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Evaluation of the Quality of Life and Psychiatric Symptoms of Patients with Primary Coxarthrosis after Total Hip Arthroplasty.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY In this study, it was aimed to examine the preoperative and postoperative quality of life and psychiatric symptoms of the patients with primary coxarthrosis after total hip arthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS 150 patients undergone total hip arthroplasty were involved in this study. The socio-demographical data form prepared by the researchers was utilized before and after the operation in order to demonstrate disease-related socio-demographical characteristics of the patient. The Quality of Life Scale Short Form (SF-36), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Visual Analog Scale (VSA) were implemented in the preoperative period and at 6th and 12th week after the operation. RESULTS Of the patients involved in study, 28.7% were male and 71.3% were female. Their mean age was 58.34±11.92 year. While statistically significant differences were found between the preoperative and postoperative periods in terms of physical function, physical role limitation, emotional role limitation, energy, social function, pain, and general health subscales of SF-36, no significant differences were found relating mental health subscale. In BAI, BDI, VAS, and HHS comparison, statistically significant differences were found between the preoperative and postoperative periods, except for BAI. CONCLUSIONS In this study, it was determined that primary coxarthrosis affects significantly the quality of the patients' lives in a negative way and can be accompanied by mental symptoms. After total hip arthroplasty, significant improvement was observed in quality of life, depression and pain scores. Key words: total hip prosthesis, quality of life, mental symptoms. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Bromide pharmacokinetics in cystic fibrosis.
Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) have altered kinetics for a number of drugs, most often an increased volume of distribution (Vd) per body weight and increased clearance per body weight. To further evaluate those differences, we studied bromide kinetics (Vd, elimination rate constant, and clearance) and body mass index in eight adults with mild-to-moderate forms of CF, 21 obligate carriers of the CF gene, and 21 healthy controls. Bromide distribution approximates the extracellular fluid volume and bromide is excreted unchanged by the kidney. Individuals were given a single oral dose of bromide (50 mg/kg), and serum bromide concentrations were measured over 4 weeks. Bromide pharmacokinetics (Vd, elimination rate constant, and clearance) were determined using a one-compartment model with first-order kinetics. Body mass index was determined for each individual. Individuals with CF had a significantly greater lean body mass per kilogram as estimated by body mass index compared with individuals in the obligate carrier and control groups. The mean (+/- SD) Vd per kilogram for the CF group (311 +/- 29 mL/kg) was significantly greater than that of the obligate carrier group (261 +/- 26 mL/kg) and the control group (274 +/- 30 mL/kg). However, the mean (+/- SD) Vd per square meter for the three groups was similar. The mean elimination rate constant for the CF group (3.55 +/- 0.98 x 10(-3)/h) was significantly greater compared with the mean elimination rate constant for the obligate carrier group (2.55 +/- 0.36 x 10(-3)/h) and the control group (2.58 +/- 0.49 x 10(-3)/h). The mean (+/- SD) clearance per kilogram was also significantly greater for the CF group (1095 +/- 283 microL/kg per hour) compared with the obligate carrier group (664 +/- 100 microL/kg per hour) and the control group (700 +/- 115 microL/kg per hour). These findings indicate that individuals with CF have a greater Vd per kilogram for bromide and drugs that distribute in the extracellular fluid volume because of their greater lean body mass per kilogram. The findings also suggest that individuals with CF have a greater renal clearance of bromide and presumably of other anionic drugs excreted by the kidney. The results emphasize the importance of body composition in drug disposition. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neuroarchitecture of the color and polarization vision system of the stomatopod Haptosquilla.
The apposition compound eyes of stomatopod crustaceans contain a morphologically distinct eye region specialized for color and polarization vision, called the mid-band. In two stomatopod superfamilies, the mid-band is constructed from six rows of enlarged ommatidia containing multiple photoreceptor classes for spectral and polarization vision. The aim of this study was to begin to analyze the underlying neuroarchitecture, the design of which might reveal clues how the visual system interprets and communicates to deeper levels of the brain the multiple channels of information supplied by the retina. Reduced silver methods were used to investigate the axon pathways from different retinal regions to the lamina ganglionaris and from there to the medulla externa, the medulla interna, and the medulla terminalis. A swollen band of neuropil-here termed the accessory lobe-projects across the equator of the lamina ganglionaris, the medulla externa, and the medulla interna and represents, structurally, the retina's mid-band. Serial semithin and ultrathin resin sections were used to reconstruct the projection of photoreceptor axons from the retina to the lamina ganglionaris. The eight axons originating from one ommatidium project to the same lamina cartridge. Seven short visual fibers end at two distinct levels in each lamina cartridge, thus geometrically separating the two channels of polarization and spectral information. The eighth visual fiber runs axially through the cartridge and terminates in the medulla externa. We conclude that spatial, color, and polarization information is divided into three parallel data streams from the retina to the central nervous system. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Relative expression of the 14-3-3 gene in different morphotypes of cysts of Echinococcus granulosus isolated from the Indian buffalo.
The metacestode stage of Echinococcus granulosus is of zoonotic importance. In general, the 14-3-3 protein is involved in multiplication and survival of eukaryotes. Therefore, this communication presents succinct information on relative expression of the 14-3-3 protein in six different morphotypes of cysts of E. granulosus. All isolated E. granulosus belonged to the common sheep strain (G1). Relative expression of the 14-3-3 protein was higher in fertile cysts when compared to sterile cysts. The predicted amino acid sequence of the 14-3-3 protein was closely clustered with zeta-type isoforms 1 and 2 of the 14-3-3 protein. In addition, the present study demonstrates the presence of the 14-3-3 protein which until now had not been detected in the germinal layer. Our findings indicate that the expression of this biomolecule in the germinal layer of sterile organisms may contribute to the development and survival of the parasite in the host. The uniform expression of actin II conclusively proves the survivability of the harvested organisms. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The wheat Lr34 gene provides resistance against multiple fungal pathogens in barley.
The Lr34 gene encodes an ABC transporter and has provided wheat with durable, broad-spectrum resistance against multiple fungal pathogens for over 100 years. Because barley does not have an Lr34 ortholog, we expressed Lr34 in barley to investigate its potential as a broad-spectrum resistance resource in another grass species. We found that introduction of the genomic Lr34 sequence confers resistance against barley leaf rust and barley powdery mildew, two pathogens specific for barley but not virulent on wheat. In addition, the barley lines showed enhanced resistance against wheat stem rust. Transformation with the Lr34 cDNA or the genomic susceptible Lr34 allele did not result in increased resistance. Unlike wheat, where Lr34-conferred resistance is associated with adult plants, the genomic Lr34 transgenic barley lines exhibited multipathogen resistance in seedlings. These transgenic barley lines also developed leaf tip necrosis (LTN) in young seedlings, which correlated with an up-regulation of senescence marker genes and several pathogenesis-related (PR) genes. In wheat, transcriptional expression of Lr34 is highest in adult plants and correlates with increased resistance and LTN affecting the last emerging leaf. The severe phenotype of transgenic Lr34 barley resulted in reduced plant growth and total grain weight. These results demonstrate that Lr34 provides enhanced multipathogen resistance early in barley plant development and implies the conservation of the substrate and mechanism of the LR34 transporter and its molecular action between wheat and barley. With controlled gene expression, the use of Lr34 may be valuable for many cereal breeding programmes, particularly given its proven durability. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Human papillomavirus vaccination and the risk of autoimmune disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has been proven to effectively protect against HPV infection and infection-associated cancer. However, there are concerns about the relationship between HPV vaccination and the risk of autoimmune disorders (ADs). Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate the relationship between HPV vaccination and ADs risk. To identify relevant studies, we conducted a systematic search in EMBASE and PubMed databases of scientific articles published through June 2018. Fixed or random effects models were adopted to estimate overall relative risk. In total, 20 studies (12 cohort studies, 6 case-control studies, and 2 randomized controlled trials) involving more than 169,000 AD events were included in our meta-analysis. Our results show that HPV vaccination was not associated with an increased risk of subsequent ADs (odds ratio [OR] = 1.003, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95-1.06), particularly among those with a prior ADs (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.7-0.96). Most of the subgroup analysis results based on the location or type of ADs were consistent with the overall results. No evidence of an association between HPV vaccination and ADs was found. Given the low number of estimates for individual AD, additional and larger observational studies are needed to verify our findings. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Optimal Design of Cluster- and Multisite-Randomized Studies Using Fallible Outcome Measures.
Evaluation studies frequently draw on fallible outcomes that contain significant measurement error. Ignoring outcome measurement error in the planning stages can undermine the sufficiency and efficiency of an otherwise well-designed study and can further constrain the evidence studies bring to bear on the effectiveness of programs. We develop simple formulas to adjust statistical power, minimum detectable effect (MDE), and optimal sample allocation formulas for two-level cluster- and multisite-randomized designs when the outcome is subject to measurement error. The resulting adjusted formulas suggest that outcome measurement error typically amplifies treatment effect uncertainty, reduces power, increases the MDE, and undermines the efficiency of conventional optimal sampling schemes. Therefore, achieving adequate power for a given effect size will typically demand increased sample sizes when considering fallible outcomes, while maintaining design efficiency will require increasing portions of a budget be applied toward sampling a larger number of individuals within clusters. We illustrate evaluation planning with the new formulas while comparing them to conventional formulas using hypothetical examples based on recent empirical studies. To encourage adoption of the new formulas, we implement them in the R package PowerUpR and in the PowerUp software. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Renal artery-cholecystoduodenal fistula. A late complication of dacron patch angioplasty for renal artery stenosis.
A fistula formed between a false aneurysm of the renal artery, gallbladder, and duodenum after Dacron patch angioplasty for renal artery stenosis and led to massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The patient was successfully treated by renal artery ligation, nephrectomy, cholecystectomy, and closure of the duodenal fistula. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A case of peritoneal recurrence of invasive carcinoma derived from IPMN after distal pancreatectomy].
The patient was a 62-year-old man who underwent distal pancreatectomy and partial resection of transverse colon with diagnosis of cystic tumor of pancreas tail in July 2006. In histology, the tumor was an invasive carcinoma derived from intraductal tumor. So, Chemotherapy using gemcitabine (GEM) was administered. Eleven months after the operation, abdominal contrast-enhanced CT showed a cystic tumor in the subdiaphragm and CEA increased to 15 .2 ng/mL. Combination chemotherapy using GEM and S-1 was administered under the diagnosis of peritoneal recurrence. CEA decreased to a normal level, but 19 months after the operation, CA19-9 increased to 187 .7 U/mL. Then, radiotherapy (a total of 40 Gy) was performed. Twenty two months after the radiotherapy, though chemotherapy using S-1 was continued, CA19-9 re- increased to 134 .2 U/mL. Abdominal contrast-enhanced CT and PET detected no other recurrent lesion. A tumor resection was performed in January 2010. In immunostaining MUC1(+), MUC2(-), MUC5AC(+), MUC6(+) and mucus expression forms as well as with previous specimen, and was diagnosed as recurrence of the invasive carcinoma derived from intraductal tumor. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[On the possibilities of diagnosis of the state of the phytoplankton photosynthetic apparatus by the method of nonlinear laser fluorimetry].
The possibilities of diagnosis of the state of the phytoplankton photosynthetic apparatus by the method of nonlinear laser fluorimetry (saturation fluorimetry), which can be realized in remote sensing mode, were investigated. A procedure for the determination of the nonsaturated fluorescence parameter phi0, which is proportional to the concentration of chlorophyll a molecules, and the parameter A, which is a product of three photophysical parameters of chlorophyll a molecule in native chloroplast, was elaborated. Laboratory experiments with the axenic culture of eurihaline Thalassiosira weissflogii showed that the parameter A depends on the state of the photosynthetic apparatus of the alga, which was varied by either DCMU treatment or exposure to actinic light. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Independent control of drop size and velocity in microfluidic flow-focusing generators using variable temperature and flow rate.
This paper describes a method to control the volume and the velocity of drops generated in a flow-focusing device dynamically and independently. This method involves simultaneous tuning of the temperature of the nozzle of the device and of the flow rate of the continuous phase; the method requires a continuous phase liquid that has a viscosity that varies steeply with temperature. Increasing the temperature of the flow-focusing nozzle from 0 to 80 degrees C increased the volume of the drops by almost 2 orders of magnitude. Tuning both the temperature and the flow rate controlled the drop volume and the drop velocity independently; this feature is not possible in a basic flow-focusing device. This paper also demonstrates a procedure for identifying the range of possible drop volumes and drop velocities for a given flow-focusing device and shows how to generate drops with a specified volume and velocity within this range. This method is easy to implement in on-chip applications where thermal management is already incorporated in the system, such as DNA amplification using the polymerase chain reaction and nanoparticle synthesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Simultaneous determination of pyrethroids and pyrethrins by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry in environmental samples.
A simple and environmentally friendly dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) method coupled with electrospray ionization liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-QqQ-MS/MS) was developed for the simultaneous determination of 17 synthetic and natural pyrethroids. A comparison of solid-phase extraction (SPE) versus DLLME for water samples and only "dilute and shoot" versus the additional extract cleanup by DLLME for sediment samples is reported. Chloroform was the extracting solvent in the DLLME technique for both water and sediment samples. Ultrasonic energy was applied to fully extract the analytes into fine droplets, providing high recoveries in short times. Method detection limits (MDLs) ranged from 0.12 to 0.62 ng L-1 and recoveries from 70 to 119% with RSD values 2-15% (n = 5) for water samples. In sediment samples, MDLs ranged from 0.50 to 2.50 ng g-1 and recoveries from 71 to 112% with RSDs 2-16% (n = 5). The proposed method showed a good linearity within the range of 10-500 ng mL-1, with coefficients of determination (R 2) higher than 0.99. Matrix effects were observed for most compounds in water and sediment (ME% < -10%). The proposed methodology was applied for the analysis of water and sediment samples from Albufera wetland and Turia River. Acrinathrin (48 ng g-1) and etofenprox (16 ng g-1) were detected in sediment samples. Graphical abstract Pyrethrins and pyrethroid determination in water and sediments by DLLME and LC-MS/MS. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An aminoglycoside sensing riboswitch controls the expression of aminoglycoside resistance acetyltransferase and adenyltransferases.
The emergence of antibiotic resistance in human pathogens is an increasing threat to public health. The fundamental mechanisms that control the high levels of expression of antibiotic resistance genes are not yet completely understood. The aminoglycosides are one of the earliest classes of antibiotics that were introduced in the 1940s. In the clinic aminoglycoside resistance is conferred most commonly through enzymatic modification of the drug although resistance through enzymatic modification of the target rRNA through methylation or the overexpression of efflux pumps is also appearing. An aminoglycoside sensing riboswitch has been identified that controls expression of the aminoglycoside resistance genes that encode the aminoglycoside acetyltransferase (AAC) and aminoglycoside nucleotidyltransferase (ANT) (adenyltransferase (AAD)) enzymes. AAC and ANT cause resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics through modification of the drugs. Expression of the AAC and ANT resistance genes is regulated by aminoglycoside binding to the 5' leader RNA of the aac/aad genes. The aminoglycoside sensing RNA is also associated with the integron cassette system that captures antibiotic resistance genes. Specific aminoglycoside binding to the leader RNA induces a structural transition in the leader RNA, and consequently induction of resistance protein expression. Reporter gene expression, direct measurements of drug RNA binding, chemical probing and UV cross-linking combined with mutational analysis demonstrated that the leader RNA functioned as an aminoglycoside sensing riboswitch in which drug binding to the leader RNA leads to the induction of aminoglycoside antibiotic resistance. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Riboswitches. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Simple percutaneous coronary interventions using the modification of complex coronary lesion with excimer laser.
Excimer laser coronary atherectomy (ELCA), a unique percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) device, comprises a monorail-type system and is compatible with any standard 0.014-inch guidewire. ELCA is the only device that vaporizes the atherosclerotic plaques or modifies underlying plaque located underneath to a hard tissue, such as severe calcification or a stent. Therefore, ELCA differs from other coronary atherectomy devices and is useful for patients with acute coronary syndrome, chronic total occlusion or under-expanded stents. This case series reports on patients treated using ELCA to simplify complex PCI procedures. Furthermore, we review and discuss ELCA in several situations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Vector-echocardiographic correlations in left ventricular hypertrophy of arterial hypertension].
In almost 200 case of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) secondary to hypertension (HT), including 75 cases with conduction disorders, 100 cases of normal adults and 20 cases of normal children, segmental (initial horizontal vector, maximal anterior and posterior vector of the QRS) and spatial vectorial parameters were correlated to segmental echocardiographic parameters (septum, anterior and posterior wall of the left ventricle) and mass parameters (left ventricular mass index). The only significant quantitative variables in hypertensive LVH are: on electrocardiography: the AQRS and Sokolow's index: on vectocardiography: the spatial vector: its magnitude, azimuth and elevation, the maximal posterior vector: its amplitude, the maximal anterior vector: its amplitude, the maximal width of the QRS azimuth of the efferent limb of the QRS, the ventricular gradient in the horizontal, frontal and sagittal planes; on echocardiography: the left ventricular mass index, the diastolic thickness of the septum and the VMNES, the diastolic thickness of the posterior wall of the left ventricle and its percentage thickening. The only significant correlations were observed between: the maximal posterior vector of QRS and the diastolic thickness of the posterior wall of the left ventricle: 0.01 < alpha < 0.02; the spatial vector and the left ventricular mass index: 0.01 < alpha < 0.001. The presence of a conduction disorder does not modify these last two qualitative variables but alters their correlation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ultrafast Synthetic Transmit Aperture Imaging Using Hadamard-Encoded Virtual Sources With Overlapping Sub-Apertures.
The development of ultrafast ultrasound imaging offers great opportunities to improve imaging technologies, such as shear wave elastography and ultrafast Doppler imaging. In ultrafast imaging, there are tradeoffs among image signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), resolution, and post-compounded frame rate. Various approaches have been proposed to solve this tradeoff, such as multiplane wave imaging or the attempts of implementing synthetic transmit aperture imaging. In this paper, we propose an ultrafast synthetic transmit aperture (USTA) imaging technique using Hadamard-encoded virtual sources with overlapping sub-apertures to enhance both image SNR and resolution without sacrificing frame rate. This method includes three steps: 1) create virtual sources using sub-apertures; 2) encode virtual sources using Hadamard matrix; and 3) add short time intervals (a few microseconds) between transmissions of different virtual sources to allow overlapping sub-apertures. The USTA was tested experimentally with a point target, a B-mode phantom, and in vivo human kidney micro-vessel imaging. Compared with standard coherent diverging wave compounding with the same frame rate, improvements on image SNR, lateral resolution (+33%, with B-mode phantom imaging), and contrast ratio (+3.8 dB, with in vivo human kidney micro-vessel imaging) have been achieved. The f-number of virtual sources, the number of virtual sources used, and the number of elements used in each sub-aperture can be flexibly adjusted to enhance resolution and SNR. This allows very flexible optimization of USTA for different applications. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Initial evaluation of human lymphoblastoid interferon in patients with advanced malignant disease.
A study was carried out to establish the maximum tolerated dose of human lymphoblastoid interferon and to define its side effects when given by intramuscular injection. Pyrexia limited the initial dose to a maximum of 3 megaunits/m2 body surface area, but tolerance to this effect developed over 4 to 5 days and the dose was then increased to 5 to 7.5 megaunits/m2; subjective disturbance prevented further increase in dose, but 2.5 to 5.0 megaunits/m2 daily was well tolerated and appears suitable for long-term administration. Other side effects were hypertension, hypotension, myelosuppression, and disturbance of liver-function tests. All toxic effects were reversible on stopping the interferon. Two patients showed evidence of tumour regression, indicating that further trials are justified to define the extent of anticancer activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The application of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer].
To study the clinical value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) in the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. Ninety-four patients with lung nodular changes were examined by CT, 18F-FDG PET and pathology, cytology. 18F-FDG PET images were analyzed by semi-quantitative standard uptake value (SUV) only and (or) SUV plus visual observation. Focuses with a SUV > 2.5 were judged as malignant changes, while SUV < or = 2.5 was judged as benign. SUV plus visual analysis, based on the focal SUV, the nodular size and shape, and clinical data, was carried out by two nuclear doctors. CT imaging was interpreted by two radiological doctors. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive and negative predictive values of 18F-FDG PET and CT in the diagnosis, and in the evaluation of lymphatic metastasis and remote metastasis of lung lesions were calculated. The diagnostic efficiency of the two methods (SUV or visual plus SUV method) was compared. (1) 58 cases were confirmed to be malignant by surgery or pathological examination, while 36 cases were proved benign by pathology or empirical therapy. (2) The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values were 69%, 65%, 68%, 82% and 49% respectively for CT; and 91%, 89%, 90%, 93% and 87% respectively for SUV analysis; and 95%, 94%, 95%, 97% and 92% respectively for visual plus SUV methods. (3) Among 34 patients with mediastinal lymph node involvement confirmed by pathology, 18F-FDG PET detected 30 cases, while CT detected only 18 cases (P < 0.01). (4) 18F-FDG PET revealed 19 cases with distant metastases, while CT only discovered 8 cases with distant metastases. As a result, the therapy was modified by PET examination in 14 patients. 18F-FDG PET imaging is of important clinical value in the diagnosis of lung lesions and the staging of malignancy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types in patients with squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL).
The aim of the paper was to determine the probability of joined occurrence of certain HPV types, particularly those with high oncogenic risk and histopathological (HP) findings (LGSIL and HGSIL, i.e., micro invasive and invasive carcinoma) as well as to find out to what extent either presence or absence of HPV can be identified in HP findings. The investigation was carried out on 48 patients. Based on a suspected colposcopy findings, Papanicolaou (Pap) smear and biopsy were performed and a histopathological analysis of the sample was carried out. A cervical smear was made on all the patients for HPV detection and typing. The results in the group with HPV, which showed histological diagnoses of LGSIL in 80% of cases, revealed numbers significantly higher with respect to the same summing up in the group where HPV was not detected (66.6%). HP findings of HGSIL in both groups were diagnosed in almost the same percentage and it should be taken into account that there were 6.7% of patients with Ca in situ in the group of HPV-positive patients. Therefore, it can be concluded that if a diagnosis of LGSIL or HGSIL, in particular, has been made on the basis of HP findings there is a great probability that it is a case of infection by one or more joined types of human papillomaviruses. The presence of virus specific genes in one of the stages of tumor development at the beginning of the infection indicates the viral etiology of tumors. The presence of HPV genome was not proved in 21% of patients with HGSIL. A multiple infection with different HPV types is more often found in patients with LGSIL than in those diagnosed with HGSIL. This demonstrates the selection of high oncogenic types and their persistence during the course of carcinoma progression. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A 2-year trend of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in Thailand: an alert for infection control.
A variety of gram-negative bacteria, particularly Enterobacteriaceae, produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) resulting in resistance to several beta-lactam agents. These bacteria play a major role in nosocomial infections. While the prevalence of ESBL producers appear to be rapidly increasing worldwide, data from Thailand are rarely reported. We analysed the recent trends in prevalence and antimicrobial resistance among ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae over the 2-year period of August 2005 to July 2007 at a major university hospital in Thailand. The results showed that the prevalence of ESBL producers was very high (up to 65.9% among sputum isolates) and continues to increase. These bacteria also demonstrated a significant increase in resistance rates to several non-beta-lactam antibiotics and expressed a multidrug resistance phenotype at a high rate. This study poses a serious concern for infection control in Thailand and indicates the need for immediate action to prevent further spread of these resistant bacteria. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Exercise Performance and Markers of Oxidative Stress in Hemodialysis Patients: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) supplementation has been shown to decrease oxidative stress in a number of clinical settings. However, there are mixed results regarding the role of CoQ10 supplementation on exercise performance. Chronic kidney disease is recognized as an inflammatory state, and hemodialysis patients have low level of exercise performance. We aimed to evaluate the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on oxidative stress markers and exercise performance measures. This was a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study in which all patients received placebo and oral CoQ10 200 mg/d. Participants underwent 6-minute walking test and cycle ergometer. Blood samples were drawn to determine malondialdehyde, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. Walking distance in 6-minute walking test and estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) were recorded. Twenty-eight patients were randomized, but 23 patients completed the study protocol. Serum CoQ10 level significantly increased with supplementation compared with basal values (P < 0.05). Neither walking distance nor estimated VO2max was different between the placebo and CoQ10 groups (P > 0.05). Serum malondialdehyde levels significantly increased in both groups compared with baseline values just after the exercise (P < 0.05). There was no difference in markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant system between placebo and CoQ10 supplementation with exercise (P > 0.05). The results of this study showed no significant effect of CoQ10 supplementation on exercise performance measures and oxidative system markers compared with placebo in maintenance hemodialysis patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Malignant MCF10CA1 cell lines derived from premalignant human breast epithelial MCF10AT cells.
The MCF10 series of cell lines was derived from benign breast tissue from a woman with fibrocystic disease. The MCF10 human breast epithelial model system consists of mortal MCF10M and MCF10MS (mortal cells grown in serum-free and serum-containing media, respectively), immortalized but otherwise normal MCF10F and MCF10A lines (free-floating versus growth as attached cells), transformed MCF10AneoT cells transfected with T24 Ha-ras, and premalignant MCF10AT cells with potential for neoplastic progression. The MCF10AT, derived from xenograft-passaged MCF10-AneoT cells, generates carcinomas in approximately 25% of xenografts. We now report the derivation of fully malignant MCF10CA1 lines that complete the spectrum of progression from relatively normal breast epithelial cells to breast cancer cells capable of metastasis. MCF10CA1 lines display histologic variations ranging from undifferentiated carcinomas, sometimes with focal squamous differentiation, to well-differentiated adenocarcinomas. At least two metastasize to the lung following injection of cells into the tail vein; one line grows very rapidly in the lung, with animals moribund within 4 weeks, whereas the other requires 15 weeks to reach the same endpoint. In addition to variations in efficiency of tumor production, the MCF10CA1 lines show differences in morphology in culture, anchorage-independent growth, karyotype, and immunocytochemistry profiles. The MCF10 model provides a unique tool for the investigation of molecular changes during progression of human breast neoplasia and the generation of tumor heterogeneity on a common genetic background. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
XIAP downregulation accompanies mebendazole growth inhibition in melanoma xenografts.
Mebendazole (MBZ) was identified as a promising therapeutic on the basis of its ability to induce apoptosis in melanoma cell lines through a B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2)-dependent mechanism. We now show that in a human xenograft melanoma model, oral MBZ is as effective as the current standard of care temozolomide in reducing tumor growth. Inhibition of melanoma growth in vivo is accompanied by phosphorylation of BCL2 and decreased levels of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP). Reduced expression of XIAP on treatment with MBZ is partially mediated by its proteasomal degradation. Furthermore, exposure of melanoma cells to MBZ promotes the interaction of SMAC/DIABLO with XIAP, thereby alleviating XIAP's inhibition on apoptosis. XIAP expression on exposure to MBZ is indicative of sensitivity to MBZ as MBZ-resistant cells do not show reduced levels of XIAP after treatment. Resistance to MBZ can be reversed partially by siRNA knockdown of cellular levels of XIAP. Our data indicate that MBZ is a promising antimelanoma agent on the basis of its effects on key antiapoptotic proteins. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nosocomial infection in surgery wards: a controlled study of increased duration of hospital stays and direct cost of hospitalization.
Excess length of hospital stays and associated costs were assessed in patients hospitalized in the department of general and digestive surgery who acquired nosocomial infections. A prospective study of matched infected-uninfected patients nested in a cohort was used to estimate the length of the hospital stay of infected patients. Matched controls were obtained with respect to patient exact primary diagnosis, operative procedure and classification, age and, if possible, underlying disease, elective or emergency procedure and invasive devices. Superficial surgical wound infection prolonged the average hospital stay of the nosocomially infected patient by an average of 12.6 days, wound infection (deep and superficial) by 14.3 days and infections other than wound infection by 7.3 days as compared to the uninfected matched controls. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Do Program Implementation Factors or Fidelity Affect Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Programs' Outcomes?
To evaluate whether implementation factors or fidelity moderate chronic disease self-management education program outcomes. Meta-analysis of 34 Arthritis Self-Management Program and Chronic Disease Self-Management Program studies. Community. N = 10 792. Twelve implementation factors: program delivery fidelity and setting and leader and participant characteristics. Eighteen program outcomes: self-reported health behaviors, physical health status, psychological health status, and health-care utilization. Meta-analysis using pooled effect sizes. Modest to moderate statistically significant differences for 4 of 6 implementation factors; these findings were counterintuitive with better outcomes when leaders and participants were unpaid, leaders had less than minimum training, and implementation did not meet fidelity requirements. Exploratory study findings suggest that these interventions tolerate some variability in implementation factors. Further work is needed to identify key elements where fidelity is essential for intervention effectiveness. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Inhibition of inflammation contributes to organ protection of atenolol in sinoaortic-denervated rats.
The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that inhibition of inflammation contributes to the protective effects of atenolol on the organ damage induced by sinoaortic denervation (SAD) in rats. SAD was performed in male Sprague-Dawley rats at the age of 10 weeks. Atenolol (20 mg/kg/d, po) was administered for 12 weeks beginning from 4 weeks after SAD. Organ damage evaluation and the determination of plasma TXB2, serum IL-1, TNF-alpha and tissue reactive oxygen species (ROS) were performed at 16 weeks after SAD. It was found that there existed obvious organ damage including increased cardiac and aortic collagen, and glomerular injury, in SAD rats. Plasma TXB2, serum TNF-alpha IL-1, and tissue ROS increased significantly after SAD. Long-term treatment with atenolol significantly prevented the organ damage with a decrease in left ventricular weight, cardiac and aortic collagen contents, and glomerular injury score in SAD rats. Plasma TXB2, serum IL-1, and tissue ROS were found to be significantly decreased by the long-term treatment with atenolol. Furthermore, it was found that the levels of inflammation-related factors were significantly related to all the organ-damage parameters studied in this experiment. These results suggest that inhibition of inflammation and oxygen stress contributes to the organ-protective effects of atenolol in SAD rats. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Duodenal endoscopic full-thickness resection (with video).
Endoscopic resection of duodenal non-lifting adenomas and subepithelial tumors is challenging and harbors a significant risk of adverse events. We report on a novel technique for duodenal endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) by using an over-the-scope device. Data of 4 consecutive patients who underwent duodenal EFTR were analyzed retrospectively. Main outcome measures were technical success, R0 resection, histologic confirmation of full-thickness resection, and adverse events. Resections were done with a novel, over-the-scope device (full-thickness resection device, FTRD). Four patients (median age 60 years) with non-lifting adenomas (2 patients) or subepithelial tumors (2 patients) underwent EFTR in the duodenum. All lesions could be resected successfully. Mean procedure time was 67.5 minutes (range 50-85 minutes). Minor bleeding was observed in 2 cases; blood transfusions were not required. There was no immediate or delayed perforation. Mean diameter of the resection specimen was 28.3 mm (range 22-40 mm). Histology confirmed complete (R0) full-thickness resection in 3 of 4 cases. To date, 2-month endoscopic follow-up has been obtained in 3 patients. In all cases, the over-the-scope clip was still in place and could be removed without adverse events; recurrences were not observed. EFTR in the duodenum with the FTRD is a promising technique that has the potential to spare surgical resections. Modifications of the device should be made to facilitate introduction by mouth. Prospective studies are needed to further evaluate efficacy and safety for duodenal resections. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Divergence of glutamate and glutamine aminoacylation pathways: providing the evolutionary rationale for mischarging.
Aminoacyl-tRNA for protein synthesis is produced through the action of a family of enzymes called aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. A general rule is that there is one aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase for each of the standard 20 amino acids found in all cells. This is not universal, however, as a majority of prokaryotic organisms and eukaryotic organelles lack the enzyme glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase, which is responsible for forming Gln-tRNAGln in eukaryotes and in Gram-negative eubacteria. Instead, in organisms lacking glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase, Gln-tRNAGln is provided by misacylation of tRNAGln with glutamate by glutamyl-tRNA synthetase, followed by the conversion of tRNA-bound glutamate to glutamine by the enzyme Glu-tRNAGln amidotransferase. The fact that two different pathways exist for charging glutamine tRNA indicates that ancestral prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms evolved different cellular mechanisms for incorporating glutamine into proteins. Here, we explore the basis for diverging pathways for aminoacylation of glutamine tRNA. We propose that stable retention of glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase in prokaryotic organisms following a horizontal gene transfer event from eukaryotic organisms (Lamour et al. 1994) was dependent on the evolving pool of glutamate and glutamine tRNAs in the organisms that acquired glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase by this mechanism. This model also addresses several unusual aspects of aminoacylation by glutamyl- and glutaminyl-tRNA synthetases that have been observed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Removal of polio- and parvovirus in sewage-sludge by lime-treatment (author's transl)].
Lime (CaO) applied as conditioner for dewatering municipal sewage sludge in filter-presses is suitable to disinfect sewage sludge with respect to virus. A pH-rise to more than 12 followed by release of ammonia inactivates Polio- and Bovine Parvovirus. Addition of 3 kg CaO and more per m3 of raw sludge inactivates Poliovirus within 30 minutes. 7.5 kg CaO per m3 of anaerobically digested sludge are required to inactivate Polio-virus within 5 days and Bovine Parvovirus within 24 hours. Parvovirus seems to be more sensitive against free ammonia than Poliovirus, but less sensitive against high pH-values. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nurse-to-patient ratios and neonatal outcomes: a brief systematic review.
Higher patient-to-nurse ratios and nursing workload are associated with increased mortality in the adult intensive care unit (ICU). Most neonatal ICUs (NICUs) in the United Kingdom do not meet national staffing recommendations. The impact of staffing on outcomes in the NICU is unknown. To determine how nurse-to-patient ratios or nursing workload affects outcomes in the NICU. Two authors (M.S., S.S.) searched PubMed, Medline, and EMBASE for eligible studies. Included studies reported on both the outcomes of infants admitted to a NICU and nurse-to-patient ratios or workload, and were published between 1/1990 and 4/2010 in any language. The primary outcome was mortality before discharge, relative to nurse-to-patient ratios. Secondary outcomes were intraventricular hemorrhage, daily weight gain, days on assisted ventilation, days on oxygen and nosocomial infection. Study quality was assessed with the STROBE checklist. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Three reported on the same group of patients. Only four studies reported death before discharge from the NICU relative to nurse-to-patient ratios. Three reported an association between lower nurse-to-patient ratios and higher mortality, and one reported just the opposite. Because each study used a different definition of nurse staffing, a meta-analysis could not be performed. Nurse-to-patient ratios appear to affect outcomes of neonatal intensive care, but limitations of the existing literature prevent clear conclusions about optimal staffing strategies. Evidence-based standards for staffing could impact public policy and lead to improvements in patient safety and decreased rates of adverse outcomes. More research on this subject, including a standard and valid measure of nursing workload, is urgently needed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Left lower lobe atelectasis and consolidation following cardiac surgery: the effect of topical cooling on the phrenic nerve.
Retrospective and prospective analyses of chest radiographs of patients following coronary artery bypass surgery were undertaken. Left lower lobe pulmonary infiltrate and/or atelectasis developed in 13 of 40 (32.5%) patients who were operated upon without topical cooling of the heart with ice, and in 77 of 122 (63.1%) patients in one group and 34 of 40 (85.0%) patients in another group who were operated upon with topical cooling of the heart with ice. This difference was highly significant (p less than 0.001). Of the patients in one group in whom left lower lobe abnormality developed, 69.2% had paralysis or paresis of the left hemidiaphragm. It is evident that application of ice to the phrenic nerve can lead to temporary paralysis of the left of the diaphragm, with subsequent development of left lower lobe pulmonary infiltrate and/or atelectasis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical outcomes after local field conformal reirradiation of patients with retropharyngeal nodal metastasis.
The purpose of this study was to present our experience with retropharyngeal node reirradiation using highly conformal radiotherapy (RT). A retrospective screen of 2504 consecutively irradiated patients with head and neck malignancies between 2005 and 2015 identified 19 patients who underwent reirradiation for retropharyngeal node metastasis. Clinical and toxicity outcomes were assessed in these patients. Thirteen patients (68%) had squamous cell carcinoma. Eleven patients (58%) received conventionally fractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or proton therapy, and 8 patients (42%) received single-fractionated or hypofractionated stereotactic RT. Fourteen patients (74%) received chemotherapy. Median follow-up was 14.7 months. The 1-year local control, locoregional control, overall survival, and progression-free survival rates were 100%, 94%, 92%, and 92%, respectively. Three patients (16%) experienced acute grade 3 toxicity and occurred in those treated with IMRT. There was no late grade ≥3 toxicity. Retropharyngeal node reirradiation with conformal therapy is well tolerated and associated with excellent short-term disease control. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Creatine kinase release from regenerated muscles after eccentric contractions in rats.
The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that an increase in plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity after eccentric contractions (ECC) would be attenuated in regenerated muscle fibres. Adult male Wistar rats (aged 12-14 weeks) were randomly assigned to a treatment group (n = 14) or a control group (n = 10). In the treatment group, 1.2% barium chloride solution (BaCl2) was injected into the tibialis anterior (TA) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles to induce degeneration and subsequent regeneration. The same amount of isotonic saline solution was injected into TA and EDL for the control group. Histological observation showed that approximately 50% of the fibres in the transverse sections of both muscles underwent necrosis 2 days after BaCl2 injection. The CK activity increased about tenfold at 2-4 h after BaCl2 injection. At 4 weeks after BaCl2 injection, when the regeneration process was almost complete, the TA and EDL of anaesthetized rats from both groups were subjected to ECC in which maximal dorsiflexion was caused by nerve electrical stimulation and the flexed foot was forcibly extended by a lever arm connected to a motor. This action was performed in 2 sets of 30 repetitions. Maximal isometric torque of the dorsiflexors decreased to about 15% (P < 0.01) of the pre-ECC value immediately after the exercise. Blood samples were collected before and 2, 4, 12, 24, 48 h after ECC. The CK activity increased significantly (P < 0.01) and peaked at 2-4 h after ECC, and there was no significant difference in the amount of CK increase between the treatment [1007 (SEM 120) IU.l-1] and the control [1064 (SEM 120) IU.l-1] group. Contrary to the hypothesis, CK release after ECC was not attenuated in muscle regenerated from BaCl2-induced myonecrosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Repeated administration of a selective dopamine D2 receptor agonist to 6-OHDA-lesioned rats does not affect the survival and outgrowth of intrastriatal fetal mesencephalic grafts.
The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of chronic activation of dopamine D2 receptors on the development of grafted fetal rat mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons. Therefore, unilaterally 6-hydroxydopamine - lesioned rats received intrastriatal mesencephalic cell suspension grafts and were subsequently chronically treated with the selective dopamine D2 receptor agonist LY 171555 (Quinpirole). After treatment for 6 consecutive weeks, the rats were processed for tyrosine-hydroxylase immunocytochemistry to assess the survival and outgrowth from grafted dopaminergic neurons. morphological analysis revealed that, like the volume and morphology of the graft, neither the number nor the cell area of grafted dopaminergic neurons was significantly different between vehicle- and LY 171555-treated animals. To obtain a quantitative estimate of the graft-derived dopaminergic reinnervation, a computerized image analysis system was used. Using this procedure, which was based on the densitometric measurement of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the area adjacent to the grafted tissue, it was found that the extent of graft-derived outgrowth also appeared to be unaffected upon chronic treatment with LY 171555. It is concluded that long-term concurrent administration of a dopamine D2 receptor agonist for 6 consecutive weeks does not impair the survival and outgrowth of grafted rat fetal mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
High prevalence of anti-hepatitis B core antigen in hepatitis B virus-vaccinated Chinese blood donors suggests insufficient protection but little threat to the blood supply.
In East Asia, individuals systematically vaccinated at birth to hepatitis B virus (HBV) are an increasing part of the blood donor population. Their environment presents a high risk of contact with HBV. HBV vaccine efficacy and potential safety risk carried by vaccinated donors were examined. A total of 2028 vaccinated blood donors were recruited in 2012 and 2013 and tested for serologic (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen [anti-HBs], and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen [anti-HBc]) and molecular (HBV DNA) markers of HBV. HBsAg, anti-HBs, and viral load were quantified. Donors 18 to 21 years systematically vaccinated at birth and 22 to 25 years and older donors had both 30.0% negative serology and 1.8% anti-HBc only but the latter group carried significantly higher prevalence of anti-HBc (p < 0.0001). Anti-HBc, mostly associated with anti-HBs, increased from 10.7% at age 18 to 31.5% at age 25. The level of anti-HBs was significantly higher in anti-HBc-positive donors than in anti-HBs-only donors (p < 0.0001). Samples from 24 donors contained low viral load (25 ± 22 IU/mL), half of them undetected by standard nucleic acid testing (NAT), and were classified as four recent infections, 17 occult HBV infections (OBI), and three primary OBIs. Eighteen of 24 carried anti-HBs; 14 of 15 strains were wild-type Genotype B and one was Genotype C. In an environment of frequent high Genotype B or C viremia, blood donors vaccinated at birth are frequently but mildly infected: asymptomatic and normal alanine aminotransferase level, identified by anti-HBc seroconversion and boosting of anti-HBs. Low viral load and frequent anti-HBs limit transfusion risk. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Differential Nocturnal Diuresis Rates Among Patients with and Without Nocturnal Polyuria Syndrome.
The mechanism of nocturnal polyuria (NP), a leading cause of nocturia, is poorly understood. To characterize NP in terms of diuresis rate changes before and after the first nocturnal awakening. A frequency-volume chart (FVC) database of 773 entries from 440 veterans treated at a Veterans Affairs urology clinic was analyzed. The first FVCs completed by male patients aged ≥18 years with two or more nocturnal voids were included. Patients were excluded if they were taking diuretics or had sleep apnea, heart failure, edema, kidney disease, or diabetes insipidus. The 130 included individuals were divided into two cohorts: patients with NP and patients below this threshold. Analyses were performed using two different cutoffs for NP: nocturnal urine production (NUP) >90ml/h and nocturnal polyuria index (NPi) >0.33. We compared "early nocturnal diuresis rate" (ENDR; first nocturnal voided volume/length of first uninterrupted sleep period), "late nocturnal diuresis rate" (LNDR; remaining nocturnal urine volume/remaining hours of sleep), and diurnal diuresis rate (daytime urine volume/hours awake) in patients with the nocturnal polyuria syndrome (NPS). Within groups, there were significant differences between ENDR and LNDR for NPS patients at NUP >90ml/h (152 vs 120ml/h, p=0.02) and NPi >0.33 (120 vs 91ml/h, p=0.02) but not for those without NPS at NUP ≤90ml/h (60 vs 59ml/h, p=0.29) or NPi ≤0.33 (75 vs 75ml/h, p=0.25). Limitations include retrospective design, single institution participation, and small sample size. There exists a significant drop-off in nocturnal diuresis rate after the time of first awakening that is unique to patients with NPS. The large volume of urine produced in the early hours of sleep may provide the specific substrate for short-acting antidiuretics approved for use in patients with nocturia owing to NPS. We analyzed adult males diagnosed with nocturnal polyuria syndrome to determine how their rate of urine production changed throughout the night. Our finding that these individuals produce urine at the highest rate in the early hours of sleep suggests that they may benefit from pharmaceuticals specifically designed to reduce urine production during this period. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Achilles' heel of pluripotent stem cells: genetic, genomic and epigenetic variations during prolonged culture.
Pluripotent stem cells differentiate into almost any specialized adult cell type of an organism. PSCs can be derived either from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst-giving rise to embryonic stem cells-or after reprogramming of somatic terminally differentiated cells to obtain ES-like cells, named induced pluripotent stem cells. The potential use of these cells in the clinic, for investigating in vitro early embryonic development or for screening the effects of new drugs or xenobiotics, depends on capability to maintain their genome integrity during prolonged culture and differentiation. Both human and mouse PSCs are prone to genomic and (epi)genetic instability during in vitro culture, a feature that seriously limits their real potential use. Culture-induced variations of specific chromosomes or genes, are almost all unpredictable and, as a whole, differ among independent cell lines. They may arise at different culture passages, suggesting the absence of a safe passage number maintaining genome integrity and rendering the control of genomic stability mandatory since the very early culture passages. The present review highlights the urgency for further studies on the mechanisms involved in determining (epi)genetic and chromosome instability, exploiting the knowledge acquired earlier on other cell types. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Impotence: evaluation and treatment in general practice--what is reliable?].
Erectile dysfunction has an incidence of 2-9% and it is seen often in general practice. But the more recent treatment methods such as intracavernous drug injections and vacuum constriction devices are not known by general practitioners and normally used drug treatment has no efficacy. The management of impotence of the general practitioner should concentrate upon internistic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesteremia and different drugs causing impotence. The symptomatic treatment of erectile dysfunction has to be done by a specialist, who is able to offer all therapeutic options. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Synthesis of a vanadium(III) tris(arylthiolato) complex and its reactions with azide and azo compounds: formation of a sulfenamide complex via cleavage of an azo N=N bond.
The tris(arylthiolate) vanadium(III) complex (1) has been synthesized in good yield. This complex is found to undergo CH activation across a V-S bond in the presence of TMEDA to give a cyclometalated species along with free arylthiol. Complex 1 behaves as a two-electron reductant toward Ad-N(3), yielding an imide complex. Treatment of 1 with azobenzene produces an imide-sulfenamide compound, in which an azo N=N bond cleavage takes place concomitant with formation of a V=N and an S-N bond. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Employee screening today: the information is there, but be careful how you use it.
Doing a good job of conducting thorough reference checks and background investigations of job applicants has become increasingly important in healthcare in preventing personnel-related crime and the legal consequences of negligence in hiring people who commit such crimes. However, there are many obstacles to obtaining information on applicants. In this report, we'll explore in depth the current state of background checking as described by an official of a company which provides background checking services, as well as the latest in legal practices from a leading attorney in the field. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Analysis of mebendazole polymorphs by Fourier transform IR spectrometry using chemometric methods.
A diffuse reflectance IR Fourier transform IR spectrometry (DRIFTS) method was developed for the rapid, direct measurement of mebendazole in drugs. Conventional KBr spectra and DRIFTS spectra were compared for the best determination of the active substance in the drug formulations. Two chemometric approaches were used in the data processing: multicomponent partial least squares (PLS2) and principal component regression. The best results were obtained with the PLS2 method. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Mechanisms of extracellular matrix remodeling in dilated cardiomyopathy].
The mechanisms underlying myocardial remodeling during heart failure have historically been attributed as the consequence of intrinsic changes in cardiac myocytes. Nevertheless, over the last several years, it has become increasingly evident that disruption of extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis is also a deciding factor for the progression of myocardial failure. Collagens, the chief components of extracellular matrix, are a tightly regulated family of proteins that determine the structural and functional integrity of heart. Synthesis of collagens is regulated at the cellular level while deposition of these proteins depend on a balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMPs). Infiltrating inflammatory cells are major producers of MMPs though myocardial cells are also found to synthesize these proteolytic enzymes. However, immune-mediated regulation of myocardial collagen synthesis and deposition during myocardial inflammation remains poorly understood. It seems likely that a paracrine/autorine effect of a repertoire of cytokines on inflammatory cells and myocardial cells may lead to an imbalance in myocardial MMP/TIMP ratio resulting, eventually, in altered myocardial extracellular matrix architecture and contribute significantly to the development of left ventricular remodeling and dysfunction. Attempts to delineate the cross-talk between immune cells, myocardial cells and extracellular matrix are important as chronic myocardial inflammation is documented in about 50% of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Working memory task decreases the survival of newly born neurons in hippocampus.
Throughout life new neurons are generated in dentate gyrus of hippocampus. Previous studies have found that spatial tasks can rescue newly born neurons from death. However, it is still unknown whether new neurons are similarly affected by all types of hippocampal-dependent tasks. Here we investigated the possible effects of working memory task (WMT) on immature neurons. Mice were trained in reference memory task and WMT respectively. The reference memory task used the classical hidden platform (HP) water maze task, while WMT used a delayed matching-to-place (DMTP) water maze task. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was administrated during the early or late phase of training, or 1week prior to training, in order to label dividing proliferating cells. After water maze training, the number of BrdU-labeled cells in dentate gyrus of hippocampus was compared. In addition, hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and Notch 1 receptor were characterized using Western blot. Serum corticosterone levels were also measured using enzyme immunoassay. Results showed that HP task and DMTP task did not change the number of BrdU-labeled cells produced during the early or late phase of training. As expected, the HP task increased the number of BrdU-labeled cells produced 1 week prior to training. However, DMTP task decreased the number of BrdU-labeled cells produced 1 week prior to training. Both tasks lead to a significant increase in serum corticosterone levels and did not change the expression of BDNF and Notch 1 receptor in hippocampus. Taken together, these results demonstrate that WMT has different effects on survival of immature neurons, and therefore suggests immature neurons may have more than one role depending on the demands of the tasks. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Feedlot performance and carcass evaluation of heifers fed finishing diets as weanling calves or as yearlings.
Twenty commercial Herefored, Angus and Hereford × Angus, weanling and yearling heifers from the same herd were compared for feedlot performance and certain carcass characteristics. Yearlings tended to gain weight more rapidly than did weanlings. Since the cattle were group-fed, no analyses of feed efficiency could be performed. Yearlings appeared, however, to require less feed per unit of gain. The cattle were slaughtered when live weight approached 443 kg. Weanlings were fatter; had more kidney, pelvic and heart fat; merited higher (less desirable) USDA yield grades; had more desirable USDA quality grades and higher dressing percentage (P<0·05) than did yearlings. Ribeye area was not different between treatments. Yearlings yielded a higher percentage of closely trimmed retail lean cuts than did weanlings (P < 0·05). Sensory panel scores were higher (more desirable) for weanlings than for yearlings for both ribeye and inside round steaks (P < 0·05), while no differences were identified for flavor, juiciness or overall palatability of steaks. Warner-Bratzler shear force data generally supported taste panel evaluations for tenderness. These data suggest that carcass composition is impacted by the way cattle are managed and refute the idea that cattle have the same body composition at a given weight regardless of age at slaughter or nutrient density of the diet during finishing. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Environmental factors in the etiology of Parkinson's disease].
We examined the role of the environment in the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). A group of 42 parkinsonians have been compared with a group of 84 matched controls. The epidemiological study (1987-1989) covered the territory of the Community Health Department of Valleyfield, in southern Quebec (Canada). Odds ratio adjusted for age and sex were calculated for seven environmental factors. A decreased risk for PD was associated with residence in rural areas (OR: 0.31; p less than or equal to 0.05) and residence near industry or mining (OR: 0.15; p less than or equal to 0.05). An increased risk for PD seems to be associated with occupational exposure to the three metals Mn, Fe and Al (OR: 2.28; p = 0.07) especially when the duration of exposure is longer than 30 years (OR: 13.64; p less than or equal to 0.05). Other environmental factors not found to be associated with PD were: pesticides manipulation, farm work, industrial work and well water consumption. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Driving impairment and crash risk in Parkinson disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
To provide the best possible evidence base for guiding driving decisions in Parkinson disease (PD), we performed a meta-analysis comparing patients with PD to healthy controls (HCs) on naturalistic, on-the-road, and simulator driving outcomes. Seven major databases were systematically searched (to January 2018) for studies comparing patients with PD to HCs on overall driving performance, with data analyzed using random-effects meta-analysis. Fifty studies comprising 5,410 participants (PD = 1,955, HC = 3,455) met eligibility criteria. Analysis found the odds of on-the-road test failure were 6.16 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.79-10.03) times higher and the odds of simulator crashes 2.63 (95% CI 1.64-4.22) times higher for people with PD, with poorer overall driving ratings also observed (standardized mean differences from 0.50 to 0.67). However, self-reported real-life crash involvement did not differ between people with PD and HCs (odds ratio = 0.84, 95% CI 0.57-1.23, p = 0.38). Findings remained unchanged after accounting for any differences in age, sex, and driving exposure, and no moderating influence of disease severity was found. Our findings provide persuasive evidence for substantive driving impairment in PD, but offer little support for mandated PD-specific relicensure based on self-reported crash data alone, and highlight the need for objective measures of crash involvement. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Plant-derived flavonoids in ocular angiopathy.
Encouraging reports of flavonoid activity, mainly coming from in vitro or ex vivo experimental evidence, should be replicated in randomized controlled trials, to examine their ability to prevent angiopathy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dose ranging pharmacokinetics and brain distribution of norfloxacin using microdialysis in rats.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dose on norfloxacin pharmacokinetics and distribution into the brain extracellular fluid (ECF), in freely moving rats. Unbound concentrations of norfloxacin in hippocampus were determined by microdialysis after an i.v. bolus dose of 12.5, 25, 50, 100, or 150 mg/kg in rats. In vivo recovery of norfloxacin was determined by retrodialysis by calibrator. Among three fluoroquinolones (enoxacin, pefloxacin, and ciprofloxacin) selected as potential calibrators, ciprofloxacin was selected as the best one. Maximum ECF brain norfloxacin concentrations are rapidly obtained but the ECFbrain/plasma areas under curves (AUC) ratios are low and independent of dose with a mean value of 8.2 +/- 5.8%. By contrast, norfloxacin systemic pharmacokinetics was nonlinear, with total plasma clearance decreasing significantly from 23.0 +/- 3.4 to 14.4 +/- 3.8 mL/min/kg when dose increased from 12.5 to 150 mg/kg. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Case report of mastocytosis in an adult.
A case of adult-onset mastocytosis is presented to illustrate the classification, signs, symptoms, workup, treatment, and prognosis for this unusual condition. Although there is no cure for mastocytosis, symptoms of histamine release can be minimized with oral antihistamines. Ongoing surveillance of organ systems affected remains important. Our patient's mast cell disease predisposed him to bone loss, but there was no evidence of disease beyond the skin. He has done well with continued follow up monitoring his serum tryptase and oral antihistamine treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Our approach to the spastic hip subluxation and dislocation in children with cerebral palsy.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of our approach to the spastic hip subluxation and dislocation in children with cerebral palsy. We evaluated 56 hips in our consecutive patients who had been operated on at our department between January 2003 and December 2005. There were done soft-tissue release procedures in 42 hips, osseous reconstructive surgery in 11 hips and osseous palliative surgery in 3 hips. The duration of follow-ups was 1-3 years after surgery. We achieved good result in 15 hips after soft-tissue release, fifteen hips had a fair result, nine a poor result and three a failure. No redislocation was observed after osseous surgery in our patients. Two patients observed no pain after osseous palliative surgery, transient pain in the hip was in one case. In all hips the range of motion (abduction) was increased. The personal hygiene and possibilities of rehabilitation were improved. Childhood is the optimal time to intervene to maximize the function of the patient with cerebral palsy. The musculoskeletal treatment of the child prevents future problems with pain and deformity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Problems with the Steinbrocker staging system for radiographic assessment of the rheumatoid hand and wrist.
Hand and wrist radiographs of 202 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were graded with the classical Steinbrocker Staging System, and were also assigned quantitative scores for joint space narrowing, erosion, and malalignment according to a detailed scoring method. Steinbrocker Stage scores were correlated significantly with total detailed scores (r = 0.60 to 0.66, P less than 0.001). However, the ranges of detailed total and subtotal scores among the various Steinbrocker Stage scores were broad, with considerable overlap. Practical problems in applying the Steinbrocker staging method were identified in 26.5% of the hands graded with the Steinbrocker method. Additionally, analysis of scoring data showed discrepancies between the scoring methods in 25.2% of the hands examined; one-half of these discrepancies were felt to result from the global or overall approach of the Steinbrocker method in contrast to individual joint analysis. Asymmetry in assigned stages between right and left hands was found in 15.8% of patients. The detailed scoring method, although more time-consuming, appears superior to the Steinbrocker Stage for quantitative assessment of patient radiographic status in rheumatoid arthritis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nanostructured SnO2-Ge Multi-layer thin Films with Quantum Confinement Effects for Solar Cell.
It is well-known that multi-layer films with nanostructure can give novel properties by interfacial phenomenon and quantum confinement effects. Nanostructured multi-layer thin films are presently being analyzed for their vast applications in the area of optoelectronics technology particularly photovoltaics. Hereof, two dimensional thin films with nanostructure are of prime importance due to their structure dependent optical, electrical, and opto-electronic properties. It has been revealed that these films exhibit quantum confinement effects with band gap engineering. The main focus of the research is to evaluate the effect on structural and optical properties with number of layers. Nanostructured SnO2-Ge multi-layer thin films were fabricated using electron beam evaporation and resistive heating techniques. Alternate layers of SnO2 and Ge were deposited on glass substrate at a substrate temperature of 300 °C in order to obtain uniform and homogeneous deposition. The substrate temperature of 300 °C has been determined to be effective for the deposition of these multi-layer films from our previous studies. The films were characterized by investigating their structural and optical properties. The structural properties of the as-deposited films were characterized by Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy (RBS) and Raman spectroscopy and optical properties by Ultra-Violet-Near infrared (UV-VIS-NIR) spectroscopy. RBS studies confirmed that the layer structure has been effectively formed. Raman spectroscopy results show that the peaks of both Ge and SnO2 shifts towards lower wavenumbers (in comparison with bulk Ge and SnO2, suggesting that the films consist of nanostructures and demonstrate quantum confinement effects. UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy showed an increase in the band gap energy of Ge and SnO2 and shifting of transmittance curves toward higher wavelength by increasing the number of layers. The band gap lies in the range of 0.9 to 1.2 eV for Ge, while for SnO2, it lies between 1.7 to 2.1 eV. Analysis of results suggests that the nanostructured SnO2-Ge multi-layer thin film can work as heterojunction materials with quantum confinement effects. Accordingly, the present SnO2-Ge multi-layer films may be employed for photovoltaic applications. Few relevant patents to the topic have been reviewed and cited. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Synthesis degradation, and subcellular localization of synaptotagmin IV, a neuronal immediate early gene product.
Synaptotagmin IV (Syt IV) is an immediate early gene induced by depolarization in rat PC12 cells and in rat hippocampus. We prepared an antiserum to Syt IV protein. The 46-kDa Syt IV protein is nearly undetectable by western blotting in unstimulated PC12 cells. After depolarization, Syt IV increases rapidly, peaks at 4 h, and decays to near baseline levels by 12 h. Forskolin stimulation also leads to rapid Syt IV protein accumulation. The rate of Syt IV protein synthesis, determined by labeling with radioactive amino acids and immunoprecipitation, is low in unstimulated PC12 cells, but increases over the first 3 h after forskolin stimulation and remains elevated for several hours. Syt IV protein is relatively labile; metabolically labeled Syt IV has a half-life of approximately 2 h in PC12 cells. Sucrose density gradient fractionation and vesicle immunoisolation experiments suggest that Syt IV protein is present in both synaptic-like microvesicles and secretory granules. Vesicles immunoisolated from forskolin-treated PC12 cells with anti-Syt I antibody contain radioactively labeled Syt IV, demonstrating that Syt I and Syt IV colocalize in common vesicles. These results suggest that Syt IV protein, after its stimulation-induced synthesis, is rapidly transported to secretory vesicles where it may transiently modulate the exocytotic machinery. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intra-abdominal use of taurolidine or heparin as alternative products to an antiadhesive barrier (Seprafilm) in adhesion prevention: an experimental study on mice.
Seprafilm (Genzyme Biosurgery, Cambridge, MA) remains a widely used product in postoperative adhesion prevention. This study was designed to compare the antiadhesive effects of taurolidine, heparin, and Seprafilm in a murine cecal abrasion model. Sixty male Balb/c mice underwent a cecal abrasion procedure and were randomized into four groups (n = 15 in each). Groups T, H, and S animals intraperitoneally received taurolidine, heparin, and Seprafilm, respectively, and Group C animals were reserved as control. Animals were killed on Day 21, and the severity of adhesions was evaluated with a scoring system ranging between 0 to 5. In addition, the localizations of the adhesions were questioned. Five (1 in Group S and 4 in Group H) animals died before they were killed. The deaths were related to intra-abdominal bleeding, and mortality rate was significantly higher in Group H than those in other groups (P < 0.05 for each comparison). The severity of adhesions was significantly less in the study groups than Group C, and in Group H than Groups T and S (P < 0.05 for each comparison). In addition, adhesions located cecum over itself were significantly less in the study groups than the control group, and those between small bowel and cecum were significantly lower in Groups T and S than the control group (P < 0.05 for each comparison). All products are effective in adhesion prevention. Heparin use provides the best results but may be associated with a higher mortality rate related to intra-abdominal bleeding. Taurolidine may be an alternative product to Seprafilm , but further studies are required. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Stroke.
Stroke is a major cause of death and disability. International and national guidelines are available to help clinicians provide evidence-based care for stroke prevention, acute treatment, and rehabilitation. Stroke is a medical emergency and rapid assessment is needed to establish the diagnosis, identify the underlying cause, provide acute treatment, and prevent complications. Although stroke is a clinical diagnosis based upon a history of sudden onset of neurological symptoms, which include unilateral weakness or sensory loss, dysphasia, hemianopia, inattention, and reduced coordination, brain imaging with CT or MRI scan is needed to distinguish cerebral infarction from primary intracerebral haemorrhage. Stroke units are the cornerstones of stroke care and should be available to all stroke patients throughout their inpatient stay. Multidisciplinary stroke care should address the physical, psychological, and social consequences of stroke and consider the needs of both patients and carers. Good communication with patients and carers and between members of the multidisciplinary team is fundamental to quality care. Ongoing assessment and treatment may be needed for: dysphagia; nutrition and hydration; continence and skin care; mobility and upper limb function; comprehension and communication; concentration and memory; spatial awareness and inattention; mood; pain and spasticity. Patients and carers should be fully informed about the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and available care. Discharge requires careful planning and consultation. Early supported discharge can improve outcome for carefully selected patients. It is important to recognize and address the long-term needs in order to maximize choice, independence, and wellbeing. Targeted rehabilitation to address issues such as mobility and leisure may be effective. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A vaccinia virus--herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoprotein B1 recombinant or an HSV vaccine overcome the HSV type 2 induced humoral immunosuppression and protect against vaginal challenge in BALB/c mice.
Primary infections with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) suppress the antibody response to secondary HSV-1 and -2 infections in the BALB/c mouse. In contrast, a challenge by the i.p. route using a vaccinia virus-HSV-1 glycoprotein B (VV gB1) recombinant induces a significant enhancement of the antibody response. This booster reaction is also observed if a challenge with a formalin-inactivated HSV-1 vaccine is performed. Although no or low humoral and vaginal antibodies are detectable after a single i.p. infection with the VV gB1 recombinant or the HSV-1 vaccine, protection against vaginal challenge with HSV-2 is induced. This points to the important role of cellular immunity for vaginal infections. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Radiation treatment for incompletely resected soft-tissue sarcomas in dogs.
To evaluate efficacy of radiation for treatment of incompletely resected soft-tissue sarcomas in dogs. Prospective serial study. 48 dogs with soft-tissue sarcomas. Tumors were resected to < 3 cm3 prior to radiation. Tumors were treated on alternate days (three 3-Gy fractions/wk) until 21 fractions had been administered. Cobalt 60 radiation was used for all treatments. Five-year survival rate was 76%, and survival rate was not different among tumor types or locations. Four (8%) dogs developed metastases. Eight (17%) dogs had tumor recurrence after radiation. Development of metastases and local recurrence were significantly associated with reduced survival rate. Median survival time in dogs that developed metastases was 250 days. Median disease-free interval for all dogs was 1,082 days. Median time to recurrence was 700 days. Dogs that developed recurrence after a prolonged period responded well to a second surgery. Acute radiation toxicosis was minimal; osteosarcoma developed at the radiation site in 1 dog. An excellent long-term survival rate may be achieved by treating soft-tissue sarcomas in dogs with resection followed by radiation. Amputation is not necessary for long-term control of soft-tissue sarcomas in limbs. Development of metastases and recurrence of local tumors after radiation treatment are associated with decreased survival rate. Acute and delayed radiation toxicosis was minimal with the protocol used in this study. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Contact tracing in the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Evidence for transmission of virus and disease by an asymptomatic carrier.
The sexual contacts of a patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome were traced, and clinical, immunological, and serological evidence was obtained and evaluated. It was determined that the patient acquired the disease from a homosexual man who had no symptoms, but in whom laboratory evidence of immunodeficiency and serological evidence of exposure to the AIDS-associated retrovirus was found. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical characteristics of women with reproductive cycle-associated bipolar disorder symptoms.
Although there is clear evidence that reproductive cycle events are associated with mood episodes for women with bipolar disorder, few studies have examined for relationships between these and specific clinical characteristics of the disorder. This study aimed to explore the relationship between mood symptoms associated with reproductive cycle events and features of the disorder indicative of a more severe lifetime course. Totally, 158 women of at least 18 years of age participated in the study. Subjects were recruited through a specialist clinic at the Black Dog Institute, Sydney, Australia. In total, 77% of women reported increases in mood symptoms during perimenstrual, postnatal or menopausal periods. These women had an earlier age of onset for depressive and hypo/manic episodes and a greater likelihood of comorbid anxiety disorders, rapid cycling and mixed mood compared to those who did not report such reproductive cycle-associated mood changes. Women who experienced postnatal episodes were also more likely to experience worse mood symptoms perimenstrually and menopausally. First, reproductive cycle event-related worsening of mood was associated with a more severe lifetime course of bipolar disorder, and, second, it appears that some women have a greater propensity to mood worsening at each of these reproductive cycle events. If replicated, these findings provide important information for clinicians treating women with reproductive cycle event mood changes and highlight the need for improved therapeutics for such presentations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Acoustic formulation of elastic guided wave propagation and scattering in curved tubular structures.
Recently, the use of guided wave technology in conjunction with tomographic techniques has provided the possibility of obtaining point-by-point maps of corrosion or erosion depth over the entire volume of a pipeline section between two ring arrays of ultrasonic transducers. However, current research has focused on straight pipes and little work has been done on pipe bends and other curved tubular structures which are also the most susceptible to developing damage. Tomography of curved tubes is challenging because of the complexity and computational cost of the 3-D elastic model required to accurately describe guided wave propagation. Based on the definition of travel-time-preserving orthogonal parametric representations of curved tubes, this paper demonstrates that guided wave propagation and scattering can be approximated by an equivalent 2-D acoustic model which is inhomogeneous and elliptically anisotropic. Numerical methods to solve the full wave equation and predict ray paths and travel times are introduced and applied to the case of a bend. Particular emphasis is given to the shortest-path ray tracing method, which is applied to the 2-D model to compute ray paths and predict travel times of the fundamental flexural mode, A0, propagating across a curved pipe. Good agreement is found between predictions and experiments performed on a 220-mm-diameter (8-in-diameter) (D) pipe with 1.5D bend radius. The 2-D model also reveals the existence of an acoustic lensing effect which leads to a focusing phenomenon also confirmed by the experiments. The computational efficiency of the 2-D model makes it ideally suited for tomographic algorithms. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Micro/nanoscale hierarchical structured ZnO mesh film for separation of water and oil.
Oil contaminated water is a common problem in the world, thus to effectively separate water and oil is an urgent task for us to resolve. By control of surface wettability of a solid substrate, both superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity on a film can be realized, which is necessary for water and oil separation. Here we report a stable superhydrophobic and superoleophilic ZnO-coated stainless steel mesh film with special hierarchical micro/nanostructures that can be used to separate a water and oil mixture effectively. Namely, the film is superhydrophobic and water cannot penetrate the mesh film because of the large negative capillary effect, while the film is superoleophilic and liquid paraffin oil can spread out quickly and permeate the mesh film spontaneously due to the capillary effect. A detailed investigation indicates that microscale and nanoscale hierarchical structures and the appropriate size of the microscale mesh pores on the mesh films play an important role in obtaining the excellent water and oil separation property. This work provides an alternative to current separation meshes and is promising in various important applications such as separation and filtration, lab-on-a-chip devices and micro/nanofluidic devices. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Opsoclonus. Update on clinical and pathologic associations.
Opsoclonus is a bizarre oculomotor disturbance consisting of rapid, involuntary, repetitive conjugate eye movements in all directions. Clinically, it has been associated with infections, neoplasms, toxins, and drugs. Pathologically, there is no apparent consistently defined structural lesion. A case of opsoclonus with postmortem results is reported. Opsoclonus in adults and available autopsy data are reviewed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Time-resolved measurements of intramolecular energy transfer in single donor/acceptor dyads.
We have investigated electronic excitation energy transfer in a specifically designed bichromophoric donor/acceptor dyad in which the donor (perylenediimide) and acceptor (terrylenediimide) are linked by a rigid heptaphenyl-spacer. Because of the choice of the bridge, which defines the distance and orientation of the two chromophores, donor as well as acceptor emission is observed. The significantly smaller photostability of the donor allows for time-resolved measurements of the acceptor emission at the single-molecule level with and without energy transfer from the donor. By analyzing the differences of the rise/decay profiles for both pathways, we could determine time constants of energy transfer with high accuracy for single dyads. The results show that the experimental approach presented here works even for situations in which the energy transfer times are smaller than the temporal resolution of the detection system. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Recurrent low output syndrome after the weaning from mechanical circulatory support for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock].
We reviewed the cases of recurrent low output syndrome (LOS) after the weaning from mechanical circulatory support for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock. Twelve patients were divide into 2 groups according to whether low output syndrome recurred or not, consisting of a recurrent low output syndrome (+) group [re-LOS (+) group, n = 6] and a recurrent low output syndrome (-) group [re-LOS (-) group, n = 6]. Between 2 groups, there was no statistical difference in preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), aortic closs-clamping time and cardiac index at the weaning from mechanical circulatory support. Only the LVEF at the weaning in the re-LOS (+) group was significantly less than that in the re-LOS (-) group (0.39 +/- 0.08 vs 0.62 +/- 0.19, p < 0.05). All patients in the re-LOS (-) group survived to discharge, while in the re-LOS (+) group, although 3 patients were re-supported by intra-aortic balloon pumping, 4 of 6 patients died of multiple organ failure and 2 survivors were in New York Heart Association class III. The results suggest that the key to survive to discharge after the weaning from mechanical circulatory support is whether the cardiac contraction could recover or not. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The spatial resolution of the porcine multifocal electroretinogram for detection of laser-induced retinal lesions.
This study aimed to investigate the spatial resolution of a porcine multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) protocol by testing its ability to detect laser-induced retinal lesions. Furthermore, we wanted to describe time-dependent changes in implicit time and amplitude of the different mfERG peaks after laser-induced retinal damage. Three pigs underwent a three-port pars plana vitrectomy, followed by laser photocoagulation of different lesion sizes within the visual streak. In an additional six non-vitrectomized pigs, we studied changes in mfERG signals with time after a uniform laser photocoagulation within the visual streak. The animals were evaluated with mfERG 1 and 6 weeks after treatment. After the last mfERG examination, selected eyes were processed for histological examination. The size of the smallest lesion detected was approximately 1/4 of the longest diameter of the optic disc (LDOD) measured in pixels. When analysing the uniform lesions we found that signals deriving from the centre of the laser lesions were characterized by a significant reduction in the amplitude of all three peaks after 1 week of observation. After 6 weeks, the amplitudes of P1 and N2 were still significantly reduced. The implicit times were unaffected by laser treatment in the acute phase. After 6 weeks only P1 was significantly delayed. We have determined the spatial resolution of the mfERG in the porcine retina to be smaller than or equal to the area of two adjacent hexagons, corresponding to a width of approximately 288 pixels or 1.2 mm. Laser lesions of uniform size resulted in a significant reduction of the amplitudes 1 and 6 weeks after treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Quantitative analysis of autopsy femurs with cemented hip joint endoprosthesis].
48 retrieved femora with fixed cemented hip arthroplasties were sectioned horizontally. Bone sections of the whole cross-sectional area were studied morphometrically. No significant bone changes were found distal to the lesser trochanter, but frequently within the region of the calcar femoris. The interface between bone and cement mainly consists of a thin (< 25 microns) connective tissue layer, a "close bone/cement-contact" was found in 10 to 20%. Analysis of segmental loosening indicates that the implant should be fixed well along the whole stem. The bone alterations found are not very extensive and yield no explanation for aseptic loosening, but the frequently poor cement-fixation does. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pathogenetic concepts of membranous glomerulopathy (MGN).
Membranous glomerulopathy (MGN) is a frequent cause for nephrotic syndrome in adults. In this overview, the basic pathogenic features of Heymann nephritis, a "classical" model of MGN in rats, are compared with those of human MGN. While the pathogenic antigen(s) of rat Heymann nephritis (the polyspecific receptor protein gp330/megalin), and that of human MGN (unknown) are obvioulsy different, the results indicate that the molecular mechanisms of proteinuria may be similar in both instances and involve the formation of lipid peroxidation adducts in the glomerular capillary filter. As a consequence, probucol - an efficient inhibitor of lipid peroxidation - drastically reduces proteinuria both in Heymann nephritis and in a large proportion of human patients with MGN. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Green tea polyphenols modulate insulin secretion by inhibiting glutamate dehydrogenase.
Insulin secretion by pancreatic beta-cells is stimulated by glucose, amino acids, and other metabolic fuels. Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) has been shown to play a regulatory role in this process. The importance of GDH was underscored by features of hyperinsulinemia/hyperammonemia syndrome, where a dominant mutation causes the loss of inhibition by GTP and ATP. Here we report the effects of green tea polyphenols on GDH and insulin secretion. Of the four compounds tested, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate were found to inhibit GDH with nanomolar ED(50) values and were therefore found to be as potent as the physiologically important inhibitor GTP. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that EGCG inhibits BCH-stimulated insulin secretion, a process that is mediated by GDH, under conditions where GDH is no longer inhibited by high energy metabolites. EGCG does not affect glucose-stimulated insulin secretion under high energy conditions where GDH is probably fully inhibited. We have further shown that these compounds act in an allosteric manner independent of their antioxidant activity and that the beta-cell stimulatory effects are directly correlated with glutamine oxidation. These results demonstrate that EGCG, much like the activator of GDH (BCH), can facilitate dissecting the complex regulation of insulin secretion by pharmacologically modulating the effects of GDH. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical and pathological analysis of malignant carotid body tumour: a report of nine cases.
Malignant carotid body tumour (MCBT) is a clinically rare disease that often invades the carotid artery and cranial nerves. Diagnosis of malignant tumour should be based on extensive invasion of neighbouring organs and distant metastasis. Extensive resection should be undertaken early. Radiotherapy is effective, whereas chemotherapy is uncertain. To summarize the clinical pathological and prognostic characteristics of MCBT and explore methods for diagnosis and treatment. The study material comprised clinical, pathological, therapeutic and follow-up data concerning nine patients (four males, five females) with MCBT, treated at Tianjin Cancer Hospital between January 1956 and June 2006. The material was analysed retrospectively. Disease duration averaged 6.4 years. Shamblin classification was: one case, type II; 8 cases, type III. All nine patients underwent ultrasound examination, four underwent digital subtraction arteriography (DSA) and three had magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Five patients underwent preoperative training of compression of the carotid (Matas test). Extensive resection was performed in all nine cases. The carotid artery was blocked in three patients. In one of these the artery was reconstructed with a vascular prosthesis, while two underwent carotid ligation. Eight patients suffered from a cranial nerve dysfunction (defect) and two suffered postoperatively from a hoarse voice, four had a glossal deviation, five had Horner's syndrome and one had a deviation of the lip angle. One patient had a congestive cough. The histopathological diagnosis in all nine cases was MCBT. One patient had metastases to a cervical lymph node and lung and another had liver metastasis. The median follow-up period was 3 years (range 6 months to 14 years). Six patients survived surgery, of whom two underwent radiotherapy. Two patients died and one could not be traced. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Parental virtue: a new way of thinking about the morality of reproductive actions.
In this paper I explore the potential of virtue ethical ideas to generate a new way of thinking about the ethical questions surrounding the creation of children. Applying ideas from neo-Aristotelian virtue ethics to the parental sphere specifically, I develop a framework for the moral assessment of reproductive actions that centres on the concept of parental virtue. I suggest that the character traits of the good parent can be used as a basis for determining the moral permissibility of a particular reproductive action. I posit three parental virtues and argue that we can see the moral status of a reproductive action as determined by the relationship between such an action and (at least) these virtues. Using a case involving selection for deafness, I argue that thinking in terms of the question 'would a virtuous parent do this?' when morally assessing reproductive action is a viable and useful way of thinking about issues in reproductive ethics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Impact of dietary fatty acid supplementation on renal injury in obese Zucker rats.
We previously reported that renal injury in hyperlipidemic, obese Zucker rats was associated with a relative deficiency of tissue polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). In the present study 10-week-old obese Zucker rats were pair fed regular chow or chow containing either 20% sunflower oil rich in n-6 PUFA, fish oil rich in n-3 PUFA, coconut oil medium-chain saturated fatty acid, or beef tallow long-chain saturated fatty acid. At 34 weeks of age there were comparable reductions in albuminuria, mesangial matrix expansion, and glomerulosclerosis in the fish oil and sunflower oil groups. While both fish oil and sunflower oil reduced serum triglycerides, and improved the composition of triglyceride-enriched lipoproteins, only fish oil decreased serum cholesterol. The effect of the dietary fatty acid supplementation on fatty acid profiles were similar in isolated glomeruli and cortical tissue. In general, the amelioration in injury in the fish oil and sunflower oil fed rats was most closely linked to glomerular levels of PUFA, either n-6 or n-3. These data suggest that hyperlipidemia and abnormalities in tissue FA are closely linked, and that dietary supplementation with PUFA may ameliorate chronic, progressive renal injury. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Longitudinal study evaluating neuropsychological changes in so-called asymptomatic carriers of the Huntington's disease mutation after 1 year.
To determine (1) whether the battery of neuropsychological tests was sufficiently sensitive to find differences between symptomatic patients with Huntington's disease (HD) and clinically asymptomatic individuals carrying the HD gene (AGC) and individuals without the HD gene (NGC) and (2) whether increasing cognitive impairment is found in AGC as compared with NGC. A case-control, single-blind study comparing subjects with clinically manifest HD (n=21), AGC (n=12) or NGC (n=11) and a 1-year follow-up of AGC and NGC. Genotype for the HD gene was determined by molecular testing. A large battery of neuropsychological tests measuring several cognitive domains was performed. On most neuropsychological tasks, HD patients perform significantly worse than AGC and NGC. At baseline and follow-up examination, compared with NGC, AGC had lower scores on the symbol digit modalities test. Scores on a block span task declined more rapidly among AGC than among NGC. Cognitive impairments in HD patients are found when compared with clinically asymptomatic individuals carrying the HD mutation. Furthermore, our results suggest that subtle cognitive deficits are present in asymptomatic persons who have inherited the HD gene. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cultural constructions of "obesity": understanding body size, social class and gender in Morocco.
This article presents data from an in-depth qualitative study of overweight and diabetic women in Morocco, a North African country experiencing a rapid increase in obesity according to national statistics. This case study explores the heterogeneous relationship among health, culture and religion in Morocco by highlighting the relationship between the intricacies of women's everyday lives and their body sizes. My findings suggest that although the Body Mass Index (BMI) of adult women has been documented to have increased in Morocco along with other macroeconomic changes (i.e., increases in urbanization, etc.), "obesity" has yet to be universally medicalized in the Moroccan context. As such women do not generally utilize a medicalized concept of obesity in reference to their larger body sizes. Rather, cultural constructions of "obesity" are understood through cultural understandings of a larger body size, religious beliefs about health and illness, and the nature of women's religious participation. This stands in contrast to dominant accounts about the region that promote an overall veneration of a larger body size for women. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ethical issues in obtaining collateral information on alcohol and drug use: experience from Asia and Africa.
In many regions of the world, wives of alcohol and drug-using men are at an increased risk for HIV/AIDS because of their husbands' high-risk behaviours. These women also tend to be poor, illiterate and dependent on their husbands. Few interventions are designed exclusively for these women. Furthermore, these interventions have had to obtain permission from the husbands to recruit the wives. This article discusses the ethical concerns in obtaining husbands' permission to recruit their wives, with examples taken from India and other countries in Asia and Africa. Studies indicate that married women are recruited for interventions only with their husbands' consent. Researchers reported that this strategy was acceptable to the local culture, increased acceptance of the research by family and community and improved the participation rate of married women. However, this strategy conflicts with the ethical principles of individual autonomy and voluntariness. Designing research processes according to the local cultural norms is important. However, it is a researcher's ethical duty to ensure that every individual of the society, irrespective of sex, race or marital status, gets equal opportunities to make health-related decisions. This article suggests alternate strategies to directly approach and recruit monogamous wives of alcohol and drug-using men; further research is required to test the feasibility of suggested strategies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prolactin levels: sex differences in the effects of risperidone, 9-hydroxyrisperidone levels, CYP2D6 and ABCB1 variants.
The role of sex on the association of plasma prolactin levels with risperidone (R) and 9-hydroxyrisperidone (9-OHR) concentrations is investigated. Plasma R and prolactin concentrations, CYP2D6 and exon 21 and 26 ABCB1 gene variants were studied in 110 patients. In females, a 1 ng/ml increase in R levels was associated with a significant 1.02% increase in prolactin levels. In males, a 1 ng/ml increase in 9-OHR levels was associated with a significant 1.18% increase in prolactin levels. ABCB1 haplotype 12 had significant but opposite effects in males and females. In the combined sample, 9-OHR, but not R levels had significant effects on prolactin levels. Genes had sex-specific effects on risperidone-associated prolactin elevations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prenatal and intrapartum high-risk screening. II. Risk factors reassessed.
A method of identifying the high-risk pregnancy by a quantitative assessment of prenatal, intrapartum, and neonatal factors is presented. Calculating the probabilities of neonatal risk can be done with a hand-held calculator. The technique described provides a method of assessing the importance of perinatal variables and determining the effect of the process of health care on outcome. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antioxidative properties and ability of phenolic compounds of Myrtus communis leaves to counteract in vitro LDL and phospholipid aqueous dispersion oxidation.
Antioxidant activities of Myrtus communis leaf phenolic compounds (McPCs) were investigated on 2,2'-9-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS(+) •) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) tests or on oxidation of biological models, human low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and phospholipid aqueous dispersion (L-α-phosphatidylcholine stabilized by bile salts). Two extraction techniques, microwave-assisted (MAE) and conventional (CE), were used to isolate McPCs, producing similar results of phenolic compound content. ABTS(+) • assay showed clearly that myrtle extracts exhibited a stronger scavenging effect than butylated hydroxyanisole and α-tocopherol, with a slight advantage for myrtle CE extract. In ORAC assay, the both McPC extracts were similarly less effective than the pure compounds as caffeic acid and myricitrin (myricetin 3-O-rhamnoside) but stronger than butylated hydroxytoluene. Moreover, myrtle CE and MAE extracts, and myricitrin were able to inhibit similarly the production of conjugated dienes and to prolong the lag phase (Tlag) during Cu(2+)-induced LDL oxidation with a dose-response effect. The cryo-electron microscopy observations on studied phospholipid dispersion stabilized by bile salts (BS) revealed the presence of bilayer vesicles and micelles. In 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride-induced phospholipid/BS oxidation, myrtle CE and MAE extracts gave similar effects to α-tocopherol and caffeic acid but myricitrin showed a higher protective effect than myrtle extracts. We showed also that no synergic or additive effect between α-tocopherol and myrtle extracts or caffeic acid in α-tocopherol-enriched phospholipid/BS dispersion, but myricitrin showed an additive effect and thus promoted the total antioxidant activity. These data showed that myrtle extract could be used as potential natural antioxidants, food stabilizers, or natural health products. We show that microwave-assisted extraction could be an alternative method for plant phenolic compound recovery allowing important gain in time extraction.We report inhibition of low-density lipoprotein oxidation in vitro initiated by Cu(2+) ions. We report that myrtle extract may be a source of natural antioxidants to counteract phospholipid peroxidation as well as α-tocopherol. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Allometric scaling: analysis of LD50 data.
The need to identify toxicologically equivalent doses across different species is a major issue in toxicology and risk assessment. In this article, we investigate interspecies scaling based on the allometric equation applied to the single, oral LD (50) data previously analyzed by Rhomberg and Wolff. We focus on the statistical approach, namely, regression analysis of the mentioned data. In contrast to Rhomberg and Wolff's analysis of species pairs, we perform an overall analysis based on the whole data set. From our study it follows that if one assumes one single scaling rule for all species and substances in the data set, then β = 1 is the most natural choice among a set of candidates known in the literature. In fact, we obtain quite narrow confidence intervals for this parameter. However, the estimate of the variance in the model is relatively high, resulting in rather wide prediction intervals. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Genetic differences between duodenal ulcer patients who were positive or negative for Helicobacter pylori.
This study investigated genetic differences between Helicobacter pylori-positive and -negative duodenal ulcer patients. Seventy-two patients with duodenal ulcer (61 H. pylori positive and 11 H. pylori negative) were examined for HLA-DQA1 genotype. The allele frequency of DQA1*0102 was higher in H. pylori-negative than in H. pylori-positive patients. Moreover, the genotypes that possessed the DQA1*0102 allele were significantly more common in H. pylori-negative than in H. pylori-positive patients. In contrast, the allele frequency of DQA1*0301 was lower in H. pylori-negative than H. pylori-positive patients. The genotypes that possessed DQA1*0301 were significantly more common in H. pylori-positive than in H. pylori-negative patients. These results suggest that there are genetic differences between H. pylori-positive and -negative duodenal ulcer patients and that immunogenetic factors for susceptibility or resistance to H. pylori infection exist in the host. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Markers of protein oxidation: different oxidants give rise to variable yields of bound and released carbonyl products.
Exposure of proteins to radicals in the presence of O2 gives both side-chain oxidation and backbone fragmentation. These processes can be interrelated, with initial side-chain oxidation giving rise to backbone damage via transfer reactions. We have shown previously that alkoxyl radicals formed on the C-3 carbons of Ala, Val, Leu, and Asp residues undergo beta-scission to give backbone alpha-carbon radicals, with the release of the side- chain as a carbonyl compound. We now show that this is a general mechanism that occurs with a wide range of oxidants. The quantitative significance of this process depends on the extent of oxidation at C-3 compared with other sites. HO*, generated by gamma radiolysis, gave the highest total carbonyl yield, with protein-bound carbonyls predominating over released. In contrast, metal ion/H2O2 systems, gave more released than bound carbonyls, with this ratio modulated by EDTA. This is ascribed to metal ion-protein interactions affecting the sites of initial oxidation. Hypochlorous acid gave low concentrations of released carbonyls, but high yields of protein-bound material. The peroxyl radical generator 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride, and a peroxynitrite generator, 3-morpholinosydnonimine hydrochloride, gave lower overall carbonyl yields, with released carbonyls predominating over protein-bound species similar to that observed with metal ion/H2O2 systems. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
There is nowhere left to hide!
While fund-raising and beneficiary organizations may remain legally separate, two recently developed accounting principles will make it almost impossible to maintain a separation between contributed and operating receipts and will blur the distinctions that have been achieved by legal separation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In-home preventive comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) reduces mortality--a randomized controlled trial.
The study should prove the effectiveness of a preventive in-home CGA regarding mortality and time able to stay in the community. We performed a randomized controlled trial with a mean follow-up of 6.2 years. The home visits were performed in Germany. 1620 community-living persons aged 70 years and older (n=630 intervention; 990 controls) from 20 general practitioner surgeries were visited. The intervention was performed by trained medical students it included a CGA using the STEP-tool (standardized assessment of elderly people in primary care in Europe; a combination of a structured questionnaire and a structured physical examination) and additional tests, followed by recommendations for the general practitioner. The controls received usual general practitioner care. Follow-up visit was made at mean 6.2 years after randomization. The main outcome parameters were mortality and time able to stay at home. Follow-up-rate was 75%. In COX-regression-analyses, a 20% reduction of mortality and a 22% lower risk of nursing-home admission were shown in the intervention group at the follow up. Despite the main limitations of the study (general practitioners volunteered to participate, follow-up-rate <80%, possible performance of geriatric assessments also in the control group, intervention group had poorer health status than the control group, adherence to recommendations from the assessment was not verified) we conclude that the implementation of a preventive geriatric assessment into primary care in Germany seems to be reasonable. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Frozen section: guiding the hands of surgeons?
Frozen section (FS) analysis is a powerful tool that can provide a rapid diagnosis, directing operative management. However, FSs can also be misused. We consider an FS to be "inappropriate" when it does not influence operative management or immediate patient care. Not only can inappropriate FSs compromise diagnostic material, they can impact turnaround time of other FSs. We evaluated the utilization of FSs at our institution and assessed influence on intraoperative management. Frozen sections performed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital in 2013 were stratified by surgical subspecialty. Operative, clinical, and pathology notes were reviewed to determine the rationale for sending each FS and to determine impact on intraoperative management. Cases lacking operative notes were excluded. A total of 4104 FSs were performed in 1896 cases. Surgical subspecialties included cardiothoracic, otolaryngology, breast, surgical oncology, gynecology, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, urology, transplant, and orthopedics. 42.5% of FSs evaluated margin status, 34.8% confirmed or excluded malignancy, 9.5% were for tumor classification, 6.7% assessed adequacy for diagnosis, 1.9% were to confirm or exclude infection, 2.8% were for transplant, and 1.8% were for lymphoma workup. Twelve percent (491/4104) of FSs did not influence operative management. This was most common among cardiothoracic surgeries (34%). No inappropriate FSs were sent for any transplant surgeries. Otolaryngology used the most FSs and had less than 1% that were inappropriate. Most FSs influence operative management. The rationale for sending an FS and its influence on operative management was subspecialty dependent. Interdepartmental discussions of FS utilization might be helpful in the elimination of unnecessary FSs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Oxidative enzyme activities and respective histochemical reactions in ischemic rat myocardium.
To evaluate the diagnostic role of histochemically demonstrated aerobic dehydrogenases in ischemic myocardial injury NADH-diaphorase, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) were demonstrated histochemically and the corresponding enzyme activities were measured biochemically in isolated perfused rats hearts after global ischemia from 0 to 12 h. The present data show that the enzyme-histochemical methods when used properly are more sensitive indicators of early ischemic injury than classical histological staining procedures. From the enzymes tested here the histochemical demonstration of HBDH turned out to be best suited for use when suspecting ischemic myocardial injury at autopsy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Differential analysis of clinical efficacy on patients with serious infection in ICU by different meropenem regimens.
To investigate the difference in clinical efficacy and safety of different meropenem regimens on patients with serious infection in ICU. Then, 228 patients with serious infection in ICU were divided by random into control group (intermittent administration in 1000mg/30min single dose) and research group (continuous administration in 200mg/10min +800mg/180min), respectively. The blood concentration of meropenem were recorded in two groups at different time points, and difference in treatment effectiveness, iconographic effectiveness, bacterial eradication rate, 28-day survival rate and many other clinical scoring indices (SOFA, APACHEII, CPIS, and SIRS) were compared between two groups. There were 212 patients completing the whole research, including 104 patients in research group and 108 patients in control group. The difference in treatment effectiveness (77.8% vs 53.7%), iconographic effectiveness (51.0% vs 18.5%), and 28-day survival rate (86.5% vs 64.8%) between two groups performed statistical significance (P<0.05). However, the difference in bacterial eradication rate (48.0% vs 46.3%) performed no statistical significance. Eight hours later, the difference in average blood concentration between two groups (9.61±3.63μg/ml vs 1.5±0.51μg/ml) showed statistical significance. Moreover, the difference in clinical scoring indices except APACHE II score between two groups performed statistical significance. It was helpful to maintain the blood concentration of meropenem by extending the transfusion time. Therefore, it could increase the clinical cure rate and 28-day survival of patients with serious infection in ICU, improve clinical indices, and reduce the usage amount of antibiotics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Serotonin-stimulated calcium release is decreased in platelets from high impulsivity patients.
Impulsivity is a significant factor in many behavioural disorders. Previous studies have shown that dysfunction of serotonin (5-HT) pathways are correlated with impulsivity, but an underlying causative mechanism has not as yet been identified. The present study examined 5-HT-stimulated Ca2+ release from platelets from 33 patients exhibiting high impulsivity according to the Barratt Impulsivity Scale and from 26 healthy volunteers. 5-HT-stimulated Ca2+ release was significantly decreased in patients as compared to controls. These results indicate that impulsivity is linked to alterations in the 5-HT second-messenger cascade and suggest that further efforts should be made to understand the specific abnormalities in this complex pathway. This understanding may lead to the development of therapeutic strategies specific for regulation of 5-HT-stimulated Ca2+ release, providing more effective treatment for impulsive behavioural disorders. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A rare cause of inappropriate shocks of an implantable automatic defibrillator. Twiddler syndrome].
The authors report the case of a patient with an automatic defibrillator implanted by an endocavitary approach. The device emitted a series of inappropriate shocks. They were triggered by the detection of myopotentials resulting from lesions of the lead due to Twiddler's syndrome. This was reproduced by telemetry in real time and confirmed by chest and abdominal X-ray and the peroperative findings. Treatment consisted of ablation of all implanted material which was replaced by a new retropectoral model. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Blockade of cannabinoid-induced antinociception by naloxone benzoylhydrazone (NalBZH).
We have recently shown that the antinociceptive effects, but not other behavioral effects of the intrathecally administered, but not intracerebroventricularly administered, cannabinoids, are blocked by the kappa antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine. We employed naloxone benzoylhydrazone, a kappa3 agonist, and kappa1, mu, and delta antagonist, to better characterize the interaction of cannabinoids with kappa receptors. Naloxone benzoylhydrazone blocked the antinociceptive effects of both intrathecally and intracerebroventricularly administered cannabinoids. Because the cannabinoids are not blocked by mu and delta antagonists, the effects of naloxone benzoylhydrazone are presumed to occur through interaction with kappa receptors. Because the data indicate that naloxone benzoylhydrazone does not block kappa3 receptors, the data indicate that the cannabinoids may interact with kappa1 receptors in the production of antinociception. However, differences in the profile of activity of naloxone benzoylhydrazone and the cannabinoids at kappa receptors exist. Thus, the exact nature of the interaction of the cannabinoids and the kappa receptors to be elucidated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of duration of treatment and dosage of eicosapentaenoic acid and stearidonic acid on red blood cell eicosapentaenoic acid content.
The purpose of this randomized, controlled, parallel group study was to characterize the relationships between dosages of stearidonic acid (SDA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and incorporation of EPA into red blood cell (RBC) membranes over time. Healthy subjects (n=131) received capsules with placebo (safflower oil), SDA (0.43, 1.3, 2.6, or 5.2 g/d) or EPA (0.44, 1.3, or 2.7 g/d) for 12 weeks. RBC fatty acids were analyzed biweekly. RBC %EPA increased in all EPA and SDA groups (p<0.02 vs. control) except the 0.43 g/d SDA group (p=0.187). For theoretical intakes of EPA of 0.25, 0.5, and 0.89 g/d, the amounts of SDA needed to achieve equivalent RBC EPA enrichment were 0.61, 1.89, and 5.32 g/d (conversion efficiencies of 41%, 26%, and 17%), respectively. SDA increased RBC %EPA in a dosage and time-dependent manner at intakes as low as 1.3 g/d. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
New drug targets for HIV and hepatitis C virus coinfection.
Current interferon (IFN)-based therapies for hepatitis C in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) may be limited by incomplete virological response, lack of adherence, and poor tolerability. Newer therapies for hepatitis C will target viral replication (e.g., HCV serine protease inhibitors, helicase inhibitors, RNA interference, or an HCV polymerase inhibitor). Other treatments will focus on viral translation (e.g., antisense molecules). Additions to IFN therapy that can modulate the immune response (e.g., thymosin, isatorbine, or injectable histamine) may improve tolerability of treatment. There need to be targets that minimize the inflammatory response by the liver (e.g., IFN-gamma). There are some therapeutic vaccines in early development. Drugs to replace or enhance ribavirin are being studied with IFN-based treatments. Strategic treatment trials that address sequencing of HCV and HIV therapy with current and future therapeutic agents and combination therapy need to be undertaken. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Direct contact versus solvent-shared ion pairs in saturated NiCl2 aqueous solution: a DFT, CPMD, and EXAFS investigation.
In this work, a systematic investigation of the competition coordination of H2O and Cl(-) with Ni(2+) in saturated NiCl2 aqueous solution at room temperature was conducted using density functional theory (DFT), Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics (CPMD) simulations, and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra. The calculated results reveal that the six-coordinated structure is favorable for [NiCl(x)(H2O)(n)](2-x) (x = 0-2; n = 1-12) clusters in the aqueous phase. The hydration energy calculation shows that the six-coordinated solvent-shared ion pair (SSIP) ([Ni(H2O)6(H2O)(n-6)Cl](+)) is more stable than its contact ion pair (CIP) ([NiCl(H2O)5(H2O)(n-5)](+)) isomer as n ≥ 9 in the aqueous phase, and the six-coordinated solvent-shared ion pair with a dissociated double Cl(-) (SSIP/d) ([Ni(H2O)6(H2O)(n-6)Cl2](0)) is more preferable than its CIP ([NiCl2(H2O)4(H2O)(n-4)](0)) and solvent-shared ion pair with single dissociated Cl(-) (SSIP/s) ([NiCl(H2O)5(H2O)(n-5)Cl](0)) isomers as n ≥ 11. The six-coordinated SSIP/d ([Ni(H2O)6(H2O)(n-6)Cl2](0)) conformers are the dominant structures in a saturated NiCl2(aq) solution (NiCl2 concentration: ~5.05 mol·kg(-1), corresponding to n ≈ 11). The CPMD simulations exhibited that there are six water molecules with Ni-O distance at ~205.0 pm on average around each Ni(2+) in the first hydration sphere, even in the saturated NiCl2 aqueous solution (~5.05 mol·kg(-1)) at room temperature, and no obvious Ni-Cl interaction was found. The EXAFS spectra revealed that the first solvation shell of Ni(2+) is an octahedral structure with six water molecules tightly bound in the NiCl2(aq) solution with a concentration ranging from 1.00 to 5.05 mol·kg(-1), and there is no obvious evidence of Ni-Cl contact ion pairs. A comprehensive conclusion from the DFT, CPMD, and EXAFS studies is that there is no obvious direct contact between Ni(2+) and Cl(-), even in saturated NiCl2 aqueous solution at room temperature. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nitrogen utilisation by dairy cows fed diets differing in crude protein level with a deficit in ruminal fermentable nitrogen.
We studied the efficiency of nitrogen utilisation by dairy cows, using three diets differing in the crude protein (CP) level but with similar deficits (10 g x kg(-1) dry matter, DM) in ruminal fermentable nitrogen. There was no difference in milk yield from the cows offered the three diets (130, 145 and 160 g CP x kg(-1) DM). The milk protein content differed between the two most extreme diets (28.9 vs. 29.9 g x kg(-1), P < 0.05), resulting in higher protein yields for the highest CP treatment (P < 0.01). The efficiency of nitrogen utilisation, calculated as the proportion of ingested nitrogen recovered in the milk, was significantly higher for the 130 g CP x kg(-1) DM diet than for the other two diets (0.37 vs. 0.33 and 0.32 respectively. P < 0.01). The different diets also resulted in different levels of nitrogen excretion into the environment (237, 270 and 330 g N x d(-1), P < 0.01). Hepatic deamination of the amino acids may have generated additional energy to enable the animal to make use of the additional nitrogen in the diet, resulting in an increase in plasma urea concentration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
From concepts to practice in deaf education: a United kingdom perspective on inclusion.
This article considers the different ways that inclusion is conceived in the United Kingdom by government, teachers, and academics. I contend that a concept of inclusion based primarily on the notion of students with special educational needs being in mainstream schools is unhelpful to educators of deaf children and that a broader concept is needed. A working definition of inclusion is presented based on a system of values. I suggest "indicators of inclusion for deaf students" and illustrate with examples of practice. Some basic information on the education of deaf children in the United Kingdom is included. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Sensing of protein adsorption with a porous bulk composite comprising silver nanoparticles deposited on hydroxyapatite.
Porous bulk composites were produced by depositing silver nanoparticles of diameter 11.0 +/- 3.2 nm on hydroxyapatite of micrometer sizes. Adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lysozyme (LSZ) on the composite material was observed in 2 and 10 mol m(-3) phosphate buffer solutions. More BSA than LSZ was adsorbed in 2 mol m(-3) phosphate buffer and this was attributed to a larger a-face surface area present in the plate- and rod-shaped hydroxyapatite compared with the c-face surface area. Peak shifts in localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) spectra were clearly related to adsorbed amounts of BSA and LSZ after exposure of the porous bulk composites to protein solutions. The sensing capability of the porous bulk composite results from changes in the dielectric constant of the surface fluid surrounding the silver nanoparticles. Adsorption/desorption cycles of BSA were applied to the porous bulk composite, confirming the reversibility of the sensing capability. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An osteopathic approach to asthma.
Asthma has become a serious challenge to clinical medicine today, with an increase in incidence, morbidity, and mortality over the past two decades. Asthma continues to be a problem despite increased knowledge of the pathophysiology of asthma coupled with the development of a variety of new and innovative medications that can be used to treat asthma. Five areas involving asthma management are reviewed and involve a failure to do the following: (1) identify disease instability and progression; (2) adopt an optimal pharmacologic treatment plan; (3) identify and help the patient avoid environmental triggers; (4) evaluate and treat certain disruptive psychodynamic issues; and (5) use essential non-pharmacologic modes of therapy such as osteopathic manipulation, nutritional considerations, physical training, and controlled breathing techniques that may help to favorably modify the asthma disease process. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Focal hepatic activity during ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy due to systemic-portal shunt due to superior vena cava obstruction from histoplasmosis-induced fibrosing mediastinitis.
A 59-year-old woman with a history of fibrosing mediastinitis secondary to histoplasmosis diagnosed on mediastinoscopy presented with dyspnea. A ventilation-perfusion scan demonstrated decreased perfusion to the entire right lung. In addition, the perfusion images demonstrated focal abnormal activity in part of the liver. On computed tomography of the chest, there was significant soft tissue opacification in the mediastinum occluding the right pulmonary artery, with passage of the injected contrast via collateral vessels to the liver. The main collateral pathway was via the right internal thoracic vein and the umbilical vein. Pulmonary angiography confirmed complete occlusion of the right pulmonary artery. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
DNA-mediated gene transfer of a human cell surface 170-kilodalton glycoprotein. Evidence for association with an endogenous murine protein.
We have previously reported the identification and characterization of two related human cell surface protein complexes, very common antigens 1 and 2 (VCA-1, VCA-2) (Kantor, R. R. S., Mattes, M. J., Lloyd, K. O., Old, L. J., and Albino, A. P. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 15158-15165). We now report the transfection of DNA sequences encoding the 170-kilodalton heterodimer of VCA-2 from human SK-RC-41 renal cancer cells to B78H1 mouse melanoma cells. B78H1 cells were cotransfected with high molecular weight renal cancer DNA and a plasmid vector containing the neomycin resistance gene. Antibiotic-resistant transfectants were screened for the expression of the 170-kDa heterodimer with mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb) J143. Analysis of mAb J143-positive (J143+) transfectants showed that they expressed a 170-kDa heterodimer with an identical molecular weight, isoelectric point, two-dimensional peptide map, and spatial orientation of surface-exposed epitopes to the homologous 170-kDa species seen in human donor cells. The 170-kDa heterodimer in SK-RC-41 cells is associated with a 140-kDa (designated 140(1] polypeptide to form the VCA-2 complex. The 170-kDa complex and the 140(1)-kDa polypeptides are encoded by genes located on different human chromosomes. J143+ transfectants display a molecule of 140 kDa associated with the 170-kDa complex which is biochemically similar, but non-identical, to the human 140(1)-kDa polypeptide on VCA-2. This evidence supports our interpretation that the transfected human 170-kDa heterodimer associates with a murine counterpart of the human 140(1)-kDa polypeptide in J143+ transfectants. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Bioaccumulation of HCH isomers in selected macroinvertebrates from the Elbe River: sources and environmental implications.
Sediments of the Elbe River have been extremely polluted by contaminants originating from previous large-scale hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) production and the application of γ-HCH (lindane) in its catchment in the second half of the twentieth century. In order to gain knowledge on bioaccumulation processes at lower trophic levels, field investigations of HCHs in macroinvertebrates were carried out along the longitudinal profile of the Elbe and tributary. Among the sites studied, concentrations in macroinvertebrates ranged within five orders of magnitude (0.01-100 μg/kg). In general, lower values of HCH isomers were observed at all Czech sites (mostly <1 μg/kg) compared with those in Germany. At the most contaminated site, Spittelwasser brook (a tributary of the Mulde), extremely high concentrations were measured (up to 234 μg/kg α-HCH and 587 μg/kg β-HCH in Hydropsychidae). In contrast, the Obříství site, though also influenced by HCH production facilities, showed only negligibly elevated values (mostly <1 μg/kg). Results showed that fairly high levels of α-HCH and β-HCH compared to γ-HCH can still be detected in aquatic environments of the Elbe catchment, and these concentrations are decreasing over time to a lesser extent than γ-HCH. Higher HCH concentrations in sediments in the springtime are considered to be the result of erosion and transport processes during and after spring floods, and lower concentrations at sites downstream are thought to be caused by the time lapse involved in the transportation of contaminated particles from upstream. In addition, comparison with fish (bream) data from the literature revealed no increase in tissue concentrations between invertebrates and fish. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Microbial enzymatic activities in a pilot-scale MBR experimental plant under different working conditions.
Phosphatases, glucosidase, protease, esterase and dehydrogenase activities in a MBR (membrane bioreactor) system equipped with ultrafiltration membranes for the treatment of real urban wastewater were measured at different volatile suspended solid (VSS) concentrations, total suspended solid (TSS) concentrations, hydraulic retention times (HRT), temperatures and inflow rates. The results showed the capacity of the MBR system to remove COD and BOD(5) at TSS between 7200 and 13,300 mg/L; HRT values of 8.05 and 15.27 h; inflow rates of 14.67 and 27.81 L/h; and temperatures between 4 and 27 degrees C. The enzymatic activities are influenced by increases in VSS and TSS concentrations. These results suggest that the ability to get adapted to environmental changes of the bacterial populations and their microbial enzymatic activities is essential to understand the biological processes that occur in MBR systems and crucial for proper urban wastewater treatment when using MBR technologies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The relationship between trust in primary care physicians and medication knowledge among diabetic patients.
Patients' trust in their physicians is critical to ensuring quality in healthcare. Despite the fact that both medication knowledge and trust in healthcare providers positively correlate with improved clinical outcomes, the presence of a link between these two attributes remains to be established. To determine whether a relationship exists between patients' trust in their primary care physicians and their medication knowledge. Patient trust was measured using the healthcare relationship (HCR) trust scale, and the medication knowledge by the self-reported medication knowledge questionnaire. Both forms were translated into Arabic by bilingual healthcare professionals. The relationship between the self-reported medication knowledge questionnaire scores and HCR-trust scale scores was determined by multiple linear regression, controlling for confounding variables. Based on information collected from 293 diabetic patients, a positive relationship was identified between patients' knowledge of medications and their trust in primary care physicians (β = 0.115; 95% confidence interval, 0.076-0.153; p < 0.0001). Medication knowledge was also positively associated with the female sex and education. A significant relationship exists between the patients' knowledge of their prescription medications and trust placed in their primary care physicians. The underlying mechanism of this association warrants further studies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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