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Influence of Host Resistance and Insecticide Seed Treatments on Curly Top in Sugar Beets.
Curly top on sugar beets (Beta vulgaris) caused by Beet severe curly top virus or closely related species is a considerable problem in arid growing regions of the western United States. Two insecticide seed treatments, Poncho Beta (60 g a.i. clothianidin + 8 g a.i. beta-cyfluthrin/100,000 seed) and Gaucho (45 g a.i. imidacloprid/100,000 seed), and four sugar beet hybrids varying in curly top resistance were evaluated for their influence on the control of curly top in comparison with untreated checks. Plots were established at two locations in southern Idaho in 2005 and evaluated for curly top. Moderate to severe curly top due to natural inoculum and leafhopper infestations occurred at both locations. Untreated, the four hybrids performed as expected with the fewest curly top symptoms on PM21 and the most on Monohikari. Both insecticide treatments lowered curly top ratings compared with the untreated check, but Poncho Beta reduced symptoms more than Gaucho as the season progressed. Poncho Beta led to increased yield and estimated recoverable sugar across all hybrids at harvest, particularly on the more susceptible hybrids. When considering the yield parameters for only the most resistant hybrids individually, Poncho Beta did not always outperform Gaucho. Poncho Beta provided a level of control that would justify its application as a supplement to host resistance under Idaho conditions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The proportion of marriages ending in divorce.
Even though cohabitation has become more prevalent in the last few decades, the majority of the adult population is married, and marriage is associated with a number of factors, such as educational outcom and health. Understanding the marrie population is also an important part of understanding partnering behaviour and family formation and dissolution. The length of marriages and whether they are ended by death or divorce is therefore of interest t demographers and policy maker | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Polychromatic liquid crystal laser arrays towards display applications.
Band-edge liquid crystal lasers are of interest for a number of applications including laser projection displays. Herein, we demonstrate simultaneous red-green-blue lasing from a single liquid crystal sample by creating a two-dimensional laser array fabricated from dye-doped chiral nematic liquid crystals. By forming a pitch gradient across the cell, and optically pumping the sample using a lenslet array, a polychromatic laser array can be observed consisting simultaneously of red-green-blue colors. Specifically, the two-dimensional polychromatic array could be used to produce a laser-based display, with low speckle and wide color gamut, whereby no complex fabrication procedure is required to generate the individual 'pixels'. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Post-cataract surgery cystoid macular edema from choriocapillaris submacular leakage in a patient with crohn disease: a case report.
To describe an unusual case of cystoid macular edema after cataract surgery in a patient with Crohn disease. A confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopic study was performed on one eye before and after systemic corticosteroid treatment. Both fluorescein and indocyanine green angiograms were used to visualize vascular leakage. Both fluorescein and indocyanine green angiograms indicated early-phase leakage in the macular region. The early-phase indocyanine green leakage was from choroidal vasculature and suggested choriocapillaris vasculitis. In the later phases, the fluorescein angiogram showed the typical petaloid pattern of cystoid macular edema. After 1 month of treatment, the abnormal indocyanine green leakage disappeared with a concomitant increase in visual acuity. We report possible choriocapillaritis associated with Crohn disease based on dynamic angiography that revealed indocyanine green leakage in combination with early-phase fluorescein leakage. To our knowledge, this is the first description of choriocapillaris vasculitis associated with Crohn disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Stable expression of a Norwalk virus RNA replicon in a human hepatoma cell line.
Norwalk virus (NV) is a prototype strain of the genus Norovirus in the family Caliciviridae. The human noroviruses have emerged as major agents of acute gastroenteritis in all age groups, but there are no vaccines or antiviral agents partly due to the absence of a cell culture system. We report the generation of cells expressing self-replicating NV RNA (NV replicon) following transfection of NV RNA bearing an engineered neomycin resistance gene into cell lines of human (Huh-7) or hamster (BHK21) origin. Expression of replicon RNA was significantly reduced in the presence of interferon (IFN)-alpha in a dose-dependent manner in the NV replicon-bearing cells, suggesting a role for innate immunity in the control of human norovirus replication. This stable NV replicon system should lead to new insights into norovirus replication, virus-host interactions, and approaches for the treatment of norovirus disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Small cell carcinoma of lung simulating pleural mesothelioma. Report of 4 cases with autopsy confirmation.
Four cases of small cell carcinoma characterized by a striking involvement of the pleural sheets were investigated. The patients, four adult males with a long history of cigarette smoking, presented with symptoms common to pleural tumors, including cough and chest pain. Malignant cells were identified in pleural effusions of all cases and in the bronchial aspirate of one patient. Antitumoral treatments included chemo- and/or radiotherapy. Survival ranged from three to 17 months. At autopsy, the serosal sheets resulted to be extensively involved by thick tumor rinds, associated with massive hilar metastases. Histologically, the tumors were composed of small epithelial cells, expressing carcinoembryonic antigen and keratins and occasionally neuroendocrine markers. Our findings indicate that small cell carcinoma should be added to the group of pseudomesotheliomatous lung carcinomas and, above all, that it deserves distinction from ordinary mesothelioma, especially the small cell variant, because of its medico-legal implications and possible antitumoral treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Further evidence supporting an in vivo role for colony-stimulating factor.
Nude mice injected subcutaneously with CSF-producing human pancreatic carcinoma (MIA PaCa-2) cells developed tumors accompanied by a rise in serum CSF activity, granulocytosis, and expanded marrow granulocyte pools, the extent of all of which correlated with tumor size. The tumor origin of the CSF was demonstrated by neutralization with the specific antibody. Resection of the tumor resulted in restoration of normal granulocyte levels. These observations lend further support to an in vivo role for CSF in the regulation of granulopoiesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antiphospholipid antibodies and cerebellar ataxia: a clinical analysis and literature review.
Although it has been established that antiphospholipid antibodies (APAbs) bind to and modulate the signaling of cerebellar neurons in vitro, the clinical correlation between increased APAbs and cerebellar ataxia has rarely been investigated. We reviewed 10 patients presenting with cerebellar ataxia with increased blood APAbs from our database along with 3 APAb-associated cerebellar ataxia patients in the literature. Of these 10 patients, 4 exhibited a subacute onset of progressive ataxia, and there were no significant structural changes in their brains that appeared to be responsible for the symptoms. Another 6 showed a chronic course of ataxia, and shared similar morphological changes that included symmetrical lesions in bilateral hemispheres, periventricular lucency and central and temporal atrophy of varying severity; the cerebellum was spared. The predominant APAbs for subacute and chronic ataxia were the anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibody and anticardiolipin antibody, respectively. Cancer was found in 1 patient with subacute ataxia and in 4 with chronic ataxia. The removal of the cancer, the plasmapheresis and immunosuppressive therapy successfully abolished the ataxia and increased APAb levels in all 5 patients. The relation between APAbs and nonvascular neurological disorders, such as cerebellar ataxia, should be further studied. APAbs may mediate neurological deficits via different mechanisms such as structural damage or functional neurotoxicity. Clinically, the examination of blood APAb levels is recommended for patients with cerebellar ataxia without a determined cause, and the further survey of systemic cancers in the case of APAb positivity is also recommended. Finally, plasmapheresis is a reasonable and effective treatment for APAb-associated cerebellar ataxia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Endovascular Management of Ruptured Distal Anterior Cerebral Artery (DACA) Aneurysms: A Retrospective Review Study.
Distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms are rare, and their treatment by either surgical clipping or endovascular treatment poses technical difficulties. Earlier studies have reported higher complication rates in DACA aneurysms compared with other aneurysms in the circle of Willis. Therefore, endovascular management of DACA aneurysms still remains a challenge. The aim of this report is to review clinical presentation, angiographic presentation of DACA aneurysms, complications, and outcome of their endovascular treatment in our institutional experience. A retrospective review of 186 patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with endovascular management from September 2009 to December 2013 in the Max Superspecialty Hospital, New Delhi, India, 11 patients (5.9%) with 12 DACA aneurysms were studied retrospectively. We report the clinical presentations, cerebral angiographic findings, endovascular treatment, complications, and outcomes. The clinical and angiographic outcomes were assessed using modified Rankin scales and the Raymond scale, respectively. Of 11 patients, 54.5% were female and 45.5% were male; the mean age was 48.4 years (range, 33-65 years). All patients had subarachnoid hemorrhage that indicated ruptured DACA aneurysm. All the DACA aneurysms were small. Postcoiling angiograms showed complete occlusion in 9 patients. Two patients had intraprocedural aneurysm rupture but without any clinical sequelae, and 1 patient had thrombus formation, which was thrombolysed at the end of coiling. All patients had good outcomes. Our experience with 11 patients showed that endovascular management of small DACA aneurysms, though associated with higher intraprocedural events, is associated with good outcome. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Parathyroid imaging by (18)F-fluorocholine PET/CT in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and inconclusive conventional methods: clinico-pathological correlations.
(18)F-fluorocholine positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FCH) was performed after inconclusive neck ultrasound and (99)Tc-sestaMIBI SPECT (MIBI) scintigraphy in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) to localize abnormal parathyroid glands before surgery. The results were retrospectively evaluated and compared to postoperative histopathological findings. 13 patients with PHPT were enrolled (mean age 64.3 years, preoperative calcium 2.74 mmol/l and parathyroid hormone 114.6 ng/l). FCH localized hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in 12 patients of 13 (per patient sensitivity 92 % and positive predictive value (PPV) 100 %). Fourteen parathyroid lesions (11 adenomas, 3 hyperplastic glands) were resected with a mean size of 11.9 mm (per lesion sensitivity 93 % and PPV 81 %). Four adenomas and one hyperplastic gland were composed of only chief cells, whereas five lesions contained both chief and oxyphil cells. In three patients an exclusively oxyphil adenoma was found, surprisingly with negative MIBI scintigraphy in spite of a high mitochondria content in the oxyphil parathyroid cells. 12 of 13 patients had thyroid disease. In our limited study sample, FCH correctly identified parathyroid adenomas and/or hyperplastic glands in 92 % of patients with previously inconclusive conventional imaging. Unlike MIBI, FCH successfully localized small, hyperplastic and multiple hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands, irrespective of their histopathological composition. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Is oxygen saturation variable of simplified pulmonary embolism severity index reliable for identification of patients, suitable for outpatient treatment.
The pulmonary embolism severity index (PESI) or simplified version (sPESI) are widely validated risk scores for the identification of eligible patients for outpatient treatment. Saturation is one of these criteria. For this metric, saturation of 90% or greater is assigned zero points. However, 90% saturation does not always exclude hypoxemic respiratory failure. The aims of this study were first was to define corresponding partial arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2 ) values according to saturation in pulmonary embolism (PE) patients, and the second was to define a target saturation that can exclude hypoxemic respiratory failure and enable secure discharge of PE patients from emergency departments. This is a retrospective study. To determine the optimal saturation value by which to detect hypoxemic respiratory failure, we generated receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calculated the negative predictive value. Total of 65 patients were included in this study. Mean PaO2 levels from SaO2 89% to SaO2 93% were 52.8, 57.1, 57.3, 61, and 63.8 mmHg, respectively. ROC curve analysis revealed SaO2 level of 91.5% to be optimal target saturation for excluding respiratory failure with 84.6% specificity and 89.7% sensitivity; area under the curve was 0.885 (95% CI 0.796-0.975). The negative predictive value was 80% for SaO2 level of 92%. Patients with PE may be in respiratory failure despite an oxyhemoglobin saturation of ≥90%. Although saturation is likely more important than precise PaO2 in tissue oxygenation, clinicians should be aware of the physiological effects of hypoxemia and take this into account before making outpatient treatment decisions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Gimatecan and other camptothecin derivatives poison Leishmania DNA-topoisomerase IB leading to a strong leishmanicidal effect.
The aim of this work is the in vitro and ex vivo assessment of the leishmanicidal activity of camptothecin and three analogues used in cancer therapy: topotecan (Hycantim®), gimatecan (ST1481) and the pro-drug irinotecan (Camptosar®) as well as its active metabolite SN-38 against Leishmania infantum. The activity of camptothecin and its derivatives was studied on extracellular L. infantum infrared-emitting promastigotes and on an ex vivo murine model of infected splenocytes with L. infantum fluorescent amastigotes. In situ formation of SDS/KCl precipitable DNA-protein complexes in Leishmania promastigotes indicated that these drugs are DNA topoisomerase IB poisons. The inhibitory potency of camptothecin derivatives on recombinant L. infantum topoisomerase IB was assessed in vitro showing that gimatecan is the most active compound preventing the relaxation of supercoiled DNA at submicromolar concentrations. Cleavage equilibrium assays in Leishmania topoisomerase IB show that gimatecan changes the equilibrium towards cleavage at much lower concentrations than the other camptothecin derivatives and that this effect persists over time. Gimatecan and camptothecin were the most powerful compounds preventing cell growth of free-living L. infantum promastigotes within the same concentration range. All these compounds killed L. infantum splenocyte-infecting amastigotes within the nanomolar range. The amastigote form showed higher sensitivity to topoisomerase IB poisons (with high therapeutic selectivity indexes) than free-living promastigotes. All the compounds assayed poisoned L. infantum DNA topoisomerase IB leading to a strong leishmanicidal effect. Camptothecin derivatives are suitable for reducing the parasitic burden of ex vivo infected splenocytes. The selectivity index of gimatecan makes it a promising drug against this neglected disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Attenuated West Nile viruses bearing 3'SL and envelope gene substitution mutations.
Four viable West Nile (WN) 3'SL-mutant viruses were evaluated for neuroinvasiveness and neurovirulence in mice. All mutants were highly attenuated for neuroinvasiveness. However, only one of these four (WNmutE virus) was significantly attenuated for neurovirulence. To attenuate WNmutE virus further, we introduced five substitution mutations into the envelope (env) gene segment in wild-type (wt) WN and WNmutE genomes, based on differences in the env gene sequence between the live Japanese encephalitis vaccine (SA14-14-2) and its virulent parent. The env gene mutations had an attenuating effect in the context of the wt WNV genome but only a marginal enhancing effect on the attenuation of WNmutE virus. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Disseminated histoplasmosis in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus.
Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis (PDH) is a common opportunistic infection complicating the course of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). PDH has been noted in areas nonendemic for histoplasmosis and occurs more frequently in areas heavily endemic for the fungus. PDH is frequently the AIDS-defining illness and presents as a febrile and wasting disease. The respiratory component may be overshadowed by the severity of the systemic illness. Chest roentgenograms show diffuse reticulonodular infiltrates. Frequently, the initial chest roentgenogram may show no abnormalities. Timely diagnosis requires a high index of diagnostic suspicion. Blood cultures, with use of the lysis-centrifugation system, are highly useful, as is the examination of the bone marrow, the peripheral blood smear, and the respiratory secretions. An experimental serological test that detects histoplasma polysaccharide antigen appears to be the simplest diagnostic test. Amphotericin B is the drug of choice for initial therapy, followed by further administration of amphotericin B for suppression. Early results with itraconazole are encouraging for long-term suppression. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
CDC Kerala 14: Early child care practices at home among children (2-6 y) with autism--a case control study.
To compare early child care practices at home as possible risk factors among children between 2 and 6 y of age with autism and a control group of normal children without any symptom of autism, presenting at the well-baby/immunization clinic. This case control study was undertaken at the autism clinic of CDC Kerala, comparing possible risk factors for autism among 143 children between 2 and 6 y with autism as per CARS criteria and a control group of 200 normal children of the same age from well-baby/immunization clinic of SAT hospital. The data was collected using a structured pre-piloted questionnaire, which included 11 questions administered by the same senior social scientist, on early child care practices at home that have been universally considered as important for child development. On multivariate analysis on early child care practices at home as possible risk factors for autism, it was observed that statistically significant high odds ratios were present for (i) no outings (OR = 3.36; 95% CI: 1.39-8.16; p 0.007); (ii) child does not play with children of same age (OR = 19.57; 95% CI: 9.50-40.32); (iii) do not tell stories/sing songs to the child (OR = 3.21; 9 % CI: 1.61-6.41); and (iv) breastfeeding duration nil/ < 6 mo (OR = 3.40; 95% CI: 1.28-8.99). This case control study involving 143 children between 2 and 6 y with autism as per CARS criteria and a control group of 200 normal children has shown that early child care practices at home, specifically breastfeeding duration nil/ < 6 mo, child does not play with children of same age, do not tell stories/sing songs to the child and no outings for the child are possible risk factors for autism. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of ruthenium red, quinacrine hydrochloride, ethacrynic acid and 2,4-dinitrophenol on the water receptor of the frog tongue.
Effects of some chemicals, which are known as inhibitors of Ca2+-dependent ATPases, on the water receptor of the frog tongue were examined by using single fungiform papilla preparations. When a sufficient amount of ruthenium red, quinacrine hydrochloride, ethacrynic acid or 2,4-dinitrophenol was added to the standard stimulating solution (5mM CaCl2+100 mM NaCl), which has been shown to stimulate sufficiently the water receptor of the frog tongue, no neural response was elicited. The concentrations necessary for 50% inhibition were approximately 3 X 10(-6)M for ruthenium red, 1 X 10(-5) M for quinacrine hydrochloride, 1 X 10 (-3) M for ethacrynic acid and 2 X 10(-4) M for 2,4-dinitrophenol. Organic mercurials, mersalyl acid and p-chloromercuribenzoic acid, had no effect on the nueral response, but repeated application of these chemicals led to a permanent depression in receptor activity. Ouabain had no effect on either the neural response or receptor activity. These observations indicate that the receptor molecule of the frog water receptor has a similar property to that of the Ca2+-dependent ATPase of red-cell membrane in respect to the susceptibility to inhibitors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Crystallographic data of double antisymmetry space groups.
This paper presents crystallographic data of double antisymmetry space groups, including symmetry-element diagrams, general-position diagrams and positions, with multiplicities, site symmetries, coordinates, spin vectors, roto vectors and displacement vectors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Differential binding of calmodulin domains to constitutive and inducible nitric oxide synthase enzymes.
Calmodulin (CaM) is a Ca2+ signal transducing protein that binds and activates many cellular enzymes with physiological relevance, including the mammalian nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isozymes: endothelial NOS (eNOS), neuronal NOS (nNOS), and inducible NOS (iNOS). The mechanism of CaM binding and activation to the iNOS enzyme is poorly understood in part due to the strength of the bound complex and the difficulty of assessing the role played by regions outside of the CaM-binding domain. To further elucidate these processes, we have developed the methodology to investigate CaM binding to the iNOS holoenzyme and generate CaM mutant proteins selectively labeled with fluorescent dyes at specific residues in the N-terminal lobe, C-terminal lobe, or linker region of the protein. In the present study, an iNOS CaM coexpression system allowed for the investigation of CaM binding to the holoenzyme; three different mutant CaM proteins with cysteine substitutions at residues T34 (N-domain), K75 (central linker), and T110 (C-domain) were fluorescently labeled with acrylodan or Alexa Fluor 546 C5-maleimide. These proteins were used to investigate the differential association of each region of CaM with the three NOS isoforms. We have also N-terminally labeled an iNOS CaM-binding domain peptide with dabsyl chloride in order to perform FRET studies between Alexa-labeled residues in the N- and C-terminal domains of CaM to determine CaM's orientation when associated to iNOS. Our FRET results show that CaM binds to the iNOS CaM-binding domain in an antiparallel orientation. Our steady-state fluorescence and circular dichroism studies show that both the N- and C-terminal EF hand pairs of CaM bind to the CaM-binding domain peptide of iNOS in a Ca2+-independent manner; however, only the C-terminal domain showed large Ca2+-dependent conformational changes when associated with the target sequence. Steady-state fluorescence showed that Alexa-labeled CaM proteins are capable of binding to holo-iNOS coexpressed with nCaM, but this complex is a transient species and can be displaced with the addition of excess CaM. Our results show that CaM does not bind to iNOS in a sequential manner as previously proposed for the nNOS enzyme. This investigation provides additional insight into why iNOS remains active even under basal levels of Ca2+ in the cell. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Partnering with the Department of Insurance: Coordinating a clinical and regulatory review of formulary benefit designs.
This case report summarizes a partnership between Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and the Indiana Department of Insurance. The report outlines the review of qualified health plans sold on the marketplace. Details are provided on how the College responded to requests by the department to provide a more comprehensive review of marketplace formularies. This included the development of clinical appropriateness tools for multiple disease states. The aim of this partnership was to improve prescription coverage for Indiana residents and address formulary design discrimination. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Treating Bowen's disease: a cost-minimization study.
In the current economic climate, it is important to justify the cost of treatments used in dermatology, particularly where cheaper alternatives exist. To determine which treatment modality commonly used for Bowen's disease is associated with the lowest cost to the National Health Service. A cost-minimization analysis was used to compare the following six treatments for Bowen's disease: cryotherapy, curettage and cautery, excision, laser ablation, photodynamic therapy and 5-fluorouracil. These are all known to have similar recurrence rates. Information regarding use of these treatment modalities was extracted from a literature review. Costs were determined from published data, average wholesale prices of medications, staff salary pay scales and health economics departments. The results show that, if treatment is indeed undertaken, a single lesion of Bowen's disease is most cheaply treated by curettage or excision biopsy under local anaesthetic, and most expensively treated by photodynamic therapy. The usefulness of this information has to be taken in the context of the study design, outcome measurements and base assumptions. Valid costing studies such as this, in conjunction with evidence of effectiveness and safety, can provide guidance for resource allocation and treatment decisions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins in endometrial adenocarcinoma: variations in conventional tumor areas and in microcystic, elongated and fragmented glands.
Endometrial adenocarcinomas may show a distinctive pattern of invasion characterized by the presence of microcystic, elongated and fragmented glands, often most evident along the advancing tumor margin. Earlier, we have shown that these changes appear restricted to low-grade endometrioid carcinomas, many of which show focal mucinous differentiation and lymphovascular space invasion. However, the molecular alterations associated with this morphological alteration are not known. In this study, we have examined immunoreactivity for the cell cycle regulatory proteins cyclin D1, p16 and beta-catenin in 22 endometrial carcinomas, specifically comparing the results in conventional tumor areas and in foci in which the glands exhibited microcystic, elongated and fragmented appearances. The conventional neoplastic glands exhibited cyclin D1 and p16 expression in most cases, with >50% tumor cells positive in 8 cases and 11 tumors, respectively. Membranous expression of beta-catenin was usually preserved, with variable cytoplasmic and nuclear staining. Cyclin D1 and beta-catenin predominantly stained cells at the peripheral or basal aspect of the conventional glands, whereas p16 was more uniformly expressed centrally. Tumor foci composed of microcystic, fragmented and elongated glands showed strong expression of cyclin D1 and p16, sometimes in contrast to unstained contiguous or adjacent conventional neoplastic elements, and there was also loss or fragmentation of membranous beta-catenin staining. Intravascular tumor cells also expressed cyclin D1 and p16 and therefore the immunostains often highlighted subtle foci of lymphovascular invasion. The heterogeneous expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins within endometrial adenocarcinoma illustrates the importance of assessing microanatomical variations in immunoreactivity, particularly at the advancing margin of tumors. The upregulation of cyclin D1 and p16, together with loss of membranous beta-catenin expression in microcystic, fragmented and elongated glands, is similar to epithelial-mesenchymal transitions observed in other malignancies and suggests that this pattern of invasion represents an active rather than a degenerative cellular process. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Foot deformities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: the relationship with foot functions.
The aim of this study was to investigate foot deformities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), to detect frequency of deformities and to assess the relationship between foot deformities and foot functions. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of 40 patients and 40 control subjects were studied. The hallux valgus (HV) angle, intermetatarsal angle between first and second metatarsals, intermetatarsal angle between first and fifth metatarsals, and calcaneal pitch were measured on radiographs. Foot functions were measured by the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). The frequency of foot deformities in RA patients was determined as 78.8%. The most frequent foot deformity in RA patients was HV (62.5%), followed by metatarsus primus varus (MPV) (41.3%). MPV and splaying of the forefoot deformities were significantly more frequent in RA patients than the control group (P < 0.05). Mild to moderate effect on FAOS subscales was observed in RA patients. There was a slight, but significant correlation between the foot deformities and the FAOS subscales except for quality of life subscale. In this study, it has been shown that foot deformities are frequent in patients with RA and that there is slight deterioration in foot functions related to RA. Our results indicated that foot deformities have small, but clinically important changes on foot functions. There is a need for more studies, which evaluates the foot deformities, to further explore the relationship between the foot deformities and foot function in patients with RA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The occurrence of a distinct high molecular weight form of serum non-suppressible insulin-like activity.
Gel filtration of acromegalic or normal serum at acid pH gave two distinct species of non-suppressible insulin-like activity (NSILA), one of high MW and the other of low MW (approximately 7000 daltons). The acid-stable high MW form remained high MW on rechromatography in acid. Gel filtration of serum at neutral pH however, gave only high MW activity, which remained high MW when rechromatographed under neutral conditions but split into both high and low MW forms when rechromatographed in acid. These results indicate that there are at least two circulating forms of NSILA--a low MW form which circulates in serum bound to a carrier protein in an acid-labile high MW complex and a species which circulates only as a stable, discrete high MW protein. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The oral health of critically ill children: an observational cohort study.
This study will describe the oral health status of critically ill children over time spent in the paediatric intensive care unit, examine influences on the development of poor oral health and explore the relationship between dysfunctional oral health and healthcare-associated infections. The treatment modalities used to support children experiencing critical illness and the progression of critical illness may result in dysfunction in the oral cavity. In adults, oral health has been shown to worsen during critical illness as well as influence systemic health. A prospective observational cohort design was used. The study was undertaken at a single tertiary-referral Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. Oral health status was measured using the Oral Assessment Scale and culturing oropharyngeal flora. Information was also collected surrounding the use of supportive therapies, clinical characteristics of the children and the occurrence of healthcare-associated infections. Of the 46 participants, 63% (n = 32) had oral dysfunction and 41% (n = 19) demonstrated pathogenic oropharyngeal colonisation during their critical illness. The potential systemic pathogens isolated from the oropharynx and included Candida sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Enterococcus sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The severity of critical illness had a significant positive relationship (p < 0·05) with pathogenic and absent colonisation of the oropharynx. Sixty-three percent of healthcare-associated infections involved the preceding or simultaneous colonisation of the oropharynx by the causative pathogen. This study suggests paediatric oral health to be frequently dysfunctional and the oropharynx to repeatedly harbour potential systemic pathogens during childhood critical illness. Given the frequency of poor oral health during childhood critical illness in this study and the subsequent potential systemic consequences, evidence based oral hygiene practices should be developed and validated to guide clinicians when nursing critically ill children. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Ultrasonographic findings in ocular toxocariasis].
To evaluate ophthalmic ultrasound findings in the three presentation forms of ocular toxocariasis (peripheral or posterior pole granulomas and chronic endophthalmitis), in patients with confirmed diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis. 11 patients (11 eyes) with clinical and confirmed diagnosis of active ocular toxocariasis, presented positive ELISA test, were analyzed, prospectively, in the study. The patients were submitted to an ocular ultrasound examination (10-MHz transducer, contact technique). In the series of 11 patients, mean age was 7.9 years-old (range from 2 to 17 y), 73% male, referring previous contact with dogs (91%), and with the soil (50%), no referral of appetite perversion. In the analyses of compromised eyes (11 eyes), the ophthalmoscopic examination revealed the following distribution of the 3 forms of ocular toxocariasis: 7 cases (63.6%), posterior pole granuloma; 1 (9.1%), chronic endophthalmitis; 2 (18.2%), peripheral granuloma; and 1 (9.1%), posterior pole granuloma associated with chronic endophthalmitis. Visual acuity impairment: no light perception (3 eyes, 27.3%); hand motion (4 eyes, 36.4%); counting fingers at 10 cm (1 eye, 9.1%); 20/200 (1 eye, 9.1%); 20/70 (1 eye, 9.1%); undefined (1 eye, 9.1%). Serology was positive to Toxocara canis (ELISA test) in 100% of the cases. Ophthalmoscopy was difficult or impossible in 64% of the cases due to the media opacity. Ultrasound findings noted were vitreous membranes with retinal attachment (100%); parietal lesions (granulomas) with high (80%) or medium (20%) reflectivity. The most consistent ultrasound finding in the eye with toxocariasis was a high-reflectivity retinal mass, located in posterior pole or periphery, which may be calcified, and which has as main characteristic the adherence of vitreous membranes. In addition to clinical history, systemic evaluation and serology, the ultrasound can help in the diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis, especially in media opacities. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neurologic complications of late prosthetic valve endocarditis.
We reviewed the records of 20 patients with late prosthetic valve endocarditis who were hospitalized at the University of Iowa between 1985 and 1988. There were 14 men and six women, aged 20-80 (mean 57.9) years. The infected valves were mechanical in 11 patients (six aortic and five mitral) and bioprosthetic in the other nine. Echocardiography in 12 patients demonstrated vegetations in one. Among the 20 patients, neurologic complications occurred in eight (40%), six of whom had mechanical valves (five mitral and one aortic). Infection with Staphylococcus aureus occurred in four of the eight patients (50%) with neurologic complications. Of the eight patients with neurologic complications, ischemic stroke was diagnosed in four, transient ischemic attacks in one, and intracranial hemorrhage in three. Prothrombin times at the time of the intracranial hemorrhage were 2.2, 1.5, and 1.3 times control in these three patients. Cerebral angiography done in four of the eight patients with neurologic complications failed to show mycotic aneurysms. Nine of the 20 patients (seven men and two women, mean age 66.8 years) died less than or equal to 90 days after the diagnosis of late prosthetic valve endocarditis. Half of the eight patients with neurologic complications died (three men and one woman, mean age 62.3 years), and all three patients with intracranial hemorrhage died. Our data suggest that the neurologic complications of late prosthetic valve endocarditis are more common with mechanical valves, particularly in the mitral position, and are associated with a high mortality. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Current concepts on imaging diagnosis of rotator cuff disease.
Rotator cuff disease is common and may be clinically silent or a cause of shoulder pain. Evaluation of the rotator cuff before and after surgery is challenging for the orthopedic surgeon, but the radiologist can make an accurate diagnosis and facilitate appropriate management. This article reviews the current concepts on imaging diagnosis of rotator cuff disease, beginning with a discussion of the complex anatomy of the rotator cuff, continuing into the normal and pathologic MR imaging appearances of the rotator cuff including tendinosis and tearing, and concluding with a review of the postoperative cuff after various surgical repair techniques. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A New Variant of the Claisen Rearrangement from Malonate-Derived Allylic Trimethylsilyl Ketene Acetals: Efficient, Highly Enantio- and Diastereoselective Syntheses of (+)-Methyl Dihydroepijasmonate and (+)-Methyl Epijasmonate.
Complete chirality transfer occurs in the smooth Claisen rearrangement of the trimethylsilyl (TMS) ketene acetals, which were prepared from allylic malonates (R)-1 (R=pentyl, 2-(Z)-pentenyl). These are in turn accessible by enantioselective reduction/esterification or by enzymatic kinetic resolution. The cis configuration in (+)-3 was achieved by highly syn-selective epoxidation of (+)-2, followed by suprafacial 1,2-H migration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ru2+ complexes comprising terpyridine ligands appended with terthiophene chromophores: energy transfer and energy reservoir effect.
Two Ru(2+) complexes containing terpyridine ligands appended with terthiophene units connected by a methyleneoxy or an alkynyl bridge show very different luminescent behaviours: the former is non-luminescent at 298 K owing to a photoinduced energy transfer process to the terthiophene moiety, while the latter exhibits an extraordinary long excited state lifetime because of an energy reservoir effect. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Steady state analysis of the genetic regulatory network incorporating underlying molecular mechanisms for anaerobic metabolism in Escherichia coli.
A Gene Regulatory Network (GRN) represents complex connections between genes in a cell which interact with each other through their RNA and protein expression products, thereby determining the expression levels of mRNA and proteins required for functioning of the cell. Microarray experiments yield the log fold change in mRNA abundance and quantify the expression levels for a GRN at the genome level. While Boolean or Bayesian modeling along with expression and location data are useful in analyzing microarray data, they lack underlying mechanistic details present in GRNs. Our objective is to understand the role of molecular mechanisms in quantifying a GRN. To that effect, we analyze under steady state, the complete GRN for the central metabolic pathway during anaerobiosis in Escherichia coli. We simulate the microarray experiments using a steady state gene expression simulator (SSGES) that models molecular mechanistic details such as dimerization, multiple-site binding, auto-regulation and feedback. Given a GRN, the SSGES provided the log fold change in mRNA expression values as the output, which can be compared to data from microarray experiments. We predict the log fold changes for mutants obtained by knocking out crucial transcriptional regulators such as FNR (F), ArcA (A), IHFA-B (I) and DpiA (D) and observe a high degree of correlation with previously reported experimental data. We also predict the microarray expression values for hitherto unknown combinations of deletion mutants. We hierarchically cluster the predicted log fold change values for these mutants and postulate that E. coli has evolved from a predominantly lactate secreting (FAID mutant) into a mixed acid secreting phenotype as seen in the wild type (WT) during anaerobiosis. Upon simulating a model without incorporating the mechanistic details, not only the correlation with the experimental data reduced considerably, but also the clustering of expression data indicated WT to be closer to the quadruple mutant FAID. This clearly demonstrates the significance of incorporating mechanistic data while quantifying the expression profile of a GRN which can help in predicting the effect of a gene mutant and understanding the evolution of transcriptional control. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Eosinophil cationic protein inhibits immunoglobulin production and proliferation in vitro in human plasma cells.
The effect of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) on immunoglobulin (Ig) production by and proliferation of human plasma cells was studied. ECP inhibited Ig production by and proliferation of the human plasma cell lines, IM-9 and AF-10, in a dose-dependent fashion. As little as 0.05 ng/ml ECP was found to be inhibitory, and the maximal inhibition was achieved at doses of 0.1-0.5 ng/ml ECP. This inhibition was not due to cytotoxicity, since viability was always greater than 98%. Kinetic experiments demonstrated that inhibition was observable after 24 hr of culture with ECP and that the inhibitory effect of ECP was reversible. The inhibitory effect of ECP could be blocked by anti-ECP serum, but not by control serum. Of the various cytokines tested, including interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, interferon (IFN)-alpha, IFN-gamma, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and erythropoietin (Epo), IL-6 reversed the inhibition, while other cytokines failed to do so. ECP also inhibited Ig (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgM, and IgA) production by and proliferation of PCA-1+ plasma cells generated in vitro with a similar dose-response pattern. This inhibition also was blocked by anti-ECP serum but not by control serum, and was restored by IL-6. These results suggest that ECP may interact with IL-6 in controlling plasma cell responses. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Incidence of apoptosis in the pancreas of young and old rats.
We reported previously that the pancreatic protein responses to the high dose of cholecystokinin (CCK) or bile-pancreatic juice diversion were impaired in old rats of both sexes, whereas the basal secretion was comparable to that in young animals. To examine the mechanism of the attenuated response in old rats, we examined the incidence of apoptosis of the pancreatic acinar cells and the plasma CCK concentrations produced by bile-pancreatic juice diversion, which is a potent endogenous stimulator of pancreatic secretion, in young (4-8 months old) and old (25-29 months old) rats of both sexes. Apoptosis was examined by electron microscopic examination and the nick end-labeling method for detecting cells with DNA strand breaks. The plasma CCK level was determined by RIA with OAL-656 antibody. The incidence of nick end-labeling-positive cells (apoptotic index) was slightly higher in old rats of both sexes. Apoptosis coincided with the acinar cell loss in old male rats, in which apoptotic index was much greater than that in young animals. The plasma CCK levels produced by bile-pancreatic juice diversion were lower in old than in young male rats, whereas no age difference was observed in females. The basal plasma CCK levels were comparable regardless of age and sex. The pancreatic wet weights were higher in old than in young rats of both sexes. These observations suggested that although impaired CCK functions in old male rats might have some role in the increase in apoptosis in the pancreas, the increase in apoptosis could not fully explain the attenuated pancreatic response in old rats. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Kidney preservation using combinations of Belzer and Collins techniques.
A study was designed to test the advisability of using combined Belzer and Collins preservation in kidney-sharing programs. Dogs were randomly assigned to seven groups and no donor pretreatment was used. In group 1, left kidneys were removed from dogs; were flushed with Collins solution; and were autotransplanted immediately. In groups 2 through 7, dog kidneys were preserved for 24 hr using combined techniques. The percentage of Collins preservation included in each group was increased progressively until, in Group 7, Collins alone was used. Contralateral nephrectomies were performed at the time of autotransplantation. Between 4 and 8 dogs survived in each group, yielding 43 6-week survivors. Sixty-six per cent of group 7 animals and greater than 90% of animals in other groups survived 6 weeks after transplantation. Average creatinine and blood urea nitrogen values on days 3,7, and 42 showed a progressive increase in kidney damage from groups 1 through 7. As the percentage of time the kidneys were subjected to Collins preservation was increased, the quality of kidney preservation decreased in a progressive manner. This study suggests that Belzer and Collins techniques can be combined, but superior preservation was obtained when the majority of preservation was on the Belzer apparatus. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fundamentally mode-locked, femtosecond waveguide oscillators with multi-gigahertz repetition frequencies up to 15 GHz.
We demonstrate passively mode-locked Yb(3+)-doped glass waveguide lasers in a quasi-monolithic configuration with a maximum pulse repetition frequency up to 15.2 GHz. A semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM) is used to achieve stable mode-locking around 1050 nm with pulse durations as short as 811 fs and an average power up to 27 mW. Different waveguide samples are also employed to deliver pulses with repetition rates of 4.9 GHz, 10.4 GHz and 12 GHz with an average power of 32 mW, 60 mW and 45 mW, respectively. The group velocity dispersion control in the cavity is provided by changing the gap between the SESAM and the waveguide end-face to facilitate a soliton mode-locking regime. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Vapor Pressure Measurement System for Heavy Crude Oils.
We describe a new, simple apparatus that permits accurate measurement of reactive organic carbon vapor pressure from heavy crude oils when used with a gas chro-matograph. The apparatus is analogous to the Reid vapor pressure apparatus that is used for vapor pressure measurement of light hydrocarbons. This system overcomes many of the shortcomings experienced when the Reid method is applied to heavy crudes. We explain the operation of the system and present results from measurement of heavy crudes from Southern California. Measurements on oil samples collected from storage tanks agreed well with analysis of headspace gases in the tanks. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Multifunctional DNA interactions of Ru-Pt mixed metal supramolecular complexes with substituted terpyridine ligands.
The coupling of a light absorbing unit to a bioactive site allows for the development of supramolecules with multifunctional interactions with DNA. A series of mixed metal supramolecular complexes that couple a DNA-binding cis-Pt(II)Cl(2) center to a ruthenium chromophore via a polyazine bridging ligand have been prepared, and their DNA interactions have been studied, [(TL)RuCl(dpp)PtCl(2)](PF(6)) (TL = tpy (2,2':6',2''-terpyridine), MePhtpy (4'-(4-methylphenyl)-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine), or (t)Bu(3)tpy (4,4',4''-tri-tert-butyl-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine and dpp = 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine). This series provides for unique tridentate coordinated Ru(II) systems to photocleave DNA with preassociation with the DNA target via coordination of the Pt(II) center. Electronic absorption spectroscopy of the complexes displays intense ligand-based pi-->pi* transitions in the UV region and metal to ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transitions in the visible region. The Ru(dpi)-->dpp(pi*) MLCT transitions occur at 545 nm, red-shifted relative to the 520 nm maxima for the monometallic synthons, [(TL)RuCl(dpp)](PF(6)). The title RuPt complexes display reversible Ru(II/III) oxidative couples at 1.10, 1.10, and 1.01 V vs Ag/AgCl for TL = tpy, MePhtpy, and (t)Bu(3)tpy, respectively. The TL(0/-) reduction occurred at -1.43, -1.44, and -1.59 V vs Ag/AgCl for TL = tpy, MePhtpy, and (t)Bu(3)tpy, respectively. These complexes display a dpp(0/-) couple (-0.50 -0.55, and -0.59 V) significantly shifted to positive potential relative to their monometallic synthons (-1.15, -1.16, and -1.22 V), consistent with the bridging coordination of the dpp ligand. Coupling of (TL)Ru(II)Cl(BL) subunit to a cis-Pt(II)Cl(2) site provides for the application of photochemically inactive Ru(II)(tpy)-based chromophores in DNA photocleavage applications. The [(TL)RuCl(dpp)PtCl(2)](+) complexes display covalent binding to DNA and photocleavage upon irradiation with visible light modulated by TL identity. The redox, spectroscopic, DNA-binding, and photocleavage properties of a series of supramolecular complexes are presented. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[HTLV-I infection in primary Sjögren's syndrome--epidemiological, clinical and virological studies].
The HTLV-I seroprevalence rate among the patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SjS, 23.0%) was significantly higher than that among blood donors (3.4%). The age-adjusted summary odds ratio of HTLV-I infection among SjS patients as compared with blood donors was 3.1. The etiologic fraction, i.e., the proportion of SjS in the study population that are attributable to HTLV-I infection, was estimated to be 17.6%. Titers of serum antibodies to HTLV-I in the seropositive SjS patients were significantly higher than those among healthy carriers. IgM class antibodies were commonly detected in sera of SjS patients. Salivary IgA class antibodies were common among seropositive SjS patients, but not in HAM patients or in healthy subjects. The findings strongly suggest that HTLV-I is involved in the pathogenesis of the disease in a subset of patients with SjS in endemic areas. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Maxillary sinus metastasis of renal cell carcinoma].
Paranasal sinuses and nose metastasis are very uncommon tumors, about 50 have been reported. Renal cell carcinoma is the primary neoplasm which most frequently metastasizes in the nasosinusal region, followed by breast and lung. Symptoms are unspecific, but the epistaxis constitutes the most common sign due to the significant vascularizations of the tumor. Prognosis is poor. The survival rate fluctuates between 15-30% at 5 years. Surgery is the elective treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Treatment of diaphyseal femoral fractures in children: a clinical study].
Many therapeutic modalities have been reported for the management of femoral shaft fractures in children and young adolescents but there is no consensus on the preferable method. To compare the malunion rate of femoral shaft fractures in children treated either by traction and spica cast or traction and functional brace. Between 1982 and 1984 a prospective study was carried out in a tertiary pediatric university hospital on 43 patients (24 boys, 19 girls) with a closed femoral shaft fracture. The patient's age ranged from 5 to 13 years old. Open, pathologic, subtrochanteric and physeal fractures were excluded. Fifteen (15) patients were treated by a functional brace and 28 were treated by a spica cast. Clinical and radiological assessments of all patients were performed 5 years or more after the fracture by an independent observer. A malunion occurred if one of these criteria were met: an angulation > or = 10 degrees in the coronal plane, an angulation > or = 15 degrees in the sagittal plane, a malrotation > or = 15 degrees by opposition to the other leg, and a discrepancy > or = 10 mm between femur's length. A malunion was found in 17 patients, 6 in the functional brace and 11 in the spica cast group (p > 0.05). The leg length discrepancy was the most common type of malunion. The length of stay was not significantly different between both treatment groups. The functional brace was worn longer than the spica cast. There was no statistical difference between the malunion rate of children treated by traction-spica cast and traction-functional brace. The functional brace appears to be a good alternative for the treatment for femoral shaft fracture in children allowing an earlier ambulation than spica cast. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Difficult and rare forms of acne.
Acne is the most common of skin diseases, being characterized as a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit. Although acne is usually straightforward to diagnose and treat, some patients have difficult or rare forms of acne. What seems to be "nonresponding acne" in a patient may be caused by another acneiform disease that clinically mimics acne, thus misleading the clinician, if not ruled out, with scrutiny. Difficulties in the management of acne may be attributable to patient-related issues (low adherence to treatment or fear for side effects), treatment-related issues (inappropriate treatment, dose, or duration of treatment), or difficult-to-treat acne types (acne conglobata or acne fulminans). Rare forms of acne may be present in the context of complex syndromes, such as the synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis syndrome; pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, acne syndrome; pyoderma gangrenosum, acne, and suppurative hidradenitis syndrome; or congenital adrenal hyperplasia, in association with other systemic findings, often with a positive family history. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
First Iranian record of the family Odiniidae (Diptera: Opomyzoidea), including two species new to the Middle East region.
The family Odiniidae is newly reported from Iran through the recent discovery of the species Odinia meijerei Collin, 1952 and Turanodinia graciosa Krivosheina Krivosheina, 1996 in Iran and the Middle East region. The species T. graciosa is here elevated from the rank of subspecies (Turanodinia stackelbergi graciosa Krivosheina Krivosheina, 1996) to species level. This taxonomical change was based on the comparison of the male genitalia of T. graciosa with T. stackelbergi Krivosheina Krivosheina. Images of the habitus and male genitalia of O. meijerei and T. graciosa are provided. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Lung metastasis disclosing a calf tumor].
Lung metastasis is a common finding, either before, with or after discovery of the primary tumor. Histological examination of a lung formation of unknown origin can lead to diagnosis of a primary tumor. We report the case of a 28-year old woman who presented an apparently primary tumor in the lower left pulmonary lobe. Pathology reported soft tissue alveolar sarcoma. The first manifestation of this rare soft tissue tumor can be a lung or brain tumor. Imaging evidenced the primary tumor in the left calf. Histology confirmed the diagnosis and the metastatic nature of the lung tumor. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Myasthenic inspiratory vocal cord dysfunction: efficacy of nasal continuous positive airway pressure treatment.
Myasthenic vocal cord dysfunction (VCD), presenting with severe inspiratory stridor, was successfully treated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP), thus giving the medical staff time to make the diagnosis and avoiding intubation or tracheostomy. An important sign leading to diagnosis was the very high MEF(50)/MIF(50) ratio calculated from the flow-volume loop. nCPAP treatment induced prompt remission of stridor and a sharp reduction in the MEF(50)/MIF(50) ratio from 9.90 to 1.36. A review of the literature has shown that VCD with inspiratory stridor is an unusual onset symptom of myasthenia gravis and that nCPAP treatment may avoid emergency oral/tracheal intubation and tracheostomy. After diagnosis, the patient underwent thymectomy, and today, 3 years later, he is well without any further therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Strategies for hepatic gene correction.
Gene augmentation has been the paradigm in the majority of gene therapy protocols but in recent years the potential of repairing the mutated gene in situ by targeted gene correction has become a reality. In fact, targeted gene repair has many advantages over conventional replacement strategies, notably the possibility to treat dominant as well as recessive disorders, and the small molecular size of the pharmacologically active agent. Chimeric RNA/DNA oligonucleotides, small fragment homologous replacement, as well as triplex-forming and single-stranded oligonucleotides are all examples of the growing armamentarium for gene repair, and are the subject of this review. In addition, we have also included a discussion of the reawakened Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system as a novel non-viral gene replacement strategy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Innate IgG molecules and innate B cells expressed by immunoglobulin constant heavy G chain (Fcγ) genetic marker genes are involved in the 'allergic march' of IgE sensitization in children.
Interindividual variations of immunoglobulin constant heavy G chain (IGHG) genes on chromosome 14q32.3 are identified by alternative genetic markers (GM) of IgG3, IgG1 and IgG2, respectively. They express structurally and functionally innate IgG molecules and B cells, associated with allergic disease, replicated in several studies. 1-year-old and 10-year-old, IgE-sensitized and non-sensitized children from the German Multicenter Allergy Study birth cohort were assessed by new serological methods for the mendelian IGHG (Fcγ) (GM) genes, as innate IgG molecules and innate B cells. Food allergy sensitization in thirty-five 1-year-old children (124 not sensitized) was associated with the IGHG*bfn haplotype and B*(bfn) cells (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.1; p = 0.010). Aeroallergen sensitization in ninety-nine 10-year-old children (95 not sensitized) was associated with the same genes (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.02-1.9; p = 0.034). The IgE sensitization was most prominent in the restrictive homozygous IGHG*bfn/*bfn diplotype, 34% at age 1, increasing to 60% at age 10, rating the highest numbers of positive IgE tests, expressing increased levels of IgE and innate IgG2*n. The IGHG*bfn haplotype (B*(bfn) cells) and increased innate IgG2*n levels are predictive factors for IgE sensitization in childhood. IGHG genes can be assessed for prognostic and preventive purposes in clinical care. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Quality assurance in radiotherapy in Germany (as far as distinctions may occur compared to Britain).
The distinction between radiation protection and quality assurance in radiotherapy plays an important role. Together with the chronology of legal regulations for both subjects they are discussed subsequently for better understanding of the German position. A survey on actual technical regulations for safety and quality in radiotherapy by DIN-IEC and DIN standards is given with special attention to the connection of legal and technical regulations, the structure of the DIN committee for radiology and of its standards. Concepts of requirements and test methods for quality assurance are demonstrated for medical electron accelerators, especially the significance of performance values, the reliability of test methods, the volume of test conditions, the interpretation of test results, and the responsibility for test executions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Patients with severe traumatic brain injury transferred to a Level I or II trauma center: United States, 2007 to 2009.
Patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), head Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score of 3 or greater, who are indirectly transported from the scene of injury to a nontrauma center can experience delays to definitive neurosurgical management. Transport to a hospital with appropriate initial emergency department treatment and rapid admission has been shown to reduce mortality in a state's trauma system. This study was conducted to see if the same finding holds with a nationally representative sample of patients with severe TBI seen at Level I and II trauma centers. This study is based on adult (≥18 years), severe TBI patients treated in a nationally representative sample of Level I and II trauma centers, submitting data to the National Trauma Databank National Sample Program from 2007 to 2009. We analyzed independent variables including age, sex, primary payer, race, ethnicity, mode of transport, injury type (blunt vs. penetrating), mechanism of injury, trauma center level, head AIS, initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), and systolic blood pressure by transfer status. The primary outcome variable was inpatient death, with discharge disposition, neurosurgical procedures, and mean hospital, intensive care unit, and ventilator days serving as secondary outcomes. After exclusion criteria were applied (ISS < 16; age < 18 years; GCS motor score = 6; non-head AIS score ≥ 3; head AIS < 3; patients with missing transfer status, and death on arrival), a weighted sample of 51,300 (16%) patients was eligible for analysis. In bivariate analyses, transferred patients were older (≥60 years), white, insured, less severely injured (head AIS score ≤ 4, ISS ≤ 25), and less likely to have sustained penetrating trauma (p < 0.001). After controlling for all variables, direct transport, 1 or more comorbidities, advanced age, head AIS score, intracranial hemorrhage, and firearm injury remained significant predictors of death. Being transferred (adjusted odds ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-0.96) lowered the risk of death. Patients with severe TBI who were transferred to a Level I or II trauma center had lower injury severity, including less penetrating trauma, and, as a result, were less likely to die compared with patients who were directly admitted to a Level I or II trauma center. The results may demonstrate adherence with the current Guidelines for Prehospital Management of Traumatic Brain Injury and Guidelines for Field Triage of Injured Patients, which recommend the direct transport of patients with severe TBI to the highest level trauma center. Patients with severe TBI who cannot be taken to a trauma center should be stabilized at a nontrauma center and then transferred to a Level I or II trauma center. Regional and national trauma databases should consider collecting information on patient outcomes at referral facilities and total transport time after injury, to better address the outcomes of patient triage decisions. Prognostic study, level III; therapeutic study, level IV. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Myogenic expression in esophageal polypoid tumors.
Four cases of esophageal polypoid tumors composed of squamous cell carcinoma and spindle cell sarcomatous components were investigated. Squamous cell carcinoma was consistently present in the base of the polypoid lesions in all four cases and was also intermingled with spindle-shaped sarcomatous cells in two cases. Metastases in the lymph nodes were observed in two cases: one was squamous cell carcinoma with a sarcomatous component and the other consisted of a pure sarcomatous component. All tumors involved at least the muscularis mucosae. In the sarcomatous region, the tumor was composed of highly anaplastic cells with or without forming interlacing fascicles. Pleomorphism was marked and bizarre giant cell forms were frequent. Mitoses were frequently present. Immunohistochemical study revealed that the anaplastic cells in the sarcomatous component in all cases were immunoreactive to desmin, muscle actin, vimentin, and alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, but were negative for cytokeratin, even in the metastatic tumors of the lymph nodes. The immunohistochemical results favor myogenic differentiation of the anaplastic cells, and these tumors were considered to be true carcinosarcomas composed of squamous cell carcinoma and leiomyosarcoma. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Selectively increased adenosine deaminase levels in T cells during typhoid fever.
ADA and PNP levels were measured in T-enriched and T-depleted subpopulations of peripheral mononuclear cells from patients with typhoid fever. ADA activity was significantly increased in T-enriched, but normal in T-depleted preparations of typhoid patients. Elevated levels of ADA in T cells were observed from the initial phase up to 30 days from the onset of the disease. Unlike ADA changes, PNP modifications were transitory, and affected both T-enriched and T-depleted subpopulations. The usefulness of ADA determination in T cells to detect and follow up T-cell activation during typhoid fever is suggested. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Glomerular sialoconjugates of developing and mature rat kidneys.
The appearance of sialoconjugates in developing rat kidney glomeruli was studied using lectins and neuraminidase-lectin staining sequences. In the early S-shaped bodies, binding of Maclura pomifera (MPA; specific for galactosaminyl residues of glycoconjugates) could be detected in the presumptive podocyte layer at the apex of these cells, but notably no binding of lectins specific for sialic acid could be seen. During further morphologic maturation of the S-shaped bodies, binding of Limax flavus (LFA; specific for sialic acids) and Triticum vulgaris (WGA; specific for sialic acids and N-acetyl glucosaminyl moieties) appeared at the apex of podocytes and extended subsequently along the lateral membranes to the base of these cells. In morphologically mature glomeruli, LFA stained not only the base of podocytes but also glomerular basement membranes. WGA and MPA bound to the capillary endothelia as well as to the structures bound by LFA. The intensity of WGA binding increased considerably after 5 days of postnatal life, seemingly in parallel with the decrease and ultimate disappearance of MPA binding. In addition to showing individual appearance pattern for various lectin binding sites, these studies give evidence of previously unrecognized postnatal completion of the components of glomerular filtration barrier. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Implementing Cognitive Remediation Programs in France: The "Secret Sauce".
Cognitive remediation (CR) is a psychosocial therapy that seeks to restore patients' cognitive abilities by providing strategies to improve functioning in cognitive domains and helping them transfer acquired capabilities to everyday life. Since 2008, CR programs have been introduced in several regional health ministry areas in France. This column describes that implementation initiative, which includes creation of a network of the most active CR programs to conduct multicenter trials; establishment of a university degree in CR, awarded after completion of a one-year clinical training program; and implementation activities of regional health agencies. The authors describe three core elements of a "secret sauce"-a common language, timing, and leadership-that has helped ensure the success of the implementation efforts and that may be useful in other countries. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Influence of jejunal hypertonic glucose infusion on sham-feeding-stimulated gastric acid secretion: evidence of a defective mechanism in duodenal ulcer patients.
The aims of the present study were to determine in 14 healthy subjects and 14 duodenal ulcer patients the reproducibility of the acid secretory response to a modified sham-feeding test and the effect on this response of intrajejunal hypertonic glucose instillation, in order to evaluate the possibility of the existence of a defective inhibition of the cephalic phase of gastric acid secretion in duodenal ulcer disease. The reproducibility of the acid secretory response to a modified sham-feeding test was demonstrated in both groups in two consecutive tests. The hypertonic glucose instillation produced a significant inhibition of the acid secretory response to modified sham feeding only in the healthy subjects, suggesting that duodenal ulcer patients may have a defective mechanism of acid inhibition during vagal stimulation by modified sham feeding. Non-significant changes were observed in plasma gastrin and pancreatic glucagon levels. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Precision of a commercial hartmann-shack aberrometer: limits of total wavefront laser vision correction.
To assess the intrasession and intersession precision of higher-order aberrations (HOAs) measured using a commercial Hartmann-Shack wavefront sensor (Zywave; Bausch & Lomb) in refractive surgery candidates. Prospective, experimental study of a device. To analyze intrasession repeatability, 1 experienced examiner measured 30 healthy eyes 5 times successively. To study intersession reproducibility, the same clinician obtained measurements from another 30 eyes in 2 consecutive sessions at the same time of day 1 week apart. For intrasession repeatability, excellent intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were obtained for total ocular aberrations, total HOAs, and second-order terms (ICC, > 0.94). The ICCs for third-order terms also were high (ICCs, > 0.87); however, fourth-order ICCs varied from 0.71 to 0.90 (Z(4)(0) = 0.90); and fifth-order ICCs were less than 0.85. For intersession reproducibility, only total ocular aberrations, total ocular HOAs, second-order terms, Z(4)(0), Z(3)(1), and Z(3-)(3) had ICCs of 0.90 or more. Bland-Altman analysis showed that the limits of agreement (were clinically too wide for most higher-order Zernike terms, especially for the third-order terms (> 0.21 μm). Total ocular aberrations, total HOAs, and second-order terms can be measured reliably by Zywave aberrometry without anatomic recognition. Third-order terms and Z(4)(0) are repeatable, but not as reproducible between visits. Fourth-order terms, except for Z(4)(0), and fifth-order terms are not sufficiently reliable for clinical decision making or treatment. Because the variability of Zywave can be a major limitation of a truly successful wavefront-guided excimer laser procedure, surgeons should consider treating HOA magnitudes that are more than the intrasession repeatability values (2.77 × S(w)) as those presented in this study. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Digital techniques for luminescence detection in liquid chromatography with an intensified linear photodiode array.
The use of a rapid-scanning fluorescence detector in liquid chromatography is examined in the context of its potential contribution in pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis. The data generated by an intensified linear photodiode array detector is presented as an isometric plot of (I(em),lambda(em),t) at a defined excitation wavelength. Techniques examined for peak homogeneity assessment include: emission spectral normalisation at points through the chromatographic peak profile, second order differentiation (d(2)I/dt(2)) and the fluorescence emission ratio chromatogram, generated by calculating the ratio of emission intensifies at two defined emission wavelengths, at all points in the time domain elution profile. These techniques are illustrated with reference to some polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and to the beta-blocker drug atenolol and its related impurities. Future developments of this new detector technology in LC are also considered. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An evaluation of competitor type and size for use in the determination of mRNA by competitive PCR.
The technique of competitive PCR for measuring mRNA is used widely. Several variations of the method have been reported. We have evaluated some of the commonly used competitor types as part of our study into expression of the androgen receptor (AR). These included mutant, intron, deletion construct, and nonhomologous competitors, which were assessed with an emphasis on their ability to amplify the target with the same efficiency, as well as their capacity to form heteroduplexes with it. The effect of competitor size on amplification efficiency was also investigated. We found that the use of a common primer set did not guarantee equal amplification efficiencies among DNAs sharing the same primer sequences. For the competitors evaluated in this study, sequence length was the major determinant of amplification efficiency. The longest competitors were amplified with the least efficiency. Differences in amplification efficiencies were corrected for by standardizing the competitor against the target. Constructing competitors of different sizes to the target may not eliminate heteroduplex formation when they share common sequence with the target as with the intron and deletion type competitors. Such heteroduplexes may interfere with the analysis if they cannot be resolved from both the target and competitor. Use of a mutant competitor constructed by the conversion of one enzyme restriction site to another produced determinations that were independent of both heteroduplex formation and cycle number. A method is described for generating a mutant competitor with a single PCR.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Unusual Photoelectrochemical Properties of Electropolymerized Films of a Triphenylamine-Containing Organic Small Molecule.
The electropolymerized films of poly(L)n on an indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrode was prepared by anodic electrooxidation of a dichloromethane solution of a triphenylamine-carrying organic molecule L and were characterized/studied by ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and photoelectrochemical measurements. Poly(L)n films were found to show surface-controlled TPA•+1/0 associated quasi-reversible redox and exceptionally high photocurrent generation properties. At a zero external bias potential and under 100 mW/cm2 white light irradiation, a photoelectrochemical device composed of a poly(L)1-modified ITO as the working electode, a platinum disk counter electrode, and saturated calomel electrode reference electrode in a 0.1 M Na2SO4 aqueous solution exhibited a significant cathode photocurrent density of 2.2 μA/cm2, which could be switched to be anodic and outperform most previously reported molecule-based modified ITO electrodes under similar experimental conditions. The results indicate that poly(L)n films offer a number of future perspectives ranging from organic photovoltaic to photoelectrochemical catalysis and sensing. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hypercatabolism of lipoprotein-free apolipoprotein A-I in HDL-deficient mutant chickens.
The Wisconsin Hypoalpha Mutant (WHAM) chicken has a sex-linked mutation associated with a 90% reduction in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I). In the present studies, we did not detect a defect in apoA-I synthesis or secretion in liver or intestine. We tested the hypothesis that apoA-I is not binding properly to lipoprotein particles and is undergoing hypercatabolism. We therefore studied the in vivo turnover of lipid-free 125I-apoA-I. Its turnover was fourfold faster in WHAM chickens than in normal chickens. The 125I-apoA-I equilibrated more slowly with HDL in the WHAM chickens, and these animals had a much larger steady-state pool of lipid-free apoA-I than did control chickens. To determine the tissue sites of degradation of apoA- I, the tissue distribution of 125I-tyramine cellobiose apoA-I was assessed. The liver and kidneys were the major sites of apoA-I degradation, but in the WHAM chickens, the kidney made a twofold larger contribution to apoA-I degradation than in normal chickens. Total plasma phospholipid levels are reduced by 44% to 78% in the WHAM chickens. A phospholipid deficit might explain the elevated lipid-free apoA-I pool and, secondarily, the HDL deficiency of the WHAM chickens. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A calf thymus acid lysate improves clinical symptoms and T-cell defects in the early stages of HIV infection: second report.
Thymomodulin is a calf thymus acid lysate capable of inducing T lymphocyte maturation. Fifteen patients with HIV infection at different stages according to the Walter Reed classification were treated with 60 mg/day of thymomodulin syrup for more than 50 days. Two WR6B subjects had clinical and immunological parameters unchanged and died, while the patient suffering from Kaposi's sarcoma presented an evident clinical and laboratory improvement with remission of the neoplasia. The other 12 patients ranging from WR2 to WR5B showed an improvement of clinical symptoms after thymomodulin therapy accompanied by the normalization of CD4/CD8 ratio (P less than 0.001). This helpers/suppressors increase was due to a significant increase of CD4 cells (P less than 0.01) and also to a decrease of the CD8 lymphocytes (P less than 0.05). Thymomodulin administration did not cause an enhancement of the urinary levels of neopterin, a marker of T-cell activation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Report of Endometrial Cancer in Australian BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation-positive Families.
There is evidence that tamoxifen treatment of BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers for prior breast cancer increases risk of endometrioid subtype endometrial cancer (EC), and suggestive evidence that BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers may be predisposed to EC in the absence of tamoxifen exposure. We assessed the association of EC with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation status in Australasian breast-ovarian families. Report of at least one case of EC was significantly greater in BRCA1-positive families (35/218 (16%); p = .03) and non-significantly greater in BRCA2-positive families (23/189 (12%); p = .6), compared to high-risk breast cancer families without a BRCA1/2 mutation (86/796 (11%)). EC was the first/concurrent cancer for 41% of EC cases with multiple cancer diagnoses from BRCA1/2 families, and early onset for most of these diagnoses. Mutation status was imputed for ungeno-typed individuals from 57 BRCA1/2 pedigrees reporting EC using BRCAPRO. Effects of genotype on EC diagnosis age, and interaction with tamoxifen therapy, were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. EC risk was non-significantly marginally greater for BRCA1 carriers (hazard ratio = 1.25, 95%CI = 0.65-2.41), and BRCA2 carriers (HR = 1.12, 95%CI = 0.51-2.45), compared to non-carrier family members. Tamoxifen therapy was highly significantly associated with EC (HR = 6.68, 95%CI = 3.12-15.15; p = 1.7 x 10(-6)) in BRCA1/2 families, with no evidence for interaction between tamoxifen therapy and BRCA1/2 genotype. Our family-based study supports a 7-fold increase in EC risk with tamoxifen exposure for female family members from BRCA1/2 families. Early onset EC in carriers without tamoxifen use suggests that further study is required to assess association of modest EC risk with BRCA1/2 mutation status alone. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Vascular impressions on the renal-collecting system: diuretic cine-roentgenographic and angiographic study of 50 cases.
The vascular impressions on the renal pelvis and caliceal system may assume an important role in the study of some patients with hematuria and renal pain of unclear origin. 50 patients presenting vascular impressions on the calices and renal pelvis have been studied. In 12 patients (24%) the impressions were bilateral and in 38 (76%) unilateral: in 35 patients (70%) the right kidney was involved. In each patient the morphological pyelocaliceal variations have been studied with cine-roentgen-dynamic investigations and in 30 angiography was also performed. Interesting results have been obtained with cine-roentgenographic investigations during forced diuresis allowing differentiation between intrinsic and extrinsic lesions of the renal collecting structures, without resorting to more complex investigations such as angiography. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Long non-coding RNA CCAT1 promotes glioma cell proliferation via inhibiting microRNA-410.
Long non-coding RNAs have been confirmed to play a critical role in various cancers. In the present study, the effect of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) CCAT1 on glioma cell proliferation and its potential mechanism were investigated. Real-time PCR results showed that lncRNA-CCAT1 expression was significantly upregulated in glioma cancer tissues and cell lines compared with controls. After inhibiting CCAT1 expression in glioma cell line U251 with siRNA-CCAT1 (si-CCAT1), the cell viability and cell colony formation were decreased, the cell cycle was arrested in G1 phase, and the cell apoptosis was increased. As reported in bioinformatics software starbase2.0, a total of 22 microRNAs were potentially targeted by CCAT1. It was confirmed that miR-410 was altered most by si-CCAT1. After up-regulating CCAT1 expression in U251 cells, miR-410 level was decreased. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that CCAT1 targeted miR-410. Correlation analysis showed that CCAT1 expression was negatively related to miR-410 expression in glioma cancer tissues. In addition, down-regulation of miR-410 reversed the inhibitory effect of si-CCAT1 on glioma proliferation. These data demonstrated that lncRNA-CCAT1 promoted glioma cell proliferation via inhibiting miR-410, providing a new insight about the pathogenesis of glioma proliferation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
2nd place, PREMUS best paper competition: implementing return-to-work interventions for workers with low-back pain--a conceptual framework to identify barriers and facilitators.
Workplace-based return-to-work (RTW) interventions (programs) for workers with low-back pain are more effective than usual healthcare. Nevertheless, the implementation of such interventions usually encounters many barriers within healthcare systems, workplaces, and insurance systems. The aims of this study were to first construct a conceptual framework to identify barriers and facilitators before implementing RTW interventions and second validate this conceptual framework empirically. We conducted a literature review to identify barriers and facilitators described in three domains: (i) diffusion of innovations; (ii) implementation of healthcare programs; and (iii) implementation of low-back pain clinical guidelines. A selection process was used to identify core dimensions. To validate this framework, we conducted a multiple case study with embedded levels of analysis in two regions of France. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups with key participants. An initial framework was constructed with eight dimensions to be studied before implementation. This framework was eclectic, with different theoretical backgrounds. After the validation phase, some dimensions were modified, resulting in a revised conceptual framework that was theoretically and empirically grounded. This conceptual framework is an important contribution to the field of implementation science. It can be used in various settings to identify barriers and facilitators prior to implementing RTW interventions. In line with recommendations on knowledge transfer, this will enable evidence-based implementation strategies to be drawn up, improving intervention uptake and thus facilitating occupational disability prevention in low-back pain. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Randomised, multi-centre study of the usefulness of the heat and moisture exchanger (Provox HME®) in laryngectomised patients.
This study included 60 patients (30 in Nice and 30 in Reims), who were randomised between a control group that used no device of this type and a group equipped with the Provox HME®. After 3 months of using the device, a notable improvement was found which was statistically significant with regard to cough (P = 0.00174) and to bronchorrhoea (P = 0.0031), and very close to achieving significance with regard to breathing effort. An overall improvement in the prosthetic (tracheo-oesophageal) voice was found in the 21 patients using the HME® and a voice prosthesis for all of the parameters studied. The device was used daily by 80% of the patients of whom 42% used it day and night at the end of the 3 months. Seven patients suffered from minor cutaneous intolerance (of whom 6 had received radiation therapy), which did not require the use of the HME® to be abandoned (PC). After 3 months, patients were asked the following questions: "Do you feel any improvement?": 92% of affirmative answers; "Are you breathing better?": 88% of affirmative answers; "Are you speaking more easily?": 81% had experienced speech improvement. The general adaptation to the device was judged to be satisfactory for 95% of the patients after 3 months. The results of this randomised study show an improvement in the pulmonary symptoms and in the prosthetic voice after 3 months of using Provox HME®. This light and easy-to-use device appears to us to afford a significantly improved quality of life for laryngectomees and should be offered systematically during functional rehabilitation of these patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Recruitment of exogenous mesenchymal stem cells in mandibular distraction osteogenesis by the stromal cell-derived factor-1/chemokine receptor-4 pathway in rats.
Distraction osteogenesis is widely used in orthopaedic and craniofacial surgery. However, its exact mechanism is still poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to find out whether there is systemic recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to the neocallus in the distraction gap by the stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) axis during osteogenesis. We examined the migration of MSC towards a gradient of SDF-1 in vitro. We also transplanted MSC labelled with green fluorescent protein (GFP) intravenously, with or without treatment with CXCR4-blocking antibody, into rats that had had unilateral mandibular distraction osteogenesis, and investigated the distribution of cells labelled with GFP in the soft callus after 24 h. We found that SDF-1 facilitated the migration potency of MSC both in vitro and in vivo, and this migration could be inhibited by AMD3100, an antagonist of CXCR4, and promoted by local infusion of exogenous SDF-1 into the distraction gap. This study provides a new insight into the molecular basis of how new bone is regenerated during distraction osteogenesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Acute pesticides poisonings in pregnant women.
44 pregnant women were treated at the Department of Clinical Toxicology in years 1986-1996 as a result of acute poisonings with different xenobiotics. Acute pesticide poisoning that involved 4 cases were always severe and had dramatic clinical course. Carbofuran intoxication stated in a 17-year-old woman (18 weeks of pregnancy) resulted in fetus death. Toxicological findings revealed that the level of the poison in the mothers blood was comparable to that in the fetus. Carbofuran evidently passed the placental barrier in concentration which was sufficient to cause the fetus death. In the second woman (20-year-old, 12 weeks pregnant) who was classified as severely poisoned on admission to the clinic a spontaneous abortion was stated on 27th day after poisoning. The highest level of carbofuran in the blood of the mother was 9.71 micrograms/g. A 30-year-old woman, 10 weeks pregnant took formothion (50 ml) per vaginam in order to provoke abortion. She was classified as moderately poisoned. Gynecological examination and ultrasonography confirmed the pregnancy. The fetus heart tones were audible. The patient was discharged from hospital after 3 days at her own request in a good general condition. The concentration of formothion in washings from vagina was similar to the levels observed in blood serum on the patient admission to the Clinic, and 24 hour later. A 21-year-old woman, 5 month pregnant ingested an unknown amount of endosulfan to provoke abortion. Gynecological examination and abdominal ultrasonography revealed longitudinal pelvic presentation of fetus. Neither fetal movement nor heart tones were audible as early as four hours after the clinical symptoms occurred. Such low concentration of endosulfan in the blood of the mother as 0.47 microgram/g of the poison caused relatively quick fetus death. The highest levels of endosulfan were found in the liver and in the fetus kidneys. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The clinical impact of precise electrode positioning in STN DBS on three-year outcomes.
Few studies have analyzed the clinical impact of subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) as a function of the positioning of the inserted electrode. We investigated retrospectively the three-year outcomes in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients following bilateral STN DBS in terms of the electrode positions. Forty-one advanced PD patients were followed up for over three years following bilateral STN DBS. Patients were evaluated with the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Hoehn and Yahr staging, Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) before surgery and one, two, and three years after surgery. The patients were divided into two groups according to the electrode position based on the fused preoperative MRI and postoperative CT images: group I included patients who had both electrodes in the STN (n=30) while group II included patients who had one of the electrodes in the STN (n=11). The UPDRS, the Hoehn & Yahr staging, the Schwab and England ADL, and the SF-36 scores showed significant improvements with decreased l-dopa equivalent daily doses (LEDDs) in both groups as well as in the group as a whole for up to three years following bilateral STN DBS. However, the off-medication UPDRS total and motor (part III) scores significantly deteriorated with increased LEDDs for patients in group II three years after STN DBS compared to that of the group I patients. We conclude that more accurate electrode positioning in the STN leads to better long-term outcomes in advanced PD patients following DBS. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and pregnancy: Role in the timing of labour onset and in myometrial contraction.
Glucocorticoids play a primary role in the maturation of fetal organs and may contribute to the onset of labour. Glucocorticoid activity depends on the 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase family (11β-HSDs), catalysing the interconversion between "active" cortisol into inactive cortisone. No definitive study exists on 11β-HSD expression profile in human decidua and myometrium during pregnancy. We investigated the implications of 11β-HSD1 in the regulation of uterine activity in pregnancy, examining its role on contraction of a myocyte cell line and murine 11β-hsd1 levels in utero. Murine 11β-hsd1 mRNA and protein levels in utero progressively increased until the last day of gestation and significantly decreased at the onset of labour (P < 0.0001) (n = 3 to 5 in the various gestational days analysed). Experiments on human myometrial samples confirm the significant fall in 11β-hsd1 mRNA levels at labour, compared to end pregnancy samples (n = 5 to 8). In vitro experiments showed that human myometrial contraction is inhibited by using a non-selective inhibitor of 11β-HSD1. The present study shows the temporal localisation of 11β-HSD1 in uterus, highlighting its importance in the timing of gestation and suggesting its contribution in the myometrium contraction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
World Wide Web resources on prevention and treatment of postoperative infections.
The internet can serve in opening the door to quality educational material. However, the huge amount of information available over the internet may be misleading and makes tracking of quality resources time and effort consuming. This article is a compilation of web sites that provide high-quality educational information on the prevention and treatment of postoperative infections. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Separation of N2@C60 and N@C60.
We describe the HPLC separation and identification of N@C60 and N2@C60. These species were observed after eleven sequential HPLC separations. Their retention times are in the same range as those of the other noninteractive endohedral species of C60, such as noble gas endohedral C60. The separation factors of these endohedrals were evaluated by using a mixture of hexane/toluene as eluent. We note that this is the first evidence for the N2@C60 molecule existing in the form of endohedral C60 complex. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Blood-brain barrier breakdown, neuroinflammation, and cognitive decline in older adults.
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown is observed in older versus younger adults and in late-onset Alzheimer's disease versus age-matched controls, but its causes and consequences in aging are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that BBB breakdown is associated with cognitive decline and inflammation in nondemented elders. Cerebrospinal fluid and serum inflammatory markers were measured using sandwich immunoassays in 120 subjects. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator-logistic regression selected cerebrospinal fluid and serum signatures that best classified BBB impairment defined by the cerebrospinal fluid albumin index ≥9. Linear regression examined changes in Clinical Dementia Rating sum of boxes as a function of BBB integrity at baseline. Mean age was 70 years, mean Mini–Mental State Examination was 27, and BBB impairment was recorded in 13.5%. BBB breakdown was associated with cognitive decline (P = .015). Cerebrospinal fluid intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin-8, serum amyloid A, macrophage derived chemokine, and gender generated an area under the curve of 0.95 for BBB impairment, and serum IL-16, VEGF-D, IL-15, and other variables generated an AUC of 0.92 for BBB impairment. BBB breakdown is associated with more rapid cognitive decline. Inflammatory mechanisms, including cell adhesion, neutrophil migration, lipid metabolism, and angiogenesis may be implicated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Formation of C=C and Si-Cl adstructures by insertion reactions of cis-dichloroethylene and perchloroethylene on Si(100)2 x 1.
The room-temperature adsorption and thermal evolution of cis-dichloroethylene (DCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) on Si(100)2 x 1 have been studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and temperature programmed desorption (TPD) mass spectrometry. Unlike ethylene that is found to adsorb on Si(100)2 x 1 through a [2+2] cycloaddition reaction, cis-DCE and PCE appear to dechlorinate upon adsorption on the 2 x 1 surface through an insertion reaction preserving the C=C bond. Our C 1s XPS spectra are consistent with the existence of mono-sigma-bonded and di-sigma bonded dechlorinated adstructures for both cis-DCE and PCE. The presence of the XPS C 1s feature at 283.9 eV, characteristic of the (=C<(Si)(Si)) component, supports the formation of a unique tetra-sigma-bonded C(2) dimer (i.e., by full dechlorination) for PCE, which is found to be stable to 800 K. In marked contrast to PCE for which no organic desorption fragments are observed, m/z 26 TPD features at 590 and 750 K have been observed for cis-DCE. These features could be attributed to the formation of acetylene resulting from Cl beta-elimination of 2-chlorovinyl adspecies and to direct desorption of vinylene, respectively. Further annealing the cis-DCE and PCE samples to above 800 K produces SiC and/or carbon clusters. The TPD data also show HCl evolution over 810-850 K for both cis-DCE and PCE, the latter of which also exhibits an additional SiCl(2) evolution above 850 K. The present work illustrates that the insertion mechanism could be quite common in the surface chemistry of chlorinated ethylenes on the 2 x 1 surface. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Quantitative MRI reveals decelerated fatty infiltration in muscles of active FSHD patients.
To investigate the effects of aerobic exercise training (AET) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), directed towards an increase in daily physical activity, on the progression of fatty infiltration and edema in skeletal muscles of patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) type 1 by T2 MRI. Quantitative T2 MRI (qT2 MRI) and fat-suppressed T2 MRI of the thigh were performed at 3T on 31 patients, 13 of whom received usual care (UC), 9 AET, and 9 CBT. Muscle-specific fat fractions (%), derived from qT2 MRI, were recorded pretreatment and posttreatment. Intervention effects were analyzed by comparing fat fraction progression rates of the UC with the treated groups using Mann-Whitney tests, and intermuscle differences by a linear mixed model. Edematous hyperintense lesions were identified on the fat-suppressed T2 MRI. The intraclass correlation coefficient for reproducibility of qT2 MRI fat assessment was 0.99. In the UC group, the fat fraction increased by 6.7/year (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.3 to 9.1). This rate decreased to 2.9/year (95% CI 0.7 to 5.2) in the AET (p = 0.03) and 1.7/year (95% CI -0.2 to 3.6) in the CBT group (p = 0.00015). The treatment effect differed among individual muscles. Fewer new edematous lesions occurred after therapy. Fat fraction derived from qT2 MRI is a reproducible and sensitive biomarker to monitor the effects of increased physical activity in individual muscles. This biomarker reports a favorable effect of AET and CBT on the rate of muscular deterioration in FSHD as reflected in decelerated fat replacement. This study provides Class II evidence that for patients with FSHD type 1, both AET and CBT decrease the rate of fatty infiltration in muscles. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Primary hydatid cyst of the axilla: report of a case.
The aim of this work was to report a case of hydatid cyst located in the axilla. A 36-year-old female presented with a painless right axillar swelling of 6 months duration. We removed the entire cyst surgically, and macroscopic and histopathological examinations confirmed the diagnosis of axillar hydatid disease. Seventeen months after the operation there was no recurrence. This case report showed that in cases of a cystic mass in an endemic zone, the diagnosis of hydatid cyst should be considered. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Preparticipation orthopedic screening evaluation.
To review evidence-based support for the preparticipation orthopedic evaluation. DATA SOURCES/METHODS: Articles were reviewed that dealt with the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of the components of the standardized preparticipation orthopedic evaluation. In addition, studies describing musculoskeletal conditions/findings predictive of future injuries were sought through a PubMed search. The sensitivity of the evaluation questionnaire appears to be adequate, exceeding 90% in some studies. There is little or no published information documenting that the physical examination (1) approaches the questionnaire in either sensitivity or specificity or (2) identifies elements of value based on their association with future injuries or reinjuries. There are no readily discernible elements even in an expanded examination that are documented as being predictive of future problems. The current questionnaire and examination appear to fulfill adequately both legal and institutional requirements. Practitioners should be aware of the absence of data linking virtually any of the findings on the examination to either an increase or a decrease in the likelihood of future injuries. There is no evidence that increasing the scope of the examination would enhance its predictive value. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Growth hormone secretion in protein energy malnutrition.
Plasma hGH levels were assessed in 15 infants with protein energy malnutrition following insulin induced hypoglycemia, arginine and L-Dopa provocation tests and intravenous glucose tolerance test. Fasting hGH levels were high in 85.7% of the cases. An adequate hGH response to stimulation was obtained in only 42.8% of the cases with insulin induced hypoglycemia; in 52.5% with arginine; in 30.8% with L-Dopa. Response to at least one type of provocation was obtained in all 5 cases to which all three tests were applied. Exaggerated or delayed response to provocative stimuli was also encountered in a number of the cases. Intravenous glucose tolerance test did not lead to suppression in hGH secretion or to increase in insulin secretion in these subjects. The results indicate that marasmic protein energy malnutrition may lead to defects in the hGH secretory function of the hypothalamopituitary axis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Treatment for pancreatic abscesses via omentalization with abdominal closure versus open peritoneal drainage in dogs: 15 cases (1994-2004).
To compare survival rate, duration of hospitalization, and complications in dogs with pancreatic abscesses treated with omentalization with abdominal closure versus open peritoneal drainage and evaluate a pancreatitis severity score for potential prognostic value. Retrospective case series. 15 dogs with pancreatic abscesses. Data regarding species, breed, age, initial clinical signs, CBC, serum biochemical abnormalities, pancreatitis severity score, anatomic location of the abscess, intraoperative bacteriologic culture results, treatment modality, postoperative complications, outcome (dismissed alive from the hospital, died in the postoperative period, or euthanized at surgery), and duration of hospitalization were evaluated. 6 dogs survived, 6 dogs died or were euthanized after surgery, and 3 were euthanized during surgery. Five of 8 dogs treated with omentalization and abdominal closure survived, and 1 of 4 dogs treated with open peritoneal drainage survived. In several dogs, treatment required additional surgical procedures, which did not appear to affect outcome. Postoperative complications were similar among survivors and nonsurvivors. Mean duration of hospitalization for dogs treated with omentalization and abdominal closure was less than that of dogs treated with open peritoneal drainage. Neither pancreatitis severity score nor any individual components of the score were associated with outcome. Omentalization is a viable treatment option for pancreatic abscess in dogs. Furthermore, shorter hospitalization and better survival outcomes may make omentalization preferred over open peritoneal drainage. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Toxicokinetic and mechanistic basis for the safety and tolerability of liposomal amphotericin B.
Amphotericin B (AmB) was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1959 with sodium deoxycholate (DAmB, Fungizone®). Extensive toxicities associated with the drug led to the development of lipid formulations of AmB, including liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB, AmBisome®). Phase I studies as well as comparative Phase III clinical trials indicate that L-AmB is associated with less nephrotoxicity and reduced infusion-related toxicity. There is, however, no recent comprehensive review of the safety and tolerability of L-AmB. This article reviews the safety, tolerability and the mechanisms of the major toxicities associated with L-AmB, including nephrotoxicity, infusion-related reactions (IRRs), anemia and thrombocytopenia, and hepatic abnormalities. The article further discusses the mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics of L-AmB. L-AmB is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that has significantly reduced toxicities compared to its predecessor, DAmB. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Prognostic Factors in Guillain-Barré Syndrome].
Clinical outcome of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is poorer than may be expected, despite recent applications of plasmapheresis and IVIg. Among prognostic factors of GBS, clinical factors are more useful compared to electrophysiological or biological factors. To improve the outcome of GBS patients with poor prognoses, a worldwide prospective survey (IGOS, International GBS Outcome Study) and a Japanese prospective GBS outcome study (JGOS) have been conducted. These surveys make it possible to define biomarkers for disease activity and recovery, and to develop prognostic models to precisely predict the clinical course and outcome in individual patients in the early stage of the disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Synthesis and antihypertensive activity of substituted trans-4-amino-3,4-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-2H-1-benzopyran-3-ols.
A series of novel substituted trans-4-amino-3,4-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-2H-1-benzopyran-3-ols was prepared and tested for antihypertensive activity in the conscious deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)/saline treated hypertensive rat. Optimum blood pressure lowering activity requires 6-substitution by a strong electron-withdrawing group, together with a pyrrolidino or piperidino group at the 4 position. Exceptions to this were the 7-nitro-4-pyrrolidine analogue and the 6-nitro-3-chloropropylamine, which retained marked antihypertensive activity. All of these compounds were direct vasodilators and had comparable antihypertensive activity to hydralazine and to the calcium antagonist, nifedipine. The synthetic route to these compounds involves cyclization of of propargyl ethers to 2H-1-benzopyrans, followed by conversion via bromohydrins to 3,4-epoxides, which were ring opened with the appropriate amines. Meta-substituted propargyl ethers gave both 5- and 7-substituted benzopyrans on thermal cyclization, the former predominating. A new route to 2,2-dimethyl-7-nitrobenzopyran is described. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
DNA damage and cytotoxicity induced on common carp by pollutants in water from an urban reservoir. Madín reservoir, a case study.
Madín Reservoir provides a substantial amount of drinking water to two municipalities close to Mexico City metropolitan area. However, it receives untreated wastewater discharges from domestic sources in the towns of Nuevo Madín and others, as well as diverse pollutants which are hauled by the Río Tlalnepantla from its upper reaches, so that the xenobiotics in the reservoir are highly diverse in terms of type and quantity. Previous studies showed that MR is contaminated with xenobiotics such as Al, Hg and Fe, as well as NSAIDs, at concentrations exceeding the limits established for aquatic life protection. These pollutants have been shown to induce oxidative stress on Cyprinus carpio and may therefore also damage the genetic material of exposed organisms, eliciting cytotoxicity as well. The present study aimed to determine the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity induced on blood, liver and gill of C. carpio by the pollutants present in MR water. Specimens were exposed to water from five sampling sites and the following biomarkers were evaluated: DNA damage by comet assay, frequency of micronuclei, apoptosis by TUNEL assay and caspase-3 activity. Significant increases relative to the control group (P < 0.05) were found with all biomarkers in all tissues evaluated, with the level of damage differing between sampling sites. In conclusion, pollutants present in MR water are genotoxic and cytotoxic to C. carpio, and this sentinel species, coupled with the biomarkers evaluated herein, is a reliable tool for assessing the health risk to wildlife posed by exposure to pollutants in freshwater bodies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Narcolepsy and other hypersomnias].
This article gives an overview of a few most significant but also most frequent primary hypersomnias in humans. The prevalence of hypersomnia in USA is between 0.3 and 16.3% which is close to its prevalence in Europe which is 5-16%. The prevalence of narcolepsy with cataplexy in USA and the countries of Western Europe is from 0.05-0.067%. Its presence is significantly higher in Japan and lower in Israel. Most of the symptoms of narcolepsy represent the abnormal manifestations of dissociated REM sleep process. Excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep attacks and cataplexy are the most frequent symptoms. The diagnosis of narcolepsy should be confirmed by a whole-night polysomnographic recording followed by a Multiple sleep latency test. Idiopathic hypersomnia is a rare disease (ten times as rare as narcolepsy) with the diagnostic procedure similar to that of narcolepsy. Treatment of hypersomnias is symptomatic with the aimed to reduce the most frequent symptoms (excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep attacks, cataplexy and hypnagogic/hypnapompic sleep paralyses). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Use of granulated sugar therapy in the management of sloughy or necrotic wounds: a pilot study.
To determine the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of three types of sugar and conduct a pilot clinical study with a view to developing a protocol for a randomised controlled trial (RCT). In the in vitro studies three types of granulated sugar (Demerara, granulated beet sugar and granulated cane sugar) were tested to determine their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against 18 Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria in a micro-titre broth dilution assay; growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in different concentrations of sugar (0.38-25%) was also tested over 12-hours in an agar diffusion assay. The pilot clinical study selected patients from a vascular surgical ward and a vascular outpatient department. All had acute or chronic exuding wounds, some of which were infected. White granulated sugar was applied to the wounds. The following parameters were assessed: surface area; wound characteristics including pain, malodour, appearance (slough/granulation); exudate level; pain level and bacterial load. Patients with diabetes had their blood sugar levels checked daily. All patients completed a short health questionnaire at the start and end of the study. Staff completed a satisfaction questionnaire at the end of the study. The study period was 21 days. In vitro tests demonstrated that sugar inhibits bacterial growth. All three types of sugars had MICs ranging from 6-25% in the bacterial strains tested. The diffusion tests showed that strains were able to grow well in low concentrations of sugar but were completely inhibited in higher concentrations. The two granulated sugars were found to be slightly more effective than Demerara sugar, so the latter was excluded from the clinical pilot study. Twenty-two patients (20 inpatients and two outpatients) with sloughy or necrotic wounds were recruited into the clinical study. Two patients had MRSA and two had Staphylococcus colonisation at baseline. Blood sugar levels remained stable in the seven patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. All wounds were clean/debrided in a mean of 11.13 days. Pain and malodour reduced markedly. Patient and staff surveys revealed overwhelming support for the sugar therapy. The pilot study achieved its aim of developing a protocol for a RCT. Preliminary data suggest that sugar is an effective wound cleansing and is safe to use in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes. In vitro studies demonstrate that sugar inhibits bacterial growth. None. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Isolation of low-frequency class-switch variants from rat hybrid myelomas.
Class-switch variants have been isolated from rat-rat hybrid myelomas by sib selection using a simple assay based on red cell-labelled antiglobulins. The variants detected are consistent with the gene order deduced from molecular cloning. They appear to arise spontaneously at a rate approximately ten-fold lower than for mouse cell lines but the rate of switching back to the parental isotype is substantial in comparison. An IgG2b variant antibody having the same specificity as CAMPATH-1 for human lymphocytes and monocytes is active in antibody-dependent cell-mediated killing (unlike the parental IgG2a) and may prove to be a valuable therapeutic antibody for immunosuppression and treatment of leukaemia and lymphoma. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of norfloxacin with cotrimoxazole for infection prophylaxis in acute leukemia. The trade-off for reduced gram-negative sepsis.
A total of 63 neutropenic patients receiving cytotoxic therapy for acute leukemia were randomly allocated to receive norfloxacin (400 mg every 12 hours) or cotrimoxazole (160/800 mg every 12 hours) to prevent bacterial infection. Compliance was more than 95 percent and no adverse effects attributable to the study drugs were observed. The overall incidence of febrile illness (67 percent) was similar between the groups; however, no gram-negative bacillary infections were observed in 31 norfloxacin recipients compared with four of 32 cotrimoxazole recipients. Furthermore, nine norfloxacin recipients had 17 gram-positive bacteremias compared with two in two cotrimoxazole recipients (p = 0.0034). Norfloxacin was more effective than cotrimoxazole for preventing acquisition of aerobic gram-negative bacilli in surveillance cultures. Neither study drug allocation nor the presence of an indwelling central venous catheter influenced outcome among the 42 patients who subsequently received empiric systemic antibiotics for suspected infection. Although gram-positive infection remains an unsolved problem, norfloxacin appears to be a safe, effective, well-tolerated alternative to cotrimoxazole for preventing gram-negative infection in neutropenic patients with acute leukemia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Carcinoids associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes.
Carcinoids occur in association with MEN types 1 and 2. To determine the relationship between carcinoids and MEN, we reviewed nine patients with carcinoids and other endocrine tumors. Analyzing these 9 patients and 56 other patients previously described in the literature, we found several clinically important relationships. In contrast to the usual midgut and hindgut origin, most carcinoids associated with MEN (69 percent) are of foregut origin (thymus 24 percent, bronchus 27 percent, stomach 3 percent, and duodenum 14 percent). Carcinoids are more commonly associated with MEN type 1 than MEN type 2 (59 patients and 6 patients, respectively). Thymic carcinoids associated with MEN are more common in men (15 versus 2), and most (82 percent) are malignant. Bronchial carcinoids associated with MEN are more common in women (15 versus 4), and most (74 percent) are benign. There is a strong association between thymic carcinoids and parathyroid tumors and between bronchial carcinoids and pituitary tumors. Most patients with carcinoids and hyperparathyroidism (82 percent) have had parathyroid hyperplasia or multiple parathyroid adenomas. Thus, carcinoids may occur in association with both MEN type I and MEN type II. MEN should be suspected in patients with foregut carcinoids. Patients with MEN and ectopic ACTH production should be considered to have bronchial carcinoids if they are female and thymic carcinoid if they are male. The thymus should be routinely removed in patients with MEN type I because of the possible presence of an ectopic parathyroid gland in this tissue and to prevent subsequent development of a carcinoid tumor. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Induction of anesthesia with halogen-containing anesthetic agents in children].
The study has comparatively evaluated the effectiveness and safety of halothane, enflurane, and isoflurane in children during induction. Seventy hundred and eight patients aged 1-14 years who had ASA I-II anesthetic risks were examined. Gas induction was performed as monoanesthesia through the semi-open circuit with high gas flow (100% O2 6 l/min) in combination with halothane (n = 236), enflurane (n = 236), or isoflurane (n = 236) without N2O. The authors have compared the following criteria: the speed and comfort of induction, the parameters of hemodynamics and external respiration, and the rate of adverse reactions and complications during induction. The studies have established that in terms of comfort, safety, and the rate clinical effect achievement, the drugs of choice for gas induction in children are enflurane and, to a lesser extent, halothane. Gas induction with isoflurane should not be performed in children since the agent rather frequently exerts an irritant action on the upper airways, which reduces the speed of initial narcosis and increases the likelihood of one or another adverse reactions; however; it has advantages as a less hemodynamic effect. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Isometric thermogenesis at rest and during movement: a neglected variable in energy expenditure and obesity predisposition.
Isometric thermogenesis as applied to human energy expenditure refers to heat production resulting from increased muscle tension. While most physical activities consist of both dynamic and static (isometric) muscle actions, the isometric component is very often essential for the optimal performance of dynamic work given its role in coordinating posture during standing, walking and most physical activities of everyday life. Over the past 75 years, there has been sporadic interest into the relevance of isometric work to thermoregulatory thermogenesis and to adaptive thermogenesis pertaining to body-weight regulation. This has been in relation to (i) a role for skeletal muscle minor tremor or microvibration - nowadays referred to as 'resting muscle mechanical activity' - in maintaining body temperature in response to mild cooling; (ii) a role for slowed skeletal muscle isometric contraction-relaxation cycle as a mechanism for energy conservation in response to caloric restriction and weight loss and (iii) a role for spontaneous physical activity (which is contributed importantly by isometric work for posture maintenance and fidgeting behaviours) in adaptive thermogenesis pertaining to weight regulation. This paper reviews the evidence underlying these proposed roles for isometric work in adaptive thermogenesis and highlights the contention that variability in this neglected component of energy expenditure could contribute to human predisposition to obesity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Expression of enzymes of covalent protein modification during regulated and dysregulated proliferation of mammary epithelial cells: PKA, PKC and NMT.
Three proteins are functionally interlinked in the targeting of protein phosphorylation catalyzed by the C-subunit of PKA: PKA itself, AKAPs and NMT. Furthermore, in a variety of biological contexts, mechanisms exist whereby PKA and PKC are able to modulate the activity of one another. We have investigated the expression and subcellular distribution of these proteins in two models of mammary cell proliferation and differentiation--the normal rat mammary gland during pregnancy and lactation and human breast tissue before and after malignant transformation. Modulation of PKA does not acutely affect activity or sub-cellular distribution of PKC in mammary acini, nor does modulation of PKC acutely affect PKA activity or subcellular distribution. Therefore, the co-ordinate expression of these two protein kinases in normal and cancerous mammary epithelial cells and the greater basal activation level of them both accompanying increased mitogenic activity, which we have reported, does not result from short-term cross-talk between them. Although basal and total levels of PKA diminish in rodent mammary epithelial cells during the transition from proliferative to secretory functional mode, the level of expression of AKAPs increases. The expression of two apparently mammary-specific and mostly membrane-associated AKAPs is tightly linked to the onset and maintenance of differentiated function in rat mammary tissue. Paradoxically, the probable analogues of these two AKAPs in human mammary tissue are hyperexpressed when normal epithelial cells transform to a cancer phenotype--conventionally regarded as a process involving a degree of dedifferentiation. Mammary AKAP hyperexpression in breast cancers is accompanied by increases in the levels of total and basal PKA. One mechanism whereby NMT is targeted to membranes, via interaction with ribosomal proteins, has recently been elucidated. Our data support the contention that the localization of NMT is an important variable in the regulation of cellular proliferation, but they do not characterize the mechanisms whereby the differential targeting of NMT is achieved. As yet we lack a full tool-kit with which to examine NMT either to draw firm conclusions regarding the identity of particular isoforms found in particular sub-cellular locations or to define the relationships between these different molecular variants. However, it is technically possible to transfect cells with inducible NMT expression constructs engineered in such a way that the recombinant, catalytically competent, NMT that they encode is targeted either to membranes or to cytosol: an exploration of the effects of such transfections on cellular proliferation would afford a critical test of the mechanistic involvement of NMT in the control of mitogenesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Self-expanding metal stents in the palliation of neoplasms of the cervical esophagus.
Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) represent a major advancement in the palliative treatment of dysphagia caused by neoplasms of the esophagus. Malignant cervical stenoses are a challenge for palliative techniques, due to their close relationship with the cricopharynx. Six patients with a malignant stricture of the upper esophagus, within 2 cm of the cricopharyngeal muscle, were treated with a self-expanding metal stent. All patients had a circumferential squamous cell carcinoma histologically proven. Patients were intubated under general anesthesia, and the procedure was carried out under simultaneous endoscopic and fluoroscopic control. All patients had a remarkable improvement of dysphagia and none of them reported a foreign body sensation. In 3 patients, an insufficient expansion of the stent, detected 24 hours later, required a balloon dilation in two of them, whereas, for the third patient, it was necessary to introduce a second stent. Neoplastic in- and overgrowth occurred in 4 (67%) patients after 1, 2, 4 and 8 months, respectively. These complications were managed by placing a second stent in 3 patients; in the fourth patient, a neoplastic involvement of the cricopharynx did not allow for an endoscopic examination. Improvement of dysphagia was observed only in the patient who received a covered Cook-Z stent. In the other 2 patients, a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was performed. The only major complication occurred in the patient who received three metal stents, as he complained of severe cervical pain. Our experience shows that uncovered self-expanding metal stents provide a good palliation in this subgroup of patients. Tumour ingrowth, overgrowth, and the progressive impairment of the swallowing mechanism due to a proximal submucosal infiltration remain complications difficult to solve. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Influence of fluid and volume state on PaO2 oscillations in mechanically ventilated pigs.
Varying pulmonary shunt fractions during the respiratory cycle cause oxygen oscillations during mechanical ventilation. In artificially damaged lungs, cyclical recruitment of atelectasis is responsible for varying shunt according to published evidence. We introduce a complimentary hypothesis that cyclically varying shunt in healthy lungs is caused by cyclical redistribution of pulmonary perfusion. Administration of crystalloid or colloid infusions would decrease oxygen oscillations if our hypothesis was right. Therefore, n=14 mechanically ventilated healthy pigs were investigated in 2 groups: crystalloid (fluid) versus no-fluid administration. Additional volume interventions (colloid infusion, blood withdrawal) were carried out in each pig. Intra-aortal PaO2 oscillations were recorded using fluorescence quenching technique. Phase shift of oxygen oscillations during altered inspiratory to expiratory (I:E) ventilation ratio and electrical impedance tomography (EIT) served as control methods to exclude that recruitment of atelectasis is responsible for oxygen oscillations. In hypovolemia relevant oxygen oscillations could be recorded. Fluid and volume state changed PaO2 oscillations according to our hypothesis. Fluid administration led to a mean decline of 105.3 mmHg of the PaO2 oscillations amplitude (P<0.001). The difference of the amplitudes between colloid administration and blood withdrawal was 62.4 mmHg in pigs not having received fluids (P=0.0059). Fluid and volume state also changed the oscillation phase during altered I:E ratio. EIT excluded changes of regional ventilation (i.e., recruitment of atelectasis) to be responsible for these oscillations. In healthy pigs, cyclical redistribution of pulmonary perfusion can explain the size of respiratory-dependent PaO2 oscillations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Chitosan gel sheet containing drug carriers with controllable drug-release properties.
We prepared the "sheet-type hydrogel" (gel sheet), a sheet consisting of PEG-grafted chitosan and cross-linkable polymeric micelles, that were expected to be used for wound healing. We optimized the PEG-modification process, evaluated the strain-dependence of the gel's properties to obtain flexible gel sheets, and evaluated the drug-release properties of the gel sheets. Finally, we succeeded in observing that the release of the antibiotic tetracycline (TET) from the gel sheet in which TET existed only in the cross-linkers was lower than the release of TET from the sheet in which TET was dispersed in the polymer networks. Our research demonstrates that the strategy of incorporating drug carriers into gel sheets might benefit the construction of biomaterials with controllable drug-release properties. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting--the current state.
The optimal strategy for coronary revascularization remains controversial. Currently, most surgical revascularizations are performed with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (ONCAB), yet over the past 20 years off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) has been increasingly used because of the increased awareness of the deleterious effects of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and aortic manipulation. Small, prospective, randomized controlled trials have lacked sufficient sample size to demonstrate differences in early and long-term outcomes. Larger observational studies that are better powered to statistically compare outcomes have shown more favorable in-hospital outcomes and equivalent long-term outcomes with OPCAB and ONCAB. The benefits of OPCAB techniques may be more apparent for patients at high risk for complications associated with CPB and aortic manipulation. Recent studies have demonstrated improved outcomes in higher-risk patients undergoing OPCAB, as well as improved neurological outcomes. The purpose of this review is to outline the recent literature comparing OPCAB with ONCAB, and to demonstrate efficacy of OPCAB as a useful technique for coronary revascularization. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Y-Shaped DNA Duplex Structure-Triggered Gold Nanoparticle Dimers for Ultrasensitive Colorimetric Detection of Nucleic Acid with the Dark-Field Microscope.
Herein, we present a novel gold nanoparticle (AuNP) enumeration-based colorimetric aptamer biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of nucleic acid. This AuNP enumeration-based colorimetric method takes advantages of the distinctive and strong localized surface plasmon resonance light scattering with the dark-field microscope. In our model system, first, cost-effective DNA1 instead of expensive 2-thioethyl ether acetic acid was capped on the surface of AuNPs to form a dense DNA1 layer. Then, two DNA strands (DNA2 and DNA3) in two different solutions were separately asymmetrically functionalized on the AuNPs capped dense DNA1 layer. The subsequent binding of the target DNA could trigger the formation of perfect complementary DNA with a Y shape and adjust the distance between nanoparticles to form AuNP dimers, accompanied by a color change from green to yellow as observed, and thereby modulated the performance of the sensor, which resulted in the ultrahigh sensitivity. With this design, a 43 aM limit of detection was obtained, which exhibited an increase of at least 5-9 orders of magnitude in sensitivity over other colorimetric sensors fabricated using conventional strategies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fluctuating asymmetry and vertebral malformation. A study of palmar dermatoglyphics in congenital spinal deformities.
Prints of palmar dermatoglyphics (epidermal ridges) of individuals with congenital vertebral anomaly were compared, using symmetry criteria, with those of healthy control individuals. Asymmetries have been reported in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and, from other centers, in other congenital anomalies, such as cleft lip and palate. Application of these methods to congenital vertebral anomaly seemed promising. To challenge the hypothesis that, in congenital vertebral anomaly, epigenesis was disrupted by nonspecific physiologic stress during the embryonic period, resulting in anatomic malformations. Dermatoglyphics (palmar epidermal ridges) are formed at the end of the embryonic period under genetic control and do not change thereafter. They thus give an indication of the stability or otherwise of development at that early stage. This led to the hypothesis that congenital vertebral anomaly results from destabilization of genetic developmental control in the embryonic period. The dermatoglyphics of 126 healthy control individuals and 99 people with congenital vertebral anomaly were compared quantitatively, using right-left differences of atd angles and ab, bc, and cd ridge counts. Fluctuating asymmetry (a significantly increased variance about the mean) was observed in individuals with congenital vertebral anomaly. This is a measure of instability of genetic development processes and the increased probability that these processes will be destabilized by environmental stress during ontogeny. They also showed an increased incidence of ridge dissociation, suggestive of a generalized insult during the embryonic period. These findings suggest that congenital vertebral anomalies arise from a nonspecific insult during the embryonic period that destabilizes the developmental control systems and may result in congenital malformations of any organ undergoing concurrent epigenesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A novel surface antigen on lymphoid cells transformed by Epstein-Barr virus.
A surface antigen (SA) was detected on EBV-carrying lymphoid cell lines by an indirect membrane immunofluorescence test with serum from rabbits immunized with Raji cells; the antiserum had been extensively absorbed with normal human blood and tonsil cells. The SA was not detected on normal human umbilical-cord and adult peripheral blood lymphocytes or EBV-negative cell lines. The incidences of the SA and EBV-determined membrane antigen (MA) on certain EBV-carrying cell lines were not compatible. Antibody against SA or MA was differentially abolished by absorption with the SA-positive but MA-negative cell line or the MA-positive but SA-negative cell line, respectively. The results of cross-absorption tests of antisera against either Raji cells or P3HR-1 cells suggested that SA is not a single but a complex antigen. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Effect of lincomycin and staphylococcal vaccine on the course of experimental staphylococcal sepsis].
Therapeutic efficacy of lincomycin used alone and in combination with inactivated staphylococcal vaccine and the effect of these agents on synthesis of antibodies and their content in blood serum were investigated. Lincomycin was shown to inhibit septic processes in the host. After its administration the number of the pathogens in the blood and organs markedly decreased. At the same time, lincomycin lowered antibody synthesis in the lymphoid organs and the content of alpha-antitoxins in blood serum. The use of lincomycin in combination with inactivated staphylococcal vaccine promoted an increase in the number of the antibody forming cells in the spleen and lymph nodes and the content of the antibodies to the staphylococcal alpha-toxin in blood serum of the animals with staphylococcal sepsis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Connectivity inference from neural recording data: Challenges, mathematical bases and research directions.
This article presents a review of computational methods for connectivity inference from neural activity data derived from multi-electrode recordings or fluorescence imaging. We first identify biophysical and technical challenges in connectivity inference along the data processing pipeline. We then review connectivity inference methods based on two major mathematical foundations, namely, descriptive model-free approaches and generative model-based approaches. We investigate representative studies in both categories and clarify which challenges have been addressed by which method. We further identify critical open issues and possible research directions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Arkadia complexes with clathrin adaptor AP2 and regulates EGF signalling.
Arkadia is a positive regulator of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signalling that induces ubiquitin-dependent degradation of several inhibitory proteins of TGF-β signalling through its C-terminal RING domain. We report here that, through yeast-two-hybrid screening for Arkadia-binding proteins, the µ2 subunit of clathrin-adaptor 2 (AP2) complex was identified as an interacting partner of Arkadia. Arkadia was located in both the nucleus and the cytosol in mammalian cells. The C-terminal YXXΦ-binding domain of the µ2 subunit associated with the N-terminal YALL motif of Arkadia. Arkadia ubiquitylated the µ2 subunit at Lys130. In addition, Arkadia interacted with the AP2 complex, and modified endocytosis of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) induced by EGF. Arkadia thus appears to regulate EGF signalling by modulating endocytosis of EGFR through interaction with AP2 complex. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Bioequivalence assessment of the two brands of glimepiride tablets.
Glimepiride, as an antidiabetic from the group of sulfonylurea, is administered perorally in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to compare pharmacokinetic profiles and relative bioavailabilities of the two oral formulations of glimepiride, generic and innovator tablets, after a single dose of the active drug. An oral dose of 6 mg glimepiride was given under fasting conditions to 24 healthy volunteers. A one-week washout period was applied between the two consecutive periods. The serum samples obtained before dosing, and at various time points up to 48 hours, were analyzed for glimepiride concentration using the validated high-performance liquid chromatographic method with ultraviolet detection. Pharmacokinetic parameters representing early (maximal concentration, time to reach maximal concentration) and total exposure (area under the curve from the time 0 to the infinite time) to glimepiride were obtained and further analyzed using the multifactorial analysis of variance and the non-parametric Wilcoxon signed ranks test. Comparison of the secondary kinetic variables was only descriptive. The point estimates of the ratios of geometric means (test/reference) of maximal concentrations and areas under the curve were 1.046 (90% confidence interval: 0.906-1.208) and 1.022 (90% confidence interval: 0.856-1.220), respectively, while the median values of times to reach maximal concentration, at 5% level of significance, did not differ significantly. Both formulations were well tolerated. Transient mild hypoglycaemia, which had been noted in 6 participants, resolved spontaneously within 30-60 minutes. Since all the parametric 90% confidence intervals for the log-transformed main variables of glimepiride were within the 0.80 and 1.25 interval, accepted as the definition of bioequivalence, and the differences in times to reach maximal concentration also did not reach statistical significance, studied tablets were considered bioequivalent. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dizziness in an older community dwelling population: a multifactorial syndrome.
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and related predictors of dizziness in a sample of community-dwelling people 65 years of age and older living in a metropolitan area in Germany. Prospective cohort study. Interdisciplinary Centre of Gerontology at the University of Erlangen- Nuremberg, Germany. 6000 people aged 65 years and older recruited and randomized from the registration office, 1801 were fully evaluated at baseline and were re-evaluated in a prospective follow-up two years later. A full data set was obtained for 620 participants, of which 297 (47.9%) were females. Mean age was 73.45 +/- 6.05. 200 participants (32.4%) were 65-69 years, 315 (51%) were 70-79 years, 92 (14.9%) 80-89 years and 11 (1.8%) 90 years and older. Demographic, medical, functional and psychological factors were measured by a standardised questionnaire in 2004. In a follow-up survey participants were reevaluated in a prospective design two years later (2006), including a dizziness questionnaire, containing frequency, duration, space of dizziness and releasing positions and activities. At the second measurement 181 persons (29.2%) reported dizziness in the last 6 months. Dizziness was age dependent, with a prevalence of 27% in participants aged 70 years and younger, up to 54% in the group of 90 years and older. 96 (68.2%) persons reported daily or weekly dizziness. 46 (27.9%) participants reported multiple sensations of dizziness. In 108 (59.7) persons dizziness was released by multiple positions or activities. The main predictors of dizziness were age, female gender, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, depression, sleep disorder, disturbance of memory, shortsightedness (defined by glasses), incontinence, 3 and more medical conditions, 4 and more medications, poor health status, falls and mobility problems. We found similar risk factors for dizziness and falls. Dizziness is a very common symptom in older community dwelling persons. Comorbidity, poor health status and mobility problems are strong medical predictors; age and female gender and decline in mobility are important predictors as well. Our study suggests, that dizziness in older age is often caused by multifactorial medical and functional conditions. Gait disorders and mobility problems also seem to play an important role in dizziness among older people. Therefore, interventions in dizziness should be developed in a multifactorial way. We suggest, that the interventions to be tested first, should be those that have been previously successful in older persons with gait disorders and falls. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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