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Dichloroacetate as metabolic therapy for myocardial ischemia and failure.
This article critically reviews the pharmacologic effects of the investigational drug dichloroacetate (DCA), which activates the mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase enzyme complex in cardiac tissue and thus preferentially facilitates aerobic oxidation of carbohydrate over fatty acids. The pharmacologic effects of DCA are compared with other interventions, such as glucose plus insulin, inhibitors of long chain fatty acid oxidation and adenosine, that are also thought to exert their therapeutic effects by altering myocardial energy metabolism. Short-term clinical and laboratory experiments demonstrate that intravenous DCA rapidly stimulates pyruvate dehydrogenase enzyme complex activity and, therefore, aerobic glucose oxidation in myocardial cells. Typically these effects are associated with suppression of myocardial long chain fatty acid metabolism and increased left ventricular stroke work and cardiac output without changes in coronary blood flow or myocardial oxygen consumption. Although long-term studies are lacking, short-term parenteral administration of DCA appears to be safe and capable of significantly improving myocardial function in conditions of limited oxygen availability by increasing the efficient conversion of myocardial substrate fuels into energy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Low ocular rigidity in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta.
Sixteen patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) have undergone a thorough eye examination. These patients had statistically significantly lower ocular rigidity measurements than a group of normal volunteers matched on age, sex, and refractive error. In addition, the corneal diameter and length of the eyeball was smaller in OI patients than that in controls. Possible correlations of low ocular rigidity with biochemical changes in scleral collagen await further investigation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Plasma adenosine levels and P-selectin expression on platelets in preeclampsia.
To measure the correlation of plasma adenosine levels with platelet activation in women with preeclampsia. Plasma adenosine concentration and expression of P-selectin, a marker for platelet activation, were measured in 18 normal pregnant women and 18 preeclamptic women. The effect of 8-sulfophenyltheophylline, an adenosine receptor blocker, on expression of P-selectin on platelets also was measured. Plasma adenosine level averaged 0.77 +/- 0.11 microM (standard error of the mean [SEM]) in women with preeclampsia, significantly higher than the mean level of 0.47 +/- 0.08 microM in women with normal pregnancies (P <.05). Expression of P-selectin on platelets averaged 7.8 +/- 1.2% in women with preeclampsia, also significantly higher than the mean level of 4.7 +/- 0.7% in normal pregnancy (P <.05). Adenosine receptor blockade significantly increased expression of P-selectin on platelets in women with preeclampsia by 26% (P <.05), which was significantly higher than the 13% increase of activation in those with normal pregnancies (P <.05). Adenosine is an established platelet activation suppressor. Increased plasma levels of adenosine in preeclampsia might partially compensate and tend to prevent further excessive platelet activation in women with preeclampsia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Resistance of bovine and porcine Pasteurella to florfenicol and other antibiotics].
The resistance pattern of 221 (89 bovine, 132 porcine) pasteurella strains isolated in 1996 against 16 antibiotics or chemotherapeutics was determined by agar diffusion. Pasteurella haemolytica showed a higher level of resistance compared to Pasteurella multocida; porcine strains were more resistant than bovine strains. Over 90% of porcine Pasteurella multocida were sensible to penicillin G, ampicillin, cephalothin, polymyxin B, enrofloxacin, chloramphenicol and florfenicol. In addition, bovine strains were at least 90% sensible to oxacillin, erythromycin, gentamycin and sulfmethoxazole-trimethoprim. More than 90% of porcine Pasteurella haemolytica were classified as sensible to polymyxin B, enrofloxacin und florfenicol; bovine strains to cephalothin, neomycin und chloramphenicol as well. In 1996, 2 years after the chloramphenicol ban for food rendering animals, only 6.3% of bovine pasteurella strains proved to be resistant against chloramphenicol compared to a 16.27% fraction in 1994. The mean MIC-values of florfenicol against pasteurella spp. were nearly the same in bovine and porcine isolates with 0.53 microgram/ml and 0.52 microgram/ml respectively. Pasteurella haemolytica, however, showed higher MIC-values (0.68 microgram/ml in bovine, 0.70 microgram/ml in porcine isolates) than Pasteurella multocida with 0.47 microgram/ml in bovine and 0.51 microgram/ml in porcine strains. No isolate had a MIC of florfenicol greater than 1.0 microgram/ml, all pasteurella strains were classified sensible to florfenicol. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Complete functional characterization of disease-associated genetic variants in the complement factor H gene.
Genetic analyses in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and C3-glomerulopathy (C3G) patients have provided an excellent understanding of the genetic component of the disease and informed genotype-phenotype correlations supporting an individualized approach to patient management and treatment. In this context, a correct categorization of the disease-associated gene variants is critical to avoid detrimental consequences for patients and their relatives. Here we describe a comprehensive procedure to measure levels and functional activity of complement regulator factor H (FH) encoded by CFH, the commonest genetic factor associated with aHUS and C3G, and present the results of the analysis of 28 uncharacterized, disease-associated, FH variants. Sixteen variants were not expressed in plasma and eight had significantly reduced functional activities that impact on complement regulation. In total, 24 of 28 CFH variants were unambiguously categorized as pathogenic and the nature of the pathogenicity fully documented for each. The data also reinforce the genotype-phenotype correlations that associate specific FH functional alterations with either aHUS or C3G and illustrate important drawbacks of the prediction algorithms dealing with variants located in FH functional regions. We also report that the novel aHUS-associated M823T variant is functionally impaired. This was unexpected and uncovered the important contribution of regions outside the N-terminal and C-terminal functional domains to FH regulatory activities on surfaces. Thus, our work significantly advances knowledge towards a complete functional understanding of the CFH genetic variability and highlights the importance of functional analysis of the disease-associated CFH variants. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The future of echocardiography.
Echocardiography has become an integral part of modern cardiology, and parameters measured by echocardiography are enshrined in guidelines as components of clinical decision-making in the management of heart failure, valve disease and arrhythmias. This review will explore four modalities which will underpin the future of echocardiography - the hand-held machine, quantification, three-dimensional imaging, and contrast. Finally, we will explore the implications of the new financial milieu for the selection of cardiac imaging modalities. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Self-expandable metal stent placement for malignant duodenal obstruction distal to the bulb.
Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are widely used for the palliative management of malignant proximal gastroduodenal obstruction because of its low morbidity and mortality rates compared with surgical bypass. However, stent placement for duodenal obstruction beyond the first part of the duodenum is considered technically difficult and is not routinely performed. We report our experience with SEMS placement for these patients. Between 2006 and 2015, 51 patients with unresectable or metastatic malignancy underwent SEMS placements under combined endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance. Eighteen patients had intestinal obstruction distal to the duodenal bulb. Their demographics, technical and clinical outcomes, periprocedural morbidity and mortality, length of hospital stay, further interventions and overall survival were analysed. Out of the 18 cases, nine cases of intestinal obstruction were due to primary malignancy of the pancreas, three due to gastric malignancy, three from other locoregional cancers and three were the result of metastases. In 12 patients, the obstruction involved the second part (D2), in four the third part (D3) and in two the fourth part (D4) of the duodenum. A front-facing therapeutic gastroscope was used to visualize the duodenum before the stricture was crossed under direct vision and fluoroscopic guidance, with a catheter and guidewire, and a through-the-scope SEMS deployed using an 'over-the-wire' technique. Technical success rate was 89%. The mean gastric outlet obstruction scores improved from 0.63 to 2.57 (P<0.0001). Four patients died within 30 days of the procedure, although none of the deaths were procedure related. The median length of postprocedural hospital stay was 4 days and the median overall survival was 58 days. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Anomalous left coronary artery from non-facing pulmonary sinus.
A case of anomalous left coronary artery originating from the non-facing pulmonary sinus, located at the most distal position from the aorta, is described. An intrapulmonary tunnel was created without causing undue stenosis or kinking. The Takeuchi procedure is considered to be a useful surgical technique when the origin of the anomalous left coronary artery is far from the aorta. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nakahara memorial lecture. Regulation of T lymphocyte responses: interactions among receptors.
Murine helper T lymphocytes (HTL) have been categorized on the basis of the lymphokines they secrete. TH1 cells produce interleukin 2 (IL-2), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and lymphotoxin, whereas TH2 cells produce IL-4 and IL-5 but not IL-2 or IFN-gamma. Both cell types apparently can produce IL-3, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and tumor necrosis factor. We have found that there is at least one additional subset which secretes IL-4 and IFN-gamma. These helper T lymphocyte subsets also respond differently to immunoregulatory processes. T cell clones of all subtypes can proliferate in response to exogenous IL-2, but IL-4 apparently induces a proliferative response only in those subsets that produce IL-4. IFN-gamma inhibits the proliferation of TH2 clones, but does not affect the proliferation of TH1 clones, cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) clones, or cells that produce both IL-4 and IFN-gamma. TH1 cells pretreated with a saturating concentration of IL-2 do not proliferate when stimulated with anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb). However, proliferation of TH2 cells is enhanced by IL-2 pretreatment, while the TH1 clones or CTL clones through the T cell receptor (TCR) profoundly inhibits IL-2-induced proliferation of those cells, whereas such stimulation either has very little effect or augments the proliferation of IL-4-producing clones. Collectively, these data suggest that the combined influence of these cytokines and intensity of TCR stimulation may determine which cell types expand in number during a particular immunological situation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Review of what youth programs do to increase the connectedness of youth with adults.
Common sense and psychological research tell us that connections to adults--parents and others--are integral to the process of normal human development. A substantial research literature exists on the role of the parent-child relationship in development, and there is a smaller, but growing body of research that explores the effects of nonparental relationships. Adolescents, in particular, are open to nonparental adults as they strive to create for themselves lives more independent from their parents while still valuing advice from those more experienced than they. The most commonly examined nonparental relationship is that of a teacher and a student. One of the less explored areas of investigation is the importance of relationships youth have with adults they find in their weekend and after-school activities. This article examines field research that has been conducted over the past 15 years on youth programs, to address what has been learned about "connectedness" as it manifests itself in the field. By connectedness, we mean primarily the attachment youth have to the adults in the programs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antibacterial activity of some medicinal plants from San Juan, Argentina.
The antibacterial activities and preliminary phytochemical screening of 13 plants used as folk medicine in San Juan, Argentina, are reported. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
STAT1 regulates MD-2 expression in monocytes of sepsis via miR-30a.
Sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. MD-2 is a 25-kDa lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein that forms a heterodimer with TLR42, but its regulation in sepsis is not clear. This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanism of regulation of MD-2. Inflammation cytokines in monocytes were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and ELISA, and it was found that IL-10 was elevated significantly in the monocytes with LPS treatment. And then, when the cells were treated with IL-10, STAT1 was activated in the monocytes using Western blotting. It was also found that STAT1 could enhance MD-2 expression on transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Finally, miR-30a was predicted to the molecule that may regulate STAT1 expression. It was verified that STAT1 was a new target gene of miR-30a. miR-30a could inhibit IL-10-induced cytokine release by targeting STAT1-MD-2 in monocytes. In conclusion, this study for the first time demonstrated that miR-30a inhibits MD-2 expression by targeting of STAT1 in human monocytes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Surgery in the management of gestational trophoblastic disease.
The role of surgery in GTD has been outlined and explained in detail. The importance of accurate diagnosis, clinical assessment, patient resuscitation and support, individualization of management and patient selection has been stressed. The prognosis for patients with GTD is now a successful outcome in 70-100% of cases, depending on the risk factors present. Cerebral lesions still present a poor prognosis especially if developed while on chemotherapy. Advances have been made in the management of choriocarcinoma since the established use of chemotherapy. Surgery plays an important adjunctive role in the improved prognosis of the disease. This has been discussed in depth. Modern surgical methods, for example selective embolization of vessels supplying vascular bleeding tumours, have improved patients' prospects. The management of hydatidiform mole has been largely resolved by the introduction of suction curettage. It is the method of choice for the evacuation of the uterus in molar disease. Controversies have been discussed and a balanced assessment has been attempted to give the reader a realistic guide to patient management when presented with these problems. Important sequelae and complications of GTD have been presented and measures of prevention and management have been advanced. It is hoped that all this will further improve the management of the patient with GTD in the future. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Long-term use of mesalamine (Rowasa) suppositories in remission maintenance of ulcerative proctitis.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single nightly 500-mg Rowasa (mesalamine) suppository as maintenance therapy for patients with ulcerative proctitis in remission. In this 24-month, multicenter, double-blind trial, 65 patients with ulcerative proctitis in clinical and endoscopic remission were randomized to receive either a single nightly 500-mg rectal mesalamine (Rowasa) suppository or matching placebo as sole therapy. Efficacy was assessed by time to relapse (defined as rectal bleeding or increase in stool frequency for > or =1 wk and active inflammation upon endoscopy). Mean time to relapse was 453.4 days for mesalamine-treated patients and 158.0 days for placebo-treated patients. Survival analysis demonstrated that time to relapse was significantly greater for mesalamine-treated patients than for placebo-treated patients (p < 0.001). In addition, at both 12 and 24 months, the proportion of placebo-treated patients (86% at 12 months and 89% at 24 months) who relapsed was significantly (p < or = 0.001) greater than mesalamine-treated patients (32% and 46%, respectively). No statistically significant differences occurred between treatment groups in the reporting of any particular adverse event or the number of patients reporting adverse events. The results demonstrate that mesalamine suppositories are efficacious, well tolerated, and safe for the long-term maintenance of remission of ulcerative proctitis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Monitoring pH and ORP in a SHARON reactor.
This paper analyses the valuable information provided by the on-line measurements of pH and oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in a continuous single high ammonia removal over nitrite (SHARON) reactor. A laboratory-scale SHARON reactor equipped with pH, ORP, electric conductivity and dissolved oxygen (DO) probes has been operated for more than one year. Nitrogen removal over nitrite has been achieved by adding methanol at the beginning of anoxic stages. Time evolution of pH and ORP along each cycle allows identifying the decrease in nitritation rate when ammonia is consumed during the aerobic phase and the end of the denitrification process during the anoxic phase. Therefore, monitoring pH and ORP can be used to develop a real-time control system aimed at optimizing the length of both aerobic and anoxic stages. Real-time control of methanol addition can be carried out by using the information provided by these probes: excessive methanol addition in the anoxic stage is clearly detected in the ORP profile of the following aerobic phase, while a deficit of methanol is detected in both pH and ORP profiles of that anoxic phase. Moreover, other valuable information such as the amount of ammonia nitrified, failures in DO measurements, excessive stirring during the anoxic stage and methanol dosage in the aerobic phase was also provided by the pH and ORP profiles. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A comparison of the efficacy of the reactivators of acetylcholinesterase inhibited with tabun].
The nerve agent tabun inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE; EC 3.1.1.7) by the formation of a covalent bond with the enzyme. Afterwards, AChE is not able to fulfil its role in the organism and subsequently cholinergic crisis occurs. AChE reactivators (pralidoxime, obidoxime and HI-6) as causal antidotes are used for the cleavage of the bond between the enzyme and nerve agent. Unfortunately, their potency for reactivation of tabun-inhibited AChE is poor. The aim of the study was to choose the most potent reactivator of tabun-inhibited AChE. We have tested eight AChE reactivators--pralidoxime, obidoxime, trimedoxime, HI-6, methoxime, Hlö-7 and our newly synthesized oximes K027 and K048. All reactivators were tested using our standard in vitro reactivation test (pH 8, 25 degrees C, time of inhibition by the nerve agent 30 minutes, time of reactivation by AChE reactivator 10 minutes). According to our results, only trimedoxime was able to achieve 50% reactivation potency. However, this relatively high potency was achieved at high oxime concentration (10(-2) M). At a lower concentration of 10(-4) M (the probably attainable concentration in vivo), four AChE reactivators (trimedoxime, obidoxime, K027, and K048) were able to reactivate AChE inhibited by tabun reaching from 10 to 18%. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of cell-surface glycosaminoglycans on cationic carrier combined with low-MW PEI-mediated gene transfection.
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are negatively charged polysaccharides that are found, e.g. on cell surface. GAGs have been reported to influence gene transfection. We have previously reported that cationic lipid-mediated gene transfection can be improved by combining a small polyethylenimine (PEI) with cationic lipids. In the present study, we examined if GAGs have any effect on the synergism of small PEIs and other cationic carriers. We used wild-type CHO (GAG+) and pgsB-618 cells (GAG-). Transfection efficiency was studied using lacZ and GFP reporter genes. We found that GAGs decreased the overall level of transgene expression in a reagent-dependent manner, but the synergism caused by low-MW PEIs was less affected. There were no major differences between cell lines in cellular uptake or intracellular localization of plasmids when measured with flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, respectively. In conclusion, cell-surface GAGs interfere with transfection efficiency of different cationic reagents, but that is not necessarily related to the synergy of small PEIs and cationic lipids. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Metabolism of the endocrine disruptor pesticide-methoxychlor by human P450s: pathways involving a novel catechol metabolite.
The metabolism of methoxychlor, a proestrogenic pesticide (endocrine disruptor), was investigated with cDNA expressed human cytochrome P450s and liver microsomes (HLM). In addition to 1,1,1-trichloro-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethane (mono-OH-M), 1,1,1-trichloro-2, 2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane (bis-OH-M), and 1,1,1-trichloro-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethane (tris-OH-M), a new metabolite was identified as 1,1,1-trichloro-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethane (catechol-M; previously assumed to be ring-OH-M) and as a key metabolic intermediate. A novel metabolic route was proposed involving methoxychlor O-demethylation to mono-OH-M, followed by bifurcation of the pathway, both leading to the same final product tris-OH-M: pathway a, mono-OH-M is demethylated to bis-OH-M, followed by ortho-hydroxylation forming tris-OH-M and pathway b, mono-OH-M is ortho-hydroxylated forming catechol-M that is O-demethylated forming tris-OH-M. Among the human cDNA-expressed P450s examined, CYP1A2, 2A6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, and 2D6 exhibited mainly O-demethylation, with CYP2C19 being the most catalytically competent. CYP3A4, 3A5, and rat 2B1 catalyzed primarily ortho-hydroxylation of mono-OH-M (CYP3A4 being catalytically the most active) but were weak in O-demethylation. CYP1A1, 1B1, 2E1, and 4A11 demonstrated little or no catalytic activity. CYP2B6 appeared unique, catalyzing effectively both O-demethylation and ortho-hydroxylation. Thus, CYP2B6 demethylated methoxychlor to mono-OH-M and ortho-hydroxylated the mono-OH-M forming catechol-M; however, 2B6 did not appreciably demethylate mono-OH-M or ortho-hydroxylate bis-OH-M, suggesting a narrow substrate specificity. CYP2C19-catalyzed demethylation of methoxychlor, mono-OH-M and catechol-M, demonstrating relatively good substrate affinity (K(m) = 0.23 - 0.41 microM). However, the 3A4 ortho-hydroxylation of mono-OH-M and bis-OH-M exhibited lower affinity, K(m) = 12 and 25 microM, respectively. Thus, a phenolic group seems essential for efficient ortho-hydroxylation, forming catechol-M and tris-OH-M. Inhibition studies with HLM and P450s indicate that CYP2C9 and likely 2C19 are catalysts of methoxychlor-mono-demethylation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Community leadership and participation in the Saradidi, Kenya, rural health development programme.
Community participation and leadership in initiating and implementing a health development programme in Saradidi, Kenya were examined. Organization of the area into villages had to be sensitive to existing community organizational structures such as geography, religion, kinship and administrative boundaries. The lowest level government leaders did not always have the support of the community. Some groups such as women and those who were not wealthy were not always included in leadership positions; these people, however, were often most aware of certain village problems. In Saradidi, women's groups were important for community development; they supported the volunteer community health workers and carried out many village health activities. Many village health committees did not function effectively. Village health workers were supported principally by the programme centre. Village income-generating activities were not very successful. Group involvement in income raising ventures proved to be inefficient; many ended up as income draining activities. Village group income projects must be well selected relative to the skills and resources available and the ability of the product to be marketed; only exceptional ones should be encouraged. Those based at the programme's centre were more successful perhaps because of a greater investment in skills, money and marketing. Age was an important factor in accepted leadership roles in Saradidi; most effective leaders were more than 45 years of age. Village health helpers volunteered a significant proportion of their time despite poor support by village health committees and no financial remuneration. The central project structure and the training they received compensated for the lack of guidance by village health committees. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Vagotomy attenuates suppression of sham feeding induced by intestinal nutrients.
The ability of intraintestinal nutrient infusions to suppress sham feeding was examined in intact rats and in rats with total subdiaphragmatic vagal transections. Vagotomy abolished the suppression of sham feeding by intraintestinal infusion of maltose or oleate. Suppression of sham feeding by intraintestinal L-phenylalanine was reduced but not abolished by vagotomy. The results of this examination indicate that the vagus nerve mediates suppression of the sham feeding by intraintestinal maltose and oleate but is only partially responsible for suppression of food intake produced by L-phenylalanine. Taken together with previously published data these results suggest that effects on feeding by specific nutrients may be mediated by anatomically distinct populations of visceral afferent neurons. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Tracer kinetics of forearm endothelial function: comparison of an empirical method and a quantitative modeling technique.
Forearm Endothelial Function (FEF) is a marker that has been shown to discriminate patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). FEF has been assessed using several parameters: the Rate of Uptake Ratio (RUR), EWUR (Elbow-to-Wrist Uptake Ratio) and EWRUR (Elbow-to-Wrist Relative Uptake Ratio). However, the modeling functions of FEF require more robust models. The present study was designed to compare an empirical method with quantitative modeling techniques to better estimate the physiological parameters and understand the complex dynamic processes. The fitted time activity curves of the forearms, estimating blood and muscle components, were assessed using both an empirical method and a two-compartment model. Although correlational analyses suggested a good correlation between the methods for RUR (r=.90) and EWUR (r=.79), but not EWRUR (r=.34), Altman-Bland plots found poor agreement between the methods for all 3 parameters. These results indicate that there is a large discrepancy between the empirical and computational method for FEF. Further work is needed to establish the physiological and mathematical validity of the 2 modeling methods. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
New products ... from idea to reality.
In 1992, the Australian Dental Industry Association was invited to contribute articles to the Australian Orthodontic Journal with the aim of improving communication and forging closer links between the Speciality and the manufacturers and suppliers. Several authorities have expressed the view that the Speciality is "industry-driven". Many orthodontists are unaware of the service that the Industry provides and that some companies have a long history of service to dentistry in Australia; and that some have even been innovators in dental materials, carrying out expensive research and development programmes in order to provide us with a better product. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Infrainguinal bypass grafting in patients with end-stage renal disease and critical limb ischaemia: is it worthwhile?].
Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) constitute an increasing proportion of patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass surgery for critical limb ischaemia (CLI). The aim of this retrospective study was to determine graft patency, healing of pedal lesions, limb salvage and survival following infrainguinal arterial reconstruction in this high-risk subset of patients. 34 patients with ESRD undergoing 37 bypass procedures for CLI (rest pain 2; tissue loss 35) were identified from the vascular registry. These included 13 femoropopliteal and 24 femorotibial bypasses with autogenous (67.6%) or prosthetic (32.4%) materials. The median age in this series was 62 years and 79% were diabetics. Using life-table analysis, the cumulative primary patency rate was 88% at 1 month and 81% at 2 years. The resulting limb salvage rate amounted to 94 and 86% at 1 month and 2 years, respectively. Healing of the pedal lesions was accomplished in only 50% of patients at 6 months. Toe lesions could be treated more successfully than forefoot and deep heel defects (p = 0.04). With a perioperative mortality of 3/37 cumulative survival rate declined to 21% at 2 years. Late mortality correlated significantly with a history of previous myocardial infarction or congestive heart failure (p = 0.001). Infrainguinal revascularisation can be performed in dialysis-dependent patients with acceptable patency and limb salvage rates. However, bypass grafting should be mainly reserved to patients without severe cardiac disease and to those without extensive tissue loss. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The evolution and maintenance of delayed implantation in the mustelidae (mammalia: carnivora).
Diapause, the temporary cessation of development at an early life-history stage, is widespread among animals and plants. The range of taxa exhibiting various forms of diapause indicates its enormous ecological significance and highlights its value as a model for examining life-history trait evolution. However, despite the impact of diapause on species ecology, there is little understanding of its adaptive value in many groups. Furthermore, the relative roles of phylogeny and ecology in determining the contemporary expression of the trait remain unresolved. Delayed implantation (DI) is a type of diapause found in several orders of mammals. It is particularly prevalent in the Mustelidae, with mustelids making up more than half of all mammals known to exhibit DI. This taxon is thus ideal for examining life-history predictors of DI and investigating the mode of evolution. Both maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony methods of ancestral state reconstruction indicated DI to be plesiomorphic in the mustelids, although multiple state changes are required to explain its contemporary distribution. After controlling for phylogeny, species with and without DI could be discriminated using just three variables: longevity, maximum latitude of the geographical distribution, and a term describing maternal investment. Our analyses supported the hypothesis that DI is more prevalent in seasonal climates. We also showed that longer-lived species are more likely to exhibit DI, suggesting a time cost to the trait. We found no correlate for the highly variable duration of DI, which remains unexplained. Although ecological factors can predict the distribution of DI in modern mustelids, phylogenetic constraint is likely to play an important role. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Diamagnetically-stabilized levitation control of an intraluminal magnetic capsule.
Controlled navigation promotes full utilization of capsule endoscopy for reliable real-time diagnosis in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, but intermittent natural peristalsis can disturb the navigational control, destabilize the capsule and take it out of levitation. A real-size magnetic navigation system that can handle peristaltic forces of up to 1.5 N was designed utilizing the computer-aided design (CAD) system Maxwell 3D (Ansoft, Pittsburg, PA), and was verified using a small-size physical experimental setup. The proposed system contains a pair of 50-cm in diameter, 10,000-turns copper electromagnets with a 10-cm by 10-cm ferrous core driven by currents of up to 300 Amperes and can successfully maintain position control over the levitating capsule during peristalsis. The addition of Bismuth diamagnetic casing for stabilizing the levitating capsule was also studied. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Circulating levels of TNF-like cytokine 1A (TL1A) and its decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) in rheumatoid arthritis.
TL1A is a novel TNF-like cytokine, which provides co-stimulatory and Th1-polarizing signals to activated lymphocytes, via binding to death-domain receptor 3 (DR3). These functions are inhibited when TL1A associates to decoy receptor 3 (DcR3). We investigated the serum expression of TL1A and DcR3 in 81 patients with RA and 51 healthy controls. TL1A concentrations were elevated in patients by 5-fold (P<0.00001). This increase was more prominent in RFactor-positive patients and correlated with clinical activity in this subgroup. DcR3 was detected more frequently and in significantly higher values in RA-derived sera, correlated strongly with TL1A, and was present in inflammatory synovial fluid. Severe RA stage was associated with highly elevated TL1A and DcR3 serum levels. Treatment with an anti-TNF agent significantly decreased TL1A serum levels. We conclude that TL1A may serve as an inflammatory marker in RA. Interactions between TL1A and its receptors may be important in the pathogenesis of RA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Reoperation on prosthetic heart valves. An analysis of risk factors in 552 patients.
Five hundred fifty-two patients underwent a total of 617 reoperations for repair or replacement of a prosthetic heart valve. Operative mortality for first reoperation (530 patients) was 5.9% for the aortic position and 19.6% for the mitral position. Overall operative mortality was 14% for second reoperation (69 patients) and 7% for third reoperation (14 patients). In addition to valve position, operative mortality for first reoperation appeared to be related to pre-reoperation functional class and urgency of operation. First reoperation for mitral valve patients in New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class II was 4.2%; for Class III, 9.3%; and for Class IV, 41%. In the aortic position, operative mortality was 2.4% for Class I, 1.6% for Class II, 6.3% for Class III, and 20.8% for Class IV. The mortality for elective mitral valve reoperation was 0%; for urgent operation, 20.3%; and for emergency procedures, 54.5%. Elective aortic valve reoperation carried a 1.4% mortality; urgent procedures, 8%; and emergency procedures, 37.5%. No significant differences in bleeding complications were noted between reoperations and initial valve replacement. The data appear to suggest that when significant valve dysfunction is first noted, reoperation should be undertaken to minimize operative risk. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[The study of the risk factors of fungal infection after liver transplantation].
To explore the risk factors of fungal infection so as to provide rationales for the prevention of fungal infection after liver transplantation. The clinical data of 94 cases of fungal infections after liver transplantation from January 1, 2003 to November 30, 2010 at our hospital were collected as the infective group. A total of 603 liver transplant patients without fungal infections during the same period were selected as the control group. χ(2) test and t test were utilized for the analysis of possible risk factors for fungal infection. Fungal infection rate was 13.5% (94/697) after liver transplantation and mortality rate of fungal infection 86.2% (81/94). Candida albicans was the majority infective fungi. And the main site of infection was the lungs. The postoperative acute physiology and chronic health evaluation III (APACHE III) score of the infective group was significantly higher than that of the control group (26.0 ± 5.4 vs 21.5 ± 4.7, P < 0.01). The number of patients with primary liver cancer was lower than that of the control group (26.6% vs 45.8%, P < 0.01). The number of decompensated HBV cirrhosis and diabetics in the infective group was higher than that of the control group at pre-operation (23.4% vs 11.6%, 9.6% vs 2.8%, both P < 0.01). The number of patients with postoperative mechanical ventilation over 10 days, postoperative antibiotics over 14 days, postoperative cardiopulmonary dysfunction and liver function recovery time over 7 days, parenteral nutrition over 12 days and hyperglycemia over 7 days in the infective group were significantly higher than that in the control group (all P < 0.01). Preoperative primary disease, postoperative disease severity, postoperative organ dysfunction, long-term mechanical ventilation, antibiotics and hyperglycemia, etc. may be the important risk factors of fungal infection after liver transplantation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of alpha1-blockade on the forearm vascular resistance responses to lower body negative pressure in young borderline hypertensives.
To determine whether alpha1-blockade affects the forearm vascular resistance responses to lower body negative pressure (LBNP) in borderline hypertensives, six hypertensives (HTN; mean arterial pressure [MAP] = 109.9 +/- 1.7 mm Hg, mean +/- SE) and seven normotensives (NTN; MAP = 81.5 +/- 1.4 mm Hg) underwent exposures of LBNP at pressures of -10, -20, and -40 mm Hg during systemic alpha1-receptor blockade (BLK) and during placebo (PLA). Resting forearm vascular resistance (FVR) was greater in HTN than in NTN during PLA (34.8 +/- 5.4 v 17.5 +/- 3.1 units; P < .05), but not during BLK (28.1 +/- 5.2 v 25.3 +/- 9.9 units). When expressed as a percentage of resting FVR, LBNP evoked an increased FVR (P < .001) that did not differ significantly between BLK and PLA in either group. FVR was higher (P < .001) in HTN than in NTN throughout both trials; at -40 mm Hg of LBNP during BLK, the increase in FVR was greater (P < .05) in HTN than in NTN (131 +/- 42 v 48 +/- 15%). MAP (relative to resting) was maintained throughout LBNP during PLA but, at -40 mm Hg, was lower (P < .01) during BLK for both groups. HR was elevated in BLK and was increased at -40 mm Hg (P < .01) for each group in each trial. This increase was greater during BLK (P < .05). These data suggest that borderline hypertensives have a greater vasoconstrictor response to LBNP than do normotensives and alpha1-blockade does not appear to attenuate this response. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Use of MALDI-MS with solid-state hydrogen deuterium exchange for semi-automated assessment of peptide and protein physical stability in lyophilized solids.
Biological therapeutics are established as major contributors to the pharmaceutical pipeline. Many of these biological drugs are lyophilized to preserve their conformation and reduce decomposition during storage and shipping. Therefore, understanding and controlling the effects of lyophilization on protein higher order structure is critical for commercialization of biologics. Hydrogen Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry (HDX-MS) is a well-established technique for studying protein higher order structure. Previous publications have demonstrated a solid state HDX (ssHDX) method for labeling formulated, lyophilized proteins to assess their physical stability during, but this process still suffered from low throughput and undesired back exchange. Recently, our group described a method combining HDX-MS with MALDI to greatly reduce the time of analysis and nearly eliminate H/D back-exchange, but that method was not suited for interrogating solid samples. This work integrates the two techniques to assess and predict the stability of peptides and proteins following mixing and lyophilization with various excipient formulations. Sample mixing and handling were performed through the use of a bench-top robotics and programmed data MALDI-MS acquisition allowed for monitoring deuterium incorporation for dried peptides and protein samples following continuous labeling with D2O vapor. Effects of excipients upon peptide stability were also tracked and compared to a control for a three day labeling time course. This workflow is automated and free from back-exchange. As demonstrated by deuterium retention of bradykinin, these features serve to reduce experimental error normally associated with conventional deuterium exchange experiments. The proposed union of MALDI-MS and ssHDX can be applied to study higher order structure of proteins and peptides and the effects of added excipients in an environment that closely resembles the storage and shipping conditions of biopharmaceuticals and may be beneficial in giving insights studying protein structural dynamics in solids. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Applications of distraction osteogenesis. Part II.
Distraction osteogenesis is helpful for digit lengthening for congenital and post-traumatic deficits. Distraction lengthening is also helpful for soft tissue stretching such as for radial dysplasia. This article reviews some of these uses for distraction osteogenesis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clearance and maintenance of blood nucleotide levels with adenosine triphosphate-magnesium chloride injection.
ATP-MgCl2 has been found to be helpful in experimental animals after shock and ischemia with improvement in organ function and survival. The reasons for this pharmacologic action are unclear. To evaluate the clearance and circulation of ATP and its metabolites after intravenous injection, 20 rabbits received ATP-MgCl2 as a bolus injection or a continuous intravenous infusion. Arterial blood was withdrawn, and ATP and its metabolites were measured using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique with ultraviolet (UV) absorption. Forty seconds following a bolus injection, only 1% of the injected dose was present in arterial blood as ATP, and at 280 sec only inosine remained. With a 60 min continuous ATP-MgCl2 infusion, the inosine level peaked at 62.9% at 30 min and was 37.6% at 60 min, whereas ATP was 4.9% and AMP was 17.4% at 60 min. Thus a single dose of ATP-MgCl2 has a half-life of less than 40 sec as ATP. With a continuous infusion, although some ATP circulates, inosine and AMP are the major remaining nucleotides. Thus, the beneficial effects of ATP-MgCl2 may be through ATP itself with magnesium or with adenine nucleotide metabolites for recycling of the nucleotides, phosphorylation of cell membrane inositides, and/or its vasoactive effects. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Physical occupational activity and colonic carcinoma mortality in Swiss men 1979-1982].
Colorectal cancers are the second most frequent cause of cancer death among men. To our knowledge, approximately six studies have been able to show an inverse relationship between occupational physical activity and colon cancer mortality. Information drawn from the mortality statistics for the years 1979-1982 was used to study this hypothetical association among Swiss men aged 15-79. At-risk-populations were calculated based on 1980 national census data on occupation of all Swiss men. Estimates of occupational physical activity (OPA) were based on job titles of death certificates and were "blindly" classified into three groups of low, moderate and high OPA by three independent experts. Among the cohort of 1.86 million men, 1995 deaths of colon cancer and 1066 deaths of rectal cancer occurred during the four study years. The standardized mortality ratio showed a significant, graded and inverse relationship between OPA and mortality from colon cancer but not from rectal cancer. The estimated relative risk for colon cancer of the physically inactive, as compared to those active, was 1.3 to 1.4, slightly influenced by minor differences in the way of classification of OPA. For several reasons this estimate of excess risk is probably on the low side. The subgroup of men with jobs with very high OPA showed no further reduction in risk of colon cancer, which suggests that other etiologic factors, such as diet, may play an important role. As sedentary lifestyle and colon cancer are both frequent in central Europe the hypothesized protective effect of habitual physical activity against colon cancer would seem important, especially from the public health point of view. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Technical note: contrast solution density and cross section errors in inhomogeneity-corrected dose calculation for breast balloon brachytherapy.
Recent recommendations by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 186 emphasize the importance of understanding material properties and their effect on inhomogeneity-corrected dose calculation for brachytherapy. Radiographic contrast is normally injected into breast brachytherapy balloons. In this study, the authors independently estimate properties of contrast solution that were expected to be incorrectly specified in a commercial brachytherapy dose calculation algorithm. The mass density and atomic weight fractions of a clinical formulation of radiographic contrast solution were determined using manufacturers' data. The mass density was verified through measurement and compared with the density obtained by the treatment planning system's CT calibration. The atomic weight fractions were used to determine the photon interaction cross section of the contrast solution for a commercial high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy source and compared with that of muscle. The density of contrast solution was 10% less than that obtained from the CT calibration. The cross section of the contrast solution for the HDR source was 1.2% greater than that of muscle. Both errors could be addressed by overriding the density of the contrast solution in the treatment planning system. The authors estimate the error in mass density and cross section parameters used by a commercial brachytherapy dose calculation algorithm for radiographic contrast used in a clinical breast brachytherapy practice. This approach is adaptable to other clinics seeking to evaluate dose calculation errors and determine appropriate density override values if desired. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Lead and hyperactivity revisited. An investigation of nondisadvantaged children.
The purposes of this study were to examine whether hyperactive children had elevated lead levels, to assess whether lead levels were associated with poor psychometric performance in hyperactive children, and to replicate previous reports of hyperactive children with perinatal insult having lower lead levels than those with normal perinatal history. Hyperactive, learning-disabled children and normal siblings were studied. The hyperactive children had higher chelated urine lead levels than their own siblings. Other contrasts were not significant. Cognitive performances and lead levels were weakly associated in the hyperactive sample. Contrary to previous reports, lead levels and perinatal complications were not negatively correlated. These results support the notion that lead levels are weakly associated with hyperactive disorders. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Suppressive activity of macrolide antibiotics on nitric oxide production from nasal polyp fibroblasts in vitro.
The influence of macrolide antibiotics on nitric oxide (NO) generation was examined using human nasal polyp fibroblasts (NPFs) in vitro. Addition of roxithromycin (RXM) at a concentration of > 7.5 microg/ml to cell cultures was shown to suppress NO production in response to stimulation with 25.0 ng/ml tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. However, jyosamycin (JM) did not suppress NO production from NPFs induced by TNF-alpha stimulation in vitro, even when added to cell cultures at a concentration of 20.0 microg/ml. We then examined the influence of RXM on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression in NPFs. Addition of RXM at a dose of 7.5 microg/ml to cell cultures caused reduction of iNOS mRNA expression, which was enhanced by TNF-alpha stimulation in vitro. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Infrared refractive index of atmospheric aerosol substances.
The optical constants in the ir from lambda2.5 microm to 40 microm (4000-250 cm(-1)) of dry natural aerosol substances and of sea salt are presented. The aerosol substances were obtained from rain and snow water: dust and soot by sedimentation, and water soluble salts by evaporation. The spectra of the absorption index n' were derived from our published transmittance measurements of potassium bromide disks. The real part n of the refractive index was calculated from the specular reflectance at near normal incidence of disks of pure aerosol substance. The observed spectral features are being related to chemical constituents, notably sulfates and alcohol soluble organics. Optical constants of composite and wet aerosol are discussed. A simple model confirms the measured transmission of a coarse dry powder of water solubles and shows that the extinction by natural aerosol should have a minimum near 8 microm and a strong maximum near 9 microm. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Disseminated T-cell lymphoma in a bonobo (Pan paniscus).
Disseminated lymphoma was diagnosed in an 8-year-old male bonobo (Pan paniscus). The male bonobo presented with a 4-6 week history of dyspnea and facial swelling around the eyes; thoracic radiographs and computed tomography scan indicated a craniodorsal mediastinal soft tissue mass. Upon gross examination, there was a large, cream to white mass expanding the mediastinum and pericardial sac. The mass extended along the thoracic aorta and cranial vena cava, through the thoracic inlet, along and encircling the trachea, and bilaterally into the thyroid glands. Microscopically, neoplastic lymphocytes were present in the thymus, trachea, lungs, kidney, heart, and numerous other tissues. Immunohistochemical staining of neoplastic lymphocytes revealed diffuse immunoreactivity for cluster of differentiation (CD)3 indicating T-cell lymphoma. Routine viral screening was negative via polymerase chain reaction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Identification of fyn-encoded proteins in normal human blood cells.
We have previously reported that carboxyl terminal truncations of the normal human fyn gene, a member of the src subfamily, can transform immortal mouse fibroblasts to full malignancy. In search of evidence which suggests the possible activation of the human fyn gene, we have screened DNAs and RNAs from a number of human tumor cell lines. The results indicate that the fyn gene is not frequently changed grossly in the naturally occurring tumors. To establish a basis for understanding the physiological function(s) of this highly conserved gene, we have prepared specific antibodies to the fyn-encoded proteins. Using them we have shown the presence of fyn proteins in human lymphocytes and monocytes and their protein-tyrosine kinase activity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Original nootropic drug noopept prevents memory deficit in rats with muscarinic and nicotinic receptor blockade.
Antiamnesic activity of Noopept was studied on the original three-way model of conditioned passive avoidance response, which allows studying spatial component of memory. Cholinoceptor antagonists of both types (scopolamine and mecamylamine) decreased entry latency and reduced the probability for selection of the safe compartment. Noopept abolished the antiamnesic effect of cholinoceptor antagonists and improved spatial preference. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Possibility of less radical treatment for patients with early invasive uterine cervical cancer.
Radical trachelectomy (RT) with lymphadenectomy has become a standard treatment modality for patients with early invasive uterine cervical cancer who hope to preserve fertility. However, pregnancy after RT has high risks of preterm birth. The possibility of more conservative RT and the application of RT for patients with higher clinical stages were studied. The medical charts and specimens of 42 patients who underwent RT and 64 patients who underwent radical hysterectomy were retrospectively studied. Tumor size, distance between the margin of the cancer and the internal orifice of the uterus (os), parametrial invasion, lymph node metastasis and prognoses were investigated. The average distances between the inner margin of the cancer and the internal os were 37 mm, 29 mm, 18.7 mm and 14 mm for patients with stage 1 A2, 1B1 (≤ 2 cm), 1B1 (> 2 cm) and 1B2, respectively. When amputation was performed 10 mm below the internal os, all 10 patients with 1 A2, 57 with 1B1 (≤ 2 cm), 19 with 1B1 (> 2 cm), and one with 1B2 had a cancer-free margin > 10 mm. Patients with stage 1 A2 had a cancer-free margin > 10 mm even if we amputated the cervix 20 mm below the internal os. Parametrial invasion was detected in two patients with stage 1B1. A simple trachelectomy 20 mm below the internal os with pelvic lymphadenectomy might be possible for stage 1 A2 patients. The present method is best for stage 1B1 patients (≤ 2 cm). RT for stage 1B1 (>2 cm) or higher stages should be contraindicated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hemorrhagic shock-induced changes in the cathepsin D activity in the intestinal wall and blood serum in rats.
Hemorrhagic shock causes release of lysosomal proteolytic enzymes which contribute to intestinal wall destruction and can be moved into the circulation as well as into the gut lumen. The aim of the study was to examine the activity of cathepsin D in relation to the intestinal wall injury after 60 minutes of untreated hemorrhagic shock in rats. The total cathepsin D activity was investigated in duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum and colon, as well as in systemic and mesenteric blood serum, and the biochemical results were compared with morphological changes in the respective segments including immunohistochemical expression of cathepsin D. We found an increase in cathepsin D activity in duodenum and significant decrease in other parts of the gut in shocked rats. The enzyme activity increased also in blood serum, especially systemic (p < 0.05) and insignificantly in mesenteric blood. However, sham-operated animals (one-side carotid artery occlusion) revealed a significant increase in cathepsin D activity measured in mesenteric blood. The shock resulted in lowering protein concentration in the intestinal wall and its increase in mesenteric blood. The contents of peptides and amino nitrogen, as potential proteolytic reaction products, changed in different ways in various segments of intestine. Morphologically, the most intensive destruction was observed in ileum, duodenum and jejunum. Lifting of epithelial layer from lamina propria was the most frequently observed lesion of the intestinal wall after 60 minutes of shock. More advanced lesions, such as denuded mucosa with disintegration of lamina propria, occurred rarely and were not observed in colon and rectum. By means of polyclonal antibodies against cathepsin D, we found that the strong expression of this enzyme was in epithelial layer--the part of intestinal wall which was partially detached into gut lumen due to hemorrhagic shock. The changes of cathepsin D activity after 60 minutes of hemorrhagic shock were correlated with signs of morphological damage to the intestinal wall. Cathepsin D liberation in the intestinal wall during shock indicates the lysosomal membranes impairment and can confirm involvement of proteases in the damage to the intestinal tissue. We conclude that liberation of intestinal cathepsin D is an early phenomenon during hemorrhagic shock which may contribute to the local wall disintegration and activation of systemic inflammatory response. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Localisation of histamine-immunoreactivity in specific neurones of the gastropod CNS including a cell which has been identified as histaminergic.
Immunohistochemical procedures revealed the occurrence of histamine-like immunoreactivity in specific neurones in the gastropod nervous system. Positive staining was also associated with a characterised neurone known from previous biochemical studies to contain histamine. The proof of the restriction of histamine to specific neurones and the availability of a suitable antiserum to localise the amine makes it possible to examine the role of the compound in different nervous systems. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Give consideration to financial abuse among the older population.
This article, brought to you in association with Help the Aged, considers financial exclusion, low levels of financial capability, and cognitive impairment among older people, which can lead to them becoming reliant on significant others to manage their finances. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of sultopride on prolactin secretion in rats.
Oral administration of sultopride caused a significant and dose-related increase in serum prolactin levels in the rat. Sultopride was 4-6 times as potent as sulpiride in stimulating prolactin secretion. Both drugs produced much greater stimulations of prolactin release in female rats than in male rats, suggesting the sex difference in response to drugs. CB-154, a dopamine agonist, inhibited the sultopride-induced prolactin release. Stereoselective activity of sultopride-isomers was observed in increasing rat prolactin secretion. Sultopride had no significant effects on LH and FSH basal levels in female rats. In a successive study, basal prolactin levels in the male rat were higher at 2-3 days, but lower at 6 and 14 days. Prolactin response 1 hr after sultopride administration was observed throughout the experiments. Sultopride neutralized the dopamine-mediated inhibition of prolactin secretion from the anterior pituitary in vitro. These results suggest that sultopride, like sulpiride, stimulates prolactin secretion by blocking the dopamine receptor in the pituitary. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Complications and radiographic findings following cemented total hip replacement: a retrospective evaluation of 97 dogs.
Cemented total hip replacement (cTHR) is commonly performed to treat intractable coxofemoral pain in dogs. While owners generally perceive a good outcome after the procedure, the longevity of the implant may be limited by complications such as infection and aseptic loosening. The objective of this retrospective study was to identify the prevalence of complications and radiographic changes following cTHR, and to identify factors that may predispose to a need for revision surgery. Medical records and radiographs from 97 dogs that underwent cTHR were evaluated for signalment, preoperative degree of osteoarthritis, technical errors, intra-operative culture results, and the post-operative radiographic appearance of the implant. The complications occurring in the intra-operative and short-term (<eight week) periods, and the radiographic appearance of the implant in the long-term (>eight week) time period were recorded. Mean (+/- SD) follow-up time was 1.1 +/- 1.6 years (range: 0-7.7 years). Seven dogs had a short-term complication and a revision surgery was performed in eleven dogs. Osseous or cement changes were radiographically detectable in the majority of cTHR. Eccentric positioning of the femoral stem and the presence of radiolucent lines at the femoral cement-bone interface were positively associated with the occurrence of revision surgery. The clinical significance of the periprosthetic radiographic changes is unclear and further investigation is warranted. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Delayed emesis: moderately emetogenic chemotherapy.
Data on the incidence and efficacy of antiemetic prophylaxis against delayed emesis induced by moderately emetogenic chemotherapy are scanty. An overview of the literature has been done that showed the efficacy of dexamethasone in two of three randomized trials. Its optimal dose and duration of administration has not been defined. Only one of four randomized studies showed a statistically significant efficacy of 5-HT(3) antagonists. Finally, only weak evidence has been published on the efficacy of dopamine receptor antagonists. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Impact of educational leadership and interprofessional learning on vascular access training.
Educational leadership supports the effective transfer of knowledge and clinical skills between practitioners. Evaluation of training is imperative to ensure safe and effective transfer of learning into clinical practice. This study explores and critically evaluates the impact of educational leadership on practitioner development and clinical practice, focusing specifically on paediatric vascular access. An educational intervention, consisting of theory and practical simulation of venepuncture and cannulation, followed by interprofessional mentorship and supported practice in the clinical setting, was provided to 18 foundation doctors. Data regarding knowledge and skills before and after the intervention, evaluation of expert facilitation and practitioner development was collected through a three-stage process: before and after the training, and in a short semistructured interview six weeks after the intervention. Overall, practitioners' knowledge and clinical skills were improved, which illustrates the benefits of collaborative learning. Findings also show there is a need for specialist education and training, and that educational leadership needs to be promoted in healthcare settings. There are benefits in having education delivered in collaborative partnerships and by experts and skilled practitioners. This study also highlights that vascular access training within paediatrics varies a widely. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Effect of actinomycin D on cell proliferation induced by phytohemagglutinin in human lymphocytes].
Actinomycin D at a dose inhibiting the synthesis of ribosomal RNA (0.15 MUG/ML) BLOCKS THE TRANSITION OF CELLS INTO ACTIVE PROLIFERATION DURING THE FIRST 6 HOURS AFTER PHYTOHAEMAGGLUTININ TREATMENT. The effect of actinomycin D becomes weaker as the cells proceed through the prereplicative period. 1 mug/ml actinomycin D blocks the synthesis of all RNSs. It has been found that actinomycin D at this concentration blocks the transition of cells into the proliferation during the entire prereplicative period. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Surgical repair of anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery.
Anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) is a rare congenital heart defect that has been associated with myocardial ischaemia and sudden death. There is an ongoing controversy over the indications for surgical intervention and the efficacy of that treatment compared with the natural history. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the medium-term results of surgical repair of AAOCA. Seventy-six patients underwent surgical repair of AAOCA at our institution from 1999 to 2013. There were 55 males and 21 females, and the median age at surgery was 15 years. Forty-seven (62%) of the 76 patients had an anomalous right coronary artery, 27 had an anomalous left coronary and 2 had an eccentric single coronary ostia. Forty-one patients had preoperative symptoms of myocardial ischaemia. Surgical repair was accomplished by unroofing of an intramural coronary in 55, reimplantation in 7 and pulmonary artery translocation in 14. There has been no early or late mortality, with a median duration of follow-up of 6 years. One patient presented with severe myocardial ischaemia and subsequently underwent heart transplantation a year following AAOCA surgery. The remaining patients have all remained free of cardiac symptoms. The results of this study demonstrate two major principles. First, surgical repair of AAOCA is quite safe in centres that take care of a significant number of patients with this entity. Secondly, the surgery is highly effective in eliminating symptoms of myocardial ischaemia. The growing amount of data on postoperative patients suggests that surgical repair can prevent the adverse events seen in the untreated 'natural' history. Based on these observations, it is our current recommendation that all teenagers identified with AAOCA should undergo surgical repair. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Manual micromethods for bilirubin determination in sera of adults and children and investigation of reasons for observed differences.
This study compared three micromanual methods for determining bilirubin concentration. The two microchemical methods for total bilirubin, a Jendrassik-Grof procedure and a Unopette procedure, using dimethyl sulfoxide as an accelerator and protein solubilizer, gave comparable results in sera of adults and children. A microspectrophotometric method and the microchemical methods for total bilirubin gave similar results in plasmas of newborns with physiologic hyperbilirubinemia and in sera of older children with no hepatic abnormality. However, the microspectrophotometric method gave higher values in normal and hyperbilirubinemic adult sera. The results obtained with the Jendrassik-Grof and Unopette microchemical methods for direct bilirubin in sera of adults and children showed the values determined by the Unopette to be higher. Using the presently accepted normal range, this difference is significant enough to preclude recommendation of the use of the Unopette method for distinguishing normal from elevated levels of direct bilirubin. Direct bilirubin in newborn serum measured by the Unopette method is considerably higher than that measured by the Jendrassik-Grof method. An investigation to determine the reason for the difference in the direct bilirubin results indicated that the Unopette direct method measures diconjugated bilirubin in amounts similar to those measured by the Jendrassik-Grof method but significantly more monoconjugated bilirubin than the Jendrassik-Grof method. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Wogonin, a flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis, has anti-viral activities against influenza infection via modulation of AMPK pathways.
Wogonin, a flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis, has attracted increasing scientific attention in recent years because of its potent anti-tumor activity. Its role during viral infection has largely been unexplored. Wogonin treatment effectively suppressed both influenza A and B virus replication in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells and human lung epithelial (A549) cells. In contrast, wogonin treatment following influenza A virus infection led to up-regulation of interferon (IFN)-induced antiviral signaling. Additionally, influenza A virus infection in A549 cells induced 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and activation in a time-dependent manner and wogonin treatment led to the suppression of AMPK phosphorylation. Furthermore, the treatment with AMPK-specific inhibitor (compound C; CC) attenuated influenza A virus replication. These data suggest that wogonin possesses a potent anti-influenza activity mediated by regulation of AMPK activation, suggesting that wogonin has the potential to be developed as an anti-influenza drug. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Silastic catheters for home antibiotic therapy in patients with cystic fibrosis.
Repeated 14-day courses of intravenous antibiotic therapy for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), who have been colonized with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), is one currently accepted treatment. Conventional intravenous cannulas for antibiotic delivery often have a short line life leading to frequent venipunctures. Therefore we used silastic catheters as a peripheral venous access. Silastic catheters (15 cm, 0.6 mm diameter) were inserted 10 cm into a cubital vein in 15 patients with CF (age 5-32 years) for 20 antibiotic courses. After the antibiotic infusion the catheter was flushed with 200 U heparin (2 ml Vetren). In all patients the antibiotic therapy was delivered as a home therapy. In 15 antibiotic courses the silastic catheter could be continuously used for 14 days. One patient with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus received antibiotic therapy for 54 consecutive days using the same silastic catheter. The catheter had to be removed in four courses: once because of thrombophlebitis with local inflammation, once because of burning pain during infusion and occlusion twice. In one case the patient removed his catheter because of technical problems. No other serious side effects occurred. Ten patients had previously received intravenous antibiotics at least once. The median line life of the last used conventional peripheral cannula of all patients was 4 days versus 14 days with the use of the silastic catheter (P < 0.005). All patients preferred the silastic catheter to other venous access. Because of the long line life and easy handling, silastic catheters may be an alternative venous access to perform home antibiotic therapy in patients with CF. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Nodular fasciitis.
A 24-year-old female presented with a firm, hyperpigmented, and gradually enlarging, tender, solitary dermal nodule of non-traumatic origin over the right suprascapular region. The lesion was extending into the subcutaneous tissue. She was otherwise normal. There was no calcification on X-ray. Biopsy revealed numerous large pleomorphic fibroblasts in a mucoid ground substance diagnostic of nodular fasciitis. No recurrence was noticed after surgical excision. This case is reported because of its rarity in the Indian medical literature. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Outcomes for vasectomy reversal performed after obstructive intervals of at least 10 years.
To determine the outcomes for vasectomy reversal performed after at least 10 years of obstruction. We performed a retrospective review of three surgeons' experience with microsurgical vasectomy reversal for obstructive intervals of at least 10 years. The overall pregnancy rate was 37%. The patency/pregnancy rate for an obstructive interval of 10 to 15, 16 to 19, and 20 or more years was 74%/40%, 87%/36%, and 75%/27%, respectively. The overall ongoing/delivered rate was 35%. The ongoing/delivered rates equaled the pregnancy rates, except in the 16 to 19-year group, for which the ongoing/delivered rate was 27%. Assuming a live delivery rate per cycle of 25% for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), the delivery rate for vasectomy reversal would not be exceeded until an obstructive interval of at least 20 years. Assuming a live delivery rate of 28.6% per cycle for ICSI with obstructive azoospermia, the delivery rate for vasectomy reversal would not be exceeded until an obstructive interval of at least 15 years. Even after prolonged obstructive intervals, vasectomy reversal offers better or comparable success rates to ICSI. For each center, depending on their success rates, a threshold obstructive interval exists at which ICSI surpasses vasectomy reversal. Depending on their wishes, couples who have an obstructive interval that exceeds this threshold may be better served by ICSI. As with all infertile couples, close collaboration between the urologists and gynecologists is essential to provide the most appropriate care. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Enhanced Corrosion Resistance and Interfacial Conductivity of TiC x/a-C Nanolayered Coatings via Synergy of Substrate Bias Voltage for Bipolar Plates Applications in PEMFCs.
Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells are one kind of renewable and clean energy conversion device, whose metallic bipolar plates are one of the key components. However, high interfacial contact resistance and poor corrosion resistance are still great challenges for the commercialization of metallic bipolar plates. In this study, we demonstrated a novel strategy for depositing TiC x/amorphous carbon (a-C) nanolayered coatings by synergy of 60 and 300 V bias voltage to enhance corrosion resistance and interfacial conductivity. The synergistic effects of bias voltage on the composition, microstructure, surface roughness, electrochemical corrosion behaviors, and interfacial conductivity of TiC x/a-C coatings were explored. The results revealed that the columnar structures in the inner layer were suppressed and the surface became rougher with the 300 V a-C layer outside. The composition analysis indicated that the sp2 content increased with an increase of 300 V sputtering time. Due to the synergy strategy of bias voltage, lower corrosion current densities were achieved both in potentiostatic polarization (1.6 V vs standard hydrogen electrode) and potentiodynamic polarization. With the increase of 300 V sputtering time, the interfacial conductivity was improved. The enhanced corrosion resistance and interfacial conductivity of the TiC x/a-C coatings would provide new opportunities for commercial bipolar plates. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A nomogram of vestibular pendular stimulation in guinea pigs].
Vestibular pendular test was performed in 20 guinea pigs of various sexes and weights 250-300 g. The total sum of deviations on the right and on the left was 105-164. According to the standard deviation we have accepted the minimal norm 94 and maximal 183. Taking into consideration this norm we have elaborated the nomogram for the quantitative reaction to pendular excitation. There were 6 positions from 0.7 to 1.2 deviations for sec. and total sum from 94 to 183. The results in guinea pigs were in contrast with those in men. The guinea pig vestibular organ is more susceptible for high-rate excitation (17-12 degrees/sec2) and of minor susceptibility in lower rate of acceleration (12-0 degrees/sec2). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Calcium phosphate coatings obtained by Nd:YAG laser cladding: physicochemical and biologic properties.
The plasma spray (PS) technique is the most popular method commercially in use to produce calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings to promote fixation and osteointegration of the cementless prosthesis. Nevertheless, PS has some disadvantages, such as the poor coating-to-substrate adhesion, low mechanical strength, and brittleness of the coating. In order to overcome the drawbacks of plasma spraying, we introduce in this work a new method to apply a CaP coating on a Ti alloy using a well-known technique in the metallurgical field: laser surface cladding. The physicochemical characterization of the coatings has been carried out by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The biologic properties of the coatings have been assessed in vitro with human osteoblast-like MG-63 cells. The overall results of this study affirm that the Nd:YAG laser cladding technique is a promising method in the biomedical field. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Optimizing atrioventricular and interventricular intervals following cardiac resynchronization therapy.
The number of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device implantations has been increasing exponentially, with the implant rate doubling over the past few years. While the majority of CRT recipients enjoy symptomatic relief, approximately 30% of individuals reap no benefit and only a minority are rendered completely symptom free. In response, many clinicians engage in the theoretically advantageous process of postimplantation optimization of atrial and ventricular stimulation by altering atrioventricular and interventricular pacing intervals. However, the rationale for routine CRT optimization and the methods of doing so have been the subjects of recent debate. Here, we present an overview of the background, techniques and evidence for CRT optimization. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
High-level secretion of a recombinant protein to the culture medium with a Bacillus subtilis twin-arginine translocation system in Escherichia coli.
The twin-arginine translocation (Tat) system transports folded proteins across the plasma membrane in bacteria, and heterologous proteins can be exported by this pathway if a Tat-type signal peptide is present at the N-terminus. The system thus has potential for biopharmaceutical production in Escherichia coli, where export to the periplasm is often a favoured approach. Previous studies have shown that E. coli cells can export high levels of protein by the Tat pathway, and the protein product accummulates almost exclusively in the periplasm. In this study, we analysed E. coli cells that express the Bacillus subtilis TatAdCd system in place of the native TatABC system. We show that a heterologous model protein, comprising the TorA signal peptide linked to green fluorescent protein (TorA-GFP), is efficiently exported by the TatAdCd system. However, whereas the GFP is exported initially to the periplasm during batch fermentation, the mature protein is increasingly found in the extracellular culture medium. By the end of a 16-h fermentation, ~ 90% of exported GFP is present in the medium as active mature protein. The total protein profiles of the medium and periplasm are essentially identical, confirming that the outer membrane becomes leaky during the fermentation process. The cells are otherwise intact, and there is no large-scale release of cytoplasmic contents. Export levels are relatively high, with ~ 0.35 g GFP·L⁻¹ culture present in the medium. This system thus offers a means of producing recombinant protein in E. coli and harvesting directly from the medium, with potential advantages in terms of ease of purification and downstream processing. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Induction of expression of interferon-stimulated gene factor-3 (ISGF-3) proteins by interferons.
Interferon-stimulated gene factor-3 (ISGF-3) is a multiprotein (113, 91, 84, and 48 kDa) transcriptional factor which regulates the expression of a specific set of genes, the interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes. In the studies presented here, we investigated the induction of synthesis of proteins of the ISGF-3 complex by IFNs. We report that both IFN-alpha and IFN-gamma induce a 3- to 5-fold increased expression of p91, p84, and p113 and their phosphotyrosine contents in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The IFN-mediated induction in the levels of p91 correlated well with the increased expression of steady-state levels of p91 mRNA by IFNs. Increased levels of p91 and p84 became detectable after 6 and 4 h treatment with IFN-alpha and IFN-gamma, respectively, and reached a maximum 5.2-fold at 18 h by IFN-alpha and 4-fold at 15 h by IFN-gamma. The levels of p113 were induced up to 3-fold at 15 h by IFN-alpha or IFN-gamma. The induction of ISGF-3 proteins by IFNs was accompanied by an increase in the accumulation of p91, p84, and p113 in the nucleus. The observed induction of increased expression of ISGF-3 proteins does not require continuous presence of IFNs, as removal of IFNs after 6 h of minimal treatment still resulted in a significant increase (2- to 4-fold) in the levels of expression of p91, p84, and p113 over an additional period of 12 h in culture, and induced proteins remained phosphorylated on tyrosine. The IFN-mediated increase in the synthesis of ISGF-3 proteins was blocked by Actinomycin D. Extension of these investigations to other human and mouse responsive cells, Daudi, Hela, and NIH3T3, also demonstrated significant increase in the levels of p91, p84, and p113 by interferons. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Neonatal applications of neuroendoscopy.
Neuroendoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that has revolutionized the management of multiple intracranial conditions. Neuroendoscopic techniques can be safely applied to the newborn in selected circumstances, but the indications, surgical technique, and the potential pitfalls and complications must be completely understood to ensure a successful outcome in these fragile patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Isolation and epitope characterization of human monoclonal antibodies to hepatitis C virus core antigen.
In this study we describe the establishment of two hybridoma cell lines secreting human monoclonal antibodies to the 22-kD nucleocapsid protein (core, p22) of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). For this purpose we isolated B lymphocytes from an anti-HCV positive blood donor and infected them with Epstein-Barr (EBV). We obtained several lymphoblastoid cell clones secreting antibodies to the recombinant HCV core protein. The B-cell cultures were oligoclonally expanded and two of them were fused with the (mouse:human) heteromyeloma cell line K6H6/B5. The resulting stable hybridomas produce antibodies of the IgG1/kappa (U1/F10) and the IgM/kappa (Ul/F11) isotype reacting specifically with the recombinant core protein p22. To identify the epitopes recognized by these antibodies we synthesized overlapping peptides (13-mer and 6-mer) from the amino terminus of the core amino acid sequence. Antibody reactivity to these peptides was analyzed in an immunoblot assay. Finally, we were able to define a linear epitope recognized by the Ul/F10 antibody on the nucleocapsid protein. The antibody shows specificity to the sequence N-VYLLPR-C, which corresponds to the amino acids 34-39 of the core sequence. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Case Presentation: Creation and Utilization of a Novel Field Improvised Autologous Transfusion System in a Combat Casualty.
This case report describes the technical aspects in first use of a novel field improvised autologous transfusion (FIAT) system. It highlights a potential solution for specific trauma patients during advanced resuscitative care (ARC) and prolonged field care (PFC) scenarios where other blood products are not available. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Detoxifying response in juvenile tench fed by selenium diet.
The effects of a selenium (Se) diet (1.0 mg Se kg⁻¹) were investigated on growth, accumulation and antioxidant response in juvenile Tinca tinca at three endpoints (0, 4 and 8 weeks). Growth and condition factor (K>1.5) for both control (0.25 mg Se kg⁻¹) and Se tench were not significantly affected. Se exposed fish exhibited the highest Se level in the kidney and the liver after 4 weeks. By feeding more Se the accumulation capacity of tench did not increase and a plateau, mainly for the liver, was thus reached. Se level remained almost constant in the muscle if compared to own control and for each endpoint. Superoxide dismutase activity in both tissues was not affected by Se supplementation and the higher catalase level in the kidney might support the hypothesis that the enzyme was adequate to remove the hydrogen peroxide production following Se exposure. However, supplemented diet with higher Se level could be critical for tench, as it may cause a lowering of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities facilitating the onset of oxidative damage. The enhancement of thiol level and glutathione S-transferase activity, mainly in the liver, could be the signals of the only protection against the oxidative damage induced by Se. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Laser endarterectomy: a comparison of thrombotic potential following CO2 laser vs surgical endarterectomy.
Although laser endarterectomy has recently been suggested as useful in the treatment of arteriosclerotic obstructions, the "in vivo" clotting effects have not been well delineated. In this study, the common carotid and femoral arteries of ten mongrel dogs were exposed, and alternating 1 cm segments of each artery were treated with surgical endarterectomy and low-powered CO2 laser endarterectomy. Segments were then harvested, and subjected to histologic examination and vascular prostacyclin synthesis determinations, as measured by 6-keto PFG1a radioimmunoassay. Gross examination and light and scanning electron microscopy showed increased platelet aggregation and more extensive damaging of the underlying media of the laser compared to the surgical segments. Six-keto PFG1a levels were significantly lower (p = 0.001) in the laser compared to surgical sites (mean 232 +/- 72 pg/mg vs 515 +/- 144 pg/mg), or controls (895 +/- 337 pg/mg). These findings suggest that laser endothelial evaporation leads to increased thrombotic potential in the early post-operative period in comparison to surgical endarterectomy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Synthetic dialysis shunts: thrombolysis with the Cragg thrombolytic brush catheter.
To evaluate the effectiveness of the Cragg thrombolytic brush catheter for declotting of synthetic arteriovenous dialysis shunts. In this randomized controlled trial, 77 patients with synthetic forearm loop shunts that were thrombosed were randomly assigned to undergo pharmacomechanical thrombolysis with a pulsed spray (n = 34) or a thrombolytic brush catheter (n = 43). The following findings were evaluated: declotting time, urokinase dose, procedure time, complications, and shunt patency at the first dialysis session and at 3 months. All data were collected prospectively in an unblinded manner. The total amount of urokinase used, including secondary interventions, was 243,657 IU with the catheter versus 476,563 IU with the pulsed spray (P = .001). At 15 minutes, clot lysis was successful in 66% of the patients with the catheter versus in 19% with the pulsed spray (P = .001). At 30 minutes, clot lysis was successful in 98% with the catheter versus 47% with the pulsed spray (P = .001). Procedure complication rates and patency at 3 months were similar for the catheter and the pulsed-spray groups. Use of the Cragg catheter with urokinase offered faster and more complete clot lysis than did use of the pulsed spray with urokinase. The amount of urokinase used with the catheter was half that used with the pulsed spray. Shunt patency at 3 months was similar for the two treatment methods. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Low rectal volumes in patients suffering from fecal incontinence: what does it mean?
Rectal perception and adaptation to distension are widely heterogeneous in subjects with faecal incontinence. To quantify rectal physiology in patients with incontinence and low maximum rectal volume, according to AGA guidelines on anorectal testing techniques. 148 patients (12 men, 136 female) with incontinence to liquid and/or solid stools were investigated. Distending isobaric procedures were carried out using an electronic barostat in order to analyse perception and adaptation of the rectum. Pain during isovolumic rectal distension at a level of 100 mL or less was experienced in 21 subjects (14.2%). As defined by isobaric distensions, incontinent patients with low MTV had more frequently a hypocompliant rectum (62%) when compared with those with higher MTV (31%, P = 0.046). Perception scores tended to be higher at each step of distending rectal pressure: incontinent patients with low MTV had more frequently a hypersensitive rectum (48%) when compared with those with normal or high MTV (24%, P = 0.035). Only four of 21 incontinent subjects with low MTV had an isolated hypersensitive rectum. Both sensitivity and compliance are altered in patients with low MTV. A more extensive study of the role of sensory and compliance aspects of subjects with incontinence is warranted. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist telmisartan on monocyte adhesion and activation in patients with essential hypertension.
Circulating monocytes from hypertensive patients show elevated secretion patterns of pro-inflammatory cytokines, an increased expression of adhesion molecules, and an increased adhesion to vascular endothelial cells. We tested the hypothesis that telmisartan, an angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor antagonist, reduces the activation of circulating monocytes from hypertensive patients and diminishes the monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion. Monocytes of 20 hypertensive patients and 20 normotensive controls were isolated by density gradient centrifugation and Dynabeads, and the monocyte adhesion to human aortic endothelial cell monolayers was measured by adhesion assays. To characterize monocyte activation we assessed the expression of activity-related cell surface markers that are also involved in monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells, such as CD11a/b and CD54, as well as the chemokine receptors CCR1, CCR2 and CCR5 before and after telmisartan therapy using flow cytometry. Spontaneous adhesion of monocytes from hypertensive patients and the adhesion after stimulation with angiotensin II were significantly increased compared with those in normotensive controls (p<0.05). Treatment of hypertensive patients with the AT(1) receptor antagonist telmisartan significantly diminished the adhesion of circulating monocytes to human endothelial cells (p=0.02) despite the increase in the expressions of CD11b, CD54 and CCR5 after telmisartan therapy. Reducing monocyte adhesion may be a novel beneficial effect of the AT(1) receptor antagonist telmisartan helping to prevent vascular alterations in hypertension. The mechanism of action remains to be elucidated, since reduction in monocyte adhesion was not attributable to changes in adhesion molecule expression. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The changing epidemiology of neural tube defects. United States, 1968-1989.
To describe the recent trends and epidemiologic characteristics of neural tube defects in the United States. Ongoing surveillance data. Two birth defect surveillance systems: the nationwide Birth Defects Monitoring Program and the Metropolitan Atlanta (Ga) Congenital Defects Program for 1970 through 1989 and 1968 through 1989, respectively. Between 1970 and 1989, using discharge diagnoses of approximately 1 million live-born and stillborn infants per year, the Birth Defects Monitoring Program identified 15,503 cases of spina bifida and anencephaly. Between 1968 and 1989, using discharge diagnoses and clinical records until age 1 year of 38,000 infants per year, the Metropolitan Atlanta Congenital Defects Program identified 800 cases of spina bifida and anencephaly. None. Nationwide, neural tube defect rates have declined from 1.3 per 1000 births in 1970 to 0.6 per 1000 births in 1989. In Atlanta, neural tube defect rates have declined from 2.0 per 1000 births in 1968 to 0.6 per 1000 births in 1989. Several changes in the epidemiologic characteristics of neural tube defects were observed: (1) the proportion of spina bifida cases has increased; (2) the proportion of neural tube defect cases compared with the proportion of other unrelated defects has increased; (3) the race ratio of whites to other races for isolated neural tube defect cases has declined in Atlanta; and (4) the rate of isolated neural tube defects in females has also decreased. The declining rates of neural tube defects can be partially explained by increased widespread prenatal diagnostic techniques, strongly suggesting the role of environmental factors in neural tube defects. In particular, the use of multivitamins and folic acid to prevent the occurrence of neural tube defects needs further evaluation. Nevertheless, the changing clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of cases over time points to the etiologic heterogeneity of these conditions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Relationships between objective and perceived housing in very old age.
Our purpose in this study was to explore relationships between aspects of objective and perceived housing in five European samples of very old adults, as well as to investigate whether cross-national comparable patterns exist. We utilized data from the first wave of the ENABLE-AGE Survey Study. The five national samples totalled 1,918 individuals aged 75 to 89 years. Objective assessments of the home environment covered the number of environmental barriers as well as the magnitude of accessibility problems (an aspect of person-environment fit). To assess perceptions of housing, we used instruments on usability, meaning of home, and housing satisfaction. We also assessed housing-related control. Overall, the results revealed that the magnitude of accessibility problems, rather than the number of physical environmental barriers, was associated with perceptions of activity-oriented aspects of housing. That is, very old people living in more accessible housing perceived their homes as more useful and meaningful in relation to their routines and everyday activities, and they were less dependent on external control in relation to their housing. The patterns of such relationships were similar in the five national samples. Objective and perceived aspects of housing have to be considered in order to understand the dynamics of aging in place, and the results can be used in practice contexts that target housing for senior citizens. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A retrospective view of concussion in American football, 1900-1959: What was suggested then we now know.
While published work and media attention about football-related concussion in the USA have increased exponentially in the past few years, these injuries have in fact been written about for over a century. In this work, we undertook a selective review of the PubMed database of the published reports on concussion in football prior to 1960, with attention to the definitions used, physician attitudes, epidemiology, return to play criteria and recommendations and concerns related to long-term outcomes. Search inclusion criteria were English language, publication between the years 1900 and 1959 and studies written by healthcare professionals treating football-related injuries. Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria for this review, and the findings are grouped by topic area and detailed chronologically. Early sports medicine physicians struggled with many of the same issues faced today by clinicians such as honest reporting of symptoms by athletes, lack of uniform diagnosis and treatment and ambiguity over maximum 'safe' number of lifetime concussions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Development of mussel mRNA profiling: Can gene expression trends reveal coastal water pollution?
Marine bivalves of the genus Mytilus are intertidal filter-feeders commonly used as biosensors of coastal pollution. Mussels adjust their functions to ordinary environmental changes, e.g. temperature fluctuations and emersion-related hypoxia, and react to various contaminants, accumulated from the surrounding water and defining a potential health risk for sea-food consumers. Despite the increasing use of mussels in environmental monitoring, their genome and gene functions are largely unexplored. Hence, we started the systematic identification of expressed sequence tags and prepared a cDNA microarray of Mytilus galloprovincialis including 1714 mussel probes (76% singletons, approximately 50% putatively identified transcripts) plus unrelated controls. To assess the potential use of the gene set represented in MytArray 1.0, we tested different tissues and groups of mussels. The resulting data highlighted the transcriptional specificity of the mussel tissues. Further testing of the most responsive digestive gland allowed correct classification of mussels treated with mixtures of heavy metals or organic contaminants (expression changes of specific genes discriminated the two pollutant cocktails). Similar analyses made a distinction possible between mussels living in the Venice lagoon (Italy) at the petrochemical district and mussels close to the open sea. The suggestive presence of gene markers tracing organic contaminants more than heavy metals in mussels from the industrial district is consistent with reported trends of chemical contamination. Further study is necessary in order to understand how much gene expression profiles can disclose the signatures of pollutants in mussel cells and tissues. Nevertheless, the gene expression patterns described in this paper support a wider characterization of the mussel transcriptome and point to the development of novel environmental metrics. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of the long term cardiac effects associated with 9 and 52 weeks of trastuzumab in HER2-positive early breast cancer.
Trastuzumab induced cardiotoxicity (TIC) was defined as the most serious side effect. Long term cardiac effects of trastuzumab are still not known, thus we aimed to compare the long term cardiac effects of adjuvant trastuzumab therapies of HER2-positive breast cancer according to the treatment duration. Patients who completed adjuvant trastuzumab treatment at least 6 months before for the adjuvant setting in HER2-positive breast cancer were included in the study. A total of 164 patients were included in this study: 108 and 56 patients were treated with 9 weeks and 52 weeks of trastuzumab, respectively. The main limitation of our study is that due to the cross-sectional evaluation of cardiac biomarkers we cannot predict the status of baseline cardiac biomarkers of this population. The median follow-up of the study was 32 (10-95) months. The accompanying chronic diseases were similar in both groups. Baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 65.5 ± 3.4% vs 67.1 ± 4.5% in the 9 weeks and 52 weeks trastuzumab treatment groups, respectively (p = 0.13). Symptomatic heart failure was not observed during trastuzumab treatment in either group. Trastuzumab induced cardiotoxicity (TIC) was observed in 2 (1.9%) and 17 (30.3%) patients in the 9 and 52 weeks trastuzumab treatment groups, respectively (p < 0.001). After a median 24 months of follow-up from the last dose of trastuzumab, mean LVEF values were similar between the two treatment arms (p = 0.29). In the subgroup analyses, mean LVEF values were significantly lower in patients who developed TIC compared to those who did not develop TIC (61.9 ± 3.6% vs 64.4 ± 2.6%, p = 0.04). Average mean LVEF loss from baseline was significantly higher in patients who developed TIC compared to those who did not develop TIC (10.0 ± 6.0% vs 1.5 ± 6.2%, p < 0.001). Cardiac biomarkers were similar in both treatment groups. In the subgroup analyses serum High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) levels were significantly higher in patients who developed TIC compared to those who did not develop TIC. TIC was observed to be significantly higher in the 52 weeks trastuzumab group. At the end of 32 months of follow-up mean LVEF values and cardiac biomarkers were similar between the two treatment groups. In the subgroup analyses, significant LVEF loss and higher cardiac biomarkers which show cardiac damage in patients who developed TIC can be permanent in some of the patients and long term cardiac damage may be underestimated. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Prefrontal cortex mediated control of expectations in placebo analgesia].
Expectations and beliefs modulate the experience of pain, which is particularly evident in placebo analgesia. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has been associated with pain regulation and with the generation, maintenance and manipulation of cognitive representations. In a heat-pain paradigm, we employed non-invasive low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to transiently disrupt left and right DLPFC function or used the TMS device itself as a placebo, before applying an expectation-induced placebo analgesia. The results demonstrated that placebo significantly increased pain threshold and pain tolerance. While rTMS did not affect pain experience, it completely blocked placebo analgesia. These findings suggest that expectation-induced placebo analgesia is mediated by symmetric prefrontal cortex function. Possible implications for medical practice and clinical trial research will be discussed in the article. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Operation timing does not affect outcome after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
Human factors such as fatigue, circadian rhythms, scheduling, and staffing may have an impact on patient care over the course of a day across all medical specialties. Research by the transportation industry concludes that human performance is degraded by shift work, circadian rhythm disturbances, and prolonged duty. This study investigated whether the timing of coronary artery bypass graft surgery affects outcomes. The outcomes of coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients were analyzed according to the hour of the day, day of the workweek, month, and moon phase in which the surgery started. All patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery between January 1, 1993 and July 1, 2006 were considered for the study.The primary outcome measurement was a compound morbidity outcome of six variables defined by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. These outcomes included (1) in-hospital death, (2) acute postoperative myocardial infarction, (3) neurologic morbidity, including focal or global neurologic deficits or death without awakening, (4) serious infection morbidity consisting of sepsis syndrome or septic shock, (5) new-onset renal failure requiring dialysis, and (6) postoperative ventilatory support exceeding 72 h. The composite morbidity and in-hospital mortality rates were 4.8% and 1.4%, respectively. The number of cases each weekday, each month of the year, and during each phase of the moon were consistent. None of the time factors significantly affected the composite morbidity outcome. Elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery can be scheduled throughout the workday, any day of the work week and in any month of the year without compromising outcome. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Differences in the photogenotoxic potential of two fluoroquinolones as shown in diploid yeast strain (Saccharomyces cerevisae) and supercoiled plasmid DNA.
Fluoroquinolones are antibiotics with a potential clinical side effect of phototoxicity and some are suspected to enhance UVA-induced tumorigenesis. The present study was designed to evaluate the recombinogenic and mutagenic potential of two highly photoreactive compounds, lomefloxacin and BAYy3118 when exposed to complete UVA (320-400 nm). In order to possibly increase the sensitivity of the test, we used a diploid mutant (D7-rad3) deficient in nucleotide excision repair and deriving from the tester strain D7 of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisae. In agreement with previous reports, lomefloxacin had no effect in this system. Moreover, BAYy3118 was highly photocytotoxic and genotoxic especially when yeast cells were incubated in its presence in the dark before exposure to UVA radiation. Both fluoroquinolones were comparable in their ability to photo-induce DNA strand breaks or oxidative damage to purines and pyrimidines in supercoiled plasmid DNA, but agarose gel electrophoresis showed that BAYy3118 photoproducts could tightly interact with supercoiled plasmid DNA while lomefloxacin ones only induced strand breaks. These data suggest that phototoxicity of BAYy3118 was the result of a multistep mechanism: first, local photo oxidative stress is induced and secondly some of the photoproducts exerted genotoxic effects. This work also shows that very simple and complementary in vitro approaches can be very informative in the understanding of drug-induced phototoxicity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Antisense-mediated down-regulation of the human huntingtin gene.
The present study determines whether the expression of the huntingtin gene might be subject to antisense (AS)-mediated down-regulation. A series of AS oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) complementary to the huntingtin transcript [i.e., nucleotide (nt) -25 to 35] were designed and synthesized, and the AS efficacy was investigated by using a combination of in vitro transcription and translation to mimic in vivo conditions. An oligomer directed to nt -1 to 15 (ODN III) markedly reduced the incorporation of [(3)H]leucine into the huntingtin gene product in a dose-dependent manner (ED(50) of approximately 11.5 microM). ODNs that overlap with ODN III on both 5'- and 3'-flanking regions also produced translation arrest of the huntingtin protein; however, the AS-mediated effect of these ODNs represented approximately 50% of the effect of ODN III. In contrast, an ODN directed to nt 19 to 35 had no AS effect. The efficacy of ODN III also was investigated in an inducible, stably transfected PC-12 cell line expressing a truncated huntingtin exon 1 protein. In accordance with the cell free translation studies, ODN III (1-10 microM) markedly decreased the abundance of the huntingtin-green fluorescence fusion protein to 40 to 46% of the control levels. In summary, a series of putative AS candidates were screened for down-regulation of the huntingtin gene, and an ODN molecule directed to the methionine initiation codon was identified with maximum AS effects. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[A rare case of a long-term patent axillobipopliteal bypass--a case report].
One of the options for the treatment of vascular graft infection in the aortoiliofemoral region is its explantation and extra-anatomical reconstruction. The authors present a rare case of a long-term patent axillobipopliteal bypass. A polymorbid patient with complete infection of the aortobifemoral prosthetic graft, with abscess in the groin and bilateral occlusion of the superficial femoral artery was treated by complete graft explantation and implantation of extra-anatomical axillobipopliteal bypass. The occlusion of the distal part of the left limb of the graft after 6 years was successfully solved by reoperation replacement with a new vascular prosthesis. The advantage of the extra-anatomical axillo(bi)femoral/popliteal reconstruction is its usability in urgent conditions. However, this reconstruction is associated with a high risk of graft thrombosis because of the length of the graft. Currently, we prefer an autogenous femoral vein for the treatment of the graft infection in the aortoiliofemoral region. Although the long-term results of the axillo(bi)femoral/popliteal reconstructions are generally not favourable, the secondary patency of the extra-anatomical bypass in presented patient is maintained for more than 6 years. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Active movement of synthetic myosin filaments observed by dark-field light microscopy.
Long bipolar filaments synthesized from rabbit skeletal myosin have been visualized directly under a dark-field light microscope. It was also possible to observe movements of single myosin filaments in the presence of F-actin, which was invisible. When the two kinds of filaments were mixed (final concentrations: 17 micrograms/ml myosin and 0.6 mg/ml actin) in a medium containing 0.13 M KCl, 3 mM MgCl2, and 1 mM ATP, myosin filaments did not aggregate for a long period of time but were distributed separately in the field of microscope. Under these conditions, myosin filaments intermittently moved along their length in a bidirectional manner with a maximum instantaneous velocity of 5 micron/s. Individual filaments alternated, at random, between motile and nonmotile periods of time, with the motile fraction of filaments at any moment being roughly 10%. The in vitro movement of myosin filaments may be caused by their active sliding relative to F-actin in the background. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Microvascular free tissue transfer for gene delivery: in vivo evaluation of different routes of plasmid and adenoviral delivery.
Transfer of healthy autologous tissue as a microvascular free flap facilitates reconstruction during ablative cancer surgery. In addition to filling surgical defects, free flaps might concentrate viral vectors at the tumour bed and mediate local therapeutic effects. We evaluated the magnitude, topography and duration of luciferase gene expression after plasmid and adenoviral delivery in rat superficial inferior epigastric (SIE) flaps. For plasmid delivery, luciferase expression was significantly increased by all transduction routes (topical, intraflap injection, intravascular) (P<0.01) at day 1, but not at day 7. The spread of luciferase expression was significantly different between the 4 groups at 1 day (P=0.026) and was greatest for flaps transduced by intravascular injection. For adenoviral transduction, total radiance was significantly different between the transduced groups at 1, 14 and 28 days (P<0.05 for all comparisons). The highest levels of radiance were seen in the intravascular group. There was a statistically significant difference in the spread of light emission between the 3 groups at 1 (P=0.009) and 14 (P=0.013) days, but this was no longer evident at 28 days. Intravascular adenoviral delivery yields high-level, diffuse and durable gene expression in rat SIE flaps and is suitable for examination in therapeutic models. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Radiomic features of glucose metabolism enable prediction of outcome in mantle cell lymphoma.
To determine whether [18F]FDG PET/CT-derived radiomic features alone or in combination with clinical, laboratory and biological parameters are predictive of 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and whether they enable outcome prognostication. Included in this retrospective study were 107 treatment-naive MCL patients scheduled to receive CD20 antibody-based immuno(chemo)therapy. Standardized uptake values (SUV), total lesion glycolysis, and 16 co-occurrence matrix radiomic features were extracted from metabolic tumour volumes on pretherapy [18F]FDG PET/CT scans. A multilayer perceptron neural network in combination with logistic regression analyses for feature selection was used for prediction of 2-year PFS. International prognostic indices for MCL (MIPI and MIPI-b) were calculated and combined with the radiomic data. Kaplan-Meier estimates with log-rank tests were used for PFS prognostication. SUVmean (OR 1.272, P = 0.013) and Entropy (heterogeneity of glucose metabolism; OR 1.131, P = 0.027) were significantly predictive of 2-year PFS: median areas under the curve were 0.72 based on the two radiomic features alone, and 0.82 with the addition of clinical/laboratory/biological data. Higher SUVmean in combination with higher Entropy (SUVmean >3.55 and entropy >3.5), reflecting high "metabolic risk", was associated with a poorer prognosis (median PFS 20.3 vs. 39.4 months, HR 2.285, P = 0.005). The best PFS prognostication was achieved using the MIPI-bm (MIPI-b and metabolic risk combined): median PFS 43.2, 38.2 and 20.3 months in the low-risk, intermediate-risk and high-risk groups respectively (P = 0.005). In MCL, the [18F]FDG PET/CT-derived radiomic features SUVmean and Entropy may improve prediction of 2-year PFS and PFS prognostication. The best results may be achieved using a combination of metabolic, clinical, laboratory and biological parameters. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Genetic and hormonal regulation of tryptophan kynurenine metabolism: implications for vascular cognitive impairment, major depressive disorder, and aging.
Impairment of cognition that is caused by (or associated with) vascular factors has been termed vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). The hallmark of VCI is an impairment of brain executive, or planning, functions caused by inflammatory changes of brain microvessels. VCI is characterized by impairment of the executive function and is distinct from Alzheimer's-type and multi-infarct dementias, although VCI might overlap with Alzheimer's disease. This review focuses on the possible contribution of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan (Try) catabolism to the inflammatory changes in brain microvessels. One mechanism of brain microvessel inflammation is activation of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by the proinflammatory cytokine interferon gamma (IFN-gamma). The effect of IFN-gamma on iNOS might be mediated by kynurenine derivatives of tryptophan because (1) IFN-gamma stimulates the rate-determining enzyme of the Try-kynurenine pathway, indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and (2) some kynurenines (e.g., quinolinic and picolinic acids) can stimulate iNOS. IFN-gamma production is controlled by (IFN-gamma) + 874(T/A) genotypes, suggesting the association of a high promoter T allele with the high rate of IFN-gamma production and, consequently, with activated IDO and enhanced production of kynurenines. Although IDO is strictly an IFN-gamma-induced gene product, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) can synergistically increase the transcriptional activation of the IDO gene in response to IFN-gamma. The combination of high promoter T of (IFN-gamma) + 874(T/A) with high promoter A of (TNF-alpha) -308(G/A) might "superinduce" IDO and cause (or contribute to) inflammation of brain microvessels detected as white matter hyperintensities and leading to VCI development. Hormonal induction of tryptophan dioxygenase and the ability of hormones to potentiate IFN-gamma-induced activation of IDO might contribute to the development of inflammatory changes in major depressive disorder and in aging. The IFN-gamma-IDO-iNOS hypothesis of VCI suggests new ways of preventing (identifying population at risk by analysis of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha genetic polymorphism) and treating VCI (using IDO inhibitors and melatonin and bupropion [Wellbutrin] as agents suppressing IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha production). | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Recent developments in working memory.
Research on the visual and verbal subsystems of working memory has shown vigorous development, with PET, fMRI and behavioral data all supporting separate systems, with further fractionation being likely. Analysis of executive processes is revealing a range of subprocesses, providing a very fruitful field for the interaction of cognitive psychology, neuropsychology and functional imaging. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Pulmonary embolism after placement of an Esmarch bandage for ankle surgery].
We report the case of a woman scheduled for surgical fixation of an ankle fracture who developed a pulmonary embolism during application of an Esmarch compression bandage for exsanguination of the limb. Tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation were needed to reanimate the patient and surgery had to be postponed 15 days. Orthopedic surgery, pneumatic tourniquets for providing a bloodless field and other risk factors contribute to the development of pulmonary embolism, which is often fatal. Accurate diagnosis by plasma D-dimer determination and imaging (perfusion scintigraphy, vascular Doppler ultrasound, echocardiography and pulmonary angiography) is discussed, along with therapeutic approaches to consider when managing pulmonary embolism. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Elemental composition of pyroantimonate precipitates analysed by electron spectroscopic imaging (ESI) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) in vitellogenic ovarian follicles of Drosophila.
Ca2+ was precipitated with potassium antimonate in vitellogenic follicles of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the distribution of the precipitates formed was studied by electron microscopy. The microvilli of the oolemma in mid- and late vitellogenic follicles were lined with precipitates. The chemical composition of the precipitates was analysed by electron spectroscopic imaging (ESI). The images produced by inelastically scattered electrons at specific ionization edges were compared, and the non-specific background signals were subtracted by an image processing system. The presence of Ca2+, antimony and oxygen in the precipitates formed could be demonstrated. The elemental composition of the precipitates and of yolk spheres was also analysed by electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). With respect to the precipitates, signals at the calcium L2,3-edge, the oxygen K-edge and the antimony M4,5-edge were recorded without deconvolution and background subtraction. The yolk spheres, which were free of precipitates, gave the characteristic signal of the nitrogen K-edge. The applied techniques combine good ultrastructural resolution with the possibility of analysing the elemental composition of histochemical reaction products and cellular structures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Cloning and functional expression of a ClC Cl- channel from the renal cell line A6.
Cl- channels are important for ion transport and cell volume regulation in A6 renal cells. In the present study, we used reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) to identify proteins homologous to ClC Cl- channel proteins in A6 cells. Using degenerate primers designed on consensus sequences for members of the ClC family, we amplified an RT-PCR product that had significant homology to the ClC sequences. RACE-PCR was then used to isolate several full-length clones that had total lengths from 2,764 to 3,016 base pairs. Although the coding regions were identical, sequence differences occurred in the 5' noncoding regions. The amino acid sequences of the clones had high homologies to rat and human ClC-5 (85 and 84%, respectively, if the 5th methionine of the open reading frame represents the start codon). Three parts of the protein (53, 80, and 63 amino acids in length) were 97-100% homologous to the mammalian sequences. Ribonuclease protection assay analysis revealed mRNA for this protein in oocytes, kidney, intestine, liver, brain, and blood, with lower amounts in stomach, muscle, and skin. Expression of the clones in Xenopus laevis oocytes resulted in an outwardly rectifying Cl- current that was inhibited by 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid and possessed an anion selectivity of I- > Cl- >> gluconate. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Maturation of visual acuity is accelerated in breast-fed term infants fed baby food containing DHA-enriched egg yolk.
Between 6 and 12 mo of age, blood levels of the (n-3) long-chain PUFA, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in breast-fed infants typically decrease due to diminished maternal DHA stores and the introduction of DHA-poor solid foods displacing human milk as the primary source of nutrition. Thus, we utilized a randomized, clinical trial format to evaluate the effect of supplemental DHA in solid foods on visual development of breast-fed infants with the primary outcome, sweep visual-evoked potential (VEP) acuity, as an index for maturation of the retina and visual cortex. At 6 mo of age, breast-fed infants were randomly assigned to receive 1 jar (113 g)/d of baby food containing egg yolk enriched with DHA (115 mg DHA/100 g food; n = 25) or control baby food (0 mg DHA; n = 26). Gravimetric measures were used to estimate the supplemental DHA intake which was 83 mg DHA/d in the supplemented group and 0 mg/d in controls. Although many infants in both groups continued to breast-feed for a mean of 9 mo, RBC DHA levels decreased significantly between 6 and 12 mo (from 3.8 to 3.0 g/100 g total fatty acids) in control infants, whereas RBC DHA levels increased by 34% from 4.1 to 5.5 g/100 g by 12 mo in supplemented infants. VEP acuity at 6 mo was 0.49 logMAR (minimum angle of resolution) and improved to 0.29 logMAR by 12 mo in controls. In DHA-supplemented infants, VEP acuity was 0.48 logMAR at 6 mo and matured to 0.14 logMAR at 12 mo (1.5 lines on the eye chart better than controls). At 12 mo, the difference corresponded to 1.5 lines on the eye chart. RBC DHA levels and VEP acuity at 12 mo were correlated (r = -0.50; P = 0.0002), supporting the need of an adequate dietary supply of DHA throughout 1 y of life for neural development. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Differences in the composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities promoted by different propagule forms from a Mediterranean shrubland.
As it is well known, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization can be initiated from the following three types of fungal propagules: spores, extraradical mycelium (ERM), and mycorrhizal root fragments harboring intraradical fungal structures. It has been shown that biomass allocation of AM fungi (AMF) among these three propagule types varies between fungal taxa, as also differs the ability of the different AMF propagule fractions to initiate new colonizations. In this study, the composition of the AMF community in the roots of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L., a characteristic Mediterranean shrub), inoculated with the three different propagule types, was analyzed. Accordingly, cuttings from this species were inoculated with either AMF spores, ERM, or colonized roots extracted from a natural soil. The AMF diversity within the rosemary roots was characterized using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) of the small subunit (SSU) rDNA region. The AMF community established in the rosemary plants was significantly different according to the type of propagule used as inoculum. AMF taxa differed in their ability to initiate new colonizations from each propagule type. Results suggest different colonization strategies for the different AMF families involved, Glomeraceae and Claroideoglomeraceae colonizing mainly from colonized roots whereas Pacisporaceae and Diversisporaceae from spores and ERM. This supports that AMF taxa show contrasting life-history strategies in terms of their ability to initiate new colonizations from the different propagule types. Further research to fully understand the colonization and dispersal abilities of AMF is essential for their rational use in ecosystem restoration programs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Lower Self-Reported Quality of Life in HIV-Infected Patients on cART and With Low Comorbidity Compared With Healthy Controls.
Self-reported quality of life (QoL) has previously been found to be impaired in patients living with HIV and associated with viral replication, degree of immunodeficiency, and comorbidity. We aimed at investigating QoL in a group of HIV-infected patients with suppressed viral replication and with low comorbidity, compared with healthy controls. We furthermore aimed to identify factors associated with QoL. Cross-sectional study of 52 HIV-infected patients and 23 healthy controls matched on age, gender, education, and comorbidity. HIV-infected patients and healthy controls had previously been examined regarding cognitive, physical, metabolic, and immunological parameters. QoL was investigated using the Medical Outcomes Study HIV Health Survey (MOS-HIV). Linear multiple regression models were created to find factors associated with mental health summary score (MHS) and physical health summary score (PHS). HIV-infected patients reported lower QoL compared with controls. In HIV-infected patients, female gender and depression score were associated with lower MHS. In controls, years of education, depression score, and cognitive test performance were associated with lower MHS. In HIV-infected patients, years of education, depression score, and body mass index were associated with lower PHS, whereas in controls, years of education and fitness level were associated with PHS. Even well-treated HIV-infected patients with low level of comorbidity reported lower QoL compared with healthy controls. Especially, depression score and body mass index were associated with QoL in HIV-infected patients. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy : Part 2: Surgical technique].
Thyroid surgery is one of the newest fields for application of video-assisted surgery. The majority of approaches must choose between optimizing cosmetic results by hiding scars in the chest and axillary region while maximizing tissue dissection and post-operative pain versus having a visible cervical scar with minimal tissue dissection. In an effort to minimize surgical trauma and to achieve an optimal cosmetic result we investigated the transoral approach to the thyroid. In three cadavers the safety and reproducibility to access and resect the thyroid gland were assessed according to a defined road map. The surgical procedure itself was performed on two further cadavers with the help of one 5 mm trocar and two 3 mm trocars which were introduced bilaterally through the floor of mouth and the oral vestibule. A subplatysmal working space was created by blunt dissection and CO(2) insufflation to a pressure of 4-6 mmHg. Division of the median raphe of the neck muscles was followed by exposure of the thyroid gland. In the next step the isthmus was transected, the upper pole arteries dissected and divided and the medial thyroid vein cut close to the gland. Thyroid resection was performed from cranial to caudal and the specimen was removed transorally through the 5 mm midline incision. Description of landmarks of the surgical steps and dissection of defined anatomic structures could be achieved. Unilateral subtotal thyroid resection could be successfully performed without any additional skin incisions in 59 min. Postoperatively performed anatomical dissection showed intact surrounding structures. Our results demonstrate the feasibility and safety of a transoral access for thyroidectomy. In comparison to other minimally invasive thyroidectomy access procedures, the transoral approach is minimally invasive and at the same time cosmetically optimal. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The sound of two hands clapping: an exploratory study.
Clapping is a little-studied human activity that may be viewed either as a form of communicative group behavior (applause) or as an individual sound-generating activity involving two "articulators"--the hands. The latter aspect was explored in this pilot study by means of acoustical analyses and perceptual experiments. Principal components analysis of 20 subjects' average clap spectra yielded several dimensions of interindividual variation that were related to observed hand configuration. This relationship emerged even more clearly in a similar analysis of a single clapper's deliberately varied productions. In perception experiments, subjects proved sensitive to spectral properties of claps: For a single clapper, at least, listeners were able to judge hand configuration with good accuracy. Besides providing some general information on individual variations in clapping, the present results support the general hypothesis that sound emanating from a natural source informs listeners about the changing states of the source mechanism. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Interaction of lysophosphatidylcholine with phosphatidylcholine bilayers. A photo-physical and NMR study.
Several photo-physical methods together with 31P-NMR have been used to investigate the effect of lysophosphatidylcholine on phosphatidylcholine bilayers. 31P-NMR shows that the permeability of the vesicle to Eu3+ increases sharply above approx. 40% lysophosphatidylcholine: fluorescence-quenching studies also show this type of behavior. Similar sharp changes in vesicle properties are observed via the photo-physical technique at this lysophosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylcholine composition. Fluorescence spectra of pyrene and pyrene carboxaldehyde show that increasing lysophosphatidylcholine composition increases the polarity of the environments of these probes up to 40% lysocompound. Above this composition the photo-physical properties of the probes slowly revert to those characteristic of the micellar lyso-compound. The pyrene fluorescence lifetime, the fine structure of the fluorescence, and the case of formation of pyrene excimer in these bilayer mixtures suggest that pyrene complexes weakly with the charged nitrogen of the choline group of the phosphatidylcholine and that the physical state of the system has a striking effect on this complexation process. Similar experiments with simple quaternary compounds lend strong support to this suggestion. The studies monitor in several ways the effect of bilayer composition on movement of molecules in these systems. The degree or site of solubilization of carcinogens is also uniquely affected by composition. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A new model of Social Support in Bereavement (SSB): An empirical investigation with a Chinese sample.
Bereavement can be an extremely stressful experience while the protective effect of social support is expected to facilitate the adjustment after loss. The ingredients or elements of social support as illustrated by a new model of Social Support in Bereavement (SSB), however, requires empirical evidence. Who might be the most effective providers of social support in bereavement has also been understudied, particularly within specific cultural contexts. The present study uses both qualitative and quantitative analyses to explore these two important issues among bereaved Chinese families and individuals. The results show that three major types of social support described by the SSB model were frequently acknowledged by the participants in this study. Aside from relevant books, family and friends were the primary sources of social support who in turn received support from their workplaces. Helping professionals turned out to be the least significant source of social support in the Chinese cultural context. Differences by gender, age, and bereavement time were also found. The findings render empirical evidence to the conceptual model of Social Support in Bereavement and also offer culturally relevant guidance for providing effective support to the bereaved. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Representations of illness among the elderly in Mexico City].
To examine the principle sociocultural characteristics of the illness experience in a group of senior citizens diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis, a total of 50 subjects over 60 years old were selected to answer an open-ended questionnaire. Using intentional non-probabilistic sampling, 25% of the sample were randomly selected, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. All individuals in the study are covered by social security institutions and receive medical care at a clinic located in southeastern Mexico City. Explanations for antecedents, causes, symptoms, and treatment of the illness relate to the individual social context. Although these seniors provided folk explanations for the causes of their illnesses, they treat themselves with a combination of biomedical and herbal resources. The authors conclude that it is necessary to analyze how the elderly live with chronic illness in order to propose effective measures to improve their quality of life and provision of health care services. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Cardiovascular effects of lateral intracerebroventricular injection of L-securinine].
To investigate cardiovascular effects of changed GABAergic tonic activation in periventricular forebrain, arterial pressure (AP), heart rate (HR) and renal sympathetic nerve discharge (RSND) were recorded in anesthetized rats when L-securinine (L-Sec) was administered into the lateral intracerebroventricle. L-Sec elicited dose-dependent increases in RSND, AP and HR, which were much weaker than those of bicuculline. L-Sec antagonized the sympatho-inhibitory and depressor effects evoked by both muscimol and baclofen. These results indicate that GABAergic inhibition originating from periventricular forebrain may suppress tonically sympathetic outflow to cardiovascular system which is disinhibited by L-Sec, and L-Sec is likely an unselective GABA receptor antagonist. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Transient Activation of Reprogramming Transcription Factors Using Protein Transduction Facilitates Conversion of Human Fibroblasts Toward Cardiomyocyte-Like Cells.
Derivation of cardiomyocytes directly from patients' own fibroblasts could offer a new therapeutic approach for those with ischemic heart disease. An essential step toward clinical application is to establish safe conversion of human fibroblasts into a cardiac fate. Here we aimed to efficiently and safely generate cardiomyocytes from human fibroblasts by direct delivery of reprogramming recombinant cell permeant form of reprogramming proteins followed by cardio-inductive signals. Human fetal and adult fibroblasts were transiently exposed to transactivator of transcription-fused recombinant OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 and c-MYC for 2 weeks and then were directly differentiated toward protein-induced cardiomyocyte-like cells (p-iCLCs) in a cardiac fate niche, carried out by treatment with a set of cardiogenic small molecules (sequential treatment of Chir, and IWP-2, SB431542 and purmorphamine). The cells showed cardiac phenotype over a period of 3 weeks without first undergoing reprogramming into or through a pluripotent intermediate, shown by lack of expression of key pluripotency markers. p-iCLCs exhibited cardiac features at both the gene and protein levels. Our study provides an alternative method for the generation of p-iCLCs which shortcut reprogramming toward allogeneic cardiomyocytes in a safe and efficient manner and could facilitate generation of genetic material-free cardiomyocytes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The anti-inflammatory secoiridoid glycosides from gentianae scabrae radix: the root and rhizome of Gentiana scabra.
Gentianae Scabrae Radix is a well-known traditional medicine that is used for the treatment of hepatitis, cholecystitis and inflammatory diseases. It consists mainly of secoiridoid glycosides, with representatives of gentiopicroside, sweroside and swertiamarin. In the present study, a chemical investigation of the CHCl3 extract of Gentianae Scabrae Radix derived from Gentiana scabra Bunge yielded seven new (1-7) and ten known (8-17) secoiridoid glycosides. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses and comparison with literature data. All 17 compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects against NO, IL-6 and TNF-α productions induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264 cells. Among them, 8-epi-kingiside derivatives 1-3; kingiside derivatives 4, 5 and 10; and a sweroside derivative 6 showed inhibition activity against IL-6 production with IC50 values of 51.70-61.10 μM, whereas sweroside derivatives 12 and 15-17 and a swertiamarin derivative 13 showed inhibition effects on both NO and IL-6 productions with IC50 values of 64.74-94.95 and 48.91-75.45 μM, respectively. All the compounds exhibited weak inhibitory activity (IC50 > 100 μM) in a TNF-α bioassay. Finally, a primary structure-activity relationship of these secoiridoid glycosides is discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in infants by probiotics.
Probiotics administration has been claimed to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The investigators thus conducted a double blind, placebo controlled study of providing probiotics to infants and children with severe bacterial infections and receiving broad spechum antibiotics. The results of the study showed that the group receiving probiotics had fewer diarrheal episodes (37.5%) than the control group (80%), although the numbers were too small for statistical analysis. In conclusion, probiotics administration to patients receiving high doses of broad spectrum antibiotics may prevent the occurrence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. A further study with a larger number is required. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Autologous immunotherapy for human leukemias.
Immunotherapy for human leukemias has the potential to contribute to the long-term control or cure of these diseases. Our work demonstrates that cells from the majority of adult acute myelogenous leukemia cases can be induced to differentiate into dendritic cells that are effective at antigen presentation. Both interleukin-4 and CD40 ligand are important for optimal dendritic cell differentiation and maturation. Granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor, interleukin-4, and CD40 ligand in combination are capable of yielding dendritic cells from at least some cases of acute lymphocytic leukemia. Efforts to clone autologous, cytotoxic effector cells will permit the identification of target antigens in the future. With information concerning potential antigens, protocols inducing antileukemic immunity should be possible. Prior to that time, with the availability of suitable reagents for clinical scale differentiation of leukemia-derived dendritic cells, such cells might prove potent as vaccines for the therapy of acute leukemias. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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