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Low aspirin use in diabetics.
To determine the percentage of adult diabetics with cardiovascular disease, or risk factors for cardiovascular disease who are using aspirin, and to report on any differences between males and females, or Saudis and non-Saudis. Medical records of diabetics seen at King Abdulaziz University Hospital during the period January 1998 through to December 2000 were analyzed. The following data were collected: patients age, sex, nationality, body mass index, duration of diabetes, history of cardiovascular disease, risk factors for cardiovascular disease (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, smoking, family history of ischemic heart disease) and aspirin use. A total of 550 patients were studied with a mean age of 53 years and male: female ratio 1.1:1. Saudis constitute 260/550 (47%) of the study group. In patients with cardiovascular disease 110/174 (63%) were using aspirin versus 64/174 (37%) (p 0.001). In patients with one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease but no cardiovascular disease, aspirin was used in 27/223 (12%) versus 195/223 (88%) (p 0.0001). Aspirin was used by 85/291 (29%) male versus 56/259 (22%) females (p 0.2). Sixty-three of 260 (24%) Saudis used aspirin versus 77/290 (27%) non-Saudis (p 0.7). Aspirin use is low in diabetics with cardiovascular disease and one or more risk factor of cardiovascular disease, with no significant difference between males and females, or Saudis and non-Saudis. Physicians should be encouraged to use aspirin more in diabetics for both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transport functions of riboflavin carriers in the rat small intestine and colon: site difference and effects of tricyclic-type drugs.
The present study was aimed at kinetically characterizing the newly found carrier-mediated riboflavin transport system in the rat colon, comparing it with that in the small intestine, and also probing the potential roles of these transport systems in intestinal drug absorption. Riboflavin transport, evaluated by measuring the initial uptake into everted intestinal tissue sacs, was saturable with a Michaelis constant (Km) of 0.13 microM and a maximum transport rate (Jmax) of 0.74 pmol/min/100 mg wet tissue weight (wtw) in the colon. Both the Km and the Jmax were smaller than those (0.57 microM and 4.26 pmol/min/100 mg wtw, respectively) in the small intestine, suggesting that the transport system in the colon has a higher affinity to substrates and a smaller transport capacity than its counterpart in the small intestine. The carrier-mediated riboflavin transport in the colon, similarly to that in the small intestine, was Na+-dependent and inhibited by lumiflavin, a riboflavin analogue with an isoalloxazine ring, but not by D-ribose, which forms the side-chain attached to the isoalloxazine ring in riboflavin. To further clarify the substrate specificities of the transport systems, we examined the effects of several drugs with a tricyclic structure similar to isoalloxazine ring on riboflavin transport. Chlorpromazine, a phenothiazine derivative, was found to inhibit riboflavin transport in both the small intestine and the colon. Methylene blue also was found to be a potent inhibitor in both sites. These results suggest that some tricyclic-type drugs could interfere with intestinal riboflavin absorption by specific carrier-mediated transport systems. These transport systems may play roles in the absorption of tricyclic-type drugs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The putative <<silent>> 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist, WAY 100635, has inverse agonist properties at cloned human 5-HT(1A) receptors.
Agonist binding to G protein-coupled receptors induces the formation of a receptor-G protein complex and subsequent guanosine 5'-diphosphate/guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GDP/GTP) exchange. Some receptors, however, form receptor-G protein complexes and promote GDP/GTP exchange even when not occupied by agonists. Such receptors preferentially activate pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins (i.e., G(i)/G(o)), and the interactions of receptors and G proteins are affected by monovalent cations (most notably Na(+)), both in the occupied and unoccupied state. We investigated the effects of Na(+) on the intrinsic activity of 5-hydroxytryptamine(1A) (5-HT(1A)) receptor ligands, measured as maximal effect (E(MAX)), using guanosine 5'-0-(3-[35S]thio)-triphosphate ([35S]GTPgammaS) binding to membranes prepared from human epithelioid carcinoma (HeLa) cells, expressing 500 fmol/mg protein of cloned human 5-HT(1A) receptor (HA7 cells). A decrease of the NaCl concentration decreased the maximal effect of serotonin, increased basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding, and increased the negative intrinsic activity of spiperone and N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]-N-(2-pyridinyl)cyclohexaneca rboxamide (WAY 100635). This ability of WAY 100635 to decrease basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding was antagonized by (s)-N-tert-butyl-3-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine-1-yl)-2-phenylpropa namide ((s)-WAY 100135) (pA(2)=7.77). Further, WAY 100635 was able to antagonize carboxamidotryptamine (5-CT)-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding with a pA(2) of 9.9, in standard NaCl conditions, and of 9.7, in the absence of NaCl. Changes in membrane concentration did not affect the ability of WAY 100635 to decrease [35S]GTPgammaS binding. WAY 100635 did not affect basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding to membranes from untransfected HeLa cells. Pertussis toxin (200 ng/ml) prevented WAY 100635 and spiperone to decrease [35S]GTPgammaS binding, showing that their effects were mediated by G proteins of the G(i)/G(o) family. In conclusion, the constitutive and stimulated activity of human 5-HT(1A) receptors expressed in HA7 cells is sodium-dependent, which allowed to confirm the 5-HT(1A) inverse agonist properties of spiperone, and to show that WAY 100635 is an inverse agonist at 5-HT(1A) receptors that inhibits basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding to a lesser extent than spiperone. [35S]GTPgammaS binding to membranes from HA7 cells under low NaCl conditions appears to be especially suitable to evidence and pharmacologically analyze the inverse agonist properties of 5-HT(1A) receptor ligands. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Control of a nonsquare drug infusion system: A simulation study.
A model predictive control strategy was developed and tested on a nonlinear canine circulatory model for the regulation of hemodynamic variables under critical care conditions. Different patient conditions such as congestive heart failure, post-operative hypertension, and sepsis shock were studied in closed-loop simulations. The model predictive controller, which uses a different linear model depending on the patient condition, allowed constraints to be explicitly enforced. The controller was initially tuned on the basis of a linear plant model, then tested on the nonlinear physiological model; the simulations demonstrated the ability to handle constraints, such as drug dosage specifications, commonly desired by critical care physicians. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Genome-wide identification of suitable zebrafish Danio rerio reference genes for normalization of gene expression data by RT-qPCR.
In this study, to systematically identify the most stably expressed genes for internal reference in zebrafish Danio rerio investigations, 37 D. rerio transcriptomic datasets (both RNA sequencing and microarray data) were collected from gene expression omnibus (GEO) database and unpublished data, and gene expression variations were analysed under three experimental conditions: tissue types, developmental stages and chemical treatments. Forty-four putative candidate genes were identified with the c.v. <0·2 from all datasets. Following clustering into different functional groups, 21 genes, in addition to four conventional housekeeping genes (eef1a1l1, b2m, hrpt1l and actb1), were selected from different functional groups for further quantitative real-time (qrt-)PCR validation using 25 RNA samples from different adult tissues, developmental stages and chemical treatments. The qrt-PCR data were then analysed using the statistical algorithm refFinder for gene expression stability. Several new candidate genes showed better expression stability than the conventional housekeeping genes in all three categories. It was found that sep15 and metap1 were the top two stable genes for tissue types, ube2a and tmem50a the top two for different developmental stages, and rpl13a and rp1p0 the top two for chemical treatments. Thus, based on the extensive transcriptomic analyses and qrt-PCR validation, these new reference genes are recommended for normalization of D. rerio qrt-PCR data respectively for the three different experimental conditions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Medicaid shortfalls and total unreimbursed hospital care for the poor, 1980-1989.
This article examines the relationship between Medicaid payments and hospital costs from 1980 through 1989, using data from the American Hospital Association's Annual Survey of Hospitals. It finds that payments covered about 90% of Medicaid hospital costs until 1985, then declined to 78% in 1989. Together, Medicaid shortfalls ($4.2 billion) and unsponsored care ($8.9 billion) accounted for $13.1 billion in unreimbursed hospital costs in 1989. Most of the recent growth in unreimbursed hospital cost incurred in care for the poor is now caused by rising Medicaid shortfalls rather than increases in unsponsored care. While Medicaid shortfalls accounted for about one-fifth of unreimbursed care for the poor in 1980, they accounted for a third in 1989. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Preoperative skeletal versus cutaneous traction for femoral shaft fractures treated within 24 hours.
To compare the advantages and disadvantages of preoperative cutaneous traction versus skeletal traction in adults with diaphyseal femur fractures amenable to fixation within 24 hours. Randomized prospective trial. Level I trauma center in a major metropolitan area. Sixty-five patients with 66 femur fractures were prospectively enrolled and randomized to a traction group from July 2009 to July 2010. Time of application for on call physicians/practitioners, pain relief after application of traction; time of reduction in the operating room theater, and evaluation of pain medication consumption before stabilization. Thirty-seven patients received cutaneous femoral traction, whereas 29 patients received skeletal traction. There was a significant reduction in time of application for the cutaneous traction (24.30 ± 24.74 minutes) compared with skeletal traction (57.10 ± 33.60 minutes) (P ≤ 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in visual analog scale (VAS) scores when compared with pretraction application pain assessment and posttraction pain assessment between the cutaneous and skeletal traction groups with a decrease in the VAS of (0.56 ± 3.73 and 0.54 ± 2.76), respectively (P = 0.99). There was no difference in pain medication requirements between groups (0.12 ± 0.17 mg/kg for cutaneous versus 0.09 ± 0.14 mg/kg for skeletal, P = 0.39). There was no significant difference in reduction time of the fracture (skin incision or opening reamer to guide wire passage) in the operating room between cutaneous traction versus skeletal traction (P = 0.59). Use of cutaneous traction for diaphyseal femur fractures when compared with skeletal traction results in a statistically significant reduction in time of application to the on call practitioner with no complications or detrimental change in operative time and no difference in VAS pain scores or narcotic usage. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pulmonary calcinosis after renal transplantation in pediatric patients.
Pulmonary calcinosis is a recognized complication of renal failure. The resulting pulmonary compromise may be severe or even fatal. The potential contribution of hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and increased calcium-phosphorus product to the development of pulmonary calcinosis has been controversial. We describe four patients (ages 2 1/4 to 18 years) who had severe pulmonary calcinosis and respiratory failure within three to five days after renal transplantation. Initial clinical and roentgenographic findings suggested noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. Marked pulmonary hypertension was present in the two patients in whom pulmonary artery pressure data were available. Other clinical features in common included poor allograft function with persistent uremia requiring dialysis and evidence of moderate to severe secondary hyperparathyroidism. In three of the patients, the calcium-phosphorus product increased markedly after transplantation, to peak values of 122 to 147. This increase occurred at the same time as the onset of respiratory failure. Peak serum calcium levels were 10.0 to 11.0 mg/dL and peak serum phosphorus levels were 9.2 to 13.5 mg/dL. All patients died of respiratory failure five to 58 days after transplantation. The posttransplantation period may be a time of increased risk of potentially fatal pulmonary calcinosis in pediatric renal transplant recipients. The diagnosis should be considered in any patient with respiratory failure of unknown cause following renal transplantation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Sensory Processing in Low-Functioning Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Distinct Sensory Profiles and Their Relationships with Behavioral Dysfunction.
Sensory processing abnormalities are relatively universal in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, and can be very disabling. Surprisingly, very few studies have investigated these abnormalities in low-functioning adults with autism. The goals of the present study were (a) to characterize distinct profiles of sensory dysfunction, and (b) to understand how sensory dysfunction relates to behavioral disorders in this population. Data were collected for a representative sample of inpatients in autism care centers (N = 148) and a non-clinical control group. Results demonstrated that sensory dysfunction (a) is highly prevalent in low-functioning adults with ASD and differentiates at least four sub-profiles of patients, and (b) predicts specific patterns of behavioral disorders. Implications for care are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dronedarone: a novel antiarrhythmic agent for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.
To describe the electrophysiological profile and the clinical portfolio of dronedarone, a new multichannel-blocking antiarrhythmic drug developed for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Dronedarone is a derivative of amiodarone that is free of iodine and less lipophilic. The drug has - as its predecessor - multichannel-blocking efficacy and in addition vasodilating effects. It reduces the incidence of ventricular fibrillation in several experimental models. Dronedarone has undergone thorough clinical evaluation in various patient populations. In two large trials, the drug was shown to postpone the recurrence of atrial fibrillation after cardioversion relative to placebo. In a trial in unstable heart failure patients, there was excess mortality in the dronedarone arm. This trial was stopped prematurely and prompted the conduct of a large outcome study. The ATHENA trial demonstrated a significant reduction in cardiovascular hospitalizations and death in atrial fibrillation patients randomly assigned to receive dronedarone or placebo. This large trial in more than 4600 patients revealed no signs of excess mortality or morbidity in patients receiving dronedarone. On the basis of the results of five international, multicenter, randomized clinical trials involving nearly 6300 patients, dronedarone was approved by the FDA for treatment of nonpermanent atrial fibrillation to reduce the risk of cardiovascular hospitalization. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Monitoring tsetse fly populations. I. The intrinsic variability of trap catches of Glossina pallidipes at Nguruman, Kenya.
During 1986 the tsetse fly Glossina pallidipes Austen was monitored daily at Nguruman, southwestern Kenya, using three unbaited biconical traps. This was done to investigate the nature and causes of daily variation in trap catches. The variability of the observed catches was compared to a model which includes the trapping probability and the stochastic variation in the sex-ratio. By comparing the catches of male and female flies we are able to establish the sampling distribution of the trap catches. In addition to seasonal changes in the trap catches, day-to-day variations are observed and these are considered greater than the variation arising from the stochastic nature of the sampling process. Recommendations are made in relation to sampling tsetse fly populations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Postoperative respiratory complications in non-idiopathic scoliosis.
The medical records of 303 patients undergoing fusions for scoliosis correction were retrospectively reviewed. The frequency and type of postoperative respiratory complications were compared in idiopathic versus non-idiopathic scoliosis patients in relation to age, type of spinal fusion procedure, pulmonary function test (PFT) results and preoperative diagnoses. The following factors were found to increase the incidence of problems in the postoperative period: a non-idiopathic type of scoliosis, mental retardation, anterior spinal fusion procedures, age of 20 or more years, a relative arterial hypoxemia and an obstructive component to the PFT's. Topics for further investigation are suggested. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Self-assessment of alcohol consumption as a health-education strategy in nursing students.
In the field of preventive activities, early identification of excessive alcohol consumption is essential. The simplicity of existing instruments for detecting hazardous drinking makes for ready assimilation in university students. To ascertain nursing students' level of knowledge about alcohol prevention activities and assess their skills, acquired through self-assessment of their own alcohol consumption, in managing tools designed to detect hazardous drinkers. Before and after intervention study. We assessed 1060 nursing students and ascertained their level of knowledge about excessive alcohol consumption. Following an educational intervention in which students were taught to use the recommended screening instruments in clinical practice through self-assessment of their own consumption (Systematic Interview of Alcohol Consumption and Alcohol Use Disorders Inventory Test), we tested the skills acquired in detecting hazardous drinkers and their knowledge of alcohol prevention activities. Initially, the concept of hazardous drinker was known by only 24.1% of students and the method of quantifying alcohol consumption by only 3.1%. The prevalence of hazardous drinkers was 17.9% (95% CI: 15.5-20.3). After the educational intervention, 95.8% of students stated that they understood the concept of hazardous drinker and 92.5% stated that they understood how to quantify alcohol consumption, with these proportions being significantly higher than those obtained at baseline (p<0.001). When asked about the intervention's usefulness, 91.3% viewed it favourably. By using a simple educational intervention, nursing students can improve their knowledge and skill detection of hazardous drinkers and quantification of alcohol consumption. These concepts allow for students to be satisfactorily introduced into the prevention activities during their university education. After assessing their own consumption, a considerable proportion of students realise that they are indulging in excessive alcohol consumption, which could in turn make for greater awareness of the problem among future health professionals. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Doctors' perceptions of how resource limitations relate to futility in end-of-life decision making: a qualitative analysis.
To increase knowledge of how doctors perceive futile treatments and scarcity of resources at the end of life. In particular, their perceptions about whether and how resource limitations influence end-of-life decision making. This study builds on previous work that found some doctors include resource limitations in their understanding of the concept of futility. Three tertiary hospitals in metropolitan Brisbane, Australia. Qualitative study using in-depth, semistructured, face-to-face interviews. Ninety-six doctors were interviewed in 11 medical specialties. Transcripts of the interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Doctors' perceptions of whether resource limitations were relevant to their practice varied, and doctors were more comfortable with explicit rather than implicit rationing. Several doctors incorporated resource limitations into their definition of futility. For some, availability of resources was one factor of many in assessing futility, secondary to patient considerations, but a few doctors indicated that the concept of futility concealed rationing. Doctors experienced moral distress due to the resource implications of providing futile treatment and the lack of administrative supports for bedside rationing. Doctors' ability to distinguish between futility and rationing would be enhanced through regulatory support for explicit rationing and strategies to support doctors' role in rationing at the bedside. Medical policies should address the distinction between resource limitations and futility to promote legitimacy in end-of-life decision making. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dichlorvos and the cholinergic system: effects on cholinesterase and acetylcholine and choline contents of rat tissues.
The inhibition of cholinesterase by 50 mg/kg/5 ml, p.o., dichlorvos and subsequent recovery of enzyme activity was uniform in all brain regions studied. This uniformity was not observed in liver, erythrocytes and plasma. Acetylcholine levels were elevated in brain areas from 48 to 171% at 15 minutes after treatment. However, a biphasic effect was seen on choline metabolism in the brain. The cortex was found to be more cholinergic than the striatum in terms of per cent increase in acetylcholine and choline. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A new high molecular weight agglutinin from garlic (Allium sativum).
Erythrocyte agglutination by lectins from Allium sativum was inhibited only by mannose of the sugars tested. However, asialofetuin was more effective inhibitor of agglutination as compared to mannose. This led to the use of an asialofetuin-silica affinity column to isolate agglutinins of 110 and 25 kDa (ASA110 and ASA25). While ASA25 is a dimeric protein comprising of subunits of 12.5 and 13.0 kDa, ASA110 is a glycoprotein of two identical subunits of 47 kDa. ASA110 revealed to have a high content of aspartic acid, glycine, leucine and serine but low content of cysteine and methionine. It contains 14 residues of neutral sugars in addition to 43 residues of hexosamines per mole of lectin and requires metal ions for its functional conformation. Serological cross-reactions with other species showed some common epitopes of ASA110 and ASA25 present in A. porrum, A. ascalonicum, Narcissus alba, PHA and Con A but not in A. cepa. ASA110 with CHO cells indicated it to be weakly cytotoxic with LD50 of 160 microg/ml. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clustered Low-Rank Tensor Format: Introduction and Application to Fast Construction of Hartree-Fock Exchange.
We describe the clustered low-rank (CLR) framework for block-sparse and block-low-rank tensor representation and computation. The CLR framework exploits the tensor structure revealed by basis clustering; computational savings arise from low-rank compression of tensor blocks and performing block arithmetic in the low-rank form whenever beneficial. The precision is rigorously controlled by two parameters, avoiding ad-hoc heuristics, such as domains: one controls the CLR block rank truncation, and the other controls screening of small contributions in arithmetic operations on CLR tensors to propagate sparsity through expressions. As these parameters approach zero, the CLR representation and arithmetic become exact. As a pilot application, we considered the use of the CLR format for the order-2 and order-3 tensors in the context of the density fitting (DF) evaluation of the Hartree-Fock (exact) exchange (DF-K). Even for small systems and realistic basis sets, CLR-DF-K becomes more efficient than the standard DF-K approach, and it has significantly reduced asymptotic storage and computational complexities relative to the standard [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] DF-K figures. CLR-DF-K is also significantly more efficient-all while negligibly affecting molecular energies and properties-than the conventional (non-DF) [Formula: see text] exchange algorithm for applications to medium-sized systems (on the order of 100 atoms) with diffuse Gaussian basis sets, a necessity for applications to negatively charged species, molecular properties, and high-accuracy correlated wave functions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Development and Performance Evaluation of a Supermicron Particle Generation System for Aerosol Instrument Calibration].
Accurate calibration of aerosol measurement instruments is critical for ensuring the data quality when sampling ambient particulate matter (PM) or those from emission sources. A system for calibrating these instruments was set up, which included an ultrasonic device to generate polydisperse supermicron particles, a chamber, and an aerodynamic particle spectrometer to measure particle size distribution. We verified its performance in stably generated testing aerosol with good spatial uniformity, controlled size distributions and concentrations. The testing aerosol generated had a lognormal distribution. A PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ two-stage virtual impactor was calibrated using this online method. Collection efficiencies of PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ stages calibrated by an off-line method using monodisperse particles were also used for comparison. The results from two different methods were consistent with each other. Though the off-line method has been widely used to calibrate PM samplers, it suffers from long experimental duration (2-3 days for calibrating one sampler). In contrast, the online method allows for a rapid calibration (less than half a day for calibrating one sampler). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Factors distinguishing homosexual males practicing risky and safer sex.
A longitudinal study of patterns of sexual behavior among asymptomatic, homosexual males in New York City was conducted. Participants were interviewed at two time points, 6 months apart. Based on their reports of sexual behavior during a recent 'typical' month, respondents were classified at each time point as engaging in safer (or low-risk) sexual practices versus high-risk sexual behaviors. Discriminant analysis was employed to distinguish the 53 males classified as risky at both time 1 and time 2 from the 47 males classified as safer in both periods. Statistically significant discrimination was achieved with 10 psychosocial predictor variables, four of which were significant while controlling for all other variables in the model. Of these predictors, drug use within sexual contexts was particularly noteworthy, since it provided the greatest relative contribution to the discriminant function and appears to be an important candidate for educational intervention. Other significant variables included perceived adequacy of emotional support, number of years engaged in regular sexual intercourse with other males, and perceived difficulty in modifying sexual behavior. Self-esteem and alcohol consumption approached significance. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Chloroheptakis(dimethyl sulfoxide)uranium(IV) trichloride.
In the title complex, [UCl(C(2)H(6)OS)(7)]Cl(3), the uranium metal center is coordinated in a distorted bicapped trigonal prism geometry by seven O atoms from dimethyl sulfoxide ligands and by a terminal chloride ligand. Charge balance is maintained by three outer-sphere chloride ions per uranium(IV) metal center. Principle bond lengths include U-O 2.391 (2)-2.315 (2) A, U-Cl 2.7207 (9) A, and average S-O 1.540 (5) A. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Involvement of the peripheral nervous system in temporal arteritis-polymyalgia rheumatica. Report of 3 cases and review of the literature.
Involvement of the peripheral nervous system is very uncommon in the temporal arteritis-polymyalgia rheumatica syndrome. Three different presentations of the involvement can be recognized: mononeuropathy, polyneuropathy and brachial neuropathy--C-5 radiculopathy. We report 3 patients in whom peripheral nerve symptomatology dominated the clinical picture of the disease, and review 20 previously published cases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The diagnostic value of the intelligence quotient in learning disabilities].
In 1983-88 period, 206 subjects with a average age of 9 years and 6 months, referred [correction of envoied] to our service for learning disabilities, have been submitted to neuropsychiatric visit with a psychometric evaluation, I.Q. included, by which a neuropsychological diagnosis has been expressed. The distribution curves of I.Q. of different diagnostic groups (neurosis, psychosis, specific learning disability with and without sociocultural deprivation, central neuromotor damage, psychomotor delay, Down syndrome, mental retardation) have been examined. The analysis shows that only subjects with central neuromotor damage, psychomotor delay, Down syndrome, mental retardation have an I.Q. less than or equal to 70. The anamnesis and clinical evaluation consent to assert an "organic" etiopathogenesis in 9 of 20 subjects with mental retardation. Therefore for diagnostic evaluation of children with learning disabilities seems useful to perform always an I.Q. and, when I.Q. less than or equal to 70, to execute an instrumental examination to exclude an "organic" etiopathogenesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Three cases with low levels of serum copper due to long-term enteral nutrition].
Three bed-ridden patients who had had only one kind of enteral nutrition without sufficient copper element during a few years showed very low levels of serum copper. Two of them also had leukopenia. The abnormal findings disappeared after the feeding nutrients rich in copper element. The leukopenia may have been due to copper deficiency rather than zinc deficiency. We confirmed that long-term parenteral nutrition must contain trace elements, for example copper. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Treatment patterns of biologics in US patients with ankylosing spondylitis: descriptive analyses from a claims database.
Examine treatment patterns among patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) treated with a TNF inhibitor (TNFi). Patients with AS who initiated a TNFi between 1 January 2013, and 31 January 2015, were identified in the Optum Research Database. Outcomes included adherence, persistence, discontinuation and therapy modifications of the index TNFi during 12-month follow-up. Of the 426 patients included, 40.6% persisted on the index TNFi for ≥12 months, 31.0% discontinued, 21.4% switched to a different TNFi, and 7.0% discontinued and then restarted. Of the 333 patients who persisted on their TNFi for >90 days, 44.7% received ≥1 add-on medication. A high proportion of patients with AS switched, discontinued or modified their TNFi therapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and glycerol, hydroxyl radical scavengers, impair platelet aggregation within and eliminate the accompanying vasodilation of, injured mouse pial arterioles.
The hydroxyl radical scavengers dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and glycerol were effective inhibitors of platelet aggregation in an in vivo mouse model of pial arteriolar injury. Aggregability was expressed in terms of the time required for a noxious stimulus (light + dye) to initiate aggregation. These drugs, given 1 hour before the injury, also eliminated the dilation which accompanied the damage. The same drugs failed to influence the constriction which accompanied an identical injury to mouse mesenteric arterioles, but again impaired platelet aggregation in the damaged mesenteric vessel. The data support the concept recently introduced by others, that, in the brain, hydroxyl radicals may mediate vascular damage and/or dilation accompanying the damage. The data also support the concept platelet aggregation may be stimulated, directly or indirectly, by hydroxyl radical. The effects of DMSO and glycerol in this study, irrespective of the molecular basis for the effects, may be relevant to the reported therapeutic benefit of these agents in cerebrovascular disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Weak hydrogen bonding motifs of ethylamino neurotransmitter radical cations in a hydrophobic environment: infrared spectra of tryptamine(+)-(N2)n clusters (n ≤ 6).
Size-selected clusters of the tryptamine cation with N2 ligands, TRA(+)-(N2)n with n = 1-6, are investigated by infrared photodissociation (IRPD) spectroscopy in the hydride stretch range and quantum chemical calculations at the ωB97X-D/cc-pVTZ level to characterize the microsolvation of this prototypical aromatic ethylamino neurotransmitter radical cation in a nonpolar solvent. Two types of structural isomers exhibiting different interaction motifs are identified for the TRA(+)-N2 dimer, namely the TRA(+)-N2(H) global minimum, in which N2 forms a linear hydrogen bond (H-bond) to the indolic NH group, and the less stable TRA(+)-N2(π) local minima, in which N2 binds to the aromatic π electron system of the indolic pyrrole ring. The IRPD spectrum of TRA(+)-(N2)2 is consistent with contributions from two structural H-bound isomers with similar calculated stabilization energies. The first isomer, denoted as TRA(+)-(N2)2(2H), exhibits an asymmetric bifurcated planar H-bonding motif, in which both N2 ligands are attached to the indolic NH group in the aromatic plane via H-bonding and charge-quadrupole interactions. The second isomer, denoted as TRA(+)-(N2)2(H/π), has a single and nearly linear H-bond of the first N2 ligand to the indolic NH group, whereas the second ligand is π-bonded to the pyrrole ring. The natural bond orbital analysis of TRA(+)-(N2)2 reveals that the total stability of these types of clusters is not only controlled by the local H-bond strengths between the indolic NH group and the N2 ligands but also by a subtle balance between various contributing intermolecular interactions, including local H-bonds, charge-quadrupole and induction interactions, dispersion, and exchange repulsion. The systematic spectral shifts as a function of cluster size suggest that the larger TRA(+)-(N2)n clusters with n = 3-6 are composed of the strongly bound TRA(+)-(N2)2(2H) core ion to which further N2 ligands are weakly attached to either the π electron system or the indolic NH proton by stacking and charge-quadrupole forces. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of the AT1 receptor blocker candesartan on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in isolated rat hearts.
We sought to investigate the effects of the angiotension II receptor blocker candesartan on ischemia-reperfusion injury using a cardioplegia arrested isolated rat heart model. Ischemia-reperfusion injury was induced in isolated rat hearts with 40 minutes of global ischemia followed by a 30-minute reperfusion protocol. Throughout the experiment, constant pressure perfusion was achieved using a Langendorff apparatus. Cardioplegic solution alone, and in combination with candesartan, was administered before ischemia and 20 minutes after ischemia. Post-ischemic recovery of contractile function, left ventricular developed pressure, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and contraction and relaxation rates were evaluated. In the control group, left ventricular developed pressure, rate pressure product, contraction and relaxation rates and coronary flow significantly decreased but coronary resistance increased following reperfusion. With the administration of candesartan alone, parameters did not differ compared to controls. Contractile parameters improved in the group that received candesartan in combination with the cardioplegia compared to the group that received cardioplegia alone; however, the difference between these two groups was insignificant. In this study, the addition of candesartan to a cardioplegic arrest protocol routinely performed during cardiac surgery did not provide a significant advantage in protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury compared with the administration of cardioplegic solution alone. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neurocognitive processing of body representations in artistic and photographic images.
Visual art because of its artistic context can be related to the general idea of providing alternative perceptual experiences. However, research examining the neural basis of art beyond the paradigm of beauty has been neglected. This study seeks to determine how the perception of a body in an artwork can be distinguished from the perception of a body in a non-artistic photography. While viewing different body representations in both artworks and photographs, subjects were required to evaluate the appeal of the portrayed persons. By using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) we show that the perception of a body within the context of art leads to a higher activation in the right parietal cortex and the extrastriate cortex bilaterally. Relating this result to concepts from previous research, we suggest that the perception of art is linked to visuo-spatial coding and also motor mapping. In contrast, the higher activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and the primary visual cortex during the perception of a body in a non-artistic frame of reference, i.e. in a photograph, can be linked to processes of person evaluation. Possibly, the task to judge the appeal of a person in a photograph might be more daunting and, thus, cause emotional and even moral challenges being reflected in the ventromedial prefrontal activity. Taken together, perceptual experiences within an artistic vs. a non-artistic frame of reference are based on distinct patterns of neuronal activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Prevalence and risk factors of social anxiety disorder in high schools and universities in Chengdu].
To explore the prevalence and risk factors of social anxiety disorder (SAD) in high schools and universities in Chengdu. 2279 students in Chengdu sampled by optimum distributing delaminating grouping method were interviewed one-to-one by the trained psychiatrists according to SCID. Both the cooperated SAD patients (n=156) and the normal counterparts (NC, n=156) in the 2279 students completed Egma Minnen av Bardndosnauppforstran (EMBU), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Form Y), Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (FNE) and Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ). There were 179 SAD patients, 88 female ones and 91 male ones, in the 2279 students of the high schools and universities in Chengdu. Statistical analysis reveals that the SAD patients differ from the NC in seven aspects, i.e. growing circumstances (P = 0.049), family economical status(P = 0.000), family history of psychiatric disorder, scales of EMBU,STAI, FNE and DSQ. The total prevalence of SAD in the students of high schools and universities in Chengdu was 8.15%, the female prevalence 8.35%, and the male prevalence 7.62%. The possible risk factors were: growing up in the countryside, low family economic state, parental rearing pattern being deficient in emotional warmth, understanding, trust and encouragement but excessive in refuse, denial and overprotection, having anxiety trait, feeling fear of negative evaluation, more likely to use neurotic and immature defense mechanism while less likely to use mature defense mechanism, having positive family mental disorder history. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Personal resources, coping self-efficacy, and quake exposure as predictors of psychological distress following the 1999 earthquake in Turkey.
This study examined the predictive power of personal resources (i.e., self-esteem, optimism, and perceived control), severity of earthquake experience (i.e., material and human loss and perceived threat), and coping self-efficacy (CSE) on general distress, intrusion, and avoidance symptoms among the survivors of the 1999 Marmara earthquake in Turkey. Specifically, we expected that CSE would mediate the links between personal resources, severity of earthquake experience, and distress. Survivors (N = 336) filled out various measures of earthquake exposure, personal resources, CSE, and distress. Results of the path analyses indicated that personal resources, earthquake experiences, CSE, and gender have direct effects on intrusion and general distress. Personal resources had also an indirect effect on general distress mediated by CSE. Findings were discussed considering the implications for conservation of resources model and social cognitive theory as well as for interventions following natural disasters. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Subtractive hybridisation screen identifies genes regulated by glucose deprivation in human neuroblastoma cells.
Glucose is the major source of energy for the brain and inadequate glucose supply causes damage of neuronal cells. In this study we employed the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y, as an in vitro model for neuronal cells, to identify genes regulated by glucose deprivation. Using subtractive hybridisation screen, validated by Northern analysis, we identify for the first time specific targets of the glucopenic response. These genes are involved in key cellular process including gene transcription, protein synthesis, mitochondrial metabolism, neuronal development, neuroprotection and neuronal apoptosis. Our findings suggest that the fate of neuronal cells undergoing glucose starvation relies on complex gene interactions. Modulation of the expression of these genes in vivo will enable determination of the precise role of each gene and possibly identify key elements and potential therapeutic targets of the glucopenic response. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Impact of Mitral Annular Calcium on Outcomes after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.
A high prevalence of mitral annular calcium (MAC) is expected in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI); however, data regarding the prevalence of MAC and impact on risk of cardiovascular events are lacking. To determine the prevalence of MAC and its association with clinical outcomes in patients undergoing TAVI, we retrospectively analyzed 424 patients who underwent transfemoral TAVI from 2007 to 2015 and whose preoperative computed tomography images were available for assessment of MAC. Severe circumferential MAC (SC-MAC) was defined as calcification involving at least the whole posterior annulus alone or with the attachment of the anterior leaflet. Clinical outcomes were examined according to Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 criteria up to 2 years. SC-MAC was found in 17.7% of patients. Patients with SC-MAC were more likely to be female, with a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation and peripheral artery disease. There were no differences between the groups regarding age, functional class, prevalence of diabetes, kidney disease, and operative risk. Female gender and peripheral artery disease were independent predictors of SC-MAC. SC-MAC did not appear to be associated with periprocedural and 30-day outcomes. At 2 years' follow-up, patients with SC-MAC had significantly higher cardiovascular and all-cause mortality rates. SC-MAC was an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality during follow-up. In conclusion, SC-MAC is a frequent finding in the TAVI population and appears to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality at 2 years' follow-up. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Notch1 mediates postnatal neurogenesis in hippocampus enhanced by intermittent hypoxia.
Notch1 is a transcription factor on the membrane and regulates various stages of neurogenesis. Recently, studies have shown that in vitro neurogenesis is enhanced by hypoxia, and there is cross-coupling between Notch and hypoxia signaling pathways in vitro. However, to date, no data have reported whether Notch1 can be regulated by hypoxia in vivo and mediates hypoxia-induced neurogenesis. To determine causative links between Notch1, neurogenesis and hypoxia, we examined multiple steps of hippocampal neurogenesis followed intermittent hypoxia (IH) in wild type (WT) and Notch1 heterozygous deficient (N+/-) mice. We found that IH increased NSC proliferation, newborn neuron survival and migration, and spine morphogenesis in dentate gyrus of hippocampus, as well as neurogenesis in olfactory bulb in WT mice. However, IH-enhanced neurogenesis was inhibited in N+/- mice. It was shown that Notch1 signaling was activated following IH in WT mice, but not in N+/- mice. Our data indicated that IH, as a novel external stimulus, enhances neurogenesis at multiple stages and that Notch1 is activated by hypoxia in vivo and required for hypoxia-induced neurogenesis. These results suggest IH as a novel therapeutic strategy for degenerative neurological disorders and provide evidence for causative links between Notch1, neurogenesis and hypoxia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pericentric inversion and partial monosomy 4q associated with congenital anomalies.
A case of complex structural rearrangement of chromosome 4 identified by R-banding as 46,XX,del(4),inv(4)(pter leads to 16::q24 leads to p16::q32 leads to qter) is reported in an infant with congenital anomalies and psychomotor retardation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Metabolomic Profiling to Identify Molecular Biomarkers of Cellular Response to Methotrexate In Vitro.
Variation in methotrexate (MTX) efficacy represents a significant barrier to early and effective disease control in the treatment of autoimmune arthritis. We hypothesize that the utilization of metabolomic techniques will allow for an improved understanding of the biochemical basis for the pharmacological activity of MTX, and can promote the identification and evaluation of novel molecular biomarkers of MTX response. In this work, erythroblastoid cells were exposed to MTX at the physiologic concentration of 1,000 nM and analyzed using three metabolomic platforms to give a broad spectrum of cellular metabolites. MTX pharmacological activity, defined as cellular growth inhibition, was associated with an altered cellular metabolomic profile based on the analysis of 724 identified metabolites. By discriminant analysis, MTX treatment was associated with increases in ketoisovaleric acid, fructose, galactose, and 2-deoxycytidine, and corresponding reductions in 2-deoxyuridine, phosphatidylinositol 32:0, orotic acid, and inosine monophosphate. Inclusion of data from analysis of folate metabolism in combination with chemometric and metabolic network analysis demonstrated that MTX treatment is associated with dysregulated folate metabolism and nucleotide biosynthesis, which is in line with its known mechanism of action. However, MTX treatment was also associated with alterations in a diversity of metabolites, including intermediates of amino acid, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism. Collectively, these findings support a robust metabolic response following exposure to physiologic concentrations of MTX. They also identify various metabolic intermediates that are associated with the pharmacological activity of MTX, and are, therefore, potential molecular biomarker candidates in future preclinical and clinical studies of MTX efficacy in autoimmune arthritis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Generation of antimelanoma cytotoxic T lymphocytes from healthy donors after presentation of melanoma-associated antigen-derived epitopes by dendritic cells in vitro.
MHC class I-restricted CTLs specific for antigens expressed by malignant cells are an important component of immune responses against human cancer. Recently, in melanoma a number of melanocyte differentiation antigens have been identified as potential tumor rejection antigens. In the present study, we show that by applying peptide-loaded dendritic cells, induced by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin 4 from peripheral blood monocytes of healthy donors, we were able to elicit melanoma-associated antigen-specific CTL in vitro. We demonstrate the induction of CTLs directed against HLA-A2.1 presented epitopes derived from tyrosinase, gp100, and Melan A/MART-1. Apart from lysis of peptide-loaded target cells, these CTLs displayed reactivity with HLA-A2.1+ melanoma tumor cell lines and cultured normal melanocytes endogenously expressing the target antigen. These data indicate that these CTLs recognize naturally processed and presented epitopes and that precursor CTLs against melanocyte differentiation antigens are present in healthy individuals. The ability to generate tumor-specific CTLs in vitro, using granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor/interleukin 4-induced dendritic cells, illustrates the potential use of this type of antigen-presenting cells for vaccination protocols in human cancer. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Technetium-99m labelling of the anti-tumour antibody PR1A3 by photoactivation.
Irradiation of antibody with ultraviolet light leads to reduction of disulphide bonds. Thus irradiation can be used to generate free thiols prior to direct labelling of antibody with technetium-99m, and has a potential advantage over methods using chemical reducing agents such as mercaptoethanol or tin, in that no purification step is needed to remove excess reducing agent. We have used the photoactivation method developed by Sykes et al. to label the anti-tumour antibody PR1A3 with 99mTc. The antibody was irradiated at 300 nm using a Rayonet photochemical reactor with eight RMR3000 lamps. In a typical experiment, the antibody solution was injected into a nitrogen-filled borosilicate glass vial and purged with nitrogen. A degassed solution containing stannous fluoride and methylene diphosphonate was then added to the antibody and the vial was irradiated. Following the irradiation, [99mTc]pertechnetate was injected into the vial and the reaction mixture was incubated for 30 min at room temperature before being analysed by size-exclusion high-pressure liquid chromatography and instant thin-layer chromatography. Labelling yields greater than 95% were obtained using antibody concentrations ranging from 0.5mg/ml to 5mg/ml. Irradiation times as short as 5 min and tin to antibody ratios in the range between 11 and 32 microg tin per mg antibody gave high labelling yields. Labelling yields greater than 95% were obtained after storage of the photoactivated antibody at -70 degrees C for several weeks. The stability of the 99mTc-labelled photoactivated PR1A3 was similar to that of 99mTc-labelled mercaptoethanol-reduced PR1A3. The mean immunoreactive fraction was 77% for the photoactivation-labelled PR1A3, compared to 93% for PR1A3 labelled by mercaptoethanol reduction. Biodistribution studies were carried out using 99mTc-photoactivation-labelled PR1A3 or PR1A3 labelled by mercaptoethanol reduction in Balb/c mice and in nude mice with MKN-45 human tumour xenografts. There was no significant difference in tumour uptake between the mice that received photoactivated PR1A3 and those that received mercaptoethanol-reduced PR1A3. There was also no significant difference in uptake in most organs in Balb/c mice; however, the photoactivated antibody cleared more rapidly from the blood, and whole-body clearance was also faster for the photoactivated PR1A3. In conclusion, the photoactivation technique provides a very convenient "one-pot" method for labelling antibodies with 99mTc. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Helicobacter pylori resistance to current therapies.
Helicobacter pylori eradication rates have fallen in recent years, mainly because of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant infections. Indeed the WHO has recently designated clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori infection a high priority for antibiotic resistance research and development. This review aims to discuss the most up-to-date information on the methods to detect H. pylori antibiotic resistance, the recent data on resistance rates, and the most appropriate treatment strategies to overcome antibiotic resistance. There has been active research into the development and assessment of genotypic diagnostic assays for both the invasive and noninvasive detection of antibiotic-resistant infection. There are regional variations in the prevalence of H. pylori antibiotic resistance. Primary resistance rates in general are on the rise and high rates of clarithromycin resistance (>15%) have been reported in many parts of the world. Optimizing antimicrobial susceptibility testing by both invasive and noninvasive means is crucial to accurately evaluate resistance rates for the optimization of both regional and personalized H. pylori treatment strategies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neuropathology of the brain in HIV infection.
The brains of 26 patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were examined post mortem. All patients were men, aged 20-67 years (mean 38.8). 13 (50%) were homosexual, 3 (12%) were bisexual, 8 (31%) were haemophiliac, 1 was both an intravenous drug addict and homosexual, and 1 denied belonging to any risk group. Only 3 (12%) brains were normal, whereas 23 (88%) showed abnormalities that varied in severity and complexity. 11 were affected by more than one disease. In addition to neoplasms, opportunistic infections, and vascular lesions, 6 cases of HIV encephalitis were found, characterised by multinucleate giant cells which indicate the presence of HIV. Microglial-macrophage nodules (nodular encephalitis) occurred in 5 cases. Cerebral pathology differed between risk groups: all 6 patients with HIV encephalitis were homosexuals, whereas vascular lesions were more common in haemophiliacs. These observations have fundamental implications for clinical practice and indicate the importance of neuropathological examination in AIDS. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The scopolamine model of dementia: determination of central cholinomimetic effects of physostigmine on cognition and biochemical markers in man.
Administration of the muscarinic antagonist scopolamine has been proposed as a pharmacological model for Alzheimer's disease. We have attempted to characterize the cognitive deficits produced by the administration of scopolamine (0.2 and 0.4 mg intra muscularly) to normal volunteers. We have also demonstrated reversal of these deficits by the cholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine (1.2 mg intramuscularly). Physostigmine also elevated subjects' plasma ACTH levels, a marker of central cholinergic activity. In the cognitive study, we found that scopolamine impaired subjects' performance on verbal learning, spatial learning and choice reaction time. These changes were associated with subjective sedation as measured by analogue rating scales. Physostigmine attenuated the impairment in verbal learning and reduced subjective sedation. In the biochemical study we examined the effects of the same drug regimes on plasma ACTH levels. Physostigmine administered with a peripherally active cholinergic antagonist (glycopyrrolate 0.2 mg intramuscularly) produced a rise in ACTH level which reached a peak 30 min after drug administration. Such a rise was not apparent when the physostigmine was coadministered with scopolamine. These results suggest that cognitive and neuroendocrine indices of central cholinergic activity such as these may be useful in determining the effectiveness of potential new therapeutic agents for Alzheimer's disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pharmacology and biochemistry undergraduate students' concern for a healthy diet and nutrition knowledge.
To estimate the concern for a healthy diet and the nutrition knowledge of undergraduate students of a pharmacology and biochemistry program and their associations with the variables of interest. This cross-sectional study administered the Nutrition Knowledge Scale and the How is your diet? questionnaire to 381 students. The associations between concern for a healthy diet and nutrition knowledge and between these two factors and the demographic variables were measured by the chi-square test (χ2) or Fisher's exact test. The significance level was set at 5%. The mean age of the students was 20.6 (standard deviation [SD] = 2.7) years; 78.2% were female students; their mean body mass index was 22.6 (SD = 3.7) kg/m²; and 73.5% had an appropriate body mass index-related nutritional status. Most students fell within the category "pay attention to your diet" (77.1%) and "moderate nutrition knowledge" (79.7%). Concern for a healthy diet was significantly associated with program year (p = 0.024), socioeconomic class (p = 0.012), and physical activity (p <0.001). Nutrition knowledge was associated only with program year (p < 0.001). Concern for a healthy diet was not associated with nutrition knowledge (p = 0.808). Physically inactive, first-year students from socioeconomic class B (US$ 1,046 - 1,872) were less concerned with a healthy diet. Such concern was not related to the students' nutrition knowledge. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Adsorption of arginine-glycine-aspartate tripeptide onto negatively charged rutile (110) mediated by cations: the effect of surface hydroxylation.
Classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to investigate the adsorption behaviors of arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) tripeptide onto the negatively charged hydroxylated/nonhydroxylated rutile (110) surfaces, mediated by biologically important cations (Na+ or Ca2+). The simulation results indicate that the inherent nature of the cation determines its binding strength, thereby regulating the adsorption geometry of the peptide. The sparse hydroxyl groups on the nonhydroxylated rutile diminish the probability of H-bond formation between RGD and the surface, resulting in an early desorption of the peptide even with a mediating Na+ ion. In contrast, the negatively charged aspartate (Asp) side chain is bridged to the negatively charged hydroxylated rutile by an inner-sphere Na+ ion, in coordination with the Asp-rutile hydrogen bonds at the anchoring sites. The inner- and outer-sphere Ca2+ ions are demonstrated to be capable of "trapping" RGD on both hydroxylated and nonhydroxylated rutile, in the absence of hydrogen bonds with the surface. The strongly bound inner-sphere mediating Ca2+ ion exerts a "gluing" effect on the Asp side chain, producing a tightly packed RGD-rutile complex, whereas a less localized distribution density of the outer-sphere mediating Ca2+ ion results in a higher mobility of the Asp side chain. The intramolecular interaction is suggested to facilitate the structural stability of RGD adsorbed on the negative rutile in a "horseshoe" configuration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Isolation of bacteria which produce yeast cell wall-lytic enzymes and their characterization.
To isolate bacteria capable of producing enzymes that lyse cell wall, we screened soil samples from Rokko Mountain where is situated in west Japan. The isolated strains KH1, KH2 and KH3 that secrete yeast cell wall lytic enzymes are described herein. The activity of the enzymes, after isolation from culture supernatants, were examined. The lytic enzyme produced by strain KH3 was the most active in both cell wall degradation and beta-1,3 glucanase activity in comparison with commercially available enzymes. This enzyme also had the highest thermo- and pH-stability. On the baisis of partial 16S rDNA sequence analyses, KH1 and KH3 were identified as Cellulosimicrobium sp. and KH2 as Bacillus sp. KH3 was tested by DNA-DNA hybridization and GC content in an attempt to precisely classify it, because the 16S rDNA sequence similarities to other strains were very high at 99.4%. These chemotaxonomic experiments indicate that KH3 belongs to Cellulosimicrobium cellulans. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Foundations of invasion genetics: the Baker and Stebbins legacy.
Invasion genetics is a relatively new discipline that investigates patterns of genetic variation in populations of invasive species and their ecological and evolutionary consequences. Evolutionary biologists have a long-standing interest in colonizing species, owing to their short life cycles and widespread distributions, but not until publication of The Genetics of Colonizing Species (1965), edited by H.G. Baker and G.L. Stebbins, was a synthesis on the genetics and evolution of colonizers available. Here, I make the case that the Baker and Stebbins volume is the foundational document for invasion genetics, and in conjunction with the increased use of genetic markers and development of invasion biology, resulted in the birth of this new field over the past two decades. I consider the historical origins and legacy of the Baker and Stebbins volume and review some of the key issues that were addressed. I provide biographical sketches of the two editors, emphasizing their contrasting backgrounds and personalities. I review examples from my own work on plant invasions that are relevant to issues discussed by contributors to the volume. These include the following: determinants of invasion success, life history trade-offs, generalist vs. specialist strategies, general-purpose genotypes, adaptive phenotypic plasticity, mating systems and the influence of bottlenecks on genetic variation. I conclude by posing several key questions in invasion genetics and argue that one of the main challenges that the area faces is to integrate experimental field studies of the ecology and demography of populations with the largely descriptive approaches that have tended to dominate most research to date. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Freeze fracture and numerical analyses of the spiral ganglion cells.
The freeze-fracture technique was used to study the spiral ganglion cell population in the adult mouse. The majority of the ganglion cells (type I) had a smooth cell surface. Interspersed among these first ganglion cells, a small number of other ganglion cells (type II) showed considerable membrane specializations and were morphologically reminiscent of nerve terminals previously described only in human temporal bones. Calculations of the number of the two types of spiral ganglion cells in sectioned material showed that the adult mouse spiral ganglion comprises of 3%-4% unmyelinated type II ganglion cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Long pulse H- beam extraction with a rf driven ion source on a high power level.
IPP Garching is investigating the applicability of rf driven negative ion sources for the neutral beam injection of International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor. The setup of the tested source was improved to enable long pulses up to 100 kW rf power. The efficiency of negative ion production decreases at high power. The extracted H(-) currents as well as the symmetry of the plasma density close to the plasma grid and of the beam divergence depend on the magnetic filter field. The pulse duration is limited by the increase in coextracted electrons, which depends on the rf power and the caesium conditions on the plasma grid. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A qualitative review of housing hazard assessment protocols in the United States.
While the general link between substandard housing and poor health has received increased attention recently, there are currently no widely accepted standardized protocols to assess and remediate multiple housing-related health hazards. This paper compares several protocols that assess housing health hazards, including the Hazard Assessment and Reduction Program, the American Healthy Homes Survey, the Public Housing Assessment System, the Housing Quality Standards, the American Housing Survey, the Community Environmental Health Resource Center protocol, and the National Energy Audit Tool. The comparison shows considerable variability across the protocols, particularly in the collection of environmental samples or measurements. This may be due in part to differing end uses, as well as the fact that the intersection of housing and health issues is not clearly in the domain of either profession. Housing professionals typically focus on durability and affordability, while environmental health professionals are frequently focused on specific disease or injury vectors, not on place-based interventions. Validation studies at both the national and the international level are needed to determine how well both the hazard assessment and the resulting interventions predict health outcome. Standardizing and validating such protocols can help move beyond the existing limited categorical approaches and will help improve both substandard housing quality and public health. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
G-Softmax: Improving Intraclass Compactness and Interclass Separability of Features.
Intraclass compactness and interclass separability are crucial indicators to measure the effectiveness of a model to produce discriminative features, where intraclass compactness indicates how close the features with the same label are to each other and interclass separability indicates how far away the features with different labels are. In this paper, we investigate intraclass compactness and interclass separability of features learned by convolutional networks and propose a Gaussian-based softmax (G-softmax) function that can effectively improve intraclass compactness and interclass separability. The proposed function is simple to implement and can easily replace the softmax function. We evaluate the proposed G-softmax function on classification data sets (i.e., CIFAR-10, CIFAR-100, and Tiny ImageNet) and on multilabel classification data sets (i.e., MS COCO and NUS-WIDE). The experimental results show that the proposed G-softmax function improves the state-of-the-art models across all evaluated data sets. In addition, the analysis of the intraclass compactness and interclass separability demonstrates the advantages of the proposed function over the softmax function, which is consistent with the performance improvement. More importantly, we observe that high intraclass compactness and interclass separability are linearly correlated with average precision on MS COCO and NUS-WIDE. This implies that the improvement of intraclass compactness and interclass separability would lead to the improvement of average precision. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Use of partial body-weight support for aggressive return to running after lumbar disk herniation: a case report.
This case report demonstrates the application of partial body-weight supported treadmill running in an aggressive rehabilitation program of an ultramarathon runner who had sustained a lumbar disk herniation. Body-weight supported exercise has recognized value during rehabilitation of lower-extremity injuries. In this case we found that the reductions in vertical loading forces achieved through partial body-weight support can also be valuable in the rehabilitation of an injury above the level of support. This motivated runner successfully used weight-supported treadmill training within 1 week of an acute lumbar disk herniation when he was experiencing considerable pain with unsupported walking and lower-extremity weakness. He continued its use until he adequately improved to allow return to his regular overground running program. This case demonstrates how partial body-weight support can allow aggressive running training early after a lumbar disk injury when normal impact forces cannot be tolerated and when leg weakness is a limitation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Solvent-molecule-mediated manipulation of crystalline grains for efficient planar binary lead and tin triiodide perovskite solar cells.
Binary lead and tin perovskites offer the benefits of narrower band gaps for broader adsorption of solar spectrum and better charge transport for higher photocurrent density. Here, we report the growth of large, smooth crystalline grains of bianry lead and tin triiodide perovskite films via a two-step solution process with thermal plus solvent vapor-assisted thermal annealing. The crystalline SnxPb1-xI2 films formed in the first step served as the templates for the formation of crystalline CH3NH3SnxPb1-xI3 films during the second step interdiffusion of methylammonium iodide (MAI). Followed by dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) vapor-assisted thermal annealing, small, faceted perovskite grains grew into large, smooth grains via the possible mechanism involving bond breaking and reforming mediated by DMSO solvent molecules. The absorption onset was extended to 950 and 1010 nm for the CH3NH3SnxPb1-xI3 perovskites with x = 0.1 and 0.25, respectively. The highest PCE of 10.25% was achieved from the planar perovskite solar cell with the CH3NH3Sn0.1Pb0.9I3 layer prepared via the thermal plus DMSO vapor-assisted thermal annealing. This research provides a way to control and manipulate film morphology, grain size, and especially the distribution of metal cations in binary metal perovskite layers, which opens an avenue to grow perovskite materials with desired properties to enhance device performance. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Repopulation of apolipoprotein E knockout mice with CCR2-deficient bone marrow progenitor cells does not inhibit ongoing atherosclerotic lesion development.
Using bone marrow transplantation, we have previously demonstrated the critical role that hematopoietic CCR2 plays in early atherogenesis. Reconstitution of irradiated apolipoprotein (apo) E3-Leiden mice with CCR2-deficient bone marrow progenitor cells resulted in 86% reduction on overall atherosclerotic lesion development. However, no data on CCR2 in the cause of established atherosclerosis have been reported so far. To study the role of CCR2 in established atherosclerotic lesions, bone marrow progenitor cells harvested from apoE-/- and apoE-/-/CCR2-/- mice were transplanted into lethally irradiated 16-week-old apoE-/- mice with established atherosclerotic lesions. No significant differences were found in serum total cholesterol and triglycerides levels at different time points after transplantation. At age 16 weeks, lesion size in control apoE-/- mice was 3.28+/-1.06x10(5) microm2. At 9 weeks after transplantation, apoE-/---> apoE-/- and apoE-/-/CCR2-/---> apoE-/- mice had developed significantly larger atherosclerotic lesions (4.49+/-0.92x10(5) microm2, P<0.02 and 4.15+/-0.62x10(5) microm2, P<0.04 compared with controls, respectively). However, no significant effect of disruption of hematopoietic CCR2 was observed on the progression of lesions. Furthermore, the macrophage positive area (78+/-4% versus 72+/-9%) and collagen content (11+/-6% versus 15+/-3%) of the lesions were similar as well. In contrast to the critical role of CCR2 in the initiation of atherogenesis, bone marrow progenitor cell-derived CCR2 does not influence the progression of established atherosclerotic lesions, pointing to additional mechanisms for recruitment of monocytes at later stages of lesion development. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
IL-12p40 is associated with type 1 diabetes in Caucasian-American families.
The IL-12p40 locus has recently been shown to be associated with type 1 diabetes (1). Here, we report the identification of novel microsatellite and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the IL-12p40 gene and a significant association between a (ATT)n repeat marker and type 1 diabetes in 364 U.S. Caucasian sib-pair families (P < 0.006). Haplotype analysis using the (ATT)n repeat (D5S2941) and the C1159A SNP at the 3' untranslated region of IL-12p40 showed a significant association (P = 0.02). Expression studies in individuals heterozygous for the C1159A SNP indicated that the expression of the 1159A allele is approximately 50% higher than that of the 1159C allele. These results provide genetic and functional evidence for IL-12p40 as a type 1 diabetes susceptibility gene. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Treatment of dementia: where is it going?
Global levels of dementia are escalating but alongside this new innovations and service models are developing to improve outcome and the patient journey. This article describes some of the current and horizon issues in dementia care. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An audit of transforaminal epidural steroid injections without sedation: low patient dissatisfaction and low vasovagal rates.
To assess frequency of sedation in transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI) and to analyze patient dissatisfaction and vasovagal rates. Retrospective audit over a 6-year period, January 1, 2006-December 31, 2011. Single academic center radiology pain management practice. Four thousand four hundred thirty-two patients undergoing 6,878 consecutive TFESI. Frequency of sedation for TFESI was assessed. Vasovagal and patient dissatisfaction rates were assessed, the latter by patients' responses to two follow-up survey questions at 2 weeks postprocedure. Six thousand eight hundred seventy-eight TFESI were performed, of which only 0.1% (N = 7) were performed with sedation. Only 0.4% (N = 28) of TFESI were complicated by vasovagal reaction. Seventy-two percent (N = 4,980) of nonsedated patients responded to the survey. Overall medical care in the nonsedated was rated as: excellent 51%, very good 30%, good 15%, fair 3%, and poor 1%. Ninety-five percent confidence interval (CI) for the 3.9% of the nonsedated patients who rated their care at best "fair" was (3.3, 4.4%). Likelihood of referring friends/family members in nonsedated patients was: definitely 53%, probably 28%, uncertain 16%, probably not 3%, definitely not 0.2%. Ninety-five percent CI for the 3.2% of the nonsedated patients who would at best "probably not refer" their friends/family was (2.7, 3.7%). In our radiology pain management practice, sedation was rarely utilized for TFESI. A small minority of nonsedated patients rated their care at best fair and would at best probably not refer friends/family members. TFESI can be performed without sedation with low patient dissatisfaction and low vasovagal rates. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fluctuation of the volume of distribution of amikacin and its effect on once-daily dosage and clearance in a seriously ill patient.
The main aim of the trial was to determine the extent to which the volume of distribution of amikacin fluctuates in a seriously ill patient receiving copious quantities of i.v. fluid over an extended term of treatment. The impact of the volume fluctuation on amikacin therapeutic peak concentrations was also assessed. The case report describes a young, previously healthy male adult admitted to the surgical ICU of a teaching hospital following trauma to the head and central nervous system. The patient received 1 g of amikacin once-daily i.v. for 35 consecutive days as part of an antimicrobial regimen. Blood samples were drawn for routine amikacin concentration determinations on 14 occasions, extending over the entire term of treatment, from which the required pharmacokinetic parameters were determined. The volume of distribution of amikacin varied extensively from 0.27 to 0.61 l/kg (normal range 0.27 +/- 0.06 1/kg) notwithstanding the fact that amikacin clearance remained satisfactorily high throughout the term of treatment. Once-daily therapeutic amikacin concentrations fluctuate extensively and rapidly in the seriously ill patient receiving copious quantities of i.v. fluids, despite competent renal function. The volume expansion seen in our patient is difficult to account for in terms of the extracellular fluid compartment only. (a) Once-daily regimen amikacin peak concentrations should be frequently monitored in the seriously ill patient; (b) once-daily amikacin regimens are best monitored using blood specimens drawn at 1 and 6-8 h post administration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Disorders of BH4 metabolism and the treatment of patients with 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase deficiency in Taiwan.
6-Pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS) deficiency is the most frequent form of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency related to hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA). PTPS deficiency may not only cause a typical phenylketonuric phenotype, but is also accompanied by various neurological signs and symptoms due to impaired synthesis of catecholamines and serotonin. The treatment of PTPS deficiency is aimed at normalizing phenylalanine levels and brain neurotransmitters. The BH4 can be administered to normalize phenylalanine (PHE) levels easily, but, owing to severe side effects, the neurotransmitters, L-DOPA and 5-hydroxytryptophan, should be administered for these patients very carefully. However, optimal dosage of the neurotransmitters for PTPS deficiency patients is difficult to be determined. Several reports have described unsatisfied outcomes in a large percentage of patients with PTPS deficiency, despite early detection and treatment. Between 1988 and 2000, 12 newborns with PTPS deficiency identified by newborn screening were referred and received early treatment at our hospital. The mean IQ score of these 12 patients was 96.7 (±9.7; range: 86-119), which is considerably higher than previous reports of other populations of PTPS-deficient patients. In this report, we reviewed the disorders of BH4 briefly and then described treatments of our PTPS-deficient patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Assessment of atrial regional wall motion using strain Doppler imaging during biatrial pacing in the bradycardia-tachycardia syndrome.
Biatrial pacing is expected to have preventive effects on atrial fibrillation. We evaluated atrial regional wall motion by strain Doppler imaging (SDI) in 6 patients (62.5 +/- 11.3 [SD] years), who suffered from atrial fibrillation, with an implanted biatrial pacemaker. SDI was performed and atrial regional wall motion was estimated during biatrial (BiA) and right atrial appendage (RAA) pacing. There was no significant difference in the interval from the pacing spike to the peak strain of the atrium in the lateral right atrium (LRA) between BiA and RAA pacing. However, there was a significant difference in the septal atrium (SA) between BiA and RAA pacing (225.0 +/- 19.9 vs 267.2 +/- 15.7 ms, P < 0.0001) and in the lateral left atrium (LLA) between BiA and RAA pacing (216.7 +/- 21.6 vs 275.0 +/- 16.2 ms, P < 0.0001). There were significant differences in the time difference of peak strain between BiA and RAA pacing in each atrial segment (LRA-AS: 2.2 +/- 5.9 vs 45.0 +/- 11.9 ms, P = 0.0016, SA-LLA: -8.3 +/- 5.5 vs 7.8 +/- 2.7 ms, P < 0.0011, LRA-LLA: -6.1 +/- 3.9 vs 52.8 +/- 13.2 ms, P = 0.0002). There was no significant difference in the interval from the pacing spike to the inflection point of atrial strain (S-I) of LRA. However, there were significant differences in S-I of SA (83.9 +/- 24.1 vs 129.9 +/- 30.6 ms, P = 0.0086) and LLA (102.2 +/- 37.9 vs 166.1 +/- 13.4 ms, P = 0.0028). BiA pacing improved the synchronicity of regional wall motion of both atrium. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Kidney volume, blood pressure, and albuminuria: findings in an Australian aboriginal community.
Australian Aborigines are experiencing epidemic proportions of renal disease, marked by albuminuria and, variably, hematuria. They also have high rates of low birth weight, which have been associated with lower kidney volumes and higher blood pressures. The authors evaluated relationships between kidney volume, blood pressure, albuminuria, and hematuria in 1 homogeneous group. Forty-three percent (672 of 1,560) of the population in a remote coastal Australian Aboriginal community aged 4.4 to 72.1 years participated in the study. Kidney size correlated closely with body size. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was correlated inversely with kidney length and kidney volume, after adjusting for age, sex, and body surface area (BSA); a 1-cm increase in mean kidney length was associated with a 2.2-mm Hg decrease in SBP, and a 10-mL increase in mean kidney volume was associated with a 0.6-mm Hg decrease in SBP (P = 0.001). Mean kidney volume explained 10% of the variance in SBP in a multivariate model containing age, sex, and BSA. In addition to higher SBP, adults who had the lowest quartiles of kidney volume also had the highest levels of overt albuminuria (P = 0.044). Smaller kidneys predispose to higher blood pressures and albuminuria in this population. The lower volumes possibly represent kidneys with reduced nephron numbers, which might be related to an adverse intrauterine environment. Susceptibility to renal disease could be a direct consequence of reduced nephron numbers; the higher blood pressures with which they are associated could also contribute to, as well as derive from, this association. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Predicting costs and outcomes of neonatal intensive care for very low birthweight infants.
A geographically determined cohort of all infants of less than 1,500 g born in 1980 and 1981 were clinically followed up to age four to determine their disabilities which were classified as mild, moderate or severe. A quality adjustment coefficient, determined by the severity of the disability, was used to calculate the number of quality adjusted lives produced. The total cost of care for these children was assessed as the sum of hospital costs to age four (which were specifically determined) and an estimate of the life-time costs of care of disabled children from information provided by the Education and Social Service departments. A very poor predictive power of birthweight with cost was obtained with the ungrouped birthweight data, whereas clinical factors explained up to 60% of the variance of the initial hospital costs for survivors and up to 30% of the variance of life-time costs and the cost of quality adjusted lives produced. Rules for the allocation of resources based on discrimination by birthweight are flawed but the application of clinical discretion is important. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Interferon inducibility of STAT 1 activation and its prognostic significance in melanoma patients.
STAT 1, a member of latent cytoplasmic proteins, plays a pivotal role in mediating biological effects of interferons. Its transducing, DNA binding and transcriptional activity require phosphorylation at both Tyr 701 (Y 701) and Ser 727 (S 727) residues. Deficient phosphorylation or constitutive activation of the STAT 1 protein were observed in some human malignancies. Using immunoprecipitation and Western blots performed with lysates made of melanoma cells derived from patients with clinical stage II/III and employing specific anti-STAT 1 PS 727/PY 701 immunoprobes, we show that STAT 1 activation response induced by IFN-alpha/-gamma is significantly impaired. On average, three quarters of patients were lacking phosphorylation at S 727. STAT 1 PY 701 was not inducible by IFN-alpha in 63% and by IFN-gamma in 34% of samples. However, these STAT 1 activation defects showed no correlation with the disease outcome and immunotherapy response as indicated by progression-free survival profiles in patients treated with IFN-alpha2b. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Inhibitory effects of a calcium antagonist on ornithine decarboxylase induction in pancreatic cancer cell lines.
The calcium channel blocker verapamil has been previously shown to augment the chemosensitivity of pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines to doxorubicin by mechanisms other than changes in the intracellular accumulation, retention, or metabolism of doxorubicin. Because of our interest in polyamine biosynthesis and metabolism and the known involvement of calcium in the induction of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) by serum refeeding of cultured cells, the effects of verapamil on the serum-stimulated ODC activity in two hamster pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines were examined. In plateau phase well-differentiated (WD) PaCa and poorly differentiated (PD) PaCa cells, a dose-dependent inhibition of the 4-h serum induction of ODC was seen at concentrations of 1, 5, and 10 microM verapamil. At the higher concentrations of verapamil, the inhibition of ODC induction was comparable to that achieved with 5 mM alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO, a specific enzyme inhibitor of ODC) and greater than that seen with 2 mM EGTA plus calcium-depleted serum. Log phase PD PaCa cells, included for comparison, showed less ODC induction with serum and lesser degrees of inhibition of the response to serum refeeding with verapamil, DFMO, and calcium depletion. No direct inhibition of the ODC enzyme was found when verapamil was added at the time the activity was measured. Based on our present data, a possible influence of intracellular calcium pools in the verapamil effect on ODC activity is unclear. Nevertheless, the present findings suggest that verapamil's effects on cytotoxicity may be mediated (at least in part) by inhibition of the serum-mediated induction of ODC. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Orbital involvement in sickle cell disease: a report of five cases and review literature.
To present five cases of orbital infarction in sickle cell disease and review relevant literature. We reviewed the hospital records of 5 patients with sickle cell disease who developed a periorbital swelling during a vaso-occlusive crisis and were managed at our hospital between April 1992 and June 2000. The 5 patients (4 with homozygous sickle cell disease and 1 with sickle cell-beta-thalassaemia disease) were aged 6-15 years with a history of multiple admissions for vaso-occlusive crises. The periorbital swelling spread to the orbit in 4 cases and resulted in proptosis (2 cases), restriction of ocular motility and visual impairment. In all 4 cases, computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging of the orbits showed a mass adjacent to the orbital wall. In 2 cases the mass was identified as a haematoma. Orbital wall infarction was demonstrated in 3 cases by bone/bone marrow scintigraphy. Epidural haematomas were detected by computed tomography in one case. All patients received intravenous fluids, analgesics, broad spectrum antibiotics and steroids, as well as simple or exchange transfusion, and responded well to medical management. Infarction of orbital bones during vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell disease presents acutely with a rapidly progressive periorbital swelling. Haematomas frequently complicate the condition and, along with the inflammatory swelling, may lead to orbital compression syndrome. The condition is therefore sight-threatening, and necessitates prompt diagnosis and appropriate management for resolution without adverse sequelae. Imaging techniques are invaluable in the evaluation of patients. The majority of cases resolve with conservative treatment that includes steps to combat the vaso-occlusive crisis and use of systemic steroids under antibiotic cover. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Opioid receptors on cells of the immune system: evidence for delta- and kappa-classes.
Opioid peptides have been shown to modulate various parameters of both the humoral and cellular arms of the immune system. The modulatory capacity of the peptides can often be substantially reduced in the presence of naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, indicating a classical ligand-receptor interaction. In order to characterize these interactions further, we investigated the characteristics of opioid receptors on a macrophage cell line, P388d1. A delta-class opioid receptor was found with an Mr of 58,000. We also identified opioid receptors on MOLT-4 (T-cell) and IM-9 (B cell) cell lines as well as thymocytes and T cell-and B cell-enriched populations. Using the central (brain) kappa-selective agonist, U-69,593, it was also determined that P388d1 cells possess kappa-like opioid receptors. Scatchard analysis of the binding of [3H]U-69,593 revealed a single population of sites with a dissociation constant of 17 +/- 3 (S.E.M.) nmol/l and a total number of binding sites of 53.8 +/- 1.0 (S.E.M.) fmol/10(6) cells. Moreover, the racemic kappa-selective agonist U-50,488H was able to displace 50% of [3H]U-69,593 binding at 8.0 nmol/l, whereas other opioid ligands such as [Met]-enkephalinamide (delta-selective) and [D-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly5-ol]-enkephalin (mu-selective) were ineffective displacers of [3H]U-69,593 except at high concentrations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Regulation of cell volume in a human biliary cell line: activation of K+ and Cl- currents.
The mechanisms responsible for recovery from cell swelling were evaluated in Mz-ChA-1 cells from human cholangiocarcinoma, a model biliary cell line. Exposure to hypotonic buffer (40% less NaCl) rapidly increased relative cell volume to 1.35 +/- 0.10 as measured by a Coulter Multisizer, followed by regulatory volume decrease to 1.08 +/- 0.03 by 30 min. The same maneuver increased 86Rb (69 +/- 17%) and 125I (422 +/- 58%) efflux in cell monolayers. 86Rb efflux was selectively inhibited by Ba2+ [half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) approximately 1.5 mM], and 125I by 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid (NPPB) (IC60 approximately 50 microM). Inhibition of these conductive pathways partially inhibited recovery from swelling. Membrane conductance measured by whole cell patch-clamp analysis increased in 57 of 57 cells during swelling due to activation of both K+ and Cl- conductances in most cells. K+ currents (75% of cells, 881 +/- 150 pA at 0 mV) were nearly linear and Ba2+ sensitive; Cl- currents (70% of cells, 2,696 +/- 244 pA at +60 mV) were outwardly rectified, showed time-dependent inactivation at depolarizing potentials, and were inhibited by NPPB. Chelation of cytosolic Ca2+ decreased swelling-induced isotope efflux, prevented activation of macroscopic K+ and Cl- currents, and blocked volume recovery. These studies indicate that biliary cells are able to regulate cell volume during osmotic stress by activation of separate K+ and Cl- conductances through a mechanism that depends in part on Ca(2+)-sensitive signaling pathways. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A dynamic quality control phantom for radionuclide cardiology.
A three-dimensional dynamic cardiac phantom suitable for quality control of equilibrium gated nuclear cardiographic procedures is described. Its flexible microprocessor based design provides an absolute standard for ejection fraction determination, ventricular volume quantitation, and physiologically gated single photon emission computed tomography. The cost of the phantom is comparable to that of commercially available phantoms suitable for ejection fraction quality control alone. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of efficacy and safety between rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin and anti-T lymphocyte globulin in kidney transplantation from donation after cardiac death: a retrospective cohort study.
To compare the efficacy and safety between rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (Thymoglobulin) and anti-T lymphocyte globulin (ATG-Fresenius, ATG-F) in donation after cardiac death (DCD) kidney transplantation. We retrospectively analyzed 255 cases of DCD kidney transplantation performed at our hospital from February 2007 to October 2013. The patients were divided into two groups based on their induction therapies with Thymoglobulin (n = 188) or ATG-F (n = 67). Clinical data were collected and compared between the two groups. Delayed graft function (DGF) occurred in 36 (19.1%) patients in the Thymoglobulin group versus 17 (25.4%) patients in the ATG-F group (P = 0.281). However, if we subgroup the patients with increased risk factors for DGF, the DGF rate was 9/40 (22.5%) in the Thymoglobulin group versus 9/16 (56.3%) in the ATG-F group (P = 0.015). Duration of DGF was significantly shorter in the Thymoglobulin group (11.7 days vs. 16.1 days). The acute rejection rate was significantly lower in the Thymoglobulin group (9.6% vs. 19.4%, P = 0.035). One-year graft and patient survival were both comparable between the Thymoglobulin and ATG-F groups. The adjusted odds ratio of DGF was 4.283 (1.137-16.13) between the ATG-F and Thymoglobulin groups in patients with increased risk factors for DGF. Compared with ATG-F, Thymoglobulin may reduce duration of DGF and acute rejection rate after DCD kidney transplantation. Moreover, Thymoglobulin significantly reduced DGF in patients with increased risk factors for DGF. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Disappearance of a white matter lesion in incontinentia pigmenti.
We report a 12-month-old Japanese female with incontinentia pigmenti, in whom magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disclosed a small transient lesion in the white matter. After birth, she developed some vesicular skin eruptions that mainly involved the lower extremities. These skin lesions increased in size and number and became hyperpigmented within 2 weeks. At 1 month of age, MRI revealed a small hypointense lesion on T(1)-weighted imaging, with water density on T(2)-weighted imaging, in the right centrum semiovale. At 4 months of age, her hyperpigmented lesions had faded, and at 7 months of age, MRI disclosed the disappearance of the previously observed abnormality. She exhibited no neurologic abnormalities. No cases have been reported concerning a transient lesion in the white matter revealed by MRI in incontinentia pigmenti. Although the pathogenesis is unknown, transient central nervous system involvement might have occurred in early infancy as did the fading skin lesions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Analysis of deletions in three McLeod patients: exclusion of the XS locus from the Xp21.1-Xp21.2 region.
The McLeod syndrome is a rare X-linked recessive disorder characterized by blood group, neuromuscular and haematopoietic abnormalities. It is caused by XK gene defects and may include large deletions in the Xp21 region. Analysis of three unrelated McLeod patients for the presence of the XK, DMD, CYBB, ETX1, RPGR and OTC loci, as well as for the DXS709 marker, revealed deletions from the 39th exon of DMD to the ETX1 locus (patient Be), from the XK to RPGR loci (patient Bi) and from the XK to CYBB loci (patient Lh). All three patients normally expressed the Lutheran (Lu) red cell antigens, thus excluding the interval between the RPGR and DMD genes as site of the XS locus, previously mapped to the Xp21.2-Xq21.1 region and thought to regulate the expression of the LU blood group gene on chromosome 19. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Regulation by prostaglandin E2 of cytokine-elicited nitric oxide synthesis in rat liver macrophages.
Nitric oxide (NO), apart from its properties as a vasodilator, is a cytotoxic agent released from macrophages upon stimulation with immunomodulating agents such as interferon-gamma and endotoxin. In rat Kupffer cells endotoxin causes the release of NO as well as of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). This eicosanoid and its second messenger, cyclic AMP, have been shown to increase nitric oxide formation in Kupffer cells treated with endotoxin (Gaillard et al. (1991) Pathobiology 59, 280-283). But not only added PGE2 but also the prostaglandin produced endogenously upon stimulation with endotoxin increases NO synthesis. Neither tumor necrosis factor-alpha nor interleukin-1 beta stimulate NO synthesis by themselves, but together with PGE2 they are as effective as lipopolysaccharide plus PGE2. To replace PGE2 in the combination with the cytokines, however, dibutyryl cAMP has to be present in higher concentrations than with LPS. Interleukin-6 alone or in combination with PGE2 or dibutyryl cAMP is without any effect. Anti-TNF-alpha as well as anti-PGE2 antibodies reduce the release of NO upon stimulation with LPS. Consequently, the effect of LPS on NO production seems to be in part due to the self-stimulating effect of PGE2 and some cytokines, both produced by Kupffer cells upon LPS stimulation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Lymphadenectomy for bladder cancer. Diagnostic and prognostic significance as well as therapeutic benefit].
Pelvic lymphadenectomy for invasive bladder cancer is not a standardized procedure and its relevance for staging and prognoses is still under discussion. A number of retrospective studies have demonstrated a positive correlation between extent of lymphadenectomy and prognosis after radical cystectomy. In a retrospective study, we correlated the extent of lymphadenectomy with survival after radical cystectomy. Thereafter, we conducted a prospective study to investigate the limits of pelvic lymphadenectomy and the pattern of lymphatic spread. Retrospectively, we found a significantly better survival for patients when 15 and more lymph nodes were removed. The individual surgeon was also evaluated as an important prognostic factor. Based on retrospective data, an extended and complete pelvic lymphadenectomy improves the prognosis. The cranial border should be at least at the level of the aortic bifurcation. A prospective randomized study will have to clarify the effect of lymphadenectomy on the prognosis of patients after radical cystectomy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effects of tramadol and its metabolite on glycine, gamma-aminobutyric acidA, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes.
We assessed the effects of tramadol, a centrally acting analgesic, and its major metabolite, on neurotransmitter-gated ion channels. Tramadol binds to mu-opioid receptors with low affinity and inhibits reuptake of monoamines in the central nervous system. These actions are believed to primarily contribute to its antinociceptive effects. However, little is known about other sites of tramadol's action. We tested the effects of tramadol and its M1 metabolite (0.1-100 microM) on human recombinant neurotransmitter-gated ion channels, including glycine, gamma-aminobutyric acid(A) (GABA(A)), and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Tramadol and M1 metabolite did not have any effects on glycine receptors. GABA(A) receptors were significantly inhibited only at large concentrations (100 microM). NMDA receptors were inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner. Tramadol and M1 metabolite inhibited the glutamate-concentration response curve without changing the half-maximal effective concentration or the Hill coefficient, indicating a noncompetitive inhibition. This study suggests that glycine receptors do not provide the antinociceptive effect of tramadol and that the inhibition of GABA(A) receptors at large concentration might correlate with convulsions. The inhibitory effect on NMDA receptors may contribute to the antinociceptive effect of tramadol at relatively large concentrations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Measuring patient satisfaction.
Though there is some controversy concerning how much weight patient perceptions should be given, there is no question that they must be considered. Focusing on patients in the ambulatory care setting, the author offers practical notes on measuring patient satisfaction based on her experiences at five sites over the past eight years. General methodological considerations are provided, including where and how to interview patients, as well as specific examples of types of measurement instruments and the results to be obtained. Findings of satisfaction surveys can be useful in altering the services provided in an effort to more adequately meet patient needs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fabrication of metalosomes (metal containing cationic liposomes) using single chain surfactants as a precursor via formation of inorganic organic hybrids.
Among the self-assembled forms of surfactants, vesicles/liposomes are a highly promising and interesting feature of surfactants, which are usually formed from water insoluble surfactants. Herein, we demonstrate the formation of liposomes from single-chain cationic surfactants with the help of metals as a part of the counter ion, and these metal embedded liposomes are termed as metalosomes. It is a noteworthy advancement in the area of self-assembled molecular structures since we report the preparation of metal embedded liposomes (metalosomes) from a water soluble single chain cationic surfactant, which is otherwise a property or an arrangement made by double tailed surfactants, or more precisely lipids that are poorly water soluble. We can use this method for various cationic surfactants and metal combinations and the studies are still in process. However, this preliminary report on manganese-based surfactants depicts the successful formation of cationic metalosomes (with/without cholesterol), and the formation, structure and size has been verified using TEM, FE-SEM, DLS XRD and SAXS. The comparison of metalosomes with reverse vesicles in different solvents further gave an insight of microstructure and solvent environment effects on the self-assembly of metallosurfactants. In addition, we have also evaluated the encapsulation ability of metalosomes for fluorescein dye. High encapsulation efficiency of Mn-somes makes them promising candidates for several applications, particularly because of its water solubility. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Morphologically typical and atypical B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemias display a different pattern of surface antigenic density.
Recent evidences suggest that B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) may have heterogeneous biological and clinical features. Immunological phenotype may be useful for distinguishing these different forms of disease. We used a quantitative flow cytometric approach to analyze the expression of several membrane molecules (CD19, CD20, CD22, CD23, CD11c, CD5, CD79b) commonly used to diagnose and characterize B-CLL in a choort of 84 consecutive B-CLL patients diagnosed according to morphological and immunological findings. We found that morphologically so-called "atypical" B-CLL displayed a significantly higher number of CD20 and CD22 molecules than typical forms. On the other hand, CD19 was found to be more expressed in typical B-CLL, although without reaching statistical significance. Finally, no difference was detected with respect to CD23, CD79b, CD11c and CD5 number of molecules/per cell between typical and atypical B-CLL. Other clinico-biological features, such as surface membrane immunoglobulin density, percentage of CD79b and FMC7 expression, peripheral blood lymphocytosis, trisomy 12 and advanced clinical stages were also found to be more frequent in atypical B-CLL. In conclusion, our data confirm the hypothesis that atypical B-CLL is a disease sustained by more mature B-cells, closely related but, at the same time, clearly distincted from neoplastic cells of typical B-CLL. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Interaction of p14ARF with Brca1 in cancer cell lines and primary breast cancer.
We report an association between p14ARF and Brca1 in which both proteins co-immunoprecipitate (co-IP) in DU145 cells. The N-terminal 64 residues of p14ARF encoded by exon 1beta are sufficient for this association. Inside the cell, ectopic p14ARF co-localizes with ectopic and endogenous Brca1 in A375 cells. Endogenous p14ARF co-localizes with endogenous Brca1 in DU145 cells but not in H1299 cells. Since p14ARF interacts with B23 in the nucleolus, Brca1 co-localizes with B23 in DU145 but not in H1299 cells. While ectopic ARF potently inhibited DU145 cell proliferation, it had no effect on the proliferation of H1299 cells, suggesting that the interaction between ARF and Brca1 contributes to ARF-mediated tumor suppression. Consistent with this notion, ectopic p14ARF modulates endogenous Brca1 expression in MCF7 breast cancer cells and p14ARF co-localizes with Brca1 in normal breast epithelial cells. This co-localization is enhanced in primary breast cancer. Taken together, the results show that p14ARF associates with Brca1, which may play a major role in tumor suppression. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Role of RNA interference in plant improvement.
Research to alter crops for their better performance involving modern technology is underway in numerous plants, and achievements in transgenic plants are impacting crop improvements in unparalleled ways. Striking progress has been made using genetic engineering technology over the past two decades in manipulating genes from diverse and exotic sources, and inserting them into crop plants for inducing desirable characteristics. RNA interference (RNAi) has recently been identified as a natural mechanism for regulation of gene expression in all higher organisms from plants to humans and promises greater accuracy and precision to plant improvement. The expression of any gene can be down-regulated in a highly explicit manner exclusive of affecting the expression of any other gene by using RNAi technologies. Additional research in this field has been focused on a number of other areas including microRNAs, hairpin RNA, and promoter methylation. Manipulating new RNAi pathways, which generate small RNA molecules to amend gene expression in crops, can produce new quality traits and having better potentiality of protection against abiotic and biotic stresses. Nutritional improvement, change in morphology, or enhanced secondary metabolite synthesis are some of the other advantages of RNAi technology. In addition to its roles in regulating gene expression, RNAi is also used as a natural defense mechanism against molecular parasites such as jumping genes and viral genetic elements that affect genome stability. Even though much advancement has been made on the field of RNAi over the preceding few years, the full prospective of RNAi for crop improvement remains to be fully realized. The intricacy of RNAi pathway, the molecular machineries, and how it relates to plant development are still to be explained. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Severe Toxoplasmic Hepatitis in an Immunocompetent Patient.
Acute Toxoplasma gondii infection causes different clinical courses in 10-20% of cases. In immunocompetent patients, toxoplasmosis most often presents as asymptomatic cervical lymphadenopathy. Clinical manifestations such as pneumonia, myocarditis, hepatitis, and encephalitis are rarely reported. We present the case of an immunocompetent patient with a serious and complicated clinical course of toxoplasmic hepatitis with a maculopapular rash. The diagnosis was confirmed by serology and identification of bradyzoites in liver biopsy samples. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Electron transfer. 144. Reductions with germanium(II).
Solutions 0.2-0.4 M in Ge(II) and 6 M in HCl, generated by reaction of Ge(IV) with H3PO2, are stable for more than 3 weeks and can be diluted 200-fold with dilute HCl to give GeCl3- preparations to be used in redox studies. Kinetic profiles for the reduction of Fe(III) by Ge(II), as catalyzed by Cu(II), implicate the odd-electron intermediate, Ge(III), which is formed from Cu(II) and Ge(II) (k = 30 M-1 s-1 in 0.5 M HCl at 24 degrees C) and which is consumed by reaction with Fe(III) (k = 6 x 10(2) M-1 s-1). A slower direct reaction between Ge(II) and Fe(III) (k = 0.66 M-1 s-1) can be detected in 1.0 M HCl. The reaction of Ge(II) with I3- in 0.01-0.50 M iodide is zero order in oxidant and appears to proceed via a rate-determining heterolysis of a Ge(II)-OH2 species (k = 0.045 s-1) which is subject to H(+)-catalysis. Reductions of IrCl6(2-) and PtCl6(2-) by Ge(II) are strongly Cl(-)-catalyzed. The Ir(IV) reaction proceeds through a pair of 1e- changes, of which the initial conversion to Ge(III) is rate-determining, whereas the Pt(IV) oxidant probably utilizes (at least in part) an inner-sphere PtIV-Cl-GeII bridge in which chlorine is transferred (as Cl+) from oxidant to reductant. The 2e- reagent, Ge(II), like its 5s2 counterpart, In(I), can partake in 1e- transactions, but requires more severe constraints: the coreagent must be more powerfully oxidizing and the reaction medium more halide-rich. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Innovation in accident and emergency management: establishing a nurse practitioner-run minor injuries/primary care unit.
The establishment of a nurse practitioner-run Minor Injuries and Primary Care Unit in the Accident and Emergency department of an east London district general hospital is outlined. The establishment of clinical protocols, operational policies, staff recruitment and training, budgeting and publicity are discussed. The effective utilization of emergency nurses' skills is illustrated by a reduction in waiting times, standardized optimum clinical practice, improved patient satisfaction, increased health promotion opportunities and improved communication and referrals to, and from, Primary Care facilities. The potential for other such units and the changing role of A & E departments is highlighted. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Quantitation of microcirculatory blood flow changes in human cutaneous tissue induced by inflammatory mediators.
The cutaneous microcirculation is a desirable model for pharmacologic and physiologic studies of inflammatory mediators. For exact measurements of the induced blood flow changes, two objective methods are introduced. The laser-Doppler flowmeter and the 133Xe washout technique have formerly been used for measurement of the undisturbed cutaneous blood flow. We have modified these methods to measure changes in the blood flow following intracutaneous deposition of a vasodilator, leukotriene D4. When compared with a metric estimate of the erythemal response, the two new methods were found to be more sensitive than the traditional estimate of cutaneous blood flow changes. Both methods exhibited a good sensitivity and reproducibility when applied simultaneously, although the 133Xe washout technique appeared to be able to separate interindividual differences that could not be recognized by the laser-Doppler technique. Even though the laser-Doppler technique is superior in simplicity of use, the 133Xe washout technique is recommended for exact measurements. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ultrastructural features of alveolar cells in experimental hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
An experimental model of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in rats was used to analyze ultrastructural changes in cellular elements of the epithelium and alveolar lumen, in an attempt to correlate the immunological mechanisms responsible for these pulmonary lesions. Semifine and ultrafine sections of pulmonary tissue of immunized and intratracheally challenged rats were analyzed and compared with their respective controls. A thickening of the alveolar walls and an increase in the number of macrophages and type II pneumocytes were observed in the semifine sections. The ultrastructural examination revealed appreciable changes in morphology, size and location of both types of cells. The membranes of the macrophages showed evident alterations and the type II pneumocytes, an increase in size and number of cytoplasmic inclusions corresponding to surfactant. The cellular changes observed are consistent with phenomena of cellular activation, which can be attributed to the release of soluble mediators by T lymphocytes. The important delayed hypersensitivity phenomena based on the morphology of pulmonary lesions in this model contribute data to the pathogenic interpretation of hypersensitivity alveolitis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Low growth hormone levels are related to increased body mass index and do not reflect impaired growth in luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist-treated children with precocious puberty.
To test the hypothesis that GH deficiency might explain the low growth velocity of some LHRH agonist (LHRHa)-treated children with central precocious puberty, we measured stimulated (n = 81) and spontaneous (n = 32) GH levels during or after LHRHa treatment. GH stimulation tests in the children who were receiving LHRHa treatment were performed after 2 days of ethinyl estradiol administration. Thirty-one of 81 children (38%) who underwent GH stimulation tests had subnormal responses (less than or equal to 7 micrograms/L) to all tests administered (at least 2 stimuli), including 22 of 67 (33%) who had precocious puberty that was idiopathic or associated with hypothalamic hamartoma. Eleven of 32 children (34%) who underwent measurement of the mean nighttime spontaneous GH level had levels below the normal range for prepubertal children (less than 1.2 microgram/L). Despite the high incidence of subnormal GH levels, there appeared to be no relationship between the GH levels of these children and their growth characteristics. The height, growth velocity, bone maturation rate, predicted height, and insulin-like growth factor-I levels were not different between the children with low GH levels and the children with normal GH levels. Conversely, the GH levels were not different between the children with subnormal growth rates and the children with normal growth rates. Thus, variation in the growth rates of these LHRHa-treated children with central precocious puberty could not be explained by variation in the stimulated or spontaneous secretion of GH. In attempting to understand the high incidence of low GH levels in children with precocious puberty, we examined the relationship between GH level and body mass index (BMI). Both the stimulated (r = -0.33; P less than 0.002) and the spontaneous (r = -0.61; P less than 0.0002) GH levels were inversely related to BMI. Moreover, the children with precocious puberty as a group had significantly elevated BMI [1.2 +/- 0.1 (+/- SE) SD units] compared to normal children of the same age (P less than 0.0001). Thus, increased body mass may explain the high incidence of subnormal GH levels in these patients, and normative GH levels adjusted for body mass are needed before it can be concluded that the apparently subnormal GH levels in LHRHa-treated children with precocious puberty are in fact low. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A scanning electron microscope study of concanavalin A receptors on retinal rod cells labeled with latex microspheres.
Con A-methacrylate microsphere conjugates prepared by a two-step glutaraldehyde reaction were used to label Con A-binding sites on bovine rod photoreceptor cells for visualization by scanning electron microscopy. A dense distribution of markers was observed on the surface of the rod outer segment, the inner segment, and the synaptic region. Disk membranes also appear to be heavily labeled with the Con A-microsphere conjugates. The Con A inhibitor, alpha-methyl mannoside, inhibited the binding of the conjugate to the surface of these visual cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
N-acetylaspartylglutamate inhibits forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP levels via a metabotropic glutamate receptor in cultured cerebellar granule cells.
The neuronal dipeptide N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) fulfills several of the criteria for classification as a neurotransmitter including localization in synaptic vesicles, calcium-dependent release after neuronal depolarization, and low potency activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. In the present study, the influence of NAAG on metabotropic receptor activation in cerebellar granule cells was examined in cell culture. Stimulation of granule cell adenylate cyclase with forskolin increased cyclic AMP (cAMP) several hundredfold above basal levels within 10 min in a concentration-dependent manner. Although glutamate, NAAG, and the metabotropic receptor agonist trans-1-amino-1,3-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid did not alter the low basal cAMP levels, the application of 300 microM glutamate or NAAG or trans-1-amino-1,3-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid reduced forskolin-stimulated cAMP in granule cells by 30-50% in the absence or presence of inhibitors of ionotropic acidic amino acid receptors, as well as 2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate. No additivity in the inhibition of cAMP was found when 300 microM NAAG and trans-1-amino-1,3-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid were coapplied. The beta-analogue of NAAG failed to reduce cAMP levels. Similar effects of NAAG and glutamate were obtained under conditions of inhibition of phosphodiesterase activity and were prevented by pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin. These data are consistent with the activation by NAAG of a metabotropic acidic amino acid receptor coupled to an inhibitory G protein. In contrast, the metabotropic acidic amino acid receptor coupled to phosphoinositol turnover in these cells was not activated by NAAG.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Novel and Simple Approach to Estimating the Actual Incidence of Blood and Body Fluid Exposure.
There is no current way to determine the actual blood and body fluid exposure (BBFE) incidence in hospitals. We propose a simple, reliable, and widely available method for the accurate estimation of BBFE. Data for BBFE for healthcare workers between 2006 and 2015 at Osaka University Hospital were retrospectively extracted from the electronic records. Annual positivity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody in the source individuals and overall patient population were calculated over time. We created an estimation formula focusing on the difference in HCV positivity between the source individuals and overall patient population for the actual number of BBFEs. A linear regression model was used to evaluate the temporal change in the reported and estimated BBFEs. During the study period, 937 BBFEs were reported. HCV positivity between the post-BBFE cohort and overall patient population greatly differed; the incidence ratio ranged from 2.1 to 5.7. The linear regression model revealed that the reported BBFEs did not significantly change during the study period (the slope, 1.315 [95% confidence interval (C.I.): -0.849 to 3.480, p = 0.199]). The annual incidence ratio of the estimated and reported BBFEs significantly reduced over time (the slope, -0.287 [95% C.I.: -0.488 to -0.086, p = 0.011]), indicating that, although the reported number of BBFEs seemed unchanged, the estimated incidence decreased. We propose a novel and simple approach to estimating the actual incidence of BBFEs in hospitals using the difference in HCV positivity between the post-BBFE cohort and overall patient population. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A 3-pyridyl-5,15-diazaporphyrin nickel(II) complex as a bidentate metalloligand for transition metals.
3-Pyridyl-5,15-diazaporphyrin nickel(II) serves as a bidentate metalloligand for platinum(II), ruthenium(II), and rhenium(I) metal centers. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of these metal complexes unambiguously reveals the presence of a dative bond between the outer metal center and the meso-nitrogen atom. The UV/Vis absorption spectra of the complexes show substantially red-shifted bands which are perturbed by outer-metal coordination. This is due to the contribution of metal-to-ligand charge transfer interactions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Nebulized salbutamol as a possible cause of lactate acidosis in a patient with acute asthma].
A 50-year-old man was in the emergency department treated for acute asthma with repeated doses of nebulized salbutamol according to guidelines, and as a result of this treatment he developed marked lactate acidosis. Lactate acidosis is not commonly listed as a side effect to nebulized salbutamol. House officers in the emergency department handling acute asthma should be aware of this paradox, though the condition may resolve in spite of continued treatment with salbutamol. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Novel and simple high-performance liquid chromatographic method for determination of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase activity.
We present here a high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the evaluation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activity. The automated method was applied to fungal and mouse liver extracts and validated by the addition of mevastatin to the reaction mixture and by several intra- and inter-day assays. This method offers important advantages over those previously reported because no radiolabeled substrates or expensive techniques such as mass spectrometry are required, and the time of analysis is relatively short. Moreover, the method can be successfully applied to different biological samples; hence, it should be very useful in evaluating potential inhibitors of the HMG-CoA enzyme and investigating cholesterol metabolism, cell growth and differentiation processes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prominent role of TGF-beta 1 in thrombopoietin-induced myelofibrosis in mice.
Several studies suggest an implication of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in the promotion of myelofibrosis associated with hematopoietic malignancies, but the involvement of this cytokine is not fully investigated. To test directly the impact of TGF-beta1 in the pathogenesis of myelofibrosis, bone marrow stem cells from homozygous TGF-beta1 null (TGF-beta1(-/-)) and wild-type (WT) littermates were infected with a retrovirus encoding the murine thrombopoietin (TPO) protein and engrafted into lethally irradiated wild-type hosts for long-term reconstitution. Over the 4 months of follow-up, TPO levels in plasma were markedly elevated in both groups of mice, and animals typically developed a myeloproliferative syndrome characterized by thrombocytosis, leukocytosis, splenomegaly, increased numbers of progenitors in blood, and extramedullary hematopoiesis. Severe fibrosis was observed in spleen and marrow from all the mice engrafted with WT cells. In contrast, none of the mice repopulated with TGF-beta1(-/-) cells (chimerism > 70%) showed deposition of reticulin fibers at any time during the follow-up. In accordance with the development of fibrosis, latent TGF-beta1 levels in plasma and extracellular fluid of the spleen from mice engrafted with WT cells were increased 6-fold and 4-fold, respectively, over levels found in normal hosts, whereas no increase over baseline levels could be demonstrated in animals undergoing transplantation with TGF-beta1(-/-) cells. These data provide evidence that TGF-beta1 produced by hematopoietic cells is pivotal for the pathogenesis of myelofibrosis that develops in mice with TPO overexpression. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[reflection of stimulus orientation in reactions of visual cortex neurons].
A mathematical model of neuronal target structure with spatial anisotropy of lateral inhibition is discussed. The positions of the neuronal target to oriented sensory stimuli are investigated by computer simulation. It is suggested that visual stimuli orientation is coded in the late phase of dynamic responses of cortical neurons. This idea is in agreement with the data obtained in experiments on guinea pig visual cortex neurons. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Delayed onset CMV disease in solid organ transplant recipients.
It is estimated that three-quarters of all patients undergoing solid organ transplantation experience new infection or reactivation of latent cytomegalovirus (CMV). The adoption of universal antiviral prophylactic strategies among high risk patients has significantly reduced the incidence of CMV infection and disease over the first three months. However, depending on the type of transplant and the pretransplant donor-recipient CMV serostatus, up to 30% of patients may develop disease after three months (late disease), or at any time later than 1-2 years following transplantation (very late disease). The occurrence of late and very late CMV, referred to here as delayed onset CMV, places patients at risk for malignancy, graft loss and mortality. Clinical management of delayed onset CMV disease may be complicated by the presentation of nonspecific or atypical symptoms. The potential for missed diagnoses may be compounded by the long term management of patients by healthcare professionals who do not practice transplantation as a primary specialty. The current clinical goal is to ensure excellent long term outcomes among transplant recipients. Therefore, the present review will discuss the natural history and risk factors, as well as the therapeutic strategies relevant to the occurrence and management of late and very late CMV disease following solid organ transplantation in adults. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A study of HVPC as an adjunctive therapy in limb salvage for chronic diabetic wounds of the lower extremity.
Complex diabetic ulcers of the lower extremity can be slow to heal and may lead to amputation. A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a form of electrical stimulation using high-voltage, pulsed current (HVPC) as an adjunct to a multidisciplinary approach to limb salvage for chronic diabetic wounds of the lower extremity. Data from 30 patients with diabetes (17 men, 13 women, mean age 65.8 +/- 12.6 years, mean HgbA1c level = 8.2 +/- 1.5, with varying comorbidities) and 45 wounds were reviewed. Mean wound duration before referral and treatment was 25.0 weeks (range 4.0 to 60.0) and the mean wound surface area was 7.8 cm2 (range 0.6 cm2 to 62.0 cm2). The majority (62.2%) of wounds were classified 1C, 2C, or 3D (University of Texas diabetic wound classifications). The mean number of treatments, administered two or three times a week, was 23.0 (range 6.0 to 65.0) and 35 wounds (77.8%) healed after a mean of 14.2 weeks (range 3.4 to 59.0). Of those, 31 remained healed at a mean follow-up of 39.8 weeks (range 11.1 to 84.3) and additional HVPC healed two of the four recurrences. These results suggest that HVPC is a useful addition to a multidisciplinary limb salvage management approach for complex lower extremity wounds. Further study is warranted to elucidate its role in this application. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Rational redesign of Candida antarctica lipase B for the ring opening polymerization of D,D-lactide.
Based on molecular modelling, the enzyme Candida antarctica lipase B was redesigned as a catalyst for the ring opening polymerization of D,D-lactide. Two mutants with 90-fold increased activity as compared to the wild-type enzyme were created. In a preparative synthesis of poly(D,D-lactide) the mutants greatly improved the rate and the degree of polymerization. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Inner ear autoantibodies in patients with rapidly progressive sensorineural hearing loss.
Recognition of immune-mediated sensorineural deafness that responds to immunosuppressive therapy has led to a search for a diagnostic assay to identify inner ear autoantibodies. Without a confirmed diagnosis of autoimmune disease, many patients have undergone inappropriate immunosuppressive treatment or developed irreversible inner ear damage. Serum from patients with progressive sensorineural hearing loss (n = 54), ulcerative colitis (N = 5), normal controls (N = 14), and animals with experimental autoimmune sensorineural hearing loss (EASNHL) were analyzed by Western blot against fresh bovine inner ear antigen preparations. The hearing loss group (19 [35%]) showed a single-or double-band migrating at 68,000 molecular weight (MW), differing from the normal group (1 of 14 [7%]) which showed a similar band (P = .031). Upon analysis by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis both the EASNHL guinea pigs and a patient reacted against identical components of inner ear antigen. These results suggest an autoimmune basis for disease in patients reacting against the 68,000 MW antigen. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Integrin-linked kinase and associated proteins (review).
Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a recently identified cytoplasmic protein serine/threonine kinase implicated in integrin-, growth factor- and Wnt-signaling pathways. It contains several structurally conserved motifs including ankyrin repeats, pleckstrin-homology (PH) domain and protein kinase catalytic domain that are critical for signal transduction. Recent studies have documented that ILK plays important roles in bi-directional ( and ) transmembrane signaling pathways via integrins and other proteins, leading to regulation of cell adhesion, growth, survival, extracellular matrix deposition and potentially differentiation. Furthermore, ILK is implicated in tumorigenesis and ILK appears to be a useful diagnostic marker of certain human tumors. The identification of novel ILK-associated proteins will provide a better understanding of how ILK functions in intracellular signal transduction cascades and tumorigenesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Gynaecological complications following ovariohysterectomy in dogs, due to: (1) Partial removal of the ovaries. (2) Inflammation of the uterocervical stump (author's transl)].
Of the total number of dogs with complications following ovario-hysterectomy submitted during the period from January 1977 to July 1979 (109), fifty-five showed gynaecological symptoms such as discharge of the vulva (28), attractiveness to male dogs (37), periods of heat (28) and pseudopregnancy (14). In addition to a general clinical examination, the dogs (forty-two of these fifty-five weighing more than 20 kg) underwent a selective gynaecological examination usually consisting in clinical, cytological and bacteriological studies and estimation of the progesterone level of the peripheral blood. At the same time, the progesterone levels of the peripheral blood of six beagles were studied for comparative purposes during pro-oestrus, oestrus and metoestrus; the maximum progesterone level was recorded about day 20 and varied from 35 to 60 ng/ml. The average progesterone level was determined in thirty-nine beagles during anoestrus and found to be 0.24 +/- 0.02 SEM ng/ml. The basal progesterone level was determined in eight dogs in which total ovariohysterectomy had been performed (0.14 +/- 0.02 SEM ng of progesterone /ml). When a cytological study was done in the dogs with residual ovarian tissue, an oestrus pattern was observed in 39 per cent of the cases, the progesterone level of the peripheral blood being above the basal level in 70 per cent of the cases. Remnants of ovarian tissue were removed during laparotomy in forty-seven dogs, on the right side in forty-one cases and on the left in twenty-two cases. The uterocervical stump was shortened when uterine tissue was probably or obviously present. The uterine stump was more or less severely inflamed in nineteen cases. The procedure was confined to shortening of the uterocervical stump in eight dogs in which ovarian tissue was not found to be present. The inflamed stump contained an unabsorbable ligature in seven dogs, the uterocervical stump of the eighth dog not being examined. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Qualitative differences in human figure drawings according to schizophrenic subtype.
Human figure drawings were obtained from 136 adult schizophrenics, of whom 63 were mentally retarded. The protocols were evaluated independently by three jduges for presence of 15 defined features that stressed the quality rather than specific content of the drawings. Adequate reliability and frequency were established for seven of the parameters, which were then compared for prevalence among subgroups classified by diagnosis, preognosis, chronicity, and level of retardation. Significant differences appeared for all comparisons and each of the analyzed features. The differences among non-retarded schizophrenic subgroups seemed to reflect phenomenological distinctions, while differences associated with intellectual retardation seemed to represent developmental limitations. These data supported the validity of the figure drawing technique for distinguishing among schizophrenic subtypes and underscored the importance of suitable methodology in evaluating projective measures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Inactivation of the gene katA or sodA affects the transient entry into the viable but non-culturable response of Staphylococcus aureus in natural seawater at low temperature.
We have investigated the fate of Staphylococcus aureus by starving the cells and maintaining them in natural seawater at 22 and 4 °C. At 22 °C, cells developed a long-term survival state where about 0.037% of the initial population remained culturable over more than 7 months, whereas at 4 °C, bacteria lost culturability and transiently entered into the viable but non-culturable state (VBNC). However, after 22 days of entry into the VBNC state, the number of viable cells detected via the direct viable count method decreased significantly. We show here that mutational inactivation of catalase (KatA) or superoxide dismutase (SodA) rendered strains hypersensitive to seawater stress at 4 °C and consequently, part of the seawater lethality on S. aureus at low temperature is mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) during microcosm-survival process. Shifting the temperature from 4 to 22 °C of totally non-culturable wild-type cells induced a partial recovery of the population. However, deficiencies in catalase or superoxide dismutase prevent resuscitation ability. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characterization and expression of the cbbE' gene of Coxiella burnetii.
A gene which is unique to the QpRS plasmid from chronic isolates of Coxiella burnetii was cloned, sequenced, and expressed in Escherichia coli. This gene, termed cbbE', codes for a putative surface protein of approximately 55 kDa, termed the E' protein. The cbbE' gene is 1485 bp in length, and is preceded by predicted promoter regulatory sequences of TTTAAT (-35), TATAAT (-10), and a Shine-Dalgarno sequence of GGAGAGA, all of which closely resemble those of E. coli and other rickettsiae. The open reading frame (ORF) of cbbE' ends with a UAA codon followed by a second in-frame UAG stop codon and a region of dyad symmetry which may act as a rho-factor-independent terminator. The ORF of cbbE' is capable of coding for a polypeptide of 495 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 55893 Da. The E' protein has a predicted pI of approximately 8.7, and contains a distinct hydrophobic region of 12 amino acid residues. In vitro transcription/translation and E. coli expression of recombinant plasmids containing cbbE' produce a protein of approximately 55 kDa. The in vivo expression of cbbE' yields a novel protein that can be detected on immunoblots developed with rabbit antiserum generated against purified outer membrane from C. burnetii. DNA hybridization analysis shows that cbbE' is unique to the QpRS plasmid found in chronic isolates of C. burnetii, and is absent in chromosomal DNA and plasmids (QpH1, QpDG) from other isolates of C. burnetii. A search of various DNA and amino acid sequence data bases revealed no homologies to cbbE'. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of food azo dyes tartrazine and carmoisine on biochemical parameters related to renal, hepatic function and oxidative stress biomarkers in young male rats.
Tartrazine and carmoisine are an organic azo dyes widely used in food products, drugs and cosmetics. The present study conducted to evaluate the toxic effect of these coloring food additives; on renal, hepatic function, lipid profile, blood glucose, body-weight gain and biomarkers of oxidative stress in tissue. Tartrazine and carmoisine were administered orally in two doses, one low and the other high dose for 30 days followed by serum and tissue sample collection for determination of ALT, AST, ALP, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose in serum and estimation of GSH, catalase, SOD and MDA in liver tissue in male albino rat. Our data showed a significant increase in ALT, AST, ALP, urea, creatinine total protein and albumin in serum of rats dosed with tartrazine and carmoisine compared to control rats and these significant change were more apparent in high doses than low, GSH, SOD and Catalase were decreased and MDA increased in tissue homogenate in rats consumed high tartrazine and both doses of carmoisine. We concluded that tartrazine and carmoisine affect adversely and alter biochemical markers in vital organs e.g. liver and kidney not only at higher doses but also at low doses. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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