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Non-enhancing supratentorial malignant astrocytomas: MR features and possible mechanisms.
To clarify the MR features of supratentorial malignant astrocytic gliomas that did not exhibit contrast enhancement of MR imaging, six MR parameters were evaluated in two glioblastomas and six anaplastic astrocytomas. Moderate to marked edema, mass effect, and moderate tumor heterogeneity were noted in all cases. Hemorrhage was absent in all cases. Border definition and cyst formation or necrosis were not consistent among the tumors. Histological examination demonstrated significant vascular proliferation in two cases, and mild to moderate proliferation in six. Non-enhancing malignant astrocytic gliomas are a diagnostic challenge. Analyzing perifocal edema and heterogeneity of each mass probably provides clues for a proper diagnosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Changes in the rat liver mitochondrial DNA upon aging.
During experiments on the molecular basis of morphological and functional changes observed in rat liver mitochondria upon aging, we found that the buoyant density profile of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) shows a wide distribution pattern especially in the lighter region than that of young rat liver mtDNA. The heterogeneous pattern may be partly recovered to become similar to that of young rat liver mtDNA by treatment with proteinase K. Therefore, it is quite likely that mtDNA of old rat liver contains firmly bound protein(s) or peptides. During the morphological observation of mtDNA by electron microscopy, we found that mtDNA of old rat had a novel property, that is, the ability to attach to negatively charged mica in the absence of magnesium ions, although their morphological features showing circular 5 microns contour length form did not change. Further, mtDNA gained resistance against EcoRI digestion during aging. This property was not shared by the DNA from young animal, and might be due to the binding protein(s). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Registered dietitians' roles in decision-making processes for PEG placement in the elderly.
The role of registered dietitians (RDs) in decision-making for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement was explored. The ethical climate in their workplace and the relationship between decision-making and the ethical climate were examined. The survey included 67 RDs in complex continuing care and long-term care settings in Ontario. Descriptive statistics were used to describe roles, ethical climate, and professional characteristics. Pearson's and nonparametric correlations were used to examine relationships between roles, ethical climate, and professional characteristics. Among the respondents, 97% thought RDs had a role in decision-making processes. The majority of RDs were usually or always involved in two roles: identifying relevant nutrition issues (91.2%) and discussing feeding options and alternatives (80.7%). Dietitians' roles in decision-making processes were more extensive when their relationship with physicians was positive (r=0.321, P=0.016), they had adequate knowledge (r=0.465, P<0.001) and adequate skills (r=0.520, P<0.001), and they were more satisfied with their role (r=0.554, P<0.001). Registered dietitians performed a variety of roles in decision-making processes concerning PEG placement in the elderly. A positive working relationship with physicians, knowledge, skills, and role satisfaction significantly increase RDs' involvement with patients and families. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A study of parameter setting and characterization of visible-light driven nitrogen-modified commercial TiO2 photocatalysts.
An optimal condition applied to the Taguchi method with an L(9) orthogonal array for preparing a visible-light driven nitrogen-modified TiO(2) (N-TiO(2)) photocatalyst by a simple hydrolysis method has been examined for material characteristics and a photodecolorization test of methyl blue (MB) under various visible light source (fluorescent and blue LED lamps) irradiations. Results of the material characterization showed that the absorption of prepared N-TiO(2) powder exhibited a significant extension into visible light regimes with an optical bandgap (Eg) of around 2.96 eV, which subsequently improved the visible-light photocatalytic activity of N-TiO(2) samples. The superior photocatalytic properties, the pseudo first-order reaction rate constants (k) and photodecolorization efficiency (η%) of a N-TiO(2) photocatalyst during the photodecolorization test of methyl blue (MB) under two different visible light irradiations were very evident compared to those for pure TiO(2). For photodecolorization of practical dyeing from the waste water from the dyeing and finishing industry, a higher photodecolorization efficiency of N-TiO(2) powder toward Direct blue-86 (DB-86) (Direct Fast Turquoise Blue GL) dye was also achieved. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[What do virtual reality tools bring to child and adolescent psychiatry?]
Virtual reality is a relatively new technology that enables individuals to immerse themselves in a virtual world. It offers several advantages including a more realistic, lifelike environment that may allow subjects to "forget" they are being assessed, allow a better participation and an increased generalization of learning. Moreover, the virtual reality system can provide multimodal stimuli, such as visual and auditory stimuli, and can also be used to evaluate the patient's multimodal integration and to aid rehabilitation of cognitive abilities. The use of virtual reality to treat various psychiatric disorders in adults (phobic anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, addictions…) and its efficacy is supported by numerous studies. Similar research for children and adolescents is lagging behind. This may be particularly beneficial to children who often show great interest and considerable success on computer, console or videogame tasks. This article will expose the main studies that have used virtual reality with children and adolescents suffering from psychiatric disorders. The use of virtual reality to treat anxiety disorders in adults is gaining popularity and its efficacy is supported by various studies. Most of the studies attest to the significant efficacy of the virtual reality exposure therapy (or in virtuo exposure). In children, studies have covered arachnophobia social anxiety and school refusal phobia. Despite the limited number of studies, results are very encouraging for treatment in anxiety disorders. Several studies have reported the clinical use of virtual reality technology for children and adolescents with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Extensive research has proven the efficiency of technologies as support tools for therapy. Researches are found to be focused on communication and on learning and social imitation skills. Virtual reality is also well accepted by subjects with ASD. The virtual environment offers the opportunity to administer controlled tasks such as the typical neuropsychological tools, but in an environment much more like a standard classroom. The virtual reality classroom offers several advantages compared to classical tools such as more realistic and lifelike environment but also records various measures in standardized conditions. Most of the studies using a virtual classroom have found that children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder make significantly fewer correct hits and more commission errors compared with controls. The virtual classroom has proven to be a good clinical tool for evaluation of attention in ADHD. For eating disorders, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program enhanced by a body image specific component using virtual reality techniques was shown to be more efficient than cognitive behavioural therapy alone. The body image-specific component using virtual reality techniques boots efficiency and accelerates the CBT change process for eating disorders. Virtual reality is a relatively new technology and its application in child and adolescent psychiatry is recent. However, this technique is still in its infancy and much work is needed including controlled trials before it can be introduced in routine clinical use. Virtual reality interventions should also investigate how newly acquired skills are transferred to the real world. At present virtual reality can be considered a useful tool in evaluation and treatment for child and adolescent disorders. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Drugs that inhibit gastric acid secretion may alter the course of inflammatory bowel disease.
Recent data suggest that acid suppressive medications may alter factors central to the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), whether through shifts in the intestinal microbiome due to acid suppression or effects on immune function. To assess the relationship between the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine2-receptor antagonists (H2Ra) and incidence of 'flares' (hospitalisation/surgery and change in medication). We conducted a new user cohort study including individuals diagnosed with IBD in British Columbia using linked healthcare utilisation databases (available from July 1996 through April 2006). Propensity-score matched incidence rates during a 6-month follow-up period and rate ratios (RR) and 95% CI were calculated. Among 16 151 IBD patients, 1307 Crohn's disease (CD) and 996 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients experienced a new use of PPIs, whereas 741 CD and 738 UC used H2Ra. All IBD subgroups were matched separately to an equal number of unexposed IBD patients. H2Ra use in CD doubled the risk of hospitalisation/surgery (RR = 1.94; 95%CI 1.24-3.10) and numerically less so in UC patients (RR = 1.11) with widely overlapping CIs (0.61-2.03). Proton pump inhibitors use was associated with medication change in UC (RR = 1.39; 95%CI 1.20-1.62), but without meaningfully, increased risk of hospitalisation/surgery for UC or CD patients. Extending follow-up showed persistence, but attenuation, of all effects. Initiation of PPIs or H2Ra may be associated with short-term changes in the course of IBD. Although confounding by indication was adjusted using propensity score matching, residual confounding may persist and findings need to be interpreted cautiously. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The capacity of chondrocytes to respond to serum is enhanced by organ culture in the absence of serum, stimulated by serum, and modified by ascorbate.
Cartilage slices maintained in organ culture have been shown to develop an enhanced capacity to respond to serum. The response was measured at the initiation of culture and after 3 and 7 days of culture in medium containing an inhibitor of DNA synthesis and 0, 1, or 16% serum. At these times, cartilage slices were washed to remove serum and inhibitor, and then exposed to various concentrations of serum for evaluation of DNA and proteoglycan synthesis. The range of the derived dose-response curves and the indicated sensitivity to low serum concentrations were the parameters used to evaluate the response capacity. Response capacity increased gradually, reaching a maximum after 8 days of culture. Considerable enhancement was obtained after maintenance in the absence of serum using both DNA and proteoglycan synthesis as markers. Additional, graded enhancement of response capacity was obtained when the cartilage slices were maintained in 1 or 16% serum. The effects of maintenance in serum were much greater when DNA synthesis rather than proteoglycan synthesis was used to measure the response. However, this serum-dependent enhancement was only prominent when ascorbate was present during the dose-response assay. Ascorbate caused a similar but less-marked increase in sensitivity to serum when proteoglycan synthesis was measured. The possibility that ascorbate may function as a cofactor during the progression phase of cell proliferation is discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Studies on reference intervals for platelet counts in three cities in China and one in Japan.
Hematological parameters including platelet counts, etc. were determined in 1,140 healthy subjects living in four cities: Suzhou (Jiangsu Province), Chengdu (Sichuan Province) and Harbin (Heilongjang Province) in China, and Kobe in Japan. Then, the reference intervals for platelet counts were calculated and compared. The reference interval for platelet count of subjects aged between 18 and 60 years was 60-259 x 10(9)/L in Suzhou and 52-202 x 10(9)L in Chengdu, and subjects with platelet counts of 100 x 10(9)/L or less accounted for about 30% of the subjects examined in these cities. The reference intervals in Harbin and Kobe were within the range of 150-350 x 10(9)/L, and no subject having a platelets count of 100 x 10(9)/L or less was detected. Mean platelet volume (MPV) determined concurrently was negatively correlated with platelet count, and the reference intervals for MPV in Chengdu and Suzhou were higher than those in Harbin and Kobe. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antibodies against striated muscle, connective tissue and nuclear antigens in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy: should Graves' disease be considered a collagen disorder?
The identity and subcellular localization of the principal extraocular muscle (EOM) antigens and prevalences of the corresponding serum autoantibodies in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) need to be clarified. We have used porcine eye muscle tissue, which expresses all autoantigens identified in human tissue, as substrate in an indirect immunofluorescence assay. Several different patterns of antibody binding to EOM tissue antigens were observed with sera from patients with TAO namely, membrane, cytoplasmic, interstitial (endomysial) and nuclear. Overall, sera from 75% of patients with TAO contained one or more antibodies reactive with EOM, compared to 32% of patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism, 38% with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and 16% of normals. All sera which reacted with EOM membrane or cytoplasmic antigens also reacted with the same antigen(s) in other skeletal muscle, but not in the other tissues tested. Sera from 31% of patients with TAO, but only 7% of those with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and no patient with Graves' hyperthyroidism without evident ophthalmopathy, contained antinuclear antibodies (ANA). The most common nuclear fluorescence pattern was the finely speckled type typically associated with anti-Sm or anti-RNP antibodies. Significant positive correlations in patients with TAO were found between (i) EOM dysfunction and ANA (ii) eye disease of < 1 yr duration and EOM membrane-reactive antibodies and (iii) eye disease of < 1 yr duration and interstitial (endomysial) tissue-reactive antibodies. Although patients with Graves' disease do not usually exhibit other signs or immunologic features of a generalized collagen disorder, the finding of high prevalences of ANA and anti-striated muscle antibodies and, less often, anti-connective tissue antibodies in patients with ophthalmopathy, is consistent with it being a collagen-like disorder of the striated muscle, connective tissue and the thyroid. The reason why the inflammatory process is mainly limited to these tissues is unclear although cross reaction of ANA with tissue specific proteins or increased expression of muscle and connective tissue antigens in the orbit and skin, are possibilities. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Over-expression of receptor-interacting protein 140 in tumor-associated macrophages suppresses invasion and proliferation of hepatoma cells in vitro].
To investigate the role of receptor-interacting protein 140 (RIP140) in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the invasion and proliferation of hepatoma cells in vitro. Western blotting, qRT-PCR and flow cytometry were performed to examine the effects of lentivirus-mediated RIP140 over-expression in mouse peritoneal macrophages (PMs). Western blotting, qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the expression of RIP140 in TAMs following stimulation of the PMs with hepatocellular carcinoma conditioned medium (HCM) for 24 h. The polarization index and the expression of NF-κB and IL-6 were detected using qRT-PCR in TAMs in HCM-stimulated PMs with or without RIP140 over-expression. Transwell assay and flow cytometry were used to estimate the cell invasion and apoptosis. HE staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to analyze the effects of RIP140-over-expressing macrophages on the growth and tumor formation of H22 cells in BALB/c nude mice. The lentivirus vector efficiently mediated RIP140 over-expression in mouse PMs. HCM stimulation significantly inhibited RIP140 expression in the TAMs and promoted their M2-like polarization. Over-expression of RIP140 in PMs suppressed the invasion and induced apoptosis of HCC cells. RIP140 over-expression inhibited HCM-induced M2 polarization and the activation of NF-κB/IL-6 axis in the TAMs, and RIP140- overexpressing TAMs obviously suppressed the growth of H22 cell xenograft in nude mice. Over-expression of RIP140 in TAMs suppresses the growth and proliferation of hepatoma cells possibly by inhibiting M2 polarization of the TAMs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Compensatory growth of healthy cardiac cells in the presence of diseased cells restores tissue homeostasis during heart development.
Energy generation by mitochondrial respiration is an absolute requirement for cardiac function. Here, we used a heart-specific conditional knockout approach to inactivate the X-linked gene encoding Holocytochrome c synthase (Hccs), an enzyme responsible for activation of respiratory cytochromes c and c1. Heterozygous knockout female mice were thus mosaic for Hccs function due to random X chromosome inactivation. In contrast to midgestational lethality of Hccs knockout males, heterozygous females appeared normal after birth. Analyses of heterozygous embryos revealed the expected 50:50 ratio of Hccs deficient to normal cardiac cells at midgestation; however, diseased tissue contributed progressively less over time and by birth represented only 10% of cardiac tissue volume. This change is accounted for by increased proliferation of remaining healthy cardiac cells resulting in a fully functional heart. These data reveal an impressive regenerative capacity of the fetal heart that can compensate for an effective loss of 50% of cardiac tissue. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Lactoferrin Protects Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Oxidative Stress-Induced Senescence and Apoptosis.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been suggested as a primary candidate for cell therapy applications because they have self-renewal and differentiation capabilities. Although they can be expanded in ex vivo system, clinical application of these cells is still limited because they survive poorly and undergo senescence or apoptosis when transplanted and exposed to environmental factors such as oxidative stress. Thus, reducing oxidative stress is expected to improve the efficacy of MSC therapy. The milk protein lactoferrin is a multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein that plays various roles, including reduction of oxidative stress. Thus, we explored the effect of lactoferrin on oxidative stress-induced senescence and apoptosis of human MSCs (hMSCs). Measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) revealed that lactoferrin inhibited the production of hydrogen peroxide-induced intracellular ROS, suggesting lactoferrin as a good candidate as an antioxidant in hMSCs. Pretreatment of lactoferrin suppressed hydrogen peroxide-induced senescence of hMSCs. In addition, lactoferrin reduced hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis via inhibition of caspase-3 and Akt activation. These results demonstrate that lactoferrin can be a promising factor to protect hMSCs from oxidative stress-induced senescence and apoptosis, thus increasing the efficacy of MSC therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Lipoproteins in children treated with continuous peritoneal dialysis.
Total lipids, lipoprotein-lipids, and apolipoproteins were studied in plasma of 20 patients, aged 13.9 +/- 3.4 y (mean +/- SD; range 7.4 to 19 y), who were treated with continuous peritoneal dialysis for a period of 2.1 +/- 1.2 (range 0.5 to 4.9) y. Measurements included total plasma cholesterol and triglycerides, triglycerides in the very low density fraction, and cholesterol in the very low density, low density, and high density fractions, as well as apo A-I and apo B. The results were compared with values in 17 healthy control subjects, aged 13.0 +/- 5.1 (range 5.1 to 19) y. The patients had significantly elevated levels of total plasma triglycerides, triglycerides in the very low density fraction, total plasma cholesterol, cholesterol in the very low density fraction, and cholesterol in the low density fraction, whereas levels of cholesterol in the high density fraction were normal. Plasma apo B levels were elevated, but apo A-I levels were not different from controls. In addition, the nutritional status of the patients was assessed and apo A-I and apo B concentrations were measured in the dialysate of 10 patients. The losses of apo A-I and apo B in dialysate averaged 13.4 +/- 7.4 and 2.1 +/- 3.1 mg/kg/d, respectively. Lipoprotein profiles were not correlated with nutritional status. We conclude that pediatric patients treated with continuous peritoneal dialysis have atherogenic lipoprotein profiles, cholesterol ratios, and apolipoprotein ratios, but normal cholesterol in the high density fraction and apo A-I levels despite considerable apo A-I losses in the dialysate. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Results of combined internal and external fixation for the treatment of severe AO-C3 fractures of the distal radius.
Combined internal and external fixation for distal radius fractures has been previously reported, but the indications, technique, and results are not defined. This study reviews an experience with a specific surgical strategy for the treatment of a homogeneous population of AO-C3 fractures of the distal radius. The technique is composed of combined palmar and dorsal surgical approaches for open reduction and internal fixation of fracture fragments after neutralizing the wrist with a rigid external fixator. Thirteen fractures in 12 patients were followed an average of 27 months. Wrist motion averaged 60 degrees of flexion and 45 degrees of extension. The injured extremities had a mean grip strength that was 83% of the uninjured side. Follow-up x-ray films showed a dorsal tilt of 1 degree, radial inclination of 18 degrees, and radial length of 12 mm. Using the rating system of Green and O'Brien, the results were excellent or good in 10 wrists. The results indicate that this surgical strategy, though technically demanding, can be successfully used in this specific subset of difficult to treat distal radius fractures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Binding of ADP and ATP analogs to cross-linked and non-cross-linked acto X S-1.
We previously determined the binding constants of ADP, adenylyl imidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP), and inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) to acto . myosin subfragment 1 (acto X S-1) by measuring the dissociation of acto X S-1 as a function of ATP analog concentration (Greene, L.E., and Eisenberg, E. (1980) J. Biol. Chem. 255, 543-548). In the present study, we reinvestigated this question by measuring the extent to which these ATP analogs inhibit the acto X S-1 ATPase activity using both cross-linked actin X S-1 and non-cross-linked proteins. No significant difference was found between the cross-linked and non-cross-linked acto X S-1 complexes in their affinity for either ADP or AMP-PNP. The binding constant of ADP to acto X S-1 determined by the inhibition method was in excellent agreement with that obtained previously by the dissociation method, both techniques giving values of about 7 X 10(3) M-1. However, this was not the case for AMP-PNP and PPi, with the inhibition method giving about 10-fold weaker binding constants than those determined previously by the dissociation method. Upon redoing our dissociation experiments over a wider range of actin concentrations than we used previously, we now find that the dissociation method gives much weaker values for the binding constants of PPi and AMP-PNP to acto X S-1, i.e. values on the order of 4 X 10(2) M-1. The very weak binding of these ATP analogs to acto X S-1 makes it difficult to obtain these values with great accuracy. Nevertheless, they seem to be in good agreement with the binding constants determined by the inhibition method. The weak binding of AMP-PNP and PPi to acto X S-1 is consistent with the recent fiber studies of Pate and Cooke (Pate, E., and Cooke, R. (1985) Biophys. J. 47, 773-780) and Schoenberg and Eisenberg (Schoenberg, M., and Eisenberg, E. (1986) Biophys. J. 48, 863-872). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Complete genome sequence of the heavy metal resistant bacterium Altererythrobacter atlanticus 26DY36(T), isolated from deep-sea sediment of the North Atlantic Mid-ocean ridge.
Altererythrobacter atlanticus 26DY36(T) (CGMCC 1.12411(T)=JCM 18865(T)) was isolated from the North Atlantic Mid-Ocean Ridge. The strain is resistant to heavy metals, such as Mn(2+) (200 mM), Co(2+) (2.0mM), Cu(2+) (1mM), Zn(2+) (1mM), Hg(2+) (0.1mM) and Cd(2+) (0.5mM). Here we describe the genome sequence and annotation, as well as the features of the organism. A. atlanticus 26DY36(T) harbors a chromosome (3,386,291 bp) and a circular plasmid (88,815 bp). The genome contains 3322 protein-coding genes (2483 with predicted functions), 47 tRNA genes and 6 rRNA genes. A. atlanticus 26DY36(T) encodes dozens of genes related to heavy metal resistance and has potential applications in the bioremediation of heavy metal-contaminated environments. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effects of cross-sensory attentional demand on subitizing and on mapping number onto space.
Various aspects of numerosity judgments, especially subitizing and the mapping of number onto space, depend strongly on attentional resources. Here we use a dual-task paradigm to investigate the effects of cross-sensory attentional demands on visual subitizing and spatial mapping. The results show that subitizing is strongly dependent on attentional resources, far more so than is estimation of higher numerosities. But unlike many other sensory tasks, visual subitizing is equally affected by concurrent attentionally demanding auditory and tactile tasks as it is by visual tasks, suggesting that subitizing may be amodal. Mapping number onto space was also strongly affected by attention, but only when the dual-task was in the visual modality. The non-linearities in numberline mapping under attentional load are well explained by a Bayesian model of central tendency. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Role of prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors in the passage of ureteric calculus.
Diclofenac sodium, one of the prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors was evaluated in terms of passage or movement of ureteric stones upto the size of 0.5 cm in a series of 80 patients. Forty-six (57.5%) patients passed the stone within a period of 4 weeks. This frequency of stone passage was significantly higher when compared with stone passage of similar size in other series (P less than 0.001). In 17 (56.6%) out of 30 patients, stone moved from upper and middle ureter to the lower ureter which is also significant from therapeutic point of view. Complete pain relief was achieved in 67 (84%) patients. No side effects of the drug noted in this series. The sequence of events following ureteral obstruction by the stone, based on recent experimental and clinical studies is discussed and possible mechanism of action of diclofenac sodium was highlighted. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Gene expression differences among different MSI statuses in colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in males and second in females. This disease can be caused by genetic and acquired/environmental factors. Microsatellite instability (MSI) is one of the major mechanisms in colorectal cancer. This mechanism is a specific condition of genetic hyper mutability that results from incompetent DNA mismatch repair. MSI has been applied to classify different colorectal cancer subtypes. However, the effects of MSI status on gene expression are largely unknown. In our study, we integrated the gene expression profile and MSI status of all CRC samples from the TCGA database, and then categorized the CRC samples into three subgroups, namely, MSI-stable, MSI-low, and MSI-high, according to the MSI status. We applied a novel computational method based on machine learning and screened the genes specifically expressed for the different colorectal cancer subtypes. The results showed the distinct mechanisms of the different colorectal cancer subtypes with MSI status and provided the genes that may be the optimal standards to further classify the various molecular subtypes of colorectal cancer with distinct MSI status. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Geometry-based distributed scene representation with omnidirectional vision sensors.
This paper addresses the problem of efficient representation of scenes captured by distributed omnidirectional vision sensors. We propose a novel geometric model to describe the correlation between different views of a 3-D scene. We first approximate the camera images by sparse expansions over a dictionary of geometric atoms. Since the most important visual features are likely to be equivalently dominant in images from multiple cameras, we model the correlation between corresponding features in different views by local geometric transforms. For the particular case of omnidirectional images, we define the multiview transforms between corresponding features based on shape and epipolar geometry constraints. We apply this geometric framework in the design of a distributed coding scheme with side information, which builds an efficient representation of the scene without communication between cameras. The Wyner-Ziv encoder partitions the dictionary into cosets of dissimilar atoms with respect to shape and position in the image. The joint decoder then determines pairwise correspondences between atoms in the reference image and atoms in the cosets of the Wyner-Ziv image in order to identify the most likely atoms to decode under epipolar geometry constraints. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed method leads to reliable estimation of the geometric transforms between views. In particular, the distributed coding scheme offers similar rate-distortion performance as joint encoding at low bit rate and outperforms methods based on independent decoding of the different images. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Optimized parallel tempering simulations of proteins.
We apply a recently developed adaptive algorithm that systematically improves the efficiency of parallel tempering or replica exchange methods in the numerical simulation of small proteins. Feedback iterations allow us to identify an optimal set of temperatures/replicas which are found to concentrate at the bottlenecks of the simulations. A measure of convergence for the equilibration of the parallel tempering algorithm is discussed. We test our algorithm by simulating the 36-residue villin headpiece subdomain HP-36 where we find a lowest-energy configuration with a root-mean-square deviation of less than 4 A to the experimentally determined structure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Langerhans cell histiocytosis immunohistochemical expression of fascin, a dendritic cell marker.
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a clonal disorder believed to be derivedfrom cells of the dendritic system. Fascin, a 55-kd actin-bundling protein, represents a highly selective marker for dendritic cells of lymphoid tissues and peripheral blood and is involved in the formation of dendritic processes in maturing epidermal Langerhans cells. Since lesional cells of LCH may represent Langerhans cells arrested at an early stage of activation, immunohistochemical expression offascin in epidermal Langerhans cells and in the lesional cells of 34 cases of LCH was evaluated in paraffin sections using an immunoalkaline phosphatase technique. Though epidermal Langerhans cells were nonreactive for fascin, lesional cells in all LCH cases exhibited immunoreactivityforfascin, CD1a, and S-100 protein. Variation in staining intensity was observed in some cases, possibly reflecting differences in cell maturation or activation. Involved tissues included bone, soft tissue, lymph node, thyroid, orbit, and extradural cranial tissue. Immunoreactivity of lesional cells of LCH for fascin supports their derivation from cells of the dendritic system and represents another alteration in the phenotype of Langerhans cells that is associated with maturation, migration, culture, or clonal expansion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Multifractal Analysis of Uterine Electromyography Signals for the Assessment of Progression of Pregnancy in Term Conditions.
The objectives of this paper are to examine the source of multifractality in uterine electromyography (EMG) signals and to study the progression of pregnancy in the term (gestation period > 37 weeks) conditions using multifractal detrending moving average (MFDMA) algorithm. The signals for the study, considered from an online database, are obtained from the surface of abdomen during the second (T1) and third trimester (T2). The existence of multifractality is tested using Hurst and scaling exponents. With the intention of identifying the origin of multifractality, the preprocessed signals are converted to shuffle and surrogate data. The original and the transformed signals are subjected to MFDMA to extract multifractal spectrum features, namely strength of multifractality, maximum, minimum, and peak singularity exponents. The Hurst and scaling exponents extracted from the signals indicate that uterine EMG signals are multifractal in nature. Further analysis shows that the source of multifractality is mainly owing to the presence of long-range correlation, which is computed as 79.98% in T1 and 82.43% in T2 groups. Among the extracted features, the peak singularity exponent and strength of multifractality show statistical significance in identifying the progression of pregnancy. The corresponding coefficients of variation are found to be low, which show that these features have low intersubject variability. It appears that the multifractal analysis can help in investigating the progressive changes in uterine muscle contractions during pregnancy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Carotid-artery intima and media thickness as a risk factor for myocardial infarction and stroke in older adults. Cardiovascular Health Study Collaborative Research Group.
The combined thickness of the intima and media of the carotid artery is associated with the prevalence of cardiovascular disease. We studied the associations between the thickness of the carotid-artery intima and media and the incidence of new myocardial infarction or stroke in persons without clinical cardiovascular disease. Noninvasive measurements of the intima and media of the common and internal carotid artery were made with high-resolution ultrasonography in 5858 subjects 65 years of age or older. Cardiovascular events (new myocardial infarction or stroke) served as outcome variables in subjects without clinical cardiovascular disease (4476 subjects) over a median follow-up period of 6.2 years. The incidence of cardiovascular events correlated with measurements of carotid-artery intima-media thickness. The relative risk of myocardial infarction or stroke increased with intima-media thickness (P<0.001). The relative risk of myocardial infarction or stroke (adjusted for age and sex) for the quintile with the highest thickness as compared with the lowest quintile was 3.87 (95 percent confidence interval, 2.72 to 5.51). The association between cardiovascular events and intima-media thickness remained significant after adjustment for traditional risk factors, showing increasing risks for each quintile of combined intima-media thickness, from the second quintile (relative risk, 1.54; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.04 to 2.28), to the third (relative risk, 1.84; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.26 to 2.67), fourth (relative risk, 2.01; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.38 to 2.91), and fifth (relative risk, 3.15; 95 percent confidence interval, 2.19 to 4.52). The results of separate analyses of myocardial infarction and stroke paralleled those for the combined end point. Increases in the thickness of the intima and media of the carotid artery, as measured noninvasively by ultrasonography, are directly associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in older adults without a history of cardiovascular disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An analysis of bone destruction in cholesteatomas by high resolution computed tomography.
Using sectional images of high resolution computed tomography, a quantitative analysis of bone destruction has been undertaken in 73 adult cases with cholesteatoma, 52 having a pars flaccida cholesteatoma (PFC) and 21, a pars tensa cholesteatoma (PTC). These cholesteatomas were further classified into two subtypes: an extended type (cholesteatomas that had extended into the antrum) and a non-extended type (cholesteatomas without an antral extension). Similarly analyzed were 60 cases manifesting chronic otitis media with a central perforation (COM) comparatively. This analysis was performed by means of two-dimensional images and by linear measurement, taken at specific locations in each middle ear cavity. The results revealed that the width of the attic was significantly greater in both the PFC and PTC cases than in the COM cases. Further, a significantly greater distance between the malleus and the lateral wall of the attic was seen in the PFC cases than in the COM cases. In contrast, the distance between the malleus and the medial wall of the attic was significantly greater in the PTC cases than in the COM cases. The extended-type cases had significantly greater distances than did the COM cases with regard to the width of the aditus ad antrum, and the width and anterior-posterior diameter of the antrum. These distances, however, did not significantly differ between the non-extended-type cases and the COM cases. It thus appears that these distances, caused by bone destruction, appear to parallel the extension of the cholesteatoma into the antrum. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A nodal discontinuous Galerkin finite element method for nonlinear elastic wave propagation.
A nodal discontinuous Galerkin finite element method (DG-FEM) to solve the linear and nonlinear elastic wave equation in heterogeneous media with arbitrary high order accuracy in space on unstructured triangular or quadrilateral meshes is presented. This DG-FEM method combines the geometrical flexibility of the finite element method, and the high parallelization potentiality and strongly nonlinear wave phenomena simulation capability of the finite volume method, required for nonlinear elastodynamics simulations. In order to facilitate the implementation based on a numerical scheme developed for electromagnetic applications, the equations of nonlinear elastodynamics have been written in a conservative form. The adopted formalism allows the introduction of different kinds of elastic nonlinearities, such as the classical quadratic and cubic nonlinearities, or the quadratic hysteretic nonlinearities. Absorbing layers perfectly matched to the calculation domain of the nearly perfectly matched layers type have been introduced to simulate, when needed, semi-infinite or infinite media. The developed DG-FEM scheme has been verified by means of a comparison with analytical solutions and numerical results already published in the literature for simple geometrical configurations: Lamb's problem and plane wave nonlinear propagation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Chick connexin-56, a novel lens gap junction protein. Molecular cloning and functional expression.
We used primers corresponding to the amino-terminal sequence shared by rat connexin-46 and ovine MP70 and a consensus sequence of the second extracellular loop conserved in all connexins to amplify and subsequently clone from chick genomic DNA a new member of the connexin family of gap junction proteins, chick connexin-56. The derived chick connexin-56 polypeptide contains 510 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 55,857 daltons. Although identical in the first 70 amino acids to rat connexin-46, chick connexin-56 diverges significantly in length and composition in predicted cytoplasmic regions, which have previously been inferred to determine functional and regulatory specificity. We were able to detect hybridization of connexin-56 probes only to RNA derived from lens. Connexin-56 was functionally expressed by the stable transfection of communication-deficient Neuro2A cells. The connexin-56-transfected cells demonstrated intercellular coupling by transfer of microinjected 6-carboxyfluorescein. Double whole-cell patch clamp recordings demonstrated electrical coupling. The induced intercellular conductances were insensitive to uncoupling by heptanol, octanol, or acidification. This behavior of chick connexin-56 may explain previous observations of the unusual physiology of lens fiber gap junctions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ocular distribution of aspirin and salicylate following systematic administration of aspirin to rabbits.
The distribution of aspirin and salicylate 30 min after the intravenous administration of different doses of aspirin has been investigated in the rabbit eye. HPLC enabled a rapid and sensitive determination of both substances. A considerable dose-dependent penetration into all ocular tissues was observed with both aspirin and salicylate. Aspirin concentrations were higher than in plasma in all ocular tissues with the exception of the lens. These results show that an unhydrolysed drug may have a direct local effect by acetylating lens protein or other ocular constituents. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of multiple-phase regional intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy on patients with resectable pancreatic head adenocarcinoma.
Regional intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy (RIAC) has been more valuable to improve prognosis and quality of life of patients with inoperable pancreatic adenocarcinomas, and adjuvant RIAC plays an important role in prolonging survival and reducing risk of liver metastasis after radical resection of pancreatic cancer, but the effect of preoperative or multiple-phase RIAC (preoperative combined with postoperative RIAC) for resectable pancreatic cancers has not been investigated. In this prospective study, the effect of multiple-phase RIAC for patients with resectable pancreatic head adenocarcinoma was evaluated, and its safety and validity comparing with postoperative RIAC were also assessed. Patients with resectable pancreatic head cancer were randomly assigned to two groups. Patients in group A (n=50) were treated with new therapeutic mode of extended pancreaticoduodenectomy combined with multiple-phase RIAC, and those in group B (n=50) were treated with extended pancreaticoduodenectomy combined with postoperative RIAC in the same period. The feasibility, compliance and efficiency of the new therapeutic mode were evaluated by tumor size, serum tumor markers, clinical benefit response (CBR), surgical complications, mortality and toxicity of RIAC. The disease-free survival time, median survival time, incidence of liver metastasis, survival rate at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years were also observed. Life curves were generated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The pain relief rate and CBR in group A was 80% and 84% respectively. Serum tumor markers decreased obviously and tumors size decreased in 26% of patients after preoperative RIAC in group A. No more surgical complications, mortality or severe systemic side effects were observed in group A compared with group B. The incidence of liver metastasis in group A was 34% which was lower than 50% in group B. The disease-free survival time and median survival time in group A were 15.5 months and 18 months respectively. The 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 54.87%, 34.94%, 24.51% and 12.25% respectively. There was no significant difference of survival time or survival rates between two groups. Multiple-phase RIAC is effective in combined therapy of resectable pancreatic head carcinomas by enhancing inhibition of tumor growth and reduction of liver metastasis, without negative effect on patients' safety or surgical procedure. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Episodic memory versus episodic foresight: Similarities and differences.
There are logical and empirical grounds that link episodic memory and the ability to imagine future events. In some sense, both episodic memory and episodic foresight may be regarded as two sides of the same capacity to travel mentally in time. After reviewing some of the recent evidence for commonalities, I discuss limits of these parallels. There are fundamental differences between thinking about past and future events that need to be kept in clear view if we are to make progress in understanding the nature of mental time travel. The reviewed evidence suggests that mental time travel is based on a complex system selected not for accuracy about past and future per se, but for fitness benefits. Functional analyses promise to lead to fruitful avenues for future research. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Triterpenoid glycosides from Cephalaria transsylvanica.
On the basis of spectroscopic and chemical methods, the structures of two new triterpenoid glycosides, transsylvanoside E and F, isolated from Cephalaria transsylvanica have been established as 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl (1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->2)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl]-3 beta,23- dihydroxy delta 12-oleanen-28-carboxylic acid and 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->4)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl]-28-O-[beta- D-glucopyranosyl (1-->4)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl]-3 beta,23-dihydroxy delta 12-oleanen- 28-carboxylic acid, respectively. A new proglycoside was isolated from the cleavage of the ester-glycoside linkage and it's structure characterized as 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl (1-->3)-alpha-L- rhamnopyranosyl (1-->4)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl]-3 beta,23-dihydroxy delta 12-oleanen-28-carboxylic acid. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nest thermoregulation in Polybia scutellaris (White) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae).
Polybia scutellaris (White) builds large nests characterized by numerous spiny projections on the surface. In order to determine whether or not the nest temperature is maintained because of homeothermic conditions of the nest individuals or otherwise, we investigated the thermal conditions within the nests built by P. scutellaris. We measured the temperature within active and abandoned nests. The temperature in the active nest was almost stable at 27°C during data collection, whereas the temperature in the abandoned nest varied with changes in ambient temperature. These results suggest that nest temperature was maintained by the thermogenesis of the individuals of the colony. This is the first report of nest incubation caused by thermogenesis of species of Polybia wasps. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Androgenetic alopecia in women as an aesthetic and psychological problem].
Androgenetic alopecia is a fairly common disorder which causes serious aesthetic and psychological problems. The paper discusses the etiology, diagnostics and possible treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women. Preparations for both general and external use in treatment of this dermatosis have been presented herein. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ornithine decarboxylase in Phycomyces: in vitro and in vivo properties.
The properties of ornithine decarboxylase from Phycomyces blakesleeanus were examined. Enzyme from mycelial cultures was extracted and purified approximately 70-fold. The apparent molecular weight is 96K. The Michaelis constants with respect to ornithine and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate are 90 and 0.37 microM, respectively. Putrescine is a potent competitive inhibitor with a Ki of 75 microM. Exposure of ornithine decarboxylase to sulfhydryl-modifying reagents resulted in a rapid inhibition of activity. In vivo addition of putrescine produced characteristic decreases in cellular ornithine decarboxylase activity. Light stimulation of dark-adapted mycelial cultures also decreased cellular ornithine decarboxylase activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Biochemical recurrence following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: analysis of 1384 patients with a median 5-year follow-up.
There is a paucity of data on long-term oncologic outcomes for patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for prostate cancer (PCa). To evaluate oncologic outcomes in patients undergoing RARP at a high-volume tertiary center, with a focus on 5-yr biochemical recurrence-free survival (BCRFS). The study cohort consisted of 1384 consecutive patients with localized PCa who underwent RARP between September 2001 and May 2005 and had a median follow-up of 60.2 mo. No patient had secondary therapy until documented biochemical recurrence (BCR). BCR was defined as a serum prostate-specific antigen ≥ 0.2 ng/ml with a confirmatory value. BCRFS was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Event-time distributions for the time to failure were compared using the log-rank test. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to determine variables predictive of BCR. All patients underwent RARP. BCRFS rates were measured. This cohort of patients had moderately aggressive PCa: 49.0% were D'Amico intermediate or high risk on biopsy; however, 60.9% had Gleason 7-10 disease, and 25.5% had ≥ T3 disease on final pathology. There were 189 incidences of BCR (31 per 1,000 person years of follow-up) at a median follow-up of 60.2 mo (interquartile range [IQR]: 37.2-69.7). The actuarial BCRFS was 95.1%, 90.6%, 86.6%, and 81.0% at 1, 3, 5, and 7 yr, respectively. In the patients who recurred, median time to BCR was 20.4 mo; 65% of BCR incidences occurred within 3 yr and 86.2% within 5 yr. On multivariable analysis, the strongest predictors of BCR were pathologic Gleason grade 8-10 (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.99-9.65; p < 0.0001) and pathologic stage T3b/T4 (HR: 2.71; 95% CI, 1.67-4.40; p < 0.0001). In a contemporary cohort of patients with localized PCa, RARP confers effective 5-yr biochemical control. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Self-disclosure of HPV infection to sexual partners.
Disclosure decisions of persons with genital HPV infection were examined. The research questions focused on relationships among knowledge of transmission, beliefs about the obligation to disclose knowledge of HPV infection to sexual partners, factors that influence the disclosure decision, and evaluations of the decision. Participants were 92 persons diagnosed with HPV 6 months prior to data collection. Sixty-three women and 29 men whose average age was 23.1 years constituted the sample. A subset of 48 persons provided detailed information about their reasons for disclosing or not disclosing knowledge of HPV and subsequent evaluation of their behavior. Knowledge of HPV transmission was adequate; however, there was no relationship between transmission knowledge and disclosure beliefs. Participants tended to disclose the presence of HPV to partners at point of diagnosis, but not to new partners 6 months later. Both disclosers and non-+disclosers felt positively about their decision. Possible changes in clinical interventions for persons with HPV infection are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fully stabilized 750-MHz Yb: fiber frequency comb.
This study focuses on presenting a fully stabilized, self-referenced Yb:fiber frequency comb respectively phase locked to a microwave standard and an optical reference employing the highest, fundamental repetition rate of 750-MHz without additional external amplifiers and compressors. In addition, the challenge of phase locking the carrier envelop offset frequency for this high-repetition-rate fiber frequency comb is separately investigated in two schemes, namely, f-2f self-referencing and an approach of phase locking a beat note between the Yb: fiber frequency comb and a continuous wave laser. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The relationship between command hallucinations and violence.
The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between command hallucinations and violent behavior. One hundred and three psychiatric inpatients completed measures of command hallucinations, other psychotic symptoms, violent behavior, and social desirability response biases. Thirty percent of the patients reported having had command hallucinations to harm others during the last year, and 22 percent of the patients reported they complied with such commands. Logistic regression analyses suggested that patients who experienced command hallucinations to harm others were more than twice as likely to be violent, even when the analysis controlled for demographic variables, history of substance abuse, and social desirability response biases. The results support the clinical utility of asking about command hallucinations when assessing the risk of violence in patients with major mental disorders. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of right and left atrial stimulation on atrioventricular conduction in children.
This study evaluates and compares the effects of right and left atrial stimulation on atrioventricular conduction in ten children without electrocardiographic evidence of dysrhythmias. Atrioventricular nodal conduction (AH) shortened from left atrial stimulation but not from right atrial stimulation. No statistical difference was demonstrated between right and left atrial refractory periods. Similar findings have been shown in adults who were evaluated for dysrhythmias or conduction defects during coronary sinus pacing. Therefore, the internodal pathway through which left atrial activation reaches the atrioventricular node retains its properties of fast conduction throughout the maturational process. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Elastic constants and dimensions of imprinted polymeric nanolines determined from Brillouin light scattering.
Elastic constants and cross-sectional dimensions of imprinted nanolines of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) on silicon substrates are determined nondestructively from finite-element inversion analysis of dispersion curves of hypersonic acoustic modes of these nanolines measured with Brillouin light scattering. The results for the cross-sectional dimensions, under the simplifying assumption of vertical sides and a semicircular top, are found to be consistent with dimensions determined from critical-dimension small-angle x-ray scattering measurements. The elastic constants C(11) and C(44) are found to be, respectively, 11.6% and 3.1% lower than their corresponding values for bulk PMMA. This result is consistent with the dimensional dependence of the quasi-static Young's modulus determined from buckling measurements on PMMA films with lower molecular weights. This study provides the first evidence of size-dependent effects on hypersonic elastic properties of polymers. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A robust molecular platform for non-volatile memory devices with optical and magnetic responses.
Bistable molecules that behave as switches in solution have long been known. Systems that can be reversibly converted between two stable states that differ in their physical properties are particularly attractive in the development of memory devices when immobilized in substrates. Here, we report a highly robust surface-confined switch based on an electroactive, persistent organic radical immobilized on indium tin oxide substrates that can be electrochemically and reversibly converted to the anion form. This molecular bistable system behaves as an extremely robust redox switch in which an electrical input is transduced into optical as well as magnetic outputs under ambient conditions. The fact that this molecular surface switch, operating at very low voltages, can be patterned and addressed locally, and also has exceptionally high long-term stability and excellent reversibility and reproducibility, makes it a very promising platform for non-volatile memory devices. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Adverse drug reactions in older patients during hospitalisation: are they predictable?
adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a major cause of morbidity and healthcare utilisation in older people. The GerontoNet ADR risk score aims to identify older people at risk of ADRs during hospitalisation. We aimed to assess the clinical applicability of this score and identify other variables that predict ADRs in hospitalised older people. we prospectively studied 513 acutely ill patients aged ≥65 years. The GerontoNet ADR risk score was calculated for all patients. ADRs were identified through patient and physician consultation together with analysis of case notes. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to test the ability of the GerontoNet risk score to predict ADRs. Multivariate logistic regression examined the influence of individual variables on the presence of ADRs. in-hospital ADRs were identified in 135 patients (26%). The area under the ROC curve was 0.62 (95% CI: 0.57-0.68). Variables which increased ADR risk include (i) renal failure (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.12-2.92), (ii) increasing number of medications (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02-1.17) (iii) inappropriate medications (OR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.26-4.50) and (iv) age ≥75 years (OR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.23-3.70). the GerontoNet ADR risk score incorrectly classified 38% of patients as low risk. Inappropriate medications and increasing age also contribute to ADR risk. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Associations of patient-rated emotional bond and vocally encoded emotional arousal among clinicians and acutely suicidal military personnel.
To determine if synchrony in emotional arousal and affective regulation between patients and clinicians reflect emotional bonding during emergency behavioral health appointments. Audio recordings of suicide risk assessment interviews and crisis intervention planning with 54 suicidal active duty soldiers presenting to an emergency department or behavioral health clinic were analyzed. Emotional arousal was assessed using mean fundamental frequency. Patient-rated emotional bond was assessed with the Working Alliance Inventory, Short Form (Hatcher & Gillaspy, 2014). Actor-partner interdependence modeling was used to identify moment-to-moment patterns of covariance among clinician and patient emotional arousal. Greater synchrony in clinician and patient emotional arousal was positively associated with higher emotional bond ratings during the crisis intervention but not the risk assessment interview. During the risk assessment interview, higher emotional bond was associated with a dysregulating effect of the clinician on the patient's emotional arousal (i.e., larger fluctuations in the patient's emotional arousal). The reverse pattern was seen during the intervention: Higher emotional bond was associated with a regulating effect of the clinician on the patient's emotional arousal (i.e., smaller fluctuations in the patient's emotional arousal). Emotional bond during the intervention was also positively associated with a regulating effect of the patient on the clinician's emotional arousal. Emotional bonding during emergency clinical encounters is associated with patient-clinician synchrony in emotional states. During crisis interventions, emotional bonding is also associated with mutual down-regulation of emotional arousal among patients and clinicians. (PsycINFO Database Record | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Central dilations in maturing Golgi cisternae -a common structural feature among plant cells?
Centrally located dilations of the first or second distal-most Golgi cisternae can be observed in diverse plant cells. Their significance and distribution as well as a possible functional correlation to polysaccharide formation is discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Oleandomycin content of mycelium and fermentation solution during cultivation of Streptomyces antibioticus].
The time-course of the oleandomycin content in the mycelium and fermentation broth-filtrate was studied by the microbiological assay at different periods of cultivation of strains 471 and 961 in fermenters and flasks containing a rich soybean-corn medium. It was shown that centrifugation of the mycelium over the sucrose density gradient induced a 25-80 per cent decrease in its moist weight at the expense of removal of the admixture components of the rich medium. Addition of glucose (2 per cent) to the culture-grown in a lactose medium by the 72nd hour of fermentation had no effect on further increase of the cell biomass. However, it lowered the content of the mycelium-fixed and excreted antibiotic at all the subsequent fermentation periods. The content of oleandomycin in the untreated mycelium was only 0.36 per cent of its content in the fermentation broth filtrate. After centrifugation of the mycelium over the sucrose density gradient and its intensive washing with distilled water the content of the mycelium-fixed antibiotic decreased still more. The time-course of the content of the mycelium-fixed and excreted oleandomycin was characterized by the presence of two activity peaks; by the 80-110th and by the 140-170th hour of cultivation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Design, synthesis, and 3D QSAR of novel potent and selective aromatase inhibitors.
The design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a series of new aromatase inhibitors bearing an imidazole or triazole ring linked to a fluorene (A), indenodiazine (B), or coumarin scaffold (C) are reported. Properly substituted coumarin derivatives displayed the highest aromatase inhibitory potency and selectivity over 17-alpha-hydroxylase/17-20 lyase. The modeling of the aromatase inhibition data by Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA/GOLPE 3D QSAR approach) led to the development of a PLS model with good fitting and predictive powers (n = 22, ONC = 3, r(2) = 0.949, s = 0.216, and q(2) = 0.715). The relationship between aromatase inhibition and the steric and electrostatic fields generated by the examined azole inhibitors enables a clear understanding of the nature and spatial location of the main interactions modulating the aromatase inhibitory potency. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Tocopherols and the treatment of colon cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Vitamin E (VE) and other antioxidants may help prevent colon cancer by decreasing the formation of mutagens arising from the free radical oxidation of fecal lipids or by "non-antioxidant" mechanisms. VE is not a single molecule, but refers to at least eight different molecules, that is, four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. Both animal models and human colon cancer cell lines were used to evaluate the chemopreventive potential of different forms of VE. Rats were fed diets deficient in tocopherols or supplemented with either alpha-tocopherol or gamma-tocopherol. Half the rats in each of these groups received normal levels of dietary Fe and the other half Fe at eight times the normal level. In our cell experiments, we looked at the role of gamma-tocopherol in upregulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) in the SW 480 human cell line. Rats fed the diets supplemented with alpha-tocopherol had higher levels of VE in feces, colonocytes, plasma, and liver than did rats fed diets supplemented with gamma-tocopherol. Dietary Fe levels did not influence tocopherol levels in plasma, liver, or feces. For colonocytes, high dietary Fe decreased tocopherol levels. Rats fed the gamma-tocopherol-supplemented diets had lower levels of fecal lipid hydroperoxides than rats fed the alpha-tocopherol-supplemented diets. Ras-p21 levels were significantly lower in rats fed the gamma-tocopherol-supplemented diets compared with rats fed the alpha-tocopherol-supplemented diets. High levels of dietary Fe were found to promote oxidative stress in feces and colonocytes. Our data with the SW480 cells suggest that both alpha- and gamma-tocopherol upregulate PPAR-gamma mRNA and protein expression. gamma-tocopherol was, however, found to be a better enhancer of PPAR-gamma expression than alpha-tocopherol at the concentrations tested. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of continuous feeding of toxaphene to white leghorn layers.
Graded levels of toxaphene 0, 0.5, 5.0, 50 and 100 ppm were added to the diets of female white leghorn chicks from one day of age. Each treatment consisted of 90 randomly selected birds divided into three replicates of 30 birds each. Birds fed the 5, 50, and 100 ppm level of toxaphene exhibited osteomalacia manifested by sternal deformities and extremely friable ribs. A decrease in egg shell strength was found in chickens eating feed containing 5 ppm level of toxaphene. Toxaphene did not significantly alter egg production, hatchability or fertility in this trial. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Heterogeneous DNA methylation status of the regulatory element of the mouse Oct4 gene in adult somatic cell population.
The transcription factor Oct4 is specifically expressed in the germ line and pluripotent stem cells, and is indispensable for normal mouse development. To understand the epigenetic control of Oct4 expression, we examined the DNA methylation pattern of the Oct4 regulatory element in various types of cells. Bisulfite analysis showed that the regulatory element was unmethylated in P19 embryonal carcinoma cells, which robustly express Oct4. By contrast, the regulatory element was distinctly methylated in somatic cells, including cell lines, such as NIH3T3 embryonic fibroblast and Hepa1-6 hepatoma, as well as tissues from the adult body, such as liver, spleen, and cumulus cells. However, we found that the extent of methylation was considerably heterogeneous among the alleles in the adult somatic cells. Using a luciferase reporter construct, we demonstrated that the extent of methylation directly affects the efficiency of gene expression driven by the Oct4 regulatory element in P19 cells. These results raise the possibility that the epigenetic status of Oct4 is heterogeneous among a population of somatic cells, which may affect the efficiency of Oct4 reactivation after somatic cell nuclear transfer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of vestibular stimulation on sleep states in premature infants.
Seventeen appropriate-for-gestational-age premature infants (birthweights 1000-1530 gm) were randomly assigned to control (7) and vestibular stimulation (10) groups. Those in the treatment group were exposed daily to three 15-minute sessions of sinusoidal vestibular stimulation over a 2-week period. At the end of that period, postconceptional age ranged from 34 to 37 weeks. As a measure of neurologic maturation, behavioral and physiologic parameters characterizing sleep states were recorded at the onset and termination of the 2-week period. The ratio of active-to-quiet sleep did not change significantly in control patients. Those exposed to vestibular stimulation showed a significant decrease in proportion of active and a concomitant increase in the proportion of quiet sleep. These results may indicate that vestibular stimulation, even at this early postconceptional age, results in a more mature sleep pattern. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Interleaved pulsed MAMBA: a new parallel slice imaging method.
A method of acquiring slices in parallel is described which uses interleaved sets of pulsed B(0) field coils to generate discrete regions of uniform field within the main magnetic field known as interleaved MAMBA (multiple acquisition micro B(0) array). Simulations of a number of coil designs were performed using the Biot-Savart law. A six-step coil was built and interfaced to a 0.17 T Niche MRI system and the field steps measured using an imaging technique. Measured field steps were in good agreement with the values predicted by simulation. The coil design was then scaled up by a factor of three, interfaced to a 1.5 T whole-body MRI system, and scans of the hands and arms of volunteers were acquired from up to four field steps using standard spin and gradient echo sequences. Images were also acquired simultaneously from two field steps with no frequency encode aliasing and one excitation. The one-dimensional interleaved pulsed MAMBA step field technique shows great promise for enabling many slices to be acquired simultaneously along the axis of the coil for rapid volumetric studies without the need for multiple shot Hadamard encoding. Extension of interleaved coil design to two or three dimensions is feasible, which could provide full spatial coverage combined with ultra-rapid data acquisition. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effect of oral health education on dental plaque development and the level of caries-related Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp.
The aim of this study was to determine the influence of oral hygiene instruction (OHI) on oral hygiene status and on the reduction of inducing bacteria (Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp.) in 30 subjects (12 males and 18 females) with an age range from 10 to 14 years. The patients were instructed on how to carry out effective oral hygiene close to brackets and ligatures, and in the use of dental floss for cleaning spaces around brackets, between the teeth and under archwires. The plaque index (PI) was used to measure oral hygiene status, and the level of S. mutans and Lactobacillus spp. was determined using the colour reaction time test before and after 1 month of OHI. Statistical analysis included a Student's t-test and chi-square test. The results showed that OHI significantly improved oral hygiene. The percentage of patients with a PI exceeding 1 decreased from 23.3 to 10 per cent and for those with a PI below 0.1 it increased from 20 to 60 per cent. The level of S. mutans and Lactobacillus spp. was not reduced. The percentage of subjects with excessive levels of S. mutans (above 10(6) bacteria in 1 ml of saliva) decreased after OHI but only from 73.3 to 70 per cent. For Lactobacillus spp., a level above 10(5) of bacteria in 1 ml of saliva was found for all subjects at both time points. Patients with fixed appliances, trained in scrupulous tooth cleaning, remain at risk of developing caries and should be carefully monitored. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Mössbauer spectroscopic studies of hemerythrin from Phascolosoma lurco (syn. Phascolosoma arcuatum).
Hemerythrin from coelomic cells of Phascolosoma lurco (syn. P. arcuatum) was isolated by gel filtration as two components, hemerythrin-I (25%) and hemerythrin-II (75%). The Mössbauer spectrum of oxyhemerythrin-II consisted of two pairs of lines of the same isomer shift (0.5 mm s(-1) corresponding to Fe(III) but different quadrupole splitting (1.01 and 2.02 mm s(-1). Application of a 2.5-T magnetic field at 4.2 K caused no significant spectral broadening. The 2FE.O2 binding site thus contains two nonequivalent high-spin Fe(III) ions that are antiferromagnetically coupled. The Mössbauer spectra of the minor component, hemerythrin-I, indicated an identical binding site. On deoxygenation, the spectrum was dominated by a simple quadrupole split doublet corresponding to Fe(II), indicating that the binding site in this derivative contains two identical Fe(II) ions that interact only weakly, if at all. The Mössbauer spectra of azidohemerythrin-II indicated that this derivative also contains a pair of antiferromagnetically coupled Fe(III) ions with the same isomer shift (0.5 mm s(-1)) but quadrupole splittings (1.40 and 1.96 mm s(-1)) that are not identical with those in oxyhemerythrin. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Interaction of polyphenols with proteins: binding of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate to serum albumin, estimated by induced circular dichroism.
The binding of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a representative natural polyphenol, to human serum albumin (HSA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated using induced circular dichroism (CD). The site of the binding EGCG-HSA was analyzed based on the competition with drugs with known binding sites on HSA, such as phenylbutazone (PB) and diazepam (DP). Double-reciprocal plot analyses showed the competitive relations with the site-I- (PB and tolbutamide, TB) and site-II-binding drugs (DP and ibuprofen, IP) indicating the binding of EGCG to sites I and II on HSA, while digitoxin (DG), a site-III-binding drug, did not affect the binding of EGCG. In an analogous way, the competitive relations were observed between EGCG and the site-I- (PB and TB) and site-II-binding (ethacrynic acid, EA) drugs for the binding of EGCG and BSA. The site-III drug DG also showed competitive binding with EGCG to BSA. The binding of EGCG to the albumins indicated its affinity to sites I and II on HSA, while competitive binding for all three sites was observed on BSA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
QSPR model of Henry's law constant for a diverse set of organic chemicals based on genetic algorithm-radial basis function network approach.
Six quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) models for a diverse set of experimental data of Henry's law constant (H) of organic chemicals under environmental condition (T=25 degrees C; water-air system) have been developed based on four different molecular descriptor sets. Three different models based on the descriptors of CODESSA (Comprehensive Descriptors for Structural and Statistical Analysis), Tsar, and Dragon software and a model based on a combined descriptor set from these packages, and in addition from HYBOT software, have been established using the stepwise regression method. The combined descriptors set model gave the best results. Furthermore, a genetic algorithm was used for descriptor selection from a combined set of descriptors, and a radial basis function network was utilized to establish a model with a low root mean square error (RMSE). The results of this study were compared with the well-known bond contribution and group contribution methods. The group contribution method failed to predict Henry's law constant of 170 from all 940 compounds in the data-set. RMSEs of 0.693, 0.798, and 0.564 were achieved for bond contribution, group contribution and the best QSPR model of this study, respectively, based on logarithm of H. Analysis of different QSPR models showed that hydrogen bonding between the organic solute and water as a solvent has the greatest influence on this partitioning phenomenon. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Complete mitochondrial genome of Epigonichthys cultellus (Cephalochordata: Branchiostomatidae).
The systematic position of the amphioxus species with dextral gonads distributed in the southeast Pacific and Indian Oceans has remained to be clarified due to the adoption of different names by different researchers. Mitochondrial (mt) DNA is generally considered to be a powerful molecular marker in taxonomic studies. For a reliable systematics of the amphioxi collected from the South China Sea, we sequenced the complete mtDNA from a single specimen and compared it with those of the other eight amphioxus species. The present mtDNA genome contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes, with the same gene order as those in Branchiostoma and Epigonichthys, which, however, is different from that in Asymmetron. Based on our morphological data (including measurements of some characters) and the features of the mt genome, together with the distribution records of the dextral-gonad amphioxi, we conclude that the present mtDNA sequence most likely represents that of E. cultellus. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Classification of postoperative hernias of the anterior abdominal wall].
The author has developed and suggested a classification of hernias of the anterior abdominal wall. The new classification is grounded on observations over numerous clinical manifestations and peculiarities of the disease and subdivides these hernias according to the condition and shape of the hernia sac, localization, number and size of the hernias, time of the occurrence and incidence rate of the hernia following an operation, presence of concommitant diseases and the degree of disability of the patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hepatic hemorrhage, hemocoelom, and sudden death due to Haemoproteus infection in passerine birds: eleven cases.
Haemoproteus spp. are ancient apicomplexan hemoparasites that have undergone extensive coevolution with their natural hosts and are typically species specific, with inapparent or minimal pathogenicity. A promiscuous genotype of Haemoproteus capable of undergoing host switching on a familial level was identified. This protozoan caused severe disease with high mortality in 6 species of exotic passerine birds housed in California at the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park: Surinam crested oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus decumanus), Guianan turquoise tanager (Tangara mexicana mexicana), blue-necked tanager (Tangara cyanicollis caeruleocephala, Guianan red-capped cardinal (Paroaria gularis gularis), magnificent bird of paradise (Diphyllodes magnificus hunsteini), and superb bird of paradise (Lophorina superba). The birds had few or no clinical signs. Necropsy findings consisted of hemocoelom and irregularly scattered areas of hemorrhage and hepatocellular necrosis. Affected areas of liver contained solitary protozoal megaloschizonts in varied states of degeneration and peripheral nonsuppurative inflammation. No other parasite life stages were found in parenchymal organs or blood smears. Polymerase chain reaction using consensus primers for an avian malarial mitochondrial cytochrome B gene segment was positive in all cases. Sequencing and BLAST analysis identified the protozoan as a Haemoproteus sp. related to Haemoproteus spp. found in asymptomatic passerine birds native to North America. In situ hybridization was performed in 3 animals with a mitochondrial cytochrome B probe and was positive only in megaloschizonts. These findings suggest the recognition of a genotype of Haemoproteus that exhibits high levels of host infidelity and causes severe disease in captive birds exotic to North America. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Curvature of Swimming Fish Midlines as an Index of Muscle Strain Suggests Swimming Muscle Produces Net Positive Work.
The axial muscle used in steady swimming by fish is geometrically complex and this has required the study of in vivo muscle swimming mechanics to be done with largely inferential techniques. Currently there is some debate concerning the variation in muscle function in different regions of the body, and the importance of negative work production by muscles in posterior locations. We have used video taped kinematics of steady swimming in mackerel and then analysed the lateral flexion of the body that is thought to reflect the cycle of length change in the axial muscles. A comparison of several of the techniques used in the past to estimate muscle length changes are shown not to be equivalent. Specifically, we find that peak values of lateral deflection of the body are not correlated in time or axial position with peaks in curvature of the body midline. This is important because the timing of the muscle strain cycle is often inferred from such information. Having documented this observation in a swimming mackerel, we use analytical geometry to show that this result is a consequence of the curves that describe swimming fish midlines. Since this observation is shown to be the geometric consequence of an amplitude envelope that is not constant, it should therefore apply to other animals that propel themselves with axial undulations of increasing amplitude. Our minor result is that care must be taken when estimating the phase of swimming muscle strain from kinematics. Our major results is that appreciation of the geometric character of the kinematics these fish adopt may resolve much of the current debate concerning the mechanical performance of swimming muscle in fish. Specifically, using our estimate of the phase of muscle shortening and data on EMG timing in the mackerel we conclude that all axial muscles are activated before peak length and in a manner that should produce net positive work within each shortening cycle.Copyright 1998 Academic Press | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Outdoor-indoor air quality in Riyadh: SO2, NH3, and HCHO.
A funded research project was conducted during the period July 1992 through November 1994. The project was designed to evaluate indoor and ambient air quality in and around buildings of different types and uses in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Thirty intercity buildings and two outercity (background) sites were carefully selected and monitored for air quality. Ten air pollutants, together with relevant meteorological parameters, were monitored indoor and outdoor at each site continuously and simultaneously for a period of two weeks covering summer and winter seasons. This article discusses the results obtained for sulfur dioxide (SO2), ammonia (NH3) and formaldehyde (HCHO). Results of this investigation revealed that most sites had on the average exceeded the recommended standards for SO2 and NH3 both indoor and outdoor, with indoor levels being worse than outdoor during winter time. Several sites also showed high levels of HCHO, with outdoor levels being consistently higher than indoor. Statistical and frequency analyses were performed on the collected data, showing seasonal and sector by sector variability, and outdoor-indoor correlations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
International standards on working postures and movements ISO 11226 and EN 1005-4.
Standards organizations have given considerable attention to the problem of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The publication of international standards for evaluating working postures and movements, ISO 11,226 in 2000 and EN 1,005-4 in 2005, may be considered as a support for those involved in preventing and controlling these disorders. The first one is a tool for evaluation of existing work situations, whereas the latter one is a tool for evaluation during a design/engineering process. Key publications and considerations that led to the content of the standards are presented, followed by examples of application. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Why do-Saudi Women Refrain Donating Their Blood?--a Study on the Attitude, Belief and Motivation of Saudi Female University Students Towards Blood Donation.
Saudi females constitute less than 5% of blood donors and as demand for blood is ever increasing there is a need to identify the factors that discourage them from donating their blood and subsequently to find approaches to enhance their share as blood donors. The aim of this study is to find out the knowledge, attitude and motivation of Saudi female university students towards blood donation. This is a questionnaire-based cross-sectional descriptive study among female students (n = 300) from six colleges: Medicine, Dentistry, Applied Medical Sciences, Science, Arts, and Business Administration at King Saud University, Riyadh. Questions covered their knowledge on blood donation and factors that discourage or motivate them to donate. The majority of participants are unaware that females constitute less than 5% of donors, but know that blood banks are in continuous need for donors to give support for needy patients particularly road traffic accidents and surgical patients. Fear from complications of the donation process prevailed widely. Most participants would donate as a religious obligation, need of a relative or friend, but not for money. The most prominent hurdle preventing them from donating is the difficulty of reaching the blood bank as they cannot drive cars or move alone in public transport. Most will donate if blood collection is done at their colleges and other places of gather- ing such as shopping malls. The attitude of Saudi female students towards blood donation is positive and few misconceptions that emerged could be corrected by health awareness campaigns. Careful organization of blood collection efforts that would observe the special status of women in the society by reaching them in their colleges and other gathering sites could enhance female donor input markedly. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Massive transfusion of reconstituted whole blood is well tolerated in pediatric burn surgery.
Massive transfusions can produce cardiovascular instability, metabolic abnormalities, dilutional coagulopathy, and pulmonary dysfunction. They also have been related to a higher incidence of infections. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety of massive transfusion of reconstituted whole blood. Twenty consecutive severely burned pediatric patients underwent near-total burn excision on admission and blood transfusion with reconstituted whole blood. Patients were studied for coagulopathies and postoperative complications related to massive transfusion. Only one patient presented with postoperative bleeding related to acute renal failure. No other complications occurred. There were no septic episodes or pulmonary dysfunction. The amount of massive blood transfusion did not correlate with any laboratory or clinical disturbance. Massive transfusion of reconstituted whole blood in severely burned pediatric patients is safe; it does not compromise hemostasis nor is it associated with an increased rate of septic episodes or pulmonary complications. A prospective randomized clinical trial comparing its effectiveness versus packed red cells is necessary. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Factors affecting the amplitude of the τ angle in proteins: a revisitation.
The protein folded state is the result of the fine balance of a variety of different forces. Even minor structural perturbations may have a significant impact on the stability of these macromolecules. Studies carried out in recent decades have led to the convergent view that proteins are endowed with a flexible spine. One of the open issues related to protein local backbone geometry is the identification of the factors that influence the amplitude of the τ (N-Cα-C) angle. Here, statistical analyses performed on an updated ensemble of X-ray protein structures by dissecting the contribution of the major factors that can potentially influence the local backbone geometry of proteins are reported. The data clearly indicate that the local backbone conformation has a prominent impact on the modulation of the τ angle. Therefore, a proper assessment of the impact of the other potential factors can only be appropriately evaluated when small (ϕ, ψ) regions are considered. Here, it is shown that when the contribution of the backbone conformation is removed by considering small (ϕ, ψ) areas, an impact of secondary structure, as defined by DSSP, and/or the residue type on τ is still detectable, although to a limited extent. Indeed, distinct τ-value distributions are detected for Pro/Gly and β-branched (Ile/Val) residues. The key role of the local backbone conformation highlighted here supports the use of variable local backbone geometry in protein refinement protocols. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase by complement C5b-9.
Extracellular signals may be transmitted to nuclear or cytoplasmic effectors via the mitogen-activated protein kinases. In the passive Heymann nephritis (PHN) model of membranous nephropathy, complement C5b-9 induces glomerular epithelial cell (GEC) injury, proteinuria, and activation of phospholipases and protein kinases. This study addresses the complement-mediated activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). C5b-9 induced ERK threonine202/tyrosine204 phosphorylation (which correlates with activation) in GEC in culture and PHN in vivo. Expression of a dominant-inhibitory mutant of Ras reduced complement-mediated activation of ERK, but activation was not affected significantly by downregulation of protein kinase C. Complement-induced ERK activation resulted in phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 and was, in part, responsible for phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase-associated protein kinase-2, but did not induce phosphorylation of the transcription factor, Elk-1. Activation of ERK was attenuated by drugs that disassemble the actin cytoskeleton (cytochalasin D, latrunculin B), and these compounds interfered with the activation of ERK by mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK). Overexpression of a constitutively active RhoA as well as inhibition of Rho-associated kinase blocked complement-mediated ERK activation. Complement cytotoxicity was enhanced after disassembly of the actin cytoskeleton but was unaffected after inhibition of complement-induced ERK activation. However, complement cytotoxicity was enhanced in GEC that stably express constitutively active MEK. Thus complement-induced ERK activation depends on cytoskeletal remodelling and affects the regulation of distinct downstream substrates, while chronic, constitutive ERK activation exacerbates complement-mediated GEC injury. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Proximodistal domain specification and interactions in developing Drosophila appendages.
The morphological diversification of appendages represents a crucial aspect of animal body plan evolution. The arthropod antenna and leg are homologous appendages, thought to have arisen via duplication and divergence of an ancestral structure (Snodgrass, R. (1935) Book Principles of Insect Morphology. New York: McGraw-Hill). To gain insight into how variations between the antenna and the leg may have arisen, we have compared the epistatic relationships among three major proximodistal patterning genes, Distal-less, dachshund and homothorax, in the antenna and leg of the insect arthropod Drosophila melanogaster. We find that Drosophila appendages are subdivided into different proximodistal domains specified by specific genes, and that limb-specific interactions between genes and the functions of these genes are crucial for antenna-leg differences. In particular, in the leg, but not in the antenna, mutually antagonistic interactions exist between the proximal and medial domains, as well as between medial and distal domains. The lack of such antagonism in the antenna leads to extensive coexpression of Distal-less and homothorax, which in turn is essential for differentiation of antennal morphology. Furthermore, we report that a fundamental difference between the two appendages is the presence in the leg and absence in the antenna of a functional medial domain specified by dachshund. Our results lead us to propose that the acquisition of particular proximodistal subdomains and the evolution of their interactions has been essential for the diversification of limb morphology. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Gefitinib (ZD1839): therapy in selected patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)?
To evaluate response rate, toxicity and epidermal growth factor (EGFR) mutations and gene copy number as outcome predictive factors in Italian patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with gefitinib (Iressa) in an expanded access program (EAP). A total of 137 patients with advanced NSCLC received gefitinib as first line treatment or after failure of chemotherapy. In 43 cases, tissue specimens were available for EGFR status evaluation: immunohistochemical (IHC) for EGFR, fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) or Chromogenic in situ hybridisation (CISH)-(ISH) analysis for EGFR and HER2 gene copy number, and PCR-DNA sequencing for mutational analysis of EGFR were performed. In the study population, response rate (PR) was 13%; disease stabilization (DS) 26%; overall disease control rate 39%; median survival 6.3 months and time to progression 2.7 months. Toxicity was mild (G3 skin toxicity in 3% and G3 liver toxicity in 4% of patients). An EGFR-mutation was detected in 9/43 patients: Eight deletions in exon 19 and 1 missense mutation in exon 21. Increased gene copy number for EGFR and/or HER2 was detected in 17/43 patients. Response rate was significantly higher in women, non-smokers, in mutation carriers than in wild type carriers, in EGFR-trisomy/polysomy carriers and HER2-trisomy/polysomy carriers. In this study, response rate and toxicity to gefitinib treatment were consistent with previously reported data for whites. Female gender, absence of smoking history, EGFR-mutations, EGFR and HER2-polysomy were significantly associated with response to gefitinib therapy in NSCLC patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Endovascular treatment of intracavernous carotid aneurysm with hyperprolactinaemia.
A 42-year-old woman presented with headache, galactorrhoea, marked hyperprolactinemia and normal neurologic examination. CT, MR and MR-angiography showed an intracavernous carotid artery aneurysm with minimal displacement of the pituitary stalk. Treatment by embolisation using GDC coils allowed exclusion of the aneurysm. Galactorrhoea resolved and serum prolactin levels fell to normal after eight months. Followup MR showed absence of the aneurysm, although the discrete mass effect persisted, suggesting that hyperprolactinaemia was due to pulsatility. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intussusception in adults: CT diagnosis.
Intussusception in adults is nowadays usually diagnosed on computed tomography (CT), as CT is often the first modality for the investigation of prolonged abdominal pain from which these patients suffer. We wish to present the CT, clinical and pathological findings of 16 adult patients with intussusception seen over a 5-year period. The abdominal scans of 16 patients with intussusception were reviewed. Special attention was directed to the location of the mass, its shape and fat content, possible underlying pathology and dilatation of the bowel proximally. The findings were correlated with clinical and pathological data. Eight men and eight women, aged 34-81 years, were studied. The most frequent indication for CT was prolonged abdominal pain. CT findings included an inhomogeneous soft tissue mass, target or sausage-shaped, depending on the angle of the CT beam vs. the intussusception, with a fatty component in 14 of the 16. Intussusception was enteroenteric (six), ileocolic (three), or colocolic (seven). Complete small bowel obstruction was present only in one case and some bowel dilatation in three. The underlying pathology could be diagnosed on CT in only two cases of lipoma. Nine patients had an underlying malignant process, eight of them unsuspected. Of the other five, two had coeliac disease, two were classified as idiopathic and one had a necrotic polyp of undetermined pathology. Intussusception on CT presented a characteristic mass lesion containing fat stripes in almost all patients. Obstruction was rarely seen. Malignant lesions were the most common cause and therefore early diagnosis and prompt intervention are essential. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[In vitro activity of new quinolones against nonfermenters and references to sensitivity tests].
Studies of cross resistance between norfloxacin, ofloxacin, enoxacin and ciprofloxacin using 599 strains of non-fermentative gram-negative rods (297 Pseudomonas spp. and 302 Acinetobacter spp.) resulted in nearly identical minimal inhibitory concentrations of norfloxacin and enoxacin Comparing MIC values, in most ofloxacin was one to four dilution steps superior to enoxacin, and ciprofloxacin was one to four dilution steps superior to ofloxacin. There was not much difference in MICs when species were studied in more detail. In some instances susceptibility testing with more than one new quinolone may be necessary, and evaluation criteria are given. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Impaired sulfur-amino acid metabolism and oxidative stress in nonalcoholic fatty liver are alleviated by betaine supplementation in rats.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver is involved in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and chronic liver injury. Impairment of hepatic transsulfuration reactions is suggested to be critically linked with alcoholic liver injury, but its role in nonalcoholic fatty liver remains unknown. We examined the early changes in sulfur-amino acid metabolism and their implication in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Male rats were provided with a standard liquid diet or a high-fat liquid diet (HF) for 3 wk. An additional group of rats received the HF diet supplemented with betaine (1%). HF diet intake elevated hepatic triglyceride and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) concentrations. Antioxidant capacity of liver cytosol against hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals was reduced significantly. Hepatic S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and glutathione (GSH) decreased, but hypotaurine and taurine concentrations increased. Methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) activity, not its concentration, was depressed, whereas both activity and concentration of cysteine dioxygenase and GSH S-transferase were elevated. Betaine supplementation of the HF diet inhibited hepatic fat accumulation and serum TNFalpha elevation. The decrease in cytosolic antioxidant capacity was also prevented. MAT activity and its concentration were induced significantly. Hepatic SAM and GSH increased and elevation of hypotaurine and taurine was depressed. The results indicate that the metabolism of S-containing substances is significantly disturbed by the HF diet, suggesting a causal role of impairment of hepatic transsulfuration reactions in NAFLD. Betaine supplementation protects the liver from nonalcoholic steatosis and oxidative stress most probably via its effects on the transsulfuration reactions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effect of phosphatidylcholine depletion on biochemical and physical properties of a Neurospora crassa membrane mutant.
By using the choline starvation process it is possible to deplete the membranes of Neurospora crassa choline auxotroph chol-1 of phosphatidylcholine, without affecting the viability of germinated spores or whole mycelium. Spin label probes were used to examine the possible dependence of the physical state of cellular lipids on the presence of phosphatidylcholine in the membranes. Increased freedom of rotational motion of lipid soluble probes was regularly detected in choline-starved mycelium. The accumulation of neutral lipids (mostly triglycerides) in bulk form was also observed during the choline starvation process. The experiments with isolated and separated lipid classes indicated that the observed increase in fluidity of lipids in choline-starved mycelium is partly due to the difference in physical properties between bulk lipids and membrane lipids. Spin label probe 2N4 (2-propyl-2,5,5-trimethyloxazolidine-N-oxyl), which can partition at the membrane-water interface, exhibited easier partitioning among membrane lipids of choline-starved mycelium. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
IncX3 plasmid mediated occurrence of blaNDM-4 within Escherichia coli ST448 from India.
This study was designed to investigate blaNDM-4 encoded within IncX3 type plasmid and their copy number alteration under carbapenem pressure within clinical isolates of Escherichia coli. NDM-4 producing E. coli isolates were collected from an Indian hospital and transferability as well as plasmid incompatibility typing was determined. Genetic environment and antibiogram profiling was carried out. Quantitative Real Time PCR was done to determine the change in plasmid copy number under concentration gradient carbapenem stress. Multilocus sequence typing and pulsed field gel electrophoresis was performed for typing of isolates. Four multidrug resistant isolates were found to harbour transconjugable blaNDM-4 carrying within IncX3 type plasmid. The blaNDM-4 was flanked by insertion sequences ISAba125 and IS5 in the upstream region whereas bleMBL was present in the downstream area. Copy number results indicated that the blaNDM-4 gene was maintained high in plasmid under exposure of ertapenem. All the strains belonged to ST448 and PFGE analysis revealed three different pulsotypes. This is the first report of blaNDM-4 encoded IncX3 type plasmid in E. coli of ST448 and needs a systematic screening policy to rapid detection of NDM-4 poducing strains to prevent dissemination of this resistant determinant in future. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hyperlipidemia in children with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). The increased risk of coronary artery disease in patients with type 2 DM is partly due to the lipoprotein abnormalities associated with DM. Dyslipidemia outweighs all other risk factors for cardiovascular disease in adults with type 2 DM. Hypertriglyceridemia and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol are the most common abnormalities in adults with type 2 DM. These abnormalities may improve, but commonly persist, after optimal glycemic control has been achieved. Children with type 2 DM also have hypertriglyceridemia, low levels of HDL-, as well as elevated levels of total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels. Screening for dyslipidemia is recommended in children with type 2 DM. Several adult clinical trials that included patients with DM have demonstrated the efficacy of lowering LDL-cholesterol in preventing death from coronary artery disease. Weight loss, changing dietary habits, increasing physical activity, and improving glycemic control are initial approaches to the treatment of hyperlipidemia in children with type 2 DM. When goals are not met, drug therapy should be considered. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Increased expression of the insulin-like growth factor-II gene in Wilms' tumor is not dependent on loss of genomic imprinting or loss of heterozygosity.
Loss of imprinting of insulin-like growth factor-II gene (IGF2) and/or loss of heterozygosity at the 11p15 loci have been postulated to be responsible for IGF2 overexpression in Wilms' tumor. In order to delineate the mechanism of IGF2 overexpression in Wilms' tumors, we have genotyped the 11p15-11p13 chromosomal region and determined allelic expression of IGF2 and H19 in both tumor tissue and in normal adjacent kidney tissue from 40 patients with Wilms' tumor. In five of the eight subjects informative for the ApaI IGF2 polymorphism, loss of imprinting of IGF2 was observed in both normal and tumor tissues. A significant increase (>5-fold) in IGF2 expression in tumor tissues compared to the normal adjacent kidney tissue was observed regardless of the IGF2 imprinting or the chromosome 11p15 heterozygosity status. In each case, the overexpression of IGF2 in the tumors was accompanied by activation of all four IGF2 promoters. Our data indicate that alterations of IGF2 imprinting occurred in normal adjacent kidney tissue before tumorigenesis and that the IGF2 overexpression in Wilms' tumor tissue occurs through a loss of heterozygosity- or loss of imprinting-independent process. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Evaluation of pedicled skin flap viability by pH, temperature and fluorescein: an experimental study.
In order to test methods of predicting skin flap viability, a skin flap model in Sprague-Dawley rats was established. As criteria for studying skin flap survival, we compared measurement of skin pH, temperature, as well as fluorescence photography and computer aided digital morphometry (CADM). Ninety male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups in which pedicles were clamped for 10, 15, or 20 h. A standardized bipedicled skin flap was prepared, maintained by the epigastric artery, vein and nerve. All flaps were sutured back in place immediately after clamping. We found that postoperative prediction of flap survival based solely upon external appearance was impossible until the 2nd postoperative day. Changes in pH were not statistically significant in the prediction of vital or necrotic flaps. The temperature measurements showed, that in the event of viability the decrease in flap temperature versus the reference temperature (rectal temperature) was significant (P < 0.0094 in Group II, 15 h of ischaemia) or at least a tendency to significance (P < 0.059 in Group III, 10 h of ischaemia) bigger than in the event of partial or total flap necrosis. The photographic documentation using fluorescein showed that all coloured areas survived. Group I (20 h) showed predominantly total flap necrosis. Most flaps in Group III (10 h) exhibited a small necrotic area at the tip. In Group II (15 h) no typical staining pattern could be observed. Furthermore, computer aided digital morphometry demonstrated a decrease of the necrotic area by 7% between the 2nd and 4th postoperative day in Groups II and III. The method which gave the most exact prediction about viability was the fluorescein staining of the flaps via the tail vein. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Improved neonatal outcome of vasa previa with aggressive intrapartum management. A report of two cases.
Two cases of vasa previa ended with neonatal survival as a result of aggressive intrapartum management. The etiology and pathophysiology of vasa previa are reviewed. The current status of prospective diagnosis is presented, as are the essentials of successful neonatal management of this condition. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Revegetation of a barren rare earth mine using native plant species in reciprocal plantation: effect of phytoremediation on soil microbiological communities.
Over-exploration of rare earth elements causes soil desertification and environmental degradation. However, the restoration of rare earth mine tailings requires the recovery of both vegetation and soil microbiota. Accordingly, the present study aimed to compare the efficacy of restoring mine tailings using organic compost and native plants (Miscanthus sinensis, Pinus massoniana, Bambusa textilis, or a mixture of all three). After three years, the mixed plantation harbored tenfold greater plant richness than that in the barren land. Among these, M. sinensis played a dominant role across all restored areas. The microbial communities of the soils were assessed using high-throughput 16S rDNA gene sequencing. A total of 34,870 16S rDNA gene sequences were obtained and classified into 15 bacterial phyla and 36 genera. The dominant genus across all the restored soils was Burkholderia, and the bacterial diversity of restored soils was greater than that of soils from either unrestored or natural (unexploited) areas, with the M. sinensis plantation yielding the greatest diversity. The effects of phytoremediation were mainly driven by changes in nutrient and metal contents. These results indicate that M. sinensis significantly improves phytoremediation and that mixed planting is ideal for restoring the soils of abandoned rare earth mines. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Factors influencing success of radiant exposure in light-curing posterior dental composite in the clinical setting.
(1) To conduct a comprehensive review of the literature on factors influencing the radiant exposure of resin-based composite (RBC) restorations and (2) To fully understand the appropriate way of using the light curing units (LCUs) to perform restorations with optimal mechanical/physical properties. A PubMed search identified recent publications in English that addressed the factors affecting the longevity of the RBC restorations and the optimal usage of LCUs. RBCs require light-induced polymerization of methacrylate monomers present in its composition to reach acceptable mechanical and physical properties. Complete polymerization of the RBC is never reached, and the maximum degree of conversion (DC) varies from 40 to 80%. The amount of radiant exposure (Joules/cm²) required for the commencement of polymerization becomes a core driver for the quality of the RBCs. Insufficient radiant exposure may lead to low strength behavior and susceptibility to degradation, thereby shortening the lifespan of restorations inside the mouth. This suggests that there are factors affecting the radiant exposure during clinical procedures; these factors can be categorized as material-related, LCU-related and operator-related factors. Proper light-curing techniques are critical for delivering an adequate amount of radiant exposure to RBCs. Adequate light curing decreases the number of underexposed RBC restorations, improves their mechanical and physical properties and accordingly, increases their clinical longevity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis treated with insulin in a nondiabetic patient].
Heparin and/or insulin stimulate lipoprotein lipase and are known to decrease serum triglyceride level. However, their efficacy in hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis in nondiabetic patients is not well documented. We report a case of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis in 43-year-old nondiabetic woman in whom treatment with insulin was accompanied by reduction in serum triglyceride level and the resolution of pancreatitis. She presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and biochemical evidence of acute pancreatitis. Her medical history was unremarkable. There was no history of alcohol consumption, and biliary imaging was not remarkable. Subsequent laboratory investigation revealed marked hypertriglyceridemia (1,951 mg/dL), impaired fasting glucose, and normal HbAlc level. The Ransons score and APATCH II score were 1 and 4. Abdominal CT showed diffuse enlargement of pancreas, peripancreatic fat infiltration, and multiple fluid collections around the pancreas. We treated the patient with the infusion of 5% dextrose and 1.5 unit/hr regular insulin to reduce serum triglyceride level. The level of serum triglyceride was decreased to 305 mg/dL on day 5. During the remainder of hospitalization, her clinical symptoms and laboratory values gradually improved. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Systemic and regional O2 delivery and uptake in bled dogs given hypertonic saline, whole blood, or dextran.
The mechanisms by which small volumes of hypertonic saline in dextran (HSD) resuscitate bled dogs are incompletely understood but may include a pulmonary osmolar reflex. A known negative effect of HSD is hemodilution that reduces O2-carrying capacity. Our goals in this study were to ascertain whether the putative osmotic reflex redistributed blood flow between muscle and gut and whether O2 delivery (DO2) was adequate at systemic and regional levels. Left hindlimb muscle and a segment of ileum were vascularly isolated in three groups (n = 8) of anesthetized dogs that were then bled to mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40 mmHg for 30 min. At that point, all shed blood (approximately 40 ml/kg) was returned in the blood group (BLD); 20 ml/kg of Dextran 70 was given to the dextran group (DEX); and 5 ml/kg of 7.5% NaCl in dextran was given to the HSD group. MAP and cardiac output were restored to acceptable levels in all but was poorly maintained in HSD. The fall in hematocrit (41 to 25%) in HSD was matched by that in DEX (42 to 22%), so that DO2 only reached approximately 55% of that in BLD. Nevertheless, systemic and regional O2 uptakes were similar; O2 debt and repayment did not differ; and lactate metabolism was alike in all groups. O2 extraction did have to increase to near maximum in HSD, however. Other than a transient increase to muscle, HSD had no special effect on distribution of cardiac output. HSD was efficacious as a short-term resuscitative measure but did encroach markedly on O2 transport reserves. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical factors associated with decision to recommend methylphenidate treatment for children with ADHD in France.
European guidelines advise on best practices for the diagnosis and non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to (1) assess whether clinician's decisions to initiate methylphenidate treatment in children diagnosed with ADHD are in accordance with European guidelines and (2) identify clinical factors associated with the decision to recommend methylphenidate prescription. 5 to 13-year-old patients with an ADHD diagnosis were consecutively evaluated in an outpatient child and adolescent psychiatry clinic in France. Patients underwent a multidisciplinary evaluation including a diagnostic interview, symptom severity assessments with parent questionnaires, and IQ testing. We compared children with (n = 105) and without (n = 55) recommended methylphenidate treatment using Student's t test or Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test and Chi-square or Fisher's test. Multivariate logistic regression was implemented to determine the respective influence of each variable on treatment recommendation. Recommendation to initiate methylphenidate treatment was associated with (1) ADHD combined presentation, (2) co-occurring Oppositional Defiant Disorder/Conduct Disorder (ODD/CD), Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and Learning Disorder (LD), (3) clinical severity and impairment indicated on parent questionnaires, and (4) reduced perceptual reasoning. Using a multivariate regression model, ADHD combined presentation [combined versus predominantly hyperactive/impulsive and unspecified OR 4.52 (1.23-16.55), p = 0.023], age [OR 1.46 (1.14-1.88), p = 0.003], ODD/CD [OR 5.53 (2.19-14.01), p < 0.001], DCD [OR 4.22 (1.70-10.48), p = 0.002], PRI [OR 0.97 (0.94-0.99), p = 0.01] were significantly associated with recommendation of methylphenidate treatment. Our results indicate that clinicians' treatment decision-making complies with European guidelines and is furthermore associated with the type and severity of ADHD symptoms but also with co-occurring disorders. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Glutamate, GABA and precursor amino acids in adult mouse neocortex: cellular diversity revealed by quantitative immunocytochemistry.
Glutamate is an important amino acid in the neocortex for metabolic and neurotransmitter functions. The objective of this study was to detect variations in cellular glutamate content using quantitative immunocytochemistry. We show that glutamate is present in almost all cortical cells and coexists with other amino acids such as aspartate, glutamine or gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The patterns of aspartate and glutamine content suggests that there are no purely aspartatergic or glutaminergic neurons. GABAergic neurons showed variable levels of the precursors such as glutamate, glutamine and aspartate. Comparison of immunoreactive patterns between two cortical areas did not detect any statistically significant differences. The mean cellular intensity for GABA and glutamate was constant across different layers. Surprisingly, we found that GABAergic neurons could coexist with either low or high levels of glutamate, suggesting that metabolic levels of glutamate in these neurons could be variable. Alternatively, some GABA neurons may utilize both GABA and glutamate for neurotransmission. We show that when variations in amino acid content are separately mapped onto individual cells, co-registration is a useful technique for reporting heterogeneity among cortical cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The NIMH Research Domain Criteria Initiative: Background, Issues, and Pragmatics.
This article describes the National Institute of Mental Health's Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) initiative. The description includes background, rationale, goals, and the way the initiative has been developed and organized. The central RDoC concepts are summarized and the current matrix of constructs that have been vetted by workshops of extramural scientists is depicted. A number of theoretical and methodological issues that can arise in connection with the nature of RDoC constructs are highlighted: subjectivism and heterophenomenology, desynchrony and theoretical neutrality among units of analysis, theoretical reductionism, endophenotypes, biomarkers, neural circuits, construct "grain size," and analytic challenges. The importance of linking RDoC constructs to psychiatric clinical problems is discussed. Some pragmatics of incorporating RDoC concepts into applications for NIMH research funding are considered, including sampling design. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Audit of intraoperative and early postoperative complications after introduction of mesorectal excision for rectal cancer.
To compare complication rates after rectal resection using a conventional surgical technique (1983-1992) and mesorectal excision (1993-2000), and to find out whether the rate of complications changed with time after the introduction of mesorectal excision. Prospective, observational study. University hospital, Norway. All patients who had rectal resections for cancer in the period 1983-2000. In the conventional surgery period 217, and in the mesorectal excision period 176, patients had rectal resections. The mesorectal excision period was split in two, the early and the late mesorectal excision period, 88 rectal resections being performed in each period. Total mesorectal excision was done in 118 patients, and partial mesorectal excision in 58. Major surgical complications in both periods; intraoperative bleeding, transfusions during the hospital stay, and cardiovascular complications in the mesorectal excision period. 23/217 (11%) developed major surgical complications in the conventional surgery period, compared with 17/88 (19%) in the early mesorectal excision period (p = 0.04). This was caused by an increased incidence of anastomotic leaks after low anterior resection, being 11/122 (9%) in the conventional surgery period and 12/52 (23%) in the early mesorectal excision period (p = 0.01). The incidence of anastomotic leaks declined to 5/61 (8%) in the late mesorectal excision period (p = 0.03). Multiple regression analysis identified a low anastomosis, major bleeding, and age over 75 years as significant risk factors for the development of anastomotic leaks. Major intraoperative bleeding occurred in 36/84 (43%) of the patients in the early and 22/82 (27%) in the late mesorectal period (p = 0.04). Blood transfusions were given to 61/84 (74%) in the early mesorectal period and 41/82 (50%) in the late period (p < 0.01). The incidence of surgical complications increased significantly after the introduction of mesorectal excision, but declined with time. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Precise determination of the orientation of the transition dipole moment in a Bodipy derivative by analysis of the magnetophotoselection effect.
Magnetophotoselection effects, observed for the lowest triplet state of a boron-dipyrromethene (Bodipy) derivative by time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TR-EPR) spectroscopy, have been exploited to determine with a good precision of about 5° the 3D orientation of the singlet-singlet transition dipole moment (TDM) in the molecular frame. We have shown that the TR-EPR spectrum lineshape, obtained using a polarized laser pulse, is different from that obtained by using depolarized light. We first developed a new model for the simulation of the TR-EPR spectra obtained with polarized light excitation; the model explicitly takes into account the orientation of the TDM in the molecular frame. We then applied the method for the determination of the TDM orientation, directly from glassy frozen isotropic solutions of Bodipy. The experimentally determined direction has been compared with that obtained from quantum mechanical calculations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pelvic teratoma with extensive spinal involvement in a neonate: an important differential diagnosis.
A 6-week-old girl presented with an abdominal mass and spinal cord compression. Clinical and radiological features indicated a diagnosis of congenital neuroblastoma. Histology revealed a diagnosis of germ cell tumour after therapy for neuroblastoma had been commenced. This is, to the authors' knowledge, the first reported case of paediatric dumbbell retroperitoneal teratoma. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Genotoxicity of heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide in human TK6 lymphoblastoid cells.
The genotoxic potential of the organochlorine insecticides heptachlor (HC) and its metabolite heptachlor epoxide (HCE) has been evaluated in TK6 cells, a well-established human lymphoblastoid cell line. Genotoxicity has been determined by scoring the induction of DNA breaks in the comet assay and by measuring the frequency of micronuclei (MN) in binucleated cells. The results indicate that both compounds are able to induce significant increases in the percentage of DNA in the tail, the parameter used in the comet assay, with a direct dose-response relationship. Nevertheless, both compounds were unable to induce an increase in the frequency of MN. The comet assay measures primary DNA damage, while the induction of MN measures fixed damage. Thus, our results would suggest that the DNA damage induced by the two insecticides is not fixed as chromosome damage, which would be detectable by means of the MN assay (chromosome breaks and aneuploidy). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Zika and the Eye: Pieces of a Puzzle.
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arbovirus mainly transmitted to humans by mosquitoes from Aedes genus. Other ways of transmission include the perinatal and sexual routes, blood transfusion, and laboratory exposure. Although the first human cases were registered in 1952 in African countries, outbreaks were only reported since 2007, when entire Pacific islands were affected. In March 2015, the first cases of ZIKV acute infection were notified in Brazil and, to date, 48 countries and territories in the Americas have confirmed local mosquito-borne transmission of ZIKV. Until 2015, ZIKV infection was thought to only cause asymptomatic or mild exanthematous febrile infections. However, after explosive ZIKV outbreaks in Polynesia and Latin American countries, it was confirmed that ZIKV could also lead to Guillain-Barré syndrome and congenital birth abnormalities. These abnormalities, which can include neurologic, ophthalmologic, audiologic, and skeletal findings, are now considered congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Brain abnormalities in CZS include cerebral calcifications, malformations of cortical development, ventriculomegaly, lissencephaly, hypoplasia of the cerebellum and brainstem. The ocular findings, which are present in up to 70% of infants with CZS, include iris coloboma, lens subluxation, cataract, congenital glaucoma, and especially posterior segment findings. Loss of retinal pigment epithelium, the presence of a thin choroid, a perivascular choroidal inflammatory infiltrate, and atrophic changes within the optic nerve were seen in histologic analyses of eyes from deceased fetuses. To date, there is no ZIKV licensed vaccines or antiviral therapies are available for treatment. Preventive measures include individual protection from mosquito bites, control of mosquito populations and the use of barriers measures such as condoms during sexual intercourse or sexual abstinence for couples either at risk or after confirmed infection. A literature review based on studies that analyzed ocular findings in mothers and infants with CZS, with or without microcephaly, was conducted and a theoretical pathophysiologic explanation for ZIKV-ocular abnormalities was formulated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Concurrent measurements of blood flow and transcapillary transport in avian sarcoma virus-induced experimental brain tumors: implications for chemotherapy.
A blood-to-tissue transfer constant, K, and tissue blood flow, F, were measured concurrently in seven rats with a total of 19 separate brain tumors induced by intracerebral inoculation of avian sarcoma virus. Regional and local measurements of K and F were obtained using double-label quantitative autoradiography with alpha-[14C]aminoisobutyric acid and [131I]iodoantipyrine, computerized microdensitometry and image analysis. Apparent tissue extraction fractions and capillary permeability-surface area products were calculated for different tumor regions, brain adjacent to tumor and tumor-free brain. The following observations were made: five histological categories of the tumors were found; significant local and regional variations of both K and F were typical in each group, resulting in marked regional variability of permeability-surface area products but more uniform values of apparent extraction fraction; the values of F, K, permeability-surface area products and apparent extraction fraction correlated poorly with morphological features of the tumors (necrosis, cellularity, cytology, location and size); the extraction fraction of alpha-aminoisobutyric acid was usually highest in tumor centers and then decreased in a gradient from tumor periphery through adjacent brain; and regardless of classification or histological features, capillary permeability and surface area, and not tissue perfusion or blood flow, seem to determine the blood-to-tissue transport processes (delivery of bloodborne materials) in most regions of these experimental brain tumors. An operational pharmacokinetic model of drug concentration in tumor tissue is developed and the results of our analysis indicate that increases in capillary permeability such as measured in these studies would not be sufficient to deliver adequate amounts of water-soluble drugs with short plasma half-lives to tumor tissue. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Genealogy of the Meckel anatomy family (from Hem[b]sbach)].
The main goal of our investigations is to complete the genealogy of the famous Meckel dynasty. It is important to answer a lot of questions which have remained unanswered until now. During the investigations we were able to find the names of three children who died early and were dissected by their father Philipp Friedrich Theodor Meckel (1755-1803). Besides, it was possible to extend distinctly our knowledge of the various genealogical lines of the Meckel family. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Suicidality, posttraumatic stress, and depressive reactions after earthquake and maltreatment: A cross-sectional survey of a random sample of 6132 chinese children and adolescents.
Surviving an earthquake can greatly increase the risk of suicidality among children and adolescents, especially if they experience physical and emotional neglect or abuse within the family after the earthquake. How various types of childhood adversity affect the vulnerability of adolescents to suicidality after exposure to a natural disaster is not well understood. This study examined the relationships among different types of earthquake exposure, childhood trauma, psychopathology and suicidality. Suicidality, the level of earthquake exposure, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and maltreatment, including physical and emotional abuse and neglect, were assessed in 6132 child and adolescent survivors randomly selected from three primary schools, five junior high schools, two senior high schools and one six-year high school in Baoxing, Lushan and Tianquan counties, which were the areas most severely affected by the 2013 Ya'an earthquake. The Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) scores were high, with 27.8% of the participants scoring at or above the cut-off score of 7. Multivariate regression showed that emotional abuse and depression experienced after the earthquake contributed to the suicide risk, whereas emotional neglect and PTSD made somewhat smaller contributions. The mediation analysis suggested that PTSD and depression symptoms partially mediated the association of suicidality with emotional neglect or abuse. The PTSD, depression and suicidality scores were generally higher for females than for males, whereas the depression and suicidality scores were higher for older than younger respondents. Our results highlight the need for the implementation of school-based, adolescent-centered suicide prevention programs in the long-term aftermath of exposure to traumatic events. Interventions may also need to be tailored to gender and developmental stage. Suicidality is independently associated with emotional abuse, neglect, depression and PTSD symptoms in this disaster-exposed young population. Longitudinal studies should explore whether depression and PTSD symptoms mediate the relationship between past emotional abuse or neglect and the current suicide risk. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of the dual 5alpha-reductase inhibitor PNU 157706 on the growth of dunning R3327 prostatic carcinoma in the rat.
PNU 157706 [N-(1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluorophenylpropyl)-3-oxo-4-aza-5alpha-androst-1-ene-17beta-carboxamide] is a novel, potent and selective dual 5alpha-reductase inhibitor. We have investigated its effect on tumor growth, endocrine organ weights and prostatic dihydrotestosterone (DHT) content in rats bearing the androgen dependent Dunning R3327 prostatic carcinoma. Animals with tumor diameters of about 1 cm were treated orally for 9 weeks with PNU 157706 (2 and 10 mg/kg/day, 6 days a week) or they were castrated, to check the hormone responsiveness of the tumor. PNU 157706 was effective at both doses tested in reducing tumor growth (53 and 51% inhibition at 2 and 10 mg/kg/day, respectively), while castration caused higher inhibition (82%) of tumor growth. A marked reduction of ventral prostate weight occurred in rats treated with both doses of PNU 157706 (75 and 78%) or castrated (91%). Seminal vesicle weight was also reduced by PNU 157706 administration (56 and 61% inhibition), whereas testes, adrenal, thymus and pituitary weights were not affected. Prostatic DHT content was markedly suppressed (85 and 91%) in PNU 157706 treated rats, compared to 95% suppression caused by castration. These data support a possible role of dual 5alpha-reductase inhibitors in the hormonal therapy of prostatic cancer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Enzyme-mediated metabolism in nutritive tissues of galls induced by Ditylenchus gallaeformans (Nematoda: Anguinidae).
The galls induced by Ditylenchus gallaeformans (Nematoda) on leaves of Miconia albicans have unique features when compared to other galls. The nematode colonies are surrounded by nutritive tissues with promeristematic cells, capable of originating new emergences facing the larval chamber, and providing indeterminate growth to these galls. Considering enzyme activity as essential for the translocation of energetic molecules from the common storage tissue (CST) to the typical nutritive tissue (TNT), and the major occurrence of carbohydrates in nematode galls, it was expected that hormones would mediate sink strength relationships by activating enzymes in indeterminate growth regions of the galls. Histochemical, immunocytochemical and quantitative analyses were made in order to demonstrate sites of enzyme activity and hormones, and comparative levels of total soluble sugars, water soluble polysaccharides and starch. The source-sink status, via carbohydrate metabolism, is controlled by the major accumulation of cytokinins in totipotent nutritive cells and new emergences. Thus, reducing sugars, such as glucose and fructose, accumulate in the TNT, where they supply the energy for successive cycles of cell division and for nematode feeding. The histochemical detection of phosphorylase and invertase activities indicates the occurrence of starch catabolism and sucrose transformation into reducing sugars, respectively, in the establishment of a gradient from the CST towards the TNT. Reducing sugars in the TNT are important for the production of new cell walls during the indeterminate growth of the galls, which have increased levels of water-soluble polysaccharides that corroborate such a hypothesis. Functional relationship between plant hormone accumulation, carbohydrate metabolism and cell differentiation in D. gallaeformans-induced galls is attested, providing new insights on cell development and plant metabolism. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Diabetes - United States, 2006 and 2010.
In 2011, an estimated 26 million persons aged ≥20 years (11.3% of the U.S. population) had diabetes. Both the prevalence and incidence of diabetes have increased rapidly since the mid-1990s, with minority racial/ethnic groups and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups experiencing the steepest increases and most substantial effects from the disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pro-opiomelanocortin mRNA levels fall in the fetal sheep pituitary before birth.
In order to clarify the corticotrophic capacity of the fetal sheep anterior pituitary in late gestation, we have measured the relative levels of messenger RNA for the ACTH precursor molecule pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) in individual fetal sheep anterior pituitaries collected between 100 and 144 days of gestation. The mean relative POMC mRNA:poly(A)+ RNA ratio of the pituitary glands collected between 100 and 135 days (1.35 +/- 0.15) was significantly greater than the mean relative POMC mRNA:poly(A)+ RNA ratio of the pituitaries collected between 141 and 144 days (0.81 +/- 0.09). Northern blot analysis showed that a single band of RNA hybridized with the human POMC cDNA probe in adult and fetal sheep pituitaries. Our results do not contradict the hypothesis that an increase in basal ACTH concentrations after 140 days of gestation could reflect a change in the post-translational processing of POMC in the fetal sheep anterior pituitary. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
CD9 correlates with cancer stem cell potentials in human B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells.
Cancer stem cell (CSC) theory suggests that only a small subpopulation of cells having stem cell-like potentials can initiate tumor development. While recent data on acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are conflicting, some studies have demonstrated the existence of such cells following CD34-targeted isolation of primary samples. Although CD34 is a useful marker for the isolation of CSCs in leukemias, the identification of other specific markers besides CD34 has been relatively unsuccessful. To identify new markers, we first performed extensive analysis of surface markers on several B-ALL cell lines. Our data demonstrated that every B-ALL cell line tested did not express CD34 but certain lines contained cell populations with marked heterogeneity in marker expression. Moreover, the CD9(+) cell population possessed stem cell characteristics within the clone, as demonstrated by in vitro and transplantation experiments. These results suggest that CD9 is a useful positive-selection marker for the identification of CSCs in B-ALL. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Double-stranded RNA induces S100 gene expression by a cycloheximide-sensitive factor.
Viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and its synthetic analog polyI:C are recognized via multiple pathways and induce the expression of genes related to inflammation. In the present study, we demonstrated the polyI:C-induced gene expression of the damage associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecules S100A8 and S100A9, while other S100 genes were not affected. Cycloheximide and Brefeldin A treatment revealed both the expression of S100A8 and S100A9 as secondary response genes and the involvement of polyI:C-induced cytokines herein. Several type I and type III interferons such as IFNβ, IL-20, IL-24, and IFNλ/IL-29 were expressed in response to polyI:C, however, they failed to induce S100A8 and S100A9 gene expression. These data indicate the involvement of the danger molecule S100A8/A9 in the resistance against viruses. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of tobacco exposure on lung health and pulmonary biomarkers in young, healthy smokers aged 12-25 years: a systematic review.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with high personal and societal burden and mortality. COPD is usually diagnosed during middle or late adult life, but the starting point for a 'COPD career' may be found earlier in life, during adolescence: first, because of smoking initiation and subsequent accumulation of risk, and second, because of the adverse effects of cigarette smoking on lung-function development. The objective of this paper is to systematically review the literature on the effects of active smoking on lung health in 12-25-year-old healthy boys and girls, measured with simple and noninvasive methods: lung function by spirometry, exhaled gases (including nitric oxide, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons) and exhaled breath condensate. The identification of biomarkers may be useful for early detection of tobacco-related respiratory disease in this population, for targeted smoking prevention or smoking-cessation programs and, in the long term, for a reduction of personal and societal impact of COPD and other smoking-related diseases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Different Protonic Species Affecting Proton Conductivity in Hollow Spherelike Polyoxometalates.
Polyoxometalates (POMs), which possess strong acidity and chemical stability, are promising solid proton conductors and potential candidates for proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications. To investigate how factors such as proton concentration and carrier affect the overall proton conduction, we have synthesized new compounds HImMo132 (Im, imidazole), HMeImMo132, ILMo132, and TBAMo132 with hollow structures and HImPMo12 with a solid spherelike structure. These crystal models were prepared by encapsulating POM with organic molecules with different proton contents. Among them, the single-crystal sample of the hollow structure HImMo132 containing more proton sources shows a high proton conductivity of 4.98 × 10-2 S cm-1, which was approximately 1 order of magnitude greater than that of the solid cluster HImPMo12 with the same proton sources and 3 orders of magnitude greater than that of the proton-free organic cation-encapsulated giant ball TBAMo132. This study provides a theoretical guidance toward designing and developing new-generation proton conductors and studying their performances at the molecular level. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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