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Relationship between body mass index and fibromyalgia features.
to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and features of the fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). 211 female patients with FMS seen consecutively in our rheumatology clinic were analyzed. Spearman correlation was used. Further, FMS features were compared at different levels of BMI (kg/m2), e.g., < 25.00 vs > or = 25.00 (normal vs overweight). P value of < or = 0.01 was accepted as significant. A significant positive correlation was found between BMI and age (p<0.001) and a negative correlation between BMI and education (p<0.009). Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score was significantly correlated with BMI (p<0.001), whereas fatigue and number of tender points (TP) showed a trend (p=0.035 and 0.037, respectively). The HAQ score is significantly associated with BMI in FMS with a trend towards significance for fatigue and TP. Weight loss may improve physical functioning in this disorder. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Active surveillance: current status and future perspectives].
Widespread use of PSA testing has resulted in decrease in prostate cancer mortality but increase in clinically indolent prostate cancer. Active surveillance (AS) is an important strategy to reduce prostate cancer overtreatment. However, the optimal criteria for eligibility and predictors of biopsy reclassification remain to be debated. Due to inadequate reliability of PSA-kinetics including PSA-doubling time during AS, repeated biopsy is indispensable for every AS program. To reduce physical and psychological burden associated with repeated biopsy, studies on the clinical usefulness of mpMRI and new biomarkers in AS program are warranted. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Tetanic fade following atracurium-induced neuromuscular blockade in the rat diaphragm preparation.
1. The effect of atracurium on neuromuscular transmission was studied in the rat diaphragm preparation, by analysing the characteristics of tetanic fade and its recovery profile after using a blocking concentration of atracurium (10 mumol.litre-1). 2. Tetanic fade (TF), peak tetanic tension (Tp), and its depression, and end tetanic tension (Te), sustained tension, were analysed and compared to their respective control values before administration of atracurium. 3. The results showed that atracurium reduced the tetanic tension, i.e., the peak and end tetanic tensions, elicited at 50 Hz for 0.5 s duration, and produced a marked tetanic fade, which was developed fully in about 38 s. On the other hand, the peak tetanic tension (Tp) was only reduced by 40% (at 38 s) of its control value (5.7 g tension). The time taken to completely block Tp was about 5 min. 4. After washing out atracurium, recovery of the peak tetanic tension occurred within 3-4 min., while tetanic fade was reversed within 30 s. 5. It was concluded that atracurium produces a profound tetanic fade, at a time when the peak tetanic tension is only depressed by about 40% of the control value. The results indicated that atracurium had a powerful neuromuscular blocking action at the rat diaphragm preparation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Association between the atrial natriuretic peptide rs5065 gene polymorphism and the presence and severity of coronary artery disease in an Iranian population.
The atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) gene expression and some of its related single-nucleotide polymorphisms have been well established as a characterized biomarker of cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the potential association between one of the introduced ANP gene polymorphisms of 2238 T/C (rs5065) with coronary artery disease (CAD) in an Iranian population. A total of 573 patients with CAD according to angiography reports and 293 controls without any evidence of CAD were enrolled. Allelic discrimination of the single-nucleotide polymorphism rs5065 in both groups was performed using a High Resolution Melt technique in real-time PCR analysis. With respect to the prevalence of different genotypes of rs5065 polymorphism, the frequency of the T allele in the CAD group was significantly lower in CAD than that in the non-CAD group (59.7 vs. 65.1%, P=0.032). A significant inverse association was also found between the frequency of T allele and severity of CAD assessed by the Gensini score; the average of this score in T-allele carriers was 38.6±41.6 and that in C-allele carriers was 57.7±46.3 (P≤0.0001). Using multivariable linear regression modeling with the presence of baseline variables, the presence of the rs5065 ANP T allele could predict decreased severity of CAD assessed by the Gensini score in our population. The presence of the rs5065 ANP polymorphism is potentially associated with a reduced risk of CAD as well as with reduced severity of CAD independent of the general risk factors of CAD. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Challenges in quantitative analyses for volatile organic compounds bound to lipocalins.
In this communication, I describe the challenges in quantitative analyses for volatile organic compounds in mouse urine, which are primarily caused by the presence of the major urinary proteins, a lipocalin subfamily, that sequester volatile ligands. The analyses of volatile compounds in mouse urine have been performed since the late 1970s. However, none of them considered the binding interactions of the quantified compounds with the urinary proteins. Some volatile ligands are tightly bound to the proteins and may not be extracted completely by organic solvents. The amounts of volatile ligands measured by external standard calibration represent those of the unbound ligands in the headspace, not the total amounts in urine. Addition of internal standards displaces ligands bound to the proteins, resulting in a completely different volatile profile. Normalization of volatile compounds using relative peak area (or height) ratios may not be used in the conditions where displacement of ligands bound to the proteins occurs. Because of the unique chemical properties of mouse urine, I have not been able to find a good quantification method for the volatile compounds released from mouse urine. I hope that the identification of these issues will stimulate others to come up with novel approaches. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reproductive function assessment after surgery plus chemotherapy for germ cell ovarian tumors (MOGCT): novel clues deriving from the field of fertility preservation.
Germ cell ovarian tumors (malignant ovarian germ cell tumors - MOGCT) affect young women and are treated by surgery plus chemotherapy. It is well known that cytotoxic treatment may accelerate depletion of the primordial follicle pool leading to impaired fertility and premature menopause. Aim of this study is to identify patient candidates for fertility preservation strategies. We report our experience in preservation of fertility for four patients affected by MOGCT, referred to San Raffaele Hospital Oncofertility Unit. All patients received fertility sparing surgery plus platinum-based chemotherapy. Two patients were affected by mixed germ cell tumors and two by disgerminomas. After 24 months from the end of treatment, serum AMH levels have been measured. We report lower serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels in our patients than in healthy general population as serum AMH levels were under the 25th age-specific percentiles. Fertility preservation, in terms of oocytes cryopreservation, was offered to those two patients with serum AMH levels predictive of significantly poor ovarian reserve (1st and 2nd patients). Using the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol for ovarian stimulation, we obtained two and six oocytes, respectively. Therefore, serum AMH, as a marker of ovarian function, can improve the identification of patients that need to be referred to fertility preservation strategies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Acute nephropathy of organotin compounds.
Three patients who developed acute nephropathy following ingestion of triphenyltin acetate (TPTA) are described. All of them had significant proteinuria, azotemia, and polyuria. Mild neurological manifestations in all patients were also noted. Hematuria and pyuria were noted in 1 severely poisoned patient. Evidence for hepatitis was present in 2 patients, and for pancreatitis in 1. Renal biopsy showed focal fusion of glomerular cell processes and proximal tubular damage with cellular necrosis. Two patients survived with complete recovery of renal functions. One old patient died of aspiration pneumonia. Acute nephropathy following organotin intoxication appears to result mainly from proximal renal tubular damage with a benign and reversible clinical course. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
CENPI is overexpressed in colorectal cancer and regulates cell migration and invasion.
Centromere protein I (CENPI),an important member of centromere protein family, has been suggest to serve as a oncogene in breast cancer, but the clinical significance and biological function of CENPI in colorectal cancer (CRC) is still unclear. In our results, we found CENPI was overexpressed in CRC tissues and cells, and associated with clinical stage, tumor depth, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and differentiation in CRC patients. However, there was no significant association between CENPI protein expression and overall survival time in colon cancer patients and rectal cancer patients through analyzing TCGA survival data. Moreover, CENPI mRNA and protein were increased in metastatic lymph nodes compared with primary CRC tissues. Down-regulation of CENPI expression suppresses CRC cell migration, invasion and epithelial mesenchymal transition process. In conclusion, CENPI is overexpressed in CRC and functions as oncogene in modulating CRC cell migration, invasion and EMT process. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Function of intromissions on intromission-return latency of female rats during paced sexual behavior.
The objectives of this study were to examine how multiple intromissions affect the temporal pattern of the female rat's copulatory behavior; in particular, her latency to return to the male following intromission (intromission-return latency, IRL) and if different hormone replacement regimens affect the temporal aspects of female copulatory behavior. Repeated intromissions alone, without ejaculation, often resulted in prolonged IRLs equal to the postej aculatory refractory period (PER). The first prolonged IRL occurred most frequently between the 24th and 44th intromission. The similar pattern of IRLs around the PER and the prolonged IRLs may indicate that the mechanisms mediating the occurrence of the prolonged IRL are similar to those for the PER. One possible function of the prolonged IRLs may be to facilitate the male's ejaculation after the female has received enough vaginocervical stimulation for the induction of the progestational state of pregnancy. Finally, females receiving a single dose of 50 microg estradiol benzoate (EB) followed by an injection of 0.5 mg progesterone (P) 48 h later showed a significantly longer PER than those receiving 3 daily injections of 0.5 microg EB followed by an injection of 0.5 mg P 24 h after the last EB injection. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Therapeutic inhibition of MAP kinase interacting kinase blocks eukaryotic initiation factor 4E phosphorylation and suppresses outgrowth of experimental lung metastases.
Activation of the translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) promotes malignant transformation and metastasis. Signaling through the AKT-mTOR pathway activates eIF4E by phosphorylating the inhibitory 4E binding proteins (4E-BP). This liberates eIF4E and allows binding to eIF4G. eIF4E can then be phosphorylated at serine 209 by the MAPK-interacting kinases (Mnk), which also interact with eIF4G. Although dispensable for normal development, Mnk function and eIF4E phosphorylation promote cellular proliferation and survival and are critical for malignant transformation. Accordingly, Mnk inhibition may serve as an attractive cancer therapy. We now report the identification of a potent, selective and orally bioavailable Mnk inhibitor that effectively blocks 4E phosphorylation both in vitro and in vivo. In cultured cancer cell lines, Mnk inhibitor treatment induces apoptosis and suppresses proliferation and soft agar colonization. Importantly, a single, orally administered dose of this Mnk inhibitor substantially suppresses eIF4E phosphorylation for at least 4 hours in human xenograft tumor tissue and mouse liver tissue. Moreover, oral dosing with the Mnk inhibitor significantly suppresses outgrowth of experimental B16 melanoma pulmonary metastases as well as growth of subcutaneous HCT116 colon carcinoma xenograft tumors, without affecting body weight. These findings offer the first description of a novel, orally bioavailable MNK inhibitor and the first preclinical proof-of-concept that MNK inhibition may provide a tractable cancer therapeutic approach. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of simvastatin on the phospholipid composition of high-density lipoproteins in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
We studied the phospholipid composition of high-density lipoproteins in patients with hypercholesterolemia before and after treatment with simvastatin. Individual phospholipids were separated by thin-layer chromatography on glass plates coated with silica gel. It was found that apart from hypolipidemic effect, simvastatin changed the concentration and phospholipid composition of high-density lipoproteins, which improved their cholesterol-accepting and cholesterol-transporting properties. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Role of cAMP in the mediation of glucose catabolite repression of glucoamylase synthesis in Aspergillus awamori.
Exogenous cAMP was shown to mimic glucose in its effect on the synthesis of glucoamylase in Aspergillus awamori. cAMP (4 mM) when added to the starch medium blocked the derepression of glucoamylase by inhibiting its protein synthesis by about twofold. The repressive effect of cAMP on the glucoamylase synthesis was found to be due to twofold reduction in the glucoamylase specific mRNA levels. This cAMP related repression of the glucoamylase mRNA levels was most likely brought about at the level of gene transcription as cAMP had no apparent effect on the processing or stability of glucoamylase mRNA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Bioassays with caged hyalella azteca to determine in situ toxicity downstream of two Saskatchewan, Canada, uranium operations.
The main objectives of this in situ study were to evaluate the usefulness of an in situ bioassay to determine if downstream water bodies at the Key Lake and Rabbit Lake uranium operations (Saskatchewan, Canada) were toxic to Hyalella azteca and, if toxicity was observed, to differentiate between the contribution of surface water and sediment contamination to in situ toxicity. These objectives were achieved by performing 4-d in situ bioassays with laboratory-reared H. azteca confined in specially designed, paired, surface water and sediment exposure chambers. Results from the in situ bioassays revealed significant mortality, relative to the respective reference site, at the exposure sites at both Key Lake (p </= 0.001) and Rabbit Lake (p = 0.001). No statistical differences were found between survival in surface water and sediment exposure chambers at either Key Lake (p = 0.232) or Rabbit Lake (p = 0.072). This suggests that surface water (the common feature of both types of exposure chambers) was the primary cause of in situ mortality of H. azteca at both operations, although this relationship was stronger at Key Lake. At Key Lake, the primary cause of aquatic toxicity to H. azteca did not appear to be correlated with the variables measured in this study, but most likely with a pulse of organic mill-process chemicals released during the time of the in situ study-a transient event that was caused by a problem with the mill's solvent extraction process. The suspected cause of in situ toxicity to H. azteca at Rabbit Lake was high levels of uranium in surface water, sediment, and pore water. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Quality of life for critical care patients: a concept analysis.
Confusion, misunderstanding, and ethical concerns may interfere with patients' choices for appropriate treatment and subsequent quality of life. Such concerns did not originate from recent technological advances but from the ancient Greeks and Romans who honored health more than life, and the early Christians who honored life more than health. These opposing concepts reflect differing notions of quality of life. Determining the quality of life involves personal issues--the cognitive ability to evaluate one's own life; the perception of a satisfactory state of social, emotional, physical, and mental health; and an acceptable feeling of well-being despite physical limitations. In contrast, and often conflict, are objective evaluations of treatment outcomes, morbidity/mortality statistics, cost/benefit analyses, and age studies performed in an attempt to determine quality of life by persons other than the patient. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cyclosporin A and cyclosporin SDZ PSC 833 enhance anti-CD5 ricin A-chain immunotoxins in human leukemic T cells.
Recent studies have shown that cyclosporin A (CsA) may affect ricin A-chain immunotoxin (RTA-IT) therapy. In this study, we evaluated the ability of CsA and its nonimmunosuppressive analog, SDZ PSC 833, to enhance anti-CD5 T101 RTA-ITs in vitro. Both 4 mumol/L CsA and 4 mumol/L SDZ PSC 833 significantly and specifically enhanced the cytotoxic activity of T101 RTA-IT on the human lymphoblastic T-cell line, CEM III (101-fold and 105-fold, respectively). Furthermore, these Cs also enhanced the cytotoxicity of the more potent T101 F(ab')2 RTA-IT (ninefold and eightfold, respectively). The effect of human plasma, originating from four patients enrolled in a phase I high-dose CsA regimen, was examined on T101 RTA-IT cytotoxicity on CEM III cells. In each case, with plasma CsA levels between 3,090 and 4,860 ng/mL (2.5 to 4 mumol/L), a significant increase in T101 RTA-IT-mediated cytotoxicity was observed ranging from 31% to 60%. Neither CsA nor SDZ PSC 833 affected the rate of RTA-IT binding, internalization, intracellular trafficking, or degradation. Analysis of internalized T101 RTA-IT molecules showed that these were essentially intact, which suggests that these enhancers may act only on a small population of RTA-ITs that escapes present investigational techniques. In conclusion, because the concentrations used are clinically achievable, Cs appear to be promising agents for in vivo enhancement of RTA-ITs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A concise route to (-)-kainic acid.
A concise route to (-)-kainic acid from enantiopure (+)-cis-4-carbobenzoxyamino-2-cyclopentenol has been devised by employing concurrent Chugaev syn-elimination and intramolecular ene reaction as the key step. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Amplification of cytokine-specific ELISAs increases the sensitivity of detection to 5-20 picograms per milliliter.
The ability to detect a protein is always limited to the sensitivity of the assays available. Progress in improving the sensitivity of protein detection will allow a more complete understanding of biological systems. Of particular interest to the field of immunology is the ability to characterize an immune response based upon the pattern of cytokines that are released in response to antigen. A Th1 response is characterized by the presence of IL-2, IL-12, TNF and IFN-gamma, whereas a Th2 response is characterized by IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-10. Often, these cytokines are present in in vitro-derived culture supernatants at extremely low concentrations and are therefore very difficult to detect. Although a number of improvements have been made to the sensitivity of the relevant detection assays, the most successful assays involve the presence of the cells being cultured thereby limiting the number of tests per culture to one. Here we describe an enhanced ELISA protocol where the sensitivity is equivalent or better than corresponding cell-based assays. This protocol will permit the sensitive measurement of multiple cytokines per single culture supernatant. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Barriers and enablers to the provision of alcohol treatment among Aboriginal Australians: a thematic review of five research projects.
To review the results of five research projects commissioned to enhance alcohol treatment among Aboriginal Australians, and to highlight arising from them. Drafts of the papers were workshopped by project representatives, final papers reviewed and results summarised. Lessons arising were identified and described. While the impact of the projects varied, they highlight the feasibility of adapting mainstream interventions in Aboriginal Australian contexts. Outcomes include greater potential to: screen for those at risk; increase community awareness; build capacity and partnerships between organisations; and co-ordinate comprehensive referral networks and service provision. Results show a small investment can produce sustainable change and positive outcomes. However, to optimise and maintain investment, cultural difference needs to be recognised in both planning and delivery of alcohol interventions; resources and funding must be responsive to and realistic about the capacities of organisations; partnerships need to be formed voluntarily based on respect, equality and trust; and practices and procedures within organisations need to be formalised. There is no simple way to reduce alcohol-related harm in Aboriginal communities. However, the papers reviewed show that with Aboriginal control, modest investment and respectful collaboration, service enhancements and improved outcomes can be achieved. Mainstream interventions need to be adapted to Aboriginal settings, not simply transferred. The lessons outlined provide important reflections for future research. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Angiographic and Clinical Features of Noninvoluting Congenital Hemangiomas.
While infantile hemangiomas are very common, congenital hemangiomas are rare and less understood. Congenital hemangiomas are present at birth. They fall into 2 major categories: rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma and noninvoluting congenital hemangioma. Noninvoluting congenital hemangioma is the rarer of the 2 entities. If not recognized and treated appropriately, noninvoluting congenital hemangioma can lead to considerable morbidity. There is a paucity of literature regarding noninvoluting congenital hemangiomas. In this article, we will outline our experience with this condition, focusing on clinical and angiographic features. There is a distinct angiographic appearance of noninvoluting congenital hemangiomas involving an arterial-capillary web, a dense tumor blush with identifiable feeding arteries, no arteriovenous shunting, and variably present draining veins. Our experience with endovascular embolization and direct percutaneous treatment is the largest for this entity to date. Endovascular embolization and/or direct percutaneous sclerotherapy of this lesion may obviate subsequent surgical resection. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reversible widespread ischemia after early reperfusion detected by initial diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.
We herein report the time-related dynamic changes according to the diffusion-weighted image (DWI) findings after a cerebral ischemic attack in a 63-year-old woman. At 2 weeks after undergoing a lower limb amputation due to diabetic atherosclerosis, she experienced a sudden loss of consciousness and right hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance image revealed left frontal and parietal areas with an increased signal on the DWI, and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) showed the left middle cerebral artery to be occluded at the superior M2 branch. However, on the next day the lesion on DWI, except for the gray matter, was observed to have almost completely resolved, and MRA showed complete recanalization of the left superior M2 branch with diminished clinical symptoms. Although a few cases of reversible DWI-identified lesions have been described in the literature, the occurrence of large, reversed DWI lesions in the middle cerebral artery territory with severe apparent diffusion coefficient decreases, as seen in our case, are exceedingly rare. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Sublobar resection for early-stage lung cancer.
The use of sublobar resection techniques (anatomic segmentectomy; extended wedge) in the treatment of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer has been associated with increased local recurrence rates compared with lobectomy. Recent data, however, have suggested that sublobar resection of smaller tumors (especially those < or =2 cm) can be performed with no significant difference in local recurrence or long-term survival. These findings have particular relevance in elderly patients and in those patients who may be at high risk for lobectomy because of underlying medical comorbidities. Careful patient selection on the basis of individualized assessment of specific patient and tumor characteristics will aid in selecting the optimal approach. For larger tumors, or when adequate surgical margins are not obtainable, lobectomy should be performed. Currently, active, prospective, randomized studies (Cancer and Leukemia Group B [CALGB] 140503 and American College of Surgeons Oncology Group [ACOSOG] Z4032) will provide critical insights in delineating the efficacy of sublobar resection techniques in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[X-ray diffraction and infrared circular dichroism of DNA-violamycin B1 complexes].
X-ray diffraction and infrared linear dichroism of oriented samples of DNA-violamycin B1 complexes have been studied at different antibiotic/DNA phosphate ratios (r) as a function of relative humidity. Violamycin B1 binds to DNA according to the intercalation as well as to the outside binding model. At low r values, where the intercalation predominates the unwinding angle of DNA helix is between 6 degrees and 12 degrees per intercalation site as followed from the dependence of the pitch of helix versus r. At r greater than or equal to 0.17 the intercalation sites are saturated and the outside binding becomes prevalent; however the violamycin B1 chromophore is still oriented in the plane of DNA bases. Conformational mobility of DNA in the violamycin B1 complexes is largely inhibited compared with pure DNA, but it is higher than that of the daunomycin complexes. At least 30% of DNA in violamycin complexes has A conformation at the medium humidities as followed by IR linear dichroism. In the case of x-ray diffraction the A conformation was not detected. The distance between DNA molecules in the complex is found to be 23.2 A, that is 2 A less than in pure DNA at the same conditions and it does not depend upon r. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Primary care utilisation rates in pre-school children.
A key objective of the Lifeways cross generation cohort study is to examine health and healthcare, according to socio-economic indicators, during the first five years of life. GP contact details were available for 1032 children. 772 GPs in 589 practices were approached and data were obtained on 640 children (59% of original cohort). The mean follow-up time was 3.0 years (95% CI 2.5-3.5). 20.5% of children had a medical card. The mean GP consultation rate was 5.5 visits per child per year, 6.6 visits for children with a medical card and 5.1 for those without (95% CI 1.1 to 1.9) p = 0.001. 68 had a diagnosis of asthma; 19.10% with a medical card and 8.9% without (95% CI 3.0-17.5) p = 0.0001. 138 children had ever been admitted to hospital; 26.2% with a medical card and 21.0% without (95% CI -3.3% to 13.6%) p = 0.2. Incremental increases in parental income significantly decreased both the risk of asthma (p = 0.02) or hospital admission (p = 0.008). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A right kidney autotransplant after inferior cavectomy].
We investigated the feasibility of diverting blood supply from the right kidney after resection of the vena cava by autotransplantation to the right iliac fossa. The experiment was conducted in 10 mini-pigs that had previously undergone partial ligation of the vena cava to produce collateral circulation. Although a good collateral circulation had developed, it was not sufficient to drain the complementary venous supply (right kidney). All the animals developed venous thrombosis and, consequently, irreversible renal failure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transfection of KB cells by polyethylene glycol-induced fusion with erythrocyte ghosts containing adenovirus type 2 DNA.
Cell ghosts were formed by hypotonic haemolysis and subsequent isotonic re-sealing of human erythrocytes in the presence of adenovirus type 2 DNA. The ghosts entrapped virus DNA with an efficiency which depended on the salt concentration employed during haemolysis and on the concentration of the DNA itself. The entrapped DNA was largely protected from digestion by deoxyribonuclease I and could be recovered intact by phenol extraction. Erythrocyte ghosts containing 32P-adenovirus type 2 DNA were fused with KB cells during brief treatment with polyethylene glycol (PEG). Following fusion, counts equivalent to an average of 25 molecules of labelled DNA were micro-injected and transported to each KB cell nucleus. Less than 1/4 as many DNA counts were recovered from nuclei when PEG treatment was omitted. A direct immunofluorescent assay demonstrated virus replication in some cells following their fusion with DNA-containing ghosts. The efficiency of transfection was considerably lower than that expected from the large number of successfully micro-injected DNA molecules. This suggests that most of the micro-injected DNA molecules were degraded before a successful infection could be completed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A new triterpenoid saponin from the roots of Phytolacca acinosa.
A new triterpenoid saponin, named esculentoside T (1), together with five known compounds (2-5), was isolated from the roots of Phytolacca acinosa. The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectral data. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mesenteric vasculitis in adults with Henoch-Schonlein purpura: a not-so-benign condition.
The gastrointestinal manifestations of Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) are well characterised, but their recognition can be difficult when they occur in isolation. Furthermore, HSP can run a more serious course in adults, compared to children, in whom the disease usually occurs. We describe two cases that illustrate the challenges of HSP with mesenteric vasculitis and the outcome in adults. Although self-limiting in most patients, the outcome of HSP in adults can be far from benign and even fatal. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Purification of a human SRCAP complex that remodels chromatin by incorporating the histone variant H2A.Z into nucleosomes.
The Snf-2-related CREB-binding protein activator protein (SRCAP) serves as a coactivator for a number of transcription factors known to interact with CBP. Swr1, the closest Saccharomyces cerevisiae ortholog of SRCAP, is a component of the chromatin remodeling complex SWR-C, which catalyzes exchange of the histone variant H2A.Z into nucleosomes. In this report, we use a combination of conventional chromatography and anti-SRCAP immunoaffinity chromatography to purify a native human SRCAP complex with a polypeptide composition similar to that of SWR-C, and we show for the first time that this SRCAP-containing complex supports ATP-dependent exchange of histone dimers containing H2B and H2A.Z into mononucleosomes reconstituted with recombinant H2A, H2B, H3, and H4. Our findings, together with previous evidence implicating H2A.Z in transcriptional regulation, suggest that SRCAP's coactivator function may depend on its ability to promote incorporation of H2A.Z into chromatin. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Human neutrophils exhibit disparate chemotactic factor gene expression.
The evolution of acute inflammation from initiation through resolution is associated with the changing character of the infiltrating leukocytes. Recruitment of these leukocytes is dependent upon the generation of chemotactic factors that have either global or specific activity for a particular leukocyte. In this manuscript we present data demonstrating that human neutrophils can express mRNA for neutrophil chemotactic factor/interleukin 8 (IL-8), but fail to express mRNA for monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP-1). The expression of IL-8 was observed upon adherence or in response to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. Maximal IL-8 antigenic production was noted at 24 hrs. These studies demonstrate a disparate expression of chemotactic cytokines by neutrophils. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The SCID-hu mouse and thyroid autoimmunity: characterization of human thyroid autoantibody secretion.
Severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice were injected with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from normal individuals and 14 out of 18 had detectable serum human (h) IgG (maximum levels providing a mean +/- SEM 934 +/- 213 micrograms/ml) and IgM (253 +/- 93 micrograms/ml) at 3-6 weeks after transplantation. Serum human immunoglobulin levels were maximum 6-12 weeks after transplantation and declined to low levels over the subsequent 5 months. Human B cells constituted up to 10% and human T cells up to 40% of cells in the peripheral circulation and spleens of these animals 2-3 weeks after transplantation, PBMC, or intrathyroidal (IT) lymphocytes, from 6 patients with Graves' disease and high serum levels of thyroid autoantibodies were transplanted into 30 SCID mice (Graves' SCID-hu). Although serum human immunoglobulins were observed in only low amounts in the animals receiving IT lymphocytes (n = 4), increased levels of hIgG or hIgM were more easily detectable in 19 Graves' SCID-hu mice that received PBMC. The Graves' SCID-hu mice had significantly lower mean levels of hIgG and hIgM than those observed following transplantation of normal PBMC (mean maximum 328 +/- 113 and 32 +/- 21 micrograms/ml, respectively). Six of these 19 mice had detectable human autoantibody to thyroid peroxidase (TPO, as microsomal antigen) between 3 and 8 weeks after transplantation, with titers ranging from 0.05 to 0.39 (normal SCID-hu serum less than 0.02 ELISA Index). No abnormal thyroid hormone (T4 and T3) levels or thyroiditis was seen when compared to normal SCID-hu mice. Immunization of reconstituted SCID mice with recombinant immunoactive human TPO antigen failed to initiate anti-TPO in normal PBMC-treated mice nor did it increase the titer of human anti-TPO in the anti-TPO positive animals. In conclusion we successfully established human thyroid autoantibody secretion in the SCID-hu mouse and characterized the transient nature of the model. Further studies will be required to achieve successful antigen presentation in this system. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Structural effects of neutral and anionic lipids on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. An infrared difference spectroscopy study.
The effects of both neutral and anionic lipids on the structure of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) have been probed using infrared difference spectroscopy. The difference between infrared spectra of the nAChR recorded using the attenuated total reflectance technique in the presence and absence of the neurotransmitter analog, carbamylcholine, exhibits a complex pattern of positive and negative bands that provides a spectral map of the structural changes that occur in the nAChR upon ligand binding and subsequent desensitization. This spectral map is essentially identical in difference spectra recorded from native, native alkaline-extracted, and affinity-purified nAChR reconstituted into either soybean asolectin or egg phosphatidylcholine membranes containing both neutral and anionic lipids. This result suggests both a similar structure of the nAChR and a similar resting to desensitized conformational change in each membrane environment. In contrast, difference spectra recorded from the nAChR reconstituted into egg phosphatidylcholine membranes lacking neutral and/or anionic lipids all exhibit an essentially identical pattern of band intensity variations, which is similar to the pattern of variations observed in difference spectra recorded in the continuous presence of the desensitizing local anesthetic, dibucaine. The difference spectra suggest that the main effect of both neutral and anionic lipids in a reconstituted egg phosphatidylcholine membrane is to help stabilize the nAChR in a resting conformation. In the absence of neutral and/or anionic lipids, the nAChR is converted into an alternate conformation that appears to be analogous to the local anesthetic-induced desensitized state. Significantly, the proportion of receptors found in the resting versus the putative desensitized state appears to be dependent upon the final lipid composition of the reconstituted membrane. A lipid-dependent modulation of the equilibrium between a channel-active resting and channel-inactive desensitized state may account for the modulations of nAChR activity that are observed in different lipid membranes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Occurrence of neutral and acidic drugs in the effluents of Canadian sewage treatment plants.
Samples of influent (untreated) and effluent (treated) from 18 sewage treatment plants (STPs) in 14 municipalities in Canada were analyzed for residues of selected prescription and nonprescription drugs. Several neutral and acidic drugs were detected in effluents, including analgesic/anti-inflammatory agents, lipid regulators, and an antiepileptic drug, carbamazepine. Residues were extracted from effluents by solid-phase extraction, followed by either methylation and analysis of acidic drugs by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry or direct analysis of neutral drugs by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Analgesic/anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, as well as the metabolite of acetylsalicyclic acid, salicylic acid, were often detected in final effluents at microg/L concentrations. The acidic lipid regulator, clofibric acid, and the analgesic/anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac were not detected in any final effluent samples, which is not consistent with data from Europe. The precursor to clofibric acid, clofibrate, is not widely prescribed as a lipid regulator in Canada. However, the lipid regulators bezafibrate and gemfibrozil were detected in some samples of influent and effluent. The chemotherapy drugs ifosfamide and cyclophosphamide and the anti-inflammatory phenazone were not detected in influent or effluent samples, but the vasodilator drug pentoxyfylline was detected at ng/L concentrations in some final effluents. The widespread occurrence of carbamazepine at concentrations as high as 2.3 microg/L may be explained by use of this drug for other therapeutic purposes besides treatment of epilepsy and its resistance to elimination in STPs. The rates of elimination of ibuprofen and naproxen appeared to be elevated in STPs with hydraulic retention times for sewage greater than 12 h. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Equity in paying for health care services under a national insurance system.
The debate over the future of the health care delivery system evolves around the policy issue of what constitutes a fair distribution of the medical services which are considered essential to prolonging life, curing disease, and relieving pain. A case can be made that a socially equitable distribution implies that consumption of medical services is independent of the consumer's income and payment for them unrelated to utilization. The present paper examines to what extent the provisions for financing a national health insurance system are likely to advance or hinder the fair distribution of health care services. Almost all bills specify a mix of direct (cost-shared) and indirect (prepaid) financing. When cost-sharing is based on the quantity of services or on the level of medical expenditure, it helps divert medical care and health insurance benefits to high-income persons at the expense of their low-or moderate-income counterparts. When indirect payments or premium levels are determined by insurance risks rather than by income, they may be too high for persons with moderate means, and are likely to exclude such persons from the national insurance program. When health insurance is tied to salaried employment, it discriminates against the unemployed and the self-employed. To rectify such inequities, some NHI proposals specify separate insurance plans for the disadvantaged. Such programs, which require income-testing to determine eligibility, are likely to be plagued by administrative complications currently engulfing other means-tested social welfare programs. The present paper makes some recommendations for the purpose of avoiding these difficulties and fostering equity in health care. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ethyl gallate attenuates acute lung injury through Nrf2 signaling.
Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the clinical syndrome of persistent lung inflammation caused by various direct and indirect stimuli. Despite advances in the understanding of disease pathogenesis, few therapeutic have emerged for ALI/ARDS. Thus, in the present study we evaluated the therapeutic potential of ethyl gallate (EG), a plant flavanoid in the context of ALI using in vivo (BALB/c) and in vitro models (human monocytes). Our in vivo data supports the view that EG alleviates inflammatory condition in ALI as significant reduction in BALF neutrophils, ROS, proinflammatory cytokines and albumin levels were observed with the single i.p of EG post LPS exposure. Also, histochemical analysis of mice lung tissue demonstrated that EG restored LPS stimulated cellular influx inside the lung airspaces. Unraveling the mechanism of action, our RT-PCR and western blot analysis suggest that enhanced expression of HO-1 underlies the protective effect of EG on ROS level in mice lung tissue. Induction of HO-1 in turn appears to be mediated by Nrf2 nuclear translocation and consequent activation and ablation of Nrf2 activity through siRNA notably abrogated the EG induced protective effect in LPS induced human monocytes. Furthermore, our results indicate that EG generated moderate amounts of H2O2 could induce Nrf2 translocation in the in vitro systems. However, given the insignificant amount of H2O2 recorded in the injected material in the in vivo system, additional mechanism for EG action could not be excluded. Nevertheless our results highlight the protective role of EG in ALI and provide the novel insight into its usefulness as a therapeutic tool for the treatment of ALI. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Ankle braces prevent ligament injuries].
The Cochrane collaboration has performed a meta-analysis of all studies found on the prevention of ankle ligament injuries, frequent in sports like soccer, European handball and basketball. Interventions include the use of modified footwear and associated supports, training programmes and health education. Five randomized trials totalling 3,954 participants were included. With the exception of ankle disc training, all prophylactic interventions entailed the application of an external ankle support in the form of a semi-rigid orthosis, air-cast or high top shoes. The studies showed a significant reduction in the number of ankle sprains in individuals allocated to external ankle support. This reduction was greater for those with a previous history of ankle sprains. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Confessions of a baseball mom: the impact of youth sports on parents' feelings and behaviors.
To explore parents' emotional investment in and behaviors in response to youth sports, the author conducted a mixed-methods investigation to answer four research questions: (1)How do parents feel about their children's participation in organized youth team sports? (2) Which situations trigger which feelings? (3) How do parents' feelings influence their behaviors? (4) What parental characteristics (such as personal histories or demographics) are linked to different feelings and behaviors? The research indicated that many parents' feelings are triggered by their children's sports experiences and that adults must learn how to translate these feelings into productive behaviors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Do PAs in clinical practice find their work satisfying?
Few PAs--17% of those eligible to practice--have left the profession or chosen another career. One hypothesis is that PAs are satisfied with their profession and their work. To test this hypothesis, the AAPA conducted a survey of the professional satisfaction of AAPA members in clinical practice, collecting data using the 1998 AAPA member opinion survey that had been mailed to 17,336 PAs. Usable responses were received from 12,766 (73.6%) members in clinical practice. Measured were satisfaction with work environment, satisfaction with clinical practice, satisfaction with job, impression of the job market, and outlook on the profession. By all measures, PAs are highly satisfied with their choice of career and job. When respondents were asked to rate all aspects of their job taken together, 90% responded excellent (31%) or good (59%). Ninety percent said that they would definitely (47%) or probably (43%) become a PA if they were starting a career today. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Importance of phosphatidylethanolamine for the interaction of apocytochrome c with model membranes containing phosphatidylserine.
The effect of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) on the binding of apocytochrome c to model membranes was examined. When 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) of the standard vesicles composed of 80% of this lipid and 20% of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoserine (POPS) was gradually replaced with upward of 50% of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (POPE), the binding increased appreciably. Ca(2+), causing the phase separation of PS, also brought about increased binding of apocytochrome c in the PC/PS system, underlining the importance of PS properties in membranes for the protein binding. The resonance energy transfer between Trp-59 in apocytochrome c and pyrene-PS incorporated into bilayers showed that the replacement of PC with PE increased the extent of apocytochrome c penetration into membranes by a PE concentration-dependent manner. However, in the absence of PS, PE had no apparent effect on these functions of apocytochrome c, suggesting that PE-induced change(s) of acidic membrane properties is important to the association of apocytochrome c with vesicles. From the observations that the excimer to monomer fluorescence ratio of pyrene-PS increased and the fluorescence of NBD-PS was quenched with increasing concentration of PE, it was deduced that PE caused PS-enriched domains in PC/PE/PS membranes. The colocalization of pyrene-PS with BODIPY-PS by PE further supported the possibility. We suggest that PE-induced formation of PS-enriched domains acts as binding sites for apocytochrome c in membranes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Thermal sensitivity in lichens.
Lichens are believed to be extremely resistant to high-temperature stress when desiccated. Results from a reexamination of this concept indicate that some air-dry lichen thalli can be extremely sensitive to even moderate levels of heat stress whereas others exhibit a considerable degree of heat resistance. These differential levels of thermal resistance correlate exactly with the ecology of these populations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Possible drug-drug interaction between high-dose esomeprazole and phenprocoumon.
It is established that omeprazole increases (R)+ warfarin levels with around 10 %. Whether (es)omeprazole also increase the plasma levels of acenocoumarol or phenprocoumon is still uncertain. We analyzed whether addition of (es)omeprazole to acenocoumarol or phenprocoumon increases the international normalized ratio (INR) levels and the risk of overanticoagulation. We analyzed all hospital admissions in four teaching hospitals. Patients who used coumarins and pantoprazole or (es)omeprazole simultaneously for at least four consecutive days were included in the study. We analyzed the highest INR level and whether patients had an INR level above six. We compared patients using omeprazole or esomeprazole with patients using pantoprazole, because for pantoprazole, no interaction has been reported. We analyzed 5747 admissions with 4540 patients using one of the drug combinations. For acenocoumarol (4578 admissions), no significant differences were found between users of esomeprazole, omeprazole, and pantoprazole. For phenprocoumon (1169 admissions), the highest INR measured was significantly higher in users of esomeprazole than in users of pantoprazole (4.7 versus 4.3; p = 0.035). No significant difference was found with omeprazole versus pantoprazole (4.3 versus 4.3; p = 0.66). A non-significant association was found between the esomeprazole dose and the highest INR level (p = 0.055). The risk of an INR above six did not differ significantly between esomeprazole and pantoprazole (27.7 % versus 22.9 %; p = 0.34). The use of esomeprazole simultaneously with phenprocoumon during hospital admissions might increase the anticoagulant effect. The clinical relevance seems to be limited, because no statistically significant increased risk of overanticoagulation was found. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Control of near-threshold detachment cross sections via laser polarization.
The behavior of near-threshold cross sections for dissociation of a target into a pair of particles, as described by Wigner's threshold law, can depend sensitively on the angular momentum of the particles. In this Letter, we investigate the near-threshold nonresonant two-photon detachment process in the negative ion of gold. The expected s-wave threshold behavior is observed with linearly polarized light. Closure of the s-wave channel is realized by using circular polarization, allowing the first observation of a d-wave threshold. Practical applications are discussed, including extensions which could prove valuable for investigations of negative ions with near-threshold structure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The new trends in survival improvement require a revision of traditional gerontological concepts.
In 1960, Strehler and Mildvan (SM) theoretically predicted that the parameters of the Gompertz approximation to a mortality curve are negatively correlated. This means that the changes in the human mortality rate resulting from improvement in living standards, progress in health care or the influence of other factors must follow certain regularities prescribed by dependence between the Gompertz parameters. Such dependence, called SM correlation, was then confirmed in a number of empirical studies using period data on human mortality. Since the SM theory was based on the cohort model of mortality, it was tacitly assumed that period and cohort SM correlation patterns are similar. The remarkable stability of the SM correlation pattern revealed in these studies was often regarded as manifestation of a universal demographic law regulating changes in the age pattern of mortality rates. In this paper, we investigated trends in mortality decline in France, Japan, Sweden and the United States. In contrast with traditional expectations, we found that the SM correlation pattern was relatively stable only in certain periods of a population's survival history. Recently, several new correlation patterns emerged and, despite some differences in the timing of the changes, the new patterns are remarkably similar in all four countries. Contrary to traditional expectations, the patterns are not the same for cohort and period mortality data when SM correlations are calculated for France, Sweden and the United States. We show that some changes in the patterns of SM correlation admit interpretation in terms of a biological mechanism of individual adaptation (survival trade off). Some other patterns, however, contradict basic postulates of the SM theory. This indicates the need for revision of traditional concepts establishing the relationship between physiological and demographic patterns of aging. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reversal of severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and excellent neuropsychologic outcome in very-long-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency.
Very-long-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency is a disorder of fatty acid beta oxidation that reportedly has high rates of morbidity and mortality. We describe the outcome of a 5-year-old girl with VLCAD deficiency who was first seen at 5 months of age with severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hepatomegaly, encephalopathy, and hypotonia. Biochemical studies indicated VLCAD deficiency caused by a stable yet inactive enzyme. Molecular genetic analysis of her VLCAD gene revealed a T1372C (F458L) missense mutation and a 1668 ACAG 1669 splice site mutation. After initial treatment with intravenous glucose and carnitine, the patient has thrived on a low-fat diet supplemented with medium-chain triglyceride oil and carnitine and avoidance of fasting. Her ventricular hypertrophy resolved significantly over 1 year, and cognitively, she is in the superior range for age. Clinical recognition of VLCAD deficiency is important because it is one of the few directly treatable causes of cardiomyopathy in children. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Slight mistuning of a cryogenic probe significantly perturbs the water 1H precession frequency.
A shift of the water proton precession frequency is described that can introduce errors in chemical shifts derived using the water signal as the chemical shift reference. This shift, f(s), arises as a consequence of radiation damping when the water proton and detector circuit resonance frequencies differ. Herein it is shown that experimental values of f(s), measured as a function of detector circuit tuning offset for 500 and 900 MHz cryogenic probes, are in good agreement with theory. Of importance is the fact that even a small degree of mistuning, which does not significantly impact the performance of a pulse sequence, introduces chemical shift errors of +/-0.03 ppm, that negatively impact many types of experiments. A simple remedy that attenuates the frequency shift is presented. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Outcome and histopathologic regression in oral squamous cell carcinoma after preoperative radiochemotherapy.
Preoperative radiochemotherapy has been reported to enhance tumor response and to improve long-term survival in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. This retrospective study evaluates regression rate and long-term survival in 228 patients with primary oral squamous cell carcinoma treated by neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and radical surgery. All patients with biopsy-proven, resectable oral squamous cell carcinoma - TNM stages II-IV without distant metastasis - received preoperative treatment consisting of fractioned irradiation of the primary and the regional lymph nodes with a total dose of 40 Gy and additional cisplatin (n = 160) or carboplatin (n = 68) during the 1st week of treatment. Radical surgery and neck dissection followed after a delay of 10-14 days. The study only included cases with histologically negative resection margins. After a median follow-up of 5.2 years, 53 patients (23.2%) had experienced local-regional recurrence. The median 2-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rate was 86.2%. 5-year DSS and 10-year DSS were 76.3% and 66.7%, respectively. Complete histological local tumor regression after surgery (ypT0) was observed in 50 patients (21.9%) and was independent of pretreatment tumor classification. Uni- and multivariate survival analysis revealed that ypT- and ypN-stage were the most decisive predictors for DSS. Preoperative radiochemotherapy with cisplatin/carboplatin followed by radical surgery attains favorable long-term survival rates. This applies especially to cases with complete histological tumor regression after radiochemotherapy, which can be assumed for one of five patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An interface comprising molecular wires and poly(ethylene glycol) spacer units self-assembled on carbon electrodes for studies of protein electrochemistry.
The characterization and application of a modified electrode interface for protein electrochemistry is reported. This generic interface is composed of a mixed monolayer of oligo(phenylethynylene) molecular wires (MWs) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) deposited on glassy carbon electrodes by reductive adsorption of the respective aryl diazonium salts. Electrochemistry and scanning electron microscopy demonstrate that the PEG component exhibits a distinct decrease in nonspecific adsorption of blood serum and the proteins bovine serum albumin (BSA) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) relative to a bare glassy carbon electrode. The ability of the MWs to facilitate efficient electron transfer through the PEG layer to the underlying electrode was demonstrated by covalently attaching ferrocenemethylamine to the end of the MWs. The calculated rate constant for this system was 229 +/- 30 s(-1). Covalent attachment of HRP to the MWs allowed direct electron transfer to the redox protein with almost ideal electrochemistry, indicating a specific interaction between the MW and HRP, with a rate constant of 13.4 +/- 2.3 s(-1). This rate constant is more rapid than previously reported for HRP shown to still be catalytically active. Retained catalytic activity of HRP was demonstrated by the enzyme responding to the addition of hydrogen peroxide. Similarly, by attaching myoglobin to the end of the MWs, a rate constant for this protein of 2 s(-1) was measured. The rigidity of the MWs, as well as it being longer than the PEG diluent, means this generic interface can be employed to investigate the electrochemistry of a wide range of redox proteins. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of the rugose portion of the human endolymphatic sac--a preliminary report.
The rugose portion of two human endolymphatic sacs--one from a Meniere's disease patient, the other from a patient who underwent removal of an eighth nerve tumor and had no other evidence of inner ear disease--has been examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The only morphological finding that distinguished the normal from the Meniere's disease specimen was more folds in the epithelium of the normal sac. Two types of cells have been distinguished in the two sacs through both scanning and transmission electron microscopy: cuboidal-to-columnar cells with a convex luminal surface and microvilli, and squamous cells with a flat luminal surface and microvilli. Qualitative differentiation of the two specimens according to frequency of cellular type or difference in cellular or microvillar morphology was not possible. Observations of this study on the epithelial morphology of the rugose portion did not correspond with descriptions of the epithelial morphology in animals. It is, therefore, tentatively concluded that the morphology of the rugose portion of the human endolymphatic sac is different from that of animals. This study suggests that scanning electron microscopy can be used to determine the number and location of cell types and/or the quantity of microvilli in the rugose portion of the endolymphatic sac. Comparison of measurements of normal endolymphatic sacs and those from Meniere's disease patients may demonstrate significant differences. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dynamic range compression with ProteoMiner™: principles and examples.
One of the main challenges in proteomics investigation, protein biomarker research, and protein purity and contamination analysis is how to efficiently enrich and detect low-abundance proteins in biological samples. One approach that makes the detection of rare species possible is the treatment of biological samples with solid-phase combinatorial peptide ligand libraries, ProteoMiner. This method utilizes hexapeptide bead library with huge diversity to bind and enrich low-abundance proteins but remove most of the high-abundance proteins, therefore compresses the protein abundance range in the samples. This work describes optimized protocols and highlights on the successful application of ProteoMiner to protein identification and analysis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Enantiomer stability and combined toxicity of duloxetine and econazole on Daphnia magna using real concentrations determined by capillary electrophoresis.
Enantiomer stability was investigated in this work for the first time for duloxetine and econazole in individual solutions and their mixtures under the standardized ecotoxicity test experimental conditions for Daphnia magna and abiotic conditions. Real (and not nominal) enantiomer concentrations were employed for calculations since their determination was achieved by Capillary Electrophoresis. Relevant differences were found in stability profiles for both drugs in any case. Toxicity was evaluated for the first time in this work for mixtures of duloxetine and econazole on Daphnia magna. Dose-effect parameters were calculated at different exposure times (24, 48, and 72 h) showing a significant inhibition of daphnids mobility when increasing the incubation time. Combination index values enabled to obtain the type and level of interaction of drugs with the organism. A strong synergism was observed at 48 h exposure time and any effect level, which demonstrated the high toxicity of the drug mixture compared with the individual drug solutions. These results were corroborated when evaluating the oxidative stress using fluorescence images. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Parametric Pumping: Separation of Mixture of Toluene and n-Heptane.
Parametric pumping, a dynamic separation technique, comprises alternating axial displacement of a fluid mixture in a column of adsorptive particles upon which a synchronous cycling temperature is imposed. With direct coupling, separations of 10(5):1 between column ends have been obtained, with indications of great potential for further separation. A mathematical model and its solution describe the behavior of the system. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Polymorphism and circulating levels of the chemokine CXCL12 in colorectal cancer patients.
The chemokine CXCL12, also known as stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), is a small protein that regulates leukocyte trafficking and is variably expressed in a number of normal and cancer tissues. CXCL12 as ligand and its receptor CXCR4 have been implicated in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression including angiogenesis and metastasis. A CXCL12 gene variant CXCL12-A (CXCL12-G801A, a single nucleotide polymorphism in the 3' untranslated region) is associated with increased susceptibility to breast cancer. Based on the suggested role of CXCL12 in the pathogenesis of cancer we examined the association of the gene variant CXCL12-A with CRC. The polymorphism was analysed with PCR and RFLP methods. Furthermore, the plasma CXCL12 levels from patients with CRC were also examined. There was no significant difference in genotype distribution and allelic frequencies between CRC patients (n=151) and controls (n=141). On the other hand, we found that the carrying rate of allele CXCL12-A was higher in colon cancer patients compared with rectal cancer patients (P=0.017). Analyses by ELISA showed that CRC patients (n=63) had a lower CXCL12 plasma level compared with controls (P<0.0001). Moreover, patients with tumours classified as Dukes' stage B and C revealed lower levels than patients with tumours in Dukes' stage A. Further studies with larger samples of patients are necessary to determine whether the CXCL12 polymorphism and plasma level reflect the clinical outcome of CRC and have an impact on CRC progression. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Proptosis caused by partially thrombosed orbital varix of the superior orbital vein associated with traumatic carotid-cavernous sinus fistula--case report.
A 49-year-old female presented with proptosis and slight chemosis with diplopia on the right. The patient had a past history of skull base fracture occurring one year before the onset of the symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a partially thrombosed varicose aneurysm (varix) of the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV). Carotid angiography showed a pseudoaneurysm in the right cavernous sinus, associated with slow flow carotid-cavernous sinus fistula via the SOV. Proptosis was due to the direct mass effect of the thrombosed varix of the SOV. The thrombosed varix was removed after right carotid artery trapping with external carotid artery-middle cerebral artery (M(2)) high flow bypass. The symptoms subsided after the surgery. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Violence towards Emergency Nurses. The Italian National Survey 2016: A qualitative study.
Physical and verbal aggression against health professionals, particularly nurses, is globally serious and widespread, with the most vulnerable being nurses working in the Accident and Emergency Department. Most international research into this issue focused on quantifying aggression, describing its nature, identifying perpetrators, stratifying risk and implementing preventive or mitigating interventions. Few studies investigated the nurses' subjective perceptions. As part of the 2016 Italian National Survey on Violence against Accident and Emergency Nurses, our research team collected qualitative data to explore their perceptions of Workplace Violence. From 19th July 2016 to 19th March 2017 we distributed online a 39-item validated questionnaire to 15,618 Emergency Nurses working in 668 Italian National Health Service Accident and Emergency Departments in all 20 Italian Regions. Answers were analysed using van Kaan's method. 1100 Emergency Nurses responded to the survey and 265 replied to our focus question. There were 144 Females, 119 Males, 2 not stated, average age 42 ± 9 years, average work experience 18 ± 9 years, average Accident and Emergency Department experience 11 ± 8 years. Four major themes emerged: the nurses' perception of physical and verbal aggression, precipitating factors, consequences, and solutions. These themes confirmed previous findings and showed that Italian nursing staff's perceptions of physical and verbal aggression is the same as emergency nurses working worldwide. How Italian Accident and Emergency nurses perceive Workplace Violence adds to our knowledge of the issue and contributes to finding shared solutions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Flash evaporation of compounds with a pulsed-discharge CO(2) laser.
Pulsed laser radiation at 10.6 microm has been used to evaporate a number of compounds chosen for their difficulty of evaporation with conventional techniques. An average laser power of 8 W, pulsed at 50 Hz with a 1-msec duration, has been found sufficient to obtain useful evaporation rates for Al(2)O(3) and other highly refractory materials. For easily decomposed materials such as CdS and ZnS, comparison of cw and pulsed evaporation through measurement of optical and photoconductive film properties consistently indicates higher stoichiometry in pulsed evaporation, as well as higher refractive index. The dynamics of film growth during a single laser pulse has been studied by means of a unique thickness monitor. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Efficacy of fractionated gemtuzumab ozogamicin combined with cytarabine in advanced childhood myeloid leukaemia.
Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) monotherapy is reported to yield a 20-30% response rate in advanced acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). This study examined the efficacy and tolerability of GO combined with cytarabine (GOCYT) in children with refractory/relapsed CD33(+) AML. Seventeen children received GO 3 mg/m(2) on days 1, 4 and 7 plus cytarabine 100 mg/m(2)/d for 7 d on a compassionate-use basis. Seven patients then received GO-based consolidation. At the outset of GOCYT, two patients were refractory; eight patients were in refractory first relapse; six patients had relapsed after stem cell transplantation (SCT); and one patient [del(5q) therapy-related AML (t-AML)] had not yet been treated. Mean follow-up was 17 months (8-33 months). Ten responses were obtained after GOCYT induction, including complete remission (CR) or CR without complete recovery of platelets (CRp) in six patients (35%). The responses improved in three children who received GOCYT consolidation, increasing the CR + CRp rate to 53%. SCT was subsequently performed in eight responders. Grade 3-4 adverse events consisted of haematological disorders (n = 17, 100%) and documented infections (n = 5, 29%). No cases of sinusoidal obstructive syndrome occurred. Three patients were alive at the cut-off date for this analysis, all of whom had responded to GOCYT. GOCYT combination therapy yielded a high response rate (53%) and showed acceptable toxicity in heavily pretreated children with refractory/relapsed AML. These results warrant a larger prospective study. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An essential requirement of cardiolipin for mitochondrial carnitine acylcarnitine translocase activity. Lipid requirement of carnitine acylcarnitine translocase.
The phospholipid requirement for the optimal solubilization of carnitine acylcarnitine translocase from the inner membrane vesicles of rat liver mitochondria and for its reconstitution in liposomes was investigated. At the octylglucoside-solubilization step, the presence of cardiolipin proved superior to the other lipids tested. For reconstitution, a mixture having phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and cardiolipin was found to be particularly effective. The requirement of cardiolipin at this step was met less effectively by other anionic phospholipids. Moreover, in intact mitochondria of rat liver and heart, the translocase activity was markedly inhibited by micromolar concentrations of doxorubicin, a specific cardiolipin-binding agent. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Concentrations of Brominated Flame Retardants in Indoor Air and Dust from Ireland Reveal Elevated Exposure to Decabromodiphenyl Ethane.
Concentrations of decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), 13 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) were measured in indoor air and dust collected from Irish homes, cars, offices, and primary schools during 2016-2017. Median concentrations of DBDPE in air (88 pg/m3) and dust (6500 ng/g) significantly exceed those previously reported internationally, with concentrations highest in offices and schools, suggesting that DBDPE is widely used in Ireland. Median concentrations of BDE-209 in air (340 pg/m3) and dust (7100 ng/g) exceed or are within the range of concentrations reported recently for the same microenvironments in the U.K., and exceed those reported in many other countries. Concentrations of BDE-209 in cars exceeded significantly (p < 0.05) those in other microenvironments. HBCDD was detected in all dust samples (median: 580 ng/g), and in 81% of air samples (median: 24 pg/m3) at concentrations similar to those reported recently for the U.K. and elsewhere. Estimates of exposure to DBDPE of Irish adults (92 ng/day) and toddlers (210 ng/day) as well as to BDE-209 (220 ng/day and 650 ng/day for adults and toddlers, respectively) substantially exceed those reported for the U.K. population. Moreover, our estimates of exposure of the Irish population to Σtrideca-PBDEs exceed previous estimates for Ireland via dietary exposure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dementia complicating type 2 diabetes and the influence of premature mortality: the Fremantle Diabetes Study.
To investigate risk factors for, and the influence of premature mortality on, dementia complicating type 2 diabetes. Participants with type 2 diabetes in the community-based observational Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase 1 (n = 1291, mean age 64.0 years) were followed from 1993 to 1996 to end-June 2012. Incident dementia was identified from validated health databases. Dementia risk was assessed using Cox proportional hazards modelling supplemented by competing risk regression modelling in the total cohort and sub-groups defined by age of diabetes onset as mid-life (< 65 years) or late-life (≥ 65 years). During mean ± SD follow-up of 12.7 ± 5.9 years, 717 participants (55.5%) died and 180 (13.9%) developed dementia. Overall, few risk factors predicted incident dementia and most predicted time to death. In mid-life diabetes, incident dementia was predicted by diabetes duration, cerebrovascular disease, schizophrenia, antipsychotic medication and the APOE ε4 allele. In late-life diabetes, risk factors were peripheral neuropathy, lack of exercise, lower fasting serum glucose, no antihypertensive therapy and the APOE ε4 allele. Competing risk analysis showed age to be a positive predictor compared with the inverse association in Cox models that suggested survivor bias in an older community-based cohort. Dementia in type 2 diabetes is multifactorial. An association with diabetes duration, independent of most possible confounders, suggests that one or more unmeasured processes specific to diabetes may be implicated in the pathogenesis. The risk factors for dementia were also associated with an increased risk of death. This suggests that recently reported improvements in mortality in type 2 diabetes may be accompanied by reductions in dementia incidence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Left ventricular thrombus revealed by electron bean computed tomography, in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome].
The authors report a case of a 48 year old woman admitted to hospital because of digital ischemia, in a context of antiphospholipid syndrome. The electrocardiogram-triggered electron beam computed tomography revealed an apical thrombus associated with a thinning left ventricular wall, suggesting painless myocardial infarction. The diagnosis was secondary confirmed by coronarography. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The positional influence of the helical geometry of the heteroduplex substrate on human RNase H1 catalysis.
In a companion study published in this issue (p. 83), we showed that chimeric substrates containing 2'-methoxyethyl (MOE) nucleotides inhibited human RNase H1 activity. In this study, we prepared chimeric substrates containing a central DNA region with flanking northern-biased MOE nucleotides hybridized to complementary RNA. Conformationally biased and flexible modified nucleotides were positioned at the junctions between the DNA and MOE residues of the chimeric substrates to modulate the effects of the MOE residues on human RNase H1 activity. The strong northern-biased locked-nucleic acid modification exacerbated the negative effects of the MOE modifications resulting in slower human RNase H1 cleavage rates. Enhanced cleavage rates were observed for the eastern-biased 2'-ara-fluorothymidine and bulge inducing N-methylthymidine modifications positioned at the 5'-DNA/3'-MOE junction as well as the southern-biased 2'-methylthiothymidine and conformationally flexible tetrafluoroindole (TFI) modifications positioned at the 5'-MOE/3'-DNA junction. The heterocycle of the ribonucleotide opposing the TFI deoxyribonucleotide had no effect on the human RNase H1 activity, whereas nucleotide substitutions adjacent the TFI significantly affected the cleavage rate. Mismatch base pair(s) exhibited similar effects on human RNase H1 activity as the TFI modifications. The effects of the TFI modification and mismatch base pair(s) on human RNase H1 activity were influenced by the position of the modification relative to the nucleotides interacting with the catalytic site of the enzyme rather than the juxtaposition of the modification to the MOE residues. Finally, these results provide a method for enhancing the human RNase H1 activity of chimeric antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) as well as the design of more potent ASO drugs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Treating patients before and after irradiation.
Patients undergoing irradiation treatment for head and neck cancer need not lose their teeth. Careful treatment planning improves patients' quality of life. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Current Status and Future Perspectives of CAD system in Lung Cancer CT Screening].
Current status of the developments of computer-aided detection/diagnosis (CAD) system for lung cancer screening with CT imaging is reviewed along with the commercialization status. Issues to be solved for the lung CAD popularization and QA for CAD are also described followed by the future perspectives of the CAD. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Diagnostic evaluation of dysphagia.
Taking a careful history is vital for the evaluation of dysphagia. The history will yield the likely underlying pathophysiologic process and anatomic site of the problem in most patients, and is crucial for determining whether subsequently detected radiographic or endoscopic 'anomalies' are relevant or incidental. Although the symptoms of pharyngeal dysphagia can be multiple and varied, the typical features of neurogenic pharyngeal dysphagia are highly specific, and can accurately distinguish pharyngeal from esophageal disorders. The history will also dictate whether the next diagnostic procedure should be endoscopy, a barium swallow or esophageal manometry. In some difficult cases, all three diagnostic techniques may need to be performed to establish an accurate diagnosis. Stroke is the most common cause of pharyngeal dysphagia. A videoradiographic swallow study is vital in such cases to determine the extent and timing of aspiration and the severity and mechanics of dysfunction as a prelude to therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Goodwill--fact or fiction.
The validity of goodwill payments when partners enter or leave practice is doubtful. The present situation in veterinary private practice in the Republic is described and compared with other professions. This profession is urged to review its attitude. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Enthalpic barriers to the hydrophobic binding of oligosaccharides to phage P22 tailspike protein.
The structural thermodynamics of the recognition of complex carbohydrates by proteins are not well understood. The recognition of O-antigen polysaccharide by phage P22 tailspike protein is a highly suitable model for advancing knowledge in this field. The binding to octa- and dodecasaccharides derived from Salmonella enteritidis O-antigen was studied by isothermal titration calorimetry and stopped-flow spectrofluorimetry. At room temperature, the binding reaction is enthalpically driven with an unfavorable change in entropy. A large change of -1.8 +/- 0.2 kJ mol(-1) K(-1) in heat capacity suggests that the hydrophobic effect and water reorganization contribute substantially to complex formation. As expected from the large heat-capacity change, we found enthalpy-entropy compensation. The calorimetrically measured binding enthalpies were identical within error to van't Hoff enthalpies determined from fluorescence titrations. Binding kinetics were determined at temperatures ranging from 10 to 30 degrees C. The second-order association rate constant varied from 1 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) for dodecasaccharide at 10 degrees C to 7 x 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) for octasaccharide at 30 degrees C. The first-order dissociation rate constants ranged from 0.2 to 3.8 s(-1). The Arrhenius activation energies were close to 50 and 100 kJ mol(-1) for the association and dissociation reactions, respectively, indicating mainly enthalpic barriers. Despite the fact that this system is quite complex due to the flexibility of the saccharide, both the thermodynamic and kinetic data are compatible with a simple one-step binding model. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Unsteady separation in vortex-induced boundary layers.
This paper provides a brief review of the analytical and numerical developments related to unsteady boundary-layer separation, in particular as it relates to vortex-induced flows, leading up to our present understanding of this important feature in high-Reynolds-number, surface-bounded flows in the presence of an adverse pressure gradient. In large part, vortex-induced separation has been the catalyst for pulling together the theory, numerics and applications of unsteady separation. Particular attention is given to the role that Prof. Frank T. Smith, FRS, has played in these developments over the course of the past 35 years. The following points will be emphasized: (i) unsteady separation plays a pivotal role in a wide variety of high-Reynolds-number flows, (ii) asymptotic methods have been instrumental in elucidating the physics of both steady and unsteady separation, (iii) Frank T. Smith has served as a catalyst in the application of asymptotic methods to high-Reynolds-number flows, and (iv) there is still much work to do in articulating a complete theoretical understanding of unsteady boundary-layer separation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Genetic effects of released swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus) on wild populations inferred from mitochondrial control region sequences.
Along the coast of Shandong Province in China, an extensive hatchery-release programme has been conducted for more than 10 years. However, no information has been reported concerning the long-term effects on the wild population resulting from the release of large numbers of juveniles in Portunus trituberculatus. In this study, sequence variation of swimming crab P. trituberculatus based on the mitochondrial control region was investigated for 946 swimming crabs at the releasing sites from 2012 to 2014. The result showed that the wild P. trituberculatus was characterized by high genetic diversity indices, and not significantly different from the previous study. Low FST values were estimated among the groups of different years and different sites, which suggested no genetic differentiation found in the wild population after the stock enhancement programme. Hence, the long-term extensive hatchery release programme has not affected the genetic structure of wild P. trituberculatus populations along the coast of Shandong Province. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The exposure hierarchy as a measure of progress and efficacy in the treatment of social anxiety disorder.
This study explored the psychometric properties and utility of the exposure hierarchy as a measure of treatment outcome for social anxiety disorder (SAD). An exposure hierarchy was created for each of 103 individuals with a diagnosis of SAD who completed a course of cognitive behavioral group therapy. Exposure hierarchy ratings were collected on a weekly basis, and a series of self-report measures were collected before and after treatment. Results indicated that the exposure hierarchy demonstrated high test-retest reliability, as well as significant convergent validity, as participants' exposure hierarchy ratings correlated positively with scores on conceptually related measures. Hierarchy ratings were significantly associated with changes in SAD symptoms over time. However, exposure hierarchy ratings were correlated to general measures of psychopathology, suggesting limited discriminant validity. The study highlights the clinical and scientific utility of the exposure hierarchy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Application of resorbable plates for fixation of a laminotomy flap].
The paper describes a new technology - application of resorbable plates and pins for securing a laminotomy flap in children's neurosurgery. Four patients were operated on at our clinic. We describe in detail a surgical technique and compare it with a traditional fixation technique using ligatures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Exploring empowerment in settings: mapping distributions of network power.
This paper brings together two trends in the empowerment literature-understanding empowerment in settings and understanding empowerment as relational-by examining what makes settings empowering from a social network perspective. Specifically, extending Neal and Neal's (Am J Community Psychol 48(3/4):157-167, 2011) conception of network power, an empowering setting is defined as one in which (1) actors have existing relationships that allow for the exchange of resources and (2) the distribution of network power among actors in the setting is roughly equal. The paper includes a description of how researchers can examine distributions of network power in settings. Next, this process is illustrated in both an abstract example and using empirical data on early adolescents' peer relationships in urban classrooms. Finally, implications for theory, methods, and intervention related to understanding empowering settings are explored. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Human Naive and Memory T Cells Display Opposite Migratory Responses to Sphingosine-1 Phosphate.
The role of sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P) in leukocyte trafficking has been well deciphered in mice but remains largely unaddressed in humans. In this study, we assessed the ex vivo response to S1P of primary human T cell subsets. We found that tonsil but not blood leukocytes were responsive to S1P gradients, suggesting that T cell responsiveness is regulated during their recirculation in vivo. Tonsil naive T cells were readily chemoattracted by S1P in an FTY720-sensitive, S1PR1-dependent manner. Surprisingly, S1P had the opposite effect on effector memory T cells, resident memory T cells, and recently activated T cells, inhibiting their spontaneous or chemokine-induced migration. This inhibition was also more pronounced for CD4 T cells than for CD8 T cell subsets, and was dependent on S1PR2, as shown using the S1PR2 antagonist JTE-013. S1PR1 was progressively downregulated during T cell differentiation whereas S1PR2 expression remained stable. Our results suggest that the ratio between S1PR1 and S1PR2 governs the migratory behavior of T cell subsets. They also challenge previous models of the role of S1P in lymphocyte recirculation and suggest that S1P promotes retention of memory T cell subsets in secondary lymphoid organs, via S1PR2. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Small bowel endoscopy and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare, autosomal dominant inherited disease. It is clinically characterized by the development of gastrointestinal hamartomas, mainly located in the small bowel. These hamartomas are prone to complications such as intussusceptions, abdominal complaints and anaemia. Furthermore, patients are at increased risk for developing small bowel cancer. Therefore, regular surveillance of the small bowel is indicated. However, the optimal strategy for surveillance has not been determined yet. This review gives an overview of the different techniques that have been described to examine the small bowel of PJS patients. First, a number of radiologic and endoscopic imaging modalities with diagnostic value are discussed. Secondly, recently developed advanced endoscopy techniques are described that can serve both as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the surveillance of the small bowel. Finally, a recommendation is given how to apply these individual techniques for small bowel surveillance in a step-up approach. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nutrition in the Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster.
The Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster (GEJED) struck the northeast region of Honshu, the main island of Japan, on March 11, 2011. This mega-disaster claimed more than 15,000 lives, with approximately 3000 later deaths being disaster related. The GEJED consisted of a mega-earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear accident. Survivors living in temporary shelters might have received insufficient levels of vitamins, with the exception of vitamin B1, which appeared to be overestimated, and excess levels of sodium. However, scientific data collection and surveys following the GEJED were extremely limited. This experience highlights the need to prepare an “emergency nutrition assessment” system for optimal nutrition in future disasters. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Quantitative phase contrast imaging of a shock-wave with a laser-plasma based X-ray source.
X-ray phase contrast imaging (XPCI) is more sensitive to density variations than X-ray absorption radiography, which is a crucial advantage when imaging weakly-absorbing, low-Z materials, or steep density gradients in matter under extreme conditions. Here, we describe the application of a polychromatic X-ray laser-plasma source (duration ~0.5 ps, photon energy >1 keV) to the study of a laser-driven shock travelling in plastic material. The XPCI technique allows for a clear identification of the shock front as well as of small-scale features present during the interaction. Quantitative analysis of the compressed object is achieved using a density map reconstructed from the experimental data. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Bronchoalveolar lavage with a diluted surfactant suspension prior to surfactant instillation improves the effectiveness of surfactant therapy in experimental acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
To assess whether bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) with a diluted surfactant suspension prior to surfactant instillation prevents the only transient improvement in lung function as reported after surfactant instillation in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Randomized, prospective, experimental study. Laboratory and animal facility of a large university. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (280 +/- 30 g). All animals underwent repetitive whole lung saline lavage to induce acute lung injury. Then, animals were randomly divided into seven study groups: the first group received surfactant (150 mg/ kg) within 10 min after the last lavage (early treatment), whereas in the other six groups mechanical ventilation was continued for 3 h before treatment (late treatment). Treatment consisted of: surfactant instillation at a dose of 150 mg/kg; at a dose of 250 mg/kg; BAL with saline; BAL with a diluted surfactant suspension (2.5 mg/ml); BAL with saline, immediately followed by surfactant instillation (150 mg/kg) and BAL with a diluted surfactant suspension (2.5 mg/kg), immediately followed by surfactant instillation (150 mg/kg). Blood gases were measured for 6 h and then BAL was performed to measure the protein concentration and surface tension properties. Mean PaO2 values increased immediately after surfactant instillation to pre-lavage values but remained stable only in the group that received surfactant immediately after the lavage procedure and the group that underwent BAL with a diluted surfactant suspension prior to surfactant instillation. BAL with a diluted surfactant suspension prior to surfactant instillation at a later time point in lung injury resulted in a stable improvement of lung function. This improvement is comparable with the results seen after surfactant instillation immediately after lung lavage. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transcriptional regulation of the gltA and TLC genes in Rickettsia prowazekii growing in a respiration-deficient host cell.
The regulation of the citrate synthase (gltA) and ATP/ADP translocase (tlc) genes of the obligate intracellular bacterium, Rickettsia prowazekii, was analyzed in rickettsia-infected respiration-deficient G14 cells. The level of the gltA mRNAII and the tlc mRNA was much lower in the total RNA isolated from the infected G14 cells grown in 1 g/l glucose (low glucose, GL) medium than in that from infected G14 cells grown in 4.5 g/l glucose (high glucose, GH) medium. However, the level of the gltA mRNAI relative to 16 S rRNA was the same in GL and GH media. An increase in the level of the gltA mRNAII and the tlc mRNA could be observed as early as 2 hrs after shifting from GL to GH medium. We conclude that, under these experimental conditions, the tlc promoter and the gltA promoter P2, but not gltA promoter P1, were transcriptionally regulated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Distribution of glyphosate-resistant Amaranthus spp. in Nebraska.
Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.), common waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus var. rudis), and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) are major weeds occurring in fields throughout Nebraska with recurrent grower complaints regarding control with glyphosate. The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency and distribution of glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth, common waterhemp, and redroot pigweed populations in Nebraska. The study also aimed to investigate how agronomic practices influence the occurrence of glyphosate resistance in the three Amaranthus species. Glyphosate resistance was widespread in common waterhemp (81% of the screened populations), few Palmer amaranth populations were glyphosate-resistant (6% of the screened populations), whereas no glyphosate-resistant redroot pigweed populations were identified in Nebraska. Weed species, geographic region within the state, and current crop were the most important factors predicting the occurrence of glyphosate resistance in fields infested with Amaranthus species in Nebraska. The intensive glyphosate selection pressure exerted in soybean (Glycine max) fields in eastern Nebraska is one of the major factors causing widespread occurrence of glyphosate resistance in common waterhemp in the state. The relatively low frequency of glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth in the state highlights the importance of the application timing and the adoption of multiple modes of action in weed management practices to delay the evolution of glyphosate resistance. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Morphology, ultrastructure, genetics, and morphometrics of Diplostomum sp. (Digenea: Diplostomidae) metacercariae infecting the European flounder, Platichthys flesus (L.) (Teleostei: Pleuronectidae), off the northwest coast of Portugal.
The morphology, ultrastructure, genetics, and morphometrics of a species of Diplostomum von Nordmann 1832 (Digenea: Diplostomidae), isolated from the European flounder (Platichthys flesus (L.)) caught off the northwest coast of Portugal, are characterized. The metacercarial stage was found unencysted in the lens capsule of the eye. Light microscopical observations revealed the existence of some variability in specimen shape and size, with two morphotypes, referred to as "round" and "long", being apparent. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a smooth, unarmed tegument, with the lappet region being the most irregular and porose. Both the oral and ventral suckers were provided with a series of papillae, which presented very distinctive ultrastructural features and were particularly conspicuous in the case of the ventral sucker. The two morphotypes detected were found to have 100% genetic correspondence in the 18S + ITS1 + 5.8S region of the rDNA. Since the genetic data for this metacercaria differed from those of the species of Diplostomum available in GenBank, a description of a new genotype (accession number GQ370809) is provided. The molecular phylogenetic analyses, in conjunction with principal components and cluster analyses based on morphometric data, revealed the existence of consistent differences between the Diplostomum sp. metacercariae from flounder compared with Diplostomum spathaceum, Diplostomum mergi, Diplostomum pseudospathaceum, and Diplostomum paracaudum. The latter of these species was found to be the most similar to the present material. Our results do not support an evolutionary separation of the European and North American species of Diplostomum. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Coexistence of dissipative soliton and stretched pulse in dual-wavelength mode-locked Tm-doped fiber laser with strong third-order dispersion.
Mode-locked lasers with strong high order dispersion exhibit rich nonlinear dynamics. Here we numerically and experimentally demonstrate coexistence of dissipative soliton (DS) and stretched pulse (SP) in a dual-wavelength mode-locked Tm-doped fiber laser with strong third-order dispersion (TOD), where the DS and SP show completely different pulse duration and peak power. Wavelength-dependent feature of the net cavity group-velocity dispersion (GVD) leaded by the strong TOD plays a key role for the coexistence patterns. To our best knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the coexistence of different mode-locked pulse regimes with strong laser cavity TOD. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Metabolic shifts and gas exchange during the working of artificial heart ventricles].
Complete cardiac bypass has been performed in the experiments on 21 random-bred dogs under thiopental-ketamine anesthesia using artificial heart ventricles (AHV), "Kedr" type. In 9 dogs 15 hours after AHV insertion their output was increased by half, as compared to baseline cardiac output values; in the rest of animals AHV worked in the regimen of normal perfusion. The study of acid-base balance parameters has revealed that AHV functioning in the regimen of normal perfusion for 2.5 hours leads to the development of moderate decompensated metabolic acidosis, the degree of which depends on the duration of AHV functioning. Changes in arterial and venous blood pO2 in long-term AHV functioning is indicative of blood flow activation in arteriovenous shunts. Blood flow increase during the first 15-20 min is accompanied by the improvement of blood oxygenation and stabilization of the acid-base balance parameters. AHV functioning in hyperperfusion regimen for 1 hour leads to deterioration of ventilation-perfusion pulmonary ratio and the onset of hypoxemia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of two methods for the assessment of delayed-type hypersensitivity skin responses in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection.
We compared two techniques for detecting delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin responses in 359 patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (mean CD4+ lymphocyte count, 387/microL). DTH responses were assessed with use of two antigenic panels administered simultaneously: tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) plus three control antigens (Candida albicans, mumps antigen, and tetanus toxoid) administered by the Mantoux method and by a multiple-puncture device delivering seven antigens percutaneously (MULTITEST CMI; Institut Mérieux, Lyon, France). Eighty-three patients (23%) were anergic, 216 (60%) reacted to both panels, 55 (15%) did not react to MULTITEST CMI but did react to the antigens administered by Mantoux method, and only five (1%) reacted to MULTITEST CMI without reacting to antigens administered by the Mantoux method (P < .001, McNemar's test). Each of the three possible combinations of PPD plus two control antigens administered by the Mantoux method were also superior to MULTITEST CMI for classifying patients as nonanergic (P < .001, McNemar's test). We conclude that the application of antigens by the Mantoux method is more efficient than MULTITEST CMI for detecting DTH skin responses in HIV-infected patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical performance of computer-engineered complete dentures: a retrospective pilot study.
The aim of this retrospective pilot study was to analyze the clinical performance of computer-engineered complete dentures (CECDs) in edentulous patients regarding survival and maintenance. For this retrospective analysis, data from 10 patients who received CECD treatment in each arch (Digital Denture, Ivoclar Vivadent) between 2015 and 2016 were analyzed. The following aspects were assessed: number of appointments required for treatment, number of interventions during the initial (≤ 4 weeks after insertion) and functional periods (> 4 weeks after insertion), and survival. Additionally, whether these aspects were influenced by function or esthetics, the arch, or recall participation was assessed. Poisson regression models were used for the statistical analysis (P < .05). All CECDs survived the observation period of 2.54 ± 0.48 years. More than four appointments were required for treatment (mean ± standard deviation, 4.6 ± 0.7), mainly for esthetic concerns. An average of 1.7 ± 0.05 appointments during the initial period and 2.07 ± 0.32 during the functional period were noted as a consequence of functional concerns. During both periods, the major reason for intervention was removal of pressure spots. Relining was required in 40% of the CECDs, and fracture of the denture base occurred in two CECDs. Within the limitations of this retrospective pilot study, the CECDs showed acceptable clinical performance in terms of survival and maintenance. Nevertheless, transferring more information about the patient from the dental practice to the dental laboratory might reduce the number of appointments for treatment and avoid technical complications such as fractures of the denture base. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
S-100 protein and immunoperoxidase technique as an aid in the histopathologic diagnosis of leprosy.
The histopathologic diagnosis of leprosy in the tuberculoid type (TL) and in the indeterminate group (IL) may be difficult and frequently unfeasible. The detection of the impairment of cutaneous nerve branches by the inflammatory reaction may permit the diagnosis of TL over other skin granulomas. In an attempt to overcome these diagnostic difficulties in the lesions with no bacilli and without obvious damage to nerve branches, we utilized the immunoperoxidase technique with S-100 protein as the nerve marker. Two groups were selected: Patients (group 1) with TL confirmed by the presence of bacilli, and patients (group 2) with a clinical diagnosis of TL not confirmed by histopathology. The slides treated by S-100 in group 2 showed that 8 cases (9 total) were confirmed to have TL on the basis of the nerve alteration observed by the immunoperoxidase technique. These data obtained in the present studies show that use of the immunoperoxidase technique for the detection of S-100 protein to visualize peripheral nerves represents an efficient auxiliary aid in the diagnosis of leprosy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Digital radiography of interproximal caries: effect of different filters.
The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different image processing modes (filters) on reproducibility and validity of the assessment of interproximal carious lesions on digitized radiographic images. Standardized radiographs of 34 extracted teeth exhibiting interproximal caries were obtained. All radiographs were digitized and using the FRIACOM-software the central depth (CD) of each carious lesion was measured on the unchanged radiographic image and after use of five different filters with 7fold and 18fold magnification. All measurements were repeated after 1 week to estimate reproducibility. Histometric CD assessments provided a gold standard for comparison with the radiographic measurements (validity). Neither reproducibility nor validity of CD measurements were improved by one of the filters. Measurements of dentinal lesions showed a statistically higher variability than those of enamel lesions (p<0.001). 18fold magnification provided more valid CD measurements than 7fold magnification (p<0.001). In this study digital manipulations of radiographic images failed to result in statistically significantly improved reproducibility or validity of CD measurements. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Genetics of early cancer detection behaviours in Australian female twins.
Early detection of cervical and breast cancers is an important component of women's health strategy. Screening programmes, health professional interventions and preventive behaviours such as breast self-examination provide the means to this end. Our twin study sought to identify the relative influence of environmental and genetic factors on liability to early cancer detection behaviours, including use of cervical smear tests, mammograms, and breast examination. Additive genetic and random environmental effects models gave the best, most parsimonious fit to the data for each early cancer detection behaviour. The heritability of liability to Pap smear use was 66%, mammogram use 50%, breast examination by a doctor or nurse 38% and breast self-examination 37%. Genetic influences were behaviour-specific; there was no evidence for a common genetic influence on the four behaviours. Potential covariates investigated included age, amount of contact between co-twins, educational level and personality traits such as harm avoidance, novelty seeking, reward dependence, neuroticism, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, perceived control, interpersonal dependency and ways of coping. None were significant. The study was carried out before the implementation of national screening programmes with media campaigns to increase participation rates. Hence follow-up investigation, including data on regularity of behaviours, would be informative. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Socioeconomic disparities in the utilization of mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke.
Previous studies have demonstrated that socioeconomic disparities in access to treatment of cerebrovascular diseases exist. We studied the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) to determine if disparities exist in utilization of mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke. Using the NIS for the years 2006-2010, we selected all discharges with a primary diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke. Patients who received mechanical thrombectomy for stroke were identified by using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, procedure code 39.74. We examined the utilization rates of mechanical thrombectomy by race/ethnicity (white, black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander), income quartile (first, second to third, and fourth), and insurance status (Medicare, Medicaid, self-pay, and private). We also studied thrombectomy utilization rates at hospitals that performed thrombectomy. From 2006 to 2010, 2,087,017 patients were hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke; 8946 patients (.4%) received mechanical thrombectomy. Compared with white patients, black patients had significantly lower rates of overall mechanical thrombectomy utilization (odds ratio [OR] = .59, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .55-.64, P < .0001) and at centers that offered mechanical thrombectomy (OR = .44, 95% CI = .41-.47, P < .0001). Compared with patients in the highest income quartile, patients in the lowest income quartile had significantly lower rates of mechanical thrombectomy utilization both overall (OR = .66, 95% CI = .62-.70, P < .0001) and at centers that offered mechanical thrombectomy (OR = .80, 95% CI = .75-.84, P < .0001). Compared with patients with private insurance, self-pay patients had significantly lower mechanical thrombectomy utilization both overall (OR = .71, 95% CI = .64-.78, P < .0001) and at centers that offered mechanical thrombectomy (OR = .81, 95% CI = .74-.90, P < .0001). Significant socioeconomic disparities exist in the utilization of mechanical thrombectomy in the United States. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
3D modeling, ligand binding and activation studies of the cloned mouse delta, mu; and kappa opioid receptors.
Refined 3D models of the transmembrane domains of the cloned delta, mu and kappa opioid receptors belonging to the superfamily of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) were constructed from a multiple sequence alignment using the alpha carbon template of rhodopsin recently reported. Other key steps in the procedure were relaxation of the 3D helix bundle by unconstrained energy optimization and assessment of the stability of the structure by performing unconstrained molecular dynamics simulations of the energy optimized structure. The results were stable ligand-free models of the TM domains of the three opioid receptors. The ligand-free delta receptor was then used to develop a systematic and reliable procedure to identify and assess putative binding sites that would be suitable for similar investigation of the other two receptors and GPCRs in general. To this end, a non-selective, 'universal' antagonist, naltrexone, and agonist, etorphine, were used as probes. These ligands were first docked in all sites of the model delta opioid receptor which were sterically accessible and to which the protonated amine of the ligands could be anchored to a complementary proton-accepting residue. Using these criteria, nine ligand-receptor complexes with different binding pockets were identified and refined by energy minimization. The properties of all these possible ligand-substrate complexes were then examined for consistency with known experimental results of mutations in both opioid and other GPCRs. Using this procedure, the lowest energy agonist-receptor and antagonist-receptor complexes consistent with these experimental results were identified. These complexes were then used to probe the mechanism of receptor activation by identifying differences in receptor conformation between the agonist and the antagonist complex during unconstrained dynamics simulation. The results lent support to a possible activation mechanism of the mouse delta opioid receptor similar to that recently proposed for several other GPCRs. They also allowed the selection of candidate sites for future mutagenesis experiments. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Betamethasone-related acute alterations of microtubule-associated proteins in the fetal sheep brain are reversible and independent of age during the last one-third of gestation.
The purpose of this study was to examine whether glucocorticoid effects on neuronal cytoskeleton, which we have shown previously at 0.87 gestation when the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis matures, are age-dependent and reversible. Fetal sheep received 3.3 microg kg(-1) h(-1) betamethasone (n = 10) or saline solution (n = 9) intravenously over 48 hours at 0.75 gestation (ie, before the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis matures and when betamethasone is administered clinically). Betamethasone diminished microtubule-associated protein (MAP) 1B and 2 immunoreactivity in the frontal neocortex and caudate putamen (P < .05) and MAP2 in the hippocampus (P < .05), which is similar to the effects that are seen at 0.87 gestation. In agreement, the number of glucocorticoid receptors did not differ at both ages. Loss of MAP1B and MAP2 immunoreactivity was not accompanied by neuronal death and was reversible within 24 hours. Alteration of neuronal cytoskeletal proteins caused by antenatal betamethasone exposure is transient and independent of age during late gestation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Local Drug-Drug Interaction of Donepezil with Cilostazol at Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (ABCG2) Increases Drug Accumulation in Heart.
Clinical reports indicate that cardiotoxicity due to donepezil can occur after coadministration with cilostazol. We speculated that the concentration of donepezil in heart tissue might be increased as a result of interaction with cilostazol at efflux transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP, ABCG2), which are expressed in many tissues including the heart, and our study tested this hypothesis. First, donepezil was confirmed to be a substrate of both BCRP and P-glycoprotein in transporter-transfected cells in vitro. Cilostazol inhibited BCRP and P-glycoprotein with half-inhibitory concentrations of 130 nM and 12.7 μM, respectively. Considering the clinically achievable unbound plasma concentration of cilostazol (about 200 nM), it is plausible that BCRP-mediated transport of donepezil would be affected by cilostazol in vivo. Indeed, in an in vivo rat study, we found that coadministration of cilostazol significantly increased the concentrations of donepezil in the heart and brain, where BCRP functions as a part of the blood-tissue barrier, whereas the plasma concentration of donepezil was unaffected. In addition, in vitro accumulation of donepezil in heart tissue slices of rats was significantly increased in the presence of cilostazol. These results indicate that donepezil-cilostazol interaction at BCRP may be clinically relevant in heart and brain tissues. In other words, the tissue distribution of drugs can be influenced by drug-drug interaction (DDI) at efflux transporters in certain tissues (local DDI) without any apparent change in plasma concentration (systemic DDI). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of tubular structures presumed to be human odontoblast processes.
Tubular structures interpreted as being odontoblast processes can be observed with the scanning electron microscope (SEM) on fractured dentin surfaces which have been demineralized and treated with collagenase. To confirm the nature of these structures, SEM preparations exhibiting similar tubular structures were subsequently examined with the transmission electron microscope (TEM). Newly-erupted human third molars were fractured buccolingually with heavy-gauge industrial nippers or sectioned mesiodistally with a Leitz saw microtome and fixed in glutaraldehyde. The exposed dentin surfaces were decalcified to a depth of approximately 500 microns and then treated with bacterial collagenase. Half of the specimens were critical-point-dried and coated for SEM. The other half were post-fixed and processed for TEM. After examination by SEM, the specimens were embedded and thin-sectioned for TEM. SEM observations of both the fractured and cut surfaces of dentin showed tubular structures running from the surface of the pulp to the dentino-enamel junction. When the SEM preparations were examined with TEM, the tubular structures were seen to be the inner sheath of the peritubular matrix, not odontoblast processes. In the specimens directly processed for TEM, the structures lying inside the sheath could be visualized clearly. In the outer two-thirds of the dentin, the tubules were essentially empty. Well-defined odontoblast processes were seen lying inside the sheath only in the inner dentin. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of asymmetry on calculations of convergence in prism diopters.
Calculations of convergence in units of prism diopters are based on an assumption that convergence is symmetrical, that is, the visual axes intersect on the median plane. The effect of departure from symmetrical convergence is shown to produce systematic errors in calculations of convergence distance, if the convergence angle is constrained to be constant. On the other hand, if the convergence distance is constrained to be constant, departure from symmetry results in a systematic reduction in the convergence angle. Because these errors are disregarded in the specification of convergence in prism diopters, care should be taken in using these units for larger amounts of asymmetrical convergence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The benefits of antenatal education for the childbirth process in Spain.
Childbirth has changed dramatically over the past 40 years, although antenatal education (AE) has not. This education has been shown to be beneficial in some countries but not in others. The objective of this study was to assess the benefits of AE during the childbirth process, controlling for the possible confounding effects of other variables and involving a comprehensive assessment of the birth process. A prospective observational study was conducted in Bizkaia, Spain, to follow 616 low-risk pregnant nulliparous women aged 18-42 years until childbirth. Women who had attended different numbers of AE sessions were compared in terms of the following: whether they arrived at hospital in established labor, whether they received epidural anesthesia before the active phase of the birth, length of the first and second stages (i.e., dilation and delivery), anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), type of birth, perineal injury, satisfaction with the experience, and the 5-minute Apgar score. Results were adjusted by age, nationality, educational level, social class, personality, and the hospital where the birth occurred. Spanish women who had attended AE classes experienced less anxiety during birth than those who had not (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score adjusted difference = -1.5, 95% confidence interval = -0.1 to -3.0), whereas the opposite was found for immigrant women (adjusted difference = 2.4; 95% confidence interval = -0.6 to 5.4; AE x Nationality interaction, p = .02). No dose-response relationship was found between AE and anxiety, and no benefits were seen for the other variables. Antenatal education is not found to be associated with benefits during childbirth. Subsequent research should be focused on redesigning and assessing AE in light of the current needs of women. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Phototherapy in cosmetic dermatology.
Light therapy has been incorporated into the art of healing and cosmesis for thousands of years and currently has found utility in many areas of medicine. Various modalities of cosmetic phototherapy are detailed, as well as the indications and mechanism of action for each modality. These modalities can be used to treat many common cosmetic conditions, including acne vulgaris, solar lentigo, and melasma. Phototherapy is considered a safe and effective option in the treatment of many of these disorders. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Lipopolysaccharide and opioids activate distinct populations of Mytilus edulis immunocytes.
Studies in Mytilus edulis have indicated that immunoregulatory activities comparable to those in vertebrates also exist in invertebrates. Mytilus immunocytes resemble cells of the vertebrate monocyte/macrophage lineage and are activated by similar substances. We searched for differential effects of opioids on these cells in comparison with those of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in order to determine if different subpopulations of immunoactive hemocytes are involved. We showed that Mytilus immunocytes respond to LPS in a fashion similar to that in vertebrate granulocytes by flattening, and increasing in cellular perimeter and mobility, that LPS administered in vivo results in a lowering of the number of free hemocytes that can be obtained from the animal, and that distinct immunoactive cell populations seem to exist since apparently different subsets of cells react when exposed to LPS or opioids and the opioid antagonist naloxone. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Absorption Spectroscopy, Emissive Properties, and Ultrafast Intersystem Crossing Processes in Transition Metal Complexes: TD-DFT and Spin-Orbit Coupling.
Absorption spectroscopy, emissive properties, and ultrafast intersystem crossing processes in transition metal complexes are discussed in the light of recent developments in time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT), spin-orbit coupling (SOC) effects, and non-adiabatic excited states dynamics. Methodological highlights focus on spin-orbit and vibronic couplings and on the recent strategies available for simulating ultra-fast intersystem crossings (ISC).The role of SOC in the absorption spectroscopy of third-row transition metal complexes is illustrated by two cases studies, namely Ir(III) phenyl pyridine and Re(I) carbonyl bipyridine complexes.The problem of luminescence decay in third-row transition metal complexes handled by TD-DFT linear and quadratic response theories including SOC is exemplified by three studies: (1) the phosphorescence of Ir(III) complexes from the lowest triplet state; (2) the emissive properties of square planar Pt(II) complexes with bidentate and terdentate ligands characterized by low-lying metal-to-ligand-charge-transfer (MLCT) and metal-centered (MC) states; and (3) the ultra-fast luminescence decay of Re(I) carbonyl bipyridine halides via low-lying singlet and triplet charge transfer states delocalized over the bipyridine and the halide ligands.Ultrafast ISC occurring in spin crossover [Fe (bpy)3]2+, in [Ru (bpy)3]2+, and [Re (Br)(CO)3(bpy] complexes are deciphered thanks to recent developments based on various approaches, namely non-radiative rate theory within the Condon approximation, non-adiabatic surface hopping molecular dynamics, and quantum wave packet dynamics propagation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Paper chromatographic characterization of an extracellular biologically active compound from Coelastrum sphaericum var. dilatatum.
A non-cytotoxic, wide antiviral spectra compound was isolated from the lyophilized media of axenic cultures of the green alga Coelastrum sphaericum var. dilatatum. After acid hydrolysis, polyenic-like fractions were liberated from the same compound with inhibitory effect against Candida albicans. Biochromatographic and spectrophotometric results demonstrated that the product included a glycosidic fraction associated with a nucleotidic component. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characteristics of a new human neuroblastoma cell line which differentiates in response to cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate.
A new human cell line, TR14 , has been established in tissue culture from biopsy material of a primary neuroblastoma tumor. Most TR14 cells have short processes and grow mainly in clumps adhering to cells attached to the substratum. TR14 cells form colonies in soft agar demonstrating anchorage independence of growth and produce tumors in nude mice with histologies similar to that of the patient's tumor. The neurotransmitter-synthesizing activity of these cells is predominantly cholinergic with only a minor adrenergic component, since the activity of choline acetyltransferase is about 20-fold greater than that of tyrosine hydroxylase. Treatment with N6,O2'-dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate induces TR14 neuroblastoma cells to extend fine, long processes or neurites. This morphological change is accompanied by elevated numbers of cytoplasmic dense-core vesicles observed by electron microscopy and an increase in the activities of neurotransmitter-synthesizing enzymes. Differentiation therefore occurs at the levels of cellular morphology, ultrastructure, and biochemistry. Prostaglandin E1 and cholera toxin can also induce differentiation, but a range of other agents including dimethyl sulfoxide, nerve growth factor, butyrate, corticosteroids, and 5-bromodeoxyuridine is ineffective. The concomitant induction of both morphological and biochemical differentiation therefore appears to be exclusively a cyclic adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate-mediated event in this cell line. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
L-Menthone confers antidepressant-like effects in an unpredictable chronic mild stress mouse model via NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated inflammatory cytokines and central neurotransmitters.
L-Menthone (MTN) is a Chinese old remedy extracted from the genus Mentha. It has been widely used as a cooling agent and a counterirritant for pain relief, although its antidepressant-like effects have not yet been reported. The present study was designed to investigate whether MTN confers an antidepressant-like effect in mice exposed to unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) and to explore its potential mechanisms. The effects of MTN on mouse behavioral changes were investigated in our study. We determined the levels of the nucleotide binding, oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, inflammatory cytokines and neurotransmitters in the hippocampus of mice. Behavioral tests, including the sucrose preference test (SPT), open field test (OFT), forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) revealed that MTN (15 and 30mg/kg) treatments for 3weeks alleviated the depression symptoms of UCMS in mice. Mice receiving MTN treatments exhibited reduced levels of NLRP3 and caspase-1. Moreover, MTN treatments reversed the UCMS-induced alterations in the concentrations of neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5-HT) and inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (PIC) interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the hippocampus of mice. Taken together, our findings suggested that MTN may play a potential antidepressant-like role in the UCMS mouse model by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome and mediating inflammatory cytokines and central neurotransmitters, which together provide insight towards the development of novel therapeutic treatments for depression. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of pathogenic factors expressed by group A Streptococci isolated from patients with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and scarlet fever.
Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is an illness with high mortality. To obtain clues to understanding the pathogenesis of STSS, we investigated the expression of several pathogenic factors in ten group A streptococcus (GAS) isolates from ten patients with STSS in Japan, in comparison with ten GAS isolates from children with scarlet fever. The ten scarlet fever-derived GAS isolates were equally low in lethality and anti-phagocytic activity in mice and in the production of streptolysin O (SLO), and equally high in production of superantigenic exotoxins (SAGTs) and cysteine proteinase. By comparison, the ten STSS-derived GAS isolates were heterogeneous in the expression of the above pathogenic factors, which ranged from low to high values. Most of the ten STSS-derived isolates were higher in lethality and anti-phagocytic activity and production of SLO, and lower in the production of SAGTs and cysteine proteinase than the ten scarlet fever-derived isolates. The results suggest that the lethality and anti-phagocytic activity examined in mice and SLO may be involved mainly in the development of most of the ten STSS cases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Breast cancer and hormone replacement therapy].
There are more than 50 studies and at least 6 metaanalyses with varying results concerning breast cancer risk related to hormone replacement therapy. According to the literature the breast cancer risk in hormone replacement therapy may be slightly increased, especially after long-term treatment. After discontinuing hormone therapy the risk decreases and reaches baseline 5 years later. Since prospective randomised studies are lacking, it is still unclear whether hormone replacement therapy really promotes breast cancer or if the increase is due to methodological biases such as more frequent breast examination or mammography. According to the literature there is no evidence that under hormone replacement therapy the risk of relapse is elevated or the prognosis less favourable in women treated for breast cancer. Since prospective randomised studies with long-term follow-up are lacking, we recommend the use of the guidelines of the "Deutsche Gesellschaft für Senologie", based on oestrogen receptor levels and lymph node involvement. Risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy should be discussed with the well-informed patient and alternative therapy modalities evaluated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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