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Tracking embryo implantation using cell-free fetal DNA enriched from maternal circulation at 9 weeks gestation.
Embryo DNA fingerprinting represents an important tool for tracking embryo-specific outcomes after multiple embryo transfer during IVF. The situation in which two embryos are transferred and only one implants represents a unique opportunity for the most well-controlled validation of markers capable of identifying competent and incompetent embryos. Specifically, this design eliminates all patient-related variables from the comparison of embryos with or without reproductive potential. However, in order to determine which embryo implanted, the investigator must wait until newborn DNA is available upon delivery. This study validates a non-invasive cell-free fetal DNA fingerprinting method that reduces the time to identify which embryo implanted by ∼31 weeks. Thirty-four patients were studied to determine if fingerprinting of fetal DNA extracted from maternal plasma at nine gestational weeks concurred with the buccal DNA results obtained from the newborn after delivery. This validation required single nucleotide polymorphism profiles on each couples' preimplantation embryos, cell-free fetal DNA from maternal plasma at 9 weeks gestation, and newborn DNA obtained from buccal swabs after delivery. The predictions from fetal DNA-based embryo tracking and gender assignments made at 9 weeks gestation were 100% consistent with standardized methods of assessment performed after term delivery. This study demonstrates the first validated fetal DNA fingerprinting method which predicts both gender and which embryo implanted at 9 weeks gestation following multiple embryo transfer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
De novo deletion 17p13.1 as a predictor for disease progression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
To determine the prognostic impact of de novo deletion 17p13.1 (17p-) in previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients, we prospectively studied the outcome of 71 treatment-naïve CLL patients. About 18.3 % of them had 17p- detected by interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) at diagnosis. There was statistically significant difference between 17p- negative and positive patients as regards 2-year overall survival [OS] (89.7 vs. 53.8 %, respectively; P = 0.001). On the other hand, 2-year progression-free survival [PFS] was also significantly higher in 17p- negative group than in 17p- positive one (82.8 vs. 23.1 %, respectively; P < 0.001). On univariate analysis for OS, 17p- positivity was significantly associated with shorter OS (P = 0.003). However, when we performed multivariate analysis, 17p- lost its significant impact. On the other hand, 17p- positivity was a significant risk factor for PFS in both univariate and multivariate analyses [independent risk factor] (P < 0.001 and P = 0.02, respectively). So, 17p- is a predictor for disease progression, but not for survival in CLL patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Inhibition of P-glycoprotein-mediated vinblastine transport across HCT-8 intestinal carcinoma monolayers by verapamil, cyclosporine A and SDZ PSC 833 in dependence on extracellular pH.
The ability of the multidrug resistance modifiers R- and R,S-verapamil (VPL), cyclosporine A (CsA) and its non-immunosuppressive derivative SDZ PSC 833 (PSC 833) to inhibit P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated transepithelial flux of tritiated vinblastine was investigated using tight and highly resistant (R > 1,400 omega cm2) monolayer cultures of intestinal adenocarcinoma-derived HCT-8 cells grown on permeable tissue-culture inserts. Apical addition of these chemosensitizers inhibited drug flux (137 pmol h-1 cm-2; range, 133-142 pmol h-1 cm-2) in the basal to apical secretory direction at clinically relevant concentrations, with PSC 833 showing the highest activity, exhibiting inhibition at concentrations as low as 10 ng/ml (9 nM). Acidification of the modulator-containing apical compartment to an extracellular pH (pHo) of 6.8 had no influence on MDR reversal by CsA at 1 microgram/ml (0.9 microM; flux inhibition, 52%) or by PSC 833 at 100 ng/ml (0.09 microM; flux inhibition, 60%), in contrast to R,S- and R-VPL, which showed decreased inhibition and caused less accumulation of vinblastine in HCT-8 cells under this condition (flux inhibition of 35% and 23%, respectively, at pHo 6.8 vs 50% and 43%, respectively, at pHo 7.5). P-gp-mediated rhodamine 123 efflux from dye-loaded single-cell suspensions of HCT-8 cells as measured by flow cytometry was not impeded at pHo 6.8 in comparison with pHo 7.5 in standard medium, but at low pHo the inhibitory activity of R-VPL (29% vs 60% rhodamine 123 efflux inhibition) was diminished significantly, again without a reduction in the effect of PSC 833 (rhodamine 123 flux inhibition, 75%). In conclusion, drug extrusion across polarised monolayers, which offer a relevant model for normal epithelia and tumour border areas, is inhibited by the apical presence of R,S- and R-VPL, CsA and PSC 833 at similar concentrations described for single-cell suspensions, resulting in increased (2.2- to 3.7-fold) intracellular drug accumulation. Functional apical P-gp expression, the absence of paracellular leakage and modulator-sensitive rhodamine 123 efflux in single HCT-8 cells indicate a P-gp-mediated transcellular efflux in HCT-8 monolayers. In addition to its high MDR-reversing capacity, the inhibitory activity of PSC 833 is not affected by acidic extracellular conditions, which reduce the VPL-induced drug retention significantly. As far as MDR contributes to the overall cellular drug resistance of solid tumours with hypoxic and acidic microenvironments, PSC 833 holds the greatest promise for clinical reversal of unresponsiveness to the respective group of chemotherapeutics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Depiction of small veins draining into the vein of galen using preoperative 3-dimensional navigation in living patients.
The purpose of this study was to delineate the anatomy of the precentral cerebellar vein, superior vermian vein, and internal occipital vein using reconstructions of computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging scans with navigation software. These data were compared with previous anatomic and angiographic findings to show the resolution and accuracy of the system. We retrospectively reviewed 100 patients with intracranial pathologies (50 computed tomographic scans with contrast and 50 magnetic resonance imaging scans with gadolinium) using a neuronavigation workstation for 3-dimensional reconstruction. Particular attention was paid to depiction of the precentral cerebellar vein, superior vermian vein, and internal occipital vein. The data were reviewed and analyzed. The precentral cerebellar vein, superior vermian vein, and its tributary, the supraculminate vein, were depicted in 52 (52%) patients. The internal occipital vein was delineated on 99 (49.5%) sides and joined the basal vein and vein of Galen in 39 (39.4%) and 60 (60.6%) hemispheres, respectively. Comparing these results with previous angiographic studies, the ability of the neuronavigation system for depicting these vessels is similar to that of digital subtraction angiography. This study illustrates the possibility of depicting the small vessels draining into the pineal region venous complex using 3-dimensional neuronavigation with an accuracy comparable to that of digital subtraction angiography. This tool provides important information for both surgical planning and intraoperative orientation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dietary diversity predicts dietary quality regardless of season in 6-12-month-old infants in south-west Ethiopia.
Simple, cost-effective and convenient instruments like food group-based scores are proposed to assess micronutrient adequacy of children in developing countries. We assessed the predictive ability and seasonal stability of a dietary diversity score (DDS) to indicate dietary quality of infants. A 24 h dietary recall assessment was carried out on a sample of 320 and 312 breast-fed infants aged 6-12 months during harvest (HS) and pre-harvest (PHS) seasons, respectively, in Ethiopia. DDS was calculated based on seven food groups, while mean micronutrient density adequacy (MMDA) was calculated for eight micronutrients. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the relationship between DDS and MMDA, and differences in nutrient intake between the two seasons. A receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to derive DDS cut-offs that maximized sensitivity and specificity of assessing dietary quality. The study was conducted in the catchment of the Gilgel Gibe Field Research Centre of Jimma University, south-west Ethiopia. The mean (sd) DDS for HS and PHS was 2·1 (0·94) and 2·3 (1·1), respectively. The DDS was associated with MMDA (β=0·045, P<0·0001 in HS; β=0·044, P<0001 in PHS). A DDS of ≤2 food groups best predicted 'low' MMDA (<50 %) with 84 % and 92 % sensitivity, 36 % and 43 % specificity, and 47 % and 51 % correct classification for the HS and PHS, respectively. DDS is predictive of dietary quality of breast-fed infants. The study supports the use of DDS to indicate inadequate intakes of micronutrients by breast-fed infants in different seasons. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Association of hepatitis B virus subgenotypes and basal core promoter/precore region variants with the clinical features of patients with acute hepatitis.
In endemic areas, including Japan, basal core promoter (BCP) and precore (PC) variants of hepatitis B virus (HBV) have been reported to be associated with the clinical outcome of acute hepatitis B patients. However, the associations of BCP/PC variants with clinical outcomes have not been observed in nonendemic areas. HBV subgenotypes, which show geographic variations in prevalence, may underlie this discrepancy in clinical outcomes. Little is known about the differences in the clinical and virological features of HBV subgenotypes and BCP/PC variants. The aim of this study was to investigate the distributions of subgenotypes and BCP/PC variants to identify clinical differences in acute hepatitis B patients. One hundred thirty-nine patients with acute hepatitis were enrolled. Nested polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify the pre-S region of HBV for genotyping and the BCP/PC regions for variant screening. HBV subgenotypes A1 (n = 3), A2 (n = 28), B1 (n = 3), B2 (n = 9), C1 (n = 5), C2 (n = 84), C variant (n = 1), D2 (n = 3), and H (n = 3) were detected. BCP/PC variants were not associated with progression to chronic hepatitis. Patients infected with subgenotype C2 who progressed to fulminant hepatic failure frequently carried variants at nucleotides non-T1753 and non-T1754 and T1762, A1764, and A1896. BCP/PC variants would be associated with progression to fulminant hepatitis in subgenotype C2. Knowledge of HBV subgenotypes and BCP/PC variants is useful for developing strategies to treat acute hepatitis B patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of Mycoplasma iowae infection on the immune system of the young turkey.
Studies were conducted in turkey poults of the effect of Mycoplasma iowae on the humoral antibody response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and on the weight and histological appearance of the bursa of Fabricius. Day-old turkeys were infected with M. iowae via the air sac and control turkeys received sterile broth. In the first experiment infected and control birds were inoculated intravenously with SRBC at 12 and 33 days of age, and hemagglutination (HA) tests were carried out on serum collected at intervals. Infected birds showed a slightly delayed response compared with control birds, but there was no delay in secondary response. Moreover, those birds with clinical disease gave significantly higher peak HA titres than did clinically healthy birds. In the second experiment the body weight and bursa to body weight ratio of M. iowae infected turkeys were compared with those of the control birds at 7 and 21 days of age. There was no significant difference in body weight, but at 7 days the mean bursa to body weight ratio of infected birds was significantly less (P less than 0.01) than that of the control birds and microscopic changes were seen in some bursae. These preliminary observations suggest that M. iowae infection of young turkeys may cause temporary damage to the bursa of Fabricius, accompanied by a transient immunosuppression. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dietary supplementation of galactooligosaccharides (GOS) in Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, cultured in a recirculating system and its effects on gut microflora, growth, stress, and immune response.
This study was designed to examine the effects of a prebiotic compound on the immune system, digestive tract histology, and stress physiology of shrimp. The specific effects of dietary supplementation of the prebiotic galactooligosaccharide (GOS or GTGOS) on shrimp health are scarce. This experiment, therefore attempted to evaluate the effects of GOS on growth, survival, intestinal microbiota, stress resistance and immune responses of Pacific white shrimp, Litopaneous vannamei. Over a 35-day trial, shrimps were fed diets, 15 times a day using automated feeder, supplemented with GOS at 0%, 0.25%, and 0.40% by weight. Shrimp survival and weight gain among the treatment groups were good but not significantly different (P > .05). Shrimp fed GOS-supplemented diets had reduced stress (glucose, P < .05) and increased immune responses (total hemocyte counts and phagocytic capacity, P < .05) compared to shrimps fed only basal diet with no supplementation. These results suggest that GOS not only changed the populations of gut microbiota but also reduced stress levels and enhanced immune response in shrimp. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evaluation of B and T lymphocytes and plasma cells in colonic mucosa from healthy dogs and from dogs with inflammatory bowel disease.
The aim of this study was to investigate the subpopulations of lymphocytes in the colonic mucosa of healthy dogs and dogs with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Fourteen normal dogs and 13 dogs with IBD were examined. Endoscopic biopsy specimens of colonic mucosa from each dog were stained specifically for pan T lymphocytes (CD3) and pan B lymphocytes (CD79a), and for plasma cells with methyl green pyronin (MGP) stain. Cells were counted by means of a grid and statistical analysis was performed on the data collected. B and T lymphocytes were also counted in the glandular epithelium of normal dogs and dogs with IBD and the normal and abnormal groups compared statistically. Healthy dogs had significantly lower numbers of T cells in the lamina propria and glandular epithelium and significantly lower numbers of B cells in the lamina propria. Significant group differences for plasma cells were not evident. Our results indicate that in IBD a chronic cellular immune reaction is present in the diseased gut involving increased numbers of B and T lymphocytes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Substance P-evoked release of GABA from isolated spinal cord of the newborn rat.
Isolated spinal cords of newborn rats were perfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid and the effects of substance P and its analogs on the release of endogenous GABA were examined. Application of substance P evoked a dose-dependent release of GABA from spinal cords. The threshold concentration of substance P for induction of a significant increase in the GABA release was 3 microM. The substance P-evoked GABA release was neither blocked by removal of Ca2+ from perfusion medium nor by tetrodotoxin. In contrast, the GABA release evoked by high K+ (90 mM) was abolished in Ca(2+)-free medium, and the GABA release evoked by veratridine (5 microM) was suppressed by tetrodotoxin (1 microM). A GABA uptake inhibitor, cis-4-hydroxynipecotic acid, markedly augmented the GABA release induced by high K+, but not that induced by substance P or veratridine. These results suggest the possibility that a carrier-mediated mechanism might be involved in the GABA release induced by substance P, as well as by veratridine, in the newborn rat spinal cord. Two N-terminal fragments of substance P, substance P free acid and substance P1-10 amide, as well as [D-Arg1,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]substance P (spantide), evoked an increase in the GABA release, whereas substance P1-6, and a C-terminal fragment, substance P5-11 were inactive. Somatostatin and compound 48/80 also evoked a GABA release, which was independent of external Ca2+ and resistant to tetrodotoxin. [D-Pro4,D-Trp7,9,10]substance P4-11 (10-15 microM) inhibited the GABA release evoked by substance P, somatostatin and compound 48/80.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Unemployment stress: loss of control, reactance and learned helplessness.
The present study was concerned with stress-related consequences of unemployment and the behavioral changes related to this experience of control loss. Subjects were sampled along a continuum of time since unemployment, including a control group of employed subjects. Results indicated evidence of stress responding among the unemployed subjects, measured as increased levels of urinary catecholamines and behavioral performance deficits. Further evidence is presented which analyzes subjects' attributions and behaviors in terms of the theories of reactance and learned helplessness. Results support a biphasic response to loss of control with reactance manifested at early stages of control loss and learned helplessness at later stages. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Perception of the success of primary care health promotion in the province of Toledo].
Identification of factors which can condition the perception by Primary Care professionals of success in health promotion. An observation study of a crossover type. 106 professionals (doctors, nurses and social workers) from 22 health centres in the province of Toledo, who filled in a questionnaire. A non-conditional, multiple, logistic regression analysis was used. The professional satisfied with his/her work, not a doctor and who worked in a health centre open for less than 3 years, presented, against their opposite values, greater probability (OR 3.01, 2.41 and 1.24 respectively) of having a perception of success in health promotion. Health promotion undertaken in newly-opened centres, which involves in particular non-medical staff and, above all, is carried out by professionals satisfied with their habitual work, has a 77% probability of being considered successful by these professionals. These factors greatly facilitate its propagation in Primary Care. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cell-mediated cytotoxicity in preinvasive and invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.
Cell-mediated immunity was tested by coincubation of target cell line (2043) of human squamous cell carcinoma and peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) of 22 patients with squamous cell neoplasia of the uterine cervix, 9 patients with other tumors, and 9 normal females. The percentage of cell reduction in mild dysplasia was 90.1 +/- 6.8% (.001 less than P less than .005), in moderate dysplasia was 91.1 +/- 6.4% (.001 less than P less than .005), in severe dysplasia was 91.6 +/- 15.6% (P less than .001), in carcinoma in situ was 85.0 +/ 2.6% (P less than .001), and in invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix was 85.0 +/- 6.9% (P less than .001). Peripheral blood leukocytes of patients with squamous neoplasia did not show any significant cytocoxicity against cell line SKOV-3, developed from an ovarian adenocarcinoma, nor did the PBL of patients with "other tumors" show any significant cytotoxicity against cell line 2043. This study shows that even in early stages of preinvasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, the PBL are sensitized against the neoplastic process, confirming that different stages of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive squamous cell carcinoma are different intensities of the same biologic process. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In vitro release testing of matrices based on starch-methyl methacrylate copolymers: effect of tablet crushing force, dissolution medium pH and stirring rate.
Direct-compressed matrix tablets were obtained from a variety of potato starch-methyl methacrylate copolymers(1) as sustained-release agents, using anhydrous theophylline as a model drug. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of the copolymer type, the tablet crushing force and dissolution variables such as the pH of the dissolution medium and the agitation intensity on the in vitro drug release behaviour of such matrices. Commercial sustained-release theophylline products (Theo-Dur(®) 100mg, Theolair(®) 175 mg) were used as standards. Test formulations were compacted into tablets at three different crushing force ranges (70-80, 90-100 and 110-120 N) to examine the effect of this factor on the porous network and drug release kinetics. In vitro release experiments were conducted in a pH-changing medium (1.2-7.5) with basket rotation speeds in the range 25-100 r.p.m. to simulate the physiological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The release rate of theophylline was practically not affected by pH in the case of Theo-Dur(®) and HSMMA matrices. In contrast, Theolair(®) and CSMMA tablets demonstrated a biphasic drug release pattern, which appeared to be sensitive to the pH of the dissolution medium. An increase in the crushing force of the copolymer matrices was accompanied by a reduction of the matrix porosity, although the porous network depends markedly on the type of copolymer, having a strong influence on the drug release kinetics. Mathematical modelling of release data shows a Fickian diffusion or anomalous transport mechanism. Based on the similarity factor f2, FD-HSMMA, OD-CSMMA and FD-CSMMA at 90-100 N were selected for agitation studies. In general, all formulations showed an agitation speed-dependent release, with Theo-Dur(®) and FD-CSMMA matrices being the less susceptible to this factor. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Flocculation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: inhibition by sugars.
Flocculation is governed by the competition between electrostatic repulsion (nonspecific interactions) and polysaccharide-protein bonds (specific interactions). In our study, the inhibition of flocculation by sugars for 12 strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae leads us to extend the classification described in the literature and to define three groups of yeasts: flocculation mannose sensitive (MS), flocculation glucose-mannose sensitive (GMS), and flocculation mannose insensitive (MI). Only the first two groups showed specific interactions between proteins and mannans. n the MI group, the sugars tested did not inhibit flocculation. To characterize the particularities of the stereochemistry of the cell-wall proteic receptors of strains belonging to the MS and GMS groups, 31 sugars were used as inhibitor probes on two representative strains. The results show that the lectin specificity of strains belonging to the GMS group is less restricted regarding C-1 and C-2 hydroxyl groups than the lectin from strains belonging to the MS group, which interacts with all of the hydroxyl groups of mannopyranose. The two groups also differ with respect to inhibition by sugars: strains belonging to the MS group are partially inhibited whereas strains of the GMS group are completely inhibited. We observed that the presence of ethanol increases sugar fixation by strains from the MS group, but not from the GMS group. Moreover, both receptors interact with disaccharides, provided the two monomers are linked by an alpha(1-4), alpha(1-3), or alpha(1-2) bond. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Pathology of the sesamoid bones of the hand].
Sesamoid bones are osseous parts of certain joints and can either be included in pathological changes of these joints or separately in those of the sesamoidal joint itself. The clinical relevance of such findings is described in the following examples: Rheumatoid variants, psoriasis, different types of hyperostotic forms, chronic sesamoiditis as well as post-trauma. In three out of four cases of fracture, the ulnar sesamoid bone of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb was affected. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Integration of ATP, cAMP, and Ca2+ signals in insulin granule exocytosis.
Intracellular ATP, cAMP, and Ca2+ are major signals involved in the regulation of insulin secretion in the pancreatic beta-cell. We recently found that the ATP-sensitive K+ channel (KATP channel) as an ATP sensor, cAMP-GEFII as a cAMP sensor, Piccolo as a Ca2+ sensor, and L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (VDCC) can interact with each other. In the present study, we examined the effects of cAMP and ATP on the interaction of cAMP-GEFII and sulfonylurea receptor-1 (SUR1). Interaction of cAMP-GEFII with SUR1 was inhibited by the cAMP analog 8-bromo-cAMP but not by ATP, and the inhibition by 8-bromo-cAMP persisted in the presence of ATP. In addition, SUR1, cAMP-GEFII, and Piccolo could form a complex. Piccolo also interacted with the alpha1 1.2 subunit of VDCC in a Ca2+-independent manner. These data suggest that the interactions of the KATP channel, cAMP-GEFII, Piccolo, and L-type VDCC are regulated by intracellular signals such as cAMP and Ca2+ and that the ATP, cAMP, and Ca2+ signals are integrated at a specialized region of pancreatic beta-cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Differential Effects of Kupffer Cell Inactivation on Inflammation and The Liver Sieve Following Caecal-Ligation and Puncture-Induced Sepsis in Mice.
Sepsis remains a common clinical problem with significant mortality. Activation of the Kupffer cells during sepsis is associated with systemic inflammatory response and multiple organ failure. Kupffer cell activation also leads to structural changes in the liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) during endotoxemia. However, these effects remain to be elucidated in caecal-ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced polymicrobial sepsis. To investigate the role of Kupffer cells on LSECs fenestrae and inflammation during CLP-induced sepsis, sepsis was induced by CLP and mice were treated with gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) before CLP-induced sepsis, to inactivate Kupffer cells. Mice were sacrificed after 8 h. Blood, liver, and lung tissues were collected and processed to measure LSECs fenestration, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, histological examination, and various cytokines/chemokines levels. LSECs fenestrae was studied using scanning electron micrographs of the LSECs. Strikingly, CLP mice treated with GdCl3 were protected against liver injury as evidenced by decreased LSECs defenestration and damage, MPO, ALT and AST activities, liver tissue damage, and inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, and chemokines MCP-1 and MIP-2α. However, CLP mice treated with GdCl3 had no protection against increased lung MPO activity, tissue damage, inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines. Treatment with GdCl3 also had no effect on the systemic inflammatory response as shown by no change in the circulatory inflammatory cytokines and chemokines following CLP-induced sepsis. Collectively, these data suggest that inactivation of Kupffer cells by GdCl3 protects the liver but had no effect on lung injury or inflammation and systemic inflammatory response following CLP-induced sepsis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Isolation of radial glial cells by fluorescent-activated cell sorting reveals a neuronal lineage.
The developing central nervous system of vertebrates contains an abundant cell type designated radial glial cells. These cells are known as guiding cables for migrating neurons, while their role as precursor cells is less clear. Since radial glial cells express a variety of astroglial characteristics and differentiate as astrocytes after completing their guidance function, they have been considered as part of the glial lineage. Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting, we show here that radial glial cells also are neuronal precursors and only later, after neurogenesis, do they shift towards an exclusive generation of astrocytes. These results thus demonstrate a novel function for radial glial cells, namely their ability to generate two major cell types found in the nervous system, neurons and astrocytes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Haemophilia B caused by a point mutation in a donor splice junction of the human factor IX gene.
Haemophilia B (Christmas disease) is an inherited, recessive, sex-linked, haemorrhagic condition caused by a defect in the intrinsic clotting factor IX. This disease occurs in males at a frequency of approximately 1 in 30,000. Patients differ in the severity of their clinical symptoms, and variation in the clotting activity and in the concentration of factor IX antigen in their plasma has been demonstrated. There is probably heterogeneity in the molecular defects of the factor IX gene causing the disease. Here we study a severely affected, antigen-negative patient, and show that the only significant sequence difference from the normal factor IX gene is a point mutation changing the obligatory GT to a TT within the donor splice junction of exon f. We infer that this change is the cause of the disease in this individual. In addition, we have used oligodeoxynucleotide probes specific for this mutation to demonstrate the feasibility of carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis for relatives of the patient. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Recovery of oral function following surgical treatment for an oral cavity cancer].
Ablative surgery for oral cancer results in loss or alterations of anatomical structures, which may impair oral functions, such as speech, mastication, and swallowing. Oral functions are impaired further by significant side-effects of additional postoperative radiation therapy. Improvement of oral functions may be achieved by implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation. The recommended treatment is a 4-implants retained overdenture. A fixed 2 unit implant-supported partial denture seems a feasible alternative treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Globalization and health care: global justice and the role of physicians.
In today's globalized world, nations cannot be totally isolated from or indifferent to their neighbors, especially in regards to medicine and health. While globalization has brought prosperity to millions, disparities among nations and nationals are growing raising once again the question of justice. Similarly, while medicine has developed dramatically over the past few decades, health disparities at the global level are staggering. Seemingly, what our humanity could achieve in matters of scientific development is not justly distributed to benefit everyone. In this paper, it will be argued that a global theoretical agreement on principles of justice may prove unattainable; however, a grass-roots change is warranted to change the current situation. The UNESCO Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights will be considered as a starting point to achieve this change through extracting the main values embedded in its principles. These values, namely, respecting human dignity and tending to human vulnerability with a hospitable attitude, should then be revived in medical practice. Medical education will be one possible venue to achieve that, especially through role models. Future physicians will then become the fervent advocates for a global and just distribution of health care. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Functional cloning, based on azole resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and characterization of Rhizopus nigricans redox carriers that are differentially involved in the P450-dependent response to progesterone stress.
The filamentous fungus Rhizopus nigricans responds to treatment with progesterone by inducing P450-associated redox carriers. Selection for azole resistance following expression of a cDNA library constructed with RNA from progesterone-treated R. nigricans in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae led to the identification of CPR1-FL and CYB5-1 cDNAs, which code for functionally competent NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase and cytochrome b5, respectively. The central region (CPR2-CS) of an additional reductase gene sharing 66% identity with CPR1-FL was cloned from progesterone-induced mRNA by RT-PCR, using primers based on consensus sequences. Northern analysis of the 2.1-kb transcripts revealed that, of the two cloned reductase genes, only CPR1-FL mRNA was strongly induced by progesterone; transcription of CYBS-1 and CPR2-CS mRNAs was not significantly affected. Analysis of the subcellular localization and function of the R. nigricans reductase in yeast indicated that the CPR1-FL cDNA and a derivative (CPR1-S) truncated at the first ATG codon gave rise to functionally equivalent products that were found in both cytosolic and microsomal fractions. In contrast, addition of an in-frame initiation codon at the 5' end of the CPR1-FL sequence resulted in localization of the activity mainly to the microsomes, and improved ketoconazole resistance but decreased NADPH-cytochrome c reductase activity in the host strain. These findings suggest that, of the three genes for P450-associated redox carriers investigated, only CPR1-FL is associated with the progesterone response and that its major transcript encodes a reductase that shows an unusual pattern of subcellular localization. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A recurrent intradural cervical neurenteric cyst operated on using an anterior approach: a case report.
The neurenteric cyst is an uncommon congenital lesion. In most reported cases, it has been operated on via a posterior approach using a laminectomy, despite the fact that the cyst is usually located ventral to the spinal cord. Reports have shown that early postoperative results have been good with the posterior approach, but very few studies of the long-term postoperative recurrence of neurenteric cysts have been conducted. Here, we report on a case of recurrent neurenteric cyst that was operated on using an anterior approach.A 42-year-old woman presented with a cervical neurenteric cyst that had recurred eight years after its partial removal via a posterior approach. The patient complained of pain on the lateral side of her upper arms, and an magnetic resonance imaging showed that the recurrent cyst was located ventral to the spinal cord and compressed the cord dorsally at the C4-6 level. The patient was operated on via an anterior approach using a vertebrotomy at the lower half of C5 and the upper half of C6. The cyst was attached to the spinal cord firmly and was subtotally removed, with the thickest portion adhering to the cord not being removed. The caudal end of the cyst was observed with the assistance of a rigid endoscope.A neurenteric cyst may recur after partial removal, and the patient's condition may deteriorate during postoperative follow-up. The anterior surgical approach provides good visualization and facilitates safe removal of the lesion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome].
MEWDS is a benign acquired disorder of the retinal pigment epithelium of unknown etiology which has been first described in 1984. Actually more than 50 cases have been reported worldwide but only 5 cases from Europe. We report 10 other cases of MEWDS, seen in the past 5 years. Their clinical presentation, perimetric and electroretinographic results, as well as their differential diagnosis will be reported. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An UPLC-MSMS method to measure plasma homocysteine concentration.
Homocysteine (Hcy) is monitored in a growing number of diseases and requires a rapid and reliable method to measure its concentration in routine practice. We validated a new mass spectrometry method to measure plasma Hcy concentration and to determinate our own targeted concentrations according to COFRAC (French accreditation committee) recommendations. We collected the Hcy concentrations measured in the laboratory from 2014 to 2015 and we compared the values between different clinical groups. We obtained excellent performances of reproducibility, sensitivity (coefficient of variation <10%). We determined new ranges of normal values 12.4 [11.8-13.0] μmol/L. This new method is thus rapid, robust and suitable for its use in routine practice to respond to the increase of prescriptions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
PDAs (personal digital assistants) may be salvation for unprofitable docs.
Hand-held computer devices may provide salvation for hospitals and health systems with money-losing physician practices, according to a new report by WR Hambrech + Co. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Atherosclerotic Mouse Aorta.
Plaque development has been extensively studied using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in animal models of rapidly progressing atherosclerosis, such as apolipoprotein E-knockout (apoE-KO) mice. Preclinical MRI plays a significant role in the study of experimental atherosclerosis. Currently, MRI is capable of detecting luminal narrowing, plaque size, and morphology with high accuracy and reproducibility, providing reliable measurements of plaque burden. Therefore, MRI offers a noninvasive approach to serially monitor the progression of the disease. Compared with other imaging modalities, MRI appears to have the greatest potential for plaque characterization, through the use of multiple contrast weightings (e.g., T1, T2, and proton density). Here, we illustrate a standard procedure to image the aorta of atherosclerotic mice using noninvasive MRI. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Physical activity and determinants of physical activity in obese and non-obese children.
To compare the physical activity (PA) patterns and the hypothesized psychosocial and environmental determinants of PA in an ethnically diverse sample of obese and non-obese middle school children. Cross-sectional study. One-hundred and thirty-three non-obese and 54 obese sixth grade children (mean age of 11.4+/-0.6). Obesity status determined using the age-, race- and gender-specific 95th percentile for BMI from NHANES-1. Objective measurements were collected of PA over a 7-day period using the CSA 7164 accelerometer: total daily counts; daily moderate (3-5.9 METs) physical activity (MPA); daily vigorous physical activity (> or =6 METs; VPA); and weekly number of 5, 10 and 20 min bouts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (> or =3 METs, MVPA). Self-report measures were collected of PA self-efficacy; social influences regarding PA, beliefs about PA outcomes; perceived PA levels of parents and peers, access to sporting and/or fitness equipment at home, involvement in community-based PA organizations; participation in community sports teams; and hours spent watching television or playing video games. Compared to their non-obese counterparts, obese children exhibited significantly lower daily accumulations of total counts, MPA and VPA as well as significantly fewer 5, 10 and 20 min bouts of MVPA. Obese children reported significantly lower levels of PA self-efficacy, were involved in significantly fewer community organizations promoting PA and were significantly less likely to report their father or male guardian as physically active. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that physical inactivity is an important contributing factor in the maintenance of childhood obesity. Interventions to promote PA in obese children should endeavor to boost self-efficacy perceptions regarding exercise, increase awareness of, and access to, community PA outlets, and increase parental modeling of PA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Vascular risk factors in patients with infratentorial vertebrobasilar ischemia].
Arteriosclerosis is the commonest aetiology of vertebro-basilar ischemia (VBI). In the literature few studies mention the risk profile of cerebrovascular accidents at this site. In order to establish whether this profile has specific characteristics, we carried out a transversal study of 70 patients with VBI of artherothrombotic origin situated in the brain stem or cerebellum, determining the prevalence of the main risk factors (RF). The results were compared with a control group of individuals who had no cerebral vascular pathology and also with another group who had arteriosclerotic obstructive lesions of the carotid artery as an example of involvement of another vascular territory. In the the group of patients with VBI we found greater prevalence of hypertension, smoking, ischaemic cardiopathy, peripheral vascular disease and excessive alcohol consumption together with raised levels of arterial hypertension, haematocrit, haemoglobin and total cholesterol as compared with the control group and within a similar range to the group of patients with ischemia of the carotid territory. We underline the high prevalence of diabetes in patients with VBI (45.7%), considerably greater than that of the control group (12.5%), than those with carotid pathology (20.4%) and that described in the literature (17-25%). According to our results, the prevalence of RF in VBI and in carotid pathology is similar, except in the case of diabetes. This may play a more decisive role in territory such as the vertebro-basilar, where vascularization is basically by small calibre vessels. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Zinc, exercise, and thyroid hormone function.
During the last 3 decades, remarkable advances have taken place in the field of zinc metabolism. Thirty years ago, only three enzymes that required zinc for their activities were identified; today more than 200 such enzymes have been classified. Zinc plays a vital role in human nutrition and biochemical function. Prior to 1963, zinc deficiency in humans was unknown. Today, it is recognized that a nutritional deficiency of zinc is common throughout the world, including the U.S.A marginal deficiency of zinc appears to be prevalent in many segments of populations in developed countries, and more severe deficiencies are widespread in many parts of the world. Therefore, it is important that proper steps to correct zinc deficiency are taken. However, the assessment of zinc nutriture has always proven to be a difficult problem because no reliable measure of zinc status currently exists. More recently, it has been recognized that zinc may play an important role in thyroid hormone metabolism, although the exact mechanism by which zinc affects thyroid hormone function is far from clear. In addition, exercise has been shown to alter zinc status. This review will focus on the relationship among zinc status, exercise, and thyroid hormone function. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In vivo expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in supraventricular amoeboid microglial cells in neonatal BALB/c and athymic mice.
The present study investigated whether the supraventricular amoeboid microglial cells (SAMC) in neonatal BALB/c and athymic nude mice were able to express inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) after intraperitoneal injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). The results showed that iNOS, undetectable in these cells in vehicle injected mice, could clearly be demonstrated immunohistochemically in a large number of them in LPS treated normal and mutant mice. Only a few iNOS-positive SAMC were observed in IFN-gamma injected mice. Immunoelectron microscopy confirmed the microglial nature of the labelled cells and that the immunoprecipitate of iNOS was cytosolic, being diffusely present throughout the cytoplasm of the cells. It is suggested that iNOS in the SAMC of neonatal BALB/c and athymic mice may be involved in the synthesis of nitric oxide which is necessitated more for host defence mechanism against bacterial endotoxin than against immunological stimuli. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A patient with recurrent ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma and chronic kidney disease exhibited complete response to paclitaxel plus carboplatin].
A 41-year-old woman receiving hemodialysis 3 times a week for chronic kidney disease caused by interstitial nephritis was referred to our hospital because of a pelvic mass and subsequently underwent primary surgery. The patient was diagnosed with FIGO stage Ic (b) clear cell adenocarcinoma. She did not receive postoperative chemotherapy. However, 9 months after surgery, ascites and a pelvic mass developed, on the basis of which recurrence was confirmed. She received combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel plus carboplatin (TC). Paclitaxel was administered at 175 mg/m2, and the carboplatin dosage was calculated by the Calvert formula. The glomerular filtration rate was considered to be 0, and the target area under the plasma concentration versus time curve was 5. Hemodialysis was performed 24 hours after the infusion of carboplatin. After 6 courses of combination chemotherapy, complete response was confirmed by computed tomography. The patient developed grade 3 neutropenia, grade 1 sensory neuropathy , and grade 2 alopecia, but the other adverse events were mild. In conclusion, TC combination chemotherapy was well tolerated and generated a good response in a patient with recurrent ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma who was receiving hemodialysis for chronic kidney disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Preservation at -195 degrees C of trypsinized organs for primary cultures].
Trypsinized cells from rabbit kidney can be kept at -195, 8 degrees C indefinitely. When necessary, propagation in monolayer cultures is readily obtained as primary cultures, provided that some conditions be respected: 1) only glass culture flask must be used. Falcon plastic vessels do not allow cell attachment in this type of primary culture 2) the lag period is particularly long: it taken about 20 days before the beginning of cell multiplication 3) fetal calf serum is toxic for the cells in the 2nd and 3rd change of the culture medium, during the lag period. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The definition of a reference protocol for the clinical study of vertigo drugs].
The aim of this paper is to define the problems that arise in the clinical evaluation of drugs for the treatment of vertigo. Among these are the objective criteria used in defining vertigo and those used in evaluating efficacy of the drugs. The resulting protocol for a clinical study of vestibular drugs is a document that clarifies the debated points in the field, and above all furnishes guidelines for establishing uniformity in clinical studies. This, therefore, may become the reference protocol in Italy for clinical evaluations of drugs for the treatment of vertigo. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cultural and physiological observations on Trypanosoma rhodesiense and Trypanosoma gambiense. 1949.
1. A diphasic medium of simple preparation is described for the indefinite cultivation of T. rhodesiense and T. gambiense. 2. The chief advantage of the medium is that it contains rabbit blood and thus obviates the necessity of using human blood. 3. The flagellates develop only to the proventricular stage; hence the cultures are noninfective. 4. The proventricular forms of both T. rhodesiense and T. gambiense consume sugar with the concomitant formation of acid. They are aerobic fermenters. 5. Very little, if any, ammonia is produced by the living parasites. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Novel cerium(IV) heteropolyoxotungstate containing two types of lacunary Keggin anions.
A novel V-shaped polyoxotungstate is formed when Ce(IV) metal centres bridge monolacunary [PW(11)O(39)](7-) anions to an unusual 1,4-bilacunary [PW(10)O(38)](11-) anion which appears with an unprecedented bridging structural motif. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Phosphorylation of arabinofuranosylthymine in non-infected and herpesvirus (TK+ and TK-)-infected cells.
The phosphorylation of arabinofuranosylthymine (araThd) has been studied both in non-infected cells and in those infected with herpes simplex virus (HSV-1, Lennette; HSV-1, IES and HSV-2, D-316). In these experiments, HSV strains were used which either contain (Lennette, TK+ and D-316 TK+) or lack (IES, TK-) the capacity to induce pyrimidine deoxyribonucleoside kinase. It was found that extracellularly administered araThd is phosphorylated to ara TTP via araTMP and araTDP in both non-infected and in HSV-infected cells. The phosphorylating capacity is more than tenfold lower in non-infected cells than in infected cells. Interestingly, cells infected with the TK- strain have a tenfold higher phosphorylating capacity than normal, uninfected cells, a fact which might indicate that host cell deoxythymidine kinase is induced during HSV infection. AraTMP is incorporated into cellular DNA but not into HSV DNA. This finding is in contrast to observations with arabinofuranosyladenine, which is incorporated into both cellular and HSV DNA. In vitro experiments with HSV-induced DNA polymerase show that araTTP strongly inhibits the enzyme activity. Therefore we conclude that the inhibition of HSV DNA polymerase by araTTP (formed intracellularly from araThd) is the explanation for the observed antiviral activity of araThd. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Standardization of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for quantitative estimation of antibodies specific for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza-3 virus, and bovine viral diarrhea virus.
Commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for detection of serum antibodies to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), parainfluenza-3 virus (PI3V), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV) were standardized to give a quantitative result when testing was performed at a single optimum dilution. For each test, serum samples were titrated and their end point titers calculated by an algebraic method directly from a plot of each titration series and also from a regression line fitted to this plot. The corrected optical density (COD) of each sample when tested at dilutions of 1/25, 1/50, and 1/100 was expressed as a percentage of the COD of a positive reference serum included on each plate, this value was the sample/positive (S/P) ratio. For each test, the linear relationship between the S/P ratio obtained at a dilution of 1/25, 1/50, and 1/100 and the end point titer calculated by each method was determined. In each case, the best linear relationship existed when samples were tested at a dilution of 1/100 (r = 0.973 for BVDV, 0.962 for PI3V, 0.961 for RSV, 0.947 for IBRV). From the equation of these lines, an increase in the S/P ratio between acute and convalescent serum samples of 31%, 23%, 21%, and 35% would correspond to a 4-fold rise in ELISA titer to BVDV, PI3V, RSV, and IBRV, respectively. ELISA titers calculated from S/P ratios at 1/100 were significantly related to virus neutralization titers to BVDV, RSV, and IBRV and to hemagglutination inhibition titers to PI3V (P < < 0.001 in all cases). Samples with low S/P ratios had the greatest intraassay and interassay variation. Intraassay reproducibility ranged from 3.5% to 22.3% (coefficient of variation), with a median value of 9.5%. Interassay reproducibility was lower, ranging from 6.0% to 50.6%, with a median of 17.4%. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Validation of a method for automatic image fusion (BrainLAB System) of CT data and 11C-methionine-PET data for stereotactic radiotherapy using a LINAC: first clinical experience.
(a) To implement a fully automatic method to integrate (11)C-methionine positron emission tomography (MET-PET) data into stereotactic radiation treatment planning using the commercially available BrainLAB System, by means of CT/MET-PET image fusion. (b) To validate the fully automatic CT/MET-PET image fusion technique with respect to accuracy and robustness. (c) To give a short glance at the clinical consequences for patients with brain tumors. In 12 patients with brain tumors (9 meningeomas, 3 gliomas), CT, MRI, and MET-PET were performed for stereotactic fractionated radiation treatment planning. The CT and MET-PET investigations were performed using a relocatable mask for head fixation. Fifteen external reference markers (5 on each lateral and 5 on the frontal localizer plate) that could be identified in CT and MET-PET were applied on the stereotactic localizer frame; the marker positions were exactly defined for both investigations. The MRI/CT fusion was done completely automatically. The CT/MET-PET fusion was performed using two different methods: The gold standard was the CT/PET fusion based on the reference markers, and the test method was the automatic, intensity-based CT/PET fusion, independent of the external markers. The markers visible on CT and transmission PET were matched using a point-to-line matching algorithm. To quantify the amount of misregistration, the two fusion methods were compared by calculating the mean value of deviation between corresponding points inside a cubic volume of interest of > or =512 cm(3) defined within the cranial cavity. The gross tumor volume (CT/MRI) outlined on CT and T1-MRI with contrast medium was compared with the gross tumor volume (PET) defined in the reoriented MET-PET data sets. The clinical impact of MET-PET in tumor volume definition for stereotactic radiotherapy will be discussed. The fully automatic integration of MET-PET into stereotactic radiation treatment planning was successfully realized in all patients investigated. Mean deviation of the intensity-based automatic CT/PET fusion compared with the external marker-based gold standard was 2.4 mm; the standard deviation was 0.5. The algorithm's robustness was evaluated, and the discrepancy of fusion results due to different initial image alignments was determined to be below 1 mm inside the test volume of interest. In patients with meningiomas and gliomas, MET-PET was shown to deliver additional information concerning tumor extension. The precision of the automatic CT/PET image fusion was high. A mean deviation of 2.4 mm is acceptable, considering that it is approximately equal to the pixel size of the PET data sets. MET-PET improves target volume definition for stereotactic fractionated radiotherapy of meningiomas and gliomas. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Increase in detrusor wall thickness indicates bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in men.
Detrusor wall thickness decreases continuously while the bladder fills to 50% of its capacity and then remains constant until 100%. Therefore, detrusor wall measurements were performed in patients when the bladder was filled to maximum capacity only. Mean detrusor wall thickness for unobstructed (n = 14), equivocal (n=23) and obstructed patients (n=33) were 1.33, 1.62 and 2.4 mm, respectively (P <0.001). With increasing CHESS letters and CHESS numbers, the thickness of the detrusor wall increased as well (P< 0.001). The positive predictive value of detrusor wall measurement (95.5% for a cut-off value greater than or equal to 2 mm) was superior to all other predictors investigated. The thickness of the detrusor wall increases depending on the extent of BOO. Both constrictive and compressive BOO lead to an increase in detrusor wall thickness. BOO is found in 95.5% of men with a detrusor wall thickness greater than or equal to 2 mm. Measuring the thickness of the detrusor wall can be used as a screening test to detect BOO. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reaction of endogenous Coenzyme Q10 with nitrogen monoxide and its metabolite nitrogen dioxide.
Objectives: Coenzyme Q10, incorporated in DOPC lyposomes or naturally present in liver bovine mitochondria or in human blood plasma, was reacted with nitrogen dioxide •NO2 or with a •NO/•NO2 mixture. Methods and Results: The reaction course was monitored by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and in all cases the formation of a di-tert-alkyl nitroxide was observed, deriving from the addition of •NO2 to one of the double bonds, most likely the terminal one, of the isoprenic chain. The rate constant for nitroxide formation was also determined by EPR spectroscopy and an initial rate of ca. 7 × 10-8 M s-1 was obtained. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Activation of human aortic valve interstitial cells by local stiffness involves YAP-dependent transcriptional signaling.
Differentiation of valve interstitial cells (VICs) into pro-calcific cells is one of the central events in calcific aortic valve (AoV) disease (CAVD). While the paracrine pathways and the responsivity of VICs to mechanical compliance of the surrounding environment are well characterized, the molecular programming related to variations in local stiffness, and its link to cytoskeleton dynamics, is less consolidated. By using a simple method to produce 2D poly-acrylamide gels with stiffness controlled with atomic force microscopy (AFM), we manufactured adhesion substrates onto which human VICs from stenotic valves were plated, and subsequently investigated for cytoskeleton dynamics and activation of the mechanosensing-related transcription factor YAP. As a comparison, we employed VICs from patients undergoing valve substitution for valve insufficiency, a non-calcific AoV disease, which does not involve extensive inflammation. While the two VICs types did not differ for basic responses onto substrates with different stiffness values (e.g. adhesion and proliferation), they were subject to a different dynamics of stiffness-dependent YAP nuclear shuttling, revealing for the first time an intracellular force transduction mechanism distinctive for calcific aortic valve disease. In VICs from stenotic valves, YAP nuclear translocation occurred in concert with an increase in cytoskeleton tensioning and loading of the myofibroblast-specific protein αSMA onto the F-actin cytoskeleton. AFM force mapping performed along radial sections of human calcific valve leaflets identified, finally, areas with high and low levels of rigidity within a similar range to those controlling YAP nuclear translocation in vitro. Since VICs juxtaposed to these areas exhibited nuclear localized YAP, we conclude that subtle variations in matrix stiffness are involved in mechanosensing-dependent VICs activation and pathological differentiation in CAVD. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Direct observation of interfacial C60 cluster formation in polystyrene-C60 nanocomposite films.
Large interfacial C(60) clusters were directly imaged at the supporting film-substrate interface in physically detached polystyrene-C(60) nanocomposite films by atomic force microscopy, confirming the stabilizing mechanism previously hypothesized for thin polymer films. Additionally, we found that the C(60) additive influences basic thermodynamic film properties such as the interfacial energy and the film thermal expansion coefficient. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fruit and vegetable consumption and risk of coronary heart disease: a meta-analysis of cohort studies.
The consumption of fruit and vegetables is associated with a reduced rate of coronary heart disease (CHD) in observational cohorts. The purpose of this study was to assess the strength of this association in a meta-analysis. Cohort studies were selected if they reported relative risks (RRs) and 95% CI for coronary heart disease or mortality and if they presented a quantitative assessment of fruit and vegetable intake. The pooled RRs were calculated for each additional portion of fruit and/or vegetables consumed per day, and the linearity of the associations were examined. Nine studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis that consisted of 91,379 men, 129,701 women, and 5,007 CHD events. The risk of CHD was decreased by 4% [RR (95% CI): 0.96 (0.93-0.99), P = 0.0027] for each additional portion per day of fruit and vegetable intake and by 7% [0.93 (0.89-0.96), P < 0.0001] for fruit intake. The association between vegetable intake and CHD risk was heterogeneous (P = 0.0043), more marked for cardiovascular mortality [0.74 (0.75-0.84), P < 0.0001] than for fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction [0.95 (0.92-0.99), P = 0.0058]. Visual inspection of the funnel plot suggested a publication bias, although not statistically significant. Therefore, the reported RRs are probably overestimated. This meta-analysis of cohort studies shows that fruit and vegetable consumption is inversely associated with the risk of CHD. The causal mechanism of this association, however, remains to be demonstrated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Regulation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 phosphorylation and eicosanoid production by colony-stimulating factor 1.
A colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1)-dependent murine macrophage cell line (BAC1.2F5) and peritoneal macrophages were used to investigate the relationship between growth factor-dependent phosphorylation/activation of the 85-kDa cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and arachidonic acid metabolism. The addition of CSF-1 to quiescent BAC1.2F5 cells was followed by the rapid phosphorylation, electrophoretic gel retardation, and stable increase in the specific activity of cPLA2 that correlated with the activation of ERK kinases. cPLA2 phosphorylation depended on the presence of growth factor and persisted throughout the cell cycle. CSF-1 inhibited prostaglandin E2 production and did not enhance arachidonic acid release or increase the levels of lysophosphatidylcholine or glycerophosphocholine. Treatment of BAC1.2F5 cells with the calcium ionophore A23187 plus CSF-1 did not stimulate eicosanoid release. Instead, CSF-1 enhanced the rate of exogenous arachidonic acid incorporation into phosphatidylcholine and its subsequent transfer to phosphatidylethanolamine suggesting that higher rates of arachidonic acid acylation may contribute to the suppression of prostaglandin production. In peritoneal macrophages, ERK kinase activity was stimulated and cPLA2 was phosphorylated and activated in response to CSF-1. However, CSF-1 did not trigger eicosanoid release but did augment arachidonic acid mobilization and prostaglandin E2 production elicited by zymosan and A23187. Thus, cPLA2 phosphorylation/activation and calcium mobilization are not the only determinants for eicosanoid release, and additional components in differentiated tissue macrophages are also required. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Microarray analysis of differentially expressed genes in mouse bone marrow tissues after ionizing radiation.
To identify differentially expressed genes in mouse bone marrow involved in radiation-induced injury. Microarray analysis was used to identify the differentially expressed genes and other techniques, e.g., polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western-blotting and antisense were also used to validate the results. DNA microarray analysis demonstrated that the mRNA of 34 genes increased and 69 genes decreased in mouse bone marrow cells (BMC) from C57BL mice 6 h after a whole body dose of 6.5 Gy. These differentially expressed genes were involved in a number of processes including DNA replication/repair, proliferation/apoptosis, cell cycle control and RNA processing. In these experiments, a decline of the mammalian homolog Sir2a (an acronym for the silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog [SIRT1]) mRNA accompanied by an increase of P53 protein acetylation was observed in irradiated BMC. To determine whether the reduced SIRT1 is related to the higher acetylation status of P53 after irradiation, we designed and synthesized antisense oligonucleotides (AS) targeting human SIRT1 mRNA. Notably, AS transfection increased tumor protein 53 (P53) protein acetylation and bax-luciferase activity in human bone marrow stromal cell line (HS-5) after radiation. Furthermore, the AS transfer stimulated cell apoptosis in post-irradiation HS-5 cells. Ionizing radiation (IR) affects the expression of a series of genes including genes involved in G1/S transition and the P53 pathway. Among those, reduction of SIRT1 was seen to be involved in transactivation of P53. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Clinicopathologic characteristics of familial versus sporadic papillary thyroid carcinoma].
To investigated the clinicopathologic features of familial papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) compared to sporadic PTC. Between January 2008 and August 2014, 20 patients who underwent surgery at Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute were diagnosed with familial PTC. We compared the clinicopathologic characteristics between familial PTC and sporadic PTC. The prevalence of familial PTC was 1.3% (20/1 587). The median age of patients at diagnosis was 37 years and there were 12 females and 8 males. Thirty percent of the familial PTC cases exhibited a parent-offspring relationship, and 70% exhibited a sibling relationship. There were significant differences between familial PTC and sporadic PTC in terms of concomitant chronic thyroiditis (P < 0.01), nodular goiter (P = 0.04), tumor multicentricity (P < 0.01), bilaterality (P < 0.01), histological subtype (P < 0.01), and central lymph node metastasis (P = 0.02). When familial PTC patients were classified based on parent-child and sibling relationship, there were significant differences in preoperative TSH level (P = 0.02) and concomitant chronic thyroiditis (P = 0.01) between the two categories. There are significant differences in clinicopathologic features between familial PTC and sporadic PTC and between familial PTC with parent-child and those with sibling relationship. Familial PTC appears more aggressive than sporadic carcinoma. Optimal treatment for familial PTC is not yet established, but improved awareness and screening will permit earlier detection, more timely intervention, and improved outcomes for patients and their families. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Thrombin preconditioning provides protection in a 6-hydroxydopamine Parkinson's disease model.
Low-dose thrombin given several days before lesioning is neuroprotective in ischemic and hemorrhagic models of stroke, an effect termed thrombin preconditioning (TPC). Here, the ability of TPC to provide protection in a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model of Parkinson's disease (PD) was evaluated. All animals received 10 microg 6-OHDA into the right medial forebrain bundle. Three days prior to 6-OHDA, the animals received either 1 U rat thrombin (n=17) or saline (n=14) 1 mm above the site of neurotoxin delivery. The animals were then evaluated for neurobehavioral deficits until 21 days post-injection. TPC animals performed significantly better on both a vibrissae-elicited forelimb placing test and a forelimb-use asymmetry test than the saline controls. The animals were then sacrificed for either catecholamine determination by HPLC with electrochemical detection or for histopathology to determine lateral ventricular volume or striatal tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity. Although TPC did not protect against the dopamine depletion associated with this severe model, it did reduce dopaminergic terminal loss and ventricular enlargement as compared to saline-treated animals. This report presents the new finding that preconditioning (and TPC in particular) provides protection in a 6-OHDA PD model. Understanding the mechanisms involved in TPC-mediated protection may stimulate innovative therapeutic regimens. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of baseline bacterial levels in retail ground beef originating from different regulatory, processing, and packaging environments.
The objectives of this study were to collect baseline measures of bacteria present in retail ground beef offered for sale in Saskatchewan and to assess differences associated with the licensing or regulatory environment of the packaging and processing facilities as indicated by package labeling. Packages of ground beef (n = 309) were purchased from May 2011 to May 2012. Retail samples were categorized as originating from facilities regulated by the federal government or licensed by the provincial government (n = 126), originating from facilities licensed by local health regions (n = 80), or having no inspection or source information on the package label (n = 103). Total aerobic plate counts and total Escherichia coli plate counts were determined using 3M Petrifilm methods. Total bacterial load was estimated using real-time quantitative PCR. The data were analyzed on a log scale using multivariable linear regression, accounting for season and whether the samples were fresh or frozen at purchase. Total aerobic plate counts and Escherichia coli plate counts were lower in samples from federally regulated or provincially licensed facilities than in samples from locally licensed facilities (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively) or in samples with no inspection information on the label (P < 0.001 and P = 0.011, respectively). Frozen ground beef from federally regulated or provincially licensed facilities had the lowest total bacterial load. Samples clearly labeled as packaged at federally regulated or provincially licensed facilities consistently had the lowest estimated bacterial levels. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Patient-centered medical homes: will health care reform provide new options for rural communities and providers?
Many are calling for the expansion of the patient-centered medical home model into rural and underserved populations as a transformative strategy to address issues of access, efficiency, quality, and sustainability in the delivery of health care. Patient-centered medical homes have been touted as a promising cost-saving model for comprehensive management of persons with chronic diseases and disabilities, but it is unclear how rural practitioners in medically underserved areas will implement the patient-centered medical home. This article examines how the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act of 2010 will enhance rural providers' ability to provide patient-centered care and services contemplated under the Act in a comprehensive, coordinated, cost-effective way despite leaner budgets and health workforce shortages. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Combined pulsed dye laser and Q-switched Nd:YAG laser intraumatic facial tattoo removal: A case series.
Traumatic tattoos can be treated with several methods, including mechanical and chemical devices. However, they are rarely used due to the high risk of permanent side effects such as scarring and depigmentation. Recently, laser devices, especially the Q-switched (QS) laser and the pulsed dye laser (PDL), applied in combination, have achieved complete clearance of the lesions without any risk of side effects. Herein, we reported three cases of traumatic facial tattoos successfully treated with combined PDL and QS Nd:YAG laser. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A maternal warm-reactive autoantibody presenting as a positive direct antiglobulin test in a neonate.
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia in pregnancy is a rare cause of hemolytic disease of the newborn. This report describes a neonate with a mild hemolytic process and a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) presenting as the first manifestations of a maternal warm-reactive autoantibody. A full-term male neonate, blood group O, had a strongly positive DAT and laboratory evidence suggestive of a mild hemolytic process. The neonate's mother was also group O and had a negative antibody screen. Umbilical cord blood testing revealed a panreactive eluate though the antibody was not detected in cord serum. The neonate's mother was also found to have a positive DAT. A panagglutinin was identified in an eluate of her red cells, although the autoantibody could not be detected in her serum by a variety of sensitive techniques. There was no clinical or laboratory evidence of maternal hemolysis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Epigastric antinociception by cervical dorsal column lesions in rats.
Previous clinical evidence and electrophysiologic studies in the authors' laboratory have implicated the dorsal column (DC) as an important pathway for the transmission of visceral colorectal pain. This study examined, behaviorally and electrophysiologically, the role of the DC in mediating epigastric nociception using a visceral pain model involving duodenal distension in rats. For behavioral testing, the writhing-like responses produced in awake rats by graded intraduodenal balloon distension (0.1 to 0.7 ml) were tested. A DC mechanical lesion at the C2 level or a sham operation (SH, same spinal cord segment exposed but no DC lesion) was performed. The writhing-like responses to duodenal distension were tested again and the rats were compared with other rats with no lesions and with SH rats. For electrophysiologic testing, the extracellular activity of single neurons was recorded in the ventrobasal nucleus of the thalamus in anesthetized rats. The ventrobasal cells that responded to duodenal distension were tested further with this visceral stimulus before and after a lesion of the DC. The mechanical DC lesion significantly reduced the intensity of the writhing-like responses and increased the threshold volume that would elicit writhing-like responses compared with rats with no lesions and SH rats without any observable neurologic deficit. A lesion of the DC also significantly reduced the responses of ventrobasal cells to duodenal distension. The DC plays an important role in signaling epigastric nociception in this experimental model. A mechanical DC lesion can produce significant visceral antinociception in rats. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Increased expression of inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules by alveolar macrophages of human lung allograft recipients with acute rejection: decline with resolution of rejection.
Alveolar macrophages (AM) are the major population in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells; we assessed their role in human lung allograft recipients by correlating the expression of adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokines with clinical outcome of allograft. We obtained BAL samples from patients and enriched them for AM in plastic petri dish for 2 hours at 37 degrees C in 5% CO(2). Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1, CD54), platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1, CD31), and CD11c was assessed by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies. We assessed cytokine profile using Multi-Probe RNase protection assay. Alveolar macrophages that express CD11c, CD31 and CD54 were increased in patients with either rejection or infection compared with those without rejection and infection. The difference in the percentage of AM expressing CD11c and CD31 between the rejection group and patients without rejection and infection group was statistically significant (CD11c, p < 0.01; CD31, p < 0.03). Interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), and IL-6 expression was higher in the rejection group than in patients without rejection. Five out of 9 patients in the rejection group expressed high levels of IL-15 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha compared with patients without rejection and infection. The increased number of AM expressing adhesion molecules and elevated expression of cytokines observed during acute rejection declined to basal levels after successful treatment and resolution of rejection. This study demonstrates that lung allograft rejection is associated with increased expression of adhesion molecules and inflammatory cytokines by AM, which could facilitate mononuclear cell adhesion and extravasation contributing to the allograft injury in lung transplant recipients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The impact of origin community characteristics on rural-urban out-migration in a developing country.
It is widely believed that structural variables such as inequitable land distribution, lack of rural employment opportunities, and rural-urban wage and amenity gaps influence population movements in developing countries. Yet quantitative evidence is scant. In this paper a multilevel model is used to investigate the effects of individual-, household-, and areal-level factors on rural-urban out-migration in the Ecuadorian Sierra. Data from a detailed survey carried out in 1977-1978 and from government macro-areal statistics are used to investigate factors affecting the out-migration of youths aged 12-25. Preliminary conclusions are presented on the usefulness of multilevel models in studying migration and policy implications for Ecuador. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical pharmacokinetics of zopiclone.
Zopiclone is a cyclopyrrolone hypnotic agent. It possesses a chiral centre and is commercially available as a racemic mixture. Methods involving high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography, capillary electrophoresis (CE) and high performance thin layer chromatography have been developed for the quantitation of zopiclone and its 2 main metabolites in biological samples. For the chiral determination of the enantiomers of zopiclone and its metabolites, HPLC and CE methods are available. After oral administration, zopiclone is rapidly absorbed, with a bioavailability of approximately 80%. The plasma protein binding of zopiclone has been reported to be between 45 and 80%. Zopiclone is rapidly and widely distributed to body tissues including the brain, and is excreted in urine, saliva and breast milk. Zopiclone is partly metabolised in the liver to form an inactive N-demethylated derivative and an active N-oxide metabolite. In addition, approximately 50% of the administered dose is decarboxylated and excreted via the lungs. Less than 7% of the administered dose is renally excreted as unchanged zopiclone. In urine, the N-demethyl and N-oxide metabolites account for 30% of the initial dose. The terminal elimination half-life (t1/2z) of zopiclone ranges from 3.5 to 6.5 hours. The pharmacokinetics of zopiclone in humans are stereoselective. After oral administration of the racemic mixture, Cmax (time to maximum plasma concentration), AUC (area under the plasma time-concentration curve) and t1/2z values are higher for the dextrorotatory enantiomer owing to the slower total clearance and smaller volume of distribution (corrected by the bioavailability), compared with the levorotatory enantiomer. In urine, the concentrations of the dextrorotatory enantiomers of the N-demethyl and N-oxide metabolites are higher than those of the respective antipodes. The pharmacokinetics of zopiclone are altered by aging and are influenced by renal and hepatic functions. Drug interactions have been observed with erythromycin, trimipramine and carbamazepine. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Some properties of human eosinophil peroxidase, a comparison with other peroxidases.
Eosinophil peroxidase (donor:hydrogen peroxide oxidoreductase, EC 1.11.1.7) was isolated from outdated human white blood cells. The purified enzyme has a molecular weight of 71000 +/- 1000. The enzyme is composed of two subunits, of Mr 58000 and 14000, in a 1:1 stoichiometry. Amino-acid analyses showed that eosinophil peroxidase has a high content of the amino acids arginine, leucine and aspartic acid. The millimolar absorbance coefficient of the Soret band at 412 nm of eosinophil peroxidase was determined. Three independent methods yield a value for epsilon 412nm of 110 +/- 4 mm-1 X cm-1. Purified eosinophil peroxidase showed a homogeneous high-spin EPR signal with rhombic symmetry (gx = 6.50; gy = 5.40; gz = 1.982) for the haem group. EPR spectroscopy of low-spin cyanide and azide derivatives of eosinophil peroxidase, lactoperoxidase, myeloperoxidase and catalase revealed that the haem-ligand structure of eosinophil peroxidase is closely related to lactoperoxidase, whereas that of myeloperoxidase shows great resemblance to catalase. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Benefit of a favorable cardiovascular risk-factor profile in middle age with respect to Medicare costs.
People without major risk factors for cardiovascular disease in middle age live longer than those with unfavorable risk-factor profiles. It is not known whether such low-risk status also results in lower expenditures for medical care at older ages. We used data from the Chicago Heart Association Detection Project in Industry to assess the relation of a low risk of cardiovascular disease in middle age to Medicare expenditures later in life. We studied 7039 men and 6757 women who were 40 to 64 years of age when surveyed between 1967 and 1973 and who survived to have at least two years of Medicare coverage in 1984 through 1994. Men and women classified as being at low risk for cardiovascular disease were those who had the following characteristics at the time they were initially surveyed: serum cholesterol level, <200 mg per deciliter (5.2 mmol per liter); blood pressure, < or =120/80 mm Hg; no current smoking; an absence of electrocardiographic abnormalities; no history of diabetes; and no history of myocardial infarction. We compared Medicare costs for the 279 men (4.0 percent) and 298 women (4.4 percent) who had this low-risk profile with those for the rest of the study group, who were not at low risk. Health Care Financing Administration charges for services to Medicare beneficiaries were used to estimate average annual health care costs (total costs, those for cardiovascular diseases, and those for cancer). Average annual health care charges were much lower for persons at low risk - the total charges for the men at low risk were less than two thirds of the charges for the men not at low risk ($1,615 less); for the women at low risk, the charges were less than one half of those for the women not at low risk ($1,885 less). Charges related to cardiovascular disease were lower for the low-risk groups of men and women than for those not at low risk (by $979 and $556, respectively), and charges related to cancer were also lower (by $134 and $189). People with favorable cardiovascular risk profiles in middle age had lower average annual Medicare charges in older age. Having optimal status with respect to major cardiovascular risk factors may result not only in greater longevity but also in lower health care costs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Impact of Adjuvant Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Treatment on Patients with High-Grade T1 Bladder Cancer.
To evaluate the impact of adjuvant intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) treatment in patients with high-grade transitional cell carcinoma of bladder. A total of 207 consecutive patients who underwent transurethral resection for high-grade T1 transitional cell carcinoma of bladder at our institution between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2012. Of those patients, 77 underwent early cystectomy without BCG instillation and were excluded from the analysis. The overall survival and cancer-specific mortality were compared in 2 different therapy options groups (group of patients who received adjuvant BCG instillation vs. the group of patients who did not receive BCG therapy). Overall mortality was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, univariate comparisons were made with the log rank test. The cumulative incidence of deaths from bladder cancer (BC) was determined by univariate and multivariate competing risk analysis. Cox proportional hazard models for competing risks were used to study the combined effects of the variables on BC-specific mortality. The 5-year overall survival in patients with BCG instillation vs. patients who did not receive BCG therapy was 74 vs. 28% (p = 0.0016). In the univariate analysis, the adjuvant intravesical BCG treatment was associated with decreased cancer-specific mortality (p = 0.0062). In the multivariable analysis, the age and the BCG instillation were independent factors of overall survival (hazard ratio 0.26, 95% CI 0.15-0.46, p < 0.0001) and cancer-specific mortality (hazard ratio 0.29, 95% CI 0.12-0.71, p = 0.0067). Dispensing from adjuvant intravesical BCG treatment is associated with increased overall- and disease-specific mortality in patients with T1 high-grade transitional cell carcinoma of bladder. This observation confirms that adjuvant BCG instillation is a crucial part of treatment in this patient population. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Inhibited prime-trial distractor responses solely produce the visual spatial negative priming effect.
Responding to a target's current (probe trial) location is slower when it appears at a former distractor-occupied position (i.e., ignored-repetition [IR] trial), relative to when it arises at a new location (i.e., control trial). This RT(IR) > RT(Control) inequality defines the spatial negative priming (SNP) effect in latency terms. It is uncertain whether the elevated RT(IR) is due to the inhibition of the distractor-occupied location or to the inhibition of this location's assigned manual response (SNP locus issue). The main aim here was to examine the SNP locus issue. Notably, our SNP design used centrally presented visual events and included having two locations share a common response (many:1 location-to-response mapping) and the use of informative (70 % validity) or uninformative probe-trial response cues. The many:1 mapping trials allowed for the detection of location and response inhibition presence. Results showed that the latter, but not the former, causes inhibitory aftereffects (e.g., SNP) following uninformative response cues. Consistent with this finding, when the informative response cue was valid and was assigned to the many:1 probe response that had just served as the prime distractor response, inhibitory aftereffects were eliminated, when the probe target appeared at the prime distractor position (IR trial) or at a new location (distractor-response repeat trial). Blocked retrieval of stored distractor-processing representations was proposed as the mechanism for inhibitory aftereffect prevention. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Vacuum-assisted closure therapy for the treatment of skin and soft-tissue infections. Are wound specimens of use in planning secondary wound closure?].
Vacuum-assisted closure is used frequently for the treatment of skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTI) of the extremities. After debridement and repeated VAC dressing changes, the wounds are closed by secondary suture, split-thickness skin grafts or local flaps. However, no objective parameters describe the time point for secondary wound closure. Our thesis was that negative microbiological results from wound specimens can indicate the time for secondary wound closure. 24 patients with SSTI of the extremities were treated by serial debridements and VAC therapy and analysed prospectively. Debridements were repeated until the wounds were macroscopically free from signs of infection (good granulation/no necrosis). During each revision specimens were taken for microbiological analysis. Moreover, number of revisions, bacterial cultures, type of wound closure and wound status after 3 years and 5 months on average after the last surgery were analysed. 6.3 revisions on average were performed until secondary wound closure was possible. In spite of the absence of macroscopic infection, bacteria were still found in tissue samples from 14 of 24 wounds. 6 wounds were free of bacteria for the first time right before wound closure, 3 wounds had become negative during the treatment. After 3.4 years on average, the wounds of all 18 patients available for examination had healed well and were free from signs of infection. Vacuum-assisted closure resulted in clean, good granulating wounds without necrosis. However, in more than half of the wounds bacteria persisted. This bacterial load had no correlation to wound healing and outcome after over 3 years. In conclusion, microbiological tissue samples are not suitable as indicator for the time point of secondary wound closure in SSTI. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A new magnifying visual instrument for ophthalmic surgery (author's transl)].
A binocular loupe on the principle of the prismatic telescope, small in size and light in weight, and which can be firmly by straps to the head of the doctor, has been developed for use in operative ophthalmology, for the clinical visit, consultation and in the office. Its optic properties greatest possible distance from the work which can be varied with additional lenses, variable magnification even into the region of the smallest biomicroscopes with a relatively large angle of vision, good mobility with regard to the object of vision with unchanged adjustment, simultaneous possibility of using semispectacles for presbyopia and easy swinging of the instrument out of and into the line of vision with one hand movement make this instrument very appropriate for the reasons for which it was developed and makes possible also - especially in the surgery of injured eyes, exact observation and assessment of the eye and performance of operations where no operating microscope is present with much greater magnification as that obtained with a customary loupe. This instrument occupies the spare between the possibilities of use of the loupe and the biomicroscope and can in addition be used in the boundary areas of use of the other instruments with great advantage. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ratings of physical and mental health in the older bereaved.
Subjective and objective ratings of mental and physical health were compared, using data from a larger study of older bereaved persons. Variation by age, race, and sex of subjects also was investigated. Sixty widowed individuals, aged 58-83, whose spouses died within the previous three months were identified through death certificates. Subjects were interviewed in their homes using a modification of the older Americans' Resources and Services, Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire (OARS), which provides objective and subjective ratings of mental and physical health. The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale was used to quantify intensity of depression. Subjective ratings of physical health are primarily positive and significantly better than the objective ratings, particularly for women. In general, subjective and objective ratings of mental health do not differ. Interviewer ratings of physical health show significant variation by age of subjects rated. Findings are discussed in terms of reference group comparisons and of implications for design and interpretation of morbidity studies of widowed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
EEG changes induced by light stimuli modulated with the subjects alpha rhythm.
A new method, named the 'alpha wave modulated light' (AML) stimulation, has been used for controlling the frequency of sine wave modulated light by the subject's on-going alpha rhythm. The EEG was recorded from O1 and O2. With the AML stimulation using either the left occipital alpha rhythm or the right, two phase differences of O degrees and 180 degrees were created between AML and the alpha rhythmn. The peak frequency and power of occipital alpha in both hemispheres and the coherence and phase between the left and right occipital EEG were obtaned for 7 subjects. The alpha power was larger at a 180 degrees phase shift than at a 0 degrees phase shift with ipsilateral AML stimulation. The ipsilateral increase in the alpha power was greater than the contralateral at a 180 degrees phase shift. Larger coherence value and right phase lead were observed at 180 degrees phase shift by use of the right alpha rhythm. The possible mechanisms of influences of AML stimulation on the alpha activity were discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evidence for a new lethal gene causing cardiomyopathy in Japanese black calves.
Sudden death with severe dyspnea in new-born or infant calves confined to a family of Japanese black cattle was studied. Neither environmental nor bacteriological factors seemed to be involved in the etiology of the disease. Histopathological examination revealed focal degeneration and necrosis of the muscle fibers in the myocardium, to which a diagnosis of idiopathic cardiomyopathy was proposed. The pedigree and mating type analyses suggested that a new autosomal recessive lethal gene was responsible for the syndrome. Rates of incidence of the affected calves in five sire families were tested for an expectation of 12.5 percent incidence by the chi-square method. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Juvenile 5HT(1B) receptor knockout mice exhibit reduced pharmacological sensitivity to 5HT(1A) receptor activation.
Serotonin is an important modulator of anxiety and thus drugs that act on this system have frequently been shown to be either anxiogenic or anxiolytic. In addition serotonin has important trophic functions during early development and disruption of serotonin homeostasis is likely to have long-lasting repercussions in the adult. In the present study we examined the contribution of two serotonin receptor subtypes (5HT(1A) and 5HT(1B)) to the pathophysiology of anxiety during development. For this, we have studied homozygous knockout mice lacking the 5HT(1B) receptor and examined the effect of pharmacological manipulations of 5HT(1A) and 5HT(1B) receptors on locomotor activity and emission of ultrasonic vocalization (USV) in 7-8 days old mice. As shown before, drug naïve 5HT(1B) knockout pups showed reduced USV and were hyperactive, in comparison to wild type controls. The administration of RU24969 (a 5HT(1A/1B) agonist) showed a dose-dependent decrease in USV in the wild type and a biphasic effect in the mutants and resulted in dose-dependent increase in activity in the wild type and, to a lesser extent, in the knockouts. The selective 5HT(1A) agonist, 8OH-DPAT, dose-dependently blocked vocalization in both genotypes and also increased locomotion. To differentially activate 5HT(1B) receptors we first blocked 5HT(1A) receptors with WAY100315 and then treated with RU24969. At a high testing temperature, pretreatment with WAY100315 resulted in an anxiogenic effect in wild type pups but not in the knockouts. In agreement with our findings that 5HT(1B) knockout mice were in general less sensitive to 5HT(1A) activation, 5HT(1A) receptor binding was reduced in the knockouts in comparison to controls. Finally, treatment with diazepam dose-dependently decreased USVs in both group with the knockouts showing enhanced sensitivity to this drug. Our results show that important adaptations to a disturbance of serotonin homeostasis occur during the first week of life within the serotonergic system. The observed decreased in sensitivity of 5HT(1B) knockout mice to 5HT(1A) and increased to GABA(A) manipulations are discussed within the context of serotonergic plasticity during development and the implication for clinical treatment of anxiety in genetically predisposed individuals. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of nonlinearity in the materials used for the semi-rigid pedicle screw systems on biomechanical behaviors of the lumbar spine after surgery.
Recently, various types of semi-rigid pedicle screw fixation systems have been developed for the surgical treatment of the lumbar spine. They were introduced to address the adverse issues commonly found in traditional rigid spinal fusion--abnormally large motion at the adjacent level and subsequent degeneration. The semi-rigid system uses more compliant materials (nitinol or polymers) and/or changes in rod design (coiled or twisted rods) as compared to the conventional rigid straight rods made of Ti alloys (E = 114 GPa, υ = 0.32). However, biomechanical studies on the semi-rigid pedicle screw systems were usually limited to linear modeling of the implant and anatomic elements, which may not be capable of reflecting realistic post-operative motions of the spine. In this study, we evaluated the effects of nonlinearity in materials used for semi-rigid pedicle screw fixation systems to evaluate the changes in biomechanical behaviors using finite element analysis. Changes in range of motion (ROM) and center of rotation (COR) were assessed at the operated and adjacent levels. Actual load-displacement results of the semi-rigid rod from mechanical test were carried out to reflect the nonlinearity of the implant. In addition, nonlinear material properties of various spinal ligaments studies were used for the finite element modeling. The post-operative models were constructed by modifying the previously validated intact model of the L1-S1 spine. Eight different post-operative models were made to address the effects of nonlinearity-with a traditional stiffness modulus rod (with linear ligaments, case 1; with nonlinear ligaments, case 5), with a rigid rod (with linear ligaments, case 2; with nonlinear ligaments, case 6), with a soft rod (with linear ligaments, case 3; with nonlinear ligaments, case 7), and with a nonlinear rod (with linear ligaments, case 4; with nonlinear ligaments, case 8). To simulate the load on the lumbar spine in a neutral posture, follower load (400 N) was applied and then the hybrid loading condition was applied to measure the ROM and COR in the sagittal plane. The more the nonlinearity was included in the model the closer the motion behavior of the device was to that of the intact spine. Furthermore, our results showed that the nonlinearity of the semi-rigid rod was a more sensitive factor than the nonlinearity of the spinal ligaments on biomechanical behavior of the lumbar spine after surgery. Therefore, for better understanding of the surgical effectiveness of the spinal device, more realistic material properties such as nonlinearity of the device and anatomic elements should be considered. In particular, the nonlinear properties of the semi-rigid rod were considered more than the nonlinearity of spinal ligaments. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nutritional therapy in pediatric Crohn disease: the specific carbohydrate diet.
Crohn disease is characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation in the absence of a recognized etiology. Nutritional therapy in the form of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) has an established role within pediatric Crohn disease. Following exclusive enteral nutrition's success, many dietary therapies focusing on the elimination of specific complex carbohydrates have been anecdotally reported to be successful. Many of these therapies have not been evaluated scientifically; therefore, we reviewed the medical records of our patients with Crohn disease on the specific carbohydrate diet (SCD). Seven children with Crohn disease receiving the SCD and no immunosuppressive medications were retrospectively evaluated. Duration of the dietary therapy ranged from 5 to 30 months, with an average of 14.6±10.8 months. Although the exact time of symptom resolution could not be determined through chart review, all symptoms were notably resolved at a routine clinic visit 3 months after initiating the diet. Each patient's laboratory indices, including serum albumin, C-reactive protein, hematocrit, and stool calprotectin, either normalized or significantly, improved during follow-up clinic visits. This chart review suggests that the SCD and other low complex carbohydrate diets may be possible therapeutic options for pediatric Crohn disease. Further prospective studies are required to fully assess the safety and efficacy of the SCD, or any other low complex SCDs in pediatric patients with Crohn disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Development of clindamycin-loaded wound dressing with polyvinyl alcohol and sodium alginate.
To develop a clindamycin-loaded wound dressing, cross-linked hydrogel films were prepared using freeze-thawing method with various mixtures of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium alginate (SA). The physicochemical properties such as swelling ratio, tensile strength and elongation of hydrogels were evaluated. The drug release from this clindamycin-loaded hydrogel, in vitro protein adsorption test and in vivo wound healing observations in rats were then performed. Increased SA concentration decreased the gelation %, maximum strength and break elongation, but it resulted into an increment in the swelling ability, elasticity and thermal stability of hydrogel film. However, SA had insignificant effect on the release of clindamycin. This hydrogel improved the healing rate of artificial wounds in rats. Thus, a clindamycin-loaded wound dressing with PVA and SA hydrogel should be a candidate for wound care. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Control of large defect of inferior vena cava during hepatectomy.
Torrential bleeding from a large defect in the inferior vena cava is a dangerous complication of hepatectomy. Instead of mobilization, encircling and clamping of the inferior vena cava for control, the author described a simpler technique of controlling the defect using the surgeon's fingers. In two such cases, the bleeding was successfully controlled. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Epigenetic regulation in spermatogenesis].
Spermatogenesis is a process consisting of spermatogonial proliferation, spermatocytic meiosis, and spermiogenesis, and is also considered to be a process in which heterochromatins gradually aggregate and finally reach a highly condensed formation in the sperm head. Recent studies show that epigenetic regulation plays a key role in spermatogenesis. This review discusses the mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in spermatogenesis in three aspects, DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNAs. These factors are essential for spermatogenesis, fertilization, and embryogenesis by mutual regulation as well as by gene expression regulation, transposon activation, sex chromosome inactivation, and genome imprinting. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intraepithelial lymphocytes in celiac disease.
The aim of this study was to investigate the value of immunohistochemical characterization of different intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) in the diagnostic workup of celiac disease (CD). The study involved 928 consecutive adult patients undergoing endoscopy undertaken on suspicion of CD or to ascertain the dietary compliance; the control group consisted of 59 adults who underwent endoscopy because of indigestion. Small bowel mucosal morphology, CD3+, alphabeta+, and gammadelta+ IELs were determined. CD was detected in 138 and excluded in 545 adults. CD3+ and gammadelta+ IELs both showed a sensitivity of 93% for CD; specificity was 73% and 88%, respectively. For alphabeta+ cells, the sensitivity was 83% and specificity, 66%. The mucosal morphology recovered on a gluten-free diet and the densities of different IELs, even gammadelta+ cells, decreased. Only the density of gammadelta+ cells remained elevated compared with controls. Counting of IELs is recommended in borderline cases where the histology is difficult to interpret. An increase especially in gammadelta+ cells strengthens the probability of CD. However, IELs are not invariably increased in CD. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Surgical treatment and dilemmas in the treatment of basal cell carcinomas with intracranial propagation.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is one of the most common malignant skin tumors on the head in 90% of cases and is characterized by a high local infiltrating potential and destructive growth. The aim of this study was to show the characteristics of a correlation between pathohistological types of basal cell carcinoma and the size of this lesion, aggressiveness and infiltration of basal cell carcinoma, and its effect on the course of the therapy. We analyzed 27 patients operated on for BCC that affected the scalp and the bone. We described and considered the clinical characteristics (size, depth of invasion), duration and speed of intracranial propagation and then made comparison with the type of BCC. We described the extent of surgical treatment and the width of excision to determine the best course of the treatment. The patients went through examinations during the next three years. According to the histopathological type the most common tumors were: infiltrative (60.2%), noduloinfiltrative (37.2%), and morpheaform (2.6%). Tumors were clinically manifested as ulcerative lesions, ulcus rodens and ulcus terebrans. Tumor diameters ranged from 2 to 25 cm. The depth of intracranial propagation depended on the histological type and tumor size. Most relapses (35%) occurred with morpheaform type of BCC. In 17 of the cases, BCC affected the bone without intracranial propagation. In 10 of the cases, basalioma infiltrated intracranial space--in 8 of the cases it infiltrated the dura and in 6 of the cases the brain parenchyma, of which in two of them, the superior sagittal sinus was affected and had to be surgically tied off. The aggressiveness and infiltration of basal cell carcinoma into the brain parenchyma is directly linked to the histological type and the size of the tumor. The larger the basalioma or if histopathological findings confirm morpheaform type of basalioma the larger surrounding healthy tissue, sometimes more than 3 cm in diameter, needs to be removed. In cases of these tumors postoperative radiotherapy is recommended. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Self-terminating, oxidative radical cyclizations: a novel reaction of acyloxyl radicals.
Acyloxyl radicals RC(O)O* (with R = alkyl, aryl) could be trapped through addition to cyclic and open-chain alkynes, where they were found to act as a donor of oxygen atoms. Mechanistically, this radical oxygenation proceeded through a transannular or intramolecular, respectively, radical cyclization cascade, which was finally terminated by release of an acyl radical RC*(O). The reaction led to stereoselective formation of cyclized products, which contained a carbonyl group at the former site of the alkyne triple bond. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical utility of the relationship between fetal femur length and biparietal diameter.
The relationship between fetal femur length and biparietal diameter on ultrasound examination was evaluated in a large, unselected obstetric population of 12-40 weeks' gestational age. The derived ratio of fetal femur length to biparietal diameter was evaluated retrospectively as a tool for examining the technical reliability of fetal measurements obtained and as a screening mechanism for detecting asymmetric fetal development. The ratio of femur length to biparietal diameter is of value as an aid to the detection of fetal developmental anomalies and should be a routine parameter considered in the performance of an obstetric ultrasound examination. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Chemo-enzymatic syntheses of drimane-type sesquiterpenes and the fundamental core of hongoquercin meroterpenoid by recombinant squalene-hopene cyclase.
Squalene-hopene cyclase (SHC) converts squalene (C(30)) into pentacyclic triterpenes of hopene and hopanol. A linear sesquiterpene, (6E,10E)-2,6,10-trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-triene, underwent cyclization catalyzed by SHC, affording the following six bicyclic sesquiterpenes (drimane skeleton) in relatively high yield (68%): drim-7(8)-ene, drim-8(12)-ene, drim-8(9)-ene, driman-8α-ol, driman-8β-ol, and the novel sesquiterpene, named quasiclerodane, the skeleton of which is analogous to that of clerodane diterpene. To extend the scope of the enzymatic syntheses, acyclic sesquiterpenes to which a phenol moiety was appended were subjected to the enzymatic reaction catalyzed by SHC. The cyclic meroterpene core present in hongoquercins A and B was successfully prepared. The formation mechanisms of drimane-type sesquiterpenes and the cyclic meroterpene core of hongoquercins A and B are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Retention of perceptual generalization of fear extinction.
Fear reduction obtained during a fear extinction procedure can generalize from the extinction stimulus to other perceptually similar stimuli. Perceptual generalization of fear extinction typically follows a perceptual gradient, with increasing levels of fear reduction the more a stimulus resembles the extinction stimulus. The current study aimed to investigate whether perceptual generalization of fear extinction can be observed also after a retention interval of 24h. Fear was acquired to three geometrical figures of different sizes (CS(+), CS1(+) and CS2(+)) by consistently pairing them with a short-lasting suffocation experience (US). Three other geometrical figures that were never followed by the US served as control stimuli (CS(-), CS1(-), CS2(-)). Next, only the CS(+) was extinguished by presenting it in the absence of the US. One day later, fear responses to all stimuli were assessed without any US-presentation. Outcome measures included startle blink EMG, skin conductance, US expectancy, respiratory rate and tidal volume. On day 2 spontaneous recovery of fear was observed in US expectancy and tidal volume, but not in the other outcomes. Evidence for the retention of fear extinction generalization was present in US expectancy and skin conductance, but a perceptual gradient in the retention of generalized fear extinction could not be observed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Isolation and synthesis of polyoxygenated dibenzofurans possessing biological activity.
Reports from the past ten years describing the isolation and/or synthesis of bioactive dibenzofurans possessing three or more oxygen-containing substituents are reviewed. Dibenzofuranoquinones are included in the review. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Light microscopical and ultrastructural observations on the effect of vinblastine on ameloblasts of rat incisors in vivo. I. Short-term effect on secretory ameloblasts.
The highly polarized secretory ameloblasts in the incisors of rats fixed by perfusion with glutaraldehyde two or three hours after intravenous administration of vinblastine sulfate at a dosage of 5 mg per 100 g body weight were studied in the light microscope and the electron microscope. The following effects were observed: 1. All cytoplasmic microtubules in the ameloblasts had vanished. This was not accompanied by the appearance of paracrystals of microtubular protein or macrotubules. 2. The ameloblasts preserved their external features of polarized cells but lost their ability to maintain normal orderly segregation of the cell constituents; i.e. their normal internal compartmentalization and polarity had vanished. 3. The ameloblasts lost their capability of directional translocation of the secretory granules towards the cell apex. 4. Secretory granules already translocated to the cell apex regurgitated in the cell and a probably delayed discharge of secretory material had started in abnormal site at the surface. 5. The normal arrangement of ribosomes into polyribosomes on the membranes of the rough endoplasmic reticulum was no longer present; the ribosomes were apparently distributed at random. 6. New secretion was inhibited or brought to a standstill but secretory material already present in the Golgi complex appeared to be transported normally. 7. The centriole had started to develop into a cilium in many of the cells. 8. The number of autophagic vacuoles had increased. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Left ventricular pseudo-false aneurysm after a myocardial infarction; application of heart positioner].
We herein present the case of a pseudo-false aneurysm which developed in a patient after a myocardial infarction in the posterior left ventricular wall. A 71-year-old man experienced an acute myocardial infarction due to occlusion in the left circumflex artery. Five weeks after the myocardial infarction, echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disclosed a pseudo-false aneurysm at the posterior left ventricular wall. A patch closure of the aneurysm and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to both the left anterior descending artery and the left circumflex arteries were successfully performed. At surgery, the Starfish Heart Positioner, a commercially available device that is designed to lift the heart during off-pump CABG, was found to be very useful for exposing the posterior left ventricular wall by lifting and fixing the apex of the left ventricle. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The reduction of coma time in lipophilic drug overdose using castor oil.
A clinical trial of castor oil in overdoses of lipophilic drugs gave a strong clinical impression that it was effective in speeding up recovery. Therefore, animal experiments were undertaken to confirm that castor oil acts as a ligand in Ethchlorvynol poisoning and that its use reduces coma time. Serial serum levels of Ethchlorvynol were obtained from dogs given Ethchlorvynol 150 mg/kg alone, and the same dose dissolved in castor oil 15 ml/kg in a crossover fashion. The result was a reduction of peak serum levels and of the half-life of the drug when the castor oil solution was used. In order to mimic the clinical situation more closely, a further crossover study was undertaken using Ethchlorvynol 300 mg/kg alone and the same dose followed by castor oil 15 ml/kg repeated q12h. This showed no delay in reaching peak serum concentration and no reduction of peak levels. However, it did show a 31 per cent reduction in the half-life of the drug. This change is statistically significant, and supports the continued use of castor oil in lipophilic drug overdose. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Properties of Semliki Forest virus nucleocapsid.
The nucleocapsid of the Semliki Forest virus is composed of 34% RNA and 66% protein, or one RNA and about 240 capsid protein molecules. The particle is spherical, with a diameter of 38--39 nm. If the nucleocapsid is exposed to slightly acid pH (6.4--5.6) it undergoes a structural change and is contracted to a 32 nm state. A similar contraction can be effected by RNase treatment, in this case, however, in connection with a loss of RNA. Treatment of the nucleocapsid with 0.2 mM SDS results in dissociation of capsid protein from RNA, an effect which suggests strong RNA-protein interaction. At 0.05 mM SDS the protein remains associated with the RNA, but the S-value is reduced from 150 S to 100 S. Electron micrographs of the 100 S ribonucleoprotein showed irregular and strand-like structures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Risk stratification in patients with a first myocardial infarct based on simple clinico-instrumental variables].
It is an acknowledged fact that the prognosis for patients with a first myocardial infarction depends mainly on the degree of residual left ventricle function. We wanted to evaluate the importance that certain simple clinical and instrumental variables can have in stratifying post-infarction cardiovascular risk with particular emphasis on chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD). We selected 97 out of the 512 patients treated in the coronary intensive care unit (CICU) from February 1, 1988 to October 31, 1990 according to the following criteria: First myocardial infarction; no cardiogenic shock; no serious concomitant diseases with considered negative prognosis within 6 months. The following variables were considered for all the patients: age; sex; positive family history for ischemic heart disease; history of diabetes mellitus; arterial hypertension; previous cerebrovascular incident; history of obstructive arteriopathy of the lower limbs, of angor and COLD. The following tests were performed on all the patients: echocardiogram prior to discharge form the CICU; angiocardioscintigraphy with Tc-99 between the 20th and 30th day following the acute event; bicycle ergometer stress test on the 30th day. general mortality; cardiac mortality; non-fatal reinfarction; residual angina at 3 months. All the patients were treated with aspirin (325 mg/die) and/or heparin (12,500 units subcutaneously). All 97 patients were monitored for a mean follow-up time of 19.8 months. General mortality was 2.08% (for reinfarction) 24 (24.7%) non-fatal cardiac events.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An ultimate view of reading ability.
Research on reading and developmental reading disorders has almost exclusively questioned the immediate or proximate basis of these skills and deficits. A supplementary view is offered that considers reading ability from an evolutionary vantage. It is argued that in contrast to language, which has a long natural history in man and which has risen from a widespread biological adaptation in our species, reading has not, until very recently, exerted ecological pressure on humans and therefore no specific biological adaptations have occurred for these skills. It follows that developmental reading disorders may be due to genetically based, naturally occurring variants in neurological traits and not the result of pathological processes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Magnetic resonance imaging of the hip.
Standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as MR arthrography (MRA) have been important diagnostic tools to assess for a spectrum of clinical presentations related to the hip. MRA has allowed the radiologist to closely examine intracapsular structures such as the acetabular labrum. In this article, we provide a general review of soft tissue and osseous anatomy of hips, especially focusing on the MR appearances of the acetabular labrum and the osseous morphology of the greater trochanter and ischial tuberosity with their muscle and tendon attachments. In addition, current topics in recent literature will be discussed such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and rotator cuff tears of the hip. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Microscopic and histochemical manifestations of hyaline cartilage dynamics.
Structure and function of hyaline cartilages has been the focus of many correlative studies for over a hundred years. Much of what is known regarding dynamics and function of cartilage constituents has been derived or inferred from biochemical and electron microscopic investigations. Here we show that in conjunction with ultrastructural, and high-magnification transmission light and polarization microscopy, the well-developed histochemical methods are indispensable for the analysis of cartilage dynamics. Microscopically demonstrable aspects of cartilage dynamics include, but are not limited to, formation of the intracellular liquid crystals, phase transitions of the extracellular matrix and tubular connections between chondrocytes. The role of the interchondrocytic liquid crystals is considered in terms of the tensegrity hypothesis and non-apoptotic cell death. Phase transitions of the extracellular matrix are discussed in terms of self-alignment of chondrons, matrix guidance pathways and cartilage growth in the absence of mitosis. The possible role of nonenzymatic glycation reactions in cartilage dynamics is also reviewed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Screening-level risk assessment applied to dredging of polluted sediments from Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Guanabara Bay is characterized by predominant eutrophication and anoxic sediments with a mixture of pollutants. The risk prognosis associated with the dumping of its dredged sediments into the open ocean was addressed by our algorithm. Our algorithm could prioritize areas, characterize major processes related to dredging, measure the potential risk of sediments, and predict the effects of sediment mixing. The estimated risk of dredged sediment was >10-fold than that of ocean sediments. Among metals, mercury represented 50-90% of the total risk. The transfer of dredged material into the ocean or internal dumping in the bay requires a 1:10 dilution to mitigate the risk and bring the risk levels close to that in the EPA criteria, below which there is less likelihood of adverse effects to the biota, and a 1:100 dilution to maintain the original characteristics of the ocean disposal control area. Our algorithm indicator can be used in the design of both aquatic and continental disposal of dredged materials and their management. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Responses of testosterone hormone concentration, semen quality, and its related pro-inflammatory cytokines in bucks following Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and its mycolic acid infection.
Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the causative agent of caseous lymphadenitis, a debilitating chronic disease of sheep and goats. Little is known about the buck's reproductive pathophysiology with respect to inoculation with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculois and its immunogen mycolic acid extract. Therefore, this present study was designed to determine the concentration of testosterone hormone, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and semen quality of the experimental animals. A total of 12 bucks, divided into groups 1, 2, and 3 (Negative control group, Positive control group and Mycolic acid group respectively), were enrolled in this study. Following inoculation, all goats were observed for clinical responses and monitored for 60 days post-challenge and were then sacrificed. Blood samples were collected via the jugular once before inoculation and on a weekly basis post-challenge. Semen samples were collected 2 weeks post-challenge and prior to the sacrifice of the experimental animals. During the post inoculation period of 60 days, the concentration of testosterone hormone for group 2 was increased significantly (p < 0.05) in weeks 5, 6, and 9 but decreased in weeks 2 and 7 post inoculation. In group 3, the mean concentration of testosterone was increased significantly (p < 0.05) in weeks 5, 6, 7, and 9 post inoculation but decreased in week 2. The concentration of interleukin 6 (IL 6) in treated group 2 did not show any significant difference (p > 0.05) but increased significantly (p < 0.05) in week 2 post inoculation in group 3. For concentration of interleukin 1β (IL1β) in both treated groups 2 and 3 showed significant difference (p < 0.05) in weeks 2 and 3 post inoculation. The tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) concentration in both treated groups 2 and 3 did not show any significant difference (p > 0.05) as compared to group 1. The concentration of interferon-γ (IFNγ) significantly increased (p < 0.05) for group 2 for weeks 2, 3, 4, and 5 where else for group 3 was not in significant difference (p > 0.05) compared to group 1. Both group 2 and group 3 showed a reduction in semen qualities as compared to group 1, but the severity was more intense in group 2 if compared to group 3. In conclusion, therefore, the present study concluded that the mycolic acid group revealed significant responses of testosterone hormone concentration, semen quality, and its related pro-inflammatory cytokines in bucks following infection but the severity lesser compared to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis group. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Recipient memory-like lymphocytes remain unresponsive to graft antigens after CAMPATH-1H induction with reduced maintenance immunosuppression.
Treatment with CAMPATH-1H at the time of transplantation allows reduced maintenance immunosuppression. We hypothesized that CAMPATH-1H induction would modulate the response of repopulating leukocytes to donor alloantigens. The phenotype, proliferative and stimulatory capacity of peripheral blood leukocytes from 14 renal transplant recipients treated with CAMPATH-1H and reduced immunosuppression with mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus were investigated for the first six months after transplantation. The impact of immunosuppressive drugs on leukocytes that escape depletion was also evaluated in vitro. CAMPATH-1H therapy caused a significant decrease in the number of B and T cells, with CD4 T central memory cells being the most resistant to depletion. The recovery of CD8 T cells was faster than that of CD4 T cells. Lymphopenia correlated with a decrease in both proliferative and effector responses, however, the recipient T cells remained responsive to third-party antigens. Dendritic cells (DC) were also depleted but to a lesser extent than lymphocytes; lymphoid DC were more resistant than myeloid DC; these changes correlated with decreased allostimulatory capacity. One of the patients experienced rejection that was treated successfully. The rejection was associated with a high proportion of CD4 T effector memory cells and myeloid DC, increased proliferation and enhanced effector activity to donor antigens. In vitro studies confirmed that the reduced dose of immunosuppressive drugs used could prevent activated T cells from switching to the effector compartment, suppressing both their proliferation and effector activity. CAMPATH-1H induction combined with reduced maintenance immunosuppression is sufficient to control the effector phase of immune response to donor antigens. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
High surface area zincosilicates as efficient catalysts for the synthesis of ethyl lactate: an in-depth structural investigation.
Novel Zn-MCM-41 mesoporous materials with particle diameters ranging from 20 to 120 nm were successfully prepared following a straightforward synthesis route. The structural and textural properties of the solids were characterized by N2-physisorption, X-ray diffraction, (29)Si MAS-NMR, TEM and EDX. These results allow evidencing the presence of an ordered mesoporous structure with a very high specific surface area. The insertion of zinc as single site species within the silica framework was investigated using XPS via the Auger parameter in a Wagner plot representation. This is the first time that an in-depth investigation of these types of solids using XPS techniques was performed. The presence of Brønsted and Lewis acidity was elucidated by following in the IR the interaction with ammonia and carbon monoxide. The materials were tested for the conversion of dihydroxyacetone into ethyl lactate with good results both in terms of yield and selectivity and the catalytic activity resulted in excellent agreement with IR and XPS analysis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
IgE-mediated food allergy in children.
Food allergy is a serious health issue affecting roughly 4% of children, with a substantial effect on quality of life. Prognosis is good for the most frequent allergens with almost all children outgrowing their allergy. However, the long-term implications for disease burden are substantial for children with persistent allergies (eg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish) and for those with high concentrations of milk, egg, and wheat IgE. Antigen avoidance has been the time-honoured approach both for prevention and treatment. However, findings from studies done in the past 5 years show that early contact with food can induce tolerance and desensitisation to foods. We review the epidemiology, natural history, and management of food allergy, and discuss the areas of controversy and future directions in research and clinical practice. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fucoidan induces apoptosis of HepG2 cells by down-regulating p-Stat3.
Fucoidan is one of the main bioactive components of polysaccharides. The current study was focused on the anti-tumor effects of fucoidan on human heptoma cell line HepG2 and the possible mechanisms. Fucoidan treatment resulted in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner detected by MTT assay, flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy. The results of flow cytometric analysis revealed that fucoidan induced G2/M arrest in the cell cycle progression. Hoechst 33258 and Annexin V/PI staining results showed that the apoptotic cell number was increased, which was associated with a dose-dependent up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2 and p-Stat3. In parallel, the up-regulation of p53 and the increase in reactive oxygen species were also observed, which may play important roles in the inhibition of HepG2 growth by fucoidan. In the meantime, Cyclin B1 and CDK1 were down-regulated by fucoidan treatment. Down-regulation of p-Stat3 by fucoidan resulted in apoptosis and an increase in ROS in response to fucoidan exposure. We therefore concluded that fucoidan induces apoptosis through the down-regulation of p-Stat3. These results suggest that fucoidan may be used as a novel anti-cancer agent for hepatocarcinoma. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Phase II study of thalidomide in the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme.
Treatment options and prognosis remains poor for patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme. These tumors are highly vascularised and over express angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor and may potentially be responsive to antiangiogenic therapies. We present the results of a phase II trial of Thalidomide, an antiangiogenic agent, in the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma multiforme. Patients were treated with 100 mg/day of Thalidomide, increased at weekly intervals by 100 mg to a maximum tolerated dose of 500 mg/d. Forty-two patients were enrolled, with 38 patients being assessable for response and 39 for toxicity. Two patients (5%) achieved a partial response and 16 (42%) had stable disease. The median survival was 31 weeks and the 1-year survival was 35%. Patients who had a partial response or stable disease had either a stabilisation or improvement in quality of life scores or performance status. Overall Thalidomide was well tolerated with no grade 4 toxicities and no treatment related deaths. The median maximum tolerated dose was 300 mg/day. The most common toxicity was fatigue to which patients developed tachyphylaxis. There was no correlation demonstrated with plasma vascular endothelial growth factor levels and response or survival. Thalidomide is a well-tolerated drug that may have some activity in the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma. Optimum dosing with antiangiogenic agents is currently under investigation. Chronic low dose therapy may be required to see conventional responses or improvements in time to progression. The dose required to achieve optimal biological impact may be better defined once we have established reliable surrogate endpoints. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Myocardial performance after contusion with concurrent hypovolemia.
Myocardial contusion may present as a benign nonclinical event or a life-threatening emergency. Although cardiac output is recognized to be decreased with major contusion, the contribution of hypovolemic shock to myocardial dysfunction is unclear. This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between myocardial contusion and hypovolemic shock. After Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized, contusions were administered at either 80 psi or 120 psi. Half of each group then underwent hypovolemic shock. After 24 hours of recovery, cardiac hemodynamics were studied in each subgroup using the Neely-Langendorff apparatus. Isoenzymes and histology were evaluated as well. The data showed that rats undergoing hypovolemic shock in each subgroup had a significant decrease in cardiac output when compared with their controls. This decrease was more pronounced in the 120-psi group. Cardiac isoenzyme levels were elevated in all groups. Microscopic evaluations showed contusion in the controls and necrosis in the shock groups. Patients whose injuries are compatible with myocardial contusion and hypovolemic shock should be resuscitated quickly and evaluated for myocardial dysfunction secondary to infarction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Osmotic damage as a predictor of motility loss during convective desiccation of bovine sperm.
Current state-of-the art technologies are lagging in the application of desiccation storage to mammalian cells using nonreducing sugars. For bovine sperm, motility is irreversibly lost before reaching a sufficiently low moisture content necessary for preservation. It is hypothesized that much of the damage during drying is related to the osmotic stress encountered due to increased osmolarity of the extracellular environment. To test this hypothesis, we subjected sperm to liquid hyperosmotic environments for varying time-periods and measured their motility. We then extracted parameters for two models for motility loss based on these experiments: a first-order rate injury model (Fast or Slow) and a multi-modal (MM) injury model. The MM injury model incorporated an additional function accounting for damage induced by a time-independent osmotic change. Based on these models, we predicted sperm motility loss measured from natural and forced convective desiccation experiments. The MM injury model was able to closely bracket motility loss for desiccation as an osmotic change event with time-independent and time-dependent components. While the mechanistic basis of osmotic damage requires further exploration, the model can serve as a bracketing tool for predicting motility loss during desiccation based on excipients designed to minimize osmotic damage. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Sudden death of calves by experimental infection with Strongyloides papillosus. I. Parasitological observations.
Recently, an unknown disease, 'sudden death', in calves has been found in Japanese beef production farms. A previous study conducted by Taira and Ura indicated that sudden death can be effected in calves by hyperinfection of Strongyloides papillosus (SPL) and that the disease is possibly caused by SPL infection. In the present work, an experimental infection of SPL in calves was conducted to confirm the field occurrence. Fifteen Holstein Friesian calves, ranging from 45.5 to 85.6 kg in body weight, were divided into six groups. Calves of Groups A, B, C, D, E and F were infected once at the rate of 100,000, 320,000, 1,000,000, 3,200,000, 10,000,000 and 32,000,000 SPL larvae per 100 kg of body weight, respectively. Five calves were assigned to Group B, while two calves were assigned to the other groups. After showing no premonitory signs, sudden death of ten calves took place. The survival time of these calves was 27.4 and 16.8 days (Group B), 14.8 and 14.8 days (Group C), 13.3 and 14.2 days (Group D), 11.0 and 11.1 days (Group E) and 11.6 and 10.8 days (Group F). Three calves of Group B did not exhibit sudden death. The results of this study demonstrate that strongyloidiasis was the cause of sudden death. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nutrition and the elderly.
As the size of the elderly population grows, nutrition for the elderly has assumed increasing significance. Osteoporosis is a prime example of a disease which is, at least partially, nutritionally related and of great importance in this population. Not only may essential nutrients be in short supply in the diet during later years, but impaired absorption and utilization may actually dictate increased amounts to prevent disease. The optimal amount of protein in the diet is not yet known, but a decrease in caloric intake as people age is probably desirable. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Surgery course evaluation. Expectations of medical students in surgery rotation? From bench to bedside.
The curriculum of the Medical Faculty is a result of a compromise between the need to upgrade and extend the material and the immutability of study duration. In result of reduction of time for acquisition of basic practical skills. THE AIM OF THE STUDY was to evaluate the current curriculum by students and answer the question: What are the students' expectations of teaching surgery? and to compare the opinion in two academic centers in Poland. The survey embraced 85 students of the Medical Faculty of IV (25.9%), V (22.35%) and VI (51.75%) year of the Medical University of Gdańsk and VI year students of the Pomeranian University of Szczecin (PUM--34%). Students completed a 19-item questionnaire, send by e-mail. Questions were closed (yes / no or grades 1-5) with the option of opinion adding to each item. The Statistica (version 9) package for calculations was used. Differences with p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Qualitative data (opinions) were prepared in the form of summary tables, generalized or quoted. Satisfaction with the education of students amounted to 2,1-2,4 (on a scale 1-5). There is a weak association between gender and choice of surgical specialties. Declaring an interest in surgery does not affect the assessment of classes. Most students believe that the amount of theoretical classes is sufficient, there is lack of practical classes. Among procedures they want to learn, most often were mentioned: bladder catheterization, suturing, wound treatment and putting stomach tube. Additionally, they pay attention to the lack of affordable learning materials. Students expect a full "non-corridor" utilization of classes, learn and practice the basic and most frequent activities at the patient. They are dissatisfied with the current training methods, and would be taught in a diverse and active way. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The association between gender and outcome of patients with upper tract urothelial cancer.
The incidence of upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC) has gradually increased over the past 30 years. Although most reports have shown that UTUC occurs more frequently in men than in women, women have been found to have a worse prognosis than men. In Taiwan, a high incidence of UTUC has been reported, with an unusual minor predominance of female cases. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of gender on the outcome of patients with UTUC after nephroureterectomy and bladder cuff excision. From January 1990 to December 2007, 301 patients diagnosed with UTUC were admitted at our institution. A retrospective analysis of the effect of gender on the clinical outcome was performed. We compared the 5-year bladder recurrence-free, progression-free, and disease-specific survival rates. While we did not observe any differences between men and women in bladder recurrence-free, progression-free, or disease-specific survival rates, we found that female patients had a significantly higher percentage of contralateral recurrence than the males (5.9% vs. 0.8%, p = 0.019). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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