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High-power vacuum-ultraviolet anti-Stokes Raman laser with atomic selenium.
High-power operation of a selenium anti-Stokes Raman laser has been realized by application of an ArF excimer laser as a primary pump source. Radiation at 169 and 146 nm was generated with conversion efficiencies of up to 2.3% and output energies of up to 350 muJ in a 2-nsec pulse. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Coagulation and fibrinolysis during the normal menstrual cycle.
Thirteen healthy women (age 24-44 yrs) were studied during their menstrual cycle. Samples were taken 2-3 times weekly for six consecutive weeks. Plasma concentrations of oestradiol and progesterone were determined in each blood sample and only women found to be ovulatory were included. From the hormone data the cycles were divided in five phases (early follicular phase, late follicular phase, early luteal phase, late luteal phase and menstrual period). The samples for the coagulation and fibrinolysis assays as well as the venous occlusion (20 min) tests were drawn or performed between 8-9 a m after fasting for 8 hrs. The fibrinogen F VIII:C and AT III were assayed and did not show any variations through the study period. Neither were any differences found in platelet counts, platelet mean volumes or platelet function measured as platelet adhesion and plasma beta-thromboglobulin. The fibrinolytic activity after venous occlusion decreased slightly during the late luteal phase (phase 4) as compared with the other phases. Large individual differences were, however, seen and no statistically significant differences between the five different phases were found. The plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) varied during the cycle but in most individuals within the normal range. In 7/13 women substantial fluctuations of the fibrinolytic activities during the cycle were seen. Four women had a significant fall of the fibrinolytic activity after venous occlusion during the late luteal phase (phase 4) and 3 others during the menstrual phase (phase 5). No co-variation between the fibrinolytic activities and PAI-1 was found. Multiple regression analysis showed a co-variation between fibrinolytic activities and progesterone. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Is Identification of Lupus Erythematosus Cells Still Useful? A Case Report.
A 13-year-old girl presented with significant weight loss, depression, anemia, and neutropenia. The preliminary diagnosis was anorexia nervosa combined with depression. Due to peripheral cytopenia, a bone marrow biopsy was performed to rule out leukemia. Lupus erythematosus (LE) cells were found in the bone marrow aspirate, which prompted autoantibody testing, although clinically it was not suspected the patient had systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Further testing demonstrated very high levels of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) (>12 U) and anti-double strand DNA (dsNDA) (>1000 IU/mL), which confirmed the diagnosis of SLE. The patient was treated with steroids for SLE, and symptoms improved quickly. In conclusion, although the identification of LE cells as one of the diagnostic criteria for SLE has been obsolete, careful examination of bone marrow to identify LE cells is still very important in the diagnosis of unsuspected SLE. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Blood-brain barrier disruption by low-frequency ultrasound.
A recent study showed a dramatic increase in cerebral hemorrhage comprising atypical locations with low-frequency ultrasound-mediated recombinant tissue plasminogen activator-thrombolysis in humans. Here, we provide a possible explanation for this phenomenon by a side effect observed in a study using the similar ultrasound device. The study was originally undertaken to investigate by transcranial Doppler sonography, positron emission tomography and perfusion MRI whether transcranial application of wide-field low-frequency ultrasound (300 kHz) improves cerebral hemodynamics in patients with cerebral small vessel disease. Showing no clear positive effect on cerebral hemodynamics in 4 patients and on cerebral perfusion (positron emission tomography) in 2 patients, the study has been terminated early because of a remarkable side effect in the first patient (a 62 year-old man) undergoing perfusion-MRI: detection of frontoparietal extravasation of Gadolinium contrast agent (applied during MRI perfusion imaging preinsonation) on MRI immediately postinsonation. Abnormal permeability of the human blood-brain barrier can be induced by wide-field low-frequency insonation. The observed excessive bleeding rate with low-frequency sonothrombolysis might thus be attributable to primary blood-brain barrier disruption by ultrasound. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Non-orthogonal multiple access with phase pre-distortion in visible light communication.
Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) offers a good balance between throughput and fairness for visible light communication (VLC). This work presents a phase pre-distortion method to improve the symbol error rate performance of NOMA uplink with successive interference cancellation (SIC) decoding in VLC. Both theoretical analysis and experimental evaluation have shown that the proposed phase pre-distortion method improves the bit-error-rate (BER) performance for NOMA under both low and high relative power ratios. Specifically, at low relative power ratios, the proposed method can eliminate the possible BER floors and alleviate the power ratio requirement by 2 dB at the BER of 3.8 × 10<sup>-3</sup>. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Veterinary students' attitudes on One Health: implications for curriculum development at veterinary colleges.
One Health knowledge has been identified by the North American Veterinary Medical Education Consortium (NAVMEC) as a core competency for all graduating veterinarians. Many veterinary colleges, however, are still in the preliminary stages of exploring how best to incorporate One Health principles into their existing curricula. In February 2012, we conducted a survey among second to fourth-year Professional Veterinary Medicine (PVM) students at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences to assess One Health needs and attitudes. Out of 407 students, 93 (22.9%) completed the survey. Although 74.2% of respondents were very or somewhat familiar with the One Health Initiative, only 34.4% reported some level of involvement with One Health-related activities. Over 80% of respondents rated the One Health Initiative as very important for public health, wildlife health, and food-animal medicine or surgery; less than 30% rated the One Health Initiative as very important for equine medicine or surgery and small-animal medicine or surgery. The majority of respondents were very interested in educational activities involving inter-disciplinary interactions with both human and ecosystem health professionals. Our findings can help guide the development and implementation of One Health-focused curricula at veterinary colleges. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Immunologic distribution of an organic anion transport protein in rat liver and kidney.
A Na(+)-independent organic anion transport protein was recently cloned from rat liver using a Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system [E. Jacquemin, B. Hagenbuch, B. Stieger, A.W. Wolkoff, and P.J. Meier, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91: 133-137, 1994]. Although expression of this protein is sufficient for cells to transport the organic anion bromosulfophthalein, little is known about its cell biology or biochemical characteristics. Northern blot analysis performed under high-stringency conditions revealed hybridization with RNA only from liver and kidney; transcripts appeared the same in these two organs. Within kidney, hybridization was greatest when RNA extracted from the outer medulla was used. Immunoblot analysis revealed that in liver, the transporter was enriched in 0.1 M Na2CO3-extracted membranes and sinusoidal plasma membrane preparations, consistent with its being an integral membrane protein. This 80-kDa protein migrated as a 65-kDa protein after treatment with N-glycanase. Immunomorphological examination of liver revealed basolateral plasma membrane localization. In 0.1 M Na2CO3-extracted membranes of kidney, the transporter migrated as an 83-kDa protein on nonreducing sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). On reduction, it resolved into peptides of 33 and 37 kDa. SDS-PAGE migration of the liver protein was unaffected by reduction. Immunomorphological examination of kidney revealed apical plasma membrane localization in the S3 segment of the proximal tubule of the outer medulla. Differential processing and trafficking of this transporter in liver and kidney may have important functional and regulatory consequences. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Linearly scaling and almost Hamiltonian dielectric continuum molecular dynamics simulations through fast multipole expansions.
Hamiltonian Dielectric Solvent (HADES) is a recent method [S. Bauer et al., J. Chem. Phys. 140, 104103 (2014)] which enables atomistic Hamiltonian molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of peptides and proteins in dielectric solvent continua. Such simulations become rapidly impractical for large proteins, because the computational effort of HADES scales quadratically with the number N of atoms. If one tries to achieve linear scaling by applying a fast multipole method (FMM) to the computation of the HADES electrostatics, the Hamiltonian character (conservation of total energy, linear, and angular momenta) may get lost. Here, we show that the Hamiltonian character of HADES can be almost completely preserved, if the structure-adapted fast multipole method (SAMM) as recently redesigned by Lorenzen et al. [J. Chem. Theory Comput. 10, 3244-3259 (2014)] is suitably extended and is chosen as the FMM module. By this extension, the HADES/SAMM forces become exact gradients of the HADES/SAMM energy. Their translational and rotational invariance then guarantees (within the limits of numerical accuracy) the exact conservation of the linear and angular momenta. Also, the total energy is essentially conserved-up to residual algorithmic noise, which is caused by the periodically repeated SAMM interaction list updates. These updates entail very small temporal discontinuities of the force description, because the employed SAMM approximations represent deliberately balanced compromises between accuracy and efficiency. The energy-gradient corrected version of SAMM can also be applied, of course, to MD simulations of all-atom solvent-solute systems enclosed by periodic boundary conditions. However, as we demonstrate in passing, this choice does not offer any serious advantages. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Studies on the mechanism and duration of antibody-mediated immunosuppression (author's transl)].
The simultaneous injection of either 10(8) or 5 X 10(5) sheep erythrocytes (SE) and an allogeneic anti-SE serum into mice produced not only a suppression of the primary immune response, but, moreover, the secondary immune reaction elicited, either 4, 8, 12, 16 or 30 weeks after the primary antigenic stimulation, was found to be impaired. This was mainly demonstrated by the significantly reduced numbers of 7 S antibody-synthesizing spleen cells. The suppression of the secondary immune responses is hardly compatible with the conception that the antibody-mediated immunosuppression is solely due to an inactivation of the antigenic determinants by the passively administered specific antibody in the periphery of the immune system. This objection against the so-called "peripheric theory" is supported by a further finding. When mice primarily immunized by a simultaneous injection of 10(8) SE and anti-SE-serum were treated with 2 X 10(7) SE 24 hours before boostering with 10(8) SE, in order to eliminate a possibly existing residual activity of the passively administered specific antibodies given together with the primary antigenic stimulus, the secondary 7 S response was likewise found to be significantly suppressed. On the basis of these findings it is suggested that besides the "peripheric mechanism" a "central" effect plays a significant role in the phenomenon of antibody-mediated immunosuppression, this being due to the reversible or irreversible inactivation of immunocompetent precursor cells by the attachment of antigen-antibody-complexes which results in an inhibition of their differentiation into antibody-producing cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cost-effectiveness of pegylated interferon and ribavirin for patients with chronic hepatitis C treated in routine clinical practice.
This study assesses whether pegylated interferon and ribavirin is cost-effective compared with no antiviral treatment provided in routine clinical practice, for different patient subgroups. The cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) uses a Markov decision model to estimate the lifetime cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) of antiviral treatment compared with no treatment. The model is populated with data on sustained virological responses, costs, and transition probabilities all taken from a large representative sample of UK cases and centers (Trent HCV database). The CEA found that pegylated interferon and ribavirin was cost-effective for most patient subgroups. The CEA found that for patients with genotype non-1, the intervention led to cost reductions and gains of at least 0.5 QALYs. For genotype 1 cases with mild or moderate disease, and younger cirrhotic patients (aged 40 or less), costs per QALY remained below 20,000 pound sterling ($40,000 or 29,000 euro). For genotype 1 cases with cirrhosis aged 50, the mean cost per QALY rose to over 60,000 pound sterling ($120,000 or 87,000 euro). The study concludes that, based on cost and effectiveness data collected from routine clinical practice, treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin is generally cost-effective. The study shows that there are variations according to patient subgroup and for older (aged 50 or over) genotype 1 patients with cirrhosis, antiviral treatment appears less cost-effective. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Nephrotic syndrome revealed by pulmonary embolism: about four cases].
Nephrotic syndrom is an association of proteinuria>3g/d or 50mg/kg/d, an hypoalbuminemia<30g/L and a hypoproteinemia<60g/L. Primary etiologies are minimal glomerular injury, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and non membranous glomerulonephritis. Secondary etiologies are diabetes, high blood pressure and amyloidosis. We present four cases about nephrotic syndrome after thromboembolic disease. In every case, patients show a pulmonary embolism symptomatic of a nephrotic syndrom, whose diagnostic could be delayed up to six months after first pulmonary symptoms. This raised the problem of renal biopsy in these patients who need anticoagulation. In minimal change nephrosis, without hematuria, high blood pressure or renal dysfonction, a corticosteroid therapy test could be done assuming that is corticosensitive minimal glomerular injury. In every case, anticoagulation course must be completed and maintained in case of patent nephrotic syndrom with an albuminemia under 20g/L. In case of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis, idiopathic-looking, a nephrotic syndrome must be sought-after. The two diagnosis ways are the proteinuria on the urine dipstick and the hypoproteinemia on usual biology. The main mechanism is the coagulation factor leak, side effect of the nephrotic syndrom, notably because of the antithrombin III. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Electrospinning of artemisinin-loaded core-shell fibers for inhibiting drug re-crystallization.
The main aim of this study was to inhibit the re-crystallization of a potent antimalarial drug, artemisinin (ART), by encapsulating it in core-shell fibers via a coaxially electrospun method. The ART-infiltrated cellulose acetate (CA) solution as the core material and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) solution as the shell material were used to prepared ART-loaded core-shell fibers ([ART/CA]/PVP). Transmission electron microscopy images confirmed the core-shell structures of the coaxially electrospun fibers. The scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry were performed to characterize the physical states of ART in the fibers. It was observed that ART crystals were formed in the ART-loaded CA/PVP composite fibers (ART/CA/PVP) during the electrospinning process and increased during storage duration. While ART crystals hardly were observed in the fresh core-shell [ART/CA]/PVP fibers with high ART entrapped amount (20 wt.%) and a little was detected after 6-month storage. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results illustrated the hydrogen bonding interaction between ART and CA in the core-shell [ART/CA]/PVP fibers mainly contributed to the amorphous state of ART. Importantly, combination of the hydrophilic PVP shell and the amorphous ART in CA core, the core-shell [ART/CA]/PVP fibers provided a continued and stable ART release manner. Ex vivo permeation studies suggested the amorphous ART in the medicated core-shell fibers could permeate through the stratum corneum smoothly. Hence, the core-shell [ART/CA]/PVP fiber matrix could provide a potential application in transdermal patches. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Predictive factors of solid food intake in patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction receiving self-expandable metallic stents for palliation.
As for self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), some predictive factors of stent patency have been reported, although re-canalization of GOO by SEMS does not necessarily lead to favorable food intake. Therefore, we analyzed the predictive factors of oral food intake following SEMS placement. A total of 97 consecutive patients in whom SEMS were placed for malignant GOO in five hospitals were included in this retrospective study. Clinical outcomes and predictive factors influencing solid food intake were analyzed. The technical and clinical success rates were 97.9% and 87.6%, respectively. The mean gastric outlet obstruction scoring system (GOOSS) improved from 0.39 to 2.24 after SEMS placement (P<0.01). The median eating period was 2.1 months (95% CI, 1.1-3.0 months), and the median survival time was 3.1 months (95% CI, 2.0-4.2 months). A Karnofsky performance status of ≤ 50 (odds ratio, 3.65; 95% CI, 1.17-13.1; P=0.03) and ascites (odds ratio, 3.28; 95% CI, 1.23-9.05; P=0.02) were identified as statistically significant independent poor predictive factors of solid food intake. SEMS is an effective treatment for patients with malignant GOO. Ascites and a poor performance status were poor predictive factors of solid food intake. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of protein deficiency and food restriction during gestation in rats on maternal and fetal plasma and pituitary thyrotropin levels.
The effects of protein deficiency and food restriction during pregnancy on maternal and fetal plasma and pituitary thyrotropin (TSH) levels were investigated on day 20 of gestation. The same parameters were also determined following administration of exogenous thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). Maternal plasma and pituitary basal TSH concentrations were significantly elevated in protein deficiency. TRH injection to protein-deficient dams caused a marked reduction in pituitary TSH concentration, suggesting that the elevated plasma TSH seen in uninjected dams might be due to decreased metabolic clearance rather than to hypersecretion by the pituitary. Food restriction resulted in significant lowering of plasma TSH, but did not alter pituitary TSH in comparison to that of control dams. TRH administration had no effect on pituitary TSH concentration in food-restricted and control dams. Pituitaries of fetal young of protein-deprived dams were significantly smaller and contained significantly less total TSH, accompanied by a slight reduction in circulating plasma TSH. These observations are suggestive of developmental and functional retardation of the fetal pituitary. Fetal pituitary TSH was unaffected by TRH administration to control and food-restricted dams whereas, in young of protein-deprived females, total gland TSH was reduced. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Improvement of seminal parameters with Prelox: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial.
In a randomly allocated, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over design, 50 infertile patients were treated for 1 month with placebo or a combination of l-arginine aspartate and Pycnogenol (Prelox). Semen samples were examined at 4 week intervals according to WHO criteria. Treatment with Prelox increased significantly the semen volume, concentration of spermatozoa, percentage of motile spermatozoa and percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology compared with placebo. The placebo had no influence on the parameters of seminological analysis. Intake of Pycnogenol for 1 month improved the fertility index to normal values. After treatment, the fertility index decreased again to infertile status. No unwanted effects were reported. Prelox seems to be a promising alternative to treat patients with mild infertility. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) as an independent factor predicting worse prognosis and extra-bone marrow involvement in multiple myeloma patients.
The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system, which consists of a proteinase (uPA), a receptor (uPAR or CD87) and inhibitors, is involved in proteolysis, cell migration, tissue remodelling, angiogenesis and cell adhesion. Recent findings suggest that malignant plasma cells express uPA and uPAR. The expression of these factors could represent a process by which myeloma plasma cells interact with the bone marrow (BM) environment and influence important biological events such as bone matrix degradation, plasma cell invasion and homing and, possibly, clinical evolution. We evaluated uPAR (CD87) and its soluble form (suPAR) in 49 multiple myeloma (MM) patients and correlated their expression and levels with clinico-biological characteristics of the disease. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that CD87 was expressed in all MM patients. High CD87 expression was associated with higher intensity of expression of CD56 (P = 0.038), CD38 (P = 0.058) and CD138 (P = 0.054) and CD45bright positivity (P = 0.014). suPAR levels correlated positively with soluble serum CD138 (P = 0.001), creatinine (P = 0.001), beta2-microglobulin (P < 0.001), disease stage (P = 0.017) and extra-BM involvement (P = 0.002). In the 46 evaluable patients, multivariate analysis showed that high levels of suPAR (P = 0.0214) and disease stage (P = 0.0064) were predictive of extra-BM involvement. In multivariate Cox analysis, 13q deletion (P = 0.0278), high soluble serum CD138 (P = 0.0201) and high suPAR (P = 0.0229) were the only parameters that independently affected survival. We conclude that CD87 is expressed on myeloma plasma cells and that suPAR, which predicts extra-BM involvement and poor prognosis, possibly represents a molecule with a relevant role in the biology of MM. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Inorganic mercury(II)-binding components in normal human blood serum.
The interaction of Hg(II) with human blood serum was studied at physiological pH. Most of the Hg(II) was found to be associated with the proteins, and only a small fraction was associated with the low-molecular-weight substances in serum. Albumin is the major Hg(II)-binding protein (greater than or equal to 90%) in serum. Among the amino acids, L-cysteine has the highest affinity for Hg(II). In dialyzed serum having equimolar concentrations of Hg(II), albumin, and L-cysteine, the amount of Hg(II) found in the supernatant after ultracentrifugation was about 6--7%. There are preferential Hg(II)-binding sites on the albumin molecule. However, no significant change in the circular dichroism spectrum of albumin was detected until at least two equivalents of Hg(II) were present. Hg(II) can mediate the formation of the albumin dimer as well as a ternary complex of the type albumin-Hg(II)-L-cysteine. The latter presumably plays an important role in the transport of Hg(II) between blood and various tissues. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Bactericidal effect of Nd:YAG laser irradiation on some endodontic pathogens ex vivo.
To define the role of neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers in root canal disinfection along with a minimally invasive treatment concept. The hypothesis was tested ex vivo that Nd:YAG laser irradiation has a bactericidal effect on endodontic pathogens inoculated in root canals. Resultant colony-forming unit counts were associated with observations of bacterial cell structural changes using conventional scanning electron microscopy (CSEM) and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) on inoculated dentine surfaces, following indirect and direct Nd:YAG laser irradiation, respectively. The Nd:YAG laser irradiation (1.5 W, 15 Hz, four times for 5 s) of Enterococcus faecalis inoculated canals resulted in a significant reduction (P < 0.05, Wilcoxon signed rank test) of the bacterial load, meaning a 99.7% kill, but no sterilization. The CSEM procedure verified that the extent of radiation damage was in line with the total amount of laser energy applied. After 2 h of incubation and three cycles of indirect laser treatment (i.e. through a 1-mm-thick dentine disc), no morphologically intact bacteria of Actinomyces naeslundii or Streptococcus anginosus were discernible. However, when micro-colonies of S. anginosus and specially biofilms of E. faecalis were present after 2 days, the in situ experiment using ESEM and direct laser treatment showed that bacterial eradication was reduced in deep layers. The Nd:YAG laser irradiation is not an alternative but a possible supplement to existing protocols for canal disinfection as the properties of laser light may allow a bactericidal effect beyond 1 mm of dentine. Endodontic pathogens that grow as biofilms, however, are difficult to eradicate even upon direct laser exposure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Sandwich-like MoS2 @SnO2 @C with High Capacity and Stability for Sodium/Potassium Ion Batteries.
Sandwich-like MoS2 @SnO2 @C nanosheets are prepared by facile hydrothermal reactions. SnO2 nanosheets can attach to exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets to prevent restacking of adjacent MoS2 nanosheets, and carbon transformed from polyvinylpyrrolidone is coated on MoS2 @SnO2 , forming a sandwich structure to maintain cycling stability. As an anode for sodium-ion batteries, the electrode greatly deliverers a high initial discharge specific capacity of 530 mA h g-1 and maintains at 396 mA h g-1 after 150 cycles at 0.1 A g-1 . Even at a large current density of 1 A g-1 , it can hold 230 mA h g-1 after 450 cycles. Besides, as an anode for K+ storage, the electrode also shows a discharge capacity of 312 mA h g-1 after 25 cycles at 0.05 A g-1 . This work may provide a new strategy to prepare other composites which can be applied to new kind of rechargeable batteries. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A case of aorto-enteric fistula after reconstruction of an abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with Behçet's disease and special reference to 95 reported cases in Japan].
A 45-year-old male with incomplete type of Behçet's disease was operated on because of abdominal aortic aneurysm. The post-operative course was uneventful. On twenty-one months after discharge, the patient noticed left leg pain and tarry stool, and was referred to our hospital. Computed tomography and angiography showed aorto-enteric fistula at the proximal aortic anastomotic site. Aortic reconstruction was performed, but the patient died on 36th post-operative day. We analysed the reports of 95 cases of aneurysm associated with vasculo-Behçet's disease in Japan. This series comprised 82 men, 9 women and 4 unknowns. The cases were classified to four groups, which were incomplete type (48 cases), complete type (27 cases), suspected type (12 cases) and unknown (8 cases). They had 46 aortic aneurysms and 108 peripheral aneurysms. Operation was performed on 29 aortic aneurysms and 73 peripheral aneurysms. Eleven aortic aneurysms and twelve peripheral aneurysms had anastomotic complication post-operatively. Four cases after reconstruction of abdominal aortic aneurysm was complicated with aorto-enteric fistula. They were all dead post-operatively. Vasculo-Behçet's disease with aortic aneurysm is comparatively a rare entity and morbidity and mortality is high because of its etiological characteristics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fluoroscopic investigation of pharyngeal function in the horse.
Videofluoroscopy was used to study the deglutition reflexin 2 horses believed, on the basis of endoscopic and clinical examination, to have normal pharyngeal and laryngeal function. The reflex was found to be the same as that described in man and in the rabbit. A feature of deglutition in the horse was the temporary increase in size of the auditory tube diverticuli (gluttural pouches) as a result of contraction of the pharyngeal muscles. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Scrotoschisis as a mechanism for extracorporeal testicular ectopia.
Only one case of a rare anomaly, a congenital defect in the integrity of the scrotal wall permitting egress of the testis to an ectopic extracorporeal location, has been previously reported. A second occurrence of this rare anomally is herein described with a proposed mechanism of occurrence. The condition is termed scrotoschisis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Thromboxane A2-induced vascular endothelial cell damage and respiratory smooth muscle cell contraction: inhibition by flunarizine, a Ca2+-overload blocker.
The fast intravenous injection of arachidonic acid (AA) in mice produces, in a dose-related way, mortality due to respiratory distress. Upon electron microscopical examination an extensive oedematous damage of the capillary endothelium was found; thrombotic platelet obstructions were present in a minority of pulmonary capillaries only. Protection against this toxic AA-effect is obtained with inhibitors of fatty acid cyclo-oxygenase and of thromboxane (TXA2) synthetase, suggesting involvement of TXA2 as a causative mediator. The Ca2+-entry blockers flunarizine, niludipine and nimodipine, not affecting TXA2 synthesis by murine platelets, also provide protection, but not the antiplatelet drugs ticlopidine, dipyridamole or suloctidil; thrombocytopenia induced by busulphan does not affect the AA-induced mortality nor the protection obtained with flunarizine. Platelet-independent bronchoconstriction induced by AA in guinea-pigs is also inhibited by flunarizine. This study suggests that the AA-induced mortality test reflects pulmonary conversion of AA to TXA2 producing endothelial cell damage and respiratory smooth muscle cell contraction rather than a thrombotic phenomenon. The protective effect of flunarizine against TXA2 induced changes in vivo may contribute to its effectiveness in particular hypoxic conditions associated with liberation of AA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Acute alcoholic intoxication and naloxone. Effects on visual evoked potential.
Experimental assays analyzing visual evoked potential (VEP) changes during an acute alcoholic intoxication were carried out in two groups of cats: One with continuous ethanol (0.06 g/kg.min) i.v. perfusion. Another one with a naloxone (400 micrograms/kg) i.v. injection 10 min before ethylic perfusion. Naloxone potentiates alcohol effects on VEP parameters, and on the appearance of isoelectric postpotential and flat VEP. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical experience with transfusion of leukocyte-poor platelet concentrates prepared by filtration with prostacyclin.
Repeated transfusions with platelets from randomly selected donors lead to HLA alloimmunization in about 50% of patients due to lymphocyte contamination of platelet concentrates. Attempts to remove the leukocytes from the platelet concentrates by additional centrifugation steps led to substantial loss of platelets. We report a new procedure for removal of almost all leukocytes with excellent platelet recoveries. Single donor concentrates are treated with 50 ng/mL prostacyclin to inactivate the platelets transiently. The concentrates are then passed through a cellulose-acetate filter to remove the leukocytes. In 30 concentrates this treatment reduced the contamination by leukocytes to less than 0.1 million per concentrate with a platelet recovery of 89% +/- 1% (mean +/- SEM). Thirty filtered platelet concentrates transfused to ten thrombocytopenic patients within one hour after filtration were well tolerated and led to corrected count increments of (22.0 +/- 1.1) X 10(6)/mL blood after one hour and normal survival thereafter. In four of five patients these concentrates reduced the bleeding time. We conclude that transient inactivation of platelets by prostacyclin enables optimal removal of leukocytes and may help to reduce alloimmunization during frequent transfusions with platelet concentrates. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Correlation between the conformational phenotype of p53 and its subcellular location.
In order to obtain insight into the parameters determining the subcellular localization of mutant and wild-type forms of p53, we analysed the subcellular distribution of p53 in four Balb/c mouse-derived cell lines ranging in their cellular phenotypes from normal (3T3), via minimal transformant (T3T3), to maximally transformed (3T3tx, Meth A). Epitope mapping showed the p53 proteins in 3T3 and in T3T3 cells to be in a wild-type conformation, as they reacted with PAb246, whereas p53 in 3T3tx and in Meth A cells were PAb246 negative and thus displayed a mutant conformation. Despite its reactivity with PAb246, p53 in T3T3 cells had an extended half-life and accumulated to abnormally high levels. We show that the conformationally wild-type p53 in 3T3 and T3T3 cells predominantly localized to the cell nucleus, with about half of it being tightly associated with nuclear structures. In contrast, approximately 60% of mutant p53 in 3T3tx and Meth A cells localized to the cytoplasm, the rest residing in the cell nucleus; all the nuclear p53 in these cells appeared to be structurally bound. The cytoplasmic location of mutant p53 in 3T3tx and Meth A cells was not seen by immunofluorescence microscopic analysis, and required cell fractionation for its detection. Both cytoplasmic and nuclear p53 of the mutant phenotype bound to hsc proteins with a similar stoichiometry, suggesting that hsc binding is not directly related to the subcellular distribution of these proteins. We suggest that the conformational phenotype of p53 is a major determinant of its subcellular location. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) associated with a once-yearly IV infusion of zoledronic acid (Reclast) 5 mg: two cases and review of the literature.
The use of a once-yearly IV infusion of 5 mg zoledronic acid has become more common, as the drug is being reported as safe, with few to minimal adverse reactions. This one-time annual administration has a favorable outcome for patients with osteoporosis and spares the burden of taking daily oral bisphosphonates. The present literature search found 10 well-documented cases of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) associated with annual administration of 5 mg zoledronic acid for the treatment of osteoporosis. Two new cases are also described, with underlying risk factors similar to previous reports. These include prior dental surgical procedures, the presence of diabetes, autoimmune conditions, past use of bisphosphonate and steroids, and concomitant immunosuppression. Although the reported incidence of BRONJ related to once-a-year IV administered zoledronic acid is low, it may be plausible. Both medical and dental clinicians should be aware of its manifestation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A case of Churg-Strauss syndrome with elevated IgG4--the association between treatment and IgG4].
We report the case of a 57-year-old woman, known to have had allergic sinusitis and bronchial asthma, and had been treated with leukotriene receptor antagonist for one month, at the time of presentation. She complained of bilateral weakness and pain in her lower extremities and her laboratory investigations revealed an elevated absolute eosinophil count of 23,357/μl, elevated biliary enzymes and an IgG4 level of 594 mg/dl. Nerve conduction study revealed mononeuritis multiplex. She was therefore diagnosed with Churg-Strauss syndrome and started on pulse steroids and intravenous immunoglobulins. Her symptoms were alleviated, her absolute eosinophil count and biliary enzymes both improved at the same time and her IgG4 level also decreased. Although elevated biliary enzymes occurring with CSS was thought to be due to a bile duct eosinophilic granuloma, we cannot rule out the possibility of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis, because of her elevated IgG4. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transported proteins in the regenerating optic nerve: regulation by interactions with the optic tectum.
The transport of specific proteins in regenerating optic fibers of goldfish depends on the presence or absence of the optic tectum. When optic fibers were allowed to contact the tectum, amounts of rapidly transported proteins having molecular weights between 120,000 and 160,000 increased, and a species of molecular weight 26,000 reverted to normal levels. When nerves were prevented from contacting the tectum, the amount of the 26,000-molecular weight protein remained high for months. Amounts of other transported proteins, in particular a group of acidic components of molecular weight 44,000 to 49,000 that increase greatly at early stages of regeneration, proved to be independent of the tectum. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Liposomal Coencapsulation of Doxorubicin with Listeriolysin O Increases Potency via Subcellular Targeting.
Liposomal doxorubicin is a clinically important drug formulation indicated for the treatment of several different forms of cancer. For doxorubicin to exert a therapeutic effect, it must gain access to the nucleus. However, a large proportion of the liposomal doxorubicin dose fails to work because it is sequestered within endolysosomal organelles following endocytosis of the liposomes due to the phenomenon of ion trapping. Listeriolysin O (LLO) is a pore-forming protein that can provide a mechanism for endosomal escape. The present study demonstrates that liposomal coencapsulation of doxorubicin with LLO enables a significantly larger percentage of the dose to colocalize with the nucleus compared to liposomes containing doxorubicin alone. The change in intracellular distribution resulted in a significantly more potent formulation of liposomal doxorubicin as demonstrated in both the ovarian carcinoma cell line A2780 and its doxorubicin-resistant derivative A2780ADR. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Modeling a flexible representation machinery of human concept learning.
It is widely acknowledged that categorically organized abstract knowledge plays a significant role in high-order human cognition. Yet, there are many unknown issues about the nature of how categories are internally represented in our mind. Traditionally, it has been considered that there is a single innate internal representation system for categorical knowledge, such as Exemplars, Prototypes, or Rules. However, results of recent empirical and computational studies collectively suggest that the human internal representation system is apparently capable of exhibiting behaviors consistent with various types of internal representation schemes. We, then, hypothesized that humans' representational system as a dynamic mechanism, capable of selecting a representation scheme that meets situational characteristics, including complexities of category structure. The present paper introduces a framework for a cognitive model that integrates robust and flexible internal representation machinery. Three simulation studies were conducted. The results showed that SUPERSET, our new model, successfully exhibited cognitive behaviors that are consistent with three main theories of the human internal representation system. Furthermore, a simulation study on social cognitive behaviors showed that the model was capable of acquiring knowledge with high commonality, even for a category structure with numerous valid conceptualizations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The semiquinone state of NADPH-adrenodoxin oxidoreductase in the course of anaerobic reduction with NADPH.
NADPH-adrenodoxin oxidoreductase was titrated with NADPH under anaerobic conditions. As the amount of added NADPH was increased to a ratio to the reductase of 1 : 1, a broad absorbance band from approximately 500 to 900 nm, which is attributed to a charge transfer complex, increased and then sharply decreased after the 1 : 1 ratio was attained. Concomitant with the decrease in the charge transfer band, a peak at 575 nm with a shoulder at 635 nm increased, indicating the formation of a semiquinone. This showed clearly that a semiquinone was formed only when more than the stoichiometric amount of NADPH (It is meant by "the stoichiometric amount of NADPH" that the molar ratio of NADPH to adrenodoxin reductase is equal to one, that is, NADPH/FAD bound to the reductase = 1.) was added. The semiquinone band reached its maximum with an approximately 3-fold excess of NADPH over the reductase, and then gradually decreased. Concurrent with the decrease in absorbance of both the charge transfer complex and the semiquinone, the reaction mixture was bleached, indicating that a pale colored species was produced. 1H NMR studies suggested that the pale colored species was a complex of fully reduced adrenodoxin reductase and NADPH, and that the semiquinone also bound 1 mol of the pyridine nucleotide per mol of the reductase. These data suggest that the semiquinone state of the reductase is observable only when a complex between NADPH and the enzyme in the flavin semiquinone is formed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A series of 19'-hexanoyloxyfucoxanthin derivatives from the sea mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, grown in the Black Sea, Ukraine.
A series of carotenoids with 19- or 19'-hexanoyloxy moieties, 19'-hexanoyloxyfucoxanthin (1), 19'-hexanoyloxyfucoxanthinol (2), 19'-hexanoyloxyhalocynthiaxanthin (3), 19-hexanoyloxycrassostreaxanthin A (4), 19-hexanoyloxymytiloxanthin (5), and 19-hexanoyloxyallenicmytiloxanthin (6) were isolated from the edible part of the sea mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, grown in the Black Sea, Ukraine. Among them, 3, 4, and 6 were new compounds. These structures were charcterized by UV-vis, fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry, circular dichroism, and (1)H NMR spectroscopic data. They were assumed to be metabolites of 19'-hexanoyloxyfucoxanthin (1). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of acute and chronic phenelzine on regional monoamine metabolism in rats and its potentiation by deuterium substitution.
Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor with antidepressant properties. The present study investigated effects of acute (1-2 mg kg-1 4 h s.c.) and chronic (0.25-2 mg kg-1 day-1 Alzet miniosmotic pumps, 13 days s.c.) administration of phenelzine on regional monoamine metabolism in rats. The effects of these phenelzine treatments were compared with those of equivalent doses of a deuterated form of the drug (phenelzine-d4). The following brain regions and compounds were assessed using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection: Striatum: dopamine, DOPAC, HVA, 5-HT, 5-HIAA; hypothalamus: dopamine, 5-HT, 5-HIAA, noradrenaline; hippocampus: 5-HT, 5-HIAA, noradrenaline; frontal cortex: dopamine, noradrenaline, 5-HT, 5-HIAA. Acute drug administration increased levels of dopamine, 5-HT and noradrenaline with the exception of dopamine in the hypothalamus and frontal cortex and 5-HT in the hypothalamus. DOPAC, HVA and 5-HIAA levels were decreased. After chronic administration amine levels increased with the exception of dopamine administration amine levels increased with the exception of dopamine in the hypothalamus. The respective acid metabolites were also decreased. These effects of phenelzine were markedly potentiated by deuterium which was substituted for hydrogen in the side chain. The potentiation of these effects was enhanced with chronic administration, differences between phenelzine and phenelzine-d4 effects being more marked at lower doses. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Distinctiveness of the genomic sequence of Shiga toxin 2-converting phage isolated from Escherichia coli O157:H7 Okayama strain as compared to other Shiga toxin 2-converting phages.
Shiga toxin 2-converting phage was isolated from Escherichia coli O157:H7 associated with an outbreak that occurred in Okayama, Japan in 1996 (M. Watarai, T. Sato, M. Kobayashi, T. Shimizu, S. Yamasaki, T. Tobe, C. Sasakawa and Y. Takeda, Infect. Immun. 61 (1998) 3210-3204). In this study, we analyzed the complete nucleotide sequence of Shiga toxin 2-converting phage, designated Stx2phi-I, and compared it with three recently reported Stx2-phage genomes. Stx2phi-I consisted of 61,765 bp, which included 166 open reading frames. When compared to 933W, VT2-Sakai and VT2-Sa phages, six characteristic regions (regions I-VI) were found in the Stx2 phage genomes although overall homology was more than 95% between these phages. Stx2phi-I exhibited remarkable differences in these regions as compared with VT-2 Sakai and VT2-Sa genes but not with 933W phage. Characteristic repeat sequences were found in regions I-IV where the genes responsible for the construction of head and tail are located. Regions V and VI, which are the most distinct portion in the entire phage genome were located in the upstream and downstream regions of the Stx2 operons that are responsible for the immunity and replication, and host lysis. These data indicated that Stx2phi-I is less homologous to VT2-Sakai and VT2-Sa phages, despite these three phages being found in the strains isolated at the almost same time in the same geographic region but closely related to 933W phage which was found in the E. coli O157 strain 933W isolated 14 years ago in a different geographic area. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evaluation of the anterograde amnesic effect of rectally administered diazepam in the sedated pedodontic patient.
Randomly, a dosage of 0.6 mg/kg of either diazepam in solution or sodium chloride was dispensed rectally to twelve preschool children. Before the local anesthetic injection, each child was shown a toy and, before dismissal, asked to identify the toy displayed earlier. Amnesia was observed in the majority of children during the diazepam treatment appointment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Haematological values of post-laying Arrau turtle (Podocnemis expansa) in the Orinoco River, Venezuela.
The Arrau turtle (Podocnemis expansa) is an endangered species, as a result of long-lasting, unsustainable exploitation. To obtain reference haematological values from the wild Podocnemis expansa during post-laying, 20 turtles were captured in the Orinoco River. Blood was obtained from the dorsal cervical sinus in lithium heparin tubes. Red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), thrombocytes (TC), packed cell volume (PCV), plasmatic protein (PP), haemoglobin (Hgb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and differential leukocyte count were determined. Haematological values were: RBC 0.9×10(9)/L, WBC 5.7×10(9)/L, TC 5.4×10(9)/L, PCV 35.6%, PP 4.2g/dL, Hgb 11.8g/dL, MCV 411fL. The differential leukocyte count comprised: 71% heterophils, 23% lymphocytes, 3% eosinophils, 1.6% basophils, and 1% monocytes. The reports of reference haematology values for the wild P. expansa are limited; therefore, the results presented herein contrast with those values obtained in captivity. This study represents a contribution to the referential haematological values of the wild P. expansa. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Diagnostic findings in the 1992 epornitic of neurotropic velogenic Newcastle disease in double-crested cormorants from the upper midwestern United States.
Neurotropic velogenic Newcastle disease (NVND) occurred in juvenile double-crested cormorants, Phalacrocorax auritus, simultaneously in nesting colonies in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska and in Lakes Michigan, Superior, Huron, and Ontario during the summer of 1992. Mortality as high as 80%-90% was estimated in some of the nesting colonies. Clinical signs observed in 4- to 6-wk-old cormorants included torticollis, tremors, ataxia, curled toes, and paresis or weakness of legs, wings or both, which was sometimes unilateral. No significant mortality or unusual clinical signs were seen in adult cormorants. Necropsy of 88 cormorants yielded no consistent gross observations. Microscopic lesions in the brain and spinal cord were consistently present in all cormorants from which Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was isolated. Characteristic brain lesions provided rapid identification of new suspect sites of NVND. Lesions were also present in the heart, kidney, proventriculus, spleen, and pancreas but were less consistent or nonspecific. NDV was isolated at the National Wildlife Health Center from 27 of 93 cormorants tested. Virus was most frequently isolated from intestine or brain tissue of cormorants submitted within the first 4 wk of the epornitic. Sera collected from cormorants with neurologic signs were consistently positive for NDV antibody. The NDV isolate from cormorants was characterized as NVND virus at the National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Ames, Iowa. The NVND virus was also identified as the cause of neurologic disease in a North Dakota turkey flock during the summer of 1992. Although no virus was isolated from cormorants tested after the first month of submission, brain and spinal cord lesions characteristic of NVND were observed in cormorants from affected sites for 2 mo, at which time nesting colonies dispersed and no more submissions were received. Risk to susceptible populations of both wild avian species and domestic poultry makes early recognition and confirmation of NVND in wild birds a priority. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
New bioequivalence studies: individual bioequivalence and population bioequivalence.
The bioequivalence study which is currently conducted in different countries is the so-called average bioequivalence approach; this approach has been indicated to be insufficient for assessing switchability between two formulations (i.e., from the reference formulation to the test formulation). In the U.S., therefore, the population bioequivalence approach and the individual bioequivalence approach were recently proposed as the studies which would replace the current average bioequivalence approach. The average bioequivalence approach compares only the mean parameters of the test and reference formulations in the subject groups which received them. In contrast, the population bioequivalence approach guarantees prescribability by assessing the total variances of bioavailability values of the test and reference formulations in addition to the average bioequivalence. The individual bioequivalence approach guarantees switchability from the reference formulation to the test formulation by assessing the intrasubject variance and subject-by-formulation interaction in addition to the average bioequivalence. We introduce the individual bioequivalence approach and the population bioequivalence approach in comparison with the current average bioequivalence approach and have discussed the characteristics and issues of each of these three bioequivalence approaches. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
High Intake of Free Sugars, Fructose, and Sucrose Is Associated with Weight Gain in Japanese Men.
Available evidence for associations between sugar intake and body weight is largely from short-term controlled trials and studies focusing on sugar-sweetened beverages. Studies on long-term weight change related to the intake of types of sugar are thus needed. We examined the associations between weight change and the intake of various types of carbohydrates, including starch, total sugars, and free or naturally occurring sugars and saccharides (i.e., glucose, fructose, sucrose, and lactose), among Japanese men and women. This prospective cohort study included 14,971 residents of Takayama City in Japan who were aged 35-69 y at the first survey in 1992 and responded to a self-administrated questionnaire at the second survey in 2002. We excluded those with cancer, coronary artery disease, stroke, or diabetes on the first survey and those with missing information about body weight on both surveys, leaving 13,229 participants for analysis (5879 men and 7350 women). Mean (95% CI) values of 10-y weight change according to types of carbohydrates were estimated using linear regression models with adjustment for total energy intake and other dietary and lifestyle factors. Dietary intake was assessed at the first survey using a validated FFQ. Among men, free sugar intake was associated with weight gain and the estimated means (95% CIs) of weight change were -0.60 (-0.67, -0.54), -0.31 (-0.38, -0.24), -0.12 (-0.19, -0.05), and 0.20 (0.13, 0.27) kg from the first to fourth quartiles (P-trend = 0.002). Moreover, high intakes of sucrose and fructose were associated with weight gain (P-trend: 0.018 for sucrose and 0.001 for fructose). Among women, the intake of any type of carbohydrate was not significantly associated with weight change. These results suggested that high intakes of free sugars, sucrose, and fructose were associated with long-term weight gain among Japanese men. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Spin symmetry in the antinucleon spectrum.
We discuss spin and pseudospin symmetry in the spectrum of single nucleons and single antinucleons in a nucleus. As an example we use relativistic mean field theory to investigate single antinucleon spectra. We find a very well developed spin symmetry in single antineutron and single antiproton spectra. The dominant components of the wave functions of the spin doublet are almost identical. This spin symmetry in antiparticle spectra and the pseudospin symmetry in particle spectra have the same origin. However, it turns out that the spin symmetry in antinucleon spectra is much better developed than the pseudospin symmetry in normal nuclear single particle spectra. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Use of [123I]-2-iodo-L-phenylalanine as a tumor imaging agent in two dogs with synovial cell sarcoma.
[123I]-iodo-L-phenylalanine was successfully evaluated for gamma camera imaging in vivo in tumor-bearing athymic mice and in humans with brain tumors. Here, we report the use of this tracer in two dogs with synovial cell sarcoma of the tarsus. [123I]-iodo-L-phenylalanine was quantitatively prepared as a kit formulation using the Cu(1+) +-assisted nucleophilic exchange. Rapid [123I]-2-iodo-L-phenylalanine tumor accumulation was observed with good tumor to background contrast and rapid clearance in these two dogs. This radiopharmaceutical is a promising alternative tumor tracer to overcome the known limitations of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose and, when labelled with radioiodine-131, has the potential to be used for therapeutic purposes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in cattle in the region of Kayseri].
This study was carried out in order to determine the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in cattle in the region of Kayseri. Blood samples were collected from 186 cattle and sera were obtained from these samples. Sera samples were analyzed for antibodies against N. caninum using a commercially available competitive ELISA (c-ELISA) kit. According to the ELISA test results, seroprevalence of N. caninum in the region of Kayseri was found to be 7%. Three of 9 aborting cows (33.3%) were found to be seropositive. The seropositivity differences between aborting and non-aborting cows were statistically significant (p < 0.05). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Double-Layer Surface Modification of Polyamide Denture Base Material by Functionalized Sol-Gel Based Silica for Adhesion Improvement.
Limited surface treatments have been proposed to improve the bond strength between autopolymerizing resin and polyamide denture base materials. Still, the bond strength of autopolymerizing resins to nylon polymer is not strong enough to repair the fractured denture effectively. This study aimed to introduce a novel method to improve the adhesion of autopolymerizing resin to polyamide polymer by a double layer deposition of sol-gel silica and N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (AE-APTMS). The silica sol was synthesized by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as silica precursors. Polyamide specimens were dipped in TEOS-derived sol (TS group, n = 28), and exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light under O2 flow for 30 minutes. UV-treated specimens were immersed in AE-APTMS solution and left for 24 hours at room temperature. The other specimens were either immersed in AE-APTMS solution (AP group, n = 28) or left untreated (NT group, n = 28). Surface characterization was investigated by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Two autopolymerizing resins (subgroups G and T, n = 14) were bonded to the specimens, thermocycled, and then tested for shear bond strength with a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's HSD (α = 0.05). FTIR spectra of treated surfaces confirmed the chemical modification and appearance of functional groups on the polymer. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in shear bond strength among the study groups. Tukey's HSD showed that TST and TSG groups had significantly higher shear bond strength than control groups (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, bond strength values of APT were statistically significant compared to controls (p = 0.017). Amino functionalized TEOS-derived silica coating is a simple and cost-effective method for improving the bond strength between the autopolymerizing resin and polyamide denture base. Amino-functionalized silica coating could represent a more applicable and convenient option for improving the repair strength of autopolymerizing resin to polyamide polymer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Again, what the philosophy of biology is not.
There are many things that philosophy of biology might be. But, given the existence of a professional philosophy of biology that is arguably a progressive research program and, as such, unrivaled, it makes sense to define philosophy of biology more narrowly than the totality of intersecting concerns biologists and philosophers (let alone other scholars) might have. The reasons for the success of the "new" philosophy of biology remain poorly understood. I reflect on what Dutch and Flemish, and, more generally, European philosophers of biology could do to improve the situation of their discipline locally, regionally, and internationally, paying particular attention to the lessons to be learned from the "Science Wars." | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Metabolism of indium chelates attached to monoclonal antibody: minimal transchelation of indium from benzyl-EDTA chelate in vivo.
The metabolism of radiolabeled antibodies is important for radioimmunoimaging and therapy. The loss of indium-111 (111In) from the chelate can pose problems in imaging and increases the radiation dose to normal tissues. We have evaluated the loss in vivo of 111In from Lym-1-benzyl-EDTA-111In (an antibody conjugated with isothiocyanato-benzyl-EDTA) in normal mice. A monoclonal antibody (CHA 255) that binds to benzyl-EDTA-indium chelates, but not to other forms of indium, was used to measure the percent of 111In remaining in the chelate. Four days after injection, 97.4 +/- 2.2% of the 111In in the liver was still in the benzyl-EDTA chelate, as was 99.4 +/- 0.7% of the 111In in the urine, and 99.1 +/- 0.7% of the 111In in the blood. Studies in vitro indicate that a benzyl-EDTA-111In-antibody-chelate conjugate is more stable in human serum than a benzyl-DTPA-111In conjugate, and that both benzyl-chelate conjugates are much more stable than an unsubstituted DTPA conjugate. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Bioxanthracenes from the insect pathogenic fungus Cordyceps pseudomilitaris BCC 1620. II. Structure elucidation.
Structures of eleven bioxanthracenes (1 approximately 11) and two monomers (12 and 13), isolated from the insect pathogenic fungus Cordyceps pseudomilitaris BCC 1620, were elucidated. The structure, including the axial stereochemistry, of one of the major symmetrical dimers (1) was determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis, while the stereochemistries of the other isomers were deduced by chemical conversions and spectroscopic means. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
"Pray or Prey?" dissociation of semantic memory retrieval from episodic memory processes using positron emission tomography and a novel homophone task.
One problem in studying the neural basis of semantic memory using functional neuroimaging is that it is often difficult to disentangle activation associated with semantic memory retrieval from that associated with episodic memory encoding and retrieval. To address this issue, a novel homophone task was used in which subjects were PET scanned whilst learning a series of real words (e.g., prey). In a subsequent scan, the subjects were presented with homophone pairs (e.g., prey vs pray) and were required to choose the one that had been shown previously. In two corresponding baseline tasks, the subjects were scanned whilst learning and recognizing pronounceable nonwords. Thus, while all of these tasks recruited either episodic memory encoding or retrieval processes, only the homophone tasks involved semantic memory retrieval. A conjunction analysis designed to isolate activation associated with semantic memory retrieval, revealed changes in several left lateral frontal regions (BA 9/10, 9/45), the left middle temporal cortex (BA 21), and in the left inferior temporoparietal cortex (BA 39). In contrast, a conjunction analysis designed to isolate activation associated with episodic memory encoding, revealed significant changes in the left hippocampus, as well as in the frontopolar cortex (BA 10) bilaterally, the left inferior parietal cortex (BA 40), and the left superior temporal gyrus (BA 22, 28). The present results clarify and extend recent attempts to understand the neural basis of semantic memory retrieval, by actively controlling for the confounding effects of episodic memory encoding and retrieval processes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ultrasonography of the uterus and ovaries.
Ultrasonography is the most frequently used imaging investigation in the assessment of the female genital tract. Most often the uterus and ovaries are evaluated with the help 2D transabdominal or endovaginal ultrasonography. The interpretation of the ultrasonographic data in order to establish the diagnosis of the main uterine and ovarian pathologies requires information about the examination technique and proper knowledge of the female genital tract ultrasound anatomy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies on cigarette smoking and liver cancer.
Whereas the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monograph concluded that the evidence for the relationship between cigarette smoking and liver cancer is sufficient, the US Surgeon General's report summarized the data as suggestive but not sufficient. A meta-analysis of previous epidemiologic studies may help to clarify the potential association. We identified 38 cohort studies and 58 case-control studies in a systematic literature search for studies on liver cancer and cigarette smoking. The meta-relative risk (mRR) of liver cancer and dose-response trends were calculated. Tests for heterogeneity, publication bias assessment and influence analyses were performed. Compared with never smokers, the adjusted mRR was 1.51 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37-1.67] for current smokers and 1.12 (95% CI 0.78-1.60) for former smokers. The increased liver cancer risk among current smokers appeared to be consistent in strata of different regions, study designs, study sample sizes and publication periods. The results of our meta-analysis show that tobacco smoking is associated with liver cancer development, which supports the conclusion by the IARC Monograph. This conclusion has an important public health message for areas with high smoking prevalence and high liver cancer incidence such as China. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
"Immunoreactive dynorphin" in Escherichia coli: tracer degradation by a heat-stable endopeptidase.
Escherichia coli cells contain and secrete into the growth medium a heat-stable tryptic enzyme, which degrades the radiolabeled dynorphin tracer peptide during radioimmunoassay, simulating the presence of "immunoreactive dynorphin". The validity of an immunoassay procedure, in each new application, must remain in doubt until tracer integrity has been proved. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Inhibition of pathogens on fresh produce by ultraviolet energy.
Ultraviolet energy at a wavelength of 253.7 nm (UVC) was investigated for its bactericidal effects on the surface of Red Delicious apples, leaf lettuce and tomatoes inoculated with cultures of Salmonella spp. or Escherichia coli O157:H7. Inoculated samples were subjected to different doses ranging from 1.5 to 24 mW/cm(2) of UVC and enumerated on tryptic soy agar plus 0.05 g/l nalidixic acid to determine effective log reductions of microbial populations. UVC applied to apples inoculated with E. coli O157:H7 resulted in the highest log reduction of approximately 3.3 logs at 24 mW/cm(2). Lower log reductions were seen on tomatoes inoculated with Salmonella spp. (2.19 logs) and green leaf lettuce inoculated with both Salmonella spp. and E. coli O157:H7 (2.65 and 2.79, respectively). No significant statistical difference (p>0.05) was seen in the ability of UVC to inactivate a higher population of either Salmonella spp. or E. coli O157:H7 on the surface of green leaf lettuce. No significant difference was seen among the use of different doses applied to the surface of fresh produce for reduction of E. coli O157:H7 or Salmonella spp. (p>0.05). The use of UVC may prove to be beneficial in protecting the safety of fruits and vegetables in conjunction with Good Agricultural Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Muscle coordination changes during intermittent cycling sprints.
Maximal muscle power is reported to decrease during explosive cyclical exercises owing to metabolic disturbances, muscle damage, and adjustments in the efferent neural command. The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of inter-muscle coordination in fatigue occurrence during 10 intermittent 6-s cycling sprints, with 30-s recovery through electromyographic activity (EMG). Results showed a decrease in peak power output with sprint repetitions (sprint 1 versus sprint 10: -11%, P<0.01) without any significant modifications in the integrated EMG. The timing between the knee extensor and the flexor EMG activation onsets was reduced in sprint 10 (sprint 1 versus sprint 10: -90.2 ms, P<0.05), owing to an earlier antagonist activation with fatigue occurrence. In conclusion, the maximal power output, developed during intermittent cycling sprints of short duration, decreased possibly due to the inability of muscles to maintain maximal force. This reduction in maximal power output occurred in parallel to changes in the muscle coordination pattern after fatigue. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Band 3 anion exchanger and its involvement in erythrocyte and kidney disorders.
Recent developments in the structure of erythrocyte band 3 and its role in hereditary spherocytosis and distal renal tubular acidosis are described. The crystal structure of the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain provides a basis for understanding the organization of ankyrin and other peripheral membrane proteins around band 3. Band 3 also binds integral membrane proteins, including the Rh protein complex and CD47. Band 4.2 is important in these associations, which link the Rh complex to the skeleton. It is suggested that band 3 forms the scaffold for a protein assembly that could transduce signals from the cell exterior and modulate the transport and mechanical properties of the erythrocyte. The involvement of band 3 in distal renal tubular acidosis is reviewed. The article discusses a likely mechanism for dominant distal renal tubular acidosis in which associations between the normal and mutant protein alter the plasma membrane targeting of the normal protein in the kidney. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Chimera states in population dynamics: Networks with fragmented and hierarchical connectivities.
We study numerically the development of chimera states in networks of nonlocally coupled oscillators whose limit cycles emerge from a Hopf bifurcation. This dynamical system is inspired from population dynamics and consists of three interacting species in cyclic reactions. The complexity of the dynamics arises from the presence of a limit cycle and four fixed points. When the bifurcation parameter increases away from the Hopf bifurcation the trajectory approaches the heteroclinic invariant manifolds of the fixed points producing spikes, followed by long resting periods. We observe chimera states in this spiking regime as a coexistence of coherence (synchronization) and incoherence (desynchronization) in a one-dimensional ring with nonlocal coupling and demonstrate that their multiplicity depends on both the system and the coupling parameters. We also show that hierarchical (fractal) coupling topologies induce traveling multichimera states. The speed of motion of the coherent and incoherent parts along the ring is computed through the Fourier spectra of the corresponding dynamics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Measurement of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in narghile waterpipe tobacco smoke.
An analytical method for the determination of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the mainstream of narghile smoke is presented. The smoke was generated using a digital waterpipe smoking machine connected to the mouthpiece of a narghile that was loaded with 10 g of a popular flavored tobacco and kept alight with quick-light charcoal briquettes that are commonly used for this purpose. A standard smoking regimen consisting of 171 puffs of 530 ml volume and 2.6s duration spaced 17s apart was used, and the smoke condensates were collected on glass fiber filters. PAHs were extracted with toluene assisted by sonication. For purification, the extract was passed through a silica cartridge and eluted with hexane. The eluent was preconcentrated, reconstituted in acetonitrile, and analyzed using a GC-MS-SICP method. The method showed good selectivity, repeatability, accuracy and sensitivity. The limit of detection ranged from 15 to 96 ng for benzo[a]pyrene and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, respectively. It was found that a single narghile smoking session delivers approximately 50 times the quantities of carcinogenic 4- and 5-membered ring PAHs as a single 1R4F cigarette smoked using the FTC protocol. The pattern of PAH concentrations suggested that formation pathways differ from those of the cigarette, possibly reflecting the differing combustion conditions of the two smoking devices. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The potential use of probiotic strains Lactobacillus acidophilus NRRL B 4495, Bifidobacterium bifidum NRRL B41410 in “Lor Whey Cheese” and the effects on sensory properties.
In recent years, probiotic bacteria have increasingly been incorporated into various foods as dietary adjuncts. The viability of the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus NRRL B 4495 and Bifido- bacterium bifidum NRRL B41410 in salted (1% w/w) and unsalted lor whey cheese during storage (21 days) at a refrigerated temperature (4°C) was evaluated. As well as the survival of the probiotic bacteria, total mesophilic bacteria, total lactic acid bacteria, Pseudomonas spp., yeast-mould counts and sensory characteristics were examined in the lor samples. The Bf. bifidum remained in large numbers, at 7.30 and 7.11 log cfu/g, and Lb. acidophilus also survived well, with counts of 7.60 and 7.47 log cfu/g, for unsalted and salted cheeses respectively. Salted lor cheeses with added Lb. acidophilus have the highest sensory scores in the groups. “Lor” whey cheese showed good probiotic properties. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Identification of the carrier of the Bedlington Terrier copper disease.
Copper (Cu) was assayed in serial liver biopsy specimens of 5 pups resulting from a mating of 2 Bedlington Terrier carriers of inherited Cu toxicosis; the latter were sibling offspring of an affected Bedlington Terrier and a normal dog. Between 5 and 7 months of age, 1 of the pups had acceptable hepatic Cu values in each of 6 specimens. The hepatic concentration of Cu in another pup increased steadily from 801 to 3,874 micrograms/g dry weight. The other 3 pups may be heterozygotes (carriers); in 1--the hepatic Cu peaked at 1,043 micrograms/g at 9 months, in the 2nd--at 636 micrograms/g at 7 months, and in the 3rd--at 492 micrograms/g at 7 months. Acceptable concentrations were present in these 3 dogs at 9 to 14 months. Results in the present study indicate that heterozygotes may have 1 normal and 1 abnormal controller gene for regulating their hepatic Cu metabolism, thus accounting for the increased hepatic Cu concentration only in the early months of life. The affected Bedlington Terrier with 2 abnormal genes was unable to suppress the progressive hepatic accumulation of Cu. Paired liver biopsy specimens obtained at 5 to 7 months and at 14 or 15 months of are might distinguish the heterozygote from the normal and the affected Bedlington Terrier pups. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Iron dialyzability from hospital duplicate meals: daily intake.
Both total and dialyzable iron levels and corresponding dialyzability were determined in 108 duplicate meals during 36 consecutive days. Total mean iron fraction of 5.90 +/- 4.97 mg was found in the meals. The iron supplied by the meals is directly and significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with macromicronutrient content (carbohydrates, fiber, and protein). The mean iron dialyzability (4.81 +/- 3.25%) was low and not significantly different among the three primary meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Significant interactions of several minerals on iron levels were found (p < 0.05). Iron dialyzability was only statistically influenced by zinc dialyzability in meals (p < 0.05). The dialyzed iron fraction present in meals was significantly correlated with protein and ascorbic acid levels (p < 0.01). The mean iron daily dietary intake was 17.7 +/- 6.91 mg. The hospital meals provided enough iron. Foods of animal origin are primary sources of iron in diet. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Abortion and breast cancer risk in seven countries.
Epidemiologic studies have been inconsistent in suggesting an association between abortion and breast cancer risk. Whether the protection provided by a full-term pregnancy also results from a short-term pregnancy or whether a prematurely terminated pregnancy could increase the risk of breast cancer is unclear. Data from a large, international collaborative study were used to evaluate the association between abortions, whether spontaneous or induced, and breast cancer risk. The data from seven countries included 3,958 breast cancer cases and 11,538 hospital controls with information on abortion history obtained through interviews. Compared with nulliparous women with no abortion (baseline), the odds ratios (OR) and 95 percent confidence intervals (CI) were: for nulliparous women with a history of prior abortion, 0.86 (CI = 0.68-1.08); for parous women with no history of abortion, 0.63 (CI = 0.57-0.69); for parous women with abortion before first birth, 0.82 (CI = 0.69-0.97); and, for parous women with abortion only after first birth, 0.70 (CI = 0.63-0.79). When restricting analysis to parous women, those with a history of abortion exhibited an elevated OR suggesting a 29 percent risk increase if the incomplete pregnancy occurred before first birth (CI = 1.16-1.36) and an 11 percent risk increase for abortion only after first birth (CI = 1.02-1.20) compared with women without such history. The associations observed were stronger among the youngest women. These results do not support a large overall association between abortion and breast cancer risk. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Long-term effects of manipulations of dietary omega-3 fatty acids on clinical control and in vitro uptake of glucose and lipids in diabetic rats.
The intestinal absorption of nutrients is increased in diabetic rats fed chow, yet short-term (two week) studies have demonstrated reduced and near-normal intestinal nutrient absorption in diabetic rats fed a diet high in polyunsaturated fatty acids. In this study we undertook to establish the effect of 10 weeks' feeding of isocaloric semisynthetic diets with high or low ratios of saturated (S)-to-omega-3 polyunsaturated (P) fatty acids ("fish oil") when given to streptozotocin diabetic rats. The fasting plasma glucose concentration was approximately 10% lower in diabetic rats fed P as compared with S, although the oral and intravenous glucose tolerance tests and the time-course of the oral and intravenous glucose-stimulated immunoreactive insulin levels were similar in P and S, as also were the levels of the hemoglobin A1C. The fasting plasma triglyceride concentrations were similar in P and S, but the fasting plasma cholesterol concentrations were approximately 20% lower in diabetic rats fed P as compared with S. Feeding P to diabetic animals was associated with a heavier intestine, which was comprised of a greater proportion of mucosal than submucosal tissue. The enhanced jejunal uptake of fatty acids 18:0 (stearic) and 18:2 (linoleic) as well as cholesterol observed in diabetic as compared with non-diabetic animals fed S was not observed in those fed P. The enhanced uptake of glucose in diabetic rats was also influenced by diet, with a lower rate for jejunal and ileal uptake of glucose in diabetic rats fed P than in those fed S.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Sertraline-Induced Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia.
Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia (AEP) is a rare, potentially fatal disease often characterized by a short febrile illness, hypoxemic respiratory failure, diffuse pulmonary opacities and evidence of pulmonary eosinophilia. AEP can be idiopathic, but has documented associations with multiple drugs. We present the first case highlighting Sertraline specifically as a cause of drug-induced AEP in the English literature. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The role of sophisticated radiological testing in the assessment and management of epiphora.
In the management of a patient with epiphora, appropriate investigation is important in arriving at the cause of obstruction, and in helping to outline a plan for management. Standard dacryocystography has been modified by utilizing the techniques of intubation, distension, macrography, and subtraction to produce optimal anatomical information. Lacrimal nuclear scanning with the addition of rapid sequence display and computer interfacings produce the most sophisticated functional information regarding tear drainage. The role of plain films and computerized tomography in lacrimal drainage pathway disease is outlined. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nuclear localization of non-structural protein 1 and nucleocapsid protein of equine arteritis virus.
RNA synthesis (genome replication and subgenomic mRNA transcription) directed by equine arteritis virus (EAV; family Arteriviridae, order Nidovirales) occurs on modified cytoplasmic membranes to which most viral replicase subunits localize. Remarkably, a fraction of non-structural protein 1 (nsp1), a protein essential for transcription but dispensable for genome replication, is present in the host cell nucleus, in particular during the earlier stages of infection. Expression of GFP-tagged fusion proteins revealed that nsp1 is actively imported into the nucleus. Although the signals responsible for nsp1 transport could not be identified, our studies revealed that another EAV protein with a partially nuclear localization, the nucleocapsid (N) protein, utilizes the CRM1-mediated nuclear export pathway. Inactivation of this pathway with the drug leptomycin B resulted in the unexpected and immediate nuclear retention of all N protein molecules, thus revealing that the protein shuttles between cytoplasm and nucleus before playing its role in cytoplasmic virus assembly. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Tropical spastic paraparesis.
Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) is the cause of endemic tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP) or HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (HAM). Because TSP/HAM is not a fatal disease, the neuropathology of this disease, albeit relatively well understood, is based on the examination of just a few incidental cases. We summarise our experience with the neuropathology of tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-I associated myelopathy (TSP/HAM). We studied three cases of TSP/HAM from different parts of the world. We demonstrated peculiar lamellated structures, called "multilamellar bodies" (MLB). It is tempting to suggest that MLB may represent specific ultrastructural markers of TSP/HAM. The pathology of the anteriorand posterior horns was similar and comprised axonal degeneration, accompanied by extensive astrocytic gliosis. Lymphocytic infiltration, particularly observed as "cuffs" around blood vessels, was scattered among other cellular elements. Ultrastructurally, myelin sheaths were relatively well preserved, and some demyelinated but not remyelinated fibres were observed. Moreover, axons with abnormal accumulations of neurofilaments, suggestive of axonal degeneration, were detected. Several axons contained Hirano bodies. In many samples glial processes replaced most of the remaining neuropil. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Induction of experimental diabetes in frog (author's transl)].
The effect of diabetogenic agents, alloxan and streptozotocin, in frogs has been studied. These drugs were administered to the animals by injection into the dorsal lymph sac. Alloxan did not exert any effect at non-lethal doses. At 300 mg/kg alloxan caused death of most of the animals in an hyperglycemic state in less than 72 hours. Streptozotocin at doses lower than 1 g/kg was ineffective. At 1.5 g/kg, a non-lethal dose, about half of the animals became diabetic. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Insulin-like growth factor 1 is required for survival of transit-amplifying neuroblasts and differentiation of otic neurons.
Neurons that connect mechanosensory hair cell receptors to the central nervous system derive from the otic vesicle from where otic neuroblasts delaminate and form the cochleovestibular ganglion (CVG). Local signals interact to promote this process, which is autonomous and intrinsic to the otic vesicle. We have studied the expression and activity of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) during the formation of the chick CVG, focusing attention on its role in neurogenesis. IGF-1 and its receptor (IGFR) were detected at the mRNA and protein levels in the otic epithelium and the CVG. The function of IGF-1 was explored in explants of otic vesicle by assessing the formation of the CVG in the presence of anti-IGF-1 antibodies or the receptor competitive antagonist JB1. Interference with IGF-1 activity inhibited CVG formation in growth factor-free media, revealing that endogenous IGF-1 activity is essential for ganglion generation. Analysis of cell proliferation cell death, and expression of the early neuronal antigens Tuj-1, Islet-1/2, and G4 indicated that IGF-1 was required for survival, proliferation, and differentiation of an actively expanding population of otic neuroblasts. IGF-1 blockade, however, did not affect NeuroD within the otic epithelium. Experiments carried out on isolated CVG showed that exogenous IGF-1 induced cell proliferation, neurite outgrowth, and G4 expression. These effects of IGF-1 were blocked by JB1. These findings suggest that IGF-1 is essential for neurogenesis by allowing the expansion of a transit-amplifying neuroblast population and its differentiation into postmitotic neurons. IGF-1 is one of the signals underlying autonomous development of the otic vesicle. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Voltage-stepping schemes for the simulation of spiking neural networks.
The numerical simulation of spiking neural networks requires particular attention. On the one hand, time-stepping methods are generic but they are prone to numerical errors and need specific treatments to deal with the discontinuities of integrate-and-fire models. On the other hand, event-driven methods are more precise but they are restricted to a limited class of neuron models. We present here a voltage-stepping scheme that combines the advantages of these two approaches and consists of a discretization of the voltage state-space. The numerical simulation is reduced to a local event-driven method that induces an implicit activity-dependent time discretization (time-steps automatically increase when the neuron is slowly varying). We show analytically that such a scheme leads to a high-order algorithm so that it accurately approximates the neuronal dynamics. The voltage-stepping method is generic and can be used to simulate any kind of neuron models. We illustrate it on nonlinear integrate-and-fire models and show that it outperforms time-stepping schemes of Runge-Kutta type in terms of simulation time and accuracy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Randomized placebo-controlled trial of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in patients with chemotherapy-related febrile neutropenia.
To determine whether granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) used in addition to standard inpatient antibiotic therapy shortens the period of hospitalization due to chemotherapy-induced neutropenic fever. One hundred thirty-four patients with a hematologic (n = 47) or solid tumor (n = 87) who had severe neutropenia (< 0.5 x 10(9)/L) and fever (> 38.5 degrees C once or > 38 degrees C twice over a 12-hour observation period) were randomly assigned to receive GM-CSF 5 micrograms/kg/d (n = 65) or placebo (n = 69) in conjunction with broad-spectrum antibiotics for a minimum of 4 days and a maximum of 14 days. GM-CSF/placebo and antibiotics were stopped if the neutrophil count was greater than 1.0 x 10(9)/L and temperature less than 37.5 degrees C during 2 consecutive days, or for a leukocyte count > or = 10 x 10(9)/L, both followed by a 24-hour observation period (hospitalization period). Compared with placebo, GM-CSF enhanced neutrophil recovery. Median neutrophil counts at day 4 were 2.5 x 10(9)/L (range, 0 to 25) in the GM-CSF arm and 1.3 x 10(9)/L (range, 0 to 9) in the placebo arm (P < .001). No significant difference was observed with regard to median number of days with less than 1.0 x 10(9)/L neutrophils (4 v 4) or days of fever (3 v 3). The median number of days patients were hospitalized while on study was comparable in the GM-CSF and placebo groups at 6 (range, 3 to 14) versus 7 (range, 4 to 14), respectively, according to an intention-to-treat analysis (P = .27). Quality-of-life scores in 90 patients demonstrated significant differences in favor of the placebo group. Hospital costs were significantly higher for GM-CSF-treated patients if GM-CSF was included in the price (median costs, $4,140 [US] for GM-CSF v $590 for placebo; P < .05). These results indicate that GM-CSF does not affect the number of days for resolution of fever or the hospitalization period for this patient group, although a significant effect of GM-CSF was observed on neutrophil recovery. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Placental leptin in normal, diabetic and fetal growth-retarded pregnancies.
Leptin expression in third trimester placenta (p) and leptin concentrations in umbilical cord blood (cb) were investigated in normal pregnancies [n = 10 (p), 31 (cb)] and abnormal pregnancies complicated with (i) maternal insulin-dependent diabetes [IDDM: n = 3 (p), 13 (cb)], (ii) gestational diabetes [GD: n = 2 (p), 10 (cb)] and (iii) fetal growth retardation [FGR: n = 5 (p), 5 (cb)]. By in-situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, placental leptin mRNA and protein were co-localized to the syncytiotrophoblast and villous vascular endothelial cells. Leptin receptor was immunolocalized to the syncytiotrophoblast. Relative to controls, the FGR group was characterized by low concentrations of placental and cord blood leptin. In a twin pregnancy, the normal-sized infant exhibited more placental and cord blood leptin than its growth-retarded twin. In contrast, both diabetic groups exhibited high concentrations of placental leptin mRNA and protein. The IDDM group exhibited the highest concentrations of leptin in cord blood. No change was observed in the expression of the leptin receptor in either the growth-retarded or diabetic pregnancies. In conclusion, the localization of placental leptin suggests that it may be released into both maternal and fetal blood. Furthermore, in fetal growth-retarded and diabetic pregnancies, the changes in leptin expression in the placenta and in leptin concentrations in umbilical cord blood appear to be related. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
(E4,E10)-dodecadienyl acetate: Novel sex pheromone component of tentiform leafminer,Phyllonorycter mespilella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae).
(E4,E10)-dodecadienyl acetate (E4,E10-12∶OAc) is a newly discovered sex pheromone component of the tentiform leafminer,Phyllonorycter mespilella (Hübner). In apple orchards, traps baited with 1Μg ofE4,E1012∶OAc attractedP. mespilella in British Columbia andP. blancardella (F.) in Massachusetts and Nova Scotia. The compound was identified inP. mespilella by gas chromatographic-electroantennographic analysis (GC-EAD) of pheromone gland extracts, retention index calculations, EAD profiles toE3 toE10 dodecenyl acetates, and synthesis of candidate pheromone components. Even thoughE4,E10-12∶OAc was not detected in gland extracts by GC-mass spectroscopy, several factors indicate that it is female-produced. Antennal responses to gland extracts coincided with authenticE4,E10-12∶OAc on four GC columns with different retention characteristics.E4,E10-12∶OAc andE10-12∶OAc, a known female-produced pheromone component, elicited equally strong EAD responses. In field tests,E4,E10-12∶OAc was two to four times more attractive thanE10-12∶OAc. There was no additive or synergistic effect between the two components. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Association between the bovine major histocompatibility complex and chronic posterior spinal paresis--a form of ankylosing spondylitis--in Holstein bulls.
A highly significant association was found between the bovine MHC class I antigen BoLA-A8 and a form of vertebral osteophytosis/ankylosing spondylitis known as chronic posterior spinal paresis (PSP) in Holstein bulls (P < 0.001). In a population study, restricted to unrelated bulls, BoLA-A8 was significantly associated with PSP (P = 0.0015) with a relative risk of 34.6. In a family study, one PSP bull, BoLA A8/A20, sired 13 offspring. BoLA-A8 was significantly associated with PSP (P = 0.0008). All five PSP sons inherited the A8 allele and the eight healthy sons each inherited the A20 allele. In three other families a complete association of BoLA-A8 and PSP was observed. Lod score analysis, using all available families, indicated a significant linkage between BoLA and PSP (lod score = 6.9). Based on clinical observation, pathology, age/sex predilection, and a strong association with a class I MHC molecule, this inflammatory disease appears analogous to the human condition known as ankylosing spondylitis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Specialized home care of medical diseases in an urban tertiary university hospital. Coordination between the medical services of the hospital and the primary health care].
The experience of an urban Tertiary University Hospital in the design and implementation of Hospital at Home Program (HaHP) integrated in a Department of Internal Medicine and highly coordinated with Medical Services of the Hospital and the Primary Health Care, that contemplates the like main objectives of the promotion of specialized home care medical diseases and the improvement of the coordination with the primary health care. Systematic collection in all the patients admitted between April 2006 and March 2007 in the HaHP of the following variables: age, gender, service of origin, main diagnosis, Barthel and Charlson index, number of visits per day to doctors and nurses, destination on discharge and medical team. The descriptive statistical analysis was made in April 2007. The results are presented globally and differentiated by teams (internal medicine, respiratory and nutritional support teams). 506 admissions in 390 patients with a mean age of 66.5 (18) years, 53% being women. The Charlson index was 2 (2.2) and the Barthel index 63.5 (40,4). Average stay was 7.9 (8.2) days. The main reasons for admission were the infections and domiciliary intravenous antibiotic therapy in 153 (30.5%) cases, followed by patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cardiac failure in 107 (21%) cases, and home enteral and parenteral nutrition in 102 (20%) cases. Two hundred (39.5) patients were subsequently controlled by their primary care team after discharger, 241 (47.5) patients were followed-up in the hospital consultations, and 45 (9%) of the patients had to return directly to the hospital. The creation of a HaHP, for medical diseases, in internal medicine department that is highly coordinated with medical services of the hospital, especially with emergency, respiratory, and nutritional support teams, and with the primary health care, facilitates specialized home care of medical diseases and improves coordination with the primary health care. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[PHYSIOLOGICAL COORDINATION OF MOTOR ACTIONS IN PAIR OF DANCE].
With an increase of sports qualification dancers are developing asymmetry of parameters of bioelectric activity and hemodynamic of the legs. For beginners sportsmen are characteristic coordination of movements performed individually, while highly skilled dancers better coordination of movements, performed in tandem. For the average skill level of athletes characteristically is overvoltage vegetative-vascular system. All of the above allows us to consider the formation of skills in ballroom dancing as a functional system in which a sense of balance and coordination are determining for the skill level of athletes, linked to the information field of the visual and vestibular reception, to the organization of the contractile activity of muscles and vegetative-vascular maintenance activities. An essential component of this physiological system is the formation of asymmetry, which depends on the sex of the partner and defines its role in the pair. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Molecular characterization of full-length MLV-related endogenous retrovirus ChiRV1 from the chicken, Gallus gallus.
We report the first full-length sequence of an endogenous retrovirus from the genome of domestic chicken, that is not related to the Avian leukemia viruses (ALV). This retrovirus, designated ChiRV1, clusters with Murine leukemia virus (MLV)-related retroviruses and hence is the first complete gammaretrovirus from the genome of a bird. Nevertheless it is not related to exogenous MLV-related retroviruses infecting chicken. The provirus is 9133 bp long and contains 90%-identical LTRs as well as reading frames for the gag, pol and env genes, interrupted by in-frame stop codons. Expression analysis showed that ChiRV1 is a transcribed provirus. Screening of the chicken genome database revealed 100 ChiRV1-related sequences that are grouped into three classes based upon LTR alignment and subsequent phylogenetic analysis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus that project to the rostral ventrolateral medulla are not activated by hypotension.
The retrogradely-transported tracer, rhodamine-tagged microspheres was injected into the pressor region of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) to enable detection of paraventricular neurons in the hypothalamus that project to the RVLM. The protein, Fos, was detected immunohistochemically and used to highlight neurons that were activated by hypotension (-16+/-5 mmHg) induced by diazoxide (30 mg/kg s.c.). Compared to controls, Fos production was increased by three-fold in the parvocellular paraventricular nucleus but there was no significant increase in the number of retrogradely-labelled cells that expressed Fos. The results suggest paraventricular nucleus (PVN) neurons projecting to the RVLM are not activated by hypotension. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The "black beard" sign of monostotic Paget's disease of the mandible.
Paget's disease of bone can occur in up to 4% of the population over forty. Most of these patients are asymptomatic, and will have more than one bone involved. The monostotic presentation of the disease is much less common, but not rare. Monostotic Paget's disease involving the mandible, however, is very unusual. Only six cases have been reported since 1945, and bone imaging did not play a significant role in the diagnoses of these reports. A patient with proven Paget's disease of the mandible presented with a rather dramatic "bearded" image on a bone scan. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A novel hIL-6 antagonist peptide from computer-aided design contributes to suppression of apoptosis in M1 cells.
Based on the complex crystal structure of human interleukin-6 (hIL-6) and its receptor (hIL-6R), a novel hIL-6 antagonist peptide (named PT) was designed using computer-guided design method. Dealing with molecular docking and molecular dynamics methods, the interaction between PT and hIL-6R was analyzed. The theoretical studies showed that PT possessed very high affinity to hIL-6R and offered a practical means of imposing long-term blockade of hIL-6 activity in vivo. This effect was examined due to growth arrest and apoptosis induced by hIL-6 in myeloblastic cell line M1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The findings demonstrate that PT could also act as an excellent antagonist candidate for the induction of growth arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, murine M1 myeloid cell line, which was induced by the physiological inducer hIL-6 to undergo apoptosis and growth arrest, could be used as a subtle model system to test hIL-6 antagonist. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Early TMS evoked potentials in epilepsy: A pilot study.
To explore if the TMS evoked potential is different in patients with epilepsy compared to healthy subjects. Eighteen healthy subjects and thirteen epilepsy patients participated in this study. Single TMS pulses were applied to the left and right motor cortex. For each target we applied 75 pulses at 110% of the resting motor threshold (RMT), and continuously measured the EEG. Resting motor threshold and the TMS evoked potential (TEP) were compared between patients and healthy subjects. Epilepsy patients had a higher left RMT than healthy subjects (88.5% vs. 81.8%, p=0.048). For left motor cortex stimulation, the N100 was larger in amplitude in epilepsy patients than in healthy subjects (p=0.0073). For right motor cortex stimulation, the P180 was larger in amplitude in epilepsy patients than in healthy subjects (p=0.006). The differences in these late TEP components were localized in the centro-parietal areas. No significant differences were found for other TEP components. In this pilot study, we found a significant higher MT and higher TEP amplitudes in epilepsy patients compared to healthy subjects. Changes in cortical excitability may assist in epilepsy diagnostics or evaluation of the efficacy of anti-epileptic drugs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Breast cancer tumor type recognition using graph feature selection technique and radial basis function neural network with optimal structure.
Breast cancer is a major cause of mortality in young women in the developing countries. Early diagnosis is the key to improve survival rate in cancer patients. In this paper an intelligent system is proposed to breast cancer tumor type recognition. The proposed system includes three main module: The feature selection module, the classifier module and the optimization module. Feature selection plays an important role in pattern recognition systems. The better selection of features usually results in higher accuracy rate. In the proposed system we used a new graph based feature selection approach to select the best features. In the classifier module, the radial basis function neural network (RBFNN)is used as classifier. In RBF training, the number of RBFs and their respective centers and widths (Spread) have very important role in its performance. Therefore, artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is proposed for selecting appropriate parameters of the classifier. The RBFNN with optimal structure and the selected feature classified the tumors with 99.59% accuracy. The proposed system is tested on Wisconsin breast cancer database (WBCD) and the simulation results show that the recommended system exhibits a high accuracy. The proposed system has a high recognition accuracy and therefore we recommend the proposed system for breast cancer tumor type recognition. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Photosynthetic parameters and physiological indexes of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis influenced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi].
Through potted inoculation test at room temperature and indoor analysis, the photosynthetic parameters and physiological and biochemical indexes of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis were observed after 28 arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi were injected into the P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis growing in a sterile soil environment. The results showed that AM fungi established a good symbiosis with P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis. The AM fungi influenced the photosynthetic parameters and physiological and biochemical indexes of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis. And the influences were varied depending on different AM fungi. The application of AM fungi improved photosynthesis intensity of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis mesophyll cells, the contents of soluble protein and soluble sugar, protective enzyme activity of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis leaf, which was beneficial to resist the adverse environment and promote the growth of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis. Otherwise, there was a certain mutual selectivity between P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis and AM fungi. From the comprehensive effect of inoculation, Racocetra coralloidea, Scutellospora calospora, Claroideoglomus claroideum, S. pellucida and Rhizophagus clarus were the most suitable AM fungi to P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis when P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis was planted in the field. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dietary long-chain n-3 PUFA, gut microbiota and fat mass in early postnatal piglet development--exploring a potential interplay.
Dietary n-3PUFA and gut bacteria, particularly Bacteroidetes, have been suggested to be related to adiposity. We investigated if n-3PUFA affected fat storage and cecal bacteria in piglets. Twenty-four 4-day-old piglets were allocated to formula rich in n-3PUFA (∼3E%) from fish oil (FO) or n-6PUFA from sunflower oil (SO) for 14 days. We assessed body weight, fat accumulation by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and microbial molecular fingerprints. Dietary PUFA-composition was reflected in higher erythrocyte n-3PUFA in the FO- than the SO-group (P<0.001). Principal component analysis revealed group differences in the overall microbiotic composition, which involved a larger Bacteroides community in the SO-group (P=0.02). There was no significant difference in body fat percentage and no relationship between fat accumulation and gut Bacteroides. Hence, this study does not support an impact of n-3PUFA or microbiota on fat accumulation during the postnatal maturation period. The impact of dietary PUFA on the gut Bacteroides warrants further investigation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Impact of patient-specificity on seizure onset detection performance.
In this paper we quantify the degree to which patient-specificity affects the detection latency, sensitivity, and specificity of a seizure detector using 536 hours of continuously recorded scalp EEG from 16 epilepsy patients. We demonstrate that a detector that knows of an individual's seizure and non-seizure EEG outperforms a detector limited to knowledge of an individual's non-seizure EEG, and a detector limited to knowledge of population seizure and non-seizure EEG. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Glucocorticoids coordinately disrupt a transforming growth factor alpha autocrine loop and suppress the growth of 13762NF-derived Con8 rat mammary adenocarcinoma cells.
We have demonstrated previously that the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone suppresses the growth of Con8 rat mammary tumor cells, which are derived from the 13762NF transplantable, hormone-responsive rat mammary adenocarcinoma. Dexamethasone inhibited [3H]thymidine incorporation into Con8 cells at high cell density under both serum and serum-free conditions. Fractionation in nonreducing sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels of proteins secreted from dexamethasone-treated and untreated Con8 mammary tumor cells revealed two size classes of glucocorticoid inhibited mitogenic activities; a larger M(r) 27,000-33,000 and a smaller M(r) 5,000-12,000 activity. Both size classes of mitogens restimulated the growth of glucocorticoid-suppressed Con8 cells suggesting that they can act in an autocrine fashion. The smaller mitogen was identified as transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) since this activity competed with 125I-epidermal growth factor (EGF) for EGF receptor binding and was selectively immunodepleted with monoclonal TGF-alpha antibodies but not with EGF antibodies. Western blots and radioreceptor assay of Con8-secreted proteins revealed that glucocorticoids inhibited the production of a M(r) 5500 immunoreactive TGF-alpha protein by 10-fold. Consistent with a steroid effect on the level of TGF-alpha production, rather than on its activity, the specific mitogenic activities of the TGF-alpha s secreted by dexamethasone-treated and untreated Con8 cells were identical to that of recombinant human TGF-alpha. Treatment of intact cells with suramin, which dissociates ligand-receptor complexes, revealed that the EGF receptor-mediated mitogenic response is functional in both glucocorticoid-treated and untreated cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate that glucocorticoids suppress Con8 mammary tumor cell growth and disrupt a potential TGF-alpha autocrine loop which results in a dramatic reduction in the level of extracellular TGF-alpha. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Another abnormal trait in the serotonin metabolism path in intrauterine growth-restricted infants.
The present study was aimed to obtain information on the interaction kinetics of L-tryptophan (L-Trp) with plasma albumin from normal, intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) and nutritionally recovered (NR) newborn infants. A case study cohort was planned in 37 newborns during the first 3 months of life. At birth two groups were formed. The first group included 20 newborns with IUGR. The control group (C) included 17 appropriate for gestational age newborns. At 30 days of age, 9 infants of the IUGR group showed a return to normal of the anthropometric parameters, these infants formed the NR group. Free, bound and total L-Trp were measured. To assess binding kinetics albumin was freed of fatty acids and tested in mole to mole samples from IUGR, NR and control babies. Plasma free L-Trp was increased, K(d) (dissociation constant) elevated and B(max )(maximal binding)decreased in IUGR patients up to postnatal day 90. These changes remained even after nutritional recovery. Abnormal kinetics of L-Trp binding to albumin explains the increased availability of this precursor amino acid in the plasma of IUGR infants. This finding corroborates previous results in IUGR rats and newborn babies, indicating enhanced potential for brain serotonergic synthesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Increased systemic oxidative stress after elective endarterectomy: relation to vascular healing and remodeling.
It has been reported that systemic and local redox state may have an important role in the functional and organic changes characterizing the process of vascular response to injury. Carotid endarterectomy to remove atherosclerotic plaque is followed by a long lasting healing and remodeling process that can be carefully followed over time with noninvasive ultrasonography. Plasma vitamin C concentration and native LDL (n-LDL) content in lipid peroxides, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and lycopene as well as LDL susceptibility to peroxidation were assessed in 45 patients undergoing elective endarterectomy for internal carotid stenosis, at baseline, 24 hours, 3 and 15 days, and 1 month after surgery. Serial duplex scans were performed in all patients postoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months. The changes in far wall thickness (FW) and % renarrowing from postoperatively to 12 months were used as remodeling indices. Plasma antioxidant vitamins and lag-phase showed a sharp and significant decrease during the first 24-hours after surgery remaining unchanged until the third day, whereas, an opposite trend was evidenced for n-LDL content in lipid peroxides and serum ceruloplasmin. After the third day all the parameters returned progressively to baseline within one month from endarterectomy. Interestingly, the n-LDL lipid peroxide content, the serum ceruloplasmin and the plasma vitamin C concentration, measured at 24 and 3 days from surgery, were significantly associated to the change in % renarrowing from postoperatively to 12 months. The higher the LDL content in lipid peroxides, the higher the serum level of ceruloplasmin, the lower the plasma content in vitamin C and the higher the % of vessel renarrowing. In conclusion, carotid endarterectomy with atherosclerotic plaque removal is associated with an acute and prolonged increase in systemic oxidative stress that influences vascular healing and late luminal loss. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Delaying haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with viral respiratory infections reduces transplant-related mortality.
Viral respiratory infections (VRIs) contribute to the morbidity and transplant-related mortality (TRM) after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and strategies to prevent and treat VRIs are warranted. We monitored VRIs before and after transplant in children undergoing allogeneic HSCT with nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) and assessed the impact on clinical outcome. Between 2007 and 2017, 585 children underwent 620 allogeneic HSCT procedures. Out of 75 patients with a positive NPA screen (12%), transplant was delayed in 25 cases (33%), while 53 children started conditioning with a VRI. Patients undergoing HSCT with a positive NPA screen had a significantly lower overall survival (54% vs. 79%) and increased TRM (26% vs. 7%) compared to patients with a negative NPA. Patients with a positive NPA who delayed transplant and cleared the virus before conditioning had improved overall survival (90%) and lower TRM (5%). Pre-HSCT positive NPA was the only significant risk factor for progression to a lower respiratory tract infection and was a major risk factor for TRM. Transplant delay, whenever feasible, in case of a positive NPA screen for VRIs can positively impact on survival of children undergoing HSCT. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Novel enzymological profiles of human 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1.
The human enzyme 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD) catalyzes the reversible oxidoreduction of 11beta-OH/11-oxo groups of glucocorticoid hormones. Besides this important endocrinological property, the type 1 isozyme (11beta-HSD1) mediates reductive phase I reactions of several carbonyl group bearing xenobiotics, including drugs, insecticides and carcinogens. The aim of this study was to explore novel substrate specificities of human 11beta-HSD1, using heterologously expressed protein in the yeast system Pichia pastoris. In addition to established phase I xenobiotic substrates, it is now demonstrated that transformed yeast strains catalyze the reduction of ketoprofen to its hydroxy metabolite, and the oxidation of the prodrug DFU-lactol to the pharmacologically active lactone compound. Purified recombinant 11beta-HSD1 mediated oxidative reactions, however, the labile reductive activity component could not be maintained. In conclusion, evidence is provided that human 11beta-HSD1 in vitro is involved in phase I reactions of anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs like ketoprofen and DFU-lactol. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The entirely subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator: initial clinical experience in a large Dutch cohort.
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the entirely subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD). A new entirely S-ICD has been introduced, that does not require lead placement in or on the heart. The authors report the largest multicenter experience to date with the S-ICD with a minimum of 1-year follow-up in the first 118 Dutch patients who were implanted with this device. Patients were selected if they had a class I or IIa indication for primary or secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death. All consecutive patients from 4 high-volume centers in the Netherlands with an S-ICD implanted between December 2008 and April 2011 were included. A total of 118 patients (75% males, mean age 50 years) received the S-ICD. After 18 months of follow-up, 8 patients experienced 45 successful appropriate shocks (98% first shock conversion efficacy). No sudden deaths occurred. Fifteen patients (13%) received inappropriate shocks, mainly due to T-wave oversensing, which was mostly solved by a software upgrade and changing the sensing vector of the S-ICD. Sixteen patients (14%) experienced complications. Adverse events were more frequent in the first 15 implantations per center compared with subsequent implantations (inappropriate shocks 19% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.03; complications 17% vs. 10%, p = 0.10). This study demonstrates that the S-ICD is effective in terminating ventricular arrhythmias. There is, however, a considerable percentage of ICD related adverse events, which decreases as the therapy evolves and experience increases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Visualization of declamping procedure during carotid endarterectomy by ICG videoangiography.
ICG videoangiography (ICG-VAG) is widely used in neurovascular surgery. In carotid artery disease, it has been used to assess the extent of the plaque and to confirm the removal of the plaque and patency of the artery. We introduce a novel usage of the ICG-VAG to confirm the patency of the external carotid artery (ECA) and superior thyroid artery (STA), which should work as a drainage system of possible debris in the lumen. Consecutive 27 patients with severe internal carotid artery stenosis were employed. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) was done in the usual fashion. After suturing the arteriotomy, ICG was injected intravenously before reperfusion. Before declamping procedure, ICG-VAG mode was started. As the declamping procedure went on, the assistant judged whether the STA and the ECA were patent by watching the ICG flow on the monitor. After confirming the patency of the ECA-CCA system, the ICA was reperfused. The back flow from the STA was not confirmed in two cases. The back flow from the ECA was confirmed in all 27 cases. In four cases, the ICG-VAG showed air bubbles in the lumen; these bubbles were washed away to the ECA or STA. Using ICG-VAG during the reperfusion procedure of CEA, the patency of the ECA and the STA can be confirmed. It may contribute to reduce embolic complication during reperfusion procedure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Inferior Alveolar Nerve Medialization for Dental Implant Placement: Case Report with the Introduction of a New Technique.
Inferior alveolar nerve repositioning is an option for treating the edentulous posterior mandible with insufficient bone height above the inferior alveolar canal. This report presents a case in which inferior alveolar nerve medialization was performed for placing dental implants. In the second postoperative week, mandibular fracture occurred after biting on a relatively solid piece of food, which was treated conservatively. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Readability of menopause web sites: a cross-sectional study.
More women are frequently referring to the Internet for health information, yet the readability of information about menopause on the Internet has not been widely studied. To address this gap, this study examined the readability of information about menopause on 25 Internet Web sites. Findings included that information on the Web sites had a reading level higher than the recommended sixth-grade level, and culturally appropriate health information was lacking. Health educators and practitioners are in a pivotal role to help women understand information useful for healthcare decisions. Several criteria are discussed to help practitioners evaluate Web sites. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Secretion of the amino-terminal fragment of the hedgehog protein is necessary and sufficient for hedgehog signalling in Drosophila.
The Drosophila segment polarity gene hedgehog encodes a member of a family of secreted proteins that are involved in a variety of patterning processes, in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Some of these processes depend upon short-range or contact-dependent interactions, whereas others seem to involve long-range signalling. Two different models have been proposed to account for the execution of these contrasting processes by the same proteins: one postulates that Hedgehog acts exclusively over short distances, its long-range influences being effected through regulation of other signalling factors; the second postulates that different aspects of Hedgehog activity are mediated by distinct forms of the protein that are generated by autoproteolysis. We have investigated these models by mutating the hedgehog coding region such that only the amino-terminal or carboxy-terminal half of the protein is secreted. Deletion of the carboxy-terminal portion has little effect on the signalling activity of the protein, whereas abolishing the secretion of the amino-terminal half leads to a complete loss of signalling. In addition, we find that increases in the level of expression within the normal hedgehog transcriptional domain of either the wild-type protein or the carboxy-terminal-deleted form expand the range of activity to a limited extent, but have only minor effects on cell identity. In Drosophila, all of the signalling activity of Hedgehog resides in the amino-terminal portion of the protein, the secretion of which is essential for its function. The range of Hedgehog is limited by the close association of the amino-terminal peptide with the cell surface but can be extended by elevating the level of its expression. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Population dynamics of a parasite Pallisentis in two species of fish Channa punctatus and Channa striatus.
In an aquatic environment, there is a profound and inverse relationship between environment quality and disease status of fish. Parasites are one of the most serious limiting factors in aquaculture. Therefore, the present investigation has been undertaken to sort out the population dynamics of Pallisentis (Acanthocephala), in relation to host sex from freshwater fishes, Channa of Rohilkhand region. A total of 517 fishes (Channa punctatus, n = 198 and C. striatus, n = 319) were examined regularly from August 2006 to February 2010. Overall prevalence of Pallisentis in C. striatus was higher in females (67.78%) as compared to males (63.52%). In case of C. punctatus, overall prevalence of Pallisentis was higher in males (53.77%) as compared to females (52.17%) whereas, relative density was higher in females (61.41%) than in males (52.72%). Intensity (2-3 parasite/host, in both sexes), density (1.36 in males and 1.69 in females) and infection index (0.73 in males and 0.88 in females) were recorded. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Treatment of a High-Risk Diabetic Patient with Peripheral Vascular Disease and Osteomyelitis.
We report a case of calcaneal osteomyelitis that was surgically resected from a patient with diabetes and peripheral vascular disease. A 91-year-old male with history of type 2 diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, balloon angioplasty, and recent (2 months ago) stent of the superficial femoral artery presented to the emergency department with a left heel wound infection probed to bone. The patient reported having been on intravenous Zosyn for several months via an outside infectious disease provider for clinical suspicion of osteomyelitis, but noted no improvement. This report includes information regarding the clinical examination and imaging findings, which were used to assess this high-risk patient. Our patient underwent a partial calcanectomy and completed a 6-week course of intravenous antibiotics. The purpose of this case report is to illustrate limb preservation in a high-risk patient with compromised vascular supply who underwent a partial calcanectomy for treatment of calcaneal osteomyelitis. The patient underwent surgical resection of the calcaneus without complications and healed unremarkably with the ability to ambulate while wearing an ankle foot orthosis with a custom shoe. This report was authorized for publication as an educational report to contribute to generalizable knowledge and does not include any patient health information. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Retentive force of O-ring attachment to use Immediate Provisional Implant (IPI)-retained overdenture.
This study evaluated the retentive force of the O-ring attachment to an Immediate Provisional Implant (IPI)-retained overdenture. Two sizes of O-rings (#1, #2) were placed on the IPI abutment head. As the controls, soft relining material, silicone lining material, and the PMMA resin were used to connect the IPI abutment head. The retentive forces (n=5, N) obtained at a crosshead speed of 40 mm/min were analyzed by ANOVA/Tukey's HSD test (alpha=0.05). O-ring #1 showed the significantly greatest force among all materials tested (p0.05). Appropriate retention was obtained using the smaller O-ring#1 for the IPI-retained overdenture. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Silver impregnation of Alzheimer's neurofibrillary changes counterstained for basophilic material and lipofuscin pigment.
A method is described in which selective silver staining of Alzheimer's neurofibrillary changes is combined with staining of cell nuclei, Nissl material, and lipofuscin granules. Formalin fixed, paraffin embedded sections of human autopsy tissue are silver stained according to a method proposed by Gallyas. Lipofuscin is stained by crotonaldehyde fuchsin following performic acid oxidation. Nissl substance is visualized by either Darrow red or gallocyanin-chrome alum staining. Architectonic units showing the specific pathology and the neuronal types prone to develop the neurofibrillary changes can be recognized using this technique. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Structure determination of the minimal complex between Tfb5 and Tfb2, two subunits of the yeast transcription/DNA-repair factor TFIIH: a retrospective study.
Tfb5 interacts with the Tfb2 subunit of the general transcription factor TFIIH to ensure efficient nucleotide-excision repair in eukaryotes. The crystal structure of the complex between Tfb5 and the C-terminal region of Tfb2 (Tfb2C) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has recently been reported. Here, the structure-determination process is described as a case study. Although crystals were obtained readily, it was not possible to determine experimental phases from a first crystal form (Tfb2(412-513)-Tfb5(2-72)) that diffracted to 2.6 A resolution. Shortening of the Tfb2C from its N-terminus was decisive and modified the crystal packing, leading to a second crystal form (Tfb2(435-513)-Tfb5(2-72)). These crystals diffracted to 1.7 A resolution with excellent mosaicity and allowed structure determination by conventional approaches using heavy atoms. The refined structure from the second crystal form was used to solve the structure of the first crystal form by molecular replacement. Comparison of the two structures revealed that the N-terminal region of Tfb2C and (to a lesser extent) the C-terminal region of Tfb5 contributed to the crystal packing. A detailed analysis illustrates how variation in domain boundaries influences crystal packing and quality. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Rhomboid family gene expression profiling in breast normal tissue and tumor samples.
Rhomboid is an evolutionary conserved and functionally diversified group of proteins composed of proteolytically active and inactive members that are involved in the modulation of multiple biological processes such as epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway, endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation, cell death, and proliferation. Recently, several human rhomboid genes have been associated with the development of chronic myeloid leukemia and pituitary, colorectal, ovarian, and breast cancers. In this study, we evaluated the mRNA and protein expression profiles of rhomboid genes in cancer cell lines and breast tissue/tumor samples. In silico analysis of publicly available gene expression datasets showed that different rhomboid genes are specifically expressed according to the breast cancer intrinsic subtypes. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed a significant RHBDD2 mRNA overexpression in advanced breast cancer compared with normal tissue samples (p = 0.012). In addition, we found that RHBDL2 and PARL mRNA expression was associated with a low/intermediate histologic tumor grade (p = 0.024 and p = 0.015, respectively). Immunohistochemistry analysis showed a significant increase of RHBDD2 protein expression in association with breast cancer samples negative for progesterone receptor (p = 0.015). Moreover, protein expression analysis corroborated the quantitative RT-PCR results, indicating that breast primary tumors belonging to patients with a more disseminated disease expressed significantly increased levels of RHBDD2 protein compared with less disseminated tumors (p = 0.01). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
"There are risks to be taken and some just push it too far": how farmers perceive quad-bike incident risk.
To qualitatively explore how farmers perceive personal risk of an occupational quad-bike incident and develop a model of the factors that modify this perception. Grounded theory methods were used to inform data collection and analysis. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with eight New Zealand livestock farmers. Interviews were inductively analysed to derive categories that helped explain the processes involved in quad-bike incident risk perception. Farmers perceived personal risk of experiencing a quad-bike incident could be modelled on a sliding scale from low to high. Four core categories encapsulated risk perception: the impact of previous quad-bike incidents; personal attributes; getting the job done; and being familiar with the performance of the quad bike, the terrain and task(s) being undertaken. An exploratory model was developed to elucidate the temporal gap between farmers' reflections on their perceived risk and reported real-time risk management. These findings have implications for planning quad-bike safety interventions, which may benefit from incorporating both 'reflective' contemplation of risks and skills for coping with things suddenly going wrong 'in the moment'. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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