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The effects of macroglossia on speech: a case study.
This article presents a case study of speech production in a 14-year-old Amharic-speaking boy. The boy had developed secondary macroglossia, related to a disturbance of growth hormones, following a history of normal speech development. Perceptual analysis combined with acoustic analysis and static palatography is used to investigate the specific articulatory compensations arising from the macroglossia. The subset of sounds chosen for study were the denti-alveolar and alveolar plosives, fricatives, ejectives, nasal, lateral and trill produced in single words, as well as in short phrases. The phonetic analysis revealed both spatial and temporal atypicalities in the realisations of the sounds in question. Speaking rate was slow relative to his peer's speech and attempts to increase speech rate resulted in dysfluent speech. Given the phonological system of Amharic, however, the atypical segmental realisations, while reducing both the intelligibility and acceptability of the participant's speech production, did not result in loss of phonological contrasts. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Extraskeletal osteosarcomas in dogs: 14 cases.
Fourteen dogs (11 females, three males) with extraskeletal osteosarcomas (EsOSAs) were identified. The median age was 11.5 years. The median body weight was 18 kg. The primary sites of the EsOSAs were the spleen (n=6), mammary gland (n=3), lung (n=2), and one each in the skin, axilla, and mesenteric root. The overall median survival time was 74 days. The only factor which was found to be prognostic for survival was the use of chemotherapy (p of 0.02). Cases which did not have chemotherapy were 3.62 times as likely to die a tumor-related death than cases which had chemotherapy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Attention control comparisons with SLT for people with aphasia following stroke: methodological concerns raised following a systematic review.
Attention control comparisons in trials of stroke rehabilitation require care to minimize the risk of comparison choice bias. We compared the similarities and differences in SLT and social support control interventions for people with aphasia. Trial data from the 2016 Cochrane systematic review of SLT for aphasia after stroke Methods: Direct and indirect comparisons between SLT, social support and no therapy controls. We double-data extracted intervention details using the template for intervention description and replication. Standardized mean differences and risk ratios (95% confidence intervals (CIs)) were calculated. Seven trials compared SLT with social support ( n = 447). Interventions were matched in format, frequency, intensity, duration and dose. Procedures and materials were often shared across interventions. Social support providers received specialist training and support. Targeted language rehabilitation was only described in therapy interventions. Higher drop-out ( P = 0.005, odds ratio (OR) 0.51, 95% CI 0.32-0.81) and non-adherence to social support interventions ( P < 0.00001, OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.09-0.37) indicated an imbalance in completion rates increasing the risk of control comparison bias. Distinctions between social support and therapy interventions were eroded. Theoretically based language rehabilitation was the remaining difference in therapy interventions. Social support is an important adjunct to formal language rehabilitation. Therapists should continue to enable those close to the person with aphasia to provide tailored communication support, functional language stimulation and opportunities to apply rehabilitation gains. Systematic group differences in completion rates is a design-related risk of bias in outcomes observed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Assessing a narrated white board animation as part of the consent process for intravenous fluorescein angiography: a randomized educational study.
To determine if a narrated white board animation (nWBA) video as part of the consent process for intravenous fluorescein angiography (IVFA) improves patient comprehension compared with a standard consent process. Prospective, randomized study. Patients undergoing an initial IVFA investigation. Three groups of 26 patients (N = 78) naïve to the IVFA procedure were included. Groups 1 and 2 consisted of patients undergoing IVFA for diagnostic purposes. Group 1 received the IVFA information via standard physician-patient interaction to obtain standard consent. Group 2 received IVFA information by watching an nWBA explaining the purpose, method, and risks of the diagnostic test to obtain informed consent. Group 3 comprised patients who were not scheduled to undergo IVFA. This group was exposed to both the standard and nWBA consent. All groups completed a 6-question knowledge quiz to assess retained information and a survey to reflect on the consent experience. Participants receiving information via standard physician-patient interaction to obtain informed consent had a lower mean knowledge score (4.38 out of 6; 73%) than participants receiving the information to obtain consent via nWBA (5.04 out of 6, 84%; P = 0.023). Of participants receiving both forms of information (group 3) to obtain informed consent, 73% preferred the nWBA to the standard consent process. Participants receiving consent information for an IVFA diagnostic test via nWBA have better knowledge retention regarding the IVFA procedure and preferred this medium compared with participants receiving the standard physician-patient interaction for obtaining consent. Incorporation of multimedia into the informed consent process should be explored for other diagnostic tests. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Problems in the use of polycarbonate diffusion chambers for syngeneic pancreatic islet transplantation in rats.
Islets of Langerhans have been enclosed in polycarbonate diffusion chambers and transplanted intraperitoneally to syngeneic streptozotocin diabetic rats. Direct implantation of 1100--1400 islets in these chambers failed to reverse diabetes during a period of 12 weeks, and viable islet tissue was not recoverable at the end of this period. Islets placed in chambers which had been implanted 3--12 weeks previously similarly failed to lower blood glucose of diabetic recipients, as a result of lack of survival of the islets. Insulin infusion into chambers previously implanted in vivo, I125 insulin diffusion studies in chambers recovered 6--8 weeks after implantation, and scanning electron microscopy of the recovered membranes all indicated that the pores were not totally occluded. The failure of islet transplantation via chambers in this simple syngeneic model has discouraging implications for their use as a means of avoiding allograft rejection. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of immobilization stress and hormonal treatment on nociception.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of stress and estradiol (E2) on pain tolerance. Ovariectomized rats were assigned to treatment groups based on a 2 x 4 factorial design comprising stress (nonstress x stress) and hormone treatment vehicle x E2 [0.25 mg/kg/d]) x estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha)-selective agonist propyl pyrazole triol (1 mg/kg/d) x estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta)-selective agonist diarylpropionitrile (1 mg/kg/d). Stressed animals underwent daily 60-minute immobilization for 22 days. Pain tolerance was assessed with the hot plate test, an acute thermal pain test. In this study, stressed rats showed increased (P < .05) pain tolerance compared with nonstressed rats (25.0 +/- 1.92 s vs 20.4 +/- 1.02 s, respectively). Increased (P < .05) pain threshold was observed in nonstressed and stressed rats treated with E2 and the ERalpha agonist compared with vehicle-treated rats. Interestingly, the ERbeta agonist only increased (P < .10) pain thresholds in stressed rats. Stressed rats exhibited higher (P < .05) beta-endorphin levels compared with nonstressed rats in all hormone-treatment groups. With the exception of stressed rats treated with the ERbeta agonist, there was no hormone effect on beta-endorphin levels. These studies suggest that E2's effect on pain thresholds may be mediated via the ERalpha, while the interaction between chronic stress and ERbeta may also enhance pain threshold. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Relationship Between Speech Intelligibility and Speech Comprehension in Babble Noise.
The authors investigated the relationship between the intelligibility and comprehension of speech presented in babble noise. Forty participants listened to French imperative sentences (commands for moving objects) in a multitalker babble background for which intensity was experimentally controlled. Participants were instructed to transcribe what they heard and obey the commands in an interactive environment set up for this purpose. The former test provided intelligibility scores and the latter provided comprehension scores. Collected data revealed a globally weak correlation between intelligibility and comprehension scores (r = .35, p < .001). The discrepancy tended to grow as noise level increased. An analysis of standard deviations showed that variability in comprehension scores increased linearly with noise level, whereas higher variability in intelligibility scores was found for moderate noise level conditions. These results support the hypothesis that intelligibility scores are poor predictors of listeners' comprehension in real communication situations. Intelligibility and comprehension scores appear to provide different insights, the first measure being centered on speech signal transfer and the second on communicative performance. Both theoretical and practical implications for the use of speech intelligibility tests as indicators of speakers' performances are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Prolactin modulation of theophylline inhibitory action on maturation of bovine oocyte-cumulus complexes in vitro].
The comparative investigation of the individual and joint impact of prolactin (PRL, 50 ng/ml) and theophylline (TP), a nonselective inhibitor of phosphodiesterases, on nuclear maturation of bovine oocytes and the expansion of cumulus cells enclosing the oocytes was carried out using a model of in vitro culturing. It has been shown that TP (5 mM) exerts a short-term inhibitory action on oocyte meiosis reinitiation and blocks it at diakinesis and metaphase I stages as well as inhibits the cumulus expansion. The addition of PRL to the medium containing TP caused the decrease in the rate of oocytes at diplotene stage after 6 h of culturing and the increase in the rate of oocytes attained the closing stages of maturation after 24 h of culturing. Furthermore, PRL suppressed partly the inhibitory impact of TP on the expansion of cumulus cells. The data obtained suggest the signal cascade induced by PRL in bovine oocyte-cumulus complexes to be compled with cAMP-dependent intracellular pathway. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Derivatization of cysteine and cystine for fluorescence amino acid analysis with the o-phthaldialdehyde/2-mercaptoethanol reagent.
Previous reports (Drescher, D.G., and Lee, K.S. (1978) Anal. Biochem. 84, 559-569; Lee, K.S., and Drescher, D.G. (1978) Int. J. Biochem. 9, 457-467) have shown that high performance liquid chromatographic analysis of amino acids with the o-phthaldialdehyde/2-mercaptoethanol reagent (OPA/2-ME) is one of the most sensitive procedures currently available for micro amino acid analysis. In the present paper, methods are presented for the modification of cysteine and cystine in proteins for micro amino acid analysis using OPA/2-ME. Cysteine and cystine, which both show low fluorescence with OPA/2-ME, are converted to cysteic acid with performic acid directly, or to S-3-sulfopropylcysteine with 1,3-propane sultone after reduction of cystine with tri-n-butylphosphine. Cysteic acid and S-3-sulfopropylcysteine form highly fluorescent adducts with OPA/2-ME. The formation of S-3-sulfopropylcysteine in proteins and the subsequent hydrolysis of the proteins with methanesulfonic acid are particularly useful for complete amino acid analysis at the picomole level using a single sample. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Platelet activation and platelet-leucocyte interaction in patients with migraine. Subtype differences and influence of triptans.
As migraine is the result of an inflammatory mechanism with serotonergic signalling, leucocyte function, platelet function and intercellular communication between those cells is likely to be connected to the final pathway of the disease. We examined P-selectin expression on platelets (platelet activation) and leucocyte-platelet aggregate formation in 72 migraine patients during their attack-free interval and controls using a flow cytometric assay. Patients suffering from migraine without aura had a significantly increased platelet activation and leucocyte-platelet aggregation compared with the control group, unlike the migraine patients with aura. Patients who had taken a triptan within 3 days prior to the investigation showed platelet activation values similar to the control group. The variations in platelet activation patterns of migraine subgroups could indicate different pathomechanisms. Even outside an attack, migraine patients, particularly those without aura, show an increased level of platelet activation which seems to be down-regulated by triptans. This mechanism may account for the triptan-induced increases in headache frequency. The involvement of proinflammatory platelet-leucocyte cross-talk suggests a possible therapeutic strategy using anti-inflammatory drugs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Long-term effects of GnRH agonists on fertility and behaviour.
This review aimed to summarize the present knowledge about the effects of GnRH agonist slow-release implants (GnRH A-SRI) on fertility and behaviour in male and female dogs and cats with special focus on deslorelin. Following an initial stimulation of gonadotropin and testosterone secretion possibly associated with an improved semen quality, GnRH A-SRI induce long-term depression of fertility in male dogs and cats with, however, a large individual variation in onset and duration of efficacy especially in cats. The GnRH A-SRI furthermore interfere with testosterone-dependent/affected behaviour; a significant positive effect in reducing sexual behaviour and libido, hypersexuality, intermale dominance and excessive territorial urine marking has been described. Rates of improvement of the respective behaviour are comparable to those after surgical castration, making GnRH A-SRI a valuable option to predict castration-related effects on behaviour and to identify animals where surgical castration will not be beneficial. No effect has been seen in reducing aggression towards humans indicating the need for behavioural therapy to control this problem. Effects on spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis and behaviour have by now been shown to be fully reversible. Knowledge in females is more limited, and particularly, the initial induction of a possibly fertile oestrus and individual variation in duration of efficacy remain problems in bitches and queens treated for suppression of fertility. However, long-term suppression of oestrous cycle and fertility seems to be possible with induced effects shown to be reversible including restoration of normal fertility after the end of efficacy/GNRH A-SRI removal. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Berenil (diminazene aceturate)-resistant Trypanosoma congolense in cattle under natural tsetse challenge at Kibaha, Tanzania.
Twenty-nine cattle, naturally infected with Trypanosoma congolense Kibaha, were subjected to chemotherapy with diminazene aceturate (Berenil, Hoechst) at 3.5 to 14.0 mg/kg. Fourteen animals recovered while six were refractory to treatment at 7.0 to 14.0 mg/kg. Further treatment of the Berenil-resistant isolates with isometamidium chloride (Samorin, May and Baker) at 1.0 mg/kg, effected cure. Corresponding chemotherapeutic trials in mice showed that the isolates were resistant to diminazene aceturate at 56.0 mg/kg and sensitive to Samorin at 20.0 mg/kg. It is noted, that T. congolense infections that do not respond to treatment with Berenil at 7.0 mg/kg may indicate development of resistance; the use of Samorin at 1.0 mg/kg or Homidium may be the alternative. The paper calls for judicious use of Berenil and Samorin, as they are the only sanative pairs available for the chemotherapy of bovine trypanosomiasis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A model of a segmental oscillator in the leech heartbeat neuronal network.
We modeled a segmental oscillator of the timing network that paces the heartbeat of the leech. This model represents a network of six heart interneurons that comprise the basic rhythm-generating network within a single ganglion. This model builds on a previous two cell model (Nadim et al., 1995) by incorporating modifications of intrinsic and synaptic currents based on the results of a realistic waveform voltage-clamp study (Olsen and Calabrese, 1996). Due to these modifications, the new model behaves more similarly to the biological system than the previous model. For example, the slow-wave oscillation of membrane potential that underlies bursting is similar in form and amplitude to that of the biological system. Furthermore, the new model with its expanded architecture demonstrates how coordinating interneurons contribute to the oscillations within a single ganglion, in addition to their role of intersegmental coordination. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Systemic inflammation in COPD and asthma: similarities and differences].
While recent studies have shown that patients with COPD and patients with asthma exhibit evidence of airway and systemic inflammation, markers of systemic inflammation have not been compared between the two diseases. To evaluate circulating inflammatory markers, blood was sampled from 111 patients with COPD, 75 control subjects and 46 asthmatic patients (some of whom were smokers). Measurements of WCC, serum levels of fibrinogen, high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, neutrophil elastase and alphal-antitrypsin (alpha1-AT) were done. Serum TNF-alpha, IL-6, and TIMP-1 concentrations were significantly higher in patients with stable COPD and patients with asthma than in control patients. Serum alpha1-AT levels were significantly higher in COPD patients than in asthmatic patients and control subjects and serum TGF-beta1 levels were higher in asthma patients than in COPD patients. Smoking status had no effect on markers in COPD and asthmatic patients. Although COPD and asthma share common markers of systemic inflammation, serum levels of TGF-beta1 and alpha1-AT may reflect differences between the diseases. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Determination of selected water-soluble vitamins using hydrophilic chromatography: a comparison of photodiode array, fluorescence, and coulometric detection, and validation in a breakfast cereal matrix.
Water-soluble vitamins are an important class of compounds that require quantification from food sources to monitor nutritional value. In this study we have analysed six water-soluble B vitamins ([thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), nicotinic acid (B3, NAc), nicotinamide (B3, NAm), pyridoxal (B6), folic acid (B9)], and ascorbic acid (vit C) with hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC), and compared UV, fluorescent (FLD) and coulometric detection to optimise a method to quantitate the vitamins from food sources. Employing UV/diode array (DAD) and fluorimetric detection, six B vitamins were detected in a single run using gradient elution from 100% to 60% solvent B [10mM ammonium acetate, pH 5.0, in acetonitrile and water 95:5 (v:v)] over 18 min. UV detection was performed at 268 nm for B1, 260 nm for both B3 species and 284 nm for B9. FLD was employed for B2 at excitation wavelength of 268 nm, emission of 513 nm, and 284 nm/317 nm for B6. Coulometric detection can be used to detect B6 and B9, and vit C, and was performed isocratically at 75% and 85% of solvent B, respectively. B6 was analysed at a potential of 720 mV, while B9 was analysed at 600 mV, and vit C at 30 mV. Retention times (0.96 to 11.81 min), intra-day repeatability (CV 1.6 to 3.6), inter-day variability (CV 1.8 to 11.1), and linearity (R 0.9877 to 0.9995) remained good under these conditions with limits of detection varying from 6.6 to 164.6 ng mL(-1), limits of quantification between 16.8 and 548.7 ng mL(-1). The method was successfully applied for quantification of six B vitamins from a fortified food product and is, to our knowledge, the first to simultaneously determine multiple water-soluble vitamins extracted from a food matrix using HILIC. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Comorbidities in psoriatic arthritis].
Psoriatic arthritis occurs almost exclusively together with psoriasis (of the skin). Thus, psoriasis-associated diseases or comorbidities are also seen in psoriatic arthritis patients. Among the clinically most relevant comorbidities are cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors, namely smoking, obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Moreover, psychological conditions and osteoporosis should also be considered. The link between psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and its comorbidities has been established based on epidemiological studies; however, at least for the cardiovascular comorbidities, the association can be explained based on novel insights into the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. For the practising physician it is important to take into account the aspect of comorbidity to come to an optimal treatment decision in each individual case. Clinical decision-making is complicated further by the fact that comorbidity necessitates comedication which again influence the choice of treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nursing procedures and their function as policies for effective practice.
Documents covering nursing procedures form part of the District Health Authorities policies in the United Kingdom. How far such written documents contribute to standards of care has not been established. As part of a wider investigation, a postal survey of all District Health Authorities in England and Wales was undertaken to examine the content of procedures for catheter care. Eighty-two per cent of Authorities responded and it was found that the documents consisted largely of a detailed list of steps to be followed. There was no complete coverage of all components of care and there were gaps in information concerned with patient safety. In discussion it is suggested that procedures reflect technical performance rather than guidelines for good practice. In the light of this analysis it is argued that the profession should reconsider the place of such documents within the Health Authorities' quality assurance programme. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of acute glycaemic index on clinical outcome after acute stroke.
Studies have shown that hyperglycaemia acutely after stroke independently predicts poorer survival and independence. Whether the change in glycaemic index in the acute phase of stroke has any effect on stroke outcome is unclear. Glycated serum proteins (GSP) reflect blood glucose concentration during the preceding 2 weeks. The aim of this study is to measure the association between the change in GSP % in the first 2 weeks after stroke and outcome. 167 patients were included. 117 (70%) patients were alive at 3 months. Admission glucose was higher in dead patients (7.8 mmol/l) compared to survivors (6.6 mmol/l) (p < 0.01). GSP at day 14 was higher in non survivors (21.8%) compared with survivors (19.1%) (p < 0.0001) as was the change in GSP (2.0 %) in non survivors compared with survivors (0.1%) (p < 0.0001). After adjusting for case mix, the change in GSP % was significantly associated with stroke mortality (p = 0.04). The odds ratio for death at 3 months after stroke associated with every 1% increase in change between GSP day 14 and GSP day 0, was 1.28 (95% CI: 1.1-1.62). Increases in glycaemic index as determined by GSP % are associated with excess in stroke mortality after adjusting for case mix. Intervention trials are required to test the hypothesis that improving glycaemic index after acute stroke improves outcome. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Identification errors in the blood transfusion laboratory: a still relevant issue for patient safety.
Remarkable technological advances and increased awareness have both contributed to decrease substantially the uncertainty of the analytical phase, so that the manually intensive preanalytical activities currently represent the leading sources of errors in laboratory and transfusion medicine. Among preanalytical errors, misidentification and mistransfusion are still regarded as a considerable problem, posing serious risks for patient health and carrying huge expenses for the healthcare system. As such, a reliable policy of risk management should be readily implemented, developing through a multifaceted approach to prevent or limit the adverse outcomes related to transfusion reactions from blood incompatibility. This strategy encompasses root cause analysis, compliance with accreditation requirements, strict adherence to standard operating procedures, guidelines and recommendations for specimen collection, use of positive identification devices, rejection of potentially misidentified specimens, informatics data entry, query host communication, automated systems for patient identification and sample labeling and an adequate and safe environment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Assessment of bone marrow involvement in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas: comparison between histology and flow cytometry.
Bone marrow (BM) examination is essential in the staging of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients. Few studies have compared BM histologic findings with results of flow cytometric (FC) analysis. We analyzed the incidence and patterns of histologic BM involvement in a series of 753 patients with NHL. For 498 patients, a concurrent FC analysis on BM was available. Histologic involvement was detected at diagnosis in 311/753 (41%) patients. By FC, BM involvement was clearly detected in 150/498 (30%). After excluding 12 cases with equivocal histology, concordance between the two methods was detected in 411 (85%) cases (27% BMB+/FC+; 58% BMB-/FC-), while discordance was present in 75 (15%) (P < 0.001): 58 cases (12%) were BMB+/FC- and 17 (3%) were BMB-/FC+. Discordance was more frequent in FL and in lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL). These data demonstrate that the two methods are comparable in qualitative assessment of BM involvement in NHL, with the exception of FL and LPL. In FL, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and LPL, FC underestimates the extent of infiltrate with respect to histology. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Aging embodiment and the somatic work of getting into and out of a car.
This study examines the embodied realities and sensory experience of vehicle ingress and egress from the point of view of older drivers. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 women and three men, aged 57-81, and followed by ride-a-longs whereby the researcher observed participants in interaction with their automobile. Using the perspective of phenomenological gerontology and the concept of somatic work (Vannini, Waskul, & Gottschalk, 2012), older drivers are conceptualized as simultaneously sensing and making sense of somatic experience evoked by aging embodiment and the bodily movements required of entry and exit into an automobile. It is argued that older drivers acquire a sensory auto-biography of incorporated bodily memory regarding vehicle morphology and texture in their past and current life, which informs embodied capacities of movement, awareness, and response relative to practical knowledge about what is attainable (or unattainable) for a sensuous older body. Through reflective and reflexive engagement with the sensory realm and material world, participants report structuring their lives through the haptics of touch, adoption of somatic rules, consumerist practices, as well as, specialized bodily movements and footwork sequences to ensure safety and comfort when using their automobile. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Distributed interactive virtual environments for collaborative experiential learning and training independent of distance over Internet2.
Medical knowledge and skills essential for tomorrow's healthcare professionals continue to change faster than ever before creating new demands in medical education. Project TOUCH (Telehealth Outreach for Unified Community Health) has been developing methods to enhance learning by coupling innovations in medical education with advanced technology in high performance computing and next generation Internet2 embedded in virtual reality environments (VRE), artificial intelligence and experiential active learning. Simulations have been used in education and training to allow learners to make mistakes safely in lieu of real-life situations, learn from those mistakes and ultimately improve performance by subsequent avoidance of those mistakes. Distributed virtual interactive environments are used over distance to enable learning and participation in dynamic, problem-based, clinical, artificial intelligence rules-based, virtual simulations. The virtual reality patient is programmed to dynamically change over time and respond to the manipulations by the learner. Participants are fully immersed within the VRE platform using a head-mounted display and tracker system. Navigation, locomotion and handling of objects are accomplished using a joy-wand. Distribution is managed via the Internet2 Access Grid using point-to-point or multi-casting connectivity through which the participants can interact. Medical students in Hawaii and New Mexico (NM) participated collaboratively in problem solving and managing of a simulated patient with a closed head injury in VRE; dividing tasks, handing off objects, and functioning as a team. Students stated that opportunities to make mistakes and repeat actions in the VRE were extremely helpful in learning specific principles. VRE created higher performance expectations and some anxiety among VRE users. VRE orientation was adequate but students needed time to adapt and practice in order to improve efficiency. This was also demonstrated successfully between Western Australia and UNM. We successfully demonstrated the ability to fully immerse participants in a distributed virtual environment independent of distance for collaborative team interaction in medical simulation designed for education and training. The ability to make mistakes in a safe environment is well received by students and has a positive impact on their understanding, as well as memory of the principles involved in correcting those mistakes. Bringing people together as virtual teams for interactive experiential learning and collaborative training, independent of distance, provides a platform for distributed "just-in-time" training, performance assessment and credentialing. Further validation is necessary to determine the potential value of the distributed VRE in knowledge transfer, improved future performance and should entail training participants to competence in using these tools. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Solvent effects on the stability of A7U7p.
The thermodynamics of double-helix formation were measured spectrophotometrically for A7U7 in water at 1 M NaCl and for A7U7p in a variety of solvent mixtures and salt. Comparison of the A7U7 results with calorimetric measurements indicates duplex formation involves intermediate states. For A7U7p between 0.06 and 0.55 M Na+, dTm/d(log [Na+]) = 17.4 degrees C, similar to the value of 19.6 degrees C for poly-(A).poly(U) [Krakauer, H., & Sturtevant, J. M. (1968) Biopolymers 6, 491-512]. At 1 M NaCl, the A7U7p duplex is most stable in 100% water. For 10 mol % solutions, the order for A7U7p duplex stability is ethylene glycol greater than glycerol greater than ethanol greater than 2-propanol greater than dimethyl sulfoxide greater than 1-propanol greater than formamide greater than N,N-dimethylformamide greater than urea greater than dioxane. Comparison of changes in stability and thermodynamic parameters with literature results for proteins suggests proteins and A7U7p interact differently with solvent. The results suggest hydrophobic bonding is not a major contributor to the stability of the A7U7p duplex. Comparisons with bulk solvent surface tension suggest the energy of cavity formation is also not a major contributor to duplex stability. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Stability and DNA-binding properties of the omega regulator protein from the broad-host range Streptococcus pyogenes plasmid pSM19035.
At the transcriptional level, the pSM19035-encoded omega protein coordinates the expression of proteins required for control of copy number and maintenance of plasmids. Using circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy, ultracentrifugation and an electrophoretic mobility shift assay, the wild-type omega protein and a variant with a C-terminal hexa-histidine tag (omega-H(6)) were characterized. The omega protein is mainly alpha-helical (42%), occurs as homodimer in solution, unfolds thermally with half transition temperatures, T(m), between approximately 43 and approximately 78 degrees C depending on the ionic strength of the buffer, and binds PcopS-DNA with high affinity. The omega-H(6) protein has a modified conformation with lower alpha-helix content (29%), lower thermal stability, and strongly reduced affinity to PcopS-DNA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intraocular involvement is associated with a high risk of disease relapse in primary central nervous system lymphoma.
The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the recurrence and survival outcome of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) with intraocular involvement. For this purpose, a prospective cohort of 103 pathologically confirmed patients with PCNSL was enrolled in this study. Ophthalmologic examinations were performed both at diagnosis and during follow‑up. The patients with PCNSL with suspected intraocular involvement underwent vitrectomy for confirmation. Patients who presented with intraocular involvement either at diagnosis or during disease progression were allocated to the intraocular lymphoma (IOL) group. All patients with PCNSL received systemic methotrexate (MTX)‑based chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy. MTX intravitreal injection combined with systemic MTX‑based chemotherapy was recommended once ocular lesions were confirmed. Recurrent intraocular and central nervous system (CNS) events, progression‑free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) outcomes were analyzed. The findings of this study revealed that 21 patients with PCNSL exhibited intraocular involvement. One patient with IOL presented with isolated ocular lymphoma at the initial diagnosis, and the others presented with ocular involvement along with CNS invasion during the course of the disease. A total of 14 patients received systemic MTX‑based chemotherapy prior to the diagnosis of IOL. The recurrence rates in patients with or without intraocular involvement were 71.4 and 46.3%, respectively (P=0.04) and the relapse sites in the patients with IOL included the brain (3 patients), eyes (6 patients), and both brain and eyes (6 cases). The median PFS was 13 months in the IOL group and 19 months in the patients without intraocular involvement (non‑IOL) (P=0.019). The median OS was 51 months vs. 56 months, respectively (P=0.312). There was no significant difference in the 2‑year PFS and OS rates between the 2 groups (23.8% vs. 23.2%, P=0.951; and 61.9% vs. 41.4%, P=0.093, respectively). On the whole, the findings of this study suggest that patients with IOL have a high risk of relapse and a poor PFS compared to patients without IOL, but a similar OS. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Management of lactational breast abscesses.
The purpose of the present prospective study was to compare incision and drainage against needle aspiration for the treatment of breast abscesses in lactating women. During the 3-year study period, patients with breast abscesses were randomized 1:1 to undergo either incision and drainage (23 patients) or needle aspiration (22 patients). Ultrasound guidance was not used for any of these patients. Age, parity, localization of abscess, whether or not nipples were cracked, duration of symptoms and lactation, abscess diameter, pus culture results, breast infection history during any previous period of lactation, healing time, recurrence, cosmetic outcome in the case of incision and drainage, and volume of pus removed and number of aspirations needed in the case of aspiration were recorded. The treatment value of each of these techniques was investigated. Student's t-test, Fisher's exact test, a Chi-square test and the Mann-Whitney U-test were used for statistical analysis. In the incision and drainage group all patients were treated successfully, but 1 patient (4%) had a recurrence 2 months after complete healing and 16 patients (70%) in this group were not pleased with the cosmetic outcome. In the needle aspiration group, overall 3 patients were treated with a single aspiration and 10 patients (45%) with multiple aspirations, but 9 patients (41%) did not heal following needle aspiration and subsequently required incision and drainage in addition. No recurrences were observed in the needle aspiration group during the follow-up period. The risk factors for failure of needle aspiration for breast abscesses were abscesses larger than 5 cm in diameter, unusually large volume of aspirated pus, and delay in treatment. In conclusion, breast abscesses smaller than 5 cm in diameter on physical examination can be treated with repeated aspirations with good cosmetic results. Incision and drainage should be reserved for use in patients with larger abscesses. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Estrogen suppresses transcription of lipoprotein lipase gene. Existence of a unique estrogen response element on the lipoprotein lipase promoter.
Estrogen exerts a variety of effects not only on female reproductive organs but also on nonreproductive organs, including adipose tissue. Estrogen inhibits obesity triggered by ovariectomy in rodents. We studied the mechanism underlying this estrogen-dependent inhibition of obesity. Estrogen markedly decreased the amounts of fat accumulation and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mRNA as well as triglyceride accumulation in genetically manipulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes stably expressing the estrogen receptor (ER). A pLPL(1980)-CAT construct, along with an ER expression vector, was introduced into differentiated 3T3-L1 cells, and CAT activities were determined. ER, mostly ligand-dependently, inhibited the basal LPL promoter activity by 7-fold. We searched the LPL promoter for an estrogen-responsive suppressive element by employing a set of 5'-deletion mutants of the pLPL-CAT reporter. Although there was no classical estrogen response element, it was demonstrated that an AP-1-like TGAATTC sequence located at (-1856/-1850) was responsible for the suppression of the LPL gene transcription by estrogen. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay probed with the TGAATTC sequence demonstrated formation of a specific DNA-nuclear protein complex. Interestingly, this complex was not affected by the addition of any antibodies against ER, c-Jun, c-Fos, JunB, or JunD. Because this TGAATTC element responded to phorbol ester and overexpression of CREB-binding protein abrogated the suppressive effect of estrogen on the LPL promoter, we conclude that a unique protein that is related to the AP-1 transcription factor families may be involved in the complex that binds to the TGAATTC element. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A callosal transfer deficit in children with developmental language disorder.
Twenty-two control children (aged 6-12 years) and forty-three children with developmental language disorder (DLD) (aged 7-12 years) received a test of callosal transfer of tactile information. Among the children with dysphasia, 30 had a diagnosis of receptive dysphasia and 13 of expressive dysphasia. Both control children and children with DLD made a significantly larger number of errors in the crossed localization condition (implying callosal transfer of tactile information) versus the uncrossed localization condition. In the crossed localization condition, children with DLD made a significantly larger number of errors than controls, while no differences were found in the two groups of children with DLD. These data suggest that the corpus callosum may be involved in the pathogenesis of DLD. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antagonistic pleiotropy, mutation accumulation, and human genetic disease.
The antagonistic pleiotropy theory of senescence is the most convincing theoretical explanation of the existence of aging. As yet, no locus or allele has been identified in a wild population with the features predicted by the pleiotropic theory. Human genetic diseases offer the opportunity to identify potentially pleiotropic alleles/loci. Four human genetic diseases--Huntington's disease, idiopathic hemochromatosis, myotonic dystrophy, and Alzheimer's disease--may exhibit pleiotropic effects and further study of these diseases might result in the identification of pleiotropic genes causing aging. Inability to find an early life selective benefit associated with these disease-causing alleles would favor the major alternative genetic explanation for aging, the mutation accumulation theory. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Optical breakdown during femtosecond laser propagation in water cloud.
When a femtosecond laser pulse propagates through water clouds, optical breakdown can occur once the laser intensity exceeds a certain threshold. This photoionization process, along with the resultant laser-induced plasma, can strongly influence laser communications and laser-induced precipitation. However, the calculation model for the initial evolution of the laser field and its self-generated plasma remain insufficient. Here, we provide a theoretical transient coupling model to investigate the evolution of the laser-induced plasma in the water-cloud droplets, along with the nonlinear absorption occurring during optical breakdown. Agreement is achieved between the experimentally determined breakdown threshold and our calculated prediction. The calculation results indicate that the optical breakdown occurring in a water cloud has a considerable influence on the laser field. It is recommended that the laser intensity does not exceed the breakdown threshold for laser communications. We expect that our findings will also be helpful for weather control. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A Phase I study of granulocyte-macrophage-colony stimulating factor/interleukin-3 fusion protein (PIXY321) following ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide therapy for children with recurrent or refractory solid tumors: a report of the Children's Cancer Group.
This Phase I trial was developed to determine the safety, biologic activity, and effects on hematopoietic recovery of PIXY321 following ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide chemotherapy for children with recurrent or refractory solid tumors. Children (age < 22 years at diagnosis) received ifosfamide 1800 mg/m2/day x 5 days, carboplatin 400 mg/m2/day x 2 days, and etoposide 100 mg/m2/day x 5 days, followed by daily subcutaneous administration of PIXY321. Dose-limiting toxicity was defined as Grade IV toxicity related to PIXY321. Pharmacokinetic and endogenous cytokine production studies were conducted during Course 1, and peripheral blood (PB) progenitor cell and receptor expression studies were conducted during Course 1 when the white blood cell count recovered to > or=1000/mm3. Twenty-four children received ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide chemotherapy plus PIXY321, the latter at doses of 500 /g/m2/day (n=3), 750 microg/m2/day (n=6), 1000 microg/m2/day (n=9), or 500 microg/m2/twice a day (n=6). PIXY321 was well tolerated, with only 1 dose-limiting toxicity (chills, occurring at a dose of 750 microg/m2/day). The maximum tolerated dose was not reached in this study. The median days to absolute neutrophil count recovery (> or =1000/mm3) and platelet recovery (>100,000/mm3) during Course 1 following PIXY321 (1000 microg/ m2/day) were 22 days (range, 5-33 days) and 20 days (range, 5-31 days), respectively. There was a 2500, 5000, 3000, and 390% increase in PB granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units, erythrocyte blast-forming units, granulocyte erythrocyte macrophage and megakaryocyte colony-forming units, and CD34+ cells, respectively. In summary, this pediatric Phase I trial demonstrated that PIXY321 was well tolerated by children and resulted in platelet recovery a median of 20 days after ICE chemotherapy and an increase in the number of PB progenitor cells above baseline. However, based on recent negative results with PIXY321 in randomized Phase II/III trials involving adult subjects, PIXY321 is not currently available for future trials involving children. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Dermoid cysts revealed by meningitis with medullary compression].
The spinal dermal sinus tracts in the lumbosacral region are not usually recognized, especially when they are not associated with other cutaneous lesions. In these sites, the sinus tracts communicate with the dura in 90% of cases, leading to an important risk of meningitis. Two infants (9 and 12 months old) were hospitalized for meningitis. The hospitalization was preceded two weeks earlier by stubborn constipation, which revealed a neural compression. The physical and MRI examination showed a lumbosacral sinus in contact with a dermoid or an epidermoid tumor. These cysts were infected with anaerobic organisms. Despite surgery and antibiotic therapy, one child remained paraplegic. Dermal sinuses above the intergluteal crease should be surgically excised at the time of diagnosis in all patients, regardless of the patient's age or neurologic findings. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Risk factors for cardiovascular disease after renal transplantation.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have become the leading cause of mortality in renal transplant recipients. Well-known cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and graft dysfunction both play an important role in the development of the posttransplantation CV events. We studied 233 stable kidney transplant patients to establish the prevalence of CVD and to assess CV risk factors that can be evaluated (and modified) in daily clinical practice. While 6.2% of the patients had coronary heart disease (CHD) before the transplantation, 16% displayed at least 1 CV event posttransplantation. The most significant factors associated with CV events were as follows: gender, length of smoking, diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C virus antibodies (HCV), dyslipidemia, proteinuria, and serum creatinine levels. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Removal of natural organic matter (NOM) from an aqueous solution by NaCl and surfactant-modified clinoptilolite.
Zeolitic tuffs are found in different parts of the world. Iranian zeolite is a low-cost material that can be frequently found in nature. Surfactant-modified zeolite (SMZ) can be used for the adsorption of natural organic matter (NOM) from aqueous solutions. The adsorption study was conducted to evaluate the adsorption capacity of SMZ; furthermore, the effects of contact time, initial pH, and the initial adsorbent dose on the adsorption process were investigated in a batch system. The kinetic studies showed that the adsorption of NOM on SMZ was a gradual process. The optimum initial pH values for the adsorption of NOM on SMZ were in the acidic ranges. The batch kinetic experiments showed that the adsorption followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model with good correlation coefficients. The equilibrium data were well described by the Langmuir isotherm model. The results show that the natural zeolite being modified with NaCl and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide as a cationic surfactant was an appropriate adsorbent for the removal of NOM. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Satisfaction with postnatal care--the choice of home or hospital.
This paper reports the findings of a study of client satisfaction with postnatal midwifery care. Women could choose one of two forms of care; either domiciliary care following early discharge, or hospital care until discharge. Consumers' perceptions of their postnatal care were examined at the end of the period of care. Women assessed the midwives' interest and caring, education and information provided, their own progress with feeding and baby care, and their own physical and emotional health. They were also asked about their expectations of and gains from postnatal care. The findings indicated that women choosing domiciliary care and women choosing hospital care had different expectations of their postnatal care, but were largely satisfied with the quality of the care they chose. The women who chose domiciliary care rated their postnatal care more highly than the women who stayed in hospital. The findings reinforce the importance of providing women with choices for the maternity care which best suits their needs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
GIGYF2 is present in endosomal compartments in the mammalian brains and enhances IGF-1-induced ERK1/2 activation.
GIGYF2 has been reported as a candidate gene for PARK11-linked Parkinson's disease (PD). Heterozygous knockout of GIGYF2 results in neurodegeneration, suggesting important roles for GIGYF2 (Grb10 interacting GYF protein 2) in the CNS. In this study, we used novel GIGYF2 antibodies to clarify the distribution and function of GIGYF2. GIGYF2 was widely expressed, most highly in the pancreas and testis, and moderately in brain, lung, liver, kidney and spleen. In the brain, GIGYF2 was tightly associated with membrane in the S3 fraction, and localised in neuronal perikarya and proximal dendrites. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated sites of GIGYF2 localisation throughout the mouse brain, with high levels in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, olfactory bulb and brainstem nuclei, but low levels in the substantia nigra and striatum. GIGYF2 was present in endosomes immunopositive for Rab4 and Grb10. Expression of GIGYF2 altered insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) receptor trafficking and enhanced IGF-1-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation, but not IGF-1 receptor or serine/threonine protein kinase Akt phosphorylation. There were no significant differences in signalling activation between cells expressing wild-type and putative PD-associated mutant GIGYF2. In PD brains, GIGYF2 did not localise to Lewy bodies. Our findings indicate a role for GIGYF2 in the regulation of signalling at endosomes, but no contribution of GIGYF2 to the pathogenesis of PD. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neck and mediastinal angiography by computed tomography scan.
CT scanning of the neck and upper mediastinum is a valuable tool in the differential diagnosis of soft-tissue tumors. Visualization of the major vessels in the neck, which aids in the study, can be accomplished by a rapid intravenous drip infusion technique during the actual scanning, a new approach to contrast enhancement. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The effect of cow genotype for beta-casein on the quantitative level of milk proteins].
The quantitative content of 14 milk proteins was investigated in Bestuzhevskaya and Kholmogorskaya cows with different genotypes for beta-casein. It is shown that beta-CnA1 allele provides higher content of protein in corresponding variant, as compared to beta-CnB and beta-CnA2 (P less than 0.05-0.001). beta-casein quantity in milk is in following dependence on genotypes for beta-Cn: A1B less than A1A1 greater than A1A2, A2B greater than BB greater than A2A2. The effect of locus beta-Cn on the quantity of total protein, caseins and separate milk proteins was also found (eta 2 = = 0.098-0.147). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fine-scale spatial genetic correlation analyses reveal strong female philopatry within a brush-tailed rock-wallaby colony in southeast Queensland.
We combine spatial data on home ranges of individuals and microsatellite markers to examine patterns of fine-scale spatial genetic structure and dispersal within a brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) colony at Hurdle Creek Valley, Queensland. Brush-tailed rock-wallabies were once abundant and widespread throughout the rocky terrain of southeastern Australia; however, populations are nearly extinct in the south of their range and in decline elsewhere. We use pairwise relatedness measures and a recent multilocus spatial autocorrelation analysis to test the hypotheses that in this species, within-colony dispersal is male-biased and that female philopatry results in spatial clusters of related females within the colony. We provide clear evidence for strong female philopatry and male-biased dispersal within this rock-wallaby colony. There was a strong, significant negative correlation between pairwise relatedness and geographical distance of individual females along only 800 m of cliff line. Spatial genetic autocorrelation analyses showed significant positive correlation for females in close proximity to each other and revealed a genetic neighbourhood size of only 600 m for females. Our study is the first to report on the fine-scale spatial genetic structure within a rock-wallaby colony and we provide the first robust evidence for strong female philopatry and spatial clustering of related females within this taxon. We discuss the ecological and conservation implications of our findings for rock-wallabies, as well as the importance of fine-scale spatial genetic patterns in studies of dispersal behaviour. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Carbon supply and 2-oxoglutarate effects on expression of nitrate reductase and nitrogen-regulated genes in Synechococcus sp. strain PCC 7942.
Synthesis of nitrate reductase in the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. strain PCC 7942 took place at a slow rate when the cells were incubated without a supply of inorganic carbon, but addition to these cells of CO(2)/bicarbonate or, in a Synechococcus strain transformed with a gene encoding a 2-oxoglutarate permease, 2-oxoglutarate stimulated expression of the enzyme. Induction by 2-oxoglutarate was also observed at the mRNA level for two nitrogen-regulated genes, nir and amt1, but not for the photosystem II D1 protein-encoding gene psbA1. Our results are consistent with a role of 2-oxoglutarate in nitrogen control in cyanobacteria. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Dairy farm methane emissions using a dispersion model.
There is a need to know whole-farm methane (CH(4)) emissions since confined animal facilities such as beef cattle feedlots and dairy farms are emission "hot spots" in the landscape. However, measurements of whole-farm CH(4) emissions can differ between farms because of differences in contributing sources such as manure handling, number of lactating and nonlactating cows, and diet. Such differences may limit the usefulness of whole-farm emissions for national inventories and mitigation purposes unless the variance between farms is taken into account or a large number of farms can be examined. Our study describes the application of a dispersion model used in conjunction with field measurements of CH(4) concentration and stability of the air to calculate whole-farm emissions of CH(4) from three dairy farms in Alberta, Canada, during three sequential campaigns conducted in November 2004 and May and July 2005. The dairy farms ranged in herd size from 208 to 351 cows (102 to 196 lactating cows) and had different manure handling operations. The results indicate that the average CH(4) emission per cow (mixture of lactating and nonlactating) from the three dairy farms was 336 g d(-1), which was reduced to 271 g d(-1) when the emission (estimated) from the manure storage was removed. Further separation of source strength yielded an average CH(4) (enteric) emission of 363 g d(-1) for a lactating cow. The estimated CH(4) emission intensities were approximately 15 g CH(4) kg(-1) dry matter intake and 16.7 L CH(4) L(-1) of milk produced. The approach of understanding the farm-to-farm differences in CH(4) emissions as affected by diet, animal type, and manure management is essential when utilizing whole-farm emission measurements for mitigation and inventory applications. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Risperidone: a review of its use in the treatment of bipolar mania.
Risperidone (Risperdal) is an atypical antipsychotic with high affinity for 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2A, dopamine D2 and alpha1- and alpha2-adrenergic receptors. Risperidone is now approved in the UK and the US for use in bipolar mania. Risperidone < or =6 mg/day, as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy with first-line mood stabilisers, significantly improves moderate and severe bipolar mania and improves global functioning over 3 weeks. Improvements in Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) scores in double-blind trials were greater with risperidone than with placebo over 3 weeks, and similar to those with haloperidol over 3 and 12 weeks. Risperidone was reasonably well tolerated. Limited data are available on the combination of risperidone and carbamazepine. Risperidone, as monotherapy or combined therapy with lithium or valproate semisodium, is an effective treatment option in bipolar mania. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
PreS deletion profiles of hepatitis B virus (HBV) are associated with clinical presentations of chronic HBV infection.
The association of hepatitis B virus (HBV) preS1 and preS2 deletions with progressive liver diseases are not fully understood. The study aimed to investigate characteristics of HBV preS deletion in HBV-infected patients with different illness categories. Total of 539 HBV-infected patients were enrolled in the study, including 146 with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 111 with HBV-related liver cirrhosis (LC), 146 with HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), and 136 with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PreS deletion was determined by sequencing. Replicons containing representative preS1 and preS2 deletion mutants and wild-type were respectively constructed and transfected into HepG2 cells for phenotypic analysis. The detection rates of overall preS deletion were 15.8%, 26.1%, 24.0%, and 34.6% in CHB, LC, ACLF, and HCC patients, respectively. PreS1 deletion was most frequently detected in LC patients while preS2 deletion was most frequently detected in HCC patients, both frequencies were significantly higher than that in CHB patients (17.1% vs. 4.8%, P<0.01; 19.1% vs. 4.8%, P<0.01). The deletion patterns across preS gene were different among the 4 illness categories. Compared with wild-type strain, the preS1 deletion mutant had defected preS1 expression, significantly decreased viral mRNA level and SP II promoter activity; while preS2 deletion mutant had defected preS2 expression, and significantly decreased viral mRNA level. HBV preS deletion was associated with advancement of liver diseases not only presented in preS deletion incidence, but also in the deletion pattern. Patients with preS2 deletion might have a higher risk to develop HCC. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cytoskeletal Contribution to Cell Stiffness Due to Osmotic Swelling; Extending the Donnan Equilibrium.
Cell volume regulation is commonly analyzed with a model of a closed semipermeable membrane filled with impermeant mobile solutes and the Donnan Equilibrium is used to predict the hydrostatic pressure. This traditional model ignores the fact that most cells are filled with a crosslinked cytoskeleton that is elastic and can be stretched or compressed like a sponge with no obvious need to move mobile solutes. However, calculations show that under osmotic stress, the elastic energy of the cytoskeleton is far greater than the elastic energy of the membrane. Here we expand the traditional Donnan model to include the elasticity of a cytoskeleton with fixed charges and show that cell stiffening happens without a membrane. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Quantitative analysis of pasireotide (SOM230), a cyclic peptide, in monkey plasma using liquid chromatography in combination with tandem mass spectrometry.
A novel liquid chromatographic method with tandem mass spectrometric detection (LC-MS/MS) for the determination of Pasireotide (SOM230) was developed and validated with a dynamic range of 0.5-250ng/ml using 50μl of monkey plasma. SOM230 and the internal standard, [M+6]SOM230, were extracted from monkey plasma via μElution SPE. The acidified sample matrix was loaded onto the preconditioned Waters SPE plate for further processing. The analyte was eluted from the SPE plate using freshly prepared elution solvent, which was followed by dilution and LC-MS/MS analysis. By eliminating a step of evaporation of the SPE eluent, instead, injecting the eluent after a simple dilution, compound loss due to non-specific binding to the 96-well materials was prevented. Furthermore, freshly prepared elution solution was found a key to optimal extraction recovery of the analyte from monkey plasma. The optimal chromatographic separation was achieved on an Atlantis dC18 (50×2.1mm, 5μm particle size) column using gradient elution with a total analysis cycle time approximately 4min per injection. The mobile phases were water containing 0.5% acetic acid and 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) (mobile phase A) and acetonitrile containing 0.5% acetic acid and 0.05% TFA (mobile phase B). The incorporation of TFA (0.05%, v/v) and acetic acid (0.5%, v/v) into the mobile phases was accompanied by the improved chromatography and minimized carryover due to the HPLC column. The current method was validated for specificity, sensitivity, matrix effect, recovery, linearity, accuracy and precision, dilution integrity, batch size and stability. The accuracy and precision for the LLOQs (0.5ng/ml) were within ±5.6% bias and ≤7.8% CV, respectively. From the intra-day and inter-day evaluations, the precision of the other QC samples (1.5, 7.5, 75 and 190ng/ml) ranged from 2.7 to 4.9% CV and the accuracy (% bias) from -1.3 to 7.3%, respectively. Additional assessment of incurred sample reanalysis (ISR) was conducted to demonstrate the ruggedness and robustness of the assay method. The validated method was successfully implemented to support a toxicity study in monkeys administered with 5 and 30mg of SOM230 in a single intramuscular injection of a long acting release (LAR) formulation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An animal model for subperiosteal tissue expansion.
An animal model for subperiosteal tissue expansion is described. Small tissue expanders were placed bilaterally and inflated in the buccal subperiosteal pockets of the mandible. Additionally, subcutaneous expansion was performed in the breast region. Twenty-one dogs were used in three experimental groups to evaluate the optimal size of an expander for this model, the optimal inflation regimen, and the histologic changes following subperiosteal expansion. Hemicylindrical expanders, 20 mm in width, 10 mm in height, and 30 mm in length, inflated with 1 mL saline every four days, were used for this model. It was found that the periosteum was replaced by fibrous connective tissue during expansion. Capsule formation following subperiosteal expansion was much more rapid than that following subcutaneous expansion. A greater increase in vascularity was noted in the subperiosteal expansion group and the subperiosteal control group than in the subcutaneous expansion group. In the subperiosteal expansion group, a thick fibrous capsule, with minimal inflammatory response, was observed 1 week after full inflation. Leaving the fully inflated subperiosteal expanders in place more than 1 month accelerated the resorption of the underlying bone. These results support the previously reported empirical regimens of subperiosteal tissue expansion. Furthermore, the excellence of the subperiosteal expanded bed as a recipient site for onlay grafting was confirmed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The role of ROS in hydroquinone-induced inhibition of K562 cell erythroid differentiation.
The role of ROS in hydroquinone-induced inhibition of K562 cell erythroid differentiation was investigated. After K562 cells were treated with hydroquinone for 24 h, and hemin was later added to induce erythroid differentiation for 48 h, hydroquinone inhibited hemin-induced hemoglobin synthesis and mRNA expression of γ-globin in K562 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The 24-h exposure to hydroquinone also caused a concentration-dependent increase at an intracellular ROS level, while the presence of N- acetyl-L-cysteine prevented hydroquinone- induced ROS production in K562 cells. The presence of N-acetyl-L-cysteine also prevented hydroquinone inhibiting hemin-induced hemoglobin synthesis and mRNA expression of γ-globin in K562 cells. These evidences indicated that ROS production played a role in hydroquinone-induced inhibition of erythroid differentiation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Association of GWAS identified INSR variants (rs2059807 & rs1799817) with polycystic ovarian syndrome in Indian women.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a gynaecological endocrine disorder affects 9% of Indian women and is linked to type II diabetes. The association of INSR (INSulin Receptor gene) variants (rs2059807 and rs1799817) with PCOS was established through genome-wide association studies, yet requires validation for the Indian population. This case-control study included 253 PCOS women and 308 age-matched control. The minor allele frequency of rs2059807 had an odds ratio of 13.5 and that of rs1799817 was 11.8. The cohort with rs2059807 MAF presented elevated levels of luteinising hormone [PCOS vs Control: 6.32 ± 2.26 mIU/mL vs 4.97 ± 3.27 mIU/mL], estradiol [116.01 ± 60.63 pg/mL vs 65.04 ± 44.98 pg/mL], and decreased HDL - C [50.4 ± 11.59 mg/dL vs 64 ± 15.49 mg/dL] showing disturbances in the hormonal patterns. The rs1799817 polymorphism cohort had elevated levels of serum insulin [17.99 ± 11.6 mIU/mL vs 11.67 ± 6.63 mIU/mL], blood glucose [199.15 ± 63.72 mg/dL vs 96.6 ± 24.3 mg/dL], and testosterone [0.91 ± 0.2 nmol/L vs 0.53 ± 0.16 nmol/L] thereby triggering metabolic dysfunction and predisposed to lifestyle disorder. Also, the SNPs were found to be in linkage equilibrium and contributed to the development of PCOS differentially. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Characterization of Nonanuclear Europium and Gadolinium Complexes by Gas-Phase Luminescence Spectroscopy.
Gas-phase measurements using mass-spectrometric techniques allow determination of the luminescence properties of selected molecular systems with knowledge of their exact composition. Furthermore, isolated luminophores are unaffected by matrix effects like solvent interactions or crystal packing. As a result, the system complexity is reduced relative to the condensed phase and a direct comparison with theory is facilitated. Herein, we report the intrinsic luminescence properties of nonanuclear europium(III) and gadolinium(III) 9-hydroxyphenalen-1-one (HPLN)-hydroxo complexes. Luminescence spectra of [Eu9(PLN)16(OH)10](+) ions reveal an europium-centered emission dominated by a 4-fold split Eu(III) hypersensitive transition. The corresponding Gd(III) complex, [Gd9(PLN)16(OH)10](+), shows a broad emission from a ligand based triplet state with an onset of about 1000 wavenumbers in excess of the europium emission. As supported by photoluminescence lifetime measurements for both complexes, we deduce an efficient europium sensitization via PLN-based triplet states. The luminescence spectra of the complexes are discussed in terms of a square antiprismatic europium/gadolinium core structure as suggested by density functional computations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Thyroid gland hypofunction and features of musculoskeletal system growth and growth of the body as a whole at an early age].
Chronic injection of mercazolyl to rats aged from 5--7 days to 4 months induces a decrease in motor activity, in the relative and total weight of bones and muscles, in oxygen consumption and cardiac activity. It also leads to hypercholesterolemia associated with a decreased cholesterol level in the skeletal muscle tissue. Abnormal growth and development of the muscles and bones along with a diminished oxygen consumption in rats under one month of age produce a reduction in the body weight as compared to that in control animals. In rats aged from 1 to 4 months the same factors lead to the weight increase accounted for by abnormal oxygent consumption and lipid metabolism. The goitrogenic effec was revealed in young rats chronically administered mercazolyl, this effect was not manifested in 4-month-old rats. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Inhibition of in vitro SV40 DNA replication by ultraviolet light.
Ultraviolet light-induced DNA damage was found to inhibit SV40 origin-dependent DNA synthesis carried out by soluble human cell extracts. Replication of SV40-based plasmids was reduced to approx. 35% of that in unirradiated controls after irradiation with 50-100 J/m2 germicidal ultraviolet light, where an average of 3-6 pyrimidine dimer photoproducts were formed per plasmid circle. Inhibition of the DNA helicase activity of T antigen (required for initiation of replication in the in vitro system) was also investigated, and was only significant after much higher fluences, 1000-5000 J/m2. The data indicate that DNA damage by ultraviolet light inhibits DNA synthesis in cell-free extracts principally by affecting components of the replication complex other than the DNA helicase activity of T antigen. The soluble system could be used to biochemically investigate the possible bypass or tolerance of DNA damage during replication. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Factors influencing patients' willingness to pay for new technologies in hip and knee implants.
Rising implant prices and evolving technologies are important factors contributing to the increased cost of arthroplasty. Assessing how patients value arthroplasty, new technologies, and their perceived outcomes is critical in planning cost-effective care, as well as evaluating new-technologies. One hundred one patients undergoing arthroplasty took part in the survey. We captured demographics, spending practices, knowledge of implants, patient willingness to pay for implants, and preferences related to implant attributes. When patients were asked if they would be satisfied with "standard of care" prosthesis, 80% replied "no". When asked if they would pay for a higher than "standard of care" prosthesis, 86% replied "yes". The study demonstrated that patients, regardless of their socio-economic status, are not satisfied with standard of care implants when newer technologies are available, and they may be willing to share in the cost of their prosthesis. Patients also prefer the option to choose what they perceive to be a higher quality or innovative implant even if the "out of pocket" cost is higher. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Medial Collateral Ligament Complex of the Ankle: MR Imaging Anatomy and Findings in Medial Instability.
Ankle ligament injuries are among the most common injuries in sports and recreational activities. Injuries of the medial collateral ligament or deltoid ligament complex account for ∼ 15% of ligamentous ankle trauma. They are usually associated with injuries of the lateral collateral ligaments and the tibiofibular syndesmosis, as well as malleolar fractures. The deltoid ligament complex consists of a superficial and a deep layer. The three main components of the superficial layer are the tibionavicular, tibiospring, and tibiocalcaneal ligaments. The deep layer is composed of the anterior and posterior tibiotalar ligaments; the latter is the strongest ligament of the whole complex. In approximately half of patients, injuries of the superficial layer are associated with a lesion of the posterior tibiotalar ligament (pTTL), whereas in contradistinction most injuries to the pTTL are associated with lesions of the superficial layer. The most common location of injuries to the superficial layer is at the tibial periosteal attachment with partial discontinuity, delamination, or a complete tear with or without lesions of the flexor retinaculum. Lesions of the pTTL are often midsubstance. In chronic lesions a distorted and thickened superficial layer at the tibial insertion with periosteal reaction and bony spurs is usually visible. The scarred pTTL shows loss of normal striation. In chronic stages of pTTL lesions, volume loss is typically seen. Associated periosteal spurs and intraligamentous ossicles are common. In late stages, tibiotalar valgus with osteoarthritic changes of the ankle will develop. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Septate junctions between digestive vacuoles in human malacoplakia.
Typical septate junctions between digestive vacuoles in phagocytic cells of human malacoplakia are described in this paper. Evidence for a honeycomb pattern of hexagonal subunits is presented for their cleft material. Junctions were not observed between other organelles or in cells other than phagocytes. It is assumed that the septate junctions described here may reflect a pathological change in the organization of the membrane components of digestive organelles. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Better executive function is independently associated with full HIV suppression during combination therapy.
HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment continues to be prevalent and clinically relevant. We examined the relationship between neurocognition and full plasma HIV RNA suppression among study participants over a 15-year period at a large research program. We analyzed the combined prospective studies of the HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program at the University of California at San Diego. Participants were eligible for analysis if on three drug combination antiretroviral therapy with comprehensive neuropsychological testing results. Participants who reported recent nonadherence were excluded. The primary outcome was plasma HIV RNA of 50 copies/ml or less. Generalized estimating equation was used to assess for associations with full virologic suppression taking into account longitudinal visits. There were 1943 participants at baseline, of whom 69.4% had plasma HIV RNA of 50 copies/ml or less. Participants with full suppression were slightly older, less likely to abuse cocaine, and had significantly better executive function. Multivariate analysis with incorporation of longitudinal visits (total = 5555) confirmed current cocaine abuse to be strongly associated with lack of virologic suppression (odds ratio = 0.45, 95% confidence interval = 0.31-0.63). In contrast, increasing age, increasing years of HIV infection, and increasing executive function (odds ratio = 1.18 for T score change of 10, 95% confidence interval = 1.07-1.30) were associated with full virologic suppression. Lack of virologic suppression at baseline was associated with a significant subsequent decline in executive function. In a 15-year research cohort of almost 2000 HIV-infected individuals on combination antiretroviral therapy, better executive function was associated with full virologic suppression, possibly as a result rather than a cause. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Corneal haze in course of Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy.
This article describes the observations obtained with confocal microscopy (CM) on the corneal structure in course of corneal edema in a patient with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FD). The patient was a 40 year old male, suffering from second stage FD, in course of corneal edema and bullous keratopathy. The tissue structure was analyzed with CM confoscan CS4 (Nidek Technologies(®), Birmingham, UK) using the 40x mode. The CM has shown the presence of gaps due to corneal edema and a diffuse stromal hyper reflectivity related to the alteration of the extracellular matrix. It has also showed the presence of binucleate cells, assimilable to keratocytes, in cytokinesis which presented a typical fusiform aspect with two highly reflective nuclei awaiting cell division. The total number of cells was much lower than that of healthy control subjects of similar age, sex and race. The CM in this case suggests a significantly lower number of cells, presumably keratocytes, compared to normal range, but mostly it shows the presence of cells undergoing cytokinesis, which witnesses the active processes of collagenogenesis and possible vasculogenesis that represent early stages of loss of the normal corneal transparency. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Genes in Alzheimer's disease].
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent degenerative dementia among the elderly population. Families that have an autosomal dominant pattern for AD constitute about 13% of early cases (< or = 65 years) and less than 0.01% of the total number of patients. Molecular analysis of families with early onset AD has made it possible to identify mutations in three different genes that are responsible for the disease: the gene encoding for the amyloid precursor protein peptide (APP), and the presenilin 1 (PSEN1) and presenilin 2 (PSEN2) genes. Yet, these genes are involved in less than 5% of the total number of cases of AD. The remaining AD patients are mostly cases of late or familial onset, where the disease appears as a result of a complex interaction among environmental factors and individual predisposing genetic traits. A large number of molecular genetics studies have clearly implicated the APOE epsilon4 allele as a proven risk factor for the late form of AD in almost all the populations that have been studied. Although the APOE epsilon4 allele is the only proven genetic risk factor for the late form of the disease, genetic epidemiological studies suggest that other loci are also involved. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Value of glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody detection for early diagnosis of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults].
To study the diagnostic values of detection of glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GAD-Ab) for latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). The clinical characteristics, body mass index (BMI), serum C-peptide levels, and HbAIC were compared between the 12 type 2 diabetic patients positive and 86 negative for GAD-Ab. The mean age, BMI, fasting and postprandial 2 h C-peptide levels in GAD-Ab-positive group were lower than those of GAD-Ab-negative group. The frequency of insulin use and prevalence of ketosis were higher in GAD-Ab-positive group than in GAD-Ab-negative group. The diagnosis of LADA can be established according to GAD-Ab-positivity, clinical characteristics and islet function. Patients with LADA should receive insulin therapy as early as possible to protect the residue islet B cells, reduce the occurrence of ketosis, and prevent diabetic complications of the eye, kidney and nerves. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Vaccine prevention of Haemophilus influenzae type b disease: past, present and future.
In little more than half a century we have come a long way toward the eventual elimination of invasive Hib disease as a major threat to children in the United States. The Haemophilus b polysaccharide vaccine has provided the first tool for large scale public health intervention efforts in specific target groups of children older than 18 months of age who are likely to benefit from immunization. Immunization programs using the currently available vaccine represent an interim measure that is likely to be replaced within the next few years by new programs utilizing an improved vaccine with greater potential for preventing invasive Hib disease in susceptible infants and young children. Prospects appear good that an improved second generation vaccine that will provide protective efficacy in infants during the first year of life will become available in the near future. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Interaction of an ultrasound-activated contrast microbubble with a wall at arbitrary separation distances.
Both in vitro and in vivo, contrast agent microbubbles move near bounding surfaces, such as the wall of an experimental container or the wall of a blood vessel. This problem inspires interest in theoretical models that predict the effect of a wall on the dynamics of a contrast microbubble. There are models for a bubble at a large distance from a wall and for a bubble adherent to a wall. The aim of the present study is to develop a generalized model that describes the dynamics of a contrast microbubble at arbitrary distances from a wall and thereby make it possible to simulate the acoustic response of the bubble starting from large separation distances up to contact between the bubble and the wall. The wall is assumed to be a plane. Therefore, the developed model applies for in vitro investigations of contrast agents in experimental containers. It can also be used as a first approximation to the case of a contrast microbubble within a large blood vessel. The derivation of the model is based on the multipole expansion of the bubble velocity potential, the image source method, and the Lagrangian formalism. The model consists of two coupled equations, one of which describes the bubble radial oscillation and the second describes the translation of the bubble center. Numerical simulations are performed to determine how the acoustic response of a contrast microbubble depends on the separation distance near walls of different types: rigid, plastic, arterial, etc. The dynamics of the bubble encapsulation is described by the Marmottant shell model. The properties of the plastic wall correspond to OptiCell chambers commonly used in experiments. The results of the simulations show that the bubble resonance frequency near a wall depends on both the separation distance and the wall material properties. In particular, the rigid wall makes the resonance frequency decrease with decreasing separation distance, whereas in the vicinity of the OptiCell wall and the arterial wall, the resonance frequency increases. The theoretical model is validated by comparing with experimental data available in the literature for phospholipid-shelled microbubbles near a compliant agarose gel boundary. The comparison is conducted for two data sets. In the first case, the simulated and measured parameters of the bubble acoustic response (resonance frequency and maximum amplitude of the scattered pressure) are compared as a function of bubble diameter, using the experimental data obtained for bubbles with diameters ranging from 2.3 to 4 μm, insonified at 30 kPa in the frequency range from 4 to 13.5 MHz. In the second case, the simulated and measured values of the maximum amplitude of the scattered pressure are compared as a function of separation distance from the agarose boundary, using the experimental data for a 2.3 μm-diameter bubble insonicated at 69 kPa and 11 MHz. In both cases, the theoretical model correctly predicts the qualitative tendency in the behavior of the measured quantities and their quantitative level. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Differential effects of Helicobacter pylori eradication on oxidative DNA damage at the gastroesophageal junction and at the gastric antrum.
Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis causes accumulation of reactive oxygen species in the mucosal compartment. This prospective study evaluates DNA oxidative damage in biopsy samples obtained from both the antrum and the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) before and after H. pylori eradication. Thirty-two consecutive H. pylori-positive patients underwent endoscopy with multiple biopsy sampling (i.e., antrum, incisura angularis, fundus, and cardia at the GEJ). After H. pylori eradication, 32 patients underwent a checkup endoscopy (mean interval, 5.7 months); in a subgroup of 13 subjects, a third endoscopy procedure was also performed (mean interval, 18 months). Additional biopsy samples (two from the antrum and two from the GEJ) were used to assess 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG) levels using both high-pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detector and ELISA. In the antral compartment, no significant modifications of 8OHdG levels were assessed after H. pylori eradication. Conversely, following eradication, 8OHdG levels significantly increased (high-pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detector, P = 0.04; ELISA method, P = 0.05) in biopsy samples taken from the GEJ, and a further increase was documented in the subgroup of patients who underwent a third endoscopy (P = 0.01). The increasing trend was more relevant in patients in whom H. pylori-cagA-positive strains were eradicated and in those affected by hiatal hernia. The levels of DNA adducts in the antral mucosa are not modified by H. pylori eradication; conversely, H. pylori eradication significantly increases the oxidative adducts at the GEJ. The clinical and biological importance of this situation and whether and how it relates to a higher risk of precancerous lesions is open to debate. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Androgenetic alopecia.
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), or male pattern hair loss, affects approximately 50% of the male population. AGA is an androgen-related condition in genetically predisposed individuals. There is no treatment to completely reverse AGA in advanced stages, but with medical treatment (eg, finasteride, minoxidil, or a combination of both), the progression can be arrested and partly reversed in the majority of patients who have mild to moderate AGA. Combination with hair restoration surgery leads to best results in suitable candidates. Physicians who specialize in male health issues should be familiar with this common condition and all the available approved treatment options. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Predicting the Risk of Postoperative Respiratory Failure in Elective Abdominal and Vascular Operations Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Participant Use Data File.
This study aims to develop a Respiratory Failure Risk Score (RFRS) with good predictability for elective abdominal and vascular patients to be used in the outpatient setting for risk stratification and to guide preoperative pulmonary optimization. Postoperative respiratory failure (RF), defined as ventilator dependency for more than 48 hours or unplanned reintubation within 30 days, is associated with increased mortality and hospital costs. Many tools have been previously described for risk stratification, but few target elective surgical candidates. Our training sample included patients undergoing inpatient, nonemergent general and vascular procedures sampled for the American College of Surgeon National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2012 Participant Use File. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent preoperative risk factors associated with RF, used to derive a weighted RFRS. We then determined goodness-of-fit and optimal cutoff values through receiver operator characteristic analysis and Youden indices to evaluate internal and external validity with a retrospective institutional validation sample (2013 and 2014). Multivariable analysis of 151,700 patients from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use File identified 12 variables independently associated with RF. The RFRS showed good external prediction in the validation sample with a c-statistic of 0.73 (95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.79). With the highest Youden index, 30 was determined to be the optimal cutoff value with a sensitivity 0.62 and specificity of 0.75. Additional cutoff values of 15 and 40 optimized sensitivity (>0.80) and specificity (>0.80), respectively. In the preoperative setting, the RFRS can effectively stratify patients into low (<15), moderate low (15-29), moderate high (30-39), and high risk (>39) to assist in patient counseling and guide application of perioperative pulmonary optimization measures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Focal Laser Ablation of Prostate Cancer: Feasibility of Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Ultrasound Fusion for Guidance.
Focal laser ablation is a potential treatment in some men with prostate cancer. Currently focal laser ablation is performed by radiologists in a magnetic resonance imaging unit (in bore). We evaluated the safety and feasibility of performing focal laser ablation in a urology clinic (out of bore) using magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound fusion for guidance. A total of 11 men with intermediate risk prostate cancer were enrolled in this prospective, institutional review board approved pilot study. Magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound fusion was used to guide laser fibers transrectally into regions of interest harboring intermediate risk prostate cancer. Thermal probes were inserted for real-time monitoring of intraprostatic temperatures during laser activation. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (3 Tesla) was done immediately after treatment and at 6 months along with comprehensive fusion biopsy. Ten of 11 patients were successfully treated while under local anesthesia. Mean procedure time was 95 minutes (range 71 to 105). Posttreatment magnetic resonance imaging revealed a confined zone of nonperfusion in all 10 men. Mean zone volume was 4.3 cc (range 2.1 to 6.0). No CTCAE grade 3 or greater adverse events developed and no changes were observed in urinary or sexual function. At 6 months magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound fusion biopsy of the treatment site showed no cancer in 3 patients, microfocal Gleason 3 + 3 in another 3 and persistent intermediate risk prostate cancer in 4. Focal laser ablation of prostate cancer appears safe and feasible with the patient under local anesthesia in a urology clinic using magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound fusion for guidance and thermal probes for monitoring. Further development is necessary to refine out of bore focal laser ablation and additional studies are needed to determine appropriate treatment margins and oncologic efficacy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Validation of bioelectrical impedance analysis for estimating limb lean mass in free-living Caucasian elderly people.
Aging is characterized by a loss of limb lean mass (LLM) that can lead to physical disability and death. Regional bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) may be a reliable method for estimating LLM, but no prediction equations are available for elderly Caucasian subjects. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a BIA-based equation for predicting LLM in healthy elderly Caucasians, taking dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the reference method. Using a cross-sectional design, 244 free-living healthy Caucasian subjects (117 men, 179 women) over 60 years of age were enrolled. LLM was measured with DXA (LLMDXA), and the resistance (Rz) and reactance (Xc) of each limb were measured with a regional bioelectrical impedance analyzer. A resistive index (RI) was calculated from stature in meters divided by Rz of each arm. A BIA-based multiple regression equation for predicting the lean mass (LM) of dominant and non-dominant limbs was developed using a double cross-validation technique. Using the sample as a whole, cross-validation resulted in an equation specific for each limb, as follows, where sex equals 1 for males, and 0 for females: LM (kg) = -0.081 + (0.061*RI) + (0.010*body weight) + (0.299*sex) for the dominant arm; LM (kg) = -0.026 + (0.014*RI) + (0.009*body weight) + (0.352*sex) for the non-dominant arm; LM (kg) = -0.462 + (0.027*RI) + (0.047*body weight) + (0.639*sex) + (0.026*Xc) for the dominant leg; and for the non-dominant leg, LM (kg) = -0.522 + (0.029*RI) + (0.045*body weight) + (0.569*sex) + (0.025*Xc). The DXA-measured and BIA-predicted LLM for each limb did not differ significantly. Our newly-developed BIA equations seem to provide a valid estimation of LLM in older Caucasian adults. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Anatomic localization of cholecystokinin receptors to the pyloric sphincter.
In an effort to identify target sites within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract through which cholecystokinin (CCK) may exert its gastric inhibitory and satiety effects, the distribution of CCK receptors was mapped in the stomach and small bowel by in vitro radiography utilizing 125I-labeled Bolton-Hunter CCK-33. Specific receptor binding was localized to the circular smooth muscle layer of the pyloric sphincter. Negligible binding was observed in the oblique, circular, or longitudinal muscle layers of other GI levels. Moderate nonspecific binding was associated with mucosal tissue in all gastric sections. The restriction of CCK receptors to the circular smooth muscle of the pyloric sphincter suggests this location as the site through which CCK inhibits gastric emptying. Gastric distension secondary to this inhibition may be the mechanism for CCK-induced satiety. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparative study of the effects of different chelating ligands on the absorption and transport of mercury in maize (Zea mays L.).
Mercury (Hg) pollution seriously threatens food safety and has attracted global attention. Phytoextraction, due to its low cost, applicability, and environmental friendliness, is considered a new technology for clean-up of heavy metal contamination in the environment. However, the low bioavailability of Hg in polluted areas greatly limits the applicability of phytoextraction. Here, we compared the effects of six common chelating ligands on the absorption and transport of Hg in maize (Zea mays L.), which has a high biomass and short growth cycle. The results showed that the root length and biomass of maize seedlings of the groups treated with the six chelating ligands (EDTA, iodide, ammonium, thiosulfate, thiocyanate, and thiocarbamide) did not change compared with those of the non-treated groups. Co-exposure to Hg and each chelating ligand markedly alleviated the inhibitory effect induced by Hg. Iodide treatment resulted in the lowest root Hg content and highest translocation factor (TF) value, while ammonium treatment gave rise to the highest shoot Hg concentration and lowest TF. Compared with other chelating ligands, thiosulfate exhibited the maximum alleviation of Hg toxicity and achieved the highest concentration of Hg in the roots and aerial parts. Moreover, the TF and Hg accumulation in the thiosulfate and Hg co-exposed group were much higher than those in the group exposed to Hg alone. This finding suggests that, among these common chelating ligands, thiosulfate compounds have great potential for Hg phytoextraction, while the others can immobilize Hg in polluted areas. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Temperature-compensated cell production rate and elongation zone length in the root of Arabidopsis thaliana.
To understand how root growth responds to temperature, we used kinematic analysis to quantify division and expansion parameters in the root of Arabidopsis thaliana. Plants were grown at temperatures from 15 to 30 °C, given continuously from germination. Over these temperatures, root length varies more than threefold in the wild type but by only twofold in a double mutant for phytochrome-interacting factor 4 and 5. For kinematics, the spatial profile of velocity was obtained with new software, Stripflow. We find that 30 °C truncates the elongation zone and curtails cell production, responses that probably reflect the elicitation of a common pathway for handling severe stresses. Curiously, rates of cell division at all temperatures are closely correlated with rates of radial expansion. Between 15 to 25 °C, root growth rate, maximal elemental elongation rate, and final cell length scale positively with temperature whereas the length of the meristem scales negatively. Non-linear temperature scaling characterizes meristem cell number, time to transit through either meristem or elongation zone, and average cell division rate. Surprisingly, the length of the elongation zone and the total rate of cell production are temperature invariant, constancies that have implications for our understanding of how the underlying cellular processes are integrated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Hepatitis B virus and epidemiological study on efficacy of HBIG and vaccine for the prevention of type B hepatitis after accidental exposures among medical staffs (2)].
The best method of preventing HBV is accurate perception on the part of the patient. There is a need for sufficient care regarding patient blood with HBsAg (+), HBeAg (+) and HBc high-antibody titer. The following is a report on a follow-up survey regarding antibody titer following dosages of HBIG 2 V and 1 V and administration of a vaccine along with dosage of HBIG 1 V. 1. Dosage of HBIG 2V: (Female) Antibody titer was recognized two days following dosage. It continued for two weeks and disappeared after four weeks. (2) (Male) Antibody titer was recognized one day following dosage but disappeared after two weeks. 2. Dosage of HBIG 1 V: (Female) Antibody titer (-) was recognized two days after dosage and nine days after dosage. It continued for about one month and disappeared after five months. 3. Administration of three vaccines and dosage of HBIG 1 V: (Female) Antibody titer was recognized two days after HBIG 1 V dosage and continued for 18 days but disappeared after three months. Antibody titer was recognized again after about eight months and showed signs of continuing for 13 months. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Juvenile dermatomyositis with IgA nephropathy: case-based review.
Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is the most common childhood idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM). It is characterized by the classic skin rash in the form of Gottron papules and heliotrope rash, and symmetric proximal muscle weakness. Renal involvement in JDM is rare which includes acute kidney injury and glomerulonephritis. We report a 10-year-old boy with juvenile dermatomyositis and IgA nephropathy. Child responded dramatically to the conventional therapy with steroids and methotrexate for the primary disease, and did not require any additional treatment for his renal disease. Child's primary disease is in remission and has normal urinalysis with normal renal function at 6-month follow-up. We reviewed the literature and found 11 cases of IIMs with renal involvement. Four patients (one JDM, two polymyositis, and one dermatomyositis) had IgA nephropathy out of which three patients responded to the conventional therapy of primary disease and only one patient with polymyositis needed hiking immunosuppression targeted for renal condition. Therapy targeting the underlying disorder is usually sufficient in patients with JDM and secondary IgA nephropathy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The structure of VibH represents nonribosomal peptide synthetase condensation, cyclization and epimerization domains.
Nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) are large, multidomain enzymes that biosynthesize medically important natural products. We report the crystal structure of the free-standing NRPS condensation (C) domain VibH, which catalyzes amide bond formation in the synthesis of vibriobactin, a Vibrio cholerae siderophore. Despite low sequence identity, NRPS condensation enzymes are structurally related to chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) and dihydrolipoamide acyltransferases. However, although the latter enzymes are homotrimers, VibH is a monomeric pseudodimer. The VibH structure is representative of both NRPS condensation and epimerization domains, as well as the condensation-variant cyclization domains, which are all expected to be monomers. Surprisingly, despite favorable positioning in the active site, a universally conserved histidine important in CAT and in other C domains is not critical for general base catalysis in VibH. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The abortion pill: a solution for unsafe abortions in developing countries?
The abortion pill is a new abortion technique which does not require technically skilled health personnel. Several clinical researchers have stated that the ease of administration of the abortion pill gives it the potential to save lives in countries where thousands of women die annually from complications of failed abortions due to poor health services. This article discusses medical and users' aspects of the abortion pill, with particular emphasis on its use in developing countries, and questions the usefulness of the abortion pill in areas where health care facilities are in short supply. It stresses the need to consider the social, cultural and health care context in which the abortion pill will be used before it is sold on the world market. The safety and efficacy of the abortion pill could be adversely affected by the way women perceive its effectiveness, women's beliefs about conception and pregnancy, and their health status. In the present two-phase administration form the abortion pill is not likely to be appropriate for use in developing countries with a shortage of health care facilities. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The Whitaker test, a useful tool in renal grafts?
To evaluate the Whitaker test, a pressure flow examination, for its prognostic value in dilated renal transplants because urologic complications, such as ureteral stenosis, are significant problems after kidney transplantation. Twenty-five patients with obstruction of the renal transplant and subsequent percutaneous nephrostomy were evaluated with a urodynamic pressure flow test (Whitaker test) in combination with antegrade pyeloureterography. The results of the Whitaker test were related to the serum creatinine values. The Whitaker test demonstrated normal pressure flow (less than 15 cm H(2)O) in 7 patients, pressure flow between 15 and 25 cm H(2)O in 10, and pathologic results (greater than 25 cm H(2)O) in 8 patients. After percutaneous nephrostomy, the serum creatinine level decreased in 22 of 25 patients, although the urodynamic pressure flow revealed a significant obstruction (Whitaker test greater than 25 cm H(2)O) in only 8 patients. The sensitivity of the Whitaker test to indicate the relevance of post-renal transplant stenosis in comparison to the declining serum creatinine level after successful percutaneous nephrostomy was 79%; the specificity was 50%. The results of our study indicate that a decreasing creatinine level in correlation with radiologic results is the leading finding in dilation of transplanted kidneys without rejection. The Whitaker test, as a pressure flow examination, provided no additional information. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Atypical perinatal sensory stimulation and early perceptual development: insights from developmental psychobiology.
Comparative studies utilizing avian and mammalian embryos and neonates have proven particularly useful in exploring how alterations in sensory experience during the perinatal period can affect subsequent development. This article reviews research drawn from comparative developmental psychobiology and concludes that the effects of modified sensory stimulation on perceptual and behavioral development depend on several related factors, including the timing of stimulation relative to the developmental stage of the young organism, the overall amount of sensory stimulation provided or denied, and the type of sensory stimulation presented. Directions for future research on the care of the high-risk infant are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antiserum to intercellular material and basement membrane produced by immunization with oral epithelial cells.
Antisera to non-enzymatically released oral epithelial cells were produced in rabbits. Reactivity with gingival sections, by immunofluorescence, was observed for intercellular (IC) and basement membrane (BM) zones. Both IC and BM reactivity could be blocked with Concanavalin A (500 and 1000 micrograms/ml respectively) and anti-human fibronectin serum. Pretreatment with pemphigus serum blocked IC reactivity only. Pemphigus antigen may reside in the material present between coherent epithelial cells and be absent from enzymatically dispersed cells. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Increased susceptibility to silicosis and TNF-alpha production in C57BL/6J mice.
Toxic oxygen species and several proinflammatory cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of silicosis. In order to understand whether factors that lead to susceptibility to ozone are also important in silicosis or not, we examined ozone-sensitive C57BL/6J mice and ozone-resistant C3H/HeJ mice as models of silicosis. We also analyzed the production of proinflammatory cytokines in both the acute and the chronic phases. On Day 2 after silica injection, the ozone-resistant C3H/HeJ mice showed significantly higher cellular responses as recognized by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell counts than did the C57BL/6J mice. In the chronic phase (Day 28 after silica injection), the ozone-sensitive C57BL/6J mice showed significantly greater responses to instilled silica judged by total protein and cell number in BAL fluid, hydroxyproline content, and histology than the ozone-resistant C3H/HeJ mice. TNF-alpha production by BAL cells after silica exposure was significantly higher in C57BL/6J mice than in C3H/HeJ mice in the chronic phase, whereas there was no significant difference in IL-1 alpha production between both strains of silica-injected mice. Also, the control C57BL/6J mice had significantly higher secretions of TNF-alpha than did the control C3H/HeJ mice in the acute phase. These results suggest that ozone-sensitive C57BL/6J mice are also more susceptible to silicosis than are ozone-resistant C3H/HeJ mice, and that the initial lower cellular responses and increase in TNF-alpha production may be related to the higher level of inflammatory and fibrotic response in the C57BL/6J mice. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Etiology of iodinated radiocontrast nephrotoxicity and its attenuation by beraprost].
Radiocontrast nephropathy (RCN) is a major complication after radiographical examination with iodinated contrast media (CM). Although little is known about the mechanism of RCN, a direct toxic action on renal cells and/or decrease in renal blood flow are considered to be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease/the condition, A large number of vasodilatory agents, including endothelin antagonists, adenosine antagonists, atrial natriuretic peptide, calcium channel blockers, dopamine, dopamine D1 receptor agonist fenoldopam, and prostaglandin E1 have been tried clinically to prevent RCN, however, most of them have failed. Although prophylactic effects of antioxidant N-acetylcysteine have recently been reported by several investigators, only hydration is a universally accepted protocol to prevent it. In our recent in vitro and in vivo study, we have elucidated that CM induced apoptosis of renal tubular cells through the reduction in Bcl-2 expression and the subsequent activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Moreover, we found that CM caused an increase in ceramide content in renal tubular cells, which leads to apoptosis by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Akt and cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) and the subsequent reduction in Bcl-2 expression. The inhibitor of ceramide synthase, fumonisin B1, reversed both the elevation of ceramide content and renal cell injury induced by CM. On the other hand, a prostacyclin analog beraprost prevented RCN in mice by the increase of endogenous cAMP and subsequent CREB phosphorylation resulted in enhancement of Bcl-2 expression. These findings suggest that ceramide synthesis inhibitor or beraprost is potentially useful for the prophylaxis of RCN. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Epidemiologic evaluation of the effectiveness of mass vaccination against mumps].
The effectiveness of mass immunization against mumps is evaluated with the use of data on 20 cities in the European part of the RSFSR. The expediency of using the indicator data on morbidity for many years in the preimmunization period for such evaluation is shown. These data permit the evaluation of the effectiveness of immunization for any month in the course of its carrying out. An essential decrease in mumps morbidity has been found to occur if immunization covered not less than 15-30% of children aged 1-14 years. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Spatial and temporal variability of contaminants within estuarine sediments and native Olympia oysters: A contrast between a developed and an undeveloped estuary.
Chemical contaminants can be introduced into estuarine and marine ecosystems from a variety of sources including wastewater, agriculture and forestry practices, point and non-point discharges, runoff from industrial, municipal, and urban lands, accidental spills, and atmospheric deposition. The diversity of potential sources contributes to the likelihood of contaminated marine waters and sediments and increases the probability of uptake by marine organisms. Despite widespread recognition of direct and indirect pathways for contaminant deposition and organismal exposure in coastal systems, spatial and temporal variability in contaminant composition, deposition, and uptake patterns are still poorly known. We investigated these patterns for a suite of persistent legacy contaminants including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and chemicals of emerging concern including pharmaceuticals within two Oregon coastal estuaries (Coos and Netarts Bays). In the more urbanized Coos Bay, native Olympia oyster (Ostrea lurida) tissue had approximately twice the number of PCB congeners at over seven times the total concentration, yet fewer PBDEs at one-tenth the concentration as compared to the more rural Netarts Bay. Different pharmaceutical suites were detected during each sampling season. Variability in contaminant types and concentrations across seasons and between species and media (organisms versus sediment) indicates the limitation of using indicator species and/or sampling annually to determine contaminant loads at a site or for specific species. The results indicate the prevalence of legacy contaminants and CECs in relatively undeveloped coastal environments highlighting the need to improve policy and management actions to reduce contaminant releases into estuarine and marine waters and to deal with legacy compounds that remain long after prohibition of use. Our results point to the need for better understanding of the ecological and human health risks of exposure to the diverse cocktail of pollutants and harmful compounds that will continue to leach from estuarine sediments over time. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Tracking the Time Varying Neural Tuning via Adam on Point Process Observations.
Brain machine interfaces(BMIs) translate the neural activity into the control of movement by understanding how the neural activity responds to the movement intension. However, the neural tuning property, where the modulation depth and preferred direction describe how a neuron responses to stimuli, is time varying gradually and abruptly during the interaction with environment. There has been some research to address such an issue considering either one of the cases, but never address them in a general framework. We propose a novel optimization algorithm based on the point process observations to capture these two changes at the same time. At each time index, the tuning parameter is updated stochastically according to the gradient based Adam searching method, which maximizes the likelihood of point process. Our algorithm is compared with the Adaptive Point Process Estimation (APPE), where the abrupt change is addressed by sampling all the possibilities globally, on synthetic neural data. The results show that our algorithm leads to a better prediction of tuning parameters as well as kinematics over 16.8% and 20% respectively. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA)--new possibilities of prenatal diagnosis.
Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) is a relatively new method of molecular diagnosis. It enables a relative quantitative assessment of up to 50 different PCR amplicons in one reaction by the use of a very small amount of examined DNA. Nowadays MLPA is becoming a very helpful tool in prenatal diagnosis and is widely used for the detection of aneuploidies, familial single gene disorders, common microdeletion syndromes, sub-telomeric alterations and identification of marker chromosomes in fetuses. This review demonstrates possible applications of MLPA in prenatal diagnosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Application of activated carbon from waste tea in desulfurization and denitrification].
The effects of pore structure, graphite and surface structure of waste tea activated carbon on its desulfurization and denitrification performance were investigated. The adsorption kinetics and adsorption process were also studied. The results showed that less graphitization, lower micropore size and more nitrogenous basic group of adsorbent enhanced its desulfurization ability. When well- developed mesopores were present in adsorbent, the NO removal efficiency was decreased, while more nitrogenous basic groups promoted the removal rate of NO. When SO2 and NO were removed together, competing adsorption occurred. After oxygen and steam were introduced to the flue gas, the removal efficiencies of SO2 and NO were increased. The adsorption of SO2 and NO onto waste tea activated carbon was physical adsorption without O2 and H2O, while the vapor promoted chemical adsorption of SO2 in the presence of water and oxygen. The adsorption process of the material can be well described by Bangham's kinetic equation, and the value of R2 was no less than 0.989. O2 and water vapor slowed the adsorption rates of SO2 and NO. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
New functions for parts of the Krebs cycle in procyclic Trypanosoma brucei, a cycle not operating as a cycle.
We investigated whether substrate availability influences the type of energy metabolism in procyclic Trypanosoma brucei. We show that absence of glycolytic substrates (glucose and glycerol) does not induce a shift from a fermentative metabolism to complete oxidation of substrates. We also show that glucose (and even glycolysis) is not essential for normal functioning and proliferation of pleomorphic procyclic T. brucei cells. Furthermore, absence of glucose did not result in increased degradation of amino acids. Variations in availability of glucose and glycerol did result, however, in adaptations in metabolism in such a way that the glycosome was always in redox balance. We argue that it is likely that, in procyclic cells, phosphoglycerate kinase is located not only in the cytosol, but also inside glycosomes, as otherwise an ATP deficit would occur in this organelle. We demonstrate that procyclic T. brucei uses parts of the Krebs cycle for purposes other than complete degradation of mitochondrial substrates. We suggest that citrate synthase plus pyruvate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase are used to transport acetyl-CoA units from the mitochondrion to the cytosol for the biosynthesis of fatty acids, a process we show to occur in proliferating procyclic cells. The part of the Krebs cycle consisting of alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and succinyl-CoA synthetase was used for the degradation of proline and glutamate to succinate. We also demonstrate that the subsequent enzymes of the Krebs cycle, succinate dehydrogenase and fumarase, are most likely used for conversion of succinate into malate, which can then be used in gluconeogenesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Sertoli cells enhance the survival of co-transplanted dopamine neurons.
One of the major issues in neural transplantation is the low survival rate (<5%) of transplanted dopamine (DA) neurons [3]. Recently it has been shown that it is possible to enhance the survival of these neurons, which in turn may decrease the amount of tissue that is required for each transplantation patient. The present paper demonstrates a novel approach for enhancing neuronal survival by co-transplantation of neuronal tissue with Testis-derived Sertoli cells (SC). This strategy could improve neuronal survival through the provision of trophic support. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nevirapine concentrations in HIV-infected children treated with divided fixed-dose combination antiretroviral tablets in Malawi and Zambia.
To investigate nevirapine concentrations in African HIV-infected children receiving divided Triomune tablets (stavudine+lamivudine+nevirapine). Cross-sectional study. Steady-state plasma nevirapine concentrations were determined in Malawian and Zambian children aged 8 months to 18 years receiving Triomune in routine outpatient settings. Predictors from height-for-age, body mass index (BMI)-for-age, age, sex, post-dose sampling time and dose/m2/day were investigated using centre-stratified regression with backwards elimination (P<0.1). Of the 71 Malawian and 56 Zambian children (median age 8.4 vs 8.5 years, height-for-age -3.15 vs -1.84, respectively), only 1 (3%) of those prescribed > or =300 mg/m2/day nevirapine had subtherapeutic concentrations (<3 mg/l) compared with 22 (23%) of those prescribed <300 mg/m2/day; most children with subtherapeutic nevirapine concentrations were taking half or quarter Triomune tablets. Lower nevirapine concentrations were independently associated with lower height-for-age (indicating stunting) (0.37 mg/l per unit higher [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.003, +0.74]; P=0.05), lower prescribed dose/m2 (+0.89 mg/l per 50 mg/m2 higher [95% CI: 0.32, 1.46]; P=0.002) and higher BMI-for-age (indicating lack of wasting) (-0.42 mg/l per unit higher [95% CI: -0.80, -0.04]; P=0.03). Currently available adult fixed-dose combination tablets are not well suited to children, particularly at younger ages: Triomune 30 is preferable to Triomune 40 because of the higher dose of nevirapine relative to stavudine. Further research is required to confirm that concentrations are reduced in stunted children but increased in wasted children. Development of appropriate paediatric fixed-dose combination tablets is essential if antiretroviral therapy is to be made widely available to children in resource-limited settings. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Soft Route to 4D Tomography.
Based on the assumption that the time evolution of a sample observed by computed tomography requires many less parameters than the definition of the microstructure itself, it is proposed to reconstruct these changes based on the initial state (using computed tomography) and very few radiographs acquired at fixed intervals of time. This Letter presents a proof of concept that for a fatigue cracked sample its kinematics can be tracked from no more than two radiographs in situations where a complete 3D view would require several hundreds of radiographs. This 2 order of magnitude gain opens the way to a "computed" 4D tomography, which complements the recent progress achieved in fast or ultrafast computed tomography, which is based on beam brightness, detector sensitivity, and signal acquisition technologies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Pleural effusions (chylous or nonchylous) with regional osteolysis: A case evocative of Gorham's disease].
In connection with one case of thoracic localized osteolysis associated to bilateral seral effusion, serohemorrhagic on the right, chylous on the left, the authors recall 13 similar observations. In this localization a pleural effusion is very frequent and specific to it, putting at stake the vital prognosis of the patient. These observations can be compared to multiple osteolyses and be grouped together under the name of "intraosseous capillary ectasies". | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Assessment of the bacterial impact on the post-mortem formation of zinc protoporphyrin IX in pork meat.
The post-mortem accumulation of the heme biosynthesis metabolite zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP) in porcine muscle is associated with both a meat-inherent and a bacterial enzymatic reaction during meat storage. To estimate the bacterial impact on ZnPP formation, meat and meat-like media were investigated by HPLC-FLD (and MALDI-TOF-MS) after inoculation with a representative microorganism (P. fluorescens). Results indicate the principal ability of meat-inherent bacteria to form ZnPP in meat extracts and meat-like media, but not on the meat muscle. Thus it was concluded that the ZnPP formation in meat is due to a meat-inherent enzymatic reaction induced by porcine ferrochelatase (FECH), while the bacterial (FECH) induced reaction seems to be not significant. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Minimally-invasive, direct coronary artery bypass grafting.
Minimally-invasive, direct vision coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCAB) is a new surgical technique performed via limited thoracotomy in a beating heart without cardiopulmonary bypass. From June 1996 to December 1996, MIDCAB was performed in 12 patients (all male, average age, 65.9 years). In 11 patients with left anterior descending coronary artery lesions, thoracotomy was performed via the left, fourth intercostal space and the pericardium was incised to identify the target site. About 8 cm of the left internal mammary artery was harvested. Bilateral anterolateral thoractomy was performed in one patient with left anterior descending and right coronary artery lesions. Anastomosis was performed under direct vision in the beating heart without cardiopulmonary bypass. MIDCAB was performed successfully without morbidity. The patients' average stay in the intensive care unit was 1.8 days. No patient had any early cardiac event requiring additional surgery or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Postoperatively, all patients were asymptomatic and their recovery was uneventful. Our initial experience indicates that MIDCAB offers good results and is a treatment option for selected patients with left anterior descending and/or right coronary artery lesions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intestinal tuberculosis sometimes mimics Crohn's disease.
Intestinal tuberculosis is an uncommon presentation of tuberculosis (TB) and has clinicopathological similarities with Crohn's disease. In regions where TB is endemic clinicians must aware of this condition and fully evaluate their patients when Crohn's disease is diagnosed. We recommend all pathologic specimens be evaluate effectively for TB.Smear,culture and PCR for Mycobacterium.tuberculosis from samples aside the pathological reviews help for better diagnosis. Here we present a case of intestinal tuberculosis which initially diagnosed as Crohn's disease but after starting immunosuppressive agents he presented with disseminated tuberculosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
GnRH antagonists in the treatment of gynecological and breast cancers.
Approximately 80% of human ovarian and endometrial cancers and 50% of breast cancers express GnRH and its receptor as part of an autocrine regulatory system. After binding of its ligand the tumor GnRH receptor couples to G-protein alphai and activates a variety of intracellular signaling mechanisms. (1) Through activation of a protein tyrosine phosphatase, autophosphorylation of growth factor receptors is reverted leading to an inhibition of mitogenic signaling and reduced cell proliferation. (2) Through activation of nuclear factor kappa B antiapoptotic mechanisms are induced protecting tumor cells from apoptosis induced, for example, by doxorubicin. (3) Through activation of the Jun kinase pathway AP-1 is induced, leading to cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. It seems reasonable to speculate that this system enables the tumor cell to reduce proliferation and to activate repair mechanisms while being protected simultaneously from apoptosis. Interestingly, GnRH antagonists show the same activity in this system as agonists, indicating that the dichotomy GnRH agonist-GnRH antagonist defined in the pituitary gonadotrope is not valid for the tumor GnRH system. Recently, a second type of GnRH receptor, specific for GnRH-II, has been identified in ovarian and endometrial cancers, which transmits significantly stronger antiproliferative effects than the GnRH-I receptor. GnRH antagonists have agonistic effects on this type II receptor. In animal models of human cancers, GnRH antagonists had stronger antitumor effects than GnRH agonists. Therefore, we performed a phase II clinical trial with the GnRH antagonist, cetrorelix (10 mg/day), in patients with ovarian or mullerian carcinoma refractory to platinum chemotherapy. Of 17 evaluable patients treated with cetrorelix, 3 obtained a partial remission (18%) which lasted for 2 to 6 months. Furthermore, 6 patients experienced disease stabilization (35%) for up to 1 year. In this very refractory patient population (median number of prior chemotherapies = 3) these results are quite remarkable when compared with palliative chemotherapy. In addition, cytotoxic GnRH analogs have been developed, where for example doxorubicin was covalently coupled to GnRH analogs. These compounds have superior antitumor effects in cancers expressing GnRH receptors as compared with native doxorubicin and allow for a targeted cytotoxic chemotherapy of gynecologic and breast cancers. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Surface modification of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-capped gold nanorods to make molecular probes.
A chemical procedure to replace the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) cap on gold nanorods (GNRs) fabricated through seed-mediated growth with organothiol compounds [3-animo-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole (AMTAZ) and 11-mercaptoundecaonic acid (MUDA)] was developed to reduce the cytotoxity of GNRs and facilitate further biofunctionalization. Compared to phosphatidylcholine (PC) modification, our procedure yields stable GNRs that are biocompatible and suitable for whole-cell studies. The PC-, AMTAZ-, and MUDA-activated GNRs all showed low cytotoxicity. By choosing different organothiols, net positive or negative charges could be created on the nanorod surface, for different applications. Gold nanorod molecular probes (GNrMPs) were fabricated by subsequent attachment of antibodies to the activated GNRs and were used to visualize and detect cell surface biomarkers in normal and transformed human breast epithelial cells, demonstrating the potential of developing novel biosensors using gold nanorods. The sensitivity of GNrMPs made from organothiol-activated GNRs is considerably higher than that of CTAB/PC-activated GNRs, demonstrating that the protocol reported here is favored in developing molecular probes using GNRs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cervical cancer detection by time-resolved spectra of blood components.
Fluorescence spectral techniques are very sensitive, and hence they are gaining importance in cancer detection. The biomarkers indicative of cancer could be identified and quantified by spectral or time domain fluorescence spectroscopy. The results of an investigation of time-resolved spectra of cellular components of blood obtained from cervical cancer patients and normal controls are given. The cancer indicative biomarker in this paper is porphyrin; it has a fluorescence decay time of 60% more in samples of cancer patients than those of normal controls. Based on such measurements, a randomized set comprising samples from cancer patients and controls (N=27 in total) could be classified with sensitivity (92%) and specificity (86%). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
GABAA receptor family: overview on structural characterization.
The pentameric γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors are ion channels activated by ligands, which intervene in the rapid inhibitory transmission in the mammalian CNS. Due to their rich pharmacology and therapeutic potential, it is essential to understand their structure and function thoroughly. This deep characterization was hampered by the lack of experimental structural information for many years. Thus, computational techniques have been extensively combined with experimental data, in order to undertake the study of γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors and their interaction with drugs. Here, we review the exciting journey made to assess the structures of these receptors and outline major outcomes. Finally, we discuss the brand-new structure of the α1β2γ2 subtype and the amazing advances it brings to the field. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Oral and Sublingual Immunotherapy for Treatment of IgE-Mediated Food Allergy.
Development of active therapies for IgE-mediated food allergy is a critical action step toward alleviating the adverse medical, psychosocial, and economic burdens on affected patients and families. Significant progress has been observed specifically in the application of single-allergen oral and sublingual immunotherapy for treatment of IgE-mediated food allergy, with emphasis on milk, egg, and peanut as the primary allergens. Oral immunotherapy (OIT) has demonstrated efficacy in promoting immunomodulatory effects that lead to the clinical outcome of desensitization, defined as reduced reactivity while on active OIT, in the majority of treated individuals; however, achievement of sustained unresponsiveness following cessation of therapy has been observed in a smaller subset of treated subjects. The potential therapeutic benefits of OIT must be carefully considered in light of the significant potential for adverse events ranging from self-limited or easily treated oropharyngeal, respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms, to persistent abdominal complaints that lead to cessation of therapy in an estimated 10-15% of treated individuals. To date, the majority of studies have focused on single-allergen OIT approaches; however, multi-allergen OIT has shown promise in initial trials and is the subject of ongoing investigation to address the complex needs of multi-food allergic individuals. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has been utilized for the treatment of food allergy and pollen-food allergy syndrome, demonstrating moderate efficacy, a favorable safety profile and variable tolerability, with oropharyngeal symptoms most commonly observed. Although studies directly comparing OIT and SLIT are limited, in general, the favorable safety profile associated with SLIT comes at the expense of reduced efficacy, while the more robust clinical effects observed with OIT come at the risk of potentially intolerable, treatment-limiting side effects. Future investigation to address specific knowledge gaps including optimal dose, duration, age of initiation, maintenance schedule, mechanisms, predictors of risk and therapeutic response will be important to maximize efficacy, minimize risk and develop personalized, effective approaches to targeting food allergy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Melasma in Latin America: options for therapy and treatment algorithm.
To examine approaches to therapy for melasma in Latin Americans and to propose treatment algorithms for patients with mild, moderate and severe melasma. Melasma is prevalent in up to 10% of the Latin American population. It is found in all racial groups and is more common in subjects with darker skin phototypes. A number of topical treatments and procedures have been used for melasma. Topical treatments containing hydroquinone are the most popular. Care must be taken when treating melasma to avoid inducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and ochronosis. Determination of the severity of melasma (using the Melasma Area Severity Index and/or Physician's Global Assessment) and choice of the most effective and suitable treatment and/or procedure for individual patients is therefore essential. Sun protection is mandatory for all melasma patients. Thirty-one clinical studies of topical treatments, chemical peels and laser and other therapies used for treating melasma were assessed for the level and quality of clinical evidence, by the Latin American Pigmentary Disorders Academy. The results of this analysis were combined with differential diagnosis guidelines and methods for assessing treatment success to establish algorithms for treating mild and moderate-to-severe melasma. The most appropriate first-line treatment for mild melasma is hydroquinone 4%, triple combination cream containing hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.05% and fluocinolone acetate 0.01%, double combination (e.g. 4% hydroquinone and 0.1% tretinoin) or non-phenolic therapy where there is an allergy to compounds. In moderate-to-severe melasma, triple combination cream is the recommended first-line treatment. Second-line treatment is double combination or hydroquinone 4% where triple therapy is not available or if allergic to compounds. Sun avoidance measures and broad spectrum sunscreens with high SPF are fundamental for the successful management of the disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A Newly Established Murine Cell Line as a Model for Hepatocellular Cancer in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis.
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has become a major risk factor for hepatocellular cancer (HCC) due to the worldwide increasing prevalence of obesity. However, the pathophysiology of NASH and its progression to HCC is incompletely understood. Thus, the aim of this study was to generate a model specific NASH-derived HCC cell line. A murine NASH-HCC model was conducted and the obtained cancer cells (N-HCC25) were investigated towards chromosomal aberrations, the expression of cell type-specific markers, dependency on nutrients, and functional importance of mTOR. N-HCC25 exhibited several chromosomal aberrations as compared to healthy hepatocytes. Hepatocytic (HNF4), EMT (Twist, Snail), and cancer stem cell markers (CD44, EpCAM, CK19, Sox9) were simultaneously expressed in these cells. Proliferation highly depended on the supply of glucose and FBS, but not glutamine. Treatment with a second generation mTOR inhibitor (KU-0063794) resulted in a strong decrease of cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, a first generation mTOR inhibitor (Everolimus) only slightly reduced cell proliferation. Cell cycle analyses revealed that the observed growth reduction was most likely due to G1/G0 cell cycle arrest. These results indicate that N-HCC25 is a highly proliferative HCC cell line from a NASH background, which might serve as a suitable in vitro model for future investigations of NASH-derived HCC. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Single-site multi-port laparoscopic endo-surgery: the SIMPLE technique--a useful method of purely umbilical porting that ensures triangular laparoscopic ergonomics.
Umbilical single-port surgery is a recent development that produces better cosmesis and lesser pain. However, the steep learning curve and the higher surgical expense have led to its rather sceptical acceptance. In this regard, a technique is hereby described in which three ports are directly inserted on the umbilical mound (without raising the umbilical-flap) through three small incisions to form an isosceles triangle. The respective fascial-entries are made farther away to achieve satisfactory inter trocar distance. This technique complies with the laparoscopic triangulation principles, likely to further reduce postoperative umbilical pain/morbidity, and achieve good umbilical aesthetics as the scars recede within the umbilicus. As only the routine laparoscopic instruments were utilized, it also has a potential to reduce the surgical cost. Therefore, the authors feel that this technique can be a valuable addition to the existing umbilical laparoscopic methods. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Physical Assessment Techniques in Nursing Education: A Replicated Study.
It has been nearly a decade since findings revealed that a sample of U.S. nurses routinely used only 30 physical assessment techniques in clinical practice. In a time of differentiating nice-to-know from need-to-know knowledge and skills, what has changed in nursing education? This cross-sectional, descriptive study examines the physical assessment skills taught and used among nursing students at one baccalaureate nursing education program located in the midwestern United States. Findings highlight the similarities and differences from previous studies and offer insight as to how closely nursing education mirrors the skills needed for clinical practice. Nurse educators must continue to discriminate content taught in prelicensure nursing education programs and should consider the attainment of competency of those essential skills that most lend to optimal patient outcomes. [J Nurs Educ. 2017;56(5):287-291.]. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in northeast Tennessee.
Vitamin D deficiency is increasingly being recognized as a highly prevalent and undertreated problem. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in hospitalized adults in northeast Tennessee. A prospective cohort study was conducted on 99 inpatients admitted to an internal medicine teaching service from July through October 2006 at a single private hospital in Johnson City, Tennessee. A single measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was performed on all patients. Of the 99 patients, 53% were vitamin D deficient or insufficient (30% deficient with a level of <20 ng/mL and 23% insufficient with a level between 20-29.9 ng/mL). The highest frequency of deficiency was in females <50 years. Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in all age groups and in both females and males in this population. Clinicians should consider measuring the vitamin D level of all inpatients on a routine basis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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