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Adaptability and flexibility of HIV-1 protease.
Even though more than 200 three-dimensional structures of HIV-1 protease complexed to a variety of inhibitors are available in the Protein Data Bank; very few structures of unliganded protein have been determined. We have recently solved structures of unliganded HIV-1 protease tethered dimer mutants to resolutions of 1.9 A and 2.1 A, and have found that the flaps assume closed-flap conformation even in the absence of any bound ligand. We report comparison of the unliganded closed-flap structure with structures of HIV-1 protease inhibitor complexes with a view to accurately identifying structural changes that the ligand can induce on binding to HIV-1 protease in the crystal. These studies reveal that the least flexible region present in the active site of HIV-1 protease need not also be the least adaptable to external stress, thus highlighting the conceptual difference between flexibility and adaptability of proteins in general. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Inadequate dosaging in general practice of tricyclic vs. other antidepressants for depression.
Several prescription database studies suggest major differences between antidepressants in the proportion of patients in general practice treated with doses likely to elicit a true drug response. However, in these studies it has been difficult to differentiate prescriptions for depression from those for other indications, or to distinguish lower starting doses from the final treatment doses. We investigated possible differences between types of antidepressant in the proportions of patients receiving adequate treatment doses for depression from the primary health care services of Helsinki. Doctors at 22 (71%) of the 31 health centres in Helsinki were surveyed with regard to their antidepressant prescriptions over a period of 2 working weeks. There were marked differences in dosaging adequacy between the various types of antidepressant prescribed for depression at final treatment doses. Overall, 71% of the prescriptions for the tricyclic antidepressants, but only 13% of those for the other antidepressants, mainly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, were for low doses that are generally considered to be ineffective (P<0.001). These findings endorse the emerging perception that, in general practice, tricyclic antidepressants are usually prescribed for depression in too low doses, and that a greater reliance on other antidepressants would probably improve the effectiveness of treatment in primary health care. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Echocardiographic guidance for transcatheter mitral valve repair using edge-to-edge clip.
Percutaneous intervention for mitral valve disease has been established as an alternative to open surgical repair in high risk and inoperable candidates. Edge-to-edge leaflet plication with Mitraclip (Abbott, Menlo Park, CA, USA) is indicated for primary and secondary mitral valve diseases. Echocardiography provides a better understanding of mitral valve anatomy and allows us to classify and quantify mitral regurgitation. Transesophageal echocardiography is essential in patient screening, intraprocedural guidance, and post-procedure evaluation for patients undergoing edge-to-edge plication with MitraClip. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Video-oculography eye tracking towards clinical applications: A review.
Most neurological diseases are usually accompanied by a broad spectrum of oculomotor alterations. Being able to record and analyze these different types of eye movements would be a valuable tool to understand the functional integrity of brain structures. Nowadays, video-oculography is the most widely used eye-movements assessing method. This paper presents a study of the existing eye tracking video-oculography techniques and also analyzes the importance of measuring slight head movements for diseases diagnosis. In particular, two types of methods are reviewed and compared, including appearance-based and feature-based methods which are further subdivided into 2D-mapping and 3D model-based approaches. In order to demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of these different eye tracking methods for disease diagnosis, a series of comparisons are conducted between them, addressing the complexity of the system, the accuracy achieved, the ability to measure head movements and the external conditions for which they have been designed. Lastly, it also highlights the open challenges in this research field and discusses possible future directions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clearing and staining small vertebrates for demonstrating ossification of the skeletal system using the KOH and glycerine clearing method.
Preparing articulated skeletons of small vertebrates is extremely difficult due to the presence of vast amounts of cartilage and/or the extremely small size of skeletal components. Clearing the tissues surrounding small skeletons and staining the bones in toto reveals the skeletal system without the risk of displacing the bony components. The specimens are first fixed and bleached which renders the tissues preserved and transparent. These specimens may then be exposed to alizarin red S which stains bone a pink to red colour making them visible through the transparent soft tissues. Toluidine blue may also be used to stain cartilage a blue colour. The Spalteholz staining method is cited, though the focus will be on the KOH and glycerine clearing method for macroscopic observation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Relation between primary and secondary antirubella immunization in a school population].
The A.A. have analyzed the behaviour of the antibody titer against rubella in a limited number of people constituted of two groups of student-girls (vaccinated and not vaccinated, aged 12). It has been noticed that between the not-vaccinated ones exists a high prevalence of serum-positives (89%), almost all with negative anamnesis for rubella, whose mean titer was 1:135. It has also been noticed that after the vaccination the prevalence of serum-positives was 94% whose mean titer was 1:97, inferior to that of natural immunization: 1:135. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Strain differences in adrenergic sensitivity of neuropathic pain behaviors in an experimental rat model.
The aim of this study was to examine and delineate the differences in adrenergic sensitivity of mechanical allodynic behavior among various strains of rats. Neuropathic injury was produced by tight ligation of the L5 and L6 spinal nerves in several strains of rats. The degree of mechanical allodynic behavior was estimated by measuring the mechanical threshold for paw flinching with von Frey filaments. Adrenergic sensitivity of the allodynic behavior was resolved by measuring changes of the mechanical threshold after intraperitoneal injection of phentolamine, an alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonist. Injection of phentolamine caused a significant but small increase in the thresholds for paw flinching in rats of most of the tested strains; however, in Lewis rats, the resulting threshold increase was extensive enough to eliminate allodynic behavior almost completely. It is concluded that there is a difference in adrenergic sensitivity to mechanical allodynic behavior among different strains of neuropathic rats. In particular, rats of the Lewis strain were extremely sensitive to systemic injection of an alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mechanistic insight into the dominant mode of the Parkinson's disease-associated G2019S LRRK2 mutation.
Pathogenic mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase-2 (LRRK2) gene cause autosomal-dominant and certain cases of sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD). The G2019S substitution in LRRK2 is the most common genetic determinant of PD identified so far, and maps to a specific region of the kinase domain called the activation segment. Here, we show that autophosphorylation of LRRK2 is an intermolecular reaction and targets two residues within the activation segment. The prominent pathogenic G2019S mutation in LRRK2 results in altered autophosphorylation, and increased autophosphorylation and substrate phosphorylation, through a process that seems to involve reorganization of the activation segment. Our results suggest a molecular mechanistic explanation for how the G2019S mutation enhances the catalytic activity of LRRK2, thereby leading to pathogenicity. These findings have important implications for therapeutic strategies in PD. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Coded acquisition of high frame rate video.
High frame rate video (HFV) is an important investigational tool in sciences, engineering, and military. In ultrahigh speed imaging, the obtainable temporal, spatial, and spectral resolutions are limited by the sustainable throughput of in-camera mass memory, lower bound of exposure time, and illumination conditions. To break these bottlenecks, we propose a new coded video acquisition framework that employs K ≥ 2 cameras, each of which makes random measurements of the video signal in both temporal and spatial domains. For each of the K cameras, this multicamera strategy greatly relaxes the stringent requirements in memory speed, shutter speed, and illumination strength. The recovery of HFV from these random measurements is posed and solved as a large-scale l1 minimization problem by exploiting joint temporal and spatial sparsities of the 3D signal. Three coded video acquisition techniques of varied tradeoffs between performance and hardware complexity are developed: 1) framewise coded acquisition; 2) pixelwise coded acquisition; and 3) columnwise-rowwise coded acquisition. The performances of these techniques are analyzed in relation to the sparsity of the underlying video signal. Simulations of these new HFV capture techniques are carried out and experimental results are reported. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Low-Temperature Burn on Replanted Fingers and Free Flaps in Hand.
Patients who have undergone microsurgery for reconstruction with a free flap or finger replantation are vulnerable to heat injury. Moreover, some of these injuries can occur at low temperatures. Although the temperature does not reach the threshold to cause burns in the adjacent normal tissues, burns can occur in the areas that underwent microsurgery. On the other hand, this type of burn is not completely understood and there are few reports of the clinical prognosis. The medical records of patients who received warm therapy using an infrared heat lamp with the appropriate temperature after hand surgery from January 2009 to December 2016 were reviewed. The patients were classified into 2 groups. Group A comprised patients who underwent free flap or replantation surgery of the hand. Group B comprised patients who underwent other hand surgeries without microsurgery, such as tenorrhaphy, tenolysis, or joint surgery. Through the medical records, all patients with second- or third-degree thermal burns were selected. The relationship between the 2 types of surgery and thermal injury and the timing of the burn after microsurgery were analyzed. Groups A and B were composed of 370 (mean age, 48.2 years) and 7010 patients (mean age, 44.5 years), respectively. Burns requiring treatment occurred in 4 patients in group A and in 1 patient in group B. The proportion of low-temperature burns was 4 of 370 in group A and 1 of 7010 in group B. The occurrence of low-temperature burns was more associated with patients who had undergone microsurgery for a hand reconstruction with free flap or finger replantation (P < 0.05). In the patients who underwent microsurgery, all 4 patients had thermal burns within 1 year after surgery. Low-temperature thermal burns can occur in patients who have undergone microsurgery for a hand reconstruction. This is believed to be related to a disruption of the thermoregulatory function of the skin and poor nerve regeneration, as well as more heat accumulation in the surgical area after microsurgery. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The importance of preconception and prenatal genetic evaluation in heart transplant individuals and fetal and postnatal cardiac monitoring in their offspring.
A 24-year-old woman with a history of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy status post heart transplant gave birth to a healthy term female infant. At 5 months of age, the infant was diagnosed with severe left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 18% and moderate non-compaction of the left ventricle. She received a heart transplant at 7 months of age. Familial dilated cardiomyopathy was diagnosed. Genetic testing revealed a likely pathogenic variant in the TPM1 gene. Fetal cardiac screening is critical for offspring of heart transplant recipients, especially when the reason for transplant was cardiomyopathy. Early genetic consultation and counselling is necessary for all heart transplant recipients, preferably prenatally. Postnatal screening of offspring is essential at birth, at 3-month intervals until 1 year of age, and then annually until the risk for familial cardiomyopathy is assessed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Pretreated with Interleukin-1β and Stimulated with Bone Morphogenetic Growth Factor-3 Enhance Chondrogenesis.
Low back pain is one of the most common ailments in western countries afflicting more than 80% of the population, and the main cause is considered to be degeneration of intervertebral discs. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is a vital inflammatory cytokine found in abundance in degenerated disc environment, whereas bone morphogenetic growth factor-3 (BMP-3) is believed to promote chondrogenesis through transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathway. The aim was to study the effects of BMP-3, IL-1β, and combination (pretreatment with IL-1β) on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) encapsulated in PuraMatrix™ hydrogel (Phg) especially in the absence of TGF-β in order to investigate the proliferation and differentiation ability of hMSCs over 28-day period. One hundred microliters of hMSCs' cell suspension was encapsulated between two layers of 100 μL hydrogels forming a sandwich-like structure. The encapsulated hMSCs were cultured in two sets of media, chondrogenic (C) and nonchondrogenic (nC) media, along with addition of BMP-3 (10 ng/mL) and IL-1β (10 ng/mL). To study the combined effects of BMP-3 and IL-1β, the encapsulated hMSCs were first pretreated with relevant media containing IL-1β for 24 h, and then the media was replaced by media containing BMP-3 for the remaining experimental time period. IL-1β pretreatment was carried out in both C and nC media. The samples were collected at day 7, 14, and 28. Proliferation and differentiation of hMSCs into chondrocyte-like cells were observed in all samples. Proteoglycan accumulation was observed in pretreatment samples in C media. The protein and gene expression of Sox-9 and COL2A1, respectively, showed the occurrence of chondrogenesis in all samples. High cell viability, proliferation, and differentiation were achieved in this in vitro model confirming that BMP-3 alone in the absence of TGF-β could drive hMSCs into chondrogenic lineage. Pretreatment with IL-1β followed by BMP-3 stimulation resulted in high proteoglycan accumulation compared to stimulation with growth factors or cytokine alone. This suggests that pretreatment with a pro-inflammatory cytokine before driving them into a chondrogenic lineage might be of importance also in vivo. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Exposure to service user violence and job satisfaction among nursing staff in public hospitals in Murcia Region].
Manifestations of physical and psychological violence can affect the levels of job satisfaction. The objective of this study is to determine the frequency of exposure to user violence by the nursing staff in public hospitals in the region of Murcia and its relationship with their level of job satisfaction. Cross-sectional descriptive study through a self-administered and anonymous questionnaire sent to the nursing staff of the public hospitals in the region of Murcia (1,489 professionals). The instruments used were the Hospital Aggressive Behaviour Scale-Users (HABS-U) to rate violence and the Overall Job Satisfaction (OJS) to assess job satisfaction. Most workers (71%) reported suffering at least one of the manifestations of non-physical violence and 19.9% one of the physical manifestations with at least an annual frequency. Mean extrinsic satisfaction was 30.1 (SD=6.9), being coworkers the factor with higher frequency of satisfied workers (68.2%) and how the company was managed the factor with more dissatisfied workers (28.8%). Intrinsic satisfaction was lower (25.5, SD=7.2), being variety of tasks the factor with more satisfied workers (51.7%) and promotion opportunity the one with more dissatisfied workers (22.4%). Both extrinsic and intrinsic satisfaction correlated inversely with the exposure to non-physical and physical violence (higher exposure to violence lowered job satisfaction). In general, the scores for nurses' job satisfaction were low. One of the aspects affecting this dissatisfaction might be exposure to workplace violence; thus reducing exposure to violence could increase job satisfaction that, in turn, would improve patient care. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antioxidant activity in medicinal plants associated with the symptoms of diabetes mellitus used by the indigenous peoples of the North American boreal forest.
Thirty-five plant species were selected from the published literature as traditionally used by the Indigenous Peoples of the boreal forest in Canada for three or more symptoms of diabetes or its complications. Antioxidant activities in methanolic extracts support the contribution of these traditional medicines in a lifestyle historically low in the incidence of diabetes. In a DPPH assay of free radical scavenging activity 89% of the methanol extracts had activity significantly greater than common modern dietary components, 14% were statistically equal to ascorbic acid and 23% had activities similar to green tea and a Trolox positive control. Superoxides produced with an NBT/xanthine oxidase assay found scavenging was significantly higher in 29% of the species as compared with the modern dietary components and Trolox. The methanol extracts of Rhus hirta, Quercus alba and Cornus stolonifera performed similarly to green tea's in this assay. Assessment of peroxyl radical scavenging using a DCF/AAPH assay showed 60% of the plant extracts statistically similar to Trolox while R. hirta and Solidago canadensis extracts were greater than green tea, ascorbic acid and Trolox. The majority of the species (63 and 97%, respectively) had scavenging activities similar to ascorbic acid in the superoxide and peroxyl radical scavenging assays. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Development of an evidence-based guideline for supervisor training in promoting mental health: literature review.
To review published studies to assess the effects of supervisor training on the mental health of subordinate workers, and thereby develop an evidence-based guideline for supervisor training in promoting workers' mental health. Seven studies that assessed the effect of supervisor training, whose outcomes included psychological stress responses of (subordinate) employees, were retrieved for assessment from PubMed, the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, the Web of Science, and Ichushi-Web. An additional five studies were also reviewed for discussion on the content and types of training. Providing supervisors with necessary skills and information on mental health, including relevant occupational stressors, has a favorable effect on workers' mental health, at least in the short term. The subject populations had a background of requiring mental health measures. The effect of the training varied depending on the participation rate of supervisors, suggesting that the overall effect on an organization may be limited without a certain extent of participation by supervisors. There is no evidence of a long-term (over 1 yr) effect of supervisor training, and the effect of education on the supervisors' knowledge and behavior tends to be lost after 6 mo. The current evidence indicates that the following items should be taken into consideration for the development of a guideline for supervisor training: identification of high-priority populations requiring education, development of a strategy to improve the participation rate in education, inclusion of occupational stressors as well as basic information in workplace mental health teaching materials, and regular repetition of the program. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The intravestibular source of the vestibular aqueduct. III: Osseous pathology of Ménière's disease, clarified by a developmental study of the intraskeletal channels of the otic capsule.
Review of the histopathological changes in the vestibular arch in Ménière's disease, after a study of development of the otic capsule, indicated a severe apoptotic loss of osteoblasts with consequent denudation of these cells from and damage to the osseous canal structure of the arch. To review previously reported histological findings in the inner layer of the vestibular aqueduct and its intravestibular source in Ménière's disease, using newer knowledge of otic capsule development. Temporal bone histological sections from the vestibular arch region of eight patients with Ménière's disease were reviewed in our London-based material. Minute granules suggesting apoptotic bodies were found in the arch in the majority of cases, giving support for the concept of an apoptotic loss of osteoblasts. Explanation for the previously described appearance of proliferation of atypical channels and of small, finely outlined empty areas in the bone was provided by the observation of denudation of osteoblasts from Volkmann's canals and microcanals. These canals had been recently described in a developmental study of the otic capsule. Dislocation of dead microcanals into blood vessels of Volkmann's canals was seen in two of the cases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Experimental immunity to Microsporum canis and cross reactions with other dermatophytes of veterinary importance.
An inactivated, broad-spectrum dermatophyte vaccine was used to produce an active immunity in guinea-pigs against Microsporum canis. None of the vaccinates developed infection from a contact exposure challenge that produced clinical infections in 70% of the unvaccinated controls. Infection with M. canis induced antibody titres (ELISA) and delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity (DCH) reactions to itself as well as cross-reacting titres to Trichophyton equinum and T. mentagrophytes and DCH reactions to T. mentagrophytes; however vaccinated animals developed significantly higher antibody titres and DCH responses to all of these antigens than did non-vaccinated animals which had been infected or exposed. Rabbits hyperimmunized with culture filtrate antigens to single dermatophyte agents (M. canis, M. gypseum, T. equinum, and T. mentagrophytes) developed positive inter-species and inter-generic DCH cross-reactions to a battery of six skin test antigens (M. canis, M. gypseum, M. equinum, T. equinum, T. mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes and T. verrucosum). Guinea-pigs vaccinated with a T. equinum vaccine had increased resistance to M. canis infection than did non-vaccinated controls. These findings support clinical observations which suggest establishment of a broad-based immunity in animals following infection with a single dermatophyte. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Accumulation of amyloid in pituitary adenomas.
The accumulation of amyloid in pituitary adenomas was examined in relation to the types of adenoma and the effect of bromocriptine treatment. Amyloid had accumulated in 34 of 48 adenomas (71%). The occurrence in prolactin-secreting adenomas and growth hormone-secreting adenomas was 79%, respectively, while that in non-functioning adenomas was 50%. Treatment with bromocriptine enhanced the occurrence and extent of the amyloid accumulation in prolactin- or growth hormone-secreting adenomas. Electron microscopy revealed the initial appearance of the amyloid fibrils in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and a possible sequential process of their release from the cells. The presence of secretory granules in vesicles containing amyloid fibrils and their simultaneous release with amyloid fibrils suggested that degradation of secretory granules was involved in the formation of amyloid. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Chronic whiplash syndrome--an overview].
In some countries a seemingly large number of patients suffer from chronic whiplash syndrome, whereas in other countries whiplash is not known or is considered to give only moderate symptoms over a brief period of time. In this paper, this discrepancy is accounted for by a biopsychosocial model, a central element of which is the existence of a large pool of spontaneously occurring symptoms in the population, among them head and neck pain. By the mechanisms of attribution, expectation ("nocebo") and reinforcement, common symptoms may be experienced by the patient as caused exclusively by a mild or moderate trauma. Inappropriate behaviour and harmful treatment may worsen and prolong symptoms. To this one should add the effects of conscious exaggeration of symptoms, under-performance in neuropsychological testing, and underreporting of pre-accident symptoms in a medico-legal context. When assessing litigation claims, it is emphasised that a causal relation between common whiplash injuries and chronic complaints has not been demonstrated; a causal relationship can be accepted in exceptional cases only if a set of minimal criteria are fulfilled. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Tandem psychotherapy: a model for rotating student therapists.
Student psychotherapists often spend relatively brief periods in clinical placements or rotations. In this article, Lewis R. Wolberg's model for short-term therapy is extended and adapted for use in long-term treatment by multiple student therapists treating patients in tandem. Techniques are proposed to enhance continuity of therapy and smooth changing of therapists. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The "hyena disease" of cattle in Finland].
The first occurrence of "Hyena disease" in cattle in Finland is described. The affected beef bulls consumed very high doses of vitamins A, D and E. Some of them developed to "Hyena" bulls and some to "Hyena/dwarf"-bulls. The radiological signs in the skeleton were similar to those which can occur in connection with vitamin A and D overdoses. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The hunt for the third acceptor in CuInSe2 and Cu(In,Ga)Se2 absorber layers.
The model for intrinsic defects in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 semiconductor layers is still under debate for the full range between CuInSe2 and CuGaSe2. It is commonly agreed by theory and experiment, that there are at least one shallow donor and two shallow acceptors. Spatially resolved photoluminescence on CuGaSe2 previously revealed a third acceptor. In this study we show with the same method that the photoluminescence peak at 0.94 eV in CuInSe2, previously attributed to a third acceptor, is a phonon replica. However another pronounced peak at 0.9 eV is detected on polycrystalline CuInSe2 samples grown with high copper and selenium excess. Intensity and temperature dependent photoluminescence measurements reveal that this peak originates from a DA-transition from a shallow donor (<8 meV) into a shallow acceptor A3 (135 [Formula: see text] 10) meV. The DA3 transition has three distinct phonon replicas with 28 meV spectral spacing and a Huang Rhys factor of 0.75. Complementary admittance measurements are dominated by one main step with an activation energy of 125 meV which corresponds well with the found A3 defect. The same defect is also observed in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 samples with low gallium content. For [Ga]/([Ga] + [In])-ratios of up to 0.15 both methods show a concordant increase of the activation energy with increasing gallium content shifting the defect deeper into the bandgap. The indium vacancy [Formula: see text] is discussed as a possible origin of the third acceptor level in CuInSe2 and [Formula: see text] in Cu(In,Ga)Se2. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of innovator and generic salbutamol inhalers: a double-blind randomized study of efficacy and tolerance.
Preliminary feedback from physicians and pharmacists in Trinidad suggests that generic pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) of salbutamol are not as effective as Ventolin and that they have poor patient acceptance. This study was designed to compare the clinical efficacy and tolerance of two generic inhalers available in Trinidad (Asthalin and Salomol) with Ventolin in stable asthmatics. Twenty-one physician-diagnosed stable asthmatics were administered the inhalers in a Latin-square randomized double-blind study with 80% power to identify differences in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) before and 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 h after inhalation. Pulse and blood pressure were recorded at similar time points. Seventeen patients completed the study. Within 15 min basal respiratory function significantly increased following inhalation from all three inhalers with a gradual decline over the observation period. Asthalin produced the highest changes in FEV1, PEFR and the longest duration of effect (p < 0.001). Respiratory function tests did not differ between Ventolin and Salomol. Pulse was not affected by treatments and mean arterial blood pressure fell after Asthalin. Ventolin was not superior to the generic pMDIs in improving pulmonary function. Fifteen patents reported cough sensation after Asthalin. Throat irritation and cough sensation after inhaling Asthalin may negate patient compliance. We suggest that optimizing particle size and cascade impact in the Asthalin inhaler may improve patient tolerance and acceptance with enhanced treatment outcome with cost-efficacy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Blood urea nitrogen and risk of insulin use among people with diabetes.
Laboratory evidence suggests that urea suppresses insulin secretion and sensitivity. Emerging epidemiologic evidence suggests that higher levels of urea are associated with increased risk of incident diabetes mellitus. However, whether elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen are associated with increased risk of insulin use among people with diabetes is unknown. We used the Department of Veterans Affairs databases to assemble a cohort of 197,994 incident users of non-insulin hypoglycaemic agents with an estimated glomerular filtration rate > 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 and followed them for a median of 4.93 years. Spline analyses suggested that the relationship between blood urea nitrogen and the risk of insulin use was neutral below blood urea nitrogen level of 25 mg/dL and increased exponentially with blood urea nitrogen levels above 25 mg/dL. In survival models, compared to those with blood urea nitrogen ⩽ 25 mg/dL, those with blood urea nitrogen > 25 mg/dL had an increased risk of insulin use (hazard ratio = 1.40; confidence interval = 1.30-1.50). The risk of insulin use was increased in models which accounted for haemoglobin A1c at time zero (hazard ratio = 1.39; confidence interval = 1.28-1.50) and as a time-varying variable (hazard ratio = 1.38; confidence interval = 1.28-1.50). Two-step residual estimation analyses showed that, independent of the impact of estimated glomerular filtration rate, every 10-mg/dL increase in blood urea nitrogen concentration was associated with increased risk of insulin use (hazard ratio = 1.16; confidence interval = 1.12-1.20). Our results suggest that, among people with diabetes, higher levels of blood urea nitrogen are associated with an increased risk of insulin use. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transposon-directed base-exchange mutagenesis (TDEM): a novel method for multiple-nucleotide substitutions within a target gene.
In this report we describe transposon-directed base-exchange mutagenesis (TDEM), an efficient and controllable method for introducing a mutation into a gene. Each round of TDEM can remove up to 11 base pairs from a randomly selected site within the target gene and replace them with any length of DNA of predetermined sequence. Therefore, the number of bases to be deleted and inserted can be independently regulated providing greater versatility than existing methods of transposon-based mutagenesis. Subsequently, multiple rounds of mutagenesis will provide a diverse mutant library that contains multiple mutations throughout the gene. Additionally, we developed a simple frame-checking procedure that eliminates nonfunctional mutants containing frameshifts or stop codons. As a proof of principle, we used TDEM to generate mutant lacZalpha lacking alpha-complementation activity and recovered active revertants using a second round of TDEM. Furthermore, a single round of TDEM yielded unique, inactive mutants of ccdB. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Various clinico-immunologic and biochemical indicators in infants with suppurative septic diseases].
The authors provide the results of studying some characteristics of immunity and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in babies (n-123) with pyoseptic diseases. The changes in the immune status and LPO seen in children with pyoseptic diseases reflect the gravity of the clinical status, being an objective criterion in the all-round assessment of the treatment efficacy and prediction of the pathological process. These changes also form the basis for institution of the pathogenetic correction and rehabilitation therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Analysis of confocal images using variable-width line profiles.
A line profile of fluorescent intensities in confocal images is frequently examined. We have developed the computer software tool to analyse the profiles of intensities of fluorescent probes in confocal images. The software averages neighbouring pixels, adjacent to the central line, without reducing the spatial resolution of the image. As an experimental model, we have used the skeletal muscle fibre isolated from the rat skeletal muscle extensor digitorum brevis. As a marker of myofibrils' structure, we have used phalloidin-rhodamine staining and the anti-TIM antibody to label mitochondria. We also tested the distribution of the protein kinase B/Akt. Since signalling is ordered in modules and large protein complexes appear to direct signalling to organelles and regulate specific physiological functions, a software tool to analyse such complexes in fluorescent confocal images is required. The software displays the image, and the user defines the line for analysis. The image is rotated by the angle of the line. The line profile is calculated by averaging one dimension of the cropped rotated image matrix. The spatial resolution in averaged line profile is not decreased compared with single-pixel line profile, which was confirmed by the discrete Fourier transform computed with a fast Fourier transform algorithm. We conclude that the custom software tool presented here is a useful tool to analyse line profiles of fluorescence intensities in confocal images. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Role of noninvasive techniques (electrocardiogram, Holter, tilt-table test, nuclear magnetic resonance, isotopes) in the evaluation of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathies].
In most patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy the electrocardiogram is abnormal (left ventricular hypertrophy, abnormal Q waves, giant T waves, ST segment elevation). Occasionally, the localization of ventricular hypertrophy may be suggested by the electrocardiogram. Holter monitoring should always be performed in these patients as it permits to assess one of the leading prognostic factors, i.e. nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. Head-up tilt test may point to the mechanism of syncope, and thus be helpful in patients with this symptom. In patients with poor acoustic window, magnetic resonance imaging and perfusion single-photon emission tomography may give useful additional morphological information. Recent studies indicate that patients with perfusion defects have poorer prognosis, but this suggestion should be validated in wider series. Finally, radionuclide ventriculography is the most reproducible technique for the follow up of ventricular systolic and diastolic function and response to therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Determinants of marginal traction alopecia in African girls and women.
Our recent population studies reported a prevalence of traction alopecia (TA) of 17.1% in African schoolgirls (6-21 years) and of 31.7% in women (18-86 years). More schoolgirls had chemically treated hair than women and disease presence was associated with hairstyles. The aim of this study was to investigate determinants of TA presence and severity in girls and women using data from both studies. Clinical assessment and a Marginal TA Severity score were used for diagnosis and disease severity, respectively. The data used included 574 schoolgirls and 604 women. The first analysis was multiple logistic regression for disease presence. Exploratory associations for disease severity were assessed using the Spearman rank correlation test. Adults were defined as age 18 years or older, irrespective of study. The odds ratio for TA was higher in adults than in children (<18 years) (1.87 [P < .001, 95% confidence interval 1.28-2.72]) and was higher with braiding-related than chemical-related symptoms. The highest risk of TA, compared with natural hair, occurred when traction was added to relaxed hair (odds ratio 3.47 [P < .001, 95% confidence interval 1.94-6.20]). Only 18.9% of patients with TA had never had symptoms related to hairdressing. TA severity was associated with age group, current hairstyle, and hairdressing symptoms. Participants with severe disease were too few to estimate determinants. There is a need for the validation of the Marginal TA Severity score with larger numbers and for future studies to include more participants with severe disease. Our findings suggest that avoiding both hairdressing symptoms and the addition of traction, especially to chemically processed hair, may reduce the risk of developing TA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of Fe2+ addition on chemical oxygen demand and nitrogen removal in horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands.
Horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands (CWs) planted with Phragmites australis were set up to analyze the effect of external ferrous iron (Fe2+) addition on chemical oxygen demand (COD) and nitrogen removal. The results showed that external Fe2+ addition has no significant effect on COD removal, while the COD removal efficiencies in CWs with Fe2+ addition were slightly lower than those in CWs without Fe2+ addition, since Fe2+ as an electron donor for denitrification may decrease the consumption of organic carbon. However, external Fe2+ addition significantly enhanced the nitrogen removal capability of the CWs. With an increase in external Fe2+ concentration, the removal efficiencies for total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NO3N), and ammonium nitrogen (NH4N) all increased. The removal efficiencies for TN and NH4N were greatest for an influent Fe2+ concentration of 50 mg L-1, while the greatest removal efficiencies for NO3N were observed at an influent Fe2+ concentration of 150 mg L-1. With increasing hydraulic retention time (HRT), the COD and NO3N removal efficiencies in the CWs with external Fe2+ addition increase sharply and then became stable, while the removal efficiency for TN exhibited a continuous increase. The removal efficiency for NH4N was greatest at an HRT of 5 d-7 d with Fe2+ addition. The change in pH with increasing HRT indicated that external Fe2+ addition did not significantly affect the pH value of the effluent water, but that the wetland systems caused an increase in effluent pH. Fe2+ addition remarkably reduced the oxygen-reduction potential of both the influent and effluent water, which was beneficial to denitrification of microorganisms. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The contractile function and calcium-transport system of the myocardium in aging].
Experiments with different species of animals and different models (in situ heart, isolated perfused heart, isolated papillary muscle) revealed a reduction of functional capacity of ageing heart. A decrease of Ca2+ uptake by sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria and diverse age-dependent shifts were found in sarcolemma. The data obtained suggest that the development of the cardiac contractile function disorders in ageing largely depends of the age-related changes in the Ca2+ transport system. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Huygens's principle and rays in uniaxial anisotropic media. II. Crystal axis orientation arbitrary.
We continue and extend Paper I [M. Avendaño-Alejo et al., J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 19, 1669-1674 (2002)] to the more general case where the crystal axis is not parallel to the surface normal. The procedures and the derivations follow those of Paper I. The result enables one to trace extraordinary rays in and out of a prism as well as through a crystal whose refracting surfaces are not planar. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Influence of creatine supplementation on bone mass of spontaneously hypertensive rats.
Recent evidence has suggested that creatine supplementation (Cr) can increase the bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur in healthy growing rats. Nevertheless, studies assessing the efficacy of the Cr supplementation in conditions characterized by bone mass loss are scarce. To investigate the effect of Cr supplementation on BMD and bone mineral content (BMC) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), an experimental model of osteoporosis. Sixteen 8-month-old male SHRs were randomly allocated into two groups matched by body weight: 1) Pl group: SHRs treated with placebo (distilled water; n = 8); and 2) Cr group: SHRs treated with Cr (n = 8). After nine weeks of supplementation, the animals were euthanized and their femur and spine (L1-L4) were analyzed by use of densitometry (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry). No significant difference was observed between the groups regarding either the spine or the total femur measures as follows: spine - BMD (Pl = 0.249 ± 0.003 g/cm² vs. Cr = 0.249 ± 0.004 g/cm²; P = 0.95) and BMC (Pl = 0.509 ± 0.150 g vs. Cr = 0.509 ± 0.017 g; P > 0.99); and total femur - BMD (Pl = 0.210 ± 0.004 g/cm² vs. Cr = 0.206 ± 0.004 g/cm²; P > 0.49) and BMC (Pl = 0.407 ± 0.021 g vs. Cr = 0.385 ± 0.021 g; P > 0.46). In this study, using the experimental model of osteoporosis, Cr supplementation had no effect on bone mass. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The dust factor of the work and adjacent environments in the working of manganese ore].
The dust professional exposition of the above ground workers in the mines "Obrochishte" at the village of Tsŭrkva, Varna Province has been evaluated as well as the dust pollution in the atmosphere of the village in respect to the hygienic standards for quartz-containing sand and manganic aerosol. The results show that the pollution with quartz-containing dust is in the normal ranges according to all hygienic parameters for fibrogenic dusts in working environment and the workers are not exposed to risk of silicosis. A greater than the standard exposition to manganic aerosol (from 1.1 to 5 PDK) has been found out in some groups of workers in the ore-dressing plant, in truck drivers of the intra-fabric transport, in fadromists and heavy scraper workers. The manganic aerosol is found to be a pollutant of the atmosphere also, and the cause of this is thought to be the mine storages in the open-air and the poor state of the intra-fabric roads. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Maltreatment in childhood substantially increases the risk of adult depression and anxiety in prospective cohort studies: systematic review, meta-analysis, and proportional attributable fractions.
Literature supports a strong relationship between childhood maltreatment and mental illness but most studies reviewed are cross-sectional and/or use recall to assess maltreatment and are thus prone to temporality and recall bias. Research on the potential prospective impact of maltreatment reduction on the incidence of psychiatric disorders is scarce. Electronic databases and grey literature from 1990 to 2014 were searched for English-language cohort studies with criteria for depression and/or anxiety and non-recall measurement of childhood maltreatment. Systematic review with meta-analysis synthesized the results. Study quality, heterogeneity, and publication bias were examined. Initial screening of titles and abstracts resulted in 199 papers being reviewed. Eight high-quality articles met eligibility criteria. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) estimated potential preventive impact. The pooled odds ratio (OR) between any type of maltreatment and depression was 2.03 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37-3.01] and 2.70 (95% CI 2.10-3.47) for anxiety. For specific types of maltreatment and depression or anxiety disorders, the ORs were: physical abuse (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.25-3.19), sexual abuse (OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.88-3.75), and neglect (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.35-2.23). PAFs suggest that over one-half of global depression and anxiety cases are potentially attributable to self-reported childhood maltreatment. A 10-25% reduction in maltreatment could potentially prevent 31.4-80.3 million depression and anxiety cases worldwide. This review provides robust evidence of childhood maltreatment increasing the risk for depression and anxiety, and reinforces the need for effective programs and policies to reduce its occurrence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
William Boog Leishman-A Brief Reminder of His Life and Work on the Occasion of His 150th Birthday.
William Boog Leishman was born 150 years ago. Although his description of "small round or oval bodies" in a smear from the spleen pulp of a soldier who had died of kala-azar was not the first one of Leishmania and although Leishman did not make the diagnosis of kala-azar and misinterpreted the microorganisms to be trypanosomes, his article became the springboard for a series of studies that, within a few months, established Leishmania as a previously unknown genus of protozoa and led to appreciation of the clinical spectrum of kala-azar and the relationship between cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
One in five mortality in non-menstrual toxic shock syndrome versus no mortality in menstrual cases in a balanced French series of 55 cases.
Staphylococcus aureus superantigenic toxins are responsible for menstrual and non-menstrual toxic shock syndrome (TSS). We compared the clinical and biological characteristics of 21 cases of menstrual TSS (MTSS) with 34 cases of non-menstrual TSS (NMTSS) diagnosed in France from December 2003 to June 2006. All 55 S. aureus isolates had been spontaneously referred to the French National Staphylococcal Reference Center, where they were screened for superantigenic toxin gene sequences. Most of the patients had previously been in good health. The most striking differences between MTSS and NMTSS were the higher frequency in NMTSS of neurological disorders (p=0.028), of S. aureus isolation by blood culture (50% versus 0% in MTSS), and the higher mortality rate in NMTSS (22% versus 0% in MTSS). The tst and sea genes were less frequent in isolates causing NMTSS than in those causing MTSS (p<0.001 and 0.051, respectively). Higher mortality was significantly associated with the presence of the sed gene (p=0.041), but when considering NMTSS survivors and non-survivors, no clinical or bacteriological factors predictive of vital outcome were identified. Specific antitoxinic therapy was rarely prescribed, and never in fatal cases. Higher mortality was observed in NMTSS than in MTSS, and no definite factors could explain the higher severity of NMTSS. NMTSS would require more aggressive therapy, comprising systematic rapid wound debridement, antistaphylococcal agents, including an antitoxin antibiotics, and intravenous immunoglobulin. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The characteristics of the treatment of newly detected pulmonary tuberculosis in miners].
Results are submitted on the treatment of 192 miners free from manifest signs of silicosis when they first presented with different forms of pulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculosis in those individuals engaged in the coal industry was found out to poorly respond to treatment. During the period of 1.5-2 years, cicatrization of the cavities of decay occurred in 42.6 percent of the cases, no bacteria were recoverable in 50.0 percent. The treatment results were dependent upon the utilization of combinations of antituberculous drug preparations, routes of their administration and choice of pathogenetic options. The greatest benefit from treatment occurred with izoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and intrabronchial instillations of izoniazid. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Entropy-supported marker selection and Mantel statistics for haplotype sharing analysis.
Haplotype sharing analysis is a well-established option for the investigation of the etiology of complex diseases. The statistical power of haplotype association methods depends strongly on how the information of unobserved haplotypes can be captured by multilocus genotypes. In this study we combine an entropy-based marker selection algorithm (EMS), with a haplotype sharing-based Mantel statistics into a new algorithm. Genetic markers are iteratively selected by their multilocus linkage disequilibrium (LD), which is assessed by a normalized entropy difference. The initial marker set is gradually enlarged to increase the available information on the amount of sharing around a potential susceptibility marker. Markers are rejected from joint phasing if they do not increase the multilocus LD. In simulated candidate gene studies, the Mantel statistics combined with the new EMS performs as well or better at detecting the disease single nucleotide polymorphism-or in indirect association analysis its flanking markers-than the Mantel statistics without selection of markers prior to haplotype estimation and the Mantel statistics using sliding windows of size five. It is therefore appealing to apply our selection approach for haplotype-based association analysis, since marker selection driven by the observed data avoids both the arbitrary choice of markers when using a fixed window size, as well as the estimation of haplotype block structure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
CHEK2 c.1100delC allele is rarely identified in Greek breast cancer cases.
The CHEK2 gene encodes a protein kinase that plays a crucial role in maintenance of genomic integrity and the DNA repair mechanism. CHEK2 germline mutations are associated with increased risk of breast cancer and other malignancies. From a clinical perspective, the most significant mutation identified is the c.1100delC mutation, which is associated with an approximately 25% lifetime breast cancer risk. The distribution of this mutation shows wide geographical variation; it is more prevalent in the Northern European countries and less common, or even absent, in Southern Europe. In order to estimate the frequency of the CHEK2 c.1100delC mutation in Greek breast cancer patients, we genotyped 2,449 patients (2,408 females and 41 males), which was the largest series ever tested for c.1100delC. The mean age of female and male breast cancer diagnosis was 49 and 59 years, respectively. All patients had previously tested negative for the Greek BRCA1 founder and recurrent mutations. The CHEK2 c.1100delC mutation was detected in 0.16% (4 of 2,408) of females, all of whom were diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50 years. Only one c.1100delC carrier was reported with breast cancer family history. The present study indicates that the CHEK2 c.1100delC mutation does not contribute substantially to hereditary breast cancer in patients of Greek descent. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Bleeding from alimentary tract in pseudo Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
The report describes a case of a four-month-old infant, who developed acute gastric ulcer while being hospitalised because of pneumonia. One year's observation of the patient, additional tests, especially gastroscopy with histopathological evaluation of biopsy specimen, determination of gastrin level in blood serum, and therapy analysis allow to establish a diagnosis of pseudo Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Atlas-based segmentation of abdominal organs in 3D ultrasound, and its application in automated kidney segmentation.
Automated segmentation of abdominal organs in 3D ultrasound images is an important and challenging task toward computer assisted emergency diagnosis. However, speckle noise, low-contrast organ tissues, intensity-profile inhomogeneity, and partial organ visibility are some ultrasound challenges which limits the utility of the automated diagnosis solutions. In this paper, an atlas-based method to automatically segment an organ of interest in abdominal 3D ultrasound images is proposed. The atlas model contains texture information and shape knowledge of the organ, which facilitates an accurate discrimination of organ from non-organ voxels in input 3D ultrasound images. The proposed method offers a mechanism to automatically detect the organ, and therefore, it eliminates the need of manual initialization of organ segmentation. The proposed method is applied to automatically segment the right kidney in 3D ultrasound images. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method provides a higher detection and segmentation accuracy compared to state-of-the-art. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
24-h recording of intragastric pH: technical aspects and clinical relevance.
Information about gastric acid secretion and gastric acidity can be obtained using several techniques but, presently, continuous intragastric pH recording is probably the one applied most frequently. This paper aims to review the technical aspects and some important applications of intragastric pH monitoring in research and clinical practice. Literature review. Most studies on intragastric pH are performed with either glass or antimony electrodes. Optimal measurement of 24-h intragastric pH requires accurate calibration of the pH measuring system, exact positioning of the pH electrodes, and a sufficient sample rate. Depending on the aim of the study the results of intragastric pH monitoring are expressed either as median H+ activity or as median pH values. Gastric acidity shows a circadian rhythm, modified by buffering meals and nocturnal duodenogastric reflux. In health, age, gender and smoking habits are known to influence gastric acidity. In duodenal ulcer disease an increased gastric acidity is found and in patients with gastric ulcer gastric acidity is decreased. In GERD, no relation between reflux oesophagitis and gastric acidity is found. Helicobacter pylori affects intragastric pH most pronounced during acid inhibitory therapy, both in DU patients and in healthy subjects. In the absence of H. pylori the effect of proton-pump inhibitors on intragastric pH is much less than in the presence of the microorganism, whereas the effect of ranitidine on intragastric pH is barely affected by the H. pylori status. Despite some limitations, intragastric pH monitoring provides important information about gastric acidity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Contraction of gluteal maximus muscle on increase of intra-abdominal pressure: role in the fecal continence mechanism.
The gluteus maximus muscle (GMM) appears to contract with increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). The hypothesis that GMM contraction with increased IAP was investigated. The study comprised 32 healthy volunteers. IAP was measured by intravesical catheter. The response of electromyography of the GMM and external anal sphincter to sudden momentary and slow sustained straining was registered. The procedure was repeated after individual urinary bladder and GMM anesthetization. Sudden straining increased electromyographic activity of the external anal sphincter and GMM. Slow, sustained straining raised electromyographic activity of the gluteus maximus and external sphincter at differing degrees depending on straining intensity. The anesthetized gluteus maximus or urinary bladder did not respond to straining. The suggested GMM contraction on straining seems mediated through a reflex that is called "straining-gluteal reflex." This reflex appears to assist anal closure through extended and laterally rotated femur induced by gluteus contraction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Emergence of taxis and synergy in angiogenesis.
Angiogenesis, the expansion of the vascular system feeding a tumor, is crucial to both primary tumors long-time growth and for the successful implantation of metastases. We formulate a model that relates the energetic requirements of the cancer cells to the production and diffusion of an angiogenic factor and to the ensuing evolution of neighboring endothelial cells. The model yields predictions for the development of neovascularization and for the increase in the blood flow to the tumor. We show that the directed growth of the vascular net is an emergent property and that therapies targeting different stages of the angiogenic process might have a synergistic effect. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Probing the biogeochemical behavior of technetium using a novel nuclear imaging approach.
Dynamic gamma-camera imaging of radiotracer technetium ((99m)Tc) was used to assess the impact of biostimulation of metal-reducing bacteria on technetium mobility at 10(-12) mol L(-1) concentrations in sediments. Addition of the electron donor acetate was used to stimulate a redox profile in sediment columns, from oxic to Fe(III)-reducing conditions. When (99m)Tc was pumped through the columns, real-time gamma-camera imaging combined with geochemical analyses showed technetium was localized in regions containing biogenic Fe(II). In parallel experiments, electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping confirmed sediment-bound Tc was associated with iron, while X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) confirmed reduction of Tc(VII) to poorly soluble Tc(IV). Molecular analyses of microbial communities in these experiments supported a direct link between biogenic Fe(II) accumulation and Tc(VII) reductive precipitation, with Fe(III)-reducing bacteria more abundant in technetium immobilization zones. This offers a novel approach to assessing radionuclide mobility at ultratrace concentrations in real-time biogeochemical experiments, and confirms the effectiveness of biostimulation of Fe(III)-reducing bacteria in immobilizing technetium. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ultrahigh-resolution capillary electrophoretic separation with indirect ultraviolet detection: isotopic separation of [14N]- and [15N]ammonium.
Separation of isotopically labeled [14N]/[15N] ammonium was performed with capillary electrophoresis. This ultrahigh-resolution separation was based on mobility counterbalance with precise control of the anodic electroosmotic flow. Mixtures of zwitterionic surfactant (Rewoteric AM CAS U) and cationic surfactant (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) were used as buffer additives to modify the electroosmotic mobility. Indirect ultraviolet detection was used with benzyltributylammonium as the buffer coion. Baseline-resolved peaks of [14N]- and [15N]ammonium were obtained within 11 min. The detection limit was 0.01 mM for both [14N]-and [15N]ammonium. Linear calibration in concentration was observed up to 1.0 mM for [15N]ammonium and 2.0 mM for [14N]ammonium. Calibration of the isotopic ratio, [15N]ammonium concentration to total ([14N] and [15N])ammonium, was valid from 5 to 95%. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
"Who is sitting across from me?" Immigrant mothers' knowledge of parenting and children's development.
Although parents' knowledge about child development and child rearing is relevant to pediatric practice, very little is known about immigrant parents' knowledge. To fill this gap in research, this study investigated parenting knowledge in 2 groups of mothers who had immigrated to the United States. Japanese and South American immigrant mothers of 2-year-olds completed a standardized survey of parenting knowledge and provided information about sociodemographic and infant health status. Their data were compared with European American mothers in the United States. Immigrant mothers scored approximately 70% on the evaluation of parenting knowledge, significantly lower than multigenerational US mothers. The majority of immigrant mothers did not know correct answers for 25% of the items, and their incorrect answers were mostly to questions about normative child development. Parents' knowledge is relevant to pediatricians' evaluations of the health and welfare of children as understood by their parents. Gaps in parenting knowledge have implications for clinical interactions with parents, child diagnosis, pediatric training, and parent education. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Experimental carcinogenesis: induction of multiple tumors by viruses.
Many viruses are able to cause the development of tumors when inoculated into suitable vertebrate hosts. Among them, polyoma virus can induce tumors in several mammalian species: not only many different kinds of tumor, but a large number of tumors within a single individual. Tissue culture studies employing cells from mice and hamsters, as well as observations of the manner of tumor development following polyoma virus injection in these species in vivo, suggest that some, or all, of the tumors so induced are multiple primaries. Because of the availability of mice of different genetic constitutions, the relative ease with which mouse cells from both normal and malignant tissue can cultivate in vitro, the known responses of mice to many carcinogenic agents, as well as the availability of transplantable, metastasizing mouse tumors, it is believed the polyoma virus/mouse host system would provide a highly suitable model in which an experimental approach to the elucidation of mechanisms for the origin of multiple tumors would be possible. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A comparison study on polysaccharides from novel hybrids of Amomum villosum and its female parent.
The present study is a comparative study on preliminary characterizations and immunostimulatory activities of water-soluble polysaccharides (WSP) from newly hybrid Amomum villosum and its female parent. First, two kinds of WSP were extracted, respectively from the newly hybrid A. villosum called Spring No.1 (WSPH) and its female parent-Longfruit No.2 (WSPP). Then, the differences of preliminary characterizations and immunostimulatory activities in vivo for these two WSP samples were compared. Experimental results showed that WSPH and WSPP had the same monosaccharide composition, and similar ultraviolet and infrared spectra characteristics of polysaccharides, while their immunostimulatory activities, in terms of the weights of spleen and thymus, pinocytic activity and the level of serum hemolysin, showed no significant differences between the groups treated with WSPH and WSPP, respectively. Combined with the findings from other studies in our research group, these results suggested that this novel hybrid could be an acceptable alternative for cultivation of A. villosum. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Diffusion of a Nurse-led Healthcare Innovation: Describing Certified Clinical Nurse Leader Integration Into Care Delivery.
The Clinical Nurse Leader™ (CNL) initiative is in its 2nd decade. Despite a growing theoretical and empirical body of CNL knowledge, little is known about CNLs themselves or where and how their competencies are being integrated into care delivery across the country. The aim of this study was to describe certified CNL characteristics and roles as part of a larger study validating a model for CNL practice. This study used a descriptive analysis of survey data from a national sample of certified CNLs. Survey response rate was 19%. Sixty percent have greater than 10 years of RN experience, and 75% have additional specialty certifications. Fifty-eight percent are practicing in a formal CNL role and report a high degree of accountability for all 9 CNL essential competencies. Findings help understand the extent of CNL adoption and spread across the country and the level to which the initial vision of CNL practice is being achieved. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nasal expiratory sound analysis for evaluation of nasal patency in perennial allergic rhinitis patients treated with nasal corticosteroids.
To assess the efficacy of nasal expiratory sound analysis in determining the degree of nasal obstruction. We have analyzed and recorded the expiratory nasal sounds in 18 healthy controls and in 30 patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy before and after the administration of nasal corticosteroid treatment. Analysis consisted of the time-expanded waveform, spectral analysis with time-averaged fast Fourier transform and waveform analysis of nasal sound. Before treatment, an increase in sound intensity at high frequency was observed in the sound analyses of the patients, whereas after treatment, a decrease in sound intensity at high frequency was noted in the sound analyses of the patients. The differences between the patients and the control group were statistically significant. Data obtained with the Odiosoft-Rhino method were correlated with symptom scores and endoscopic examination. Expiratory nasal sound is a practical and objective tool, which can be reliably used not only for the assessment of the degree of nasal blockage but also for the comparison of different treatment alternatives. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[ECT treatment of Cotard's syndrome in a patient with combined valvular heart disease and persistent atrial fibrillation].
The case of 67-year-old woman suffering from severe depression with Cotard's syndrome or nihilistic delusions is presented. Refusal of drug intake, high suicidal risk and severe cardiologic diseases made the treatment by using antidepressive drugs impossible. Electroconvulsive therapy was introduced causing fast remission of depressive symptoms not evoking somatic side effects. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Glycine receptor reduction within segmental gray matter in a rat model in neuropathic pain.
Glycine is an amino acid neurotransmitter found in the spinal cord and is closely associated with interneurons that modulate afferent activity. We have previously shown that low segmental glycine concentrations or blockade of normal glycinergic activity lowers the threshold for pain thresholds. In addition, intrathecal glycine infusion increases the pain threshold in animal models of neuropathic pain. However, the role of the glycine receptor in neuropathic pain is not clear and is the basis for the current study. Using a unilateral sciatic nerve constriction injury model of neuropathic pain, the strychnine sensitive glycine receptor population was studied using immunohistochemical techniques. Glycine receptors are reduced in number in the dorsal horn bilaterally in injured animals. Glycine and related compounds are potentially valuable agents for treating chronic pain conditions in humans. A better understanding of glycine-receptor interactions should prove valuable as these compounds are studied in greater depth. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Etiologic link between vascular lesions and late-onset depression: myth or reality?].
The concepts of post-stroke depression and vascular depression have emphasized the bidirectional etiologic links that may connect depression and cardiovascular risk factors. In post-stroke depression, the pathogenic role of a chronic cumulative "burden" of subcortical lesions has been well established. In what concerns late-onset depression and the symptomatic profile attributed to "vascular depressions, and despite a growing body of evidence from both neuroimaging and neuropathologic studies, this bilateral causality is still matter of debate. This field of research has highlighted the need for an interdisciplinary view in these traditionally divided fields. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Contact allergy to the antifungal agent naftifin].
Two patients treated topically against dermatophytes with a naftifine containing antifungal became allergic to the efficacious component naftifine. One of them also reacted to benzyl alcohol. Sensitization experiments in guinea pigs corroborated the suspicion that this allylamine is a contact sensitizer. To date, only few cases of allergic reactions to naftifine have been reported. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Amnesia for random shapes following unilateral and bilateral electronvulsive shock therapy.
Three 16-point shapes were shown to 15 patients before undergoing either unilateral or bilateral electroconvulsive therapy. They were then tested for recognition following therapy. The same subjects were similarly tested for recognition memory with no intervening shock. Analysis of variance indicated no significant differential effects of the two methods of electroshock application. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Patterns of recurrence after carbon dioxide laser excision of intraoral squamous cell carcinoma.
To examine retrospectively consecutive patients treated with carbon dioxide laser excision of intraoral squamous cell carcinoma for the patterns of recurrence based on the location of the initial primary tumor and on the tumor stage. Retrospective chart review. Tertiary care center including a university hospital and a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. PROCEDURES AND PATIENTS: Sixty-one procedures performed on 51 consecutive patients. The only patients not included were three who were unavailable for follow-up. The average follow-up was 32 months. If the patients whose follow-up was limited because of death are excluded, the average follow-up was 40 months. Incidence of recurrence, time to recurrence, development of second intraoral primary lesions or pulmonary metastases, and cause of death. A nearly equal incidence of recurrence irrespective of site of lesion (tongue, 42%; floor of mouth, 40%; and other oral cavity sites, 45%). Determinate survival differed by stage. Patients with T1 lesions showed a determinate survival rate of 80%; those with T2 or T3 lesions had a determinate survival rate of 57%; and those treated for recurrent disease had a determinate survival rate of 44%. Carbon dioxide laser excision of intraoral squamous cell carcinoma is a useful, advantageous method, but it appears to offer no advantage for recurrence over standard methods. Appropriate management of neck disease in patients with intraoral squamous cell carcinoma must be carefully considered. Patients with this potentially aggressive form of cancer deserve long-term follow-up. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The Changing Appearance of Cardiac Amyloidosis].
A fast and reliable diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis requires a significant amount of clinical awareness. It is especially important to come to an early diagnosis in patients with cardiac AL amyloidosis in order to improve the otherwise unfavourable clinical course in these patients. There is a significant increase in the number of patients with cardiac amyloidosis of the ATTR wild-type variety. These patients are often elderly males presenting with predominantly right sided heart failure. We present a diagnostic pathway enabling a structured approach to these patients using multimodality cardiac imaging and endomyocardial biopsy. Early chemotherapy is the key to improving symptoms in patients with AL amyloidosis. In contrast, pharmacologic approaches for treating cardiac ATTR amyloidosis need further research and clinical trials. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Diagnosis of Cytomegalovirus Infection during Exacerbation of Ulcerative Colitis.
The role of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation during exacerbations of ulcerative colitis (UC) is yet a matter of debate, and assessment of CMV infection in UC patients remains an ongoing challenge. We aimed to identify associated parameters and compare detection methods for CMV infection during UC exacerbation. Clinical, pathological and virological parameters were retrospectively analyzed in all patients hospitalized in our institution for UC exacerbation between January 2009 and April 2015, who underwent full evaluation for CMV infection in colonic tissue by histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and CMV-PCR. Of 28 patients who underwent full examination for tissue CMV-infection, 13 (46.4%) were found to be positive for CMV. Tissue CMV-PCR was more sensitive for the detection of CMV infection than histopathology and IHC. CMV-positive patients had a statistically higher frequency of recent steroid treatment and fever, with higher mean partial Mayo scores and lower mean albumin levels. There were no significant differences between CMV-positive and CMV-negative patients in terms of age, severity of colitis and disease duration. In a multivariable model, only recent steroid treatment and fever were independently associated with colonic CMV infection. This study provides a clinical model to detect the presence of CMV infection in patients hospitalized with UC exacerbation, which could direct proper investigation and facilitate timely empirical therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Foundational concepts and underlying theories for majors in "biochemistry and molecular biology".
Over the past two years, through an NSF RCN UBE grant, the ASBMB has held regional workshops for faculty members and science educators from around the country that focused on identifying: 1) core principles of biochemistry and molecular biology, 2) essential concepts and underlying theories from physics, chemistry, and mathematics, and 3) foundational skills that undergraduate majors in biochemistry and molecular biology must understand to complete their major coursework. Using information gained from these workshops, as well as from the ASBMB accreditation working group and the NSF Vision and Change report, the Core Concepts working group has developed a consensus list of learning outcomes and objectives based on five foundational concepts (evolution, matter and energy transformation, homeostasis, information flow, and macromolecular structure and function) that represent the expected conceptual knowledge base for undergraduate degrees in biochemistry and molecular biology. This consensus will aid biochemistry and molecular biology educators in the development of assessment tools for the new ASBMB recommended curriculum. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Modulatory Effects of Ferulic Acid on Cadmium-Induced Brain Damage.
Studies have shown the pharmacological relevance of phenolics like ferulic acid (FA) in promoting health. This study sought to investigate the modulatory effects of FA on cadmium-induced brain damage in rats. Brain damage was induced in Wistar strain rats by oral administration of cadmium (5 mg/kg body weight) for 21 days. Assays for malondialdehyde (MDA) content, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), monoamine oxidase (MAO), and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activities were carried out. The study revealed significant (P < .05) increases in the MDA content and all enzymes' (AChE, BChE, MAO, and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase) activity investigated following cadmium administration. However, rats administered FA (10 and 20 mg/kg body weight) alongside cadmium significantly (P < .05) protected the brain by reversing the level of lipid peroxidation as measured by the MDA content as well as the enzymes' activity. This study, therefore, substantiates the neuroprotective potentials of FA especially in the management of cadmium-induced toxicity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nearest neighbor nucleotide patterns. Structural and biological implications.
Recently, nearest neighbor patterns were observed in prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA sequences. These are discussed with respect to some of their biological implications. It is suggested that their origins relate to different specific structures of nearest neighbor base pairs. These patterns strongly constrain the DNA sequence. As such, they "explain" to some degree the amino acid codon choice and have direct bearing on questions related to evolution. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
One pot synthesis, structural and spectral analysis of some symmetrical curcumin analogues catalyzed by calcium oxide under microwave irradiation.
A series of sixteen number of curcumin analogues have been synthesized under microwave irradiation using calcium oxide as a catalyst. The synthesized compounds have been characterized using FT-IR, MS, elemental analysis, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopic techniques. The UV-Vis absorption studies for these compounds have been studied in order to provide the electronic transitions taking place in the molecule. When compared to the curcumin ((1E,4Z,6E)-5-hydroxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)hepta-1,4,6-trien-3-one), the absorption maxima, λ(max) for all the synthesized curcumin analogues with a variety of substituents gets blue shifted i.e., hypsochromic shift was observed. This shift may be assigned to the change of dipole moment within the solvated molecule. Theoretical calculations regarding the optimization of the synthesized molecules, electronic properties like highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and mapped electron density surface diagrams were done. The geometrical energy, dipole moments and heat of formation values have also been calculated using the ArgusLab package by AM1 semi-empirical method. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Change of symptoms of schizophrenia across phases of menstrual cycle.
The relation between schizophrenia and the menstrual cycle has always been found attractive by researchers. It is still a question of debate whether the clinical picture changes during the menstrual cycle. Our study aimed to see whether there is any change of symptoms during different phases of menstrual cycle (premenstrual, menstrual, and postmenstrual) in patients suffering from schizophrenia. Over a period of 15 months, 40 female inpatients of a tertiary care psychiatric hospital with the diagnosis of schizophrenia were assessed by applying PANSS. Rating was done up to two menstrual cycles. Total scores, positive and negative subscale scores, and general psychopathology scores of PANSS in premenstrual, menstrual, and postmenstrual phases of those patients were compared with one another by applying paired t test. Symptoms in women suffering from schizophrenia frequently vary with the different phases of menstrual cycle. The positive symptoms improved significantly only during progesterone phase. Negative symptoms and general psychopathology subscale showed improvement on estrogen phases of menstrual cycle. So optimal treatment needs to be adjusted to the individual women suffering from schizophrenia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The Pediatric Laparoscopic Surgery (PLS) simulator: methodology and results of further validation.
The Pediatric Laparoscopic Surgery (PLS) simulator is the only validated tool for pediatric Minimal Access Surgery. Construct validity (the ability to discriminate between novice, intermediate and expert) for the PLS simulator had previously been established on the basis of the total PLS score, as well as the individual performance on three of the five tasks. We describe the process and methods used to establish independent construct validity for a fourth task: pattern-cutting. After considering various options for the possible modifications of the task itself, we retrospectively altered the way the pattern-cutting task was scored by modifying the weighting of precision versus time without changing the task itself. This was subsequently tested prospectively at the 2011 Canadian Association of Pediatric Surgeons meeting. Modification in the scoring metrics allowed differentiation within a previously tested cohort of 84 candidates (20 novices: score=48 ± 16, 19 intermediates: score=59 ± 18, 45 experts: score=69 ± 12 p=0.01). This was validated prospectively in a cohort of 18 experts and 7 intermediates (65 ± 8, 54 ± 17 p=0.03). Construct validity for the pattern-cutting task was established by modification of the scoring metrics. This was validated both retrospectively and prospectively. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A Bayesian approach to generating tutorial hints in a collaborative medical problem-based learning system.
Today a great many medical schools have turned to a problem-based learning (PBL) approach to teaching. While PBL has many strengths, effective PBL requires the tutor to provide a high degree of personal attention to the students, which is difficult in the current academic environment of increasing demands on faculty time. This paper describes intelligent tutoring in a collaborative medical tutor for PBL. The main contribution of our work is the development of representational techniques and algorithms for generating tutoring hints in PBL group problem solving, as well as the implementation of these techniques in a collaborative intelligent tutoring system, COMET. The system combines concepts from computer-supported collaborative learning with those from intelligent tutoring systems. The system uses Bayesian networks to model individual student clinical reasoning, as well as that of the group. The prototype system incorporates substantial domain knowledge in the areas of head injury, stroke and heart attack. Tutoring in PBL is particularly challenging since the tutor should provide as little guidance as possible while at the same time not allowing the students to get lost. From studies of PBL sessions at a local medical school, we have identified and implemented eight commonly used hinting strategies. In order to evaluate the appropriateness and quality of the hints generated by our system, we compared the tutoring hints generated by COMET with those of experienced human tutors. We also compared the focus of group activity chosen by COMET with that chosen by human tutors. On average, 74.17% of the human tutors used the same hint as COMET. The most similar human tutor agreed with COMET 83% of the time and the least similar tutor agreed 62% of the time. Our results show that COMET's hints agree with the hints of the majority of the human tutors with a high degree of statistical agreement (McNemar test, p=0.652, kappa=0.773). The focus of group activity chosen by COMET agrees with that chosen by the majority of the human tutors with a high degree of statistical agreement (McNemar test, p=0.774, kappa=0.823). Bayesian network clinical reasoning models can be combined with generic tutoring strategies to successfully emulate human tutor hints in group medical PBL. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A survey on the current status of health care marketing.
This article presents the results of a survey, conducted by Market-PULSE Measurement Systems, reflecting the growth of health care marketing and the marketing perspectives of health care professionals. The survey results echo the opinions of two groups of professionals: chief executive officers of hospitals over 100 beds; and administrators as well as directors of marketing, planning, and public relations who attended a recent health services marketing conference. The survey, a telephone interview, was conducted to determine: The degree to which hospitals are market oriented. The degree to which hospitals use survey research. The following is an analysis of what the surveyors found. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Midterm results of bilateral enlargement of the aortic valve ring for valve replacement].
From 1989, 4 patients underwent bilateral enlargement of the aortic valve ring for valve replacement. Age at the operation ranged from 2 to 8 (mean 6) years; body weight ranged from 14.9 to 25.4 (mean 19.0) kg. This procedure enabled us to implant a prosthesis 3 to 4 sizes larger (19 to 23 mm) than that measured with the native aortic annulus (13 to 17 mm). There was no late death and no cardiac event over a mean follow-up period of 6.2 years. Pressure gradient across the prosthesis measured by echocardiography was 40 mmHg in 1 patient who underwent aortic valve replacement with the use of 19 mm St. Jude Medical valve at 2 years of age. There was no significant pressure gradient in other 3 patients. All patients showed normal left ventricular function. We conclude that bilateral enlargement of the aortic valve ring for valve replacement has provided good midterm results with no mortality and no cardiac event. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A man in a coma after varices bleeding].
We admitted a 43-year-old comatose man with known liver cirrhosis and hyperintense subarachnoid spaces on brain CT, suggestive of subarachnoid hemorrhage. He died shortly thereafter. Autopsy did not show signs of subarachnoid hemorrhage, but revealed extensive cerebral edema. Pseudo-subarachnoid hemorrhage due to metabolic disturbances was diagnosed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The great cannabis classification debacle: what are the likely consequences for policing cannabis possession offences in England and Wales?
The British government downgraded cannabis from a Class B to a Class C drug in 2004; but in 2008 it reversed this decision,and cannabis is due to be reclassified back to Class B in January 2009. In this Harm Reduction Digest, Paul Turnbull assesses the impact of reclassification to Class B focusing on policing and the legitimacy of drug law. The government cited the availability of stronger strains of cannabis and a large rise in the number of UK-based "cannabis farms" as the reasons for this decision.This is set against a backdrop of a trend of declining levels of use in the UK and a number of jurisdictions throughout the world adopting civil rather than criminal procedures to deal with cannabis possession offences. It concludes that tougher penalties for cannabis possession will have little deterrent effect on use and that the focus of law enforcement is likely to continue to fall disproportionately on young men from black and minority ethnic groups. Turnbull concludes that a better approach would be to use targeted public health approaches to reduce cannabis use and harm. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pipeline to assess the greatest source of technical variance in quantitative proteomics using metabolic labelling.
The biological variance in protein expression of interest to biologists can only be accessed if the technical variance of the protein quantification method is low compared with the biological variance. Technical variance is dependent on the protocol employed within a quantitative proteomics experiment and accumulated with every additional step. The magnitude of additional variance incurred by each step of a protocol should be determined to enable design of experiments maximally sensitive to differential protein expression. Metabolic labelling techniques for MS based quantitative proteomics enable labelled and unlabelled samples to be combined at the tissue level. It has been widely assumed, although not yet empirically verified, that early combination of samples minimises technical variance in relative quantification. This study presents a pipeline to determine the variance incurred at each stage of a common quantitative proteomics protocol involving metabolic labelling. We apply this pipeline to determine whether early combination of samples in a protocol leads to significant reduction in experimental variance. We also identify which stage within the protocol is associated with maximum variance. This provides a blueprint by which the variance associated with each stage of any protocol can be dissected and utilised to influence optimal experimental design. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Early-Onset X-Linked Retinitis Pigmentosa in a Heterozygous Female Harboring an Intronic Donor Splice Site Mutation in the Retinitis Pigmentosa GTPase Regulator Gene.
To report a heterozygous female presenting with an early-onset and severe form of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP). This is a case series presenting the clinical findings in a heterozygous female with XLRP and two of her family members. Fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence, ocular coherence tomography, and visual perimetry are presented. The proband reported here is a heterozygous female who presented at the age of 8 years with an early onset and aggressive form of XLRP. The patient belongs to a four-generation family with a total of three affected females and four affected males. The patient was initially diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) at the age of 4 years. Genetic testing identified a heterozygous donor splice site mutation in intron 1 (IVS1 + 1G > A) of the retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator gene. The father of the proband was diagnosed with RP when he was a young child. The sister of the proband, evaluated at the age of 6 years, showed macular pigmentary changes. Although carriers of XLRP are usually asymptomatic or have a mild disease of late onset, the proband presented here exhibited an early-onset, aggressive form of the disease. It is not clear why some carrier females manifest a severe phenotype. A better understanding of the genetic processes involved in the penetrance and expressivity of XLRP in heterozygous females could assist in providing the appropriate counseling to affected families. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cl- - and K+-related fluctuations of ionic current through oxyntic cells in frog gastric mucosa.
Transport and conductance pathways for Cl- and K+ were studied in frog gastric mucosa using noise analysis techniques. The current-noise power spectra exhibited both Cl- - and K+-dependent characteristics. In Cl- -containing solutions, reductions in Cl- transport were associated with reductions of the overall noise power. Such changes appeared to reflect the movement of Cl- through the apical (mucosal) membranes of oxyntic cells. In Cl- -free solutions a K+-dependent Lorentzian component was detected in the power spectrum when applying a mucosally or serosally directed transepithelial K+ concentration gradient. This component was enhanced by 1) stimulating the oxyntic cells with histamine and 2) appropriate voltage clamping. It was reduced by mucosal Ba2+ in resting tissues and enhanced by mucosal Ba2+ in stimulated tissues. The K+ noise measured in gastric mucosae in Cl- -free solutions appeared also to be generated at the apical membranes of oxyntic cells. This is in analogy to previous findings in other gastrointestinal epithelia with fluctuating apical K+ channels. In the gastric mucosa these channels may play a key role in the mechanism of electrogenic H+ secretion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A machine learning approach to estimate Minimum Toe Clearance using Inertial Measurement Units.
Falls are the primary cause of accidental injuries (52%) and one of the leading causes of death in individuals aged 65 and above. More than 50% of falls in healthy older adults are due to tripping while walking. Minimum toe clearance (i.e., minimum height of the toe above the ground during the mid-swing phase - MTC) has been investigated as an indicator of tripping risk. There is increasing demand for practicable gait monitoring using wearable sensors such as Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) comprising accelerometers and gyroscopes due to their wearability, compactness and low cost. A major limitation however, is intrinsic noise making acceleration integration unreliable and inaccurate for estimating MTC height from IMU data. A machine learning approach to MTC height estimation was investigated in this paper incorporating features from both raw and integrated inertial signals to train Generalized Regression Neural Networks (GRNN) models using a hill-climbing feature-selection method. The GRNN based MTC height predictions demonstrated root-mean-square-error (RMSE) of 6.6mm with 9 optimum features for young adults and 7.1mm RMSE with 5 features for the older adults during treadmill walking. The GRNN based MTC height estimation method devised in this project represents approximately 68% less RMSE than other estimation techniques. The research findings show a strong potential for gait monitoring outside the laboratory to provide real-time MTC height information during everyday locomotion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Transpedicular fusion of the thoraco-lumbar junction. Clinical, radiographic and CT results].
The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the late result after operative treatment of acute thoracolumbar fractures and fracture dislocations. 29 patients, treated between 1988 and 1995 at the Department of Trauma Surgery, Hannover Medical School with posterior stabilization and interbody fusion with transpedicular cancellous bone grafting, were reexamined 3 1/2 years after surgery. The incorporation and effect on the fusion was analyzed with spiral CT scan after implant removal and the patients were seen for clinical and conventional radiologic examination. We treated 24 type A, 4 type B and 1 type C lesion according to the Magerl classification. 27 patients were stabilized with an internal fixator, 2 with a plate system. The mean operative time totalled 2:50 hours, the intraoperative fluoroscopy time averaged 4:07 minutes and a mean blood loss counted 376 ml. 4 patients out of 6 with an incomplete neurologic lesion (Frankel/ASIA D) improved to Frankel/ASIA grade E. 2 complications were observed: 1 delayed wound healing and 1 venous thrombosis with secondary pulmonary embolism. Compared to the preoperative status our follow-up examinations demonstrated permanent social sequelae: The percentage of individuals able to do physical labor was reduced (15 to 5 patients; p < 0.01) whereas the share of unemployed or retired patients increased (2 to 12 patients; p < 0.01). The assessment of complaints and functional outcome with the "Hannover Spinal Trauma Score" reflected a significant difference (p < 0.001) between the status before injury (96.6/100 points) and at the time of follow-up (64.4/100 points). The correlation between the "Hannover Spinal Trauma Score" and the finger-ground-distance was found to be significant (Coefficient Spearman = -0.71; p < 0.01). The radiographic assessment of the segmental kyphosis (Cobb technique) demonstrated a significant (p < 0.001) mean restoration from an initial angle of -15.2 degrees (kyphosis) to -3.4 degrees (kyphosis). Serial postoperative radiographic follow-up showed progressive loss of correction; at follow-up examination we found a mean of 7.8 degrees (p < 0.005). In 16 patients with an additional posterior fusion with autogenous bone grafting an analogous loss of correction was noted. CT scans after implant removal demonstrated an interbody fusion and incorporation of the transpedicular bone graft in 10 (34%) patients. In another 10 (34%) patients the CT scans proved the interbody fusion at the anterior and posterior wall of the vertebral body via direct contact due to collapse of the disc space. In these patients the bone graft was not incorporated and no central interbody fusion could be found. In 9 (31%) patients neither interbody fusion nor incorporation of the transpedicular graft was achieved. A frequent interbody fusion could not be achieved with the technique of transpedicular bone grafting. In case of incomplete or complete thoracolumbar burst fractures the authors recommend a combined operation with restoration of the anterior column with a strut graft or body replacement. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Smoking practices and risk awareness in parents regarding passive smoke exposure of their preschool children: a cross-sectional study in Tehran.
Young children living with parents who smoke are exposed to unacceptable health hazards. To determine patterns of parental smoking, the level of parental awareness about hazards of secondhand smoke, and the effect of risk awareness on smoking behavior. Health centers affiliated with two teaching hospitals in Tehran. Cross-sectional. Data was collected from parents of preschool children visiting the health centers, through face-to-face interview, during a period of 18 months. Data was analyzed by multiple logistic regression, and analysis of variance was done for comparison of means. In a total of 647 families, prevalence of parental smoking was 35.7%, (231 families). In 97.8% of smoking families, only the fathers smoked; and in 5 (2.2%) families, both parents were regular smokers. Prevalence of smoking was higher in poor families as compared with families who were well-off (39% vs. 25%; P = 0.025), and also in families with lower educational level. There was no significant difference in risk awareness between smokers and nonsmokers (P > .05). Low socioeconomic status and low education were identified as risk factors for children's exposure to secondhand smoke; parental risk awareness had no apparent effect on the smoking behavior. Unlike western societies, fathers were the sole habitual smokers in most families. Since factors that influence smoking behavior vary in different cultures, interventional strategies that aim to protect children from the hazards of tobacco smoke need to target diverse issues in different ethnic backgrounds. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The development of a novel hybrid aerating membrane-anaerobic baffled reactor for the simultaneous nitrogen and organic carbon removal from wastewater.
A novel hybrid aerating membrane-anaerobic baffled reactor (HMABR), based on the installation of aerating membrane into an anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR), to achieve simultaneous removal of nitrogenous and carbonaceous organic pollutants was developed in this study. The results demonstrated that after the installation of membrane module, total VFA and COD concentration in the HMABR effluent were decreased by 68.1 and 59.5% respectively, with increased nitrogenous pollutant remove efficiency by 83.5%, at influent COD concentration of 1600 mg/L and NH(4)(+)-N concentration of 80 mg/L. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results of the aerating membrane biofilm showed that the biofilm stratification for the spatial profiles of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, aerobic heterotrophic bacteria, and denitrifying bacteria. The potential usage of HMABR widens the usage of aerobic-anaerobic combination technology for industrial wastewater treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A comparative study of the efficacy, safety and tolerance of azithromycin, dicloxacillin and flucloxacillin in the treatment of children with acute skin and skin-structure infections.
An open, randomized, multicentre study was undertaken to compare a three-day regimen of azithromycin with a seven-day course of dicloxacillin or flucloxacillin in the treatment of 118 children (aged 2-12 years) with clinically diagnosed acute skin and skin-structure infections. Sixty patients received a single daily dose of azithromycin of 10 mg/kg for three days, whilst 58 received a cloxacillin ester: either dicloxacillin (n = 49) at a daily dose of 12.5-25 mg/kg (depending on severity of infection); or flucloxacillin (n = 9) at 250-2000 mg/day (depending on age). Both cloxacillin esters were administered in four divided doses for seven days. Clinical, safety and, where possible, bacteriological assessments were made before therapy and after 3 to 5 and 7 to 10 days of treatment. A successful clinical response (cure and improvement) was recorded in 57 of 59 (97%) of evaluable azithromycin patients, and in 57 of 58 (98%) of cloxacillin ester patients. Eradication of the key pathogens was 31 of 34 (91%) and 34 of 35 (97%) for Staphylococcus aureus, and 5 of 5 and 4 of 4 for Streptococcus pyogenes in the azithromycin and cloxacillin ester groups, respectively. Both medications were well tolerated, with mild to moderate side-effects (abdominal pain and vomiting) occurring in two patients in each group, and laboratory abnormalities (elevated eosinophil count) in one patient in each group. There were no withdrawals from therapy. The results of this study suggest that azithromycin is as effective and as well tolerated as a cloxacillin ester antibiotic in the treatment of children with acute skin and skin-structure infections. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intravenous administration of caffeine sodium benzoate for postdural puncture headache.
In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of prophylactic administration of intravenous caffeine sodium benzoate for postdural puncture headaches (PDPH) on patients administered spinal anesthesia. Sixty ASA I and II patients undergoing lower abdominal or lower extremity surgery were included in this study. Patients were randomized by double-blind, placebo-controlled design to receive either 1,000 mL normal saline with 500 mg caffeine sodium benzoate (group C) or 1,000 mL normal saline (group S) during the first 90 minutes after spinal anesthesia administration. The patient's electrocardiogram, non-invasive blood pressure, and pulse oximetry were monitored and recorded. The patients' headaches were evaluated by using the visual analog scale (VAS). At the end of the fifth day, the severity of the headache was classified as follows: no headache = 0; mild headache = 1; moderate headache = 2; severe headache = 3. Analgesic requirements were recorded for 5 days. Visual analog scale scores were significantly lower in group C than in group S. The incidence of moderate and severe headache was significantly higher in group S (11 patients) when compared with group C (3 patients). Analgesic demand was significantly lower in group C than in group S for 4 days. Intravenous caffeine sodium benzoate administration during spinal anesthesia is a simple and safe way to minimize PDPH. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Orientation and verbal fluency in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing: modifiable risk factors for falls?
To determine the relationship between falls and deficits in specific cognitive domains in older adults. An analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) cohort. United Kingdom community-based. 5197 community-dwelling older adults recruited to a prospective longitudinal cohort study. Data on the occurrence of falls and number of falls, which occurred during a 12-month follow-up period, were assessed against the specific cognitive domains of memory, numeracy skills, and executive function. Binomial logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between each cognitive domain and the dichotomous outcome of falls in the preceding 12 months using unadjusted and adjusted models. Of the 5197 participants included in the analysis, 1308 (25%) reported a fall in the preceding 12 months. There was no significant association between the occurrence of a fall and specific forms of cognitive dysfunction after adjusting for self-reported hearing, self-reported eyesight, and functional performance. After adjustment, only orientation (odds ratio [OR]: 0.80; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.65-0.98, p = 0.03) and verbal fluency (adjusted OR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.96-1.00; p = 0.05) remained significant for predicting recurrent falls. The cognitive phenotype rather than cognitive impairment per se may predict future falls in those presenting with more than one fall. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Primary sclerosing cholangitis as a cause of false positive bile duct brushing cytology: report of two cases.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease of unknown etiology characterized by ongoing inflammation, destruction, and fibrosis of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. Irregular narrowing and dilation of the biliary duct system produces the characteristic beaded pattern seen on cholangiogram. Malignant degeneration resulting in cholangiocarcinoma is a well-recognized sequela of PSC. Bile duct brushing cytology is the primary screening technique for cholangiocarcinoma. It is associated with a relatively low sensitivity but high specificity. Few false positive bile duct brushings have been reported in the literature, with the majority of these having occurred in a background of PSC. We report two patients with PSC in whom bile duct brush cytologies were falsely positive for carcinoma. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Microbial mutagenicity of isomeric two-, three-, and four-ring amino polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
The isomers of various two-, three-, and four-ring amino polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were tested for mutagenic activity using a microbial plate incorporation test with four Salmonella typhimurium strains (TA98, TA100, TA1535, and TA1537). All compounds were assayed with an S9 metabolic activating enzyme system. The two-ring compounds were tested only with TA98. All were weakly mutagenic (1-10 rev/micrograms) except 2-aminobiphenyl, which was not mutagenic under these test conditions. All except two of the 13 fused three-ring compounds (aminofluorenes, aminoanthracenes, and aminophenanthrenes) were active frame shift mutagens; only the aminophenanthrenes were active base-pair mutagens. The potency of this group of isomeric compounds ranged from moderately (approximately 20 rev/microgram) to strongly (greater than 5,000 rev/microgram) mutagenic. As a group, the pericondensed four-ring amino compounds were the most mutagenic of the three groups tested. All of the aminofluoranthene and aminopyrene isomers showed significant mutagenic activity with TA98, TA100, and TA1537. In general, the mutagenic potency of the amino polycyclic aromatic compounds tested was highly dependent on the structural position of the amino group. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A novel method to measure the mechanical pushing and pulling forces during ureteroscopy in a normal clinical setting.
The forces needed to move the ureteroscope up and down the urinary tract may injure the ureter, but a method to measure these forces in patients is lacking. The purpose of the study was to develop and test a novel method for measuring the pushing and pulling forces exerted on a semirigid ureteroscope during ureteroscopy (URS) in a clinical setting. During 2010 to 2011, 20 patients planned for retrograde flexible URS or percutaneous lithotripsy for renal pelvic stones were recruited to a study measuring the forces exerted on a semirigid ureteroscope during retrograde URS. A coupling device was constructed to connect a digital force meter to a standard semirigid ureteroscope. The pushing and pulling forces, given in Newton (N), were measured at four defined locations in the ureter. The experiment was repeated twice to evaluate the reproducibility of the results. Paired-samples t test and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) addressed the reproducibility of the results. The force meter did not disturb the endoscopic procedure, and the force measurements were performed as intended. The results were reproducible at repeated measurements, with the ICC ranging from minimum 0.737 to maximum 0.812 at the different measuring locations in the ureter. The mean forces needed for insertion of the ureteroscope increased from 4.4 N (±3.6 N) at the distal part of the ureter to 9.7 N (±7.3 N) at the proximal part with large interpatient variation. Similar but smaller forces were found for retraction. The present method is proven to reliably measure forces exerted on the ureteroscope in a clinical setting. This opens the opportunity for further force studies on endoscopic procedures to make URS safer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Conformation of Escherichia coli glutamic acid tRNA II as studied by hydrogen-tritium exchange catalyzed by cysteine methyl ester.
Incubation of CMP in 2H2O with 0.5M cysteine methyl ester at p2H 5 and 37 degrees C for 24 h resulted in 43% exchange of 5-H to 5-2H. No deamination of the cytosine nucleus was noted during this treatment. Native and denatured DNA samples from calf thymus were treated in 3H2O with cysteine methyl ester at pH 5 and 37 degrees C for 24 h and incorporation of tritium into each DNA base was determined by enzymic digestion of the treated DNA. The order of the specific radioactivity found was cytosine greater than guanine greater than adenine greater than thymine for denatured DNA and guanine greater than adenine approximately cytosine greater than thymine for native DNA. The ratio of radioactivity for denatured/native was 11.6 for cytosine, 1.5 for guanine, 1.8 for adenine and 1.1 for thymine. Hence the incorporation in cytosine under the reaction conditions is preferential for single-stranded, nonhelical regions of DNA. Escherichia coli glutamic acid tRNA II was treated in 3H2O with 1.24 M cysteine methyl ester at pH 5 and 37 degrees C. The 24-h-treated tRNA was digested with ribonuclease T1 and the fragments were fractionated. Each fragment was then digested with ribonuclease T2 into mononucleotides and the radioactivity distribution among the bases was determined. The average radioactivity found for each of the bases of the four major nucleotides was cytosine greater than guanine approximately adenine greater than uracil. The radioactivity in cytosine varied greatly among the RNase T1 fragments, the ratio of the highest to the lowest radioactivity being 18.7. The corresponding value for guanine was 11.1, for adenine 4.73 and for uracil 3.64. Based on the data obtained, it was deduced that in this tRNA the anticodon loop, the dihydrouridine loop and the extra loop were "exposed" under the conditions employed for the labeling. The 5'-terminal cytosine of the anticodon loop was in a "non-exposed" state, a situation similar to that previously reported for E. coli tyrosine tRNA [Cashmore, A. R., Brown, D. M. & Smith, J. D. (1971) J. Mol. Biol. 59, 359-373] and for E. coli formylmethionine tRNA [Goddard J. P.+Schulman L. H. (1972) J. Biol. Chem. 247, 3864-3867]. Both cytosine 48, located at the 3'-terminal of the extra loop, and guanine 15 in the dihydrouridine loop were in an "emposed" state. This finding does not agree with a tRNA model in which this pair of cytosine and guanine, commonly found in tRNA sequences, forms hydrogen bondings. Positions 30--32, 61--64 and 71, which are located in the stems, were found to be strongly "buried". | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. II. Aldosterone stimulates Na+/H+ and Cl-/HCO3- exchange.
Experiments in dome epithelium of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells were performed to elucidate aldosterone action on acid-base transport. By means of pH-sensitive microelectrodes the pH of the dome fluid was measured while the apical plasma membrane was superfused. In the absence of HCO3- the dome fluid (facing the basolateral cell membrane) alkalinized in response to 10(-7) mol/l aldosterone. Amiloride (10(-3) mol/l) inhibited dome formation and pH recovery of the dome fluid from an extracellular acid load. In the presence of HCO3- dome fluid acidified in response to aldosterone. The stilbene derivative diisothiocyanate-stilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS) or removal of Cl- from the apical perfusate inhibited this dome acidification. In aldosterone-depleted MDCK monolayers HCO3- was actively accumulated in the dome fluid in contrast to aldosterone-supplemented cells. The results indicate that aldosterone stimulates both amiloride-sensitive Na+/H+ exchange and DIDS-sensitive Cl-/HCO3- exchange in the apical cell membrane of MDCK cells. In the absence of aldosterone the HCO3- extrusion process is localized in the basolateral membrane in series with apical Na+/H+ exchange, while in the presence of aldosterone Cl-/HCO3- is mainly localized in the apical membrane in parallel with Na+/H+ exchange. Cl- exits the cell through apical Cl- channels and is absorbed via the paracellular route. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Morphological and genetic variation indicate cryptic species within Lamarck's little sea star, Parvulastra (=Patiriella) exigua.
The asterinid sea star Parvulastra exigua (Lamarck) is a common member of temperate intertidal marine communities from geographically widespread sites around the southern hemisphere. Individuals from Australian populations lay benthic egg masses (through orally directed gonopores) from which nonplanktonic offspring hatch and metamorphose without a dispersing planktonic larval phase. Scattered reports in the taxonomic literature refer to a similar form in southern Africa with aborally directed gonopores (and possibly broadcast spawning of planktonic eggs and larvae); such differences would be consistent with cryptic species variation. Surveys of morphology and mtDNA sequences have revealed cryptic species diversity in other asterinid genera. Here we summarize the taxonomic history of Lamarck's "Astérie exiguë" and survey morphological variation (the location of the gonopores) for evidence that some P. exigua populations include cryptic species with a different mode of reproduction. We found strong evidence for multiple species in the form of two phenotypes and modes of reproduction (oral and aboral gonopore locations) in populations from southern Africa and islands in the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Both modes of reproduction have broad geographic ranges. These results are consistent with previously published genetic data that indicate multiple species in African and island (but not Australian) populations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effect of repetition of infrequent familiar and unfamiliar visual patterns on components of the event-related brain potential.
This experiment examined changes in the waveforms of the event-related brain potential (ERP) during repeated presentations of infrequent-familiar and infrequent-unfamiliar visual patterns. The EEG waveforms were averaged separately for each presentation of the two types of stimuli across different stimulus blocks. Principal components analysis and baseline-to-peak measurement identified three ERP components, a P3, P4 and a slow wave of diminishing positivity at anterior, central and posterior scalp sites. Unfamiliar stimuli evoked components of greater positivity and P3 waves of longer latencies than familiar stimuli. Repetition of these stimuli was associated with a progressive diminution of the amplitude of the three components and a shortening of P3 latency. For the slow wave the decline in amplitude was more pronounced during repetition of unfamiliar than familiar stimuli. These effects are interpreted as signs of alterations in cognitive processes that play a role during orienting and perceptual learning. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Roles, skills, and competencies of middle managers in occupational therapy.
This article describes the most essential roles, skills, and competencies needed by middle managers in occupational therapy organizations. Middle-level managers are responsible for a specific segment of the organization. They are uniquely positioned to foster changes in the department. Because of the challenges in the health care environment, it is important to discuss the roles that middle managers need to bring out the viability and growth of their departments and organization. These roles include planner, strategic planner, coordinator, leader, problem solver, and negotiator. To conduct these roles, skills and competencies that are closely linked to the effective performance of those roles are also described. Skills include human relations, marketing, and conceptual skills. Competencies include being able to manage attention, meaning, trust, and self, as well as being competent when conducting utilization reviews, program evaluations, documentation of services for quality and reimbursement purposes, and fiscal management. With these outlined roles, skills, and competencies, middle managers should be able to promote the mission of their organizations, support their employees, and navigate successfully in the competitive and ever-changing health care environment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
General linear optical coordinate tranformations.
New optical configurations for performing general coordinate transformation operations of shear, rotation, and their combination are presented. These configurations consist of refractive spherical and cylindrical lenses that are readily available. Typically, high-resolution imagery can be obtained, depending on the size of the input object, the illumination wavelength, and the f-number of the lenses. Basic and more general configurations are presented, along with experimental results clearly showing image shearing, rotation, and a combination of these with high-quality output imagery. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Patient evaluation. Laboratory and imaging studies.
The evaluation of urolithiases, in terms of calculus detection and evaluation of the morphology and function of the kidneys, continues to be refined with advances in imaging technology. The most significant recent advance is use of helical or spiral CT scan for the accurate delineation of renal and ureteral calculi in the acute setting. This may provide an accurate, rapid, and cost-effective method of patient evaluation. The alternative approach is to use plain abdominal radiography to detect renal or ureteral calculi. Noncontrast-enhanced helical or spiral CT scanning has its greatest impact in patients with negative abdominal radiographs or in those patients with suspected urinary colic in whom renal but not ureteral calculi are seen. A supplemental intravenous urogram can be used, as appropriate, to evaluate renal function and degree of obstruction on both the involved and uninvolved side. Combined abdominal radiography and sonography may be used for calculus detection and demonstration of obstruction. Sonography is an operator-dependent technique requiring expertise, experience, and adequate imaging equipment for satisfactory results. Physiologic study of renal blood flow and urinary dynamics using Doppler techniques are possible, though considered to be in the realm of clinical investigation at this time. Sonography has a valuable role in the serial evaluation of chronic stone formers with a history of recurrent urinary infections related to obstruction or reflux. Radiography, fluoroscopy, and sonography are the imaging, methods used in ESWL treatment in preprocedure and postprocedure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Side effects of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy].
The authors found that antihelicobacter therapy is accompanied by various side-effects, such as allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disturbances, dysbacteriosis, hematological disorders, and sometimes toxic hepatic lesions, depending on what antibiotic and in what doses is applied, as well as on the duration of antibiotic therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Relationship between the main functional traits of fine root and the rhizosphere soil nutrients of different diameter classes in Zenia insignis plantation.]
Fine roots are sensitive to changes in the soil environment, and play an important role in plant growth and development. To clarify the relationship between fine root traits and rhizosphere soil nutrient characteristics, fine roots of trees belonging to different diameter classes in six-year-old Zenia insignis plantation were sampled. The results showed that root biomass, root length density and root volume density increased with the increases of diameter class. Specific root length and specific root area showed the trend of first rising and then falling and rising again with the increases of diameter class. Root tissue density did not change with diameter class. There were significant diffe-rences in soil pH, water content, total carbon, total phosphorus, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen and total available nitrogen contents of rhizosphere soil belonging to different diameter classes. The concentrations of soil total carbon, total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen and total available nitrogen in the rhizosphere soil of large diameter trees were relatively higher, while the soil water content, total phosphorus and ammonium nitrogen contents of small diameter trees were relatively higher. The concentrations of soil total nitrogen, total carbon, nitrate nitrogen and total available nitrogen were significantly positively correlated with root biomass, root length density and root volume density. The concentrations of soil total phosphorus was significantly positively correlated with root tissue density of fine roots, but negatively correlated with specific root length and specific root area. Soil water content was significantly positively correlated with root biomass and root volume density. Soil pH was significantly positively correlated with the specific root length and specific root area of fine roots, but negatively correlated with root tissue density. Our results provide scientific basis for the selection of excellent germplasm resources of Z. insignis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-chitosan as thermosensitive in situ gel-forming system for ocular drug delivery.
A novel copolymer, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-chitosan (PNIPAAm-CS), was investigated for its thermosensitive in situ gel-forming properties and potential utilization for ocular drug delivery. The thermal sensitivity and low critical solution temperature (LCST) were determined by the cloud point method. PNIPAAm-CS had a LCST of 32 degrees C, which is close to the surface temperature of the eye. The in vivo ocular pharmacokinetics of timolol maleate in PNIPAAm-CS solution were evaluated and compared to that in conventional eye drop solution by using rabbits according to the microdialysis method. The C(max) of timolol maleate in aqueous fluid for the PNIPAAm-CS solution was 11.2 microg/ml, which is two-fold higher than that of the conventional eye drop, along with greater AUC. Furthermore, the PNIPAAm-CS gel-forming solution of timolol maleate had a stronger capacity to reduce the intra-ocular pressure (IOP) than that of the conventional eye drop of same concentration over a period of 12 h. In addition, the MTT assay showed that there is little cytotoxicity of PNIPAAm-CS at concentration range of 0.5-400 microg/ml. These results suggest that PNIPAAm-CS is a potential thermosensitive in situ gel-forming material for ocular drug delivery, and it may improve the bio-availability, efficacy, and compliance of some eye drugs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dynamics of electron holes in an electron-oxygen-ion plasma.
The dynamics of electron holes (EHs) in an electron-oxygen-ion plasma is studied by means of Vlasov simulations. It is found that EHs are attracted by ion density maxima but repelled by ion density minima. Standing EHs repel ions owing to the positive EH potential, creating an ion density cavity which ejects the EH, which propagates away from the cavity with a constant speed. On the other hand, propagating EHs can be trapped at ion density maxima. The results of our simulations will help in understanding the nonlinear dynamics of EHs in space and laboratory plasmas. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Complications of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
The serious complications of ESWL associated with the Dornier HM-3 lithotripter are well known. It is incumbent on operators to recognize these problems and, when possible, to anticipate them and utilize a treatment plan that will minimize their occurrence. Appropriate use of percutaneous techniques, double-J stents, and ureteroscopy and aggressive use of antibiotics can minimize the serious complications associated with ESWL. It will be of interest to see whether newer generation lithotripters will produce an incidence of complications similar to that of the Dornier HM-3 or whether unique problems will call for new strategies. We have described the clinically important complications of ESWL and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. At this time, these modalities should be looked on as complementary procedures. Each has specific indications, and, when used appropriately, often in concert, both will provide safe, effective treatment for patients with renal calculus disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Influences of Obesity and Bariatric Surgery on the Clinical and Pharmacologic Profile of Rivaroxaban.
The health implications of obesity are myriad and multifaceted. Physiologic changes associated with obesity can affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of administered drugs, thereby altering their pharmacologic profiles. In 2016, the Scientific and Standardization Committee of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis published recommendations about the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in obese patients. This guidance provides uniform recommendations for all DOACs, yet data suggest that individual agents may be affected to different degrees by obesity. Moreover, there are no recommendations currently available to guide DOAC use in bariatric surgery patients, in whom anatomic and physiologic changes to the digestive system can influence drug pharmacokinetics. Our review of the available literature indicates that the clinical profile of the DOAC rivaroxaban is not affected by high weight or bariatric surgery; hence, it does not appear that rivaroxaban dosing needs to be altered in these patient populations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Administration of magnesium sulphate before rocuronium: effects on speed of onset and duration of neuromuscular block.
The speeds of onset of pancuronium, atracurium and vecuronium are increased by prior administration of magnesium sulphate. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled, clinical study was performed to examine the effects of prior i.v. administration of magnesium sulphate 60 mg kg-1 on the neuromuscular blocking effects of rocuronium 0.6 mg kg-1 during isoflurane anaesthesia. Neuromuscular function was measured electromyographically (Relaxograph) in 30 patients who received either magnesium sulphate 60 mg kg-1 or normal saline, 1-min before rocuronium 0.6 mg kg-1. Mean onset times were similar in the two groups (magnesium sulphate 71 (SD 20) s; normal saline 75 (23) s), but times to initial, 10% and 25% recovery from neuromuscular block were significantly longer in the magnesium sulphate group (42.1 (16.3), 49.0 (12.4) and 56.5 (13.2) min, respectively) than in the saline group (25.1 (9.1), 33.0 (11.1) and 35.6 (13.2) min, respectively) (P < 0.05 in all three cases). Administration of magnesium sulphate was not associated with adverse haemodynamic effects. Prior administration of magnesium sulphate, under the study conditions described, prolonged rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block but did not increase speed of onset. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Role of lymphocytes in dogs experimentally re-challenged with canine transmissible sarcoma.
The role of lymphocytes in dogs re-challenged with canine transmissible sarcoma (CTS) was investigated histologically and immunologically. Tumors were detected on the 3rd day, began to regress on the 9th day and disappeared on approximately the 15th day after the secondary transplantation (AST). The CTS cells were surrounded by lymphocytes which had infiltrated from the early stage, degenerated and ultimately disappeared. Most of the lymphocytes expressed thymocyte antigen (Ta) on the cell membrane surface. The numbers of lymphocytes and Ta-positive lymphocytes in peripheral blood increased gradually AST. The blastogenic responses of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) induced by 3 kinds of mitogens were elevated strikingly from the early stage AST. These results suggest that Ta-positive lymphocytes play an important role in vivo in the regression of tumors and that the immunological activity of PBL is stimulated immediately AST. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Study of 2'-phosphodiesterase activity in cultured NIH 3T3 cells during activation of cAMP-dependent phosphorylation].
A rapid and transient decrease in 2'-phosphodiesterase activity in NIH 3T3 mouse cells was observed after adrenaline addition. The decrease of activity was accompanied by an elevation of intracellular cAMP level. The 2'-phosphodiesterase activity changed similarly when cells sink deeper into the resting state. In the latter case, the fall of the enzyme activity was correlated with elevation of the activity of cAMP-dependent proteinkinase and, moreover, a considerable increase of the intracellular level of 2',5'-oligoadenylate was observed. Phosphorylation of proteins by cAMP-dependent proteinkinase in the cell lysate also produced a pronounced drop of 2'-phosphodiesterase activity. Exogenous 2',5'-oligo (A) treatment of the cells resulted in the rise of 2'-phosphodiesterase activity; actinomycin D prevented this effect. The data presented suggest the involvement of two different mechanisms in regulation of 2'-phosphodiesterase activity: cAMP-dependent phosphorylation and induction of 2'-phosphodiesterase by 2',5'-oligoadenylate. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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