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Solubilization behavior of poorly soluble drugs with combined use of Gelucire 44/14 and cosolvent.
Gelucire 44/14 is a surface-active excipient that can solubilize poorly soluble drugs. We investigated its solubilization behavior when coexisting with dimethylacetoamide (DMA) or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), both of which are also expected to enhance drug solubility. Gelucire was confirmed to form micelles by surface tension and fluorescence measurements both in water and water/cosolvent mixtures. Light-scattering measurements revealed that DMA and DMSO affect the micellar morphology in a different manner. DMA helped form large structures by being entrapped in the hydrophobic region of the micelles and/or inducing the aggregation. DMSO was likely to be anchored to the interfacial layer and did not induce micelle growth. Two model drugs, phenytoin and indomethacin, were employed to observe the solubilization behavior of poorly soluble drugs in Gelucire/cosolvent mixtures. The solubility of these drugs in the mixtures could be explained very well by using the new solubility model introduced in this article. Addition of cosolvents to the Gelucire solution did not enhance the solubility very much, and thus the combined use of cosolvents with Gelucire offered only little advantage from the viewpoint of solubility. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cloning and expression of the rat BACE1 promoter.
The pathogenic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) into beta-amyloid peptides, which give rise to beta-amyloid plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients, requires the enzymatic activity of the beta-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1). We report the cloning and sequence of a 1.5-kb DNA fragment upstream of the coding sequence of the rat BACE1 gene and the construction of a BACE1 promoter/luciferase reporter construct. The basal activity of this promoter construct was highest in neuronal cell lines such as BE(2)-C and PC12 and in the pancreatic cell line AR42J, somewhat lower in rat primary neurons, and astrocytic and microglial cultures, very low in hepatocytes, and almost absent in fibroblasts and in the monocyte-macrophage cell line RAW264.7. The first 600 bp of this promoter are highly conserved among rat, mouse, and human, suggesting that this region contains regulatory elements that modulate BACE1 transcription. Indeed, this fragment contains several putative transcription factor binding sites such as MZF1, Sp1, four GATA-1 sites, and one YY1 site. Directed mutagenesis of GATA-1 elements led to altered luciferase expression, indicating that these sites are involved in the regulation of BACE1 transcription. Additionally, the analysis of promoter activities of deletion mutants suggests the presence of activators of BACE1 transcription between bases -514 to -753 and of suppressor elements between bases -754 and -1541. The BACE1 promoter sequence data and the constructs described here will be useful to identify factors that influence the expression of BACE1 in experimental paradigms in vitro. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Endogenous arabitol and mannitol improve shelf life of encapsulated Metarhizium brunneum.
Successful commercialization of microbial biocontrol agents, such as Metarhizium spp., is often constrained by poor drying survival and shelf life. Here, we hypothesized that culture age would influence endogenous arabitol, erythritol, mannitol and trehalose contents in M. brunneum mycelium and that elevated levels of these compounds would improve drying survival and shelf life of encapsulated mycelium coupled with enhanced fungal virulence against T. molitor larvae. We found that culture age significantly influenced endogenous arabitol and mannitol contents in mycelium with highest concentrations of 0.6 ± 0.2 and 2.1 ± 0.2 µg/mg after 72 h, respectively. Drying survival of encapsulated mycelium was independent of culture age and polyol content with 41.1 ± 4.4 to 55.0 ± 6.2%. Best shelf life was determined for biomass harvested after 72 h at all investigated storage temperatures with maximum values of 59.5 ± 3.3% at 5 °C followed by 54.5 ± 1.6% at 18 °C and 19.4 ± 1.3% at 25 °C after 6 months. Finally, high fungal virulence against T. molitor larvae of 83.3 ± 7.6 to 98.0 ± 1.8% was maintained during storage of encapsulated mycelium for 12 months with larval mortalities being independent of culture age and polyol content. In conclusion, our findings indicate beneficial effects of endogenous polyols in improving shelf life of encapsulated mycelium and this may spur the successful development of microbial biocontrol agents in the future. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Preparation and antitumor activity of bFGF-mediated active targeting doxorubicin microbubbles.
Characterization and antitumor activity of basic fibroblast growth factor-mediated active targeting doxorubicin microbubbles (bFGF-DOX-MB) were investigated. Pluronic F68 with chemical conjugation of doxorubicin (DOX-P) and peptide KRTGQYKLC-conjugated DSPE-PEG2000 were prepared. bFGF-DOX-MB had a normal distribution of particle size, with average particle size of 2.7 μm. Using A549 mouse model, bFGF-DOX-MB combined ultrasound showed the best inhibition effect on tumor volume growth among all the test groups. Similar conclusion was obtained from experimental measurements of tumor weight change and blood cell count. From the results, chemotherapeutic drug inhibition on tumor growth could be enhanced by local ultrasound combined with active targeting bFGF-DOX-MB, which might provide a potential application for ultrasound-mediated chemotherapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
H2O2-reactivity of copper(II) complexes supported by tris[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]amine ligands with 6-phenyl substituents.
The structure and H(2)O(2)-reactivity of a series of copper(II) complexes supported by tris[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]amine (TPA) derivatives having a phenyl group at the 6-position of pyridine donor group(s) [(6-phenylpyridin-2-yl)methyl]bis[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]amine (Ph(1)TPA), bis[(6-phenylpyridin-2-yl)methyl][(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]amine (Ph(2)TPA), and tris[(6-phenylpyridin-2-yl)methyl]amine (Ph(3)TPA) have systematically been examined to get insights into the aromatic substituent (6-Ph) effects on the coordination chemistry of TPA ligand system. The X-ray crystallographic analyses have revealed that [Cu(II)(TPA)(CH(3)CN)](ClO(4))(2) (CuTPA) and [Cu(II)(Ph(3)TPA)(CH(3)CN)](ClO(4))(2) (3) exhibit a trigonal bipyramidal structure, whereas [Cu(II)(Ph(1)TPA)(CH(3)CN)](ClO(4))(2) (1) shows a slightly distorted square pyramidal structure and [Cu(II)(Ph(2)TPA)(CH(3)CN)](ClO(4))(2) (2) has an intermediate structure between trigonal bipyramidal and square pyramidal. On the other hand, the UV-vis and ESR data have suggested that all the copper(II) complexes have a similar trigonal bipyramidal structure in solution. The redox potentials of CuTPA, 1, 2, and 3 have been determined as E(1/2) = -0.34, -0.28, -0.16, and -0.04 mV vs Ag/AgNO(3), respectively, demonstrating that introduction of each 6-Ph group causes positive shift of E(1/2) about 0.1 V. Notable difference in H(2)O(2)-reactivity has been found among the copper(II) complexes. Namely, CuTPA and 1 afforded mononuclear copper(II)-hydroperoxo complexes CuTPA-OOH and 1-OOH, respectively, whereas complex 2 provided bis(mu-oxo)dicopper(III) complex 2-oxo. On the other hand, copper(II) complex 3 was reduced to the corresponding copper(I) complex 3(red). On the basis of the H(2)O(2)-reactivity together with the X-ray structures and the redox potentials of the copper(II) complexes, the substituent effects of 6-Ph are discussed in detail. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
18F-FEDAC as a Targeting Agent for Activated Macrophages in DBA/1 Mice with Collagen-Induced Arthritis: Comparison with 18F-FDG.
Activated macrophages have been known to play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 18F-FEDAC (N-benzyl-N-methyl-2-[7,8-dihydro-7-(2-18F-fluoroethyl)-8-oxo-2-phenyl-9H-purin-9-yl]acetamide) is a radiolabeled ligand for the 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO), which is abundant in activated macrophages. We evaluated the feasibility of using 18F-FEDAC in a murine RA model. Methods: RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages were activated by lipopolysaccharide. TSPO expression levels in activated and inactivated macrophages were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. The cellular uptake and specific binding of 18F-FEDAC were measured using a γ-counter. For the in vivo study, collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was developed in DBA/1 mice, and the clinical score for arthritis was measured regularly. 18F-FEDAC and 18F-FDG PET images were acquired on days 23 and 37 after the first immunization. Histologic examinations were performed to evaluate macrophages and TSPO expression. Results: We found increased TSPO messenger RNA and protein expression in activated macrophages. Uptake of 18F-FEDAC in activated macrophages was higher than that in nonactivated cells and was successfully blocked by the competitor, PK11195. In CIA mice, joint swelling was apparent on day 26 after the first immunization, and the condition worsened by day 37. 18F-FEDAC uptake by arthritic joints increased early on (day 23), whereas 18F-FDG uptake did not. However, 18F-FDG uptake by arthritic joints markedly increased at later stages (day 37) to a higher level than 18F-FEDAC uptake. The 18F-FEDAC uptake correlated weakly with summed severity score (P = 0.019, r = 0.313), whereas the 18F-FDG uptake correlated strongly with summed severity score (P < 0.001, r = 0.897). Histologic sections of arthritic joints demonstrated an influx of macrophages compared with that in normal joints. Conclusion:18F-FEDAC enabled the visualization of active inflammation sites in arthritic joints in a CIA model by targeting TSPO expression in activated macrophages. The results suggest the potential usefulness of 18F-FEDAC imaging in the early phase of RA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fowlpox virus as a vector in non-avian species.
Examination of the members of the Poxvirus family reveals a large and diverse group with members infecting almost every animal species. To a large extent, members of the individual genera have a broad host range and infect a number of animal species, although, as Baxby has pointed out, successful experimental inoculation of a species does not necessarily mean that this species provides a natural host for that virus. Avipox viruses, together with swinepox virus occupy a somewhat unique position in possessing a restricted host range. We have taken advantage of this restricted host range in fowlpox virus to engineer recombinant vector viruses for use in the poultry industry and in vaccination of non-avian species. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Decoding the auditory corticofugal systems.
The status of the organization of the auditory corticofugal systems is summarized. These are among the largest pathways in the brain, with descending connections to auditory and non-auditory thalamic, midbrain, and medullary regions. Auditory corticofugal influence thus reaches sites immediately presynaptic to the cortex, sites remote from the cortex, as in periolivary regions that may have a centrifugal role, and to the cochlear nucleus, which could influence early central events in hearing. Other targets include the striatum (possible premotor functions), the amygdala and central gray (prospective limbic and motivational roles), and the pontine nuclei (for precerebellar control). The size, specificity, laminar origins, and morphologic diversity of auditory corticofugal axons is consonant with an interpretation of multiple roles in parallel descending systems. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antifungal activity of octyl gallate: structural criteria and mode of action.
Octyl gallate (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate) was found to possess antifungal activity against Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Zygosaccharomyces bailii, in addition to its potent antioxidant activity. Catechol moiety is essential to elicit this activity. The primary fungicidal activity of octyl gallate comes from its ability to act as a nonionic surface-active agent (surfactant). The length of the alkyl chain is not a major contributor but plays an important role in eliciting the activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Studies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of antiplatelet antibody and transient neonatal thrombocytopenic purpura.
Autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura (ATP) is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease of platelets. Transplacental passage of the antibody during pregnancy can result in transient neonatal thrombocytopenia, but it is not known why some infants of antibody-positive, thrombocytopenic mothers are not affected. We have developed a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure circulating antiplatelet antibody and have used this technique to investigate the influence of maternal titers on the occurrence of neonatal thrombocytopenia. The assay is sensitive over a range of 12.5 to 800 ng of immunoglobulin G (IgG) per microtiter well and closely correlates with the complement lysis inhibition assay (CLIA) for antiplatelet antibody (correlation coefficient = 0.726). In many instances, the level of circulating antiplatelet antibody in maternal and cord bloods reflected the degree of maternal and neonatal thrombocytopenia, but several important exceptions were observed. We suggest that levels of antiplatelet antibody in the maternal blood and cord blood are not always predictive of the degree of neonatal thrombocytopenia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Influence of Label Design on Children's Perception of 2 Snack Foods.
To evaluate the influence of label design on children's perception of 2 popular snack foods across 3 income levels. Labels of 2 snack products (yogurt and sponge cake) were designed using a fractional factorial design with 3 2-level variables: cartoon character, nutrition claims, and front-of-package nutritional information. A total of 221 children (aged 9-13 years) from Montevideo, Uruguay, with different income levels, participated in the study. Children's attitude toward and liking of 2 food products. Low-income children showed a more positive attitude toward the products than did middle- and high-income children. The inclusion of a cartoon character in sponge cake labels significantly affected hedonic expectations regardless of income. Middle- and high-income children tended to use the term funny more frequently and the term boring less frequently to describe labels that included the cartoon character, compared with those that did not. Results showed that the inclusion of cartoon characters on food labels is associated with fun. Low-income children seem more susceptible to the marketing strategies of food companies than do middle- and high-income children. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Developing Antagonists for the Met-HGF/SF Protein-Protein Interaction Using a Fragment-Based Approach.
In many cancers, aberrant activation of the Met receptor tyrosine kinase leads to dissociation of cells from the primary tumor, causing metastasis. Accordingly, Met is a high-profile target for the development of cancer therapies, and progress has been made through development of small molecule kinase inhibitors and antibodies. However, both approaches pose significant challenges with respect to either target specificity (kinase inhibitors) or the cost involved in treating large patient cohorts (antibodies). Here, we use a fragment-based approach in order to target the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between the α-chain of hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF; the NK1 fragment) and its high-affinity binding site located on the Met Sema domain. Surface plasmon resonance was used for initial fragment library screening and hits were developed into larger compounds using substructure (similarity) searches. We identified compounds able to interfere with NK1 binding to Met, disrupt Met signaling, and inhibit tumorsphere generation and cell migration. Using molecular docking, we concluded that some of these compounds inhibit the PPI directly, whereas others act indirectly. Our results indicate that chemical fragments can efficiently target the HGF/SF-Met interface and may be used as building blocks for generating biologically active lead compounds. This strategy may have broad application for the development of a new class of Met inhibitors, namely receptor antagonists, and in general for the development of small molecule PPI inhibitors of key therapeutic targets when structural information is not available. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Scientific excellence in applying sex- and gender-sensitive methods in biomedical and health research.
Despite regulations, the attention paid to sex and gender in biomedical and health research is far from optimal. Researchers often recognize the importance of incorporating sex and gender issues in general but fail to see the applicability to their own research. This can have severe consequences and impedes gender equity in healthcare. More hands-on approaches are needed that stimulate scientists to integrate sex and gender aspects into their research. The present work is based on the contents of a workshop developed by the authors that serves as such a hands-on method. It aims at familiarizing a broad range of scientists in the field of biomedical and health research with the basics of conducting sex- and gender-sensitive research. In addition to clarifying concepts, it serves to provide a general introduction to sex- and gender-sensitive methods. To this end, challenges in pitfalls conducting sex- and gender-sensitive research, originally identified in the social sciences, are translated to the practice of biomedical and health research. Implications and applicability to all areas of biomedical and health research are shown by providing illustrative examples. Finally, a tool is presented that allows for the detection of sex and gender bias throughout all phases of the research process and shows how this bias can be overcome through sex- and gender-sensitive (1) relevance checking, (2) literature search, (3) formulation of research questions and hypotheses, (4) research methods and sample, (5) data analysis and interpretation, (6) reporting, and (7) conclusions and recommendations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Internet research in psychology.
Today the Internet plays a role in the lives of nearly 40% of the world's population, and it is becoming increasingly entwined in daily life. This growing presence is transforming psychological science in terms of the topics studied and the methods used. We provide an overview of the literature, considering three broad domains of research: translational (implementing traditional methods online; e.g., surveys), phenomenological (topics spawned or mediated by the Internet; e.g., cyberbullying), and novel (new ways to study existing topics; e.g., rumors). We discuss issues (e.g., sampling, ethics) that arise when doing research online and point to emerging opportunities (e.g., smartphone sensing). Psychological research on the Internet comes with new challenges, but the opportunities far outweigh the costs. By integrating the Internet, psychological research has the ability to reach large, diverse samples and collect data on actual behaviors, which will ultimately increase the impact of psychological research on society. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Risk factors related with pediatric accidents in a children's hospital in Bogotá].
To describe the biophysical and sociocultural risk factors related to the accident rate in pediatric patients. Cross-sectional descriptive study. Data collection through the direct application of surveys. 308 surveys were analyzed, obtained between the months of february and april, 2010. Adolescents were the most affected group (33.5 %); the male gender registered the highest number of traumas (64.7 %). The main family type was nuclear 52 %, 34.9 % of patients belonged to stratum 2 and 46,6 % were under the care of their mothers when the accident occurred. 84 % of caretakers had over 5 years study, 47 % considered that the most unsafe place for a child is a public road, and 76.8 % stated having never received information on accident prevention. The most frequent accident was a fall from a height (54.7 %) and home was the place with highest number of traumas (51 %). Demographic features and sociocultural factors of this study differ from reports from large studies of non-intentional lesions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Glycothermal Growth of Silver Core/TiO2 Shell Nano-Wires on FTO Substrate.
Silver core/TiO2 shell nano-wires have been successfully prepared on fluorine doped tin oxide coated glass substrate via a glycothermal process assisted by a photochemical process. The morphology, diameter, length, and density of synthesized core/shell nano-wires could be varied by photochemical reaction time. The fabricated samples were characterized with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray. We suggested a mechanism to explain the growth of the silver core/TiO2 shell nano-wires. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparative Evaluation of LAMP, qPCR, Conventional PCR, and ELISA to Detect Ralstonia solanacearum in Kenyan Potato Fields.
Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is considered among the most damaging diseases of potato in Sub-Saharan Africa and the most significant biotic constraint of potato production alongside late blight. Unlike late blight, which can be managed by chemical means, R. solanacearum can only be managed through cultural methods and clean seed. Laboratory testing to certify seed before planting is required to confirm the absence of the pathogen in Kenya. A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed using the UDP-(3-O-acyl)-N-acetylglucosamine deacetylase gene (IpxC) to screen seed potato for R. solanacearum strains. The assay was assessed using DNA extracted from R. solanacearum and other soil and potato pathogens to demonstrate specificity and sensitivity. The LAMP assay was validated using field samples from different potato growing regions of Kenya collected over two growing seasons and compared with established nucleic acid and protein-based assays. The IpxC LAMP assay was found to be specific and sensitive to R. solanacearum, detecting as low as 2.5 pg/µl of R. solanacearum DNA. Of the 47 potentially infected field samples collected, both IpxC LAMP and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detected R. solanacearum DNA in 90% of the samples, followed by conventional PCR (86%) and ELISA (75%). This IpxC LAMP assay is a promising diagnostic tool to rapidly screen for R. solanacearum in seed potato with high sensitivity in Kenya. Copyright © 2019 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license . | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Adolescent cocaine residually impairs working memory and enhances fear memory in rats.
The residual effects of cocaine during adolescence on memory in male young adult rats were studied. Animals were injected with 20 mg/kg cocaine on postnatal Days 28 through 35, whereas lab-chow (LC) and pair-fed (PF) control subjects received saline. Assessment of spatial working and long-term memory in the Morris water maze, and 72-h retention of an inhibitory avoidance task was conducted at about 5 and 9 weeks postcocaine, respectively. Relative to PF control subjects, cocaine-treated subjects showed impairments in the water maze when required to swim to the hidden platform placed in a quadrant diagonal from the location of its original location (i.e., on reversal learning). These same drug-treated animals, however, exhibited enhanced inhibitory avoidance retention relative to both control groups. These seemingly disparate findings are seen as being consistent with previous data showing that cocaine during adolescence residually impairs spatial memory and leads to enhanced fear responses. Moreover, when taken with previous findings from our laboratory, the present water maze data indicate that the deleterious effects of cocaine, when administered during adolescence, is delayed until 5 weeks after initiation of abstinence. It is speculated that alterations to limbic circuitry, especially those associated with the amygdala, account for the behavioral results observed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The presence of a histidine-aspartic acid pair in the active site of 2-hydroxyacid dehydrogenases. X-ray refinement of cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase.
The structure of cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase has been partially refined by crystallographic least squares methods. Using x-ray phases based on the refined coordinates, analysis of the resultant electron density maps has led to a new model of cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase and a tentative "x-ray sequence." The two crystallographically independent subunits comprising the dimeric enzyme are nearly identical in structure and are related to each other by roughly 2-fold rotational symmetry. The best fit of the molecular structure of cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase to that of lactate dehydrogenase has been obtained by least squares methods. The active sites of these two enzymes contain similarly oriented His-Asp pairs linked by a hydrogen bond which may function as a proton relay system during catalysis. This pair could also provide an explanation for the relatively stronger binding by cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase of NADH versus NAD. Similar His-Asp pairs have been observed in the serine proteases, thermolysin, and phospholipase A2, and the His-Asp pair may play a similar functional role in all of these enzymes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Complement activated leucopenia during hemodialysis: effect of pulse methyl-prednisolone.
We tested in vivo the effect of methyl-prednisolone (MP) on C5a release and granulocytopenia occurring early in the course of extracorporeal blood circulation through a Cuprophan dialyzer. MP boluses (30 mg/kg) were given to 10 consenting patients suffering from acute renal failure, immediately before blood started to circulate through a hollow-fiber Cuprophan dialyzer. To avoid drug loss through the dialyzer membrane, dialysate flow was withheld during the first hour of treatment and ultrafiltration was kept near zero (sham dialysis). Control procedures were carried out in a similar way, without MP. MP concentration, differential WBC count and anaphylotoxin C5a were serially measured during the procedures. MP pharmacokinetics was evaluated in six other uremic patients off dialysis. As shown by similar C5a levels in dialyzer effluent blood, complement cascade was activated by Cuprophan to a comparable degree whether or not patients received MP. Neutrophil count dropped 68% during the control procedure and 54% during sham dialysis preceded by MP (95% confidence interval of the difference, 1.97-27.2). Sham dialysis did not apparently influence serum MP levels, as shown by similar peak values in patients undergoing sham dialysis (203 micrograms/ml +/- SEM 33) and in patients off dialysis (177 micrograms/ml +/- 42). In vitro aggregometry showed that the uremic milieu does not interfere with the antiaggregating effect of MP. Our results show that MP at the dosage of 30 mg/kg does not affect complement-mediated granulocytopenia in any important way. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Plasma nicotine and cotinine levels following intravenous nicotine self-administration in rats.
The route of nicotine administration between animal models and humans is very different and further investigation by determining levels of nicotine entering into the circulatory system is warranted. The present study addresses the validity of the rat self-administration procedure by comparing plasma levels of nicotine in the rat with levels reported in smokers following cigarette consumption. Plasma levels of nicotine and its metabolite cotinine were measured in 17 rats following intravenous self-administration of a range of nicotine doses (0.015. 0.03 and 0.06 mg/kg per infusion). The two larger unit doses supported reliable self-administration behaviour with no overall difference in the patterns of nicotine intake. However, the total nicotine intake over the 2-h session was related to unit dose and this correlated highly with nicotine and cotinine levels measured in blood collected from the tail vein. On average, cotinine levels (50-200 ng/ml) were approximately 2-fold higher than nicotine levels (40-120 ng/ml) in plasma. Following an extinction test for one session in which saline was substituted for nicotine, no change in behaviour was observed in the two groups, while plasma levels of nicotine and cotinine dropped to nominal levels. The concentrations of nicotine attained following nicotine self-administration appear to be similar to levels reported in smokers after cigarette consumption, providing further validation of this procedure as an animal model of nicotine dependence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Use of ultrasound for non-trauma patients in the emergency department.
In the past decade, there has been substantial knowledge translation in the use of ultrasound (US) by critical care physicians to aid diagnosis of the non-trauma patient. This study aimed to determine emergency doctors' level of training in ultrasonography, pattern of US use in regular practice and barriers to US use for the non-trauma patient presenting to an emergency department. A survey on the use of US in non-trauma patients was conducted, targeting all emergency physicians and emergency medicine trainees in a single adult tertiary referral centre. The response rate was 92.7% with 38 completed surveys analysed. A course in non-trauma US had been completed by 58% of respondents. The most common non-trauma formal US training was in vascular access (82%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 66.8-90.6), detection of abdominal aortic aneurysm (79%, 95% CI 63.7-88.9) and pericardial fluid (84%, 95% CI 69.6-92.6). Upon completion of formal training, US was used significantly more frequently for obtaining vascular access (odds ratio [OR] 12.0), detection of abdominal aortic aneurysms (OR 4.3) and detection of pericardial fluid (OR 15.5). Most doctors felt the greatest barriers to the use of US in the non-trauma patient were the lack of teaching, confidence in findings, experienced supervisors and time. Among ED personnel, use of US to diagnose several non-traumatic conditions was low, but specific training was associated with significantly more US use. Increased training and availability of US-experienced supervisors might further improve utility of this important adjunct to the practice of emergency medicine. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mutational analysis of the BRAF gene in transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.
Mutational activation of the MAP kinase pathway is frequently found in many types of cancer. Recently, activating mutations in the BRAF gene, an important activator of this pathway, have been described in several tumor types including melanoma, colorectal and papillary thyroid cancer. The most frequent mutation in exon 15 (V600E) as well as several other mutations within exons 11 and 15 result in constitutive activation of the oncoprotein. Our study aimed to investigate BRAF mutations in 30 human bladder tumors and their adjacent normal tissues. The V600E mutation was screened by PCR/RFLP and exons 11, 14 and 15 of BRAF including intron-exon boundaries were sequenced. We detected two tumor specimens bearing two different mutations, both of which were found in exon 15. One sample showed the T1799A (V600E) and the other the G1798T (V600L) mutation. The first specimen was stage pT1a and grade II, whereas the second was stage pT2b and grade III. No mutations within the coding region of exons 11, 14, 15 and the intron-exon junctions for the remaining samples were found. Our results suggest that involvement of BRAF mutations in the development of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder is infrequent. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Histological and ultrastructural observations of the attachment between the oral cavity of the fetus and the nipple of the mother in opossum (Didelphis azarae).
The mechanism of fixation of the fetus to the maternal nipple of opossum (Didelphis azarae) was studied in fetus of different ages through histological sections of the oral cavity keeping the nipple inside it. No organic connection was found between the maternal nipple and the tissues of the fetus. The increase of the nipple volume inside the oral cavity of the fetus and the imbrication between the corneous extracts of the nipple, palate and tongue epitheliums increase the fixation strength and contribute to the act of suckling. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) Receptor/FGF Inhibitors: Novel Targets and Strategies for Optimization of Response of Solid Tumors.
The fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) pathway plays a major role in several biological processes, from organogenesis to metabolism homeostasis and angiogenesis. Several aberrations, including gene amplifications, point mutations, and chromosomal translocations have been described across solid tumors. Most of these molecular alterations promote multiple steps of carcinogenesis in FGFR oncogene-addicted cells, increasing cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. Data suggest that upregulation of FGFR signaling is a common event in many cancer types. The FGFR pathway thus arises as a potential promising target for cancer treatment. Several FGFR inhibitors are currently under development. Initial preclinical results have translated into limited successful clinical responses when first-generation, nonspecific FGFR inhibitors were evaluated in patients. The future development of selective and unselective FGFR inhibitors will rely on a better understanding of the tissue-specific role of FGFR signaling and identification of biomarkers to select those patients who will benefit the most from these drugs. Further studies are warranted to establish the predictive significance of the different FGFR-aberrations and to incorporate them into clinical algorithms, now that second-generation, selective FGFR inhibitors exist. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Bone marrow transplantation corrects osteopetrosis in the carbonic anhydrase II deficiency syndrome.
Carbonic anhydrase II (CAII), found in renal tubules, brain, and osteoclasts, is critical in acid-base homeostasis and bone remodeling. Deficiency of CAII gives rise to a syndrome of osteopetrosis, renal tubular acidosis (RTA), and cerebral calcification with associated developmental delay. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion and found most frequently in the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. We report 2 related Irish families with clinically severe CAII deficiency in whom the gene mutation has been fully elucidated. Two children, one from each family, have undergone allogeneic bone marrow transplantation because of severe progressive visual and hearing loss. The older 2 children had already developed cerebral calcification and marked visual loss at the time of diagnosis and were treated symptomatically. Post-transplantation evaluation at 2 and 3 years demonstrates histologic and radiologic resolution of their osteopetrosis with stabilization of hearing and vision. Both children remain developmentally delayed and continue to have RTA, and the older child has now developed cerebral calcification. Allogeneic bone marrow stem cell replacement cures the osteoclast component of CAII deficiency and retards the development of cerebral calcification, but it appears to have little or no effect on the renal lesions. (Blood. 2001;97:1947-1950) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Oxygen free radicals affect cardiac and skeletal cell membrane potential during hemorrhagic shock in rats.
Oxygen free radical (OFR) damage of excitable cell membranes (heart and skeletal muscle) during hemorrhagic shock and after resuscitation was studied in control rats and in rats pretreated with superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT; 6,000 U each) before hemorrhage. Their mean arterial pressure (MAP) was lowered to and maintained at 45 mmHg until 30% of the shed blood was spontaneously reinfused. The remaining blood and twice that volume of lactated Ringer solution were then infused. Cardiac output and organ blood flow were measured by the microsphere technique. The resting membrane potential (Em) and tissue ATP content in the heart and skeletal muscle were determined. There was no significant difference between the control and SOD + CAT groups in shock duration, maximal shed blood, hemodynamics, regional blood flow, or in ATP content in both heart and skeletal muscle, both during shock and after resuscitation. Radical scavenger treatment did not prevent muscle depolarization during shock. After resuscitation, however, significant repolarization in hearts and skeletal muscle of the SOD + CAT group (heart, -70.0 +/- 1.1; muscle, -87.0 +/- 0.6 mV) was noted when compared with the controls (heart, -62.5 +/- 1.2; muscle, -82.7 +/- 1.1 mV; P less than 0.05). This implicates OFRs as mediators of excitable cell membrane injury following resuscitation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Diabetes protection and restoration of thymocyte apoptosis in NOD Idd6 congenic strains.
Type 1 diabetes in the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse is a multifactorial and polygenic disease. The NOD-derived genetic factors that contribute to type 1 diabetes are named Idd (insulin-dependent diabetes) loci. To date, the biological functions of the majority of the Idd loci remain unknown. We have previously reported that resistance of NOD immature thymocytes to depletion by dexamethazone (Dxm) maps to the Idd6 locus. Herein, we refine this phenotype using a time-course experiment of apoptosis induction upon Dxm treatment. We confirm that the Idd6 region controls apoptosis resistance in immature thymocytes. Moreover, we establish reciprocal Idd6 congenic NOD and B6 strains to formally demonstrate that the Idd6 congenic region mediates restoration of the apoptosis resistance phenotype. Analysis of the Idd6 congenic strains indicates that a 3-cM chromosomal region located within the distal part of the Idd6 region controls apoptosis resistance in NOD immature thymocytes. Together, these data support the hypothesis that resistance to Dxm-induced apoptosis in NOD immature thymocytes is controlled by a genetic factor within the region that also contributes to type 1 diabetes pathogenesis. We propose that the diabetogenic effect of the Idd6 locus is exerted at the level of the thymic selection process. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Chronic Illness-Related Shame: Development of a New Scale and Novel Approach for IBD Patients' Depressive Symptomatology.
The aims of the present study were to develop and validate a scale specifically focused on shame feelings derived from chronic illness-related experiences, the Chronic Illness-related Shame Scale (CISS) and to fill a gap in literature and analyse the role of this construct in the association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptomatology and depressed mood. This study comprised two samples: a sample of 161 IBD patients and a mixed sample of 65 chronic patients that reported medical data and completed self-report measures. The CISS's unidimensional seven-item structure was evaluated through confirmatory factor analyses. These analyses revealed good to excellent global and local adjustments in both samples. Results also showed that the CISS presents excellent internal consistencies and convergent, concurrent and divergent validity, being a valid, short and robust scale. Furthermore, the present study explored through path analyses, the role of CISS and self-judgement in the relationship between IBD symptomatology and depressed mood. Results showed that, although the level of IBD symptomatology directly predicted patients' depressive symptoms, the majority of this effect was mediated by CISS and self-judgement. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed in more detail in the succeeding text. The present study seems to highlight the pertinence of developing IBD patients' self-compassionate abilities to adaptively deal with symptomatology and related shame feelings. It thus may represent an avenue for the development of compassionate-based interventions for IBD patients and for the conduction of future studies exploring the shame phenomenon in other chronic illnesses. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. A new measure, the Chronic Illness-related Shame Scale (CISS), was developed CISS was revealed to be robust instrument in samples of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and cancer patients CISS and self-judgement mediate the relationship between IBD symptomatology and depressed mood This model presented an excellent adjustment and explained 55% of depressed mood's variance Results suggest that treatment programmes for IBD should include compassionate-based interventions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cognitive deficits in Korean women treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer.
Cognitive deficits have been reported as detrimental side effects in chemotherapy-treated breast cancer patients and survivors. Korean women treated for breast cancer may experience unrecognized cognitive deficits related to their treatment. However, no research has examined cognitive test performance in chemotherapy-treated Korean breast cancer survivors. The objectives of this study were 2-fold: (1) to examine differences in occurrence and severity of cognitive deficits in Korean women treated with adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer as compared with a control group of women without breast cancer and (2) to examine the relationship of selected demographic and cultural factors with cognitive test performance. Sixty-four Korean women, 32 women treated for localized breast cancer and 32 healthy controls, were enrolled. Breast cancer participants were assessed with established cognitive measures within 4 months after chemotherapy, and healthy controls, within 6 months after negative screening mammography. The breast cancer group showed a significantly higher occurrence and greater severity of cognitive deficits than controls did. Importantly, older age, less education, greater collectivist tendency, and greater childrearing burden were reliably associated with poorer attention and working memory test performance. Cognitive deficits were found in chemotherapy-treated Korean women with moderate to large effect sizes compared with controls. Cultural characteristics contributed to worse cognitive performance. Healthcare providers should recognize that Korean women may be highly vulnerable to cognitive deficits. Cultural factors also need to be considered when assessing cognitive function and designing therapeutic interventions to counteract negative cognitive outcomes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Gallstone ileus: report of 23 cases with emphasis on factors affecting survival.
The records of 23 patients operated for gallstone ileus in a ten-year period were reviewed. The mean age was 75 and surgical procedure consisted always in the simple relief of obstruction without cholecystectomy and fistula interruption. Operative mortality was overall 17%; excluding two patients already perforated on admission; actual mortality due to uncomplicated ileus was 9%. One patient was at his second episode of gallstone ileus and in another the obstruction was sustained by two stones. The most common site of impaction was distal ileum, while a pyloro-duodenal obstruction with Bouveret's syndrome was noted in two cases. Since age was seen to be the only variable correlated with mortality it was concluded that surgical treatment of gallstone ileus in the elderly patient should be limited to simple relief of obstruction, in case leaving cholecystectomy to a subsequent second operation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Right atrial tunnel to the left atrial appendage: a danger during balloon septostomy.
Right atrial tunnel to the left atrial appendage is a very rare anomaly not previously described. Per se, it has no physiological significance but is a source of potential disaster during balloon atrial septostomy. The precise anatomy is demonstrated and ways are proposed to avoid tearing the atrial wall during therapeutic cardiac catheterization. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Combined ibuprofen and monoclonal antibody to tumor necrosis factor-alpha attenuate hemodynamic dysfunction and sepsis-induced acute lung injury.
A number of key mediators are implicated in the pathophysiology of sepsis. In previous studies of a septic porcine model, ibuprofen pretreatment prevented the early but not the late rise in pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) and the early but not the late fall in arterial PO2 (PaO2), whereas monoclonal antibody to tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF alpha) prevented the late but not the early rise in PVRI and the late but not the early fall in PaO2. This study examined the impact of pretreatment with combined ibuprofen and anti-TNF-alpha on the course of sepsis and acute lung injury (ALI) in pigs. Three groups were studied for 5 hours. Groups I (n = 9) and II (n = 5) received a 1-hour infusion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Group II received ibuprofen (12.5 mg/kg) and anti-TNF-alpha (5 mg/kg) before P. aeruginosa, and a further bolus of ibuprofen at 120 minutes. Group III (n = 11) received sterile saline. Group I demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) rise in plasma TNF-alpha that was abolished in group II. The SVRI in group II did not change significantly from baseline through the study and the SVRI rose sharply in group I following onset of the infusion of P. aeruginosa, as did PVRI. There was no significant change in PVRI from baseline in group II, except for the final 60 minutes; PVRI in group II was significantly less than in group I throughout the study.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Use of apomorphine in parkinsonian patients with neuropsychiatric complications to oral treatment.
Neuropsychiatric side effects often complicate anti-Parkinsonian therapy and pose a significant problem in the optimal management of idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Several publications report a relative lack of neuropsychiatric side effects in Parkinsonian patients treated with subcutaneous apomorphine. To investigate this further, we have used subcutaneous apomorphine to treat 12 non-demented IPD patients with previous oral drug-related neuropsychiatric problems. Treatment with apomorphine allowed alteration of anti-Parkinsonian medication and led to the abolition or reduction of neuropsychiatric complications in all patients. The mechanism remains unclear but may be due, in part, to a reduction in oral medication or a psychotropic action of apomorphine, possibly due to the piperidine moiety in its structure, or both. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Induction and biochemical purification of RNA-induced silencing complex from Drosophila S2 cells.
The discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) has greatly simplified the process of suppressing genes in many experimental systems, including Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, and mammalian cells. A sequence-specific nuclease complex, called the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), can be purified from cells undergoing RNAi. RISC shows RNase activity when exposed to RNAs homologous to the input double-stranded RNA (dsRNAs) but lacks activity in the presence of nontargeted RNAs. We describe the induction of RNAi by dsRNA in cultured Drosophila Schneider-2 (S2) cells and detail procedures for RISC purification from these cells. This purification approach has allowed us to identify several RISC components, including siRNAs, Argo naute 2 (Ago-2), Drosophila Fragile X related protein (dFXR), Vasa intronic gene (VIG), and the micrococcal nuclease family member Tudor-SN (Drosophila CG7008). RNAi is carried out by an endogenous pathway important for normal development in many organisms. In fact, organisms express hundreds of different microRNAs (miRNAs), small hairpin RNAs that function through the RNAi pathway to suppress expression of endogenous genes. The function of miRNAs is poorly understood, and most of their targets are unknown. Purified RISC complexes contain short interfering RNAs and endogenously expressed miRNAs and will be useful for studying many aspects of the RNAi machinery. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mechanism for clogging of microchannels.
We investigate clogging of microchannels at the single-pore level using microfluidic devices as model porous media. The process of clogging is studied at low volume fractions and high flow rates, a technologically important regime. We show that clogging is independent of particle flow rate and volume fraction, indicating that collective effects do not play an important role. Instead, the average number of particles that can pass through a pore before it clogs scales with the ratio of pore to particle size. We present a simple model that accounts for the data. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Validation of the self-administered comorbidity questionnaire adjusted for spondyloarthritis: results from the ASAS-COMOSPA study.
To confirm validity of the Self-administered Comorbidity Questionnaire modified for patients with SpA (mSCQ), and assess whether validity improves when adding items on extra-articular manifestations (EAMs), i.e. uveitis, psoriasis, and IBD, and osteoporosis and fractures. Data from the Assessment in SpondyloArthritis international Society COMOrbidities in SPondyloArthritis study were used. Criterion validity of presence of EAMs, osteoporosis and fractures was assessed as agreement (kappa) between patients' self-reported and physician-confirmed disease. Construct validity of the mSCQ including EAMs, osteoporosis and/or fractures (SpA-SCQ) was assessed by testing hypotheses about correlations with demographics, physical function, work ability, health utility and disease activity, and was compared with construct validity of the rheumatic disease comorbidity index. In total, 3984 patients contributed to the analyses. Agreement between patient-reported and physician-reported EAMs was substantial to almost perfect (uveitis ĸ = 0.81, IBD ĸ = 0.73, psoriasis ĸ = 0.86). Agreement for osteoporosis (ĸ = 0.38) and fractures (ĸ = 0.39) was fair. As hypothesized, the mSCQ correlated moderately to weakly with age, physical function, work limitations and health utility, and very weakly with disease activity. In contrast to our hypothesis, adding EAMs, osteoporosis and/or fractures to the mSCQ decreased correlations with several external constructs, especially among patients with peripheral SpA. Correlations with the different constructs were stronger for the both mSCQ and SpA-SCQ (rBASFI = 0.34; rEQ-5D = -0.33) compared with the rheumatic disease comorbidity index (rBASFI = 0.24; rEQ-5D = -0.21). The mSCQ is a valid self-report instrument to assess the influence of comorbidities on health outcomes in patients with SpA. Adding EAMs and/or osteoporosis or fractures does not improve validity of the mSCQ. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of tibiofemoral joint forces during open-kinetic-chain and closed-kinetic-chain exercises.
The purpose of this study was to analyze forces at the tibiofemoral joint during open and closed-kinetic-chain exercises. Five healthy subjects performed maximum isometric contractions at 30, 60, and 90 degrees of knee flexion during open-kinetic-chain extension, open-kinetic-chain flexion, and closed-kinetic-chain exercises. Electromyographic activity of the quadriceps and hamstrings, as well as load and torque-cell data, were recorded. Tibiofemoral shear and compression forces were calculated with use of a two-dimensional biomechanical model. The results showed that, during the open-kinetic-chain extension exercise, maximum posterior shear forces (the resisting forces to anterior drawer) of 285 +/- 120 newtons (mean and standard deviation) occurred at 30 degrees of knee flexion and maximum anterior shear forces (the resisting forces to posterior drawer) of 1780 +/- 699 newtons occurred at 90 degrees of knee flexion. The closed-kinetic-chain exercise produced significantly less posterior shear force at all angles when compared with the open-kinetic-chain extension exercise. In addition, the closed-kinetic-chain exercise produced significantly less anterior shear force at all angles except 30 degrees when compared with the open-kinetic-chain flexion exercise (p < 0.05). Analysis of tibiofemoral compression forces and electromyographic recruitment patterns revealed that the closed-kinetic-chain exercise produced significantly greater compression forces and increased muscular co-contraction at the same angles at which the open-kinetic-chain exercises produced maximum shear forces and minimum muscular co-contraction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Association between Single-nucleotide Polymorphisms of RXRG and Genetic Susceptibility to Type 2 Diabetes in South China.
To Investigate The Relationship Between Genetic Polymorphisms Of Rxrg Rs1467664, Rs3753898 And The Genetic Susceptibility Of Type 2 Diabetes In Chinese Han Population From South China. In Our Case-Control Study, Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms (Snps) Rs1467664 And Rs3753898 Were Genotyped By Snpscantm Kit In 1092 Patients With T2d As Cases And 1092 Normal Persons As Controls. The Distributions Of Genotype And Allele Frequencies In Two Groups Was Analyzed By Spss 20.0 Software. The Distribution Of Genotypes And Alleles Of Rxrg Rs3753898 Was Statistically Significant Between Two Groups, But There Was No Significant Difference In The Distribution Of Genotypes And Alleles Of The Rs1467664. Before And After The Adjustment Of Age, Sex And Bmi, Rs3753898 In The Two Groups Had Statistical Significance Under The Additive, Dominant And Recessive Models (P<0.05), But No Statistical Differences Were Found Under The Overdominance And Co-Dominant Genetic Models (P>0.05). There Was No Significant Difference In The Genetic Models Of Rs1467664 Between The Two Groups (P>0.05). The Haplotype Which Consists Of Rs1467664 Allele T And Rs3753898 Allele A Was A High Risk Factor For T2d, Or=1.27, 95% Ci (1.09-1.47), Padj=0.002. Our Results Showed That The Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Of Rxrg Rs3753898 May Be Related To The Genetic Susceptibility Of Type 2 Diabetes. The Haplotype Consisting Of The Allele T Of Rs1467664 And The Allele A Of Rs3753898 Is A Risk Factor For Type 2 Diabetes, Suggesting That Genetic Variation Of Rxrg Gene May Be The Genetic Cause Of Diabetes Mellitus In Chinese Han Population. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pharmacological inhibition of fatty acid synthase (FAS): a novel therapeutic approach for breast cancer chemoprevention through its ability to suppress Her-2/neu (erbB-2) oncogene-induced malignant transformation.
We designed our experiments to evaluate whether fatty acid synthase (FAS), a lipogenic enzyme linked to tumor virulence in population studies of human cancer, is necessary for the malignant transformation induced by Her-2/neu (erbB-2) oncogene, which is overexpressed not only in invasive breast cancer but also in premalignant atypical duct proliferations and in ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast. To avoid the genetic complexities associated with established breast cancer cell lines, we employed NIH-3T3 mouse fibroblasts engineered to overexpress human Her-2/neu coding sequence. NIH-3T3/Her-2 cells demonstrated a significant upregulation of FAS protein expression, which was dependent on the upstream activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase/AKT pathways. Remarkably, pharmacological FAS blockade using the mycotoxin cerulenin or the novel small compound C75 completely suppressed the state of Her-2/neu-induced malignant transformation by inhibiting the ability of NIH-3T3/Her-2 cells to grow under either anchorage-independent (i.e., to form colonies in soft agar) or low-serum monolayer conditions. Moreover, NIH-3T3/Her-2 fibroblasts were up to three times more sensitive to chemical FAS inhibitors relative to untransformed controls as determined by MTT-based cell viability assays. In addition, pharmacological FAS blockade preferentially induced apoptotic cell death of NIH-3T3/Her-2 fibroblasts, as determined by an ELISA for histone-associated DNA fragments and by the terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase (TdT)-mediated nick end labeling assay (TUNEL). Interestingly, the degree of Her-2/neu oncogene expression in a panel of breast cancer cell lines was predictive of sensitivity to chemical FAS inhibitors-induced cytotoxicity, while low-FAS expressing and chemical FAS inhibitors-resistant MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells became hypersensitive to FAS blockade when they were engineered to overexpress Her-2/neu. Our observations strongly suggest that inhibition of FAS activity may provide a new molecular avenue for chemotherapeutic prevention and/or treatment of Her-2/neu-related breast carcinomas. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cost-Benefit Analysis of a Chlamydia trachomatis Vaccine Program in Adolescent Girls in the United States.
With >1.4 million cases in the United States reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2012, Chlamydia trachomatis infection is a major public health concern. We examined the impact of a C trachomatis vaccination program using a decision-analysis model to estimate the effects of vaccination on C trachomatis-associated costs and morbidity. We developed a Markov model considering a cohort of 2158117 US females aged 9 to 26 years. Morbidity, death, and healthcare-associated costs associated with chlamydial infection of mothers and fetuses/neonates were calculated over a 17-year time frame. We developed 2 major comparison arms, namely, a C trachomatis vaccination program and no C trachomatis vaccination program. Base-case efficacy and coverage were set to those of human papillomavirus in the United States with all variables, including efficacy and coverage, ranged in sensitivity analyses. On the basis of a base-case analysis, a vaccination program would cost an estimated $710 million for a cohort of 2158117 women over a 17-year period, an increase of $41 million over having no vaccination program. A vaccination program would prevent 34000 cases of C trachomatis infection and 5976 cases of pelvic inflammatory disease. A C trachomatis vaccination program results in increased cost to the healthcare system but averts significant morbidity and death. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
VX toxicity in the Göttingen minipig.
The present experiments determined the intramuscular LD50 of VX in male Göttingen minipigs at two stages of development. In pubertal animals (115 days old), the LD50 of VX was indeterminate, but approximated 33.3μg/kg. However, in sexually mature animals (152 days old), the LD50 was estimated to be only 17.4μg/kg. Signs of nerve agent toxicity in the Göttingen minipig were similar to those described for other species, with some notable exceptions (such as urticaria and ejaculation). Latencies to the onset of sustained convulsions were inversely related to the administered dose of VX in both ages of minipigs. Additionally, actigraphy was used to quantify the presence of tremor and convulsions and, in some cases, was useful for precisely estimating time of death. The main finding indicates that in minipigs, as in other species, even relatively small differences in age can substantially alter the toxicity of nerve agents. Additionally, actigraphy can serve as a non-invasive method of characterizing the tremors and convulsions that often accompany nerve agent intoxication. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The Wolf-Parkinson-White ECG Pattern - Assessing the Mortality Risk.
The presence of a Wolf-Parkinson-White (WPW) pattern is not uncommonly discovered on a life insurance applicant's ECG. How does one determine the appropriate mortality risk in this population? This article will discuss the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), the interpretation of electrophysiology testing results, and risk-stratification both for asymptomatic individuals and those who have had ablation treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Gender Bias in Insecticide Susceptibility of Aedes albopictus is Solely Attributable to Size.
Despite an extensive literature on mosquitoes, remarkably little attention has been paid to males. Current interest in control by release of transgenic males begs attention to this bias. It is well known that males are more susceptible to insecticides than females when determined by the standard World Health Organization (WHO) bioassay, and field observations have shown a higher impact of ultra-low-volume (ULV) space sprays. It is generally assumed that these differences are due to the smaller size of males and/or greater physiological susceptibility. We compared susceptibility by WHO bioassay and by topical application. There was a significant difference between the sexes in terms of dose effect and knockdown by the WHO test, but no significant difference by weight-adjusted topical application. We conclude that greater susceptibility of males is solely a function of their size and suggest that a ULV treatment before the release of transgenic males would greatly increase their competitive ratio versus wild mosquitoes and thus their impact as a control measure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Separation of plasma from whole blood by membrane filtration in oscillatory flows.
This paper describes the performance of a microfiltration plasmapheresis unit operating with reversing oscillatory flows. The device consists of a flat channel duct between cellulose nitrate membranes and was used to extract plasma from anticoagulated fresh whole bovine blood. Measurements were made of plasma flux, haematocrit concentration, haemolysis and protein sieving coefficients. The effects on plasma flux are reported for alterations in the stroke and frequency of flow pulsations, transmembrane pressure, membrane properties and blood throughput. It was found that the imposition of oscillatory flows enhanced the plasma extraction rate by a factor of 3, producing about 0.9 litre/min/m2 membrane. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effect of age on the pharmacokinetics of valsartan.
Twelve young (mean age 23 years, range 18-28) and 12 elderly (mean age 76 years, range 65-89) volunteers were given a single oral dose of 80 mg valsartan after an overnight fast. Each group consisted of six male and six female subjects. Mean systemic exposure to valsartan was higher in the elderly when compared with the young (AUC(0-24 h), 52% increase and AUC(0-infinity), 70% increase). Variability, as shown by the coefficient of variation (CV), was larger for the elderly subjects and ANOVA of the log transformed AUC showed a significant difference between the two groups. This difference was largely brought about by five elderly subjects (one male, four females), whose AUC was about 2-fold higher than the rest of the group. For the remaining elderly subjects, plasma valsartan AUC was similar to that observed for the young volunteers. This higher systemic exposure in five of the elderly subjects is not thought to be of clinical relevance when data from the patient population are considered. Other covariates--such as body weight, comedication, creatinine clearance, valsartan kinetics (absorption rate, distribution, and elimination)--did not explain the higher AUC in this subset of the elderly group. Data from the present study were compared with population kinetic data obtained from larger clinical trials including hypertensive patients in all age groups. Using this population approach, there was no difference in the pharmacokinetics of valsartan between male and female patients. Also, a relationship between plasma clearance of valsartan and age was established. The median age of patients in the hypertensive pool was 55 years. For an average 70-year-old patient, plasma clearance of valsartan is predicted to fall by 22% compared with an average 55-year-old. For the population this difference is not sufficient to warrant initial dose adjustment based on age per se. The covariate age, does not completely explain the variability in the pharmacokinetics of valsartan within the general population. The treatment was well tolerated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transference and countertransference in homosexuality--changing psychoanalytic views.
This retrospective review of the psychoanalytic treatment literature about homosexuals traces the development over the years of views of transference and countertransference. Shifts are identified in the dynamic understanding of transference phenomena, from an early emphasis on Oedipal issues to the contemporary focus on early maternal relations and how disturbances in these are recapitulated in the homosexual transference; this evolution parallels broader trends in clinical psychoanalysis. Against the background of rapidly changing social and professional attitudes toward homosexuality, and in light of burgeoning interest in countertransference among psychoanalysts, the absence of any discussion of countertransference in the treatment of homosexuals is considered significant. Further, the overwhelming attention given to male, compared to female, homosexuals is noted. Finally, some questions are raised about the implications of the contemporary status of psychoanalytic thinking about the treatment of homosexuality. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The Role of Expectations in Effective Genetic Counseling.
The goals for this investigation were to assess individuals' expectations for social support from genetic counselors, and to explore how these expectations influence perceptions of genetic counselor effectiveness. Two studies were conducted to address these goals. Results from the first study show that individuals most frequently expect genetic counselors to provide options and support following the disclosure of distressing test results, while data from the second study demonstrate that expectations play a significant role in individuals' assessment of genetic counselor effectiveness. These findings shed light on what individuals expect from genetic counselors following the disclosure of medically positive test results and inform how these expectations influence the success of genetic counseling sessions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Stress-protective effect of thymic peptides.
Experiments on Wistar rats showed that thymic peptides produce a stress-protective effect that manifested in prevention of functional impairment of conditioned active avoidance response and a decrease in generalized motor activity typical of higher nervous activity failure. We concluded that thymic peptides significantly modulate integrative functions of the brain and produce a stress-protective effect. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Late potentials in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia. Prevalence, diagnostic and prognostic values.
A time-domain signal-averaged ECG was performed in 52 patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) proven by angiography, in 45 control subjects with normal hearts, and in 132 patients with various types of ventricular arrhythmias and no evidence of cardiac disease during routine cardiac examination. Based on the results of control subjects, patients with at least 2/3 abnormal parameters (QRS > or = 113 ms, LAS > or = 38 ms, RMS 40 < or = 16 microV) were considered as having late potentials (LP). Prevalence of LP was 75% (39/52) in patients with ARVD, 19% (25/132) in patients with apparently idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias, and 4% (4/45) in controls (P < 0.01). In ARVD, no relationship was found between LP and age, type of ventricular arrhythmia (sustained or not), or extent of the disease on angiography. A significant correlation was found between the values of two parameters (QRS and LAS length) and the delay between the first ventricular arrhythmia and the examination (r = 0.39 and 0.42 respectively, P < 0.01). Further examinations (echo and/or angiography) revealed underlying heart disease in 26/132 patients with apparently normal hearts, including 13 with ARVD. LP were present in 21/26 patients (81%) with diseased heart vs 4/106 (4%) in those with normal hearts after complete examination, giving a sensitivity of 86%, and a specificity of 96% for detecting underlying heart disease. During a follow-up of 3.1 +/- 1.2 years after signal-averaged ECG, only one patient died from heart failure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of ethanol on methyl mercury toxicity in rats.
This study was designed to investigate the effect of different doses of ethanol on the morbidity, mortality, and distribution of mercury in the tissues of groups of rats treated orally once daily with methyl mercury chloride (MMC: 5 mg/kg . d) for 10 consecutive days. Ethanol potentiated the toxicity of methyl mercury in terms of neurological manifestations (hindleg crossings and abnormal gait) and mortality. The magnitude of effect depended on the concentration of ethanol administered. The concentration of mercury in the kidney and brain also increased with the dose of ethanol given. These findings indicate that epidemiologic studies designed to evaluate methyl mercury toxicity must take into account the multiple environmental burdens that can affect the population cumulatively and simultaneously. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Isolation of immature and mature T cell receptor complexes by lectin affinity chromatography.
The antigen-specific T cell receptor (TCR) is a multisubunit complex composed of at least six different polypeptide chains (alpha, beta, gamma, delta, epsilon, zeta), several of which are glycoproteins. Assembly of the TCR occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and involves intermediary complexes of CD3-gamma, delta, epsilon proteins and TCR alpha and -beta molecules. Egress of TCR from the ER and transport through the Golgi apparatus is most often monitored by the sensitivity of TCR glycoproteins to endoglycosidase H (Endo H), an enzyme specific for immature oligosaccharides which have not yet been processed by Golgi glycosidases and glycosyltransferases. Because they are not glycosylated, the subcellular localization of CD3-epsilon and TCR zeta chains cannot be directly determined by Endo H treatment, and therefore must be inferred by association with glycoprotein members of the TCR complex. Thus, when both immature and mature TCR glycoproteins are present within a given sample, this becomes extremely difficult. In this report, we describe a method for the physical separation of immature and mature murine TCR complexes based on processing of N-linked carbohydrate side chains. Specifically, we report the use of wheat germ agglutinin-affinity matrices to separate TCR complexes which have reached the trans Golgi compartment of the cell from those that have not. This technique is rapid, sensitive, and does not affect the integrity of assembled TCR complexes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
New ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of irbesartan in human plasma.
With the objective of reducing analysis time and maintaining good efficiency, there has been substantial focus on high-speed chromatographic separations and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) is a preeminent analytical tool for rapid biomedical analysis. In this study a simple, rapid, sensitive, and specific ultra-performance liquid chromatography-MS/MS method was developed and validated for quantification of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist, irbesartan (IRB), in human plasma. After a simple protein precipitation using methanol and acetonitrile, IRB and internal standard (IS) telmisartan were separated on Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (50 mm × 2.1 mm, i.d. 1.7 μm, Waters, Milford, MA, USA) using a mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile: methanol: 10 mM ammonium acetate (70: 15: 15 v/v/v) with a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min and detected MS/MS in negative ion mode. The ion transitions recorded in multiple reaction monitoring mode were m/z 427.2→193.08 for IRB and m/z 513.2→469.3 for IS. The assay exhibited a linear dynamic range of 2-500 ng/mL for IRB in human plasma with good correlation coefficient of (0.995) and with a lower limit of quantitation of 2 ng/mL. The intra- and interassay precisions were satisfactory; the relative standard deviations did not exceed 9.91%. The proposed UPLC-MS/MS method is simple, rapid, and highly sensitive, and hence it could be reliable for pharmacokinetic and toxicokinetic study in both animals and humans. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hydronephrosis secondary to congenital pelvic arteriovenous malformation: a case report.
We report on a 26-year-old woman with a pelvic mass that caused ureteral obstruction and a hydronephrotic kidney. Diagnosis was congenital pelvic arteriovenous malformation and surgery was successful. The patient underwent staged preoperative intra-arterial embolization to decrease operative morbidity and facilitate complete removal. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Differential expression of the closely linked KISS1, REN, and FLJ10761 genes in transgenic mice.
We previously reported the development and characterization of transgenic mice containing a large 160-kb P1 artificial chromosome (PAC) encompassing the renin (REN) locus from human chromosome 1. Here we demonstrate that PAC160 not only encodes REN, but also complete copies of the next upstream (KISS1) and downstream (FLJ10761) gene along human chromosome 1. Incomplete copies of the second upstream (PEPP3) and downstream (SOX13) genes are also present. The gene order PEPP3-KISS1-REN-FLJ10761-SOX13 is conserved in mice containing either one or two copies of the REN locus. Despite the close localization of KISS1, REN, and FLJ10761, they each exhibit distinct, yet overlapping tissue-specific expression profiles in humans. The tissue-specific expression patterns of REN and FLJ10761 were retained in transgenic mice containing PAC160. Expression of REN and FLJ10761 were also proportional to copy number. Expression of KISS1 in PAC160 mice showed both similarities and differences to humans. These data suggest that expression of gene blocks encoded on large genomic clones are retained when the clones are used to generate transgenic mice. Genomic elements which act to insulate genes from their neighbors are also apparently retained. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An analysis of information content present in protein-DNA interactions.
Understanding the role proteins play in regulating DNA replication is essential to forming a complete picture of how the genome manifests itself. In this work, we examine the feasibility of predicting the residues of a protein essential to binding by analyzing protein-DNA interactions from an information theoretic perspective. Through the lens of mutual information, we explore which properties of protein sequence and structure are most useful in determining binding residues with a particular focus on sequence features. We find that the quantity of information carried in most features is small with respect to DNA-contacting residues, the bulk being provided by sequence features along with a select few structural features. Supplemental information for this article is available at http://www.cs.umn.edu/ -kauffman/supplements/psb2008. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Non-orthogonal internally contracted multi-configurational perturbation theory (NICPT): Dynamic electron correlation for large, compact active spaces.
A computational method is presented for systems that require high-level treatments of static and dynamic electron correlation but cannot be treated using conventional complete active space self-consistent field-based methods due to the required size of the active space. Our method introduces an efficient algorithm for perturbative dynamic correlation corrections for compact non-orthogonal MCSCF calculations. In the algorithm, biorthonormal expansions of orbitals and CI-wave functions are used to reduce the scaling of the performance determining step from quadratic to linear in the number of configurations. We describe a hierarchy of configuration spaces that can be chosen for the active space. Potential curves for the nitrogen molecule and the chromium dimer are compared for different configuration spaces. Already the most compact spaces yield qualitatively correct potentials that with increasing size of configuration spaces systematically approach complete active space results. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Healthcare data warehouse system supporting cross-border interoperability.
The free movement of European citizens across member states of the European Union adds an important level of complexity to strategic efforts of health interoperability. The use of electronic health data has been marked as an important strategic activity and policy to improve healthcare in European countries. Cross-border healthcare depends on the ability to set up shared practices with respect to patient data exchange across the countries. Data flow must comply with demanding security, legal and interoperability requirements, as defined by the European Patients Smart Open Services project specifications. The aim of this article is to propose a novel design of healthcare data warehouse based on the restructured Extract-Transform-Load process. We describe a portal framework that offers a comprehensive set of interoperability services to enable national e-Health platforms to set up cross-border health information networks compliant with European Patients Smart Open Services. The presented approach incorporates the technical and organizational interoperability by interconnecting Health Level Seven standard and Open National Contact Points framework in order to provide a modular, scalable and inter-operating architecture. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Surgical treatment of keratoconus at the turn of the 20th century.
This paper reviews surgical modalities for treatment of keratoconus at the threshold of the 20th century. All ophthalmic literature from 1895 until 1925 in English and German, available at the library of the Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom, was studied with respect to this topic. Three thermal procedures were described; galvanocauterization with perforation, without perforation, and a non-contact application of heat to the corneal apex. Radial extension of a thermal burn to correct the minus cylinder represented a further modification. Excision of the conical area was suggested either as a lamellar dissection or as a full thickness trephination. Incision of the cone appeared to be less popular. In staged procedures, a combination of galvanocauterization, splitting of the cornea, conjunctival flap, and a subsequent optical iridectomy were applied. The treatment of keratoconus 100 years ago used refractive surgery to improve visual function by modifying corneal shape. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Chronic disease: effect on health cognition and health locus of control.
An assessment of health cognition and health locus of control (HLOC) was obtained in 85 healthy and 81 chronically ill children, using instruments adapted from Piaget's work and standard HLOC measures. A relationship between HLOC and compliance was sought in a subset of children with spina bifida taught self-catheterization. Evidence of the developmental nature of health cognition and HLOC was documented. Contrary to the effect of experience in formal learning, experience with chronic disease did not alter developmental progression in these health-related areas. Our results suggest that in communicating with children about illness, the pediatrician's approach should not be altered by an appearance of superficial sophistication that some children may acquire as part of their experience with chronic disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Agonist antibody and Fas ligand mediate different sensitivity to death in the signaling pathways of Fas and cytoplasmic mutants.
We have produced three forms of human Fas: full-length Fas, Fas with a C-terminal deletion, and a chimera between extracellular Fas and the intracellular domain of the tumor necrosis factor receptor I p55 subunit. We transfected cell lines with these constructs to compare the relative capacity of antibody agonists and the physiological Fas ligand (FasL) to stimulate death. With two agonistic antibodies, the chimera is 100- to 1000-fold more sensitive to induction of death than the full-length Fas. The C-terminal deletion mutant also shows greatly enhanced death in comparison to the wild-type receptor. In contrast, when FasL is used to trigger the Fas pathway, wild-type Fas and the deletion mutant are similarly sensitive, whereas the chimera is 100-fold less susceptible to ligand-mediated killing than Fas. This demonstrates that antibody agonists and natural ligand can stimulate different signaling pathways and emphasizes the limitations of defining physiologically important signaling pathways solely by antibody agonists. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Governing evolution: A socioecological comparison of resistance management for insecticidal transgenic Bt crops among four countries.
Cooperative management of pest susceptibility to transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops is pursued worldwide in a variety of forms and to varying degrees of success depending on context. We examine this context using a comparative socioecological analysis of resistance management in Australia, Brazil, India, and the United States. We find that a shared understanding of resistance risks among government regulators, growers, and other actors is critical for effective governance. Furthermore, monitoring of grower compliance with resistance management requirements, surveillance of resistance, and mechanisms to support rapid implementation of remedial actions are essential to achieve desirable outcomes. Mandated resistance management measures, strong coordination between actors, and direct linkages between the group that appraises resistance risks and growers also appear to enhance prospects for effective governance. Our analysis highlights factors that could improve current governance systems and inform other initiatives to conserve susceptibility as a contribution to the cause of public good. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The use of spiral plating and microscopic colony counting for the rapid quantitation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis.
To evaluate a spiral plating and microscopic colony counting technique to hasten the quantitation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis. Broth and milk cultures of M. paratuberculosis were spirally plated onto Middlebrook agar plates and microscopically counted at 8 and 14 days of incubation. The same plates were recounted at 27-28 days of incubation when grossly visible colonies were present. The results were statistically compared with no difference in CFU ml-1 derived from the shorter vs longer incubation times. Other mycobacteria isolates were also plated and microscopically examined and found to be easily distinguishable from M. paratuberculosis. Microscopic quantitation of spirally plated M. paratuberculosis cultures can be achieved within 8-14 days of plate incubation and compare favourably to counts derived after prolonged incubations. The technique could greatly hasten the quantitation of viable M. paratuberculosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Catalytic asymmetric Tamura cycloadditions.
In the presence of a novel, tert-butyl-substituted squaramide-based catalyst, enolizable anhydrides react with alkylidene oxindoles to generate spirooxindole products of significant synthetic interest with excellent enantio- and diastereocontrol. The methodology is of wide scope and encompasses both homophthalic and glutaconic anhydride derivatives, which lead to structurally diverse products. Glutaconic acid-derived anhydrides undergo a clean post-cyclization decarboxylation process which is not a feature of reactions involving homophthalic acid-derived anhydrides. The unusual influence of reaction temperature on diastereocontrol has been probed, with reactions occurring at 30 °C and -30 °C delivering products epimeric at one stereocenter only, in near optical purity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fluorescence intensity calibration for immunophenotyping by flow cytometry.
Fluorescence intensity (FI) is the basis for classifying phenotypes by fluorescence-label flow cytometry. FI is customarily recorded as an arbitrary relative value, but with proper calibration it can be expressed in stoichiometric units called molecules of equivalent soluble fluorochrome (MESF) that reflect the concentrations of the fluorescent conjugates and the receptors they stain. Forthcoming availability of authoritative standards and consensus methods will alleviate many of the difficulties encountered in making valid MESF measurements. FI calibration establishes the true values for the critical parameters of the fluorescence measurement, a useful feature for quality control. It further allows the establishment of a comparable window of analysis across different times and laboratories, and it permits numeric assessment of antibody-binding capacity (ABC) values in selected cell populations. The relation between ABC values and receptor expression is complicated by several factors, but careful assessment of the binding chemistry can establish the actual number of receptors on cells stained by fluorescent conjugates. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Increased Growth Differentiation Factor 15 Is Associated with Unfavorable Clinical Outcomes of Acute Ischemic Stroke.
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), a stress-responsive biomarker, is known to be independently associated with mortality and cardiovascular events in different disease settings, but data on the prognostic value of GDF-15 after stroke are limited. Baseline serum GDF-15 was measured in 3066 acute ischemic stroke patients from the China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke (CATIS). The primary outcome was a composite of death and major disability within 3 months. Secondary outcomes included death, major disability, vascular events, and stroke recurrence. The associations between GDF-15 and clinical outcomes after stroke were assessed by multivariate logistic regression or Cox proportional hazards models. At 3 months' follow-up, 676 (22.05%), 86 (2.80%), 81 (2.64%), and 51 (1.66%) patients had experienced major disability, death, vascular events, or stroke recurrence, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, current smoking, alcohol consumption, and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, the odds ratio/hazard ratio (95% CI) of 1 SD higher of base-10 log-transformed GDF-15 was 1.26 (1.15-1.39) for primary outcome, 1.13 (1.02-1.25) for major disability, 1.79 (1.48-2.16) for death, and 1.26 (1.00-1.58) for vascular events. The addition of GDF-15 to established risk factors improved risk prediction of the composite outcome of death and major disability (c-statistic, net reclassification index, and integrated discrimination improvement, all P < 0.05). High GDF-15 concentrations are independently associated with adverse clinical outcomes of acute ischemic stroke, suggesting that baseline serum GDF-15 could provide additional information to identify ischemic stroke patients at high risk of poor prognosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A new method for the detection of adenosine based on time-resolved fluorescence sensor.
In this work, we report a thrombin binding aptamer complex based time-resolved fluorescence sensor for small molecule detection. The sensor employs two strands (DNA1 and DNA2) of oligonucleotides. This two strands of oligonucleotides contain two aptamer (α-aptamer and β-aptamer) respectively. DNA1 and DNA2 were labeled with biotin and DIG at the 3'-end, respectively. Binding of the α-aptamer and β-aptamer to the thrombin promotes the hybridization between the complementary stem sequences attached to the two oligonucleotide sequences. The hybridization then brings biotin to be hidden in the shield part on DNA1, shielding biotin from being approached by the streptavidin modified on the microplate due to the steric hindrance effect of the shield part of DNA1. Result in the thrombin-aptamer complex cannot be modified on the surface of microplate which further leads to no signal reported. The strategy integrates the distinguishing features of aptamer and fluorescent techniques. As a proof-of-principle, adenosine in serum was detected with a detection limit of 0.5 nM. A nice detection limit and linear relationship were obtained. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In vitro evaluation of inflammatory cell response after CF4 plasma surface modification of poly(methyl methacrylate) intraocular lenses.
The inflammatory cell response of tetrafluorocarbon (CF4) plasma surface modification of poly(methyl methacrylate) intraocular lenses (IOLs) was investigated in vitro. After two hours of lens contact with human granulocytes, scanning electron microscopy showed significantly less cell activation and granulocyte adhesion on the surface-modified IOL than on the untreated IOL (P < .01). The x-ray photo-electron spectroscopy analysis of the CF4 plasma surface modification demonstrated that new compounds containing fluorine were homogeneously grafted onto the PMMA lens surface, resulting in a marked increase of contact angle. These in vitro results must be confirmed by in vivo studies of CF4 plasma surface modification of IOLs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Are maxillomandibular fixation screws a better option than Erich arch bars in achieving maxillomandibular fixation? A randomized clinical study.
The aim of this study is to see the efficacy of maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) screws with arch bars and to compare the plaque index in between 2 methods of MMF. This study is a randomized clinical trial. The study sample was derived from the population of patients who reported to Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Wardha, Maharasthra, India between October 2006 and September 2008 and who required MMF. The patients were assessed for the time required in minutes for the placement and removal of screws and arch bar. Postoperative stability after achieving the MMF of both groups was analyzed and the plaque that was accumulated in both groups was evaluated by using TURESKY-GILMORE-GLICKMAN modification of the QUIGLEY-HEIN plaque index. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS statistical software for Windows, version 8.0 (SPSS, Inc, Chicago, IL) using the χ(2) test and Student t test. The average working time for placement and removal of MMF screws is 18.67 minutes and 10.20 minutes, respectively, and for arch bars is 95.06 minutes and 29 minutes, respectively. The mean value of plaque index in group I is 1.88 and in group II is 2.69. It signifies that plaque deposition was more in group II. No occlusal disturbance was seen in both groups. Incidence of MMF screws causing damage to tooth root is 5.81% and incidence of screw breakage was seen in 3.33% of patients. Oral hygiene maintenance is better in patients with MMF screws than with arch bars with fewer complications and less operating time. Erich arch bars are the preferred choice in patients who require long-term MMF, because the screws start loosening after 5 to 6 weeks. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mechanical properties of glass ionomer cements affected by curing methods.
The primary objective of the study was to assess the influence of externally applied 'command' set applications on the mechanical properties of several commercially available conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC). Four different restorative GICs cements (Fuji IX FAST, Fuji IX, Ketac Molar Quick, Ketac Molar) were cured using three different methods, e.g. standard curing conditions (SC), ultrasonic excitation (UC) and by an external heat source (HC). The compressive strength of these samples was measured and the groups were compared using one-way ANOVA. A standard thermocouple (K-type) measured the temperature in GIC during curing. In general all experiments showed an increase in strength going from SC, UC to HC. Especially, the compressive strength of Fuji IX FAST and Ketac Molar increased by UC and HC compared to the SC values. The compressive strength of Fuji IX FAST as a function of time showed an increase in strength during 28d. There was a clear relationship between the temperature in the sample (SC<UC<HC) and the compressive strength of the GICs. An increase in strength was found, especially at the early curing time. Enhanced material properties at early curing time can improve the survival rate of GICs in the clinical situation. Ultrasonic excitation can be used as a 'command' set method and improves the properties of GIC at early setting time. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Isolation of DNTR polymorphisms from yeast artificial chromosomes encompassing X chromosomal loci PGK1 and DXS56.
Five dinucleotide tandem repeat (DNTR) sequences were isolated from yeast artificial chromosomes containing the PGK1 and DXS56 loci in Xq13. Sequence information of these DNTR loci is given. Four of the five DNTR sequences were polymorphic. Polymorphism information content values were 0.44, 0.49, 0.47, and 0.76 for loci PY5-10, PY2-31, 4548-1, and 4548-7, respectively. Corresponding heterozygosities were 0.55, 0.55, 0.56, and 0.78. These DNTRs are useful for the fine mapping of disease loci in Xq13 and provide sequence tagged sites for this region of the X chromosome. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
High macrophage-colony stimulating factor levels in synovial fluid of loose artificial hip joints.
To clarify a macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) related mechanism of aseptic loosening of artificial hip joints. Synovium-like interface tissues between bone and prosthesis, regenerated pseudocapsular tissues, and synovial fluid (SF) were collected from 9 patients with loose artificial hip joint at revision surgery. Tissue distribution, production site, and SF level of M-CSF in loose hip joints were investigated by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and ELISA, respectively. For a comparative assessment of the M-CSF level in loose hip joints, SF of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and mild osteoarthritis (OA) also were analyzed by ELISA. Immunohistochemical analysis showed the presence of M-CSF immunoreactive cells mainly in the interface tissues between bone and prosthesis and inner pseudocapsular tissues, both of which were in contact with joint fluid. RT-PCR analysis confirmed the local production of M-CSF in these periprosthetic tissues. Significantly higher M-CSF level in loose hip joint fluid than in active RA and mild OA fluid was revealed by ELISA. High M-CSF level in loose hip joint fluid suggests transportation of M-CSF from production sites to joint fluid. This indicates that not only polyethylene wear particles (reported to induce foreign body reaction at the bone-prosthesis interface), but also M-CSF, abundant in joint fluid, are transported to and affect the interface. Thus, M-CSF is locally produced in periprosthetic tissues of loose hip joints and possibly contributes to periprosthetic weakening and osteolysis via joint fluid, leading to prosthetic loosening. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Modulation of glycogen and trehalose levels in Micromonospora echinospora (ATCC 15837).
The growth of Micromonospora echinospora was studied in high and low C/N ratio medium using both batch and continuous culture. Asparagine was consumed rapidly in batch cultures where it served as both a nitrogen and carbon source. Glucose consumption was low suggesting that asparagine functions as the major carbon source under these conditions. The effect of nutrient limitation on the accumulation of storage carbohydrate in batch culture revealed an intimate association between nitrogen limitation and the accumulation of carbonaceous reserves. This study revealed that glycogen constituted the major carbohydrate reserve associated with the onset of sporulation. Intracellular trehalose levels were found to be relatively low and may have been affected by the availability of carbon. Continuous culture studies revealed a correlation between glycogen accumulation and increasing growth rate. It was also found that elevated cellular ATP levels correlated with the increase in glycogen, and reduced glycolytic activity. At the higher growth rates cellular ATP levels were elevated and coincided with reduced activity of the key glycolytic enzyme, phosphofructokinase, suggesting that glycogen can act as a convenient energy reservoir when excess carbon flux dictates. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Comparative karyological study of 2 close species of blackflies of the genus Eusimulium].
The structure of polytene chromosomes in the salivary gland of two hard for distinguishing species Eusimulium montium Rubz. and E. gviletense alizadei Djaf. was studied. The comparative-karyologic analysis of the taxons showed many common features in their karyotypes: complete conjugation of the homologous chromosomes in the connection between the length and the arms of chromosomes. At the same time these species are well distinguished karyologically according to the two inversions of the homozigotic type in the chromosomes I and III, to the duplication in IIL, and to the deficiency of the telometric region in IIIL of E. montium. These readjustments are considered to be secondary which suggests E. gviletense alizadei to be phylogenetically older than E. montium. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Compassionate leadership in district nursing: a case study of a complex wound.
This article encourages nurses to explore leadership in district nursing practice and community teams. The challenges faced by district nurses are discussed in relation to the current health policy agenda in Wales and the increasingly complex care demands being placed on district nursing services because of the aging population and the rise in numbers of individuals living longer with multiple long-term health conditions. The concept of compassionate leadership is presented and discussed using a case study approach. The article explores compassionate leadership in the context of caring for a patient with a complex malignant wound needing palliative care. A framework for practice is developed to illustrate compassionate leadership in action to meet the needs of both the team and of the nurses delivering person-centred care. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Femtosecond mode-locked fiber laser employing a hollow optical fiber filled with carbon nanotube dispersion as saturable absorber.
We propose a novel in-line saturable absorber incorporating a hollow optical fiber (HOF) filled with single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) dispersion. The evanescent field of the propagating light in the ring core interacts with the SWCNT/polymer composite distributed over the whole length of the HOF. The proposed saturable absorber with all-fiber format offers the robust and long nonlinear interaction along the waveguide direction expecting the increase of the threshold for optical and thermal damages with simple fabrication process. Low concentration SWCNT/polymer composite exhibiting very broadband resonant absorption around 1.5 microm with low scattering loss is prepared and based on this, we successfully demonstrate the passively mode-locked fiber laser including the SWCNT-filled HOF where the spectral bandwidth and the pulse duration of the laser output are 5.5 nm and 490 fs, respectively, with a repetition rate of 18.5 MHz. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Recruitment and retention of nurses: challenges facing hospital and community employers.
Understanding nurses' perceptions of their workplaces underpins successful recruitment and retention initiatives, particularly in this time of global nursing shortage. The American Nurses Association and the American Academy of Nursing have identified "magnet characteristics"--organizational factors that support excellent practice and working conditions in hospital settings. Using selected magnet characteristics, this exploratory study examined nurses' perceptions of their work experiences in both hospital and community settings. Mail surveys were completed by community and hospital nurses (n = 1248) selected randomly from a provincial registry in Ontario, Canada. Scales measured organizational factors (organizational and immediate supervisor support, decentralized decision-making, nurse-physician relationships and work-group cohesiveness) and job-related factors (autonomy, job challenge, work demands, fair treatment, work-status congruence; satisfaction with career, salary, working conditions) of nurses' experiences in their work settings. Nurses in both sectors wanted more opportunities to participate in decision-making and recognition for their contributions to their organizations. In the hospital sector, nurses reported significantly lower levels of perceived organizational and supervisory support and autonomy, and were less satisfied with working conditions and scheduling. Nurses in the community sector were most dissatisfied with salary. No cross-sector differences were reported on nurse-physician relationships, degree of job challenge or career satisfaction. Successful recruitment and retention initiatives hinge on the ability (and willingness) of healthcare organizations to attend to the concerns expressed by nurses and create work settings that are attractive to both new recruits and nurses currently in their employ. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
When prostate brachytherapy fails: a case report and discussion.
For appropriately selected brachytherapy patients, prostate-specific antigen failure is uncommon. Our patient experienced biochemical failure after 125I brachytherapy treatment for low-risk prostate adenocarcinoma. We suggest neoadjuvant/adjuvant hormonal therapy combined with pelvic external-beam radiation therapy as a reasonable salvage treatment. At the 2-year follow-up, he is apparently doing well. With limited data available, salvage management for this situation is presently investigational. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The past and future of home- and community-based long-term care.
For almost three decades researchers have sought to quantify the benefits of home and community care for the elderly, invariably assuming that such care would be an economical substitute for institutionalization. Twenty-seven studies that met rigorous criteria of design, size, and subject were analyzed and the results were synthesized to address the effects on institutional utilization and expenditures, and patient health status and well-being. Home- and community-based health care services are shown to raise overall utilization and costs. Health status effects are limited primarily to patient and caregiver contentment and reduction of unmet needs. Recommendations are made for reaping this considerable benefit more efficiently. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
HIV-1 assembly and maturation.
HIV-1 particles have been studied by structural and chemical approaches, however, the processes of assembly, budding and maturation are just beginning to be characterized, and molecular details of these processes remain poorly defined. This brief review summarizes some recent findings on the final steps of the HIV-1 life cycle and touches upon some unanswered questions, particularly regarding the processes involved in virus maturation and infectivity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pickering miniemulsion polymerization using Laponite clay as a stabilizer.
Solid-stabilized, or Pickering, miniemulsion polymerizations using Laponite clay discs as stabilizer are investigated. Free radical polymerizations are carried out using a variety of hydrophobic monomers (i.e., styrene, lauryl (meth)acrylate, butyl (meth)acrylate, octyl acrylate, and 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate). Armored latexes, of which the surfaces of the particles are covered with clay discs, are obtained, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Overall polymerization kinetics of the Pickering miniemulsion polymerizations of styrene were investigated via gravimetry. Comparison with the bulk polymerization analogue clearly shows compartmentalization. Moreover, retardation effects up to intermediate monomer conversions are observed; they are more prominent for the smaller particles and are ascribed to the Laponite clay. A model is presented that allows for the prediction of the average particle size of the latexes produced as a function of the amounts of monomer and Pickering stabilizers used. It shows that under specific generic conditions the number of clay discs used correlates in a linear fashion with the total surface area of the latex particles. This is a direct result of the reversibility of the Laponite clay disc adhesion process under the emulsification conditions (i.e., sonication) used. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evaluation of biofilm production, gelatinase activity, and mannose-resistant hemagglutination in Acinetobacter baumannii strains.
Acinetobacter baumannii is an important nosocomial pathogen, but its pathogenic characteristics are not well defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate biofilm production, mannose-resistant hemagglutination, and gelatinase production in A. baumannii strains isolated from various clinical specimens. Eighty six strains of A. baumannii isolated from 86 hospital inpatients were studied for biofilm formation, gelatinase activity, and mannose-resistant hemagglutination. The isolates were identified using conventional techniques and/or the API 2ONE system. Comparisons of biofilm production, gelatinase activity, and mannose-resistant hemagglutination were made by chi-squared analysis. Twenty two and 61 of the isolates agglutinated human group O and AB erythrocytes in the presence of mannose, respectively. Gelatinase activity was detected in 12 isolates (14%), while 64 isolates formed biofilms. Several parameters may play important roles in causing infection in colonized patients. Identifying the factors that influence virulence may help to separate the colonizing strains into those with high or low potential virulence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A Genome-wide Association Study Identifying RAP1A as a Novel Susceptibility Gene for Crohn's Disease in Japanese Individuals.
Genome-wide association studies [GWASs] of European populations have identified numerous susceptibility loci for Crohn's disease [CD]. Susceptibility genes differ by ethnicity, however, so GWASs specific for Asian populations are required. This study aimed to clarify the Japanese-specific genetic background for CD by a GWAS using the Japonica array [JPA] and subsequent imputation with the 1KJPN reference panel. Two independent Japanese case/control sets (Tohoku region [379 CD patients, 1621 controls] and Kyushu region [334 CD patients, 462 controls]) were included. GWASs were performed separately for each population, followed by a meta-analysis. Two additional replication sets [254 + 516 CD patients and 287 + 565 controls] were analysed for top hit single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs] from novel genomic regions. Genotype data of 4 335 144 SNPs from 713 Japanese CD patients and 2083 controls were analysed. SNPs located in TNFSF15 (rs78898421, Pmeta = 2.59 × 10-26, odds ratio [OR] = 2.10), HLA-DQB1 [rs184950714, pmeta = 3.56 × 10-19, OR = 2.05], ZNF365, and 4p14 loci were significantly associated with CD in Japanese individuals. Replication analyses were performed for four novel candidate loci [p <1 × 10-6], and rs488200 located upstream of RAP1A was significantly associated with CD [pcombined = 4.36 × 10-8, OR = 1.31]. Transcriptome analysis of CD4+ effector memory T cells from lamina propria mononuclear cells of CD patients revealed a significant association of rs488200 with RAP1A expression. RAP1A is a novel susceptibility locus for CD in the Japanese population. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Simulation of atmospheric dispersion of radionuclides using an Eulerian-Lagrangian modelling system.
In this paper we present an atmospheric dispersion scenario for a proposed nuclear power plant in Pakistan involving the hypothetical accidental release of radionuclides. For this, a concept involving a Lagrangian stochastic particle model (LSPM) coupled with an Eulerian regional atmospheric modelling system (RAMS) is used. The atmospheric turbulent dispersion of radionuclides (represented by non-buoyant particles/neutral traces) in the LSPM is modelled by applying non-homogeneous turbulence conditions. The mean wind velocities governed by the topography of the region and the surface fluxes of momentum and heat are calculated by the RAMS code. A moving least squares (MLS) technique is introduced to calculate the concentration of radionuclides at ground level. The numerically calculated vertical profiles of wind velocity and temperature are compared with observed data. The results obtained demonstrate that in regions of complex terrain it is not sufficient to model the atmospheric dispersion of particles using a straight-line Gaussian plume model, and that by utilising a Lagrangian stochastic particle model and regional atmospheric modelling system a much more realistic estimation of the dispersion in such a hypothetical scenario was ascertained. The particle dispersion results for a 12 h ground release show that a triangular area of about 400 km(2) situated in the north-west quadrant of release is under radiological threat. The particle distribution shows that the use of a Gaussian plume model (GPM) in such situations will yield quite misleading results. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Importance of patient and processor variables in determining outcomes with cochlear implants.
Within-subjects comparisons of processing strategies for cochlear implants are reviewed. Compressed analog strategies were compared to interleaved pulses strategies in tests with one group of 8 subjects, and to continuous interleaved sampling strategies in tests with another group of 11 subjects. The tests included open-set recognition of words and sentences. The results show that, while different strategies may produce quite different outcomes across subjects, individual performances with one processing strategy are significantly correlated with those of alternative strategies. These findings emphasize the importance of patient variables in determining outcomes across a variety of prosthesis designs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Locality of quark-hadron duality and deviations from quark counting rules above the resonance region.
We show how deviations from the dimensional scaling laws for exclusive processes may be related to a breakdown in the locality of quark-hadron duality. The essential principles are illustrated in a pedagogic model of a composite system with two spinless charged constituents, for which a dual picture for the low-energy resonance phenomena and high-energy scaling behavior can be established. We introduce the concept of "restricted locality" of quark-hadron duality and show how this results in deviations from the perturbative quantum chromodynamics quark counting rules above the resonance region. In particular, it can be a possible source for oscillations about the smooth quark counting rule, as seen, e.g., in the 90-degree differential cross sections for gammap-->pi(+)n. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Creating walking tracks to success: A narrative analysis of AustralianAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing students’ stories ofsuccess.
Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have higher rates of morbidity and mortality thanother Australians. One proposed strategy to improve this situation is to increase the participation ofAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses, inthe health workforce. Although the numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students under-taking tertiary nursing courses have increased, completion rates have not kept pace. The study aimedto describe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing students’ experiences of enablers for successfulcourse completion and to develop a narrative of student experience. A qualitative study using a strengths-based approach with a narrative analysis of semi-structured interview data was conducted across fourschools of Nursing in Queensland, Australia. Eight final-year Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursingstudents volunteered to participate in the study. A collective story with the overarching plotline Creatingwalking tracks to success was developed. Six threads of experience emerged: Making a difference, Valu-ing Indigeneity, Healing strength of connections, Resisting racism, Embracing support, and perseveringtowards completion. Key success factors included resilient attributes, building supportive connectionsand having positive expectations of the future, along with sustained institutional support from Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islander nurse academics and clinicians. Development of tailored resilience-buildingtraining for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing students and appointment of Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander academics in Schools of Nursing that include such students may facilitate futuresuccessful completions in other programs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Brucella infection regulates peroxiredoxin-5 protein expression to facilitate intracellular survival by reducing the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species.
Peroxiredoxin-5 (Prdx5) is a multifunctional protein involved in oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammatory responses. However, how Prdx5 functions during microbial infections is rarely reported. In this study, we demonstrate that Brucella infection increased Prdx5 expression to promote its intracellular growth in macrophages. Further study show that B. abortus infection promoted its intracellular growth by decreasing the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species. In addition, the expression of Prdx5 was independent on live Brucella and the type IV secretion system of Brucella. Instead, its expression was regulated by the lipopolysaccharide of Brucella. Moreover, Brucella infection increased Prdx5 expression in primary macrophage and mice. Collectively, these findings demonstrate for the first time that Prdx5 promotes Brucella intracellular growth by decreasing the production of NO and ROS. This finding provides new insights into the evasive strategies of Brucella and will be useful for the development of novel effective therapeutic approaches to treat Brucella infections. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intermittent hydronephrosis secondary to ureteropelvic junction obstruction: clinical and imaging features.
We sought to assess the clinical and imaging findings in intermittent hydronephrosis secondary to ureteropelvic junction obstruction, with particular emphasis on the characteristic ultrasonographic findings. This prospective, longitudinal, observational study included all children who had intermittent ureteropelvic junction obstruction and presented with abdominal pain over 6 years. Renal ultrasound was used as an initial screening tool to detect intermittent hydronephrosis. Renal ultrasonography was repeated every 1 to 2 days to record serial changes from the symptomatic to the asymptomatic stage. Their clinical manifestations and imaging findings were studied. Eighteen patients (14 boys, 4 girls) were studied. Most had sharp pain that began acutely and typically lasted for <2 days. Most of the children (16 of 18) had nausea and vomiting that accompanied the pain. The acute episode generally resolved spontaneously and was followed by a pain-free interval that ranged from days to months. Factors that predisposed to an attack included increased water intake, vigorous exercise, or bladder distention. All patients had clearly demonstrable obstruction of the renal pelvis during an acute attack, a finding that diminished or resolved during the symptom-free intervals. During convalescence, all patients had renal pelvic wall thickening on ultrasonography. This finding appeared on the second or third day after a painful episode subsided, persisted for 6 to 9 days, and then disappeared in the symptom-free stage. Pyeloplasty was performed in 17 patients, none of whom had recurrent pain on follow-up. Extrinsic obstructions were found in 9 patients. The keys to diagnosis are awareness of the syndrome, a detailed history, and immediate and serial imaging studies during painful crises. A thickened renal pelvic wall during convalescence is an important ultrasonic sign of intermittent hydronephrosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Empirical-Bayes adjustments for multiple comparisons are sometimes useful.
Rothman (Epidemiology 1990;1:43-46) recommends against adjustments for multiple comparisons. Implicit in his recommendation, however, is an assumption that the sole objective of the data analysis is to report and scientifically interpret the data. We concur with his recommendation when this assumption is correct and one is willing to abandon frequentist interpretations of the summary statistics. Nevertheless, there are situations in which an additional or even primary goal of analysis is to reach a set of decisions based on the data. In such situations, Bayes and empirical-Bayes adjustments can provide a better basis for the decisions than conventional procedures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The correction of hemodynamic disorders with low-intensity infrared laser radiation in agricultural machinery operators with borderline arterial hypertension].
Data on the influence of low-intensity infrared laser on the central and peripheral hemodynamics in 76 agricultural machine operators facing transitory arterial hypertension are presented. Analysis revealed that low-intensity laser is more effective at the early stages of cardiovascular diseases. Low-intensity infrared laser exposure of reflexogenic zones can be effectively used to correct hemodynamic disorders in subjects facing transitory arterial hypertension. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Management strategies and patient needs: the provision of nursing care in the community.
Community nurse managers in 17 health districts in England were interviewed about their strategies for identifying and coping with unmet need for nursing care in the community, and their efforts to plan community nursing services and to meet changing levels of demand for care. The managers were found to have access to a wide range of information for planning services, but this information did not always seem to be used most effectively. The managers' efforts to identify unmet need were often piecemeal and unco-ordinated, and this may have been, in part, because managers were facing difficulties in meeting existing demands for services. As a result, several were beginning to set priorities for care. Faced by increasing demand and limited finance, it seems likely that managers will continue to do so, and will develop more stringent criteria for nursing care. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Copurification of ribosomal protein S2 and DNA-dependent RNA polymerase from heat-shocked cells of Bacillus subtilis.
The DNA-dependent RNA polymerases from heat-shocked and vegetatively grown cells of Bacillus subtilis were isolated and compared. The RNA polymerase from non-stressed cells had the well known alpha, beta, beta' and sigma composition of eubacterial RNA polymerases. The RNA polymerase from heat-shocked cells exhibited one additional band shown by SDS-PAGE. N-terminal sequencing of the first 16 amino acids of the associated protein demonstrated its identity with the ribosomal protein S2. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transplantation of neonatal gut neural crest progenitors reconstructs ganglionic function in benzalkonium chloride-treated homogenic rat colon.
To value the possibility and the future feasibility of the use of autograft cells transplantation in disorders of the enteric neural system, we postulate that isolated neonatal nongenetically modified neural crest progenitors could survive and differentiate into neurons and glia in homogenic denervated rats and, therefore, restore partial intestinal function after transplantation. Neural crest progenitors were isolated from neonatal rats. After passages, the cells were labeled with CM-DiI. The labeled cells were then delivered into the muscular distal denervated colon of rats whose neural plexuses were eliminated using benzalkonium chloride. The treated colons of recipients were harvested at 1, 4, and 8 wk, and identified by immunofluorescent staining. The physiologic and functional improvements on treated colons were well examined after transplantation 8 wk. Progenitors could generate neurospheres and differentiate into neurons and glia in vitro. After transplantation, red fluorescent cells were observed in the injected tissue for up to 8 wk, and they differentiated into neurons and glia in the host colon. Functional examinations indicated that symptoms and intestinal dysfunction of the denervated model were reversed. We provide herein further evidence that autologous cell transplantation is a feasible therapy for enteric nervous system disorders. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Peptide LL-37 coating on micro-structured titanium implants to facilitate bone formation in vivo via mesenchymal stem cell recruitment.
Titanium (Ti) and Ti-alloys were widely used in clinic orthopedics, however, the insufficient bone formation surrounding Ti-based implants still limited their biological performances. Surface modification of Ti substrates is essential to improve their interactions with bone-forming cells and bone tissue. In this study, we modified Ti substrates by coating peptide LL-37 onto micro-structured Ti substrates and aimed to (i) induce mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) migration both in vitro and in vivo, (ii) facilitate osteogenic differentiation of MSCs and new bone formation. The surface micro-structured Ti substrates with hydroxyapatite deposition were fabricated by a two-step method including micro-arc oxidation (MAO) and hydrothermal treatment. LL-37 was loaded on micro-structured Ti substrates with the assistance of polydopamine coating. We confirmed that surface-modified Ti substrates benefited viability, adhesion, migration and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in vitro. In a femur-defect rat model, the surface-modified Ti implants effectively induced CD29+/CD90+ positive cells migration in one week after implantation. According to the results of H&E, Masson's trichrome staining and immunohistochemical staining of OCN, OPN and collagen I, the targeted Ti implants exhibited significant new bone formation after implantation for 4 weeks. These results indicate that the surface modification of Ti samples facilitated bone formation through MSCs recruitment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The inherent surface bioinertness of titanium (Ti) and Ti-alloys still limits their biological performances in clinical applications. Recently, the strategy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) recruitment has been proposed to improve the osteointegration of bone implants. Herein, we reports the surface modification of Ti implants from the point of MSCs recruitment. Peptide LL-37 was coated on micro-structured Ti substrates to (i) recruit MSCs, (ii) regulate bio-physiological performance of MSCs, and (iii) facilitate bone formation in vivo. Our results improve the understanding of the interaction between Ti implants and MSCs, and provide a promising strategy of MSCs recruitment in the design of bone repair related biomaterials. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ordered conformation of succinoglycan in aqueous sodium chloride.
Succinoglycan samples ranging in weight-average molecular weight from 1.0 x 10(5) to 8.7 x 10(6) (in 0.1 M aqueous NaCl at 25 degrees C), prepared by ultrasonication of a native sample (Rheozan), followed by fractionation, were investigated by static light scattering, sedimentation equilibrium, and viscometry in 0.1 M aqueous NaCl at 25 degrees C where the polysaccharide assumes a certain ordered (helical) conformation. The measured radii of gyration and intrinsic viscosities showed the polysaccharide to behave like a semirigid chain in the aqueous salt. Their analysis based on the unperturbed wormlike chain yielded about 1500 nm-1 and 50 nm for the linear mass density and the persistence length, respectively. The former value was almost twice that expected for the single succinoglycan molecule, and thus it was concluded that the predominant molecular species of succinoglycan present in the aqueous salt is a double helix or an aggregate composed of paired single helices. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The role of shame in emotional eating.
Two studies were conducted to examine the role of shame in emotional eating. In the first study, 250 women (mean age: 29.95±8.78years; body mass index: 22.46±5.76) reported their experiences of one negative self-conscious emotion (shame), two negative non-self-conscious emotions (anxiety, depression), and emotional eating. With anxiety and depression controlled for, shame predicted depressive, anxious, angry, and positive emotional eating. In the second study, negative non-self-conscious (anxiety) and self-conscious emotions (shame) were induced in participants. Five types of snack were used in the study. Emotional eating was measured by determining participants' binge impulse, actual food intake, and pleasure in eating the five types of snack. Ninety-one female participants were randomly assigned to either an anxiety-with-shame (n=45; mean age: 22.46±3.22years; body mass index: 20.57±5.42) or anxiety group (mean age: 21.89±2.97years; body mass index: 21.21±5.58). Participants in the anxiety-with-shame group reported a greater binge impulse relative to those in the anxiety group. Actual food intake and pleasure in eating the five snacks did not differ significantly between the two groups. Implications of these findings were discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Elevation of serum prostaglandin E levels following electrical stimulation of the midbrain.
Serum prostaglandin E (PGE) levels were measured in rats immediately following electrical stimulation of the mesencephalic periaqueductal gray (PAG) region and the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) and compared to controls. An additional group received aspirin prior to PAG stimulation. A significant increase in serum PGE levels was found after stimulation of the PAG, but not the NRM. Aspirin inhibited the stimulation-induced increases in PGE. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Schwannoma in otorhinolaryngology].
In this study 4 cases of Schwannoma are reported. The primary localisation of the tumor in the first case was thought to be near the foreamen lacerum with large areas of bone destruction in the base of the skull. Moreover the internal carotid artery was trophic and thinwalled. In the second patient the onset of the disease must have taken place in childhood as a chronic otitis media. Also in this case the tumor was not diagnosed until it reached a considerable size. The primary localisation was the nervus petrosus superficialis major. In the third patient the neurinoma was located in the facial nerve between the two lobes of the parotid gland. In the fourth case a pedunculated neurinoma of the epipharynx was found. Symptomatology, treatment and differential diagnosis of the Schwannoma are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Umbilical reconstruction after excision of melanomas in the area of the umbilicus].
Reconstruction of the navel after tumour excision with subsequent navel resection is of great aesthetic importance for the patient. Methods of navel reconstruction are found in the literature but do not provide an elegant solution to the problem. Our method permits reconstruction of the navel during wound closure, by creation of two opposing trapezoidal skin flaps at the excision margin in the midline of the body; the umbilical fossa is then restored by jointly anchoring these flaps to the linea alba. Reconstruction has been successfully carried out in this way after melanoma excision in 7 patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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