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Development of a Sulfur-Modified Glass-Supported Pd Nanoparticle Catalyst for Suzuki-Miyaura Coupling.
A safe, facile and low-leaching (up to 0.17 ppm) sulfur-modified glass-supported palladium nanoparticle catalyst has been developed for the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of aryl halides with aryl boronic acids. Most notably, this catalyst was highly recyclable and could be used up to 10 times without any discernible decrease in its activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cross-modal temporal order memory for auditory digits and visual locations: an fMRI study.
A function of working memory is to remember the temporal sequence of events, often occurring across different sensory modalities. To study the neural correlates of this function, we conducted an event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment with a cross-modal memory task. Subjects were required to recall auditory digits and visual locations either in mixed order (cross-modality) or in separate order (within-modality). To identify the brain regions involved in the memory of cross-modal temporal order, we compared the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) response between the mixed and the separate order tasks. As a control, cortical areas sensitive to the memory load were mapped by comparing the 10-item condition with the 6-item condition in the separate order task. Results show that the bilateral prefrontal, right premotor, temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) and left superior parietal cortices had significantly more activation in the mixed task than in the separate task. Some of these areas were also sensitive to the memory load, whereas the right prefrontal cortex and TPJ were relatively more sensitive to the cross-modal order but not the memory load. Our study provides potential neural correlates for the episodic buffer, a key component of working memory as proposed previously [Baddeley. Trends Cogn Sci 2000;4:417-423]. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clues across.
4. Broad, flat spoon (7) 8. Pole's headgear? (3-3) 9. Element from another planet? (7) 10. Fate is encountered by Rex first (6) 12. Cotton (4) 12. Cotton (4) 12. Cotton (4) 13. Forbidden fruit stuck in one's throat (5,5) 17. It is not unusual to have this infection (6,4) 18. One in the role of champion (4) 19. In a frenzy mentioned a protein (6) 21. Supernatural (7) 22. Lay blame on (6) 23. Next Month (7). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of environmental and hypothalamic factors on thyrotropin secretion in the hypothyroid rat.
1. Fourteen days after hypothyroidism was induced either by propylthiouracil (PTU) treatment or by thyroidectomy, the serum thyrotropin (TSH) responses to morphine (5 or 20 mg/kg bw), ether stress (30 min) and cold exposure (60 min) were compared with those in normal rats. 2. The decrease in serum TSH levels after morphine and ether stress found in the normal rats were abolished or much reduced respectively. 3. The increase in serum TSH in response to cold exposure and the diurnal rhythm of serum TSH (lower level at night) were also absent in the hypothyroid rat. 4. The stimulating effects of low dose of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and the inhibitory effects of somatostatin and apomorphine were completely abolished, while the stimulating effects of a high dose of TRH were much reduced in the hypothyroid rat. 5. These results indicate that in the hypothyroid rat the effect of a lack of negative feedback action of thyroid hormone predominates, and that hypothalamic factors are probably unimportant in the regulation of TSH secretion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The history of diseases of Taras Hryhorovych Shevchenko].
Theoretical rationale of anamnesis vitae of T.H. Shevechenko and an analysis of diseases which T.H. Shevechenko had had from 1814 till 1847 are presented in the article. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Extraction and incorporation of bioactives into protein formulations for food and biomedical applications.
Bioactive compounds from natural resources have been pointed out as promising substances with great benefits for human health. Furthermore, new techniques for their extraction have been reviewed in order to consider a global approach taking economic and environmental issues into account. Additionally, the incorporation of these biologically active compounds into protein-based products manufactured via different processing methods, such as solution casting, compression moulding, electrospinning, freeze-drying, and 3D printing, has been assessed, since the design and manufacturing method employed have a direct influence into the final properties of the material. Hence, new opportunities to develop active biopolymeric materials with great potential in food and biomedical applications have been presented. This review aims to provide an overview of some advanced technologies employed for bioactive extraction, as well as the bioactives incorporation into protein formulations to produce biomaterials and food packaging. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Discharge rate-level functions from dorsal cochlear nucleus single units in response to acoustic and electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve.
Discharge rate-level (I/O) functions possessed by dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) units were examined, in response to bipolar electrical stimulation of the cochlea of the barbiturate-anesthetized cat. Spontaneously active units usually possessed nonmonotonic functions with a minimum, and spontaneously inactive units usually possessed monotonic functions or nonmonotonic functions with a maximum (NM+). In response to acoustic high-pass filtered noise, the function relating discharge rate and cutoff frequency resembled the same unit's I/O function to electrical stimulation. The I/O functions to acoustic characteristic tones were usually monotonic or NM+. These results suggest that in the DCN, a prerequisite for the generation of acoustic-like responses with an electrical stimulus may be the matching of the cochlear place and spatial extent activated by each stimulus. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Theory of the Lattice Boltzmann method: Derivation of macroscopic equations via the Maxwell iteration.
We propose using the Maxwell iteration to derive the hydrodynamic equations from the lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE) with an external forcing term. The proposed methodology differs from existing approaches in several aspects. First, it need not explicitly introduce multiple-timescales or the Knudsen number, both of which are required in the Chapman-Enskog analysis. Second, it need not use the Hilbert expansion of the hydrodynamic variables, which is necessary in the asymptotic analysis of the LBE. The proposed methodology assumes the acoustic scaling (or the convective scaling) δ(t)∼δ(x), thus δ(t) is the only expansion parameter in the analysis of the LBE system, and it leads to the Navier-Stokes equations in compressible form. The forcing density derived in this work can reproduce existing forcing schemes by adjusting appropriate parameters. The proposed methodology also analyzes the numerical accuracy of the LBE. In particular, it shows the Mach number Ma should scale as O(δ(t)(1/3)) to maintain the truncation errors due to Ma and δ(t) in balance when δ(t)→0, so that the LBE can converge to the expected hydrodynamic equations effectively and efficiently. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The role of nafamostat mesylate in continuous renal replacement therapy among patients at high risk of bleeding.
Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) has emerged as the preferred dialysis modality for critically ill patients with acute kidney injury. The objectives of this retrospective study were to assess the effect of nafamostat on circuit patency of CRRT and the safety regarding bleeding complications in patients at high risk of bleeding. We conducted a retrospective study of 243 CRRT patients at high risk of bleeding. We started CRRT without anticoagulation, and nafamostat was used if hemofilter lifespan was less than 12 h. The average hemofilter lifespan was measured before and after drug infusion to evaluate the efficacy of nafamostat. The frequency and number of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions were measured to assess the safety of nafamostat. Of the 243 patients, 62 (25.5%) received nafamostat. In nafamostat group, the hemofilter lifespan was lengthened from 10.2 (7.5-13.0) h to 19.8 (12.6-26.6) h after drug infusion (p < 0.001). The hemofilter lifespan was 27.5 (17.5-38.2) h in anticoagulation-free group. The frequency of RBC transfusion during CRRT did not differ between the nafamostat group and the anticoagulation-free group (71% vs. 70%, p = NS). The median number of RBC units transfused per CRRT day was also not different between the two groups [0.7 (0.5-1.0) units/day vs. 0.7 (0.4-1.1) units/day; p = NS]. The use of nafamostat in patients at high risk of bleeding who require CRRT effectively lengthened the filter survival time without an increase in RBC transfusion. However, 74.5% of patients at high risk of bleeding maintained an acceptable CRRT hemofilter lifespan without circuit anticoagulation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Glycosuria and insulitis in NOD mice expressing the HLA-DQw6 molecule.
To investigate HLA-linked genes controlling the susceptibility and resistance to insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), HLA-DQ alleles of 45 Japanese patients with IDDM were analysed, using sequence specific oligonucleotide (SSO). DQA1*0301 and DQB1*04 were positively associated (R.R = 6.6, Pc less than 0.05 and R.R. = 4.7 Pc less than 0.01) and DQA1*0103 and DQB1*0104 were negatively associated (R.R. = 0.2, Pc less than 0.01) with IDDM. DQA1*0103 and DQB1*0104 were in strong linkage disequilibrium to encode for DQw6 molecule. Therefore, in a Japanese population, the DQw6 molecule seems to control the resistance to IDDM. To determine whether or not the DQw6 molecule itself can protect against glycosuria and insulitis in NOD mice, these animals were mated with HLA-DQw6 transgenic-C57BL/6 mice (DQw6-B6) and the F1 progeny expressing the DQw6 molecule were backcrossed with NOD mice. Eighty-five female backcross progenies were classified into four groups, according to the MHC classII phenotype; I-ANOD/I-ANOD DQw6(-), I-ANOD/I-ANOD DQw6(+), I-ANOD/I-Ab DQw6(-) and I-ANOD/I-Ab DQw6(+). At the age of 16 weeks, 9.1% of the DQw6(-) I-Ab(-) mice had a glycosuria whereas none of the DQw6(+) I-Ab(-) mice had a glycosuria. At the age of 30 weeks 13.6% of the DQw6(-) I-Ab(-) mice had a glycosuria and 7.7% of the DQw6(+) I-Ab(-) mice had a glycosuria. Histological examinations of the pancreas were performed in the 30 week old mice or after the development of glycosuria.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clear Cell Variant of Calcifying Epithelial Odontogenic Tumor: A Rare Clinical Entity.
Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (CEOT) is a rare benign odontogenic neoplasm of the jaws. Although clear cells have been reported in approximately 8% of cases of CEOT, the exact nature of these cells in clear cell calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (CCEOT) has not been elucidated. Presence of clear cells in CEOT may confer a more aggressive behavior to the lesion and a tendency for recurrence and metastatic spread. We report of a case of CCEOT in a 63 year old female patient which was first treated with enucleation; however recurrence prompted a segmental resection along with coronoid and condyle. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Obstetric outcome among Vietnamese refugees in Hong Kong: an age-matched case-controlled study.
The obstetric performance of 308 Vietnamese refugees is compared with that of 308 age-matched Hong Kong Chinese patients. Vietnamese women were of higher parity and had an increased incidence of late booking and unreliable dates. Significant differences were found in the incidence of previous termination of pregnancy, iron-deficiency anemia, parasitic infestation, tuberculosis (TB) and syphilis. There was no significant difference in the mean birthweight between the two groups. However, there were twice as many low birthweight (less than 2500 g) infants amongst the Vietnamese whereas the Chinese patients had a higher incidence of macrosomic (greater than 4 kg) infants. There were no perinatal deaths and no significant perinatal morbidity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Maternal-fetal-infant dynamics of the C3-epimer of 25-hydroxyvitamin D.
Poor vitamin D status (i.e. low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)) has been associated with adverse clinical outcomes during pregnancy and childhood. However, the interpretation of serum 25(OH)D levels may be complicated by the presence of the C3-epimer of 25(OH)D. We aimed to quantify C3-epi-25(OH)D3 in pregnant women and fetuses, to explore the relationship of the C3-epimer between maternal and cord samples, and to establish whether infant C3-epimer abundance is explained by prenatal formation. In a sub-study of a randomized trial of prenatal vitamin D3, 25(OH)D3 and C3-epi-25(OH)D3 were quantified by LC-MS/MS in 71 sets of mother-fetus-infant serum samples, including maternal delivery specimens, cord blood, and infant specimens acquired at 3-28 weeks of age. Without supplementation, median concentrations of C3-epi-25(OH)D₃ were higher in infants (6.80 nmol/L) than mothers (0.45 nmol/L) and cord blood (0 nmol/L). However, there was substantial variation such that C3-epi-25(OH)D₃ accounted for up to 11% (maternal), 14% (cord), and 25% (infant) of the total 25(OH)D₃. Supplemental vitamin D₃ significantly increased maternal-fetal C3-epi-25(OH)D₃, and was a preferential source of C3-epi-25(OH)D₃ compared to basal vitamin D, possibly due to C3-epi-cholecalciferol in the supplement. Multivariate regression did not suggest transplacental transfer of C3-epi-25(OH)D₃, but rather indicated its generation within the fetal-placental unit from maternally-derived 25(OH)D₃. Neither maternal nor fetal C3-epi-25(OH)D₃ is accounted for the relatively high concentrations of infant C3-epi-25(OH)D₃, suggesting rapid postnatal generation. C3-epi-25(OH)D₃ is present in some pregnant women and fetuses, but does not appear to be efficiently transferred transplacentally. High C3-epimer concentrations in infancy are probably due to postnatal formation rather than fetal stores. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Electrophilic C12 building blocks for alkaloids: formal total synthesis of (+/-)-maritidine.
Silyl-protected benzyl alcohol derivatives and the salt 1 are used to form ortho-substituted C12 electrophilic organoiron building blocks which are converted into a spirocyclic cyclohexenone to complete a formal total synthesis of (+/-)-maritidine (5). The choice of TBDPS protection was shown to be better than TIPS and compatible with ipso nucleophile addition to form a quaternary center. The reaction sequence is the first example of a successful application in the synthesis of an arylcyclohexadienyliron complex with an ortho-carbon substituent in the position required for Amaryllidaceae alkaloids of this type. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
PolyHeme: are we ready for a blood substitute?
Optimal management of hemorrhage requires control of the site of bleeding. Adjunctive to this control is resuscitation. The optimal resuscitation product remains elusive. From many standpoints, fresh, warm, whole blood would be considered the best option. For many reasons, such products are not universally available. One potential blood substitute, PolyHeme has recently completed a Phase III clinical trial. The scientific foundations for the use of the product are described in this review as are some of the preliminary results and controversies. Ultimately, the role of PolyHeme will depend in a great deal on review of the results of the current study. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Different modulation of inhibitory and stimulatory pathways mediated by adenosine after chronic in vivo agonist exposure.
After 6 days of in vivo treatment with two selective adenosine receptor agonists, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamido adenosine (NECA) and R-N6-phenylisopropiladenosine (R-PIA), we investigated their effects on adenosine receptors/adenylyl cyclase system in synaptic plasma membranes isolated from rat brain. NECA treatment caused a significant loss of NECA-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity, suggesting a desensitization of the adenosine A2 receptors-mediated pathway. No significant differences in total adenosine A2 receptors were observed, but Gs protein levels were decreased, suggesting Gs down-regulation as a mechanism for desensitization. On the other hand, NECA treatment caused a significant decrease in high-affinity adenosine A1 receptors population; however, no changes in CHA-inhibited adenylyl cyclase activity or Gi protein level were observed. Finally, when we studied the effects of R-PIA, a selective adenosine A1 receptor agonist, on stimulatory pathway of adenosine, low-affinity adenosine A2 binding sites were decreased without affecting the functionality of the pathway. These results show that adenosine A1 and A2 receptors are modulated in a different way after chronic agonist exposure and suggest the existence of cross-talk mechanisms between both stimulatory an inhibitory pathways mediated by adenosine. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Molecular Mechanisms of Phagosome Formation.
Phagocytosis refers to the active process that allows cells to take up large particulate material upon binding to surface receptors. The discovery of phagocytosis in 1883 by Elie Metchnikoff, leading to the concept that specialized cells are implicated in the defense against microbes, was one of the starting points of the field of immunology. After more than a century of research, phagocytosis is now appreciated to be a widely used process that enables the cellular uptake of a remarkable variety of particles, including bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses, dead cells, and assorted debris and solid materials. Uptake of foreign particles is performed almost exclusively by specialized myeloid cells, commonly termed "professional phagocytes": neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Phagocytosis of microbes not only stops or at least restricts the spread of infection but also plays an important role in regulating the innate and adaptive immune responses. Activation of the myeloid cells upon phagocytosis leads to the secretion of cytokines and chemokines that convey signals to a variety of immune cells. Moreover, foreign antigens generated by the degradation of microbes following phagocytosis are loaded onto the major histocompatibility complex for presentation to specific T lymphocytes. However, phagocytosis is not restricted to professional myeloid phagocytes; an expanding diversity of cell types appear capable of engulfing apoptotic bodies and debris, playing a critical role in tissue remodeling and in the clearance of billions of effete cells every day. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pediatric sleep-related breathing disorders and restless legs syndrome: how children are different.
Sleep-related breathing disorders and restless legs syndrome have traditionally been felt to affect primarily adults. Recent research suggests that these conditions are surprisingly common in children as well, and that clinical manifestations may differ considerably from those seen in adults. This review summarizes the clinical characteristics, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders and restless legs syndrome in children. Particular emphasis is placed on recent research and on how the presentation and treatment of these conditions are different in children compared with adults. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Stroke prevention outside the pharmacy : risk factors and lifestyle].
Advice on modifiable risk and lifestyle factors for stroke prevention should be an established component of medical consultation. It is most important to explain that alterations to the lifestyle can be highly efficient with respect to the individual risk profile. The following review describes the importance of lifestyle factors such as nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption, psychiatric condition, sport, dental hygiene and sleep disturbances for the risk of stroke using current data. It provides evidence that lifestyle modifications are highly effective with respect to stroke prevention. Corresponding recommendations and preventive strategies are presented. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Insulin resistance of protein metabolism in type 2 diabetes.
We previously demonstrated that 1) obesity impairs and 2) sex influences insulin sensitivity of protein metabolism, while 3) poor glycemic control in type 2 diabetes accelerates protein turnover in daily fed-fasted states. We hypothesized that type 2 diabetes alters the insulin sensitivity of protein metabolism and that sex modulates it. Hyperinsulinemic ( approximately 570 pmol/l), euglycemic (5.5 mmol/l), and isoaminoacidemic (kept at postabsorptive concentrations) clamps were performed in 17 hyperglycemic type 2 diabetic subjects and 23 subjects without diabetes matched for age and body composition, after 7 days on a inpatient, protein-controlled, isoenergetic diet. Glucose and leucine kinetics were determined using tracers. In type 2 diabetes, postabsorptive (baseline) glycemia was 8-9 mmol/l, glucose production (R(a)) and disposal (R(d)) were elevated, and once clamped, endogenous glucose R(a) remained greater and R(d) was less (P < 0.05) than in control subjects. Baseline leucine kinetics did not differ despite higher insulin levels. The latter was an independent predictor of leucine flux within each sex. With clamp, total flux increased less (P = 0.016) in type 2 diabetic men, although protein breakdown decreased equally ( approximately 20%) in male groups but less in female groups. Whereas protein synthesis increased in male control subjects and in both female groups, it did not in male subjects with type 2 diabetes. In men, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance predicted 44%, and, in women, waist-to-hip ratio predicted 40% of the change in synthesis. During our clamp, men with type 2 diabetes have greater insulin resistance of protein metabolism than that conferred by excess adiposity itself, whereas women do not. These results may have implications for dietary protein requirements. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cellular characterization of thrombocytes in Xenopus laevis with specific monoclonal antibodies.
Platelets are produced from megakaryocytes (MKs) in the bone marrow. In contrast, most nonmammalian vertebrates have nucleated and spindle-shaped thrombocytes instead of platelets in their circulatory systems, and the presence of MKs as thrombocyte progenitors has not been verified. In developing a new animal model in adult African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis), we needed to distinguish nucleated thrombocytes and their progenitors from other blood cells, because the cellular morphology of activated thrombocytes resembles lymphocytes and other cells. We initially generated two monoclonal antibodies, T5 and T12, to X. laevis thrombocytes. Whereas T5 recognized both thrombocytes and leukocytes, T12 specifically reacted to spindle-shaped thrombocytes. The T12(+) thrombocytes displayed much higher DNA ploidy than nucleated erythrocytes, and they expressed CD41 and Fli-1. In the presence of CaCl2, adenosine diphosphate, thrombin, or various collagens, T12(+) thrombocytes exhibited aggregation. These thrombocytes were located predominantly in the hepatic sinusoids and the splenic red pulp, suggesting that both organs are the sites of thrombopoiesis. Notably, circulating thrombocytes exhibited lower DNA ploidy than hepatic thrombocytes. Intraperitoneal administration of T12 produced immune thrombocytopenia in frogs, which reached a nadir 4 days postinjection, followed by recovery, suggesting that humoral regulation maintained the number of circulating thrombocytes. Although differences between MKs and thrombocytes in X. laevis remain to be defined, our results provide further insight into MK development and thrombopoiesis in vertebrates. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Simultaneous imaging of amyloid-β and lipids in brain tissue using antibody-coupled liposomes and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry.
The spatial localization of amyloid-β peptide deposits, the major component of senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD), was mapped in transgenic AD mouse brains using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), simultaneously with several endogenous molecules that cannot be mapped using conventional immunohistochemistry imaging, including phospholipids, cholesterol and sulfatides. Whereas the endogenous lipids were detected directly, the amyloid-β deposits, which cannot be detected as intact entities with ToF-SIMS because of extensive ion-induced fragmentation, were identified by specific binding of deuterated liposomes to antibodies directed against amyloid-β. Comparative investigation of the amyloid-β deposits using conventional immunohistochemistry and fluorescence microscopy suggests similar sensitivity but a more surface-confined identification due to the shallow penetration depth of the ToF-SIMS signal. The recorded ToF-SIMS images thus display the localization of lipids and amyloid-β in a narrow (~10 nm) two-dimensional plane at the tissue surface. As compared to a frozen nontreated tissue sample, the liposome preparation protocol generally increased the signal intensity of endogenous lipids, likely caused by matrix effects associated with the removal of salts, but no severe effects on the tissue integrity and the spatial distribution of lipids were observed with ToF-SIMS or scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This method may provide an important extension to conventional tissue imaging techniques to investigate the complex interplay of different kinds of molecules in neurodegenerative diseases, in the same specimen. However, limitations in target accessibility of the liposomes as well as unspecific binding need further consideration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Central nervous system germinomas. A review.
The germinoma represents a less malignant form of germ cell tumor. Depending on the individual's age, this neoplasm constitutes approximately 0.1% to 3.4% of all intracranial tumors. The embryologic origin remains a mystery; however, current theories implicate an aberration in primordial germ cell migration. Clinical presentation depends on tumor location and may involve endocrine, hypothalamic, visual, and cognitive dysfunction. In evaluating midline intracerebral masses, it is imperative that one be aware of the various radiologic appearances, endocrinologic changes, and chemical markers that help to distinguish germinomas from other neoplasms that appear in the pineal, suprasellar, and periventricular regions. Only through the careful evaluation of all available studies can the physician institute appropriate therapies such as biopsy, radiation, and chemotherapy. This article focuses on the epidemiology, embryology, clinical presentation, means of diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of this rare neoplasm. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pathophysiology of anemia in chronic kidney diseases: A review.
Backgroud. Anemia is one of the laboratory and clinical findings of chronic kidney diseases (CKD). The presence of anemia in patients with CKD has a wide range of clinically important consequences. Some of the symptoms that were previously attributed to reduced renal function are, in fact, a consequence of anemia. Anemia contributes to increased cardiac output, the development of left ventricular hypertrophy, angina, and congestive heart failure. According to current knowledge, anemia also contributes to the progression of CKD and is one of the factors that contribute to the high morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic renal failure and their reduced survival. MEDLINE search was performed to collect both original and review articles addressing anemia in CKD, pathophysiology of renal anemia, erythropoiesis, erythropoietin, iron metabolism, inflammation, malnutrition, drugs, renal replacement therapy and anemia management The present review summarized current knowledge in the field of the pathophysiology of renel anemia. Understanding the pathophysiology of anemia in CKD is crucial for the optimal treatment of anemia according to recent clinical practice guidelines and recommendation, and correct recognition of causes of resistence to treatment of erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESA). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical examination as a tool for identifying the origin of regional musculoskeletal pain.
A knowledge of the physiopathology of the processing of noxious stimuli in regional musculoskeletal disorders is useful for an understanding of the clinical history. In regional musculoskeletal pain (RMP) the physiopathology of the pain may be separated into two main features. First, the nociceptive pain which results from the activation of nociceptors diffusely distributed among the anatomical structures in and around the joint, apart from the cartilage; the nociceptive pain has a protective role. Second, the abnormal impulses from a nervous tissue lesion give rise to a neuropathic pain which offers no biological advantage and is a maladaptive pain. This chapter describes the main physiological characteristics of these two kinds of pain. From these, in the majority of cases, the clinical history and the physical examination must specify the diagnosis of the RMP and localize the source of pain. Furthermore, the clinical characteristics permit diagnosis of different complex situations where these two types of pain are associated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The treatment of basal cell carcinoma patients by dermatologists in Netherland].
To determine the policy of dermatologists practising in the Netherlands in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. Written enquiry. Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, the Netherlands. All 293 dermatologists practising in the Netherlands were sent a questionnaire in May 1996 containing 15 questions about diagnosis and treatment of basal cell carcinoma. Eighteen forms dropped off because of termination of the practice or joint completion in group practices. The response was 76% (208/275). The diagnosis was made usually on the basis of histological examination (71% of the respondents; 84% in a tumour recurrence). Excision was the preferred treatment for all subtypes of basal cell carcinoma; second choices were cryosurgery or curettage/electrocoagulation. Roentgen contact therapy has been practically abandoned. New methods such as photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy are being used only sporadically on an experimental basis. Most dermatologists regarded tumour recurrences as a bigger problem than primary tumours. They attempt to reduce the percentage of recurrences by giving advice about risk factors (sunlight). Too little use is being made of diagnostic biopsy to enable an optimal choice of therapy of basal cell carcinomas, especially in cases of recurrence tumours. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A global health problem caused by arsenic from natural sources.
Arsenic is a carcinogen to both humans and animals. Arsenicals have been associated with cancers of the skin, lung, and bladder. Clinical manifestations of chronic arsenic poisoning include non-cancer end point of hyper- and hypo-pigmentation, keratosis, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Epidemiological evidence indicates that arsenic concentration exceeding 50 microg l(-1) in the drinking water is not public health protective. The current WHO recommended guideline value for arsenic in drinking water is 10 microg l(-1), whereas many developing countries are still having a value of 50 microg l(-1). It has been estimated that tens of millions of people are at risk exposing to excessive levels of arsenic from both contaminated water and arsenic-bearing coal from natural sources. The global health implication and possible intervention strategies were also discussed in this review article. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
National survey on hospital-based privileges in family practice obstetrics.
To document the content and level of obstetrical hospital-based privileges for members of the American Academy of Family Physicians and to describe variations between regions, rural vs urban practices, and various physician characteristics. About 12% of the active members of the American Academy of Family Physicians listed as offering obstetrical care by the Academy as of March 1991 were randomly sampled by mailed questionnaire. Samples were drawn from three national regions. Privileges were grouped by degree of restriction, based on whether consultation or transfer was required. Of 1464 surveys mailed, 1026 physicians (70%) responded. Only 740 (72%) stated that they still practiced obstetrics. Privileges ranged from least restricted (100% provided vaginal vertex delivery, with no consultation required) to most restricted (79% provided amniocentesis, with consultation or transfer required). A surprisingly large proportion of physicians reported having fewer routine and more advanced privileges without consultations being required, such as ultrasonography (53%), vaginal breech delivery (41%), and cesarean section (25%). Physicians having more advanced privileges tended to be located in the West or mountain-plains region; be trained in the Midwest, mountain-plains region, or the West; work in middle-sized, nonteaching hospitals in more rural countries; have completed advanced obstetrical training (> or = 6 months); and deliver more than 40 infants per year. Overall, a considerable number of hospital-based obstetrical privileges are granted to family physicians. No uniformity in privileges prevails, owing to significant regional and practice variations. Teaching hospitals reportedly restrict obstetrical care by family physicians more than other hospitals. The variations in restrictions could not be explained by degree of training. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Screening for sexually transmitted diseases by family planning providers: is it adequate and appropriate?
Of more than 3,000 women interviewed in the 1982 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) who had made at least one family planning visit in the 12 months preceding the interview, 50 percent report that they were tested for a sexually transmitted infection. Black women are far more likely to have been screened than are white women (67 percent compared with 47 percent); moreover, a racial differential is seen in every subgroup examined. There is also a large difference in the proportion screened according to the woman's source of family planning care: Those who attended a clinic are much more likely to have been screened than are women who saw a private doctor (62 percent and 43 percent, respectively). As with the race differential, this relationship persists after other variables are controlled for. In addition, women who live in the South are more likely to have been screened than are residents of other regions (58 percent compared with 46 percent). Differences by metropolitan and non-metropolitan area of residence are small and are not statistically significant. Differences by marital status and age at first intercourse appeared statistically significant in preliminary analyses, but when controls for other factors were introduced, these differences became nonsignificant. Since many characteristics that are believed to be important risk markers for sexually transmitted infections are also predictors of whether a woman will be screened for such infections, current screening practices appear, in general, to target the appropriate groups. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Benefit of ultrasonography in the detection of clinically and mammographically occult breast cancer.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of high-resolution ultrasonography in the detection of clinically and mammographically occult breast cancer. From September 2003 to November 2006, a total of 1485 patients were confirmed to have in situ or invasive breast cancer in Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital Breast Care Centre. All patients underwent mammography (MMG) and/ or sonography (USG) evaluation. Patients' age and size of tumor detected by USG alone were compared with those detected by MMG. Altogether, 222 patients (17%) had positive imaging findings on USG only, among which 22 (13%) patients had nonpalpable tumors. Performing USG increased the cancer detection rate among clinically and mammographically occult breast lesions by 14.3%. The mean size of the tumors detected only by USG was 1.98 cm, which was not significantly different from the mean size of tumor detected by MMG (1.46) (p = 0.23). This remains true in the group of patients with nonpalpable tumors (1.36 vs. 1.46 cm, p = 0.88). The sensitivity of USG is 91%, which is significantly higher than that of MMG (78%) (p = 0.001). This remains true in patients age <40 or > or = 40, tumor grading I toIII, and LVI +/- cases. However, MMG had higher sensitivity in the group of patients with nonpalpable tumors (73% vs. 62%, p = 0.01) and noninvasive cancers (72% vs. 69%, p = 0.01). The use of high-resolution USG may lead to detection of a significant number of occult cancers that are no different in size from nonpalpable mammographically detected lesions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
My copilot is a nurse--using crew resource management in the OR.
Crew resource management (CRM) has been used for more than 20 years in the aviation industry to teach individual error countermeasures by developing nontechnical (ie, cognitive, social) skills based on the observed traits of successful individuals and crews. The health care industry began to investigate aviation CRM after the Institute of Medicine's report, To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System, recommended that medicine adopt aviation's approach to safety and error management. Initial results of implementing CRM in health care arenas have demonstrated reduced adverse outcomes, reduced errors, reduced length of stay, improved nurse retention, and changed attitudes and behaviors toward teamwork. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Omeprazole therapy and salivary flow rate in duodenal ulcer patients.
Previous reports have shown that in some reflux-oesophagitis patients omeprazole therapy alters salivary secretion. The aim of the study was to examine this effect in duodenal ulcer patients. Thirty nine Helicobacter pylori positive subjects of both sexes, predominantly men, were recruited for the study. They were taking for two weeks only omeprazole (n = 17), or omeprazole in combination with either amoxycillin or amoxycillin and tinidazole (n = 22). Salivary secretion was assessed before and at the end of the treatment, both in basal conditions and during a gastric secretory test. Gastric secretion was monitored concurrently with salivary flow rate. Additionally gastritis score and serum gastrin levels were assessed. Basal salivary secretions remained unchanged in patients on omeprazole monotherapy, but decreased in five of eight saliva collection periods in patients on eradication regimens. During the gastric secretory test, salivary secretions fell in both groups, but only after pentagastrin stimulation (in one collection period in patients on omeprazole, and in three collection periods in patients on eradication therapy). The observed changes in salivary secretion were inversely related to the pre-treatment gastric pH values. The influence of omeprazole and omeprazole-based eradication therapies on salivary flow rate is presumably secondary to changes in gastric pH values and is likely to be related to oesophago-salivary reflex generation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Chronic infection with Epstein-Barr virus, Chlamydia and hepatitis A virus, terminating in cirrhosis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
We describe a 27-year-old woman who presented with infertility, and over the subsequent 7 years developed chronic Epstein-Barr virus infection, hepatitis A, cirrhosis and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Serological evidence of chronic infection with Chlamydia, Epstein-Barr virus and hepatitis A virus was documented. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Novel nephrotoxins.
Drug and xenobiotic toxicity is an important cause of kidney injury, especially in vulnerable patients. Nephrotoxic syndromes include functional disorders; vascular injury, such as thrombotic microangiopathy; glomerular injury resulting in nephrotic syndrome or glomerulonephritis; acute tubular necrosis; acute interstitial nephritis; and crystalopathy/nephrolithiasis. Recently reported nephrotoxins are reviewed in the context of these syndromes of kidney injury. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An MEKC assay for the therapeutic drug monitoring of cefepime.
The development of a robust assay based on MEKC for cefepime in human serum and plasma with internal quality assurance is reported. Sample preparation comprises protein precipitation in the presence of SDS at pH 4.5. This is a gentle approach for which decomposition of cefepime during sample handling is negligible. After hydrodynamic sample injection of the supernatant, analysis occurs in a phosphate/borate buffer at pH 9.1 with 75 mM SDS using normal polarity and analyte detection at 257 nm. The MEKC run time interval and throughput are about 5 min and seven samples per hour, respectively. The calibration range for cefepime is 1-60 μg/mL, with 1 μg/mL being the LOQ. The performance of the assay with multilevel internal calibration was assessed with calibration and control samples. The assay is shown to be simple, inexpensive, reproducible, and robust. It was applied to determine cefepime levels in the sera of critically ill patients and to assess the instability of cefepime in patient and control samples. Our data revealed that serum containing cefepime can be stored at -20°C for a short time, whereas for long-term storage, samples have to be kept at -70°C. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
New methodology for the deoxygenative difluoromethylenation of aldehydes and ketones; unexpected formation of tetrafluorocyclopropanes.
Generation of difluoromethylene phosphorus ylides in the presence of aldehydes and ketones results in Wittig-type reactions to give gem-difluoroalkenes. Subsequent in situ addition of difluorocarbene (carbenoid) can occur (increased with triphenylphosphine and decreased with tributylphosphine) to give tetrafluorocyclopropanes. [Reaction: see text] | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
["Vision through the hands": experience of a project].
The Project "Vision through the hands" was performed by the Altino Ventura Foundation, with the purpose of investigating the present child situation with multiple disabilities in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Birth and social conditions, social problems, and difficulty in accessing the specialized services were evaluated, aiming to collect relevant data with the goal of posterior implantation of a specialized diagnosis and treatment center. Ophthalmologic care and proper treatment were offered. Three hundred and nine children from five reference institutions in disabilities were attended, on six non consecutive days. All cases underwent ophthalmologic examinations and parent interviews. During the waiting time between the ophthalmologic visits and parent interviews the patients performed activities with artists. A multidisciplinary team of 31 professionals was available. According to parent information 83.1% of the patients were considered included in the society and only 45.4% attended school (normal or special). The difficulty to get access to ophthalmologic service was reported by 51.1%. Two hundred and seventy children with multiple disabilities were identified, 154 (56.2%) of whom underwent an ophthalmologic examination for the first time, and 33.0% had low visual acuity (inferior to 20/60 Snellen). The most frequent diagnoses were: refraction error, strabismus, ambliopia, alterations of optic nerve (glaucoma and atrophy), and cataract. Eighty-four glasses were prescribed. This project was pioneer in the region, allowing to obtain the information about important problems regarding multiple disabilities, and making possible ophthalmologic care and specialized treatment to the children. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neuropathic Pain Up-Regulates Hypothalamo-Neurohypophysial and Hypothalamo-Spinal Oxytocinergic Pathways in Oxytocin-Monomeric Red Fluorescent Protein 1 Transgenic Rat.
Despite the high incidence of neuropathic pain, its mechanism remains unclear. Oxytocin (OXT) is an established endogenous polypeptide produced in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. OXT, which is synthesized by OXT neurons in the SON and the magnocellular part of the PVN (mPVN), is delivered into the posterior pituitary (PP), then released into the systemic blood circulation. Meanwhile, OXT-containing neurosecretory cells in the parvocellular part of the PVN (pPVN) are directly projected to the spinal cord and are associated with sensory modulation. In this study, the OXT system in the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial and hypothalamo-spinal pathway was surveyed using a rat neuropathic pain model induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSL). In the present study, we used transgenic rats expressing an OXT-monomeric red fluorescent protein 1 (mRFP1) fusion gene. In a neuropathic pain model, mechanical allodynia was observed, and glial cell activation was also confirmed via immunohistochemistry. In this neuropathic pain model, a significant increase in the OXT-mRFP1 expression was observed in the PP, the SON, mPVN, and pPVN. Furthermore, OXT-mRFP1 granules with positive fluorescent reaction were remarkably increased in laminae I and II of the ipsilateral dorsal horn. Although the plasma concentrations of OXT did not significantly change, a significant increase of the mRNA levels of OXT and mRFP1 in the SON, mPVN, and pPVN were observed. These results suggest that neuropathic pain induced by PSL upregulates hypothalamic OXT synthesis and transportation to the OXTergic axon terminals in the PP and spinal cord. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[(η2-(Si/Ge)4)Zn(η2-(Si/Ge)4)](6-)- novel Zintl clusters with mixed Si/Ge tetrahedra bridged by a Zn atom.
The solubility of the ternary Zintl phase K(12)Si(17-x)Ge(x) (x = 5), containing mixed group 14 element clusters, was investigated. Novel dimeric tetrahedral Zintl clusters [(η(2)-E(4))Zn(η(2)-E(4))](6-) with mixed site occupation (E = Si/Ge) were obtained through reaction with (C(6)H(6))(2)Zn in ammonia solutions and investigated by means of X-ray single crystal diffraction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A Path to Understanding How Motor Cortex Influences Muscle Activity.
The influence of motor cortex on muscles during different behaviors is incompletely understood. In this issue of Neuron, Miri et al. (2017) show that the population activity patterns produced by motor cortex during different behaviors determine the selective routing of signals along different pathways between motor cortex and muscles. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transdermal iontophoresis of the dopamine agonist 5-OH-DPAT in human skin in vitro.
The feasibility of transdermal iontophoretic delivery of a potent dopamine agonist 5-OH-DPAT was studied in vitro in side by side diffusion cells across human stratum corneum (HSC) and dermatomed human skin (DHS) according to the following protocol: 6 h of passive diffusion, 9 h of iontophoresis and 5 h of passive diffusion. The influences of the following parameters on the flux were studied: donor solution pH, NaCl concentration, drug donor concentration, current density and skin type. A current density of 0.5 mA cm(-2) was used, except for one series of experiments to study the current density effect. Probably due to the influence of the skin perm-selectivity and the competition with H(+), increase in pH from 3 to 5 resulted in a significant increase in flux. Further increase in pH to 6 did not further increase the flux. The iontophoretic transport was found to increase linearly with concentration and current density, providing a convenient way to manage dose titration for Parkinson's disease therapy. Increase in concentration of NaCl dramatically reduced the flux of 5-OH-DPAT as a result of ion competition to the transport. When DHS was used, the iontophoretic transport was less. Also, with DHS the response in flux profile, by switching the current on and off, was shallower than that with HSC. With the optimum condition, a delivery of 104 microg of 5-OH-DPAT per cm(2) patch per hour is feasible, indicating that the therapeutic level could be achieved with a smaller patch size than required in case of rotigotine. Thus, based on this in vitro study, transdermal iontophoretic delivery of 5-OH-DPAT is very promising. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Expression and purification of GST fusion proteins.
This unit describes the use of the glutathione-S-transferase (GST) gene fusion system as a method for high-level protein expression and purification from bacterial lysates. Several pGEX vectors are available with multiple cloning sites to allow for unidirectional insertion of the coding-region DNA into the pGEX vector. The GST fusion protein is easily purified by affinity chromatography using a glutathione-Sepharose matrix under mild conditions. Removal of the GST moiety from the protein of interest is accomplished through a specific protease cleavage site located between the GST moiety and the recombinant polypeptide. For solution digestions, GST is easily removed by a second round of chromatography on the glutathione column. Removal of proteases is facilitated by the use of a benzamidine-Sepharose column or a gel-filtration step. Purified protein has been used successfully in structural determinations, immunological studies, vaccine production, and structure-function analysis of protein-protein or DNA-protein interactions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Central administration of aldosterone increases blood pressure in rats.
Experiments were designed to determine whether hypertension in rats caused by a central infusion of aldosterone requires supplemental sodium and uninephrectomy. Group 1 was uninephrectomized and received an intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of aldosterone (9 ng/h) plus 1M NaCl, dissolved in 0.01% ethyl alcohol-artificial cerebrospinal fluid (vehicle). Group 2 received the same infusion but was not uninephrectomized. Group 3 received an i.c.v. infusion of aldosterone alone in vehicle. Group 4 received an i.c.v. infusion of vehicle with intravenous (i.v.) infusion of aldosterone plus NaCl. All rats received a diet of standard Purina rat chow and tap water ad libitum. Systolic blood pressure of groups 1 and 2 was significantly increased. Rats treated with i.c.v. aldosterone alone also showed a significant increase in blood pressure on day 21. However, i.v. infusion of the same dose of aldosterone did not change blood pressure. The results show that hypertension induced with chronic central infusion of aldosterone does not require uninephrectomy. We conclude that aldosterone may act directly within the central nervous system to increase blood pressure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
MDS and GCA: a prognostic dilemma.
A number of autoimmune disorders, such as large vessel vasculitis, have been recognized in patients who have myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and myeloproliferative syndrome (MPS). The influence of an autoimmune disorder on the prognosis of patients who have MDS and MPS remains to be determined. We report three cases of myelodysplastic syndrome and large vessel vasculitis seen at our institution and provide a brief literature review of the two disease processes. More studies are needed to determine the pathophysiology of the underlying diseases and whether there truly is a relationship between the disease entities and to discover better markers for disease assessment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Aging effects on the secretion of corticosterone in male rats.
The effects of aging on zona fasciculatareticularis (ZFR) cell function in male rats were studied. Male rats 3, 6, and 22 months of age were divided into three groups, and collagenase-dispersed ZFR cells were isolated and incubated with adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), 8-bromo-adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Br-cAMP), ovine prolactin (oPRL), deoxycorticosterone (DOC), or 3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine (IBMX) at 37 degrees C for 1 hour. Corticosterone concentrations in cell media and cAMP production in ZFR cells were measured by radioimmunoassay. Protein expression of PRL receptor in ZFR cells were analyzed by Western blot. The basal levels of plasma and medium corticosterone were higher in 22-month-old than in 3-month-old rats. In contrast, the release of corticosterone in response to ACTH, 8-Br-cAMP, and DOC was lower in 22-month-old than in 3- and 6-month-old rats. Aging decreased the oPRL-stimulated release of corticosterone but increased the protein expression of PRL receptor in ZFR cells. The basal levels of intracellular cAMP increased with age. However, the ACTH-stimulated production of intracellular cAMP decreased in 22-month-old compared with 3- or 6-month-old rats. The increment of cAMP accumulation in ZFR cells after administration of IBMX was greater in 22-month-old than in 3- or 6-month-old rats. These results suggest that the aging effects on the production of corticosterone in rat ZFR cells is associated with change of the generation of cAMP, the activity of 11 beta-hydroxylase and the protein expression of PRL receptor. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of aculeacin A, a wall-active antibiotic, on synthesis of the yeast cell wall.
A wall-active, amphophilic antibiotic aculeacin A significantly but incompletely inhibited in vitro the activity of beta-(1,3)glucan synthase prepared from highly susceptible yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans. In contrast, comparable cell-free preparations from S. cerevisiae active in chitin synthase or mannan synthase were insensitive to the antibiotic, suggesting selectivity of its action in synthesis of the yeast cell wall. An electron microscopic study of the effects of aculeacin A at 0.31 micrograms/ml, the optimally active concentration, on osmotically stabilized C. albicans cells revealed morphological alterations in both cell walls and cell membranes. Deformation in contour and derangement of the layered structure of the cell wall were prominent. In addition, massive fibrous material of beta-glucan-like microfibrils was occasionally extruded from the cell surface. Accompanying this effect on the cytology of the cell wall, ultrastructural and functional impairment of the cell membrane was demonstrated by transmission and freeze-fracture electron microscopic techniques. These data suggest that aculeacin A affects synthesis of the yeast cell wall through not only selective blockage of beta-(1,3)glucan synthase, as a result of a primary interaction with the cell membrane, but also inhibition of the fabrication of beta-glucan or other wall components into well-organized cell walls. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Endorphins: naloxone fails to alter experimental pain or mood in humans.
In 30 human subjects, experimental pain was produced by either ischemia or cold-water immersion. In a double-blind procedure, intravenous doses of up to 10 milligrams of naloxone hydrochloride in saline were indistinguishable from similarly administered saline alone. There were no effects on subjective pain ratings, finger plethysmograph recordings, or responses to mood-state questionnaires. These laboratory procedures do not activate any functionally significant pain-attenuating or mood-altering effect of endorphins. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Oxalate nephropathy with a granulomatous lesion due to excessive intake of peanuts.
A 65-year-old Japanese male developed renal dysfunction, showing proteinuria and marked urinary excretion of beta2-microglobulin. He had consumed approximately 100-200 g peanuts and 750-1,000 ml beer every day for two or three months. He had previously been treated for hypertension with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, enalapril. He then visited his primary-care doctor with mild fever, and renal dysfunction with mild diabetes mellitus were diagnosed. He was referred to our hospital, and because no diabetic retinopathy was observed by ophthalmological tests, renal biopsy examination was performed to clarify renal dysfunction. Renal biopsy specimens showed intimal thickening in the small arteries and interstitial nephritis with a granulomatous lesion, accompanied by oxalate crystals under polarized light. Glomeruli were unremarkable without any immunoglobulin deposition, and nodular lesions. Because he daily consumed a large amount of peanuts, oxalate nephropathy due to excessive intake of peanuts was strongly suspected. This case revealed that unusual food habits, including nuts, can cause oxalate nephropathy, and that close examination by renal biopsy was useful for clarifying the etiology of the unknown renal damage. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Selective accumulation of a new antineoplastic agent, K-18 (human immunoglobulin conjugated melphalan), in Ehrlich carcinoma transplanted in mice.
The absorption of K-18 (human IgG conjugated melphalan) through the intestine and its selective accumulation in the tumor were studied. After oral administration of 14C-melphalan and 14C-K-18 to ICR mice with subcutaneously transplanted Ehrlich carcinoma, K-18 was detected at the tumor site by autoradiogram after 48 hrs, but melphalan was not. Immunofluorescence study showed that orally administered K-18 was absorbed from the intestine via both the portal and the lymphatic route. Moreover, immunoperoxidase staining revealed K-18 in cytoplasm of tumor cells, but not in bone marrow cells. These results demonstrate the absorption of K-18 from the intestine after oral administration and its selective affinity for tumor tissue. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Thoracic outlet syndrome: a rare case with bilateral cervical ribs and bilateral anterior scalene hypertrophy.
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a rare neurovascular disorder generally caused by the presence of a cervical rib or hypertrophic scalene anterior muscle that can compress the brachial plexus and/or subclavian vessels. In the vascular form, the symptoms are caused by the compression of the artery and/or the subclavian vein. In the first case, the compression is caused by the cervical rib and leads to hypo-perfusion with cooling and cyanosis of the upper limb, while in the second case, the compression is caused by the anterior scalene muscle and leads to congestion, cyanosis, swelling and pain in the higher limb. In this paper, we describe a case with the simultaneous presence of a bilateral cervical rib and bilateral hypertrophy of the anterior scalene muscle. TOS diagnosis is based on neurological, clinical and instrumental tests, such as chest radiography and color Doppler ultrasonography. The treatment of these patients can be surgical or conservative. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparative effects of aripiprazole and selected antipsychotic drugs on lipid peroxidation in plasma.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the effects of a new antipsychotic, aripiprazole (unique due to its mechanism of action), with the effects of selected antipsychotic drugs, such as quetiapine, olanzapine, clozapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone (at the final concentrations corresponding to clinically effective doses used for the treatment of acute episodes of schizophrenia) on lipid peroxidation in human plasma measured by the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), which is a marker of oxidative stress. The levels of TBARS were measured spectrophotometrically, according to the modification of the Rice-Evans method. Our results indicate that antipsychotics at doses recommended for the treatment of acute episodes of schizophrenia may induce distinct changes in the levels of lipid peroxidation products (TBARS) in plasma. Aripiprazole had no effect on the level of a lipid peroxidation marker in plasma, although used at lower doses it showed insignificant prooxidative properties similar to clozapine. Quetiapine had the strongest antioxidant properties, contrary to prooxidative action of risperidone, ziprasidone or haloperidol, and clozapine at lower doses. Olanzapine reduced the level of TBARS in plasma only at a lower dose. Antipsychotics at doses recommended for the treatment of acute episode in schizophrenia may induce the distinct changes in plasma lipid peroxidation. Aripiprazole did not induce significant changes in plasma lipid peroxidation. In further studies, the role of oxidative stress in schizophrenic patients together with their clinical symptomatology and use of antipsychotics should be taken into account. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Engineering of a multi-functional extracellular matrix protein for immobilization to bone mineral hydroxyapatite.
We have developed a strategy of designing multi-functional extracellular matrix proteins for functionalizing bone tissue engineering scaffolds and other biomedical surfaces to achieve improvements in bone grafting, bone repair and bone regeneration. We developed a novel extracellular matrix protein designed to have a cell adhesive RGD sequence derived from fibronectin and active functional unit of osteocalcin (OC) containing Ca(2+)-binding sites for immobilization to mineral component of bone, hydroxyapatite (HA). The fusion protein, designated FN(RGD)/OC, was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified with affinity chromatography using a His-tag. The resultant FN(RGD)/OC fusion protein preferentially bound to HA, promoted cell adhesive activity, and stimulated differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cell. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Specificity of autobiographical memory in social phobia and major depression.
Several studies have found evidence for overgeneral autobiographical memory in patients with major depression and other disorders. Individuals with social phobia have been found to report early memories relating to specific experiences of being depreciated or rejected. However, there are no clear results regarding specificity of autobiographical memory in social phobia to date. Experimental design is quasi-experimental: Three groups were compared with regard to specificity of autobiographical memory. Emphasis was laid on matching the groups for age, gender and educational level. Following the Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT) and another recent study, 10 emotional cue words of positive or negative valence were presented to 18 outpatients with social phobia without current comorbid depression, 18 outpatients with major depression without current anxiety disorder and 18 healthy control subjects in a think-aloud task. Participants were asked to report a specific autobiographical event and received sufficient training to ensure that the method had been understood. Results indicated no significant differences between groups for specificity and latency of first specific response. In contrast with earlier studies, an overgeneral response style was not observed in depressed patients. However, significant differences in educational level emerged. Social phobics demonstrated a high ability to recall detailed specific autobiographical memories. Possible explanations for the discrepancy between our results and previous findings regarding depressed patients are discussed in terms of sample characteristics, specific modifications of the AMT-protocol and level of education. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Anthropometric Parameters for Access to Sella Turcica Through the Nostril.
The pituitary gland is located in the sella turcica. Pituitary tumors constitute approximately 15% of intracranial benign tumors. "Endo nasal endoscopic trans-sphenoidal" method is an appropriate surgical technique to remove this tumor. In this operation an endoscope enters the nasal cavity through the nostril to reach the floor of the sella turcica. The aim of this study was an anthropometric evaluation of the route of endoscope in this surgery. Two hundred twenty-seven patients (116 women, 111 men) were divided into ≥30, 31 to 61, and ≥61-year age groups. Lateral scanograms of skull were used to measure 3 linear distances and 1 angle. While the mean of the linear variables was significantly higher in men (P <0.001), this difference was not significant in angular measurement between sexes. More detail evaluation of the age groups showed age- and sex-specific differences in measurements. The authors concluded that it needs to consider the anthropometrical indexes in pituitary surgery. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Harderian gland exudates in the male Meriones unguiculatus regulate female proceptive behavior, aggression, and investigation.
Harderian gland secretions exit from the nose of Meriones unguiculatus during an autogroom (Thiessen, 1977). The exudates act as an attractant pheromone and as a thermoregulatory barrier when spread throughout the pelage. A recent study demonstrated that Harderian exudates in the male guide proceptive behavior in the female (Harriman & Thiessen, 1985). The present study replicated this finding by showing that estrous females direct fewer proceptive acts toward males lacking Harderian glands. In addition, it was found that females are more defensively aggressive toward Harderianectomized males and prefer to spend more time in the vicinity of intact males. It is speculated that Harderian spread allows the female to assess the reproductive competence of the male. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Association between gestational diabetes mellitus and subsequent risk of cancer: a systematic review of epidemiological studies.
This study aimed at summarizing epidemiological evidence of the association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and subsequent risk of cancer. We searched Medline, Embase, Cancer Lit and CINAHL for epidemiological studies published by February 1, 2014 examining the risk of cancer in patients with history of GDM using highly inclusive algorithms. Information about first author, year of publication, country of study, study design, cancer sites, sample sizes, attained age of subjects and methods used for determining GDM status were extracted by two researchers and Stata version 11.0 was used to perform the meta-analysis and estimate the pooled effects. A total of 9 articles documented 5 cohort and 4 case- control studies containing 10,630 cancer cases and 14,608 women with a history of GDM were included in this review. Taken together, the pooled odds ratio (OR) between GDM and breast cancer risk was 1.01 (0.87-1.17); yet the same pooled ORs of case-control and cohort studies were 0.87 (0.71-1.06) and 1.25 (1.00-1.56) respectively. There are indications that GDM is strongly associated with higher risk of pancreatic cancer (HR=8.68) and hematologic malignancies (HR=4.53), but no relationships were detected between GDM and other types of cancer. Although GDM increases the risk of certain types of cancer, these results should be interpreted with caution becuase of some methodological flaws. The issue merits added investigation and coordinated efforts between researchers, antenatal clinics and cancer treatment and registration agencies to help attain better understanding. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Admission levels of C-reactive protein and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in patients with acute myocardial infarction with and without cardiogenic shock or heart failure on admission.
Scarce data exist on the relationship of C-reactive protein (CRP) or plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) to the occurrence of heart failure (HF) or cardiogenic shock (CS) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and on the relationship between these biomarkers and mortality in CS patients. Thus, we compared high-sensitivity CRP and PAI-1 antigen plasma levels on admission among 3 age- and gender-matched AMI patients groups (consisting of 60 patients with CS, 60 with HF, and 60 without HF on admission), after determining that PAI-1 levels did not vary significantly diurnally in these groups by comparing the data among subgroups which were divided according to admission time within the groups. For CS patients, we also conducted regression analyses to examine the relations of these biomarkers to mortality. CRP levels both in CS (P < 0.001) and HF (P < 0.05) patients were significantly higher compared to those without HF, PAI-1 levels in CS patients were significantly higher compared to both those with (P < 0.05) and without HF (P > 0.01), and CRP and PAI-1 were independent predictors of in-hospital (Odds ratio [OR] = 6.12, 95% confidence intervals [95%CI] = 1.47-25.54 and OR = 5.92, 95%CI = 1.31-26.77, respectively) and 1-year mortality (OR = 5.53, 95%CI = 1.21-25.17 and OR = 5.48, 95%CI = 1.09-27.52, respectively) in CS patients. In conclusion, at admission, CRP is associated with the occurrence of CS and HF and PAI-1 is associated with the occurrence of CS after AMI, and they are of prognostic value in CS complicating AMI. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
302 nm continuous wave generation by intracavity frequency doubling of a diode-pumped Pr:YLF laser.
In this paper, we report on the intracavity frequency doubling of the Pr:YLF laser with a LiB3O5 (LBO) crystal, which was pumped by a combined 1.4 W blue laser diode at 444 nm and 1.5 W blue laser diode at 469 nm. By optimizing the design of the resonator, using a 5-mm-long LBO crystal, the maximum output power of 5 mW at 302 nm was achieved with respect to the total pump power. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dandy-Walker malformation in the Meckel syndrome.
The Meckel syndrome (MS) is an autosomal recessive disorder classically defined by the triad of occipital encephalocele, multicystic kidneys, and polydactyly. Here we describe 3 sibs with varying manifestations of MS. The propositus had isolated cystic renal disease. The other sibs were both prenatally diagnosed with renal disease, polydactyly, and the Dandy-Walker malformation, an unusual central nervous system defect in MS. These findings are discussed in the context of the phenotypic expression of MS and the nosology of this disorder and the cerebro-reno-digital (Meckel-like) syndromes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
From lamprey to salamander: an exploratory modeling study on the architecture of the spinal locomotor networks in the salamander.
The evolutionary transition from water to land required new locomotor modes and corresponding adjustments of the spinal "central pattern generators" for locomotion. Salamanders resemble the first terrestrial tetrapods and represent a key animal for the study of these changes. Based on recent physiological data from salamanders, and previous work on the swimming, limbless lamprey, we present a model of the basic oscillatory network in the salamander spinal cord, the spinal segment. Model neurons are of the Hodgkin-Huxley type. Spinal hemisegments contain sparsely connected excitatory and inhibitory neuron populations, and are coupled to a contralateral hemisegment. The model yields a large range of experimental findings, especially the NMDA-induced oscillations observed in isolated axial hemisegments and segments of the salamander Pleurodeles waltlii. The model reproduces most of the effects of the blockade of AMPA synapses, glycinergic synapses, calcium-activated potassium current, persistent sodium current, and [Formula: see text]-current. Driving segments with a population of brainstem neurons yields fast oscillations in the in vivo swimming frequency range. A minimal modification to the conductances involved in burst-termination yields the slower stepping frequency range. Slow oscillators can impose their frequency on fast oscillators, as is likely the case during gait transitions from swimming to stepping. Our study shows that a lamprey-like network can potentially serve as a building block of axial and limb oscillators for swimming and stepping in salamanders. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A report on the present status of undergraduate urologic teaching in medical schools and some resulting recommendations.
At the request of the Education Council of the American Urological Association a survey of urologic teaching in America's medical schools was done. The most startling and distressing finding, based upon the study of 99 medical schools, was that more than half (52 per cent) of the schools do not require any clinical exposure to urology before graduation. Suggestions are offered, based upon the documented importance of urology in the delivery of primary care, for an approach to medical school curriculum committees to mandate the return of urology as a required subject in our schools. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Growing pains: medical device interoperability. Regulators and new standards are helping to bring about the convergence of medical devices and information management systems on IT networks.
Both provider organizations and medical device vendors have made significant, if slow-going, progress over the last several years to network their digitally-enabled medical devices. Recent strides in both the regulatory and standards arenas have provided renewed impetus on the part of both stakeholder groups to bring more interoperability to disparate medical devices, resulting in better security and quality of patient data. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Three cases with May-Thurner syndrome: a possibly under-reported disorder.
The May-Thurner syndrome is an acquired stenosis of the left common iliac vein causing left lower leg edema, thigh discomfort, and deep venous thrombosis. This condition was first described by May and Thurner in 1956 in 22% of autopsy series. They concluded that it was the underlying factor for deep venous thrombosis on the left side. Here, we present three young female patients with May-Thurner syndrome, but without actual thrombosis. One of these patients was successfully treated with a Wall stent, and the other two patients underwent clinical follow-up with anticoagulant therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Periviscerokinins in cockroaches: release, localization, and taxon-specific action on the hyperneural muscle.
The periviscerokinins of Periplaneta americana (Pea-PVKs) were the first neuropeptides directly isolated from perisympathetic organs (PSOs), neurohemal swellings of the transverse and median nerves of insects. It has been demonstrated that Pea-PVK-1 release can be induced from the abdominal PSOs of P. americana by in vitro depolarization. A myotropic effect of Pea-PVK-1 on the hyperneural muscle is restricted to blattid cockroaches, whereas proctolin induces contractions of this muscle in all cockroach species investigated. The location and morphology of Pea-PVK-1-like immunoreactive neurons in species of different cockroach taxa are very similar to those previously described for P. americana. Pea-PVK-1-like immunoreactivity is restricted to cells of the abdominal ganglia which constitute a neurohemal system and project via the median nerve to the abdominal PSOs. Despite interspecific differences in the topography of the transverse nerves of the terminal ganglion, Pea-PVK-1-like immunoreactive fibers always innervate transversal nerves VII and VIII of the terminal ganglion. The results suggest that PVKs act as neurohormones throughout the cockroaches, although they may have different effect(s) depending on the species. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Understanding urban residential end uses of water.
The 'end use' of water is a breakdown of the total household water usage such as water used for toilets, showers, washing machines, taps, lawn watering, etc. Understanding end uses of water will enable water planners, water authorities and household owners determine where water is used/wasted, how much and how often. This paper describes the end uses of water from a number of single-family homes in Greater Melbourne, Australia. The study involves the analysis of water consumption data recorded at 5-s intervals from logged households collected by Yarra Valley Water in Melbourne in 2004. The study determines how much water is used for outdoor and indoor purposes in a single-family home in Melbourne and compares the water usage during winter and summer. Hourly patterns of major end uses of water are also developed. The aim of this study is to improve the understanding of the end uses of water and to assist where to focus water conservation efforts that would be most effective financially and environmentally, and be acceptable to everyone. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Stage-specific effects of the fungicide carbendazim on Sertoli cell microtubules in rat testis.
The aim of the present study is to provide a morphological explanation of carbendazim (CBZ)-induced sloughing of germ cells that occurs in a stage-specific manner. Therefore, very early alterations in the seminiferous tubule epithelium were examined histologically in the rat testis after oral administration of CBZ (400mg/kg). Gaps between the elongated and round spermatids, the first indication of germ cell sloughing (pre-sloughing), were observed in stage late VI-early VII seminiferous tubules at 90-min post-treatment. Tubulin immunoreaction in the Sertoli cells was reduced in intensity in tubules with pre-sloughing. However, electron microscopy demonstrated that there were some intact microtubules in these cells. At 120 min, sloughing was seen in stage late VI-early VII and XIII-XIV. Tubulin immunoreaction in the Sertoli cells was greatly decreased in intensity in tubules where cell sloughing was observed. Electron microscopy showed that there were few microtubules in the body region of these cells. Stages II-V and mid-VII-VIII were exempt from the sloughing effect at 180 min. These changes in microtubules were not observed in Sertoli cells that did not exhibit sloughing characteristics, regardless of the post-treatment intervals. The present results suggest that stage specificity of sloughing is due to the stage-specific susceptibility of Sertoli cell microtubules to CBZ. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Some thoughts on the assessment of work capacity during therapy (author's transl)].
The "Gesetz über die Angelichung der Leistungen zur Rehabilitation" (Act on the Harmonisation of Rehabilitation Services) requires that during the implementation of any medical rehabilitation measure the possibilities be examined as to whether vocational rehabilitation services (training, assistance in job finding, assistance at work in the present job, occupational change within the company) can contribute to maintaining, improving or restoring the earning capacity. It is neither expected nor possible to make an accurate assessment of all occupational abilities. The evaluation can be made only for particular functions and skills. Also, it is not necessary that precise concepts concerning goals and type of vocational rehabilitation measures already be developed during the medical phase of rehabilitation. However, it is imperative to know whether the previous occupation can be maintained without jeopardizing the earning capacity, or whether vocational rehabilitation services are needed. In the latter case, the financially responsible agency for the rehabilitation process needs to be informed on work performance limitations, occupational risks and skills existing for a particular job. Furthermore, professionals working in facilities with psychological and vocational therapeutic units can give their opinion on the suit-ability of particular rehabilitation measures. View-points are discussed, which contribute to a clarification of the employment history and performance picture. The patient has to be informed of the effects of his disability and the progress which can be achieved, in order to motivate him to undergo vocational rehabilitation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Overlap between autism and specific language impairment: comparison of Autism Diagnostic Interview and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule scores.
Autism and specific language impairment (SLI) are developmental disorders that, although distinct by definition, have in common some features of both language and social behavior. The goal of this study was to further explore the extent to which specific clinical features of autism are seen in SLI. The children with the two disorders, matched for non-verbal IQ, were compared on the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). In the SLI group, 41% met autism or autism spectrum cut-offs for social or communication domains either on the ADI or ADOS or both. No relationship was found between the language deficits exhibited by the children with SLI and their scores on the ADI and ADOS. These findings contribute to evidence that there is some overlap in social and communicative deficits between autism and SLI, supporting the view that autism and SLI share etiologic factors. This continuum of pathology between SLI and autism appears to range from structural language abnormalities as seen in individuals with SLI to individuals with SLI with both structural and social abnormalities to individuals with autism with pragmatic impairment and language abnormalities. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cooperative contributions of cholinergic and NMDA receptors in the presynaptic control of dopamine release from synaptosomes of the rat striatum.
In the presence of magnesium, although ineffective alone, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA, 10(-3) M plus glycine 10(-6) M) stimulated the release of [3H]-dopamine ([3H]-DA) continuously synthesized from [3H]-tyrosine when applied with ACh, the amplitude of the NMDA response being dependent on the ACh concentration. Experiments performed with nicotine, oxotremorine and the antagonists hexamethonium and atropine indicated that both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors are involved in the permissive effect of ACh on the NMDA response. Data obtained in the absence of magnesium or with increasing concentrations of magnesium revealed that the permissive effect of ACh on the NMDA-evoked release of [3H]-DA results from removal of the magnesium block of NMDA receptors. The NMDA-evoked release of [3H]-DA observed in the presence of ACh, nicotine or oxotremorine (10(-3) M) was blocked by either of the protein kinase C inhibitors staurosporine (10(-8) M) and chelerythrine (5 x 10(-7) M). However, these drugs were without effect on responses induced by ACh, nicotine or oxotremorine alone and by NMDA (10(-3) M, in the absence of magnesium). Supporting further the involvement of a protein kinase C activation in the permissive effects of ACh or the cholinergic agonists, NMDA (10(-3) M) stimulated the release of [3H]-DA in the presence of both magnesium and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (10(-6) M) or 1 -oleoyl-2-acetyl-glycerol (10(-4) M), and the NMDA response was markedly potentiated by ionomycin (10(-7) M) used at a concentration that stimulated [3H]-DA release to about the same degree as ACh (10(-4) M). Therefore, besides their depolarizing action, ACh, nicotine and oxotremorine could eliminate the magnesium block of NMDA receptors by activation of protein kinase C. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical theory at the border(s): Emerging and unintended crossings in the development of clinical theory.
The author provides some scaffolding for thinking about emerging and unintended integrative developments in clinical theory. The emergent theory to which the author refers works at a different level of theoretical discourse than explicit attempts at comparative translation of psychoanalytic concepts or theories. In contrast, most of the theory that is explored in this paper involves clinical discourse aimed at solving important common clinical problems. The work of a group of authors (Jay Greenberg, John Steiner, Anton Kris, Michael Feldman and Charles Spezzano) is described as simultaneously embedded within a particular orientation while demonstrating a kind of unwitting reach to a broad swathe of analysts. Distinctions are made between this kind of linking of clinical theory versus self-consciously syncretic and integrative approaches to theory development. The author also discusses the educational implications of this emergent theory for teaching and learning during psychoanalytic training. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of detection and miss rates of narrow band imaging, flexible spectral imaging chromoendoscopy and white light at screening colonoscopy: a randomised controlled back-to-back study.
Virtual chromoendoscopy (CE) is expected to enhance adenoma yield and reduce variation in performance between colonoscopists. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of narrow band imaging (NBI), flexible spectral imaging CE (FICE) and white light (WL) colonoscopy and their impact for less experienced endoscopists. We performed a randomised tandem colonoscopy trial controlling for withdrawal time and bowel preparation. Average-risk adults undergoing screening colonoscopy were enrolled and randomly assigned to first withdrawal with one of the three imaging modalities (NBI (NBI-WL group), FICE (FICE-WL group) and WL (WL-WL group)). Eight colonoscopists were categorised into expert and non-expert subgroups. 1650 subjects (mean age 51.4 years, 63.9% men) were included (550 in each group). Compared with WL, neither NBI nor FICE increased the mean number of adenomas detected per patient (0.37 vs 0.35 and 0.36; p=0.591) or the percentage of patients with adenoma (25.3% vs 24.5% and 23.6%; p=0.753). For all three modalities, expert subgroups had higher yields of adenomas than non-expert subgroups. Learning curves were observed only for non-expert subgroups with all three modalities. The percentage of missed adenomas did not differ between the three groups (20.8% by WL vs 22.9% by NBI and 26.0% by FICE, p=0.300) and was not affected by endoscopists' expertise. Neither NBI nor FICE improved adenoma detection or miss rates, with no difference in diagnostic efficacy between the two systems. Virtual CE had no additional benefits over WL for non-experts. KCT0000570. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Angiotensinogen gene core promoter variants and non-modulating hypertension.
Non-modulation has been suggested as a possible intermediate phenotype defining a subgroup of genetic hypertension. The trait is characterized by an attenuated response of renal blood flow and/or aldosterone to angiotensin (Ang) II. We tested the hypothesis that functional polymorphisms of the core promoter of the angiotensinogen gene are associated with non-modulation. Fifty-six young, white, male, untreated hypertensive patients and 65 age-matched normotensive volunteers were genotyped for 3 known functional variants of the angiotensinogen core promoter. All subjects were infused with 2 doses (0.5 and 3 ng/kg per minute) of Ang II while they were on a high sodium diet (250 mmol/d). The blood pressure, renal plasma flow, and aldosterone responses to Ang II were not affected by the -6 G/A polymorphism. The -20 A/C variant had no significant effects on the blood pressure or renal hemodynamic response to Ang II. However, the aldosterone response to both doses of Ang II was significantly decreased in -20 C allele carriers compared with -20 AA homozygotes in a multivariate analysis. The -18 T allele was not detected in our population, and there was a linkage dysequilibrium between -20 C and -6 A: -20 C almost exclusively occurred on the -6 A allele. Haplotype analysis indicated that the -20 C/-6 A haplotype but not the -20 A/-6 A haplotype was associated with a decreased aldosterone response to Ang II. We conclude that the -20 C variant or the -20 C/-6 A haplotype of the angiotensinogen core promoter is associated with a blunted aldosterone response to Ang II and may thus contribute to the non-modulating phenotype. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prolactin levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case controlled study.
Recent accumulated evidence suggests that prolactin (PRL) is an important immunomodulator and might have a role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our aim was to assess the frequency of hyperprolactinemia in women with SLE and to evaluate its correlation with disease activity. PRL plasma levels were measured in 36 women with SLE and 20 age-matched healthy controls. We excluded patients with renal and/or hepatic failure, pregnant patients and patients taking drugs which could increase PRL levels. Disease activity was assessed using the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI). Patients with a score > 10 were considered active. In patients and controls, PRL levels were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) during the first part of the menstrual cycle (between the 5th and 8th day) (normal value < 20 ng/ml). Ten of 36 (27.7%) SLE patients had high PRL levels (> 20 ng/ml). The mean PRL level was higher in SLE than in the control group (17.1+/-12.9 s.d. vs 9.9+/-3.5, P < 0.01). Patients with active disease had a trend to higher mean PRL levels than inactive patients although this difference was not statistically significant (21.1+/-4.8 vs 14.8+/-6.9, P = 0.09). No correlation was found between PRL levels and SLEDAI score. Furthermore, no significant correlation was found between PRL levels and any clinical or serological finding. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells derived from dental pulp and dental follicle are susceptible to activation by toll-like receptor agonists.
Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have recently become a potent tool in regenerative medicine. Due to certain shortcomings of obtaining bone marrow MSCs, alternate sources of MSCs have been sought. In this work, we studied MSCs from dental pulp (DP-MSCs) and dental follicle (DF-MSCs), isolated from the same tooth/donor, to define differences in their phenotypic properties, differentiation potential, and immunomodulatory activities. Both cell types showed colony-forming ability and expressed typical MSCs markers, but differed in the levels of their expression. DF-MSCs proliferated faster, contained cells larger in diameter, exhibited a higher potential to form adipocytes and a lower potential to form chondrocytes and osteoblasts, compared with DP-MSCs. In contrast to DF-MSCs, DP-MSCs produced the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and suppressed proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which could be neutralized with anti-TGF-β antibody. The treatment with toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) agonist augmented the suppressive potential of both cell types and potentiated TGF-β and interleukin-6 secretions by these cells. TLR4 agonist augmented the suppressive potential of DF-MSCs and increased TGF-β production, but abrogated the immunosuppressive activity of DP-MSCs by inhibiting TGF-β production and the expression of indolamine-2,3-dioxygenase-1. Some of these effects correlated with the higher expression of TLR3 and TLR4 by DP-MSCs compared with DF-MSCs. When transplanted in imunocompetent xenogenic host, both cell types induced formation of granulomatous tissue. In conclusion, our results suggest that dental MSCs are functionally different and each of these functions should be further explored in vivo before their specific biomedical applications. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A case of spatial neglect dysgraphia in Wilson's Disease.
We report here on a single neuropsychological case study of a young girl, KH, who presented with Wilson's Disease (WD) associated with a peripheral spatial neglect dysgraphia without major problems in the standard clinical tests of spatial neglect. Few studies have demonstrated a visuospatial deficit in WD and to date there has been no report of neglect syndrome arising from WD. However, recent studies have demonstrated that neglect is frequently associated with brain damage including the primary site of WD, the basal ganglia. KHs writing abilities were evaluated just after her admission to the rehabilitation department and 6 months later. The baseline evaluation demonstrated that KH had neglect dysgraphia with verbal stimuli (e.g., words or sentences) although her deficit was less evident in drawing multiple geometric shapes. Six months after the initial evaluation, KH showed evidence of neglect dysgraphia only when writing was associated with a secondary memory task. KHs writing performance is discussed with reference to previous cases of spatial neglect dysgraphia and in the context of spatial neglect. We suggest that the asymmetry between verbal writing and nonverbal drawing disturbances was caused by different attentional loads. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Internalization of GluA2 and the underlying mechanisms of cognitive decline in aged rats following surgery and prolonged exposure to sevoflurane.
We revealed that a high concentration of sevoflurane exacerbated cognitive impairment in aged rats, and the inhibition of GluA2 subunit internalization facilitated neuroprotection after a cerebral ischemic injury. However, the trafficking of GluA2 in POCD and its underlying mechanism are not clear. We thus detected the effects of sevoflurane for different inhalation durations on postoperative cognitive function and investigated the role of GluA2 subunit trafficking in this process. A rat model of orthopedic surgery was performed with different durations of 1.5 MAC sevoflurane inhalation. Cognitive function was evaluated by manipulating the Y maze and fear conditioning tests for 7 days after experiments. Western blot, ELISA and coimmunoprecipitation were applied to analyze GluA2 internalization, PI3K expression and its activity, as well as alterations to the MEF2-Arc pathway in the hippocampus. Neuron apoptosis and the spine morphology in the hippocampus were also observed. We found that neuron apoptosis and GluA2 internalization increased following surgery and 1.5 MAC sevoflurane inhalation for 2h, possibly due to the decrease of the PI3K-GluA2 complex and PI3K activity in the hippocampus after prolonged 1.5 MAC sevoflurane inhalation. We also observed that the MEF2-Arc pathway contributed to long-term cognitive function, which also impaired the spinal morphology after 1.5 MAC sevoflurane inhalation for 2h. The above results suggest that 1.5 MAC sevoflurane inhalation for 2h potentiated surgery-impaired cognitive function and that the inhibition of PI3K-AMPAR GluA2 as well as activation of the MEF2-Arc signal pathway contributes to different stages of POCD. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pseudotumoral cecum after hydrostatic reduction of intussusception.
The authors report two cases of intestinal intussusception successfully reduced by hydrostatic pressure. A post-reduction filling defect in the cecum disappeared spontaneously on follow-up barium enema, and is therefore consistent with cecal edema. It appears an initial period of close observation for such cases is worthwhile, delaying the decision about surgery until after a follow-up barium enema; this may confirm the disappearance of the filling defect. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Uric acid recycling in the shield bug, Parastrachia japonensis (Hemiptera: Parastrachiidae), during diapause.
Nymphs of the univoltine shield bug, Parastrachia japonensis grow by feeding on the drupes of their sole food plant, which are available for only 2 weeks a year. The new adults soon enter a reproductive diapause and survive without feeding for at least 10 months up to 2 years. Uric acid was found to be the predominant component among four waste nitrogenous compounds, i.e., uric acid, allantoin, allantoic acid and urea in the body of both nymphs and adults in all stages, and to be predominantly excreted by the nymphs and reproductive adults. However, adults in diapause excreted negligible amounts of these compounds. Erwinia-like bacteria were found exclusively in the cecum of midgut, in which three uricolytic enzymes, i.e., uricase, allantoinase and allantoicase were detected. Ninety % of adults in diapause could survive on water for 9 months, but those given 0.02% rifampicin aqueous solution all died within this period, with significant reduction of the bacteria and uricase activity in the cecum. Rifampicin treatment resulted in a considerable reduction of free amino acids, especially proline in the hemolymph. These results suggest that uric acid is recycled as an amino acid source with the aid of Erwinia-like bacteria, and uricase functions as a key enzyme for this process. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The influence of NaCl aerosols on weight and height development of children.
Saline aerosols resulted from natural or artificial sources are used for therapeutic environments. The paper presents the influence of the NaCl aerosols resulted in situ in dynamic halochambers, by structural reformation of saline aerosols in the presence of pentahydrol, on the increase in weight and height of children, as a result of systemically controlled practice of team and individual physical education games, with subjects of ages from 10 to 15. For reference, we used children of the same age and with the same physical education program, but whose activities were performed in open spaces, or in gym classrooms, without saline aerosols. Our study emphasized the fact that the NaCl aerosols formed in situ, in the atmosphere of the halochamber, at a rate of over 0.600 mg/m(3) of saline aerosols, enhanced the growth and weight gain at a higher rate in girls than in boys and at an obviously higher rate than that reported in the children who performed physical exercises in normal conditions, over a period of 3 years. All the data were statistically processed in order to evaluate the influence of the aerosols. The study reports the therapeutic benefits of salt exposure in children's development. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Recurrent autonomous esophageal peristalsis in patients with chest discomfort.
Routine esophageal manometry revealed a novel pattern of esophageal motility, recurrent autonomous peristalsis, in five patients evaluated for chest discomfort and heartburn. In the absence of swallowing, esophageal peristalsis occurred at frequencies of 4-8 peristaltic sequences per minute for periods of 2-8 min. The recurrent peristaltic sequences developed spontaneously during manometry and were associated with the onset of vague chest discomfort in four patients; one patient reported no symptoms during recurrent peristalsis. Duration and propagation velocity of the recurrent peristaltic contractions differed significantly from primary peristalsis in four patients. Recurrent autonomous esophageal peristalsis is an unusual motor pattern that may be associated with vague chest discomfort. The circuit(s) mediating recurrent autonomous peristalsis are unknown. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Does safe disposal of child faeces matter? An assessment of access to improved sanitation and child faeces disposal behaviour and diarrhoea in rural Nepal.
Improper disposal of child faeces is a major source of faecal pathogens that cause diarrhoeal disease. However, this has received relatively less attention in sanitation evaluation literature, which has tended to focus on sanitation provision, implicitly assuming that child faeces disposal behaviour also improves with sanitation. We examined the impact of improved sanitation without safe disposal (households with improved sanitation but not disposing of child faeces in improved sanitation) and improved sanitation with safe disposal (households with improved sanitation and disposal of child faeces in improved sanitation) on diarrhoeal prevalence in rural Nepal. Data from the Nepal Demographic Health Survey 2011 for 3377 children <5 y of age were used to answer the research question using quasi-experimental methods. Improved sanitation with safe disposal was associated with a 3.3 percentage point (standard error [SE] 0.016) to 6.6 percentage point (SE 0.023) lower prevalence of diarrhoea among children <5 y of age compared with matched households without access to improved sanitation. No effect was observed for households having improved sanitation without safe disposal compared with matched households without access to improved sanitation. Improved sanitation with safe disposal was also associated with a 4.0 percentage point (SE 0.023) lower prevalence of diarrhoea in low economic status households (bottom two quintiles). Our results suggest that sanitation programmes need to focus on behavioural interventions as well as increasing access to sanitation facilities. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
From Science to Industry: The Sites of Aluminium in France from the Nineteenth to the Twentieth Century.
This paper explores the history of the isolation and industrial production of aluminium in France, from the work of Henri Sainte-Claire Deville in the 1850s to the latter part of the twentieth century, focusing on the relationships between academic research and industrial exploitation. In particular, it identifies a culture and organisation of research and development, "learning-by-doing," that emerged in the French aluminium industry following the establishment of the first electrolytic production facilities in the late 1880s by Paul Héroult, who, along with the American Charles Hall, patented the electrolytic method of producing the metal. This French method of R&D was a product both of a scientific culture that saw a continuity between scientific research and industrial application, and of a state policy that, unlike in Germany or the United States, was late to recognise the importance of fostering, on a large scale, the relations between academic chemistry and industry. It was only after World War II that the French state came fully to recognise the importance of underpinning industry with scientific research. And it was only from the 1960s, in the face of intensifying global competition, the risks of pollution, and the cost of energy, that the major aluminium firm Pechiney et Cie was able to replace a culture of "learning-by-doing" by one that integrated fundamental science with the production process. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Xenobiotics in vitro: the influence of L-cystine, pantothenat, and miliacin on metabolic and proliferative capacity of keratinocytes.
To investigate the effect of cell growth-stimulating agents on human epidermal keratinocytes, we exposed monolayers of normal human keratinocytes derived from foreskin to different concentrations of the amino acid L-cystine, the member of the vitamin B family D-pantothenat, the phytosterol miliacin, and a combination thereof in keratinocyte growth medium. As a test system for the metabolic capacity, we used the activity of mitochondrial deyhdrogenases as measured by XTT, and for the cell proliferation, we determined the BrdU-uptake. The additives, active ingredients of the hair growth drug PRIORIN, were added in the presence of fully supplemented keratinocyte growth medium or a deficient medium without L-cystine, L-methionine, L-histidin, D-pantothenat, epidermal growth factor, and bovine pituary gland extract. Deficient medium itself reduced the metabolic capacity of keratinocytes to 35% compared with keratinocytes in fully supplemented growth medium. In deficient medium cell, proliferation was not measurable. Increasing doses of L-cystine restored the reduced metabolic capacity from 46% (0.009 mg/L) to 54% (0.09 mg/L) and 92% (0.45 mg/L) in deficient medium. Addition of D-pantothenat (0.43 mg/L) enhanced the metabolic capacity to 150% only in fully supplemented growth medium, compared with untreated controls with growth medium. Miliacin (6 mg/mL) increased not only the metabolic capacity (162%) but also stimulated cell proliferation (215%) as measured by BrdU-uptake in growth medium. The combination of all three additives increased the metabolic capacity (245%) synergistically in growth medium. We were able to show effects of D-panthenol, L-lysine, and miliacin on proliferation and metabolic capacity of keratinocyte monocell culture, which was further increased by combination of the three substances. These basic results suggest a beneficial effect on keratinocyte growth and stimulation by products combining these substances (e.g., Priorin). Furthermore, this work emphasizes the suitability of keratinocyte monolayers for pharmacological testings. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Panel 2.7: first 30 days: organizing rapid responses.
This is a summary of the presentations and discussion of Panel 2.7, First 30 Days: Organizing Rapid Response of the Conference, Health Aspects of the Tsunami Disaster in Asia, convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) in Phuket, Thailand, 04-06 May 2005. The topics discussed included issues related to organizing rapid responses as pertain to the responses to the damage created by the Tsunami. It is presented in the following major sections: (1) issues; (2) key questions; and (3) recommendations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Renewal of a hearing aid is a medical task].
A 67 year-old man was known to have a right-sided hearing loss with a normal discrimination score (DS) and was treated with a hearing aid (HA) in the right ear. An MRI-scan was normal. In 2006 and 2010 the HA was renewed at a private hearing aid clinic. No DS was performed. At the audiology clinic we found a masked DS of 0% and progression of the hearing loss. An MRI-scan revealed a vestibular schwannoma (VS) on the right side. The patient was fitted with an HA in the left ear and MRI-scans every six months. A masked DS could have revealed the VS and correct treatment thus could have been initiated sooner. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Correlation between liver cirrhosis and benign prostatic hyperplasia: a morphological study.
In elderly males hormonal changes occur, that are believed to cause benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). These are decreased testosterone production, an increased testosterone SHBG and a slightly increased estradiol production. Liver cirrhosis in males causes similar endocrine changes. We carried out a post mortem study evaluating the prostates of 51 men who died with liver cirrhosis compared with a similar group without any hepatic disease. The occurrence of BPH in cirrhotic subjects was diminished and delayed compared to total population. Furthermore in cirrhotic men BPH is more common as early nodular hyperplasia (early stage) or stromal hyperplasia (suggesting estrogenic prevalence), while in the general population stromal and epithelial hyperplasia (androgenic stimulation), were almost equally present. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Physiology and biochemistry of erections.
The physiology of erection has received intense clinical and basic research scrutiny over the past two decades. This massive effort has led to a much clearer understanding of the macroscopic aspects of erection as well as identification of the prominent features of the etiology of erectile dysfunction (ED). However, it is clear that the devil is in the details of the erectile process. Therefore, to truly understand the precise mechanistic basis for erection and ED, much more still must be learned about how the biochemical cascades in the corporal smooth muscle cells are integrated to produce a normal erection, or how they are altered to result in ED. The ultimate goal of these basic research and clinical efforts will be to provide a rational scientific basis for mechanism-based, patient-specific therapies for ED. This article reviews fundamental aspects of the physiology of erection and summarizes the most recent information available concerning the putative biochemical correlates of these physiologic events. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Esophageal dilatation and reflux in neonates supported by ECMO after diaphragmatic hernia repair.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for survivors of surgical repair of congenital diaphragmatic hernia was used in 14 neonates. All showed marked esophageal dilatation on postoperative chest radiographs; the dilated esophagus simulated an air- or fluid-filled mass. All patients were later shown to have marked gastroesophageal reflux as well. The finding suggests a problem in swallowing exists before birth, which may explain the recent correlation between diaphragmatic hernia and hydramnios. The observation of a mediastinal mass in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia may represent esophageal ectasia and may be related to significant gastroesophageal reflux. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Caries risk assessment by a cross-sectional discrimination model.
Although the prevalence of dental caries is continuing to decline, it still affects a majority of the US population and can be a serious problem for those afflicted. The objective of this project was to develop and perfect a model for assessment of risk of dental caries onset in children. In the first study, reported herein, a set of clinical, microbiological, biochemical, and socio-demographic variables was identified that distinguished, with an acceptable level of sensitivity and specificity, between children who had no previous caries experience and children who had high caries levels. A total of 313 children--age 12-15 years, 140 from a fluoridated community and 173 from a fluoride-deficient community--was selected on the basis of previous caries experience, either zero DMFS or high DMFS (> or = 6 in the fluoridated or > or = 8 in the fluoride-deficient community). Clinical exams for DMFS, dental fluorosis, and plaque were conducted. Stimulated whole saliva was collected for analysis of mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, total viable flora, and fluoride concentration. A questionnaire was used for collection of demographic data as well as information on prior fluoride exposure, dietary habits, and oral hygiene practices. By means of discriminant analyses, with use of seven key clinical and laboratory variables, it was possible for zero-DMFS subjects to e classified correctly (specificity) in 77.6% of cases in the fluoridated community and in 86.1% of cases in the fluoride-deficient community. High-caries subjects were classified as such (sensitivity) in 79.3% and 88.1% of cases, respectively. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Central venous line-related thrombosis in children: association with central venous line location and insertion technique.
Venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) in children are associated with central venous lines (CVLs). The study objective was to assess whether CVL location and insertion technique are associated with the incidence of VTE in children. We hypothesized that VTE would be more frequent with (1). CVL location on the left body side, (2). CVL location in the subclavian vein rather than the jugular vein, and (3). CVL insertion by percutaneous technique rather than venous cut-down. This was a prospective, multicenter cohort study in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who had a CVL placed in the upper venous system during induction chemotherapy. Characteristics of CVL were documented prospectively. All children had outcome assessment for VTE by objective radiographic tests, including bilateral venography, ultrasound, echocardiography, and cranial magnetic resonance imaging. Among 85 children, 29 (34%) had VTE; 28 VTEs appeared in the upper venous system, and 1 was sinovenous thrombosis. Left-sided CVL (odds ratio [OR], 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-6.4; P =.048), subclavian CVL (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.2-8.5; P =.025), and percutaneous CVL insertion (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.3-9.2; P =.011) were associated with an increased incidence of VTE. Interaction occurred between CVL vein location and insertion technique. Subclavian vein CVL inserted percutaneously had an increased incidence (54%) of VTE compared with any other combination (P =.07). For CVL in the upper venous system, CVL placement on the right side and in the jugular vein may reduce the risk for CVL-related VTE. If subclavian vein placement is necessary, CVL insertion by venous cut-down appears preferable over percutaneous insertion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Changes in heart rate variability after myocardial infarction. Value of Poincareé's diagram].
The variability of the heart rate is reduced after myocardial infarction. It then progressively increases, to return to near normal values after several months. However, these changes in heart rate variability occur at the same time as slowing of the heart rate which makes interpretation difficult. Poincaré's diagram is constructed from a Holter recording plotting each RR interval against the preceding RR interval. The authors have developed a geometric approach to this diagram to evaluate parasympathetic tone for a given heart rate. By measuring the dispersion in height of the Poincaré's diagram, the authors evaluate the shor-term variability for a given RR interval. Two 24 hr Holter recordings were performed in 52 patients at one and two weeks after a myocardial infarction. The dispersion in the height of the Poincaré's diagrams was measured at the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentiles of the total dispersion. The authors have shown an increase in the short-term variability of the shortest RR intervals (1th, 25th and 50th percentiles) which is not observed in the longer RR intervals (75th and 90th percentiles). In conclusion, theres is an increase in the heart rate variability at the shortest RR intervals. This suggests that the recovery of parasympathic tone after myocardial infarction occurs mainly at the fastest heart rates. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The Vater association: malformations of the male external genitalia.
Eight cases with the VATER association of malformations are presented. Maliformations of the external genitalia were found in 3 out of 7 male patients. Two of them presented with a bifid scrotum and a caudally displaced, dysplastic penis. Two patients had been exposed to progestin in early pregnancy and one of them had hyposadias and testicular atrophy. It is suggested that malformations of the male external genitalia might be part of malformations found in the VATER association. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fatigue and its associated factors in ambulatory cancer patients: a preliminary study.
Although fatigue is considered to be one of the major causes of distress among cancer patients, little is known about its association with other factors, such as demographic, medical, and psychosocial factors. A total of 455 ambulatory cancer patients completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) scale, which includes a fatigue subscale. Other information was obtained in an interview. The results of a multiple regression analysis suggested that sex, education, employment status, the size of the household, the performance status, and depressive mood were associated with fatigue. Our findings reveal that the fatigue experienced by cancer patients may be determined by multiple factors, including demographic, physical, and psychological factors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Timing and magnitude of adolescent growth in height and weight in Cape coloured children after kwashiorkor.
One hundred sixteen patients who had had kwashiorkor between the ages of 5 months and 4 4/12 years and 89 controls were the subjects of a 15-year follow-up study of their growth and development. We report the findings of a longitudinal analysis of 53 (30 females) of the ex-patients and 30 (15 females) of the controls, selected because at the end of 15 years of study they conformed to the criteria of adult secondary sexual characteristics, height velocity less than 2 cm/yr, and completeness of data. Nonlinear curve-fitting techniques were applied to the height and weight data for these subjects using the Preece-Baines model 1 growth function to determine the timing and magnitude of adolescent growth spurts and the associated biologic changes. Both ex-patients and controls grew below the 25th percentile of British longitudinal standards, but the male ex-patients were heavier, and perhaps taller, than the controls for most of their childhood and adolescence. Velocity curves indicated that the ex-patients had higher pre-adolescent peak increments than the controls and a generally longer growth spurt of reduced magnitude. Two possible explanations are discussed: Garrow and Pike's theory that children with kwashiorkor have a genetic potential for greater physical growth, and a socioeconomic crisis occurring within a family affects the youngest child, who subsequently requires a longer time to recover than do siblings within an improving socioeconomic situation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Non-Invasive Neuromodulation for Headache Disorders.
Migraine and other chronic headache disorders are common and if inadequately treated, can lead to significant disability. The effectiveness of medications can be limited by side effects, drug interactions, and comorbid diseases necessitating alternative methods. Technological developments in the past 5 years have made it possible to use non-invasive methods of neuromodulation to treat primary headache disorders. This field includes technologies such as supraorbital transcutaneous stimulation (STS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation (nVNS). Existing trials show these modalities are safe and well tolerated and can be combined with standard pharmacotherapy. We review the technologies, biological rationales, and trials involving non-invasive neuromodulation for the treatment of primary headache disorders. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Investigation of field and diffusion time dependence of the diffusion-weighted signal at ultrahigh magnetic fields.
Over the last decade, there has been a significant increase in the number of high-magnetic-field MRI magnets. However, the exact effect of a high magnetic field strength (B0 ) on diffusion-weighted MR signals is not yet fully understood. The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of different high magnetic field strengths (9.4 T and 14.1 T) and diffusion times (9, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 24 ms) on the diffusion-weighted signal in rat brain white matter. At a short diffusion time (9 ms), fractional anisotropy values were found to be lower at 14.1 T than at 9.4 T, but this difference disappeared at longer diffusion times. A simple two-pool model was used to explain these findings. The model describes the white matter as a first hindered compartment (often associated with the extra-axonal space), characterized by a faster orthogonal diffusion and a lower fractional anisotropy, and a second restricted compartment (often associated with the intra-axonal space), characterized by a slower orthogonal diffusion (i.e. orthogonal to the axon direction) and a higher fractional anisotropy. Apparent T2 relaxation time measurements of the hindered and restricted pools were performed. The shortening of the pseudo-T2 value from the restricted compartment with B0 is likely to be more pronounced than the apparent T2 changes in the hindered compartment. This study suggests that the observed differences in diffusion tensor imaging parameters between the two magnetic field strengths at short diffusion time may be related to differences in the apparent T2 values between the pools. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Global stress predicts both positive and negative emotional adjustment at diagnosis and post-surgery in women with breast cancer.
Individual differences in stress appraisal, coping, optimism and social support have contributed to variability in adjustment to breast cancer, but less is known about their relative influence particularly at diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to compare the predictive role of these variables on both positive and negative adjustment in a sample of recently diagnosed women. Data was collected from 241 women at diagnosis and post-surgery (4 months later). They completed questionnaires which assessed global and cancer-specific stress, general and cancer-specific coping, emotional adjustment (depression, anxiety, positive and negative affect) at Times 1 and 2 and benefit finding at Time 2. Hierarchical regression analyses (all p < 0.01) taking account of age and cancer related variables (disease stage and type of surgery) showed that stress appraisal was the strongest and most consistent predictor of adjustment. The coping strategies, while significant, were less powerful predictors of emotional adjustment, but they explained more variance than stress on benefit finding. Stress and coping outweighed the impact of social support and optimism. Global appraisal of stress was the most powerful predictor in the model, and findings suggest that it contributes to patients' affective status, indicating that women should be screened as part of the diagnostic process to identify those at risk for poor adaptation to the illness. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A New High-Pressure Form of Sulfur Derived from the Decomposition of S4N4.
A new phase of sulfur is formed from S(4)N(4) held at pressure-temperature conditions in the vicinity of the boundary representing the decomposition of S(4)N(4) to fibrous sulfur, S(x). The new phase is gray-black, is persistently metastable at room conditions, and is insoluble in carbon disulfide. The phase is apparently formed from a stage of decomposition during which high-conductance transients are observed in in situ electrical experiments. The sulfur phase appears to form upon the release of the nitrogen from a sulfur-nitrogen chain that is produced from the scission of an S(4)N(4) ring. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The potential of Pluronic polymeric micelles encapsulated with paclitaxel for the treatment of melanoma using subcutaneous and pulmonary metastatic mice models.
The increasing global incidence of malignant melanoma combined with the poor prognosis and low survival rates of patients necessitates the development of new chemotherapeutic strategies. Thus, the objective of this present study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Pluronic polymeric micelles encapsulating paclitaxel (PTX) in both B16F10 melanoma subcutaneous mice model and pulmonary metastatic mice model. Herein, we developed a PTX-loaded polymeric micelles (PF-PTX) consisting of Pluronic P 123 and F127 block copolymers with small particle size (∼25 nm), high encapsulation efficiency (>90%), good stability in lyophilized form and pH-dependent in vitro release. Furthermore, influence of PF-PTX on in vitro cytotoxicity was determined by MTT assay using B16F10 melanoma cell line, while cellular distribution of PF-PTX was detected by confocal microscopy. Additionally, C57BL/6 mice bearing subcutaneous or pulmonary B16F10 melanoma tumors were treated with Taxol or PF-PTX, and antitumor effect was compared. It was found that antitumor efficacy of PF-PTX in both tumor models showed significant tumor growth delay and increased survival. In summary, the simple Pluronic-based nanocarrier could be harnessed for the delivery of anticancer drug to melanoma, with increased therapeutic index. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Bile Acid-Activated Receptors: A Review on FXR and Other Nuclear Receptors.
Nuclear receptors (NRs) are ligand-dependent transcription factors that are involved in various biological processes including metabolism, reproduction, and development. Upon activation by their ligands, NRs bind to their specific DNA elements, exerting their biological functions by regulating their target gene expression. Bile acids are detergent-like molecules that are synthesized in the liver. They not only function as a facilitator for the digestion of lipids and fat-soluble vitamins but also serve as signaling molecules for several nuclear receptors to regulate diverse biological processes including lipid, glucose, and energy metabolism, detoxification and drug metabolism, liver regeneration, and cancer. The nuclear receptors including farnesoid X receptor (FXR), pregnane X receptor (PXR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), vitamin D receptor (VDR), and small heterodimer partner (SHP) constitute an integral part of the bile acid signaling. This chapter reviews the role of the NRs in bile acid homeostasis, highlighting the regulatory functions of the NRs in lipid and glucose metabolism in addition to bile acid metabolism. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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