be successfully localized in undecalcified bone by this method. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Awareness and knowledge of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among Australian gay and bisexual men: results of a national, online survey.
Background: Expanded access to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is being actively debated in Australia. Awareness and knowledge of this HIV-prevention method have not been assessed in detail in the primary affected population, gay and bisexual men. Methods: Awareness and knowledge of PrEP were assessed among Australian gay and bisexual men, who were asked to complete a national, anonymous, online survey in 2015. Associations with PrEP awareness were identified with multivariate logistic regression and associations with PrEP knowledge were identified using multivariate linear regression. Results: Among 1251 participants, 954 (77%) were aware of PrEP. The most common sources of information were gay community media, Australian websites and friends. Awareness of PrEP was independently associated with older age, living in a capital city, having a university degree, being tested for HIV, being HIV-positive, having condomless anal intercourse with regular male partners, and ever having taken post-exposure prophylaxis. Men in monogamous relationships were less likely to be aware of PrEP. Among men who were aware of PrEP, the mean PrEP knowledge score was 6.8 out of 13. Relatively few participants knew that taking PrEP involved regular clinical monitoring and that in Australia PrEP was only recommended for people at risk of HIV. Better knowledge was independently associated with living in a capital city, having a university degree, being in full-time employment, being HIV-positive, and ever having taken post-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP. Conclusions: To assist in appropriate PrEP uptake, we recommend educating gay and bisexual men about current Australian prescribing guidelines and how PrEP is accessed in Australia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The Sauve-Kapandji procedure and the Darrach procedure for distal radio-ulnar joint dysfunction after Colles' fracture.
This retrospective study evaluated the results of the Darrach procedure and the Sauve-Kapandji procedure for the treatment of distal radio-ulnar joint derangement following malunion of dorsally displaced, unstable, intraarticular fractures of the distal radius in patients under 50 years of age. Twelve of 18 possible patients in the Sauve-Kapandji group completed the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand survey at a mean of 4 years postoperatively and nine of the 18 returned for a follow-up examination at a mean of 2 years. Twenty-one of 30 possible patients in the Darrach group completed the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand survey at a mean of 6 years postoperatively and 13 of these 30 returned for follow-up examination at a mean of 4 years. The Darrach procedure and the Sauve-Kapandji procedure yielded comparable and unpredictable results with respect to both subjective and objective parameters. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Interleukin (IL)-4 indirectly suppresses IL-2 production by human T lymphocytes via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma activated by macrophage-derived 12/15-lipoxygenase ligands.
The respective development of either T helper type 1 (Th1) or Th2 cells is believed to be mediated by the effects of cytokines acting directly on Th precursors (Thp). We have generated evidence for an indirect monocyte-dependent immunoregulatory pathway. Recently, interleukin (IL) 4 has been shown to produce "new" potential peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) ligands by inducing macrophage 12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15-LO). We have shown previously that the activated PPARgamma is a profound inhibitor of IL-2 transcription in human T lymphocytes. It is hypothetically possible that IL-4 might indirectly affect IL-2 production by Thp cells via macrophage-derived PPARgamma ligands. Using human monocytes and T lymphocytes from same donors, we have found that monocyte 12/15-LO products mediate the indirect inhibitory effect of IL-4 on anti-CD3- or phytohemagglutinin/phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-stimulated IL-2 production by T lymphocytes. We further analyzed which major 12/15-LO metabolites contributed to the above inhibition. 13-Hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE), a 12/15-LO product, markedly blocked IL-2 production by human blood T lymphocytes, but not Jurkat T cells. Moreover, the IL-4-conditioned macrophage medium contained a sufficient amount of 13-HODE and anti-13-HODE antibody indeed neutralized the inhibitory effects of the IL-4-conditional medium on T-cell IL-2 production. Using human T lymphocytes and the PPARgamma-transfected Jurkat T cells, we demonstrated the specific inhibition by 13-HODE of the transcription factors NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) and nuclear factor kappaB, the IL-2 promoter reporter, and IL-2 production. However, 15-hydroxytetraenoic acid had little inhibitory effect. The potency of such inhibitory effects correlates well with the capability of the above metabolic lipids to activate PPARgamma. These data provide a mechanism whereby IL-4 may indirectly affect Thp function via PPARgamma activated by macrophage products of the 12/15-LO pathway. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Xenotransplantation, where do we stand?
Xenotransplantation is currently being investigated as a possible solution to the world-wide shortage of human organs. Several major advances have unquestionably been accomplished in the last decade in this field. These include an elucidation of the immunological mechanisms underlying the rejection of pig organs transplanted into primates, the generation of novel lines of genetically-engineered pigs that are more "compatible" with man and a better understanding of the risk of zoonosis related to the transmission of porcine endogenous retroviruses to primates. Though very encouraging, the existing preclinical data do not entitle clinical trials with pig organs to begin as yet and, for the time being, the use of human organs remains the only viable option for patients with terminal organ failure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Basic principles and value of lymphadenectomy in breast carcinoma].
Axillary lymph node dissection combined with resection of the primary tumor remains the standard surgical treatment for invasive breast cancer. Tumor size and the extent of axillary node involvement have the greatest influence on the prognosis and are therefore the most important indicators when planning adjuvant therapy. The extent of axillary lymph node dissection in small primary tumors and the value of resecting the internal mammary nodes are still being debated. Furthermore, the importance of axillary dissection could be influenced by other recently established factors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus in the first trimester: comparison of maternal fetuin-A, N-terminal proatrial natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and fasting glucose levels.
We investigated the utility of maternal fetuin-A, N-terminal proatrial natriuretic peptide (pro-ANP), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and fasting glucose levels at 11-14 gestation weeks for predicting pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This prospective cohort study included 327 low-risk pregnant women who completed antenatal follow-up at a tertiary research hospital between January and April 2014. Maternal blood samples were collected between 11-14 gestational weeks in the first trimester of pregnancy and then stored at -80 °C until further analyses. During follow-up, 29 (8.8%) women developed GDM. The study population was compared 1:2 with age- and body mass index-matched pregnant women who did not develop GDM (n = 59). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and serum fetuin-A, pro-ANP, and hs-CRP levels were measured using automated immunoassay systems. There was a significant negative correlation between fetuin-A and hs-CRP (CC = -0.21, p = 0.047) and a positive correlation between FPG and hs-CRP (CC = 0.251, p = 0.018). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for diagnosing GDM were 0.337 (p = 0.013), 0.702 (p = 0.002), and 0.738 (p < 0.001) for fetuin-A, hs-CRP, and FPG, respectively. The optimal cut-off values were > 4.65, < 166, and > 88.5 mg/dL for maternal hs-CRP, fetuin-A, and FPG, respectively. Reduced fetuin-A, elevated hs-CRP, and FPG levels in women in the first trimester can be used for the early detection of GDM. Further research is needed before accepting these biomarkers as valid screening tests for GDM. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Deliquescence-induced caking in binary powder blends.
In this study, moisture-induced caking of deliquescent crystalline powder blends was investigated. Physical mixtures of sugars and citric acid anhydrous showed significant cake formation when cycled above and below the mixture critical relative humidity. It was found that combinations of glucose and citric acid underwent efflorescence to form crystalline solid bridges while fructose and citric acid cakes contained amorphous material. In conclusion, the reduced deliquescence point in deliquescent solid mixtures was found to cause caking. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Use of coincidence techniques to improve the detection limits of electron spectroscopy in STEM.
A method of improving the detection limits of microanalysis using electron energy losses due to inner-shell excitation is proposed. This is based on coincidence detection of the energy-loss electrons with another signal which also results from inner-shell excitations, i.e., Auger electrons or characteristic X-rays. It is concluded that there will be a significant improvement in the detection of monolayers on a homogeneous monatomic substrate by using coincidence of energy-loss electrons with Auger electrons. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Rhodospirillum rubrum has a family I pyrophosphatase: purification, cloning, and sequencing.
The cytoplasmic pyrophosphatase of the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodospirillum rubrum was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity. The enzyme is a homohexamer of 20-kDa monomers. The gene was cloned and sequenced. Alignment of the deduced 179-amino-acid protein with known bacterial pyrophosphatases revealed conservation of all residues in the active site. Attempts to obtain an insertion mutant of the cytoplasmic pyrophosphatase gene did not yield any cell completely devoid of cytoplasmic pyrophosphatase activity. The mutants obtained showed 50% of the enzymatic activity and grew in twice the generation time of wild-type cells. This suggests that the membrane-bound pyrophosphatase of Rsp. rubrum is not sufficient for a normal growth rate, whereas the cytoplasmic enzyme is essential for growth. The characteristics of the gene and the encoded protein fit those of prokaryotic family I pyrophosphatases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The counting abilities of children with specific language impairment: a comparison of oral and gestural tasks.
This study examined the counting abilities of preschool children with specific language impairment compared to language-matched and mental-age-matched peers. In order to determine the nature of the difficulties SLI children exhibited in counting, the subjects participated in a series of oral counting tasks and a series of gestural tasks that used an invented counting system based on pointing to body parts. Despite demonstrating knowledge of many of the rules associated with counting, SLI preschool children displayed marked difficulty in counting objects. On oral counting tasks, they showed difficulty with rote counting, displayed a limited repertoire of number terms, and miscounted sets of objects. However, on gestural counting tasks, SLI children's performance was significantly better. These findings suggest that SLI children have a specific difficulty with the rote sequential aspect of learning number words. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evaluative language in physiotherapy practice: How does it contribute to the therapeutic relationship?
In physiotherapy, the therapeutic relationship--in which a therapist and patient work together to achieve treatment goals--is increasingly seen as the foundation of patient care. How the therapeutic relationship is established and enacted, however, is not well understood. One way to better understand the nature of the relationship is to examine how therapists and patients evaluate and inform each other about the patient's physical capacity, sensation, and emotions. As the patient and therapist's talk is the primary means to realise and exchange such evaluations, our focus is on evaluative language used by the therapist and patient in their interactions. The aim of this paper is to examine the language and function of evaluation in physiotherapy consultations. The study is a discourse analytic one using Appraisal Theory. In Appraisal Theory, language resources that speakers use to construe evaluations such as emotions, judgments of behaviour and aesthetics are expressed as a system. The sub-systems are Affect (expressing emotion), Judgment (assessing behaviour) and Appreciation (evaluating processes and objects). The data are a convenience sample of 18 consultations from two cultural and therapeutic settings: primary healthcare (Sweden, Australia); and hospital rehabilitation (Australia). The findings show that both patient and therapist utilise all sub-systems of Appraisal; however, use of the sub-systems by the therapist and patient differs functionally. Judgment and Appreciation play a central role in therapists' co-construction of patients' physical history and presenting problem. In contrast, patient Affect evaluations, mainly to do with emotions about loss of capacity and pain, are generally not followed up by the therapist. The findings suggest that while patients engage with the therapeutic relationship from a clinical and interpersonal perspective, therapists are more narrowly focused on their own clinical tasks. The study findings have implications for understandings of the therapeutic relationship in physiotherapy and can inform teaching. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Value of skeletal scintigraphy in the therapy of breast cancer].
A retrospective review of the results of bone scintigrams performed on 130 patients after radical mastectomy for breast cancer revealed a positive scintigram rate of 9%. Bone scintigrams were positive in 5 out of 63 patients (8%) with stage II and in 6 out of 50 patients (12%) with stage III. 5 out of 23 patients (20%) with more than four positive axillary lymph nodes had a positive bone scintigram. These results indicate that preoperative bone scintigrams should be obtained routinely only in patients with stage III breast cancer and in patients with bone pain. Postoperative bone scintigrams should be performed in patients with positive axillary lymph nodes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A small prospective study of chordomas treated with radiotherapy and razoxane.
To evaluate the local effect of conventional photon irradiation in chordomas if the radiosensitizing agent razoxane is added. The rationale for this procedure were improved results previously seen in soft tissue and chondrosarcomas with this combination. Between 1988 and 1996, five patients with histologically confirmed chordomas of the skull base or the spine (three females, two males) were irradiated with 6- and 25-MeV photons under razoxane medication, one patient was treated with a telecobalt unit. Single doses of 180-200 cGy were given five times a week. The median total tumor dose was 63 Gy (range 54-67 Gy). Concomitantly, the radiosensitizer razoxane was administered at a dose of 125 mg twice daily p.o., median total dose 7.6 g. The drug was started 3-5 days before the first irradiation, and continued until the end of radiotherapy. After a potential median follow-up time of 10 years, three of the five patients are alive and show neither symptoms nor signs of recurrence in CT or MR images. One patient with persistent sacral chordoma died after 8 years from cardiac insufficiency, and another patient died after 6.5 years from a bleeding complication following surgery for recurrence. The patients remained locally controlled for 5, 5.5+, 6.4, 11+, and 13+ years, respectively. Objective tumor regressions were noted in three of four patients with measurable disease. Acute side effects included mucosal reactions, two of five patients developed a leukopenia WHO grade 3 due to razoxane. Serious long-term complications were not observed. Although the patient series is small, there is an interesting trend in local control and survival. The cases are unselected, and the follow-up time is of considerable duration. The treatment can easily be performed at any institution and is tolerated fairly well. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The prognosis and management of idiopathic vocal cord paralysis.
If a vocal cord paralysis is termed idiopathic, no cause has been identified. The aim of this study was to assess the prognosis and management of patients with an idiopathic vocal cord paralysis. Data of 42 such patients have been stored prospectively. During follow-up 4 patients were found to have malignancies that in retrospect had been responsible for their vocal cord paralysis. Of the remainder approximately half either recovered vocal cord function or regained a near normal voice due to compensatory movement by the non-paralysed cord. No patient over the age of 60 compensated. No patient either recovered vocal cord function or compensated more than 12 months after the onset of his paralysis. In conclusion, patients with an idiopathic vocal cord paralysis should be suspected of harbouring a malignancy unless vocal cord mobility recovers, and management of the laryngeal dysfunction should be expectant for up to 12 months. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Expression of Trps1 during mouse embryonic development.
The Trps1 gene codes for an atypical member of the GATA type family of transcription factors. Mutations in human TRPS1 lead to the tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome types I and III, which are characterized by craniofacial and skeletal abnormalities and disturbed hair development. Correspondingly, during mouse embryonic development strong Trps1 expression is found in the cartilage condensations, the developing joints, the hair follicles and in the developing snout. In addition, Trps1 is expressed surrounding the skeletal condensations, in the trachea, the intervertebral disks, and in lung and gut mesenchyme. A complex pattern of expression is also found in the developing brain. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
What eye care patients should know about nutrition.
Research has identified 6 nutrients that promote healthy vision and may reduce the risk of eye diseases. Sufficient quantities of these nutrients are generally not obtained through a normal diet.Nutritional supplements are an easy way to obtain the recommended levels. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Control of gaze and locomotion by spatial orientation].
We reported a new theory for daily vestibular functions which advocates top-down regulation of posture and gaze by supposing the coordinates in the brain. The hypothesis consists of three principles; first, the vestibular system is primarily a sensory system to detect spatial orientation; second, multisensory integrations reconstruct three-dimensional coordinates in the brain, which ascertain spatial orientation; third, daily behaviours like gazing or walking are controlled in a feed-forward manner by programming on the coordinates in the brain. The hypothesis was useful to understand strategic differences between active and passive movements, to distinct gaze control from ocular reflexes, to apply the rules of gaze control to posture control, and to clarify the mechanism to produce motion sickness. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of backwashing strategy and dissolved oxygen on arsenic removal to meet drinking water standards in a sulfidogenic attached growth reactor.
Efficiency and feasibility of two backwashing methods (water-nitrogen and water-air assisted) on arsenic and its co-pollutants removal were assessed through running a sulfidogenic attached growth reactor (AGR) treating arsenic spiked simulated groundwater for about 600 days. Replacing water with nitrogen assisted backwashing (WNAB) by water with air assisted backwashing (WAAB) introduced dissolved oxygen (DO) as an additional electron acceptor, which required an increased empty bed contact time (EBCT) to retain the entire terminal electron accepting zones (DO, nitrate, arsenate and sulfate) within the reactor. Removal of arsenic to below 10 μg/L required a longer EBCT at higher influent DO in backwash water. Notably, MiSeq sequencing analysis confirmed the presence of diverse bacterial community on biofilm which can utilize multiple terminal electron acceptors present in the bioreactor. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The physics of arteriole blood flow. I. General theory.
A continuum physics theory of arteriole blood flow is presented based on the observed behaviour of blood using high-speed photography. The theory highlights the importance of time scales as well as length scales in constructing a physical theory of blood flow. Arteriole flow viewed at 8000 frames s-1 reveals a highly complicated cellular motion; however the same flow viewed at the same spatial magnification by the human sensor, the eye, reveals only a pinkish column of fluid. The eye 'smoothes out' the microscopic cellular behaviour. This principle is used in the continuum theory, where averages are taken over space and time, to explain how the observed collisions of the erythrocytes with themselves, plasma molecules and the arteriole wall determine blood, mass-averaged velocity profiles and mass flow rates. A new dimensionless similarity parameter arises from the continuum mixture. Its magnitude provides a measure of the relative importance of the viscous drag of a constituent and the frictional force experienced by one constituent due to the presence of another constituent in the mixture during arteriole blood flow. (The second paper in a series.) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
DNA polymerase β deficiency in the p53 null cerebellum leads to medulloblastoma formation.
Defects in DNA damage response or repair mechanisms during neurogenesis result in genomic instability, which is causative for several neural defects. These include brain tumors, particularly medulloblastoma, which occurs in the cerebellum with a high incidence in children. We generated an animal model with defective base excision repair during brain development through selective inactivation of DNA polymerase β (Polb) in neuroprogenitor cells. All of Polb conditional knockout mice developed medulloblastoma in a p53 null background, similar to the Xrcc1 and p53 double deficient animal model. XRCC1 is a scaffolding protein which is involved in DNA damage repair and binds to POLB. In both animal models, the histopathological characteristics of the medulloblastoma were similar to those of human classic medulloblastoma. Brain tumor development was slower in the Polb and p53 double null animals than in the Xrcc1 and p53 double knockout animals. Molecular marker analysis suggested that Polb- and Xrcc1-deficient medulloblastomas belonged to the SHHα subtype, underscoring the important role of genomic stability in preventing this devastating pediatric cerebellar tumor. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pollination ecology of Isoglossa woodii, a long-lived, synchronously monocarpic herb from coastal forests in South Africa.
Synchronous monocarpy in long-lived plants is often associated with pollination by wind, in part because infrequent mass flowering may satiate pollinators. Selfing in synchronous monocarps may provide reproductive assurance but conflict with the benefits of outcrossing, a key evolutionary driver of synchrony. We predicted that animal-pollinated species with synchronous flowering would have unspecialised flowers and attract abundant generalised pollinators, but predictions for selfing and outcrossing frequencies were not obvious. We examined the pollination biology of Isoglossa woodii (Acanthaceae), an insect-pollinated, monocarpic herb that flowers synchronously at 4-7-year intervals. The most frequent visitor to I. woodii flowers was the African honeybee, Apis mellifera adansonii. Hand-pollination failed to enhance seed production, indicating that the pollinators were not saturated. No seed was set in the absence of pollinators. Seed set was similar among selfed and outcrossed flowers, demonstrating a geitonogamous mixed-mating strategy with no direct evidence of preferential outcrossing. Flowers contained four ovules, but most fruits only developed one seed, raising the possibility that preferential outcrossing occurs by post-pollination processes. We argue that a number of the theoretical concerns about geitonogamous selfing as a form of reproductive assurance do not apply to a long-lived synchronous monocarp such as I. woodii. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Critical care nurses' perceptions of their roles in family-team conflicts related to treatment plans.
Conflict over treatment plans is a cause of concern for those working in critical care environments. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe critical care nurses' perceptions of their roles in situations of conflict between family members and health-care providers in intensive care units. Using a qualitative descriptive design, 12 critical care nurses were interviewed individually and 4 experienced critical care nurses participated in focus group interviews. The roles described by the nurses were as follows: providing safe, competent, quality care to patients; building or restoring relationships of trust with families; and supporting other nurses. The nurses highlighted the level of stress when conflict arises, the need to be cautious in providing care and communicating with family members, and the need for support for nurses. More research related to working in situations of conflict is required, as is enhanced education for critical care nurses. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Randomized trial of adjuvant intraperitoneal alpha-interferon in stage III ovarian cancer patients who have no evidence of disease after primary surgery and chemotherapy: An intergroup study.
Despite the improvement in progression-free and overall survival in patients with advanced ovarian cancer associated with platinum-taxane chemotherapy, strategies are needed to prevent the greater than 70% recurrence rate. The Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) initiated a phase III intergroup trial of alpha-interferon (IFNalpha-26, Schering-Plough, Kenilworth, NJ) in weekly doses of 50 x 10(6) IU (for 6 doses) versus observation only in patients with no pathological evidence of residual disease at second-look surgery in 1988. Patient accrual was extremely slow and the trial was permanently closed in 1999 by the SWOG Data and Safety Monitoring Committee with 74 registered patients. Of these patients, 70 were evaluable for progression-free and overall survival. There was no significant difference between the two study arms in relation to median progression-free survival (P = 0.56). The median survival duration associated with intraperitoneal alpha-interferon had not been reached versus 87 months on the observation arm. In general, intraperitoneal alpha-interferon was well tolerated. There were no treatment-related deaths or grade 4 adverse events. Although no efficacy conclusions can be drawn from this prematurely closed trial, it should be noted that 57% of the patients on the observation arm recurred and all died, whereas 63% recurred and only 43% died on the intraperitoneal alpha-interferon arm. Although this was a negative study, there should continue to be interest in the use of biological therapy to improve survival of patients in complete remission following primary chemotherapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Coronary venous aneurysm in patients without cardiac arrhythmia as detected by MDCT: an anatomic variant or a pathologic entity.
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of coronary venous aneurysm in patients with no history of cardiac arrhythmia using 64-slice multidetector computed tomography. Coronary vein aneurysm frequently has been reported in association with cardiac arrhythmias such as ventricular pre-excitation. Coronary computed tomography angiograms of 187 patients (108 men, 79 women; mean age +/- SD, 60 +/- 12 years) were analyzed retrospectively for the presence of a focal coronary venous aneurysm. Fusiform aneurysm was defined as a focal dilatation of twice the normal vein. However, any size of diverticular aneurysms was included. Cross-sectional diameters of normal and aneurysmal segments of the posterior interventricular vein, great cardiac vein, and coronary sinus (CS) were measured at mid-diastole, late systole, and atrial systole. The Student t test was used for continuous variables and contingency tables were used for categorical variables. A single aneurysm was found in 19 (10%) patients (fusiform, n =16; diverticular, n = 3). The most common anatomic location was the posterior interventricular vein near the confluence with the CS (n = 14), followed by the great cardiac vein near the junction with the CS (n = 3), and the CS (n = 2). The mean diameter of the aneurysms was 9.3 +/- 1.2 mm (range, 8.1 to 11.4 mm) at mid-diastole and 10.4 +/- 1.4 mm (range, 8.5 to 12.7 mm) at late systole. However, the difference was not statistically significant. All normal CSs and 1 aneurysm arising from the CS showed contraction during atrial systole, which may suggest atrial myocardial coverage of these structures. Patients with a venous aneurysm were significantly older than patients without an aneurysm (67.6 +/- 11 vs. 59 +/- 12 years, respectively; p = 0.006). Coronary vein aneurysms (especially the fusiform type) were seen in up to 10% of patients with no history of cardiac arrhythmia and can be well visualized on computed tomography angiograms. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Analysis of PRSS1 and SPINK1 mutations in Korean patients with idiopathic and familial pancreatitis.
PRSS1 and SPINK1 are 2 important genes in the defense mechanism guarding against the development of pancreatitis. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of PRSS1 and SPINK1 mutations and to explore the presence of any ethnic specificity in Korean patients. A total of 47 patients from 40 families including 37 patients with idiopathic pancreatitis and 10 patients with familial pancreatitis were prospectively enrolled. Fifty healthy controls were included for analysis of SPINK1 IVS3+2T site. PRSS1 mutations were observed in 6 patients from 2 families and SPINK1 mutations in 13 patients from 11 families, respectively. In case of SPINK1 mutations, N34S and IVS3+2T>C were identified in 3 and 11 patients, respectively, including one with compound N34S/IVS3+2T>C heterozygote. The prevalence of SPINK1 IVS3+2T>C mutations was 26.8% among 41 patients without PRSS1 mutations, whereas the prevalence among 50 healthy controls was 0%. Only PRSS1 R122H was identified. Late onset of symptoms at the age of 36 years and absence of symptoms at the age of 47 years were observed in 2 patients with PRSS1 mutations. PRSS1 and SPINK1 mutations were not rare in Korean patients with idiopathic and familial pancreatitis. SPINK1 IVS3+2T>C was a prevalent mutation in this population. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Factors affecting adoption of improved management practices in the pastoral industry in Great Barrier Reef catchments.
Substantial efforts are being made by industry and government in Australia to reduce adverse impacts of pastoral operations on water quality draining to the Great Barrier Reef. A key target is to achieve rapid adoption of better management practices by landholders, but current theoretical frameworks provide limited guidance about priorities for improving adoption. In this study information from direct surveys with landholders in the two largest catchments draining into the Great Barrier Reef has been collected and analysed. Study outcomes have important implications for policy settings, because they confirm that substantial variations in adoption drivers exist across landholders, enterprises and practices. The results confirm that the three broad barriers to adoption of information gaps, financial incentives and risk perceptions are relevant. This implies that different policy mechanisms, including extension and incentive programs, remain important, although financial incentives were only identified as important to meet capital and transformational costs rather than recurrent costs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Copper-Mediated Selenazolidine Deprotection Enables One-Pot Chemical Synthesis of Challenging Proteins.
While chemical protein synthesis has granted access to challenging proteins, the synthesis of longer proteins is often limited by low abundance or non-strategic placement of cysteine residues, which are essential for native chemical ligations, as well as multiple purification and isolation steps. We describe the one-pot total synthesis of human thiosulfate:glutathione sulfurtransferase (TSTD1). WT-TSTD1 was synthesized in a C-to-N synthetic approach involving multiple NCL reactions, CuII -mediated deprotection of selenazolidine (Sez), and chemoselective deselenization. The seleno-analog Se-TSTD1, in which the active site Cys is replaced with selenocysteine, was also synthesized with a kinetically controlled ligation with an N-to-C synthetic approach. The catalytic activity of the two proteins indicated that Se-TSTD1 possessed only four-fold lower activity than WT-TSTD1, thus suggesting that selenoproteins can have physiologically comparable sulfutransferase activity to their cysteine counterparts. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Behavioral models for anxiety and multisensory integration in animals and humans.
Complaints related to dizziness, balance problems and spatial disorientation in psychiatry have seldom been considered as a possible manifestation of a distorted multisensory integrative ability. Several kinds of mismatches among simultaneous sensory information are encountered in everyday life but despite these, the central nervous system usually manages to update the internal representation of the body in the surrounding space. In some cases, a sensory mismatch may elicit an erroneous perception of the body in space, resulting in anxiety, dizziness and balance problems. As vestibular system dysfunction leads to dizziness and disorientation, it has been hypothesized that a peripheral vestibular abnormality could explain the presence of certain symptoms related to sensory mismatches in anxiety disorders. Several studies tried to find a link between panic disorder with or without agoraphobia and vestibular system dysfunction. Yet, even though some vestibular abnormalities have been demonstrated in these patients, it is difficult to demonstrate a cause-and-effect relationship between panic disorder and vestibular dysfunction. However, this does not rule out a possible influence of anxiety on normal vestibular function. The study of the relation between vestibular system and anxiety has to take into account that the vestibular system has three main functions: to maintain equilibrium through the vestibular spinal reflexes; to stabilize the visualization of the world through the vestibular-ocular reflex; to contribute to perception and orientation in space. We will review different studies in humans, which have particularly paid attention to the third function and its relation to anxiety. Animal experiments offer possibilities to more precisely analyze the different parameters underlying the behavioral results, as well as possible pharmacological actions on them. Two attempts have been made by our group to model, in mice, the preceding human data on integrated functional sensory relations of the body to space in anxiety disorders: the rotating beam and the rotating tunnel. We summarize here the main results obtained. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Amphiphilic triblocks to control assembly of mixed or segregated bilayers and monolayers.
Triblock amphiphilic molecules composed of three distinct segments provide a large parameter space to obtain self-assembled structures beyond what is achievable with conventional amphiphiles. To obtain a molecular understanding of the thermodynamics of self-assembly, we develop a coarse-grained triblock polymer model and apply self-consistent field theory to investigate the packing mechanism into layer structures. By tuning the structural and interaction asymmetry, we are able to obtain bilayers and monolayers, where the latter may additionally be mixed (symmetric) or segregated (asymmetric). Of particular interest for a variety of applications are the asymmetric monolayers, where segregation of end blocks to opposite surfaces is expected to have important implications for the development of functional nanotubes and vesicles with distinct surface chemistries. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds and essential oils from Calamintha nepeta L.
Background Essential oils, infusion and decoction extracts of Calamintha nepeta L. were evaluated for their bioactive substances (polyphenols and essential oils) and antioxidant activities. Methods The amounts of phenolic compounds were determined by colorimetric assays and identified by high performance and liquid chromatography coupled with ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV) method. The chemical composition of essential oils was determined by gas-chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method. For the evaluation of the antioxidant activity of essential oils and extracts, two different assays (reducing power and DPPH radical scavenging activity) were used. Results Infusion extract presented the highest phenolic content, followed by the decoction one, while the lowest amount was observed in essential oils. The amount of flavonoids of the decocted extract was higher than that of the infused one. The phenolic profile of C. nepeta infusion and decoction extracts revealed the presence of 28 and 13 peaks, respectively. Four phenolics compounds were identified in infusion (gallic acid (GA), rosmarinic acid (RA), caffeine (C) and caffeic acid (CA)) and two were identified in decoction (GA and RA). The chemical composition of essential oils revealed the presence of 29 compounds, accounting for the 99.7% of the total oils. Major compounds of essential oil (EO) were trans-menthone (50.06%) and pulegone (33.46%). Infusion and decoction extracts revealed an interesting antioxidant activity which correlates positively with their total phenolic contents. Conclusions These results showed that Calamintha nepeta could be considered as a valuable source of phenolics and essential oils with potent antioxidant activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Glassy properties and viscous slowing down: An analysis of the correlation between nonergodicity factor and fragility.
We present an extensive analysis of the proposed relationship [T. Scopigno et al., Science 302, 849 (2003)] between the fragility of glass-forming liquids and the nonergodicity factor as measured by inelastic x-ray scattering. We test the robustness of the correlation through the investigation of the relative change under pressure of the speed of sound, nonergodicity factor, and broadening of the acoustic exitations of a molecular glass former, cumene, and of a polymer, polyisobutylene. For polyisobutylene, we also perform a similar study by varying its molecular weight. Moreover, we have included new results on liquids presenting an exceptionally high fragility index m under ambient conditions. We show that the linear relation, proposed by Scopigno et al. [Science 302, 849 (2003)] between fragility, measured in the liquid state, and the slope alpha of the inverse nonergodicity factor as a function of T/T(g), measured in the glassy state, is not verified when increasing the data base. In particular, while there is still a trend in the suggested direction at atmospheric pressure, its consistency is not maintained by introducing pressure as an extra control parameter modifying the fragility: whatever is the variation in the isobaric fragility, the inverse nonergodicity factor increases or remains constant within the error bars, and one observes a systematic increase in the slope alpha when the temperature is scaled by T(g)(P). To avoid any particular aspects that might cause the relation to fail, we have replaced the fragility by other related properties often evoked, e.g., thermodynamic fragility, for the understanding of its concept. Moreover, we find, as previously proposed by two of us [K. Niss and C. Alba-Simionesco, Phys. Rev. B 74, 024205 (2006)], that the nonergodicity factor evaluated at the glass transition qualitatively reflects the effect of density on the relaxation time even though in this case no clear quantitative correlations appear. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Active navigation and orientation-free spatial representations.
In this study, we examined the orientation dependency of spatial representations following various learning conditions. We assessed the spatial representations of human participants after they had learned a complex spatial layout via map learning, via navigating within a real environment, or via navigating through a virtual simulation of that environment. Performances were compared between conditions involving (1) multiple- versus single-body orientation, (2) active versus passive learning, and (3) high versus low levels of proprioceptive information. Following learning, the participants were required to produce directional judgments to target landmarks. Results showed that the participants developed orientation-specific spatial representations following map learning and passive learning, as indicated by better performance when tested from the initial learning orientation. These results suggest that neither the number of vantage points nor the level of proprioceptive information experienced are determining factors; rather, it is the active aspect of direct navigation that leads to the development of orientation-free representations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Spectrometric studies on the interaction of fluoroquinolones and bovine serum albumin.
The interaction between fluoroquinolones (FQs), ofloxacin and enrofloxacin, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by fluorescence and UV-vis spectroscopy. It was demonstrated that the fluorescence quenching of BSA by FQ is a result of the formation of the FQ-BSA complex stabilized, in the main, by hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces. The Stern-Volmer quenching constant, K(SV), and the corresponding thermodynamic parameters, DeltaH, DeltaS and DeltaG, were estimated. The distance, r, between the donor, BSA, and the acceptor, FQ, was estimated from fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The effect of FQ on the conformation of BSA was analyzed with the aid of UV-vis absorbance spectra and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy. Spectral analysis showed that the two FQs affected the conformation of the BSA but in a different manner. Thus, with ofloxacin, the polarity around the tryptophan residues decreased and the hydrophobicity increased, while for enrofloxacin, the opposite effect was observed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The influences of crystallized compositions in the porcelain on bonding strength of titanium to porcelain].
Sufficient porcelain-titanium bond is a vital factor determining the clinical performance of titanium-porcelain restorations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of self-preparation La-porcelain composition on the porcelain-titanium bonding strength and to compare with the Vita Titankeramik. The present study examines 5 different recipes of porcelain by weight%: SiO2, 12%-17%; LaO2, 7%-10%; Al2O3, 9%-14%; B2O3, 23%-31%; CaO, 6%-8%; K2O, 2%-3%; SrO, 2%-4%; Na2O, 1%-3%; SnO2, 8%-10%; ZrO2, 3%-5%; TiO2, 6%-8%. Specimens were tested in push type shear with a universal testing machine. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) were employed to reveal the microstructures and diffusion of elements in the interfacial regions between the porcelain coating and titanium to the bond strength when fired at 800 degrees C. The ratios of crystallized compositions had significant influences on the porcelain-titanium bond strength (P < 0.05). La-porcelain had the highest shear bond strength (37.76 MPa). The shear bond strength of the Vita Titankeramik to titanium was 20.18 MPa. The results of SEM revealed integrity of porcelain-titanium joints in La-porcelain and a greater amount of porosity in the interface of Vita Titankeramik to titanium. EPMA analysis demonstrated the aggregation of Si and Sn in the interfacial regions and their diffusion into the titanium. Chemical compositions of porcelain and ratios of crystallized compositions play the important role in the titanium porcelain bond. La-porcelain had the highest shear bond strength and good porcelain-titanium joints. La-porcelain is a new-style low fusing porcelain/titanium system. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Fatal poisoning by protriptyline and haloperidol following an extreme overdose].
In this paper the authors report on a case of lethal suicidal toxification with protriptyline and haloperidol after oral ingestion. Gas chromatographic and radioimmunologic investigations were used for quantitative determination of protriptyline and haloperidol in blood, urine, and tissues. The highest concentrations were found in lung and liver. These concentrations are discussed with reference to the cause of death. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Metastatic Cellular Blue Nevus: A Rare Case With Metastasis Beyond Regional Nodes.
In this study, we present a rare case of a 35-year-old man with a long-standing blue-black lesion on his left hand with subsequent infraclavicular and axillary lymph node tumor deposits. The hand lesion and lymph nodes were excised revealing histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular findings consistent with cellular blue nevus. Despite nonregional lymph node involvement, there has been no progression at 12-months follow-up. This is an index case of a cellular blue nevus with metastasis to both regional and nonregional lymph nodes. The lack of atypical/malignant features in this lesion makes the metastatic behavior extraordinary, and hence the prognosis of lesions of this type is indeterminate. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Injuries caused by water tubing.
Water tubing (the pulling of an inner tube behind a power boat) is growing in popularity and unfortunately is becoming an increasing source of pediatric trauma. This is related to the lack of control of either the driver or the rider in directing the inner tube away from objects in the water or along the shore. Because of the severe trauma from this increasingly popular sport, we thought it appropriate to review our experience at a major pediatric trauma center to draw attention to this increasing cause of injury in children and to develop guidelines to reduce such injuries. A retrospective review of children admitted over a 10-year period revealed eight children who required admission to hospital for injuries sustained in water tubing. Five patients sustained fractures, one a splenic contusion, and two atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation. A set of safety guidelines for water tubing has been developed in an attempt to minimize the dangers to children who wish to pursue this sport. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Contemporary approach to acid-base balance and its disorders in dogs and cats.
The issue of the acid-base balance (ABB) parameters and their disorders in pets is rarely raised and analysed, though it affects almost 30% of veterinary clinics patients. Traditionally, ABB is described by the Henderson-Hasselbach equation, where blood pH is the resultant of HCO3- and pCO2 concentrations. Changes in blood pH caused by an original increase or decrease in pCO2 are called respiratory acidosis or alkalosis, respectively. Metabolic acidosis or alkalosis are characterized by an original increase or decrease in HCO3- concentration in the blood. When comparing concentration of main cations with this of main anions in the blood serum, the apparent absence of anions, i.e., anion gap (AG), is observed. The AG value is used in the diagnostics of metabolic acidosis. In 1980s Stewart noted, that the analysis of: pCO2, difference between concentrations of strong cations and anions in serum (SID) and total concentration of nonvolatile weak acids (Atot), provides a reliable insight into the body ABB. The Stewart model analyses relationships between pH change and movement of ions across membranes. Six basic types of ABB disorders are distinguished. Respiratory acidosis and alkalosis, strong ion acidosis, strong ion alkalosis, nonvolatile buffer ion acidosis and nonvolatile buffer ion alkalosis. The Stewart model provides the concept of strong ions gap (SIG), which is an apparent difference between concentrations of all strong cations and all strong anions. Its diagnostic value is greater than AG, because it includes concentration of albumin and phosphate. The therapy of ABB disorders consists, first of all, of diagnosis and treatment of the main disease. However, it is sometimes necessary to administer sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) or tromethamine (THAM). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Early fetal growth retardation: obstetric background and recurrence rate.
The obstetric background of early fetal growth retardation, leading to intrauterine death between 25 and 34 weeks or to delivery before 34 weeks' gestation, was investigated in a group of 100 women. Hypertensive disorders were the most common causative factor (59%). Other causes included antepartum hemorrhage and congenital anomalies. In 20% of the cases no obvious explanation for the fetal growth retardation could be found. The recurrence rate of fetal growth retardation in 49 women who had a subsequent pregnancy was found to be nearly 50%. In one-third the severity of growth compromise was comparable to that in the previous pregnancy, whereas in the hypertensive group this incidence reached nearly 50%. Because of the poor prognosis in current and subsequent pregnancies, it is suggested that women with early fetal growth retardation should be treated at centers where all obstetric and neonatal facilities are available. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
On the line tension of curved boundary layers. I. boundary thermodynamics.
We present a formally exact thermodynamic treatment of curved boundary layers. Specifically, we extend the boundary layer analysis of Mandell and Reiss [ J. Stat. Phys. 1975 , 13 , 107 ] for a spherical cavity located within a uniform bulk fluid to the case of a cavity intersecting a hard, structureless wall. We derive various expressions for the line tension of an intersecting cavity, all of which can be evaluated for a hard-sphere fluid using existing versions of scaled particle theory. Since the analysis is similar to the standard approach for describing curved interfacial layers, several boundary analogues to conventional interfacial relations appear. In some instances, we obtain results that apparently have not yet been derived either for boundary layers or for their parallel relations in interfacial thermodynamics. Several results offer interesting insights into the behavior of the line tension of a cavity when the cavity approaches macroscopic sizes or in the specific limit where the cavity no longer intersects the wall. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A population-based study of Ashkenazi Jewish women's attitudes toward genetic discrimination and BRCA1/2 testing.
The Human Genome Project continues to produce an increasing number of genetic susceptibility tests. Some of these genetic tests target social or ethnic groups who are at increased risk of developing a disease. The Ashkenazi Jewish community is one ethnic group that is an ongoing subject of genetic investigation. We assessed the attitudes of a population-based sample of Ashkenazi Jewish women toward breast-ovarian cancer susceptibility testing (BRCA 1/2). In particular, we assessed concerns about group discrimination, perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of testing, and the relationship between concerns about discrimination and the potential benefits of genetic testing. A telephone survey of a population-based sample of 200 Jewish women. A minority of women (17%) in this study expressed concern or discomfort with Jews being offered testing. Most women believed there were scientific reasons for testing Jews (71%), and only 5% of women felt that research that focused on Jews was bad for Jews as a group. Increased concern about genetic discrimination was associated with women who were highly educated (odds ratio 2.68). Forty percent of women surveyed were interested in testing, 40% were not interested, and 20% were uncertain about whether they would obtain testing. Increased interest in genetic testing was associated with a desire to obtain information about children's risk of disease and valuing information for its own sake. The majority of a population-based sample of Jewish women did not express concerns about group discrimination resulting from genetic testing. Women who are highly educated are more concerned about genetic discrimination. There is significant variation among Jewish women's interest in breast cancer susceptibility testing. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Apollo 11: an experiential model for team-based transformational change.
Transformational change, or reengineering, is a tough assignment for any organization. The pay-off, however, can be huge: happier patients, reenergized staff, and increased productivity. This article describes the team-based Apollo 11 project at Southeast Health Center in Indianapolis. Although this redesign effort took 7 months of extraordinary team effort, it resulted in a 54% reduction in patient encounter time, a decrease of more than 40% in per-visit cost, and improved patient and staff satisfaction. This article summarizes the background and dynamics of Apollo 11, shares some initial project results, and summarizes the lessons learned, so that other healthcare organizations can successfully tackle the reengineering challenge. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Brainstem vocalization area in guinea pigs.
The purpose of the present study was to determine whether murines could be substituted for traditional experimental mammals to study the brainstem mechanism of vocalization. We conducted systematic electrical and chemical stimulation of the brainstem in guinea pigs to identify the similarities in the call sites between murines and other mammals. We further examined whether or not fictive vocalization could be induced in paralyzed guinea pigs, an experimental model which facilitates neuronal recording in the brainstem. The sites where electrical stimulation evoked vocalization were distributed continuously from the periaqueductal grey (PAG) to the lower brainstem. This call area usually ended at the most caudal part of the inferior olive and thus did not continuously extend to the nucleus retroambiguus. Microinjections of d,l-homocysteic acid and bicuculline induced vocalization at the PAG, parabrachial nucleus, and the most dorsal part of the pontine reticular formation. The brainstem call areas and vocal motor patterns induced from these areas were approximately consistent with those in other mammals. Fictive vocalization induced by PAG stimulation could be identified from activities of the phrenic, abdominal, and superior laryngeal nerves in paralyzed guinea pigs. We thus concluded that guinea pigs can be utilized in studies of brainstem vocal mechanism. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Factors related to alcohol use among 6th through 10th graders: the Sarasota County Demonstration Project.
Alcohol consumption by youth can produce negative health outcomes. This study identified correlates of lifetime alcohol use, recent alcohol use, and binge drinking among youth in sixth through 10th grade (n = 2,004) in Sarasota County, Fla. Results from a closed-ended, quantitative survey acknowledged a range of personal, social, and environmental influences. Breadth of these influences supports a need for multifaceted, community-based interventions for effective prevention of youth alcohol use. This study was unique because it represents population-specific research in which community partners are using the findings to develop community-specific social marketing interventions to prevent underage drinking and promote alternative behaviors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Syndromes presenting adducted thumb with/without clubfoot and Dundar syndrome.
Congenital adducted thumb has been called variously as congenital clasped thumb, thumb in palm deformity or flexion adduction deformity of the thumb. This condition can be an isolated anomaly or associated with several genetic disorders. The syndromes that include adducted thumb as a cardinal feature such as Dundar Syndrome are few in the literature. This syndrome is an autosomal-recessive very rare disorder characterized by typical facial appearance with dysmorphic features that includes wasted build, hyperextensible, thin and translucent skin with atrophic scarring, severe congenital contractures of fingers and thumbs, club feet, severe kyphoscoliosis, joint instability, muscular hypotonia, and ocular involvement. Heart, kidney, and/or intestinal defects can also be observed. Up to date the syndrome is described in few families in the literature. Here we discuss the syndromes that include adducted thumb as a cardinal feature and also the differential diagnosis of the Dundar Syndrome according to the literature. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effectiveness of an Er:YAG laser in etching the enamel surface for orthodontic bracket retention.
The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of an Er:YAG laser in etching the enamel surface for orthodontic treatment. Bovine incisors were either acid-etched or laser-treated. An orthodontic bracket was attached on each treated surface using one-step dentin adhesive and self-curing resin. Tensile bond strength was then evaluated. In addition, the surface morphology of specimens treated with phosphoric acid/laser and self-etching primer, as well as the cross-section of enamel-primer-resin interfaces, were observed. One-Up Bond F-treated specimens after Er:YAG laser ablation showed statistically similar tensile bond strength (9.9 +/- 1.3 MPa) to that of phosphoric acid-etched specimens (11.8 +/- 1.7 MPa). Surface roughness and thickness of the enamel-primer-resin interfaces did not much affect the tensile bond strength of the tested specimens. In conclusion, Er:YAG laser ablation achieved clinically acceptable level of tensile bond strength when used with One-Up Bond F. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus infection in Central Americans treated in Harris County, Texas Hospital District facilities.
The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among Central Americans is increasing. The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology of HIV infection among local Central American immigrants in the United States. Medical records of HIV-infected Central Americans treated at Harris County Hospital District (HCHD) facilities, the major source of indigent care in Houston, Texas, were retrospectively reviewed. Between January 1, 1990 and February 28, 1995, 18,156 Central Americans were seen at HCHD facilities, of whom 56 (13 females and 43 males) were identified as HIV-infected (0.3% versus 1.3% of all locally treated patients; P < 0.001, by test of binomial proportions). Most were from Honduras (n = 25) or El Salvador (n = 23). The mean age was 28.7 years, the mean CD4+ lymphocyte count at presentation was 173 cells/mm3, and 36 (64%) had acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) at presentation. The 13 women (23% versus 22% for all locally treated HIV patients) were disproportionately Honduran (10 of 25 Hondurans versus 3 of 31 other Central Americans; P = 0.011). The HIV risk factors included heterosexuality in 46%, homosexuality in 29%. and a history of injection drug use in 7% (versus 10%, 57%, and 34%, respectively, for all locally treated HIV patients). The 76 diagnosed opportunistic infections (OIs) included a disproportionately greater number of patients with tuberculosis (n = 14, 33% versus 6% of all locally treated AIDS patients), toxoplasmosis (n = 10, 24% versus 7%), and cryptococcal meningitis (n = 9, 21% versus 7%), and a lower number of patients with pneumocystosis (n = 12, 29% versus 43%) and candida esophagitis (n = 2, 5% versus 16%). Central American immigrants infected with HIV present with relatively advanced disease, and the most frequent OIs are diseases for which effective prophylaxis exists. Targeted HIV screening and early intervention in this group are warranted. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance is one of the most important causes of premature death in developed countries (Turtle 2000). In this article, Alison Jeffery examines the basic pathology of insulin resistance and its effect on metabolic health. The role of the nurse is discussed in relation to prevention, health promotion and drug treatments for the management of this condition. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Tibial osteolysis in cementless total knee arthroplasty. A review of 25 cases treated with and without tibial component revision.
Revision total knee arthroplasty was performed in 25 knees with tibial osteolysis that was identified radiographically and confirmed histologically. Eighteen knees had focal osteolysis in the medial tibial plateau, 2 in the lateral plateau, and 5 in both plateaus. Three surgical treatment options were used: (1) exchange of the modular tibial polyethylene insert with screw removal; (2) revision of the tibial component with curettage and optional grafting of the defect; (3) and full revision of all components. The clinical and radiographic results of partial and full revision remain excellent 2 to 6 years (mean, 41 months) postrevision arthroplasty for 23 knees. Clinical failure with pending revision occurred in 1 patient with polyethylene exchange without the removal of tibial fixation screws, and in 1 patient with progression of osteolysis adjacent to the femoral component 2 years after tibial component revision. Tibial defects have not progressed, and new lesions have not developed with simple curettage of the defect and removal of sources of particulate. Tibial baseplates remain radiographically stable. Component revision of the tibial component, femoral component, or both, required the insertion of long-stemmed revision components and frequently the use of major structural allografts. These revisions have faired well, although the long-term stability of components supported with major structural allografts is unknown. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Alkylphospholipids deregulate cholesterol metabolism and induce cell-cycle arrest and autophagy in U-87 MG glioblastoma cells.
Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumour in adults and one of the most lethal of all cancers. Growing evidence suggests that human tumours undergo abnormal lipid metabolism, characterised by an alteration in the mechanisms that regulate cholesterol homeostasis. We have investigated the effect that different antitumoural alkylphospholipids (APLs) exert upon cholesterol metabolism in the U-87 MG glioblastoma cell line. APLs altered cholesterol homeostasis by interfering with its transport from the plasma membrane to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), thus hindering its esterification. At the same time they stimulated the synthesis of cholesterol from radiolabelled acetate and its internalisation from low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), inducing both 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) and LDL receptor (LDLR) genes. Fluorescent microscopy revealed that these effects promoted the accumulation of intracellular cholesterol. Filipin staining demonstrated that this accumulation was not confined to the late endosome/lysosome (LE/LY) compartment since it did not colocalise with LAMP2 lysosomal marker. Furthermore, APLs inhibited cell growth, producing arrest at the G2/M phase. We also used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to investigate ultrastructural alterations induced by APLs and found an abundant presence of autophagic vesicles and autolysosomes in treated cells, indicating the induction of autophagy. Thus our findings clearly demonstrate that antitumoural APLs interfere with the proliferation of the glioblastoma cell line via a complex mechanism involving cholesterol metabolism, cell-cycle arrest or autophagy. Knowledge of the interrelationship between these processes is fundamental to our understanding of tumoural response and may facilitate the development of novel therapeutics to improve treatment of glioblastoma and other types of cancer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
At the 'webside'.
As telemedicine takes root, there's a growing need to train physicians on how to handle virtual visits with patients and develop a good 'webside manner.' | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Is early sexual debut a risk factor for HIV infection among women in sub-Saharan Africa? A systematic review.
In Africa, adolescent girls have high HIV risk. Early sexual debut may be a risk factor, although evidence has not been systematically compiled. A systematic review was conducted. Quantitative studies from sub-Saharan Africa with biologically confirmed HIV infection measures were included. A total of 128 full texts were screened. Twenty-five met the inclusion criteria, most cross-sectional. Half of studies, and all with large sample sizes, reported significant bivariate associations. These remained significant in all three studies controlling for socio-demographic factors; both studies controlling for sexual activity duration and four of eight studies controlling for subsequent risk behaviour. Higher-quality studies consistently find significant bivariate associations between early sexual debut and HIV. In some studies, the increase in women's HIV infection risk seems to result from women's later engagement in risky sexual behaviours, rather than being directly related to early onset of sexual debut. In other studies, the increase in risk did not seem to be due to specific behavioural risk characteristics of the respondents or their sexual partners, suggesting that the risk may relate more to the potential for biological factors, for example, genital trauma, or other factors that have not been captured by the studies in this review. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Abnormal skin development in pupoid foetus (pf/pf) mutant mice.
At 13 days of development the epidermis of mice homozygous for the pupoid foetus (pf/pf) mutation varies in thickness between one and ten cell layers. By 16 days of development cells from the dermis have invaded the epidermis and may be found throughout the epidermis and on its surface. Among these cells are nerve fibres and Schwann cells as well as other unidentified cells. Antibodies directed against fibronectin bind to these abnormal groups of cells in the mutant epidermis and on its surface. A basal lamina, as determined by ultrastructure and by the immunofluorescent localization of laminin, was always found at the interface of the mutant epidermis and the invading cell population. By 19 days of development the mutant epidermis is thickened and is permeated by a network of cells including nerve fibres, Schwann cells, blood vessels, and collagen and fibronectin-secreting cells. A basal lamina always separates these groups of invading cells from the epidermal cell population. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Serum cytokine patterns in immunoglobulin m monoclonal gammopathy-associated polyneuropathy.
Polyneuropathy with immunoglobulin M monoclonal gammopathy (IgM-PNP) is associated with the presence of IgM antibodies against nerve constituents such as myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG) and gangliosides. To test whether B-cell-stimulating cytokines are increased in IgM-PNP, we measured serum concentrations of 11 cytokines in 81 patients with IgM-PNP and 113 controls. Median interleukin (IL)-6 concentrations were higher in patients with IgM-PNP, and median IL-10 concentrations were higher in the subgroup with anti-MAG IgM antibodies. These serum concentrations were not increased in 110 patients with multifocal motor neuropathy. Median IL-6 and IL-10 serum concentrations differ between patients with anti-MAG neuropathy and other patients with IgM-PNP compared with healthy and neuropathy controls. These differences may indicate differences in immune-mediated disease mechanisms. Muscle Nerve 59:694-698, 2019. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Inhibition of the Replication of Different Strains of Chikungunya Virus by 3-Aryl-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5- d]pyrimidin-7(6 H)-ones.
The re-emergence of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a serious global health threat. CHIKV is an alphavirus that is transmitted to humans by Aedes mosquitoes; therefore, their wide distribution significantly contributes to the globalization of the disease. Unfortunately, no effective antiviral drugs are available. We have identified a series of 3-aryl-[1,2,3]triazolo[4,5- d]pyrimidin-7(6 H)-ones as selective inhibitors of CHIKV replication. New series of compounds have now been synthesized with the aim to improve their physicochemical properties and to potentiate the inhibitory activity against different CHIKV strains. Among these newly synthesized compounds modified at position 3 of the aryl ring, tetrahydropyranyl and N- t-butylpiperidine carboxamide derivatives have shown to elicit potent antiviral activity against different clinically relevant CHIKV isolates with 50% effective concentration (EC50) values ranging from 0.30 to 4.5 μM in Vero cells, as well as anti-CHIKV activity in human skin fibroblasts (EC50 = 0.1 μM), a clinically relevant cell system for CHIKV infection. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Differences in peptic ulcer between the East and the West.
PUD affects both the East and the West. The magnitude of the problem, however, varies within these regions. The study of peptic ulcer epidemiology is impeded by the paucity of general population-based data, invasiveness of diagnostic tests, and variable access to testing facilities. As such, direct comparisons of PUD epidemiology between the East and the West are difficult. The prevalence rates of H pylori are highly variable and depend greatly on the local sanitation conditions. The use of NSAIDs and aspirin is ubiquitous and increasing especially for the antiplatelet activity of aspirin in the prophylaxis of cardiovascular events. There is evidence that pharmacogenetics play a role in susceptibility to the ulcerogenic properties of NSAIDs. The prevalence of PUD parallels the risk factors, but emerging in both the East and the West is idiopathic PUD, now a substantial proportion of ulcers in areas of declining H pylori infection. Genetic polymorphisms affect the efficacy of treatment using PPIs. Local H pylori resistance rates also influence the eradication success rates. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Preparation and Characterization of Poloxamer 407 Solid Dispersions as an Alternative Strategy to Improve Benznidazole Bioperformance.
Benznidazole (BZL), the first line drug for Chagas disease treatment, presents a low solubility, limiting the possibilities for its formulation. In this work, solid dispersions' (SDs) technology was exploited to increase BZL kinetic solubility and dissolution rate, seeking for an improvement in its bioperformance. A physical mixture (PM) and an SD using Poloxamer 407 as carrier were prepared and characterized. Dissolution tests were performed, and data were analyzed with the lumped model, which allowed to calculate different parameters of pharmaceutical relevance. A bioactivity assay was also carried out to probe the SD anti-trypanocidal activity. Among the most relevant results, the initial dissolution rate of the BZL SD was near 3, 4 and about 400-fold faster than the PM, a commercial formulation (CF) and an extracted BZL, respectivley. The times needed for an 80% of drug dissolution were 3.6 (SD), 46.4 (PM), and 238.7 min (CF); while the dissolution efficiency values at 30 min were 85.2 (SD), 71.2 (PM), and 65.0% (CF). Survival curves suggested that using Poloxamer 407 as carrier did not alter the anti-trypanocidal activity of BZL. These results allow to conclude that SDs can be an effective platform for immediate release of BZL in an oral administration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Perceptions of Patient-Centered Care among First-Year Medical Students.
Phenomenon: Teaching patient-centered care (PCC) is a key component of undergraduate medical curricula. Prior frameworks of PCC describe multiple domains of patient-centeredness, ranging from interpersonal encounters to systems-level issues. Medical students' perceptions of PCC are thought to erode as they progress through school, but little is known about how students view PCC toward the beginning of training. This study explores the perceptions of PCC among 1st-year medical students to inform curricular development and evaluation. Approach: Medical students participated in semistructured, in-person interviews within 4 months of starting medical school as part of a longitudinal study. Transcripts were analyzed using a grounded theory approach and the constant comparative method to describe responses and characterize emergent themes. Transcripts were reviewed to compare codes and compile a final codebook. Findings: Thirty-eight students completed interviews. Students provided heterogeneous definitions of PCC, including perceptions that PCC is implicit and obvious. Many students were unable to provide a concrete definition of PCC, juxtaposing PCC with other priorities such as profit- or physician-centered care, whereas others thought the term was jargon. Some participants defined PCC as upholding patient values using hypothetical examples centered around physician behavior. Insights: Although students appeared to enter medical school with a range of perceptions about PCC, many of their descriptions were limited and only scratch the surface of existing frameworks. Rather than their perceptions of PCC eroding during medical school, students may never fully develop a foundational understanding of PCC. Our findings reinforce the need for authentic, clinically experiential learning opportunities that promote PCC from the earliest stages of medical education. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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