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MHC molecules in the vomeronasal organ: contributors to pheromonal discrimination?
The vomeronasal organ of the accessory olfactory system detects pheromones in several vertebrate species. Recent studies of vomeronasal sensory neurons have shown that they express MHC molecules, which in the immune system help to discriminate self antigens from non-self antigens. These new findings, along with past research demonstrating MHC-based olfactory discrimination, suggest the exciting possibility that MHC molecules together with vomeronasal G-protein-coupled receptors play a role in distinguishing related individuals from unrelated ones based on pheromonal cues. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparative aspects of iodine conservation in mammals.
1. Comparative aspects of iodine conservation in mammals were studied on the basis of published data on kidney and thyroid weights and function. 2. Very small mammals possessed an efficient reabsorption of iodide to compensate for the high glomerular filtration rate (GFR). 3. Humans and mammals of a similar and larger size had "lost" the ability to reabsorb iodide efficiently. 4. Very large mammals are protected against renal loss of iodide due to the relatively low GFR. 5. Thyroid weights in relation to body weight were highest in humans suggesting that humans and other mammals of a similar size are especially susceptible to iodine deficiency. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Occupational risk factors for relapse-free survival in bladder cancer patients.
The influence of occupational risk factors on bladder cancer development is well investigated. However, studies on the influence on bladder cancer prognosis are rare. Therefore, it was of interest to investigate the time to first relapse in the follow-ups of three case-control series from Dortmund, Neuss, and Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany. Relapse-free survival of in total 794 urinary bladder cancer patients (Dortmund 174, Neuss 407, Lutherstadt Wittenberg 213) was derived from medical records. Cox regression models were used to determine the impact of profession and exposure to bladder carcinogens if the risk factor was present in at least four cases. One or several relapses were observed in 416 cases (52%). Median time to first relapse was 0.94 yr. Ten professions were observed in at least 4 patients. No significant associations were found. However, workers in the leather industry (n = 4), printing industry (n = 4), transportation (n = 43), and chemical industry (n = 40) and locksmiths/mechanics (n = 44) showed shorter relapse-free times. No trend to shorter relapse-free time was observed for miners (n = 42), agriculturists (n = 18), painters/lacquerers (n = 21), colorant production and processing workers (n = 7), foundry workers (n = 5), and persons exposed to aromatic amines (n = 45). Although the follow-up comprised nearly 800 cases, data on occupations and exposures of interest were not sufficient to obtain significant results. However, first results indicated potential associations that are worth further investigations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Diagnosis of contact injuries in a mediaeval skeleton analysed by µCT and histology.
During an archaeological excavation in Altenberg/Linz (Upper Austria), the well-preserved skeletal remains of a mature male dated the 13th century AD were recovered. Several elements of the skeleton yielded alterations caused by trauma: beside a malunion of the left ulna which was accompanied by shortening of the diaphysis, a luxation and deformation of the left radial head was observed (Monteggia-type lesion, Bado-type I). Moreover, at the anterior aspect of the corresponding humerus, a chalice-shaped, newly built bone structure that framed the displaced capitulum radii was visible. This structure formed a sort of "alternative joint" that functionally even allowed some movements, although considerably restricted in regard to flexion/extension and even more in pronation/supination.To verify the assumption of a "single event", we not only investigated the concerned skeletal portions by gross-anatomical examination, but also by non-invasive conventional radiological, micro-computed tomographical, and histological techniques. Particular morphological features, injuries at the calvarium, and fractures of other postcranial elements imply the scenario of a close combat; although survived, the traumata obviously resulted in partial invalidity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Causal attributions for fatigue among late middle-aged and older adults with HIV infection.
Fatigue, a symptom with many possible causes, is highly prevalent among persons with HIV/AIDS. The causal attributions HIV+ individuals make for their fatigue are important because they largely guide the coping responses they use to manage it. In a study to better understand the symptom appraisal process among 100 HIV+ older adults (50+), 49 participants discussed in depth their experience with fatigue. Many participants felt confused, at least initially, about the source of their fatigue, although most offered their HIV disease as a possible cause. However, many who did so also believed it was caused in part by other, generally less threatening causes, such as age, overexertion, or excess weight. HIV medications and other symptoms or comorbidities were also frequently cited as causes of fatigue. Health care professionals and HIV+ peers often helped to shape or reinforce participants' attributions for their fatigue. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Stroke and T-cells.
The microvasculature of the brain region affected by a stroke assumes an inflammatory phenotype that is characterized by endothelial cell activation and barrier dysfunction and the recruitment of adherent leukocytes. Although most attention has been devoted to the possible role of neutrophils in the tissue responses to ischemic stroke there is evidence that T-lymphocytes also accumulate in the postischemic brain. Although comparable detailed analyses of lymphocyte involvement in ischemic brain injury have not been performed, emerging findings suggest a role for T-cells in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. The recruitment of T-cells to the site of brain injury is critically dependent on the coordinated expression of adhesion molecules on the activated capillary endothelium. Whether the recruited lymphocytes are acting directly on brain tissue or indirectly through activation of other circulating blood cells and/or extravascular cells remain unclear. Cytotoxic CD8+ T-cells may induce brain injury through molecules released from their cytotoxic granules. CD4+ T-helper 1 (TH1) cells, which secrete proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-12, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, may play a key role in the pathogenesis of stroke, whereas CD4+TH2 cells may play a protective role through anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13. T-cells should be considered as therapeutic targets for ischemic stroke. However, because infection is a leading cause of mortality in the postacute phase of ischemic stroke, and considering anti-inflammatory role of CD4+TH2, treatment targeting T-cells should be carefully designed to reduce deleterious and enhance protective actions of T-cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An integrative approach to assessment supervision.
Psychological assessment supervision requires the application of technical, conceptual, and interpersonal interventions that address the supervisee's skills, knowledge, and ethical competencies. This article discusses assessment domains that are fundamental to helping trainees refine technical and reasoning skills, and utilizes Jacob, David, and Meyer's (1995) application of Johnson-Laird's (1988) typology of thought as a supervisory technique that encourages the supervisee's inductive, associative, creative, and self-reflective thinking in response to clinical situations. A clinical illustration is presented. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of clomiphene isomers on progestin synthesis in cultured human granulosa cells.
The effect of en-clomiphene and zu-clomiphene (10(-9)-10(-5) M) on progestin synthesis in cultured human granulosa cells was studied under basal conditions and in the presence of LH (100 ng/ml). Granulosa cells were obtained from either pre-ovulatory follicles of clomiphene-HMG-stimulated cycles or from large follicles of mid-to-late follicular phase of spontaneous cycles. The basal and LH-stimulated progesterone accumulation was dose-dependently reduced by en- and zu-clomiphene (10(-6)-10(-5) M) in cells from both groups studied, an effect similar to that of oestradiol. In contrast to oestradiol, both en- and zu-clomiphene (10(-6)-10(-5) M) reduced the basal and LH-stimulated pregnenolone accumulation in cells of stimulated cycles. The effect of clomiphene on progesterone, and pregnenolone accumulation was more pronounced in LH-stimulated cells than under basal conditions. There were no qualitative differences between the two isomers and the results were principally the same in cells from both groups of follicles studied. It is concluded that en-clomiphene and zu-clomiphene have similar inhibitory effects on progestin synthesis in human granulosa cells in vitro. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hepatic N-oxidation, acetyl-transfer and DNA-binding of the acetylated metabolites of the carcinogen, benzidine.
The metabolic N-oxidation, N-acetylation and N-deacetylation of the carcinogen benzidine (BZ) and its N-acetylated metabolites were examined in vitro with rat and mouse liver subcellular fractions. N-Oxidation of N-acetylbenzidine (ABZ) and N,N'-diacetylbenzidine (DABZ) was found to occur with NADPH-, NADH-fortified microsomes, although total oxidation at both nitrogens of ABZ was substantially faster than the N-oxidation of DABZ (four times for the mouse and 48 times for the rat). In both species, N-oxidation of ABZ to the arylhydroxylamine, N'-hydroxy-N-acetylbenzidine (N'-OH-ABZ), was somewhat faster than the formation of the arylhydroxamic acid, N-hydroxy-N-acetylbenzidine (N-OH-ABZ). N-Acetylation of BZ and ABZ by liver cytosol was quite efficient for both species (0.7-2.9 nmol/min/mg cytosolic protein), and these rates were found to be 3-10 times faster than their corresponding rates of N-oxidation. N-Deacetylation of ABZ and DABZ by mouse liver microsomes occurred at a rate that was comparable with N-acetylation; while N-deacetylation by rat liver microsomes was relatively slow, only 1-2% of the rate of N-acetylation. In the case of N-hydroxylated derivatives, N-OH-ABZ and N'-OH-ABZ, hepatic cytosolic N-acetylation by both rats and mice to form N-OH-DABZ was quite rapid (0.5-1.9 nmol/min/mg cytosol protein). Hepatic microsomal deacetylation of N-OH-DABZ also occurred with both species and was 2-4 times the rate of N-acetylation. These studies indicate that a significant concentration of potentially electrophilic monoacetylated N-oxidized metabolites may accumulate within the liver cell, and that they may serve as intermediates in the synthesis of the highly toxic metabolite, N-OH-DABZ. A major metabolic pathway for the formation of N-OH-DABZ is proposed as: BZ----ABZ----N'-OH-ABZ----N-OH-DABZ. The activation of N-OH-DABZ by cytosolic N,O-acyltransferase and N'-OH-ABZ by cytosolic sulfotransferase and O-acetyltransferase (acetyl CoA-dependent binding to DNA) were also examined. N-OH-DABZ N,O-acyltransferase and N'-OH-ABZ O-acetyltransferase were found to be significant pathways for rat and mouse liver, respectively. In addition, the DNA adduct formed from N-OH-DABZ in the presence of partially-purified rat hepatic N,O-acyltransferase was shown to be N'-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-N-acetylbenzidine, which is identical to that formed in rat liver in vivo and in the direct reaction of N'-OH-ABZ with DNA in vitro under acidic conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Simultaneous detection of platelet and lymphocyte antibodies by slide enzyme immunoassay.
The feasibility of using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to detect simultaneously the antibodies bound to platelets and lymphocytes on glass slides was investigated. A peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) immune complex method was used in which lymphocytes and platelets were attached to glass slides by poly-L-lysine and the preparations were stored at -20 degrees C for subsequent assays. Test sera were incubated with the cells. Reagents linking the platelet and/or leukocyte antibody to the PAP enzyme marker were added, followed by a staining step to localize the antigen-antibody complex. Any brown staining of the perimeter of the cells and in the cytoplasm was considered indicative of a positive reaction. A total of 146 sera were assayed; 36 were from Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) plasmapheresis donors, 75 were from RPMI oncology patients, and 35 were from other laboratories. The PAP method agreed with complement lysis inhibition assay (CLIA) by 97 percent in detecting antibodies capable of reacting with platelets while concordance with complement dependent lymphocytotoxicity (CDL) was 81 percent. With further investigation, this method could be adapted as a screening procedure in the clinical laboratory. It is easy, inexpensive, and could be performed in a few hours. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Feline asthma syndrome in African lions (Panthera leo).
Feline asthma syndrome, previously recognized only in domestic cats, was diagnosed in three captive African lions (Panthera leo), one of which died as a result of the condition. Two of the lions displayed progressive signs for 7 yr, including severe bouts of coughing, wheezing, dyspnea, rhonchi, and tachypnea that were most severe during the spring and summer, and the third lion displayed acute signs only once. Scattered to diffuse increased interstitial markings, peribronchial cuffing, and focal atelectasis were visible in radiographs. At necropsy, multiple subpleural bullae, 2-3 cm in diameter, were scattered throughout the lung tissue. There were thick-walled bronchi and bronchioles filled with thick grayish mucus, and alveolar spaces were enlarged with severe, diffuse, banded multifocal areas of alveolar wall fibrosis. The lions had significantly elevated IgE type I immediate hypersensitivity responses to recognized aeroallergens. The captive management of lions should address the design and maintenance of allergen-free air supplies. Ventilation systems should be examined routinely and thoroughly cleaned of any residue. The frequency of examination should increase during the summer. Lions and other large cats should be routinely screened for IgE aeroallergen-specific titers, asthma cases should be treated promptly with prednisolone, and investigations of etiology should be initiated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Role of cholinoceptors recycling in short-term potentiation of cholinosensitivity of command neurons in edible snail.
Exocytosis inhibitor Exo 1, dynamin inhibitory peptide (inhibitor of endocytosis), and colchicine disturb short-term potentiation of cholinosensitivity of defensive behavior command neurons in edible snail induced by rhythmic electrical orthodromic stimulation. We hypothesize that the short-term potentiation of cholinosensitivity in the extra-synaptic membrane develops due to incorporation of extra cholinoceptors into neuron plasmalemma as a result of enhanced recycling of the internalized cholinoceptors with participation of microtubules. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Lipid nano-bubble combined with ultrasound for anti-keloids therapy.
Keloids were characterized by excessive growth of fibrous tissues, and shared several pathological characteristics with cancer. They did put physical and emotional stress on patients in that keloids could badly change appearance of patients. N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (4HPR) showed cytotoxic activity on a wide variety of invasive-growth cells. Our work was aim to prepare N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide-loaded lipid microbubbles (4HPR-LM) combined with ultrasound for anti-keloid therapy. 4HPR-loaded liposomes (4HPR-L) were first prepared by film evaporation method, and then 4HPR-LM were manufactured by mixing 4HPR-L and perfluoropentane (PFP) with ultrasonic cavitation method. The mean particle size and entrapment efficiency 4HPR-LM were 113 nm and 95%, respectively. The anti-keloids activity of 4HPR-LM was assessed with BALB/c nude mice bearing subcutaneous xenograft keloids model. 4HPR-LM, combined with ultrasound, could significantly induce apoptosis of keloid fibroblasts in vitro and inhibited growth of keloids in vivo. Thus, 4HPR-LM could be considered as a promising agent for anti-keloids therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prostaglandin E1 for alleviating symptoms of ergot intoxication: a case report.
A woman was admitted after ergotamine tartrate overuse for migraine headaches and her symptoms of arterial vasospasm were treated with PGE1, the first reported use of the vasodilator for ergot intoxication. The advantages of producing local vasodilatation without systemic effect, as well as inhibiting the formation of arterial microthrombi, suggest PGE1 as the agent of choice for relief of symptoms due to peripheral vasoconstriction caused by ergot. Treatment with PGE1 may allow sufficient collateral to preserve limb function and integrity, while awaiting remission of anatomic changes after withdrawal of ergot. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Modeling individual tree mortality for crimean pine plantations.
Individual tree mortality model was developed for crimean pine (Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana) plantations in Turkey. Data came from 5 year remeasurements of the permanent sample plots. The data comprises of 115 sample plots with 5029 individual trees. Parameters of the logistic equation were estimated using weighted nonlinear regression analysis. Approximately 80% of the observations were used for model development and 20% for validation. The explicatory variables in the model were ratio of diameter of the subject tree and basal area mean diameter of the sample plot as measure of competition index for individual trees, basal area and site index. All parameter estimates were found highly significant (p < 0.001) in predicting mortality model. Chi-square statistics indicate that the most important variable is d / d(q), the second most important is site index, and the third most important predictor is stand basal area. Examination of graphs of observed vs. predicted mortality rates reveals that the mortality model is well behaved and match the observed mortality rates quite well. Although the phenomenon of mortality is a stochastic, rare and irregular event, the model fit was fairly good. The logistic mortality model passed a validation test on independent data not used in parameter estimation. The key ingredient for obtaining a good mortality model is a data set that is both large and representative of the population under study and the data satisfy both requirements. The mortality model presented in this paper is considered to have an appropriate level of reliability. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Interaction of the dietary fibers with different functional food ingredients].
The aspects of dietary fibers' and different food ingredients' interaction are considered in this article; in particular, the questions of dietary fibers' interaction with the main foodstuff components (proteins, fats, vitamins, etc.), especially functional purpose; and the interaction of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), which is part of dietary fiber, with the main foodstuff components--protein, vitamins and antioxidants (tocopherol, and riboflavin). It was found that with increasing of MCC content in the diet, there was increase of vitamins sorption (especially tocopherol), with its maximum at 3 g of MCC. This is probably due to the relatively high porosity and properties of MCC to absorb and retain water, lipids and other food ingredients. These findings point to the need to consider the possibility of sorption of polysaccharides and, in particular in the preparation of starch-rich foods and dietary recommendations for their use. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Biological control of strawberry gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea using Bacillus licheniformis N1 formulation.
Bacillus licheniformis N1 is a biological control agent to control gray mold diseases caused by Botrytis cinerea. Various formulations of B. licheniformis N1 were generated and evaluated for the activity to control strawberry gray mold. The wettable powder type formulation N1E was selected in pot experiments with remarkable disease control activity on both strawberry leaves and flowers. The N1E formulation contained 400 g of corn starch, 50 ml of olive oil, and 50 g of sucrose per a liter of bacterial fermentation culture. Optimum dilution of N1E to appropriately control the strawberry gray mold appeared to be 100-fold dilution in plastic house artificial infection experiments. The significant reduction of symptom development in the senescent leaves was apparent by the treatment of N1E at 100-fold dilution when N1E was applied before Bo. cinerea inoculation, but not after the inoculation. Both artificial infection experiments in a plastic house and natural infection experiments in the farm plastic house under production conditions revealed that the disease severity of gray mold on strawberry leaves and flowers was significantly reduced by N1E treatment. The disease control value of N1E on strawberry leaves was 81% under production conditions, as compared with the 61.5% conferred by a chemical fungicide, iprodione. This study suggests that our previously generated formulation of B. licheniformis N1 will be effective to control strawberry gray mold by its preventive activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Asian-born scientists and engineers: their immigration flow and labor market adjustment.
"This paper examines the flow of Asian-born scientists and engineers and their labor market adjustment. First, main elements to affect their immigration flow are described: supply, demand, and institution....The scarcity of domestic workers is the most important factor affecting demand of immigration. Institution, such as immigration policies, is another element to influence the immigration flow....Second, by using the 1980 U.S. Census data set, their labor market adjustment is explored in terms of hourly wages. Compared to the native-born white, there is no evidence that Asian-born scientists and engineers receive lower wages or lower return on human capital." | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Outer membrane permeability and beta-lactamase content in Pseudomonas maltophilia clinical isolates and laboratory mutants.
Low outer-membrane permeability appears to be responsible for the generally high degree of antibiotic resistance of Pseudomonas maltophilia. Constitutive overproduction of beta-lactamases affects the sensitivity of these bacteria only to those beta-lactam antibiotics that are hydrolyzed by strain-specific beta-lactamases and that do not efficiently induce these enzymes in inducible strains. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Note: Design and tests of a 13 kA-6.5 kV thyristor switch for a pulsed inductive vacuum ultraviolet source.
In this paper, the design, construction, and test procedure of a closing switch prototype based on thyristors is described. In particular, details are given about the design criteria and about the triggering board architecture, which is a high side biased, self supplied unit using the electrical energy derived from a local snubber network for the gate drive. The structure guarantees a hard firing gate pulse for the required high dI/dt application. Further, the results of the prototype tests are presented and discussed. The stack assembly has a holding voltage of 6.5 kV and is used for switching a series resonant circuit with a ringing frequency of 12 kHz for a pulsed inductive vacuum ultraviolet source. Maximum current amplitudes of 13 kA and pulse energies of more than 600 J were switched during the test procedure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antigen-presenting cells at the liver tissue in patients with chronic viral liver diseases: CD83-positive mature dendritic cells at the vicinity of focal and confluent necrosis.
Although defective functions of peripheral blood or splenic antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of persistent infection in murine and human hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-carriers, little is known regarding liver-infiltrating APCs in patients with chronic liver diseases. Using immunohistochemical methodology and antigen retrieval technique, we have detected APCs such as HLA DR-positive cells, interdigitating cells (IDCs) and CD83-positive mature and activated dendritic cells (DCs) at the liver specimens from 39 patients with chronic hepatitis (CH) and 10 patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). All 3 types of APCs were detected at the portal areas in both CH and LC, the most abundant being the HLA DR-positive APCs. CD83-positive, mature and activated DCs were detected in patients with CH around the areas of focal and confluent necrosis at the liver parenchyma in close association with T cells. The localization of CD83-positive mature and activated DCs at the liver tissues from patients with CH warrants further study about the role of these DCs in the induction of hepatocellular damage. This may also help to design DC-based therapy for patients with chronic liver diseases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Primary interactions of three quaternary ammonium compounds with blastospores of Candida albicans (MEN strain).
The absorption of three quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC), cetylpyridinium chloride, cetrimide and benzalkonium chloride, onto the surface of blastospores of Candida albicans (MEN strain) was examined at room temperature. Equilibrium uptake occurred in less than 30 seconds for cetylpyridinium chloride and cetrimide whereas 5 min contact time was required for benzalkonium chloride. The adsorption of all three agents may be mathematically described as Langmuirian and hence a concentration-dependent formation of drug-monolayer on the surface of the blastospore occurred. From this the number of molecules adsorbed onto the surface of a single blastospore was calculated to be 1.33 x 10(12), 3.17 x 10(12) and 2.32 x 10(12) for cetylpyridinium chloride, cetrimide and benzalkonium chloride, respectively. These dissimilarities are most likely due to differences in the orientations of both the cationic nitrogen atom and the accompanying lipophilic portions of each QAC at the blastospore surface. Relating these observations to the known antiadherence effects of cetylpyridinium chloride and cetrimide, it can be concluded that monolayer coverage of the blastospore surface with QAC does not account for the observed reduced adherence. This suggests that the anti-adherence effects are due to either direct interaction with, or steric blockade of, adhesions on the blastospore surface. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Influence of radical prostatectomy on orgasmic function].
This review is dedicated to orgasmic function which is one of the most intimate and crucial aspects of quality of life in patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. The main risk factors that affect orgasmic function and recovery period after surgery are described. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Relation of linguistic communication abilities of Alzheimer's patients to stage of disease.
A battery of linguistic communication (L-C) tasks was administered to 152 Alzheimer's disease patients in different stages of the disease and 60 normal elders. Subject performance data are used to construct a profile of L-C deficits by disease stage, as determined by ratings on the Global Deterioration Scale. Specification also is made of the L-C tasks on which mild Alzheimer's patients perform like normal elders, the relative difficulty of various L-C processes, the disease stage in which the greatest change occurs in L-C functions, and the degree of variation in L-C for individuals at a particular level of dementia severity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Demand response, behind-the-meter generation and air quality.
We investigated the implications of behind-the-meter (BTM) generation participating in demand response (DR) programs. Specifically, we evaluated the impacts of NOx emissions from BTM generators enrolled in the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO)'s reliability-based DR programs. Through analyzing the DR program enrollment data, DR event records, ozone air quality monitoring data, and emission characteristics of the generators, we found that the emissions from BTM generators very likely contribute to exceedingly high ozone concentrations in the Northeast Corridor region, and very likely account for a substantial fraction of total NOx emissions from electricity generation. In addition, a companion study showed that the emissions from BTM generators could also form near-source particulate matter (PM) hotspots. The important policy implications are that the absence of up-to-date regulations on BTM generators may offset the current efforts to reduce the emissions from peaking power plants, and that there is a need to quantify the environmental impacts of DR programs in designing sound policies related to demand-side resources. Furthermore, we proposed the concept of "Green" DR resources, referring to those that not only provide power systems reliability services, but also have verifiable environmental benefits or minimal negative environmental impacts. We argue that Green DR resources that are able to maintain resource adequacy and reduce emissions at the same time are key to achieving the cobenefits of power system reliability and protecting public health during periods with peak electricity demand. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Collagen biogenesis and assembly into fibrils as shown by ultrastructural and 3H-proline radioautographic studies on the fibroblasts of the rat food pad.
To examine whether collagen is assembled into fibrils within or outside fibroblasts, the connective tissue of the rat foot pad was investigated by electron microscopy and by radioautography at times varying from 4 min to 3 days after an intravenous injection of 3H-proline. The fibroblasts of the rat food pad are long polarized cells with the nucleus at one end, the Golgi apparatus in the center, and a region with long processes at the other end. This region contains secretory granules and is considered to be the secretory pole of the cell. In the Golgi apparatus the stacks of saccules are separated from rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) by groups of "intermediate vesicles" including similarly structured tubules which may be over 300 nm long and are referred to as "intermediate tubules." The Golgi saccules exhibit distended portions which differ at the various levels of the stack. On the cis side, the distentions tend to be spherical and contain fine looping threads; in the middle of the stack, they are cylindrical and present distinct straight threads; whereas on the trans side, they are again cylindrical, but the straight threads are grouped in parallel aggregates. Between these cylindrical distentions and the secretory granules, there are transitional forms within which thread aggregates are packaged more and more tightly. Finally, the fibroblasts are associated with two types of collagen fibrils: extracellular ones arranged into large groups between the cells and intracellular ones located within long intracytoplasmic channels. Quantitative radioautography after 3H-proline injection reveals that the number of silver grains per unit area reaches a peak over the rER at 4-10 min, Golgi apparatus at 40 min, secretory granules at 60 min, and extracellular collagen fibrils at 3 h. At no time are intracellular collagen fibrils labeled. Qualitative observations further indicate that spherical Golgi distentions are mainly labeled at 40 min, and cylindrical distentions, at 60 min. In addition, from 20 min to 3 hr, some lysosomal elements are labeled. The biogenetic pathway leading to the formation of collagen fibrils is interpreted as follows.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mouse models for assessing the cross-protective efficacy of oral non-typhoidal Salmonella vaccine candidates harbouring in-frame deletions of the ATP-dependent protease lon and other genes.
In BALB/c mouse models of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infection, a single oral immunization with a mutant strain with an insertion of the chloramphenicol resistance gene into the ATP-dependent protease clpP or lon gene decreased the number of salmonellae in each tissue sample 5 days after oral challenge with virulent S. Typhimurium at weeks 26 and 54 post-immunization. These data suggested that an oral immunization with the ClpP- or Lon-disrupted S. Typhimurium strain could provide long-term protection against oral challenge with virulent S. Typhimurium. Accordingly, recombinant oral non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) vaccines were constructed by incorporating mutants of both S. Typhimurium and S. enterica serovar Enteritidis harbouring stable in-frame markerless deletions of the clpP-lon-sulA (suppressor of lon), lon-sulA or lon-msbB (acyltransferase) genes. Amongst these orally administered vaccine candidates, those with the lon-sulA gene deletion mutants of S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis protected BALB/c and C57BL/6J mice against oral challenge with both virulent S. Typhimurium and virulent S. Enteritidis. Therefore, the in-frame markerless lon-sulA gene deletion mutant of S. Typhimurium or S. Enteritidis could be a promising cross-protective NTS live vaccine candidate for practical use in humans. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Breast ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion: pathological review and clinical implications].
Recent improvements in the detection of breast cancer at an early stage have resulted in a rising incidence of breast ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion. So far, there is no consensus regarding its optimal management. We hereby report on our 10-year single institutional experience in breast ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion including pathological reviewing. All consecutive patients treated for a ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion at the Institut Claudius-Regaud (Toulouse, France) over a 10-year period were included in this study. We reviewed all available histological materials. Sixty-three patients were eligible for this study. Two patients presented with a lymph node invasion at diagnosis. Each patient benefited from initial surgical management, which consisted either in mastectomy (n=25) or conservative resection (n=37). Axillary exploration was performed in 52 patients (82%). After a median follow-up of 61.3 months [46.9;69], the 5-year overall survival and disease free survival were 98.2 (95% CI=[88.2;99.7]) and 89.5% (95% CI=[76.3;95.6]) respectively. Two delayed invasive relapses occurred leading to one specific death. The pathological review highlighted a trend towards a loss of HR and HER2 expression (9%) in the microinvasive component in comparison with its surrounded in situ carcinoma. The risk of initial lymph node involvement and delayed invasive local relapse deserve an optimal locoregional management including lymph node evaluation. The non-negligible discrepancy's rate between in situ and microinvasive components justifies HR status and HER2 expression assessment on the microinvasive component. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Formulation and pharmacokinetics of self-assembled rifampicin nanoparticle systems for pulmonary delivery.
To formulate rifampicin, an anti-tuberculosis antibiotic, for aerosol delivery in a dry powder 'porous nanoparticle-aggregate particle' (PNAP) form suited for shelf stability, effective dispersibility and extended release with local lung and systemic drug delivery. Rifampicin was encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles by a solvent evaporation process, spray dried into PNAPs containing varying amounts of nanoparticles, and characterized for physical and aerosol properties. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed with formulations delivered to guinea pigs by intratracheal insufflation and compared to oral and intravenous delivery of rifampicin. The PNAP formulations possessed properties suitable for efficient deposition in the lungs. In vitro release showed an initial burst of rifampicin, with the remainder available for release beyond eight hours. PNAPs delivered to guinea pigs by insufflation achieved systemic levels of rifampicin detected for six to eight hours. Moreover, rifampicin concentrations remained detectable in lung tissue and cells up to and beyond eight hours. Conversely, after pulmonary delivery of an aerosol without nanoparticles, rifampicin could not be detected in the lungs at eight hours. Our results indicate that rifampicin can be formulated into an aggregated nanoparticle form that, once delivered to animals, achieves systemic exposure and extends levels of drug in the lungs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Physiological consequences of complete cardiac denervation.
The transplanted human heart remains functionally denervated for 5 or more years postoperatively. Denervation has a number of implications for cardiac function, not the least of which is the inability of transplant recipients to experience ischaemic pain. The study of the denervated heart has not only shed light on the physiology of cardiac transplantation but also provided further insights into the functioning of the normally innervated heart. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Mediastinoscopy in 165 patients].
To investigate the value of mediastinoscopy in diagnosis of the thoracic diseases and the determination of the operative indication. From 1979 to 2000, 165 patients were given mediastinoscopy by local infiltration anesthesia (rare cases with additional vein bacic anesthesia). The exploration and biopsy were given to the neoplasms and lymph nodes around the trachea through the pretracheal interstice. The diagnosis of 125 patients by mediastinoscopy accorded with the pathological diagnosis and that of 21 patients was not accorded with the pathology. The rate of definitive diagnosis was 85.6% (125/146). The other 19 cases were not included into the ground because 11 cases were not given definitive diagnosis and 8 cases with lung cancer were not be performed operation although the results of mediastinoscopy were negative. Twenty patients with lung cancer which had metastasis in the mediastium and 7 patients with malignant lymphadenoma avoided exploratory thoracotomy. The mediastinoscopy is a effective examinative method to the disease involving the lymph nodes in the mediastinum and the thoracic disease closing on the mediastinum. The mediastinoscopy in appropriate especially to the simple enlargement of lymph node in the mediastinum that is not given definitive diagnosis. The cases with lung cancer accompanied enlargement of lymph node in the mediastinum and that with tumors in the mediastinum may choose the mediastinoscopy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Accommodation of rat nigrostriatal dopamine neurones to high frequency electrical stimulation of the median forebrain bundle: in vivo voltammetric data.
The frequency response of nigrostriatal neurones to electrical stimulation of the median forebrain bundle was investigated in vivo using high-speed cyclic voltammetry to measure the evoked striatal dopamine overflow. It was found that the nerves could follow 25-50 Hz stimulation for at least 10 s, whereas the neurones were unable to respond to high frequencies (100-200 Hz) for more than 1-3 s. Accommodation, due to incomplete re-equilibration of ionic fluxes between successive stimuli, provides a possible explanation for these findings. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Optimal conditions and sample storage for the determination of H2O2 in marine waters by the scopoletin-horseradish peroxidase fluorometric method.
The conditions presently in use for the fluorometric determination of H(2)O(2) in marine waters, by reacting H(2)O(2) with scopoletin in the presence of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and measuring the quenching of the fluorescence intensity of scopoletin, are not the optimal conditions. Under the optimized conditions of a pH of 8.5-9.5, an excitation wavelength of 390 nm and an emission wavelength of 460, the sensitivity of the method can be increased significantly, by up to more than a factor of 3 and the variations in the sensitivity from sample to sample can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, the samples need not be analyzed immediately after sample collection as presently prescribed. After scopoletin and HRP have been added to a sample immediately after sample collection, the sample may be stored at room temperature in the dark for up to four days before the quenched fluorescence intensity of scopoletin is read. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Granular activated carbon for simultaneous adsorption and biodegradation of toxic oil sands process-affected water organic compounds.
Naphthenic acids (NAs) released into oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) during bitumen processing in Northern Alberta are problematic for oil sands industries due to their toxicity in the environment and resistance to degradation during conventional wastewater treatment processes. Granular activated carbon (GAC) has shown to be an effective media in removing biopersistent organics from wastewater using a combination of adsorption and biodegradation removal mechanisms. A simultaneous GAC (0.4 g GAC/L) adsorption and biodegradation (combined treatment) study was used for the treatment of raw and ozonated OSPW. After 28 days of batch treatment, classical and oxidized NAs removals for raw OSPW were 93.3% and 73.7%, and for ozonated OSPW were 96.2% and 77.1%, respectively. Synergetic effects of the combined treatment process were observed in removals of COD, the acid extractable fraction, and oxidized NAs, which indicated enhanced biodegradation and bioregeneration in GAC biofilms. A bacteria copy number >10(8) copies/g GAC on GAC surfaces was found using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction after treatment for both raw and ozonated OSPW. A Microtox(®) acute toxicity test (Vibrio fischeri) showed effective toxicity removal (>95.3%) for the combined treatments. Therefore, the simultaneous GAC adsorption and biodegradation treatment process is a promising technology for the elimination of toxic OSPW NAs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neurotoxicity induced by arsenic in Gallus Gallus: Regulation of oxidative stress and heat shock protein response.
Arsenic, a naturally occurring heavy metal pollutant, is one of the functioning risk factors for neurological toxicity in humans. However, little is known about the effects of arsenic on the nervous system of Gallus Gallus. To investigate whether arsenic induce neurotoxicity and influence the oxidative stress and heat shock proteins (Hsps) response in chickens, seventy-two 1-day-old male Hy-line chickens were treated with different doses of arsenic trioxide (As2O3). The histological changes, antioxidant enzyme activity, and the expressions of Hsps were detected. Results showed slightly histology changes were obvious in the brain tissues exposure to arsenic. The activities of Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) were decreased compared to the control, whereas the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was increased gradually along with increase in diet-arsenic. The mRNA levels of Hsps and protein expressions of Hsp60 and Hsp70 were up-regulated. These results suggested that sub-chronic exposure to arsenic induced neurotoxicity in chickens. Arsenic exposure disturbed the balance of oxidants and antioxidants. Increased heat shock response tried to protect chicken brain tissues from tissues damage caused by oxidative stress. The mechanisms of neurotoxicity induced by arsenic include oxidative stress and heat shock protein response in chicken brain tissues. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Alpha-glucosidase inhibition from a Chinese medical herb (Ramulus mori) in normal and diabetic rats and mice.
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are oral antidiabetic drugs. A traditional Chinese medical herb, Sangzhi (Ramulus mori), appears to have properties similar to those of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. The effects of an aqueous extract of Shangzhi (SZ) were studied in normal and alloxan diabetic rats and mice, and these results compared with those for acarbose, an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. In our grade-dose studies, SZ was found to lower and prolong the zenith of blood glucose concentration (ZBG) after sucrose or starch loading and stabilize blood glucose levels in fasting normal and alloxan diabetic mice. After 2 weeks of SZ administration with high-calorie chow or a normal diet, the fasting and non-fasting blood glucose concentrations in alloxan diabetic mice and rats were decreased. In alloxan rats, the blood fructosamine concentration was lowered. Results for acarbose and SZ were similar. These indicate that SZ has alpha-glucosidase inhibitory effects. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neuromodulation of intestinal transport in the suckling mouse.
The influence of enteric nerves on intestinal ion and sugar transport was investigated in 3- to 4-wk-old suckling mice. Whole thickness segments of jejunum were mounted as flat sheets in flux chambers equipped to electrically stimulate nerves in the intestinal wall. Tetrodotoxin significantly reduced basal short-circuit current in a subset of tissues containing 3-O-methylglucose in the mucosal bath. Electrical field stimulation of intrinsic nerves evoked an increase in short-circuit current of 86 +/- 15 microA/cm2 that was due to an increase in active chloride secretion with no significant change in the net movement of other ions. The secretory response to neural stimulation was abolished by tetrodotoxin and reduced by the muscarinic antagonist, atropine. Mucosal-to-serosal fluxes of 3-O-methylglucose were not altered by the cholinergic agonist carbachol. These results show that ion transport in the suckling mouse jejunum is regulated by the enteric nervous system. Neural stimulation evokes a chloride secretory response that is mediated by acetylcholine and other noncholinergic transmitters. Sugar transport in the murine small intestine does not appear to be influenced by muscarinic cholinergic agonists. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Pathogenesis, classification and diagnosis of necrotizing soft tissue infections].
Necrotizing soft tissue infections are caused by a variety of pathogens and may affect different types of soft tissue. Even today mortality and lethality are very high. The primary symptoms of necrotizing soft tissue infections are local pain out of proportion, swelling, erythema and crepitation in cases of subcutaneous gas. A systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is often associated. During the last decades early recognition and initiation of an adequate therapy were able to reduce lethality to an average of 20%. The physical examination remains the diagnostic gold standard and may be supported by typical findings of imaging technologies, e.g. subcutaneous gas on x-rays and laboratory tests. After diagnosis an adequate antibiotic and surgical therapy should be performed immediately. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Functional Neuroimaging in Obesity Research.
Functional neuroimaging is beginning to yield valuable insights into the neurobiological underpinnings of the effects of obesity on neural circuits. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) studies have been used to identify aberrant activation patterns in regions implicated in reward (e.g., striatum, orbitofrontal cortex, insula), emotion and memory (e.g., amygdala, hippocampus), sensory and motor processing (e.g., insula, precentral gyrus), and cognitive control and attention (e.g., prefrontal cortex, cingulate) in obese individuals. Although a great amount of research using these techniques has already unveiled the influence of different neural response patterns on obesogenic behaviors, in this chapter we will, otherwise, try to highlight the effects of obesity on specific neuronal circuits and discuss recent developments in fMRI-based neurofeedback approaches as an alternative in obesity treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
SecA insertion into phospholipids is stimulated by negatively charged lipids and inhibited by ATP: a monolayer study.
SecA-lipid interactions are believed to be important for the translocation of precursor proteins across the inner membrane of Escherichia coli [Lill, R., Dowhan, W., & Wickner, W. (1990) Cell 60, 271-280]. SecA insertion into the phospholipid bilayer could a role in this process. We investigated this possibility by studying the interactions between SecA and different phospholipids using the monolayer technique. It was established that SecA is surface-active and can insert into lipid monolayers. This insertion was greatly enhanced by the negatively charged lipids DOPG and Escherichia coli cardiolipin. Insertion of SecA into these negatively charged lipids could be detected up to initial surface pressures of 34 mN/m for DOPG and 36 mN/m for Escherichia coli cardiolipin, implying a possible role for negatively charged lipids in the insertion of SecA in biological membranes. High salt concentrations did not inhibit the SecA insertion into DOPG monolayers, suggesting not only an electrostatic but also a hydrophobic interaction of SecA with the lipid monolayer. ATP decreased both the insertion (factor 2) and binding (factor 3) of SecA to DOPG monolayers. ADP and phosphate gave a decrease in the SecA insertion to the same extent as ATP, but the binding of SecA was only slightly reduced. AMP-PNP and ATP-gamma-S did not have large effects on the insertion or on the binding of SecA to DOPG monolayers. The physiological significance of these results in protein translocation is discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Altered monocyte cyclooxygenase response to lipopolysaccharide in type 1 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is caused by adaptive immune responses, but innate immunity is important because monocytes infiltrate islets. Activated monocytes express cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, promoting prostaglandin-E(2) (PGE(2)) secretion, whereas COX-1 expression is constitutive. We aimed to define monocyte COX expression in type 1 diabetes basally and after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Isolated CD14(+) monocytes were analyzed for COX mRNA and protein expression from identical twins (discordant for type 1 diabetes) and control subjects. Basal monocyte COX mRNA, protein expression, and PGE(2) secretion were normal in type 1 diabetic subjects. After LPS, twins and control subjects showed a COX mRNA isoform switch with decreased COX-1 mRNA (P < 0.01), increased COX-2 mRNA (P < 0.01), and increased COX-2 protein expression (P < 0.01). Compared with control subjects, both diabetic and nondiabetic twins showed greater LPS-induced downregulation of monocyte COX-1 mRNA (P = 0.02), reduced upregulation of COX-2 mRNA and protein (P < 0.03), and greater inhibition by the COX-2 inhibitor di-isopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) of monocyte PGE(2) (P < 0.007). We demonstrate an alteration in monocyte COX mRNA expression as well as monocyte COX-2 and PGE(2) production after LPS in type 1 diabetic patients and their nondiabetic twins. Because COX-2 response to LPS is proinflammatory, an inherited reduced response would predispose to chronic inflammatory diseases such as type 1 diabetes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Simulated meal test. A new method for estimation of parietal and non-parietal secretion in response to food.
In ten healthy volunteers gastric secretion was stimulated by a simulated meal, in which the cephalic phase was activated by modified sham feeding and the gastric phase by repeated instillations and withdrawals of a meat soup. The gastric aspirates were analyzed for acid and pepsin and the outputs quantitated by the recovery of an unabsorbable marker (polyethylene glycol). Instillation of liquid meal without sham feeding produced 58% and 65% of pentagastrin-stimulated secretion of acid and pepsin, respectively. Concomitant sham feeding increased the stimulation further, so that the outputs evoked by the combined stimulus (simulated meal test) were similar to that achieved by the pentagastrin test. The coefficient of variation of duplicate tests was 4.5% for acid and 5.4% for pepsin output. The technique is suitable for measuring both parietal and non-parietal secretion in response to food. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evaluation of a dementia training workshop for health and social care staff in rural Scotland.
This short project report presents an evaluation of a training workshop for health and social-care staff working in one of the most rural areas in Scotland. The objective was to explore the learning needs and outcomes of training participants delivering services to people with dementia in a rural area. The training workshop encouraged health and social-care staff to discuss key challenges they experienced in their dementia care practice, as well as providing information on dementia care, services and rural dementia research. In a post-training evaluation, despite barriers to implementing learning, participants rated their satisfaction with the workshop as high overall. Further training needs identified included: how to recognise dementia, what the diagnostic process entails, and the management of challenging behaviour. Health and social-care staff in rural areas of Scotland require further training on specific issues related to dementia to enable them to be confident in in the diagnostic process and delivery of post-diagnostic dementia services. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Heteromeric nicotinic acetylcholine-dopamine autoreceptor complexes modulate striatal dopamine release.
In the striatum, dopamine and acetylcholine (ACh) modulate dopamine release by acting, respectively, on dopamine D(2) autoreceptors and nicotinic ACh (nACh) heteroreceptors localized on dopaminergic nerve terminals. The possibility that functional interactions exist between striatal D(2) autoreceptors and nACh receptors was studied with in vivo microdialysis in freely moving rats. Local perfusion of nicotine in the ventral striatum (shell of the nucleus accumbens) produced a marked increase in the extracellular levels of dopamine, which was completely counteracted by co-perfusion with either the non-alpha(7) nACh receptor antagonist dihydro-beta-erythroidine or the D(2-3) receptor agonist quinpirole. Local perfusion of the D(2-3) receptor antagonist raclopride produced an increase in the extracellular levels of dopamine, which was partially, but significantly, counteracted by coperfusion with dihydro-beta-erythroidine. These findings demonstrate a potent crosstalk between G protein-coupled receptors and ligand-gated ion channels in dopaminergic nerve terminals, with the D(2) autoreceptor modulating the efficacy of non-alpha(7) nACh receptor-mediated modulation of dopamine release. We further demonstrate physical interactions between beta(2) subunits of non-alpha(7) nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and D(2) autoreceptors in co-immunoprecipitation experiments with membrane preparations from co-transfected mammalian cells and rat striatum. These results reveal that striatal non-alpha(7) nicotinic acetylcholine receptors form part of heteromeric dopamine autoreceptor complexes that modulate dopamine release. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Acute stress disorder symptoms in children and their parents after pediatric traffic injury.
The American Academy of Pediatrics highlights the important role of pediatricians in recognizing adverse child responses to tragic events, such as traffic crashes. One challenge in effectively identifying children and their parents with troubling psychological responses to trauma is that little is known about the normal range of acute psychological responses in children and their parents in the immediate aftermath of traumatic events, making identification of adverse child responses difficult. Within the first month after a traumatic event, individuals may display reexperiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal symptoms as well as dissociation (eg, feelings of unreality or emotional numbing). The presence of these responses, collectively known as acute stress disorder (ASD), alerts providers to those who may be at risk for ongoing difficulties. For beginning to develop an evidence base to guide pediatric care providers in addressing acute traumatic responses, the aim of the current investigation was to describe systematically the range and type of symptoms of ASD in children and their parents after pediatric traffic injury. A prospective cohort study was conducted of traffic-injured children, who were 5 to 17 years of age and admitted to the hospital for treatment of injuries from traffic crashes, and their parents. All children who met eligibility criteria between July 1999 and May 2000 were invited to participate in the study. After consent/assent was obtained, children and their custodial parents (or guardians) were interviewed within 1 month after injury via a structured assessment to determine the circumstances of the crash and the presence of ASD symptoms. Relevant demographic and clinical information (eg, age, race, gender, date of injury) was abstracted from the medical records of subjects. A survey instrument to assess the presence of ASD symptoms was completed by both the child and his or her guardian. All children completed the Child Acute Stress Questionnaire, and all parents completed the Stanford Acute Stress Reaction Questionnaire. Responses were scored for the presence of dissociation, reexperiencing, avoidance, and/or hyperarousal symptoms as well as broad distress (symptoms present in every category). Symptoms of ASD were commonly observed in the children and parents. Eighty-eight percent of children and 83% of parents reported having at least 1 clinically significant symptom; this affected 90% of the families. Broad distress was observed for a large minority: 28% of children and 23% of parents. No statistically significant association was found between child broad distress and either child age (r = -0.12) or child injury severity score (r = -0.05). chi(2) analyses revealed no significant association between broad distress and child gender, child race, or mechanism of injury. No statistically significant association was found between parent broad distress and child age (r = -0.06) or child injury severity score (r = 0.09). chi(2) analyses revealed no significant association between parent broad distress and child gender or parent presence at the crash scene. Associations were found between parent broad distress and race in that fewer white parents reported broad distress. In addition, mechanism of injury was associated with parent broad distress: more parents reported broad distress when their children were involved in pedestrian-motor vehicle crashes, and fewer parents reported broad distress when their children were injured in a bicycle fall. Pediatric care providers can expect to see some ASD symptoms in most children and parents in the immediate aftermath of traffic-related injury. Brief education is appropriate to explain that these symptoms are normal reactions that are likely to resolve. If symptoms persist for >1 month or are particularly distressing in their intensity, then referral for psychological care may be necessary for treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder. Given the high prevalence of pediatric traffic crashes and the underdiagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder, probing for recent crash exposure might be appropriate during routine child health maintenance. The following are recommendations for pediatricians: 1) routinely call the family several days and 1 to 2 weeks after a traffic injury and ask about behavioral symptoms and family function; 2) make use of the ongoing physician-patient relationship to explore symptom presence and intensity and any functional impairment in the injured child; a brief office visit with the child and parents could serve this purpose; 3) be sure to explore the effect that the child's injury has had on the family; remember that the parent's experience posttraumatic stress symptoms after pediatric traffic-related injuries and these symptoms may limit the parent's ability to support the child; 4) provide supportive care and give families the opportunity to discuss the crash and their current feelings; do not force families to talk about the crash; 5) although any child in a traffic crash or his or her parent is at risk for posttraumatic symptomatology, regardless of injury severity, particular attention should be paid to the parents of child pedestrians who are struck by motor vehicles. These parents experience posttraumatic symptoms more commonly than parents of children in other traffic crashes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Primate origins: plugging the gaps.
Recent discoveries of fossil primate specimens have produced several surprises and challenged prevailing views of early primate evolution. Plesiadapiformes, long regarded as 'archaic primates', may perhaps be linked to the peculiar colugos instead. Inferred relationships of the earliest known undoubted primates (adapids and omomyids) are in turmoil. Both groups have been proposed as sources for the simian primates. Although the origin of the simian primates is obscure, new fossil evidence could push it further back by at least 10 million years. Such uncertainties reflect the low sampling level of the primate fossil record, which can potentially also lead to underestimation of times of origin within the primate tree. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ureteroscopic lithotripsy under local anesthesia: analysis of the effectiveness and patient tolerability.
We tried to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of ureteroscopic lithotripsy under local anesthesia. We evaluated the results of ureteroscopic lithotripsy under local anesthesia performed on 200 patients (male 91; female 109). We compared the pain perception during local ureteroscopic procedure to that of cystoscopy using a visual analogue pain scale recorded by the patient. The overall success rate was 93% (185/200). The success rates of the upper, mid and lower ureteral calculi were 83% (5/6), 78% (14/18), and 94% (166/176), respectively. The success rate was 94% (166/176) in calculi less than 10 mm, and 86% (30/35) in those more than 10 mm. There were 5 cases (3%) of complications: ureteral injury (1), pyelonephritis (2), and ureteral stricture (2). Although the mean pain scale score was higher in the ureteroscopy group (3.36+/-1.75) than in the cystoscopy group (3.13+/-1.92), the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Most of the patients tolerated pain during the procedure and only two patients required general anesthesia. Postoperative pain was also tolerable in most patients and only 8 (4%) patients required additional analgesics after the procedure. As the effectiveness and morbidity of ureteroscopic lithotripsy under local anesthesia are comparable to those of many other previous reports and as most of the patients could tolerate the pain of the procedure, we suggest that ureteroscopic lithotripsy can be performed effectively and safely under local anesthesia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ovulation, ovarian function, and reproductive performance after treatments with GnRH in postpartum suckled cows.
Two experiments were conducted to determine whether treatments with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) during the early postpartum period in suckled cows would induce ovulation and initiate regular estrous cycles. In Experiment I, 0, 100 or 200 microg of GnRH was given to 22 suckled Angus x Holstein cows at three and again at five weeks postpartum. Serum luteinizing hormone (LH) responses did not differ between cows given 100 or 200 microg of GnRH. Treatment with GnRH tended to increase the percentage of cows exhibiting estrus by 30 and 60 days postpartum, but reproductive performance during the breeding season did not differ among groups. In Experiment II, 70 suckled Hereford cows were given either no treatment or 200 microg of GnRH at 7 weeks postpartum. Cows given GnRH received either no treatment prior to GnRH or were separated from their calves for 24 hr prior to GnRH treatment. Half of the cows that were separated from their calves also received progesterone via a progesterone intravaginal device (PRID) for 12 days prior to calf removal. Treatment with GnRH alone tended to increase the percentage of anestrous cows which ovulated by 8 days after treatment. Calf removal did not increase the ovulatory response to GnRH, but PRID treatment did. More estrous periods were detected in GnRH-treated cows than in control cows during 20 days after GnRH treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An octahedral coordination complex of iron(VI).
The hexavalent state, considered to be the highest oxidation level accessible for iron, has previously been found only in the tetrahedral ferrate dianion, FeO4(2-). We report the photochemical synthesis of another Fe(VI) compound, an octahedrally coordinated dication bearing a terminal nitrido ligand. Mössbauer and x-ray absorption spectra, supported by density functional theory, are consistent with the octahedral structure having an FeN triple bond of 1.57 angstroms and a singlet d2(xy) ground electronic configuration. The compound is stable at 77 kelvin and yields a high-spin Fe(III) species upon warming. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Beta-cell function and islet morphology in normal, obese, and obese beta-cell mass-reduced Göttingen minipigs.
Herein, we bridge beta-cell function and morphology in minipigs. We hypothesized that different aspects of beta-cell dysfunction are present in obesity and obesity with reduced beta-cell mass by using pulsatile insulin secretion as an early marker. Measures for beta-cell function (glucose and arginine stimulation plus baseline and glucose-entrained pulsatile insulin secretion) and islet morphology were studied in long-term (19-20 mo) obese (n = 5) and obese beta-cell-reduced [nicotinamide + streptozotocin (STZ), n = 5] minipigs and normal controls, representing different stages in the development toward type 2 diabetes. Acute insulin response (AIR) to glucose and arginine were, surprisingly, normal in obese (0.3 g/kg glucose: AIR = 246 +/- 119 vs. 255 +/- 61 pM in control; 67 mg/kg arginine: AIR = 230 +/- 124 vs. 214 +/- 85 pM in control) but reduced in obese-STZ animals (0.3 g/kg glucose: AIR = 22 +/- 36, P < 0.01; arginine: AIR = 87 +/- 92 pM, P < 0.05 vs. control). Baseline pulsatile insulin secretion was reduced in obese (59 +/- 16 vs. 76 +/- 16% in control, P < 0.05) and more so in obese-STZ animals (43 +/- 13%, P < 0.01), whereas regularity during entrainment was increased in obese animals (approximate entropy: 0.85 +/- 0.14 vs. 1.13 +/- 0.13 in control, P < 0.01). Beta-cell mass (mg/kg body wt) was normal in obese and reduced in obese-STZ animals, with pancreatic fat infiltration in both groups. In conclusion, obesity and insulin resistance are not linked with a general reduction of beta-cell function, but dynamics of insulin secretion are perturbed. The data suggest a sequence in the development of beta-cell dysfunction, with the three groups representing stages in the progression from normal physiology to diabetes, and assessment of pulsatility as the single most sensitive marker of beta-cell dysfunction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fetal muscle gene transfer is not enhanced by an RGD capsid modification to high-capacity adenoviral vectors.
High levels of alpha(v) integrin expression by fetal muscle suggested that vector re-targeting to integrins could enhance adenoviral vector-mediated transduction, thereby increasing safety and efficacy of muscle gene transfer in utero. High-capacity adenoviral (HC-Ad) vectors modified by an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide motif in the HI loop of the adenoviral fiber (RGD-HC-Ad) have demonstrated efficient gene transfer through binding to alpha(v) integrins. To test integrin targeting of HC-Ad vectors for fetal muscle gene transfer, we compared unmodified and RGD-modified HC-Ad vectors. In vivo, unmodified HC-Ad vector transduced fetal mouse muscle with four-fold higher efficiency compared to RGD-HC-Ad vector. Confirming that the difference was due to muscle cell autonomous factors and not mechanical barriers, transduction of primary myogenic cells isolated from murine fetal muscle in vitro demonstrated a three-fold better transduction by HC-Ad vector than by RGD-HC-Ad vector. We hypothesized that the high expression level of coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR), demonstrated in fetal muscle cells both in vitro and in vivo, was the crucial variable influencing the relative transduction efficiencies of HC-Ad and RGD-HC-Ad vectors. To explore this further, we studied transduction by HC-Ad and RGD-HC-Ad vectors in paired cell lines that expressed alpha(v) integrins and differed only by the presence or absence of CAR expression. The results increase our understanding of factors that will be important for retargeting HC-Ad vectors to enhance gene transfer to fetal muscle. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Health education needs for malaria control in rural residents in Hai'an County].
To understand the status of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) and health education needs for malaria prevention and treatment of rural residents in Hai'an County. Hai'an County was divided into three regions of east, south and north, and the primary and secondary students and residents were selected with the multi-stage sampling method and investigated with questionnaire for the status of KAP and the health education needs of malaria control. The results were analyzed statistically. The awareness rates of malaria transmission, symptoms, prevention knowledge in the residents were significantly higher than those in the students (P < 0.05). The awareness rates of malaria prevention knowledge in the residents had significant differences among the residents with different education levels (P < 0.05), and the education levels were positively correlated with the awareness rates of malaria prevention knowledge. The main ways of rural residents to get their knowledge of malaria control were radio, newspapers, the village doctors, public health bulletin, posters, students, and television caption in order; the main ways of students to get their knowledge of malaria control were television, newspapers, public health bulletin, teachers, radio, and flyers in order. We should pay full attention to the advantages of mass media to carry out the extensive health education on malaria prevention and control, and should also take into account the different characteristics of the audience. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
2,3-2, 3-.
Erythrocityc variations of glycolytic intermediates and 2,3-DPG levels in rabbits performing strenuous exercise under hypoxic conditions are correlated with blood pH variations. The hypoxia alone is not able to induce directly an increase of erythrocytic 2,3-DPG level which would facilitate tissue oxygenation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Immediate and late arrhythmia in patients operated on for tetralogy of Fallot].
Arrhythmias are a frequent complication after repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). We present our experience with 97 patients with special consideration for early and late hyperkynetic arrhythmias. The most frequent, 4% of the patients, was in junctional tachycardia. Late arrhythmias can be atrial or ventricular. The incidence of ventricular arrhythmias in the literature range from 42 to 82%. In the Authors experience multiforme ventricular ectopy was present in 80% of the patients, 20 years after surgery. We suggest an exercise test and averaging ECG in all the patients. Thirty six percent of patients with supraventricular tachycardia were symptomatic. as the incidence of arrhythmias after correction of TOF is high, it is very important to periodically reassess these patients. Antiarrhythmic treatment is indicated in all symptomatic patients, especially in those with major arrhythmias (SVT, AF and VT). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
History and physical examination of elderly patients with dementia.
The role of the physician is critical in the evaluation of cognitively impaired patients for two reasons: (a) The longitudinal relationship between the patient and physician provides a unique opportunity to observe changes over time, generating confidence that may encourage the patient and family to report any concerns; (b) All research in this field is geared toward the earliest possible intervention, a process made possible by early diagnosis. Preparations for interview and the interview process itself require special knowledge of dementia on the part of the evaluating physician, who must understand the potentials and problems of both the content the process of taking a history from the demented patient and his/her caregivers. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Venetoclax and obinutuzumab for frontline treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Venetoclax in combination with obinutuzumab is an efficacious and tolerable combination that provides a fixed-duration, chemotherapy-free option for patients with previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). With the expanding number of therapeutic alternatives available for CLL, discussion of efficacy and potential adverse effects is paramount to formulating the optimal treatment regimen for each individual patient. Many ongoing studies will further define the ideal combination and long-term efficacy of these novel therapies in a prospective manner. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Cardiomyopathy in idiopathic hemochromatosis. Diagnostic possibilities using proton spin tomography].
In idiopathic hemochromatosis, there is progressive deposition of iron in parenchymatous organs owing to a defect in iron absorption the nature of which is not so far known. This can result in cardiomyopathy with heart failure and arrhythmia which are refractory to therapy. Nuclear magnetic resonance tomography is a specific imaging technique for early detection of myocardial iron deposits. With quantitative determination of the T2 relaxation time of the myocardium, a progress control under venesection therapy is possible above and beyond diagnostics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Test of general relativity and measurement of the lense-thirring effect with two earth satellites
The Lense-Thirring effect, a tiny perturbation of the orbit of a particle caused by the spin of the attracting body, was accurately measured with the use of the data of two laser-ranged satellites, LAGEOS and LAGEOS II, and the Earth gravitational model EGM-96. The parameter &mgr;, which measures the strength of the Lense-Thirring effect, was found to be 1.1 +/- 0.2; general relativity predicts &mgr; identical with 1. This result represents an accurate test and measurement of one of the fundamental predictions of general relativity, that the spin of a body changes the geometry of the universe by generating space-time curvature. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Susceptibility of Oka varicella vaccine strain to antiviral drugs.
Susceptibility of Oka varicella vaccine virus to antiherpetic drugs was determined by the effective dose for 50% plaque reduction (ED50) using cell-free virus preparation. ED50 values were 3.02 microM for acyclovir, 3.72 microM for vidarabine, 0.0035 microM for sorivudine, and 4.67 microM for penciclovir. Oka varicella vaccine virus was as susceptible to these drugs as wild-type viruses. Sensitivity of thymidine kinase (TK)-deficient virus to penciclovir and of some DNA polymerase (DPase) mutants to sorivudine suggested that these drugs might be used for the treatment of vaccine recipients, even if Oka varicella vaccine became acyclovir-resistant by mutations in the TK or DPase genes, respectively. This result encourages the wider use of Oka varicella vaccine even for immunocompromised hosts because of its attenuation and susceptibility to chemotherapeutic drugs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Acute heart failure in a patient treated by mitoxantrone for multiple sclerosis].
Mitoxantrone is an immunosuppressive drug usually delivered in severe relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. It can also be used in secondary progressive and progressive relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. Left ventricular ejection fraction has to be monitored because of the cardiotoxicity risk of mitoxantrone. Acute cardiac side effects in multiple sclerosis have not yet been described. We report the single case of an acute heart failure occurring in a cohort of more than 800 patients treated with mitoxantrone. We discuss about interruption criteria as maximal cumulative dose allowed and left ventricular ejection fraction cut off value. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Rotating off-centered lens in SBS phase conjugation mirror for high-repetition-rate operation.
A new method using a rotating off-centered lens is proposed to reduce the heat accumulation at the focal spot of a stimulated Brillouin scattering phase conjugation mirror at high-repetition-rate operation. Theoretical simulation of the beam intensity pattern at the focal point indicates there is less coma-aberration using a rotating off-centered focusing lens than with a rotating wedge and a conventional lens. The resultant SBS output parameters using this new method are substantially improved comparable to those of a non-rotating conventional method for high-repetition-rate operation, while the former operates quite well for higher power and the latter operates only for lower input power. High reflected energy and a good beam pattern are demonstrated using the proposed method in the present experimental conditions of 50 mJ at 1 kHz. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Paraneoplasic cerebellar degeneration as a presentation of breast cancer recurrence].
Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) is a rare condition which is characterised by global cerebellar dysfunction. Patients may present with these syndromes months or years before the diagnosis of underlying malignancy is established. Less often, PCD occurs in patients with a known malignancy or heralds the onset of a recurrence. The presence of specific antibodies in serum simples helps to guide identification the occult malignancy. We report here the case of a PCD in 74-year-old lady underwent a left mastectomy for breast cancer 5 years ago. She remained well until now. The diagnosis of the primary tumor, that is clinically undetectable with conventional imaging processes, is preformed with the aid of positron mission tomography (PET) to detect the presence of abdominal lymph node metastases. We briefly review the clinical and laboratory features of this syndrome, and emphasize the importance of its prompt recognition, which many times makes possible the early detection and treatment of the primary disorder. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Influenza vaccination uptake amongst pregnant women and maternal care providers is suboptimal.
To assess the uptake of influenza vaccination by pregnant women and maternity care providers and explore their attitudes towards influenza vaccination. Cross-sectional survey administered in a Victorian tertiary level public hospital to 337 pregnant women and 96 maternity care providers. 31.3% of patients planned to or had received influenza vaccination this year, but only a quarter had received education about influenza. Women were more likely to receive influenza vaccination if they had been vaccinated in the last two years (RR 4.5, 95% CI: 3.1-6.4, p<0.001), received education about influenza (RR 2.3, 95% CI: 1.6-3.2, p<0.001) or believed that they were at high risk of influenza-related complications while pregnant (RR 2.0, 95% CI: 1.4-2.7, p<0.001). While only 56.8% of maternity care providers believed pregnant women were at high risk of influenza-related complications, 72.9% would recommend influenza vaccination to all pregnant women. Of the maternity care providers studied, 69% planned to or had been vaccinated in 2011, with this group more likely to recommend vaccination to their patients (RR 2.0, 95% CI: 1.3-3.0, p<0.001). Significantly more maternity care providers indicated that they would routinely recommend influenza vaccination than the proportion of patients who reported receiving education. Influenza vaccination rates in pregnant women are low, reflecting inadequate patient education despite most maternity care providers indicating that they would routinely recommend influenza vaccination. Increasing influenza vaccination uptake by women in pregnancy will require better education of both women and maternity care providers. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Defect in lytic granule exocytosis: several causes, a same effect].
An in vivo disturbance of lymphocyte homeostasis occurs during the course of the hemophagocytic syndrome (HS). HS is a severe and often fatal syndrome resulting from potent and uncontrolled activation and proliferation of T-lymphocytes, mainly polyclonal CD8 lymphocytes, leading to excessive macrophage activation, high level of proinflammatory cytokine production and multiple deleterious effects. The onset of HS characterizes several inherited disorders in humans. In most of these conditions, the molecular defect impairs the granule-dependent cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes, thus highlighting the determinant role of this function in driving back the immune system to a state of equilibrium following infection. Several lines of evidence suggest that an increase in the expansion phase rather than a decrease in the contraction phase of the CD8+ T cells population characterizes the HS. Failure to kill antigen presenting cells through a transaction mechanism of cytotoxic cells should favor a sustained response, although the mechanism may be more complex than simple decrease of antigen load. Defect in the granule dependent cytotoxic function of lymphocytes result from perforin mutation in familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 2, from Munc13-4 (UNC13D) mutation in familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 3, from Rab27a mutation in Griscelli syndrome type 2, and from CHS/LYST mutation in Chediak-Higashi syndrome. The characterization of the molecular causes leading to these conditions identified Rab27a and Munc13-4 as two critical effectors of the exocytic machinery, required for the terminal transport/docking or priming of the cytotoxic granules, respectively. Different members of the Rab and Munc13 family of proteins are also used in neurotransmitter release at the neurological synapse, highlighting the similarity of the mechanisms regulating both secretory pathways. Future investigations regarding HS will continue to elucidate this exocytic pathway machinery and improve our understanding of how it finely regulates the immune response, an area that is likely to be useful for therapeutic intervention. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Description of a new disposable uterine sampler (the Accurette) for endometrial cytology and histology.
A disposable, collapsible curette made from a special plastic material, devised by the author for obtaining cytological and histological samples of the uterine endometrium, is described. A simple syringe for vacuum aspiration is incorporated with the instrument. Its manifold advantages include simplicity of design and ease of application, making little demand on the operator. No additional apparatus is required for its use in outpatient clinics or as an office procedure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antimycobacterial in vitro activity of cobalt(II) isonicotinoylhydrazone complexes. Part 10.
Octahedral cobalt(II) complexes of isonicotinoylhydrazones, which were obtained from the primary antituberculous agent isoniazid, have been synthesised and characterised. Their antimycobacterial in vitro activity has been evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv: they exhibit MIC values ranging from < 0.1 to 0.39 microg/mL, showing them to be generally more active than previously reported analogous Cu(II) and Ni(II) complexes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mothers are not fathers: differences between parents in the reduction of stress levels after a parental intervention in a NICU.
The study examined the effects of a parental intervention to reduce parents' stress levels during the hospitalization of their very preterm infants in a NICU, taking into account possible differences between mothers and fathers. Parents of infants born ≤ 32 weeks gestational age (GA) were randomly assigned to a standard support group (N = 21) or intervention group (N = 21). The intervention was based both on a joint observation method and infant massage provided by both parents. Parents' stress was assessed by the Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, after the first week of admission and at the infant's discharge. At discharge, intervention group parents showed significantly lower levels of stress related to infants' appearance/behaviour and to parental role alteration (PRA) than those of the standard support group (p = 0.000). Overall, mothers reported more stress compared with fathers (p ≤ 0.05). The intervention was effective in reducing the stress-role alteration in mothers (p < 0.05), but not in fathers. Mothers reported more stress compared with fathers, above all for PRA. A parental intervention was effective in reducing stress-role alteration in mothers, but not fathers. Parental interventions should take into account that help for fathers could be different from help for mothers. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Amino acid sequence of alpha-subunit in hen egg white ovomucin deduced from cloned cDNA.
The primary amino acid sequence of alpha-subunit in ovomucin (OVM) from hen thick egg white was determined. The 2087 amino acid residues with a relative molecular mass of 230.9 kDa along the full length of the alpha-subunit were represented. The alpha-subunit contains domains, arranged from the N- to C-terminals in the following order: D1-D2-D'-D3-R (central region)-D4-C1-CK (Cystine-knot), in a manner similar to the arrangement of D, C and CK domains in human pre-pro-von Willebrand factor (hpp-vWF) and hMUC2. The alpha-subunit showed identities on amino acid sequences with hpp-vWF and hMUC2 at 33 and 41% in the N-terminal region and 30 and 38% in the C-terminal region, respectively. The numbers and positions of cysteine residues were highly conserved among alpha-subunit, hpp-vWF and hMUC2. However, R showed no virtual sequence homology with the corresponding regions in two proteins. It was estimated that alpha-subunit was not part of a large peptide of OVM, but was independently synthesized from beta-subunit. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Factors influencing caspofungin plasma concentrations in kidney transplant patients with high incidence of invasive fungal infections.
Caspofungin is commonly used in kidney transplant patients for prophylaxis or treatment of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) caused by Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. Factors such as concomitant medications, co-morbidity and rejection often cause caspofungin pharmacokinetic parameters alterations in kidney transplant patients. Here, we aimed to investigate factors influencing caspofungin plasma concentrations and evaluate its prophylaxis and treatment efficiency for IFIs in kidney transplant patients. The prophylaxis and treatment efficiency of caspofungin for IFIs were assessed in 164 kidney transplant patients in the study. Six hundred and fifty-two caspofungin trough concentrations (Cmin ) from the 164 patients were monitored by the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Basic demographic variables, baseline disease, surgery, rejection, indwelling catheter, coinfection, concomitant medication and other caspofungin-related factors were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess factors influencing caspofungin plasma concentrations. The success rates were 94.96% (132/139) for caspofungin prevention and 80% (20/25) for caspofungin for IFIs. Caspofungin Cmin in the kidney recipients varied largely compared with healthy volunteers (0.10-12.25 mg/L vs. 1.12-1.78 mg/L). Caspofungin Cmin significantly increased in patients with continuous renal replacement therapy before transplantation (P = .001), concomitant medication of cyclosporine A (CsA, P = .009), ALB concentration of > 30 g/L (P = .019). This is an uncontrolled observational study of caspofungin as prophylaxis or treatment for IFIs in kidney transplant patients. Caspofungin could be an effective and well-tolerated option for antifungal prophylaxis and treatment in kidney transplant patients, and a number of factors could influence caspofungin Cmin in these patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Use of an elastic stain to show venous invasion in colorectal carcinoma: a simple technique for detection of an important prognostic factor.
Venous invasion (VI) is an important prognostic factor in colorectal cancer; it is positively associated with visceral metastases and may affect the decision to treat with adjuvant therapy. To evaluate whether an elastic tissue (Movat) stain facilitates identification of VI, the number of Movat-stained blocks needed to detect VI, and whether VI identified with a Movat stain is prognostically equivalent to VI identified on H&E-stained slides. H&E-stained sections from colorectal carcinomas from the year 2000 (n = 92) were examined for VI and compared to Movat-stained slides. Clinical charts were reviewed to compare rates of metastases in VI-positive versus VI-negative patients. With the Movat stain, VI was identified in 44% of cases previously categorised as negative (p<0.001) on review of H&E slides alone. One Movat-stained section was often sufficient to identify VI, with a statistically significant benefit to performing multiple stains if necessary. In H&E sections, two clues helped identify VI: the "unaccompanied artery" sign, where large arteries were seen without an accompanying vein; and the "protruding tongue" sign, where smooth tongues of tumour extended into pericolic/rectal fat. Metastases were present in 61% of cases positive for VI compared to 35% in VI-negative cases (p = 0.03). 45% of cases positive for intramural VI only developed metastases (p = 0.39), while 65% of cases positive for extramural VI only developed metastases (p = 0.03). Pathologists should look for morphological clues of VI in H&E stained sections; when VI is not apparent, an elastic tissue stain on all tumour blocks significantly improves identification of VI. Morphological clues include the "unaccompanied artery" and "protruding tongue" signs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Probiotic bacteria cell walls stimulate the activity of the intestinal epithelial cells and macrophage functionality.
The effect of oral administration of probiotic bacteria cell walls (PBCWs) in the stimulation of the immune system in healthy BALB/c mice was evaluated. We focused our investigation mainly on intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) which are essential for coordinating an adequate mucosal immune response and on the functionality of macrophages. The probiotic bacteria and their cell walls were able to stimulate the IECs exhibiting an important activation and cytokine releases. Supplementation with PBCWs promoted macrophage activation from peritoneum and spleen, indicating that the PBCWs oral administration was able to improve the functionality of the macrophages. In addition, the PBCWs increased immunoglobulin A (IgA)-producing cells in the gut lamina propria in a similar way to probiotic bacteria, but this supplementation did not have an effect on the population of goblet cells in the small intestine epithelium. These results indicate that the probiotic bacteria and their cell walls have an important immunoregulatory effect on the IECs without altering the homeostatic environment but with an increase in IgA+ producing cells and in the innate immune cells, mainly those distant from the gut such as spleen and peritoneum. These findings about the capacity of the cell walls from probiotic bacteria to stimulate key cells, such as IECs and macrophages, and to improve the functioning of the immune system, suggest that those structures could be applied as a new oral adjuvant. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transseptal stent treatment of anastomotic stricture after repair of partial anomalous pulmonary venous return.
To report the endovascular treatment of a stenosis of the pulmonary venous anastomosis following surgical treatment for partial anomalous pulmonary venous return. A 60-year-old man presented with recurrent pleural effusions after correction of a partial anomalous left pulmonary venous return. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated focal stenosis at the anastomosis of the anomalous pulmonary vein to the left atrial appendage. Using a transseptal approach, the pulmonary vein stenosis was accessed and successfully stented. The patient's symptoms improved, and follow-up imaging demonstrated a patent stent without residual pressure gradient. Endovascular repair of a stenosis at the anastomosis of an anomalous pulmonary vein is possible and should be considered as a treatment option for this lesion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Interobserver and intraobserver reliability of venous transcranial color-coded flow velocity measurements.
Venous transcranial color-coded duplex sonography is a new technique for noninvasive evaluation of the intracranial venous system. However, the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of this method is unclear. In 23 healthy volunteers (30 +/- 7.3 years of age), the deep middle cerebral vein (dMCV), basal vein (BV), vein of Galen (VG), and straight (SRS), transverse (TS), and superior sagittal (SSS) sinuses in addition to the arterial segments of the circle of Willis were insonated through the temporal bone window on 2 consecutive days by 2 experienced examiners. The examiners were blinded to each other's results. The interobserver and intraobserver reliability was calculated using a method described by Bland and Altman, resulting in 2-SD confidence intervals. Non-angle-corrected and angle-corrected systolic and end diastolic venous flow velocities (FV) were in good accordance with published normal values, ranging between 8.6 and 19.2 cm/s. The interobserver reliabilities for non-angle-corrected systolic FVs in the dMCV, BV, VG, SRS, and TS were +/- 1.8, 2.4, 2.6, 3.3, and 4.6 cm/s; for angle-corrected systolic FVs, the interobserver reliabilities were +/- 2.5, 3.1, 13.9, 11.6, and 7.7 cm/s. The intraobserver reliabilities for non-angle-corrected systolic FVs in the dMCV, BV, VG, SRS, and TS were +/- 2.9, 3.2, 2.6, 3.2, and 6.1 cm/s; for angle-corrected systolic FVs, the intraobserver reliabilities were 3.2, 3.7, 13.9, 11.6, and 7.5 cm/s. Angle correction was not attempted for the SSS. The interobserver and intraobserver reliabilities for systolic FVs in the SSS were +/- 3.3 and +/- 3.3 cm/s, respectively. Intracranial venous FVs can be measured with a high interobserver and intraobserver reliability in healthy human subjects. Intraobserver reliability was higher for cerebral veins than for dural sinuses, predisposing them for follow-up examinations; however, angle correction for venous FVs in the VG and the SRS is not advisable. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antimicrobial stewardship programme in a trauma centre of a tertiary care hospital in North India: Effects and implementation challenges.
Hospital-based antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) aim to optimise antimicrobial use by employing a set of co-ordinated interventions. This study evaluated the implementation challenges of an ASP in a tertiary trauma care centre in India and its effect on antimicrobial prescription. A pre- and post-intervention study design was used to compare the effects of the ASP amongst patients admitted during November 2017-January 2018. The appropriateness of antimicrobial prescriptions (dose, route, duration, indication, choice) was evaluated using a validated algorithm. ASP interventions involved daily audit and feedback, restriction on antibacterial usage, daily bedside review, education, and sensitisation activities for residents/nurses. Key implementation challenges and solutions were brainstormed in weekly meetings. A total of 695 patients were prescribed 1331 antimicrobials. There was a decrease in prophylactic antimicrobial use by 11% (P < 0.001). The prescription pattern improved significantly in the intervention phase compared with the pre-intervention phase in terms of duration, choice, indication and route of administration by 8%, 14%, 2% and 8% respectively. Patients in the intervention arm had significantly higher likelihood of receiving antimicrobials for an appropriate duration (aOR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.6; P = 0.004) and reason (aOR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.3-4.3; P = 0.003). Challenges identified in implementation included absence of an electronic recording system and inadequate orientation of treating doctors regarding rational antimicrobial use. The ASP demonstrated significant improvement in antimicrobial usage. This model may be replicated in other hospital settings to promote rational use of antimicrobials. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Interactions of peptide mimics of hyaluronic acid with the receptor for hyaluronan mediated motility (RHAMM).
Using the hyaluronic acid (HA) binding region of the receptor for hyaluronan-mediated motility (RHAMM) as a model, a molecular perspective for peptide mimicry of the natural ligand was established by comparing the interaction sites of HA and unnatural peptide-ligands to RHAMM. This was accomplished by obtaining a series of octapeptide-ligands through screening experiments that bound to the HA binding domains of RHAMM (amino acids 517-576) and could be displaced by HA. These molecules were computationally docked onto a three-dimensional NMR based model of RHAMM. The NMR model showed that RHAMM(517-576) was a set of three helices, two of which contained the HA binding domains (HABDs) flanking a central groove. The structure was stabilized by hydrophobic interactions from four pairs of Val and Ile side chains extending into the groove. The presence of solvent exposed, positively charged side chains spaced 11 A apart matched the spacing of negative charges on HA. Docking experiments using flexible natural and artificial ligands demonstrated that HA and peptide-mimetics preferentially bound to the second helix that contains HABD-2. Three salt bridges between HA carboxylates and Lys548, Lys553 and Lys560 and two hydrophobic interactions involving Val538 and Val559 were predicted to stabilize the RHAMM-HA complex. The high affinity peptides and HA utilized the same charged residues, with additional contacts to other basic residues. However, hydrophobic contacts do not contribute to affinity for peptide ligand-RHAMM complexes. These results offer insight into how selectivity is achieved in the binding of HA to RHAMM, and how peptide competitors may compete for binding with HA on a single hyaladherin. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cholinesterase activity of seminal plasma and human spermatozoa in normal and infertile subjects.
Cholinesterase activity was determined in seminal plasma and human spermatozoa from 23 fertile volunteer subjects (N), 23 asthenospermic patients (A), and 25 oligoasthenospermic patients (OA). Cholinesterase activity determined in human seminal plasma for group N was 0.227 +/- 0.023 U/ml; for group A, 0.232 +/- 0.016 U/ml; and for group OA, 0.205 +/- 0.027 U/ml. The differences were not statistically significant. Sperm enzymatic activity in group N was 0.048 +/- 0.008 U per million sperms; in group A, 0.072 +/- 0.019 U per million sperms; and in group OA, 0.135 +/- 0.044 U per million sperms. These differences were not statistically significant. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Correlates of psychotropic drug use in the elderly compared to adults aged 18-64: results from the Quebec Health Survey.
This study documents correlates of psychotropic drug use among older adults and compares the results observed in this group to those observed in individuals aged 18-64. A multivariate logistic regression analysis using data from the Quebec Health Survey (1992-1993) was employed to study predisposing and facilitating factors of this behavior. Results showed that 22% of the elderly reported having used anxiolytics, sedatives or hypnotics during the two days preceding the survey, compared to 4.9% of the respondents aged 18-64. Combining both samples, perceived health status, physical functional status, and health services utilization for psychological distress symptoms were the main health factors associated with psychotropic drug use. A significant difference was observed between the two age groups with regard to the association between the respondents' health status and the use of anxiolytics, sedatives or hypnotics. When the effect of other explanatory factors was controlled, older adults in poor health used anxiolytics, sedatives or hypnotics 2.21 times more than individuals aged 18-64 with a similar health condition, whereas older adults in good health used these drugs 7.49 times more than healthy individuals aged 18-64. Furthermore, after controlling for the effect of the respondents' physical and psychological health status, our results showed that more women than men used psychotropic drugs (OR = 1.57; 99% CI = 1.26-1.94). Low-income respondents were also more likely to report using these medications (OR = 1.53; 99% CI = 1.22-1.90). These results were interpreted as supporting the socio-cultural hypothesis of psychotropic drug use, which suggests that the prescribing and utilization of psychotropic drugs is influenced not only by symptoms but also by the social characteristics of individuals. It is suggested that future research may contribute to a better understanding of psychotropic drug utilization in the older adult community-dwelling population by examining consumers' attitudes and health care providers' social values concerning the appropriateness of this behavior. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mesenchymal stromal cell density is increased in higher grade myelodysplastic syndromes and independently predicts survival.
We retrospectively tested the prognostic and diagnostic significance of CD271+ mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) density in cytopenic patients who underwent bone marrow biopsy to evaluate for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). CD271+ MSC density was quantitated by automated image analysis of tissue microarray cores in 125 cytopenic patients: 40 lower grade MDS (<5% marrow blasts), 24 higher grade MDS, and 61 benign. CD271+ MSC density was increased in higher grade MDS compared with benign (P = .006) and lower grade MDS (P = .02). CD271+ MSC density was predictive of survival among patients with MDS independent of Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R), history of transfusion, therapy-related MDS, and fibrosis (hazard ratio, 3.4; P < .001). Among low or intermediate IPSS-R patients, median survival was significantly shorter in the high CD271+ MSC density group (47 vs 18 months, P < .02). High CD271+ MSC density is characteristic of higher grade MDS and is associated with poor risk independent of known prognostic factors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Irinophore C™, a lipid nanoparticulate formulation of irinotecan, improves vascular function, increases the delivery of sequentially administered 5-FU in HT-29 tumors, and controls tumor growth in patient derived xenografts of colon cancer.
A liposomal formulation of irinotecan, Irinophore C™ (IrC™) is efficacious in a panel of tumor models, normalizes tumor vasculature, and increases the accumulation of a second drug in the same tumor. We now show that Irinophore C™ is also effective against patient derived xenografts (PDX) of colon cancer, and examine the kinetics of vascular normalization in the HT-29 tumor model and assess how these changes might be used with 5-FU sequentially. Rag2M mice bearing HT-29 tumors were treated with IrC™ (25mg/kg; Q7D×3) for up to three weeks. Groups of tumors were harvested for analysis at 7, 14 and 21days after the start of treatment. Drug and lipid levels in the tumor were evaluated using HPLC and scintillation counts, respectively. Changes in tumor morphology (H&E), vasculature (CD31), perfusion (Hoechst 33342) and apoptosis (TUNEL) were quantified using microscopy. The accumulation of a second drug ([(14)C]-5-FU, 40mg/kg) given 3h before sacrifice was determined using liquid scintillation. The efficacy of IrC™ (Q7D×3) followed by 5-FU treatment (Q7D×3) was assessed in mice bearing established HT-29 tumors. The efficacy of IrC™ was also evaluated in primary human colorectal tumors grown orthotopically in NOD-SCID mice. Following a single dose of IrC™ the active lactone forms of irinotecan and its metabolite SN-38 were measurable in HT-29 tumors after 7days. The treatment reduced tumor cell density and increased apoptosis. Hoechst 33342 perfusion and accumulation of [(14)C]-5-FU in the treated tumors increased significantly on days 7 and 14. This was accompanied by an increase in the number of endothelial cells relative to total nuclei in the tumor sections. Pre-treatment with IrC™ (Q7D×3) followed by 5-FU (Q7D×3) delayed the time taken for tumors to reach 1cm(3) by 9days (p<0.05). IrC™ was just as effective as free irinotecan when used on patient derived xenografts of colorectal cancer. Treatment with IrC™ reduces tumor cell viability and appears to normalize the vascular function of the tumor after a single treatment cycle. A concomitant increase in the accumulation of a second drug (5-FU) in the tumor was observed in tumors from IrC™ treated animals and this was correlated with changes in vascular structure consistent with normalization. The treatment effects of sequential 5-FU dosing following IrC™ are additive with no additional toxicity in contrast to previous studies where concurrent 5-FU and IrC™ treatment exacerbated 5-FU toxicity. The studies with PDX tumors also indicate that IrC™ is just as effective as free irinotecan on PDX tumors even though the delivered dose is halved. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mesothelial cyst of the adrenal gland.
A case of mesothelium-lined cyst of the adrenal gland is reported. Although more than 300 adrenal cysts have been reported in the literature, epithelial cell-lined cysts are rare and comprise only 9% of the cases. An adrenal cyst was found, the lining cells of which had features consistent with mesothelial cells. The inner surface of the cyst was lined by a single layer of cuboidal cells, which showed alcian blue positive cellular outline. Immunohistochemically, the lining cells were positively stained for keratin, epithelial membrane antigen and CA-125. Electron microscopic examination revealed many long complex microvilli and desmosomes in the lining cells. There was a basal lamina beneath the cell layer. These morphological and immunohistochemical findings indicated that the lining cell is derived from mesothelium. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Kinetics of Ca2+ release and contraction induced by photolysis of caged D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate in smooth muscle. The effects of heparin, procaine, and adenine nucleotides.
The kinetics of Ca2+ release and contraction induced by photolytic release of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) were determined in permeabilized smooth muscle. The rate of Ca2+ release was half-maximal at 1 microM InsP3. The concentration-dependent delay of Ca2+ release at saturating InsP3 concentration was approximately 10 ms and within the uncertainty of the measurements. The relationship between the delay and InsP3 concentration showed no evidence of a high level (n = 4 or higher) of cooperativity but could not distinguish between no cooperativity (n = 1) or a low level (n = 2) of cooperativity. Submaximal [InsP3] caused only partial Ca2+ release from the InsP3-sensitive stores. InsP3-induced Ca2+ release was markedly potentiated by ATP or by adenosine 5'-(beta,gamma-methylene-triphosphate), but neither the rate nor the amplitude of release was significantly affected by procaine (2-5 mM). Heparin increased the delay between photolysis and Ca2+ release, indicating that the off rate of inert ligand(s) bound to InsP3 receptors may contribute to the physiological delay in Ca2+ release. There was a much longer (370 ms +/- 45 S.E.) delay between the rise of Ca2+ and force development, presumably reflecting events preceding and associated with myosin light chain phosphorylation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A simple method for demonstrating cells in the cerebrospinal fluid by scanning electron microscopy.
A combination of forced sedimentation and air-drying has been used to prepare cerebrospinal fluid cells for scanning electron microscopy. On the basis of surface morphology, the similarity of CSF cells to blood cells is emphasized. Various types of cells were demonstrated in bacterial meningitis, multiple sclerosis and CNS leukemia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Lonidamine in metastatic breast cancer.
Lonidamine belongs to a new class of antineoplastics agents, since it does interfere with cell energy processes. When administered as single agent in metastatic breast cancer, it produces moderate therapeutic effects. The pattern of toxicity includes myalgias, asthenia, testicular pain, and gastrointestinal discomfort. No myelosuppression was demonstrated in phase I-II studies. Since the peculiar mechanism of action and side effects are not overlapping with those of standard chemotherapeutic agents, combination of lonidamine with chemotherapy is currently under investigation in advanced breast cancer. Moreover, the potentiation of radiotherapy by lonidamine could be of interest in palliating symptomatic lesions from breast cancer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Plasma concentration of tissue factor and factor VII in patients after abdominal surgery.
Tissue injury following trauma and surgery may induce alterations in blood coagulation and fibrinolysis. Hypercoagulable state after surgery can be associated with the risk of postoperative thromboembolic complications. The contact of coagulation factors with TF after injury of vessel wall and organ tissues may contribute to the development of thrombosis after surgery (1). TF, the cell surface receptor and cofactor of factor VII/VIIa is normally not expressed by cells within the vasculature. Only monocytes and endothelial cells can be stimulated to express TF transiently by a variety of inflammatory and immunological reactions (for review see 2,3). Also surgical treatment was reported to induce TF synthesis in monocytes (4,5,6). TF is present in many extravascular tissues as vascular adventitia, organ capsules, epidermis, colonic mucosal epithelium, liver stroma, pancreas stroma and also on tumor cells (7-12). In this study, we investigated, whether we can detect the release of TF from the traumatized tissues and from activated monocytes into the circulation following abdominal surgery. To test the dependence of the extension of tissue injury during surgery we segregated the patients into group A with major abdominal operations and group B consisting of patients with appendectomy and cholecystectomy. No relationship could be established between changes of TF and postoperative thromboembolic complications. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Internalization of horseradish peroxidase isozymes by pancreatic acinar cells in vitro.
We examined the uptake and fate of four horseradish peroxidase (HRP) isozymes (Type VI, VII, VIII, and IX) in isolated pancreatic acinar cells. The pattern of uptake was similar for all the isozymes examined, with the exception of Type IX. Very little Type IX HRP was internalized by the cells, and what endocytosis did occur was primarily from the apical cell surface in coated vesicles. In contrast, HRP Type VI, VII, and VIII appeared to be endocytosed largely at the basolateral cell surface. Initially, the tracer was found in smooth vesicles and tubules near the plasma membrane. The tubules resembled the basal lysosomes known to be present in these cells. At the early time points, HRP reaction product was also present in multivesicular bodies (MVBs). By 60 min, the HRP was localized in MVBs, vesicles, and tubules adjacent to the Golgi apparatus. By 12 hr after exposure to the isozymes, the tracer was present in small apical vesicles. At no time could reaction product be localized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi saccules, or secretory granules. The results of this study suggest that the charge of a soluble-phase marker has little effect on its uptake or intracellular distribution. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Role of induced abortion in attaining reproductive goals in Kyrgyzstan: a study based on KRDHS-1997.
Estimates indicate that about 42 million pregnancies are voluntarily terminated every year at the global level, of which more than 80% occur in developing countries. Abortion has been one of the major reproductive health concerns in post-Soviet nations, especially when it is commonly used as a means of fertility regulation. On average, every woman has had around 1.6 abortions in Kyrgyzstan. This paper attempts to measure the role of abortion in fertility regulation using data from the Kyrgyz Republic Demographic and Health Survey (KRDHS), 1997. The analysis reveals that Kyrgyzstan can attain replacement level fertility in the absence of induced abortion by raising the contraceptive prevalence to 70% at the current level of effectiveness. The study also shows that women's attitude towards becoming pregnant and their partner's perception about abortion are significantly associated with the propensity to opt for an induced abortion. Reproductive health programmes need to address these issues, including the enhancement of male involvement in family planning. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
RADIOFREQUENCY STIMULATION: A RESEARCH AND CLINICAL TOOL.
The radio frequency induction technique is now an important tool in physiological experiments and in the treatment of certain diseases. It has come to play an important role in the treatment of heart block in human patients, where medication has been ineffective. In the case of bladder stimulation, work with animals has shown that the voiding of urine can be induced by electrical stimulation. The successful use of this technique on human patients has yet to be consistently achieved, but there is reason to be optimistic. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Selected issues in quality improvement and risk management.
To provide an overview of selected issues in quality improvement and risk management. Published articles, books, and standards pertaining to quality improvement and risk management. The changing health care environment has intensified the need for monitoring processes of home care, patient outcomes, and risk management issues. Quality improvement and risk management programs can provide guidelines for the home health staff to impact outcomes of patient care and patient and caregiver satisfaction. Home health care nurses are involved in the evaluation of systems, processes, and outcomes. Their involvement in identifying problems, providing creative solutions, and successfully implementing systems and processes is essential for quality improvement. They also must be knowledgeable of risk management and be involved in the identification and resolution of potential risks to themselves and their patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Maintaining a Therapeutic Focus and Sharing Responsibility for Student Success: Keys to In-Classroom Speech-Language Services.
Although speech-language pathologists in the schools are being encouraged to provide services more inclusively, they often express concern that they are becoming like classroom teachers and are "watering down" the therapy they should be providing to students on their caseloads. This article explores these concerns and offers solutions to the role confusion and dissatisfaction of many speech-language pathologists who provide in-classroom speech-language services. Two key principles are offered to preserve the speech-language pathologist's role identity and the integrity of services provided: maintaining a therapeutic focus and sharing the responsibility for student success. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Immunomagnetic quantification of circulating tumor cells as a prognostic factor of androgen deprivation responsiveness in patients with hormone naive metastatic prostate cancer.
We determined whether circulating tumor cells predict prostate specific antigen failure in patients with metastatic prostate cancer before endocrine therapy and compared their prognostic ability with other clinical factors. Circulating tumor cells were enumerated with the CellSearchtrade mark system in whole blood. This system was developed using epithelial cell adhesion molecule antibody based immunomagnetic capture and automated staining methodology. Prostate cancer cell lines (PC3, LNCaP, DU145) and mixed blood from healthy men were analyzed using this system. Blood samples from 80 patients with metastatic prostate cancer before endocrine therapy were analyzed. Circulating tumor cells were then assessed every 3 months after endocrine therapy in these patients. Circulating tumor cell assay accuracy and reliability were determined using prostate cancer cell line (PC3, LNCaP, DU145) spiking experiments, which demonstrated a strong linear correlation (r = 0.99) and a constant recovery rate of 69% +/- 3%, 95% +/- 3% and 89% +/- 2%, respectively. The number of circulating tumor cells found ranged from 0 to 222 per 7.5 ml blood (mean 17 +/- 31, median 14). A threshold of 5 or more circulating tumor cells per 7.5 ml blood was used to evaluate the ability of circulating tumor cells to predict androgen deprivation responsiveness. Of the 80 patients 44 (55%) had 5 or more circulating tumor cells with a median androgen deprivation responsiveness of 17 months compared to more than 32 months for those with fewer than 5 circulating tumor cells (p = 0.007). The presence of circulating tumor cells, nadir prostate specific antigen values and Gleason score were significant parameters predictive of androgen deprivation responsiveness on univariate and multivariate analyses. In this study the presence of 5 or more circulating tumor cells in 7.5 ml blood was associated with androgen deprivation responsiveness in patients with metastatic prostate cancer before endocrine therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effects of negative affectivity on self-reported activity limitations in stroke patients: testing the Symptom Perception, Disability and Psychosomatic Hypotheses.
This study investigated whether Negative Affectivity (NA) causes bias in self-report measures of activity limitations or whether NA has a real, non-artifactual association with activity limitations. The Symptom Perception Hypothesis (NA negatively biases self-reporting), Disability Hypothesis (activity limitations cause NA) and Psychosomatic Hypothesis (NA causes activity limitations) were examined longitudinally using both self-report and objective activity limitations measures. Participants were 101 stroke patients and their caregivers interviewed within two weeks of discharge, six weeks later and six months post-discharge. NA and self-report, proxy-report and observed performance activity (walking) limitations were assessed at each interview. NA was associated with activity limitations across measures. Both the Disability and Psychosomatic Hypotheses were supported: initial NA predicted objective activity limitations at six weeks but, additionally, activity limitations at six weeks predicted NA at six months. These results suggest that NA both affects and is affected by activity limitations and does not simply influence reporting. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The RNA-binding protein Rbm24 is transiently expressed in myoblasts and is required for myogenic differentiation during vertebrate development.
RNA-binding proteins (RBP) contribute to gene regulation through post-transcriptional events. Despite the important roles demonstrated for several RBP in regulating skeletal myogenesis in vitro, very few RBP coding genes have been characterized during skeletal myogenesis in vertebrate embryo. In the present study we report that Rbm24, which encodes the RNA-binding motif protein 24, is required for skeletal muscle differentiation in vivo. We show that Rbm24 transcripts are expressed at all sites of skeletal muscle formation during embryogenesis of different vertebrates, including axial, limb and head muscles. Interestingly, we find that Rbm24 protein starts to accumulate in MyoD-positive myoblasts and is transiently expressed at the onset of muscle cell differentiation. It accumulates in myotomal and limb myogenic cells, but not in Pax3-positive progenitor cells. Rbm24 expression is under the direct regulation by MyoD, as demonstrated by in vivo chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Using morpholino knockdown approach, we further show that Rbm24 is required for somitic myogenic progenitor cells to differentiate into muscle cells during chick somitic myogenesis. Altogether, these results highlight Rbm24 as a novel key regulator of the myogenic differentiation program during vertebrate development. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ultra-short-acting beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents. 2. (Aryloxy)propanolamines containing esters on the aryl function.
Several short-acting beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agents have been prepared by incorporating ester functions into the aryl portion of certain (aryloxy)propanolamine systems. In particular, methyl 3-[4-[2-hydroxy-3-(isopropylamino)propoxy]phenyl]propionate hydrochloride (ASL-8052) was found to be a moderately potent, cardioselective compound with a short duration of action when determined in in vivo canine models. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reverse Pupillary Block After Retinal Detachment Surgery in an Eye with Toric Implantable Collamer Lens.
To report an interesting phenomenon, after vitreoretinal surgery, in an eye with toric implantable collamer lens (ICL). A 20-year-old male presented with raised intraocular pressure (IOP) after the retinal detachment surgery in the left eye. He had toric ICL in both the eyes, and left eye showed shallow peripheral anterior chamber depth (ACD), narrow iridocorneal angle (ICA), increased ICL vault and pigments debris blocking central hole. After dilation, peripheral ACD deepened, ICL vault decreased and ICA increased, with posterior bowing of iris. Patient was managed with topical steroids and antiglaucoma medications. A month later, after inflammation subsided, central hole of ICL became patent, peripheral ACD deepened, ICA increased and IOP was normal without medications, however, after dilation, posterior bowing of iris persisted. He was speculated to have unusual presentation of reverse pupillary block in the left eye after mydriasis. This phenomenon was not observed in the right eye. Reverse pupillary block, after dilation is an unusual phenomenon, which was seen in a silicone-filled eye with toric ICL implant. In cases of inflammatory debris blocking Aquaport opening of ICL, conservative management with topical steroids and antiglaucoma medications can help reduce inflammation and IOP, alleviating need for any intervention, such as laser iridotomy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Critical thinking: linking assessment data and knowledge.
A vital element of the assessment process is critical thinking; that is, linking assessment data to knowledge. Making links or constructing knowledge is difficult for students because of the complex skill and cognitive load that the assessment process generates and because of students' limited view of the clinical environment. Viewing learning from the cognitive psychological perspective provides insight into knowledge construction and offers suggestions for faculty who teach nursing students. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Endobronchial low-grade MALT lymphoma causing unilateral hypertranslucency.
Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue-derived lymphoma (MALT lymphoma) arises not only from the stomach but also from various non-gastrointestinal sites. A thirty two year old woman, suffering from breathlessness for one year, had been treated for bronchial asthma. A chest radiograph showed a mediastinum and heart transposition to the right side and emphysema of the left lung. In the thorax spiral tomography, a mass narrowing left main bronchi, five centimeters in length from the carina, was seen. A fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed millimetric polypoid lesions those nearly totally obstructed the left main bronchi. The bronchoscopic biopsy showed a diagnosis of MALT lymphoma. She was seen for check-ups following chemotherapy but no further treatment has been carried out. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cell contact and direct transfer between co-cultured macrophages and fibroblasts.
Mouse peritoneal macrophages formed attachments with beta-glucuronidase deficient human fibroblasts within an hour after co-cultures were initiated. Some of these attachments were transitory, while in others macrophages remained in firm contact with fibroblasts for many hours. Attachment of one macrophage did not prevent attachment of others, since many fibroblasts made firm contact with four or five other cells. Not all macrophages, however, attached themselves to fibroblasts. Macrophages injected with Lucifer yellow did not transfer the dye to fibroblasts with which they had made contact, nor was there any reverse transfer from injected fibroblasts to macrophages. Lucifer yellow was, however, transferred rapidly from injected fibroblasts to other adjacent fibroblasts with which they had formed gap junctions. Macrophages whose lysosomes had been pre-loaded with FITC-dextran did transfer this ligand to recipient fibroblasts, where it became localised in a perinuclear pattern with many bright punctate patches adjacent to donor macrophages. Transfer of FITC-dextran was blocked when cells were separated by nucleopore membranes in an analogous manner to transfer of endogenous lysosomal beta-glucuronidase. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Identification of two cell-cycle-controlling cdc2 gene homologs in Arabidopsis thaliana.
The cdc2 gene product (p34cdc2) has been thought to play a central role in control of the mitotic cell cycle of yeasts and animals. To approach an understanding of the cell-cycle-control system in higher plants, we isolated, from an Arabidopsis thaliana cDNA library, two clones (CDC2a and CDC2b) similar to the Schizosaccharomyces pombe cdc2 gene. Genomic Southern-blot analysis with the CDC2a and CDC2b cDNA probes suggested that the A. thaliana genome contains several additional cdc2-like genes, which together with the CDC2a and CDC2b genes may constitute a CDC2 gene family. The CDC2a cDNA expressed in Sc. pombe corrected the elongated morphology, caused by the temperature-sensitive cdc2-33 mutation, to the normal shapes, indicating that the A. thaliana CDC2a gene product resembles Sc. pombe p34cdc2 functionally as well as structurally. These results support the view that the cell cycle of higher plants is controlled by an analogue of a p34cdc2-centered regulatory system like that of yeasts and animals. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Heme metabolism and in vitro erythropoiesis in anemia associated with hypochromic microcytosis.
Heme metabolism and in vitro erythropoietic growth (CFU-E, BFU-E) were examined in bone marrow cells taken from two siblings with apparent familial hypochromic microcytic anemia. Bone marrow cells from both patients grew adequate numbers of CFU-E and BFU-E colonies in culture in the presence of erythropoietin. In addition, small numbers of endogenous CFU-E were seen in 7-day cultures. Assays on bone marrow cells taken from both patients revealed that baseline delta-aminolevulinic synthase activity was considerably reduced, but increased six to seven fold (to normal levels) when patients' cells were exposed to pyridoxal phosphate (PLP). In both cases, ferrochelatase and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activities were normal. Bone marrow heme oxygenase showed no significant differences in activities between normals and patients values in the absence or presence of PLP. In contrast, heme synthesis by patients' bone marrow was less than that of normals. This study demonstrates that bone marrow cells from patients with this rare disorder have some disturbances in heme metabolism, whereas erythropoiesis appeared to be normal when cultured with adequate nutrients in vitro. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
New hydroxybenanomicins produced by Actinomadura.
A soil microorganism, Actinomadura sp. MH193-16F4, produces an antifungal antibiotic benanomicin A and several related compounds. Among them, benanomicin A is the best candidate as a chemotherapeutic agent in terms of antifungal activity, toxicity and water-solubility. Three novel hydroxyl congeners, 3'-hydroxybenanomicin A, 7-hydroxybenanomicin A and 7-hydroxybenanomicinone have been isolated from the culture broth of the MH193-16F4 strain or its mutant. Interestingly, 3'-hydroxy-benanomicin A was as effective as benanomicin A, but the 7-hydroxy congeners were inactive. The inactive congeners differ from benanomicin A and 3'-hydroxyenanomicin A in their conformational structures at C-5 and C-6. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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