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Statin therapy for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Do statins reduce rates of cardiovascular events when used for primary prevention? When used for primary prevention, statins are associated with lower rates of all-cause mortality, major vascular events, and revascularizations compared with placebo. Statin therapy is not associated with increased rates of life-threatening adverse effects such as cancer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Specificities of anti-sialyl-Tn and anti-Tn monoclonal antibodies generated using novel clustered synthetic glycopeptide epitopes.
The fine specificities of MAbs generated using novel synthetic clustered STn and Tn glycopeptides as immunogens were compared with the anti-TAG-72 antibodies B72.3 and CC49. Hapten inhibition experiments demonstrated the specificity of several of the MAbs for STn and Tn expressed on ovine submaxillary mucin and tumor derived MUC-1 mucin. Amongst the STn specific MAbs only the B195.3 MAb shows absolute dependence on the presence of sialic acid and specificity to the simple disaccharide NANAA alpha2-6-GalNAc. Identification of tumor associated carbohydrate epitopes in cluster and monomer configurations are possible using MAbs detecting the defined structure specificities described herein. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Use of a current varicella vaccine as a live polyvalent vaccine vector.
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is the causative agent of varicella and zoster. The varicella vaccine was developed to control VZV infection in children. The currently available Oka vaccine strain is the only live varicella vaccine approved by the World Health Organization. We previously cloned the complete genome of the Oka vaccine strain into a bacterial artificial chromosome vector and then successfully reconstituted the virus. We then used this system to generate a recombinant Oka vaccine virus expressing mumps virus gene(s). The new recombinant vaccine may be an effective polyvalent live vaccine that provides protection against both varicella and mumps viruses. In this review, we discussed about possibility of polyvalent live vaccine(s) using varicella vaccine based on our recent studies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Influence of muscle strength to weight ratio on functional task performance.
Existing models of muscle deconditioning such as bed rest are expensive and time-consuming. We propose a new model utilizing a weighted suit to manipulate muscle strength, power, or endurance relative to body weight. The aims of the study were to determine as to which muscle measures best predict functional task performance and to determine muscle performance thresholds below which task performance is impaired. Twenty subjects performed seven occupational astronaut tasks (supine and upright seat egress and walk, rise from fall, hatch opening, ladder climb, object carry, and construction board activity), while wearing a suit weighted with 0-120 % of body weight. Models of the relationship between muscle function/body weight and task completion time were developed using fractional polynomial regression and verified with pre- and post-flight astronaut performance data. Spline regression was used to identify muscle function thresholds for each task. Upright seat egress and walk was the most difficult task according to the spline regression analysis thresholds. Thresholds normalized to body weight were 17.8 N/kg for leg press isometric force, 17.6 W/kg for leg press power, 78.8 J/kg for leg press work, 5.9 N/kg isometric knee extension and 1.9 Nm/kg isokinetic knee extension torque. Leg press maximal isometric force/body weight was the most reliable measure for modeling performance of ambulatory tasks. Laboratory-based manipulation of relative strength has promise as an analog for spaceflight-induced loss of muscle function. Muscle performance values normalized to body weight can be used to predict occupational task performance and to establish relevant strength thresholds. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Novel approaches to targeting glutamate receptors for the treatment of chronic pain: review article.
Glutamatergic mechanisms are implicated in acute and chronic pain, and there is a great diversity of glutamate receptors that can be used as targets for novel analgesics. Some approaches, e.g. NMDA receptor antagonism, have been validated clinically, however, the central side-effects have remained the main problem with most compounds. Recently, some novel approaches have been explored as new compounds targeting some modulatory sites at the NMDA receptor (glycine(B) and NR2B-subtype selective antagonists), as well as kainate and metabotropic glutamate receptors, have been discovered. Many of these compounds have demonstrated efficacy in animal models of chronic pain, and some of them appear to have a reduced side-effect liability compared to clinically tested NMDA antagonists. These recent advances are reviewed in the present work. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Electron beam dose calculations.
Electron beam dose distributions in the presence of inhomogeneous tissue are calculated by an algorithm that sums the dose distribution of individual pencil beams. The off-axis dependence of the pencil beam dose distribution is described by the Fermi-Eyges theory of thick-target multiple Coulomb scattering. Measured square-field depth-dose data serve as input for the calculations. Air gap corrections are incorporated and use data from'in-air' measurements in the penumbra of the beam. The effective depth, used to evaluate depth-dose, and the sigma of the off-axis Gaussian spread against depth are calculated by recursion relations from a CT data matrix for the material underlying individual pencil beams. The correlation of CT number with relative linear stopping power and relative linear scattering power for various tissues is shown. The results of calculations are verified by comparison with measurements in a 17 MeV electron beam from the Therac 20 linear accelerator. Calculated isodose lines agree nominally to within 2 mm of measurements in a water phantom. Similar agreement is observed in cork slabs simulating lung. Calculations beneath a bone substitute illustrate a weakness in the calculation. Finally a case of carcinoma in the maxillary antrum is studied. The theory suggests an alternative method for the calculation of depth-dose of rectangular fields. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Detection of sequence polymorphisms in red junglefowl and White Leghorn ESTs.
Over 16,000 high quality expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from red junglefowl (RJ) and White Leghorn (WL) brain and testis cDNA libraries were generated. Here, we have used this resource for detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and also completed full-length sequencing of 46 pairs of clones, representing the same gene from both the RJ and WL libraries. From the main set of ESTs, which were assembled using Phrap, 746 putative SNPs were identified, of which 76% were transitions and 24% were transversions. A subset of SNPs was evaluated by sequence analysis of five RJ and five WL birds. Nine of 12 SNPs were verified in this limited sample, suggesting that a majority of the putative polymorphisms documented in this study represent real SNPs. During full-length sequencing of the 46 RJ/WL clones 100 SNPs were identified, which translated to a frequency of 1.90 SNPs/1000 bp. The number of transitions and transversions were 77% and 23%, respectively, and the proportion of non-synonymous vs. synonymous SNPs was 20% and 80%, respectively. Four large insertions/deletions were identified between the RJ and WL full-length sequences, and they appear to represent different splice variants. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The unique contribution of emotional impulsiveness to impairment in major life activities in hyperactive children as adults.
Emotional impulsiveness (EI) may be a central feature of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) contributing impairment beyond the two ADHD dimensions of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. We evaluated EI in hyperactive (N = 135) and control (N = 75) children followed to adulthood (mean age 27 years). The hyperactive cases were subdivided into those individuals whose ADHD persisted (ADHD-P) and did not persist (ADHD-NP) to adulthood. We examined the additional contribution of EI apart from ADHD symptoms to global ratings of impairment in 10 major life activities, adverse occupational and educational outcomes, criminal and driving outcomes, and money management difficulties at ages 21 and 27. The ADHD-P group reported more EI symptoms than either the ADHD-NP or community control groups. EI uniquely contributed to seven of 10 major life domains and to overall impairment beyond ADHD symptoms. Severity of EI uniquely contributed to numerous impairments in occupational, educational, criminal, driving, and financial outcomes beyond ADHD symptoms. EI is as much a component of ADHD as are its two traditional dimensions and is associated with impairments beyond those contributed by the two traditional dimensions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Do surgical techniques used in groin lymphadenectomy for vulval cancer affect morbidity rates?
To determine the complication rates associated with differing surgical techniques for groin node dissection for vulval cancer. We performed a retrospective case note review of patients undergoing groin node dissection for vulval cancer between 2001 and 2009 at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Notes for 56 patients undergoing a total of 98 groin node dissections were examined. Sixty-four percent of the patients had at least one complication from surgery. The use of suction drains was not associated with an increase in complications. However, when drains were used, a short duration of use was associated with high rates of wound breakdown and a long duration of use was associated with higher rates of lymphedema. The use of staples for skin closure was associated with an increased risk of lymphocysts and chronic lymphedema. The greater the number of nodes collected at lymphadenectomy, the higher the risk of lymphocysts and lymphedema. We recommend the use of subcuticular suture for wound closure. Patients who undergo lymphadenectomy with a node count per groin of more than 7 should be closely monitored for lymphedema and referred promptly to specialist services. The prolonged use of suction drainage may increase the risk of lymphedema. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Volatile compounds produced from monosodium glutamate in common food cooking.
A mixture of soybean oil and/or water, sugar and/or monosodium glutamate (MSG) was water-boiled or oil-heated at 100, 120, 140, 160, or 170 degrees C, respectively, and volatile compounds produced were isolated by solid-phase microextraction and then identified by GC and GC/MS. Oxidative thermal degradation products of fatty acids (OTDPFA) were the major volatile compounds detected for all water-boiled samples. When MSG and sugar were heated together, 2, 5-dimethyl pyrazine and methyl pyrazine were also detected at or after 160 min heating. Water added in soybean oil increased OTDPFA production. In oil-heated samples of soybean oil alone, soybean oil with MSG, and soybean oil with sugar, OTDPFA were also the major compounds found. The samples containing MSG also produced 2-pyrrolidone, and the samples containing sugar also produced furfural and 5-hydroxy methyl furfural. The samples containing soybean oil, sugar, and MSG produced 23 pyrazines, OTDPFA, and gamma-butyrolactone as the major volatile compounds. The contents of OTDPFA were lower in MSG plus sugar and MSG-added samples, and it is postulated that antioxidant activities were produced in cooking. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Sulindac to prevent recurrent preterm labor: a randomized controlled trial.
To assess the efficacy of oral sulindac in low doses for prolonged duration to decrease the risk of recurrent preterm labor and extend gestation. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of patients between 24 and 34 weeks' gestation with preterm labor treated with intravenous magnesium sulfate. After successful tocolysis, patients were randomized by the pharmacy to receive either oral sulindac (100 mg) or placebo orally every 12 hours until 34 weeks' gestation. A power analysis required 43 patients in each group. Ninety-five patients were enrolled (46 in the sulindac group, 49 controls). No significant differences were found with respect to time gained in utero (39 +/- 25 versus 45 +/- 26 days, P = .29), delivery at more than 35 weeks' gestation (61% versus 74%, P = .29), recurrent preterm labor (20% versus 18%, P = .86), birth weight (2562 +/- 623 versus 2624 +/- 543 g, P = .62), or time spent in the neonatal intensive care unit (2.8 +/- 9.2 versus 2.4 +/- 8.6 days, P = .83) for the sulindac and control groups, respectively. The use of oral sulindac until 34 weeks' gestation after successful parenteral tocolysis failed to reduce the incidence of readmission for preterm labor. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Radiation response and cure rate of human colon adenocarcinoma spheroids of different size: the significance of hypoxia on tumor control modelling.
To evaluate the adequacy of a Poisson tumor control probability (tcp) model and the impact of hypoxia on tumor cure. A human colon adenocarcinoma cell line, WiDr, was grown as multicellular spheroids of different diameters. Measurements were made of cell survival and spheroid cure following 300-kV X-ray external beam irradiation in air and nitrogen. Cell survival data were fitted using a two-compartment and an oxygen diffusion model. Spheroid cure data were fitted using the tcp model. Hypoxia was seen only for spheroids greater than 500 microm in diameter. For small spheroids tcp estimates of radiosensitivity and clonogenic number showed excellent agreement with experimentally derived values. For large spheroids, although tcp estimates of radiosensitivity were comparable with measurements, estimates of the clonogenic number were considerably lower than the experimental count. Reoxygenation of large spheroids before irradiation resulted in the tcp estimates of the number of clonogenic cells agreeing with measured values. When hypoxia was absent, the tcp model accurately predicted cure from measured radiosensitivity and clonogen number. When hypoxia was present, the number of cells capable of regrowth in situ was considerably lower than the number of clonogenic cells that initially survived irradiation. As this counteracted the decreased radiosensitivity, hypoxia was less important for cure than predicted from cell survival assays. This finding suggests that chronic hypoxia may not limit directly the success of radiation therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Screening for asymptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis: duplex criteria for discriminating 60% to 99% stenosis.
The Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis Study (ACAS) showed that carotid endarterectomy reduces stroke risk in symptom-free patients with 60% or greater internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. This will surely lead to the performance of an increased number of screening duplex examinations. Assuming that positive study results will lead to arteriography or endarterectomy and keeping in mind the modest benefit for prophylactic endarterectomy demonstrated by ACAS (absolute risk reduction for ipsilateral stroke of 5.8% at 5 years), duplex criteria for 60% or greater ICA stenosis must have high positive predictive values (PPV). Determining criteria for 60% or greater stenosis, which emphasized high accuracy and PPV, forms the basis for this study. Stenoses detected by angiography in 352 ICAs were blindly compared with those detected by duplex scanning. Duplex criteria were determined for highest overall accuracy in detection of 60% or greater ICA stenosis and for 95% or greater PPV. Maximal accuracy for detection of 60% or greater stenosis was 90%. This was achieved by the combination of a peak systolic velocity of 260 cm/sec or greater and an end diastolic velocity of 70 cm/sec or greater (sensitivity 84%, specificity 94%, PPV 92%). The 95% PPV for 60% or greater stenosis results from combining peak systolic velocity of 290 cm/sec or greater and end diastolic velocity of 80 cm/sec or greater. With use of these criteria duplex scanning accurately detects with high PPVs the threshold level of ICA stenosis defined in ACAS as receiving stroke reduction benefit from prophylactic carotid endarterectomy. These criteria should be useful for carotid artery screening and minimizing unneeded intervention. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Magnesium as a preventive treatment for paediatric episodic tension-type headache: results at 1-year follow-up.
The objective was to confirm the long-term utility of magnesium salts treatment on a group of young patients suffering from episodic tension-type headache (ETTH). The study was carried out at the Outpatient Headache Center at the National Neurological Institute "C. Besta," Milan, Italy, with 45 children/adolescents with ETTH reporting consecutively for treatment. Magnesium pidolate (2.25 g) was given twice per day for three months. Medication was not administered during the year of follow-up. No other treatment was provided at any time. Patients showed significant symptom reduction. Headache days decreased by 69.9%, whereas analgesics consumption was reduced by 65.4%. Overall disability levels improved by the greatest percent - 75.7%. MIDAS subscores improved as well (question A=58.0%; question B=22.5%). Although uncontrolled, these findings are encouraging and suggest that further, better controlled research investigations are warranted. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Biochemical and histological changes in the small intestine of mice with dextran sulfate sodium colitis.
The dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) model of colitis has been commonly utilized in mice to assess novel treatments for ulcerative colitis. Recent studies have indicated that morphological and biochemical changes extend to the small intestine (SI). This study aimed to characterize histological and biochemical changes in the SI during DSS colitis in wild-type (WT) and DPIV knock-out (DPIV(-/-) ) mice treated with saline or the DPIV inhibitors, Ile-Pyrr-(2-CN)*TFA or Ile-Thia. Groups (n = 10) of DPIV(-/-) and WT mice were orally gavaged twice daily with saline, Ile-Pyrr-(2-CN)*TFA or Ile-Thia. Mice consumed 2% DSS in drinking water for 6 days to induce colitis. Small intestinal tissue was assessed for histological changes, sucrase, and DPIV activity and neutrophil infiltration. Jejunal villus length was increased in all groups after 6 days DSS consumption (P < 0.05). Jejunal DPIV activity was significantly lower by 35% in WT mice receiving Ile-Pyrr-(2-CN)*TFA compared to saline controls. Jejunal MPO activity was significantly increased in the WT + saline and DPIV(-/-) + saline groups following DSS consumption, compared to WT and DPIV(-/-) controls at day 0. Increased sucrase activity was apparent at day 0 in DPIV(-/-) compared to WT mice (P < 0.05). We conclude that DSS-induced damage is not restricted to the colon, but also extends to the small intestine. Furthermore, reduced or absent DPIV activity resulted in functional adaptations to brush border enzyme activity. DPIV inhibitors are now a recognized therapy for type-II diabetes. The work presented here highlights the need to delineate any long-term effects of DPIV inhibitors on SI function, to further validate their safety and tolerability. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Drain Management Following Distal Pancreatectomy: Characterization of Contemporary Practice and Impact of Early Removal.
MINI: Early drain removal has yet to be explored following distal pancreatectomy. Following analysis of ACS-NSQIP data, early removal demonstrated significantly better outcomes when compared to late removal and drain omission. Multivariable analysis revealed early removal had reduced odds for pancreatic fistula and death or serious morbidity compared to drain omission, while late drain removal conversely displayed increased odds. To explore contemporary drain management practices and examine the impact of early removal following distal pancreatectomy (DP). Despite accruing evidence supporting its benefit following pancreatoduodenectomy, early drain removal after DP has yet to be explored. The American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) was queried for elective DPs from 2014 to 2017. When possible, data were linked to survey responses regarding drain management from hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgeons in the ACS-NSQIP HPB Collaborative conducted in 2017. The independent association between timing of drain removal and patients' outcomes was investigated through multivariable analyses and propensity-score matching. Of 5581 DPs identified, 4708 (84.4%) patients received intraoperative drains and early removal (≤ POD3) was performed in 716 (15.2%). Drain fluid amylase was recorded on POD1 for 1285 (27.3%) patients who received drains. The overall rates of death or serious morbidity (DSM) and clinically-relevant fistula (CR-POPF) were 19.5% and 17.0%. Early removal demonstrated significantly better outcomes when compared to late removal and no drain placement for: DSM, CR-POPF, delayed gastric emptying, percutaneous drainage, length of stay, and readmission. On multivariable analysis, early removal demonstrated reduced odds of developing DSM (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.26-0.65) and CR-POPF (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.18-0.61) compared to no drain placement, while late removal displayed increased odds for CR-POPF (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.27-3.61) when compared to no drain placement. After propensity-score matching, early removal was associated with reduced odds for CR-POPF (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.17-0.73). Although not yet widely implemented, early drain removal after distal pancreatectomy is associated with better outcomes. This study demonstrates the potential benefits of early removal and provides a substrate to define best practices and improve the quality of care for DP. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Quantitative drug interactions prediction system (Q-DIPS): a computer-based prediction and management support system for drug metabolism interactions.
Drug biotransformation and interactions are a major source of variability in the response to drugs. The superfamily of cytochromes P450 plays a key role in this phenomenon but, because of the complexity of interactions between drugs and isozymes, it becomes more and more difficult for clinicians to master the knowledge required to predict the occurrence of such drug interactions. To predict and help manage the occurrence of cytochrome P450-dependent interactions, we developed an original computer application: Q-DIPS (quantitative drug interactions prediction system). A multidisciplinary work team was created, associating clinical pharmacologists, pharmacists and a computer scientist. Major steps of investigation were: (1) the creation of a database to collect qualitative and quantitative data describing substrates, inhibitors and inducers of specific cytochrome P450 isozymes, with quality assessments; (2) the development of multi-access to these data and (3) their incorporation into extrapolation systems allowing the prediction of in vivo drug interactions on the basis of in vitro data. As an example, prediction and validation studies of CYP3A4 inhibition by ketoconazole and fluconazole will be discussed. Q-DIPS gives up-to-date information, in dynamic tables, describing which specific P450 isozymes metabolise a given drug, as well as which drugs may inhibit or induce a given isozyme. To better answer common clinical questions and help to rapidly evaluate the risk of interactions, it is possible to obtain an overview of substances causing interactions with a specific drug or to focus on drugs taken by a patient ("clinical case"). For each question, key references, relevant quantitative data and quality indices are easily accessible. Two modules allowing input with commercial names and the anatomical therapeutic chemical classification were also included. On the basis of enzymatic and pharmacokinetic data generated in vitro or collected in vivo, the extrapolation module integrates quantitative models to predict the impact of a treatment on enzymatic activities. The simplest model predicted a strong but fluctuating inhibition of CYP3A4 by ketoconazole, whereas the impact of fluconazole was lower. Validations with published in vivo data suggested an appropriate prediction of the risk. The current Q-DIPS prototype shows promising potential for helping to improve the management of drug interactions involving metabolism. Validation of extrapolation techniques need to be completed, in view of including important factors such as intrahepatocyte drug accumulation, contribution of metabolites to inhibition as well as in vitro non-specific binding to microsomal proteins. The final goal will be to help select the most judicious clinical studies to be performed so as to avoid useless, expensive and unethical investigations in man. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Decrease in cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity in suspension cultures of porcine thyroid cells exposed to TSH or forskolin.
Suspension cultures of porcine thyroid cells were used to study the action of TSH and forskolin (Fk) on cAMP-dependent (PKa) and Ca2+-phospholipid-dependent (PKc) protein kinase--enzymes which represent the key step in the transduction of extracellular signals. The PKa activity in cells cultured for 2 days in the presence of TSH was decreased to about 50% of control level with a TSH dose of 0.1 mU/ml. This decrease is dose dependent; only traces of PKa activity remained at very high doses of TSH (50 mU/ml). Similar results were obtained with Fk (10(-5) M), the adenylate cyclase activator. It decreased the PKa activity to the level obtained with 0.1-1.0 mU/ml TSH. The loss of the PKa activity was parallel in cytosol and particulate fractions, suggesting that there is no translocation of enzymes under the action of either TSH or Fk. Neither TSH nor Fk had any effect on PKc, which became the predominant activity in cells exposed to either of the regulators. The cAMP-dependent phosphorylation of endogenous proteins was lower in TSH- or Fk-treated cells than in controls, and was dependent, like the PKa activity, on the dose of TSH. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) revealed the specific substrates of PKa in cultured thyroid cells. Proteins of 28, 30 and 33 kDa were regularly found, while 58 kDa protein was not present in all experiments. PAGE patterns showed that the decrease in endogenous phosphorylation in TSH- and Fk-treated cells was due to decreased labelling of PKa-specific substrates. The observed down-regulation of PKa activity could have an influence on the expression of thyroid cell differentiation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The Role of Point-of-Care Ultrasound Monitoring in Cardiac Surgical Patients With Acute Kidney Injury.
The approach to the patient with acute kidney injury (AKI) after cardiac surgery involves multiple aspects. These include the rapid recognition of reversible causes, the accurate identification of patients who will progress to severe stages of AKI, and the subsequent management of complications resulting from severe renal dysfunction. Unfortunately, the inherent limitations of physical examination and laboratory parameter results are often responsible for suboptimal clinical management. In this review article, the authors explore how point-of-care ultrasound, including renal and extrarenal ultrasound, can be used to complement all aspects of the care of cardiac surgery patients with AKI, from the initial approach of early AKI to fluid balance management during renal replacement therapy. The current evidence is reviewed, including knowledge gaps and future areas of research. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Occurrence of molds on laminated paperboard for aseptic packaging, selection of the most hydrogen peroxide- and heat-resistant isolates and determination of their thermal death kinetics in sterile distilled water.
This study aimed at enumerating molds (heat-labile and heat-resistant) on the surface of paperboard material to be filled with tomato pulps through an aseptic system and at determining the most heat- and hydrogen peroxide-resistant strains. A total of 118 samples of laminated paperboard before filling were collected, being 68 before and 50 after the hydrogen peroxide bath. Seven molds, including heat-resistant strains (Penicillium variotii and Talaromyces flavus) with counts ranging between 0.71 and 1.02 CFU/cm(2) were isolated. P. variotii was more resistant to hydrogen peroxide than T. flavus and was inactivated after heating at 85 °C/15 min. When exposed to 35 % hydrogen peroxide at 25 °C, T. flavus (F5E2) and N. fischeri (control) were less resistant than P. variotti (F1A1). P. citrinum (F7E2) was shown to be as resistant as P. variotti. The D values (the time to cause one logarithmic cycle reduction in a microbial population at a determined temperature) for spores of P. variotii (F1A1) and N. fischeri (control) with 4 months of age at 85 and 90 °C were 3.9 and 4.5 min, respectively. Although the contamination of packages was low, the presence of heat- and chemical-resistant molds may be of concern for package sterility and product stability during shelf-life. To our knowledge, this is the first report that focuses on the isolation of molds, including heat-resistant ones, contaminating paperboard packaging material and on estimating their resistance to the chemical and physical processes used for packaging sterilization. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Long-term dynamics of a fragmented rainforest mammal assemblage.
Habitat fragmentation is a severe threat to tropical biotas, but its long-term effects are poorly understood. We evaluated longer-term changes in the abundance of larger (>1 kg) mammals in fragmented and intact rainforest and in riparian "corridors" in tropical Queensland, with data from 190 spotlighting surveys conducted in 1986-1987 and 2006-2007. In 1986-1987 when most fragments were already 20-50 years old, mammal assemblages differed markedly between fragmented and intact forest. Most vulnerable were lemuroid ringtail possums (Hemibelideus lemuroides), followed by Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) and Herbert River ringtail possums (Pseudocheirus herbertensis). Further changes were evident 20 years later. Mammal species richness fell significantly in fragments, and the abundances of 4 species, coppery brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula johnstoni), green ringtail possums (Pseudochirops archeri), red-legged pademelons (Thylogale stigmatica), and tree-kangaroos, declined significantly. The most surprising finding was that the lemuroid ringtail, a strict rainforest specialist, apparently recolonized one fragment, despite a 99.98% decrease in abundance in fragments and corridors. A combination of factors, including long-term fragmentation effects, shifts in the surrounding matrix vegetation, and recurring cyclone disturbances, appear to underlie these dynamic changes in mammal assemblages. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Amplifying effect of dietary taurine on the induction of cytochrome P-450 and on the urinary excretion of ascorbic acid in rats fed on phenobarbital-containing diets.
Dietary taurine amplified the induction of cytochrome P-450 and the urinary excretion of ascorbic acid in rats fed on phenobarbital (PB)-containing diets. These facts suggest that taurine could influence the hepatic metabolism of xenobiotics via the induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes (DME) and the ascorbic acid metabolism. Taurine might improve the function of DME exposed by some xenobiotics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reactive aggression among children with and without autism spectrum disorder.
Twenty-seven boys and eight girls with ASD and thirty-five controls matched for gender, age and total score intelligence were studied to ascertain whether boys and girls with ASD display stronger reactive aggression than boys and girls without ASD. Participants performed a computerized version of the Pulkkinen aggression machine that examines the intensity of reactive aggression against attackers of varying gender and age. Relative to the control group boys, the boys with ASD reacted with more serious forms of aggression when subjected to mild aggressive attacks and did not consider a child attacker's opposite sex an inhibitory factor. The girls with ASD, on the other hand, reacted less aggressively than the girls without ASD. According to the results boys with ASD may not follow the typical development in cognitive regulation of reactive aggression. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A novel mutation of the PAX6 gene in a Chinese family with aniridia].
The PAX6 gene encodes a transcriptional regulator involved in oculogenesis and other developmental processes such as aniridia, a congenital condition characterized by the underdevelopment of the iris of eyes. The function of the PAX6 gene in these two conditions is still poorly defined. The purpose of this study is to identify the mutation of the PAX6 gene in a Chinese family with aniridia. Two aniridia patients collected from the family underwent full ophthalmologic examination. Genomic DNA was prepared from venous leukocytes of the two patients and five healthy individuals in the family, and 100 unrelated healthycontrols. Exons 4-13 and their immediate flanking sequences of the PAX6 gene was analyzed by PCR amplification, direct sequencing, and single-strand conformation polymorphism(SSCP). The sequencing result revealed a novel PAX6 mutation in the two patients. It was a heterozygous mutation (IVS10+1G>A) at the boundary of exon 10 and intron 10. The mutation was also detected by SSCP analysis. It was not detected in the healthy relatives and unrelated controls. Aniridia is an autosomal dominant inheritable disease. A novel PAX6 gene mutation has been identified in the Northeastern Chinese family with aniridia. The genetic analysis suggested that this novel mutation in the PAX6 gene is capable of causing the classic aniridia phenotype. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
MRI in chronic progressive radiation myelopathy.
Our goal was to assess medullary lesions in patients suffering from chronic progressive radiation myelopathy (CPRM) using MRI. In a group of 10 patients suffering from CPRM, MRI findings (11 examinations), radiation protocols, and patient prognoses were reviewed. A cord enlargement was demonstrated in five cases, whereas four cases presented with medullary atrophy. As demonstrated by MRI, radiation-induced medullary lesions progressed toward cord atrophy in one patient. When MRI and/or comparison myelogram were performed within 8 months following the onset of the myelopathy, a cord enlargement was usually encountered. When the patient was evaluated > 8 months after the first neurological symptoms, a cord atrophy was always demonstrated. Medullary lesions extended beyond the boundaries of the radiation field in 67% of the cases. However, with the exception of one case, the main focus of the cord damage was included within an irradiated cord segment. An enlarged cord was often associated with a neurologic deterioration and a fatal outcome. In patients with cord atrophy, the neurologic deficit was often static and survival rates were better. These results suggest a revision of classic criteria used for the diagnosis of CPRM. By demonstrating cord lesions, MRI helps to establish disease prognosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Different binding affinities of NMDA receptor channel blockers in various brain regions--indication of NMDA receptor heterogeneity.
The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-channel complex exists in multiple forms which probably have different physiological and pharmacological properties. To further evaluate this concept of different NMDA receptor subtypes, receptor binding and autoradiographic techniques were used to study the phencyclidine (PCP) binding site of the NMDA receptor ion-channel complex. [3H]MK-801 was employed to characterize binding properties of (+)-MK-801, (-)-MK-801, phencyclidine (PCP), (+/-)-ketamine, amantadine (1-amino-adamantane) and memantine (3,5-dimethyl-1-amino-adamantane) in different brain regions. Saturation experiments on homogenized membranes revealed the existence of single classes of binding sites in cortex and cerebellum but with significant different affinities between these regions (KD/Cortex = 4.59 nM, Bmax/Cortex = 0.836 pmol/mg protein; KD/Cereb. = 25.99 nM, Bmax/Cereb. = 0.573 pmol/mg protein) suggesting that the lower affinity in cerebellum indicates another population of NMDA receptor channels. In contrast, in striatum there was clear evidence for two binding sites (KD/high = 1.43 nM, Bmax/high = 0.272 pmol/mg protein; KD/low = 12.15 nM, Bmax/low = 1.76 pmol/mg protein). Displacement studies (autoradiography and binding) revealed a lower affinity for unlabeled (+)-MK-801 in striatum which was clearly not the case for memantine. In cerebellar membranes there was a significant decrease in the affinity for both MK-801 enantiomers and PCP but not for the 1-amino-adamantanes. In contrast, all compounds showed lowered affinity in the dentate gyrus. These findings support NMDA receptor heterogeneity which may be of particular relevance for the development of subtype-selective drugs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Long-term oncologic results of laparoscopic D3 lymphadenectomy with complete mesocolic excision for right-sided colon cancer with clinically positive lymph nodes.
To assess surgical outcomes of patients undergoing D3 lymph node dissection and complete mesocolic excision for the treatment of right-sided colon cancer in the context that both procedures were performed laparoscopically. 244 consecutive patients with clinically staged III right-sided colon cancer were recruited to undergo the laparoscopic D3 lymph node dissection with complete mesocolic excision. Postoperatively, the patients were stratified as N0, N1, N2, and N3 groups according to the level of lymph node metastasis, prospectively followed up for more than 5 years, and compared. The 5-year cumulative recurrence rate and the estimated time-to-recurrence [mean (95 % confidence interval)] was 16.6 % (n = 7/42), 113.8 (101.4-126.2) months in N0 group; 21.3 % (n = 17/80), 108.9 (99.1-118.7) months in N1 group; 43.2 % (n = 32/74), 85.4 (73.0-97.8) months in N2 group; and 52.0 % (n = 25/48), 65.2 (49.0-81.4) months in N3 group. When N1 and N0 groups of patients were lumped together, and compared with patients with N2 or N3 metastasis, we found that the latter were with a significantly higher recurrence rate (p < 0.0001). D3 lymph node dissection with complete mesocolic excision could assure the harvest of sufficient number (n = 34.4 ± 8.4) of lymph nodes for precise pathologic cancer staging. Skip lymph node metastasis was detected in 19.8 % (n = 40/202) of patients, and such surgical procedures facilitated up-staging in 4.5 % (n = 11/244) of patients. The present study encourages the dissemination of such concepts to surgical oncologists dealing with colorectal cancer through didactic education, and international consensus meeting is therefore mandatory to optimize the surgery of colon cancer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Large granular lymphocytosis, lymphocyte subset inversion, thrombocytopenia, dysproteinemia, and positive Ehrlichia serology in a dog.
A 7-year-old, mixed-breed dog was presented for evaluation of a possible lymphocytic leukemia. Results of laboratory testing included thrombocytopenia, large granular lymphocytosis, inverted CD4:CD8 ratio, hyperglobulinemia, and hypoalbuminemia. Results of a tick-borne disease panel indicated a positive immunoglobulin G serum titer (1:2,048) to Ehrlichia canis, supporting exposure to this organism. The dog responded to a combination treatment of doxycycline and prednisone. A review of the literature and novel diagnostic methods that aided in the diagnosis of this case are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
High variance of intraoperative blood pressure predicts early cerebral infarction after revascularization surgery in patients with Moyamoya disease.
Few studies focused on the intraoperative blood pressure in Moyamoya disease (MMD) patients. We aimed to clarify whether or not it relates to early cerebral infarction after revascularization. We reviewed a retrospective cohort of Moyamoya disease from 2011 to 2018 in Beijing Tiantan Hospital, and patients with radiologically confirmed early postoperative infarction were included in the analysis. Controls were matched based on age, sex, and revascularization modality at a ratio of 1:5. Perioperative clinical factors and intraoperative blood pressure data were collected and analyzed. A total of 52 patients out of 1497 revascularization surgeries (3.5%) who experienced CT or MRI confirmed early postoperatively cerebral infarction, aged 38.46 ± 11.70; 26 were male (50.0%). Average real variability (ARV)-systolic blood pressure (SBP) (OR 3.29, p = 0.003), ARV-diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (OR 4.10, p = 0.005), ARV-mean arterial pressure (MAP) (OR 4.08, p = 0.004), and the maximum drops of DBP (OR 1.08, p = 0.003) and MAP (OR 1.06, p = 0.004) were associated with early postoperative infarction. In patients who experienced massive cerebral infarction, the maximum drops of DBP (OR 1.11, p = 0.004) and MAP (OR 1.11, p = 0.003) are independent risk factors, whereas ARVs of SBP (OR 3.90, p < 0.001), DBP (OR 4.69, p = 0.008), and MAP (OR 4.72, p = 0.003) are significantly associated with regional infarction. High variance of intraoperative blood pressure and drastic blood pressure decline are independent risk factors for postoperative infarction in MMD patients who underwent revascularization surgery. Maintaining stable intraoperative blood pressure is suggested to prevent early postoperative cerebral infarction in MMD patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Tunable synthesis of hierarchical mesoporous silica nanoparticles with radial wrinkle structure.
We studied the formation mechanism of hierarchical mesoporous silica nanoparticles with a wrinkle structure (wrinkled silica nanoparticles, WSNs), and a method for substructure control of silica nanoparticles was proposed. We confirmed that WSNs were generated in the bicontinuous microemulsion phase of the Winsor III system. By using the phase behavior of the Winsor III system, which depends on the water-surfactant-oil mixing ratio, and by adding various cosolvents, we could precisely control the structure of silica nanoparticles from the mesoporous to the wrinkle form; furthermore, we could control the interwrinkle distance. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A small diameter elastic blood vessel wall prepared under pulsatile conditions from polyglycolic acid mesh and smooth muscle cells differentiated from adipose-derived stem cells.
Smooth muscle layer plays an important role in maintaining homeostasis of blood vessels, thus generating a functional smooth muscle layer is a prerequisite for successful construction of blood vessels via tissue-engineering approach. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of constructing an elastic vessel wall in small diameter (less than 6 mm) using smooth muscle cells (SMCs) differentiated from human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) under pulsatile stimulation in a bioreactor. With the induction of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) in combination for 7 days, hASCs were found to acquire an SMC phenotype characterized by the expression of SMC-related markers including smooth muscle alpha actin (alpha-SMA), calponin, and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC). The SMCs derived from hASCs were seeded in polyglycolic acid (PGA) unwoven mesh and the cell-scaffold complex were subjected to pulsatile stimulation in a bioreactor for 8 weeks. The vessel walls engineered under the dynamic stimulation for 8 weeks showed a dense and well-organized structure similar to that of native vessels. The differentiated hASCs with dynamic loading were found to maintain their SMC phenotype within 3-dimensional PGA scaffold with a high level of collagen deposition close to that of native ones. Vessels constructed in the static condition showed a loose histological structure with less expression of contractile proteins. More importantly, the engineered vessel under pulsatile stimulation exhibited significant improvement in biomechanical properties over that generated from static conditions. Our results demonstrated that hASCs can serve as a new cell source for SMCs in blood vessel engineering, and an elastic small-diameter vessel wall could be engineered by in vitro culture of SMC-differentiated hASCs on the PGA scaffold with matchable biomechanical strength to that of normal blood vessels under pulsatile stimulation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Synaptic Capture of Laterally Diffusing AMPA Receptors - An Idea That Stuck.
By the early 2000s there was strong support for the idea that synaptic function and plasticity required AMPA glutamate receptor trafficking through constitutive and regulated internalization and exocytosis. In 2002, Borgdorff and Choquet demonstrated that AMPA receptors could also diffuse laterally in the membrane and become stabilized near synapses. Subsequent studies extended this work, establishing a fundamental role for lateral diffusion in synaptic function and plasticity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Towards understanding healthcare professionals' adoption and use of technologies in clinical practice: Using Qmethodology and models of technology acceptance.
Technologies have globally been recognised to improve productivity across different areas of practice including healthcare. This has been achieved due to the expansion of computers and other forms of information technologies. Despite this advancement, there has also been the growing challenge of the adoption and use of these technologies within practice and especially in healthcare. The evolution of information technologies and more specifically e-health within the healthcare practice has its own barriers and facilitators. This paper describes a pilot study to explore these factors that influence information and technology adoption and use by health professionals in the clinical area in Sub-Saharan Africa. We report on the use of Q-methodology and the models of technology acceptance used in combination for the first time. The methodology used for this study aims to explore the subjectivity of healthcare professionals and present their shared views (factors) on their adoption and use of e-health within clinical practice. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Focal hyperhidrosis: effective treatment with intracutaneous botulinum toxin.
To evaluate the effect of intracutaneous injections of botulinum toxin type A on excessive focal hyperhidrosis. Therapeutic before-and-after trial over 4 months. Neurological and dermatological university departments. Eleven patients with excessive axillary, palmar, or plantar hyperhidrosis fulfilling the following criteria: (1) local and systemic drug therapy had failed to improve their symptoms; (2) the patients were severely disabled with respect to their occupation and social activities; and (3) a successful treatment by botulinum toxin would obviate the need for destructive surgical procedures. Three mouse units of botulinum toxin (Botox) per 4-cm2 skin area was injected intracutaneously in 16 axillae, 8 palms, and 2 soles. Reduction of hyperhidrosis as documented by the Minor iodine-starch test and gravimetrical assessment of local spontaneous sweat production measured over 1 minute. In all patients, botulinum toxin completely abolished sweating in the injected areas (P<.001) within 3 to 7 days. No relevant adverse effects occurred and no clinical recurrence of hyperhidrosis was observed within the follow-up period of up to 5 months. Occasionally, subclinical reactivation of sweat gland function was observed 4 months after treatment. Intracutaneous botulinum toxin seems preferable to any hitherto used conservative or surgical procedures and may become the therapy of choice in pathological focal hyperhidrosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Chitosan delivery systems for the treatment of oral mucositis: in vitro and in vivo studies.
Oral mucositis is a frequent and potentially severe complication of radiation or chemotherapy for cancer. Associated with atrophy and ulceration of the oral mucosa is an increased risk of infection, and the most common pathogenic agent is Candida. Chitosan is an excellent candidate for the treatment of oral mucositis. Its bioadhesive and antimicrobial properties offer the palliative effects of an occlusive dressing and the potential for delivering drugs, including anti-candidal agents. The aim of this study was to develop an occlusive bioadhesive system for prophylaxis and/or treatment of oral mucositis. Gel and film formulations were prepared using chitosans at different molecular weights and in different solvents. Nystatin, which is considered as a prophylactic agent for oral mucositis was incorporated into the formulations. The in vitro release of nystatin from the formulations was decreased with the increasing molecular weight of chitosan. The effect of the formulations was investigated in vivo in hamsters with chemotherapy-induced mucositis. Mucositis scores in groups treated with nystatin incorporated into gel and suspension formulations were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those treated with the chitosan gel alone. Survival of animals in the treated groups was higher than that in the control group. The retention time and distribution of the gels in the oral cavity were investigated in healthy volunteers. A faster distribution of nystatin in the oral cavity was obtained using the suspension compared to the gels, but the nystatin saliva level decreased rapidly as well. A drug concentration above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value for Candida albicans (0.14 microg/ml) was maintained for longer periods of time at the application site (90 min) than at the contralateral site (45 min) in the oral cavity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Discovering Inherent Characteristics of Polyethylenimine-Functionalized Porous Materials for CO2 Capture.
CO2 capture is vital for addressing greenhouse gas (GHG)-based environmental issues worldwide. Amine-polymer/silica sorbents have been extensively studied for CO2 capture, but the fundamental understandings of polyethylenimine (PEI) loading effect, thermal effect, and CO2 sorption behavior are still lacking. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) offers promising opportunities for characterizing CO2 sorption behavior of PEI-functionalized SBA-15. Herein, in situ SANS has been used to investigate not only PEI loading distribution but also PEI thermal swelling and temperature-dependent CO2 sorption behavior of PEI-functionalized SBA-15. The results indicate that PEI could disperse on the mesopore surface for the sample with low PEI loading, while for the sample with high PEI loading, PEI could not only disperse on the mesopore surface but also partially fill in the mesopore as plugs. The sample with high PEI loading shows a two-stage swelling of PEI with increasing temperature from 25 to 120 °C in vacuum, in which the size of the intramolecular voids between PEI chains has no change from 25 to 75 °C but expands from 75 to 120 °C, whereas only a subtle swelling is observed up to 120 °C for the sample with low PEI loading. Besides the fact that in situ SANS successfully detects physisorbed CO2 on the mesopore surface and chemisorbed CO2 by the amine groups simultaneously: (1) the amount of physisorbed CO2 increases with increasing pressure but decreases with increasing temperature, and (2) the amount of chemisorbed CO2 has a trend of VCO2 (75 °C) > VCO2 (120 °C) > VCO2 (25 °C). The thermal swelling of PEI causes dilation of intramolecular voids and thus increases the accessibility of chemisorption sites, resulting in higher CO2 sorption capacity. Therefore, temperature and PEI swelling are essential factors for kinetic and thermodynamic controls of CO2 capture in amine-functionalized porous adsorbents. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Magnesium-dependent conformational changes of membrane proteins are related to the Mg2+-dependent ATPase activity in cardiac sarcolemma.
Magnesium-induced enzymatic and structural changes of membrane-bound proteins in rat heart sarcolemma have been investigated. In the absence of ATP, increasing concentrations of magnesium within the range 0.1-10.0 mM gradually lowered the alpha-helix content of sarcolemmal proteins. The same magnesium concentrations stepwise activated the Mg2+-dependent ATPase in the presence of ATP. Mathematical and graphical analysis of the data yielded a quantitative relationship between magnesium-induced stimulation of the Mg2+-dependent ATPase activity and diminution of the alpha-helix content of membrane proteins in cardiac sarcolemma. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Incidence and treatment of 'no-reflow' after percutaneous coronary intervention.
Profound reduction in antegrade epicardial coronary flow with concomitant ischemia is seen occasionally during percutaneous coronary intervention despite the absence of evident vessel dissection, obstruction, or distal vessel embolic cutoff. In a prior small series of cases, this "no-reflow" phenomenon appeared to be promptly reversed by the intra-coronary administration of verapamil. To further understand the prevalence of this syndrome and its responsiveness to the proposed therapy, we reviewed 1919 percutaneous interventions performed between January 1991 and April 1993. During the study period, 39 patients (2.0%) met our criteria for no reflow, 37 of whom were treated with intracoronary nitroglycerin followed by intracoronary verapamil and 2 of whom received intracoronary nitroglycerin alone. An additional 16 patients (0.8%) were given verapamil as part of the management of a flow-limiting dissection or distal embolus (mechanical obstruction). Intracoronary verapamil (50 to 900 micrograms, total dose) improved TIMI flow grade in 89% of no-reflow patients and markedly reduced the number of cineframes between contrast injection and opacification of a selected distal landmark (from 91 +/- 56 to 38 +/- 21 frames, P < .001). By contrast, only 19% of patients with epicardial mechanical obstruction showed improvement in TIMI flow grade after verapamil, with minimal reduction in frames to opacification (from 107 +/- 42 to 101 +/- 69, P = .73). The no-reflow phenomenon--reduction in distal flow without apparent dissection or distal embolization--occurs in 2% of coronary interventions. It generally responds promptly to intracoronary verapamil administration, suggesting that distal microvascular spasm may be its etiology. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Heart rate recovery as a guide to monitor fatigue and predict changes in performance parameters.
Determining the optimal balance between training load and recovery contributes to peak performance in well-trained athletes. The measurement of heart rate recovery (HRR) to monitor this balance has become popular. However, it is not known whether the impairment in performance, which is associated with training-induced fatigue, is accompanied by a change in HRR. Therefore, the aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the relationship between changes in HRR and cycling performance in a group of well-trained cyclists (n=14) who participated in a 4-week high-intensity training (HIT) program. Subjects were assigned to either a group that continuous had a increase in HRR (G(Incr)) or a group that showed a decrease in HRR (G(Decr)) during the HIT period. Both groups, G(Incr) and G(Decr), showed improvements in the relative peak power output (P=0.001 and 0.016, respectively) and endurance performance parameters (P=0.001 and <0.048, respectively). The average power during the 40-km time trial (40-km TT), however, improved more in G(Incr) (P=0.010), resulting in a tendency for a faster 40-km TT time (P=0.059). These findings suggest that HRR has the potential to monitor changes in endurance performance and contribute to a more accurate prescription of training load in well-trained and elite cyclists. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cloning, sequencing, purification, and crystal structure of Grenache (Vitis vinifera) polyphenol oxidase.
The full-length cDNA sequence (P93622_VITVI) of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) cDNA from grape Vitis vinifera L., cv Grenache, was found to encode a translated protein of 607 amino acids with an expected molecular weight of ca. 67 kDa and a predicted pI of 6.83. The translated amino acid sequence was 99%, identical to that of a white grape berry PPO (1) (5 out of 607 amino acid potential sequence differences). The protein was purified from Grenache grape berries by using traditional methods, and it was crystallized with ammonium acetate by the hanging-drop vapor diffusion method. The crystals were orthorhombic, space group C222(1). The structure was obtained at 2.2 A resolution using synchrotron radiation using the 39 kDa isozyme of sweet potato PPO (PDB code: 1BT1 ) as a phase donor. The basic symmetry of the cell parameters (a, b, and c and alpha, beta, and gamma) as well as in the number of asymmetric units in the unit cell of the crystals of PPO, differed between the two proteins. The structures of the two enzymes are quite similar in overall fold, the location of the helix bundles at the core, and the active site in which three histidines bind each of the two catalytic copper ions, and one of the histidines is engaged in a thioether linkage with a cysteine residue. The possibility that the formation of the Cys-His thioether linkage constitutes the activation step is proposed. No evidence of phosphorylation or glycoslyation was found in the electron density map. The mass of the crystallized protein appears to be only 38.4 kDa, and the processing that occurs in the grape berry that leads to this smaller size is discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Draft genome sequence of a Kluyvera intermedia isolate from a patient with a pancreatic abscess.
The genus Kluyvera comprises potential pathogens that can cause many infections. This study reports a Kluyvera intermedia strain (FOSA7093) from a pancreatic cyst specimen from a long-term hospitalised patient. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of the K. intermedia isolate was performed and the strain was reported as sensitive to Danish-registered antibiotics although it had a fosA-like gene in the genome. There were nine contigs that aligned to a plasmid, and these contigs contained several heavy metal resistance gene homologues. Furthermore, a prophage was discovered in the genome. WGS represents an efficient tool for monitoring Kluyvera spp. and its role as a reservoir of multidrug resistance. Therefore, this susceptible K. intermedia genome has many characteristics that allow comparison of resistant K. intermedia that might be discovered in the future. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ultrafast Surface State Spin-Carrier Dynamics in the Topological Insulator Bi_{2}Te_{2}Se.
Topological insulators are promising candidates for optically driven spintronic devices, because photoexcitation of spin polarized surface states is governed by angular momentum selection rules. We carry out femtosecond midinfrared spectroscopy on thin films of the topological insulator Bi_{2}Te_{2}Se, which has a higher surface state conductivity compared to conventionally studied Bi_{2}Se_{3} and Bi_{2}Te_{3}. Both charge and spin dynamics are probed utilizing circularly polarized light. With a sub-band-gap excitation, clear helicity-dependent dynamics is observed only in thin (<20 nm) flakes. On the other hand, such dependence is observed for both thin and thick flakes with above-band-gap excitation. The helicity dependence is attributed to asymmetric excitation of the Dirac-like surface states. The observed long-lasting asymmetry over 10 ps even at room temperature indicates low backscattering of surface state carriers which can be exploited for spintronic devices. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The cellular prion protein and its derived fragments in human prion diseases and their role as potential biomarkers.
Introduction: Human prion diseases are a heterogeneous group of incurable and debilitating conditions characterized by a progressive degeneration of the central nervous system. The conformational changes of the cellular prion protein and its formation into an abnormal isoform, spongiform degeneration, neuronal loss, and neuroinflammation are central to prion disease pathogenesis. It has been postulated that truncated variants of aggregation-prone proteins are implicated in neurodegenerative mechanisms. An increasing body of evidence indicates that proteolytic fragments and truncated variants of the prion protein are formed and accumulated in the brain of prion disease patients. These prion protein variants provide a high degree of relevance to disease pathology and diagnosis. Areas covered: In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge on the occurrence of truncated prion protein species and their potential roles in pathophysiological states during prion diseases progression. In addition, we discuss their usability as a diagnostic biomarker in prion diseases. Expert opinion: Either as a primary factor in the formation of prion diseases or as a consequence from neuropathological affection, abnormal prion protein variants and fragments may provide independent information about mechanisms of prion conversion, pathological states, or disease progression. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
TRAF6 suppresses the apoptosis of hemocytes by activating pellino in Crassostrea hongkongensis.
Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, participates in both innate and adaptive immunity and regulates the apoptotic process. In this study, we observed that an ortholog of TRAF6 could inhibit the activity of p53 and suppress the apoptotic process in the Hong Kong oyster, Crassostrea hongkongensis. To investigate the possible molecular mechanism of the ChTRAF6-induced antiapoptotic effect, a GST pull-down screening assay was conducted, and ChPellino was found to physically interact with ChTRAF6. In addition, the interaction between them was confirmed by Co-immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, western blotting revealed that the phosphorylation level of ChPellino was decreased after the RNAi of ChTRAF6, demonstrating that ChTRAF6 may be an upstream regulator of Pellino activation. Furthermore, the apoptosis level of hemocytes increased after ChPellino knockdown, and ChPellino overexpression suppressed ChTRAF6-dependent p53 activation. Taken together, these results indicate that ChPellino plays a critical role in suppressing ChTRAF6-dependent anti-apoptosis in the hemocytes of Crassostrea hongkongensis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A surveillance system model for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) coordinated at the regional level: a pilot feasibility study.
We describe the methods used to define a surveillance model to incorporate into activities aimed at preventing central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in non-critical care units (NCCUs) and designed to be implemented at the regional level. In 2015 we conducted a pilot feasibility study in three NCCUs based in hospitals of the Regional Health System of Emilia Romagna to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed model and to test its accuracy and cost-effectiveness in terms of resources needed to maintain the system. Our results indicate that the system is feasible at the regional level by using the available sources and instruments to collect data in clinical practice context. Observation of device utilization for at least three months in all NCCU wards is needed in order to prioritize the medical area on which to focus costs for surveillance prior to implementing it on a regular basis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Acute hypotensive transfusion reaction with concomitant use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors: a case report and review of the literature.
Hypotension can be a manifestation of transfusion reactions, including acute hemolysis, bacterial contamination, transfusion-related acute lung injury, and anaphylaxis. In addition to hypotension, these reactions usually present with other characteristic symptoms and signs. In rare cases, hypotension is the only manifestation of a transfusion reaction. This reaction, characterized by early and abrupt onset of hypotension that resolves quickly once the transfusion is stopped, is referred to as acute hypotensive transfusion reaction (AHTR). We report a case of AHTR observed in a patient on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy. The Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale score indicated that the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy and AHTR was probable. If a patient on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy develops AHTR, it is important to recognize the need to switch to another class of antihypertensive medication, at least while the patient continues to require transfusion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
'Antibiobodies': antibiotic-like anti-idiotypic antibodies.
Pathogenic micro-organisms such as Candida albicans may be susceptible to the activity of antimicrobial products like yeast killer toxins due to the presence of specific cell wall receptors for these agents. Anti-idiotypic antibodies (anti-Ids) were produced that competed for these receptors with the yeast killer toxin of a strain of Pichia anomala. We report here that affinity chromatography purified anti-Ids may kill C. albicans cells in vitro which are susceptible to the activity of the yeast killer toxin, as well as P. anomala killer cells which are obviously immune to their own toxin despite possessing specific cell wall receptors which can be detected by indirect immunofluorescence with anti-Ids. We propose that these conceptually new antimicrobial immunoglobulins acting as antibiotics be called 'antibiobodies'. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The roles of victim and offender alcohol use in sexual assaults: results from the National Violence Against Women Survey.
The roles of victim and offender alcohol use in the outcomes of sexual assault incidents (rape completion, injury and medical care) were studied. Data from 859 female sexual assault victims identified from the National Violence against Women Survey were examined. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that offender drinking was associated with greater likelihood of rape completion, but was unrelated to physical injury or medical care when victim demographics and assault characteristics were controlled. Offender aggression was the strongest predictor of both victim injury and medical care outcomes (but not rape completion). Furthermore, neither victim drinking at the time of the incident nor victim past-year drinking was significantly related to assault outcomes. These results suggest that offender behavior is most important for predicting assault outcomes sustained by sexual assault victims. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Concise Review: The Bystander Effect: Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Mediated Lung Repair.
Mesenchymal stem or stromal cells (MSCs), a heterogeneous subset of adult stem/progenitor cells, have surfaced as potential therapeutic units with significant clinical benefit for a wide spectrum of disease conditions, including those affecting the lung. Although MSCs carry both self-renewal and multilineage differentiation abilities, current dogma holds that MSCs mainly contribute to tissue regeneration and repair by modulating the host tissue via secreted cues. Thus, the therapeutic benefit of MSCs is thought to derive from so called bystander effects. The regenerative mechanisms employed by MSCs in the lung include modulation of the immune system as well as promotion of epithelial and endothelial repair. Apart from secreted factors, a number of recent findings suggest that MSCs engage in mitochondrial transfer and shedding of membrane vesicles as a means to enhance tissue repair following injury. Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly clear that MSCs are an integral component of epithelial lung stem cell niches. As such, MSCs play an important role in coupling information from the environment to stem and progenitor populations, such that homeostasis can be ensured even in the face of injury. It is the aim of this review to outline the major mechanisms by which MSCs contribute to lung regeneration, synthesizing recent preclinical findings with data from clinical trials and potential for future therapy. Stem Cells 2016;34:1437-1444. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Brominated flame retardants and perfluorinated compounds in indoor dust from homes and offices in Flanders, Belgium.
The increasing time spent indoors combined with the abundant usage of diverse indoor chemicals led to concerns involving the impact of these compounds on human health. The current study focused on two groups of important indoor contaminants i.e. Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). Concentrations of both compound classes have been measured in Flemish indoor dust samples from homes and offices. ΣPolybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) (BDE 47, 99, 100, 154, 153, 197, 196 and 203) and BDE 209 in homes ranged between 4-1214 ng g(-1)dw (median 35) and <5-5295 ng g(-1)dw (median 313), respectively. Hexabromocyclododecane (ΣHBCD) levels ranged from 5 to 4,2692 ng g(-1)dw (median 130), with α-HBCD being the major isomer (mean 59%). In addition, tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) ranged between <3 and 419 ng g(-1)dw (median 12). For all BFRs, median levels in office dust were up to an order of magnitude higher than in home dust. ΣPFCs (sum of perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)) concentrations in homes ranged from 0.2 to 336 ng g(-1) (median 3.0 ng g(-1)). Levels in office dust were higher (p<0.01) than in house dust with ΣPFCs ranging between 2.2 and 647 ng g(-1) (median 10 ng g(-1)) and median (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate values of 2.9 and 2.2 ng g(-1), respectively. The congener pattern was dominated by PFOA, followed by PFOS. Calculated human exposure was below the reference dose values set by the US-EPA for BDE 209, HBCD and below the provisional tolerable daily intakes proposed by European Food Safety Authority for PFOS and PFOA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Analysis of recurrence patterns after curative resection of stage IIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer].
To explore the postoperative recurrence patterns in the patients undergoing potentially curative resection of stage IIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A total of 63 patients underwent curative operation from September 2004 to December 2008 at Peking University First Hospital and were pathologically diagnosed as stage IIIA-N2 NSCLC. Their clinical data were retrospectively reviewed. The follow-ups were conducted to detect the recurrent lesions. The recurrence rates at Year 2-3 were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method while the Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the risk factors associated with recurrence. The 2 and 3-year recurrence rate was 46.6% and 57.3% respectively. Only one patient experienced local failure. However, the predominant recurrence pattern was distant failure (27/28). As demonstrated by the univariate Cox regression analysis, 4 significant factors associated with recurrence and the arm of lymphatic or vascular invasion (LVI), number of positive N2 station > 1, number of positive node > 3 and involvement of subcarinal lymph nodes were found to increase the risks of failure (P < 0.05). Distant failure is the predominant pattern of postoperative recurrence in the patients of stage IIIA-N2 NSCLC. In addition to LVI, the level of positive N2 station, the number of positive N2 node and the involvement of subcarinal lymph nodes are associated with the postoperative risk of recurrence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Coupling aerobic biodegradation of methanol vapors with heterologous protein expression of endochitinase Ech42 from Trichoderma atroviride in Pichia pastoris.
Methanol is included among the most hazardous air pollutants, and an effort of vapors biofiltration by using microbial consortiums has been reported. The aim of this work was to couple the methanol vapors biodegradation with the production of recombinant endochitinase (ech42) from Trichoderma atroviride in Pichia pastoris transformed with the pPIC-ech42 plasmid. After carrying out batch experiments at 0.5% (w/v) of methanol concentration, the recombinant P. pastoris Mut(+) strain was selected because it showed methanol biodegradation rates similar to those of wild type GS115 strain (39 g/m(3)h), but 15% higher than the transformed Mut(S) strain. In addition, the recombinant Ech42 protein production was higher in Mut(+) than Mut(S). After various methanol vapor concentrations were evaluated, the maximum recombinant protein recovery was 317 mg/l and the volumetric methanol consumption rate was 88.7 g/m(3)h at 0.5% (w/v) of methanol concentration. This research underlines the promising application of linking methanol vapors biodegradation with the production of recombinant protein with high biotechnological interests. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Use of targeted cationic liposomes in enhanced DNA delivery to cancer cells.
Cationic liposomes are considered to be safe vectors for gene transfer, but they are less efficient at delivering DNA to cells when compared with retroviral vectors. Cationic liposomes complexed with DNA were targeted to specific cells in vitro by means of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or ligands associated with the liposomes. Significant increases in expression of a beta-galactosidase reporter gene were observed in vitro in mAb-targeted liposomes, compared with non-targeted liposomes, in both an adherent tumor cell line (human adenocarcinoma) and a suspension cell line (human T-lymphoma). Also, use of asialofetuin as a targeting ligand significantly increased expression of the reporter gene in human hepatoma cells. Our results suggest that site-specific targeting of cationic liposomes is a good strategy for increasing both the selectivity and the efficiency of DNA delivery to cells and with further development may lead to targeted DNA delivery in vivo. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Partial nephrectomy for renal tumour: 21 cases.
Partial nephrectomy has been performed in 21 cases of kidney tumours. It can be used for well-limited parenchymatous tumours and obligatory in patients with a solitary kidney, but is not advisable for tumours originating in the urothelium. These results are compared with the parallel experience with radical surgery and followed during 46 years in the same centre, they give a greater value to this study and encourage the reasoned practice of partial nephrectomy for tumours especially in the solitary kidney. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A dual mechanism involved in membrane and nucleic acid disruption of AvBD103b, a new avian defensin from the king penguin, against Salmonella enteritidis CVCC3377.
The food-borne bacterial gastrointestinal infection is a serious public health threat. Defensins are evolutionarily conserved innate immune components with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity that do not easily induce resistance. AvBD103b, an avian defensin with potent activity against Salmonella enteritidis, was isolated from the stomach contents of the king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus). To elucidate further the antibacterial mechanism of AvBD103b, its effect on the S. enteritidis CVCC3377 cell membrane and intracellular DNA was researched. The cell surface hydrophobicity and a N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine uptake assay demonstrated that AvBD103b treatment increased the cell surface hydrophobicity and outer membrane permeability. Atomic absorption spectrometry, ultraviolet spectrophotometry, flow cytometry, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that AvBD103b treatment can lead to the release of the cellular contents and cell death through damage of the membrane. DNA gel retardation and circular dichroism analysis demonstrated that AvBD103b interacted with DNA and intercalated into the DNA base pairs. A cell cycle assay demonstrated that AvBD103b affected cellular functions, such as DNA synthesis. Our results confirmed that AvBD103b exerts its antibacterial activity by damaging the cell membrane and interfering with intracellular DNA, ultimately causing cell death, and suggested that AvBD103b may be a promising candidate as an alternative to antibiotics against S. enteritidis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Microhemorrhagic transformation of ischemic lesions on T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging after Pipeline embolization device treatment.
OBJECTIVEThe authors sought to demonstrate that hemorrhagic transformation of ischemic lesions is the main cause of delayed intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) after Pipeline embolization device (PED) treatment and to estimate the rate of hemorrhagic transformation of new postprocedure ischemic lesions.METHODSPatients who underwent PED placement (PED group) from November 2015 to March 2017 or stent-mediated embolization (EN group) from December 2010 to October 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Pre- and postprocedural MR images and 6-month follow-up MR images for each patient were scored for the presence of postprocedural bland ischemic and hemorrhagic lesions using diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) and T2*-weighted MRI (T2*WI), respectively.RESULTSThe PED group comprised 28 patients with 30 intracranial aneurysms, and the EN group comprised 24 patients with 27 intracranial aneurysms. The mean number of ischemic lesions on DWI 1 day postprocedure was higher in the PED group than in the EN group (5.2 vs 2.7, p = 0.0010). The mean number of microbleeds detected on T2*WI 6 months postprocedure was higher in the PED group than in the EN group (0.6 vs 0.15, p = 0.028). A total of 36.7% of PED-treated patients exhibited new microbleeds on T2*WI at 6 months postprocedure, with at least 77.8% of these lesions representing hemorrhagic transformations of the new ischemic lesions observed on day 1 postprocedure. The rate of adjunctive coil embolization (27.3% vs 0.0%, p = 0.016) and the mean number of ischemic lesions observed 1 day postprocedure (6.6 vs 4.3, p = 0.020) were predictors of subsequent microbleeds in the PED group.CONCLUSIONSNew microbleeds detected using T2*WI at 6 months postprocedure were more common after PED treatment than after stent-mediated embolization. Approximately three-quarters of these lesions were hemorrhagic transformations of new ischemic lesions observed on day 1 postprocedure. Prevention of intraprocedural or postprocedural infarcts is necessary to reduce the risk of hemorrhagic complications following PED placement. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antiaversive effects of 5HT2C receptor agonists and fluoxetine in a model of panic-like anxiety in rats.
Dose-dependent increases in threshold for operant fear/escape responses of rats submitted to aversive stimulation of the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (dPAG) were recorded following intraperitoneal injection of three chemically unrelated but selective 5HT2C receptor agonists (Ro 60-0175, Org 12962 and Ro 60-0332) and fluoxetine. The decreased sensitivity of rats to the acute panic-like aversion elicited by stimulation of this limbic periventricular region was detected at dosages devoid of impairing effects on the latencies needed for operant brain stimulation interruption. In this paradigm which has been validated as a simulation of acute anxiety with relevance to panic disorder, the selective activation of 5HT2C receptors by Ro 60-0175, Org 12962 or Ro 60-0332 induces effects analogous to those observed following benzodiazepine receptor activation by antipanic agents such as clonazepam or alprazolam or following non-selective and indirect 5HT receptor activation by fluoxetine. Potency and efficacy of 5HT2C receptor agonists were intermediate between those of clonazepam and fluoxetine, indicating authentic antiaversive properties and suggesting antipanic potential for these 5HT2C receptor agonists. In addition, these data suggest that the 5HT2C receptor subtype may play a major role in the therapeutic properties of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It is also speculated that serotonin/benzodiazepine interactions existing in the brain may functionally involve the 5HT2C receptor subtypes and that the anxiogenic action reported under certain circumstances for 5HT mimetics are not mediated by 5HT2C receptor subtypes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Lyme disease].
After a short historical review of the Lyme disease, the author describes the responsible bacteria, a Spirochete called Borrelia. Epidemiology, physiopathology and clinical manifestations are studied, as well as the different phases of the disease (primary secondary and tertiary) and the various possible symptoms (dermatological, cardiovascular, rheumatical, neurological syndrome). The biological part includes isolation of the Bacteria and detection of antibodies (IFI, ELISA, passive hemagglutination and Western Blot). Prophylaxy and treatments are also presented. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Changes in proteasome activity and subunit composition during postnatal development of rat].
The dynamics of the activities of 26S and 20S proteasomes in the rat liver and spleen have been studied during postnatal development from 1 to 90 days. The activities of proteasome forms both in spleen and in liver increased in adult animals as compared to one day rats. The activities of both proteasome forms in the liver did not differ significantly from those in the spleen at all stages of postnatal development. Using Western blot with monoclonal antibodies to Rpt6 subunit, we confirmed the presence of 26S proteasome in both organs at all stages of postnatal development. Studies with polyclonal antibodies to beta1i (LMP2) subunit showed the appearance of the immune subunit in the spleen by day 9 and in the liver only by day 23 of postnatal development. This result suggests the earlier formation of the spleen as an organ with immune functions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Differences between CSF and plasma Na+ and K+ activities and concentrations.
[Na+] and [K+] determined by ion-selective electrodes (ISE) by direct potentiometric determination were compared with those obtained by flame photometry in plasma and in cisternal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained from pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs. Comparisons of pre- and postanesthesia values showed no change in plasma [Na+] but a 5% fall in plasma [K+]. CSF and plasma Na+ activities were identical, indicating that Na+ does not contribute to the potential difference between them. CSF K+ activity was 74% of that in plasma. The CSF-to-plasma molar and molal ratios differed from the activity (ISE) ratios. Concentrations of Na+ and K+ were also determined in an electrolyte solution and in the same solution with albumin added. Flame values differed from ISE values in plasma, CSF, and solutions. Albumin lowered flame values to a greater extent than ISE values. Bicarbonate lowered ISE values. ISE ratios, which equal activity ratios, rather than molar or molal ratios should be used in thermodynamic equilibrium equations, whereas molar concentrations should be used in electroneutrality equations or in determination of the strong ion difference. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Human periodontal ligament fibroblasts are the optimal cell source for induced pluripotent stem cells.
Among the various kinds of fibroblasts existing in the human body, the periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts have been suggested as multipotent cells. Periodontal ligament fibroblasts are characterized by rapid turnover, a high remodeling capacity and remarkable capacity for renewal and repair. They also differentiate into osteoblasts and cementoblasts. We established iPS cells from human PDL fibroblasts by introducing the ES cell markers Oct3/4, Sox2, Nanog, Klf4 and Lin28 by retrovirus transduction, even without the oncogene c-Myc. The iPS cells established in this study expressed the ES cell markers and formed teratomas in SCID mice. The c-Myc expression level in the PDL fibroblasts was higher than that in the iPS cells by quantitative RT-PCR. Therefore, we have concluded that PDL fibroblasts could be an optimal cell source for iPS cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Cyst of the floor of the mouth causing respiratory obstruction. Report of one case].
Three major groups of lesions can cause swelling in the floor of the mouth: infectious, neoplastic, and cystic. We present the case of a patient with inflammatory cyst in the floor of the mouth that reached, in a little while, huge dimensions. Needle aspiration of the lesion caused an infectious process that enlarged the cyst and led to progressive difficulties in breathing. Treatment was by emergency tracheostomy and enucleation of the lesion using an intraoral approach. The enucleation was performed through a mucosal incision along the midline of the floor of the mouth, starting just behind the lingual fold, and extending along the ventral surface of the tongue. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cell groups in the brain of the teleost fish Gnathonemus petersii.
Different antibodies against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were used to obtain detailed information about the distribution, morphology and chemical differentiation of catecholaminergic neurons in the highly differentiated brain of the electric mormyrid fish Gnathonemus petersii. The results show that the distribution of catecholaminergic neurons is much more widespread than was previously thought on the basis of dopamine and noradrenaline immunohistochemistry. Tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons were observed not only in clearly dopaminergic regions (the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the magnocellular hypothalamic nucleus and the area postrema) and noradrenergic cell groups (the locus coeruleus and inferior reticular cell group), but also in regions that do not, or only fragmentarily, display dopamine or noradrenaline immunoreactivity, including the ventral and intermediate telencephalon, the anterior and posterior preoptic cell group, the ventromedial thalamus, the pretectal region and the nucleus of the solitary tract, suggesting that they either represent depleted dopaminergic cell groups or L-dihydroxy phenylalanine-producing nuclei. Most TH-immunoreactive neurons are rather small (< 10 microns) and have only a few slender processes, but neurons in the magnocellular hypothalamic nucleus and the inferior reticular formation are multipolar and larger (10-20 microns), while those of the locus coeruleus are even more than 20 microns in diameter. The hypothalamic paraventricular organ, which is strongly dopamine and noradrenaline immunoreactive, displays minimal TH immunoreactivity, suggesting that its cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons do not synthesize catecholamines, but acquire them from external sources. Comparison with other teleosts shows that the catecholaminergic system in the brain of Gnathonemus is similarly organized as in Carassius, Gasterosteus, Anguilla and Aperonotus, with some variations that may partly be due to technical reasons, and partly reflect true species differences. However, TH-immunoreactive neurons in the midbrain tegmentum were not observed, confirming previous conclusions that a major difference between teleosts and mammals concerns the absence of dopaminergic midbrain groups and correlated mesencephalo-telencephalic projections in teleosts. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Unique Piezoelectric Properties of the Monoclinic Phase in Pb(Zr,Ti)O_{3} Ceramics: Large Lattice Strain and Negligible Domain Switching.
The origin of the excellent piezoelectric properties at the morphotropic phase boundary is generally attributed to the existence of a monoclinic phase in various piezoelectric systems. However, there exist no experimental studies that reveal the role of the monoclinic phase in the piezoelectric behavior in phase-pure ceramics. In this work, a single monoclinic phase has been identified in Pb(Zr,Ti)O_{3} ceramics at room temperature by in situ high-energy synchrotron x-ray diffraction, and its response to electric field has been characterized for the first time. Unique piezoelectric properties of the monoclinic phase in terms of large intrinsic lattice strain and negligible domain switching have been observed. The extensional strain constant d_{33} and the transverse strain constant d_{31} are calculated to be 520 and -200 pm/V, respectively. These large piezoelectric coefficients are mainly due to the large intrinsic lattice strain, with very little extrinsic contribution from domain switching. The unique properties of the monoclinic phase provide new insights into the mechanisms responsible for the piezoelectric properties at the morphotropic phase boundary. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Surgical treatment to the lung cancer in a patient receiving hemodialysis].
We performed right lower lobectomy for lung cancer in a 62-year-old man who had been under hemodialysis for 4 years. During the operation, hyperkalemia occurred and was treated by GI therapy (continuous intravenous infusion of glucose + insulin). On the 3rd postoperative day, CVP was increased and hypotension occurred during hemodialysis. It was considered that heart failure had developed. Attention to the possibility of heart failure is important in the postoperative management of patient on chronic hemodialysis who require lung resection. He was discharged without bleeding of infection. There have been few reports on operations for lung cancer in such patients, so our experience is significant. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Genetic information, rights, and autonomy.
Rights, autonomy, privacy, and confidentiality are concepts commonly used in discussions concerning genetic information. When these concepts are thought of as denoting absolute norms and values which cannot be overriden by other considerations, conflicts among them naturally occur. In this paper, these and related notions are examined in terms of the duties and obligations medical professionals and their clients can have regarding genetic knowledge. It is suggested that while the prevailing idea of autonomy is unhelpful in the analysis of these duties, and the ensuing rights, an alternative reading of personal self-determination can provide a firmer basis for ethical guidelines and policies in this field. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Sun heated surfaces are an environmental hazard for young children.
Children commonly sustain heat contact type burn injuries from sun heated surfaces during the summer months in hot, sunny climates. The aim of this study was to review the causes and outcomes in a series of heat contact type burns sustained by children who touched hot sun heated surfaces. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify all children who sustained burn injuries due to naturally heated surfaces and were treated between January 2012 and December 2017 at Children's Hospital Colorado. Demographics of the subjects and clinical data regarding their burn injuries were collected. A total of 58 children were identified over the study period, involving 118 burn wounds. The median age was 17 months (interquartile range = 14-23), and 33 were male (57%). Mean total body surface area (TBSA) was 1.4% (standard deviation = 1). A foot was the most commonly involved area, affecting 36 subjects (62%). The most common causes of these burn injuries were metal thresholds (n = 7, 12%) and metal covers or lids (n = 5, 9%) outside the home. The depth of the burn injury was partial thickness in 57 children (98%). The mean time to heal was 12 ± 6 days, and the majority of injuries occurred in June (n = 28, 48%). Heat contact type burn injuries from sun heated surfaces commonly affect children ⩽2 years of age during the summer months, and the majority of these injuries occur around the home environment. They are preventable injuries, and this information should be used for prevention and education materials for parents and healthcare providers, who reside in hot, sunny climates. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Breakthrough performance of linear-DNA on ion-exchange membrane columns.
Breakthrough performance of linear-DNA adsorption on ion-exchange membrane columns was theoretically and experimentally investigated using batch and fixed-bed systems. System dispersion curves showed the absence of flow non-idealities in the experimental arrangement. Breakthrough curves were not significantly affected by flow-rate or inlet solution concentration. In the theoretical analysis a model was integrated by the serial coupling of the membrane transport model and the system dispersion model. A transport model that considers finite kinetic rate and column dispersed flow was used in the study. A simplex optimization routine coupled to the solution of the partial differential model equations was employed to estimate the maximum adsorption capacity constant, the equilibrium desorption constant and the forward interaction rate-constant, which are the parameters of the membrane transport model. Through this approach a good prediction of the adsorption phenomena is obtained for inlet concentrations and flow rates greater than 0.2 mg/ml and 0.16 ml/min. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Single chain antibodies that recognize the N-glycosylation site.
We aimed to identify antibodies that can recognize the Asn-Xaa-Ser/Thr(NXS/T) N-glycosylation site that guides oligosaccharyltransferase (OT) activity. We used synthetic Asn-Cys-Ser/Thr(NCS/T) tripeptides conjugated to bovine serum albumin to isolate single chain antibody fragments of a variable region (scFv) from the Griffin 1 phage antibody library. Although Ser and Thr have different side chains, the scFv proteins thus isolated bound to both NCS and NCT with Kd values of the order of 10(-6) M and accepted the substitution of the Cys residue with various amino acids, including Ala, Gly, and Val. However, these proteins recognized neither Asn-Pro-Ser/Thr nor non-NXS/T tripeptides. The scFv proteins recognized NCS/T and N-glycosylation site of mutant yeast protein disulfide isomerase when they were in their native but not denatured state. These results indicate that antibody recognition of the NXS/T motif is conformation dependent and suggest that NXS/T spontaneously adopts a specific conformation that is necessary for antibody recognition. These features are likely to correlate with the known binding specificity of OT. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Psychometric goodness of the Mini Sleep Questionnaire.
The current study was conducted to evaluate the psychometric properties and analyze the convergent validity of the Italian version of the Mini Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ). In addition, it was aimed to put forward cut-off values to be used in screening protocols. The MSQ was administered to 1830 participants (age range 18-87 years), of whom 1208 also completed the Sleep Disorder Questionnaire (age range 18-87 years). A subgroup of 187 (age range 18-71 years) participants was randomly chosen to test the test-retest reliability. A complete psychometric evaluation was performed on the MSQ. To study the validity of the tool, the Sleep Disorder Questionnaire was used as an external criterion to validate the MSQ. Using the Youden index, we calculated the cut-off values that performed best. Finally, we created receiver-operator curves to test the accuracy of each cut-off value identified. For the MSQ, Cronbach's alpha score was 0.77 while homogeneity was 0.26. Factorial analyses confirmed the presence of two dimensions: sleep (Cronbach's alpha 0.75; homogeneity 0.37) and wake (Cronbach's alpha 0.75; homogeneity 0.44). For each dimension, a cut-off value was identified (>16 and >14, respectively). Both cut-off values obtained an area under the curve higher than 0.80. Psychometric evaluation of the MSQ was satisfactory. The cut-off values analyzed in the present study showed good performance. On the whole, the results of this study suggest that the MSQ can be a useful screening tool. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In vivo geometrical evaluation of Cheneau-Toulouse-Munster brace effect on scoliotic spine using MRI method.
The aim was to quantify the immediate effect of the Cheneau-Toulouse-Munster brace (worn at night) on scoliotic curvatures in vivo.Design. A three-dimensional geometrical model of the spine was developed using magnetic resonance images. Many corrective ortheses were proposed for the orthopaedic treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. Simple radiographs were not sufficient to analyse the three-dimensional spinal deformations. So, three-dimensional geometrical models were developed using stereoradiography and axial tomography. MRI has been only used clinically for investigation of intervertebral disc disorders. MRI examination had been performed on 14 girls having an idiopathic scoliosis and wearing a first Cheneau-Toulouse-Munster brace. The protocol investigated was performed with and without brace. Using an in-house image processing software and the pre-post processing software Patran, two geometrical models of the spine (spine without brace and spine with brace correction) were obtained, respectively, for each patient, the models including the vertebral bodies. Our method reproducibility was found to be 0.5 mm on the displacements and 2.5 degrees on the rotations. The Cheneau-Toulouse-Munster brace decreased the coronal shift forward, the coronal tilt, the axial rotation, and increased the sagittal shift forward and the sagittal vertebral tilt. The results showed that the Cheneau-Toulouse-Munster brace had a three-dimensional and personalised action on vertebrae. This technique using MRI provides no irradiation and allows the soft tissue visualisation, but actually is not dedicated for clinical use and is limited to the lying position. The qualitative and quantitative data obtained allowed a better description of the Cheneau-Toulouse-Munster brace effect on scoliotic spine, and will help the orthopaedist in the brace design and the clinician in the scoliosis comprehension. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The challenge of education and learning in the developing world.
Across many different contexts, randomized evaluations find that school participation is sensitive to costs: Reducing out-of-pocket costs, merit scholarships, and conditional cash transfers all increase schooling. Addressing child health and providing information on how earnings rise with education can increase schooling even more cost-effectively. However, among those in school, test scores are remarkably low and unresponsive to more-of-the-same inputs, such as hiring additional teachers, buying more textbooks, or providing flexible grants. In contrast, pedagogical reforms that match teaching to students' learning levels are highly cost effective at increasing learning, as are reforms that improve accountability and incentives, such as local hiring of teachers on short-term contracts. Technology could potentially improve pedagogy and accountability. Improving pre- and postprimary education are major future challenges. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Functional matrix cleft repair: principles and techniques.
As an application of developmental anatomy, functional matrix cleft repair has scientific value. It tests out many aspects of periosteal physiology, and it is based squarely on concepts central to orthodontics. The "molecular revolution" has melded together developmental anatomy and genetics to create a new and clinically relevant model of facial development. This article outlines the scientific rationale for cleft repair based on this model. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Using overseas registered nurses to fill employment gaps in rural health services: quick fix or sustainable strategy?
This study sought to identify and evaluate approaches used to attract internationally trained nurses from traditional and non-traditional countries and incentives employed to retain them in small rural hospitals in Gippsland, Victoria. An exploratory descriptive design. Small rural hospitals in Gippsland, Victoria. Hospital staff responsible for recruitment of nurses and overseas trained nurses from traditional and non-traditional sources (e.g. England, Scotland, India, Zimbabwe, Holland, Singapore, Malaysia). Recruitment of married overseas trained nurses is more sustainable than that of single registered nurses, however, the process of recruitment for the hospital and potential employees is costly. Rural hospitality diffuses some of these expenses by the employing hospitals providing emergency accommodation and necessary furnishings. Cultural differences and dissonance regarding practice create barriers for some of the overseas trained nurses to move towards a more sanguine position. On the positive side, single overseas registered nurses use the opportunity to work in rural Australian hospitals as an effective working holiday that promotes employment in larger, more specialized hospitals. Overall both the registered nurses and the employees believe the experience to be beneficial rather than detrimental. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Skull base chordomas: clinical features, prognostic factors, and therapeutics.
Chordomas of the skull base are one of the rarest intracranial malignancies that arise from ectopic remnants of embryonal notochod. The proximity of many chordomas to neurovascular structures makes gross total resection difficult, and the tendency for recurrence leads to the routine use of adjuvant postoperative radiation. Several surgical approaches are used ranging from extensive craniotomies to minimally invasive endonasal endoscopic approaches. In this review, the histopathology and epidemiology, imaging characteristics, surgical approaches, adjuvant therapies, prognostic factors, and molecular biology of chordomas are described. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Efficiency of cycloferon application in often ill children in the period of raised seasonal morbidity of acute respiratory infections].
to evaluate the efficiency of the cycloferon (in tablets) in treatment of frequently ill children (FIC) during seasonal acute respiratory infections and estimate its safety for children and adults. Research had open character. Under supervision there were 411 children of different age groups and 74 adults. 250 persons (100 frequently ill children from 4 to 7 years old , 76 - from 7 to 18 and 74 adults) were treated with cycloferon under the standard regimen. Control group included 235 FIC. It was found that the preventive courses of cycloferon administered during seasonal acute respiratory infections significantly reduced number of day offs taken by parents for sick 5 year old and younger FIC. The cycloferon administration in 94,8 % of cases was not accompanied by pathological symptoms. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of ipriflavone and estrogen on the differentiation and proliferation of osteogenic cells.
The effect of ipriflavone (IP) on the proliferation and differentiation of rat osteoblast-like (ROB) cells and human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPLF) was studied in the presence and absence of estrogen. ROB cells were isolated from newborn rat calvaria by sequential collagenase digestion and HPLF from the outgrowth of human periodontal ligament in culture. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, employed as a marker of bone cell differentiation, was significantly enhanced by IP in both cell types; however, the concentration at which IP had a maximal effect was lower in ROB cells than in HPLF (10(-10) versus 10(-7) M, respectively). Cell proliferation judged by DNA content was either constant (ROB cells) or slightly increased (HPLF) by IP up to 10(-10) M, and decreased significantly above that concentration. In addition, the dose-dependent effect of estrogen on the growth and differentiation of each cell type in the presence and absence of IP was also tested. At the concentrations of IP which showed maximum effects in the induction of ALP, 10(-10) M for ROB cells and 10(-7) M for HPLF, IP inhibited DNA increase in an estrogen-independent manner. Estradiol (10(-11)-10(-9) M) itself increased the growth rate of both cell types significantly in a dose-dependent manner. Regardless of the concentrations of estradiol tested, ALP activities of both ROB cells and HPLF were elevated by the addition of IP. The ratio of ALP in the presence and absence of IP was similar over the range of estradiol concentrations tested.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Physicochemical and biological characterizations of distinct strains of the transmissible mink encephalopathy agent.
Inoculation of the Stetsonville, Wisconsin source of transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME) into Syrian hamsters has identified two strains of the TME agent having distinct biological properties and producing disease-specific prion proteins (PrPTME) having different physicochemical properties. Although several strains of the sheep scrapie agent have been identified in Great Britain, this is the first indication that agents producing transmissible spongiform encephalopathies in the United States also are capable of producing distinct strains. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Diagnostic value of blind synovial biopsy in clinical practice.
To assess the diagnostic value of blindly performed synovial biopsies in carefully selected patients with unclassified arthritis. Synovial tissue was obtained blindly under local anaesthesia. The Arthroforce III take-apart 3.5 mm needle and 1.5 mm grasping forceps were used for this purpose. Four patients with unclassified arthritis could be diagnosed properly based upon examination of synovial tissue of the knee obtained by an easy-to-perform blind biopsy. The arthritis of the four patients was diagnosed as being part of Erdheim-Chester disease, sarcoidosis, multicentric reticulohistiocytosis and arthritis caused by foreign-body material, respectively. Analysis of synovial tissue obtained during a blind biopsy procedure has diagnostic potential in carefully selected patients with unclassified arthritis. The common denominator in all the cases presented was a differential diagnosis consisting of a rheumatological disease with characteristic histological features. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The interpretation of laboratory parameters in evaluating the immune status of man].
At least 3 physiologic parameters appear to be useful for the assessment of the immunity status of a patient. These parameters are as follows: immunocyte ability to activation, proliferation, and differentiation; these characteristics may be directly examined with the use of novel products of immunobiotechnology. The suggested approach essentially simplifies interpretation of the findings obtained in studies of human immunity system. Besides lymphocytes, special attention is paid to immunoregulatory monocytes, macrophages, and granulocytes. Since these cells are known to secrete quite a number of mediators, an imbalance of their production and reception may contribute to the pathogenesis of many a disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Rare cause of death in pulmonary recurrence of uterine cancer].
A brief report on endometrium carcinoma with lung metastases is given. The obturation of the main bronchus and trachea by lymphonodular metastases is a rare cause of death. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Concentration-dependent apparent partition coefficients of ionic liquids possessing ethyl- and bi-sulphate anions.
This study deals with the concentration dependent apparent partition coefficients log P of the ethyl and bisulfate-based ionic liquids. It is observed that the bisulfate-based ionic liquids show different behaviour with respect to concentration as compared to ethyl sulphate-based ionic liquids. It is significant and useful analysis for the further implementation of alkyl sulfate based ionic liquids as solvents in extraction processes. The log P values of the ethyl sulphate-based ionic liquids were noted to vary linearly with the concentration of the ionic liquid, whereas a flip-flop trend with the concentration for the log P values of the bisulphate-based ionic liquids was observed due to the difference in hydrogen bond accepting basicity and possibility of aggregate formation of these anions. The π-π interactions between the imidazolium and pyridinium rings were seen to affect the log P values. The alkyl chain length of anions was also observed to influence the log P values. The hydrophobicity of ionic liquid changes with the alkyl chain in the anion in the order; [HSO4](-) < [EtSO4](-) < [BuSO4](-). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Genetic and developmental influences on infant mouse ultrasonic calling. I. A diallel analysis of the calls of 3-day olds.
Ultrasonic calls produced by young mice reliably elicit investigation and retrieval by adults. While there are large individual differences in the characteristics of these calls, little work has been done to partition that variation. We completed a 4 x 4 diallel cross and Hayman analyses on several characteristics of these cries. The major result was the detection of directional dominance toward a higher rate of calling, longer calls, and calls of lower overall frequency with a greater bandwidth. Within the context of biometrical genetic theory, we conclude that calls with such characteristics may have important fitness value. Extending this idea, we propose that within the population sampled for this study (the animals of the four inbred strains and 12 F1 hybrid groups), the calls most effectively eliciting investigation and retrieval would be calls with the average hybrid values of the diallel cross. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dimeric ("big") human placental lactogen. Immunological and biological activity.
Dimeric ("big") human placental lactogen has been isolated in near homogeneous form from placental tissue. It consists of a disulfide-linked (stable) form and a noncovalently associated (unstable) form of the native hormone. The two forms were separated by exposure to denaturing conditions and resolution by gel exclusion chromatography. Both forms retained immunological activity, ability to bind mammary membranes, and ability to induce mammary N-acetyllactosamine synthetase in vitro. On a molar basis, stable dimeric placental lactogen was more active than placental lactogen in the radioimmunoassay indicating that the immunological determinants on both monomeric units could bind to antibody. On a molar basis, stable dimeric placental lactogen was equally active with monomeric placental lactogen in competing for mammary gland membrane binding sites, indicating that only one active site in the molecule could interact with the membrane at a time. Stable dimeric placental lactogen was also active in an in vitro bioassay using the induction of N-acetyllactosamine synthetase. It is concluded that dimer formation does not alter the biologically active portion of the placental lactogen molecule. Since the carboxyl-terminal region (residues 182-191) is involved in the interchain disulfide bonds of dimeric placental lactogen, this portion of the molecule is probably not necessary for its biological activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Endoscopic and Histologic Healing in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Treated With Thalidomide.
Mucosal healing, determined by endoscopic evaluation, is one of the most important prognostic markers for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. Findings from histologic evaluation, however, could complement findings from endoscopy in assessing mucosal responses to treatment. We analyzed long-term results of children treated with thalidomide to determine the association between clinical response and histology and endoscopy findings. We collected data from 2 multicenter trials of 70 children with refractory Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) (2-18 years old; ileocolonic or colonic disease) given thalidomide or placebo (NCT00720538). Clinical remission and clinical response at 8 weeks were defined as a pediatric CD activity index scores 10 points or lower and a decrease of at least 50% from baseline, respectively, for patients with CD; and as a pediatric UC activity index score below 10 and a decrease of at least 20 points from baseline, respectively, for patients with UC. Patients with a clinical response to 8 weeks' treatment with thalidomide underwent endoscopic examination with biopsy collection at study weeks 12 and 52. Severity of inflammation in patients with UC was assessed by Mayo score and in patients with CD by 4-grade system. Biopsies were assessed for signs of active inflammation, erosion or ulceration, and crypt abscesses and assigned a histologic score. Clinical remission was observed in 42 patients (60.0%) and clinical response in 45 patients (64.2%) at Week 8. At Week 52, a total of 38 patients (54.3%) were still in clinical remission or still had a clinical response; 29 patients (41.4%) had mucosal healing, defined as complete healing of erosions or ulcerations, and 20 patients (27.7%) had histologic healing, defined as complete absence of markers of inflammation. Of patients with clinical remission or clinical response, 75.3% also had mucosal healing and 52.6% also had histologic healing. The probability of achieving mucosal healing decreased significantly with increasing values of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (adjusted odds ratio, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93-0.98; P = .006). In a long-term analysis of data from 2 clinical trials of pediatric patients with CD or UC, 52 weeks' treatment with thalidomide led to clinical remission in 54.3% of patients with ileocolonic or colonic disease; of these patients, 75.3% had mucosal healing and 52.6% also had histologic healing. Further studies are needed to determine how thalidomide therapy affects long-term progression of inflammatory bowel diseases. (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT00720538). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intense UV and visible up-conversion emissions from RE-doped SiO2-BaGdF5 nano-glass-ceramics.
RE-doped (Yb3+, Er3+ and Tm3+) nano-glass-ceramics (nGCs) comprising BaGdF5 nanocrystals have been developed under thermal treatment of precursor sol-gel glasses. Structural analysis by means of X-ray diffraction patterns, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy measurements, confirmed the precipitation and distribution of cubic BaGdF5 nanocrystals (around 10 nm in size) in the silica glass matrix. Under near-IR excitation at 980 nm, up-conversion (UC) emissions have been studied as a function of selected dopants, the doping level and the pump power. In addition to the characteristic NIR, vis and UV UC emissions of Er3+ and Tm3+ dopant ions, the studied nGCs present intense UV UC emissions of the host fluoride nanocrystal, Gd3+. It was also observed that the relative Yb3+ content tended to improve the UC emission intensities. Corresponding UC mechanisms and energy transfer processes were analysed in terms of their energy level diagrams and confirmed by transient emission and pump power measurements. Moreover, power dependence analysis revealed that these emissions present saturation effects with the increase of Yb3+ content, even at low pump power. Results suggest that these high-efficiency UC nGCs have potential applications in UV solid state laser materials, solid state lighting and photovoltaics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mechanical Stability of Polystyrene and Janus Particle Monolayers at the Air/Water Interface.
The compressional instability of particle-laden air/water interfaces is investigated with plain and surface-anisotropic (Janus) particles. We hypothesize that the amphiphilic nature of Janus particles leads to both anisotropic particle-particle and particle-interface interactions that can yield particle films with unique collapse mechanisms. Analysis of Langmuir isotherms and microstructural characterization of the homogeneous polystyrene particle films during compression reveal an interfacial buckling instability followed by folding, which is in good agreement with predictions from classical elasticity theory. In contrast, Janus particle films exhibit a different behavior during compression, where the collapse mode occurs through the subduction of the Janus particle film. Our results suggest that particle-laden films comprised of surface-anisotropic particles can be engineered to evolve new material properties. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Implications of Sentinel Lymph Node Drainage to Multiple Basins in Head and Neck Melanoma.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for head and neck melanoma is challenging due to unpredictable drainage. We sought to determine the frequency of drainage to multiple lymphatic basins and asked if this was associated with prognosis in a large, single-center cohort. We queried patients diagnosed with head and neck melanomas who had a SLNB performed from January 1998 to April 2016. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared using Student's t test, Pearson chi-square analysis, log-rank test, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test, and Kaplan-Meier curves. We identified 269 patients with head and neck melanoma that had SLNBs performed in the following locations: 223 neck, 92 parotid/preauricular, 29 occipital/posterior auricular, 1 axilla. There were 68 (25%) patients who had drainage to multiple basins. These patients were similar to those with single basin drainage in age, gender distribution, Breslow depth, and percent with a positive SLNB (all p > 0.05). Fewer patients with drainage to multiple basins had a completion lymph node dissection (CLND, p = 0.03). A trend toward increased 3-year locoregional recurrence was seen for patients with drainage to multiple basins in univariate analysis (27% vs. 18%, p = 0.10) but was lost in multivariate analysis (p = 0.49), possibly because of higher recurrence rates in patients with positive nodes but no CLND (p = 0.02). No difference was detected for distant recurrence or overall survival based on SLN drainage. Head and neck melanoma SLNB drainage to multiple basins is common. Drainage to multiple basins does not seem to be associated with increased sentinel lymph node positivity, locoregional recurrence, distant recurrence, or survival. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Myostatin downregulates the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor gene in HeLa cells.
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF or FGF-2), a potent tumorigenic cytokine, improves cells proliferation and angiogenesis in tumor and also plays vital roles in tumor growth, metastasis as well as prognosis. Screening and application of effective cytokines against bFGF tumorigenic activity would be helpful to oncologic therapy. Myostatin, a member of transforming growth factor β superfamily, recently showed an antitumor activity and was reported to induce HeLa cells apoptosis through mitochondrion pathway. The above data raised our assumption that expression level of endogenous bFGF gene may be suppressed by exogenous myostatin in myostatin-treated HeLa cells. To test the hypothesis, myostatin was employed to stimulate HeLa cells and expressional level of endogenous bFGF gene in HeLa cells was detected with real-time RT-PCR and ELISA. Results of the suppressed expression level of bFGF gene in Hela cells implied that myostatin may be regarded as an effective cytokine against bFGF to treat certain cancers (Fig. 3, Ref. 26). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The negotiation of sexual relationships among school pupils in south-western Uganda.
The objective of the study was to explore how school-going adolescents in south-western Uganda negotiate sexual relationships. Qualitative data were obtained from 15 boys and 15 girls (14-18 years old), during a series of role plays, focus group discussions and one-to-one interviews. A questionnaire was administered to 80 pupils (12-20 years old) from the same school. Most of the pupils were sexually active. Sexual relationships between boys and girls were mediated by peers. Boys initiated relationships. Exchange played an important role in the negotiation of sexual relationships. Money or gifts were given and received in exchange for sexual favours and to strengthen the relationship. To maximize gains, some adolescents had sexual relationships with adults. Sexual relationships were characterized by ambiguity. Love is intertwined with sexual desire, money and prestige. Girls have to be explicit enough to get a good deal; if they are too explicit they will be stigmatized as 'loose' but if they are not interested in money they may be suspected of wanting to spread HIV. Boys try to persuade girls that they have money, but do not want to emphasize this too much. In sexual negotiations a boy must persuade a girl that although he is modern and sophisticated (i.e. experienced) he does not chase after every girl; the girl does not want to come over as an unsophisticated virgin, but does not want to give the impression that she is loose either. There is a tension between the traditional ideal of female chastity and submissiveness and the modern image of sexual freedom. Multiple partnerships were highly valued as a sign of sophistication. Condoms were not considered important. Interventions aimed at reducing the spread of HIV do not seem to be having an effect on the behaviour of this group of adolescents. On the contrary, risky attitudes and behaviour are part of an adolescent ideal of modernity and sophistication. New approaches are needed to persuade this group of the need for change. Shifting the source of interventions from adults to the adolescents themselves, encouraging girls to try other means of earning money and debunking the idea that having many partners is sophisticated may be productive alternatives. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neuromonitoring in the severe traumatic brain injury. Spanish Trauma ICU Registry (RETRAUCI).
To analyze the use of intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral oximetry monitoring in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) according to the Spanish Trauma ICU Registry (RETRAUCI). We included TBI patients with Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤ 8. Hypotheses were tested using the Student-T or Wilcoxon tests (quantitative variables) and the Chi-square test (categorical variables). Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was performed to analyze the variables associated with the use of ICP monitoring. We analyzed 1463 patients. Age 49.1 years. Males 1130 (77.3%). Mechanism of injury: falls in 350 cases (23.9%). Injury Severity Score 27.9. Uni- or bilateral mydriasis was present in 39.3% of the patients. Neurosurgical intervention within 24hours was performed in 331 patients (22.7%). ICP was monitored in 635 patients (45.1%), pbtO2 in 122 patients (8.6%), SjVO2 in 19 patients (1.34%) and NIRS was used in 25 cases (1.77%). In the multivariate analysis, age, bilateral mydriasis at admission and previous use of antiplatelets or anticoagulants was inversely related with ICP monitoring. Severity of injury and the need of neurosurgical intervention increased the probability of ICP monitoring. Our study shows a picture of ICP monitoring in severe TBI patients in our environment. Use of cerebral oximetry techniques is very limited. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Author Correction: LKB1 loss links serine metabolism to DNA methylation and tumorigenesis.
An Amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fabrication of Efficient Low-Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells by Combining Formamidinium Tin Iodide with Methylammonium Lead Iodide.
Mixed tin (Sn)-lead (Pb) perovskites with high Sn content exhibit low bandgaps suitable for fabricating the bottom cell of perovskite-based tandem solar cells. In this work, we report on the fabrication of efficient mixed Sn-Pb perovskite solar cells using precursors combining formamidinium tin iodide (FASnI3) and methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3). The best-performing cell fabricated using a (FASnI3)0.6(MAPbI3)0.4 absorber with an absorption edge of ∼1.2 eV achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.08 (15.00)% with an open-circuit voltage of 0.795 (0.799) V, a short-circuit current density of 26.86(26.82) mA/cm(2), and a fill factor of 70.6(70.0)% when measured under forward (reverse) voltage scan. The average PCE of 50 cells we have fabricated is 14.39 ± 0.33%, indicating good reproducibility. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Predictive value of the UICC and AJCC 8th edition tumor-nodes-metastasis (TNM) classification for patients treated with radical prostatectomy.
According to the 8th-edition of the tumor-nodes-metastasis-classification localized prostate cancer (PCa) can be divided into two categories (cT1,cT2), two stages (SI,SII), and, by incorporating prostate-specific-antigen (PSA) and WHO-grade (Gleason-Score), into prognostic stage groups (PSG I,IIA,IIB,IIC,III). We examined the predictive value of these systems for an organ-confined disease (pT≤2), favorable WHO-grade ≤2 (Gleason-score ≤7a), and biochemical-free-survival (BFS) after radical prostatectomy (RP). Data were collected in a prospective, non-interventional, multicenter health-service-research study for the treatment of localized PCa (HAROW) with 687 patients receiving RP. Mean Follow-up was 31.7 months. Organ-confined disease was present in 76.5% and 63.6% of cT1 and cT2 patients, 75.7% and 59.6% of SI and SII, and 84.6%, 81.6%, 72.8% and 42.5% of PSG I, IIA, IIB and ≥ IIC (p = 0.001). Favorable WHO-grade (Gleason-Score) was present in 75.4% and 60.7% of cT1 and cT2 patients, 74.3% and 56.5% of SI and SII patients, and 86.1%,85.6%,73.3% and 29.5% of PSG I, IIA, IIB and ≥ IIC (p = 0.001). Probability of BFS was 92.0% and 91.5% for cT1 and cT2 (p = 0.990), 91.1% and 94.2% for SI and S II (p = 0.286) and 96.6%,95.1%,91.4% and 78.8% for PSG I,IIA,IIB and ≥ IIC (p = 0.001). CT 1/cT2 and S I/II subgrouping is feasible to predict a different pT-category and a favorable WHO-grade (Gleason-Score) after RP, but failed to predict a different BFS. With the additional information of WHO-grade (Gleason-Score) and PSA, the PSG represents an approach for the prediction of all examined endpoints which is a useful tool to help clinicians to advise their patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of cardiovascular response to combined static-dynamic effort, postprandial dynamic effort and dynamic effort alone in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease.
The cardiovascular responses to combined static-dynamic effort, postprandial dynamic effort and dynamic effort alone were evaluated by upright bicycle ergometry during equilibrium-gated blood pool scintigraphy in 24 men, mean age 59 +/- 8 years, with chronic ischemic heart disease. Combined static-dynamic effort and the postprandial state elicited a peak cardiovascular response similar to that of dynamic effort alone; work load 643 +/- 156 and 638 +/- 161 vs 650 +/- 153 kg-m/min, respectively; heart rate 147 +/- 14 and 145 +/- 14 vs 143 +/- 17 beats/min; systolic pressure 195 +/- 26 and 200 +/- 25 vs 197 +/- 25 mm Hg; and rate-pressure product 286 +/- 48 and 292 +/- 55 vs 282 +/- 52. Heart rate, intraarterial systolic and diastolic pressures, rate-pressure product and ejection fraction were similar for the three test conditions at the onset of ischemia and at peak effort. The prevalence and extent of exercise-induced ischemic left ventricular dysfunction, ST-segment depression, angina pectoris and ventricular ectopic activity were also similar during the three test conditions. Direct and indirect measurements of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were highly correlated. The onset of ischemic ST-segment depression and angina pectoris correlated as strongly with heart rate alone as with the rate-pressure product during all three test conditions. The cardiovascular response to combined static-dynamic effort and to postprandial dynamic effort becomes more similar to that of dynamic effort alone as dynamic effort reaches a symptom limit. If significant ischemic and arrhythmic abnormalities are absent during symptom-limited dynamic exercise testing, they are unlikely to appear during combined static-dynamic or postprandial dynamic effort. This simplifies, the task of formulating guidelines for physical effort in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease, especially in providing "clearance" to perform avocational and vocational tasks involving combined static-dynamic and postprandial dynamic effort. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Responsive, 3D Electronics Enabled by Liquid Crystal Elastomer Substrates.
Traditional electronic devices are rigid, planar, and mechanically static. The combination of traditional electronic materials and responsive polymer substrates is of significant interest to provide opportunities to replace conventional electronic devices with stretchable, 3D, and responsive electronics. Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are well suited to function as such dynamic substrates because of their large strain, reversible stimulus response that can be controlled through directed self-assembly of molecular order. Here, we discuss using LCEs as substrates for electronic devices that are flat during processing but then morph into controlled 3D structures. We design and demonstrate processes for a variety of electronic devices on LCEs including deformation-tolerant conducting traces and capacitors and cold temperature-responsive antennas. For example, patterning twisted nematic orientation within the substrate can be used to create helical electronic devices that stretch up to 100% with less than 2% change in resistance or capacitance. Moreover, we discuss self-morphing LCE antennas which can dynamically change the operating frequency from 2.7 GHz (room temperature) to 3.3 GHz (-65 °C). We envision applications for these 3D, responsive devices in wearable or implantable electronics and in cold-chain monitoring radio frequency identification sensors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Development, implementation, and results of the ASN in-training examination for fellows.
The American Society of Nephrology and the fellowship training program directors in conjunction with the National Board of Medical Examiners developed a comprehensive assessment of medical knowledge for nephrology fellows in-training. This in-training examination (ITE) consisted of 150 multiple-choice items covering 11 broad content areas in a blueprint similar to the American Board of Internal Medicine certifying examination for nephrology. Questions consisted of case vignettes to simulate real-life clinical experience. The first examination was given in April 2009 to 682 fellows and six training program directors. Examinees felt that the examination was well structured and relevant to their training experience Longitudinal performance on the examination will be helpful in allowing training programs to utilize results from content areas in identifying deficits in medical knowledge as well as assessing the results of any curriculum changes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Acute abdominal aortic occlusion.
Acute occlusion of the infrarenal abdominal aorta is a catastrophic event requiring early recognition and intervention if permanent disability is to be decreased or avoided. While traditional causes of occlusion (saddle embolus and thrombosis) are the most frequent, vasculitis and hypercoagulable states have recently been suggested as etiologies. This article presents three cases of acute abdominal aortic occlusion from different mechanisms and reviews the literature concerning presentation and management. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Abnormal sperm morphology and function in the fathers of hypospadiacs.
A lower motility of spermatozoa and a higher incidence of abnormal sperm morphology were found in 25 fathers of hypospadiacs compared with those of 50 fathers who produced children who were not hypospadiacs. Subfertility of fathers may result in a higher risk of hypospadias in offspring and as subfertile males now represent a higher proportion among fathers, owing to the improved efficacy of infertility treatment, this may explain the increased occurrence of hypospadias. Our relaxed-selection hypothesis, which states that there is a redistribution in the number of children born to fertile and infertile (subfertile) couples, may account for the increasing number of other defects and cancers of male genitalia observed today and the fall in sperm counts. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Low levels of iron enhance UV/H2O2 efficiency at neutral pH.
While the presence of iron is generally not seen as favorable for UV-based treatment systems due to lamp fouling and decreased UV transmittance, we show that low levels of iron can lead to improvements in the abatement of chemicals in the UV-hydrogen peroxide advanced oxidation process. The oxidation potential of an iron-assisted UV/H2O2 (UV254 + H2O2 + iron) process was evaluated at neutral pH using iron levels below USEPA secondary drinking water standards (<0.3 mg/L). Para-chlorobenzoic acid (pCBA) was used as a hydroxyl radical (HO) probe to quantify HO steady state concentrations. Compounds degraded by different mechanisms including, carbamazepine (CBZ, HO oxidation) and N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA, direct photolysis), were used to investigate the effect of iron on compound degradation for UV/H2O2 systems. The effects of iron species (Fe2+ and Fe3+), iron concentration (0-0.3 mg/L), H2O2 concentration (0-10 mg/L) and background water matrix (low-carbon tap (LCT) and well water) on HO production and compound removal were examined. Iron-assisted UV/H2O2 efficiency was most influenced by the target chemical and the water matrix. Added iron to UV/H2O2 was shown to increase the steady-state HO concentration by approximately 25% in all well water scenarios. While CBZ removal was unchanged by iron addition, 0.3 mg/L iron improved NDMA removal rates in both LCT and well water matrices by 15.1% and 4.6% respectively. Furthermore, the combination of UV/Fe without H2O2 was also shown to enhance NDMA removal when compared to UV photolysis alone indicating the presence of degradation pathways other than HO oxidation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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