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Effect of early introduction of formula vs fat-free parenteral nutrition on essential fatty acid status of preterm infants.
Previous studies have used relative (%) values of plasma 18:2n-6 (18:2 omega-6) and the ratio of 20:3n-9 to 20:4n-6 (triene/tetrene) to indicate the essential fatty acid (EFA: 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3) status of preterm infants. The extent to which these indices reflect milligrams per liter quantities of n-6 and n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated derivatives of EFA (LCPs), required for cell membrane accretion, is unknown. Thus, 18:2n-6, the triene-tetrene ratio, and n-6 and n-3 LCPs were measured in plasma phospholipid of preterm infants' cord blood (n = 22) and of preterm infants fed formula (n = 12) or of preterm infants who received fat-free parenteral nutrition (n = 15) on postnatal day 3. Whether expressed as percent or milligrams per liter, 18:2n-6 was markedly higher and the triene-tetrene ratio lower in infants fed formula than in infants who had received no lipid. However, concentrations of n-6 and n-3 LCPs were similar in the two groups of infants and significantly higher than cord values. In the absence of an exogenous lipid source, it is suggested that tissue stores of LCPs are released in response to birth. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Purification and characterization of a novel acid phosphatase from the split gill mushroom Schizophyllum commune.
A monomeric acid phosphatase (ACP) with a molecular mass of 72.5 kDa was purified from fresh fruiting bodies of cultured Schizophyllum commune mushroom. The isolation procedure entailed ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, CM-cellulose, and Q-sepharose, and gel filtration by fast protein liquid chromatography on Superdex 75. It demonstrated a unique N-terminal amino acid sequence of NAPWAQIDEV, which exhibited 60% amino acid identity to that of S. commune hypothetical histidine ACP based on its genome sequence, but less than 30% amino acid identity to that of other fungal ACPs previously reported. The ACP exhibited an optimum temperature at 50 °C, an optimum pH at pH 4.6, and was considerably stable at a pH range of 4.0 to 9.0, and a temperature range of 20-40 °C. The Km of the purified enzyme for ρ-nitrophenyl phosphate (ρNPP) was 0.248 mM and the Vmax was 9.093 × 10(-3) μM/min. ACP activity was strongly inhibited by Al(3+) and Fe(3+) , but enhanced by Co(2+) , Mg(2+) , and Ca(2+) at a concentration of 0.5 mM. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors' Influence on Antiplatelet Therapy of Clopidogrel in ACS.
Clopidogrel is a prodrug, the minority of which is converted to an active metabolite by hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP2C19), however, most of it is metabolized to inactive substance by hepatic carboxylesterase1 (CES1). Meanwhile angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are mostly metabolized by CES1. We aimed to assess the impact of ACEIs on platelet inhibition by clopidogrel. We genotyped variants CES1, CYP2C19*2 and *3 in 502 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) receiving clopidogrel therapy, and analyzed the effects of ACEIs on responsiveness to clopidogrel by the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation assay and ADP-stimulated impedance whole blood platelet aggregation assay. It showed that the allele frequency of CES1 c.428A was 0% in these patients. 45.22% (227/502) of these patients were carriers of CYP2C19*2 or CYP2C9*3 loss-of-function alleles. Among them, 57.71% (131/227) of the patients with CYP2C19 variants received ACEIs therapy. In a total of 502 patients, there was no difference in the VASP-PRI or the impedance whole blood platelet aggregation assay between the ACEIs group and non-ACEIs group [56.26 ± 14.55% versus 57.76 ± 13.56%, p = 0.241; 0 (0 - 2) Ω vs. 0 (0 - 2) Ω, p = 0.856]. In the CYP2C19 variant patients, there was no difference in the VASP-PRI or the impedance whole blood platelet aggregation assay between ACEIs group and non-ACEIs group [57.24 ± 15.12% versus 58.07 ± 13.90%, p = 0.667; 0 (0 - 2) Ω versus 0 (0 - 2) Ω, p = 0.536]. In the subgroups of ACS patients (unstable angina, non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction), there was no difference in the VASP-PRI between the ACEIs group and non-ACEIs group [55.81 ± 15.24% versus 58.37 ± 13.31%, p = 0.103; 55.76 ± 15.20% versus 49.09 ± 15.22%, p = 0.098; 58.13 ± 11.48% versus 61.87 ± 10.34%, p = 0.221], and there was no difference in the impedance whole blood platelet aggregation assay between ACEIs group and non-ACEIs group [0 (0 - 2) Ω versus 0 (0 - 2) Ω, p = 0.936; 0 (0 - 2) Ω versus 0 (0 - 2) Ω, p = 0.625; 0 (0 - 1.25) Ω versus 0 (0 - 1.5) Ω, p = 0.788]. In our study, when ACEIs were used with clopidogrel, platelet response to clopidogrel was not affected. These findings suggest that the drug interaction between clopidogrel and ACEI is of little relevance in platelet function. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
UV-B induced thymocytes apoptosis blocked by dicyclodextrinyl ditelluride-A GPX mimic.
Apoptosis is known to occur after ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation. It was found that UV-B could induce cell apoptosis and change cell cycle progression. After exposure to 100J/m(2) of UV-B, pre-G1 phase thymocytes were increased significantly and S phase thymocytes were decreased significantly. UV-B could also induce lipid peroxidation of thymocytes to have their MDA amount increased. These phenomena could be explained by production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which were induced by UV-B radiation. In this study, we examined the protective effect of dicyclodextrinyl ditelluride (2-TeCD), the glutathione peroxidase (GPX, EC 1.11.1.9) mimics, on thymocytes apoptosis induced by UV-B radiation. The experimental results showed that 2-TeCD protects thymocytes from apoptosis. Moreover, 2-TeCD inhibits lipid peroxidation of thymocytes and displayed great antioxidant ability. Furthermore, 2-TeCD blocks the accumulation of wild-type-p53 (wt-p53) tumor-suppressor gene product caused by UV-B radiation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
P300-based brain-computer interface for environmental control: an asynchronous approach.
Brain-computer interface (BCI) systems allow people with severe motor disabilities to communicate and interact with the external world. The P300 potential is one of the most used control signals for EEG-based BCIs. Classic P300-based BCIs work in a synchronous mode; the synchronous control assumes that the user is constantly attending to the stimulation, and the number of stimulation sequences is fixed a priori. This issue is an obstacle for the use of these systems in everyday life; users will be engaged in a continuous control state, their distractions will cause misclassification and the speed of selection will not take into account users' current psychophysical condition. An efficient BCI system should be able to understand the user's intentions from the ongoing EEG instead. Also, it has to refrain from making a selection when the user is engaged in a different activity and it should increase or decrease its speed of selection depending on the current user's state. We addressed these issues by introducing an asynchronous BCI and tested its capabilities for effective environmental monitoring, involving 11 volunteers in three recording sessions. Results show that this BCI system can increase the bit rate during control periods while the system is proved to be very efficient in avoiding false negatives when the users are engaged in other tasks. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Results of prostatectomy in patients following a cerebrovascular accident.
Prostatectomy was performed on 39 patients with a history of one or more cerebrovascular accidents. Only 50% had a satisfactory result from the operation and 11.7% died within 3 months of surgery. While the age of the patient, the degree of neurological deficit at the time of operation and the indication for operation had some influence on the outcome, the site of the CVA and the period of time that had elapsed since the CVA seemed to have the greatest influence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A functional anatomic study of the relationship of the nasal cartilages and muscles to the nasal valve area.
The functioning of the nasal valve area is largely determined by the stability and the mobility of the lateral nasal wall. To gain insight into the kinematics of the lateral nasal wall, we studied the functional anatomy of the nasal muscles and the intercartilaginous and osseous-cartilaginous junctions. We performed gross and microscopic nasal dissection and serial sectioning in 15 human cadaveric noses. In addition, two noses were used for three-dimensional reconstruction of the nasal cartilages. We conclude that the lateral nasal wall can be seen as made up of three parts. At the level of the osseous-cartilaginous chain of bone, lateral nasal cartilage, and lateral crus, the lateral nasal wall is relatively stable, limited mobility being allowed by translation and rotation in the intercartilaginous joint and a coupled distortion of the cartilages. At the level of the hinge area the lateral nasal wall is supported by one or more accessory cartilages, embedded in soft tissue, and therefore much more compliant. The alar part of the nasalis muscle, which originates from the maxilla and inserts on these cartilages, may dilate the valve area by drawing this hinge area laterally. The third and most compliant part of the lateral nasal wall is the part that is not supported by cartilage, the ala. The dilatator naris muscle largely occupies the ala and is attached to the lateral crus; it opens the vestibule and nostril. The third nasal muscle that influences the lateral nasal wall is the transverse part of the nasalis muscle. It overlies the nose but is not attached to it. This muscle stabilizes the lateral nasal wall, in particular, the lateral nasal cartilage, the intercartilaginous junction, and the hinge area, by moving the nasal skin. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of occupational exposure to lead on new risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
The cardiovascular effects of lead are caused primarily through an effect on blood pressure but are not just limited to an increased risk of hypertension. The aim of our study was to determine to what extent chronic exposure to lead affects new risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) development, such as biomarkers of inflammation (C reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen) and biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction (homocysteine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and L-homoarginine). A cross-sectional study was performed on a sample of 231 male volunteers, aged 20-60 years, working for at least 2 years in jobs with exposure to lead during the mining and processing of lead-zinc ores. The association between lead in blood and CVD biomarkers was evaluated using multiple linear regression, and the effects of exposure level were observed in workers divided into subgroups according to their blood lead concentration: <250, 250-400 and >400 µg/L. Lead in the blood correlated with new risk factors for CVD except for ADMA. Multiple regression analysis revealed that predictive properties for lead in the blood increased for particular biomarkers in the following order: L-homoarginine, fibrinogen, CRP and homocysteine. Among the specified groups, significant differences were observed only between the groups with the most and least exposure to lead, which differed in concentrations by 54.3% for CRP, 19.3% for fibrinogen, 10.6% for homocysteine and -25.5% for L-homoarginine. These findings support the hypothesis that occupational exposure to lead can promote atherosclerosis, particularly in highly exposed individuals. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fixture-abutment connection surface and micro-gap measurements by 3D micro-tomographic technique analysis.
X-ray micro-tomography (micro-CT) is a miniaturized form of conventional computed axial tomography (CAT) able to investigate small radio-opaque objects at a-few-microns high resolution, in a non-destructive, non-invasive, and tri-dimensional way. Compared to traditional optical and electron microscopy techniques, which provide two-dimensional images, this innovative investigation technology enables a sample tri-dimensional analysis without cutting, coating or exposing the object to any particular chemical treatment. X-ray micro-tomography matches ideal 3D microscopy features: the possibility of investigating an object in natural conditions and without any preparation or alteration; non-invasive, non-destructive, and sufficiently magnified 3D reconstruction; reliable measurement of numeric data of the internal structure (morphology, structure and ultra-structure). Hence, this technique has multi-fold applications in a wide range of fields, not only in medical and odontostomatologic areas, but also in biomedical engineering, materials science, biology, electronics, geology, archaeology, oil industry, and semi-conductors industry. This study shows possible applications of micro-CT in dental implantology to analyze 3D micro-features of dental implant to abutment interface. Indeed, implant-abutment misfit is known to increase mechanical stress on connection structures and surrounding bone tissue. This condition may cause not only screw preload loss or screw fracture, but also biological issues in peri-implant tissues. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Influence of particle size on the pathology and efficacy of vaccination in a murine model of inhalational anthrax.
Deposition of Bacillus anthracis endospores within either the lungs or nasal passages of A/J mice after aerosol exposure was influenced by different particle sized aerosols and resulted in different infection kinetics. The infection resulting from the inhalation of endospores within a 12 μm particle aerosol was prolonged compared to that from a 1 μm particle aerosol with a mean time-to-death of 161 ± 16.1 h and 101.6 ± 10.4 h, respectively. Inhalation of endospores within 1 μm or 12 μm particle aerosols resulted in a median lethal dose of 2432 and 7656 c.f.u., respectively. Initial involvement of the upper respiratory tract lymph nodes was observed in 75-83% of mice exposed to either the 1 μm or 12 μm particle inhalational infections. Lung deposition was significantly greater after inhalation of the 1 μm particle aerosol with pronounced involvement of the mediastinal lymph node. Gastrointestinal involvement was observed only in mice exposed to 12 μm particle aerosols where bacteriological and histopathological analysis indicated primary gastritis (17%), activation of the Peyer's patches (72%) and colonization and necrosis of the mesenteric lymph nodes (67%). Terminal disease was characterized by bacteraemia in both inhalational infections with preferential dissemination to spleen, liver, kidneys and thymus. Immunization with 1 μg recombinant protective antigen vaccine was equally efficacious against B. anthracis infections arising from the inhalation of 1 and 12 μm particle aerosols, providing 73-80% survival under a suboptimum immunization schedule. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Stabilization of whole molecules of gastropodan haemocyanins by chlorhexidine.
Chlorhexidine diacetate 0.01% stabilized the whole molecules of Helix pomatia alpha-haemocyanin under dissociating conditions; in 1 M NaCl and in 1.42 M sucrose. Dissociation at low ionic strength (10 mM) of the haemocyanin of Pila leopoldvillensis was likewise prevented by chlorhexidine. After dissociation into half molecules of H. pomatia alpha-haemocyanin in 1.42 M sucrose and of P. leopoldvillensis haemocyanin by lowering the ionic strength, whole molecules were formed on introduction by dialysis of chlorhexidine diacetate to a concentration of 0.01%. This stabilization points to the binding of the two chlorophenyl groups in hydrophobic regions of the protein and an ensuing cross-linking of the half molecules of gastropodan haemocyanins. Chlorguanide, which almost corresponds to one half chlorhexidine, even at a concentration of 0.1%, only slightly stabilized the whole molecules. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Myocardial infarction, thrombolytic therapy, and stroke. A community-based study. The MITI Project Group.
Thrombolytic therapy used in patients with acute myocardial infarction may increase the risk of stroke. Scant information is available from community-based studies. Among 5,635 consecutive patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction to hospitals in Seattle and surrounding suburban King County, Washington, 116 (2.1%) experienced strokes during hospitalization. Of these strokes, 82 (71%) were ischemic and 34 (29%) were hemorrhagic, defined by a patient's having had a computed tomographic scan of the head that showed blood. Thrombolytic therapy was given to 1,413 of these patients (25%) and was associated with increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke but reduced risk of ischemic stroke. The relative risk of stroke with thrombolytic therapy was estimate using multiple logistic regression to adjust for potential confounding factors. The adjusted relative risk for hemorrhagic stroke was 3.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7-8.0); for ischemic stroke, 0.4 (95% CI, 0.2-0.9); and for overall stroke, 1.0 (95% CI, 0.6-1.7). The adjusted risk for death from any cause following stroke was 3.0 (95% CI, 1.4-6.4). Although thrombolytic therapy had little effect on the overall occurrence of stroke, thrombolytic therapy increased the risk of stroke death because more patients with hemorrhagic than ischemic strokes died during their hospitalization. The rates of hemorrhagic stroke with thrombolytic therapy reported in the present study are higher than those reported in clinical trials in which treatment is given to select patients under strict protocols. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The adsorption of human defensin 5 on bacterial membranes: simulation studies.
Human α-defensin 5 (HD5) is one of the important antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) used against a broad-spectrum of pathogens, especially Gram-negative bacteria. HD5 kills by disrupting and making a pore in the bacterial membrane. The presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), located on a membrane surface, is found to have an impact on HD5's activity, where such binding mechanism in microscopic detail remains unclear. In this work, we therefore employed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the binding mechanisms of HD5 on LPS in comparison to a bare DMPC lipid membrane. Two oligomers, dimer and tetramer, are studied here. Apparently, the membrane structure influences the protein binding affinity. HD5 binds tighter to a lipid membrane than LPS. Both dimeric and tetrameric HD5 can penetrate deeply into a phosphate layer in a lipid membrane, whereas only facial contacts are observed for LPS systems. The proteins appear to stay in the polar area instead of diving into a hydrophobic region. Furthermore, it happens in all cases that residues in the active region (A1, T2, R6, R13, R32) contribute to the membrane adsorption. The breakdown of tetramer into two dimers is also found. This implies that the dimer is more favorable for membrane binding. Moreover, both dimeric and tetrameric HD5 can significantly disrupt a LPS layer, whilst no serious distortion of lipid membrane is obtained. This emphasizes the importance of LPS on HD5 activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Techniques for detecting enzymes in high-performance liquid chromatography.
Techniques are described for the automated detection of a series of enzymes in a high-performance liquid chromatographic system. Detection was achieved by either a direct or a coupled enzyme assay using photometric detectors. In direct detection the immediate enzymatic product was monitored. Coupled enzyme assays required additional enzyme(s) to convert the product of the primary enzyme reaction into a more easily detectable form. The efficiency of both free and immobilized coupling enzyme(s) was evaluated. The detector sensitivity could be increased three-fold by increasing the reaction temperature. This system is particularly suitable for isoenzyme profiling in biological materials. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Physiological and behavioural effects of an intracerebroventricular injection of corticotropin releasing hormone in goats.
This study investigated the effects of an intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) on physiological and behavioural responses in goats. In Experiment 1, saline (control) or saline plus 25 microg of ovine CRH was injected into the third ventricle of castrated male goats. CRH increased plasma cortisol (Cor) levels markedly within 15 min, but had little effect on plasma glucose (Glu). Compared with saline injected goats, CRH decreased the total duration of lying behaviour but increased its frequency, and suppressed rumination and self-grooming. In Experiment 2, the effects of an intravenous (IV) injection of human adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (1-24) (0.1mg) were examined and an IV injection of saline was used as control. ACTH increased plasma Cor levels markedly, but did not change any behaviour compared with controls. It was concluded that CRH mediated the response of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and behaviour following stress in goats, although the CRH-induced behavioural changes were independent of the HPA axis and seemed to be the result of direct action within the central nervous system. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Influence of hepatitis C virus infection on circulating levels of sICAM-1 and VEGF in patients with hepatitis C and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their role in enhancing detection of HCC.
Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is characterized by inflammatory liver damage and a long viral persistence associated with an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) plays a key role during liver inflammation and also expressed in HCC. Its cellular expression is associated with the release of soluble form (sICAM-1) in the peripheral blood. The process of angiogenesis plays a critical role in liver damage-associated HCV infection and in tumor growth and metastasis. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is an important angiogenic factor regulating tumor angiogenesis. This study aimed at investigating the influence of HCV infection on serum profile of sICAM-1 and VEGF in patients with hepatitis C and HCC and their diagnostic value as useful markers reflecting progressive liver damage and development of HCC. Serum levels of sICAM-1 and VEGF were determined in the serum of fifteen HCV infected patients, fifteen HCV-positive patients with superimposed HCC as well as ten healthy control subjects by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. HCV RNA copy numbers were analyzed by Real-time polymerase chain reaction using TaqMan probe technology. Alpha-fetoprotein levels and serum aminotransferases activities were also measured. The group of patients with hepatitis C and superimposed HCC had significantly higher sICAM-1 and VEGF values than HCV infected patients (1178.113 +/- 631.87 vs. 313.67 +/- 82.72 & 320.88 +/- 117.99 vs. 132.45 +/- 91.56, p < 0.001 respectively). In comparison to healthy subjects, HCV infected patients showed dramatically elevated serum levels of VEGF (132.45 +/- 91.56 vs. 7.76 +/- 7.41, p < 0.001). On the other hand, sICAM-1 levels were elevated in patients with HCV as compared with healthy controls, but this did not reach statistical significance (313.67 +/- 82.72 vs. 230.3 +/- 47.4, p > 0.05). A highly significant correlation was found between VEGF and sICAM-1 levels in all patients (r = 0.731, p < 0.001) also between VEGF, sICAM-1 and AFP (r = 0.473, p < 0.001, r = 0.690, p < 0.001, respectively) as well as between sICAM-1 and AST activities (r = 0.367, p < 0.05). A weak correlation was found between the level of viremia and VEGF, sICAM-1 levels, yet this did not reach statistical significance (r = 0.312, p = 0.09 & r = 0.228, p > 0.05 respectively). The sensitivity of HCC detection using AFP alone was 93.3%. It yielded 100% detection sensitivity when combined with sICAM-1 and/or VEGF with diagnostic accuracy reaching 96.67%. In conclusion, HCV infection and the development of HCC on top greatly affect the serum profile of VEGF and sICAM-1. VEGF as it stimulates endothelial cell growth, it could modulate the expression of sICAM-1 and both could be considered as convenient markers of progressive liver damage, endothelial activation and therefore could improve detection and management of HCC. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Growth characteristics of primary cultures of stromal cells from human endometrium.
The growth rate of stromal cells derived from 23 specimens of human endometrial tissue taken at various phases of the cycle was measured during the first seven days of primary culture. The stromal cells were found to differ radically in their ability to grow in culture according to the phase of the cycle at which the tissue was obtained. Early and mid proliferative stromal cells were capable of proliferation but that capacity was lost in late proliferative tissue. Growth at significant rates reappeared at days 21--22 and persisted in cells from late secretory tissue. Following plating, a 2--4 day lag period preceded proliferation of all but the most rapidly growing cultures. Subcultures showed a shorter lag period and faster maximal growth rate than the primary cultures from which they were derived. Estradiol, 10(-9) M. inhibition stromal cell growth in primary culture and this effect was prevented by 10(-8) M progesterone. These observations indicate that proliferative characteristics of stromal cells in primary culture are strongly influenced by the hormonal environment of the endometrium at the time of biopsy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evolution of fractal-like surface structures in layers of polyacrylonitrile solutions by interfacial dynamic processes.
Solvent evaporation causes concentration and temperature gradients at the free surface of a coating polymer solution. Thereby surface-tension-driven flows can result in a surface instability with regular structures within the layer. Different types of surface structures can occur at spots with thickness differences. One can find fractal-like structures especially in the edge zone of a layer. The evolution of such fractal-like structures at the surfaces of coating solutions of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) in dimethylformamide (DMF) during layer hardening is examined. Condensation of water on the surface of the fluid layer exerts a strong influence on the formation of these structures. Solutions of PAN in DMF are important for the production of ultrafiltration membranes. Such membranes are produced by precipitation in a water bath after a short open time. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characterization of viremia at different stages of varicella-zoster virus infection.
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) viremia at different stages of infection was characterized. Different approaches were used, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), isothermal transcription based nucleic acid amplification (NASBA), and immunofluorescence to describe and quantitate viral infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). In patients with acute varicella 200 to 5,000 copies of the viral genome in every 150,000 PBMC were found with quantitative competitive PCR (QCPCR). With NASBA, viral transcriptional activity was detected in these cells. RNA transcribed from the immediate early gene IE 63 as well as from the late gene 68 were found, indicating a productive infection. Glycoprotein gE specific immunofluorescence visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that only 1 in 10,000 to 100,000 PBMC was infected. T and B lymphocytes as well as monocytes expressed viral protein on their surface. Similar results were obtained with PBMC from immunocompetent zoster patients. In some cases a transient viremia was found shortly after the onset of rash, although the viral load seemed to be lower than in patients with varicella. Examination of blood samples from 16 persons with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) signs of viral replication in PBMC were not detected. In conclusion, the data suggest that VZV viremia is a frequent event in patients with varicella and zoster, but not in those with postherpetic neuralgia. Moreover, the results indicated that subclinical reactivations occur both in immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Source-monitoring training: toward reducing rater expectancy effects in behavioral measurement.
The authors developed a source-monitoring procedure to reduce the biasing effects of rater expectations on behavioral measurement. Study participants (N = 224) were given positive or negative information regarding the performance of a group and, after observing the group, were assigned to a source-monitoring or control condition. Raters in the source-monitoring condition were instructed to report only behaviors that evoked detailed memories (remember judgments) and to avoid reporting behaviors based on feelings of familiarity (know judgments). Results revealed that controlling raters' response strategy reduced (and often eliminated) the biasing effects of performance expectations. These findings advance our understanding of the performance-cue bias and offer a potentially useful technique for decreasing rater bias. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The lacto-complex in the therapy of gastroesophageal reflux. Clinical and endoscopic evaluation].
The activity and therapeutic efficacy of a micro-dispersed lacto-complex in the management of patients with gastro-oesophageal regurgitation were evaluated in terms of the clinical and endoscopic data observed before and 40-60 days after treatment. The results were more than satisfactory. Endoscopic assessment was also made of the stratification and residence time of the preparation in the normal and pathological oesophageal and gastric mucosa. There was a significant increase in residence times in the case of lesion of the mucosae themselves. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Optical scanning system for light-absorption measurement of deep biological tissue.
A noncontact near-infrared scanning system for multi-distance absorption measurement of deep biological tissue was developed. An 808-nm laser, whose focal point on the surface of biological tissue is controlled by a galvano scanner, is used as a light source. A phosphor is placed at a detection focal point on the tissue surface. The light that propagates through tissue and exits from the tissue surface beneath the phosphor excites the phosphor. The fluorescence emitted from the phosphor is detected by an avalanche photodiode. The system is used to measure 20 points on tissue surface at which source-detector (S-D) distances are 7-45 mm (with 2-mm intervals). Neither the light source nor the detector contacts the tissue surface. The system was validated by using it to measure the absorption change of an absorber (which is embedded in a deep layer of a tissue-simulating phantom) while the surface-layer thickness of the phantom was changed from 1 to 12 mm. It was demonstrated that both the relative absorption change of the absorber and the absolute thickness of the surface layer can be estimated from the measured optical-density change (ΔOD) and the dependence of ΔOD on S-D distance, respectively. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Venous occlusion plethysmography in patients with post-thrombotic venous claudication.
Post-thrombotic venous claudication is a serious condition that may be treated with iliac vein stenting or open surgery, and there is a need for hemodynamic tests in the preoperative evaluation. The purpose of this study was to describe the results of venous occlusion plethysmography in patients with venous claudication and to analyze the outflow curve to find variables that best describe the functional abnormality in this patient group. Twenty-nine patients with previous deep venous thrombosis and with clinical evidence of venous claudication were retrospectively identified. The results of venous occlusion plethysmography in these patients were compared with results obtained in a group of 63 healthy control subjects of similar age and sex. Computerized strain-gauge plethysmography was used in a capacitance mode where the occlusion time is determined by an electronic detector allowing the maximal venous volume to be achieved in all limbs. Outflow volumes (OV1, OV4) and outflow fractions (OF1, OF4) were calculated at 1 and 4 seconds after cuff release. Outflow fraction is OV divided by maximal venous volume. Both outflow volumes and outflow fractions were significantly reduced in patients compared with healthy control subjects. Outflow fractions were more sensitive than outflow volumes in identifying patients with venous claudication. The most discriminating variable was OF4 that was reduced below the normal lower limit in 69% of the patients, most severely reduced in patients with severe claudication. Patients with venous claudication attributable to remaining post-thrombotic iliofemoral obstructive disease are characterized by a functional disturbance shown with venous occlusion plethysmography as a reduced venous outflow during the initial 4 seconds following cuff release in relation to their true maximal venous volume. Our results suggest that venous occlusion plethysmography can be a valuable tool in the preoperative workup for selection of patients with iliofemoral vein obstruction that may benefit from venous intervention. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The risk for a cruciate ligament injury of the knee in adolescents and young adults: a population-based cohort study of 46 500 people with a 9 year follow-up.
The knee joint is the most common site for injury among younger people, the injury often resulting in expensive (surgical) treatment, long-term rehabilitation and permanent functional impairment and disability. We investigated the incidence and risk factors for a major knee-ligament injury in an adolescent Finnish population. A population-based cohort of 46 472 adolescents was followed for an average of 9 years. All patients hospitalised with the diagnosis of anterior or posterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL or PCL injury) were included in the analysis. 265 (0.6%) people (194 male and 71 female subjects) from the total cohort of 46 472 were treated for a cruciate ligament injury of the knee during the follow-up period, giving an injury incidence of 60.9 (95% CI 53.6 to 68.2) per 100 000 person-years. When the socioeconomic, health and lifestyle background variables were taken into account, the adjusted hazard ratio for a cruciate ligament injury of the knee was 8.5 (95% CI 4.3 to 16.4) for female and 4.0 (95% CI 2.7 to 6.1) for male subjects who participated in organised sports > or =4 times/week. The general risk for a cruciate ligament injury of the knee is relatively low among adolescents and young adults, but participation in organised sports increases the risk significantly. The risk is especially high in active young women. Preventive measures should be adopted to decrease the short-term and long-term burden of these severe injuries. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Solubility and selective crystallization of lactose from solutions of its hydrolysis products glucose and galactose.
A high degree of conversion is desired when lactose is hydrolyzed to glucose and galactose. This produces, however, a high concentration of galactose, which is inhibitory for the enzyme catalyst (beta-galactosidase). The inhibition can be reduced by limiting the conversion per pass over the enzyme (e.g. to ca. 50%), separating unconverted lactose from the reactor effluent, and recycling it to the reactor inlet. (This allows the overall conversion to be raised to ca. 80-90%). The solubilities of lactose, glucose, and galactose have been determined at various temperatures and for sugar mixtures having different concentrations and degrees of hydrolysis. Various cooling crystallizations have defined convenient and simple processes for the selective separation of lactose from its hydrolysis products. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The evaluation of the elastic properties of the arterial wall by ultrasonic study data in patients with atherosclerotic vascular lesions].
Ultrasonic scanning method in a real scale of time was used in examination of 10 patients with abdominal aorta (AA) aneurysm, 10-with arterial hypertension (AH), 10-with obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower extremities vessels (OALEV) without AH and practically healthy controls aged 32-45 years. AA aneurysm and OALEV diagnosis was made according to the ultrasonic investigation and roentgen-contrast angiography data obtained. The statistically significant (P < 0.05) reduce of AA wall distentivity and its rigidity increase was disclosed while there were no differences of the values of vessel diameter, normalized for the body surface square, determined by the measured magnitude of the relative vessels deformation caused by the pulse change in arterial pressure. The changes of the vascular wall elastic-viscositive properties in patients with OALEV and AH were directed similarly but they lacked intensity. The AA aneurysm magnitude did not correlate with the degree of vascular wall distentivity (r = 0.46). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The evolving concept of SLE comorbidities.
The survival of SLE patients has improved significantly over the past few decades placing them at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), malignancies, and osteoporosis, among other comorbidities. The aim of this review was to assess the incidence and prevalence of comorbidities in these patients as well as their prevention and treatment focusing in CVD, malignancies and osteoporosis. Areas covered: We focused on CVD, malignancies and osteoporosis as SLE comorbidities. A literature search (PubMed database) was performed using the words 'comorbidities', 'cardiovascular disease', 'osteoporosis', 'malignancy', 'cancer' and 'lupus' between January 1976 and December 2016. No language restrictions were placed. More than 100 full-length articles were reviewed. Expert commentary: The therapeutic approach in SLE should aim not only at achieving disease remission but also at treating all conditions affecting the patients and, consequently, their outcomes. These patients should be treated as coronary artery disease (CAD) equivalent with rigorous modifiable CV risk factors management in addition to the optimal treatment of their lupus. Furthermore, modifiable osteoporosis traditional risk factors and SLE-related risk factors should be modified to ameliorate bone loss and fracture risk. Cancer preventive measures (smoking cessation and screening programs for cervical cancer) constitute also essential components of the management of these patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
'The dwindles'.
Preview Elderly patients who for no immediately obvious reason lose weight, decline in physical and psychological function, and withdraw socially are said to have failure to thrive. Dr Egbert analyzes the factors that can contribute to this condition and offers advice on how to arrest the downward spiral in which these patients are caught. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Changes in the vitreous body pH of pigs after retinal xenon photocoagulation.
In an unpaired study, in vivo measurements of pH in vitreous were performed on normal pig eyes and pig eyes treated with retinal xenon photocoagulation. In one group (n = 7) the mean vitreal pH was 7.29 at a mean arterial pH of 7.41. In the other group (n = 8) two to three weeks after retinal xenon photocoagulation, a significant increase in mean vitreal pH of 0.06 to 7.35 (P less than 0.01) was observed at a similar arterial pH. Induced hypercapnia resulted in a decrease in pH vitr. and induced hypocapnia in an increase, with similar changes in pH art. The respiratory pH changes were similar in the two groups. These findings allow one to assume that, as a result of retinal photocoagulation, a change in the retinal metabolism is induced, either by a change in the relationship between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism or as a result of a general reduction of the metabolic activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Treatment of Cushing's disease by transsphenoidal, pituitary microsurgery: prognosis factors and long-term follow-up.
Transsphenoidal pituitary microsurgery is considered as the best treatment of Cushing's disease. However, some recent studies reported disappointing results, leading their authors to suggest the possibility of returning to a first line adrenalectomy treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term results of transsphenoidal surgery in Cushing's disease, with special interest in factors that could affect the surgical outcome on the one hand and particular attention to surgical endocrine effects on the other. Fifty consecutive patients (34 females, 16 males, mean age 29.64 +/- 1.52 yr) were studied. The median post-operative follow-up was 71.5 months (range 25-219). Clinical, biological, surgical and pathological data between the success and failure groups were compared. Criteria of cure were: normal urinary free cortisol excretion, circadian cortisol rhythm and low dose dexamethasone test. Recovery of corticotroph and somatotroph functions were followed using the insulin test. Particular attention is given to clinical evolution in evaluating other pituitary functions. T4 or FT4, prolactin, E2 in women, testosterone in men, were measured. TRH and LHRH tests were not systematically performed. Only two parameters differed significantly between the cured and failure groups: the size of the adenomas was smaller and the pathological confirmation of the adenoma more frequent in the cured group. One patient had permanent corticotropic failure while two other had impaired response to hypoglycemia with normal cortisol basal levels. No acquired hypothyroidism nor hypogonadism were observed except in a patient who underwent two operations and radiotherapy. Recovery of GH function was slow. Definitive short stature was observed in all the patients whose disease began before the age of 16. Two patients had permanent diabetes insipidus. In conclusion, the most favorable prognosis in transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease is observed in case of microadenoma confirmed by pathological examination. With this treatment, we obtained satisfactory results in Cushing's disease with minimal complications and no necessity of life-long endocrine substitutive therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Purification and characterization of a heat-stable wheat substrate for wheat embryo calcium-dependent protein kinase.
A heat-stable wheat protein (WP) that is a good substrate for wheat embryo Ca(2+)-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) was purified from wheat embryo by a procedure involving batchwise anion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose (DE52), passage through Phenyl-Sepharose CL-4B, heat and acid treatment and anion exchange HPLC on a DEAE-5PW column. WP is phosphorylated by CDPK to a stoichiometry of about 0.8 mol phosphoryl per mol WP. The Km for WP is 3.5 microM. WP is phosphorylated by CDPK on Ser residues. [32P]phosphoWP exactly copurifies on SDS-PAGE with WP (59 kDa). Phosphorylation of WP by CDPK is largely Ca(2+)-dependent. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of WP has homology with bacterial azurins. Evidence for two serine phosphorylation sites was obtained from sequencing of phosphopeptides derived from tryptic and chymotryptic digests of phosphoWP. One major site of phosphorylation is inferred to be on a serine within the sequence KKMASMK. WP is one of the best endogenous protein substrates yet found for wheat embryo CDPK. A 59kDa protein is phosphorylated in vivo in sprouting wheat. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Sexual violence and related problems in women attending a health care center].
To estimate the frequency of different forms of sexual violence and its association with mental health problems, such as depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation and attempt, and alcohol and drug use. From February to March 1998, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 345 women attending a healthcare center in Mexico City. All women were living with a partner/spouse at the time of the study. The proportions of three different types of sex life were obtained and compared with the chi-squared test. Nineteen per cent of women reported that they had been sexually fondled against their will at least once in their lifetime, 11% had been raped, and 5% had been forced to touch the sex organs of another person against their will. One in every five women reported that they had experienced sexual violence in the context of an intimate relationship. An association was found between some forms of sexual violence and depression, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and use of psychoactive drugs. Sexual violence is a severe public health problem that requires implementing specific programs to sensitize and train healthcare providers to prevent it. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Temperature effects on ion association and hydration in MgSO4 by dielectric spectroscopy.
A detailed investigation of aqueous solutions of magnesium sulfate has been made by dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (DRS) over a wide range of frequencies (0.2<or=nu/GHz<or=89), concentrations (0.02<or=m/mol kg(-1)<or=2.3) and temperatures (5<or=theta/ degrees C<or=65). Consistent with literature data from other techniques, the spectra show clear evidence at all temperatures for the simultaneous existence of double solvent-separated (2SIP), solvent-shared (SIP) and contact (CIP) ion pairs and a triple ion (TI), Mg(2)SO(4) (2+)(aq). Increased formation of CIPs and especially TIs occurs with increasing temperature. The overall standard ion-association constant, K(A) degrees , corresponding to the equilibrium: Mg(2+)(aq)+SO(4) (2) (-)(aq) <==> MgSO(4) (0)(aq) is in good agreement with literature data at lower temperatures but is overestimated at higher temperatures due to processing difficulties. Despite the limited precision of the spectra, analysis of the individual steps in the ion-association process is possible for the first time. The 2SIPs are formed with little disturbance to their hydration shells, the (partial) destruction of which appears to occur mostly during the formation of SIPs. Effective hydration numbers derived from the DRS spectra indicate that both Mg(2+) and SO(4) (2-) influence solvent water molecules beyond their first hydration spheres but that MgSO(4)(aq) is less strongly hydrated than the previously studied CuSO(4)(aq). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Epidemiological study on the demonstration of precipitating antibodies against Micropolyspora faeni in agricultural workers].
The authors report on the frequency (as determined by the double diffusion test according to Ouchterlony) of circulating precipitating antibodies against thermophil actinomycetes of the genus Micropolyspora faeni in 1666 blood samples from 1376 agricultural workers. These workers belonged to the main professional categories in two districts of the German Democratic Republic and were examined by members of the Research Group on Occupational Medicine in Agriculture of the Ernst Moritz Arndt University during the years 1972-1975. 290 workers were examined twice or three times in a longitudinal study. Positive serological findings were obtained from 5.1% of the subjects under investigation. There were no statistically significant differences with regard to occupational category, sex, age, and season. Nevertheless, there were marked regional differences. The results obtained show that there is no need for special medical supervision of the agricultural workers with regard to thoracic actinomycosis (farmers' lung). Further examinations are of course necessary in case of suspected or clinically manifest affection. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Description of the life-cycle of the pearl millet rust fungus--Puccinia substriata var. penicillariae with a proposal of reducing var. indica to a synonym.
Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is a major staple food crop in the drier parts of the old world, like Africa and India. Recently, its cultivation became more widespread in no-tillage crop farming systems in central Brazil, but it is also being used for cultivation during the dry season in other areas in Brazil. An emerging problem for the wider adoption of this crop in Brazil is the damage caused by the rust Puccinia substriata. This fungal disease is among the worst limitations for this crop worldwide. The rust occurring in Brazil was initially identified as the P. substriata var. penicillariae, but little information on the taxonomy and life-cycle of this rust is available in Brazil. The life-cycle of this rust variety remains somewhat obscure and the connection between the telial stage on pearl millet and the aecial stage on Solanaceae has never been experimentally demonstrated. Natural infection and inoculations under controlled conditions allowed for a complete description of all stages of this rust and the elucidation of its life-cycle, confirming that Solanum aethiopicum and Solanum melongena are aecial hosts. This coincidence for the alternate host and the limited and ambiguous morphological basis for the distinction of the varieties penicillariae and indica support the view that they are synonyms. Var. indica should be regarded as a late synonym of var. penicillariae. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A phylogenetic study of the gibbons (Hylobates) using DNA obtained noninvasively from hair.
Variation in a 252-nucleotide segment of the cytochrome b gene from 26 gibbons is described. DNA was extracted from hair, amplified, and directly sequenced. These sequences represent seven of the nine nominal species and three of the four hylobatid subgenera. Variation was observed at 55 sites, 42 of which are phylogenetically informative. Levels of transitional and transversional divergence between the taxa are similar to those reported for homologous mtDNA sequences in other mammals. Parsimony, maximum likelihood, and bootstrap analyses (1) support some traditional phylogenetic hypotheses (monophyly of the concolor gibbons), (2) suggest previously unrecognized affinities between the lar species group and Hylobates klossi and between H. lar and H. agilis unko, and (3) show that this segment does not contain information sufficient for completely resolving gibbon relationships at the subgeneric level. The study demonstrates the great potential of noninvasive DNA sampling for phylogenetic analyses of mammals. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Laser structuralization of gelatin with acrylic acid compound for producing high-resolution sensitive media for hologram optics.
The properties of laser (He-Ne) structuralization of gelatin films with acrylic acid compounds (amides and salts) for producing high-resolution sensitive media for hologram optics are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Iron, copper and alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency in the liver of cirrhotic and schistosomotic patients.
While a number of studies investigated iron and copper storage or alpha 1-antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency in the liver of patients with cirrhosis, we did not find any similar study in schistosomotic patients reported in literature. We investigated the storage of both metals and the A1AT deficiency in the liver of 72 cirrhotic and 27 schistosomotic patients (5 with the hepatointestinal and 22 with the hepatoesplenic form of the disease). Forty-four patients with cirrhosis were also alcoholic, and 28 were not. Iron storage was detected in 23 patients with cirrhosis (31.9%); among these 16 (36.3%) were alcoholic and 7 (25.0%) non-alcoholic (the difference was not statistically significant). Thirteen (56.5%), 5 (21.7%) and 5 (21.7%) patients presented I-grade, II-grade, and III-grade iron storage, respectively. Copperstorage was detected in 24 cirrhotic patients (33.3%), 15 being alcoholic (34.0%) in contrast with 9 non-alcoholic patients (32.1%), a statistically non-significant difference. A1AT deficiency was observed in 2 patients with cirrhosis (2.8%), one with history of alcoholism. HBsAg and HBcAg in hepatic tissue were detected in 5 cirrhotic patients (6.9%), three of them with a history of alcoholism. Iron and copper storage and A1AT deficiency were observed in 3 patients with cirrhosis (12.5%), while iron storage and A1AT deficiency were found in 2 additional patients with cirrhosis (2.8%). The authors underline that neither iron nor copper storage nor A1AT deficiency was found in any schistosomotic patient. The authors discuss the possible importance of these data. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Metastatic prostate cancer proven by 18F-FCH PET/CT staging scan in patient with normal PSA but high PSA doubling time.
A 59-year-old man presented with frequent urination. Six months ago, his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was 1.56 ng/mL; currently it is 3.5 ng/mL (PSA doubling time = 6 months; PSA velocity = 0.19 ng/mL/mo). Biopsy revealed aggressive prostate cancer (Gleason score 5 + 5). Staging with (18)F-fluorocholine PET/CT ((18)F-FCH PET/CT) demonstrated lymph node metastasis. After 6 months of hormonal therapy with goserelin, PSA decreased to 0.38 ng/mL. A (18)F-FCH PET/CT restaging scan demonstrated a global reduction of (18)F-FCH lesion uptake with disappearance of some mediastinal and iliac pelvic lymph node activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Release of leukotriene C4 in respiratory tract during acute viral infection.
Groups of children with wheezing during respiratory illness, children without wheezing during respiratory illness, and appropriately matched healthy children were tested for the presence and concentration of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) in nasopharyngeal secretions, employing the techniques of reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay. Although most wheezing children had LTC4 in nasopharyngeal secretions, the concentration of LTC4 among wheezing children who shed respiratory viruses was found to be consistently elevated (mean 1520 +/- 228 pg/0.1 mL) compared with values in wheezing children without evidence of viral infection (mean 709 +/- 147 pg/0.1 mL). In sharp contrast, little or no LTC4 activity was detected in healthy children (mean 106 +/- 77 pg/0.1 mL). These observations suggest that respiratory viruses are stimuli for the release of mediators of inflammation such as LTC4. Thus development of virus-induced bronchospasm may be related in part to direct mucosal cell-virus interaction and the release of pharmacologically active mediators in the respiratory tract. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Faithful expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in transgenic zebrafish embryos under control of zebrafish gene promoters.
Although the zebrafish has become a popular model organism for vertebrate developmental and genetic analyses, its use in transgenic studies still suffers from the scarcity of homologous gene promoters. In the present study, three different zebrafish cDNA clones were isolated and sequenced completely, and their expression patterns were characterized by whole-mount in situ hybridization as well as by Northern blot hybridization. The first clone encodes a type II cytokeratin (CK), which is specifically expressed in skin epithelia in early embryos and prominently expressed in the adult skin tissue. The second clone is muscle specific and encodes a muscle creatine kinase (MCK). The third clone, expressed ubiquitously in all tissues, is derived from an acidic ribosomal phosphoprotein P0 (arp) gene. In order to test the fidelity of zebrafish embryos in transgenic expression, the promoters of the three genes were isolated using a rapid linker-mediated PCR approach and subsequently ligated to a modified green fluorescent protein (gfp) reporter gene. When the three hybrid GFP constructs were introduced into zebrafish embryos by microinjection, the three promoters were activated faithfully in developing zebrafish embryos. The 2.2-kb ck promoter was sufficient to direct GFP expression in skin epithelia, although a weak expression in muscle was also observed in a few embryos. This pattern of transgenic expression is consistent with the expression pattern of the endogenous cytokeratin gene. The 1.5-kb mck promoter/gfp was expressed exclusively in skeletal muscles and not elsewhere. By contrast, the 0.8-kb ubiquitous promoter plus the first intron of the arp gene were capable of expressing GFP in a variety of tissues, including the skin, muscle, lens, neurons, notochord, and circulating blood cells. Our experiments, therefore, further demonstrated that zebrafish embryos can faithfully express exogenously introduced genes under the control of zebrafish promoters. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Specific recognition of N-acetylneuraminic acid in the GM2 epitope by human GM2 activator protein.
GM2 Activator is a low molecular weight protein cofactor that stimulates the enzymatic conversion of GM2 into GM3 by human beta-hexosaminidase A and also the conversion of GM2 into GA2 by clostridial sialidase (Wu, Y.-Y., Lockyer, J.M., Sugiyama, E., Pavlova, N.V., Li, Y.-T., and Li, S.-C. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 16276-16283). Among the five known activator proteins for the enzymatic hydrolysis of glycosphingolipids, only GM2 activator is effective in stimulating the hydrolysis of GM2. However, the mechanism of action of GM2 activator is still not well understood. Using a unique disialosylganglioside, GalNAc-GD1a, as the substrate, we were able to show that in the presence of GM2 activator, GalNAc-GD1a was specifically converted into GalNAc-GM1a by clostridial sialidase, while in the presence of saposin B, a nonspecific activator protein, GalNAc-GD1a was converted into both GalNAc-GM1a and GalNAc-GM1b. Individual products generated from GalNAc-GD1a by clostridial sialidase were identified by thin layer chromatography, negative secondary ion mass spectrometry, and immunostaining with a monoclonal IgM that recognizes the GM2 epitope. Our results clearly show that GM2 activator recognizes the GM2 epitope in GalNAc-GD1a. Thus, GM2 activator may interact with the trisaccharide structure of the GM2 epitope and render the GalNAc and NeuAc residues accessible to beta-hexosaminidase A and sialidase, respectively. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Endothelial function and gene expression in perivascular adipose tissue from internal mammary arteries of obese patients with coronary artery disease.
Obesity is a risk factor for endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. However, perivascular adipose tissue can release adipokines and other unknown adipose-derived relaxing factors. Therefore, we investigated the impact of obesity on vascular function and expression of genes in perivascular adipose tissue from internal mammary arteries of patients with coronary artery disease undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. The vessel function was compared between groups of patients with a body-mass index (BMI) between 25 and 30 kg/m2. The groups did not differ in age, gender (males), and ejection fraction. Vascular segments of internal mammary arteries were examined in a Mulvany myograph. Following preconstriction with noradrenaline, dose-response curves were assessed for relaxation with acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside. Maximum contraction in response to potassium and noradrenaline was increased in obese patients with a BMI >30 kg/m2. EC50 of endothelium-dependent relaxation was impaired in patients with a BMI above 25, but below 30 kg/m2. Sodium nitroprusside-mediated maximal relaxation was not different between study groups. Integrin alpha X chain (ITGAX/CD11c) and macrophage mannose receptor (MRC1/CD206) expression was reduced in perivascular adipose tissue of patients with a BMI above 30 kg/m2, while adiponectin (ADPQ) expression was increased in the same tissue. Our data suggest a partially reduced endothelial function in internal mammary arteries of adipose patients with a BMI between 25 and 30 kg/m2 undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Increased adiponectin expression in perivascular tissue might contribute to maintenance of endothelial function in obese patients with a BMI above 30 kg/m2. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Minimal invasive aortic valve replacement surgery is associated with improved survival: a propensity-matched comparison.
To compare early and long-term outcomes of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) versus full sternotomy (FS) isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR). We retrospectively analysed all patients who underwent isolated bioprosthetic AVR between 2003 and March 2012 at our institution. Matching was performed based on a propensity score, which was obtained using the output of a logistic regression on relevant preoperative risk factors. Mean follow-up was 3.1±2.7 years (range 0-9.0 years) and was 99.8% complete. A total of 2051 patients (FS, 1572; MIS, 479) underwent isolated bioprosthetic AVR during the study period. MIS patients were significantly younger (67.8±11.2 vs 70.4±9.4 years) and had a lower logistic EuroSCORE (6.6±6.4 vs 11.2±13.4%, both P<0.001). Propensity matching resulted in 477 matched patients from each group, with no significant differences in any of the preoperative variables. Aortic cross-clamp times were significantly longer in MIS patients (59.4±16.0 vs 56.9±14.6 min, P=0.008). Nonetheless, MIS AVR was associated with a significantly lower incidence of intra-aortic balloon pump usage (0.4 vs 2.1%, P=0.042) and in-hospital mortality (0.4 vs 2.3%, P=0.013), while FS patients had a lower rate of re-exploration for bleeding (1.5 vs 4.2%, P=0.019). Five- and 8-year survival post-AVR was significantly higher in MIS patients (89.3±2.4% and 77.7±4.7% vs 81.8±2.2% and 72.8±3.1%, respectively, P=0.034). Cox regression analysis revealed MIS (hazard ratio: 0.47, 95% confidence interval: 0.26-0.87) as an independent predictor of long-term survival. MIS AVR is associated with very good early and long-term survival, despite longer myocardial ischaemic times. MIS AVR can be performed safely with results that are at least equivalent to those achieved through an FS. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Financial rating optimization in pressure ulcers management: yes, but at what price?].
The surgical management of pressure ulcers remains very expensive even if preventive measures and improved care pathways allowed to reduce spending in this domain in recent years. Since 2004, the funding of French hospitals by "fee-for-service" and the needs of saving health spending necessarily compels us to interest ourselves in these purely economic considerations and sometimes modify our requirements for hospital stay to optimize a "patient' valorisation group". In the future, this may lead the surgeon to bias the real needs of the patient for the benefit of hospital establishment. Through a medico-economic analysis of our practices conducted in the plastic surgery department of the University hospital of Toulouse, we tried to identify how to optimize the surgical management of pressure ulcers in terms of valorisation of hospital stay. The aim is still to remain critical about the aberrations that this could introduce in the future for our clinical activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evaluation of the toxicity and anti-inflammatory activities of the infusion of leaves of Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess.) O. Berg.
Some species of Campomanesia are used in the folk medicine due to anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, anti-diabetes and hypercholesterolemic. However studies with Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess.) O. Berg. are scarce. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory activity and toxicological profile of infusion obtained from leaves of Campomanesia guazumifolia in mice. Leaves infusion of C. guazumifolia was obtained in the proportion of 20 g/L (leaves/water) at 95-100 °C for 10 min in an enclosed container. The acute toxicity of the leaves infusion of C. guazumifolia lyophilized (ICG) was assessed by oral administration to female mice at doses of 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000 mg/kg, and the general behavior and toxic symptoms were observed for 14 days. In the subacute toxicity model, female mice were treated orally with the ICG (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) during 28 days, and biochemical, toxic signs and the estrous cycle were evaluated. The anti-inflammatory activity of the ICG (70, 300 and 700 mg/kg) was analyzed using carrageenan-induced pleurisy and inflammatory paw (mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia). Three flavonoids glycosylated and a cyclohexanecarboxylic acid were identified in the ICG: quercetin pentose, quercetin deoxyhexoside, myricetin deoxyhexoside and quinic acid. No clinical signs of acute toxicity were observed, suggesting that the LD50 (Lethal Dose) is above 5000 mg/kg. Subacute exposure of mice to the ICG did not change significantly the hematological and biochemical parameters as well as histology of organs. The ICG increased the duration of estrous cycle in all phases, showing anti-inflammatory potential by decreasing leukocyte migration, extravasation protein in the pleural cavity and antiedematogenic activity. The ICG treatment at a dose of 700 mg/kg decreased the mechanical hyperalgesia, while at doses of 300 mg/kg and 700 mg/kg, decreased the sensitivity to the cold. The results evidenced the anti-inflammatory potential with low toxicity of infusion of the leaves of C. guazumifolia, supporting the popular use of this species. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cardiovascular disease predicts diabetic peripheral polyneuropathy in subjects with type 2 diabetes: A 10-year prospective study.
The relationship between cardiovascular disease and diabetic peripheral neuropathy is mainly sustained by data retrieved from cross-sectional studies focused on cardiovascular risk factors. We aimed to assess the presence of cardiovascular disease as a risk factor for developing diabetic peripheral neuropathy in a type 2 diabetes mellitus population. A 10-year prospective, primary care, multicentre study in a randomly selected cohort. Cardiovascular disease presence included stroke, coronary artery disease and/or peripheral ischaemia. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy diagnosis was based on clinical neurological examination as well as the neuropathy symptoms score and nerve conduction studies. Three hundred and ten (N=310) patients were initially recruited. Two-hundred and sixty seven (N=267) patients were included in the study. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy cumulative incidence was 18.3% (95% confidence intervals 14.1-23.4; N=49). Diabetic peripheral neuropathy development was significantly more frequent in participants presenting with cardiovascular disease at baseline (P=0.01). In the final logistic regression analysis, the presence of cardiovascular disease remained associated with an increased risk for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (odds ratio 2.32, 95% confidence intervals 1.03-5.22) in addition to diabetes duration and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels. In our series, type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with cardiovascular disease at baseline present with an increased risk of developing diabetic peripheral neuropathy at 10 years of follow-up. Our results suggest that measures aimed at the prevention, control and treatment of cardiovascular disease can also help prevent diabetic peripheral neuropathy development. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Scrotal bladder hernia: report of two cases.
Two new cases of scrotal bladder hernia (SBH) are presented. The first patient developed leakage of urine from the wound after "hydrocele" surgery. Revision of the wound showed a defect in the bladder wall. The bladder was separated from hernias sutures and closed in two layers. In the second, obese patient with a right scrotal swelling and two-stage voiding SBH was recognized preoperatively. The peritoneal sac and bladder wall were separately sutured and herniotomy was performed. The history, clinical features, pathology and treatment of SBH are summarized. The literature is briefly reviewed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Oxyntomodulin increases intrinsic heart rate in mice independent of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor.
Oxyntomodulin (OXM), a postprandially released intestinal hormone, inhibits food intake via the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R). Although OXM may have clinical value in treating obesity, the cardiovascular effects of OXM are not well understood. Using telemetry to measure heart rate (HR), body temperature (Tb), and activity in conscious and freely moving mice, we tested 1) whether OXM affects HR and 2) whether this effect is mediated by the GLP-1R. We found that peripherally administered OXM significantly increased HR in wild-type mice, raising HR by >200 beats/min to a maximum of 728 +/- 11 beats/min. To determine the extent to which the sympathetic nervous system mediates the tachycardia of OXM, we delivered this hormone to mice deficient in dopamine-beta-hydroxylase [Dbh(-/-) mice], littermate controls [Dbh(+/-) mice], and autonomically blocked C57Bl mice. OXM increased HR equally in all groups (192 +/- 13, 197 +/- 21, and 216 +/- 11 beats/min, respectively), indicating that OXM elevated intrinsic HR. Intrinsic HR was also vigorously elevated by OXM in Glp-1R(-/-) mice (200 +/- 28 beats/min). In addition, peripherally administered OXM inhibited food intake and activity levels in wild-type mice and lowered Tb in autonomically blocked mice. None of these effects were observed in Glp-1R(-/-) mice. These data suggest multiple modes of action of OXM: 1) it directly elevates murine intrinsic HR through a GLP-1R-independent mechanism, perhaps via the glucagon receptor or an unidentified OXM receptor, and 2) it lowers food intake, activity, and Tb in a GLP-1R-dependent fashion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Modeling of ubiquitous technology integration process in health services.
Healthcare Development Framework (HDF) is a methodology of HL7 standard for development interoperability specifications in the healthcare. HDF was used in the process, artifacts and development of the information exchange messages. This paper presents a model of integration and interoperability process with information and communication technology (ICT) in emergency services, using the standard HL7 and RFID devices, as part of a platform for ubiquitous healthcare. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Analysis of smooth muscle myosin phosphorylation with native pyrophosphate gels and its application to studies on myosin phosphorylation in contracting smooth muscle.
Gizzard smooth muscle myosin, the 20,000 Mr light chain (L20) of which had been phosphorylated in vitro with a calmodulin-myosin light chain kinase system, was separated into 5 isolated bands in a pyrophosphate polyacrylamide gel. Their mobilities were in the following order: myosin with 2 unphosphorylated L20 (GM) less than myosin with 1 unphosphorylated and 1 mono-phosphorylated L20 (GMP1) less than myosin with 2 mono-phosphorylated L20 (GMP2) less than myosin with 1 mono-phosphorylated and 1 di-phosphorylated L20 (GMP3) less than myosin with 2 di-phosphorylated L20 (GMP4). We used this pyrophosphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to analyze the phosphorylated state of taenia coli smooth muscle during K+-induced contraction. During the initial 2 min contraction, phosphorylated forms corresponding to GMP1 and GMP2 were detected in addition to the unphosphorylated form. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Perception of Barriers to the Diagnosis and Receipt of Treatment for Neuropsychiatric Disturbances After Traumatic Brain Injury.
To explore perceptions of barriers and facilitators to the diagnosis and receipt of treatment for neuropsychiatric disturbances (NPDs) after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Qualitative study using semistructured interviews and focus groups. A clinic specializing in the treatment of TBI NPDs, an urban trauma center, and a large urban academic hospital. A sample (N=33) of health care providers (n=10) who treat individuals with TBI, persons with TBI (n=18), and caregivers (n=5). Not applicable. Topic guides for the interviews and focus groups were guided by previous literature, clinical experience, and the goals of the project and focused on the 3 most common TBI NPDs: depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The interviews and focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. We performed a conventional content analysis on the transcripts and grouped concepts into overall themes, incorporating feedback from stakeholders. Patient education, insurance, provider type, time since TBI, caregiver support, and recognition or screening for TBI NPDs were the most frequently mentioned barriers or facilitators to the diagnosis and treatment of TBI NPDs by both interview and focus group participants. We grouped these and other frequently mentioned concepts into 3 broad themes: education, access, and support. Each of these themes is explored in depth and supported with direct quotations. This study explored patient, caregiver, and health care provider and identified barriers and facilitators to the diagnosis and receipt of treatment for TBI NPDs. Barriers included poor provider education on TBI NPDs and limited access to care due to lack of insurance, transportation, and income. Facilitators included patient education on TBI NPDs and strong caregiver support. Future studies should develop and pilot interventions aimed at quality of care that address the identified barriers and facilitators. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Repair of traumatic lesions in peripheral nerves--introduction].
The reconstruction of traumatic lesions of peripheral nerves (PN) underwent the most significant improvement with the introduction of operating microscopes, microsurgical techniques and pertinent instruments, including microsutures. New information with respect to the pathophysiology of the degeneration and regeneration of peripheral nerves on a subcellular level also helped in the delineation of the rules and timing of optimal conditions for suturing. The present microtechnique seems to have reached its plateau with regard to capacity of available materials, technology and methodology. Despite this progress there is room for further improvement as addressed in this presentation. In this part of our work we would like to present a survey and analysis of the necessary theoretical knowledge of the basis of degeneration of a traumatized peripheral nerve at the level of molecular changes, as well as to indicate new technologies and materials. A detailed comparison of the classical method (microsuture) with the new technology (laser) has so far failed to demonstrate any significant difference. Therefore it appears necessary, when seeking advantages of the new methodology, to examine its application and not its quality, which will be the subject of the second part our work. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Barriers to full-text publication following presentation of abstracts at annual orthopaedic meetings.
Oral presentations at national and international meetings offer an excellent forum for the dissemination of current research findings. However, publication rates of full-text articles after presentation of abstracts at international meetings have ranged from 11% to 78%, which suggests that at least 32% of the abstracts presented are never published as complete articles in peer-reviewed journals. In an effort to identify the reasons that surgeons had not had a paper published following presentation of their work at an international orthopaedic meeting, we conducted a survey of a cross section of authors of orthopaedic papers presented at a national meeting. We retrieved all abstracts from the 1996 scientific program of the sixty-third Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. A computerized Medline and PubMed search established whether the abstract had been subsequently published as a full-text article. The authors of the abstracts that had not been subsequently published were surveyed to identify the reasons for the failure to publish. A total of 465 abstracts were presented at the sixty-third Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in 1996. We surveyed the authors of 306 abstracts for which we were unable to locate a subsequent full-text publication on Medline. One hundred and ninety-nine investigators (65%) responded to the questionnaire. At the time of the survey, seventy-two manuscripts had been published, thirty-two had been submitted and rejected, fourteen were under consideration by journals, seven had been accepted for publication or were in press, and three were not recalled by the investigator. In addition, seventy-one abstracts (35.7%) of the 199 had not been submitted for publication. The authors of those abstracts were asked to indicate one or more reasons why they had not submitted a manuscript for publication. Thirty-three investigators (46.5%) indicated that they lacked sufficient time for research activities, twenty-two (31.0%) reported that the study presented at the meeting in 1996 was still in progress, fourteen (19.7%) believed that the responsibility for writing the manuscript belonged to someone else, and twelve (16.9%) reported that difficulties with co-authors who would not participate had impeded the completion of the manuscript. Nine investigators (12.7%) responded that the pursuit of publication was a low priority. In a survey of investigators who had not had a full-text article published after presenting the abstract at a national meeting, we found that the failure to publish was due to one of three main reasons: (1) they did not have enough time to prepare a manuscript for publication (the reason most frequently given); (2) almost one-third of the studies that had not been submitted for publication were ongoing; and (3) relationships with co-authors sometimes presented a barrier to final publication. Thorough preparation before the study and the establishment of stricter guidelines to limit the presentation of preliminary data at national and international meetings may improve publication rates. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A robust anchoring effect in linear ordering.
The robustness of effects indicating a spatial component associated with abstract reasoning is tested. Judgements regarding hierarchical orderings tend to be faster and more accurate when the dominant element in any pair from the order (e.g., the older, richer) is presented on the left of the screen as compared with the right (left-anchoring effect). This signature effect is investigated in three conditions (Experiment 1), each implementing a different timing regime for the elements in each pair, during learning. Thereby, the construction of a mental representation of the ordering was exposed to a potentially competing spatial simulation, that is, the well-known "mental timeline" with orientation from left (present) to right (future). First, the left-anchoring effect for order representations remained significant when timeline information was congruent with the presumed left-anchoring process, that is, the dominant element in a pair was always presented first. Second, the same effect remained also significant when the timeline-related information was random, that is, the dominant element being presented either first or second. Third, the same effect was found to be still significant, when the timeline-related information was contrary to the left-anchoring process, that is, the dominant element being presented always second. Experiment 2 replicates the target effect under random timeline information, controlling for colour as a stimulus feature. The results are discussed in the context of a theoretical model that integrates basic assumptions about acquired reading/writing habits as a scaffold for spatial simulation and primacy/dominance representation within such spatial simulations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fifty years of patients' libraries.
This article uses a thematic approach to describe 50 years of hospital libraries for patients under the National Health Service. The strengths and weaknesses of the patients' library movement in the United Kingdom are discussed, followed by a number of recommendations for future opportunities in this field. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pharmacokinetic analysis of two different doses of duloxetine following oral administration in dogs.
Duloxetine is a potent and balanced dual inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake that is being investigated for the treatment of depression and urinary incontinence. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic properties of duloxetine in 20 beagle dogs following a single oral administration of a 30- or 60-mg enteric-coated pellet in a capsule (Cymbalta). Following the administration of 30 or 60 mg of Cymbalta to 20 beagle dogs, the plasma concentration of duloxetine was measured using LC-MS/MS. Pharmacokinetic parameters were analyzed using both noncompartmental and compartmental approaches. The values of C max and AUC increased in proportion to the dose of duloxetine. The one compartment model with first-order absorption and a lag time was used successfully for pharmacokinetic analysis of duloxetine following a single oral administration of Cymbalta 30 mg or 60 mg. The studies described here are the first to report the pharmacokinetics of oral duloxetine in dogs, and these findings provide important information for pharmaceutical formulation research of duloxetine using dogs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Vitamin C: One compound, several uses. Advances for delivery, efficiency and stability.
Vitamin C (Vit C) is a potent antioxidant with several applications in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical fields. However, the biggest challenge in the utilization of Vit C is to maintain its stability and improve its delivery to the active site. Several strategies have been developed such as: controlling the oxygen levels during formulation and storage, low pH, reduction of water content in the formulation and the addition of preservative agents. Additionally, the utilization of derivatives of Vit C and the development of micro and nanoencapsulated delivery systems have been highlighted. In this article, the multiple applications and mechanisms of action of vitamin C will be reviewed and discussed, as well as the new possibilities of delivery and improvement of stability. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Practically Perfect Asymmetric Autocatalysis with (2-Alkynyl-5-pyrimidyl)alkanols.
Extremely high enantioselectivity (>99.5% ee) and chemical yield (>99%) are achieved in an asymmetric autocatalytic reaction. A (5-pyrimidyl)alkanol with a tert-butylethynyl group at its 2-position (1) is a very efficient asymmetric autocatalyst in the enantioselective alkylation in Equation (1). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of different nitrate and phosphate concentrations on the growth and toxin production of an Alexandrium tamarense strain collected from Drake Passage.
Nitrate (N) and phosphate (P) are believed to be two of the most important nutrients for the growth and toxin production for Alexandrium species. The study of the growth and toxicity characteristics of the Alexandrium spp. under the change of N and P can help us to understand the dynamics of algal bloom and toxification events in natural environments. A strain of Alexandrium tamarense (designated as Kci) was successfully isolated from the Drake Passage in 2001 and the clonal culture has been kept in our laboratory (Ho et al., 2003, 2012). In order to extend our understanding on the growth physiology and toxicity of this A. tamarense strain, growth and cellular toxin content were examined in unialgal batch cultures under different concentrations of N and P. The effects of variable N, P concentrations on growth, cellular toxicity (fg STXeq. cell(-1)), and toxin composition (% molar) were determined in both exponential and stationary growth phases. The toxin profile, determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD), was found to be remained relatively stable and was consistently dominated by the N-sulfocarbamoyl C-toxins (>90%) under different conditions and growth phases. There were also trace amounts of other carbamate gonyautoxins consistently expressed. The cellular toxicity varied under different N and P concentrations, as well as different growth stages. A positive correlation was observed between cellular toxicity and N concentrations, but the toxicity was enhanced when P was depleted. Both cell densities and growth rate of the cells were severely suppressed under N- or P-depletion. However, the biovolume of the cells tended to be larger at N- or P-depleted cultures. Results from the present study provide valuable insight for the ecophysiology of Alexandrium species in the coastal ecosystem of Drake Passage. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Capecitabine-associated coronary vasospasm: a case report.
Capecitabine (Xeloda) is an oral 5-fluorouracil pro-drug used in the treatment of two of the commonest cancers: breast and colorectal. This report concerns a 43-year-old woman with metastatic cancer of the sigmoid colon who developed cardiac chest pain 5 days after starting capecitabine therapy. Capecitabine-induced cardiac symptoms have previously been reported but infrequently. In the main they have documented pain and electrocardiogram (ECG) changes associated with exercise. This case report is of a patient with minimal cardiac risk factors, who had ischaemic cardiac pain with widespread ECG changes at rest that resolved with a nitrate infusion. Coronary vasospasm is proposed as the probable mechanism for the cardiac ischaemia and dramatic ECG changes. Capecitabine is now in widespread use and so physicians will encounter an increasing number of patients using this therapy. In the light of this, it is important that doctors in emergency and acute medicine are aware of its treatable cardiac side effects. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Molecular detection of tumor cells in regional lymph nodes is associated with disease recurrence and poor survival in node-negative colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Up to 25% of patients with node-negative colorectal cancer (CRC) on conventional histopathologic analysis ultimately die of recurrent disease. We performed a systematic review with meta-analyses to clarify whether molecular detection of isolated tumor cells or micrometastases in regional lymph nodes indicates high risk of disease recurrence and poor survival in node-negative CRC. The following databases were searched in August 2011 to identify studies on the prognostic significance of molecular tumor-cell detection in regional lymph nodes of node-negative CRC: MEDLINE, BIOSIS, Science Citation Index, EMBASE, CCMed, and publisher databases. We extracted hazard ratios (HRs) and associated 95% CIs from the identified studies and performed random-effects model meta-analyses on overall survival, disease-specific survival, and disease-free survival. A total of 39 studies with a cumulative sample size of 4,087 patients were included. Immunohistochemistry, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and both techniques were applied in 30, seven, and two studies, respectively. Thirteen studies were graded with low risk of bias. Meta-analyses revealed that molecular tumor-cell detection in regional lymph nodes was associated with poor overall survival (HR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.43 to 3.40), disease-specific survival (HR, 3.37; 95% CI, 2.31 to 4.93), and disease-free survival (HR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.57-3.20). Subgroup analyses showed the prognostic significance of molecular tumor-cell detection of being independent of the applied detection method, molecular target, and number of retrieved lymph nodes. Molecular detection of occult disease in regional lymph nodes is associated with an increased risk of disease recurrence and poor survival in patients with node-negative CRC. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Asprenols A-H, phenolic constituents from the stems of Ilex asprella.
Encouraged by the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous extract of Ilex asprella stems, a further phytochemical investigation on I. asprella stems oriented by the in vitro NO production inhibition in RAW264.7 cells was conducted, which led to the isolation of eight new phenolic constituents, namely asprenols A-H (1-8), together with 12 known ones (9-20). The structures of the new compounds were established by extensive spectroscopic data analyses of HR-ESI-MS, IR, UV, and 1D and 2D NMR, and the absolute configurations were determined by comparison of experimental and calculated ECD analyses. All isolated were evaluated for the inhibition against NO production in RAW 264.7 cells, and several compounds showed moderate inhibitory effect. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An Inconsolable Loss.
A nurse's injury costs her far more than mobility. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ectopic expression of Plk1 leads to activation of the spindle checkpoint.
Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1), the best characterized member of the mammalian polo-like kinase family, is well regulated throughout the cell cycle, and is inhibited following DNA damage. Chk1 plays a key role in the response to DNA damage. We recently reported that Chk1 is required for mitotic progression through negative regulation of Plk1. Here, we report the phenotypes of cultured cells upon ectopic expression of various forms of Plk1. Epitopic expression of Plk1 led to mitotic arrest, whereas coexpression of Chk1 could release this mitotic block. Moreover, the Plk1 expression-induced mitotic block was also released by inactivation of the spindle-assembly checkpoint. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fixed-dose rate gemcitabine alone or alternating with FOLFIRI.3 (irinotecan, leucovorin and fluorouracil) in the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma: an AGEO randomised phase II study (FIRGEM).
Fluorouracil and irinotecan-based, and gemcitabine-based regimens, are the standard of care in the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. New approaches are needed to improve survival and quality of life. Whether a sequential approach alternating irinotecan, fluorouracil and gemcitabine may be effective and tolerable in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer is unknown. In this randomised, multicentre, open-label, phase 2 trial, patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma, World Health Organisation (WHO) performance status 0-1, and bilirubin levels <1.5 upper limit of normal values (ULN) were randomised 1:1 to receive as first-line treatment either FOLFIRI.3 (irinotecan, leucovorin and fluorouracil) alternating with fixed-dose rate gemcitabine as 2-month periods (FIRGEM, arm A), or fixed-dose rate gemcitabine alone (arm B). Treatment was continued until disease progression or limiting toxicity. The primary end-point was the crude progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 6 months. The study is registered with EudraCT (N° 2006-005703-34). Between October 2007 and March 2011, 98 patients were enroled. The observed 6-month PFS rate was 43.5% (95% confidence interval (CI), [28.6-58.4%]) in arm A reaching the Fleming decision rules criteria to reject H0 and 26.1% (95% CI [12.9-39.3%]) in arm B. Objective response rates were 37% (23-51%) in arm A and 10% (1-19%) in arm B. Median PFS (5.0 versus 3.4 months, hazard ratio (HR)=0.59 [0.38-0.90]) and overall survival (11.0 versus 8.2 months, HR=0.71 [0.46-1.10]) were higher in arm A compared to arm B. The most frequent grade 3-4 toxicities were neutropenia (49%/24%; febrile neutropenia, 4%/0% in arms A/B), diarrhoea (arm A, 12% and arm B, 0%), and nausea/vomiting (8%/4%). No toxic deaths occurred. The FIRGEM strategy appears to be effective and feasible in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pregnancy-induced structural changes and trophoblastic invasion in the segmental mesometrial arteries of the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus L.).
Light microscopic, electron microscopic and histochemical studies were carried out on the segmental mesometrial arteries of non-pregnant guinea pigs and on pregnant ones at each of the nine weeks of gestation. Pregnant animals show drastic changes in arterial structure and dimensions. Hypertrophy and structural dilatation of the arterial wall are obvious. In midpregnancy, the elastic membranes begin to disappear; only small fragments remain. From the fifth week on, mononuclear cells appear in the media; they form aggregates and occasionally giant cells with signs of phagocytosis in the seventh week of gestation. In the eighth week further degenerative changes can be observed, resulting in widespread destruction of the arterial wall. Deposition of necrotic cell debris is obvious in the ninth week. By this time there appear in the endothelial layer conspicuous single cells, cell aggregates and giant cells with heavily folded nuclei, prominent nucleoli, abundant vesicles, free ribosomes, intracellular lacunae and the histochemical properties of placental trophoblast. These cells in the endothelium are distinctly different from the medial giant cells of mononuclear origin. According to these observations, the segmental mesometrial arteries of pregnant guinea pigs show cytological and structural changes similar to those described for the mesometrial arteries in the hamster and the spiral arteries in man. The results show that, beside structural dilatation, degenerative changes and apparent trophoblastic giant cell invasion occur in the arteries studied. Trophoblastic invasion occurs later than structural dilatation and obviously does not trigger or control the structural dilatation of the segmental mesometrial arteries. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Ovulation induction in anovulatory women].
Ovulation induction therapy is administered to stimulate follicular growth and induce ovulation in anovulatory infertile women. In anovulatory women with polycystic ovary syndrome, the treatment of choice is clomiphene citrate, whereas in clomiphene nonresponders, gonadotrophins are given as secondary therapy. Currently, insulin-sensitizing agents are used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome to restore menstrual cyclicity. In selected patients, laparoscopic drilling has also been suggested. In anovulatory patients affected with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, treatment is based on gonadotrophin replacement therapy or pulsatile gonadotrophin-releasing hormone infusion. In ovulation induction therapy the clinician's attention should be directed at restoring normal ovary function. When pharmacotherapy is required, monofollicular growth should be induced to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with congenital solitary pelvic kidney treated with novel hybrid technique.
Renal ectopia in the rare condition of associated abdominal aortic aneurysm presents a difficult clinical challenge with respect to access to the aorto-iliac segment and preservation of renal function because of its anomalous renal arterial anatomy and inevitable renal ischemia at the time of open repair. Multiple operative techniques are described throughout the literature to cope with both problems. We report a case of a 57-year-old male with an aorto-iliac aneurysm and a congenital solitary pelvic kidney successfully treated by hybrid total renal revascularization using iliorenal bypass followed by unilateral internal iliac artery coil embolization and conventional endovascular aortic aneurysm repair without any clinical evidence of renal impairment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Interference screw fixation of cervical grafts. A combined in vitro biomechanical and in vivo animal study.
The dislodgement of an anterior bone graft in the cervical spine is a frequent complication of attempted fusion following discectomy or corpectomy. It has been hypothesized that fixation augmented with interference screws may increase the pullout strength of the construct and decrease the rate of these complications. In vitro mechanical tests and in vivo sheep studies were conducted to compare interference screw fixation methods for enhancing the fixation between the bone graft and the adjacent vertebra. Using human cadaver cervical spines, the anterior pullout strengths of cervical bone grafts were compared using fixation with and without the addition of interference screws for the in vitro mechanical testing. The mean pullout forces for a Smith-Robinson type bone graft alone was 58.1 N (SD 11.4 N); for the graft augmented with two 3.5 mm cancellous bone screws, 153.9 N (58.9 N); and for the graft with four 3.5 mm screws, 217.1 N (SD 69.9 N). The pullout strengths of the two- and four-3.5 mm screw constructs were significantly greater than the strength of the graft alone (P < 0.05). Similarly placed 2.7 mm cortical screws of the same length provided increased pullout strength (123.7 N 38.6 N and 142.5 N 38.2 N for two- and four-screw constructs, respectively); however, in comparison to the graft alone, these differences were not statistically significant. For both screw types, the four-screw fixations were stronger than the two-screw fixations, although these differences were not statistically significant. For the in vivo portion of the study, a single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion were performed on 20 sheep.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase mRNA level in Bartter's and Gitelman's syndrome. Relationship to vascular reactivity.
Patients with Bartter's syndrome and Gitelman's syndrome have reduced vascular reactivity, normo-hypotension and decreased peripheral resistances in spite of biochemical and hormonal abnormalities typical of hypertension. Since we found that both types of patients have increased urinary NO2-/NO3-, metabolites of NO, that correlated with their increased urinary cGMP, second messenger of NO, we examined the possible role of NO system in the pathophysiology of these syndromes. We used a molecular biologic approach and studied ecNOS gene expression by PCR-amplification of cDNA obtained by RT-PCR of RNA extracted by patients and healthy controls monocytes. ecNOS is overexpressed in monocytes from patients with Bartter's and Gitelman's syndrome relative to controls: - 0.306 +/- 0.012 Densitometric Units (0.313 +/- 0.006, N = 3 for Bartter's patients; 0.302 +/- 0.009, N = 5 for Gitelman's patients) vs. 0.192 +/- 0.018, p < 0.0001. This overexperession presumably accounts for their increased NO production; thus it could be likely that elevated ecNOS and NO levels are a part of pathophysiological process(es) that leads to their characteristic reduced vascular responses. However, the relationship between the alterations in the NO signalling system observed in this study and the mutations in either Na+-K+-2Cl cotransporter or in a K+ channel ROMK or in Cl- channel ClCNKB in Bartter's syndrome and in Na+-Cl- cotranstransporter in Gitelman's syndrome, recently reported as their primary defects remains to be defined. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Depigmentation efficacy of galacturonic acid through tyrosinase regulation in B16 murine melanoma cells and a three-dimensional human skin equivalent.
Sugar is a well-known cosmetic ingredient for moisturizing skin with minimal side-effects. Several reports have demonstrated an antimelanogenic effect of sugar in melanocytes. We evaluated the whitening efficacy of galacturonic acid (GA), the main component of pectin, as an anti-melanogenic agent. GA significantly suppressed melanin synthesis and secretion in a concentration-dependent manner in α-melanocyte stimulating hormone-treated B16 melanoma cells, and inhibited tyrosinase activity and expression at a dose of 10 mmol/L. In a three-dimensional human skin equivalent (MelanoDerm), GA clearly brightened tissue colour. Haematoxylin and eosin and Fontana-Masson (F&M) staining of tissue sections revealed decreased melanin production without skin tissue collapse in the presence of GA. Interestingly, GA dramatically suppressed gene expression of the melanogenic proteins tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TYRP)-1 and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, but not TYRP-2. The results support the utility of GA as an effective candidate antimelanogenic agent. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reversible unfolding of a thermophilic membrane protein in phospholipid/detergent mixed micelles.
Folding mechanisms and stability of membrane proteins are poorly understood because of the known difficulties in finding experimental conditions under which reversible denaturation could be possible. In this work, we describe the equilibrium unfolding of Archaeoglobus fulgidus CopA, an 804-residue alpha-helical membrane protein that is involved in transporting Cu(+) throughout biological membranes. The incubation of CopA reconstituted in phospholipid/detergent mixed micelles with high concentrations of guanidinium hydrochloride induced a reversible decrease in fluorescence quantum yield, far-UV ellipticity, and loss of ATPase and phosphatase activities. Refolding of CopA from this unfolded state led to recovery of full biological activity and all the structural features of the native enzyme. CopA unfolding showed typical characteristics of a two-state process, with DeltaG(w) degrees =12.9 kJ mol(-)(1), m=4.1 kJ mol(-1) M(-1), C(m)=3 M, and DeltaCp(w) degrees =0.93 kJ mol(-1) K(-1). These results point out to a fine-tuning mechanism for improving protein stability. Circular dichroism spectroscopic analysis of the unfolded state shows that most of the secondary and tertiary structures were disrupted. The fraction of Trp fluorescence accessible to soluble quenchers shifted from 0.52 in the native state to 0.96 in the unfolded state, with a significant spectral redshift. Also, hydrophobic patches in CopA, mainly located in the transmembrane region, were disrupted as indicated by 1-anilino-naphtalene-8-sulfonate fluorescence. Nevertheless, the unfolded state had a small but detectable amount of residual structure, which might play a key role in both CopA folding and adaptation for working at high temperatures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Products of thymine oxygenation by a non-heme oxygenation model, Fe(II)(MeCN)6(2+)-Ac2O-H2O2, and the transition state model between oxoiron and thymine.
Oxidative thymine damage was investigated using a new non-heme oxygenation model, Fe(MeCN)6(2+)-H2O2-Ac2O, based on high-spin Fe(MeCN)6(2+) in a non-aqueous solution, Ac2O-MeCN. Thymine and 1,3-dimethylthymine oxidized by the system gave the corresponding trans-thymine glycol derivatives in good yield. Thymineglycol is equivalent to an oxidative product as a measure of oxidative DNA damage in living cells. It is suggested that the activation of Fe(MeCN)6(2+)-H2O2-Ac2O in Ac2O-MeCN forms the oxoiron O=Fe(IV)(AcO)(MeCN)4(+) as an active species via a hetelolytic two-electron mechanism, not a Haber-Weiss-Fenton-type reaction with a one-electron process by treatment with a radical scavenger. In addition, we also demonstrated the transition state (TS) for the interaction between thymine and O=Fe(IV)(AcO)(MeCN)4(+) in the triplet spin (spin multiplicity; M=3). This model of oxidative thymine damage may provide new insight into the oxidative mechanism of thymine glycol production in non-aqueous reactions of thymine. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Use of Algorithmic Pathways to Develop Quality Care Oriented, Cost Effective Clinical Care
This study analyzed the cost of diagnosis of hydrosalpinges and pelvic adhesions using four pathways. This is an example of the use of algorithmic pathways in developing medical service delivery which provides quality care to women while maintaining cost-effectiveness. The four pathways are: Chlamydia IgG antibody titer -> hysterosalpingogram -> diagnostic laparoscopy; chlamydia IgG titer -> diagnostic laparoscopy, hysterosalpingogram -> diagnostic laparoscopy; and diagnostic laparoscopy with no preliminary studies. These pathways are limited in that they require several assumptions that are not based on biologic data and do not include history, physical, other laboratory finding or other disease processes. However, with these limitations, the least costly approach to the diagnosis of 19 of 26 of the hydrosalpinges was pathway one with a total cost of $103,120. On the other hand, pathway three, with a total cost of $139,440 and a yield of 26 of 27 hydrosalpinges, was less expensive per patient with a cost of $5,363 as compared with the per patient cost of $5,427 using pathway one. In analyzing pelvic adhesions, pathway one was the least expensive at $186,280 but yielded only 13 (42%) of 31 patients with adhesions. Pathway four was the most expensive overall at $332,640 but was the least expensive per patient diagnosis at $10,730. Developing these type pathways will require computer assistance. However, even computer assistance will be inadequate without biologically significant data and without well defined goals and expectations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Parvovirus B19 myocarditis in a young man with previous non-bacterial meningitis].
A 22-year old man presented with fatigue, dyspnea NYHA III and presyncopes that had persisted since a non-bacterial meningitis 3 months before. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a dilated left ventricle with an ejection fraction (EF) reduced to 35-40 % due to global hypokinesia. No pericardial effusion was seen; ECG and lung function test were normal. Serological, immunological and microbiological tests as well as nested PCR analysis of blood leucocytes for detection of cardiotropic pathogens were inconclusive. In endomyocardial biopsies retrieved from the left ventricular posterolateral wall, a chronic macro-phage-rich myocarditis was shown by histopathology and, in addition, Parvovirus B19 was identified as specific pathogen by use of nested PCR analysis. At physical rest and with ACE inhibitor therapy (2.5 mg ramipril/day), heart failure decreased steadily. Follow-up echocardiography 1 month later revealed a left ventricle that was only slightly dilated with an EF of 50 %. 3 months later, the patient was markedly more load-bearing; the EF amounted to 55-60 %. Parvovirus B19 should be regarded as potential pathogen in case of suspected myocarditis in adulthood. Whether the previous non-bacterial meningitis was also attributable to this specific pathogen, remains open. Of note, however, the present case report by demonstrating a localized myocardial Parvovirus B19 infection without detectable systemic infection underscores the importance of molecular tests for diagnostic accuracy in manifest organ failure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Recombinant paraoxonase 1 protects against sarin and soman toxicity following microinstillation inhalation exposure in guinea pigs.
To explore the efficacy of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) as a catalytic bioscavenger, we evaluated human recombinant PON1 (rePON1) expressed in Trichoplusia ni larvae against sarin and soman toxicity using microinstillation inhalation exposure in guinea pigs. Animals were pretreated intravenously with catalytically active rePON1, followed by exposure to 1.2 X LCt₅₀ sarin or soman. Administration of 5 units of rePON1 showed mild increase in the blood activity of the enzyme after 30 min, but protected the animals with a significant increase in survival rate along with minimal signs of nerve agent toxicity. Recombinant PON1 pretreated animals exposed to sarin or soman prevented the reduction of blood O₂ saturation and pulse rate observed after nerve agent exposure. In addition, rePON1 pretreated animals showed significantly higher blood PON1, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase activity after nerve agent exposure compared to the respective controls without treatments. AChE activity in different brain regions of rePON1 pretreated animals exposed to sarin or soman were also significantly higher than respective controls. The remaining activity of blood PON1, cholinesterases and brain AChE in PON1 pretreated animals after nerve agent exposure correlated with the survival rate. In summary, these data suggest that human rePON1 protects against sarin and soman exposure in guinea pigs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Crystalloid, colloid or small volume resuscitation?
Small volume resuscitation fluids are a combination of hypertonic crystalloid with a colloid. SVR fluids have the advantage of logistical convenience in the field situation. Clinical trials point to improved outcome in patients with penetrating trauma injury or traumatic brain injury. HSD may reduce the inflammatory process and has shown improved outcome in trauma patients who require intensive care. Trials so far have been carried out in small numbers of patients and improved survival benefit has only become evident on meta-analysis and sub-group analysis. Further large scale blinded randomized trials are required to confirm the promise of survival advantages. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue blood flow: variation within and between subjects and relationship to obesity.
1. We assessed the variation in subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue blood flow within and between subjects and investigated whether it is correlated with body mass index. 2. We measured body mass index and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue blood flow in 38 fasting subjects on the same day and on different days and, in a subgroup of 16 subjects, after a mixed meal. 3. In 190 measurements in the fasted state, subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue blood flow was significantly more variable between subjects than could be accounted for by the within-subject variation alone. Subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue blood flow was also significantly more variable between days within subjects than could be accounted for by within-day variation alone. Fasting and post-prandial subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue blood flow were negatively correlated with body mass index, as was the post-prandial rise in subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue blood flow. Multiple regression analysis showed that fasting blood flow was not dependent on insulin concentration after allowing for body mass index. There was no correlation between post-prandial subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue blood flow and insulin concentration. 4. Insulin does not appear to have a direct vasodilatory effect in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Obese subjects have lower fasting and post-prandial subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue blood flow. This may be because of a blunted response to sympathetic stimulation, or it may be another aspect of the insulin-resistant state. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Synthesis of highly ordered mesoporous crystalline WS(2) and MoS(2) via a high-temperature reductive sulfuration route.
A high-temperature reductive sulfuration method is demonstrated to synthesize highly ordered mesoporous metal sulfide crystallites by using mesoporous silica as hard templates. H2S gas is utilized as a sulfuration agent to in situ convert phosphotungstic acid H3PW12O40.6H2O to hexagonal WS2 crystallites in the silica nanochannels at 600 degrees C. Upon etching silica, mesoporous, layered WS2 nanocrystal arrays are produced with a yield as high as 96 wt %. XRD, nitrogen sorption, SEM, and TEM results reveal that the WS2 products replicated from the mesoporous silica SBA-15 hard template possess highly ordered hexagonal mesostructure (space group, p6mm) and rodlike morphology, analogous to the mother template. The S-W-S trilayers of the WS2 nanocrystals are partially oriented, parallel to the mesochannels of the SBA-15 template. This orientation is related with the reduction of the high-energy layer edges in layered metal dichalcogenides and the confinement in anisotropic nanochannels. The mesostructure can be 3-D cubic bicontinuous if KIT-6 (Iad) is used as a hard template. Mesoporous WS2 replicas have large surface areas (105-120 m2/g), pore volumes ( approximately 0.20 cm3/g), and narrow pore size distributions ( approximately 4.8 nm). By one-step nanocasting with the H3PMo12O40.6H2O (PMA) precursor into the mesochannels of SBA-15 or KIT-6 hard template, highly ordered mesoporous MoS2 layered crystallites with the 2-D hexagonal (p6mm) and 3-D bicontinuous cubic (Iad) structures can also be prepared via this high-temperature reductive sulfuration route. When the loading amount of PMA precursor is low, multiwalled MoS2 nanotubes with 5-7 nm in diameter can be obtained. The high-temperature reductive sulfuration method is a general strategy and can be extended to synthesize mesoporous CdS crystals and other metal sulfides. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Studies on satellite nucleoli in human blastic cells of acute leukaemias.
Blastic cells of acute lymphoid, acute myeloid and acute myelomonocytic leukaemias were studied by means of indirect immunofluorencence to provide more information on the presence of satellite nucleoli in blood cells. According to results, satellite nucleoli were found in a small but constant number of blastic cells disregarding their type and type of acute leukaemia. Satellite nucleoli exhibited a positive immunoreaction for fibrillarin and protein B23 which are characteristic for main nucleolar components. These findings suggest that satellite nucleoli contain fibrillar centers as well as dense fibrillar and granular components or at least proteins characteristic for these nucleolar components. Similarly as in normal and pathological cells of completely different origin, in blastic cells of acute leukaemias the number of satellite nucleoli per cells ranged between 1 and 2. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The action of HIF-3α variants on HIF-2α-HIF-1β heterodimer formation is directly probed in live cells.
Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), consisting of α and β subunits, activate various genes to adapt to low oxygen environments through their heterodimeric complex formation in the nucleus. While most of the studies have been extensively focused on the HIF-1α isoform, the effect of HIF-α isoforms on the complex formation between HIF-2α and HIF-1β in live cells has not been reported in detail. To probe these interactions in a physiological condition, we established a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay by introducing fluorescent reporter proteins onto the N-termini of HIF-2α and HIF-1β in live PC3 cells. After thorough validations of our FRET assay system, we showed that both HIF-1α and HIF-3α variants likely function as negative regulators on the heterodimer formation of HIF-2α with HIF-1β in cells. We also characterized the localization and stabilization of HIF-3α variants and measured the interaction between HIF-3α variants and other HIF isoforms in live cells. In contrast to the previous results showing HIF-3α-mediated blockage of HIF-1α translocation, the presence of HIF-3α did not affect the localization of HIF-2α, suggesting distinct roles of HIF-3α in regulation of two HIF-α isoforms. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison Between the Protector™ Laryngeal Mask Airway and the Endotracheal Tube for Minimally Invasive Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery.
Pharyngolaryngeal symptoms are a main concern after neck surgery. The Protector™ LMA is a new supraglottic airway device. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate whether application of the LMA Protector™ causes fewer pharyngolaryngeal symptoms than application of the endotracheal tube after minimally invasive total thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. This prospective, randomized controlled trial involved one university and one private practice clinic, during the period from January 2017 until November 2017. The patients were randomly allocated to two groups: ETT and LMA. Main outcomes were Numerical Rating Scale scores of postoperative dysphagia, pharyngodynia, and incisional pain. Secondary outcomes were the frequency of rescue analgesia (paracetamol) consumption and emergence cough. Data were recorded in the post-anesthesia care unit and at 1, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery. Data from 78 patients were included in the final analysis. Pharyngodynia scores were significantly lower in the LMA group, compared with the ETT group, at 1 h, 6 h and 12 h after surgery. Dysphagia and surgical incision pain scores were also significantly lower in the LMA group, compared with the ETT group, at 6 h and 12 h after surgery. The frequency of postoperative paracetamol consumption was significantly increased in the ETT group, compared with the LMA group. Finally, the LMA group had fewer episodes of emergence cough, compared with the ETT group. The LMA Protector™ causes fewer pharyngolaryngeal symptoms than the ETT within 6 and 12 h after minimally invasive total thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03098667. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Phase I/II trial of intravesical methotrexate for superficial bladder tumors.
Twenty-one patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder received a total of 121 doses of intravesical methotrexate (MTX) at 11 different concentrations of drug, ranging from 40 mg/m2 (mean concentration of 2.9 X 10(-3) M) to 500 mg/m2 (4.9 X 10(-2) M). Biochemical evidence of absorption was minimal in all cases. The maximum serum level was observed within 0.5-2 h in all patients and ranged from 1.8 X 10(-8) M to 5.0 X 10(-7) M. By 24 h the serum levels were negligible and ranged from 5.5 X 10(-9) M (the lowest limit detectable by the assay) to 4.4 X 10(-8) M in the patient who received the highest dosage of 500 mg/m2. Biologic evidence of absorption was minimal. Myelosuppression, mucositis, and nausea were not observed. Eighteen patients received six consecutive weekly doses ranging from 40 to 500 mg/m2. All patients had repeat cytoscopy performed within 2-4 weeks after six consecutive doses to evaluate local toxicity and efficacy. Flow cytometry was performed on the bladder washings of 22 patients, illustrating the use of flow cytometry, in conjunction with conventional cytology, as an additional means of objectively quantifying results. Despite MTX's established activity in systemic treatment of advanced bladder carcinoma, this study failed to demonstrate any clinical response to intravesically administered MTX, in doses of up to 500 mg/m2, and in concentrations of up to 4.9 X 10(-2) M. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Removal of the submandibular gland by a submental approach: a prospective, randomized, controlled study.
There are few controlled studies on surgical approaches for excision of the submandibular gland (SMG). This study evaluated the benefits of a submental approach, compared with a conventional submandibular approach, for SMG resection. Twenty patients with benign SMG disorders, 12 with pleomorphic adenoma and eight with chronic sialadenitis with sialolithiasis, were resected using a submental (10) or submandibular (10) approach. The submental approach consisted of a horizontal incision on the submental skin and flap elevation to the gland, and the submandibular approach consisted of an incision along the skin crease overlying the SMG. Operation time, complications, hospital stay, cosmetic appearance and subjective satisfaction with the incision scar were compared between groups. The two groups were well matched in age, gender, marital status, and SMG disorders. Mean operation time, hospital stay and complication rates were comparable in the 2 groups. Mean patient satisfaction score was higher in the submental than in the submandibular group (8.8 vs. 5.4, P=.01), and the incision scar in the submental group was usually less visible. Compared with the submandibular approach, the submental approach can provide better cosmetic outcomes with no increases in operation time and complication rates. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hypoxia and reoxygenation-induced injury of renal epithelial cells: effect of free radical scavengers.
The aim of this study was to characterize injuries of LLC-PK1 and MDCK cells exposed to hypoxia and reoxygenation. Exposure of LLC-PK1 cells to hypoxia reduced the ATP contents and increased the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), but MDCK cells had no such injuries. Hypoxia-reoxygenation of LLC-PK1 cells dramatically increased LDH leakage, which was suppressed by free radical scavengers, N,N'-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine, superoxide dismutase and N,N'-dimethylthiourea. These results suggest that use of LLC-PK1 cells has advantages for the investigation of ischemia-reperfusion injury of the kidney as an in vitro model and that generation of oxygen radicals is involved in the cellular injury induced by hypoxia-reoxygenation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Idiopathic aldosteronism masquerading as discrete aldosterone-secreting adrenal cortical neoplasms among patients with primary aldosteronism.
The medical records of 32 patients with primary aldosteronism who underwent adrenalectomy at the University of Michigan Medical Center from January 1975 to February 1988 were reviewed. All 32 patients had the preoperative diagnosis of aldosterone-secreting adrenal cortical neoplasms. Based on pathology reports, however, 21 of 32 (66%) patients were confirmed to have adrenal cortical neoplasms. Ten of 32 (31%) patients had nodular hyperplasia, and 1 of 32 (3%) had diffuse hyperplasia. This report focuses on the results in 11 patients with idiopathic aldosteronism. In six of nine (67%) patients, aldosterone levels rose within 4 hours of patients assuming an upright posture after salt loading. Seven patients had selective adrenal venous aldosterone/cortisol ratios that were interpreted to lateralize to one adrenal gland; however, only four of seven (57%) had ratios of 3:1 or greater than the contralateral adrenal gland. In 6 of 11 (55%) patients, adrenal scans (NP-59) initially demonstrated unilateral uptake. Three of four computerized axial tomographic scans demonstrated a unilateral adrenal mass. Only 3 of 11 (27%) patients with idiopathic aldosteronism were normotensive after surgery. Four of 11 (36%) patients' conditions were improved, in that they became normotensive with antihypertensive medication. These data suggest that if both imaging and functional studies lateralize to one adrenal gland, it is reasonable to expect either a cure or an improvement after adrenalectomy among patients with primary aldosteronism caused by idiopathic aldosteronism. Unilateral adrenalectomy may be the treatment of choice in carefully selected patients with nodular hyperplasia causing primary aldosteronism. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Subpleural lymph nodes in goat lungs.
Subpleural lymph nodes were found in more than 4% of 3245 goat lungs during a slaughterhouse survey of respiratory disease. Their frequency varied between flocks from 2% to as much as 27%. They were more common in feral goats than in crossbreds or Angoras. Their numbers were positively associated with carcass weight and the number of nodular muellerius lesions on the lung surface. Their distribution and architecture were different from the pulmonary lymphoid nodules described in cattle with dictyocaulus re-infection syndrome. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An anatomicosurgical study of the temporal branch of the facial nerve.
The surgical anatomy of the temporal branch of the facial nerve was studied bilaterally in 10 embalmed cadaveric heads. Particular attention was paid to the relationships between the temporal branch, the galeal-fascial layers, and the fat pads of the temporal-zygomatic region. The temporal branch of the facial nerve pierces the parotidomasseteric fascia below the zygomatic arch. This branch travels first in the subcutaneous tissue and then, above the zygomatic arch, in the subgaleal space. The temporal branch divides into an anterior, a middle (frontal), and a posterior ramus soon after it pierces the parotid fascia. The course of the terminal twigs of the temporal branch of the facial nerve in the subgaleal space is extremely variable, with their location being at times posterior to the anterior one-fourth of the temporalis muscle. Occasionally, a twig for the frontalis muscle may run in between the two layers of the superficial temporal fascia. Because of these findings (anteroposterior variability of temporal branch twigs and recurrent intrafascial twig), Yasargil's interfascial dissection may at times fail. A combined frontotemporal scalp/superficial temporal fascia dissection is anatomically suited to preserve the temporal branch of the facial nerve. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Ultrastructure of the normal human adrenal cortex].
Electron-microscopic investigations on the human adrenal cortex have been carried out in order to elucidate ultrastructural differences in the various zones. These studies indicate that certain differences in the ultrastructure of the mitochondria may be particularly useful as criteria to differentiate the three cortical zones. In this regard, the appearance of two types of mitochondria in the zona glomerulosa as well as in the zona fasciculata is of obvious interest. The probability of a relationship between the activity of the different cortical zones and the predominant presence of one form of mitochondria has been suggested. In addition, ultrastructural transformations following stress situations as well as problems dealing with the so-called 'dark and light cells' and the basal membrane are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Adherence to care plan in women with abnormal Papanicolaou smears: a review of barriers and interventions.
Cancer of the cervix is preventable. According to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program, invasive cervical cancer incidence is 9.0 and cancer mortality rate is 2.8 per 100,000 persons. Effective prevention includes appropriate use of Papanicolaou smears and adherence to a care plan by the patient. This review will examine the extent of nonadherence, negative outcomes, barriers, and interventions for improved adherence to care. Computer searches in MEDLINE for English language articles were conducted from 1968 to 1999 using the key words "colposcopy," "abnormal Papanicolaou smear," "patient compliance," "adherence to care," and "follow-up." Although there is 10% to 40% nonadherence in the studies reviewed, the definition of nonadherence is not standard. Considerable morbidity from cervical cancer was described among nonadherent women. The most common barriers to follow-up were lack of understanding of the purpose of colposcopy, fear of cancer, forgetting appointments, and lack of time, money, or childcare. Emotional consequences of abnormal Papanicolaou smears had considerable impact on follow-up visits. Focused intervention strategies targeted to the study population were most effective in improving adherence. Nonadherence results from the interplay of emotional, logistic, cultural, or socioeconomic factors. Among the most effective strategies to improve adherence are personalized reminders to patients by their primary physicians and case management dictated by the size, structure, and style of the practice. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cutaneous reactions to practolol. Clinical and histopathological study.
In twelve patients with cutaneous reactions to practolol the clinical appearance of the rash was variable, including eczematous, exanthematous, lichenoid, and psoriasiform eruptions, and one exfoliative dermatitis. The development of the rash and its reappearance after oral challenge were slow. But histological findings were almost identical and were not those of any other drug eruption. Vacuolated and dyskeratotic epidermal cells and mild disorganization with extra mitoses of the epidermal cells were seen. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Critical period plasticity in local cortical circuits.
Neuronal circuits in the brain are shaped by experience during 'critical periods' in early postnatal life. In the primary visual cortex, this activity-dependent development is triggered by the functional maturation of local inhibitory connections and driven by a specific, late-developing subset of interneurons. Ultimately, the structural consolidation of competing sensory inputs is mediated by a proteolytic reorganization of the extracellular matrix that occurs only during the critical period. The reactivation of this process, and subsequent recovery of function in conditions such as amblyopia, can now be studied with realistic circuit models that might generalize across systems. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Priorities for research in maternal nutrition in the developing world.
Two aspects of maternal nutrition are highlighted - an adequate weight at birth and successful lactation-as the outcome of satisfactory maternal nutrition. The following priorities for research are considered: 1. Prepregnancy weights and heights related to birth weight, height, skull circumference and placental weight. 2. Practical implementation of national supplementary feeding of pregnant mothers. 3. Support networks in pregnancy and lactation through the health care system. 4. Study of hypogalactia. 5. Assessment of lactation performance. 6. Lactational amenorrhoea. 7. Training of primary health care workers to improve maternal nutrition. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Stimulation-induced status epilepticus: role of the hippocampal mossy fibers in the seizures and associated neuropathology.
A study of seizure activity and neuronal cell death produced by intracerebroventricular kainic acid had suggested that seizures conveyed by the hippocampal mossy fibers are more damaging to CA3 pyramidal cells than seizures conveyed by other pathways. To test this idea, the effects of a unilateral mossy fiber lesion were determined on seizure activity and neuronal degeneration provoked by repetitive electrical stimulation of the hippocampal fimbria in unanesthetized rats. Fimbrial stimulation resulted in self-sustained status epilepticus accompanied by neuronal degeneration in several brain regions, including area CA3 of the hippocampal formation. A unilateral mossy fiber lesion more readily attenuated the electrographic and behavioral seizures provoked by fimbrial stimulation than those provoked by kainic acid. If status epilepticus developed in the presence of a mossy fiber lesion, denervated CA3 pyramidal cells were still destroyed, although similar lesions protect these neurons from kainic acid-induced status epilepticus. Thus the two models of status epilepticus employ somewhat different seizure circuitries and neurodegenerative mechanisms. Seizures which involve the mossy fiber projection are not necessarily more damaging to CA3 pyramidal cells than seizures which do not. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Risk assessment for people with mental health problems: a pilot study of reliability in working practice.
This paper describes a pilot study of reliability in the risk assessment of people with mental health problems. Specifically, we explore the evidence for professional and gender bias in ratings, in addition to the general level of agreement between raters. Six professional groups (psychiatrists, junior psychiatric doctors, nurses, community psychiatric nurses, social workers and occupational therapists) participated in the study and rated 159 patients on a nine-item scale which assessed different components of risk. Contrary to some earlier work, we found no clear evidence that any one group consistently rated more extremely than any other group. Women were more cautious than men in their ratings, and this concurs with previous studies. Finally, a reliability study of randomly selected pairs of raters showed only moderate levels of agreement and, in some instances, the levels of disagreement were high enough to warrant concern. These findings are discussed in the context of current risk assessment practice and the problems associated with investigating reliability in naturalistic settings and designing appropriate rating tools for risk. (Int J Psych Clin Pract 2002; 6: 73-81). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Congenital heart defects in the county of Fyn. Epidemiology and mortality 1986-1995].
The aim was to describe the prevalence of congenital heart diseases (CHD), mortality during the first year of life, and the impact of associated malformations on survival. All children born in the County of Fyn in 1986-1995, who were diagnosed with CHD and recorded in the Eurocat Registry of Congenital Malformation were entered. The registry is population-based and the information is derived from multiple sources. It covers live births, fetal deaths with a GA (gestational age) > or = 20 weeks, and induced abortions after prenatal diagnosis of congenital malformations. Only cases diagnosed by echocardiography, catheterisation, surgery, or post mortem examination were included. Four hundred and forty-six infants born during the study period were diagnosed with CHD before 1998, giving a prevalence of 8.0 per 1,000 live births. The prevalence of ASD + VSD had increased in the period of 1991-1995 compared to 1986-1990 although not significantly. Ten per cent had karyotype anomalies and nine per cent had associated malformations. Only 3% were diagnosed prenatally, 49% were diagnosed before the age of one week, and ten per cent were diagnosed after the first year of life. CHD mortality during the first year of life was 18% (80/446) and was significantly increased for infants with associated malformations (p < 0.01) or karyotype anomalies other than Down syndrome (p < 0.01). The prevalence of CHD in the County of Fyn corresponds to the data in the literature. At the time of introduction of colour Doppler echocardiography there was an increase in the proportion of infants diagnosed with ASD and VSD, although not significantly. Mortality was high, but 20% of deaths were infants with a hypoplastic left heart. In regions with prenatal ultrasound screening for malformations, this was often diagnosed prenatally followed by termination of pregnancy. For infants with CHD, it is important to verify, whether there are associated malformations or karyotype anomalies, as they have a significant impact on the prognosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Differential expression of acid invertase genes during seed germination in Arabidopsis thaliana.
In Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh ecotype Landsberg, levels of soluble acid invertase activity are closely related to the progress of seed germination. To study the mechanism(s) of the development of these enzymes, two cDNA clones that encode putative vacuolar acid invertases were isolated from germinating seeds and very young seedlings using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reactions with degenerate primers. These fragments corresponded to the genes At beta fruct3 and At beta fruct4 from the Columbia ecotype. An apoplasmic invertase gene corresponding to At beta fruct1/ATCWINV1 was also isolated from these samples. Northern blot analyses showed that At beta fruct3 and At beta fruc4 are expressed concomitantly with germination and the subsequent seedling growth. In contrast, the At beta fruct1/AtcwINV1 mRNA is translated before germination. These expression patterns are regulated by phytochrome, which perceives red light and in turn triggers de novo synthesis of gibberellin, initiating Arabidopsis seed germination. To test the effects of gibberellin on the expression of these genes, seed were treated with a gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitor, uniconazole or prohexadione. These chemicals inhibited both seed germination and expression of the above genes, but subsequently applied GA(4), an active gibberellin, reversed the inhibition. These results suggest that the transcription of genes encoding the vacuolar invertases, At beta fruct3 and At beta fruct4 and a gene encoding the apoplasmic invertase, At beta fruct1/AtcwINV1, are induced by gibberellin synthesized de novo following irradiation with red light. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Failure of amygdaloid lesions to increase the threshold for self-stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus and ventral tegmental area.
It has been proposed that the directly stimulated axons underlying the rewarding effect of medial forebrain bundle (MFB) stimulation originate in the forebrain and descend at least as far as the ventral tegmentum. However, little is known about the location of the somata that give rise to these axons. Among the nuclei that contribute fibers to the descending component of the MFB and project past the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) are cell groups within the amygdaloid complex. In this study, the rewarding effectiveness of stimulating the LH and VTA was measured before and after the amygdaloid complex was damaged by electrolytic lesions. Changes in rewarding effectiveness were inferred from shifts in the frequency required to sustain a half-maximal rate of lever-pressing at each of 3 currents. Following the lesions, there was no clear evidence of substantial, sustained decreases in rewarding effectiveness at the 14 stimulation sites, although one subject ceased to self-stimulate reliably. Given that the lesions damaged the principal amygdaloid sources of descending MFB fibers, these results suggest that the amygdaloid complex is not a major source of the directly activated fibers responsible for the rewarding effect of MFB stimulation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Long-term follow-up of persistent atrial fibrillation ablation using termination as a procedural endpoint.
Catheter ablation of long-lasting persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) has been performed with varying results using a combination of different techniques. Whether arrhythmia termination during ablation is associated with an improved clinical outcome is controversial. In this prospective study, 153 consecutive patients (56 +/- 10 years) underwent catheter ablation of persistent AF (25 +/- 33 months) using a stepwise approach with the desired procedural endpoint being AF termination. Repeat ablation was performed for patients with recurrent AF or atrial tachycardia (AT) after a 1 month blanking period. A minimum follow-up of 12 months with repeated Holter monitoring was performed. Atrial fibrillation was terminated in 130 patients (85%). There was a lower incidence of AF in those patients in whom AF was terminated during the index procedure compared with those who had not (5 vs. 39% P < 0.0001, mean follow-up 32 +/- 11 months). Seventy-nine patients underwent repeat procedures: 64/130 in the termination group (6 AF, 58 AT) and 15 in the non-termination group (9 AF, 7 AT). After repeat ablation, sinus rhythm was maintained in 95% in whom AF was terminated compared with 52% in those in whom AF could not be terminated. Procedural termination of long-lasting AF by catheter ablation alone is associated with an improved outcome. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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