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[Correlation of karyotype with clinical features in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia].
The karyotype of 124 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), who were diagnosed on the basis of the FAB classification, were studied according to numerical, structural abnormalities and the presence or absence of translocations. Clonal chromosome abnormalities were found in 85 (68.5%) of the 124 patients. Firstly, chromosome abnormalities were classified according to modal number. Twenty-four patients with ALL had hyperdiploidy (51-66 chromosomes). They had favorable prognostic factors, including low leukocyte count, age between 2 and 10 years and a low level of serum LDH. They had the most favorable outcome. Thirty-nine patients with normal karyotype had a relatively favorable outcome. In contrast 8 patients with near hyperdiploidy (47, 48 chromosomes), 47 with pseudodiploidy, and 4 with hypodiploidy (45 chromosomes) had a poor outcome. Secondly, chromosome abnormalities were also classified according to specific structural abnormalities. The 1; 19 translocation, which is associated with the pre-B phenotype, was found in 13 patients. Their outcome was better than has hitherto been reported. The abnormality of the short arm of chromosome 12 was found in 11 patients, who had a good outcome. The chromosome abnormality of the breakpoint in the T-cell receptor gene locus, containing bands 14q11 and 7q35, was found in 7 patients. Four patients had mediastinal tumors and the T phenotype. Their outcome was intermediate. The 14q32 translocation was found in 8 patients. The 8; 14 translocation was closely associated with L3 (FAB) and the B phenotype, but another 14q32 translocation was not. Their outcome was poor. The 11q23 translocation was found in 4 Patients, who had null cell blasts. Three of the 4 had unfavorable prognostic factors, including both a high leukocyte count and age under one year. They had a poor outcome. The partial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 6 was found in 4 patients. The structural abnormality of the short arm of chromosome 9 was found in 4 patients with absence of T cell phenotype. Two patients had a mass. Prognosis of the patients with 6q- and 9p abnormalities was unclear because of the small number of cases. Thirdly, chromosome abnormalities were also classified according to the presence or absence of translocations. The chromosomal translocations, which have an adverse effect in ALL (p = 0.004), were ones of the strongest predictor of treatment outcome. This study demonstrated that chromosome modal number, specific structural abnormalities and the presence or absence of translocations were significantly correlated with clinical features and survival rates of Japanese childhood ALL. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Tunable diode laser spectroscopy in the infrared: some practical considerations of techniques and calibration with upsilon(2) lines of HCN.
A tunable diode laser has been incorporated as a source in an operating high resolution vacuum grating spectrometer. The advantages of such a system for recording molecular spectra have been elaborated. In the process of developing this system, several practical problems came about, and it has been considered useful to document the manner in which they have been resolved. In particular, for work in the region of 15 microm, it was advantageous to develop an air-spaced Fabry-Perot etalon to record fringes simultaneously with the scanning of molecular spectra. This was successfully done, and the upsilon(2) band lines of the HCN molecule at 14 microm have proved to be ideally suited for determining the fringe spacing spectroscopically. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Immunocytochemical detection of MMP-3 and -10 expression in hepatocellular carcinomas.
Structural changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) are necessary for cell migration during tissue remodeling and tumor invasion. The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors have been shown to be critical modulators of ECM composition and are thus crucial in neoplastic cell invasion and metastasis. Expression of MMP-2, -3, -9, -10, and -13 was investigated in human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) employing an indirect alkaline phosphatase conjugated immunocytochemical technique. Evaluation of the results was based on (a) the persent of neoplastically transformed cells/surrounding stroma that reacted positively and (b) a measure of staining intensity [graded from A (highest) to D]. The two forms of stromelysin, MMP-3 and -10, share 82% sequence homology, but exhibit differences in cellular synthesis and inducibility by cytokines and growth factors in vitro. Strong overall expression of MMP-3 and -10 was found in HCCs, especially in the ECM adjacent to blood vessels. Positive immunoreactivity could be seen for these two MMPs in the ECM surrounding over 90% of the neoplastically transformed cells (++++), and the staining intensity was also the strongest possible (A,B). No immunoreactivity was detected using antibodies directed against MMP-2, -9, and -13. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Variable expression of cytokines in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines and consistent expression in surgical specimens.
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are associated with abnormal cell-mediated immunity at the primary tumor site. We investigated tumor-derived cytokines as factors underlying such abnormalities. Cytokine mRNA and protein of eight HNSCC-derived cell lines were tested; reverse transcription-PCR results indicated the presence of mRNAs for interleukin 1alpha (IL-1alpha) and transforming growth factor alpha (8 of 8); transforming growth factor beta and IL-1beta (7 of 8); and IL-4 and IL-6 (4 of 8). IL-2, IFN-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor alpha mRNA were not detected. Supernatants from six of these cell lines were analyzed by ELISA; IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 were found to be markedly increased compared to human papillomavirus-16-immortalized human oral keratinocytes. To determine whether the cell line findings are applicable to primary tumors, we performed immunohistochemical analysis on tumor specimens from 12 patients with invasive HNSCC. Universal intracellular production of IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 protein was detected. We conclude that the aberrant elaboration of biologically active IL-1 and IL-6 may contribute to altered immune status in HNSCC patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Physiological anterior laxity in healthy young females: the effect of knee hyperextension and dominance.
Female athletes are more likely to sustain an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Knee laxity, hyperextension and limb dominance have been suggested as possible factors contributing to the knee injury. The aims of this study were to investigate the physiological anterior knee laxity between the dominant and non-dominant limb and in healthy young females with and without hyperextension knees. Forty-two healthy young females, 21 with hyperextension knees, were recruited voluntarily for this study. The subjects were tested with KT-2000 knee ligament arthrometer at both knees with flexion 30 degrees to obtain the anterior tibial displacements at loadings of 45, 67, 89 and 134 N. The initial and terminal stiffnesses were further calculated and analyzed to demonstrate the differences in the characteristics of knee laxity between limbs and groups. The results showed that there was no significant displacement difference between hyperextension and non-hyperextension groups. However, different physiological anterior laxities were illustrated for the different limbs and groups. The non-dominant side of the hyperextension group had significantly smaller terminal stiffness than that of the non-hyperextension group. The dominant side of the hyperextension group had larger laxity than the non-dominant side in the higher loading conditions. These findings may explain hyperextension knees are at greater risk of sustaining an ACL injury. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and IFN-gamma restore the systemic TNF-alpha response to endotoxin in lipopolysaccharide-desensitized mice.
The influence of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and IFN-gamma on the restoration of impaired TNF-alpha release in LPS-desensitized mice or their refractory macrophages was investigated. Mice pretreated with GM-CSF or IFN-gamma (50 microg/kg i.v.) and injected with 3 mg/kg LPS i.p. displayed increased plasma TNF-alpha levels compared with LPS controls. IL-10 was marginally up-regulated by GM-CSF but abrogated by IFN-gamma pretreatment. LPS-tolerant mice (30 microg/kg LPS i.p., -24 h) showed an attenuated plasma TNF-alpha and IL-10 response to LPS and survived LPS shock. Pretreatment of such mice with GM-CSF or IFN-gamma restored the previously impaired TNF-alpha response. In cultures of murine monocyte/macrophage-containing cell populations, i.e., alveolar, peritoneal, spleen, bone marrow cells, or blood, the presence of GM-CSF or IFN-gamma (10 ng/ml) resulted in an enhanced release of TNF-alpha initiated by 1 microg/ml LPS. Cells from LPS-tolerant mice showed a diminished responsiveness to LPS. However, when exposed to GM-CSF or IFN-gamma ex vivo, their TNF-alpha response to LPS was partially restored. These findings characterize GM-CSF and IFN-gamma as potent enhancers of LPS-induced TNF-alpha production in normal as well as in experimentally immunocompromised mice and provide the rationale for further experiments to explore the pharmacologic use of these cytokines for restoration of immunocompetence in sepsis-associated immunosuppression. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Determination of critical pollutant levels in wild populations, examples from organochlorine insecticides in birds of prey.
In assessing effects of pollutants on wild organisms, ecological concern is not so much with the protection of individuals, but with the maintenance of self-sustaining populations. Measures of the toxicity of chemicals made under laboratory conditions are thus of limited use when applied to populations in the field. For wild populations the critical level of any pollutant is that level which will lead to population decline (LPD). Among a range of species, this level may bear no consistent relationship to the LD(50) (or LC(50)). In some British birds of prey, whose numbers had been reduced mainly by HEOD poisoning, it was possible to determine the level of HEOD in the birds below which population recovery occurred. For Sparrowhawk and Kestrel, this was equivalent to a geometric mean HEOD level in livers of birds found dead of about 1.0 microg g(-1) (in wet weight). For Peregrines, it was equivalent to a geometric mean HEOD level in addled eggs of 0.7 microg g(-1) (wet weight). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Structural anatomy of the posterior pelvic compartment as it relates to rectocele.
This study was undertaken to define posterior compartment structural anatomy relevant to rectocele. Dissection of 42 fresh and 22 fixed cadavers was supplemented by examination of histologic (n = 3) and macroscopic (n = 5) serial sections. Distal posterior compartment support involves connection of the halves of the perineal membrane (urogenital diaphragm) through the perineal body, preventing downward protrusion of the lower rectum. Above this level the posterior vaginal wall is held in place by sheets of bilateral endopelvic fascia that attach each side of the posterior vaginal wall to the pelvic diaphragm. Most of these fascial fibers attach to the vaginal wall and a few fibers unite in the midline. Pelvic floor closure by the levator ani muscles relieves pressure-induced stress on the midvaginal fascial supports. Midline perineal membrane union supports the distal posterior compartment and a fascial connection between the pelvic diaphragm and vagina supports the mid vagina. Muscular pelvic floor closure helps to relieve fascial stress. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Using panoramic radiographs to detect carotid artery calcifications: are they a helpful diagnostic tool?
More than 50% of cerebrovascular accidents are caused by atherosclerotic disease at the carotid artery.1 Carotid artery stenosis may be detected by the standard method of duplex ultrasound (DUS), while calcifications can be detected by panoramic radiographs.2-4 Panoramic radiographs may be used as a selective tool, reducing health costs by identifying individuals at risk of stroke or myocardial infarction.5-7 The present study sought a correlation between laboratory findings/behaviors and panoramic radiographs and DUS images, thus determining the value of the panoramic radiographs' findings. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Probing four orders of magnitude of the diffusion time in porous silica glass with unconventional NMR techniques.
The combined use of two unconventional NMR diffusometry techniques permits measurements of the self-diffusion coefficient of fluids confined in porous media in the time range from 100 microseconds to seconds. The fringe field stimulated echo technique (FFStE) exploits the strong steady gradient in the fringe field of a superconducting magnet. Using a standard 9.4 T (400 MHz) wide-bore magnet, for example, the gradient is 22 T/m at 375 MHz proton resonance and reaches 60 T/m at 200 MHz. Extremely short diffusion times can be probed on this basis. The magnetization grid rotating frame imaging technique (MAGROFI) is based on gradients of the radio frequency (RF) field. The RF gradients not necessarily need be constant since the data are acquired with spatial resolution along the RF gradient direction. MAGROFI is also well suited for unilateral NMR applications where all fields are intrinsically inhomogeneous. The RF gradients reached depend largely on the RF coil diameter and geometry. Using a conic shape, a value of at least 0.3 T/m can be reached which is suitable for long-time diffusion measurements. Both techniques do not require any special hardware and can be implemented on standard high RF power NMR spectrometers. As an application, the influence of the tortuosity increasing with the diffusion time is examined in a saturated porous silica glass. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Psychological tests and borderline patients.
Psychological tests of 32 borderline or nonborderline (psychotic) patients were compared with the structural diagnoses arrived at on the basis of two kinds of clinical-research interviews: The DIB (following Gunderson's criteria) and the structural interview (following Kernberg's criteria). Test results were reported in terms of the diagnosis based on the full test battery, as well as in terms of the structural diagnosis implied by the presence or absence of thinking disturbances on the (structured) WAIS as compared with the (unstructured) Rorschach test. Statistically significant agreement was shown among these four approaches. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effects of inflation of antishock trousers on hemodynamics in normovolemic subjects.
Antishock trousers may maintain mean arterial pressure in trauma patients by increasing central blood volume and cardiac output. Hemodynamics, end-diastolic volume, stroke volume, cardiac output, and blood pressure were recorded in eight supine, healthy men in antishock trousers using two-dimensional echocardiography. Two inflation protocols were used. The antishock trousers were inflated to 50 and 100 mm Hg in a random fashion and inflation was maintained for 30 minutes before deflation. End-diastolic volume and blood pressure rose significantly (p less than 0.05) after antishock trouser inflation of 50 and 100 mm Hg. With the 50 mm Hg inflation, the stroke volume and end-diastolic volume fell below baseline over time. This did not occur with the 100 mm Hg inflation. After suit deflation, the stroke volume, end-diastolic volume, and cardiac output increased with 50 mm Hg inflation. The study shows that the antishock trousers alter several hemodynamic parameters. With lower inflation pressures, antishock trousers cause an increase in arterial pressure by increasing peripheral resistance. At higher inflation pressures, the antishock trousers increase cardiac output and as the cardiovascular system adjusts, maintain the pressure by increasing peripheral resistance. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Vaginal surgery for pelvic organ prolapse.
The vaginal approach to pelvic organ prolapse repair has been a mainstay of surgical therapy since the beginning of modern gynecologic surgery. In this article, the major vaginal procedures are reviewed with emphasis on techniques of pelvic reconstruction. Vaginal hysterectomy, apical suspension, repair of the anterior and posterior compartments, and perineal repair are covered in detail. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The mechanism of the Stille reaction investigated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.
On-line monitoring of Stille reactions was performed via direct infusion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and its tandem version (ESI-MS/MS). When operated in the positive ion mode, ESI(+)-MS was able to transfer, directly from solution to the gas phase, the species involved in all main steps of a Stille reaction, that is, the catalytically active palladium species Pd(PPh3)2, in its molecular ion form as well as the key cationic Pd(II) intermediates, including cyclic IPd-(CH2CH)Sn species. When searching for anionic species, ESI(-)-MS monitoring showed I- as the only anion detectable in the reaction medium. A detailed catalytic cycle for a Stille reaction was elaborated in which reaction intermediates and the previously elusive catalytically active Pd(0) species are shown in association with the respective ionic species intercepted by ESI-MS and further characterized by ESI-MS/MS. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
1alpha-Hydroxyvitamin D3 suppresses trabecular bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclastogenic potential in bone marrow cells after ovariectomy in mice.
To test the hypothesis that 1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 (1alpha(OH)D3) suppresses bone resorption after ovariectomy (ovx) by inhibiting osteoclastogenic potential in bone marrow cells, the bilateral tibiae of ddY mice, 8 weeks of age, subjected to ovx were obtained. 1alpha(OH)D3, at doses of 0, 0.2 (low dose), or 0.4 microg/kg body weight (high dose), was administered orally by canula three times a week for 2 or 6 weeks. Histomorphometric analysis of the proximal tibiae revealed that 1alpha(OH)D3 administration had no significant effect on trabecular bone volume of ovx limbs, which was reduced after ovx. The bone formation rate, increased by ovx, was significantly decreased by the administration of high-dose 1alpha(OH)D3. The ovx-induced increases in osteoclast number and surface at 2 weeks postsurgery were suppressed by the administration of high-dose 1alpha(OH)D3. With regard to bone marrow cells, the number of nonadherent cells per tibia obtained from ovx limbs increased, and this increase was suppressed by the administration of low- and high-dose 1alpha(OH)D3. The formation of mineralized nodules in marrow cultures obtained from ovx limbs was increased after surgery and unaltered by 1alpha(OH)D3 administration. The number of osteoclast-like multinucleated cells obtained from ovx limbs was reduced by low- and high-dose 1alpha(OH)D3 administration alike. The number of colony forming units-fibroblast and the number of colony forming units for granulocytes and macrophages was unaltered by ovx or the administration of 1alpha(OH)D3. The present study clearly demonstrates that high-dose 1alpha(OH)D3 suppresses osteoclast numbers and surface after ovx. The inhibitory effects of low- and high-dose 1alpha(OH)D3 on bone marrow cells after ovx were marked in the differentiation from osteoclast precursors to mature osteoclasts. Administration of 1alpha(OH)D3 suppressed ovx-promoted trabecular bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclastogenic potential in bone marrow cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Genetic resistance to helminths. Comparison of the development of Ostertagia circumcincta infections in Scottish Blackface sheep of different haemoglobin type.
Over the years a number of investigators have reported that sheep with haemoglobin A are more resistant to Haemonchus contortus than animals of the same breed with haemoglobin B. The experiment described here was an attempt to ascertain whether a similar association might exist between haemoglobin type and resistance to non-haematophagic parasites. The results indicate that such a relationship might exist, since Scottish Blackface sheep with HbA showed milder biochemical and pathophysiological changes than their HbB counterparts and at the same time harboured smaller numbers of adult worms and more inhibited larvae when necropsied 16 days after a primary infection with 100,000 Ostertagia circumcincta third-stage larvae. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Lateral mass versus hybrid construct for cervical laminectomy and fusion.
Spine stabilization after C3-C7 laminectomy can be accomplished with many instrumentation options. A hybrid construct using lateral mass screws from C3 to C5 and pedicle screws at C7 can potentially maximize strength and solve the spatial constraints introduced by the placement of C6 lateral mass screws and C7 pedicle screws. Seven cadaveric cervical spines from C2 to T2 were potted in a custom testing apparatus. Differential variable reluctance transducers were placed on C6 and C7 to measure linear displacement. Specimens were loaded in flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial torque at 1.5 Nm. A wide laminectomy was then performed, and specimens were randomized to first receive either the bilateral C3-C7 lateral mass screw construct or a hybrid construct with C3-C5 lateral mass screws and C7 pedicle screws. All specimens were tested with both constructs. Normalized deformation (mean±SD) for the lateral mass screw vs the hybrid pedicle screw constructs in the sagittal plane was 7.46%±5.48% vs 5.68%±3.67%, respectively (P=.237). Coronal deformation for lateral mass screw vs the hybrid pedicle screw constructs was 19.2%±10.9% vs 13.6%±9.53% (P=.237). Axial rotation deformation for lateral mass vs pedical screw constructs was 85.9%±83.3% vs 74.7%±58.1%, respectively (P=.868). Despite data reported in the literature indicating a higher pullout strength of pedicle screws and improved strength of hybrid pedicle screw constructs compared with lateral mass screw constructs, a hybrid construct taking spatial constraints and increased danger of pedicle screw placement above C7 into account showed no improvement in motion compared with a lateral mass screw construct. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Recent Developments in Intermediate Moisture Foods.
The science and technology of intermediate moisture foods has advanced during the last 25 years. Developments during this period are reviewed. Knowledge of the relationship of water activity and food degradation has advanced considerably during this period. Many new intermediate moisture foods have been developed. Several methods have been developed to alter the water activity of foods. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Results of closed medullary nailing of leg fractures (27 controlled cases)].
One of the possible methods for osteosynthesis of leg fractures is Küntscher's closed medullary nailing. The problems resulting from this type of injury, the surgical method, and the results obtained will here by presented on the basis of 27 checked cases. In 25 of those cases the fracture healed within the normal time span. In one case the consolidation was delayed, and one case gave rise to pseudarthrosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transportation and driving in longitudinal studies on ageing.
the associations between transportation, driving and successful ageing are as yet poorly understood. As longitudinal studies are the best methodology for clarifying associations and relationships between health, ageing and environmental factors, we sought to determine how transportation is incorporated into longitudinal studies, and which aspects are assessed. of 55 longitudinal studies on ageing on the National Institute on Aging register, online survey instruments, where available, were scrutinised for references to transport. Where unavailable, principal investigators were contacted by mail/email/phone and asked to forward questions on transportation and driving. Questions were classified into (i) systems, (ii) resources, (iii) transport satisfaction and (iv) mobility needs. of 55 studies, we could review 36 questionnaires (28 personal replies, 9 accessible online survey instruments). Sixteen had no reference to driving or transportation, 20 (61%) had public transport components and 12 (31%) included questions about driving. Questions covered systems (17), transportation needs (12), transportation resources (11) and transportation satisfaction (4). transport is under-represented in ongoing longitudinal studies, with emphases on public transport, systems and resources, rather than driving and satisfaction. Future waves of studies could usefully review their survey instruments to better measure older people's preferences on transport options and satisfaction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Field regulation of single-molecule conductivity by a charged surface atom.
Electrical transport through molecules has been much studied since it was proposed that individual molecules might behave like basic electronic devices, and intriguing single-molecule electronic effects have been demonstrated. But because transport properties are sensitive to structural variations on the atomic scale, further progress calls for detailed knowledge of how the functional properties of molecules depend on structural features. The characterization of two-terminal structures has become increasingly robust and reproducible, and for some systems detailed structural characterization of molecules on electrodes or insulators is available. Here we present scanning tunnelling microscopy observations and classical electrostatic and quantum mechanical modelling results that show that the electrostatic field emanating from a fixed point charge regulates the conductivity of nearby substrate-bound molecules. We find that the onset of molecular conduction is shifted by changing the charge state of a silicon surface atom, or by varying the spatial relationship between the molecule and that charged centre. Because the shifting results in conductivity changes of substantial magnitude, these effects are easily observed at room temperature. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pharmacokinetics of propranolol in the cat and comparisons with humans and three other species.
The aims of this study were to describe the pharmacokinetics of propranolol in the cat, to compare pharmacokinetic parameters for propranolol in the cat with those of four other species and to apply the two-step infusion method of Wagner (Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 16, 691-700, 1974) in order to attain a rapid steady-state level for propranolol in plasma. Seven healthy adult cats received propranolol either as an I.V. bolus or by the two-step I.V. infusion method. The latter method was very effective in rapidly attaining and maintaining steady-state plasma propranolol levels. Pharmacokinetic parameters for propranolol in the cat are as follows: plasma clearance, 31.3 ml/(kg x min); volume of distribution, 1.57 L/kg; elimination half-life, 35 min. When compared with other species, the order of plasma clearances for propranolol were: rat greater than dog greater than cat greater than man greater than monkey. A plot of total area under the plasma propranolol concentration-time curve versus dose was not linear at the lower doses, but was linear at doses greater than 0.242 mg/kg. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Management of severe hyperkalemia.
Hyperkalemia is one of the few potentially lethal electrolyte disturbances. Prompt recognition and expeditious treatment of severe hyperkalemia are expected to save lives. This review is intended to provide intensivists and other interested clinicians with an understanding of the pathophysiology that underlies hyperkalemia, and a rational approach to its management. This article reviews and analyzes literature relevant to the pathophysiology and management of severe hyperkalemia. Methods include search of MEDLINE, and bibliographic search of current textbooks and journal articles. A more complete understanding of potassium homeostasis in recent years has led to new approaches to the management of severe hyperkalemia. The physiologically based sequential approach still applies. The efficacy, pitfalls, and risks of the agents available for use at each step in the sequence are critically reviewed. Rational use of the available tools will allow clinicians to successfully treat severe hyperkalemia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A brief introduction to Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II].
Clinical practice guidelines play an important role in practitioner and patient decisions regarding appropriate clinical health care and in health policy formation. In the guideline development process, inappropriate methodologies and development strategies significantly influence the quality of guidelines; therefore, research and evaluation of guidelines have great significance. The original Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) instrument was published in 2003 by a group of international guideline developers and researchers. AGREE has important significance for the quality guarantee and successful implementation of guidelines, and has extensively achieved endorsement since 2003. In 2009, The AGREE Collaboration has developed the AGREE II by refining the original AGREE instrument. At present, the AGREE II has already replaced the original AGREE instrument; however, related introduction regarding AGREE II has not been found in China. The authors of this article briefly introduce the AGREE II, and believe that it will add value to research and evaluation of the guidelines. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Critical components of obstetric management of chemically dependent women.
Providing prenatal care to chemically dependent women presents multiple dilemmas and challenges to clinicians. It is a complex task and one that is incongruent with the usual perceptions of the obstetric experience. However, it must be viewed as an opportunity to bring these alienated women into the health care system. Pregnancy represents a period in most women's lives when they recognize the need for and are receptive to caring and responsive intervention. By optimizing the prenatal experience of chemically dependent women, maternal-fetal outcomes will be improved and the groundwork laid for the ongoing therapeutic services that are needed to maintain the health and well-being of the mother and child. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Efficient and color-tunable Mn-doped ZnSe nanocrystal emitters: control of optical performance via greener synthetic chemistry.
Formation of Mn-doped ZnSe quantum dots (Mn:ZnSe d-dots) using nucleation-doping strategy was studied systematically and optimized through greener approaches. The resulting d-dots were with high ( approximately 50%) photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY), which was achieved by the controlled formation of small-sized MnSe nanoclusters as the core and a diffused interface between the nanocluster core and the ZnSe overcoating layers. Synthesis of the d-dots under high temperatures (240-300 degrees C) was achieved by varying the structure of the metal carboxylate precursors, concentration of the inhibitors, free fatty acid, and concentration of the activation reagents, fatty amines. Highly emissive d-dots synthesized under desired conditions were found to be extremely stable upon thermal treatment up to the boiling point of the solvent (about 300 degrees C), which was quantitatively studied using in situ measurements. The PL peak of the d-dots was controllably tuned in a surprisingly large optical window, from 565 to 610 nm. These highly emissive and stable d-dots possess characteristics of practical emissive materials, especially for applications requiring high power, high concentration of emitters, and under tough conditions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
AAPM tutorial. CT image detail and noise.
Two important characteristics of the computed tomographic (CT) image that affect the ability to visualize anatomic structures and pathologic features are blur and noise. Increased blurring reduces the visibility of small objects (image detail); increased visual noise reduces the visibility of low-contrast objects. Sources of blurring in CT include the size of the sampling aperture (which can be regulated by the focal spot size and the detector size), the size of the voxels, and the reconstruction filter selected. Noise is caused by the variation in attenuation coefficients between voxels. Use of small voxels and edge-enhancing filters helps reduce blurring and improve visibility of fine details. However, small voxels absorb fewer photons and therefore result in increased noise. Noise can be reduced by using large voxels, increasing radiation dose, or using a smoothing filter, but this filter increases blurring. An optimized protocol for a specific clinical study must take these physical principles into account and be adjusted to give proper balance among detail, low noise, and patient exposure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Disopyramide and quinidine bind with inverse selectivity to muscarinic receptors in cardiac and extracardiac rat tissues.
We investigated the interactions of disopyramide and quinidine with the muscarinic receptor in tissue homogenates from rat atrium, ventricle, cortex, submandibular gland, and urinary bladder by means of competition binding experiments, using the tritium-labeled antagonist N-methyl-4-piperidyl benzilate. The drugs displayed heterogeneous characteristics of binding to the muscarinic receptors in the different tissues. The binding affinity of quinidine to the muscarinic receptor in atrial tissue was five to 10 times greater than in the other tissues studied, whereas the affinity of disopyramide to the muscarinic receptor in the heart was five times lower than in the other tissues. This inverse selectivity shown by the two drugs in their binding to cardiac and to noncardiac tissues may explain the extracardiac antimuscarinic side effects of treatment with disopyramide and their absence with quinidine. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effects of social support and negative appraisals on acute stress symptoms and depression in children and adolescents.
To investigate the impact of social support on both acute stress symptoms and depression in children and adolescents following a single-incident trauma as well as the potential mediating effects of negative appraisals. A cross-sectional concurrent design was used. Ninety-seven children (aged 7-17 years) and a parent of each were recruited through the emergency department or in-patient ward of two metropolitan hospitals. Negative appraisals, child perception of social support, parent availability to provide social support, prior trauma and psychological difficulties, depression and acute stress symptoms were measured within 4 weeks of trauma. Negative appraisals about the trauma were highly correlated with both acute stress and depression symptoms. Social support was negatively correlated with depression symptoms, but not acute stress symptoms. There was a trend for social support to be negatively correlated with negative appraisals. There was no evidence that negative appraisals mediated the social support-symptoms relationships. The findings lend support to recent cognitive and developmental models of the aetiology of post-traumatic stress disorder, and the possible shared cognitive vulnerability between trauma symptoms and depression. Clinically, the results indicate that, appraisals, social support, and depression symptoms should be assessed in addition to trauma symptoms following single-incident traumatic events. The findings also suggest that when depression symptoms are present following trauma exposure, it may be useful to ensure children have adequate social support. Future research should also develop trauma specific measures of social support. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Delayed classic and protracted phenotypes of compound heterozygous juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.
To correlate the phenotypes with the genotypes of 10 Finnish juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL; late-onset Batten disease) patients who all are compound heterozygotes for the major 1.02-kb deletion in the CLN3 gene. The mutations on the non-1.02-kb deletion chromosomes were screened in 6 patients; in the other 4 patients the mutations were known (one affecting a splice site, two missense mutations, and one deletion of exons 10 through 13). Clinical features were examined, and MRI, MRS, somatosensory evoked magnetic field (SEF), and overnight polysomnography (PSG) studies were performed. A novel deletion of exons 10 through 13 was found in 6 patients belonging to three families. In the patients carrying the deletions of exons 10 through 13 the clinical course of the disease was fairly similar. Variation was greatest in the time course to blindness. In these patients the mental and motor decline was slower than in classic JNCL, but more severe than in the two patients with missense mutations in exons 11 and 13. MRI showed brain atrophy in 4 patients. One patient had hyperintense periventricular white matter, otherwise brain signal intensities were normal. SEFs were enhanced in patients older than 14 years, whereas in PSG all but the youngest 6-year-old patient showed epileptiform activity in slow-wave sleep. JNCL can manifest as at least three different phenotypes: classic, delayed classic, and protracted JNCL with predominantly ocular symptoms. Finnish compound heterozygotes have the delayed classic or the protracted form of JNCL. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Garcinol Suppresses IL-1β-Induced Chondrocyte Inflammation and Osteoarthritis via Inhibition of the NF-κB Signaling Pathway.
Osteoarthritis (OA), which is characterized as a common degenerative joint disease, is presently the most prevalent chronic degenerative joint disease. Accumulating evidence has shown a biological function for Garcinol in a variety of diseases; however, whether it could be used to treat OA remains unclear. In this study, we explored the protective effects of garcinol on the progression of OA and explored the underlying mechanism. In vitro, garcinol reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). It also decreased the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), as well as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Furthermore, garcinol inhibited the expression of thrombospondin motifs 5(ADAMTS5) and metalloproteinase (MMPs), both of which regulate extracellular matrix degradation. These changes could be attributed to garcinol-related suppression of the IL-1β-induced NF-κB signaling pathway. Moreover, we investigated the protective effects of garcinol on the surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) of the mouse, an in vivo model of OA. Taken together, our data suggest garcinol as a potential future agent for the treatment of OA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antidiabetic effects of water-soluble Korean pine nut protein on type 2 diabetic mice.
Korean pine nut protein (PNP) has a variety of biological activities, which are good for human health, but its ability to preventing diabetes has not been reported. This study evaluated the effects of water-soluble proteins of Korean pine nut obtained from a dilute alkali extract on carbohydrate metabolism of type 2 diabetic mice on a model of diabetes induced using a high fat diet combined with streptozotocin. The results showed that the hypoglycemic effect of PNP at a middle dose was the most significant, which was 38.7% lower than that of control. The extract significantly improved the oral glucose tolerance and liver indexes, increased the activity of the carbohydrate metabolism enzymes, and regulated the expression of the function of key genes for carbohydrate metabolism. It had a positive effect on both insulin resistance and glycolytic/gluconeogenesis signaling. In conclusion, PNP can regulate fasting blood glucose, improve insulin resistance, correct the glucose metabolism disorder in diabetic mice, and have a positive regulatory role. As the functional food, it has the potential to be beneficial in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus as a new hypoglycemic functional food. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The effects of phytoestrogen on blood pressure and lipids in healthy volunteers].
To determine the effects of dietary soy containing phytoestrogens on blood pressure and lipids in healthy volunteers. Two hundred thirteen healthy volunteers (108 men and 105 post-menopausal women, 50 - 76 years old) received either soy protein isolate (40 g soy protein, 118 mg isoflavones) or cassin placebo for 3 months in this randomized, double-blind trial. There were 34 withdrawals (16%) and 179 people (96 men and 83 women) completed the study protocol. After 3 months treatment, urinary phytoestrogens was significantly increased and blood pressure was significant reduced in soy protein group than that in cassin placebo group [mean change in systolic (-7.5 +/- 1.2) mm Hg vs. (-3.6 +/- 1.1) mm Hg, P < 0.05; diastolic: -4.3 +/- 0.8) mm Hg vs (-1.9 +/- 0.7) mm Hg, P < 0.05; mean aortic blood pressure: (-5.5 +/- 1.0) mm Hg vs (-0.9 +/- 1.0) mm Hg, P < 0.008]. Low- to high-density lipoprotein ratio [(-0.33 +/- 0.10) mmol/L vs (0.04 +/- 0.10) mmol/L, P < 0.05] and triglycerides [(-0.20 +/- 0.05) mmol/L vs (-0.01 +/- 0.05) mmol/L, P < 0.05] were significantly reduced and Lp(a) lipoprotein significantly increased [42 (17 - 67) mg/L vs 4 (22 - 31) mg/L, P < 0.05] in soy protein group compared to cassin placebo group. Total, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterols all improved in both groups and were similar between the groups. No side-effect was observed in both groups and no effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis was noted in study subjects. In normotensive men and post-menopausal women, phytoestrogens intake improved blood pressure and lipids status. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evaluating clinical supervision in community homes and teams serving adults with learning disabilities.
Evaluating clinical supervision in community homes and teams serving adults with learning disabilities This paper provides a discussion of some of the professional and policy outcomes associated with implementing clinical supervision within a community service for adults with learning disabilities. It is based upon a small qualitative study whose aim was to examine how clinical supervision was operating, its strengths, its weaknesses and where improvements might be made. The study followed the introduction of clinical supervision 9 months earlier for nurses and carers employed in three community homes and one community multiprofessional team. The method consisted of direct observation of individual and group supervision and staff completing critical incident questionnaires, followed by semi-structured, audio-taped interviews with seven registered nurses and four community team members, including a social worker, psychologist and physiotherapist. Outcomes were expressed in two ways: in terms of the benefits of clinical supervision or of its ambivalence. The range of matters brought for discussion, or resolution, in supervision reflected some of the difficulties or dilemmas staff faced working in this area, for example promoting empowerment and assisting clients to make choices, and dealing with clients' challenging and inappropriate behaviours. As for the role of supervisor there was some evidence of nurses expressing apprehension or unpreparedness, also a perceived general concern over the relatively low status of clinical supervision, thought to be due to absence of visible management approval or failure to articulate properly the objective of supervision. A limitation of the study was its small subject sample although considerable data were gathered in each of the units through relatively long-term contact. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Antiarrhythmic properties of 2-(2'-hydroxy-2')-substituted ethyl-1,2,3,4-octahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazines].
The antiarrhythmic activity and acute toxicity of a series of 2-(2'-hydroxy-2')-substituted ethyloctahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazines were studied. Two most promising compound (PV-238) is characterized by high antiarrhythmic activity, broad spectrum of action, and low toxicity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Production of Gold Nanoparticles by Biogenesis Using Bacteria].
Diazotrophic cyanobacteria Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, four Nostoc strains, and two Azotobacter species (A. vinelandii and A. chroococcum) were found to produce gold nanoparticles (GNP) under nitrogen fixation conditions. GNP biogenesis occurred at AuHCl₄ concentrations from 0.1 to 1 mM. In the cultures of unicellular cyanobacteria Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 and Synechocystis incapable of nitrogen fixation, no GNP were formed at the same concentrations of gold salts. The plasmon resonance band peak was located at 552 nm. This position is characteristic of spherical GNP 10 to 30 nm in size. Small amounts of GNP were also formed in the culture liquid supernatants of the tested nitrogen-fixing bacteria at AuHCl₄concentrations from 0.25 to 0.5 mM. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical inquiries. Which regimen treats vitamin D deficiency most effectively?
Several vitamin D replacement regimens are effective. Cumulative dosing may be more important than frequency of dosing (strength of recommendation [SOR]: C, inconsistent results from randomized controlled trials [RCTs] of disease-oriented outcomes).Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) may increase serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations more effectively than vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) (SOR: C, a single RCT of disease-oriented outcomes). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Surgical technique for peritoneal dialysis catheter placement in the pediatric patient: a North American survey.
In the present study, we surveyed 425 members of the American Pediatric Surgical Association and the Canadian Association of Pediatric Surgeons to identify prevalent operative techniques used in the placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters by pediatric surgeons. Our survey assessed catheter type, skin and fascial incision orientations, deep-cuff positions, exit-site directions, and omentectomy. We received responses from 156 surgeons (36.7%) and excluded 18 of those responses. Among the assessed responses, 83 surgeons (60%) indicated that they had placed at least 1 catheter in the previous 12 months. Of the 83, 13% had placed 1 catheter, 52% had placed 2 - 5, 16% had placed 6 - 9, and 18% had placed 10+. We observed significant variability in all aspects of surgical technique. The most common catheter configuration was single-cuff (59%), curled end (60%), and non swan neck (72%). The most common surgical approach was a transverse skin incision (52%), a fascial incision through the rectus (68%), a deep cuff between the peritoneum and fascia (46%), a superior-pointing exit site (37%), and a superficial cuff distant to the exit site (53%). Routine omentectomy was reported by 59% of respondents. Only 15% reported using a laparoscopic approach on first attempt. Pediatric surgeons employ a variety of surgical techniques when placing peritoneal catheters. Some of the techniques used vary from the published recommendations. Quality can potentially be improved by wider dissemination of published surgical recommendations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Relationship between pediatric blood and marrow transplant center volume and day +100 mortality: Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Consortium experience.
The number of patients receiving a BMT is currently being used as a factor in the accreditation process in determining whether a center can provide a high-quality BMT. Such criteria particularly impact pediatric BMT centers as most of them perform a relatively small number of BMTs. To determine whether patient volume is a valid marker of pediatric BMT center's capabilities, the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Consortium (PBMTC) evaluated data from its registry to define the relationship between a pediatric transplant center's patient volume and day +100 mortality. The analyses evaluated 2575 transplants from 60 centers reporting to the PBMTC between the years 2002 and 2004. The volume-outcome relationship was evaluated while adjusting for 46 independent data categories divided between nine variables that were known- or suspected-mortality risk factors. We found no association between transplant center volume and day +100 mortality in several analyses. A calculated intraclass correlation coefficient also indicated that differences in individual transplant center volume contributed to only 1% of the variance in day +100 mortality within the PBMTC. The results of this study suggest that factors other than transplant center volume contribute to variation in day +100 mortality among pediatric patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Cranial trauma and prehospital care. Evaluation of the effectiveness of early treatment].
The role of pre-hospital care is still to be stressed especially in case of head injuries. We compared two groups of head injuries (total 50 patients, 38 politrauma) transported by traditional ambulance (28 patients) or by EMS helicopter (22). The two populations had similar values of the considered indices (TS, ISS, GCS, TRISS). They significantly were different only for the "free therapy time". Patients transported by ambulance showed an higher incidence (p less than 0.01) of acute complications (like hemorrhage and hypovolemic shock) despite the same gravity score indices. The index applied for the follow-up valuation, does not show any difference in the two groups. This may be due to the unreliability of the used scores if they are applied without any correlation with the quality of care during the transport. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Yolk-shell Fe2O3 ⊙ C composites anchored on MWNTs with enhanced lithium and sodium storage.
A unique architecture with yolk-shell Fe2O3 ⊙ C composites attached to the surface of MWNTs is designed. Benefiting from the good electrical conductivity of MWNTs and carbon layers, as well as the large void space to accommodate the volume expansion/extraction of Fe2O3 during battery cycling, the obtained MWNT@Fe2O3 ⊙ C exhibited outstanding lithium and sodium storage performance. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Protein-losing enteropathy in congestive cardiac failure: an entity of minor clinical significance.
Protein-losing enteropathology (PLE) occurs rarely in congestive cardiac failure (CCF). Using fecal alpha 1-antitrypsin, an endogenous marker of enteric protein loss, we studied 25 patients in severe CCF to determine the frequency, degree, and clinical significance of PLE. Excessive enteric protein loss was found in only two patients, confirming the relative infrequency of this condition. In addition, enteric protein loss did not appear to correlate with the serum albumin level; neither did it influence treatment or prognosis of the CCF. It is concluded that PLE associated with CCF is of minor clinical significance. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Staphylococcus aureus keratinocyte invasion is mediated by integrin-linked kinase and Rac1.
Staphylococcus aureus is a major component of the skin microbiota and causes a large number of serious infections. S. aureus first interacts with epidermal keratinocytes to breach the epidermal barrier through mechanisms not fully understood. By use of primary keratinocytes from mice with epidermis-restricted Ilk gene inactivation and control integrin-linked kinase (ILK)-expressing littermates, we investigated the role of ILK in epidermal S. aureus invasion. Heat-killed, but not live, bacteria were internalized to Rab5- and Rab7-positive phagosomes, and incubation with keratinocyte growth factor increased their uptake 2.5-fold. ILK-deficient mouse keratinocytes internalized bacteria 2- to 4-fold less efficiently than normal cells. The reduced invasion by live S. aureus of ILK-deficient cells was restored in the presence of exogenous, constitutively active Rac1. Thus, Rac1 functions downstream from ILK during invasion. Further, invasion by S. aureus of Rac1-deficient cells was 2.5-fold lower than in normal cells. Paradoxically, staphylococcal cutaneous penetration of mouse skin explants with ILK-deficient epidermis was 35-fold higher than that of normal skin, indicating defects in epidermal barrier function in the absence of ILK. Thus, we identified an ILK-Rac1 pathway essential for bacterial invasion of keratinocytes, and established ILK as a key contributor to prevent invasive staphylococcal cutaneous infection. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Targeting the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: Prebiotics Have Anxiolytic and Antidepressant-like Effects and Reverse the Impact of Chronic Stress in Mice.
The realization that the microbiota-gut-brain axis plays a critical role in health and disease, including neuropsychiatric disorders, is rapidly advancing. Nurturing a beneficial gut microbiome with prebiotics, such as fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), is an appealing but underinvestigated microbiota manipulation. Here we tested whether chronic prebiotic treatment modifies behavior across domains relevant to anxiety, depression, cognition, stress response, and social behavior. C57BL/6J male mice were administered FOS, GOS, or a combination of FOS+GOS for 3 weeks prior to testing. Plasma corticosterone, microbiota composition, and cecal short-chain fatty acids were measured. In addition, FOS+GOS- or water-treated mice were also exposed to chronic psychosocial stress, and behavior, immune, and microbiota parameters were assessed. Chronic prebiotic FOS+GOS treatment exhibited both antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. Moreover, the administration of GOS and the FOS+GOS combination reduced stress-induced corticosterone release. Prebiotics modified specific gene expression in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. Regarding short-chain fatty acid concentrations, prebiotic administration increased cecal acetate and propionate and reduced isobutyrate concentrations, changes that correlated significantly with the positive effects seen on behavior. Moreover, FOS+GOS reduced chronic stress-induced elevations in corticosterone and proinflammatory cytokine levels and depression-like and anxiety-like behavior in addition to normalizing the effects of stress on the microbiota. Taken together, these data strongly suggest a beneficial role of prebiotic treatment for stress-related behaviors. These findings strengthen the evidence base supporting therapeutic targeting of the gut microbiota for brain-gut axis disorders, opening new avenues in the field of nutritional neuropsychopharmacology. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Simulation: translation to improved team performance.
Traditional medical education has emphasized autonomy, and until recently issues related to teamwork have not been explicitly included in medical curriculum. The Institute of Medicine highlighted that health care providers train as individuals, yet function as teams, creating a gap between training and reality and called for the use of medical simulation to improve teamwork. The aviation industry created a program called Cockpit and later Crew Resource Management that has served as a model for team training programs in medicine. This article reviews important concepts related to teamwork and discusses examples where simulation either could be or has been used to improve teamwork in medical disciplines to enhance patient safety. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Endotoxin determination in viscous opaque solutions of iron dextran by Limulus amebocyte lysate.
LAL would not form a clot when mixed with a viscous, opaque parenteral preparation of iron dextran spiked with endotoxin. However, recoverable precipitate could be obtained by diluting the LAL iron dextran mixture with PBS and centrifuging. Although the pellet so formed was red colored the protein present could be quantitated by dissolving it in a Coomassie Blue stain solution. The very rapid change in color from reddish black to deep blue was measured quantitatively in a spectrophotometer and was sigmoidally related to the amount of endotoxin used to spike the iron dextran. This method is suggested to be generally useful to measure quantitatively endotoxin concentrations too low to form a clot with LAL but high enough to precipitate recoverable protein from LAL. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Temporal and spatial fluctuations of phytoplankton in a tropical coastal lagoon, southeast Brazil.
Spatial and temporal variability of the phytoplankton community in the tropical coastal Imboassica lagoon, an environment naturally isolated from the ocean by a narrow sandbar, was analysed every two weeks for 19 months by sampling three sites. During this study, the lagoon received direct input of marine water three times, resulting in remarkable salinity, nutrient concentrations and phytoplankton biomass variations in both temporal and spatial aspects. The phytoplankton biomass presented relatively low values ranging, on average, from 0.54 mg x L(-1) in the station closest to the sea (station 1) to 1.34 mg x L(-1) in the station close to a macrophyte bank (station 3). Diatoms and cryptomonads dominated in stations 1 and 2 (located relatively close to station 1, yet receiving the runoff of domestic sewage), and euglenoids, cryptomonads and dinoflagellates at station 3. Stations 1 and 2 usually presented the same dominant species but station 2 presented a higher phytoplankton biomass. On the other hand, station 3 showed more similar results concerning phytoplankton biomass with station 2, however the dominant species were usually different. The high fluctuations of salinity and the reduced nutrient availability are pointed out as the main factors structuring the dynamics of the phytoplankton community at the Imboassica lagoon. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Polymorphism of TNF-alpha in autoimmunity and tuberculosis].
Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) has been incriminated in several autoimmune and infectious diseases. The influence of TNF-alpha -308 polymorphism was examined in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and tuberculosis. Genomic DNA from patients with RA (N=165), SLE (N=118), pSS (N=67), tuberculosis (N=138), as well as ethnic-matched controls (N=419) were characterized for the TNF-alpha -308 genetic polymorphism using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. TNF2 allele was associated with RA (OR: 1.6, C.I.95% 1.2-2.3, p=0.008), SLE (OR: 2.3, 95%C.I. 1.6-3.3, p<0.0001), and pSS (OR: 2.7, 95%C.I. 1.7-4.1, p<0.0001). TNF1 was associated with tuberculosis (OR: 1.9, 95%C.I. 1.2-3.1, p=0.02). TNF1/TNF2 heterozygosity was associated with susceptibility for RA (OR: 1.7, 95%C.I. 1.2-2.6, p=0.01), SLE (OR: 3, 95%C.I. 2-4.7, p<0.0001), and pSS (OR: 3.8, 95%C.I. 2.2-6.5, p<0.0001). The homozygous state TNF1/TNF1 was protective for autoimmunity (OR<0.6, p<0.01). In contrast, the TNF1/TNF2 genotype was a protective factor for tuberculosis (OR 0.5, 95%C.I. 0.3-0.9, p=0.02) whereas TNF1/TNF1 homozygosity was associated with susceptibility (OR: 2, 95%C.I. 1.2-3.4, p=0.02). These results indicate that TNF2 is a common susceptibility allele for autoimmune rheumatic diseases and a protective one for tuberculosis. In addition, the data point towards a genetic selection in our population that might be maintained through dominant selection (heterozygote advantage) to infection by M. tuberculosis but susceptible to autoimmunity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects on haemoglobin of multi-micronutrient supplementation and multi-helminth chemotherapy: a randomized, controlled trial in Kenyan school children.
To assess the effects of multi-micronutrient supplementation and multi-helminth chemotherapy on haemoglobin concentration (Hb), using schools as a health delivery system. STUDY AREA AND POPULATION: Nine hundred seventy-seven children between 9 and 18 y of age from 19 primary schools in Bondo District, western Kenya, were included in the trial. The 746 (76.4%) children on whom baseline Hb was available were included in this study. The study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, two-by-two factorial trial of the effects of multi-micronutrient supplementation and multi-helminth chemotherapy on Hb after 8 months. Single treatment of infected children with albendazole (600 mg) for geohelminths and praziquantel (40 mg/kg) for Schistosoma mansoni and daily supplementation with 13 micronutrients. : Multi-micronutrient supplementation (3.5 g/l, 95% CI 1.7, 5.3; P=0.0002) and anthelminthic treatment (2.0 g/l, 95% CI 0.2, 3.9; P=0.03) increased Hb independently (interaction, P=0.33). The effects were also independent of baseline Hb and general nutritional status. The treatment effect was due to reductions in S. mansoni and hookworm intensities of infection, in that Hb increased by 0.4 and 0.2 g/l, respectively, per 100 epg reductions in egg output. Interestingly, among S. mansoni-infected children, the effect of treatment seemed stronger in those with compared to those without co-existing malaria parasitaemia (interaction, P=0.09). Multi-micronutrient supplementation and multi-helminth chemotherapy increased Hb among school children, irrespective of initial Hb and nutritional status. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The host range and selectivity of a parasitic plant: Rhinanthus minor L.
Rhinanthus minor (Yellow-rattle) is a widespread hemiparasitic plant of grassland habitats throughout Britain. Association analysis of the dune vegetation at Holme-next-the-Sea in eastern England revealed only two potential host plants through positive association. In contrast direct examination of the root systems revealed haustorial connections with 20 host species. The number of species parasitized by one plant ranged from one to seven. Data from another four sites in Britain and one in central Europe indicate that the natural host range of R. minor encompasses at least 50 species from 18 families with 22% in the Leguminosae and 30% in the Gramineae. Comparison of the number of haustorial connections made to each species with the abundance of roots in the soil shows that R. minor is a highly selective parasite, but that the selectivity is not consistent between populations or between plants from different parts of the same population. The reasons for host selectivity are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ionophores and nutrient digestion and absorption in ruminants.
This paper reviews the effects of feeding ionophores on nutrient digestion and absorption. In cattle, monensin and lasalocid increase apparent digestible energy by an average of 2.0 percentage units. In sheep, responses in digestible energy to ionophore feeding have been more variable, and neither monensin nor lasalocid have, on average, affected digestible energy. The effect of ionophores on fiber digestibility appears to depend on diet composition and source of fiber because both increases and decreases in fiber digestibility have been associated with ionophore feeding. Lasalocid and monensin reduce the percentage of starch digested in the rumen and increase the quantity of starch digested in the intestine. However, total gastrointestinal tract digestion of starch has generally not been affected by ionophores. Apparent nitrogen digestibility has been increased by ionophore feeding in a number of animal species. Apparent absorption of magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium has been increased by ionophore supplementation. Absorption of calcium, potassium and sodium has been inconsistently affected by ionophores. Possible mechanisms whereby ionophores may affect nutrient digestion and absorption are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Enhanced protein synthesis of heart in adrenal-regeneration hypertension and its reduction following antihypertensive treatment.
After unilateral nephrectomy and bilateral adrenal enucleation at 5 weeks of age, salt-loaded rats developed hypertension (ARH) at 6 weeks. Fibrous vascular protein and in vivo incorporation of 3H-lysine into this protein fraction were measured at 15 weeks of age in these animals. This study demonstrates: (1) that incorporation rates of 3H-lysine into cardiac collagen and elastin in ARH rats were greater than in control rats (p less than 0.001, respectively), and (2) that administration of phenoxy-benzamine hydrochloride decreased the incorporation of tritiated lysine into cardiac collagen in ARH rats, concomitant with a reduction in blood pressure. Based on these findings, increased synthesis of cardiac collagen and elastin appears to play an important role in the development of hypertension in ARH. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Novel heterozygous missense mutation in the second leucine rich repeat of GPIbalpha affects GPIb/IX/V expression and results in macrothrombocytopenia in a patient initially misdiagnosed with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
Recent studies have shown that heterozygous carriers of the bleeding disorder Bernard-Soulier syndrome are occasionally identified as isolated case of giant platelet disorder/macrothrombocytopenia or misdiagnosed with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). We describe here a patient with congenital macrothrombocytopenia who had been diagnosed with ITP. On peripheral blood smears, platelet diameter was approximately 30% larger than normal controls. In the patient's platelets, the expression level of the GPIbIX complex was slightly decreased (70-80% of normal control). Densitometric analysis of immunoblots showed GPIbalpha to be approximately 52% of normal. DNA sequencing analysis revealed a novel heterozygous missense mutation in the GPIbalpha gene that converts Tyr to Asp at residue 54 (Y54D) in the second leucine-rich repeat. Mutant GPIbalpha protein was not detected in the patient's platelets. Transient transfection studies demonstrated that mutant GPIbalpha affects complex expression. These findings suggest that null expression of the mutant GPIbalpha causes decreased density of the complex and results in macrothrombocytopenia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
S-Allylcysteine, a garlic compound, increases ABCA1 expression in human THP-1 macrophages.
ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) is a key mediator of cholesterol efflux to apoA-I in lipid-loaded macrophages, which is the first step of reverse cholesterol transport in vivo and a critical step in preventing atherosclerosis. Enhanced ABCA1 expression may inhibit foam cell formation and consequently reduce atherogenic risk. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of S-allylcysteine (SAC), the most abundant organosulfur compound in aged garlic extract, on the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 in human THP-1 macrophages. The human monocyte THP-1 cells were differentiated to macrophage cells in the presence of phorbol 12-myristate13-acetate (PMA). Macrophage cells were then treated with different concentrations (10, 20 and 40 mM) of SAC for 24 h. Total RNA of treated macrophages was extracted and analyzed with real-time RT-PCR. ABCA1 protein expression was also analyzed with western blotting. Results showed that SAC increased the ABCA1 mRNA (1.82-, 2.07- and 2.23-fold) and protein (1.37-, 1.55- and 2.08-fold) expression in macrophage THP-1 cells compared with control (untreated cells). Results suggested that SAC can increase ABCA1 expression in macrophages and may be beneficial in promoting reverse cholesterol efflux. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Association between physical activity and the expression of mediators of inflammation in normal breast tissue among premenopausal and postmenopausal women.
Physical activity is associated with decreased breast cancer risk. The underlying biological mechanisms could include the reduction of the local inflammation in the breast tissue. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the association between the physical activity and the protein expression levels of eleven mediators of inflammation in normal breast tissue of 164 women having breast cancer. Information on total physical activity (household, occupational and recreational) performed during a one-year period was collected using a questionnaire. Normal breast tissue was obtained from mastectomy blocks distant from the tumor. The expression of the mediators of inflammation in normal breast tissue was visually evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to assess the prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for higher protein expression levels of the mediators of inflammation in normal breast tissue across quartiles of physical activity. Higher total physical activity was associated with lower expression levels of the pro-inflammatory mediator TNF-α in normal breast epithelial tissue among all (PR=0.64, 95% CI=0.44-0.93 for the fourth quartile; Ptrend=0.013), premenopausal (PR=0.61, 95% CI=0.41-0.91 for the fourth quartile; Ptrend=0.014) and postmenopausal women (PR=0.45, 95% CI=0.21-0.96 for the fourth quartile; Ptrend=0.022). Conversely, higher total physical activity was associated with higher expression levels of the anti-inflammatory mediator IL-10 in normal breast epithelial tissue among all (PR=1.66, 95% CI=0.97-2.85 for the fourth quartile; Ptrend=0.071) and postmenopausal women (PR=4.69, 95% CI=1.26-17.43 for the fourth quartile; Ptrend=0.010). Our findings suggest a beneficial effect of physical activity on the local inflammatory profile in the breast tissue. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
T-peak to T-end interval for prediction of ventricular tachyarrhythmia and mortality in a primary prevention population with systolic cardiomyopathy.
The electrocardiographic T-wave peak to T-wave end interval (Tpe) correlates with dispersion of ventricular repolarization (DVR). Increased DVR increases propensity toward electrical reentry that can cause ventricular tachyarrhythmia. The baseline rate-corrected Tpe (Tpec) has been shown to predict ventricular tachyarrhythmia and death in multiple patient populations but not among cardiomyopathic patients undergoing insertion of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for primary prevention. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk stratification ability of the Tpec in patients with systolic cardiomyopathy without prior ventricular tachyarrhythmia (ie, the primary prevention population). We performed prospective follow-up of 305 patients (73% men; left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 23 ± 7%) with LVEF ≤35% and an ICD implanted for primary prevention. Baseline ECGs were analyzed with automated algorithms. Endpoints were ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF), death, and a combined endpoint of VT/VF or death, assessed by device follow-up and Social Security Death Index query. The average Tpec was 107 ± 22 ms. During device clinic follow-up of 31 ± 23 months, 82 patients (27%) had appropriate ICD therapy for VT/VF, and during mortality follow-up of 49 ± 21 months, 91 patients (30%) died. On univariable analysis, Tpec predicted VT/VF, death, and the combined endpoint of VT/VF or death (P < .05 for each endpoint). Multivariable analysis included univariable predictors among demographics, clinical data, laboratory data, medications used, and electrocardiography parameters. After correction, Tpec remained predictive of VT/VF (hazard ratio [HR] per 10-ms increase 1.16, P = .009), all-cause mortality (HR per 10 ms 1.13, P = .05), and the combined endpoint (HR per 10 ms 1.17, P = .001). Tpec independently predicts both VT/VF and overall mortality in patients with systolic dysfunction and ICDs implanted for primary prevention. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Unilateral failures in bilateral microvascular breast reconstruction.
As rates of bilateral prophylactic mastectomy and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy have increased over the past decade, bilateral microvascular breast reconstruction has played an increasing role in breast cancer care. Data on unilateral flap failure in bilateral microvascular breast reconstructions have been lacking, and strategies to address the challenges encountered in this situation are needed. A retrospective review of all simultaneous bilateral microvascular breast reconstructions performed by the senior author (M.Y.N.) from July of 1999 to July of 2008 was conducted. Flap failures were identified and reviewed for operative parameters, causes of flap loss, and techniques used for secondary reconstruction. The authors identified 171 consecutive patients who underwent bilateral microvascular breast reconstruction between July of 1999 and July of 2008. In these patients, 342 flaps were attempted, including 108 free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps, 228 deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps, and six superior gluteal artery perforator flaps. Twelve flaps failed or were aborted intraoperatively, yielding an overall failure rate of 3.5 percent. The authors' unilateral microsurgical breast reconstruction failure rate over this period was 2.1 percent (eight of 386). No bilateral failures occurred. Causes of flap failure included venous insufficiency (six of 12), lack of adequate perforator anatomy (three of 12), and perforator injury during dissection (two of 12). Secondary reconstruction with tissue expanders and implants was performed in 11 of 12 patients who underwent an average of 2.25 additional procedures to complete reconstruction. Flap failure is more common in bilateral reconstructions than in unilateral reconstructions, largely secondary to the obligation to use both sides of the abdominal donor tissue. When flap failure does occur, techniques to optimize prosthetic reconstruction can ultimately result in successful bilateral reconstructions despite free flap failure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nausea and vomiting.
Nausea and vomiting are symptoms resulting from a triggered emetic reflex. Many endogenous and exogenous triggering factors can activate the emetic reflex, making understanding difficult and therapy challenging. The key to managing most cases of nausea and vomiting lies in a good history and a detailed physical examination. Most episodes of acute vomiting (lasting < 48 hours) have an evident triggering factor (eg, infection, viral illness, or food poisoning) and can be managed by removing the triggering agent and via supportive therapy. Chronic and unexplained nausea and vomiting can be a challenge. The cause is often obscure and requires special investigation. Functional gastroduodenal disorders such as cyclic vomiting syndrome, functional vomiting, and chronic idiopathic nausea should be considered if investigations are unrevealing. Knowledge regarding various emetic pathways and the specific neurotransmitters involved helps to target therapy. Histamine-1 receptor antagonists and muscarinic antagonists are suitable candidates for motion sickness and labyrinthine disorders. Phenothiazines, 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor antagonists, corticosteroids, and benzodiazepines have a role in postchemotherapy and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Cannabinoid and neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists are best reserved for refractory cases of nausea and vomiting. Motilin agonists and metoclopramide are useful for treating impaired gastric motility disorders. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Molecular and negative ion production by a standard electron cyclotron resonance ion source.
Molecular and negative ion beams, usually produced in special ion sources, play an increasingly important role in fundamental and applied atomic physics. The ATOMKI-ECRIS is a standard ECR ion source, designed to provide highly charged ion (HCI) plasmas and beams. In the present work, H(-), O(-), OH(-), O(2)(-), C(-), C(60)(-) negative ions and H(2)(+), H(3)(+), OH(+), H(2)O(+), H(3)O(+), O(2)(+) positive molecular ions were generated in this HCI-ECRIS. Without any major modification in the source and without any commonly applied tricks (such as usage of cesium or magnetic filter), negative ion beams of several μA and positive molecular ion beams in the mA range were successfully obtained. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The interaction between megalin and ClC-5 is scaffolded by the Na⁺-H⁺ exchanger regulatory factor 2 (NHERF2) in proximal tubule cells.
Albumin endocytosis in the proximal tubule is mediated by a number of proteins, including the scavenger receptor megalin/cubilin and the PSD-95/Dlg/ZO-1 (PDZ) scaffolds NHERF1 and NHERF2. In addition, in a number of in vitro and in vivo models, the loss of ClC-5 results in a decreased cell surface expression and whole cell level of megalin, suggesting an interaction between these two proteins in vivo. We investigated if ClC-5 and megalin interact directly, and as ClC-5 binds to NHERF2, we investigated if this PDZ scaffold was required for a megalin/ClC-5 complex. GST-pulldown and immunoprecipitation experiments using rat kidney lysate demonstrated an interaction between ClC-5 and megalin, which was mediated by their C-termini. As this interaction may be controlled by a scaffold protein, we characterised any interaction between megalin and NHERF2. Immunoprecipitation experiments indicated that megalin interacts with NHERF2 in vivo, and that this interaction was via an internal NHERF binding domain in the C-terminus of megalin and PDZ2 and the C-terminus of NHERF2. Silencing NHERF2 had no effect on megalin protein levels in the whole cell or plasma membrane. Using siRNA against NHERF2, we demonstrated that NHERF2 was required to facilitate the interaction between megalin and ClC-5. Using fusion proteins, we characterised a protein complex containing ClC-5 and megalin, which is scaffolded by NHERF2, in the absence of any other proteins. Importantly, these observations are the first to describe an interaction between megalin and ClC-5, which is scaffolded by NHERF2 in proximal tubule cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Breast Cancer Disparities: Socioeconomic Factors versus Biology.
Disparities in poverty and health care access barriers have a negative impact on the health and wellness of population subsets that bear a disproportionate share of these socioeconomic disadvantages, such as African Americans and Hispanic/Latina Americans. The more advanced stage distribution of breast cancer in these two population subsets is likely related to imbalance in distribution of socioeconomic resources in the United States. However, differences in the breast cancer burden of population subsets defined by racial/ethnic identity are also influenced by race/ethnicity-associated variation in tumor biology and hereditary susceptibility. Compared with white Americans, African-American women have higher population-based breast cancer mortality rates, which are at least partly explained by an increased risk for the biologically aggressive triple-negative phenotype. International studies correlate West African ancestry with predisposition for triple-negative breast cancer. In contrast, Hispanic/Latina Americans have lower population-based incidence and mortality rates for breast cancer despite their increased rates of socioeconomic challenges. Genetic studies suggest that extent of Native American ancestry among Hispanic/Latina women may reduce breast cancer risk. Eradication of disparate access to breast cancer early detection and treatment strategies is a public health imperative, but research to elucidate the genetics of breast cancer related to racial/ethnic identity is equally important as we strive to comprehensively define this complex disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Development and characterization of an LDPE/chitosan composite antimicrobial film for chilled fish storage.
An antimicrobial packaging material was developed by uniformly embedding 1, 3 and 5% chitosan (w/w) in low density polyethylene matrix using maleic anhydride grafted LDPE as a compatible agent. The materials were mixed by compounding and blown into monolayer films via blown film extrusion. The developed films showed good barrier properties against oxygen. Characterization of the composite films with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that chitosan and LDPE interacted well with each other. Overall migration showed better release of chitosan adduct from the LDPE matrix which enhanced the antibacterial properties of the films. The interaction between the LDPE/CS and maleic anhydride grafted LDPE had a decreasing effect on the tensile strength and heat sealing properties. Investigation on antimicrobial properties of LDPE/CS films showed 85-100% inhibition of Escherichia coli. Efficacy of LDPE/CS films was evaluated by using them as packaging material for chilled storage of Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus). Analysis of storage quality indices (peroxide value, free fatty acid, total volatile base nitrogen and aerobic plate count) revealed good antibacterial property and extension of shelf life of Tilapia in the chitosan incorporated novel composite films compared to virgin LDPE film. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of high- and low-fiber diets on fecal fermentation and fecal microbial populations of captive chimpanzees.
We examined fiber fermentation capacity of captive chimpanzee fecal microflora from animals (n = 2) eating low-fiber diets (LFDs; 14% neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and 5% of cellulose) and high-fiber diets (HFDs; 26% NDF and 15% of cellulose), using barley grain, meadow hay, wheat straw, and amorphous cellulose as substrates for in vitro gas production of feces. We also examined the effects of LFD or HFD on populations of eubacteria and archaea in chimpanzee feces. Fecal inoculum fermentation from the LFD animals resulted in a higher in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and gas production than from the HFD animals. However, there was an interaction between different inocula and substrates on IVDMD, gas and methane production, and hydrogen recovery (P <0.001). On the other hand, HFD inoculum increased the production of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), acetate, and propionate with all tested substrates. The effect of the interaction between the inoculum and substrate on total SCFAs was not observed. Changes in fermentation activities were associated with changes in bacterial populations. DGGE of bacterial DNA revealed shift in population of both archaeal and eubacterial communities. However, a much more complex eubacterial population structure represented by many bands was observed compared with the less variable archaeal population in both diets. Some archaeal bands were related to the uncultured archaea from gastrointestinal tracts of homeothermic animals. Genomic DNA in the dominant eubacterial band in the HFD inoculum was confirmed to be closely related to DNA from Eubacterium biforme. Interestingly, the predominant band in the LFD inoculum represented DNA of probably new or yet-to-be-sequenced species belonging to mycoplasms. Collectively, our results indicated that fecal microbial populations of the captive chimpanzees are not capable of extensive fiber fermentation; however, there was a positive effect of fiber content on SCFA production. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Substance use, sleep and intervention design: insights from qualitative data.
Background: Alcohol and other drug use is associated with poor sleep quality and quantity, but there is limited qualitative research exploring substance users' experiences of sleep and few psychosocial sleep interventions for them. Aim: To inform the development of psychosocial interventions to improve sleep amongst people reporting drug/alcohol problems. Method: Qualitative data were collected during a sleep survey. Of the 549 drug/alcohol users completing the survey, 188 (34%) provided additional information about their sleep using a free text box. Responses were analysed via Iterative Categorisation. Findings were reviewed with reference to the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW). Results: All data were categorised inductively under five headings: (i) sleep quality; (ii) nature of sleep problems; (iii) sleep and substances; (iv) factors improving sleep quality; (v) factors undermining sleep quality. Substance use undermined sleep, but poor sleep often persisted after substance use had ceased. Sleep problems were diverse; as were the causes of, and strategies for dealing with, those problems. Causes and strategies had biological, psychological, social and environmental roots. Conclusions: The BCW facilitated the identification of intervention components that might improve the sleep of people who use substances. These components relate to education, training, enablement, modelling, service provision, guidelines and environment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Preventive effect of carnosine on cataract development].
Carnosine (beta-alanyl-L-histidine) was the first and the simplest example of active peptides (actually a dipeptide). The anti-ageing effect of carnosine had been demonstrated in many studies in vivo and in vitro. More recently,there were some studies verifying the effect of carnosine on preventing cataract development. The molecular mechanisms are largely undetermined. The effect of carnosine on delaying the cataract formation may be through anti-glycation of protein, antioxidative impairment, protection protein against cross-links and DNA damage. Further study of carnosine on its biological features and the mechanisms of delaying the progression of cataractogenesis may provide a new therapy for preventing cataract. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Serum anti-Ku86: a potential biomarker for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma].
To investigate the clinical value of serum anti-Ku86 in early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Expression levels of Ku86 protein in HCC and adjacent normal liver tissues were detected by Western blotting. Serum anti-Ku86 level in 83 patients with early HCC and 124 patients with liver cirrhosis were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Chemiluminescence was used to measure the serum level of α-fetoprotein (AFP). Expression of Ku86 protein in HCC was increased when compared with the adjacent normal liver tissues (0.21 ± 0.05 vs. 0.08 ± 0.02, P < 0.01). Serum anti-Ku86 level was significantly elevated in HCC patients compared with that in liver cirrhosis patients (0.47 ± 0.22 vs. 0.22 ± 0.06 Abs at 450 nm, P < 0.01), but there was no significant difference between HBV infection and HCV infection in HCC patients (0.51 ± 0.19 vs. 0.47 ± 0.24, P = 0.267). Of note, serum anti-Ku86 level was significantly decreased after surgical resection of the tumors in the 30 HCC cases tested (P < 0.01). The results of ROC analysis indicated a better performance of anti-Ku86 (0.857) than AFP (0.739) for early detection of HCC. In 83 HCC patients, the positive rate of anti-Ku86 was 61.4% (51/83), significantly higher than that of the AFP positive rate (27.7%, 23/83). The anti-Ku86 level was positive in 37 of 60 HCC cases with negative AFP. Combination assay of AFP and anti-Ku86 could detect 60 of 83 HCC cases (72.3%, 60/83). There was no significant correlation of anti-Ku86 and AFP (r = 0.156, P = 0.161). Serum anti-Ku86 level is significantly elevated and is not related to HBV and HCV infection in HCC patients. Serum anti-Ku86 antibody may be a potential biomarker for early detection of HCC, and can be used in combination with AFP in clinics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Relative burst amplitude in human muscle sympathetic nerve activity: a sensitive indicator of altered sympathetic traffic.
Microneurographically recorded sympathetic outflow to the human muscle vascular bed is traditionally quantified by identifying pulse-synchronous bursts of impulses in a mean voltage neurogram and expressing them in terms of bursts per minute (burst frequency) or bursts per 100 heart beats (burst incidence). As both these measures show large inter-individual differences in resting healthy subjects, a problem arises when comparing sympathetic traffic in cross-sectional studies, making moderate differences in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSA) between groups difficult to identify. Absolute measures of the strength of the sympathetic discharges (burst amplitude or area) can also be evaluated. However, as they critically depend on the proximity of the microelectrode to the recorded fibres, such measures cannot be used for interindividual comparisons. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of relative burst amplitude spectra for quantification of MSA, describing the proportion of small vs large bursts in a neurogram. We recorded MSA in 18 patients with mild to moderate congestive heart failure (CHF) (New York Heart Association functional classes I-IIIA) and 18 matched healthy controls. Sympathetic activity was expressed as burst frequency, burst incidence and burst amplitude spectra. When comparing the traditional burst counts between the groups (presented as the median and 25th-75th percentiles) there was a tendency towards higher MSA in CHF patients, but the difference was not significant (42 (34-52) vs 53 (41-63) bursts/min, 62 (51-78) vs 69 (52-84) bursts/100 heart beats, both ns). Relative burst amplitude spectra, on the other hand, were clearly shifted to the right in the CHF group compared to the control group (median burst amplitudes 42 (34-45) vs 30 (28-35), P = 0.0002). Relative burst amplitude spectra thus appear to provide a more sensitive indicator of altered MSA than traditional burst counts. The right-ward shift of these spectra may suggest that sympatho-excitation occurs early in the development of CHF. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Assessment of Effect of Submucosal Injection of Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Symptoms.
Embedded third molar surgery is the most frequent oral-maxillofacial surgical procedure performed. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical effect of submucosal dexmedetomidine (dex) on decreasing postoperative edema, trismus, and pain after surgical molar extraction. We carried out a double-blind, randomized, prospective study including patients undergoing surgical bilateral embedded mandibular molar extraction. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those receiving saline solution and those receiving dex. The main outcome measures of pain, facial swelling, and trismus were assessed on days 2 and 7 after surgery. In addition, patients were requested to record the time rescue analgesics were taken, as well as the total number taken. The variables were analyzed using the Student t test and a repeated-measures general linear model. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. The study included 40 patients (9 women and 11 men per group; mean age, 23.40 years) undergoing surgical bilateral embedded mandibular molar extraction. On day 2, a statistically significant difference in edema was found between the groups (P = .004). On days 2 and 7, statistically significant differences in the severity of trismus were found between the groups (P = .001 and P < .001, respectively). In addition, statistically significant differences were found between the groups in visual analog scale pain scores at 1, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours (P = .161, P = .038, P = .110, P = .136, and P = .007, respectively) and in the number of analgesic tablets taken (P < .001). Preoperative submucosal dex is an efficient, safe, and beneficial therapeutic strategy to decrease edema, trismus, and pain after surgical molar extraction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evaluation of staphylococcal thermonuclease (TNase) assay as a means of screening foods for growth of staphylococci and possible enterotoxin production.
Samples of food, naturally and artificially contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus, were analyzed for enterotoxin and thermonuclease (TNase). With the exception of egg, all naturally contaminated foods with detectable amounts of staphylococcal enterotoxin were positive for TNase. The enzyme was also present in the majority of foods with over 1 million S. aureus cells per gram. In artificially contaminated foods. TNase was detected in all samples except egg, acidic foods in which growth of S. aureus was suppressed, and some samples of raw ground beef. Recovery of TNase was influenced by the type of food. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Purification and properties of NADP-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase from yeast nuclear fractions.
1. NADP-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase (EC 1.4.1.4) extracted from nuclear fractions of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was partially purified. The final purification achieved was over 100-fold over the initial extract. 2. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis shows that the preparation is close to homogeneity and that the enzyme is slightly more anionic than cytoplasmic glutamate dehydrogenase. 3. The response of the nuclear activity to variation of pH, of inorganic phosphate and other electrolyte concentration and of the concentration of the reaction substrates has been investigated. Several differences were detected in comparison with cytoplasmic glutamate dehydrogenase. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
You Can't Take Your Baby Home Yet: A Longitudinal Study of Psychological Symptoms in Mothers of Infants Hospitalized in the NICU.
Evidence suggests that mothers of infants hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience elevated rates of psychological symptoms. However, previous studies of this population have been mainly cross-sectional and have focused on very preterm infants. Although moderate- to late-preterm infants generally thrive, the possible psychological toll on their mothers has not yet been sufficiently examined. In the current study, we used a longitudinal design to investigate whether mothers of moderate- to late-preterm infants experience elevated rates of psychological symptoms during the infant's hospitalization in the NICU and 6 months later. Results indicated that these mothers did show elevated depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms, and that symptom levels were similar in mothers of moderate- versus late-preterm infants. Mothers of moderate- to late-preterm infants hospitalized in the NICU appeared to experience these symptoms steadily over a 6-month period after giving birth. These findings suggest a need for greater support for these mothers while in the NICU. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The neuroendocrine system of the gastrointestinal tract.
The use of increasingly refined techniques in endocrinologic research resulted in a challenge to the classical concept of hormones. The regulatory activity of the highly complicated neuroendocrine system is mediated not only by hormones but by neurotransmitters, paracrine substances, and possibly by substances secreted into the gastrointestinal lumen as well. The system is divided into the central and peripheral nervous system and the endocrine system. The latter consists of the endocrine glands and the disseminated endocrine system. Research into the activities of the system will result in important advances in the fields of physiology, pathophysiology and pathology. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
PET-based primary tumor volumetric parameters and survival of patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma.
The purpose of the study was to assess metabolic tumor volume and total glycolytic activity of the primary tumor as prognostic parameters for outcome in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Thirty-nine patients who had undergone a baseline staging PET/CT examination at our institution for the diagnosis of NSCLC were retrospectively identified. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUV(max)), metabolic tumor volume, and total glycolytic activity were segmented from PET using the gradient method; 12-month survival and overall survival at the end of follow-up were used as outcome measures. Multivariate logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and Kaplan-Meier curves for survival analysis were generated and compared using the Mantel-Cox log-rank test. The mean gradient-based metabolic tumor volume and gradient-based total glycolytic activity were significantly greater in the patients who died (93.3 mL and 597.5 g) than in those who survived (19.3 mL and 193.9 g, respectively) (p < 0.003 and p < 0.031). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean SUV(max) between the patients who survived (12.7) at 12 months and those who had died (13.1) (p = 0.85). On multivariate analysis, gradient-based metabolic tumor volume was the only variable associated with 12-month mortality when adjusted for all other factors.(.) The area under the curve (AUC) for gradient-based metabolic tumor volume was 0.77 (p < 0.006). A significant difference in the time to survival was observed between high and low gradient-based metabolic tumor volume (log-rank p < 0.05) cohorts using the median gradient-based metabolic tumor volume (9.7 mL) as the cut point. PET-based volumetric imaging parameters are potential prognostic markers of outcome in patients with NSCLC. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Impaired acquisition in a 14-unit T-maze following medial septal lesions in rats is correlated with lesion size and hippocampal acetylcholinesterase staining.
Septohippocampal cholinergic system involvement in acquisition of an aversively motivated 14-unit T-maze was evaluated in 4-month-old male Fischer-344 rats. Each rat was assigned to one of two groups that received either a bilateral electrolytic lesion to the medial septal area (MSA) or a sham operation. One week after surgery, each rat began pretraining in one-way active avoidance (footshock = 0.8 mA) consisting of 10 trials per day on each of 3 consecutive days. Criterion for successful completion of pretraining was 8/10 avoidances on the third day. On the day following completion of pretraining, each rat received 10 trials in a shock-motivated 14-unit T-maze. The performance requirement was to move through each of five maze segments within 10 s to avoid footshock (0.8 mA). A second 10-trial session was provided 24 h later. Performance measures included errors, alternation errors, runtime, shock frequency, and duration. Following maze training, each rat was sacrificed, and formalin-fixed brains were frozen for histology, which included procedures for thionin Nissl and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) staining. MSA-lesioned rats were observed to be significantly impaired on all measures of maze performance compared to sham-operated controls. Densitometric analysis of hippocampal AChE staining revealed a 30% reduction in relative AChE staining of MSA-lesioned rats compared to sham-operated controls. Lesion size was observed to be highly positively correlated with maze errors. A negative correlation of mean error score with density of AChE staining was observed for MSA-lesioned rats, but not for sham-operated rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Growth and survival of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella typhimurium DT104 in liquid egg products.
Since 11 September 2001, quality and food safety are no longer the concerns of only consumers, industry, regulatory agencies, or other government officials. Liquid foods that are prepared or stored in bulk, including liquid egg products, are considered to be at potential risk for sabotage. Because of their versatility, low price, and functional properties, many of these products are being marketed. Four of the most common products of this type are whole egg, egg albumen, 10% sugared yolk, and 10% salted yolk. Although all of the serotypes of Salmonella enterica may cause illness, multidrug-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 has become widespread and can cause severe illness that is difficult to treat. Studies were conducted to determine growth patterns of Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 in four commercial liquid egg products held at 4, 10, 20, 30, 37, and 42 degrees C for 0 to 384 h. All experiments were performed in duplicate and repeated twice. Standard methods were used to estimate cell numbers, and log CFU per gram of egg product was plotted against time. The number of cells of Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 increased to 8 to 9 log CFU/g in whole egg and 10% sugared yolk, increased by 1 log CFU/g in liquid albumen, but decreased by 3 log CFU/g in 10% salted yolk. Data from this study have been archived in the ComBase database to further assist policy makers or other scientists interested in Salmonella growth characteristics in liquid eggs. However, based on data generated in this study, Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 probably does not constitute a food threat agent in liquid eggs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Quantitative correlation between cardiac MIBG uptake and remaining axons in the cardiac sympathetic nerve in Lewy body disease.
Reduced cardiac meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) uptake and loss of cardiac sympathetic axons, as its possible anatomical substrate, were both recognised in Lewy body disease (LBD), while their direct correlation has so far remained speculative. Increasing availability of autopsy-confirmed cases of LBD prompted us to quantify residual cardiac sympathetic axons to establish their relationship to cardiac MIBG uptake. We collected cardiac tissue samples from 23 patients with autopsy-confirmed LBD and two non-LBD control patients who underwent (123)I-MIBG cardiac scintigraphy in life. Samples of the left ventricular anterior wall were stained with anti-tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and anti-neurofilament (NF) antibodies as markers of cardiac nerve axons. We quantified the immunolabelled areas and assessed their correlation to standardised heart to mediastinum (H/M) ratios of (123)I-MIBG cardiac scintigraphy. Cardiac MIBG uptake in the early and delayed phases was reduced in 90.9% and 95.7% of patients with LBD, respectively. The area of TH-immunoreactive axons correlated significantly with the H/M ratio in the early (p=0.036) as well as in the delayed (p=0.018) phases. The area of NF-immunoreactive axons also correlated with the H/M ratio in the early (p=0.003) as well as in the delayed (p=0.001) phases. Tight quantitative correlation between cardiac (123)I-MIBG uptake and corresponding loss of sympathetic axons in LBD, as established for the first time by this study, provides a scientific basis to confirm the reliability of MIBG cardiac scintigraphy as a powerful clinical tool to detect loss of these axons as a biomarker for the presence of Lewy body disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Australian Lasioglossum + Homalictus form a monophyletic group: resolving the "Australian enigma".
The bee genus Lasioglossum includes > 1,000 species of bees distributed on all continents except Antarctica. Lasioglossum is a major component of the bee fauna in the Holarctic, Ethiopian, and Asian regions and is an important group for investigating the evolution of social behavior in bees. Given its cosmopolitan distribution, the historical biogeography of the genus is of considerable interest. We reconstructed phylogenetic relationships among the subgenera and species within Lasioglossum s.s., using DNA sequence data from a slowly evolving nuclear gene, elongation factor-1 alpha. The entire data set includes > 1,604 aligned nucleotide sites (including three exons plus two introns) for 89 species (17 outgroups plus 72 ingroups). Parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses provide strong evidence that the primarily Indoaustralian subgenera (Homalictus, Chilalictus, Parasphecodes) form a monophyletic group. Bootstrap support for the Australian clade ranged from 73% to 77%, depending on the method of analysis. Monophyly of the Australian Lasioglossum suggests that a single colonization event (by way of Southeast Asia and New Guinea) gave rise to a lineage of > 350 native Indoaustralian bees. We discuss the implications of Australian monophyly for resolving the "Australian enigma"--the similarity in social behavior among the Australian halictine bees relative to that of Holarctic groups. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reviewing the Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Inflammatory Bowel Disease After Liver Transplantation for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis.
The presence of concomitant primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a distinct disease phenotype that carries a higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) than the average IBD patient. Given that liver transplantation (LT) is the only treatment that offers a survival benefit in PSC patients with hepatic dysfunction, management decisions in IBD patients' post-LT for PSC are frequently encountered. One such consideration is the risk of CRC in this immunosuppressed cohort. With most studies showing an increased risk of CRC post-LT in these IBD patients, a closer look at the associated risk factors of CRC and the adopted surveillance strategies in this subset of patients is warranted. Low-dose ursodeoxycholic acid has shown a potential chemopreventive effect in PSC-IBD patients pre-LT; however, a favorable effect remains to be seen in post-LT group. Also, further studies are necessary to assess the benefit of 5 aminosalicylate therapy. Annual surveillance colonoscopy in the post-LT period is recommended for PSC-IBD patients subset given their high risk for CRC. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Sarcoidosis and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy].
A 70-year-old woman treated for sarcoidosis complained of progressive cognitive impairment and gait disability. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a nonenhancing lesion in T1-weighted imaging in the left parieto-occipital region and sarcoidosis of the central nervous system was evoked. However, she rapidly deteriorated with posterior and cerebellar extension of the lesions, suggesting of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). DNA of the JC virus (JCV) was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by a polymerase chain reaction. Despite antiviral therapy, she died nine months after the first neurological signs. This case illustrates the possible association between sarcoidosis and PML, and underlines the interest to detect the presence of JCV in the CSF when the diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis appeared uncertain. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A fast sweeping method for computing geodesics on triangular manifolds.
A wide range of applications in computer intelligence and computer graphics require computing geodesics accurately and efficiently. The fast marching method (FMM) is widely used to solve this problem, of which the complexity is O(N\log N), where N is the total number of nodes on the manifold. A fast sweeping method (FSM) is proposed and applied on arbitrary triangular manifolds of which the complexity is reduced to O(N). By traversing the undigraph, four orderings are built to produce two groups of interfering waves, which cover all directions of characteristics. The correctness of this method is proved by analyzing the coverage of characteristics. The convergence and error estimation are also presented. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Spectra and integrated band intensities of the low order OH stretching overtones in peroxyformic acid: an atmospheric molecule with prototypical intramolecular hydrogen bonding.
The gas phase spectra of several vibrational bands of peroxyformic acid (PFA), an atmospheric molecule exhibiting intramolecular hydrogen bonding, are presented. In the fundamental region, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy is used to probe the C-O, O-H and C-H stretching vibrations, while in the region of the first and second OH-stretching overtones (2ν(OH) and 3ν(OH)) photoacoustic spectroscopy is used. Integrated absorption cross sections for the PFA vibrational bands are determined by comparing their respective peak areas with that for the OH-stretching bands of n-propanol for which the absorption cross section is known. The measured integrated intensities of the OH stretching bands are then compared with a local mode model using a one-dimensional dipole moment function in conjunction with the OH stretching potential computed at both the MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ and CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVDZ levels. The data allow us to investigate changes in the OH stretch band position and intensity as a function of overtone order arising from the influence of hydrogen bonding. Furthermore, calculations at the MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ level show that there are three stable conformers of PFA with relative energies of 0, 13.54, and 13.76 kJ/mol, respectively. In the room temperature spectra, however, we see evidence for transitions from only the lowest energy conformer. The geometrical parameters and vibrational frequencies of the most stable conformer are presented. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A functional Fas promoter polymorphism is associated with a severe phenotype in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis characterized by early development of cirrhosis.
Genome scanning studies suggest an important role for genes outside the major histocompatibility complex in autoimmunity. Key candidates are those genes involved in immune regulation and preservation of immune homeostasis, including the genes involved in apoptosis. Our aim was to determine the association between the Fas gene polymorphism at position -670 and susceptibility, clinical expression, and outcome in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). An adenosine to guanine single nucleotide polymorphism in the Fas gene (TNFRSF6) promoter was assessed in 149 well-characterized Caucasoid patients and 172 matched controls. Patients and normal subjects had the similar TNFRSF6-670 allele and genotype frequencies. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (510 +/- 77 vs 283 +/- 53 U/l), gamma-globulin (3.3 +/- 0.2 vs 2.6 +/- 0.2 g/dl), and immunoglobulin G (2976 +/- 223 vs 2324 +/- 203 mg/dl) levels were higher in patients with the guanine/guanine genotype than in those with the adenosine/adenosine genotype. Cirrhosis at presentation was more common in patients with the adenosine/adenosine or adenosine/guanine genotypes than in those with the guanine/guanine genotype (29% vs 6%). Polymorphism of the Fas gene at position -670 does not influence susceptibility to AIH, but may affect the early development of cirrhosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
New developments in imaging in rheumatoid arthritis.
Despite the advances made in medical imaging over the past 3 decades and the central role that magnetic resonance imaging and other sophisticated technologies now play in routine clinical practice, patients with rheumatoid arthritis have benefited relatively little from these advances thus far. Over the past few years, however, evidence has accumulated to show that magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography can identify joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis earlier and more sensitively than other techniques can, and that these techniques can directly visualize and monitor changes in synovium and bone that precede actual bone erosion. Much of this development is being driven by the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries as they search for novel therapies to combat this disease. Accordingly, the imaging tools that ultimately will be used to direct patients to specific therapies and then to monitor treatment effectiveness and safety are currently being refined and validated in rigorous multicenter and multinational clinical trials aimed at gaining regulatory approval of these new therapies. As these therapies become available for clinical use, we can anticipate increased demand for expertise and experience in evaluating disease progression and treatment response, and to the emergence of magnetic resonance imaging systems specifically adapted for this application. The following discussion reviews the current status of this development, and notable advances that have been reported in the literature in the past year. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Exaggerated gonadotropin response to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in amenorrheic runners.
Most studies of exercise-induced amenorrhea have compared amenorrheic athletes (usually runners) with sedentary control subjects. Such comparisons will identify hormonal changes that develop as a result of exercise training but cannot determine which of these changes play a role in causing amenorrhea. To obviate this problem, we assessed reproductive hormone status in a group of five amenorrheic runners and compared them to a group of six eumenorrheic runners matched for body fatness, training intensity, and exercise performance. Compared to the eumenorrheic runners, the amenorrheic runners had lower serum estradiol concentrations, similar basal serum luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations, and exaggerated responses of serum gonadotropins after administration of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (100 micrograms intravenous bolus). Serum prolactin levels, both basally and after thyrotropin-releasing hormone administration (500 micrograms intravenous bolus) or treadmill exercise, was similar in the two groups, as were serum thyroid function tests (including thyrotropin response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone). Changes in serum cortisol levels after short-term treadmill exercise were similar in both groups, and serum testosterone levels increased after exercise only in the eumenorrheic group. In neither group did such exercise change serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, or thyrotropin levels. We concluded that exercise-induced amenorrhea is not solely related to the development of increased prolactin output after exercise training. The exaggerated gonadotropin response to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone seen in amenorrheic runners in comparison with matched eumenorrheic runners is consistent with a hypothalamic etiology for the menstrual dysfunction, analogous to that previously described in "stress-induced" or "psychogenic" amenorrhea. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In vivo feasibility case study for evaluating abdominal aortic aneurysm tissue properties and rupture potential using acoustic radiation force impulse imaging.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is defined as a permanent and irreversible localized dilatation of the abdominal aorta. A reliable, non-invasive method to assess the wall mechanics of an aneurysm may provide additional information regarding their susceptibility to rupture. Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging is a phenomenon associated with the propagation of acoustic waves in attenuating media. This study was a preliminary evaluation to explore the feasibility of using ARFI imaging to examine an AAA in vivo. A previously diagnosed in vivo aneurysm case study was imaged to demonstrate the viability of excitation of the abdominal aorta using ARFI imaging. Ex vivo experiments were used to assess an artificially induced aneurysm to establish its development and whether ARFI was able to capture the mechanical changes during artificial aneurysm formation. A combination of in vivo and ex vivo results demonstrated a proposed hypothesis of estimation of the tissue's stiffness properties. The study details a method for non-invasive rupture potential prediction of AAAs using patient-specific moduli to generate a physiological stiffness rupture potential index (PSRPI) of the AAA. Clinical feasibility of ARFI imaging as an additional surgical tool to interrogate AAAs was verified and methods to utilize this data as a diagnostic tool was demonstrated with the PSRPI. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Prediction synthesis and identification of HLA-A2-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes of the tumor antigen MAGE-n].
To predict, synthesize, and identify HLA-A2-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes of the tumor the novel antigen MAGE-n. Long-distance prediction system SYFPEITHI combined with polynomial method was used to predict the HLA-A2-restricted CTL epitopes of the tumor antigen MAGE-n. The candidate epitopes were synthesized with solid phase strategies, purified with reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography and identified by mass spectrometry, The binding affinity and biding stability of the synthesized peptides were examined by cellular competition-based HLA-A2 peptide binding assay, T2 peptide stabilization assay, and peptide-major histocompatibility complex dissociation assay. Five HLA-A2-restricted CTL epitopes of MAGE-n were selected: The epitopes QLVFGIEVV (159-167), IMPKTGGLI (195-203), and FLIIVLMI (201-209) with high HLA-A2 binding affinity (LC(50) < 15 micro mol/L) and binding stability (DT(50) > 6 h) were selected as candidate epitopes for further study in immunotherapy for tumor. Epitope prediction combined with epitope reconstruction improves the study of HLA-A2-restricted CTL epitopes of the tumor antigen MAGE-n. The selected epitopes of MAGE-n may be used in the design of therapeutic peptide vaccine for hepatocellular carcinoma. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Anatomical analysis of the prevalence of agger nasi cell in the Turkish population.
The aim of this study is to give information about the anatomy of agger nasi cell for the surgery of the nasal cavity lateral wall. Twenty mid-sagittal head sections were obtained at random from formalin fixed male Turkish cadavers (12 left sides, 8 right sides). The presence and anatomical structure of agger nasi cell were investigated under operating microscope. Agger nasi cell, which lies between nasal cavity and lacrimal sac, was observed in eight of 20 specimens (40%). Whereas three of them showed a remarkable swelling along the lateral nasal wall, in five specimens of agger nasi cells there was superficially no swelling observed. This anatomic study presents microsurgical information on the convoluted anatomy of agger nasi cell. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Vulvar lichen sclerosus].
Lichen sclerosus's pathogeny, the most frequent vulvar dystrophy predominant at the start of menopause, is still enigmatic. Its repercussions on the functional level can be disabling. Its clinical sides include atrophy and sclerosis. The evolution of the past towards great atrophies (kraurosis vulvae) may today be prevented by early diagnosis and treatment (essentially dermocorticoïde). Even if the risk of degenerescence is low, it's not negligible and these patients must be put under steady surveillance. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Negative ions, molecular electron affinity and orbital structure of cata-condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are molecules of ecological, astrochemical significance that find practical applications in organic electronics, photonics and the chemical synthesis of novel materials. The utility of these molecules often implies the occurrence of their ionized forms. Studies in the gas phase of elementary processes of energy-controlled interaction of molecules with low-energy electrons shed light on the mechanisms of transient negative ion formation and evolution. Experiments with the individual compounds representing homologous and/or isomeric series of cata-condensed polyaromatic hydrocarbons were carried out by means of negative ion mass spectrometry in the resonant electron capture mode. Literature data obtained by complementary techniques and theoretical quantum chemical methods (ab initio and density functional theory (DFT)) were invoked to treat the experimental observations. Most polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules form long-lived molecular negative ions when exposed to free electrons of thermal or epi-thermal energy, and no fragmentation is observed up to ca 5 eV. The lifetimes of such ions with respect to the spontaneous loss of extra-electron vary from tens of microseconds for angular and branched PAH molecules to milliseconds for linear ones, and correlate with the adiabatic electron affinity (EA) of molecules. Detailed analysis of the electronic (orbital) structure of the molecules made it possible to rationalize the relatively low EAs of angular and branched PAH compared with those of linear ones. The obtained results contribute to the field of electron-molecule interactions and may be of importance for the better comprehension of the functioning of organic electronics, for the synthesis of relevant novel materials, and the development of efficient analytical methods capable of discriminating structural isomers. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Angiogenesis and developmental expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in rat lingual papillae.
We used an embryological approach to investigate development and microvasculature of lingual papillae, and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the rat tongue. Temporal changes in the rat tongue at each developmental stage from embryonic day 13 (E13) to postnatal day 7 (P7) were observed by intravascular injection of India ink and immunohistochemistry using a VEGF antibody. At E13, the primordium of circumvallate papilla was observed among various lingual papillae. VEGF was widely expressed at E16 on the proliferated epithelium and the connective tissue core of circumvallate papilla. Invasion by capillary sprouts forming the lingual papillae was observed at E17. The primordium of fungiform papillae was observed at E14. VEGF was strongly expressed around the basal cells of proliferated epithelial tissues of fungiform papillae at E17. At E18, blind-ended capillary sprouts invaded into connective tissue cores from subepithelial sinusoidal capillaries by sprout angiogenesis. At P1, the invading capillary sprouts formed loops by vascular remodeling. The primordium of foliate papillae was observed at E16. VEGF was slightly expressed, but uniformly at E17 on the epithelium, muscle cells, and fibroblasts of foliate papillae. At E18, vascular density was increased by angiogenesis. The primordium of filiform papillae was observed at E17. It was the last to develop among the lingual papillae. VEGF was expressed in the cytoplasm of grown epithelial cells of filiform papillae at E19, and in blind-ended capillary sprouts formed by angiogenesis in the connective tissue cores at E20. The capillary sprouts formed loops by vascular remodeling at P1. Consequently, VEGF was expressed on the papillary epithelium and connective tissue cores of papillae during development of the papillary epithelium, and invasion by capillary sprouts into each papillae was observed thereafter. These results suggest a close relationship between expression of VEGF and angiogenesis of lingual papillae in the rat. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease using a new questionnaire.
An early and accurate evaluation by a general practitioner is needed to screen out non-gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients. A recent questionnaire (QUEST) highlighted problems with specificity and complexity, so the aim of the present study was to design a simplified questionnaire. When admitted to hospital to undergo an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for suspected GERD, 333 patients completed a 50-item questionnaire requiring 'yes/no' answers to different combinations of questions relating to symptoms of upper gastrointestinal tract conditions (e.g. GERD, ulcers and functional dyspepsia) and psychosomatic symptoms. The endoscopic diagnosis was then correlated with the rate of positive answers to each question. Based on the analysis of the 50 items, the 8-10 questions most often answered affirmatively by each of the GERD and non-GERD groups were chosen for the simplified questionnaire. Three draft questionnaires were compiled. After calculating the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in relation to the diagnosis of GERD and other conditions, it was found that questionnaire B (selection of persons answering 'yes' to at least one of questions 1-5 and exclusion of persons answering 'yes' to at least three of questions 7-10) had a high sensitivity, high specificity and low false positive rate. A novel questionnaire was developed. It was designed to detect the symptoms of GERD while simultaneously excluding non-GERD patients. This simplified nine-item simplified questionnaire had a sensitivity of 79.8%, a specificity of 53.6% and an accuracy of 63.4%. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Colony stimulating factors, cytokines and monocyte-macrophages--some controversies.
In the literature concerning induction of monocyte-macrophage inflammatory mediators in vitro by colony stimulating factors, IFN-gamma and TGF-beta, there are many conflicting observations; likewise there is disagreement when the regulation of the synthesis of colony stimulating factors by cytokines is examined. Here, John Hamilton attempts to identify unifying concepts from the conflicting data. He goes on to discuss the experimental variables that have led to the current confusion and to assess the significance of the in vitro studies to physiology and pathology. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Why does biparental plastid inheritance revive in angiosperms?
It is widely believed that plastid and mitochondrial genomes are inherited through the maternal parent. In plants, however, paternal transmission of these genomes is frequently observed, especially for the plastid genome. A male gametic trait, called potential biparental plastid inheritance (PBPI), occurs in up to 20% of angiosperm genera, implying a strong tendency for plastid transmission from the male lineage. Why do plants receive organelles from the male parents? Are there clues in plastids that will help to elucidate the evolution of plants? Reconstruction of the ancestral state of plastid inheritance patterns in a phylogenetic context provides insights into these questions. In particular, a recent report demonstrated the unilateral occurrence of PBPI in angiosperms. This result implies that nuclear cytoplasmic conflicts, a basic driving force for altering the mode of organelle inheritance, might have arisen specifically in angiosperms. Based on existing evidence, it is likely that biparental inheritance may have occurred to rescue angiosperm species with defective plastids. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Overview of the Special Projects of National Significance Program's 10 models of adolescent HIV care.
Ten models of adolescent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care were funded in 1993 by the Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) Program, HIV/Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus (AIDS) Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, through the Ryan White CARE Act. These models were supported to advance knowledge about the engagement of HIV-positive and at-risk adolescents and young adults in care. This article provides an overview of the SPNS Program's adolescent initiative, which developed and evaluated innovative models of HIV care, and provides background information on and summarizes the 10 models of care. The models are organized into four groups emphasizing different concepts: (a) youth involvement; (b) outreach to bring youth into services; (c) case management and linkage to services; and (d) a comprehensive continuum of care for youth. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Separation of small organic molecules using covalent organic frameworks-LZU1 as stationary phase by open-tubular capillary electrochromatography.
Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have attracted much attention because of their permanent nanoscale porosity and higher surface area compared to zeolites as well as robustness. COFs have great potential in several fields such as hydrogen storage, gas separation, and catalysis. However, COFs have not yet been applied in capillary electrochromatography. Herein, covalent organic frameworks-LZU1 (COF-LZU1) was used as the stationary phase in open-tubular capillary electrochromatography for the first time. Compared to the monoliths used in electrochromatography, the preparation technique of a COF-LZU1-coated capillary was simple and practical. The baseline separation of model analytes including alkylbenzenes, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and anilines by the COF-LZU1-coated capillary was achieved based on the size selectivity of COF-LZU1 porous structure and hydrophobic interactions between the model analytes and organic ligands of COF-LZU1. The load capacity of the COF-LZU1-coated capillary for naphthalene was 0.6mg/mL. For three consecutive runs, the intraday relative standard deviations (RSDs) were 1.4-2.6% for the migration time and 2.7-8.7% for the peak area. The interday RSDs were 1.3-3.9% for the migration time and 3.7-9.7% for the peak area. The column-to-column reproducibility of migration time was in the range 1.0-3.9%. Moreover, the coated capillary was used for >300 runs with no changes in the separation efficiency. Thus, COFs have great potential in capillary electrochromatography and may provide a new method for chromatographic separation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A fluorescence study of differently substituted 3-styrylindoles and their interaction with bovine serum albumin.
Interaction of 3-styrylindoles 1-8 viz. 3-(2-phenylethenyl-E)-NH-indole (1), 3-[2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethenyl-E]-NH-indole (2), 5-bromo-3-[2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethenyl-E]-NH-indole (3), 5-methoxy-3-[2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethenyl-E]-NH-indole (4), 3-[2-(4-cyanophenyl)ethenyl-E]-NH-indole (5), 3-[2-(4-cyanophenyl)ethenyl-E]-N-ethylindole (6), 5-bromo-3-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethenyl-E]-NH-indole (7) and 5-methoxy-3-[2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethenyl-E]-NH-indole (8) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was examined by UV-vis and steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy. The fluorescence intensity of 1-8 increases with the increasing BSA concentration. Upon binding with BSA, while 1 and 5-8 show a blue shift in their lambda(f max), 2-4 do not exhibit such behavior. Compounds 1-8 also quench the 345 nm fluorescence of BSA in phosphate buffer (lambda(ex), 280 nm). These compounds intercalate in the hydrophobic regions of BSA, as evidenced by the determination of BSA binding site micropolarity using compounds 2-8. As evidenced by the estimation of energy transfer efficiency and distance between the donor (BSA-Trp-212) and the acceptor (3-styrylindoles), the halo-substituted compounds 3 and 7 interact with BSA more effectively than the other 3-strylindoles. These compounds have potential for use as neutral and hydrophobic fluorescence probes for examining the microenvironments in proteins, polymers, micelles, etc. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Urinary excretion of hydroxyproline in patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency (author's transl)].
The level of urinary excretion of hydroxyproline is considered as an index of the metabolic activity of the collagen. It increases in situations which include an increase in the osteoblastic activity or in the bone resorption. In respiratory insufficiency a series of conditions occur which are theoretically capable of modyfing this parameter. Twelve patients (9 males and 3 women) with chronic respiratory disease in a situation of respiratory insufficiency (hypoxemia and/or hypercapnia at rest) were studied. The urinary excretion of hydroxyproline in these patients was 15.30 +/- 8.16 mg/day/m2, significantly greater than that of a control group with similar characteristics which was 9.97 +/- 3.07 mg/day/m2 (p less than 0.05; Student's t test). The existence of a significant correlation between the urinary excretion of hydroxyproline and the degree of hypoxemia (r = 0.66; p less than 0.01) was likewise verified; in the same way, although to a lesser degree with the hypercapnia (r = 0.62; p less than 0.05). The different factors capable of influencing the bone metabolism in respiratory insufficiency are discussed, as well as the effects of the medications used by these patients. It is possible, on the other hand, that the increase of the urinary excretion of hydroxyproline does not depend only on alterations in the metabolic condition of the bone, but also on a reduction in the hepatic metabolism of the amino acid in relation with gasometric modifications. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Guidelines for nutritional support in intensive care unit patients: a critical analysis.
Guidelines are supposed to be helpful in clinical practice. Guidelines are also supposed to rest upon the evidence that there is. In the field of clinical nutrition the problem is that many clinical trials are not conclusive because they are underpowered and sometimes have an inferior design. The publication of the Canadian guidelines one year ago initiated a lively debate. The Canadian guidelines used meta-analysis as a tool to review the literature. This resulted in both a sound evaluation of studies as well as some controversial recommendations. The Canadian guidelines are here put in a perspective in which the older type of guidelines are compared, and some of the points of recommendation are scrutinized. What all guidelines agree upon is the shortage of solid knowledge, the conviction that complications related to nutritional therapy in the intensive care unit are not acceptable, and that enteral nutrition is preferable if it can be given without risk. Beyond that, many controversies remain and the need for high quality prospective studies must be emphasized. In addition, such studies must address the clinically important questions that the guidelines try to answer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Different mutations in the NF1 gene are associated with Neurofibromatosis-Noonan syndrome (NFNS).
The association of the Noonan phenotype with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) was first noted by Allanson et al. [Am J Med Genet 1985;21:457-462.] and 30 further cases have subsequently been reported. It has been suggested that this phenotype is more common than previously appreciated, as Colley et al. [Clin Genet 1996;49:59-64.] examined 94 sequentially identified patients with NF1 from their genetic register and found Noonan features in 12. A 3-bp deletion of exon 17 of the NF1 neurofibromin gene was described in one family by Carey et al. [Proc Greenwood Genet Center 1997;17:52-53]. However, it remains unclear whether Neurofibromatosis-Noonan syndrome (NFNS) represents a form of NF1 (with mutations in the NF1 neurofibromin gene) or a separate syndrome. We have used a new, rapid sequence analysis technique-comparative sequence analysis (CSA)-to examine the NF1 gene in six patients with NFNS. None of the six patients had the previously identified mutation, nor did we observe other mutations within this exon. However, two other mutations were found: in exon 25, a 3-bp deletion 4312 del GAA, and in exon 23-2, a 2-bp insertion 4095 ins TG. The PTPN11 gene, now known to cause over 50% of Noonan syndrome was also examined in four cases of NFNS, and no mutations were found. These results show that NFNS can in some cases result from different mutations in the NF1 gene and therefore represents a variant form of NF1. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
DNA typing of HLA class II genes; DRB1*0803 increases the susceptibility of Japanese to primary biliary cirrhosis.
The association between human leukocyte antigens and primary biliary cirrhosis is controversial, but major histocompatibility complex class II antigen DR8 was recently reported to be associated with increased susceptibility for primary biliary cirrhosis in some Caucasians and Japanese. Accordingly, we performed DNA typing of HLA class II genes in Japanese patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. The genotypes of HLA DRB1, DRB3-5, DQA and DQB were determined by polymerase chain reaction and subsequent hybridization with sequence specific oligonucleotides in 31 primary biliary cirrhosis patients and 215 racially matched local controls. DR8 was found in 24 of the 31 primary biliary cirrhosis patients and was highly concentrated in DRB1*0803. The gene frequency of DRB1*0803 was significantly increased in the patients (35.5% vs 7.4%, relative risk = 6.84, p < 0.0001). DQA1*0103 and DQB1*0601 were also increased in the primary biliary cirrhosis patients, in relation to linkage disequilibrium with DRB1*0803 on the same haplotype. In contrast, DQA1*0102 showed a significantly lower frequency in the primary biliary cirrhosis patients (p < 0.05). These data suggest that DRB1*0803 is one of the HLA class II genes related to an increased risk of primary biliary cirrhosis in Japanese individuals. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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