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[How to reduce maternal mortality?].
Maternal mortality is still very high in developing countries. A large proportion of maternal deaths are due to delayed or substandard emergency obstetric care. There is an urgent need to develop and validate interventions designed to improve the management of obstetric complications. There is some experimental or quasi-experimental evidence supporting interventions that reduce delays in the treatment of obstetric emergencies in resource-poor settings. Most are community-based interventions that provide funds for transport and public education, or that improve the referral system and medical practices at the different levels of care. The most effective measures are facility-based review's of maternal deaths and near-misses, and referral interventions. More research is needed to understand precisely how these interventions improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Dorsal double plating for fractures of the distal radius--a biomechanical concept and clinical experience].
This article describes the anatomical and biomechanical rationale for stable internal fixation of distal radius fractures using a dorsal approach. The three column biomechanical model is illustrated. Advances in the understanding of the anatomy, the biomechanical model of the three columns and our clinical experience with dorsal double plating have lead to the development of a new set of precontoured 2.4 mm Titanium plates with the option for head locking screws. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prevalence of p21 immunohistochemical expression in esophageal adenocarcinoma.
In western societies, the prevalence of adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction has increased in recent years. It is commonly accepted today that esophageal adenocarcinoma develops from a premalignant lesion: Barrett's esophagus. This type of carcinoma is hardly diagnosed at early stages, which results in significant mortality. Molecular biology studies have shown that most malignant tumors originate from the interaction between inherited characteristics and external factors, which may cause genetic changes that interfere with the control over the differentiation and growth of cells in susceptible individuals. p21 (WAF1/CIP1) has a key role in the regulation of the cell cycle, and its immunohistochemical expression has been investigated in several tumors, showing that it influences the prognosis of various neoplasms. To check the prevalence of p21 protein expression in patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma diagnosed in the last 5 years by the Group for Surgeries of the Esophagus and Stomach of "Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre", RS, Brazil. The study population consisted of 42 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma diagnosed by the Group for Surgeries of the Esophagus and Stomach between January 1998 and December 2002. The expression of p21 protein was determined by immunohistochemistry using primary antibody, p21, clone SX118, code M7202 (Dako), and assessed according to the immunoreactive scoring system. Of 42 analyzed patients, 83.3% were male and older than 40 years. Among these, 56.2% were submitted to curative resection: total gastrectomy and transhiatal esophagogastrectomy. The remaining patients were submitted to palliative surgery or did not undergo any surgical treatment. Only five patients received adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy, either alone or combined. Advanced disease (stages III and IV) was detected in 78.6% of the patients. Only nine patients were positive for p21, according to the immunoreactive scoring system. p21 was expressed in 9 of 42 patients (21.4%) with esophageal adenocarcinoma diagnosed in the last 5 years by the Group for Surgeries of the Esophagus and Stomach of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. In our patient population, the accumulation of p21 did not play a key role in the carcinogenesis of esophageal adenocarcinoma. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Atom loss resonances in a Bose-Einstein condensate.
Atom loss resonances in ultracold trapped atoms have been observed at scattering lengths near atom-dimer resonances, at which Efimov trimers cross the atom-dimer threshold, and near two-dimer resonances, at which universal tetramers cross the dimer-dimer threshold. We propose a new mechanism for these loss resonances in a Bose-Einstein condensate of atoms. As the scattering length is ramped to the large final value at which the atom loss rate is measured, the time-dependent scattering length generates a small condensate of shallow dimers coherently from the atom condensate. The coexisting atom and dimer condensates can be described by a low-energy effective field theory with universal coefficients that are determined by matching exact results from few-body physics. The classical field equations for the atom and dimer condensates predict narrow enhancements in the atom loss rate near atom-dimer resonances and near two-dimer resonances due to inelastic dimer collisions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The role of HLA-B27 in arthritis.
We postulate (Table I) that ReA is an antigen or immune complex induced condition caused by chronic intracellular bacterial infection at a distant site. The main predisposing factor is a failure to resist this infection. If the bacteria happen to carry MF, the inflammation is exacerbated in B27 positive patients. In contrast AS occurs in individuals who lack immunity to MF and eventually become infected by an intracellular organism which synthesizes it (virus or plasmid?). HLA-B27 acts only at the site of inflammation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Buprenorphine, morphine and naloxone effects during ascending morphine maintenance in humans.
One purpose of this study was to characterize the acute effects of the partial mu-opioid agonist buprenorphine administered to human subjects undergoing maintenance treatment with ascending doses of morphine. A second purpose was to examine the development of tolerance, cross-tolerance and physical dependence under the same morphine maintenance conditions. Six opioid-dependent volunteers were treated chronically with ascending morphine doses of 15, 30, 60 and 120 mg/day. Each morphine dosing level was maintained for 2 weeks, with test drugs administered during the second week of maintenance of each morphine dose. Both morphine (30 mg i.m.) and buprenorphine (6 mg i.m.) constricted pupils and produced reports of opioid-like subjective effects. The magnitude of these effects was inversely related to the morphine maintenance dose, with no effects being detected at higher maintenance levels. Naloxone (0.3 mg) produced little effect at lower morphine maintenance doses but precipitated withdrawal at higher maintenance doses. Buprenorphine failed to precipitate withdrawal even when subjects were treated with 120 mg/day morphine. These findings indicate that dose-dependent tolerance to morphine, cross-tolerance to buprenorphine and physical dependence develop during morphine maintenance. The finding that buprenorphine does not act as an antagonist under these dosing conditions further supports the clinical observation that there are conditions under which patients dependent on short-acting opioids can be comfortably transferred directly to buprenorphine maintenance treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Integrative Mental Health (IMH): paradigm, research, and clinical practice.
This paper provides an overview of the rapidly evolving paradigm of "Integrative Mental Health (IMH)." The paradigm of contemporary biomedical psychiatry and its contrast to non-allopathic systems of medicine is initially reviewed, followed by an exploration of the emerging paradigm of IMH, which aims to reconcile the bio-psycho-socio-spiritual model with evidence-based methods from traditional healing practices. IMH is rapidly transforming conventional understandings of mental illness and has significant positive implications for the day-to-day practice of mental health care. IMH incorporates mainstream interventions such as pharmacologic treatments, psychotherapy, and psychosocial interventions, as well as alternative therapies such as acupuncture, herbal and nutritional medicine, dietary modification, meditation, etc. Two recent international conferences in Europe and the United States show that interest in integrative mental health care is growing rapidly. In response, the International Network of Integrative Mental Health (INIMH: www.INIMH.org) was established in 2010 with the objective of creating an international network of clinicians, researchers, and public health advocates to advance a global agenda for research, education, and clinical practice of evidence-based integrative mental health care. The paper concludes with a discussion of emerging opportunities for research in IMH, and an exploration of potential clinical applications of integrative mental health care. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Age-related changes in the distribution and frequency of myeloid and T cell populations in the small intestine of calves.
Mucosal dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in discriminating between dietary antigens, commensal microflora and pathogens but little is known regarding age-related changes in mucosal DC populations. We analyzed lymphoid and myeloid populations within the epithelium and lamina propria (LP) of the ileum and jejunum of weaned calves (6 months old) and compared their frequency and distribution with newborn calves (3-5 weeks old). CD4, CD8 and γδ TcR T cells and CD11c(Hi)MHC Class II(+) myeloid cell frequency were significantly different when comparing ileum and jejunum of weaned calves. In particular, the number of CD8 and γδ TcR T cells, and CD11c(Hi)CD14(+) macrophages was significantly greater in the ileum but CD11c(+) and CD11b(+) myeloid cell distribution was similar throughout the mucosal epithelium of the small intestine. Furthermore, significant age-related changes were apparent when comparing the frequency and abundance of mucosal leukocyte subpopulations in newborn and weaned calves. Total mucosal leukocytes (CD45(+)) increased significantly with age in both ileum and jejunum and much of this increase was attributed to mucosal T cells (CD3(+)). In particular, CD4 T cells and NK cells increased significantly in the jejunum and CD8, and γδ TcR T cells increased significantly with age throughout the small intestine. In contrast, CD11c(Hi)MHC Class II(+) myeloid cells remained numerically unchanged with age but DCs (CD13(+), CD26(+), CD205(+)) were enriched and macrophages (CD14(+), CD172a(+)) were depleted in older animals. Therefore, regional differences between ileal and jejunal mucosal leukocytes changed with age and there was also a marked age-dependent change in the composition of mucosal myeloid cells. These observations have significant implications for host responses to both pathogens and commensal microflora. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Magnetic susceptibility of Dy-DTPA-BMA to reperfused myocardial infarction in an excised dog heart model: evidence of viable myocardium.
To assess the effects of Dy-DTPA-BMA (sprodiamide) on ex-vivo MR imaging of reperfused acute myocardial infarction. Eighteen dogs were subjected to 2-hour coronary artery occlusion followed by 24-hour reperfusion. Dysprosium-chelate (Dy-DTPA-BMA) was injected into 16 dogs. Twenty minutes before their sacrifice. Two dogs did not receive the contrast medium and were used as controls. Excised hearts were imaged on T2-weighted spin-echo sequence (T2W SE) and T2*-weighted gradient recalled echo sequence (T2*W GRE), then sectioned and double-perfused for planimetric comparison. Dy-DTPA-BMA induced myocardial signal loss was detected on T2W SE and on T2*W GRE images. The signal loss was observed at the subendocardial location of the myocardial wall inducing an apparent enlargement of the left ventricle cavity and a thinning appearance of the anterior myocardial wall. Myocyte necrosis diminishes the potency of dysprosium to cause MR imaging signal intensity loss in reperfused myocardial infarction. Pre-infarcted myocardium with potentially reversible viability may be responsible for the effect of the contrast medium. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The influence of central corneal thickness on progression of normotensive glaucoma.
To verify whether there is a relation between central corneal thickness (CCT) and progression of normotensive glaucoma (NTG), to assess the impact of early changes in the visual field on their progression in time. The sample consisted of two groups of patients with NTG. In the first group there were 50 eyes of 25 persons (15 females and 10 males) average age 63 years who had been treated with prostaglandins. The second group consisted of 50 eyes of 25 persons (16 females and 9 males) average age of 62 years who had had no local therapy. All patients were cardiologically compensated and had no other internal or neurological disease. Visual acuity was 1.0 with a possible correction (less than ±3 dioptres) in all patients. The IOP ranged between 10-15 mmHg in all patients. If hypotensive ophthalmological therapy was initiated, it had been stable for the last five years. In all patients, we monitored CCT, excavation in the papilla (c/d), pattern defect (PD) and overall defect (OD) of the visual field. In 2013, changes in the visual fields were approximately the same in all patients. We compared the results of the visual fields after five years, i.e. the results were obtained in 2018. CCT was measured, using the ultrasound pachymeter Tomey SP-100. PD and OD of the visual field using the glaucoma fast threshold program with the MEDMONT M 700 device. For statistical comparison, we used the paired t test and correlation analysis. In both groups, we found progression of PD in time (P=0.0000, P=0.0001, respectively). In the patients treated with prostaglandins, OD had not statistically significantly changed (P=0.49) in contrast to the untreated patients (P=0.001). There was no statistically significant relation between CCT and PD in any of the groups. It was similar between the CCT and OD. In the treated NTG patients, we found a weak correlation between the changes in PD in time (r=0.2846, P=0.0438) and moderately strong relation for OD (r=-0.63). The finding was similar in untreated patients PD (r=-0.2, P=0.162) and OD (r=-0.443, P=0.001). We found no relationship between progression of changes in the visual fields in CCT. Progression of changes in the visual fields was higher in patients who had more advanced changes at the beginning of observation. The untreated patients had progression of changes in the visual fields both in PD and OD in contrast to those who were taking prostaglandins and presented changes only in PD. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Psycho-electroregulation in conservative treatment of patients with uterine myoma].
Basing on the concept of the uterine myoma presenting as a psychosomatic process that manifests in ischemic disease of the uterus, the author has tried psychoelectrostimulation in 76 patients with interstitial and subserous interstitial myomas as a method of psychotherapy and electrotranquilization. Indications for such treatment are the presence of psychoemotional stress syndrome (high anxiety level, pain and hemorrhagic syndromes, dysuria) and a rapid growth of the tumor. The reference group consisted of 73 patients with the same myoma forms, treated by hormonal therapy. Psychoelectroregulation has exerted a regulating effect on the central nervous, cardiovascular, endocrine and reproductive systems, it eliminated or alleviated the neurotic symptoms, and slowed down or arrested the tumor growth. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The relative contribution of antibody production and CD8+ T cell function to immune control of Trypanosoma cruzi.
The life cycle of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi in mammalian hosts includes both non-dividing trypomastigote forms which circulate in the blood and replicating intracellular amastigotes which reside within the cytoplasm of a variety of host cells. In this study we have used mice with induced mutations in genes responsible for either antibody production or cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) function to examine the relative contributions of these effector mechanisms to control of T. cruzi. Mice deficient in the production of antibodies exhibited a delay in the rise in acute phase parasitaemia and an extended time to death relative to mice lacking CD8+ T cells. Nevertheless, B cell deficient mice eventually succumbed to the infection. Prior infection with an avirulent strain of T. cruzi failed to protect either CD8+ T cell-deficient mice or B cell deficient mice from challenge infection with virulent parasites. In contrast, mice with disruptions in the genes controlling perforin- or granzyme B-mediated cytolytic pathways had parasitaemia and mortality rates similar to wild-type mice and were protected from secondary infection by prior exposure to avirulent parasites. These results 1) confirm that antibody production, although secondary in importance to cellular responses, is nevertheless absolutely required and 2) perforin- or granzyme B-mediated lytic pathways are not required for control of T. cruzi infection. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Genetics of human susceptibility to active and latent tuberculosis: present knowledge and future perspectives.
Tuberculosis is an ancient human disease, estimated to have originated and evolved over thousands of years alongside modern human populations. Despite considerable advances in disease control, tuberculosis remains one of the world's deadliest communicable diseases with 10 million incident cases and 1·8 million deaths in 2015 alone based on the annual WHO report, due to inadequate health service resources in less-developed regions of the world, and exacerbated by the HIV/AIDS pandemic and emergence of multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Recent findings from studies of tuberculosis infection and of patients with Mendelian predisposition to severe tuberculosis have started to reveal human loci influencing tuberculosis outcomes. In this Review, we assess the current understanding of the contribution of host genetics to disease susceptibility and to drug treatment. Despite remarkable progress in technology, only a few associated genetic variants have so far been identified, strongly indicating the need for larger global studies that investigate both common and under-represented rare variants to develop new approaches to combat the disease. Pharmacogenomic discoveries are also likely to lead to more efficient drug design and development, and ultimately safer and more effective therapies for tuberculosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Information technology and social sciences: how can health IT be used to support the health professional?
Keeping up to date with the increasing amount of health-related knowledge and managing the increasing numbers of patients with more complex clinical problems is a challenge for healthcare professionals and healthcare systems. Health IT applications, such as electronic health records or decision-support systems, are meant to support both professionals and their support systems. However, for physicians using these applications, the applications often cause new problems, such as the impracticality of their use in clinical practice. This review adopts a social sciences perspective to understand these problems and derive suggestions for further development. Indeed, humans use tools to remediate the brain's weaknesses and enhance thinking. Available health IT tools have been shaped to fit administrative needs rather than physicians' needs. To increase the beneficial effect of health IT applications in health care, clinicians' style of thinking and their learning needs must be considered when designing and implementing such systems. New health IT tools must be shaped to fit health professionals' needs. To further ease the integration of new health IT tools into clinical practice, we must also consider the effects of implementing new tools on the wider social framework. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Image quality in time-resolved transillumination of highly scattering media.
Using a photon-counting setup and a streak-camera arrangement with time resolutions of 35 and 6 ps, respectively, we have investigated the spatial resolution of a time-gated transillumin tion technique applied to turbid media. In the case of large relative amounts of unscattered light, it is found that small detection angles improve the spatial resolution. For large concentrations of scatterers and large sample thicknesses, i.e., when the amount of unscattered light is negligible, the best time-gate position is found to be at times that are later than the minimum transit time. In this case (minimum transit time), temporal resolutions from small values up to approximately 50 ps yield almost the same image resolution. The only advantage of measuring systems with a higher than 50-ps temporal resolution is their ability to distinguish the diffused from the unscattered light, when a significant amount of the latter is present. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
High molecular weight forms of adrenocorticotropic hormone are glycoproteins.
Mouse pituitary tumor cells (AtT-20/D-16v) were incubated in medium containing [3H] glucosamine or [3H] mannose. By analyzing immunoprecipitates of cell extracts and culture medium it was shown that [3H] glucosamine and [3H] mannose were incorporated into all three high molecular weight forms of ACTH; label was not incorporated into Mr=4,500 ACTH (which is thought to be similar to the 39 amino acid polypeptide form of ACTH, alpha(1-39)). Based on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis the apparent molecular weights of these glycoprotein forms of ACTH were 31,000, 23,000, and 13,000. Gel filtration in 6 M guanidine HCl indicated that the molecular weights of these forms of ACTH were substantially lower; sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis has often been found to overestimate the molecular weight of glycoproteins. A significant fraction of the high molecular weight ACTH in tumor cell extracts binds to columns of concanavalin A-agarose and can be eluted with 0.2 M alpha-methyl-D-mannopyranoside; porcine alpha(1-39) does not bind to concanavalin A-agarose. High molecular weight glycoprotein ACTH can be detected in extracts of mouse and bovine pituitary by using concavalin A affinity chromatography. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Combining building and behavior models for evacuation planning.
To help users find optimal rescue and evacuation routes, this approach uses the extended hierarchical node relation model (EHI-NRM) to represent a building's internal structure. The approach also employs the improved cellular-automata model (ICA) to consider route-choice behavior, such as spatial reasoning and communication among evacuees. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Culture and functional studies of mouse macrophages on native-like fibrillar type I collagen.
Freshly isolated, starch-elicited mouse peritoneal macrophages (Mø) attached very efficiently to type I collagen in vitro, if collagen molecules were arranged in ordered supra-molecular assemblies corresponding to the precursor native fibrils. After 6-20h of incubation, the collagen-bound cells were observed to secrete fibronectin, which presumably enhanced cell-collagen interaction associated with cellular differentiation. Mø attachment to collagen could be temporarily inhibited by addition of the linear tri-peptide Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) to the culture media. This inhibition was much more pronounced when using the cyclic RGD-containing peptide cGRGDSPA. Similarly, cells could be easily detached from the fibrillar collagen layers within 20 min at 37 degrees C by RGDS, GRGDS or cGRGDSPA but not by the glutamate-containing RGES peptide. Using antibodies to known collagen receptors, attachment of Mø to type I collagen fibers was best inhibited by antibodies directed against the alpha2 and beta1 integrin subunits. The presence of these integrins on Mø was confirmed by immunofluorescence. Binding of the alpha2beta1 integrin on collagen was divalent cation-dependent and was supported by magnesium but not by calcium. Cells recovered by RGD-mediated detachment from collagen were highly phagocytic and synthesized DNA when exposed to growth factors. These cells could be activated for cytotoxicity by treatment with interferon-gamma and lipopolysaccharide. Comparative in vitro assays performed on macrophages cultured on plastic and on collagen allowed the detection of NO production by activated macrophages followed by spontaneous deactivation for cells cultivated on collagen. These findings suggest that Mø can recognize native collagen of type I through functional interactions with their specific triple helix-binding integrin receptors indicating that integrins other than those directed to fibronectin may also occupy active focal points on the cell at the initial phase of attachment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Backbone 1H, 13C, and 15N assignments of the extracellular region of human Fcγ receptor IIIb.
Fcγ receptor (FcγR) promotes various immune responses through interactions with the Fc portion of immunoglobulin G (IgG). FcγRIIIb is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked protein expressed on neutrophils and triggers degranulation and opsonic phagocytosis. The extracellular region of FcγR is composed of two Ig-fold domains and can be cleaved as a soluble form (sFcγRIIIb), which is also reactive with complement receptor type 3. Although structure and Fc interaction of sFcγRIIIb have been characterized by X-ray crystallography, little has been known about its structure in solution. We herein report the backbone NMR assignments of human sFcγRIIIb to gain basic understanding of functional IgG-FcγRIII interactions of immunological and biopharmaceutical interest regarding the structural investigation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Novel experimental rabbit model of anterior glottic web formation.
The rabbit model of anterior glottic web (AGW) formation using the laryngofissure technique resulted in reproducible and stable AGW formation that may facilitate research into this area. To introduce and validate a novel experimental animal model of AGW formation using the rabbit. The inner larynges of eight New Zealand white rabbits were exposed through the laryngofissure technique. The mucosa of the bilateral true vocal fold was stripped off using the bevel of a needle tip. On the basis of the laryngoscopic findings at 8 weeks postoperatively, the extent of AGW was measured, and the success of this procedure was validated. Laryngeal specimens were sampled at 8 weeks for high-speed recording and histological analysis. In seven (87.5%) rabbits, laryngoscopic examination revealed the formation of a scar band involving the anterior commissure. The mean extent of AGW ratio on the left and right sides was 0.58 ± 0.073 and 0.55 ± 0.075, respectively. The symmetric formation of AGW (p = 0.655, p = 0.128) and stability of the AGW procedure (p = 0.491, left; p = 0.501, right) were statistically validated. On high-speed recording, the vocal mucosal wave was hindered by AGW formation. Histologically, fibro-connective tissue, especially collagen fiber, was observed in the anterior commissure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
MYCN sensitizes human neuroblastoma to apoptosis by HIPK2 activation through a DNA damage response.
MYCN amplification occurs in approximately 20% of human neuroblastomas and is associated with early tumor progression and poor outcome, despite intensive multimodal treatment. However, MYCN overexpression also sensitizes neuroblastoma cells to apoptosis. Thus, uncovering the molecular mechanisms linking MYCN to apoptosis might contribute to designing more efficient therapies for MYCN-amplified tumors. Here we show that MYCN-dependent sensitization to apoptosis requires activation of p53 and its phosphorylation at serine 46. The p53(S46) kinase HIPK2 accumulates on MYCN expression, and its depletion by RNA interference impairs p53(S46) phosphorylation and apoptosis. Remarkably, MYCN induces a DNA damage response that accounts for the inhibition of HIPK2 degradation through an ATM- and NBS1-dependent pathway. Prompted by the rare occurrence of p53 mutations and by the broad expression of HIPK2 in our human neuroblastoma series, we evaluated the effects of the p53-reactivating compound Nutlin-3 on this pathway. At variance from other tumor histotypes, in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma, Nutlin-3 further induced HIPK2 accumulation, p53(S46) phosphorylation, and apoptosis, and in combination with clastogenic agents purged virtually the entire cell population. Altogether, our data uncover a novel mechanism linking MYCN to apoptosis that can be triggered by the p53-reactivating compound Nutlin-3, supporting its use in the most difficult-to-treat subset of neuroblastoma. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Synthesis, Spectral, Electrochemical and Photovoltaic Studies of A3 B Porphyrinic Dyes having Peripheral Donors.
Three new 'push-pull' A3 B Zn(II)porphyrin dyes having meso-pyrenyl, carbazolyl and phenothiazine as electron donors (A) and phenylcarboxylic acid as acceptor/anchor (B) were synthesized and utilized for DSSC application. The spectral and electrochemical redox properties of these new dyes were studied and compared with trans-A2 BC Zn(II) porphyrin dyes under similar experimental conditions. Red-shifted, broadened absorption peaks, lower fluorescence quantum yields, and shortened lifetimes were observed for the A3 B dyes as compared to zinc tetraphenylporphyrin control, ZnTPP. DFT optimized structures suggested effective charge separation related to enhanced charge injection efficiency. Driving force for electron injection (ΔGinj ) and dye regeneration (ΔGreg ) calculated from the spectral and electrochemical studies predicted facile electron injection from excited dye into semiconductor TiO2 in the constructed solar cells. Phenothiazine appended dye (KP-TriPTZ-Zn) showed the highest η value of 7.3 % for PCE with greater Jsc and Voc values due to its better light harvesting ability and reduced dye aggregation as compared to other dyes. Our studies demonstrate that the dyes having multiple electron-donating groups exhibit higher photon-to-current conversion efficiency. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The prognostic value of serum procalcitonin on severity of illness in non-sepsis critically ill patients].
To evaluate the correlation between serum procalcitonin (PCT) level and severity of diseases caused by different kinds of stress factors, and to identify the prognostic value of PCT on the prognosis in non-sepsis critically ill patients. A retrospective case control study was conducted. The clinical data of non-sepsis critically ill patients with age of ≥ 18 years admitted to surgery intensive care unit (ICU) of China-Japan Friendship Hospital from August 2013 to December 2015 and stayed for more than 3 days were enrolled. The PCT level in the first 24 hours, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score and 28-day mortality were recorded. Patients were divided into different groups by the original injury, including trauma stress group, stroke stress group and non-infection inflammation stress group. According to PCT level, patients were divided into PCT normal group, low level group, medium level group and high level group. Furthermore, patients were divided into survival group and non-survival group according to 28-day prognosis. The clinical data of patients were compared among the groups, and the correlations among different markers were analyzed with Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis. The predictive value of PCT on prognosis of non-sepsis critically ill patients was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Ninety-four non-sepsis critical ill patients were enrolled, with 28 patients in trauma stress group, 30 in stroke stress group, and 36 in non-infection inflammation stress group, as well as 32 patients in PCT normal group, 18 in low level group, 18 in medium level group, and 26 in high level group. Of them, 78 survivors and 16 non-survivors were found. (1) The PCT level of non-sepsis critically ill patients was significantly positively correlated with APACHE II score and SOFA score (r1 = 0.688, r2 = 0.771, both P = 0.000). (2) The PCT level in trauma stress group was significantly higher than that in stroke stress group and non-infection inflammation stress group [μg/L: 4.43 (0.86, 11.72 ) vs. 0.28 (0.16, 5.85), 2.39 (0.13, 4.11), both P < 0.01]. APACHE II score (13.9±7.5, 13.9±7.0 vs. 9.4±4.4), SOFA score [7.0 (4.0, 9.0), 5.0 (3.0, 8.0) vs. 4.0 (2.0, 6.0)], and 28-day mortality [21.4% (6/28), 33.3% (10/30) vs. 0 (0/36)] in trauma stress group and stroke stress group were significantly higher than those of non-infection inflammation stress group (all P < 0.05). The abnormal rate of PCT in trauma stress group was significantly higher than that of stroke stress group and non-infection inflammation stress group [100.0% (28/28) vs. 33.3% (10/30), 66.7% (24/36), both P < 0.01]. (3) Non-survivors had significantly higher PCT level [μg/L: 6.02 (4.43, 18.34) vs. 0.76 (0.16, 4.11)], APACHE II score (22.5±3.8 vs. 10.1±5.1) and SOFA score [9.0 (7.0, 11.0) vs. 4.0 (2.0, 8.0)] as compared with those of survivors (all P < 0.01). (4) APACHE II score (7.8±2.8, 9.3±4.3, 13.7±6.2, 18.7±5.8, F = 22.495, P = 0.000), SOFA score [3.0 (1.2, 4.8), 4.0 (3.5, 4.5), 6.0 (3.5, 8.0), 10.0 (8.8, 12.0), Z = 51.040, P = 0.000], and 28-day mortality [0 (0/32), 11.1% (2/18), 22.2% (4/18), 38.5% (10/26), χ (2) = 15.816, P = 0.001] were gradually increased as PCT level elevated. (5) The area under ROC curve (AUC) of PCT for evaluating prognosis of non-sepsis critically ill patients was 0.799 [95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 0.709-0.889, P = 0.000], when the cut-off value was 4.2 μg/L, the sensitivity was 87.5%, and the specificity was 77.6%. Serum PCT level was positively correlated with severity of illness in non-sepsis critically ill patients, which had predicted value on prognosis. Trauma stress can lead to higher PCT level than stroke stress and non-infection inflammation stress can. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ileocolic intussusception due to lipomatosis of the ileum: a common complication of a rare clinical entity.
We report a case of intestinal ileal lipomatosis in a 56-year-old Caucasian male complicated with small bowel obstruction due to ileocolic intussusception with a lipoma serving as lead point. This rare disease is often only discovered incidentally as a consequence of mechanical complications and not well reported in the international literature, compared to intussusception due to an isolated lipoma. Computed tomography is the imaging modality of choice to depict complications of this distinct clinicopathological entity. Density measurements can confirm the fatty content and homogeneity analysis of the lesions can guide the radiologist in the differential diagnosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ratio of human placental lactogenic hormone (hPL) in amniotic fluid/maternal serum.
The predictive value of the ratio of hPL concentrations in amniotic fluid/maternal serum has been investigated in 24 complicated pregnancies. A correct prediction of the fetal outcome with respect to low birth weight and/or dysmaturity was found in 75 per cent of the pregnancies compared to 67 per cent for total estriol in serum. Serum hPL alone did not seem to have a satisfactory predictive value in this small study. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Pregnancies and offspring after MOPP therapy].
The influence of MOPP therapy on pregnancy and offspring was retrospectively studied by means of a questionnaire in 68 women who had been given 3 to 6 cycles of the drug combination for Hodgkin's disease between 1972 and 1976. All were aged from 16 to 45 years at the time of diagnosis; none had received abdominal irradiation. Before treatment, 72 pregnancies had occurred in 36 women; 31 children were born and 2 of these had minor congenital abnormalities. After treatment, 30 pregnancies were recorded in 22 of the 50 women who were still menstruating; 22 children were born, and only one had a minor congenital malformation; all children showed normal psychomotor development. It is concluded that MOPP does not seem to have any effect on fertility, pregnancy and offspring of those women (73,6%) who continue having menstruations after treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The morphologic characteristics of menstrual hemostasis in patients with unexplained menorrhagia.
The endometrium in uteri removed by hysterectomy in patients with unexplained menorrhagia was compared with the endometrium in patients with normal menstruation who had a hysterectomy for uterine prolapse. The vascular ultrastructure and hemostatic plug formation were examined from the late secretory phase throughout menstruation to day 9 of the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. Endothelial defects, with and without hemostatic plugs, were more common and were present longer in the endometrial blood vessels of patients with unexplained menorrhagia than in patients with normal menstruation. In normal menstruation, no vascular defects were observed after day 3 of the cycle, whereas vascular defects were observed up to day 9 in the blood vessels of patients with unexplained menorrhagia. These morphologic features are likely to play a major role in the increased menstrual bleeding in such patients without uterine pathologic findings. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Rational drug design in parasitology: trans-sialidase as a case study for Chagas disease.
Trypanosoma cruzi trans-sialidase is a potential target for Chagas disease chemotherapy. From the specific need of T. cruzi to obtain sialic acid through trans-sialidase-mediated transfers from host sources and the lack of alternative to this for the parasite, a good case can be made for T. cruzi trans-sialidase to serve as a potential drug target against Chagas disease. This review deals with both the particular aspects relevant to T. cruzi trans-sialidase as a target and generalises the situation for drug design in its broader aspects on the basis of some special problems in terms of rational drug design that T. cruzi trans-sialidase raises, particularly those of multiple gene copies and active site plasticity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Analysis of the Louisiana Medicaid program: a microcosm of the U.S. health cost crisis.
While the "health care crisis" is a major topic of discussion, it is apparent that to properly evaluate and manage the "ailment," we must first establish a proper diagnosis. To that end, we have provided actual statistics for the Medicaid program in Louisiana. As is the case in many states today, Medicaid has become a major component of the overall governmental health cost figures, involving over one-half of actual government expenditures, and consuming $140 billion of the total $800 billion national figure. In the debate over the cost of health care, we face an issue of trying to compare apples to oranges. Health care costs in the United States are not being portrayed accurately, especially in comparisons to other nations. In the United States, in part because of programs such as Medicaid, categories such as transportation, substance abuse, care of the mentally retarded, insurance administrative costs, long term institutional or custodial care of the elderly, capital equipment costs, and medical education and research are all counted as "health care" costs. In 1991, nursing home care alone cost over $60 billion with $32.3 billion being paid by Medicaid. In other nations, however, many of these categories are classified as social, educational, or welfare programs. If health care spending decisions are to be made on the basis of statistical comparisons to other countries, then it is critical that we develop a standardized international classification system, and similarly effective methods for the collection of data. In lieu of this approach, at the very least, we should be factoring in these tremendous differences in classification of costs into the comparisons.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Correlates and determinants of physical activity in persons with spinal cord injury: A review using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health as reference framework.
Participation in physical activity (PA) decreases after the onset of a spinal cord injury (SCI) and is generally low in persons with SCI. To provide an overview of findings on correlates/determinants of PA in persons with SCI applying the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to analyze and report results. A systematic literature review using the databases MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SSCI, and CINHAL was conducted. Independent variables were extracted and linked to ICF codes. Quality of evidence was rated using internationally accepted standards. Overall, evidence quality of the 25 included studies is low. Environmental Factors were consistently found as correlates of PA, whereas Personal Factors (socio-demographics and psychological constructs) were weakly associated with PA in the SCI population. Associations with Body Functions, Body Structures, Activities and Participation and Health Conditions were less frequently studied. Although quality of evidence of reviewed literature is low, results indicate that rather environmental barriers than the 'classical' socio-demographic factors known from social epidemiology correlate with PA in persons with SCI. There is insufficient evidence to draw conclusions concerning the association of Body Functions and Structures and Activity and Participation with PA. Future research is encouraged to better understand the interplay between functioning, contextual factors, health conditions and PA in SCI to establish a sound basis for intervention planning in this special needs population. In addition, our experience showed that linking study results to the ICF facilitates data analysis and reporting. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In vitro antifungal activity of the tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) essential oil and its major components against plant pathogens.
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil (TTO) and its principal components on four cereal-pathogenic fungi. The antimycotic properties of TTO and of terpinen-4-ol, gamma-terpinen and 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) were evaluated in vitro on Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium culmorum and Pyrenophora graminea. Moreover, barley leaves infected with Blumeria graminis were treated with whole TTO. All the tested fungi were susceptible to TTO and its components. TTO exerted a wide spectrum of antimycotic activity. Single TTO purified components were more active than the whole oil in reducing in vitro growth of fungal mycelium and, among the tested compounds, terpinen-4-ol was the most effective. TTO and its components can be considered potential alternative natural fungicides. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Growth phenotype screening of Schizosaccharomyces pombe using a Lensless microscope.
The Lensless microscope has a large field of view and allows the capture of the diffraction pattern from a large number of cells simultaneously. A simple algorithm to measure intensity changes in the Airy Disc First Fringe (ADFF) has been derived to follow the growth characteristics of the unicellular yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The performance of the algorithm is calibrated using comparison between optical image and ADFF analysis of polystyrene microspheres with known dimensions and has an accuracy of 5% over all lengths above the diffraction-limited measurements. We have observed the growth characteristics of S. pombe for N=100 cells to determine the growth phenotype distributions of Length (L(t=0)) and width (W(t=0)) on arrival at the surface, lag phase adjustment to the new growth conditions (B), the length at birth, LB, and cell cycle length, tcell. The observed cell width distribution has a median width of 3.9 (±0.1) µm, as expected, but a non-normal distribution. Similarly, all growth parameters studied, L(t=0), LB and cell cycle time are phenotypes with non-normal distributions but with medians consistent with the literature values. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Operative versus non-operative management in the care of patients with complicated appendicitis.
The approach to complicated appendicitis is unclear. We have sought to determine factors which may persuade surgeons to non-operative management and whether such treatment affects outcome. All adult patients admitted over a five-year period 2009-2014 with a diagnosis of appendicitis were reviewed. Patients were grouped into uncomplicated and complicated presentations and stratified by age, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and time to presentation. Mortality, morbidity, length of hospital stay (LOS), readmission, and hospital charges were used as outcome measures. 611 adult patients were admitted with the diagnosis of appendicitis. Of those 306 patients presented in an uncomplicated manner, and 305 patients were complicated presentations. Selection for non-operative management was significantly correlated with older age and a longer time to presentation. For outcome patients who underwent early surgery experienced a longer LOS (5.8 ± 4.4 days versus 3.4 ± 4.5 days, p < 0.0001), and more readmissions. Surgical treatment of patients presenting with complicated appendicitis is preferable to non-operative, antibiotic oriented treatment in reduction of LOS and need for readmissions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Infradiaphragmatic bronchogenic cyst with high CT numbers in a boy with primitive neuroectodermal tumor.
Abdominal bronchogenic cysts are very rare with less than 20 published cases. We report the case of a retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst in a 12-year-old boy, who initially presented with a primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the pelvis. Computed tomography (CT) showed a small, hyperdense nonenhancing mass adjacent to the right crus of the diaphragm. Follow-up CT after chemotherapy showed a decrease in CT attenuation of this mass, but a slight increase in size. At surgery the mass was loosely attached to the diaphragm and final pathology confirmed the diagnosis of a bronchogenic cyst. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Early sensitization to airborne allergens.
We report the case of a 7-month-old child with failure to thrive. Celiac disease was suspected because of highly raised antigliadin IgA and IgG antibodies and subtotal villous atrophy. In peripheral blood mononuclear-cells cellular proliferation was found in response to birch pollen, rye pollen and hazelnut extract. Born in June 1992 the infant had not yet experienced a birch pollen season. He had been fed with birch pollen allergy-associated carrot, apple and potato beginning at 6 weeks of life. In the serum, specific IgG, IgM and IgA to birch pollen and profilin, rye pollen and hazelnut antigens were detectable, indicating possible in utero sensitization or T cell cross-reactivity due to early sensitization with related food antigens. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
High concentration of dexamethasone in aqueous and vitreous after subconjunctival injection.
To determine the dexamethasone concentration in aqueous, vitreous, and serum of patients after a subconjunctival injection with dexamethasone disodium phosphate and to compare the effectiveness of a subconjunctival injection as a method of delivering dexamethasone into the vitreous with that of two previously tested routes: peribulbar injection and oral administration. In a prospective study, 50 phakic patients who underwent a pars plana vitrectomy received a single subconjunctival injection with 2.5 mg of dexamethasone disodium phosphate, aqueous solution (after topical anesthesia and a subconjunctival injection with lidocaine) at varied intervals before surgery. An aqueous and a vitreous sample were taken from each patient, and serum samples were collected at multiple time points from nine of 50 patients. Dexamethasone concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. The estimated maximum dexamethasone concentration in the aqueous was 858 ng per ml at 2.5 hours after injection, and in the vitreous, 72.5 ng per ml at 3 hours. In serum, a mean maximum concentration of 32.4 ng per ml was measured at approximately 30 minutes after injection. Subconjunctival injection of 2.5 mg of dexamethasone disodium phosphate resulted in an estimated vitreous dexamethasone peak concentration three and 12 times higher, respectively, than after a peribulbar injection of 5 mg of dexamethasone disodium phosphate and an oral dose of 7.5 mg of dexamethasone. Thus, a subconjunctival injection is the most effective method of delivering dexamethasone into both the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. Systemic drug absorption is considerable and is of the same order of magnitude as after peribulbar injection. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The dilemma of an unresolved philosophy in therapeutic recreation.
The therapeutic recreation profession is at a major crossroads. The demands of a society concerned with accountability, cost-effectiveness, productivity and reduced governmental support, on the one hand, and the quality of life on the other, provide a context for understanding the dilemma facing the field. Therapeutic recreators are being called upon to make decisions about the future direction of the field, including the choice of professional organizations. Without a strong philosophical foundation, choices that are made are likely to be based primarily on external influences. A solid professional philosophy will increase our security with our unique professional capabilities and will enhance our ability to be responsive to changing societal conditions. Various philosophical positions and some of their implications for therapeutic recreation are discussed. Therapeutic recreation professionals are encouraged to further explore the philosophical premises which guide their professional and organizational decisions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evidence that REM sleep is controlled by the activation of brain stem pedunculopontine tegmental kainate receptor.
Glutamate, the neurotransmitter, enhances rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep when microinjected into the brain stem pedunculopontine tegmentum (PPT) of the cat and rat. Glutamate and its various receptors are normally present in the PPT cholinergic cell compartment. The aim of this study was to identify which specific receptor(s) in the cholinergic cell compartment of the PPT are involved in glutamate-induced-REM sleep. To identify these glutamate-induced REM-sleep-generating receptor(s) in the PPT cholinergic cell compartment, specific receptors were pharmacologically blocked differentially by localized pretreatment of specific glutamate receptor antagonists; glutamate was then microinjected into the PPT cholinergic cell compartment while quantifying the effects on REM sleep in freely moving chronically instrumented rats. The results demonstrate that when kainate receptors were blocked by pretreatment with a kainate-specific receptor antagonist, microinjection of glutamate was unable to induce REM sleep. Pharmacological blockade of specific N-methyl-D-aspartate and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors was unable to block glutamate-microinjection-induced-REM sleep. These findings suggest, for the first time, that the activation of kainate receptors within the cholinergic cell compartment of the PPT is an essential portion of the mechanism for the generation of glutamate-induced REM sleep in the rat. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A serial-kinematic nanopositioner for high-speed atomic force microscopy.
A flexure-guided serial-kinematic XYZ nanopositioner for high-speed Atomic Force Microscopy is presented in this paper. Two aspects influencing the performance of serial-kinematic nanopositioners are studied in this work. First, mass reduction by using tapered flexures is proposed to increased the natural frequency of the nanopositioner. 25% increase in the natural frequency is achieved due to reduced mass with tapered flexures. Second, a study of possible sensor positioning in a serial-kinematic nanopositioner is presented. An arrangement of sensors for exact estimation of cross-coupling is incorporated in the proposed design. A feedforward control strategy based on phaser approach is presented to mitigate the dynamics and nonlinearity in the system. Limitations in design approach and control strategy are discussed in the Conclusion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dysplastic gangliocytoma (Lhermitte-Duclos disease) associated with Cowden disease: report of a case and review of the literature for the genetic relationship between the two diseases.
We report a case of dysplastic gangliocytoma of the cerebellum (Lhermitte-Duclos disease, LDD). The patient also had cutaneous and mucosal hamartomas, adenomatous goiter, bilateral breast tumors, and gastrointestinal polyposis, indicating the diagnosis of Cowden disease (CD), the familial hamartoma syndrome. This was a rare sporadic case without any family history of CD, though CD is considered to be an autosomal dominant hereditary disease. Based on a thorough review of the previously reported cases, it is reasonable to consider that CD is inherited in autosomal dominant fashion through a CD gene (PTEN) containing a germline mutation, and that the occurrence of LDD is predicted on an additional somatic hit on the remaining normal CD allele or another unknown gene. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Phylogeny, biogeography, and molecular dating of cornelian cherries (Cornus, Cornaceae): tracking Tertiary plant migration.
Data from four DNA regions (rbcL, matK, 26S rDNA, and ITS) as well as extant and fossil morphology were used to reconstruct the phylogeny and biogeographic history of an intercontinentally disjunct plant group, the cornelian cherries of Cornus (dogwoods). The study tests previous hypotheses on the relative roles of two Tertiary land bridges, the North Atlantic land bridge (NALB) and the Bering land bridge (BLB), in plant migration across continents. Three approaches, the Bayesian, nonparametric rate smoothing (NPRS), and penalized likelihood (PL) methods, were employed to estimate the times of geographic isolations of species. Dispersal and vicariance analysis (DIVA) was performed to infer the sequence and directionality of biogeographic pathways. Results of phylogenetic analyses suggest that among the six living species, C. sessilis from western North America represents the oldest lineage, followed by C. volkensii from Africa. The four Eurasian species form a clade consisting of two sister pairs, C. mas-C. officinalis and C. chinensis-C. eydeana. Results of DIVA and data from fossils and molecular dating indicate that the cornelian cherry subgroup arose in Europe as early as the Paleocene. Fossils confirm that the group was present in North America by the late Paleocene, consistent with the DIVA predictions that, by the end of the Eocene, it had diversified into several species and expanded its distribution to North America via the NALB and to Africa via the last direct connection between Eurasia and Africa prior to the Miocene, or via long-distance dispersal. The cornelian cherries in eastern Asia appear to be derived from two independent dispersal events from Europe. These events are inferred to have occurred during the Oligocene and Miocene. This study supports the hypothesis that the NALB served as an important land bridge connecting the North American and European floras, as well as connecting American and African floras via Europe during the early Tertiary. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Somatostatin-20: a novel NH2-terminally extended form of somatostatin isolated from porcine duodenum together with somatostatin-28 and somatostatin-25.
Liquid chromatography of porcine duodenal extracts, in conjugation with bioassay on guinea-pig ileum myenteric plexus longitudinal muscle preparation, yielded substances which inhibited electrically-evoked twitches of the preparations, but whose actions could not be reversed by naloxone, an opioid antagonist. The substances were determined to be NH2-terminally extended forms of somatostatin, i.e. somatostatin-28, somatostatin-25 and somatostatin-20. This is the first time that somatostatin-20 has been isolated from animal tissues. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Clinical aspects and diagnosis of klofelin poisoning].
Examination of 15 patients with clofelin poisoning cleared up clinical symptoms of the condition. The impairment was chiefly inflicted to cardiovascular system and neuropsychic status. There appeared arterial hypotonia, long-term orthostatic hypotonia combined with bradycardia and extrasystolic arrhythmia. Early hours of poisoning can be accompanied with high pressure (hypertensive phase). ECG records sinus bradycardia and early ventricular repolarization. Neuropsychic alterations involve drowsiness, stupor++, psychic inhibition, visual and auditory hallucinations, photopsia. The condition was managed symptomatically. All the patients recovered. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Observations on the repair of distal radial osteotomies in the dog by double hook plates.
Distal radial osteotomies in the dog repaired with a double hook plate achieved early return to full function. All dogs in this study reached and maintained the desired clinical evaluation score of grade four by the third postoperative week. The average loss of total range of carpal joint motion was 36 degrees. The double hook plate provides stable fixation and can be applied with three point fixation to a bone segment as short as 12 mm. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Tolerance and effectiveness of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha therapies in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a population-based cohort study.
Limited data have been published on tolerance to and efficacy of classic or biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The goal of the present study was to evaluate the tolerance to and effectiveness of anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents in elderly patients (> or =65 years old) with RA (ERA) in comparison with younger patients (YRA). The Swiss Clinical Quality Management program for RA is a longitudinal population-based cohort. All patients who had received at least 1 dose of anti-TNF agents between January 1997 and November 2005 were included and categorized according to their age. Tolerance was assessed by analyzing discontinuation rates of anti-TNF agents. Effectiveness of these agents was assessed by analyzing RA disease activity (Disease Activity Score in 28 joints [DAS28]) and functional disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ]) after anti-TNF initiation. Among 1,571 patients with RA treated with anti-TNF agents, 344 were > or =65 years of age at treatment initiation. Drug discontinuation rates (median time 3 years) and mean change in DAS28 scores at 2 years (-0.65 versus -0.58) were identical in ERA and YRA. However, HAQ score improved significantly less in ERA (-0.02) than in YRA (-0.1) and a subsequent analysis revealed that this finding was essentially due to patients >75 years of age. Age in itself should not interfere with the decision to treat elderly patients with RA with anti-TNF agents. In a subset of patients ages >75 years, no functional improvement according to HAQ should be expected despite improvements in disease activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fighting for the web: competition between female feather-legged spiders (Uloborus plumipes).
Most spider species are solitary, and among the few social interactions among them, resource competition between females has received little attention. We discovered that females of the feather-legged spider Uloborus plumipes invade the orb webs of conspecifics and compete for webs. Following observations in the wild, intruder-defender interactions were studied in a terrarium and in controlled laboratory experiments. We found that contests for orb webs occurred spontaneously between adult females. Competitive interactions in U. plumipes were characterized by an escalation of ritualized behaviors. In 27% of the contests the winner was determined by interactions at a distance, which involved behaviors that caused vibratory signaling on the web. The remaining interactions escalated to physical contact, and in 78% of these a fight occurred between the contestants. Using multivariate logistic regression we determined the factors that predicted the outcome of the contests: (i) Web ownership did not give the defender a competitive advantage. (ii) The difference in physical size between the competing spiders was the most important predictor for the outcome of web contests. (iii) Independent of body size, the display of certain behaviors, specifically the ability to reach the hub before the contestant and the frequency of attacks, increased the probability of winning. (iv) Winning or losing a fight did not affect the chances of winning subsequent contests. The interactions reported here provide a promising approach to investigate communication in spiders and to test theoretical models of intraspecific competition. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of grinding with diamond-disc and -bur on the mechanical behavior of a Y-TZP ceramic.
This study compared the effects of grinding on the surface micromorphology, phase transformation (t→m), biaxial flexural strength and structural reliability (Weibull analysis) of a Y-TZP (Lava) ceramic using diamond-discs and -burs. 170 discs (15×1.2mm) were produced and divided into 5 groups: without treatment (Ctrl, as-sintered), and ground with 4 different systems: extra-fine (25µm, Xfine) and coarse diamond-bur (181µm, Coarse), 600-grit (25µm, D600) and 120-grit diamond-disc (160µm, D120). Grinding with burs was performed using a contra-angle handpiece (T2-Revo R170, Sirona), while for discs (Allied) a Polishing Machine (Ecomet, Buehler) was employed, both under water-cooling. Micromorphological analysis showed distinct patterns generated by grinding with discs and burs, independent of grit size. There was no statistical difference for characteristic strength values (MPa) between smaller grit sizes (D600 - 1050.08 and Xfine - 1171.33), although they presented higher values compared to Ctrl (917.58). For bigger grit sizes, a significant difference was observed (Coarse - 1136.32>D120 - 727.47). Weibull Modules were statistically similar between the tested groups. Within the limits of this study, from a micromorphological point-of-view, the treatments performed did not generate similar effects, so from a methodological point-of-view, diamond-discs should not be employed to simulate clinical abrasion performed with diamond-burs on Y-TZP ceramics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Plants with longer-lived seeds have lower local extinction rates in grassland remnants 1950-1985.
We investigated whether plant species with longer-lived seeds in the soil had lower rates of local extinction between 1950 and 1985 than species with shorter-lived seeds in 26 intact remnants of extensively used calcareous grasslands. In a previous study we had found higher rates of local extinction for smaller populations, for species with shorter life cycles, and for species with higher habitat specificity. We compiled information on seed longevity from recent literature. Seed longevity had a highly significant effect on the rate of population extinction. Rates of local extinction were lower for species with seed longevity >5 years (33.8%; 31 species) compared with species with shorter-lived seeds (1-5 years: 60.7%, 46 species; <1 year: 58.5%, 81 species). The integration of seed longevity into our analysis did not change our previous conclusions on the dependence of local extinction rates on habitat specificity and on life form. Species in our data set with higher habitat specificity tended to have shorter-lived seeds than species with lower habitat specificity. Thus, most characteristic species of calcareous grassland do not persist in the seed bank and can not rely on this mechanism as a buffer against local extinction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Synthesis of spatially variant lattices.
It is often desired to functionally grade and/or spatially vary a periodic structure like a photonic crystal or metamaterial, yet no general method for doing this has been offered in the literature. A straightforward procedure is described here that allows many properties of the lattice to be spatially varied at the same time while producing a final lattice that is still smooth and continuous. Properties include unit cell orientation, lattice spacing, fill fraction, and more. This adds many degrees of freedom to a design such as spatially varying the orientation to exploit directional phenomena. The method is not a coordinate transformation technique so it can more easily produce complicated and arbitrary spatial variance. To demonstrate, the algorithm is used to synthesize a spatially variant self-collimating photonic crystal to flow a Gaussian beam around a 90° bend. The performance of the structure was confirmed through simulation and it showed virtually no scattering around the bend that would have arisen if the lattice had defects or discontinuities. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Long-range dichoptic interactions in the human visual cortex in the region corresponding to the blind spot.
The region of the visual field of one eye that corresponds to the blind spot of the contralateral eye is believed to be monocular. We measured dichoptic contour interaction in this region of the visual field in humans by having observers report the orientation of a test letter "T" presented to this region, in the presence of flanking T's presented around the blind spot of the fellow eye. A large drop in performance was seen because of the flanks, showing clearly the existence of dichoptic contour interaction in this "monocular" region of the visual field. This suggests that the cortical representation of the region of the visual field that corresponds to the contralateral eye's blind spot is not strictly monocular. The absence of direct retinal afferents from one eye to this region of cortex suggests the involvement of horizontal cortical connections in the contour interaction phenomenon. Our estimates of the extent of contour interaction in mm of striate cortex are comparable to the reported lengths of the long-range horizontal connections in the striate cortex of monkeys. Our results are consistent with the proposition that long-range horizontal connections of the striate cortex may mediate the contour interaction phenomenon. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Behavioural differences between psychiatric patients with confirmed versus non-confirmed traumatic brain injuries.
The relationship between history of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and BDI-2 depression scores at admission and discharge from the hospital was assessed in acutely hospitalized psychiatric patients. The participants were assigned to three groups: (1) no reported history of TBI (n = 18), (2) reported but not confirmed TBI history (n = 13), and (3) reported and confirmed TBI history (n = 15). It was found that confirmed history of TBI was associated with elevated BDI-2 depression scores. In contrast, the non-confirmed TBI group was characterized by over-reporting of psychological distress, as measured by MMPI-2 validity indices, 100% prevalence of alcohol use history, and depression scores that were intermediate between the control and confirmed TBI groups. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Growth inhibition of transplantable mouse tumors by non-digestible carbohydrates.
The possible influence of dietary non-digestible carbohydrates (15% oligofructose, inulin or pectin incorporated in basal diet) on the growth of intramuscularily transplanted mouse tumors, from 2 tumor lines (TLT and EMT6), was investigated. The results were evaluated by regular tumor measurements with Vernier caliper. Mean tumor surface in experimental groups was compared with that in animals of control group fed basal diet containing starch as the only carbohydrate. The growth of both tumor lines was significantly inhibited by supplementation of non-digestible carbohydrates. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of anesthesia on immunohistochemical detection of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase in cerebral cortex.
During attempts to examine the phosphorylation status of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in cerebral cortex immunohistochemically, we determined whether deep anesthesia for euthanasia disturbs the phosphorylation status of ERK, because the anesthesia might influence activity-dependent phosphorylation of ERK. We compared effects of short (2 and 5 min) and long (>10 min) anesthesia by pentobarbital on the immunoreactivity for phosphorylated ERK in the visual and entorhinal cortices of rat. The long anesthesia drastically reduced the density of phosphorylated ERK immunopositive cells to about 15% of the short anesthesia condition. The reduction was observed in all cortical regions. We found no significant difference in pERK immunoreactivity between 2 and 5 min groups. A reduction of similar degree was induced by long anesthesia with isoflurane. Even if a similar duration of anesthesia is given, the immunohistochemical results possibly contain a variation due to the individual difference in the sensitivity to the anesthetics. We demonstrated that the variation of pERK immunopositive cell density in the visual cortex was significantly reduced by normalizing the values to the density in the nonvisual area in the entorhinal cortex, thus enabling us to detect differences between animals under different visual conditions with higher sensitivity. Therefore, the variation could be reduced by calculating the ratio of immunoreactivity in the area of interest to that in other cortical area as reference. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nonlocalized Searching of HCD Data for Fast and Sensitive Identification of ADP-Ribosylated Peptides.
ADP-ribosylation is a technically challenging PTM which has just emerged into the field of PTM-specific proteomics. But this fragile modifier requires special treatment on both a data acquisition and data processing level: it is highly labile under higher-energy collisional dissociation (HCD), and the degree of lability can depend on the site it modifies. Its behavior thus violates some assumptions on which proteomics algorithms are based. Here we present nonlocalized ADPr searching: a simple principle for maximizing sensitivity toward ADP-ribosylation when searching conventional HCD data. By scoring the strong fragment ions generally observed in ADPr spectra rather than the weak and often absent localization-dependent ions, nonlocalized searches are more sensitive. They also run significantly faster, due to reduced search space, and require no assumptions about which amino acids can be modified. We illustrate implementation in three search systems: Morpheus, MaxQuant, and MASCOT, and we also present a means of rapidly finding and extracting ADP-ribosylated peptide spectra from large datasets for more focused searching. This approach both improves identification of ADP-ribosylated peptides and avoids mis-localization of the modification sites. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Further studies on plasma proteins, lipids, and dye- and drug-binding in a child with analbuminemia.
A previously reported patient with analbuminemia was re-investigated after 4 1/2 years, at age 6. The serum albumin concentration was 150 mg/L by radioimmunoassay. Most of the observed increase in total plasma protein over the 4 1/2 years was attributable to gamma-globulin. Concentrations of total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were increased; the esterified:free ratio and the lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity were both normal. Albumin is apparently not essential for binding of lysolecithin generated by the acyltransferase-catalyzed reaction. The binding of bromphenol blue suggested that analbuminemic serum has about 25% of normal binding capacity for bilirubin (more than expected in a patient with analbuminemia), which may explain why newborns with this disorder do not develop kernicterus. Binding by the patient's plasma of diazepam (1020 mg/L) and warfarin (1040 mg/L), which bind primarily to albumin, as well as of propranolol (1.05 g/L), which binds primarily to alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, was also studied. The proportions of free diazepam (14.4%) and warfarin (4.8%) were about 10-fold normal. In contrast, the proportion of propranolol in the free form was decreased (4.5%). Evidently, other plasma proteins are partly compensating for the deficiency of albumin. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Medial septal microinfusion of scopolamine disrupts hippocampal activity and trace jaw movement conditioning.
This study investigated the effects of microinfusion of scopolamine into the medial septum (MS Scp) on hippocampal neurophysiology and learning of the rabbit's classically conditioned jaw movement response. The percentage of hippocampal theta slow waves (2-8 Hz) decreased after drug infusion in the MS Scp group but did not change in control groups that received infusion of saline into the MS or scopolamine into the cortex. Unit recordings from the MS Scp group showed significantly smaller conditioning-related hippocampal neural responses than seen in controls, and during conditioning, rabbits in the MS Scp group took significantly longer to reach learning criterion than either control group. Thus, the neural and behavioral impairments previously reported for systemic muscarinic blockade were reproduced by microinfusions restricted to the medial septal nucleus. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Short-term antibiotic prophylaxis and prostatectomy.
Two hundred patients undergoing prostatic surgery at 2 hospitals were randomly allocated into 4 equal groups. The groups were a control, cephalexin, co-trimoxazole and carfecillin treated groups. The incidence of urinary tract infections and other complications of prostatic surgery were studied in each group after a short-term prophylactic regime of 3 doses of the antibiotic. The incidence of urinary infection was significantly improved from 28% in the control group to 8% and 16% in the co-trimoxazole and cephalexin groups respectively. Carfecillin was not effective in reducing urinary infection. However, all 3 antibiotics reduced the incidence of other infective sequelae. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Preclinical studies on indoprofen, a new non-steroidal analgesic-antiinflammatory agent.
Indoprofen is an isoindoline derivative of phenylpropionic acid. At doses of 1-3 mg/kg it inhibited acute and subchronic experimental inflammation. Its strong analgesic activity lacks any specific CNS effect. The drug's pharmacological activity is directly related to inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis at the cyclo-oxygenase step. In carrageenin-induced oedema indoprofen and prednisolone had a synergistic anti-inflammatory effect, and indoprofen and acetylsalicylic acid showed an additive effect. Acute and chronic toxicity of indoprofen was determined in the mouse, rat, dog and monkey. Target organ for indoprofen toxicity is the gastrointestinal tract (ulcerogenic effect). In vitro and in vivo studies of mutagenicity did not show any mutagenic activity. No embryotoxic or teratogenic effect was noted in reproduction toxicity studies in rats, rabbits and monkeys. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Synthesis of europium(III) chelates suitable for labeling of bioactive molecules.
Two different kinds of europium(III) chelates, luminescent and nonluminescent, were prepared. The chelates were coupled to bioanalytical reagents, such as antibodies, after activations of the amino group on the chelates with thiophosgene,2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine, or iodoacetic anhydride. The reactivities of the activated luminescent chelates in the labeling of antibodies as well as the effects of both the coupling ratio and the linkage group to the luminescence quantum yield of the antibody-bound chelate were studied in aqueous buffer solution. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of aspirin and dipyridamole on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft patency.
A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was designed to assess the effect of aspirin (ASA) alone or in combination with dipyridamole (DIP) on the patency rates of expanded PTFE grafts placed in the infrainguinal position. Forty-nine patients were randomized into three groups who received three times daily either two placebos (17 patients), 325 mg ASA and placebo (16 patients), or 325 mg ASA and 75 mg DIP (16 patients). The patients were seen at 3-month intervals for 1 year, and coded medication bottles were dispensed and returned pills counted to assess patient compliance. Treatment failure was defined as the first graft occlusion. The data were analyzed using the Breslow statistic for progressively censored survival type data. The 1-year cumulative patency rate for the entire series was 59%. The rates for above-knee grafts in the ASA group (100%) and the ASA/DIP group (100%) were significantly higher than the rates for the placebo group (50%) (P = 0.05). The 1-year cumulative patency rates for patients with below-knee grafts were not statistically different among the groups, although the patients who received ASA alone had a higher rate than did the other two groups (65% versus 21% for placebo and 19% for ASA/DIP). There were fewer occlusions in the above-knee grafts as compared to below-knee grafts in all groups, but the differences were statistically significant only in the ASA/DIP group. There were no statistical differences between the two active treatment groups. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Computation of drug concentrations in endocardial vegetations in patients during antibiotic therapy.
The treatment of endocarditis often requires prolonged antibiotic therapy. Individualized drug dosage regimens have made such therapy possible even in patients with impaired renal function. However, the problem of efficacy remains. Especially for aminoglycosides, it would be a useful guide to have at least an approximate idea of the concentration of an antibiotic within an endocardial vegetation. This study was designed to develop software to model the drug concentrations at different layers within spherical vegetations to provide a guide during clinical therapy of patients with endocarditis. A general model describing the diffusion of antibiotics in spheres has now been developed and interfaced with the USC*PACK PC Clinical Programs in order to compute and plot concentrations, within the vegetation, based on the regimen given to the patient and the diffusitivity of the antibiotic into the vegetation. Some preliminary results of this research, which are still in progress, are presented. Diffusion into simulated spherical vegetations has been computed for different treatment regimens for endocarditis: amikacin or netilmicin and vancomycin were given to three elderly patients (3 women, 74, 75 and 92 years old, with initial estimated creatinine clearances of 51, 36, and 31 ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively). Although Amikacin has a low diffusivity, the concentrations, even in the center of the vegetation, appear to be effective. The effects of various regimens, including a 'once-a-day' aminoglycoside regimen, are presented. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
NMO-IgG-negative relapsing myelitis.
Idiopathic transverse myelitis (I-TM) is typically monophasic, while relapsing forms are usually referred to spinal cord-restricted neuromyelitis optica (NMO), atypical multiple sclerosis (MS), or myelitis during the course of infections and connectivitis. Our objective was to evaluate the frequency of recurrent I-TM; to clarify the nosology of these forms through comparison with NMO and post-infectious TM (P-TM). Prospective cohort study on patients presenting with I-TM was carried out inpatients of Infectious and Neurologic Disease Clinics, Italy. Over an 8-year period, we recruited 13 patients with I-TM and 16 with P-TM. The patients were followed-up for at least 3 years with repeated brain and spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, multimodal evoked potentials and serum screen for connectivitis. Relapses were defined on clinical and imaging criteria. Four patients with I-TM (31%) had a relapsing course . They were all males with age >50, and severe at-onset disability. The final outcome was poor in three out of four patients. Serum NMO-immunoglobulin G was undetectable in all patients. Longitudinally extensive myelitis was not predictive of relapses. I-TM and P-TM shared clinical, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and MRI features, as well as a similar rate (54 vs 38%) of peripheral nervous system involvement (polyradiculoneuritis), and an identical rate of relapses (31% for both forms). Our series support the existence of relapsing I-TM as a disease entity that does not appear related to NMO, nor to MS, cannot be further specified and shares many features with P-TM. The likelihood of relapses was unpredictable based on clinical, CSF and MRI findings. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Broadening discussions of "safe" in hepatitis C prevention: a close-up of swabbing in an analysis of video recordings of injecting practice.
Blood awareness messages have been used for some years in hepatitis C prevention efforts. However, hepatitis C prevention education has achieved only limited success. Innovative means of reaching people who inject drugs (PWIDs) are required. This study involved video recording injecting episodes of 13 clients of the Sydney Medically Supervised Injecting Centre in Kings Cross. Participants were interviewed the following day and asked to review their video and comment on their injecting practice. Also, feedback was provided to the participants on injecting technique and hepatitis C prevention. A peer researcher was present and engaged the participant in discussion around safer practice and explored the participants' explanations of their practice. This analysis provides information about the common aspects of "safer" and "unsafer" injecting technique observed in the video recordings. Unsafer in this context was defined as any practice which could cause harm including blood borne virus transmission risks, vein damage and introduction of other pathogens to the blood stream. Analysis of the video data show that common "unsafer" practices which have implications for blood borne virus transmission include: not washing hands before injecting; using fingers to stop bleeding; wiping injection site with swab (instead of applying pressure) to stop bleeding after injecting; and using the same swab to wipe another site. Analysis of interview data provided participants' explanations of their practices. Analysis of the discussions between the interview team and the participant provides insight into the types of messages and communication strategies which had credibility with the participants. These data show that broadening of hepatitis C education discussions to include other aspects of "safer" injecting can be useful in engaging experienced PWIDs in prevention. Embedding blood borne virus prevention messages in discussions about vein care may provide innovative ways to reinvigorate hepatitis C prevention efforts and impart these messages in a context which acknowledges the skills and knowledge of experienced PWIDs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Diltiazem potentiates the negative inotropic action of nimodipine in heart.
In Langendorff perfused rat hearts, nimodipine enhances coronary flow and inhibits contractility. The binding of [3H]nimodipine (160 Ci/mmol) to sarcolemma isolated from dog heart revealed a KD of 0.2 nM. d-cis-Diltiazem, but not 1-cis-diltiazem, a less active stereoisomer, stimulated [3H]nimodipine (0.17 nM) binding to sarcolemmal membranes (ED50 for diltiazem = 1.1 microM). In the presence of 10 microM d-cis-diltiazem, [3H]nimodipine binding sites were doubled, but there was no change in the apparent affinity. Perfused rat hearts were treated with 250 nM d-cis-diltiazem. The negative inotropic response to nimodipine was dramatically potentiated (I50, from 1.1 to 0.033 microM). The pharmacological and binding effects were observed only at 37 degrees C. It is possible that diltiazem in some way converts low affinity to high affinity sites. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Efficacy and safety of diuretics in combination with perindopril in hypertensive stroke patients: Results of the Japan Perindopril and Diuretics on Cerebrovascular Disease Study (J-PADOC).
An international randomized controlled trial has shown that anti-hypertensive therapy using perindopril and indapamide significantly reduces the recurrence of stroke. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of diuretics given as add-on therapy to stroke patients, as needed, to perindopril, we conducted a prospective multicenter observational study. A total of 3825 hypertensive patients with a history of stroke were enrolled. The patients received a two-step therapy, starting with perindopril alone, and those who failed to achieve the blood pressure target were subsequently given a diuretic. Each group was followed for 6 months. 62.8% of the patients achieved the blood pressure goal. The incidence of adverse events was significantly higher in the perindopril plus diuretic combination therapy group than in the perindopril monotherapy group. Although these results may reflect that severely hypertensive patients were selectively assigned to combination therapy, the observed differences were essentially elevated serum creatinine, triglycerides, blood urea nitrogen and uric acid, whereas no significant inter-group difference was noted in total cholesterol and blood glucose. If adequate care of compromised renal function is taken, perindopril plus diuretic combination therapy exerts potent hypotensive effects without posing significant safety problems in patients with a history of stroke. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evaluation of the ratio of omega(6: omega3 fatty acids and vitamin E levels in the diet on the reproductive performance of cockerels.
Three hundred and twenty 30-week old White Leghorn cockerels were housed in individual cages and distributed in a completely randomized factorial design of 5 x 3, with five oil sources (sunflower, soybean, canola, linseed and fish/soybean) and three levels of antioxidant (30, 200 and 400 mg of vitamin E/kg). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the ratio of omega6: omega3 fatty acids by the inclusion of different oil sources and of dietary supplementation with vitamin E on the reproductive performance of cockerels. The use of the fish/soybean combination determined the lowest total antioxidant status of the semen. However, the addition of vitamin E to the fish/soybean-oil-based diet resulted in a linear increase in semen volume, motility and sperm vigour in the 38th week and again in the 52nd week for motility and for sperm vigour and fertility rate in the periods from 50-53 and 41-53 weeks of age. The use of canola oil in the diet resulted in the highest fertility rate during 50-53 and 41-53 weeks of life. Animals receiving the soybean oil based diet showed the smallest fertility rate in the range from 50-53 weeks of age and concomitantly the highest level of cholesterol in the spermatozoa in the range from 47-51 weeks. An interaction between the vitamin E level and soybean oil was verified by the linear increase in motility and sperm vigour at 38 weeks of age. Later, the contrary was shown by a linear reduction in fertility in the periods from 44-46, 47-49 and 41-53 weeks of age. Cockerels that had been fed on the sunflower-oil-based diet showed the highest content of saturated fatty acids in the spermatozoa from 48-51 weeks. An interaction effect was observed between the vitamin E level and sunflower oil shown by a linear increase in the content of saturated fatty acids in the spermatozoa and a linear reduction in the C18: 1omega9, C18 :2 omega6 and PUFA (C18 : 2omega6 + C20 : 4omega6) contents in the spermatozoa at 48-51 weeks and in sperm volume at 52 weeks of age. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Approach Bias Modification in Food Craving-A Proof-of-Concept Study.
The aim of the present proof-of-concept study was to test a novel cognitive bias modification (CBM) programme in an analogue sample of people with subclinical bulimic eating disorder (ED) psychopathology. Thirty participants with high levels of trait food craving were trained to make avoidance movements in response to visual food stimuli in an implicit learning paradigm. The intervention comprised ten 15-minute sessions over a 5-week course. At baseline, participants showed approach and attentional biases towards high-caloric palatable food that were both significantly reduced and turned into avoidance biases after the training. Participants also reported pronounced reductions in both trait and cue-elicited food craving and in ED symptoms as well. The overall evaluation of the training by the participants was positive. The specific CBM programme tested in this pilot trial promises to be an effective and feasible way to alter automatic action tendencies towards food in people suffering from bulimic ED psychopathology. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prenylation of a nonaromatic carbon of indolylbutenone by a fungal indole prenyltransferase.
FtmPT1 from Aspergillus fumigatus is a fungal indole prenyltransferase (PT) that normally catalyzes the regiospecific prenylation of brevianamide F (cyclo-L-Trp-L-Pro) at the C-2 position of the indole ring with dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP). Interestingly, FtmPT1 exhibited remarkable substrate tolerance and accepted (E)-4-(1H-indol-3-yl)but-3-en-2-one (1) as a substrate to produce an unnatural novel α-prenylindolylbutenone (1a). This is the first demonstration of the prenylation of a nonaromatic carbon of the acceptor substrate by a fungal indole PT. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of metabolic inhibitors and hypoxia on the ATP, ADP and AMP content of the rabbit carotid body in vitro: the metabolic hypothesis in question.
The effects of metabolic inhibitors (cyanide, antimycin) and hypoxia on the nucleotide content of the carotid body were investigated in vitro. The mean ATP content of carotid bodies superfused for 1 h in normoxic conditions was around 200 pmol/organ. Whereas metabolic inhibitors induced a decrease in ATP and an increase in AMP, hypoxia (10% O2 in N2, either 4 or 30 min) did not induce any significant change in nucleotide content. The significance of these results is discussed with regard to the metabolic hypothesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
PIVOT: protein interacions visualizatiOn tool.
Protein Interaction VisualizatiOn Tool (PIVOT) is a visualization tool for protein-protein interactions. It allows the user to create personal data sets of interactions by combining information from private and public data sources. The user can gradually access the interactions' data using a clear interactive map that is focused on the researcher's protein of interest, and is reshaped and expanded in response to his/her queries. It also offers several visual enhancements and intelligent queries that help the user efficiently study it. PIVOT allows the user to search the interactions data set for paths connecting proteins that are expected to co-operate. The user can also employ PIVOT to predict unknown interactions among proteins, based on interactions among their homologous proteins in other species. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Rapid detection and distinction of cutaneous herpesvirus infections by direct immunofluorescence.
Optimal management of cutaneous herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicellazoster virus (VZV) infections requires rapid, accurate distinction between these pathogens. In a mixed-case series of suspected cutaneous herpesvirus infections, we compared the diagnostic utility of viral culture and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) using a panel of fluoresceinated monoclonal antibodies against HSV and VZV. Epifluorescence microscopy of smears and viral culture were performed in parallel on 58 lesions. DIF and culture were equally sensitive (88%) in HSV infections, whereas DIF was four times as sensitive as culture (100% vs 18%) in VZV. DIF either refuted an incorrect clinical diagnosis or permitted definitive laboratory diagnosis of a clinically indeterminate lesion in 7 (12%) of 58 lesions tested. DIF is a rapid, simple, sensitive, specific, cost-effective, and clinically useful technique for detecting and distinguishing cutaneous HSV and VZV infections. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
BEHAVIOR OF ADULT RATS IS MODIFIED BY THE EXPERIENCES THEIR MOTHERS HAD AS INFANTS.
Some rat pups were handled for 20 days in infancy, while others were not. When the rats reached adulthood the females were bred. Some of the offspring were left with their natural mothers, others were fostered to mothers of the same background (handled/nonhandled) as that of their natural mothers, while still others were fostered to mothers with a different background from that of their natural mothers. The offspring were weaned and weighed at 21 days; at 50 days, activity and defecation scores were obtained in the open field. The weights at weaning and the defecation scores at 50 days were significantly influenced by the experience in infancy of the "postnatal" mother, whether she was the natural mother or a foster mother. The natural mother and the foster mother jointly affected the open-field activity of the offspring. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy - the importance of early diagnosis illustrated in four cases.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare, deadly demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, which is caused by a reactivation of the DNA polyomavirus JC and occurs in immunosuppressed individuals. So far, only 25 cases have been described in patients with SLE and none survived without antiviral therapy and only two cases in RA. We present four additional cases from a defined area, three in SLE, of which one survived without antiviral therapy, and one case in RA, also surviving after reduction of immunosuppressive treatment. In three of these cases, diagnosis could only be confirmed by stereotactical brain biopsy, including the two surviving cases. Thus, this article illustrates the difficulty in diagnosing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, the need for brain biopsy in many cases, the importance of reduced immunosuppression as early as possible and the severe damage progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy can cause. Furthermore, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy might be much more common in SLE than expected with 1 case in 800 patient-years. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Direct analysis of RNA transcripts in electroporated carrot protoplasts.
We describe a method for direct analysis of RNA transcribed from DNA introduced into carrot cells by electroporation. Octopine synthase RNA transcribed from the plasmid p35SOcs was detected in total and poly A(+) RNA on Northern blots and in RNA protection assays. The highest level of octopine synthase transcript was detected at approximately 8 hrs post-electroporation, although RNA could still be detected after 48 hrs. This method allows detection of foreign gene expression in a plant system and bypasses the need for reporter genes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Vibrational spectroscopic study of poldervaartite CaCa[SiO3(OH)(OH)].
We have studied the mineral poldervaartite CaCa[SiO3(OH)(OH)] which forms a series with its manganese analogue olmiite CaMn[SiO3(OH)](OH) using a range of techniques including scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, Raman and infrared spectroscopy. Chemical analysis shows the mineral is reasonably pure and contains only calcium and manganese with low amounts of Al and F. Thermogravimetric analysis proves the mineral decomposes at 485°C with a mass loss of 7.6% compared with the theoretical mass loss of 7.7%. A strong Raman band at 852 cm(-1) is assigned to the SiO stretching vibration of the SiO3(OH) units. Two Raman bands at 914 and 953 cm(-1) are attributed to the antisymmetric vibrations. Intense prominent peaks observed at 3487, 3502, 3509, 3521 and 3547 cm(-1) are assigned to the OH stretching vibration of the SiO3(OH) units. The observation of multiple OH bands supports the concept of the non-equivalence of the OH units. Vibrational spectroscopy enables a detailed assessment of the molecular structure of poldervaartite. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prevention and treatment of relapsing autoimmune encephalomyelitis with myelin peptide-coupled splenocytes.
Injection of antigen cross-linked accessory cells has proven to be an efficient and highly selective approach for inducing epitope-specific peripheral tolerance. This approach has been used successfully to inhibit induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and to dissect the relative dominance of component encephalitogenic determinants that contribute to both acute and relapsing EAE. In this study, we evaluated the tolerogenic effect of the dominant encephalitogenic epitope for SJL/J mice, residues 139-151 of myelin proteolipid protein (PLP), on the induction and relapses of EAE induced actively with PLP139-151/CFA. Our results demonstrate the powerful protective effect of treating mice before induction of EASE with PLP139-151-conjugated splenocytes (SPL) on the incidence and severity of both the initial episode and the first relapse of EAE. Moreover, treatment of mice on the first day of onset of clinical signs of EAE reduced the severity of the first relapse, apparently by reducing T cell recognition of PLP139-151, although no significant therapeutic effect was observed during the initial treated clinical episode. These data demonstrate the utility of using neuroantigen-coupled accessory cells to prevent and treat relapsing EAE. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dysnatremia, vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide and mortality in patients with community-acquired pneumonia: results from the german competence network CAPNETZ.
Dysnatremia is a frequent finding in patients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) and a predictor of mortality. We studied the relation between dysnatremia, comorbidities and CT-pro-AVP and MR-proANP. We enrolled 2138 patients (60 ± 18 years, 55% male) with CAP from the CAPNETZ database. Pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (proANP), pro-vasopressin (proAVP), serum sodium and CRB-65 score were determined on admission. Patients were followed up for 28 days. Sodium concentration on admission was examined as a function of mortality at 28 days. Hyponatremia (HypoN) was defined as admission serum sodium <136 mmol/L, hypernatremia (HyperN) as admission serum sodium >145 mmol/L. HypoN was diagnosed in 680 (31.8%) patients, HyperN in 29 (1.4%) patients. Comorbidities were associated with sodium levels, and CT-pro-AVP and MR-proANP were inversely related to sodium levels. Patients with HypoN were older, had a higher CRB-65 score and higher values of CT-proAVP and MR-proANP (all p < 0.05). When examined as a function of sodium values, a U-shaped association was found between sodium levels and 28 day mortality. In multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, HypoN and HyperN were independent predictors of 28 day mortality. Sodium levels added to the predictive potential of proAVP and proANP. HypoN is common at admission among CAP patients and is independently associated with mortality. HyperN is rare at admission among CAP patients but is also independently associated with mortality. The combination of sodium and CT-pro-AVP and MR-proANP levels achieved the highest prediction of mortality. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Influence of weather on daily symptoms of pain and fatigue in female patients with fibromyalgia: a multilevel regression analysis.
Although patients with fibromyalgia often report that specific weather conditions aggravate their symptoms, empirical studies have not conclusively demonstrated such a relationship. Our aim was to examine the association between weather conditions and daily symptoms of pain and fatigue in fibromyalgia, and to identify patient characteristics explaining individual differences in weather sensitivity. Female patients with fibromyalgia (n = 333, mean age 47.0 years, mean time since diagnosis 3.5 years) completed questions on pain and fatigue on 28 consecutive days. Daily weather conditions, including air temperature, sunshine duration, precipitation, atmospheric pressure, and relative humidity, were obtained from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute. Multilevel regression analysis was applied. In 5 (10%) of 50 analyses, weather variables showed a significant but small effect on either pain or fatigue. In 10 analyses (20%), significant, small differences between patients were observed in the random effects of the weather variables, suggesting that symptoms of patients were, to a small extent, differentially affected by some weather conditions, for example, high pain with either low or high atmospheric pressure. These individual differences were explained neither by demographic, functional, or mental patient characteristics, nor by season or weather variation during the assessment period. There is more evidence against than in support of a uniform influence of weather on daily pain and fatigue in female patients with fibromyalgia. Although individuals appear to be differentially sensitive to certain weather conditions, there is no indication that specific patient characteristics play a role in weather sensitivity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fall Tillage Reduced Nutrient Loads from Liquid Manure Application during the Freezing Season.
Reducing agricultural runoff is important year round, particularly on landscapes that receive wintertime applications of manure. No-tillage systems are typically associated with reduced runoff loads during the growing season, but surface roughness from fall tillage may aid infiltration on frozen soils by providing surface depressional storage. The timing of winter manure applications may also affect runoff, depending on snow and soil frost conditions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate runoff and nutrient loads during the freezing season from combinations of tillage and manure application timings. Six management treatments were tested in south-central Wisconsin during the winters of 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 with a complete factorial design: two tillage treatments (fall chisel plow vs. no-tillage) and three manure application timings (early December, late January, and unmanured). Nutrient loads from winter manure application were lower on chisel-plowed versus untilled soils during both monitoring years. Loads were also lower from manure applied to soils with less frost development. Wintertime manure applications pose a risk of surface nutrient losses, but fall tillage and timing applications to thawed soils can help reduce loads. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effect of obesity and low-dose oral contraceptives on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.
Combination oral contraceptives (OCs) have little effect on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in normal-weight women. Based on lack of change in intermediate markers, as well as results of epidemiologic studies, low-dose OCs do not increase the risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Obesity is a risk factor for impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes and coronary artery disease, and most previous OC studies excluded these women; thus, we have limited information about carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in obese OC users. This study compared changes in carbohydrate and lipid parameters in 71 normal-weight and 38 obese women initiating the OC. Women were randomized to two pills: 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol (EE)/150 mcg levonorgestrel (LNG) or 20 mcg EE/100 mcg LNG. Participants underwent baseline and cycle-3 measurements of fasting serum glucose; insulin; triglycerides and total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Normal-weight and obese participants experienced similar changes in mean glucose, insulin and log homeostatic model assessment, as well as similar changes in total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides; however, change in mean LDL (-4.9±20.6 mg/dL vs. +3.8±17.3 mg/dL) was different between the obese and normal-weight groups, respectively. Among the obese participants, change in glucose was marginally greater with the higher dose pill (p=.06); otherwise, changes between the body mass index groups were not modified by pill dose. Obesity had little effect on any OC-induced changes in carbohydrate or lipid metabolism except for a borderline adverse interaction between obesity and OC dose with respect to fasting glucose and a positive interaction between obesity and OC use with respect to LDL cholesterol. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Design of red, green, blue transparent electrodes for flexible optical devices.
Controlling the wavelength of electrodes within a desirable region is important in most optoelectronic devices for enhancing their efficiencies. Here, we investigated a full-color flexible transparent electrode using a wavelength matching layer (WML). The WMLs were able to adjust the optical-phase thickness of the entire electrode by controlling refractive indices and were capable of producing desirable colors in the visible band from 470 to 610 nm. Electrodes with tungsten oxide (WO(3)) having a refractive index of 1.9 showed high transmittance (T = 90.5%) at 460 nm and low sheet resistance (R(s) = 11.08 Ω/sq), comparable with those of indium tin oxide (ITO, T = 86.4%, R(s) = 12 Ω/sq). The optimum structure of electrodes determined by optical simulation based on the characteristic matrix method agrees well with that based on the experimental method. Replacing the ITO electrode with the WO(3) electrode, the luminance of blue organic light-emitting diodes (λ = 460 nm) at 222 mA/cm(2) increased from 7020 to 7200 cd/m(2). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Luteolin-inhibited arylamine N-acetyltransferase activity and DNA-2-aminofluorene adduct in human and mouse leukemia cells.
N-Acetyltransferase enzyme is an important enzyme in the first step of arylamine compounds metabolism. Luteolin has been shown to exit antibacterial and antineoplastic activity. The purpose of this present study is to evaluate the question of whether luteolin could affect arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity and DNA-2-aminofluorene adduct formation in human (HL-60) and mouse (L1210) leukemia cells. By using HPLC, N-acetylation of 2-aminofluorene was determined. Luteolin displayed a dose-dependent inhibition to cytosolic NAT activity and intact human and mice leukemia cells. Time-course experiments showed that N-acetylation of 2-aminofluorene measured from intact human and mice leukemia cells were inhibited by luteolin for up to 24 hours. Using standard steady-state kinetic analysis, it was demonstrated that luteolin was a possible uncompetitive inhibitor to NAT activity in cytosols. The DNA-2-aminofluorene adduct formation in human and mouse leukemia cells were inhibited by luteolin. This report is the first demonstration to show that luteolin affects human and mice leukemia cells NAT activity and DNA-2-aminofluorene on adduct formation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
What predicts who we approach for social support? Tests of the attachment figure and strong ties hypotheses.
Before people seek support for an issue, they must choose whom in their support network to approach. Two prominent supporter-selection hypotheses are the attachment figure hypothesis and the strong ties hypothesis, housed in psychology and sociology, respectively. People are expected to have a special preference for attachment figures and also for strong ties and to seek them more frequently than others. Despite the widespread acceptance of these hypotheses, neither has ever been tested, we argue, with the most appropriate methods for their claims. Moreover, no one has ever tested whether the 2 theories might not be independent, that is, whether one might subsume the other. To properly test the theories, one requires intranetwork, enacted support-seeking data, and the theories must be modeled not just separately but also simultaneously. The present article reports 3 such studies. In Studies 1 and 3, a sample of adults reported their supporter-selection decisions for a single stressful event, and in Study 2, a sample of emerging adults reported their supporter-selection decisions for a period of 2 weeks. Evidence showed that each theory uniquely predicted supporter-selection decisions. For each theory the data revealed both expected and unexpected findings. Attachment figures were selectively sought for support, but this preference did not get stronger as issues became more severe. Stronger ties were selected more often than weaker ties; however, the strong tie effect emerged as 2 independent effects rather than one (closeness and interaction frequency). Taken together, the studies supported both theories, but also suggest the need for further theoretical development. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A broad T-cell repertoire diversity and an efficient thymic function indicate a favorable long-term immune reconstitution after cord blood stem cell transplantation.
Cord blood (CB) is used increasingly as a source of hematopoietic stem cells because of a lower risk of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). However, there is some concern regarding the ability to adequately reconstitute host immune response due to the immaturity and naivety of CB T cells. This study was designed to evaluate T-cell reconstitution using combined approaches of phenotyping, analysis of alphabeta T-cell receptor (TCR) diversity, and assessment of ex vivo thymic function by measuring TCR rearrangement excision circles (TRECs). Ten patients who underwent CB transplantation for high-risk hematologic disorders were compared to a reference group of 19 age- and GVHD-matched patients who underwent transplantation with non-T cell-depleted bone marrow from an HLA-identical sibling donor. TREC values correlated with the relative number of naive T cells and with TCR repertoire polyclonality. During the first year after transplantation, TCR repertoires were highly abnormal and TREC values low in both groups. Notably, 2 years after transplantation onward TREC values as well as TCR diversity were higher in CB recipients than in recipients of bone marrow transplants. These data indicate an efficient thymic regeneration pathway from CB lymphoid progenitors despite the low number of cells infused compared to bone marrow, arguing for a complete clinical immune recovery after CB transplantation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Employment, flexible working and the family.
This paper assesses some of the implications of one of the major social changes to have taken place in the West during the second half of the twentieth century--that is, the increased employment of women, together with normative changes in gender relations and in women's expectations. These changes have been linked to an increase in individualism, which itself is associated with the transcendence of 'first modernity'. Thus it is suggested that new approaches to social analysis are required (Beck). Here it is argued that, rather than develop completely new approaches in order to grasp the changes that are under way, the 'economic' and the 'social' (that is, employment and the family) should be seen as intertwined, rather than approached as separate phenomena. Past debates in feminism, changes in the family, and flexible employment are critically examined. The growing tensions between employment and family life are discussed. It is argued that these changes are associated with the intensification of capitalist development, rather than reflecting a fundamental transformation of society. Existing approaches to the analysis of social change, including Polanyi's analysis of the development of 'counter-movements' against the 'self-regulating' market, will, therefore, still be relevant to our enquiries. In the concluding section, a programme of research that would examine these changes is outlined. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Isolation and properties of a soluble sialidase from the culture fluid of Chinese hamster ovary cells.
A soluble sialidase that can degrade recombinant glycoproteins expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells has been isolated and purified to near homogeneity from the cell culture fluid of this host. Purification of approximately 34,000-fold was carried out using conventional purification techniques including sequential DEAE-Sepharose and S-Sepharose ion-exchange chromatography, followed by hydrophobic interaction chromatography with Phenyl-Toyopearl. Final purification was achieved by heparin-agarose and chromatofocusing chromatography. The minimum molecular weight of the sialidase on SDS-PAGE was approximately 43,000 Da. When the final preparation was examined under non-denaturing conditions, two major (pI = 6.8 and 7.0) and five minor electrophoretic forms with different isoelectric points were identified. The basis for the electrophoretic heterogeneity is not known, but it was not due to carbohydrate diversity since no carbohydrates were detected on the purified protein. The enzyme degraded a variety of sialyl-conjugate substrates, at a pH optimum of 5.9, including intact glycoproteins, oligosaccharides and gangliosides with a 4-fold preference for 2,3- versus 2,6-linked sialic acid residues. With ganglioside substrates, internally linked sialic acid residues were not cleaved by the enzyme. Delineation of this enzyme from the lysosomal and plasma membrane sialidases was made using inhibition studies with C-9 substituted 5-acetamido-2,6-anhydro-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycero-D-galacto-non-2- enonic acid derivatives. The enzyme was identified in several CHO cell lines by immunoblotting using antiserum raised against a synthetic peptide based on amino acid sequence of a fragment derived by trypsin digestion of the purified sialidase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Assessment of material- and technique-related complications following sagittal split osteotomies stabilized by biodegradable polylactide screws.
The aim of this retrospective clinical study was to determine whether there are any material-related problems and increased occurrence of postoperative mandibular nerve and temporomandibular joint dysfunctions in connection with the use of biodegradable self-reinforced poly-L-lactide (SR-PLLA) screws for bone fixation after bilateral sagittal split osteotomies (BSSO). Forty consecutive patients who underwent BSSO and mandibular advancement that included fragment fixation using SR-PLLA screws were monitored for an average of 2.2 years postoperatively. The osteotomy sites healed uneventfully with no adverse reactions. The incidence of postoperative sensory disturbances of the inferior alveolar nerve was 27%. Symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD) observed preoperatively in 73% of patients were reduced to 48% after surgery. The occurrence of postoperative sensory disturbances and TMJD symptoms in this study did not deviate strikingly from that of other studies using conventional osteosynthesis. No specific complications related to the screw material were observed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Mechanism of inner ear damage due to hyperlipidemia].
Some clinical data concerning the relationship between hyperlipidemia and sensorineural hearing loss have been reported, however, definite mechanism causing pathological changes in the cochlea and hearing loss has not yet been clarified. We studied the mechanism of hearing loss due to hyperlipidemia in rabbits by ABR hearing examination, biochemical study of the sera, observation of the inner ear morphology by Sem and Tem. We suggest that the decreased blood supply in the inner ear during hyperlipidemia because of increased platelet aggregation and blood viscosity may be responsible for the inner ear damage. At the same time, a high lipid peroxide level in the serum and the inner ear, as well as the metabolic disorder of lipids in the inner ear may also contribute to the development of hearing loss. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Sexual Dysfunctions Induced by Pregabalin.
Pregabalin (PGB) is a gabapentinoid (ie, GABA analog), which has been Food and Drug Administration-approved for treatment of partial epilepsy in adults and neuropathic pain. It also has off-label uses for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorders, fibromyalgia, and tension headache and prevention of migraine. Few cases were reported with sexual dysfunctions (SDs) as adverse effects of PGB and gabapentin, and the majority were dose related (≥900 mg/d for gabapentin). This study aimed to determine the frequency and types of SDs induced by PGB and the temporal relation to its use. We presented case series of patients (n = 75) treated with PGB for different indications (sciatica, atypical facial pain, chronic tension headache, transformed migraine, fibromyalgia, and generalized anxiety disorder and developed different aspects of SDs). In this case series, SDs were noticed with PGB in 41.33% (n = 31) (men, 13 [50%]; women, 18 [36.73%]), which included erectile dysfunction (n = 16, 51.61%), anorgasmia (n = 10, 32.26%), and loss of libido (n = 11, 35.48%). Sexual dysfunctions occurred within weeks after the use of PGB and were not dose related. They occurred with low therapeutic PGB doses (50-100 mg/d). Discontinuation of PGB resulted in improvement of SDs within weeks. To conclude, SDs are not infrequent adverse effects of PGB therapy. Pregabalin can induce erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, and anorgasmia. Sexual dysfunctions induced by PGB are not dose related. It is important for the clinician to acknowledge and encourage discussion regarding sexual function with patients and inquire about the impact of PGB on sexual function. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Attempted suicide. Evaluation of a case in an emergency department].
Suicide is conscious behavior leading to self-destruction. The intention to die is always present and the consequent death will be caused by the suicide victim. The main causes of suicide are mood disorders and particularly depression, although certain personality features (low self-esteem, hopelessness, introversion, neuroticism, etc.) and stress are considered to be predisposing factors. Suicidal behavior is therefore a routine part of emergency psychiatry. Consequently, evaluation of the parasuicidal patient is fundamental in emergency departments due to the potential seriousness of the phenomenon and the increase in the frequency of this type of behavior. Furthermore, evaluation is essential to provide a more optimal therapeutic approach and appropriate referral and to improve treatment compliance. Nursing interventions require specific care plans that allow patients to express themselves openly and to be met with an uncritical and empathetic response in order to improve their self-confidence and ability to cope with problems and reduce anxiety. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Risks of mercury poisoning in the dental laboratory].
We present the results of an inquiry about the hydrargyric risk run by the staff of an odonto-stomatological laboratory. A second laboratory in which mercury was not used, served as a control. It would appear that the staff in the laboratory where the practician uses amalgam have a level of mercury higher than that of the staff working in the control laboratory. This level reaches the maximum in the middle of the day and returns to the same level as that of the controls after the nights rest outside the polluted atmosphere. These results are discussed in the light of our findings and of facts obtained from literature. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A custom-built insulin resistance gene chip.
Microarray (gene chip) technology offers a powerful new tool for analyzing the expression of large numbers of genes in many experimental samples. The aim of this study was to design, construct, and use a gene chip to measure the expression levels of key genes in metabolic pathways related to insulin resistance. We selected genes that were implicated in the development of insulin resistance, including genes involved in insulin signaling; glucose uptake, oxidation, and storage; fat uptake, oxidation, and storage; cytoskeletal components; and transcription factors. The key regulatory genes in the pathways were identified, along with other recently identified candidate genes such as calpain-10. A total of 242 selected genes (including 32 internal control elements) were sequence-verified, purified, and arrayed on aldehyde-coated slides. Where more than 1 clone containing the gene of interest was available, we chose those containing the genes in the 5' orientation and an insert size of around 1.5 kb. Of the 262 clones purchased, 56 (21%) were found to contain sequences other than those expected. In addition, 2 (1%) did not grow under standard conditions and were assumed to be nonviable. In these cases, alternate clones containing the gene of interest were chosen as described above. The current version of the Insulin Resistance Gene Chip contains 210 genes of interest, plus 48 control elements. A full list of the genes is available at http://www.hbs.deakin.edu.au/mru/research/gene_chip_tech/genechip_three.htm/. The human Insulin Resistance Gene Chip that we have constructed will be a very useful tool for investigating variation in the expression of genes relevant to insulin resistance under various experimental conditions. Initially, the gene chip will be used in studies such as exercise interventions, fasting, euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamps, and administration of antidiabetic agents. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Recognizing and treating late-life generalized anxiety disorder: distinguishing features and psychosocial treatment.
Generalized anxiety disorder is a highly prevalent and under-recognized public health problem associated with significant impairment and serious disability. Generalized anxiety disorder is the most common anxiety disorder among adults over the age of 60 years. This article discusses distinguishing features of generalized anxiety disorder, such as disorder-specific worry domains and associated features. The relation of the disorder to normal aging, major depression and health is also discussed. Current psychosocial treatment strategies are outlined, with a particular focus on cognitive behavior therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Biodegradation of organonitriles by adapted activated sludge consortium with acetonitrile-degrading microorganisms.
A microbial process for the degradation of three types of structurally distinct organonitriles (i.e., saturated and unsaturated aliphatic nitrile and aromatic nitrile) was studied. Microorganisms were enriched from the activated sludge of a pharmaceutical wastewater treatment plant and adapted through providing acetonitrile as the sole carbon and nitrogen source for their growth. The adapted mixed culture was then examined for their capability of degrading acetonitrile, acrylonitrile and benzonitrile under various operational conditions. The performance of biodegradation and the metabolic intermediate- and end-products in the process were monitored. The results show that an average removal rate of 0.083 g acetonitrile g(-1)-VSS h(-1), 0.0074 g acrylonitrile g(-1)-VSS h(-1) or 0.0029 g benzonitrile g(-1)-VSS h(-1) was achieved in the batch bioreactor under the common operational condition of 25 degrees C and pH 7. The biodegradation of acetonitrile and acrylonitrile showed a two-step pathway, with the generation of acetamide followed by acetic acid and ammonia for acetonitrile or acrylamide followed by acrylic acid and ammonia for acrylonitrile. However, the biodegradation of benzonitrile appeared to have only one step, with the direct production of benzoic acid and ammonia, but without benzamide being detected in the process. The results suggest that, depending on the substrates, the adapted mixed culture can develop very different degradation pathways, such as nitrile hydratase plus amidase for acetonitrile or acrylonitrile and nitrilase for benzonitrile. Therefore, the adapted mixed culture has a great potential and flexibility for actual applications in biodegradation of various organonitrile compounds. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Benchmarking organic micropollutants in wastewater, recycled water and drinking water with in vitro bioassays.
Thousands of organic micropollutants and their transformation products occur in water. Although often present at low concentrations, individual compounds contribute to mixture effects. Cell-based bioassays that target health-relevant biological endpoints may therefore complement chemical analysis for water quality assessment. The objective of this study was to evaluate cell-based bioassays for their suitability to benchmark water quality and to assess efficacy of water treatment processes. The selected bioassays cover relevant steps in the toxicity pathways including induction of xenobiotic metabolism, specific and reactive modes of toxic action, activation of adaptive stress response pathways and system responses. Twenty laboratories applied 103 unique in vitro bioassays to a common set of 10 water samples collected in Australia, including wastewater treatment plant effluent, two types of recycled water (reverse osmosis and ozonation/activated carbon filtration), stormwater, surface water, and drinking water. Sixty-five bioassays (63%) showed positive results in at least one sample, typically in wastewater treatment plant effluent, and only five (5%) were positive in the control (ultrapure water). Each water type had a characteristic bioanalytical profile with particular groups of toxicity pathways either consistently responsive or not responsive across test systems. The most responsive health-relevant endpoints were related to xenobiotic metabolism (pregnane X and aryl hydrocarbon receptors), hormone-mediated modes of action (mainly related to the estrogen, glucocorticoid, and antiandrogen activities), reactive modes of action (genotoxicity) and adaptive stress response pathway (oxidative stress response). This study has demonstrated that selected cell-based bioassays are suitable to benchmark water quality and it is recommended to use a purpose-tailored panel of bioassays for routine monitoring. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Comparative study of sleep patterns in nurses working day and night shifts].
To compare sleep patterns in nurses working day and night shifts in a hospital in Campinas (SP), Brazil. Fifty-nine nurses between 23 and 59 years of age participated in the study. For day shift workers, the pattern of nocturnal sleep was examined; for night shift workers, nocturnal and diurnal sleep patterns were examined. During 1 week, participants filled out a sleep diary right after waking up. The following items were assessed: time going to bed, falling asleep, and waking up; sleep latency; duration in hours of nocturnal and diurnal sleep; naps; quality of sleep; mode of waking up; and comparison between the sleep recorded in the diary with the usual sleep. Personal and professional information was also collected. Day shift workers went to bed at 23h36min, and night workers at 23h52min (P > 0.05). The nurses working a day schedule woke up earlier (7h3min) than those working a night schedule when they slept at night (8h30min) (P </= 0.004, Wilcoxon). Mean sleep latency was 23min26s for day shift nurses versus 22min50s for night shift nurses; the duration of nocturnal sleep was 7h11min and 9h6min, respectively. Only day workers took naps (mean 2h3min). The average diurnal sleep of night shift nurses was fractionated (two periods, mean time asleep 4h7min and 2h38min). The quality of the nocturnal sleep of night shift workers was better than that of day shift workers. The mean period working in a hospital was 14.31 years for day workers versus 7.07 for night shift workers (P </= 0.05, Wilcoxon). The study participants had healthy habits, especially concerning alcohol consumption. We verified the use of antihypertensives, diuretics, and analgesics. The present findings are similar to those previously described in the literature. Night shift nurses should be able to take naps to compensate for the sleep deficit accrued when they work at night. ResumoObjetivo: Comparar os padrões de sono de enfermeiros dos turnos diurno e noturno em um hospital de Campinas (SP), Brasil. Métodos: Participaram 59 enfermeiros entre 23 e 59 anos. Para os enfermeiros do dia, analisou-se o sono noturno, e, para os da noite, os sonos diurno e noturno. Os informantes preencheram um diário do sono durante 1 semana, ao acordar. Foram analisados hora de ir deitar, de dormir, e de acordar; latência do sono; horas de sono noturno e diurno; cochilos; qualidade do sono; modo de acordar; e comparação do sono registrado no diário com o sono habitual. Também foram coletadas informações pessoais e profissionais. Resultados: O grupo diurno ia dormir às 23h36min e o grupo noturno, às 23h52min (P </= 0,004, Wilcoxon). Os enfermeiros diurnos acordavam mais cedo (7h3min) do que os noturnos quando dormiam à noite (8h30min). A latência média do sono foi de 23min26s para os enfermeiros diurnos contra 22min50s para os noturnos; a duração do sono noturno foi de 7h11min e 9h6min, respectivamente. O cochilo esteve presente apenas no grupo diurno (média de 2h3min). O sono diurno dos enfermeiros da noite foi caracterizado pelo fracionamento (dois períodos, tempo de sono de 4h7min e 2h38min). O sono noturno do grupo noturno foi de melhor qualidade. O tempo médio de trabalho em hospital foi de 14,31 anos no grupo diurno contra 7,07 no grupo noturno (P </= 0,05, Wilcoxon). Os sujeitos possuíam hábitos saudáveis, principalmente quanto ao consumo de álcool. Verificou-se uso de anti-hipertensivos, diuréticos e analgésicos. Conclusões: Os achados foram semelhantes aos descritos anteriormente. Seria recomendável que os enfermeiros do turno da noite pudessem tirar cochilos para compensar o déficit de sono durante a atividade noturna. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Environmental and phylogeographical determinants of the distribution of the Old World screwworm fly in Indonesia.
The Old World screwworm (OWS) fly, Chrysomya bezziana, is an obligate parasite of livestock, and the myiasis caused by its larval infestations is economically important in Indonesia. The current spatial distribution of such a pest depends on two main factors: the current environmental conditions in which it can survive; and, its ability to occupy those environments by dispersal, which can be inferred from phylogeography and population genetics. These indicate that all OWS flies in Indonesia have mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) haplotypes of the Asian lineage, and the regional separation of its four sub-lineages is the result of infrequent long-distance dispersal. We report the first investigation to associate regional cyt b sub-lineages of the OWS fly with environmental variables. Principal Components Analysis was used to demonstrate that these sub-lineages are associated with very similar macro-climates throughout Indonesia. Then, a species distribution model for the OWS fly in Indonesia was obtained by using the Maxent program. This indicated that elevation captured information not given by other environmental variables, and cattle density provided the most useful information by itself. The results of our study provide some important leads for future research, which will require better, stratified sampling. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Use of a universal ferro-probe pole locator PF-01 in medicine].
The versatile II phi-01 flux-gate magnetic pole locator is intended for detecting and locating ferromagnetic foreign bodies in human tissue. The sensitivity of the device to magnetic field gradient is 4 mOe/cm on a large scale. The device can be used to locate a hypodermic needle at a distance of 50-90 mm, a sewing needle at 60-122 mm, a routine 7.62-mm bullet at 90 mm and a 5.6-mm bullet at 105 mm. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Discovery of the nature of pellagra. Lessons of a remarkable epidemiologic and psychiatric research].
This paper provides an historical account of the epidemiological research which resulted in the elucidation of pellagra and those mental disorders related to it. The implications of this work for clinical research in psychiatry are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fe2+ chelator proferrorosamine A: a gene cluster of Erwinia rhapontici P45 involved in its synthesis and its impact on growth of Erwinia amylovora CFBP1430.
Proferrorosamine A (proFRA) is an iron (Fe2+) chelator produced by the opportunistic plant pathogen Erwinia rhapontici P45. To identify genes involved in proFRA synthesis, transposon mutagenesis was performed. The identified 9.3 kb gene cluster, comprising seven genes, designated rosA-rosG, encodes proteins that are involved in proFRA synthesis. Based on gene homologies, a biosynthetic pathway model for proFRA is proposed. To obtain a better understanding of the effect of proFRA on non-proFRA producing bacteria, E. rhapontici P45 was co-cultured with Erwinia amylovora CFBP1430, a fire-blight-causing plant pathogen. E. rhapontici P45, but not corresponding proFRA-negative mutants, led to a pink coloration of E. amylovora CFBP1430 colonies on King's B agar, indicating accumulation of the proFRA-iron complex ferrorosamine, and growth inhibition in vitro. By saturating proFRA-containing extracts with Fe2+, the inhibitory effect was neutralized, suggesting that the iron-chelating capability of proFRA is responsible for the growth inhibition of E. amylovora CFBP1430. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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