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Bystander effect induced by counted high-LET particles in confluent human fibroblasts: a mechanistic study.
The possible mechanism of a radiation-induced bystander response was investigated by using a high-LET heavy particle microbeam, which allows selected cells to be individually hit with precise numbered particles. Even when only a single cell within the confluent culture was hit by one particle of 40Ar (approximately 1260 keV/microm) or 20Ne (approximately 380 keV/microm), a 1.4-fold increase of micronuclei (MN) was detected demonstrating a bystander response. When the number of targeted cells increased, the number of MN biphasically increased; however, the efficiency of MN induction per targeted cell markedly decreased. When 49 cells in the culture were individually hit by 1 to 4 particles, the production of MN in the irradiated cultures were approximately 2-fold higher than control levels but independent of the number and LET of the particles. MN induction in the irradiated-culture was partly reduced by treatment with DMSO, a scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and was almost fully suppressed by the mixture of DMSO and PMA, an inhibitor of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). Accordingly, both ROS and GJIC contribute to the above-mentioned bystander response and GJIC may play an essential role by mediating the release of soluble biochemical factors from targeted cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characterization of a cDNA clone encoding a Brassica napus 12 S protein (cruciferin) subunit. Relationship between precursors and mature chains.
Cruciferin (12 S globulin) is a large, neutral, oligometric protein synthesized in rapeseed (Brassica napus) during seed development. It is the major seed protein and is composed of six subunit pairs. Each of these pairs is synthesized as a precursor containing one heavy alpha-chain and one light beta-chain. Electrophoretic analysis of cruciferin showed that four different alpha- and four different beta-chains exist. A cruciferin clone was selected from an embryo cDNA library. This clone, pCRU1, contains a 1518-base pair open reading frame corresponding to a truncated NH2-terminal signal sequence followed by an alpha-chain of 296 and a beta-chain of 190 amino acid residues. Individual cruciferin chains as well as peptides thereof were subjected to NH2-terminal amino acid sequence analysis. The sequences obtained from a specific alpha- and beta-chain pair (alpha 1 and beta 1) showed total identity with the deduced amino acid sequence from pCRU1. Further comparisons revealed that a previously characterized cruciferin cDNA clone encodes one of the precursors for the closely related alpha 2/ alpha 3-beta 2/beta 3 subunits. The deduced amino acid sequences of the two cDNA clones display 64% similarity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
CMP-KDO synthetase: overproduction and application to the synthesis of CMP-KDO and analogs.
CTP:CMP-3-deoxy-manno-octulosonate cytidylyltransferase (CMP-KDO synthetase, EC 2.7.7.38) has been cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The structure gene was amplified from the total DNA of E. coli K-235 through the primer-directed polymerase chain reaction. The gene was then cloned into lambda ZAP vector at the EcoRI and XbaI restriction sites and overexpressed in E. coli Sure strain at a level approximately 400 times as much as that produced in the host strain. Application of the enzyme to the synthesis of cytidine 5'-monophospho-3-deoxy-D-manno-2-octulosonic acid (CMP-KDO) and analogs was studied. Of several KDO analogs tested, 5-fluoro-2-keto-3,5-dideoxyoctulosonic acid (5-FKDO) was found to be a good substrate of the enzyme, and the product (CMP-5-FKDO) was prepared and characterized, representing the first stable CMP-KDO analog prepared enzymatically to date. The natural enzyme product, CMP-KDO, was however quite unstable (t1/2 = 19 min, in 50 mM MgCl2, 0.2 M Tris buffer, pH 9.0). A mechanism for the decomposition of CMP-KDO involving the hydrogen bonding interactions between the OH groups of C-5 and C-7 (and/or C-8) and the phosphate oxygens was proposed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Associations of types of lens opacities between and within eyes of individuals: an application of second-order generalized estimating equations. The Framingham Eye Studies Group.
The lens opacity characteristics of individuals constitute multivariate data. Our goal was to estimate the associations between the three main types of age-related lens opacities (nuclear, cortical, posterior subcapsular) both between and within eyes of individuals using cross-sectional data from the Framingham (Massachusetts) Eye Studies. We describe use of a recently proposed extension of the generalized estimating equations approach to marginal logistic models (GEE2), and we demonstrate that a variety of research problems can be investigated with this methodology. For example, in our data, there were strong associations of the same opacity types between the two eyes of individuals and weak associations between different types of opacities. We also note that estimation of such associations may be limited in other epidemiologic settings. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Metachronous solitary left adrenal gland metastasis of right colon cancer treated with laparoscopic approach.
Adrenal gland metastasis are the second most common type of adrenal mass lesions after adenomas and they could be related to numerous malignancies; Literature shows that adrenal metastasis deriving from colorectal cancer are very rare. A 71-year old - male patient, treated two years before with right colectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy for right colon cancer, came to our attention after the diagnosis at follow up, of a left adrenal gland mass; CT scan and CT - PET did not show other pathological findings. The patient underwent left adrenalectomy with trans-peritoneal laparoscopic approach: the definitive histological examination diagnosed metastatic tissue of colonic cancer in left adrenal gland. Adrenal gland metastases are common clinical entities, but which of them arise starting from colonic cancer are very rare and they are generally discovered about 1 year after the first diagnosis of cancer. Early diagnosis, laparoscopic radical excision when feasible and eventual adjuvant radio-chemotherapy are actually the proper clinical management of adrenal gland metastases finalized to better outcomes in terms of longer survival rate and quality of life. Adrenal gland, Colorectal cancer, Laparoscopic, Metastasis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A cloning vehicle suitable for strand separation.
A new plasmid has been constructed which contains a poly(A) : poly(dT) duplex segment of length approx. 100 base pairs (bp) inserted into the PvuII site of pBR322. This plasmid, pKH47, has all the other restriction sites of pBR322 available for insertion of foreign DNA, and has the same drug resistance genes as does the parental plasmid. The complementary strands of the linearized denatured plasmid DNA can be separated rapidly an efficiently by affinity chromatography with oligo(dA)- and oligo(dT)-cellulose columns in series. More than 90% of the input DNA is recovered as separated strands which can be annealed to form full length double-stranded molecules. One of the applications of the plasmid is to prepare separated complementary strands for sequencing by the chain-terminator technique using DNA primers. This application is illustrated by a sequencing example for a Drosophila DNA insert carrying a tRNA gene. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Photochlorination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Acidic Brine Solution.
The potential for the formation of chlorinated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons via photochlorination of PAHs has been investigated in milli-Q water/synthetic water containing NaCl and PAHs with either UV or visible light. The photochlorination of pyrene occurred under acidic conditions in the presence of both UV and visible light, resulting in 1-chloropyrene as the main product. Benzo[a]pyrene yielded 6-chlorobenzo[a]pyrene following visible light irradiation; however the reaction was dependent upon solution pH. The photochlorination of PAHs was proposed to proceed via a consecutive reaction model. The rate constants associated with the photochlorination and photodecay processes were determined with the observed and theoretical values displaying similar trends, whereas the observed values were approximately 50-1000 times lower than the theoretical values. The lower observed values could be due to undergo photodecay rather than photochlorination of PAHs. Therefore, as photochlorination of PAHs appears to be significantly affected by solution pH, this information may allow for minimizing the impact on the environment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The changes in the nasal secretions of eosinophils during the immediate nasal response to allergen challenge.
In 162 patients with allergic rhinitis due to immediate hypersensitivity, nasal provocation tests (NPT) were supplemented by recording of the eosinophils in the nasal secretions (NS). Nasal secretion specimens were obtained before and repeatedly after allergen challenge and stained by a modified Hansel's method. The 188 positive immediate nasal responses (INR) that correlated with positive skin tests and history and 92 negative INR that correlated with negative skin tests and history were studied. Several different types of eosinophil response to allergen challenge were observed. Eosinophilia was found in the NS in 84% of patients with positive INR but in only 49% of patients with negative INR. The eosinophil count before allergen challenge was low in 79.5% of positive INR and in 76.5% of negative INR, whereas it was high in 20.5% of positive INR and in 23.5% of negative INR. The positive INR were accompanied by significant changes (p less than 0.01) in the eosinophil count between before and after allergen challenge in 74% and the negative INR in only 19% of the cases. These changes appeared within 30 min after allergen challenge. This study shows that only a single count of eosinophils in the NS is not a suitable indicator of nasal allergy. The recording of eosinophils in the NS can be considered as a useful supplementary diagnostic parameter for the possible involvement of immediate hypersensitivity in the nasal mucosa if (1) the eosinophil count is related to a certain allergen and (2) the eosinophils are recorded before and repeatedly up to 60 min after allergen challenge. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intra-annual cambial activity and carbon availability in stem of poplar.
Cambial activity is influenced by many environmental and physiological factors and among them, carbon acts as a source of energy for the growing meristems. This work has focused on the intra-annual stem growth of poplar compared with the carbon available for xylogenesis processes in cambium and outer wood. The major stages of xylem production and differentiation in two poplar genotypes with different growth performances were considered. Monitoring of stem growth and leaf phenology combined with starch, nonstructural soluble sugars and water content in the stem was conducted from February to November 2006 in Populus x canadensis Moench 'I-214' and Populus deltoides Marsh. 'Dvina'. Anatomical analyses of wood formation were performed by measuring the width of the zones with differentiating and mature xylem. At the end of the growing period, wood density was assessed by microdensity analyses. Xylem differentiation at the top of the tree started at the beginning of April for both genotypes and proceeded down the stem at about 0.5 m day(-1), occurring almost at the same time as leaf opening. The rate of growth and wood density was superior in Dvina, but this higher productivity could not be explained by differences in the number of cambial initials and the duration of xylogenesis. However, the most productive poplar genotype showed higher glucose, fructose and sucrose content in the outer wood. The nonstructural soluble sugars available in the cambial zone followed the intra-annual pattern of xylem formation, with a higher concentration when the growth rate was maximum. The accumulations of nonstructural soluble sugars at a certain time during stem growth corresponded with a higher carbon availability to the actively growing meristems in the stem. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The prognostic value of uNK cell count and histological dating in the mid-luteal phase of women with reproductive failure.
Histological dating has been used for decades to evaluate the histological maturation of the endometrium. Uterine natural killer cells are thought to play a significant role in pregnancy. While several studies have shown an increased number of uNK cells in women with recurrent reproductive failure, its prognostic value of pregnancy outcome remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not the prognostic value of uNK measurement on pregnancy outcome is improved when it is combined with histological dating of the same endometrial specimen. This is a retrospective study. Histological dating and uNK cell count was performed on endometrial biopsies taken from women with either recurrent miscarriage (RM, n=94) or recurrent implantation failure (RIF, n=72). Women who conceived within a year of the biopsy (n=83) were included in a further analysis to examine the prognostic value of uNK cell count and histological dating on the outcome of a subsequent pregnancy. There was a significant (p=0.01) association between uNK cells and histological dating; retarded endometrium was less likely to have a high uNK cell count (16/58, 28%) than normally developed endometrium (52/108, 48%). Whilst uNK cell count on its own did not have a significant correlation to the pregnancy outcome, a retarded endometrium is significantly (p=0.01) associated with a higher miscarriage rate (68%, 13/19) than normally developed endometrium (35%, 23/64) in women with reproductive failure. Regardless of the result of uNK cell count (normal or abnormal), combining the results of histological dating appeared to have significantly improved the prognostic value. We found that the prognostic value of uNK cell count is significantly increased when the result is combined with histological dating, primarily because histological dating is significantly correlated with pregnancy outcome. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The topical application of verapamil and nifedipine lowers intraocular pressure in conscious rabbits.
1. The time-course of the ocular effects of topical verapamil and nifedipine as well as the dose-response relationship, were studied in conscious, normotensive rabbits. 2. Both drugs caused a dose-dependent fall of intraocular pressure, which lasted 4 hr or more. 3. Log dose-response curves of both drugs show a similar peak response, but the potency of verapamil was greater that of nifedipine. 4. A fall in the intraocular pressure in the untreated eye was also observed. 5. Verapamil and nifedipine induced a reduction of the tonographic outflow facility in the treated eye. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Hand surgery in the rheumatic hand-novel and established aspects].
Hand surgery of the rheumatoid hand has undergone significant changes mostly as a result of biologicals and biosimilars. The significance of established and innovative operative procedures in the modern treatment of the rheumatoid hand is elaborated and a subsumption of local interventional options in this context is carried out. The analysis, evaluation and discussion of the literature and expert recommendations are presented. With the consistent use of modern antirheumatic drugs the destruction and deformation of the wrist and hand occur more slowly and less severely. The hand surgeon can therefore operate more selectively and focus on less pathologies at the same time. Up to the present many of the operative techniques described by the pioneers of modern hand surgery are still powerful tools. Most of the considerations about the correction of the disturbed biomechanics and about the reconstitution of stability and the range of motion are still valid. The combination of arthroscopic synovectomy and radiosynoviorthesis of the wrist seems to show promising results. Modern treatment of the rheumatoid hand is a multidisciplinary challenge. Rheumatologists, nuclear medicine physicians and hand surgeons together can achieve excellent results. A consistent medication, an early operative intervention if necessary and systematic integration of nuclear medicine physicians into the therapeutic process enable preservation of the long-term function of the hand as the main tool in daily life. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Methyl chloride emissions from halophyte leaf litter: dependence on temperature and chloride content.
Methyl chloride (CH(3)Cl) is the most abundant natural chlorine containing compound in the atmosphere, and responsible for a significant fraction of stratospheric ozone destruction. Understanding the global CH(3)Cl budget is therefore of great importance. However, the strength of the individual sources and sinks is still uncertain. Leaf litter is a potentially important source of methyl chloride, but factors controlling the emissions are unclear. This study investigated CH(3)Cl emissions from leaf litter of twelve halophyte species. The emissions were not due to biological activity, and emission rates varied between halophyte species up to two orders of magnitude. For all species, the CH(3)Cl emission rates increased with temperature following the Arrhenius relation. Activation energies were similar for all investigated plant species, indicating that even though emissions vary largely between plant species, their response to changing temperatures is similar. The chloride and methoxyl group contents of the leaf litter samples were determined, but those parameters were not significantly correlated to the CH(3)Cl emission rate. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Film-coated matrix mini-tablets for the extended release of a water-soluble drug.
Extended release (ER) of water-soluble drugs from hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) matrix mini-tablets (mini-matrices) is difficult to achieve due to the large surface area to volume ratio of the mini matrices. Therefore, the aims of this study were to control the release of a water-soluble drug (theophylline) from mini-matrices by applying ER ethylcellulose film coating (Surelease®), and to assess the effects of Surelease®:pore former (Opadry®) ratio and coating load on release rates. Mini-matrices containing 40%w/w HPMC K100M CR were coated with 100:0, 85:15, 80:20, 75:25 or 70:30 Surelease®:Opadry® to different coating weight gains (6-20%). Non-matrix mini-tablets were also produced and coated with 80:20 Surelease®:Opadry® to different coating weight gains. At low coating weight gains, nonmatrix mini-tablets released the entire drug within 0.5 h, while at high coating weight gains only a very small amount (<5%) of drug was released after 12 h. The gel formation of HPMC prevented disintegration of mini-matrices at low coating weight gains but contributed to rupture of the film even at high coating weight gains. As a result, drug release from mini-matrices was slower than that from nonmatrix mini-tablets at low coating weight gains, yet faster at high coating weight gains. An increase in the lag time of drug release from mini-matrices was observed as the concentration of Opadry® reduced or the coating weight gain increased. This study has demonstrated the possibility of extending the release of a water-soluble drug from HPMC mini-matrices by applying ER film coating with appropriate levels of pore former and coating weight gains to tailor the release rate. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Role of glial cells in innate immunity and their role in CNS demyelination.
The adaptive and innate arms of the immune system are the two pillars of host defense against environmental pathogens. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS which is considered to be autoimmune and is thought to result from breakdown in the usual checks and balances of the adaptive immune response. The major pathological outcome of the disease is "the MS plaque" a unique feature of CNS demyelination characterized by the destruction of oligodendrocytes with loss of myelin and underlying axons. The MS plaque is not seen in other inflammatory disorders of the CNS. The prevailing opinion suggests that MS is mediated by the activation of an adaptive immune response which targets neural antigens. Currently, the role of an innate immune in the development of the lesions in MS has remained unclear. We explore the potential cellular elements of the innate immune system and in particular glial cells, which are likely candidates in inducing the specific pathological picture that is evident in MS. Activated microglia and the release of molecules which are detrimental to oligodendrocyte have been suggested as mechanisms by which innate immunity causes demyelination in MS. However a microglia/macrophage centric model does not explain the specificity of lesion development in MS. We propose that activation pathways of receptors of the innate immune system present on oligodendrocytes and astrocytes rather than microglia are central to the pathogenesis of demyelination seen in MS. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The metabolism of arachidonic acid in hamster lung microsomes is not completely inhibited by aspirin and indomethacin.
Aspirin (100 microM or 1 mM) or indomethacin (10 microM or 100 microM) was incubated with a microsomal preparation of hamster lungs in the presence of NADPH for 10 min. Then 14C-arachidonic acid (20 microM) was added and the incubation was continued for an additional 20 min. The metabolites were extracted with ethyl acetate first at pH 7.4 and then at pH 3.5 and analysed by thin layer chromatography. Both aspirin and indomethacin inhibited dose dependently the formation of all identified prostaglandins, including PGF2 alpha, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, PGE2 and PGD2. The rate of formation of some unidentified metabolites extracted at pH 7.4 and 3.5 was, however, not changed by aspirin or indomethacin. We have earlier reported that in isolated perfused hamster lungs the formation of all arachidonate metabolites is inhibited by both aspirin and indomethacin. As the present study indicates that in the microsomes of hamster lungs all metabolic pathways of arachidonic acid are not inhibited by aspirin or indomethacin, it is possible that in isolated tissues and in vivo aspirin-like drugs have some other inhibitory effects on arachidonate metabolism than the inhibition of the cyclo-oxygenase enzyme. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinically relevant concentrations of ketamine mainly affect long-term potentiation rather than basal excitatory synaptic transmission and do not change paired-pulse facilitation in mouse hippocampal slices.
Ketamine, an analgesic/anesthetic drug, is increasingly popular in clinical practice due to its analgesic properties and importance for emergency procedures. The impact of ketamine on basal excitatory synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity are not yet fully understood. Therefore we investigated the effects of different concentrations of ketamine on basal excitatory synaptic transmission and on two forms of synaptic plasticity: paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) and long-term potentiation (LTP). Evoked field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSP) were recorded in Schaffer fiber - CA1 pyramid synapses of mouse hippocampal slices and the initial slope of the fEPSP was measured to estimate the percentage of inhibition of the basal synaptic transmission. Presynaptic volley amplitude, PPF and LTP induction and maintenance were also calculated. For basal synaptic transmission and PPF increasing concentrations of ketamine (1, 3, 10, 30, 100, 200, 300 and 600μM) were applied to each slice and for LTP individual slices were used for each concentration (3, 10, 30 or 100μM). Clinically relevant concentrations of ketamine decreased LTP in a concentration-dependent manner without changing PPF, whereas basal excitatory synaptic transmission and presynaptic volley amplitude was affected only with high concentrations of ketamine (300 and 600μM). These results allow dissociating the blockade of LTP from a reduced synaptic input in the action of clinically relevant concentrations of ketamine in the CA1 region of the mouse hippocampus. Moreover, this work shows that the effects of ketamine on LTP and on basal synaptic transmission are dependent of the concentration used. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Murine cutaneous leishmaniasis: disease patterns in intact and nude mice of various genotypes and examination of some differences between normal and infected macrophages.
The course of the disease, cutaneous leishmaniasis, caused by the intracellular protozoan parasite Leishmania tropica, differs markedly amongst various common inbred mouse strains. After intradermal injection of 1 x 10(6) promastigotes to young female specific pathogen-free (SPF) derived mice, persistent infection characterized by an expanding ulcerous lesion is seen in BALB/c and DBA/2 mice. In the strains CBA/H, C3H/He and A/J, lesions resolve within 8 weeks, and in C57B1/6 mice no real lesion typical of cutaneous leishmaniasis develops at the injection site. NZB mice are highly resistant. Macrophages harvested from the thioglycollate-stimulated peritoneal cavity of NZB and C57B1/6 mice appear to differ from macrophages of the other mouse strains in not supporting multiplication of L. tropica organisms in vitro. Nevertheless, hypothymic nude (nu/nu) mice of C57B1/6 genotype, as well as CBA/H-nu/nu and BALB/c-nu/nu mice, develop large lesions with metastases to other cutaneous and visceral locations. In the intact mice in which infection resolves spontaneously, resistance to reinfection is complete. Using mouse antipromastigote sera and an indirect fluorescent antibody test in carefully controlled experiments, L. tropica antigens were detected on in vitro infected macrophages of both highly susceptible BALB/c and relatively resistant CBA/H genotypes. After incubation with a crude soluble antigen preparation from cultured promastigotes, infected BALB/c macrophages differed from infected CBA/H macrophages (and uninfected macrophages of both genotypes) in being unable to sensitize syngeneic recipients for a delayed-type hypersensitivity response to that antigen. When infected and uninfected macrophages were used as "blocking cells" in an in vitro alloreactive cytotoxic T cell system involving cells from congenic mice, evidence was obtained for reduced H-2d expression on infected macrophages of the susceptible mouse strains, BALB/c. The data in this model system of cutaneous leishmaniasis raise the possibility that genetic susceptibility is associated with both a permissive macrophage and defective T cell recognition of parasite antigens on infected macrophages. Defective recognition may be the result of reduced functional expression of H-2d antigens on infected BALB/c macrophages required for efficient recognition by syngeneic T cells of one or more subpopulations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparative effectiveness review: prostate cancer antigen 3 testing for the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer.
We compared the effectiveness of PCA3 (prostate cancer antigen 3) and select comparators for improving initial or repeat biopsy decision making in men at risk for prostate cancer, or treatment choices in men with prostate cancer. MEDLINE®, EMBASE®, Cochrane Database and gray literature were searched from January 1990 through May 2012. Included studies were matched, and measured PCA3 and comparator(s) within a cohort. No matched analyses were possible. Differences in independent performance estimates between PCA3 and comparators were computed within studies. Studies were assessed for quality using QUADAS (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies) and for strength of evidence using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) criteria. Among 1,556 publications identified, 34 observational studies were analyzed (24 addressed diagnostic accuracy and 13 addressed treatment decisions). Most studies were conducted in opportunistic cohorts of men referred for procedures and were not designed to answer key questions. Two study biases (partial verification and sampling) were addressed by analyses, allowing some conclusions to be drawn. PCA3 was more discriminatory than total prostate specific antigen increases (eg at an observed 50% specificity, summary sensitivities were 77% and 57%, respectively). Analyses indicated that this finding holds for initial and repeat biopsies, and that the markers were independent predictors. For all other biopsy decision making comparisons and associated health outcomes, strength of evidence was insufficient. For treatment decision making, strength of evidence was insufficient for all outcomes and comparators. PCA3 had a higher diagnostic accuracy than total prostate specific antigen increases, but strength of evidence was low (limited confidence in effect estimates). Strength of evidence was insufficient to conclude that PCA3 testing leads to improved health outcomes. For all other outcomes and comparators, strength of evidence was insufficient. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Presumed perinatal stroke in a child with Down syndrome and moyamoya disease.
Moyamoya disease describes a cerebral arteriopathy characterized by stenosis or occlusion of the terminal internal carotid and/or the proximal middle cerebral arteries. We report a female child with trisomy 21 and bilateral moyamoya disease who presented, unusually, with a presumed perinatal cerebral infarct. The clinical, radiological, and angiographic features of moyamoya disease in children with Down syndrome are similar to those with other aetiologies or idiopathic cases. Early recognition is important as moyamoya disease presenting in childhood is associated with a high rate of recurrent stroke and there is evidence that surgical revascularization can prevent further events. An important practical lesson arising from this case is that although the evaluation of children with presumed perinatal stroke tends to be limited relative to the evaluation of arterial ischaemic stroke in older children, this may need to be more comprehensive in infants at high risk of arteriopathy. The parents of the child gave informed consent to the publication of this report. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Combined chemotherapy or biotherapy with jasmonates: targeting energy metabolism for cancer treatment.
Mitochondria are known to play a key role in various cellular processes essential to both the life and death of cells, including calcium homeostasis, programmed cell death, and energy metabolism. Over 80 years ago, Otto Warburg discovered that in contrast to normal cells which produce most of their ATP via mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, cancer cells preferentially utilize glycolysis for production of ATP, a phenomenon known today as the "Warburg effect", and one which has been of great importance in the emergence of novel drugs and chemotherapeutic agents specifically targeting cancer cells. Several groups have reported in recent years that members of the plant stress hormones family of jasmonates, and some of their synthetic derivatives, exhibit anti-cancer activity in vitro and in vivo. Jasmonates have been shown to act directly on mitochondria of cancer cells, leading to mitochondrial swelling, membrane depolarization and cytochrome c release. Throughout the last few years, different groups have demonstrated that combination of jasmonates and various cytotoxic and chemotherapeutic agents yielded a synergistic cytotoxic effect. These results have been demonstrated in a variety of different cancer cell lines and may provide a strong basis for future clinical treatments which involve combination of MJ and different anti-cancerous agents. The potential synergistic effect may allow reduction of the administered dose, decrease of unwanted side effects, and reduction of the likelihood that the tumor will display resistance to the combined therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Genetics and molecular biology of the inherited long QT syndrome.
Two forms of the inherited long QT syndrome have been known for many years: the autosomal recessive Jervell and Lange-Nielsen form and the autosomal dominant Romano-Ward form. A gene marker at the 11p 15.5 locus has been identified for some, but not all, families with the autosomal dominant form, but as yet the gene has not been identified. It is apparent that mutations of at least four genes, and possibly more, can cause the syndrome. The molecular biology of the syndrome is not yet clarified, but abnormalities of ion channel function are likely, particularly the potassium delayed rectifier current. Proposals for the pathophysiology include an abnormality of a G protein which controls ion channel and adrenergic pathway function, as well as a disturbance of the sympathetic nervous system. The identification of the abnormal gene(s) and the gene products will provide precise information on the molecular physiology of the syndrome. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Going to extremes: family structure, children's well-being, and social science.
In this article I argue that public discussions of demographic issues are often conducted in a troubling pattern in which one extreme position is debated in relation to the opposite extreme. This pattern impedes our understanding of social problems and is a poor guide to sound public policies. To illustrate this thesis I use the case of social scientific research examining how children are affected by not living with two biological parents while they are growing up. Over the last decade, I maintain, most of the public, and even many social scientists, have been puzzled and poorly informed by this debate. In particular I consider Judith Wallerstein's clinically based claims of the pervasive, profound harm caused by divorce and, at the other extreme, Judith Rich Harris's reading of behavioral genetics and evolutionary psychology, which leads her to dismiss the direct effects of divorce. Neither extreme gives a clear picture of the consequences of growing up in a single-parent family or a stepfamily. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Physiological and psychological effects of deception on pacing strategy and performance: a review.
The aim of an optimal pacing strategy during exercise is to enhance performance whilst ensuring physiological limits are not surpassed, which has been shown to result in a metabolic reserve at the end of the exercise. There has been debate surrounding the theoretical models that have been proposed to explain how pace is regulated, with more recent research investigating a central control of exercise regulation. Deception has recently emerged as a common, practical approach to manipulate key variables during exercise. There are a number of ways in which deception interventions have been designed, each intending to gain particular insights into pacing behaviour and performance. Deception methodologies can be conceptualised according to a number of dimensions such as deception timing (prior to or during exercise), presentation frequency (blind, discontinuous or continuous) and type of deception (performance, biofeedback or environmental feedback). However, research evidence on the effects of deception has been perplexing and the use of complex designs and varied methodologies makes it difficult to draw any definitive conclusions about how pacing strategy and performance are affected by deception. This review examines existing research in the area of deception and pacing strategies, and provides a critical appraisal of the different methodological approaches used to date. It is hoped that this analysis will inform the direction and methodology of future investigations in this area by addressing the mechanisms through which deception impacts upon performance and by elucidating the potential application of deception techniques in training and competitive settings. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Surgical anatomy of the arteries of the posterior fossa.
The development of revascularization for vertebrobasilar ischemic events has created a need to identify the best sites at which to perform bypass procedures. Since the occlusive process may selectively affect various levels of the vertebrobasilar tree, sites in different vessels must be used to reestablish flow distal to the area of occlusion. Twenty-seven unfixed human brains were obtained 4 to 8 hours post mortem, and the vertebrobasilar system was injected with polyester resin. Under a surgical microscope the outer diameter, length, and site of origin of major branches were recorded for the following arteries: vertebral, basilar, posterior inferior cerebellar (PICA), anterior inferior cerebellar (AICA), superior cerebellar (SCA), and posterior cerebral (PCA). The ideal sites for an anastomosis were identified as the pretonsillar segment of the PICA, the second portion of the AICA, the perimesencephalic segment of the SCA, and the perimesencephalic part of the PCA. Based on the anatomical observations reported here, these were the best sites because of their outer diameter, degree of mobility, least number of branches, and frequency of occurrence. Use of two of these arteries, however, may pose potential problems: although the PCA has an ideal outer diameter, it also has numerous branches to the brain stem in its most accessible site in the perimesencephalic area; and the PICA is not consistently present, being found in only 75% of the 27 specimens studied. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Previous Medicaid Expansion May Have Had Lasting Positive Effects On Oral Health Of Non-Hispanic Black Children.
Healthy tooth development starts early in life, beginning even before birth. We present new evidence suggesting that a historic public health insurance expansion for pregnant women and children in the United States in the 1980s and 1990s may have had long-lasting effects on the oral health of the children gaining eligibility. We estimated the relationship between adult oral health and the extent of state public health insurance eligibility for pregnant women, infants, and children throughout childhood separately for non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and Hispanics. We found that expanded Medicaid coverage geared toward pregnant women and children during their first year of life was linked to better oral health in adulthood among non-Hispanic blacks. Our results also suggested that there might be a benefit to expanded public health insurance eligibility for children at ages 1-6 among non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics. Medicaid expansions appear to have had long-lasting effects for certain low-income children and helped narrow racial/ethnic disparities in adult oral health. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Application of ultra-high magnetic field for saccharide molecules: 1H NMR spectra of 6-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-cyclomaltoheptaose and -cyclomaltohexaose.
1H NMR spectra of G1-alpha-CD and G1-beta-CD were recorded using a spectrometer equipped with a 21.6 T magnet. An ultra-high magnetic field was effective for detecting 1H NMR signals with a small difference in chemical shifts. Introducing a glucosyl group onto CDs as a branch caused deformation of equilibrated 1H signals of cyclodextrin. Particularly, 1H signals in branched glucose were shifted greatly. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Interictal interleukin-17A levels are elevated and correlate with seizure severity of epilepsy patients.
Interleukin 17A (IL-17A) is implicated in the pathogenesis of several neuroimmunologic diseases. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between IL-17A and seizure severity in patients with epilepsy. Seventy patients with probable symptomatic epilepsy and 68 healthy controls were included. Interictal serum IL-17A and related cytokine (IL-23, IL-6, IL-1β, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and IL-10) levels were measured. The relationship between seizure severity and cytokine concentrations was assessed by Spearman correlation and multivariate linear regression test. IL-17A levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were tested in 30 additional patients with epilepsy, either in the postictal or interictal period and 15 patients with idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating diseases (IIDDs). Interictal serum IL-17A levels were significantly elevated in patients with epilepsy compared to controls. IL-6, IFN-γ, and IL-1β levels were also markedly elevated. Spearman correlation analysis revealed positive correlation between IL-17A, IL-6 levels and Veterans Administration Seizures Frequency and Severity Rating Scale score(VA score); IFN-γ, IL-10 levels, and National Hospital Seizure Severity Scale (NHS3) score. In addition, IL-17A levels correlated significantly with seizure frequency. Multivariate linear regression test showed that only IL-17A levels were independently positively correlated with VA scores (B = 0.288, p = 0.027). Postictal IL-17A levels in the CSF were significantly elevated compared to interictal patients and patients with IIDDs. Our results suggest that interictal IL-17A levels correlated highly with seizure severity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Secondary resources and recycling in developing economies.
Recycling of metals extends the efficient use of minerals and metals, reduces pressure on environment and results in major energy savings in comparison to primary production. In developing economies recycling had been an integral part of industrial activity and has become a major concern due to the handling of potentially hazardous material without any regard to the occupational health and safety (OH&S) needs. With rising awareness and interest from policy makers, the recycling scenario is changing and the large scale enterprises are entering the recycling sector. There is widespread expectation that these enterprises would use the Best Available Technologies (BAT) leading to better environment management and enhanced resource recovery. The major challenge is to enhance and integrate the activities of other stakeholders in the value chain to make recycling an economically viable and profitable enterprise. This paper is an attempt to propose a sustainable model for recycling in the developing economies through integration of the informal and formal sectors. The main objective is to augment the existing practices using a scientific approach and providing better technology without causing an economic imbalance to the present practices. In this paper studies on lead acid batteries and e-waste recycling in India are presented to evolve a model for "green economy". | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Brain Metastases from NSCLC: Radiation Therapy in the Era of Targeted Therapies.
Brain metastases (BMs) will develop in a large proportion of patients with NSCLC throughout the course of their disease. Among patients with NSCLC with oncogenic drivers, mainly EGFR activating mutations and anaplastic lymphoma receptor tyrosine kinase gene (ALK) rearrangements, the presence of BM is a common secondary localization of disease both at the time of diagnosis and at relapse. Because of the limited penetration of a wide range of drugs across the blood-brain barrier, radiotherapy is considered the cornerstone of treatment of BMs. However, evidence of dramatic intracranial response rates has been reported in recent years with targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and has been supported by new insights into pharmacokinetics to increase rates of tyrosine kinase inhibitors' penetration of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In this context, the combination of brain radiotherapy and targeted therapies seems relevant, and there is a strong radiobiological rationale to harness the radiosentizing effect of the drugs. Nevertheless, to date, there is a paucity of high-level clinical evidence supporting the combination of brain radiotherapy and targeted therapies in patients with NSCLC and BMs, and there are often methodological biases in reported studies, such as the lack of stratification by mutation status. Moreover, among asymptomatic patients not suitable for ablative treatment, this strategy is challenged by the promising results associated with the administration of targeted therapies alone. Herein, we review the biological rationale to combine targeted therapies and brain radiotherapy for patients with NSCLC and BMs, report the clinical data available to date, and discuss future directions to improve outcome in this group of patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effects of norethindrone on the mullerian ducts of the American alligator.
Norethindrone, a reported aromatase inhibitor, has been used to examine the role of estrogens in the unilateral regression of the mullerian ducts that occurs in female chick embryos. The mullerian ducts are embryonic oviducts that regress in most male vertebrates under the influence of the testicular hormone, mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS). The ovaries of the chick also produce MIS during early development, but only the right duct regresses. Based on the finding that the left duct contains significantly more estradiol binding sites than the right duct, it has been proposed that the left duct is protected from the effects of MIS by preferentially binding estradiol from the ovaries. In support of this theory, norethindrone (0.1 and 0.5 mg) injected into the airsac of chick eggs results in regression of the left mullerian duct of female embryos, presumably by blocking the synthesis of estradiol. In the present study, it was hypothesized that crocodilians, because of the common ancestry they share with birds, would respond in a similar manner by exhibiting regression of both mullerian ducts in response to norethindrone. However, the application of norethindrone (0.5 mg) to the chorioallantoic membrane of female alligator embryos in ovo resulted in significant hypertrophy of the ducts, indicating that norethindrone had an estrogenic effect in the alligator rather than acting as an aromatase inhibitor. There was no effect of norethindrone on the gonads. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Quantitative determination of tumor blood flow and perfusion via deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in mice.
Murine RIF-1 tumor blood flow and perfusion were quantified by deuterium NMR using D2O as a freely diffusible tracer. After direct intratumor injection of D2O saline solution, the tracer (HOD) residue from the tumor was detected by deuterium NMR and the deuterium residue washout time course was then analyzed employing multicompartment flow models (S-G. Kim and J.J.H. Ackerman, manuscript submitted for publication). The mean tumor blood flow and perfusion rate was 18.5 +/- 8.5 SD ml/(100 g.min) (n = 46) when analyzed by a two-compartment in-series flow model. A number of tumors (n = 15 out of 61 total) showed a biexponential deuterium tracer washout curve. Application of a three-compartment flow model (S-G. Kim and J.J.H. Ackerman, manuscript submitted for publication) fitted the biexponential residue decay data well and yielded a mean tumor blood flow of 15.7 +/- 9.7 SD, fast- and slow-flow components of 36.8 +/- 19.8 SD and 9.7 +/- 5.8 SD ml/(100 g.min), and a fast-flow component fraction of 21 +/- 10 SD%. Small tumors of less than 0.5 cm3 had faster blood flow, 21.1 +/- 8.4 SD ml/(100 g.min) (n = 27), than large tumors of greater than 1.0 cm3, 9.4 +/- 2.9 SD ml/(100 g.min) (n = 13). The NMR measurement of tumor blood flow and perfusion was not dependent on the number of direct intratumor injection sites and was found reproducible upon repeated measurements of individual tumors. Good agreement with previous in situ photon activation H215O flow determinations was observed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hamster fibroblasts defective in thrombin-induced mitogenesis. A selection for mutants in phosphatidylinositol metabolism and other functions.
Growth of Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (CCL39) on thrombin as sole mitogen is dependent on phosphatidylinositol (PI) metabolism and activation of the Na+/H+ antiporter. By modifying a H+ suicide selection developed for the isolation of antiporter mutants in these cells, we enriched for and isolated CCL39 variants deficient in the thrombin mitogenic response (thrombin nongrowers). These mutants retain alternate mitogenic mechanisms and, hence, grow well on media containing serum. When challenged with thrombin, the mutants show decreased, increased, or unchanged levels of inositol phosphates produced as compared with wild type cells. One of the mutants (D1-6b) has decreased inositol phosphates production not only with thrombin but also with serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) and AlF4-, suggesting a defect distal to the thrombin receptors. Extracts of this mutant reveal marked decreased phospholipase C activity toward PI. From the different phenotypes of the thrombin nongrowers, it is clear that the selection is general and that mutants with various biochemical defects should lead to a better understanding of the PI cycle as well as of functions essential to mitogenesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of the immunoperoxidase monolayer assay and three commercial ELISAs for detection of antibodies against porcine circovirus type 2.
The aim of this study was to compare and correlate antibody titres against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) in porcine sera (n = 1270) obtained by immunoperoxidase monolayer assay (IPMA) with the results of three commercial ELISAs (designated E1, E2 and E3). The correlation between IPMA and ELISA results was excellent (r(2) ≥ 0.90). Compared to IPMA, E2 had the highest sensitivity (93.0%), followed by E3 (90.1%) and E1 (85.0%); the specificity was 100% for all tests. All three commercial ELISAs had predictive values similar to those of IPMA and could be used to monitor antibody responses against PCV2 infection and/or vaccination. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Associated With Severe Vitamin D Deficiency.
Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) is thought to occur due to thrombotic occlusion of the central retinal vein at or just posterior to the lamina cribrosa. Studies have shown that the incidence of CRVO may be higher in winter to early spring, suggesting that low vitamin D levels may play a role; however, no studies have measured vitamin D levels in patients with CRVO. In addition, there is mounting evidence that patients with vitamin D deficiency may be predisposed to thrombotic events. The authors report a case of central retinal vein occlusion associated with marked vitamin D deficiency. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Kinetic changes of oxidative stress and selenium status in plasma and tissues following burn injury in selenium-deficient and selenium-supplemented rats.
This study investigates the relationship between the burn-induced oxidative stress and the selenium status. The rats were fed with a selenium-adequate diet or a selenium-depleted diet for 5 weeks, before a third-degree thermal injury was applied to the animals. One group of selenium-depleted animals received injections of sodium selenite after the injury. The selenium status and the oxidative stress parameters were measured for 5 days. The selenium-deficient diet leads to oxidative stress with a high stimulation of the superoxide dismutase activity. After the burn injury, the oxidative stress appears important because the initial selenium status is already impaired and, in all animals, the selenium levels and the antioxidant seleno-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity decrease in the plasma and the tissues. A treatment with daily selenium injections is efficient in normalizing selenium levels and restores the GPx activity, but fails to counteract the initial oxidative damages induced by the selenium-deficient diet. The selenium status before the burn injury is a modulating factor of the burn-induced oxidative stress. A single selenium supplement is not sufficient to counteract these oxidative damages and henceforth combined antioxidant supplementations should be investigated to improve the early treatment of the burn patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The cellular basis for the blunted response to beta-adrenergic stimulation in supraventricular tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy.
Chronic tachycardia-induced dilated cardiomyopathy causes increased plasma catecholamines and alterations in beta-adrenergic responsiveness in vivo. However, whether isolated myocyte contractile response to beta-stimulation is directly affected by the development of cardiomyopathy and how these changes are related to alterations in the beta-adrenergic receptor system remain unclear. Accordingly, isolated myocyte function and beta-adrenergic responsiveness were examined in two groups of 12 pigs each: sham controls, and with supraventricular tachycardia induced cardiomyopathy (SVT; pace: 240 beats/min, 3 weeks). Isolated LV myocyte percent and velocity of shortening were examined at baseline, with isoproterenol (2-100 nM), and forskolin (0.1-4 microM). Baseline percent and velocity of shortening were significantly reduced with SVT compared to controls (1.6 +/- 0.1 vs 5.4 +/- 0.2%, 56 +/- 3 vs 25 +/- 1 micron/s, respectively, P < 0.05). The maximal increase in the percent and velocity of shortening with isoproterenol was significantly blunted in the SVT myocytes compared with controls (3.2 +/- 0.4 vs 9.7 +/- 1.0%, 48.0 +/- 5.3 vs 122.6 +/- 15.5 micron/s, respectively, P < 0.05). Similarly, maximal increase in the percent and velocity of shortening with forskolin were reduced with SVT compared to controls (3.3 +/- 0.4 vs 10.5 +/- 0.6%, 50.7 +/- 6.4 vs 120.1 +/- 9.7 micron/s, respectively, P < 0.05). In order to determine the cellular basis for these changes in beta-adrenergic response, myocyte structure, sarcolemmal beta-receptor density and affinity, and adenylate cyclase activity were examined. There was a 25% reduction in beta-receptor number with SVT (P < 0.05) but no change in affinity. Basal adenylate cyclase activity was lower with SVT compared to control (46 +/- 3 vs 77 +/- 10 pmol cyclic AMP/mg/min, P < 0.05), and exhibited a blunted response with both isoproterenol (1 mM; 106 +/- 19 vs 203 +/- 26 pmol cyclic AMP/mg/min, P < 0.05) and forskolin (100 microns: 209 +/- 35 vs 378 +/- 58 pmol cyclic AMP/mg/min, P < 0.05). Finally, myofibrillar content within SVT myocytes was significantly reduced from controls (43 +/- 7 vs 63 +/- 4%, P < 0.05). In summary, the cellular basis for the depressed myocyte contractile response to beta-stimulation with tachycardia induced SVT are probably due to several factors which include: decreased expression of beta-receptors, alterations in beta-receptor transduction, reduced adenylate cyclase activity, and decreased myocyte contractile protein content. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Role of CD44 in monocyte transmigration across Cryptococcus neoformans-infected blood-brain barrier in vitro].
To explore the role of CD44 in monocyte adhesion to human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) and monocyte migration across an in vitro model of blood-brain barrier (BBB) infected by Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn). An in vitro blood-brain barrier model was constructed using a transwell chamber covered with a HBMEC monolayer. The wild-type strain of Cn B4500FO2, TYCC645#32 strain with CPS1 gene deletion and PCIP strain with CPS1 complementation were chosen to infect the monolayer HBMECs. THP-1 cells were added to the upper chamber of transwell, and the relative migration rate was determined by counting the number of the cells entering the lower chambers. The inhibitory effects of anti-CD44 monoclonal antibody and the CD44 inhibitor bikunin were examined on THP-1 binding to and migration across HBMECs. Cn infection of the HBMECs caused markedly enhanced THP-1 cell adhesion and migration across the monolyers (P<0.01) dependent on Cn concentration and exposure time. Addition of anti-CD44 monoclonal antibody and bikunin significantly lowered THP-1 adhesion and migration rates in the BBB model with Cn-infected HBMECs (P<0.01) with a dose dependence of the antibody (within 0-1 µg) and inhibitor (within 0-20 nmol/L). Both THP-1 adhesion rate and migration rate were lowered in the BBB model infected with CPS1 gene-deleted Cn but increased in the model infected with the complemented strain compared with those in the wild-type strain-infected model. In the in vitro BBB model, CD44 expressed on HBMECs may play an essential role in monocyte adhesion to and migration across the BBB. The capsular hyaluronic acid may mediate Cn-induced monocyte adhesion and migration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Enhanced mental rotation ability in time-space synesthesia.
Time-space synesthesia is a variant of sequence-space synesthesia and involves the involuntary association of months of the year with 2D and 3D spatial forms, such as arcs, circles, and ellipses. Previous studies have revealed conflicting results regarding the association between time-space synesthesia and enhanced spatial processing ability. Here, we tested 15 time-space synesthetes, and 15 non-synesthetic controls matched for age, education, and gender on standard tests of mental rotation ability, spatial working memory, and verbal working memory. Synesthetes performed better than controls on our test of mental rotation, but similarly to controls on tests of spatial and verbal working memory. Results support a dissociation between visuo-spatial imagery and spatial working memory capacity, and suggest time-space synesthesia is associated only with enhanced visuo-spatial imagery. These data are consistent with the time-space connectivity thesis that time-space synesthesia results from enhanced connectivity in the parietal lobe between regions supporting the representation of temporal sequences and those underlying visuo-spatial imagery. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Not so rapid progression of peripheral vascular disease after diagnostic angiography.
It was recently reported that peripheral vascular disease may progress so rapidly after diagnostic angiography that most likely the diagnostic procedure is in some way responsible. Because flow-limiting arterial stenoses often become complete occlusions within hours or days of the diagnostic procedure, it was recommended that angioplasty be performed immediately after diagnostic angiography to avoid this complication. The authors attempted to confirm these findings before implementing this recommendation. In fact, they did not confirm the findings. Among 96 flow-limiting stenoses considered for angioplasty, the procedure was performed in 31 on the same day. Among the remaining 65 cases, in 64 the stenosis did not occlude and angioplasty was successfully performed. Only one stenosis was discovered to have thrombosed, and this occurred 3 weeks after diagnostic angiography. These results indicate that there is not such rapid progression of peripheral vascular disease after diagnostic angiography. It is not necessary to perform angioplasty of stenotic lesions emergently, and treatment is not impaired by electively scheduling the patient for the next available day. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Doppler ultrasound diagnosis of complications of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft shunts.
Doppler spectral analysis of PIFE graft shunts for haemodialysis was carried out in 20 patients. All shunts were functioning satisfactorily. One patient had severe oedema of the forearm and hand. In four of the 20 patients, stenosis of the venous anastomosis was diagnosed by Doppler examination. Retrograde venous flow in the ulnar vein at the wrist was seen in the patient with severe oedema. All patients underwent angiography and the diagnosis of stenosis and retrograde flow was confirmed. Graft arteriography has proved useful in detecting shunt lesions, but may be hazardous at the access site and for the patient. Doppler investigation in noninvasive and can detect shunt complications early and with great accuracy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Metabolic responsiveness of spontaneously hypertensive rat to isoproterenol.
The metabolic responsiveness of spontaneously hypertensive (SH) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) normotensive rats to administration of the beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol, was assessed by changes in tail-skin temperature, heart rate, and plasma glucose concentration after administration of graded doses of isoproterenol. The increases in mean tail-skin temperature accompanying administration of isoproterenol at doses of 5, 10, and 40 micrograms/kg sc were significantly (P less than 0.05) greater for SH than for WKY rats. Resting colonic temperatures of the SH rats were also significantly (P less than 0.01) higher than those of the WKY normotensive rats. Mean maximal heart rates of unanesthetized SH rats after administration of isoproterenol at doses of 5, 10, and 20 micrograms/kg sc increased to levels significantly (P less than 0.05-0.01) higher than those of WKY normotensive rats. Resting heart rates were similar in both groups. Increases in plasma glucose concentration after administration of isoproterenol at doses of 5, 10, and 20 micrograms/kg sc were significantly (P less than 0.05) greater in the SH rats compared with the WKY rats. These results suggest that the SH rat has a significantly greater metabolic responsiveness to beta-adrenergic stimulation, as assessed by three separate tests of beta-adrenergic function, than does the WKY rat. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Men's lack of knowledge adds to the cervical cancer burden in South Africa.
The purpose of the study was to determine the level of knowledge regarding cervical cancer among Black men living in Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa. A quantitative survey was conducted. The population consisted of 980 (n = 980) convenience sampled men. Self-reported data were gathered using a structured interview and a pre-tested questionnaire served as data gathering instrument. The study provided evidence that men living in Ga-Rankuwa did not have knowledge of cervical cancer. None of the sample mentioned the HPV as risk factor while some knew that having multiple sexual partners add to a woman's risk. It is, however, doubtful whether the respondents experienced themselves as those with the multiple partners. More than 90% of the sample (n = 963) reported to have had more than one sexual partner in the previous 5 years while less than a quarter indicated that they would have to change their sexual behaviour to prevent cervical cancer. Men add to the cervical cancer burden in South Africa as their knowledge would not enable them to protect their partners from HPV infections, motivate them to be screened or allow them to protect themselves against this dreadful disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Differences between the vasorelaxant activity of adenosine-receptor agonists on guinea-pig isolated aorta precontracted with noradrenaline or phenylephrine.
The relaxant effect of adenosine and 5'-(N-ethylcarboxamido)adenosine (NECA) against alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated contractile tone in guinea-pig isolated aortic rings has been examined to determine if this A2B-receptor-mediated relaxation was dependent upon the contracting agent, and whether the contractions were dependent upon intracellular or extracellular calcium. Relaxation responses were consistently greater for aortic rings pre-contracted with phenylephrine (3x10(-6) M) than for rings pre-contracted with noradrenaline (3x10(-6) M). Maximum inhibition by NECA was significantly greater for phenylephrine-contracted aortae than for noradrenaline-contracted (81.9+/-2.8% compared with 25.0+/-1.5%). These differences persisted in the presence of beta- and alpha2-adrenoceptor blockade and could not, therefore, be attributed to stimulation of these receptors by noradrenaline. The ratio of the contractions obtained before and in the presence of adenosine or NECA was compared with the control ratio obtained before and after vehicle. Experiments were performed both in the presence of normal calcium levels and under calcium-free conditions. In normal-calcium medium, NECA inhibited phenylephrine-induced contractions (test ratio, 76.7+/-3.9%; control ratio, 133.1+/-9.8%) to a greater extent than noradrenaline-induced contractions (108.4+/-4.1 and 123.4+/-4.9%); adenosine similarly inhibited phenylephrine-induced contractions more than those induced by noradrenaline. Under calcium-free conditions, adenosine (36.7+/-11.9 and 110.7+/-26.6%) and NECA (55.2+/-9.1 and 87.1+/-14.9%) were only effective against phenylephrine-induced contractions. This suggests that activation of the A2B-receptor by these agonists inhibited intracellular mobilization of calcium for phenylephrine-induced contractions only. The effects on extracellular calcium influx were examined for phenylephrine- and noradrenaline-induced contractions in normal-calcium medium but in the presence of ryanodine to prevent intracellular calcium mobilization. NECA inhibited phenylephrine-induced contractions (77.3+/-12.4 and 111.4+/-9.3%), presumably by interfering with influx of calcium through receptor-operated calcium channels. In contrast, NECA failed to reduce noradrenaline-induced contractions (121.5+/-10.7 and 122.4+/-11.6%), suggesting that the effect on noradrenaline is predominantly via interaction with intracellular calcium. Adenosine was consistently a more effective relaxant than NECA, possibly because of an additional intracellular component of the response. We conclude that adenosine receptor agonists inhibit phenylephrine-induced contractions of guinea-pig aorta more selectively than noradrenaline-induced contractions. A2B-receptor stimulation might reveal a fundamental difference between the modes of contraction elicited by these two alpha-adrenoceptor agonists. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In vitro contamination of hair by marijuana smoke.
The deposition of cannabinoids on/into hair from environmental smoke can be considered as a potential source of drug findings in hair. We studied external uptake of cannabinoids from marijuana smoke, investigating possible influencing factors on drug uptake and the efficiency of decontamination procedures. Strands of a natural hair sample were moistened with water, greased with sebum or sebum/sweat, or bleached or permed. Treated and untreated samples were exposed to marijuana smoke for 60 min. Aliquots of each hair strand were either kept unwashed or were washed with methanol, dichloromethane, or 5 g/L dodecyl sulfate in water. Cannabinoid concentrations in unwashed and washed hair samples, as well as in air samples collected from the exposure chamber and in the marijuana sample being combusted, were quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry or gas chromatography. Cannabinoids were deposited on the hair fibers from marijuana smoke. Cannabinoid concentrations were dependent on air concentration and hair pretreatment. Uptake was less in untreated than in pretreated hair. Concentrations were increased in damp hair, but were even higher in greased hair. There was no significant difference in concentration between bleached and permed strands. External contaminants were completely removed by washing with methanol and dichloromethane in untreated hair only. Washing with dodecyl sulfate in water was insufficient in all cases. Exposures of hair to marijuana smoke yields detectable cannabinoids depending on concentrations in the air, hair care habits, and cosmetic treatment. Environmental marijuana smoke exposure may produce false-positive or falsely increased test results in hair. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Benefit of the addition of hormone therapy to neoadjuvant anthracycline-based chemotherapy for breast cancer: comparison of predicted and observed pCR.
Neoadjuvant hormonal therapy is generally considered a valid option for hormone receptor positive breast cancer (BC) patients who are unfit for chemotherapy or surgery. Whilst numerous studies analyzed efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT) or endocrine therapy (HT) alone in hormone receptor positive patients, there is a lack of research looking at the usefulness of a preoperative combinatorial approach of CT and HT in this patient subgroup. Using a predictive model previously described in the literature, developed to analyze the probability of benefit from preoperative chemotherapy, we were able to compare pathological complete response (pCR) rates expected with the use of CT alone with the pCR rates reported in a population of 192 patients treated with the combination of tamoxifen plus anthracycline-based CT at Cremona Hospital between 2003 and 2006. Even with a relatively small patient population, this approach provided insightful information for the selection of hormone receptor positive BC patients most likely to benefit from the use of preoperative HT and CT in combination. Whilst no statistically significant benefit was obtained with the addition of tamoxifen to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the entire population, or in any of the molecular stratification subgroups, the analysis of the calibration curve showed that a combinatorial approach may improve pCR in patients with luminal B tumors. More specific trials should be designed to confirm our initial results. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report investigating the efficacy of the combination of CT and HT in the neoadjuvant treatment of hormone receptor positive BC. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evidence that essential thrombocythemia is a clonal disorder with origin in a multipotent stem cell.
Essential thrombocythemia is characterized by proliferation of hematopoietic tissue predominantly involving megakaryocytes and resulting in marked thrombocytosis. The disorder has some clinical and laboratory features that resemble those seen in the clonal multipotent stem cell disorders chronic myelogenous leukemia, polycythemia vera, and agnogenic myeloid metaplasia. It has been argued that essential thrombocythemia should be classified together with those disorders as a myeloproliferative syndrome. However, without knowledge of the numbers and types of cells that are involved in essential thrombocythemia, this suggestion remains speculative. Three patients with thrombocytosis were studied. The diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia was considered to be firm in two patients and probable in the third one. The X-linked glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase locus was used as a cell marker. Whereas both A and B types of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were found in nonhematopoietic tissues, only a single-enzyme type was found in the granulocytes, red cells, and platelets from each patient. These data indicate that the disorders in these three patients are clonal and involve multipotent stem cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry for skin phototype determination.
The Fitzpatrick skin phototype classification scheme has become the standard method for assessing the reaction of the skin to solar stimuli; this method can be easily biased by different factors, such as ethnicity or chronic sun exposure. Diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry (DRS) is an objective and non-invasive method used in this work to determine constitutive skin color from the upper volar arm as an objective way of measuring skin pigmentation. A DRS-determined melanin index that accounts for skin pigmentation was obtained for 35 subjects of Hispanic origin, this melanin index was compared with the physician-diagnosed and self-reported skin phototypes. The results show that at least for Hispanic individuals, there is a clear clinical distinction between subjects with skin phototype I and their DRS-determined melanin index; however, subjects with skin phototypes II-VI have a large melanin index overlap. Clinical assessment of skin phototype can be complemented by using DRS. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Phase behaviour in monolayers and in water dispersions of mixtures of dimannosyl diacylglycerol with phosphatidylglycerol.
Mixtures of dimannosyl diacylglycerol, extracted from the membrane of Micrococcus luteus, with synthetic dipalmitoyl phosphatidylglycerol or with samples of phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol, extracted from the same bacterium, have been studied. Through a monolayer (pi, delta V) study and from fluorescence polarization data relative to diphenylhexatriene embedded in vesicles of the mixed lipids, it is shown that the glycolipid interacts with the phospholipids. These interactions are independent of the structure and physical state of the phospholipid acyl chains, of the lipid molecular packing and of the nature of the cations (monovalent, bivalent) present in the aqueous phase. No phase separation was detected, either in monolayers or in water dispersions. Furthermore, the data presented demonstrated a marked influence of the glycolipid on the phase behaviour of phosphatidylglycerol, both in the presence of monovalent (Na+, K+) and bivalent (Ca2+, Mg2+) cations. This point is of particular interest with regard to the highly rigid phase this phospholipid is known to assume in the presence of bivalent cations. It is then suggested that the glycolipid could act as a regulator of the membrane fluidity by preventing a too high rigidity of the lipid phase when bivalent cations are present at the membrane surface. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Increasing trend of spina bifida and decreasing birth weight in relation to declining body-mass index of young women in Japan.
We analyzed the existing data from various surveys on the prevalence of spina bifida, birth weight, and body-mass index (BMI), dietary intake, and smoking habits of Japanese young women. We found that the increasing trend of the prevalence of spina bifida paralleled with the decrease in birth weight, and the decrease in BMI and dietary energy intake and the increase in smoking rate among women of childbearing age. The decreased energy intake is likely due to their distorted self-body image. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that lowering BMI in young women led to increasing prevalence of spina bifida and smaller babies in Japan. This low dietary intake possibly leads to poor folate nutritional status, a risk factor for the development of spina bifida, and increased smoking potentially accelerates these undesirable outcomes. Our hypothesis can be tested using two simultaneous approaches. The first step is an extensive educational campaign for young women to stop smoking, have a realistic body image and eat a sufficient balanced diet. Government officials and health-care workers are encouraged to establish an agenda to educate young women with emphasis on the importance of adequate nutrition during the critical period of reproduction. Together with this campaign, the distribution of folic acid tablets for the prevention of spina bifida can be tried in women of childbearing age through local health centers, which have been well established in Japan. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration with motor neuron disease showing severe and circumscribed atrophy of anterior temporal lobes.
Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is characterized by a variety of behavioral and psychiatric symptoms based on the dysfunction of frontal and/or temporal lobes. A 63-year-old Japanese man without a family history of neurological diseases developed progressive symptoms of frontotemporal dementia, followed by motor neuron disease (MND). Brain magnetic resonance images demonstrated severe atrophy in the anterior temporal lobes from early clinical stage. The symptoms got rapidly worsened and the patient died of respiratory failure 1year 8months after the disease onset. A postmortem study revealed severe and circumscribed atrophy in the anterior temporal lobes, and histological examination disclosed marked neuronal loss with many neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions which were immunoreactive for ubiquitin antibodies and phosphorylated TAR DNA-binding protein of 43kDa (TDP-43) antibodies in hippocampal dentate granule cells and amygdalae, as well as a few neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions without dystrophic neurites in the temporal neocortex. This case report showed typical features of FTLD-MND in clinical course and TDP-43 pathology with unusual severity and distribution of cerebral atrophy, suggesting a unique manifestation of FTLD-MND. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Differential fluorescence of sister chromatids in chicken embryos exposed to 5-bromodeoxyuridine.
Differential fluorescence of sister chromatids (SCD) and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) were visualized in chromosomes obtained directly from growing chicken embryos. SCD was obtained by exposing 3-day embryos to BrdU (12.5-50 mug) in ovo for 26 hours and staining air dried chromosome preparations with 33258 Hoechst. Bright, stable fluorescence and continued SCD were achieved if slides were mounted in McIlvaine's pH 4.4 buffer. Embryo growth, mitotic activity and gross chromosome morphology were not adversely altered by the BrdU treatments. The SCE rate was estimated to be 0.07 SCEs per macrochromosome and 0.75 SCEs per metaphase for two cell cycles. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intensive sex partying with gamma-hydroxybutyrate: factors associated with using gamma-hydroxybutyrate for chemsex among Australian gay and bisexual men - results from the Flux Study.
Background Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) use among gay and bisexual men (GBM) has increased in recent years. It is commonly cited as a sexual-enhancement drug. There is, however, little evidence for factors associated with GHB use or the consequences of its use among GBM. Factors associated with GHB use, its relationship to sexual risk behaviour, and the contexts, consequences, and motivations for its use were examined. The Following Lives Undergoing Change (Flux) Study is an online prospective observational study of Australian GBM. At baseline, a total of 3190 GBM provided details about their use of GHB. Data on frequency, methods, pleasures and consequences of their drug use, alongside key demographic variables were collected. Mean age was 35.0 years. One in five men (19.5%) had a history of GHB use and 5.4% reported use within the past 6 months, with 2.7% having used it monthly or more frequently. Overdose had been experienced by 14.7%, this was more common among men who used GHB at least monthly. Being HIV-positive, having more gay friends, greater social engagement with gay men who use drugs, a greater number of sexual partners, group sex, and condomless anal intercourse with casual partners were independently associated with GHB use in the past 6 months. Greater social engagement with gay men who use drugs and group sex were independently associated with at least monthly use. More frequent GHB use was independently associated with experiencing overdose among GHB users. Most men used GHB infrequently and it was often used explicitly to enhance sexual experiences, often in the context of intensive sex partying. Men who used GHB frequently, were at greater risk of overdose and other negative health outcomes. GHB use should be considered alongside other drugs that have been implicated in sexual risk behaviour and HIV transmission. Harm-reduction interventions need to consider the particular impact of frequent GHB use. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Multi-level signaling in the Stokes space and its application to large-capacity optical communications.
The Stokes vector of an optical signal does not depend on its absolute phase; therefore, we can construct the phase-insensitive optical communication system, using the Stokes vector as a modulation parameter. In such a system, multi-level optical signals can effectively be designed in the three-dimensional Stokes space and demodulated either by direct detection or by coherent detection, where low-complexity digital-signal processing (DSP) is employed. Although this system has the disadvantage that adaptive equalizers can hardly be implemented in the digital domain, it is still an attractive solution to large-capacity (≥ 100 Gbit/s) and medium-or short-reach (≤ 100 km) transmission. In this paper, we discuss the receiver configuration for the multi-level signal in the Stokes space and the efficient DSP algorithm for demodulating such a signal. Simulation results demonstrate that 2-, 4-, 8-, 16-, and 32-ary signals in the Stokes space have good bit-error rate (BER) characteristics. Especially, the 16-ary signal at the moderate symbol rate of 25 Gsymbol/s can reach the bit rate of 100 Gbit/s even by using direct detection. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Characteristics of Guatemalan migration of the Soconusco region in the State of Chiapas].
This paper describes and analyzes the main characteristics identified in seasonal Guatemalan workers who migrate every year to coffee plantations in the Sosonusco region in the state of Chiapas. Stress is placed on the disadvantageous working and living conditions of said population in their original areas of residence, as a necessary referent for understanding the nature and function of seasonal migratory work as a part of a social sector whose living conditions are marked by poverty. The data utilized for the analysis were obtained through a survey carried out in the 1986-1987 harvest season, in which 591 migrants working in 13 ejido or privately-owned productive units in the municipalities of Tapachula and Union Juarez were interviewed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
MGMT expression and promoter methylation status may depend on the site of surgical sample collection within glioblastoma: a possible pitfall in stratification of patients?
We recently described a three-layer concentric model of a glioblastoma (GBM) related to a specific distribution of molecular and phenotypic characteristics driven by the intratumoral hypoxic gradient in which the cancer stem cells niche is located in the hypoxic necrotic core of the tumour. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status and MGMT expression in GBM samples collected according to the three-layer concentric model. Multiple tissue samples were obtained, by means of image-guided surgery, from the three concentric layers of newly diagnosed GBM. Two samples from each layer were collected from 12 patients (total 72 samples). Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples. The methylation status of the MGMT promoter was determined by methylation-specific polymerase-chain-reaction analysis. In all tumours, MGMT protein expression decreased progressively from the inner to the outer layer, and methylation of the MGMT promoter was unrelated to tumour layer. In particular, the MGMT promoter was unmethylated in all layers in 41.7% of tumours, methylated in all layers in 25%, and variably methylated in the three layers in 33.3%. We recorded concordance between MGMT expression and MGMT promoter methylation status within the GBM in only 58.8% of the samples collected. Our data suggest that both MGMT expression and promoter methylation data may be variable throughout GBM and that they may, consequently, depend on the site of surgical sample collection, even in the same patient. However, whereas MGMT expression is pre-operatively predictable when sampling is performed according to the three-layer concentric model, MGMT promoter methylation is not. These results must be considered when sample collection is performed for assessment of MGMT data. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prospective study of accuracy and outcome of emergency ultrasound for abdominal aortic aneurysm over two years.
Determination of the presence of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is essential in the management of the symptomatic emergency department (ED) patient. To identify whether emergency ultrasound of the abdominal aorta (EUS-AA) by emergency physicians could accurately determine the presence of AAA and guide ED disposition. This was a prospective, observational study at an urban ED with more than 100,000 annual patient visits with consecutive patients enrolled over a two-year period. All patients suspected to have AAA underwent standard ED evaluation consisting of EUS-AA, followed by a confirmatory imaging study or laparotomy. AAA was defined as any measured diameter greater than 3 cm. Demographic data, results of confirmatory testing, and patient outcome were collected by retrospective review. A total of 125 patients had EUS-AA performed over a two-year period. The patient population had the following characteristics: average age 66 years, male 54%, hypertension 56%, coronary artery disease 39%, diabetes 22%, and peripheral vascular disease 14%. Confirmatory tests included radiology ultrasound, 28/125 (22%); abdominal computed tomography, 95/125 (76%); abdominal magnetic resonance imaging, 1/125 (1%); and laparotomy, 1/125 (1%). AAA was diagnosed in 29/125 (23%); of those, 27/29 patients had AAA on confirmatory testing. EUS-AA had 100% sensitivity (95% CI = 89.5 to 100), 98% specificity (95% CI = 92.8 to 99.8), 93% positive predictive value (27/29), and 100% negative predictive value (96/96). Admission rate for the study group overall was 70%. Immediate operative management was considered in 17 of 27 (63%) patients with AAA; ten patients were taken to the operating room. EUS-AA in a symptomatic population for AAA is sensitive and specific. These data suggest that the presence of AAA on EUS-AA should guide urgent consultation. Emergency physicians were able to exclude AAA regardless of disposition from the ED. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Structural and diffusion characterizations of steam-stable mesostructured zeolitic UL-ZSM-5 materials.
A series of mesoporous UL-ZSM-5 materials (Si/Al = 50) with different micro- and mesoporosity as well as crystallinity was prepared following the procedure proposed in one of our recent studies (Trong-On, D.; Kaliaguine, S. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2001, 40, 3248-3251. Trong-On, D.; Kaliaguine, S. U.S. Patent 6,669,924, B1, 2003). These materials have zeolitic structure in the form of nanoparticles intergrown in the walls of the amorphous wormhole-like aluminosilicate mesopores of Al-Meso-50, which was used as a precursor in the synthesis. The structure, crystallinity, and textural properties of the synthesized materials, as well as a reference ZSM-5 zeolite sample, were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM)/scanning electron microscoy (SEM) analyses, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 27Al magic angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and nitrogen adsorption/desorption techniques. The acid properties were examined by FTIR of adsorbed pyridine. UL-ZSM-5 materials were shown to be highly hydrothermally stable. The diffusion of two C7 hydrocarbons, i.e., n-heptane and toluene, in four UL-ZSM-5 materials with different microporosities, related acidities, and crystallinities were investigated using the zero-length column (ZLC) method. Furthermore, the wormhole-like mesostructured aluminosilicate precursor (Al-Meso-50) and a reference MFI zeolite sample were also investigated using the same technique. A theoretical model considering a combination of mesopore diffusion (with surface slip in the main channels) with an activated, mainly surface diffusion mechanism in the intrawall biporous structure, was proposed and employed to interpret the experimental ZLC results. A classical Knudsen type of diffusion was replaced by an activated surface slip type of diffusion mechanism in the mesopores. The transport of n-heptane in UL-ZSM-5 materials was found to be mainly controlled by mesopore diffusion in the main-channel structure, while that of toluene was dominated by the intrawall diffusion process. Diffusion activation energies of n-heptane are about 2 times higher in comparison to toluene, which has a larger kinetic diameter. The main mesopore channel structure seems to appreciably contribute to the overall mass transport. Furthermore, the effect of hydrothermal treatment (20% steam at 800 degrees C for 24 h) on the diffusion of these two sorbates on UL-ZSM-5 materials was also evaluated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of the cardiovascular effects of isoflurane and sevoflurane as measured by magnetic resonance imaging in children with congenital heart disease.
To compare the cardiovascular effects of isoflurane and sevoflurane at minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) = 1 in children with congenital heart disease using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Randomized, crossover, single-blinded study. Tertiary-care teaching hospital. 10 pediatric patients with congenital heart diseases scheduled to undergo cardiac magnetic resonance studies. Patients were randomized to receive either isoflurane or sevoflurane as the "first inhalation agent." After a period or more than 20 minutes, they were crossed over to receive the "second inhalation agent." Heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac index, stroke volume index, and ejection fraction (EF) at one MAC for both agents were all recorded. Both isoflurane and sevoflurane caused a significant decrease in MAP from the baseline (P = 0.013). The mean values (+/-SD) of stroke volume (mL), cardiac index (L min(-1) m(-2)), and EF (%) for isoflurane versus sevoflurane were 21.5 (+/-9.2) versus 19.6 (+/-6.2), 4.1 (+/-1.2) versus 3.7 (+/-0.87), and 64.2 (+/-14.5) versus 62.5 (+/-13.8), respectively. Both isoflurane and sevoflurane were found to be comparable in terms of cardiovascular effects. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Multidisciplinary therapy for focal spasticity treatment].
For treating focal dystonias and spastic syndromes local intramuscular injections of botulinum toxin type A (BTA) are the method of choice. The therapy aims to reduce disabling dystonic and spastic movement disorders, ease care and personal hygiene, reduce pain, and improve quality of life. With respect to functional improvement from and accuracy of BTA-injection, treatment results in spasticity often profits from electrical or sonographical guidance of BTA injection in addition to active time localized training methods (physio- and occupational therapy). Since we know that only active synapses binds BTA (receptor is located in the acetylcholine vesicle) further therapeutic methods should also be employed to enhance efficacy of BTA, especially casting and splinting electrical stimulation, for muscle activation and regaining of normal length of spastic muscules are recommended. The goals of focal therapy for spasticity should be discussed with the patient and family members to guarantee maximum results from the coordinated multidisciplinary effort of BTA-treatment in disabling spasticity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of psychological symptoms in post-cryptogenic cerebral-vascular accident (CVA) and/or transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients who have undergone foramen ovale closure, and in post-CVA patients.
The patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a controversial risk factor for CVA or TIA. In our center, adult PFO patients diagnosed with post cryptogenic CVA/TIA undergo trans-catheter closure of the PFO to decrease the risk of recurrent stroke. The aim of the study was to compare levels of functioning, depression and anxiety in post PFO closure patients following cryptogenic CVA/TIA and in other patients post CVA/TIA without PFO. Eighty-nine patients who had undergone trans-catheter PFO closure and 56 non-PFO post-CVA patients completed demographic, functioning, anxiety and depression questionnaires. Additional medical data were recorded from the medical files. Patients who had undergone trans-catheter PFO closure post CVA or TIA reported better level of functioning and substantially lower levels of depression and anxiety. The 70% of depression and 55% of anxiety variances were explained by female gender, older age, lower education, lower functioning level and additional health problems. Functioning level was the strongest contributor to the explained variance of psychological symptoms. We conclude that patients who have undergone trans-catheter PFO closure following cryptogenic CVA/TIA, which may prevent stroke recurrence, show good functioning and low levels of psychological symptoms. The procedure helps to keep these patients in a good physical and psychological health. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
LiMnPO4-olivine deposited on a nanoporous alloy as an additive-free electrode for lithium ion batteries.
A new strategy for the fabrication of binder- and carbon-free electrodes for lithium ion batteries is demonstrated. The strategy is based on the employment of a nanoporous metallic structure as a mechanically stable and conductive scaffold inside of which an active material is directly grown. The porous metallic structures with the pore size on the nanometric scale were obtained by de-alloying microcrystalline Cu60Ag30Al10, applying the method of selective dissolution of the less noble metals from the alloy. The active material of choice is LiMnPO4-olivine, which displays higher energy density in comparison with the well-known LiFePO4 (701 W h kg-1versus 586 W h kg-1). The improved electrode capacity can be explained by the enhanced diffusion of Li+ into LiMnPO4, achieved by decreasing the size of the phospho-olivine particles, incorporated inside the pores of the metallic structure. This approach enables to us perform the precise engineering of the particle size, which in turn contributes to the improvement of the electrochemical properties of phospho-olivines. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nutritional status, energy and protein intake in general medical patients in three Nordic hospitals.
The energy and protein intake before and during hospitalization was studied in 56 elderly patients (age 70 +/- 9 yr) admitted to general medical service in three Nordic hospitals. Nutritional status at admission was evaluated using weight index, arm muscle circumference, triceps skinfold, serum albumin, total iron-binding capacity, haemoglobin and serum iron levels. A history of food intake before hospitalization was taken at admission. Food intake during hospital stay was estimated from precise weighing and recording and intake of energy and protein calculated. On admission, 16 patients (28.5 per cent) had three or more of the studied nutritional parameters below reference value. Mean energy intake for men at home and in hospital was 10.0 +/- 2.3 MJ/d and 7.1 +/- 1.3 MJ/d, respectively, and for women 7.8 +/- 1.7 MJ/d and 6.6 +/- 1.4 MJ/d, respectively. Mean protein intake for men at home and in hospital was 72 +/- 19 g/d and 74 +/- 15 g/d, respectively, and for women 60 +/- 15 g/d and 68 +/- 13 g/d, respectively. In patients with a hospital stay exceeding two weeks a correlation between changes in body weight and energy intake was found. Likelihood of developing undernutrition during hospitalization, defined as a daily energy intake below 90 kJ/kg BW per day, was seen in 20 patients (36 per cent). The data obtained indicate that at least 120 kJ/kg should be regarded as necessary to maintain body weight in elderly general medical patients. It reveals the importance of regular nutritional assessment of these patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Unrestricted somatic stem cells from human umbilical cord blood can be differentiated into neurons with a dopaminergic phenotype.
Recently, it has been shown that human unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSCs) from umbilical cord blood represent pluripotent, neonatal, nonhematopoietic stem cells with the potential to differentiate into the neural lineage. However, molecular and functional characterization of the neural phenotype and evaluation of the degree of maturity of the resulting cells are still lacking. In this study, we addressed the question of neuronal differentiation and maturation induced by a defined composition of growth and differentiation factors (XXL medium). We demonstrated the expression of different neuronal markers and their enrichment in USSC cultures during XXL medium incubation. Furthermore, we showed enrichment of USSCs expressing tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), an enzyme specific for dopaminergic neurons and other catecholamine-producing neurons, accompanied by induction of Nurr1, a factor regulating dopaminergic neurogenesis. The functionality of USSCs has been analyzed by patch-clamp recordings and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Voltage-gated sodium-channels could be identified in laminin-predifferentiated USSCs. In addition, HPLC analysis revealed synthesis and release of the neurotransmitter dopamine by USSC-derived cells, thus correlating well with the detection of TH transcripts and protein. This study provides novel insight into the potential of unrestricted somatic stem cells from human umbilical cord blood to acquire a neuronal phenotype and function. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Korean analytical quality assurance (KAQUA) program for biological monitoring.
The Korean analytical quality assurance (KAQUA) program on biological monitoring was performed by the Industrial Health Research Institute in Korea in spring, 1995. The object of the KAQUA program is to improve the analysis capability for the biological monitoring of hazardous chemicals and to confirm the reliability of data from each laboratory. The items chosen for the first round were analyses of lead in blood (PbB) and of hippuric acid in urine (HAU). Eighty-eight laboratories in Korea participated in this program. Two levels of samples, randomly chosen among six levels for each item, were sent to the participants. The consensus value from participants and reference laboratories was determined by statistical analysis and used as a reference value. The tolerance range was +/-15% (+/-6 micrograms/dl for PbB below 40 micrograms/dl) of the reference value. The mean proficiency rate of analytical data increased dramatically in the first round compared with a pre-round that was provided as part of a training course for participants before performing the first round. The mean proficiency rate of PbB was 69% at pre-round and increased at 91% at the first round; for HAU the increase was from 58% to 88%. Not only the analytical results but also raw data were reviewed to find problems which might have arisen during the analytical process. Re-education courses provided after final evaluation of each participant by means of telephone discussion, correspondence course, and experimental practice, were helpful in achieving the purpose of the analytical quality assurance program. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Stability of square oscillations in a delayed-feedback system.
A semianalytical theory of the stability of odd-harmonic square oscillation modes of a nonlinear delayed-feedback system operating in the period-2 regime is proposed. Stability is found to be ruled by how the system approaches or leaves plateaus. An organization of the stability domains in interrupted bands of values of the delay is revealed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Bioavailability of medication delivered via nasogastric tube is decreased in the immediate postoperative period.
A study was performed to determine bioavailability of medication delivered via nasogastric tube in patients after abdominal surgery. Acetaminophen (20 mg/kg) was administered to each patient per os at least 48 hours prior to abdominal surgery and via nasogastric tube 3 hours postoperatively. The nasogastric tube was clamped for 30 minutes after drug administration, prior to resuming suction. Serum levels of acetaminophen were measured 0, 40, and 90 minutes after each dose. Acetaminophen levels were significantly lower (P < 0.001) when the drug was administered via nasogastric tube postoperatively. Decreased bioavailability of medications delivered via nasogastric tube may have important clinical implications and should be taken into consideration during the postoperative period. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Switchable catalysis: modular synthesis of functionalized Pyrimidinones via selective sulfide and halide cross-coupling chemistry.
[reaction: see text] A general demonstration of orthogonal selectivity of the Liebeskind-Srogl cross-coupling protocol compared to the Suzuki-Miyaura and Stille variants is reported. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Introduction of period employment for women workers.
Henan Province, Shenyang City, and Zhuzhou City have introduced a new labor system called period employment for women workers. Under the system, women workers can request leave of up to seven years from the beginning of pregnancy to the day when their children enter primary school. During the official three-month maternity leave, they are paid their full salary; for the remainder of their leave they are paid 70% of their salary. Women workers are also authorized to retire at age 40 or 45. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
How task complexity and stimulus modality affect motor execution: target accuracy, response timing and hesitations.
Elite sports players are characterized by the ability to produce successful outcomes while attending to changing environmental conditions. Few studies have assessed whether the perceptual environment affects motor skill execution. To test the effect of changing task complexity and stimulus conditions, the authors examined response times and target accuracy of 12 elite Australian football players using a passing-based laboratory test. Data were assessed using mixed modeling and chi-square analyses. No differences were found in target accuracy for changes in complexity or stimulus condition. Decision, movement and total disposal time increased with complexity and decision hesitations were greater when distractions were present. Decision, movement and disposal time were faster for auditory in comparison to visual signals, and when free to choose, players passed more frequently to auditory rather than visual targets. These results provide perspective on how basic motor control processes such as reaction and response to stimuli are influenced in a complex motor skill. Findings suggest auditory stimuli should be included in decision-making studies and may be an important part of a decision-training environment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) in the treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)
The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) in chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Eleven patients with chronic cutaneous GVHD were studied. Four had mucosal involvement and five had pulmonary involvement. All had failed to improve on first- and second-line therapy. Three patients received ECP alone; the remainder continued to receive steroids and/or immunosuppressive therapy. Patients received ECP twice monthly for 4 months and then once monthly for 3 months. They were evaluated by serial skin scores, mucosal and skin photography, pulmonary function tests, biochemical and haematological parameters. Nine patients showed objective evidence of cutaneous improvement with a mean reduction in skin score of 48% overall. In the 10th patient, skin scores and oral involvement improved on twice monthly ECP but deteriorated when reduced to once monthly. The final patient died from renal failure secondary to cyclosporin toxicity. Two out of five patients with lung involvement showed a mild improvement in pulmonary function tests. Liver function tests were abnormal in five patients; they improved in one and deteriorated in three. All patients receiving concomitant immunosuppressive/steroid therapy were able to reduce drug dosages by trial completion. Our results indicate that ECP can benefit patients with cutaneous and mucosal chronic GVHD who have failed on first- and second-line therapies. The effect on the systemic manifestations of GVHD is less consistent. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
DRβ1*1501, DQβ1*0602 donor allelic haplotype and humoral antibody episodes of acute renal allograft rejection.
The present investigation was designed to show the effect of molecular HLA class II DR and DQ allelic differences between donor and recipient on humoral antibody rejection identified by C4d peritubular capillary staining. The hypothesis is that expression of the DRβ1*1501, DQβ1*0602 allele in the donor kidney increases the likelihood of humoral antibody rejection. We found that 67% (n=18) of DR15 and/or DQ6 haplotype donor kidneys induced humoral antibody renal allograft rejection; 35% (n=40) of DR15 and/or DQ6 haplotype donor kidneys failed to induce humoral antibody renal allograft rejection (p=0.02). 42% (n=31) of C4d+ recipients had donors with DR15; 17% (n=42) of C4d recipients had donors with HLA-DR15 (p=0.01).We compared donor haplotype alleles of 4 C4d+ with 6 C4d- recipients by high resolution molecular typing; 3 of 4 C4d+ recipients had a donor with the DRβ1*1501/DQβ1*0602 allele. This allele was absent in all C4d- donors. 35% of C4d+ recipients had 2 DR mismatches when compared to 36% of C4d- recipients. Our results, suggest that the DRβ1*1501, DQβ1*0602 allele in the donor kidney increases the risk of humoral antibody episodes of acute rejection, and signals the need for C4d staining of renal biopsies. Future analysis of additional donor and recipient haplotypes will establish whether or not this is a useful predictor of humoral rejection episodes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of head size on diffusion tensor imaging.
Head size markedly differs among individuals. To our knowledge, there have been no studies that systematically investigated the effect of head size on diffusion tensor measures of the brain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of head size or total intracranial volume on diffusion tensor measures (FA and MD). A total of 821 normal subjects (304 females and 517 males) were included in this study. We investigated the effect of total intracranial volume on FA and MD mainly using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS). There were a number of regions where FA or MD was significantly correlated with total intracranial volume. There was no significant interaction between total intracranial volume and sex. The results indicate that total intracranial volume significantly influences diffusion tensor measures such as FA and MD. The possible explanations of the relationship between diffusion tensor measures and total intracranial volume may be 'partial volume effects' or micro-architectural differences related to head size. When total intracranial volumes are significantly different between groups, it may be necessary to control for total intracranial volume in the statistical analysis, depending on the hypothesis being tested. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An evolutionarily conserved mechanism for microRNA-223 expression revealed by microRNA gene profiling.
Many microRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved and have intriguing expression patterns. Tissue and/or time-specific expressions of some miRNAs are presumably controlled by unique cis-acting regulatory elements that coevolved with the miRNA sequences. Exploiting bioinformatics, we identified several miRNAs whose primary transcripts could be regulated by conserved genomic elements proximal to their transcription start sites. Such miRNAs include microRNA-223 (miR-223), which is reportedly controlled by a unique regulatory mechanism during granulopoiesis. Here, we define a mechanism distinct from that previously proposed to regulate miR-223 expression. We find that the mir-223 gene resembles a "myeloid gene" and might be driven by the myeloid transcription factors, PU.1 and C/EBPs. This mechanism is specified by the conserved proximal cis-regulatory element and might be common among different species. Hence, it needs to be considered that two distinct mechanisms that would play critical roles in myeloid functions and differentiation are actually concerned with the regulation of miR-223. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The safety of immunotherapy during pregnancy.
A group of 121 pregnancies from 90 atopic mothers who had received immunotherapy during pregnancy were studied retrospectively with the use of physician or maternal questionnaires and obstetric records. The incidence of prematurity, toxemia, abortion, neonatal death, and congenital malformation was no greater than that for the general population. The offspring of the treated mothers developed allergic disease as frequently as children born into allergic families. A group of 147 untreated pregnancies of atopic mothers were similarly studied, and the incidence of those parameters were similar except for a greater incidence of abortion. The implications of these findings are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Lumbosacral dysplasias].
By means of some selected examples, the myelographic and CT characteristics are presented of different lumbosacral dysplasias. The advantage of the different methods of examination (CT, CT myelography and myelography) and the improved presentation of pathological-anatomical details by means of a combination of these methods in the diagnosis of hyperplasia of the filum terminale, diastematomyelia, tethered conus, intracorporeal and anterior sacral meningocele are shown. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Portuguese Observational Study of Ischaemic Stroke in Patients Medicated with Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants.
Clinical trials and subsequent meta-analyses showed advantages of non-vitamin K antagonists oral anticoagulants (NOACs) over vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The impact of preadmission anticoagulation in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) has not been established. To compare functional outcome of patients with AIS with preadmission NOACs vs. VKAs. A retrospective analysis was conducted on consecutive AIS patients under oral anticoagulation (VKAs or NOACs) admitted in 4 Portuguese hospitals within a period of 30 months. Two primary outcomes were defined and compared between VKA and NOAC groups: symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage transformation (sICH) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3 months. Four hundred sixty-nine patients were included, of whom 332 (70.8%) were treated with VKA and 137 (29.2%) with NOAC. Patients' median age was 78.0 and 234 (49.9%) were male. NOAC-treated patients had a higher median CHA2DS2-VASc score than those under VKA (5.0 vs. 4.0, p = 0.023). The two primary outcomes showed no statistical differences between the VKAs' group and the NOACs' group (sICH: 5.4 vs. 5.4% [p = 0.911]; mRS at 3 months: 3.0 vs. 3.0 [p = 0.646], respectively). Preadmission anticoagulation with NOACs in AIS has a functional impact similar to that of VKAs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Using REDItools to Detect RNA Editing Events in NGS Datasets.
RNA editing is a post-transcriptional/co-transcriptional molecular phenomenon whereby a genetic message is modified from the corresponding DNA template by means of substitutions, insertions, and/or deletions. It occurs in a variety of organisms and different cellular locations through evolutionally and biochemically unrelated proteins. RNA editing has a plethora of biological effects including the modulation of alternative splicing and fine-tuning of gene expression. RNA editing events by base substitutions can be detected on a genomic scale by NGS technologies through the REDItools package, an ad hoc suite of Python scripts to study RNA editing using RNA-Seq and DNA-Seq data or RNA-Seq data alone. REDItools implement effective filters to minimize biases due to sequencing errors, mapping errors, and SNPs. The package is freely available at Google Code repository (http://code.google.com/p/reditools/) and released under the MIT license. In the present unit we show three basic protocols corresponding to three main REDItools scripts. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Endometrial patterns during danazol and buserelin therapy for endometriosis: comparative structural and ultrastructural study.
We studied endometrial structure and ultrastructure in serial biopsy specimens from patients with endometriosis treated with danazol (N = 19) or intranasal buserelin (N = 13) for 6 months. Biopsies were performed before and at 3 and 6 months of treatment. The specimens were studied by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Six morphometric indices were evaluated. Danazol produced a progestational effect on endometrial glands and stroma associated with marked hypotrophy of the mucosa, and buserelin treatment resulted in weakly proliferative or inactive mucosa. Both drugs induced noncyclicity and hypotrophy of endometrium although with different mechanisms of action, and it is suggested that they may have similar effects on ectopic endometrium. Because the atrophic effect of danazol appeared earlier than that of buserelin, the former could be recommended for short-term therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Behaviorally conditioned immunosuppression in the rat is regulated via noradrenaline and beta-adrenoceptors.
Using Cyclosporin A (CsA) as an unconditioned stimulus has previously demonstrated that behaviorally conditioned inhibition of splenocyte proliferation and cytokine production is mediated via the splenic nerve. Therefore, we currently examined the adrenergic modulation of conditioned suppression of splenocyte function. Chemical sympathectomy via 6-OHDA completely blocked the conditioned suppression of splenocyte proliferation to mitogens and cytokine (IL-2, IFN-gamma) production. Furthermore, administration of beta-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol abrogated the conditioned effect on splenocyte proliferation. Supporting the position that conditioning is beta-adrenergic-dependent, addition of beta-adrenoceptor agonist, but not alpha-adrenoceptor agonists, to splenocytes in vitro mimicked the conditioned suppression of splenocyte functions, with these effects blocked by propranolol. Therefore, these data indicate that behavioral conditioning of splenocyte function in the rat is regulated by the sympathetic nervous system, predominantly via beta-adrenergic mechanisms. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Platelet-rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid injections for knee osteoarthritis: a propensity-score analysis.
Intra-articular injections of viscosupplements have been an option in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. Platelet-rich plasma is an experimental treatment in osteoarthritis. Previous studies have shown that platelet-rich plasma reduces osteoarthritis symptoms in similar proportions as viscosupplements. The aim of this study was to compare platelet-rich plasma versus viscosupplements in terms of symptoms' relief and time to arthroplasty. A total of 190 patients included in this retrospective study received either intra-articular injections of platelet-rich plasma (94 patients) or hyaluronic acid (86 patients) between January 2014 and October 2017. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Visual Analogue Scale, and range of motion were measured before injection, at 15 days, 6 months, 12 months, and at last follow-up. We compared outcomes between these two groups using propensity score analysis for risk adjustment in multivariate analysis and for one-to-one matching. Hyaluronic acid-treated patients experienced a higher arthroplasty rate (36.0% vs 5.3%, p < 0.001), lower range of motion, worse Visual Analogue Scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores, and increased risk of any arthroplasty occurrence (log-rank < 0.001) than platelet-rich plasma patients. Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed a tendency to decrease the risk of knee arthroplasty for the patients treated by platelet-rich plasma (hazard ratio = 0.23, 95% confidence interval, 0.05-1.05, p = 0.058). When the treatment method was adjusted for propensity score in the propensity score-matched pairs (n = 78), we found that platelet-rich plasma group still showed significant improvement over the hyaluronic acid group in arthroplasty rate (12.8% vs 41.0%, p = 0.010), Visual Analogue Scale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores, but not in the range of motion, during the mean follow-up of 16.7 months. Intra-articular injections of platelet-rich plasma associated with better outcomes than hyaluronic acid in knee osteoarthritis. Platelet-rich plasma might prolong the time to arthroplasty and provide a valid therapeutic option in selected patients with knee osteoarthritis not responding to conventional treatments. Further larger studies are needed to validate this promising treatment modality. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Plasmid-mediated qnrA1 in Klebsiella pneumoniae ST147 in Recife, Brazil.
Qnr-mediated quinolone resistance is increasingly detected worldwide, but few studies have been carried out so far in Brazil. The aim of this study was to test for qnr determinants in isolates of ciprofloxacin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Fifteen ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates from urine cultures of hospitalized patients at a university hospital in North-East Brazil were investigated. Specific PCRs were performed for blaCTX-M and blaTEM, qnr, and class 1 integrons. Plasmid analyses and sequence type (ST) determination were performed, as described previously. The KP 930 isolate showed qnrA1 and blaTEM-1, together with dfrA12 and aadA2 in a class 1 integron. The qnr gene was located in a 133-kb plasmid. Multilocus sequence typing classified the isolate as ST147. We identified the combination of qnr with ST147 in Brazil; this is a clone that has disseminated widely and successfully in Latin America. The purpose of describing Qnr-mediated quinolone resistance in North-East Brazil is to draw attention to the spread of this mechanism in the country. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Site-directed mutagenesis of cysteine residues of large neutral amino acid transporter LAT1.
The large neutral amino acid transporter type 1, LAT1, is the principal neutral amino acid transporter expressed at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Owing to the high affinity (low Km) of the LAT1 isoform, BBB amino acid transport in vivo is very sensitive to transport competition effects induced by hyperaminoacidemias, such as phenylketonuria. The low Km of LAT1 is a function of specific amino acid residues, and the transporter is comprised of 12 phylogenetically conserved cysteine (Cys) residues. LAT1 is highly sensitive to inhibition by inorganic mercury, but the specific cysteine residue(s) of LAT1 that account for the mercury sensitivity is not known. LAT1 forms a heterodimer with the 4F2hc heavy chain, which are joined by a disulfide bond between Cys160 of LAT1 and Cys110 of 4F2hc. The present studies use site-directed mutagenesis to convert each of the 12 cysteines of LAT1 and each of the 2 cysteines of 4F2hc into serine residues. Mutation of the cysteine residues of the 4F2hc heavy chain of the hetero-dimeric transporter did not affect transporter activity. The wild type LAT1 was inhibited by HgCl2 with a Ki of 0.56+/-0.11 microM. The inhibitory effect of HgCl2 for all 12 LAT1 Cys mutants was examined. However, except for the C439S mutant, the inhibition by HgCl2 for 11 of the 12 Cys mutants was comparable to the wild type transporter. Mutation of only 2 of the 12 cysteine residues of the LAT1 light chain, Cys88 and Cys439, altered amino acid transport. The Vmax was decreased 50% for the C88S mutant. A kinetic analysis of the C439S mutant could not be performed because transporter activity was not significantly above background. Confocal microscopy showed the C439S LAT1 mutant was not effectively transferred to the oocyte plasma membrane. These studies show that the Cys439 residue of LAT1 plays a significant role in either folding or insertion of the transporter protein in the plasma membrane. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Frequency of positive family history in bipolar patients in a catchment-area population.
1. Major family studies of bipolar disorder report the frequency of affective disorder among probands' relatives, but do not usually report the frequency of a positive family history among probands. A single previous study was not population based. 2. The Division of Psychiatry of Ben Gurion University provides virtually all psychiatric services for a catchment area of 300,000 people. The authors reviewed the charts of all 236 treated bipolar I patients in 1991, and interviewed 177 of them with a modified FH-RDC. 3. 48% of probands had a family history of mental illness. 4. However, the present methods of ascertainment may have been insufficiently sensitive. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dietary cod protein restores insulin-induced activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and GLUT4 translocation to the T-tubules in skeletal muscle of high-fat-fed obese rats.
Diet-induced obesity is known to cause peripheral insulin resistance in rodents. We have recently found that feeding cod protein to high-fat-fed rats prevents the development of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle. In the present study, we have further explored the cellular mechanisms behind this beneficial effect of cod protein on skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity. Rats were fed a standard chow diet or a high-fat diet in which the protein source was either casein, soy, or cod proteins for 4 weeks. Whole-body and muscle glucose disposal were reduced by approximately 50% in rats fed high-fat diets with casein or soy proteins, but these impairments were not observed in animals fed cod protein. Insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor and insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins were similar in muscle of chow- and high-fat-fed rats regardless of the dietary protein source. However, IRS-1-associated phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase activity was severely impaired (-60%) in muscle of high-fat-fed rats consuming casein or soy protein. In marked contrast, feeding rats with cod protein completely prevented the deleterious effect of fat feeding on insulin-stimulated PI 3-kinase activity. The activation of the downstream kinase Akt/PKB by insulin, assessed by in vitro kinase assay and phosphorylation of GSK-3beta, were also impaired in muscle of high-fat-fed rats consuming casein or soy protein, but these defects were also fully prevented by dietary cod protein. However, no effect of cod protein was observed on atypical protein kinase C activity. Normalization of PI 3-kinase/Akt activation by insulin in rats fed high-fat diets with cod protein was associated with improved translocation of GLUT4 to the T-tubules but not to the plasma membrane. Taken together, these results show that dietary cod protein is a natural insulin-sensitizing agent that appears to prevent obesity-linked muscle insulin resistance by normalizing insulin activation of the PI 3-kinase/Akt pathway and by selectively improving GLUT4 translocation to the T-tubules. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In vivo 1H-NMR procedure to determine several rat cerebral metabolite levels simultaneously, undisturbed by water and lipid signals.
Methods developed for in vivo 1H-NMR spectroscopy are evaluated and applied using conscious rats. Good quality 1H-spectra of the brain are obtained using a surface coil and a spin echo pulse sequence with the binomial 1-1 and 2-2 water suppression pulses. However, comparing spectra from various rats with each other the water and lipid signals, which cause spectral overlap problems, may differ while the other spectral peaks agree well. Spatially one- and two-dimensional 1H spectroscopic imaging of the rat brain shows that the former signals stem from distinct spatial regions localized close to the rf coil. From a spectroscopic image, a spectrum over a limited spatial region is constructed in which the water signals are strongly reduced, the lipid signals are eliminated and lactic acid can be observed clearly simultaneously with other metabolites. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Immediate implantation in fresh extraction sockets. A controlled clinical and histological study in man.
Early implantation may preserve the alveolar anatomy, and the placement of a fixture in a fresh extraction socket helps to maintain the bony crest. Although a number of clinical studies exist, no histological reports show the outcome of implantation in fresh extraction sockets without the use of membranes in humans compared to implants placed in mature bone. Forty-eight healthy patients, receiving at least 4 fixtures in each of 2 symmetrical quadrants, underwent placement of 1 experimental fixture placed in a fresh extraction socket (TI) and 1 contralateral fixture in mature bone (CI). TI were placed after atraumatical tooth extraction, with a surgical site at the apex of the socket and a tight contact between the fixture and the socket's walls, but without the use of filling materials or membranes. The flap was coronally repositioned to obtain primary wound closure. Immediately after surgical intervention, a standardized periapical radiograph was taken. Second-stage surgery was done after 6 months. Six months after the second surgery, a second standardized periapical radiograph was taken and clinical parameters (bleeding and plaque index) recorded. Marginal bone loss (MBL) from the time of implant placement to the time of fixture removal was calculated by comparing periapical radiographs. TI and CI were then removed by a hollow drill to obtain histological specimens. Non-demineralized sections were stained by acid fuchsin and toluidine blue, and by von Kossa to evaluate the degree of bone mineralization. The percentage of direct implant-bone contact (DBC) was calculated by a computerized microscopic digitizer. No significant differences in the clinical and radiographic parameters were observed between the 2 experimental categories. There was no statistically significant difference between TI and CI for DBC either in the maxilla or in the mandible. No connective or fibrous tissues were present around TI or CI. Bone resorption was not present in any of the histological sections. The present study shows that when a screw-type dental implant is placed without the use of barrier membranes or other regenerative materials into a fresh extraction socket with a bone-to-implant gap of 2 mm or less, the clinical outcome and degree of osteointegration does not differ from implants placed in healed, mature bone. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characterizing osteochondrosis in the dog: potential roles for matrix metalloproteinases and mechanical load in pathogenesis and disease progression.
To address possible roles of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and mechanical stress in the pathogenesis of osteochondrosis (OC). Naturally-occurring canine OC lesions (n=50) were immunohistochemically analyzed for MMP-1, -3, and -13, and normal canine articular cartilage explants (n=6) cultured under 0-, 2-, or 4-MPa compressive loads (0.1 Hz, 20 min every 8 h up to 12 days) were compared to OC samples (n=4) biochemically and molecularly. MMP-1 and -3 immunoreactivities were readily detected in both OC samples and control tissues obtained from age-matched dogs (n=11) whereas MMP-13 was only detectable in OC samples. MMP-13 gene expression as determined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was elevated in OC samples and cartilage explants cultured without mechanical stimuli (0 MPa groups) compared to normal cartilage (day 0 controls). Glycosaminoglycan content (per weight) in cartilage explants cultured under no load was significantly (P<0.05) lower on day 12 than in the day 0 controls. Gene expression levels of aggrecan and type II collagen in OC samples were lower than those in the day 0 controls. High levels of aggrecan and collagen II expression were seen in the 2 MPa groups. These findings imply that impaired biochemical characteristics in OC-affected cartilage may be attributable to decreased extracellular matrix production that may stem from disruption of normal weight bearing forces. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Identification in vitreous and molecular cloning of opticin, a novel member of the family of leucine-rich repeat proteins of the extracellular matrix.
A prominent 45-kDa component was identified by protein staining following SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of a 4 M guanidine hydrochloride extract from bovine vitreous collagen fibrils. Peptide sequences obtained from this component were used as a basis for the cloning (from human retinal cDNA) and sequencing of a novel member of the leucine-rich repeat extracellular matrix protein family that we have named opticin. Opticin mRNA was found by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in ligament and skin as well as in retina. An open reading frame containing 332 amino acids was identified, the first 19 amino acids representing a signal peptide. The deduced amino acid sequence of the mature protein encodes a 35-kDa protein with a calculated isoelectric point of 5.4. The central domain of this protein consists of six B-type leucine-rich repeats. This domain is flanked by cysteine clusters including a C-terminal two-cysteine cluster containing an additional leucine-rich repeat. The N-terminal region contains a cluster of potential O-glycosylation sites, and analysis of bovine vitreous opticin demonstrated the presence of sialylated O-linked oligosaccharides substituting the core protein. Opticin shows highest protein sequence identity to epiphycan (42%) and osteoglycin (35%) and belongs to Class III of the leucine-rich repeat extracellular matrix protein family. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Children-robot interaction: a pilot study in autism therapy.
We present here a pilot study of child-robot interactions, in which we discuss developmental origins of human interpersonal communication. For the past few years, we have been observing 2- to 4-year-old children with autism interacting with Keepon, a creature-like robot that is only capable of expressing its attention (directing its gaze) and emotions (pleasure and excitement). While controlled by a remote experimenter, Keepon interacted with the children with its simple appearance and actions. With a sense of curiosity and security, the children spontaneously approached Keepon and engaged in dyadic interaction with it, which then extended to triadic interactions where they exchanged with adult caregivers pleasure and surprise they found in Keepon. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of these unfolding interactions suggests that autistic children possess the motivation to share mental states with others, which is contrary to the commonly held position that this motivation is impaired in autism. We assume Keepon's minimal expressiveness helped the children understand socially meaningful information, which then activated their intact motivation to share interests and feelings with others. We conclude that simple robots like Keepon would facilitate social interaction and its development in autistic children. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Modified Welsh regimen: a promising therapy for actinomycetoma.
Mycetoma has a worldwide geographical distribution which is extremely uneven; however, it is a common disease in India and responsible for causing significant morbidity. Treatment of this condition is often a challenge for the treating dermatologist. The authors report a promising therapy for patients of actinomycotic mycetoma. This assessment series included 18 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of actinomycetoma, and who had shown a poor response to previous treatments. Patient received a combination therapy of the Welsh regimen (amikacin along with cotrimoxazole) to which rifampicin was added as a third drug. Clinical evaluation included radiology and laboratory investigations. Sixteen patients out of 18 completed the combination therapy, which lead to remission. Two patients were lost to follow-up. Of the 16 patients in remission, no recurrence was observed during a follow-up period of up to 18 months. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Sertraline to treat hot flashes: a randomized controlled, double-blind, crossover trial in a general population.
To evaluate the effectiveness of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) (sertraline) in decreasing hot flashes in a general population of women. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial was conducted in a southwestern urban setting. A total of 102 women aged 40 to 65 who were experiencing hot flashes and not taking any hormone therapy were recruited. After 1 week of baseline hot flash data collection, study participants were randomized to receive placebo or active drug (sertraline 50 mg) for 4 weeks. This intervention was followed by a 1-week washout and cross over to the opposite treatment for 4 weeks. The number and severity of hot flashes were measured. One hundred two women were enrolled in the study. Five dropped out before providing baseline data. Of the 97 remaining, 52 were randomized to active drug first and 45 to placebo first. Ten dropped out of the study before completing all 10 weeks, leaving 46 in the active drug-first arm and 41 in the placebo-first arm. At baseline, the mean number of hot flashes reported was 45.6 per week (SD = 29.6), ranging from 2 to 148. During the sertraline phase of the study, women experienced five fewer hot flashes per week than they did on the placebo (P = 0.002). The severity of hot flashes was not significantly different; however, the hot flash score (number x average severity) was significantly improved during the sertraline phase. Sertraline reduced the number of hot flashes and improved the hot flash score relative to placebo and may be an acceptable alternative treatment for women experiencing hot flashes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Heart failure. Are women different?].
The clinical syndrome of heart failure is very common in women. In fact, the majority of heart failure patients in the general population are female, in particular elderly women and women with a preserved ejection fraction. There are differences between heart failure in women and men in terms of epidemiology, pathogenesis, treatment response, and quality of care. The incidence is greater in men, but the prevalence at more advanced ages is higher in women. Prognosis seems to be better in women, although the mechanism responsible is not well understood. Clinical trials of heart failure have included fewer women than men, and this has limited our understanding of the efficacy of heart failure treatment in this group of patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Using receiver operating characteristic methodology to evaluate the diagnostic quality of radiography on paper prints versus film.
The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic quality of paper prints with film copies in a sample of observers who were trying to detect small coin lesions on radiographs of a phantom. The phantom consisted of 60 high-contrast and 60 low-contrast test objects, half of which had holes in them. Diameter and depth of the holes varied from 0.5 mm to 2 mm. Fifteen radiographs were obtained from different areas of the test objects. Film copies and paper prints were made using high-quality printers. Five observers independently evaluated 1,800 high-contrast and 1,800 low-contrast images. Data were evaluated using the well-established receiver operating characteristic methodology. The mean area under the curve rated 0.863 for paper prints (0.859 for high contrast and 0.860 for low contrast) and 0.926 for laser films (0.937 for high contrast and 0.913 for low contrast). The difference between the two imaging techniques was statistically significant for both high- and low-contrast lesions (p < 0.05). Detection of small coin lesions on radiographs of a phantom was significantly less sensitive on paper prints than on film. We found paper prints less acceptable for the diagnosis of small-sized lesions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Optically driven nonlinear microrheology of gelatin.
We demonstrate the microscopic equivalent of a step-stress rheological measurement. An optical torque is applied to a birefringent wax microdisk embedded in gelatin, a highly entangled viscoelastic biopolymer, using circularly polarized laser tweezers. By increasing the laser power and measuring the angular displacement of the disk, we explore the microscopic rheological response of presheared gelatin from the linear to the nonlinear regime and observe yielding at the microscale. The shape of the microscopic torque-angle relationship matches the stress-strain relationship from a macroscopic measurement of presheared gelatin; from this, we extract an applied stress and deduce the effective strain induced by the rotating disk. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Serotonergic lesions alter cocaine-induced locomotor behavior and stress-activation of the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system.
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of serotonergic lesions to the dorsal raphe on midbrain dopaminergic systems. 5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine lesions of the dorsal raphe resulted in a substantial loss of serotonin in the medial prefrontal cortex (about 75%) and the nucleus accumbens (about 50%), while no change in DA levels or DA metabolism were noted in either region at 12 days postlesion. A transient basal locomotor activation was noted in the lesioned animals compared to the sham controls 7 to 12 days after the lesions. The locomotor response to an acute dose of cocaine was also enhanced in 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine lesioned rats, however, no change in the time course or magnitude of the behavioral locomotor response to repeated cocaine administration was observed. Restraint for 30 min increased DA metabolism in both the NAS and mPFC of sham rats, as expected. However, in 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine lesioned rats, restraint stress enhanced the usual stress-induced increase in DA metabolism by about 50 and 150% in the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens, respectively. Our results indicate the 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine lesions of the dorsal raphe lower serotonin in both the mPFC and NAS leading to an enhanced responsiveness of the DA projections in both regions. This effect may be explained by a loss of sensitivity of DA receptors in 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine denervated rats. This interpretation implies that the stimulated, but not basal, release of DA in the mPFC and NAS is dependent on serotonin tone. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of microgravity on the pharmacokinetics of Ibuprofen in humans.
The pharmacokinetics of ibuprofen were studied under microgravity (µG) conditions and compared with those at normal gravity (1G) in humans. Six healthy human volunteers were given 600 mg oral dose ibuprofen during 1-day simulated µG antiorthostatic bed rest position, then at normal position (1G) in a sequential design with 7 days washout time. Saliva and plasma samples were obtained up to 8 hours after dosing. Ibuprofen was not detected in all saliva samples. Pharmacokinetic parameters in plasma were calculated by either noncompartmental analysis or a 1- compartment model using the Kinetica program. Absorption kinetic parameters were then predicted by ADAM and PE modules using the Simcyp program. Results have showed an increased rate of ibuprofen dissolution and absorption and hence faster onset of action under µG conditions. However, rate of drug elimination and bioavailability was not affected by µG, suggesting no need for dose adjustment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The podocyte and diabetes mellitus: is the podocyte the key to the origins of diabetic nephropathy?
Podocyte injury plays a key role in the development of diabetic nephropathy. This review discusses recent advances in our understanding of mechanisms of podocyte injury in diabetes mellitus and the associated alterations in the function of the glomerular filtration barrier. The effects of hyperglycemia on critical podocyte parameters including cell-cell interactions, attachment to the glomerular basement membrane, and podocyte apoptosis have been determined in both cell culture and in-vivo models of diabetes mellitus. The podocyte has also been identified as a target of action for insulin and growth hormone, hormones with significant roles in the altered homeostasis of diabetes mellitus. Understanding the cellular and molecular basis for changes in podocyte structure and function in diabetes mellitus may lead to novel diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for diabetic nephropathy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antigen expression in human melanoma cells in relation to growth conditions and cell-cycle distribution.
The expression of a melanoma-associated antigen, recognized by the monoclonal antibody 9.2.27, has been studied in the human FME melanoma cell line, grown as a monolayer under various conditions in vitro and as tumours in athymic mice. Two-parameter flow cytometric measurements of DNA and immunofluorescence showed that the antigen expression was uniform throughout the cell cycle. Highest expression of the melanoma-associated antigen was found in cultures in which the medium was frequently renewed (4 times in 6 days) and no contact inhibition was present. In comparison, the antigen expression of cells subjected to medium starvation (6 days without medium renewal) was reduced to 44%, and the cell size, as measured by forward angle light scatter, to 82% of the values found for optimally growing cells. Intermediate conditions, such as scanty medium supply or contact inhibition of growth, gave smaller effects. Two-parameter measurements of cell size and immunofluorescence demonstrated a positive correlation between cell size and antigen expression. The reduction in cell size, therefore, could explain part, but not all, of the reduction in antigen expression on medium-starved and contact-inhibited cells. The antigen expression on FME cells grown as xenografts in athymic mice varied between individual tumours and was lower than on cells from optimal in vitro growth. Due to smaller cell size, the antigen density was, however, comparable to that on cells from optimal in vitro growth. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Olfactomedin domain-containing proteins: evolution, functional divergence, expression patterns and damaging SNPs.
Olfactomedin domain-containing proteins appear to facilitate neurodevelopment, cell adhesion, intercellular interactions, and protein-protein interactions, and the disruption of their expression will lead to dramatic developmental perturbations and lethality. The aim of the present work was to study how these genes evolved in metazoans and diverged after their duplication as well as to characterize their expression profiles and detrimental mutations. We conducted an exhaustive survey of olfactomedin domain-containing genes in genomic databases, identifying 235 olfactomedin-like (OLF) proteins in 29 representative species covering all the main metazoan lineages. Phylogenetic analyses allowed us to define nine different subfamilies of OLF genes, and subfamily IX, which specifically includes two immunoglobulin domains, was identified for the first time in arthropods. Functional divergence analysis suggested that the function of this arthropod-specific OLF subfamily might have diverged from that of other subfamilies. Expression pattern analysis of OLF genes in humans and rats showed that human OLF genes tended to be highly expressed in the brain, while rat OLF genes were inclined to be expressed in the ovary and brain. We used the SIFT and PolyPhen servers in dbNSFP to distinguish deleterious mutations from neutral mutations for each member of the OLF gene family. The results showed that OLFML2B contains the most destructive SNPs (up to 61), while none of the mutations in OLFM2, OLFM4 and LPHN2 were predicted to be harmful. Taken together, these findings may not only enhance understanding of the phylogenetic relationships of the OLF family but also aid future studies on OLF protein regulation of nervous system development and immune function. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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