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Disappearing seasonality in birthweight.
We estimated seasonality in birthweight over time and assessed how seasonality changed. We analyzed all full-term singletons (N = 8,268,693) born in South Korea in 1997-2014. We first pooled all years and regressed birthweight on birth season while flexibly controlling for a large set of covariates. We then repeated the analysis by birth year and charted the trends in seasonality in birthweight. When we pooled all years, babies born in winter were the heaviest, while those born in summer the lightest; the difference in birthweight was about 11 g. When we analyzed the data by birth year, however, seasonality almost disappeared by the end of the period. Whatever causes the seasonality has lost its influence in Korea. Replication studies can determine whether other countries exhibit the same patterns. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:767-773, 2016. © 2016Wiley Periodicals, Inc. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Pump up the volume - a central role for the plasma membrane H(+) pump in pollen germination and tube growth.
The plasma membrane H(+) ATPase is a member of the P-ATPase family transporting H(+) from the cytosol to the extracellular space and thus energizing the plasma membrane for the uptake of ions and nutrients. As a housekeeping gene, this protein can be detected in almost every plant cell including the exclusive expression of specific isoforms in pollen grains and tubes where its activity is a prerequisite for successful germination and growth of pollen tubes. This review summarizes the current knowledge on pollen PM H(+) ATPases and hypothesizes a central role for pollen-specific isoforms of this protein in tube growth. External as well as cytosolic signals from signal transduction and metabolic pathways are integrated by the PM H(+) ATPase and directly translated to tube growth rates, allocating the PM H(+) ATPase to an essential node in the signalling network of pollen tubes in their race to the ovule. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Psycho-social determinants and motivational phases in smoking behavior of cardiac inpatients.
To explore possibilities for health education, this study analyzed the differences in motives regarding smoking cessation of cardiac inpatients in various motivational phases. The Attitude-Social influence-Efficacy Model (ASE model) was used to assess motives, while motivational phases were measured with concepts from the Transtheoretical Model. Data on smoking behavior, attitudes, social influences, self-efficacy expectations, and motivational phases were collected from a sample of 532 cardiac inpatients. A revised typology of the Transtheoretical Model was used for measuring motivational phases and resulted in four groups: smokers in precontemplation, smokers in contemplation, externally motivated actors, and internally motivated actors. Analysis of variance with Tukey's multiple comparison test was used to study differences in psycho-social determinants between these four groups. As hypothesized, externally motivated actors differed from internally motivated actors in having less positive attitudes, less social support, and lower self-efficacy expectations. Attitudes and social support were most positive among smokers in contemplation and internally motivated actors. Self-efficacy expectations were lowest among subjects in precontemplation and contemplation. Subjects in different motivational phases differed in their psycho-social determinants. Therefore, it is recommended that stage-tailored education be developed. Finally, externally motivated actors have to be approached in a different way than internally motivated actors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Highly Localized Strain in a MoS2/Au Heterostructure Revealed by Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy.
Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) has been rapidly improved over the past decade and opened up opportunities to study phonon properties of materials at the nanometer scale. In this Letter, we report on TERS of an ultrathin MoS2 flake on a nanostructured Au on silicon surface forming a two-dimensional (2D) crystal/plasmonic heterostructure. Au nanostructures (shaped in triangles) are prepared by nanosphere lithography, and then MoS2 is mechanically exfoliated on top of them. The TERS spectra acquired under resonance conditions at 638 nm excitation wavelength evidence strain changes spatially localized to regions as small as 25 nm in TERS imaging. We observe the highest Raman intensity enhancement for MoS2 on top of Au nanotriangles due to the strong electromagnetic confinement between the tip and a single triangle. Our results enable us to determine the local strain in MoS2 induced during heterostructure formation. The maximum frequency shift of E2g mode is determined to be (4.2 ± 0.8) cm-1, corresponding to 1.4% of biaxial strain induced in the MoS2 layer. We find that the regions of maximum local strain correspond to the regions of maximum topographic curvature as extracted from atomic force microscopy measurements. This tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy study allows us to determine the built-in strain that arises when 2D materials interact with other nanostructures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intriguing heat conduction of a chain with transverse motions.
We study heat conduction in a one-dimensional chain of particles with longitudinal as well as transverse motions. The particles are connected by two-dimensional harmonic springs together with bending angle interactions. Using equilibrium and nonequilibrium molecular dynamics, three types of thermal conducting behaviors are found: a logarithmic divergence with system sizes for large transverse coupling, 1/3 power law at intermediate coupling, and 2/5 power law at low temperatures and weak coupling. The results are consistent with a simple mode-coupling analysis of the same model. We suggest that the 1/3 power-law divergence should be a generic feature for models with transverse motions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Physiological and pathophysiological aspects of the immune system contributing to a biomathematical model of lymphocytes.
The effects of chronic low-dose irradiation on the immune system and the lymphocytes are largely unknown. The uranium miners in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) were exposed mainly to a local low-dose irradiation in the lung by radon and its progeny, but also to some whole-body gamma irradiation. The local irradiation led to an increased rate of lung cancer and perhaps to some increase in extrapulmonary neoplasms. But little is known about the effects on the lymphocytes circulating and recirculating to the lung. As a prerequisite for the establishment of a biomathematical model to estimate lymphocyte fluxes, and to assess the radiation effects on the lymphocytic (and stem cell) populations passing through the lung, it was necessary to establish the current knowledge with respect to the physiology and pathophysiology of the lymphocytic cell renewal systems. The data concerning lymphopoiesis and lymphocyte kinetics, which are important for the development of this model, are summarized. The distribution of lymphocytes between different compartments including the lung is taken into consideration, as well as the effects of acute and chronic irradiation on the immune system. The extracorporeal irradiation of the blood (ECIB) may serve as a model of irradiation of blood in the lung. This review shows that many data necessary for development of a detailed biomathematical model are still missing, especially data concerning details on lymphocyte production rates of their different subsets and regulatory mechanisms of the lymphocytic system. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Functional significance and clinical phenotype of nontruncating mismatch repair variants of MLH1.
Germline mutations in mismatch repair genes are associated with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. A significant proportion of mutations are nontruncating and associated with a variability of clinical phenotype and microsatellite instability and with occasional presence of residual protein in tumor tissue that suggests impaired functional activity but not total lack of mismatch repair. To address pathogenic significance and mechanism of pathogenicity, we studied the functionality of 31 nontruncating MLH1 mutations found in clinically characterized colorectal cancer families and 3 other variations listed in a mutation database. Mutations constructed by site-directed mutagenesis were studied for protein expression/stability, subcellular localization, protein-protein interaction, and repair efficiency. The genetic and biochemical data were correlated with clinical data. Finally, comparative sequence analysis was performed to assess the value of sequence homology as a tool for predicting functional results. Altogether, 22 mutations were pathogenic in more than one assay, 2 variants were impaired in one assay, and 10 variants acted like wild-type protein. Twenty of 34 mutations affected the quantity of MLH1 protein, whereas only 15 mainly amino-terminal mutations were defective in an in vitro repair assay. Comparative sequence analysis correctly predicted functional studies for 82% of variants. Pathogenic nontruncating alterations in MLH1 may interfere with different biochemical mechanisms but generally more than one. The severe biochemical defects are mirrored by phenotypic characteristics such as early age at onset and high microsatellite instability, whereas variants with no or mild defects in functionality are associated with variable clinical phenotypes. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Partnering as a key strategy of managing to outcomes.
More than ever, administrators need "great" materiel managers to produce board room-worthy results. What are those? Administrators are less interested in the details of what we do and more interested in what have we done for them--today. This means performance output with less time and support for the why and how we get the job done. Are we delivering on the desired outcomes? In many instances we have become victims of the details of the profession, forgetting that the details, while important to sustain a process, are not in themselves the process or the solution needed for our troubled industry. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Albumin Redhill, a human albumin variant.
Albumin Redhill, a variant human albumin with the same C-terminal amino acid as albumin A but with arginine at the N-terminus has been isolated by chromatofocusing from the sera of an English family. Albumin Redhill appears to contain two sites of mutation in its protein chain and is probably a proalbumin. The ability of albumin Redhill to bind Ni(II) or Cu(II) ions is considerably less than that of albumin A. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Phenotype analysis of ethylene response in tomato Epinastics mutant].
The characteristics in seedling development, vegetative growth and fruit ripening of Epinastics (Epi) mutant overproducing ethylene and its wild type VFN8 tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) were systematically investigated. Epi overproduced ethylene during vegetative growth and fruit development. Incomplete triple response in etiolated seedling, strong petiole episnasty in adult plant, and accelerated abscission and fruit ripening displayed enhanced ethylene response, consistent with the known mode of ethylene response. Significant apical dominance and compact vegetative shape in Epi suggested an important role of ethylene in the regulation of apical dominance. The characteristics such as inhibited apical hook formation in etiolated seedling and delayed senescence of leaves and petals in Epi, which were not typical of symptoms induced by ethylene, suggest that different growth and developmental characteristics are possibly regulated through different signal transduction pathways. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Perioperative blood conservation strategies for major spine surgery.
Orthopedic surgery, especially spine and spinal deformity surgery, may be associated with high perioperative blood loss. In order to reduce the risk of excessive blood loss and unnecessary blood transfusions, strategies such as Patient Blood Management including goal-directed coagulation management have been developed. Adverse effects of allogeneic blood transfusions have been shown for most surgical fields including orthopedic surgery. Several efforts have been made to increase the preoperative red blood cell (RBC) mass, to reduce the intraoperative blood loss, and to use restrictive transfusion triggers in order to minimize or avoid RBC transfusions. Measures to reduce intraoperative blood loss include new surgical techniques, use of cell salvage where possible, bedside coagulation management with point-of-care devices, substitution of coagulation factors, antifibrinolytic agents, and desmopressin, induced hypotension, and avoidance of hypothermia. Blood conservation in spinal surgery is a multidisciplinary approach and the efficacy of most single measures has been shown. Cost-effectiveness and the benefits of long-term patient outcomes are the subjects of current and future research. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The role of MSCT angiography in early detection of lower limb arterial lesions in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome.
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease which is characterized by arterial and venous thromboses, fetal loss, and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in the serum. It is characterized by accelerated atherosclerosis. Increased tendency towards thrombosis leads to the occurrence of various vascular events. The objective of our study was to determine if there are subclinical changes on lower limb arteries in APS patients and what the best diagnostic choice for their establishment is. In this study, we analyzed 50 patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) and 50 patients, who have secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (SAPS). The results were compared to 50 controls. The groups were comparable with respect to age, gender, and traditional risk factors except for the lipid status, since controls had significantly higher levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Study was conducted on 64-multi-slice computed tomography (64-MSCT), where we analyzed quantitative and morphological characteristics of blood vessel-detected lesions. Patients from the control group had statistically very significant elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in regard to the patients with SAPS and PAPS (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05). Analyzing percentage of diameter stenosis, we have established that lesions from group with 0-30% diameter stenosis (DS) in patients with PAPS (n = 47) and SAPS (n = 39) are more common than that in control group (n = 3, p < 0.001). The incidence of lesions higher than 70% DS in control group (n = 74) was statistically significant than that in patients with SAPS (n = 74, p < 0.05), while very statistically significant than that in patients with PAPS (n = 48, p < 0.001). Analyzing the qualitative characteristics of plaques, we have established significant higher frequency of soft tissue (n = 32) and mixed lesions (n = 36) in patients with PAPS than the calcified one (n = 7, p < 0.001). Our study showed that the subclinical manifestation of changes on lower extremity arteries is more common in patients with APS. Because of its safety and accuracy, the method of choice is 64-MSCT angiography in monitoring disease progression. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Paralytic and insecticidal toxins from the funnel web spider, Hololena curta.
One peptide and ten acylpolyamine toxins (curtatoxins) were purified and identified from venom of Hololena curta. The acylpolyamines consist of six different polyamines which are amidated with three different aromatic acids: (3-indolyl)acetic, (4-hydroxy-3-indolyl)acetic and 2.5-dihydroxybenzoic acids. These acylpolyamines instantly paralyze lepidopteran larvae following injection. The most potent insecticidal peptide in H. curta venom contains 38 amino acids and is lethal at 4 micrograms/g when injected into Manduca sexta larvae. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Essential oil analysis and trace element study of the roots of Piper nigrum L].
Pepper roots contain 0.39% of essential oil. By GC-MS method, 44 peaks and 22 compounds were obtained and identified. The major component was trans-caryophyllene. The trace metal content analysis showed that the heavy metals were under the safety level. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fetal lung transcriptome patterns in an ex vivo compression model of diaphragmatic hernia.
The purpose of this study was to employ a novel ex vivo lung model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) to determine how a mechanical compression affects early pulmonary development. Day-15 whole fetal rat lungs (n = 6-12/group) from nitrofen-exposed and normal (vehicle only) dams were explanted and cultured ex vivo in compression microdevices (0.2 or 0.4 kPa) for 16 h to mimic physiologic compression forces that occur in CDH in vivo. Lungs were evaluated with significance set at P < 0.05. Nitrofen-exposed lungs were hypoplastic and expressed lower levels of surfactant protein C at baseline. Although compression alone did not alter the α-smooth muscle actin (ACTA2) expression in normal lungs, nitrofen-exposed lungs had significantly increased ACTA2 transcripts (0.2 kPa: 2.04 ± 0.15; 0.4 kPa: 2.22 ± 0.11; both P < 0.001). Nitrofen-exposed lungs also showed further reductions in surfactant protein C expression at 0.2 and 0.4 kPa (0.53 ± 0.04, P < 0.01; 0.69 ± 0.23, P < 0.001; respectively). Whereas normal lungs exposed to 0.2 and 0.4 kPa showed significant increases in periostin (POSTN), a mechanical stress-response molecule (1.79 ± 0.10 and 2.12 ± 0.39, respectively; both P < 0.001), nitrofen-exposed lungs had a significant decrease in POSTN expression (0.4 kPa: 0.67 ± 0.15, P < 0.001), which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Collectively, these pilot data in a model of CDH lung hypoplasia suggest a primary aberration in response to mechanical stress within the nitrofen lung, characterized by an upregulation of ACTA2 and a downregulation in SPFTC and POSTN. This ex vivo compression system may serve as a novel research platform to better understand the mechanobiology and complex regulation of matricellular dynamics during CDH fetal lung development. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
In vivo and in vitro taste masking of ofloxacin and sustained release by forming interpenetrating polymer network beads.
Drug-resin complexes (DRCs) of ofloxacin and ion-exchange resins (IERs) were prepared in different ratios of drug/IERs, that is, 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4 (w/w) and investigated for taste masking by in vivo and in vitro release studies. Human volunteers graded AD1:4 (DRC) as tasteless with an average value of 0.3 ± 0.03 and in vitro study showed that AD 1:4 released only 1.70 ± 0.86% of drug at salivary pH within 30s. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-ray diffraction (P-XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies of AD 1:4 showed the change in the morphology of the drug, that is, from crystalline phase to amorphous phase during complex formation. The release of drug from AD 1:4 was completed within 30 min at gastric pH 1.2 and to extend the release time of drug at gastric pH, it was entrapped with different biopolymers, such as sodium alginate (SA) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC), in the presence of ferric chloride and glutaraldehyde (GA) to form interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) beads. FTIR studies revealed that IPN beads were crosslinked with Fe3+ and GA. The release of drug at gastric and intestinal pH was 14.53 ± 1.52% and 65.86 ± 1.29%, respectively, for a contact time of 10 h. The kinetics release study shows fickian diffusion for ionically crosslinked beads and zero-order release for GA crosslinking beads. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Etiological assessment of hyperthyrotropinemia in children with Down's syndrome].
To study the prevalence of increased TSH level and its probable cause in children with Down's syndrome treated at Policlínica Antônio Cândido. The data were collected using medical records of 169 patients. Of these, 46 patients, whose TSH increased at some time during their follow-up, were re-evaluated. In these patients, TSH, free T4, total T4 and thyroid peroxidase autoantibody (anti-TPO) levels were measured. Thyroid ultrasound, iodine-131 scintigraphy, and a perchlorate discharge test were performed. In 169 children, 86 (50.8%) of whom were male, aged between 1-16 years (median 4 years), 67 (39.6%) presented increased TSH levels. Out of these 67 patients, 46 were prospectively studied. In 31 (67.4%) of them serum TSH returned to normal levels; in 11, TSH remained between 5 and 10 microU/ml, three (6.5%) had a TSH level over 10 microU/ml and one (2.2%) had hyperthyroidism. The diagnoses in 34 patients who were fully studied were: goiter in five (14.7%); Hashimoto's thyroiditis in four (5.9%); hypoplasia in three (8.8%) and iodide organification defect in one (2.9%). The increased TSH levels had a statistically positive relationship with anti-TPO (p = 0.02), but not with gender, abnormal ultrasound or scintigraphy findings. TSH levels did not have any relationship with persistent hyperthyrotropinemia. In patients with Down's syndrome, slightly elevated and transient TSH levels are frequently detected. Positive anti-TPO antibody test is a key factor in the follow-up of these patients because of its potential risk of progression to manifest thyroid disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
International Physical Activity Questionnaire: Validity against fitness.
This study was conducted to criterion-validate the short format of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) against health-related fitness. Participants included 951 men, aged 21-43 yr. VO2max by ergometer was used to measure cardiorespiratory fitness. Muscular fitness tests included the number of sit-ups, push-ups, and squats performed during 60 s. Physical activity was assessed from IPAQ by categories for health (health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA)) and by calculating total and vigorous MET-hours per week. The participants were classified in five groups of almost equal size by the IPAQ outcomes. Moreover, the frequency of vigorous activity was assessed by one precoded question (single-item question on leisure-time vigorous physical activity (SIVAQ)). The mean fitness improved from the first through the fourth IPAQ group. VO2max in the most active IPAQ group, however, was lower than in the fourth group (P < 0.05), both with HEPA categories and vigorous METs as the outcome. In contrast, the weekly frequency of vigorous physical activity showed a positive association with fitness through all six categories. The 65 sedentary (according to SIVAQ) and unfit individuals who belonged to the highest 20% (by IPAQ total METs) were older (30.6 +/- 5.1 vs 28.9 +/- 3.8, P = 0.02), more obese (waist 93 +/- 12 vs 89 +/- 10 cm), more often current smokers (59.4 vs 42.0%; P = 0.03), and less educated (<12 yr of education 70.8 vs 52.0%; P = 0.02), compared with the others in the highest IPAQ group. Almost 10% of young men had poor fitness and apparently low physical activity, but they reported very high physical activity by IPAQ. An evident need therefore exists to develop IPAQ further to solve the apparent overreporting by a considerable proportion of sedentary individuals. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effects of intraarticular hyaluronan on cartilage and subchondral bone changes in an ovine model of early osteoarthritis.
Intraarticular (ia) hyaluronan (HA) is reported to provide symptomatic relief in osteoarthritis (OA); however, there is limited information on the effects that this treatment may have on joint articular cartilage or subchondral bone. Our objective was to address this issue using an ovine model of early OA. Unilateral medial meniscectomy was performed in 10 adult merino sheep, and 5 unoperated animals were used as controls (UOC). Sixteen weeks postmeniscectomy, joints of 5 operated animals were injected with 2 ml of HA (Artz, 10 mg/ml, M(r) = 0.9 x 10(6) Da) ia while the remaining 5 operated animals received 2 ml of sterile saline ia. This protocol was continued for a further 4 weeks. All animals were sacrificed 5 weeks after the last injection; however 3 weeks before sacrifice they were given tetracycline (20 mg/kg intravenously) weekly. Bone slabs, including articular cartilage, were cut from the medial tibial plateaux and femoral condyles, processed for histology, histomorphometry and fluorescence microscopy to assess articular cartilage and subchondral bone pathology. Meniscectomy and saline treatment increased osteoid volume and surfaces as well as increased the extent of tetracycline labelling of the subchondral bone relative to UOC. The articular cartilage also exhibited a significantly higher modified Mankin's score than UOC. In the HA injected group the aforementioned articular cartilage and subchondral bone changes were modified such that the observed variables were indistinguishable from UOC. Using this animal model intraarticular HA appeared to limit the development of articular cartilage and subchondral bone changes characteristic of early OA. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Metastatic endophthalmitis following lung transplantation].
Intraocular septic--bacterial, viral or fungal--metastasis originating from an infectious focus is very rare but serious complication. The authors performed one enucleation and one evisceration on two patients because of endophthalmitis secondary to pulmonary infection following lung transplantation. The pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Mycobacterium xenopi respectively. With this case report the authors aim to draw attention to a rare, but serious ophthalmic complication of organ transplantation: endophthalmitis; its early care, to help prevent the need for enucleation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Design of Magnetic Clutch System for Electromagnetic Control Laparoscopic Surgery Based on Magnetic Anchoring System].
Magnetic anchor technique can reduce the number of trocar in laparoscopic surgery. The laparoscopic magnetic anchor system consists of an external anchor magnet and the magnetic clutch system. Electromagnetic control laparoscopic surgery clutch system includes the internal grasper and the operating forceps. In this design, a permanent magnet is set at the tail of the internal grasper, and an electromagnetic device is installed at the head of the operating forceps. The magnetic field direction of the electromagnetic device can be changed by switching the positive pole and the negative pole of the electromagnetic device, so as to control the separation and combination of the operating forceps and the internal grasper. The design of this system is ingenious, easy to manufacture and the operation is simple. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Necrotizing pneumonia due to Gemella morbillorum in an immunocompetent patient].
Gemella morbillorum is an anaerobic to aerotolerant Gram positive coccus. It is considered a member of the normal upper respiratory tract flora including the oropharynx and also the gastro-intestinal and female genital tract. However severe infections are reported like endocarditis, septic shock and septic arthritis, more often in immunocompromised hosts. It is an infrequently isolated organism and a rare cause of pulmonary or pleural infections. We report a case of necrotizing pneumonia due to Gemella morbillorum in a 45-years-old Melanesian, smoker patient. The presentation was subacute with a four month history of loss of appetite, progressive weight loss and cough without fever. Initial presentation seems to be a malignant disease. The positive diagnosis has been established on the results of BAL fluid and the protected specimen brush samples. It was an immunocompetent patient presenting dental inflammation but not oral infection. Further management included intravenous administration of amoxicillin during two weeks. We recommended oral antibiotic treatment for another six weeks. After two months the patient was reevaluated. The CT scan showed no evidence of persistent infection. The HR CT scan will reveal multiple kystic bronchiectasies not seen on the first CT scan. Gm can be found endoscopic samples. Gemella morbillorum can be responsible of community-acquired pneumonia in immunocompetent host. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ionic solid-state dimers and polymers derived from imidazolium dicarboxylic acids.
A series of imidazolium dicarboxylic acids have been prepared from the reaction of the 1,3-bis(carboxymethyl)imidazolium zwitterion with the Brønsted acids HX (X = F, Br, Cl, ClO4). The structures of these acids have been established in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, which revealed that the cations and anions form strong hydrogen bonds through O-H...X interactions, leading to the formation of dimeric and polymeric networks. These acids react with elemental zinc and cobalt to form stable polymeric coordination complexes, some of which have also been characterised by X-ray diffraction. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Kinetic analysis methods applied to single motor protein trajectories.
Molecular motors convert chemical or electrical energy into mechanical displacement, either linear or rotary. Under ideal circumstances, single-molecule measurements can spatially and temporally resolve individual steps of the motor, revealing important properties of the underlying mechanochemical process. Unfortunately, steps are often hard to resolve, as they are masked by thermal noise. In such cases, details of the mechanochemistry can nonetheless be recovered by analyzing the fluctuations in the recorded traces. Here, we expand upon existing statistical analysis methods, providing two new avenues to extract the motor step size, the effective number of rate-limiting chemical states per translocation step, and the compliance of the link between the motor and the probe particle. We first demonstrate the power and limitations of these methods using simulated molecular motor trajectories, and we then apply these methods to experimental data of kinesin, the bacterial flagellar motor, and F1-ATPase. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Biomarkers of oxidative damage and antioxidant defense capacity in Caiman latirostris blood.
Several xenobiotics, and among them pesticides, can produce oxidative stress, providing a mechanistic basis for their observed toxicity. Chronic oxidative stress induces deleterious modifications to DNA, lipids and proteins that are used as effective biomarkers to study pollutant-mediated oxidative stress. No previous report existed on the application of oxidative damage and antioxidant defense biomarkers in Caiman latirostris blood, while few studies reported in other crocodilians were done in organs or muscles of dead animals. The aim of this study was to characterize a new set of oxidative stress biomarkers in C. latirostris blood, through the modification of conventional techniques: 1) damage to lipids by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), 2) damage to DNA by comet assay modified with the enzymes FPG and Endo III, and 3) antioxidant defenses: catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione; in order to apply them in future biomonitoring studies. We successfully adapted standard procedures for CAT, SOD, GSH and TBARS determination in C. latirostris blood. Calibration curves for FPG and Endo III showed that the three dilutions tested were appropriate to conduct the modified comet assay for the detection of oxidized bases in C. latirostris erythrocytes. One hour of incubation allowed a complete repair of the damage generated. The incorporation of these biomarkers in biomonitoring studies of caiman populations exposed to xenobiotics is highly important considering that this species has recovered from a serious endangered state through the implementation of sustainable use programs in Argentina, and represents nowadays a relevant economic resource for many human communities. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hypertransaminasemia in childhood as a marker of genetic liver disorders.
The widespread use of routine biochemical assays has led to increased incidental findings of hypertransaminasemia. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of different causes of raised aminotransferase levels in children referred to a university department of pediatrics. We investigated 425 consecutive children (age range, 1-18 years) with isolated hypertransaminasemia. All patients had raised aminotransferase levels on at least two occasions in the last month before observation. Cases due to major hepatotropic viruses were excluded. During the first 6 months of observation, 259 children showed normalized liver enzymes. Among the remaining 166 patients with hypertransaminasemia lasting for more than 6 months, 75 had obesity-related liver disease; 51, genetic disorders; 7, autoimmune hepatitis; 5, cholelithiasis; 3, choledochal cyst; and 3, celiac disease. Among the 51 children with genetic disorders, 18 had Wilson disease; 14, muscular dystrophy; 4, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency; 4, Alagille syndrome; 4, hereditary fructose intolerance; 3, glycogen storage disease (glycogenosis IX); 2, ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency; and 2, Shwachman's syndrome. In 22 children, the hypertransaminasemia persisted for more than 6 months in the absence of a known cause. Genetic disease accounted for 12% of cases of isolated hypertransaminasemia observed in a tertiary pediatric department. A high level of suspicion is desirable for an early diagnosis of these disorders, which may present with isolated hypertransaminasemia and absence of typical clinical signs. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Textile changes in passenger clothing induced by seat belts at 50 km/h frontal impact].
Sixteen dummies wearing seat belts were exposed to an impact of 50 km/h. Their clothing was examined for traces of melting and other textile changes caused by the seat belt. Such marks were found in the thorax area in 87.5% of the cases and in the pelvis area in 44%. They were located at protruding parts of the body, i.e., parts exposed to high pressure caused by the seat belt. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The passing dilemma in socially invisible diseases: narratives on chronic headache.
This contribution concerns the experience of chronic diseases and how it disrupts the trajectory of a person's biography, undermining his/her identity, self-reliance and social relationships. The study focuses particular attention on those diseases which have not yet been fully acknowledged and can, therefore, be considered a socially invisible disease: chronic headache is one of these. Thirty-one life stories were collected from patients attending a specialized headache centre in Northern Italy, and selected in order to include all common varieties of chronic headache. Following the principles of grounded theory, interviews began by adopting a minimal theoretical framework which consisted of asking people how they became aware of the objective (disease), subjective (illness) and social (sickness) aspects of their condition. The analysis highlighted particular points in the patients' life trajectories: first, the biographical disruption that takes place because of the disease; second, how people succeed or fail in identity negotiation, which is vital for developing an acceptable social representation of the disease. Results show that patient's choices follow a vicious circle, where a partial social representation of the disease is produced. People who suffer from chronic headache face a dilemma in social relationships: should they conceal their disease, or make it evident? If they conceal, any possible social representation of the disease is denied, which could lead to carrying the burden of the disease alone, with no social support. On the other hand, making chronic headache visible could result in stigma. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Variogram analysis of hyperspectral data to characterize the impact of biotic and abiotic stress of maize plants and to estimate biofuel potential.
A considerable challenge in applied agricultural use of reflection-based spectroscopy is that most analytical approaches are quite sensitive to radiometric noise and/or low radiometric repeatability. In this study, hyperspectral imaging data were acquired from individual maize leaves and the main objective was to evaluate a classification system for detection of drought stress levels and spider mite infestation levels across maize hybrids and vertical position of maize leaves. A second objective was to estimate biomass and biofuel potential (heating value) of growing maize plants. Stepwise discriminant analysis was used to identify the five spectral bands (440, 462, 652, 706, and 784 nm) that contributed most to the classification of three levels of drought stress (moderate, subtle, and none) across hybrids, leaf position, and spider mite infestation. Regarding the five selected spectral bands, average reflectance values and standard variogram parameters ("nugget", "sill", and "range" derived from variogram analysis) were examined as indicators of spider mite and/or drought stress. There was consistent significant effect of drought stress on average reflectance values, while only one spectral band responded significantly to spider mite infestations. Different variogram parameters provided reliable indications of spider mite infestation and drought stress. Based on independent validation, variogram parameters could be used to accurately predict spider mite density but were less effective as indicators of drought stress. In addition, variogram parameters were used as explanatory variables to predict biomass and biofuel potential of individual maize plants. The potential of using variogram analysis as part of hyperspectral imaging analysis is discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of pH and high ionic strength on the adsorption and activity of native and mutated cellobiohydrolase I from Trichoderma reesei.
Cellobiohydrolase I (CBHI) is the major cellulase of Trichoderma reesei. The enzyme contains a discrete cellulose-binding domain (CBD), which increases its binding and activity on crystalline cellulose. We studied cellulase-cellulose interactions using site-directed mutagenesis on the basis of the three-dimensional structure of the CBD of CBHI. Three mutant proteins which have earlier been produced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae were expressed in the native host organism. The data presented here support the hypothesis that a conserved tyrosine (Y492) located on the flat and more hydrophilic surface of the CBD is essential for the functionality. The data also suggest that the more hydrophobic surface is not directly involved in the CBD function. The pH dependence of the adsorption revealed that electrostatic repulsion between the bound proteins may also control the adsorption. The binding of CBHI to cellulose was significantly affected by high ionic strength suggesting that the interaction with cellulose includes a hydrophobic effect. High ionic strength increased the activity of the isolated core and of mutant proteins on crystalline cellulose, indicating that once productively bound, the enzymes are capable of solubilizing cellulose even with a mutagenized or with no CBD. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Oxytetracycline hydrochloride in the horse: serum, synovial, peritoneal and urine concentrations after single dose intravenous administration.
Six adult mares were given a single intravenous injection of oxytetracycline HCl (50 mg/ml) at a dosage of 5 mg/kg. Serum, synovial fluid, peritoneal fluid, and urine oxytetracycline concentrations were measured serially over a 48-h period. The highest measured serum oxytetracycline concentration was 8.01 mcg/ml at 1/2 h. Oxytetracycline was detected in synovial fluid and peritoneal fluid, which obtained mean peak oxytetracycline concentrations of 4.43 mcg/ml and 4.20 mcg/ml, at 1/2 h and 1 h, respectively. These concentrations steadily declined in parallel with serum concentrations and were not measurable at 48 h. Urine oxytetracycline concentration was relatively high, with a peak concentration of 1565.2 mcg/ml at 1/2 h after drug administration. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Use of the Pediatric Risk of Mortality Score as predictor of death and serious neurologic damage in children after submersion.
To evaluate the Pediatric Risk of Mortality score (PRISM score) as a tool to evaluate the vital and neurologic prognosis of patients after submersion. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical histories of patients admitted to a tertiary pediatric hospital, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain from December 1977 to December 1999 as a consequence of near-drowning. PRISM score was calculated for each patient with data obtained upon arrival at the hospital. The probability of death was calculated using this score. There were 60 patients, divided into two groups as they were admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU group, n = 41) or to the Short Stay Unit (SSU group, n = 19). All patients in the SSU group survived without impairments, with PRISM scores <or=8 and a probability of death of 1.3%. All PICU patients with a PRISM score <or=16 or probability of death <or=16% survived without neurologic impairment. Patients with PRISM scores >or=24 or with probability of death >or=42% either died or had serious neurologic impairment. One third of patients with PRISM scores between 17 and 23 and/or probability of death between 16 and 42% either presented serious neurologic impairment or died. PRISM score enables the determination of either absence or presence of serious impairment or death in pediatric patients after submersion, if they present extreme values on this scale. However, in patients with intermediate PRISM scores, it is not possible to establish a reliable prognosis. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hospital stay and short-term follow-up of children of drug-abusing mothers born in an urban community hospital--a retrospective review.
In order to assess the current use of medical and social services of children of drug-abusing mothers in regard to their short term outcome in a Swiss urban community hospital, we compared hospital, private paediatricians and home nursing records of 37 of these children with 37 matched control children from birth to 18 months of age. Children of drug-abusing mothers (CDAM) experienced a longer neonatal hospital stay than control children with a median (25%-75%) of 26 days (10.5-52.5 days) versus 5 (5-6) days (P < 0.001), a substantial part of which, 8 days (3.5-26 days) versus 0 days (0-1 day) (P < 0.001) was not motivated by any specific medical treatment or nursing care. Before discharge, CDAM were referred to out of hospital nursing and social services for further management, but only 13% were effectively followed. More than 50% were lost to follow-up by their initial paediatrician after 1 year of life. New ways to ensure better co-ordination between paediatricians and the social services (inside and outside the hospital) should be developed to shorten the neonatal hospitalisation period and improve the quality of follow-up. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Alterations in male reproductive hormones in relation to environmental DDT exposure.
DDT [1, 1, 1-trichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)-ethane] compounds are used for indoor residual spraying (IRS) to control malaria mosquitoes. DDT is an endocrine disruptor chemical in experimental conditions, but little is known of adverse effects related to living conditions with continual uptake across a time span by all possible means of exposure. Based on estrogenic and/or anti-androgenic effects found in animal studies, we hypothesized that chronic DDT/DDE exposures in men may be associated with changes in male reproductive hormones. We tested this hypothesis by compared the magnitude and direction of associations between DDT and DDE (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene) concentrations and male reproductive hormones in samples collected from IRS and non-IRS areas. We sampled a cross-section of 535 men (aged 18-40 years). Men living in IRS villages had significantly higher DDT and DDE concentrations compared with men from non-IRS villages. Men with DDT or DDE uptake (as reflected in detectable plasma concentrations) had significantly higher total-, free and bio-available testosterone (T), and lower follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations; lower luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations were only evident with DDT uptake. To establish a dose-dependent effect, four sub-categories were defined. Men with the highest DDT (74-519 μg/g) and DDE (173-997 μg/g) concentrations had significantly higher total-, free and bio-available T, and lower FSH concentrations compared with subjects with non-detectable isomer concentrations. Estradiol concentrations were significantly higher in men with DDT and DDE concentrations in both the third (DDE: 27-172 μg/g; DDT: 5-73 μg/g) and fourth (DDE: 173-997 μg/g; DDT: 74-519 μg/g) categories. Men from IRS villages were significantly more likely to have higher total and bioavailable T as well as higher estradiol concentrations OR = 2.5 (95% CI 1.2, 3.2); OR 2.5 (95% CI 1.6, 4.0) and OR = 2.3 (95% CI 1.3, 4.1) compared to men from non-IRS villages, after controlling for age, BMI, personal use of pesticides, and smoking. Men living in IRS villages with life-long exposure (17.6 (±6) years) at the current residence with multiple exposure modalities incurred the highest degree of physiological imbalance over and above circulating isomer concentrations. Further studies are needed to elucidate the health implications of these findings. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Clinical relevance of esophageal baseline impedance measurement: just an innocent bystander.
The clinical relevance of esophageal baseline impedance (BI) remains to be determined. In the present study, we explored the impact of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal dysmotility on BI. A total of 18 children with esophageal atresia, 26 children with GERD, and 17 controls prospectively underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy and pH-impedance monitoring. BI was measured in both proximal and distal esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and bolus transit indicators were defined according to published criteria. Patients with esophageal atresia showed significantly lower proximal and distal BI values (952 [716-1811] Ω; 895 [284-1189] Ω; respectively) compared with those with GERD (3015 [2368-3975] Ω; 2231 [1770-3032] Ω, P < 0.001 and <0.001, respectively) and controls (3699 [3194-4358] Ω; 3522 [2927-3994] Ω, P < 0.001 and <0.001, respectively). Using linear regression, proximal BI strongly correlated with total bolus transit time (r(2) = 0.61, P < 0.001) and bolus presence time (BPT; r(2) = 0.63, P < 0.001). Distal BI weakly correlated with acid exposure time (r(2) = 0.16, P < 0.01) and longstanding reflux episodes (r(2) = 0.17, P < 0.01), and strongly correlated with total bolus transit time (r(2) = 0.53, P < 0.001) and BPT (r(2) = 0.58, P < 0.001). By logistic regression, BPT predicted low proximal BI values (odds ratio [OR] 1.052; P < 0.05), whereas both GER indicators (acid exposure time: OR 1.56, P < 0.05; longstanding reflux episodes: OR 2.8, P < 0.05) and BPT (OR 1.66, P < 0.01) predicted low distal BI values. Along the length of esophagus, both bolus transit variables and GER significantly affect BI. This suggests that BI may merely mirror phenomena occurring within the esophageal lumen or wall, limiting its value as a discrete clinical entity to replace variables already used for assessing both GERD and esophageal dysmotility. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Adverse events in patients treated with 5-aminosalicyclic acid: 1993-1994 pharmacovigilance report for Pentasa in France.
The incidence of the side-effects of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) in clinical practice is not known. To present the safety reports on the use of Pentasa in France. Pentasa-related adverse events were recorded from 1 January 1993 to 31 December 1994. Spontaneous reports to Ferring S.A. came from physicians or pharmacovigilance regional centres. In 1993 and 1994, 51 and 79 adverse events were reported; the estimated gross incidence was 6.6 and 9.0 per million days of therapy. Detailed information was obtained 64% of cases in 1993 and 53% in 1994. Adverse events with a high likelihood of causalty included five cases of diarrhoea, 14 cases of pancreatitis, seven cases of liver abnormalities, seven of blood dyscrasias, two cases of renal insufficiency (one of which was in a fetus), and eight of cardiac disorders including three myocarditis. Pentasa seldom has adverse effects. The majority of the adverse events do not seem to be dose-related. Clinicians should be aware of exceptional but severe adverse events including pancreatitis, cardiac disorders, blood dyscrasias and renal insufficiency. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Applications of capillary electrophoresis to the determination of antibiotics in food and environmental samples.
In this paper we review applications of capillary electrophoresis (CE) to the determination of antibiotic residues in food derived from animals and in environmental samples. Although many CE methods have been used to determine antibiotics in the pharmaceutical field (drug quality control or therapeutic monitoring in biological samples), food and environmental applications have been increasing in recent years. Due to the maximum residue limits established by the EU, in Directive 2377/90/EEC, for foodstuffs of animal origin and considering the low levels that can be found in environmental or waste waters or soils, different strategies to increase sensitivity have been developed, including off-line preconcentration, on-line stacking modes to use higher sample volumes, or in-line solid-phase extraction. Also, several detection techniques, such as fluorescence, laser-induced fluorescence, electrochemical detection, or mass spectrometry have been used; the last of these also enables unequivocal identification of the residues, required by Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. All these aspects will be discussed in this paper, in relation to the main groups of antibiotics used in veterinary and human medicine, for which applications in food and environmental samples have been developed by using CE as an efficient alternative to liquid chromatography. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Protection by acetylsalicylic acid against hyperglycemia-induced glycation and neural tube defects in cultured early somite mouse embryos.
The embryopathic effects of hyperglycemia have been established in rodent embryos maintained in whole embryo culture during neurulation. This study addressed the possibility that the hyperglycemia-mediated teratogenic effects are associated with increased concentrations of glycated embryonic protein. Early somite mouse embryos were cultured in 50 mmol/l glucose for 48 h and subsequently demonstrated growth retardation and severe neural malformations. Incubation with 0.005 mmol/l acetylsalicylic acid, an effective anti-glycation agent, was partially protective against hyperglycemia-induced growth retardation, neural tube defects as well as the deleterious effects on the morphological development of specific tissues. Furosine measurements indicated that acetylsalicylic acid reduced individual embryonic concentrations of glycated protein in both hyperglycemic and normoglycemic embryos. Also, the total morphological score, somite number, head length and the forebrain morphological rating of individual embryos were negatively correlated with their tissue furosine content. The results indicate the possibility that hyperglycemia during embryo culture causes dysmorphogenesis via enhanced production of glycated embryonic proteins and that the protective action of acetylsalicylic acid could be mediated by its anti-glycation properties. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A Kansas wheat harvest: near-fatal asphyxiation with wheat grains.
We present a patient who had a near-fatal asphyxiation with wheat particles. A previously healthy 11-year-old boy slipped into wheat being unloaded from a transport wagon and was immediately submersed. On arrival at the hospital, he was found to have grain impacted in both mainstem bronchi. A combination of flexible and rigid bronchoscopy with optical forceps and Fogarty balloon catheters was successful in clearing the airways. The removal of the particles through the use of small bronchoscopic instruments is a tedious and delicate procedure, but in this case, it resulted in a life saved. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Thrombophilic disorders in children and adolescents with portal vein thrombosis].
To determine the frequency of protein C, protein S and antithrombin deficiency, and factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T mutations in children and adolescents with portal vein thrombosis, as well as assessing the hereditary character of this disorders. A two-year study was carried out to determine the frequency of thrombophilic disorders in children and adolescents with portal vein thrombosis (n = 14), their parents (n = 24), and two control groups, one age-matched children and adolescents free of liver disease (n = 28) and another group with cirrhosis (n = 24). The portal vein thrombosis patients were investigated by clinical and laboratory means, esophagogastroduodenal endoscopy and liver biopsies. The presence of portal vein thrombosis was assessed by Doppler ultrasonography and/or angiographic analysis. The frequency of protein C, protein S and antithrombin deficiency was 6/14 (42.9%) (p < 0.05 versus controls), 3/14 (21.4%) (p > 0.05) and 1/14 (7.1%) (p > 0.05) of children and adolescents with portal vein thrombosis, respectively. The frequency of protein C, protein S and antithrombin deficiency in cirrhotic patients was 14/24 (58.3%), 7/24 (29.2%) and 11/24 (45.8%), respectively (p < 0.05 versus controls free of liver disease). None of the portal vein thrombosis parents or controls presented protein C, protein S or antithrombin deficiency. One portal vein thrombosis patient and one control (p = 0.999) presented prothrombin G20210A mutation. The homozygous form of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T mutation was observed in 3/14 (21.4%) patients with portal vein thrombosis and in 5/28 (17.9%) (p = 0.356) controls. None of the patients or controls presented the factor V Leiden. Half of the children and adolescents with portal vein thrombosis presented deficiency of one or more coagulation inhibitor proteins, mainly protein C, but this deficiency does not seem to be an inherited condition. The hereditary prothrombotic disorders do not seem to play a vital role in thrombosis in patients with portal vein thrombosis of this study. In the cirrhotic patients, there was a higher frequency of protein deficiency when the disease was more intense. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Vein wrapping facilitates basic fibroblast growth factor-induced heme oxygenase-1 expression following chronic nerve constriction injury.
The clinical efficacy of autologous vein wrapping for recurrent compressive neuropathy has been demonstrated; however, the underlying mechanisms of this technique remain unclear. Rats were divided into chronic constriction injury (CCI) and CCI + vein wrapping (CCI + VW) groups. Mechanical allodynia was evaluated using von Frey filaments. To identify the neuroprotective factors released from veins, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) mRNA expression in veins was compared to that in the sciatic nerve. The response of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression to vein wrapping was evaluated by RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The effects of exogenous bFGF on HO-1 expression were evaluated using a sciatic nerve cell culture. Vein wrapping significantly increased the withdraw threshold levels compared to the untreated CCI group. bFGF mRNA expression in veins was higher than that in untreated sciatic nerves. HO-1 mRNA expression was induced at higher levels in sciatic nerve cells in the presence of exogenous bFGF compared to untreated control cells. HO-1 mRNA and protein expression in the sciatic nerve were also higher in the CCI + VW group compared with the CCI group. Our results suggest that vein-derived bFGF contributes to the therapeutic benefit of vein wrapping through the induction of HO-1 in the sciatic nerve. Vein wrapping is a useful technique for reducing neuropathic pain. Further understanding of the neurotrophic factors released from veins may help to optimize current procedures for treating recurrent compressive neuropathy and traumatic peripheral nerve injury, and lead to the development of new therapeutic methods using recombinant neurotrophic factors. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:898-905, 2018. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Biological activity of liposomal vanillin.
This article presents a study of vanillin encapsulation inside multilamellar liposomes, with emphasis on the evaluation of antioxidant activity, the hemolytic effect, and the antisickling properties of these products. Egg phosphatidylcholine-cholesterol and egg phosphatidylcholine-cholesterol-1-O-decylglycerol liposomes were prepared by mechanical dispersion, all with vanillin included. Vesicles were characterized by determination of encapsulation efficiency and vanillin retention capacity. Antioxidant activity was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The hemolytic effect of liposomes was also evaluated by spectrophotometry, as well as the antisickling activity by the Huck test using optical microscopy. Results showed that the lipid composition of liposomes did not significantly affect the encapsulation efficiency. Stable vesicles were obtained with a high retention percentage of vanillin. Liposomes exhibited a high capture of the DPPH radical compared to free vanillin and 1-O-decylglycerol (C10) in solution. Vesicles caused no significant hemolisys in normal erythrocytes, nor in those coming from patients with sickle cell anemia. Vanillin encapsulated in liposomes retained its antisickling activity, with a greater effect for C10-containing vesicles. Our results show that vanillin encapsulation in liposomes is a way to enhance the pharmacologic properties of this molecule using a suitable vehicle. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Basil oil is a promising skin penetration enhancer for transdermal delivery of labetolol hydrochloride.
The present work investigates effectiveness of basil oil, a volatile oil containing alcoholic terpenes, as a potential penetration enhancer for improved skin permeation of labetolol hydrochloride (LHCl) with reference to camphor, geraniol, thymol, and clove oil. Saturation solubilities of LHCl were determined in water, vehicle (ethanol:water, 60:40 v/v) and vehicle containing 5% w/v terpenes. Comparable (P > 0.05) saturation solubilities were found suggesting an insignificant increase in LHCl flux across rat skin on account of thermodynamic activity. Permeation of LHCl in vehicle per se and in presence of 5% w/v enhancer was investigated by performing in vitro rat abdominal skin permeation studies using a side-by-side glass diffusion cell. Various parameters viz. steady state flux, permeability coefficient, lag time, partition coefficient, diffusion coefficient, and enhancement ratios (ER) were calculated from the permeation data. Basil oil produced the maximum enhancement (ER = 46.52) over neat vehicle, among all enhancers. Activation energies for LHCl permeation in water, vehicle per se and in presence of 5% w/v basil oil were found to be 23.16, 18.71, and 10.98 kcal/mole, respectively. Lowering of activation energy in presence of basil oil suggests creation of new polar pathways in the skin for enhanced permeation of LHCl. Basil oil is proposed as a promising penetration enhancer for improved transdermal drug delivery of labetolol. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Three-dimensional qualitative sonographic evaluation of fetal soft tissue.
Even though fetal growth restriction and macrosomia remain as major problems currently facing obstetricians, there is still no modality for the assessment of fetal soft tissue deposition and muscle mass in utero. A total of 52 fetuses from 29 to 41 weeks gestation were studied within 1 week before delivery using a transabdominal three-dimensional (3D) transducer (3.5 MHz). Their birth weights varied from 1016 to 4018 g, and their crown-heel length from 37 to 54 cm. The amount of subcutaneous tissue was estimated using the fetal nutrition score. The fetal nutrition score values were determined from a qualitative assessment of the amount of subcutaneous tissue present at three locations (face, ribs and buttocks) on the antenatal 3D ultrasonograms. Fetal nutritional status, using fetal nutrition score, was compared with that found by modified neonatal nutrition score and ponderal index respectively. There was a significant linear correlation between fetal nutrition score and modified neonatal nutrition score. Fetal or neonatal nutrition score were strongly correlated with birth weight and neonatal crown-heel length. However, no significant correlation was found between ponderal index, fetal nutrition score, or modified neonatal nutrition score. Ponderal index also was not correlated with birth weight and neonatal crown-heel length. Moreover, fetal nutrition score was correlated with Apgar score, but not with umbilical cord arterial blood pH. Therefore, doubt is cast on the usefulness of the ponderal index for measurement of neonatal soft tissue and muscle mass. Fetal nutrition score using 3D ultrasonography provides a novel means of evaluating the nutritional status of the fetus in utero, and should be useful for predicting the extremes in fetal growth (fetal growth restriction and macrosomia) at an earlier stage than hitherto achieved. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Actions of the novel antidiabetic agent englitazone in rat hepatocytes.
We examined effects of a novel antidiabetic agent, racemic englitazone (CP 68,722, Pfizer), on normal rat hepatocytes in vitro. For optimal effects, CP 68,722 must be preincubated for approximately 20 minutes. CP 68,722 inhibited the actions of glucagon on glycogenolysis (measured by monitoring cyclic adenosine monophosphate [cAMP] levels, phosphorylase activation, and glucose output) and gluconeogenesis (from 14C-lactate). Since CP 68,722 was able to attenuate the ability of glucagon to increase cAMP levels, this may account for part of its inhibitory actions on glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis. The observation that CP 68,722 also inhibits the ability of the cAMP analog, 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (8 CPT cAMP), to stimulate phosphorylase a is consistent with an effect of CP 68,722 to activate cAMP-dependent phosphodiesterase. The ability of vasopressin (an agonist known to stimulate glycogenolysis via a Ca(2+)-dependent mechanism) to stimulate phosphorylase a was slightly inhibited by CP 68,722. Another site of action of CP 68,722 was to inhibit hormonal-mediated Ca2+ influx, an effect that would decrease intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i), thereby inhibiting the actions of the Ca(2+)-dependent hormones such as alpha 1-adrenergic agonists and vasopressin, agents known to promote glucose output from the liver. In summary, CP 68,722 inhibits glucagon-stimulated glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in hepatocytes by a mechanism that may include activation of cAMP phosphodiesterase and inhibition of Ca2+ influx. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Lithium in marine elasmobranchs as a natural marker of rectal gland contribution in sodium balance.
Natural concentrations of lithium in blood plasma and urine of several species of elasmobranchs and teleosts from the Black Sea and in rectal gland fluid of the former were determined by mass-spectrometric isotope dilution techniques. Unlike the teleosts, the elasmobranchs showed a prominent shift of Li/Na ratio in blood plasma with respect to the surrounding water, the plasma Li/Na ratio being five times lower than that of sea-water. Li-Na selectivity was found to be high in the kidneys and negligible in the rectal gland. Differences in Li-Na selectivity between kidneys and rectal gland are used as a basis for the method of estimation of relative contributions of these excretory organs in sodium excretion. Permanent contributions of the kidneys and rectal gland in sodium excretion of the ray Dasyatis pastinaca were found to be nearly equal. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
An alternative analysis of intraoperative parathyroid hormone data may improve the ability to detect multiglandular disease.
A nomogram based on regression analysis of intraoperative parathyroid hormone level decay discriminates single gland disease from multiglandular (MG) disease more accurately than the currently used 50% rule. Retrospective case series. Academic health center. Two hundred thirty-five patients (222 patients with single gland disease and 13 patients with MG disease) who underwent parathyroidectomy. Intraoperative parathyroid hormone level analysis at baseline, time 1 (about 5 minutes), and time 2 (about 10 minutes) after excision of the first gland. The mean slope was calculated at time 1 and time 2 and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and the Fisher least significance difference post hoc tests using data normalized to baseline intraoperative parathyroid hormone levels to compare patients with single gland disease with patients with MG disease. A regression-based nomogram was created to analyze individual kinetic decay data. The mean (SEM) single gland disease slope was significantly steeper than the MG disease slope at both time 1 (-0.91 [0.02] vs -0.66 [0.05]; P<.01) and time 2 (-0.77 [0.01] vs -0.56 [0.05]; P<.01). When the standard threshold rule of a 50% decrease from baseline was used, only 23% of the patients with MG disease were correctly predicted by intraoperative parathyroid hormone values (77% false-positive result rate) at time 1. However, the nomogram correctly predicted 54% of the patients with MG disease at time 1 (46% false-positive result rate). At time 2, the standard threshold 50%-rule method correctly predicted 38% of the patients with MG disease (62% false-positive result rate), while the nomogram still correctly classified 54% of the patients with MG disease (46% false-positive result rate). A regression-based nomogram incrementally improves prediction of MG disease compared with the standard 50%-rule method and accounts for variability in the exact timing of samples. Slope analysis suggests that the earliest time point best isolates the kinetics of the excised gland. The nomogram will need to be validated prospectively. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Screening for acute confusion in elderly long-term care residents.
While acute confusion (AC) is frequently studied in the hospitalized elderly population, this phenomena has been largely ignored in elders who are residents in long-term care (LTC) facilities. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of AC in older LTC residents, the antecedent conditions present at the time of the AC event and the recognition rate of AC when assessed by staff nurses in two LTC facilities. This is a descriptive, longitudinal study with a 14 day follow-up period which incorporates a screening algorithm using AC instruments with established psychometric properties. A behavioral symptom instrument was also used in order to classify AC cases into clinical subtypes: hyperkinetic, hypokinetic and mixed. Staff nurses, using traditional assessment techniques and blinded to the case screening algorithm outcome, were asked to randomly evaluate both residents who were "clear" and those experiencing AC. Screening was conducted at both daytime and evening time-points. Of the 37 subjects followed. 15 (40.5%) screened positive for AC. Those AC cases with compromised cortical functioning indicative of Alzheimer's disease (n = 4) were particularly vulnerable to poor fluid intake. High risk medications (n = 7) and urinary tract infections (n = 7) were the most frequent antecedents. Most of the subjects experienced two or more antecedent conditions at the time of their AC. Staff nurses were able to identify 4 (26.7%) of the 15 instrument-positive residents, none of which were of a hypokinetic clinical subtype. These early results suggest a high prevalence of AC among elders in LTC, which may go unrecognized by bedside care providers. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Low molecular weight, non-peptide fibrinogen receptor antagonists.
The tetrapeptide H-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-OH (1) (RGDS), representing a recognition sequence of fibrinogen for its platelet receptor GP IIb-IIIa (integrin alpha IIb beta 3), served as lead compound for the development of highly potent and selective fibrinogen receptor antagonists. Replacement of the N-terminal arginine by p-amidinophenylalanine or the Gly moiety by m-aminobenzoic acid led to compounds which are superior to the lead peptide with regard to activity and selectivity for GP IIb-IIIa vs the closely related vitronectin receptor alpha v beta 3. By random screening [(p-amidinobenzenesulfonamido)ethyl]-p-phenoxyacetic acid derivatives have been identified as fibrinogen receptor antagonists. Further structure-activity relationship studies culminated in the preparation of N-[N-[N-(p-amidinobenzoyl)-beta-alanyl]-L-alpha-aspartyl]-3-phenyl-L- alanine (29h, Ro 43-5054) and [[1-[N-(p-amidinobenzoyl)-L-tyrosyl]-4-piperidinyl]oxy]acetic acid (37f, Ro 44-9883), which exhibit very high activity as platelet aggregation inhibitors (IC50s 0.06 and 0.03 microM, respectively, human PRP/ADP) as well as marked selectivity for GP IIb-IIIa vs alpha v beta 3. Since the activity of 37f in dogs declines according to a two-compartment model with an initial phase having a t1/2 of 8 min and a second phase with a t1/2 of 110 min, this compound is a suitable candidate for the development as iv platelet inhibitor. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The relationship between cardiac reserve and survival in critically ill patients receiving treatment aimed at achieving supranormal oxygen delivery and consumption.
The relationship between survival and cardiac responsiveness to therapy aimed at achieving supranormal values for cardiac index, oxygen delivery and oxygen consumption (cardiac index (CI) > 4.5 l/min/m2, oxygen delivery (DO2) > 600 ml/min/m2, and oxygen consumption (VO2) > 170 ml/min/m2), has been investigated in a heterogeneous group of critically ill patients. Thirty-two patients were prospectively studied and divided into survivors and non-survivors. Cardiac reserve was assessed by determining changes in CI, left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI) and cardiac power output (CPO) in response to optimal fluid administration and inotropic stimulation with dobutamine. On admission LVSWI and CPO were significantly higher in survivors (P < 0.05), despite no significant differences in pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP). In response to fluid CI, CPO and LVSWI increased significantly in survivors (P < 0.01), but not in non-survivors. Following optimal fluid administration, survivors achieved significantly higher values for CI, LVSWI (P < 0.01), and CPO (P < 0.001) than non-survivors. At maximum resuscitation all three variables were significantly higher in survivors than in non-survivors (P < 0.001). The dose of dobutamine administered to non-survivors (median (range) 100 (5-200)) was significantly greater (P < 0.001) than that given to the survivors (median (range) 10 (0-25)). The dose of dobutamine was limited by complications in 12 of the non-survivors. These observations suggest that cardiac reserve is an important determinant of outcome following critical illness. In unresponsive patients attempts to achieve supranormal oxygen delivery and consumption with massive inotropic support may not only be ineffective but frequently precipitates tachydysrhythmias and myocardial ischaemia. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Metabolic rewiring of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: New routes to follow within the maze.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a debilitating and almost universally fatal malignancy. Despite advances in understanding of the oncogenetics of the disease, very few clinical benefits have been shown. One of the main characteristics of PDAC is the tumor architecture where tumor cells are surrounded by a firm desmoplasia. By reducing vascularization, thus both oxygen and nutrients delivery to the tumor, this stroma causes the appearance of hypoxic zones driving metabolic adaptation in surviving tumor cells in order to cope with challenging conditions. This metabolic reprogramming promoted by environmental constraints enhances PDAC aggressiveness. In this review, we provide a brief overview of previous works regarding the importance of glucose and glutamine addiction of PDAC cells. In particular we aim to highlight the need for exploring the impact of metabolites other than glucose and glutamine, such as non-essential amino acids and oncometabolites, to find new treatments. We also discuss the need for progress in methodology for metabolites detection. The overall purpose of our review is to emphasize the need to look beyond what is currently known, with a focus on amino acid availability, in order to improve our understanding of PDAC biology. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The effect of red cell transfusion on hemodialysis-related hypotension.
Blood pressures of 25 stable end-stage renal disease patients with chronic anemia (mean hemoglobin 5.9 g/dL) who had received 2 units of packed red cells during hemodialysis were studied. Three treatments preceding and three following the transfusion dialysis were compared. Twenty-eight hypotensive episodes preceded and 12 followed transfusion (P = .02). Intravenous sodium chloride used for hypotension declined from a mean of 20.4 to 10.2 mEq per dialysis (P = .01). The rate of decline in mean arterial pressure during dialysis was significantly slower following transfusion (P less than .01). Mean postdialysis weight fell from 62.0 kg before transfusion to 61.5 kg following transfusion (P less than .001). Thus, red cell transfusion raises intradialytic pressure and reduces the frequency of intradialytic hypotension. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effect of hyperthyroidism on haemopoietic stem cell kinetics in mice.
Changes in the pool of haemopoietic colony-forming units (CFUs) of bone marrow and spleen were studied in experiments with mice fed dried thyroid gland (TH) for 21 days, and during the 13 days that followed feeding. After HU treatment, the number of CFUs in DNA synthesis was estimated. As early as the second day of TH treatment, the pool of CFUs is gradually increased, leading to an increase in the total number of splenic and bone marrow CFUs persisting after TH treatment for the period examined. Simultaneously, the numbers of nucleated cells in the bone marrow and spleen are increased. During TH feeding and following its termination, the total number of erythrocytes and the haematocrit values did not change significantly, whereas an increased number of leucocytes was observed in the peripheral blood after TH treatment. Elevation of the proliferative activity of CFUs occurred early in the period of TH treatment, with the maximum attained by end of the first week of TH feeding. This suggests a rapid response of the haemopoietic stem cell compartment to the administration of TH hormones. The participation of humoral factors controlling CFUs compartments in the mechanism of the stimulatory effect of TH hormones on haemopoietic stem cells is discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Variables differentiating singly and multiply victimized youth: results from the National Survey of Adolescents and implications for secondary prevention.
The authors examined variables differentiating singly and multiply victimized youth with a national household probability sample of 4,023 adolescents. Youth endorsing one episode (i.e., one incident or series of repeat incidents) of sexual or physical assault were classified as singly victimized (n = 435). Multiply victimized youth were those who endorsed multiple discrete episodes of sexual or physical assault and both sexual and physical assault (n = 396). For boys, heightened risk of multiple victimization was associated with family alcohol problems, Native American race, and earlier age at assault onset. For girls, increased multiple victimization risk was associated with family alcohol problems, older current age, and several characteristics of the initial assault episode-earlier age at onset, acquaintance perpetrator, chronicity, perceived life threat, and injury. Findings imply that secondary prevention programs may be strengthened by broadening risk-reduction strategies to address a greater range of victimization experiences. Additional implications for secondary prevention are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Melatonin inhibits type 1 interferon signaling of toll-like receptor 4 via heme oxygenase-1 induction in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion.
The cytoprotective mechanisms of melatonin in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury associated with heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction and type 1 interferon (IFN) signaling pathway downstream of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were investigated. Rats were subjected to 60min of ischemia followed by 5-hr reperfusion. Melatonin (10mg/kg) or vehicle (5% ethanol in saline) was administered intraperitoneally 15min prior to ischemia and immediately before reperfusion. Rats were pretreated with zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP, 10mg/kg, i.p.), a HO-1 inhibitor, at 16 and 3hr prior to ischemia. Melatonin attenuated the I/R-induced increase in serum alanine aminotransferase activity, and ZnPP reversed this attenuation. Melatonin augmented the levels of HO activity and HO-1 protein and mRNA expression, and this enhancement was reversed by ZnPP. Melatonin enhanced the level of NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation, and ZnPP reversed this increase. Overexpression of TLR4 and its adaptor proteins, toll-receptor-associated activator of interferon (TRIF), and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), induced by I/R, was attenuated by melatonin; ZnPP reversed the effect of melatonin on TLR4 and TRIF expression. Melatonin suppressed the increased interaction between TLR4/TRIF and TLR4/MyD88, which was reversed by ZnPP. Melatonin attenuated the increased levels of JAK2 and STAT1 activation as well as IFN-β, and ZnPP reversed these inhibitory effects of melatonin. Melatonin inhibited the level of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL-10), and ZnPP reversed this inhibition. Our findings suggest that melatonin protects the liver against I/R injury by HO-1 overexpression, which suppresses the type 1 IFN signaling pathway downstream of TLR4. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Coping in spouses of patients with acute myocardial infarction in the early phase of recovery.
The purpose of this study was (1) to determine the coping strategies employed by spouses of patients with AMI in the early phase of the crisis, (2) to define the role of age, gender, health perception, time since infarction, spouses' fears, and negative life events in the choice of coping strategies applied, and (3) to test the effect of coping strategies on physical and psychological strain. Fifty-seven spouses participated in the study, 47 were female and 10 were male. Data were collected by structured questionnaires, which were distributed to the spouses from 2 weeks-4 months after the patient's AMI. The researchers found that age, negative life event during the last 12 months, time since infarction, and the spouse's fears influenced the choice of strategies. In the early stage of the crisis, positive reappraisal seems to be a strategy that increased physical strain. Spouses' need for social support in the early stage of the crisis is a factor for health care providers to bear in mind. Besides giving information, empathy, and understanding, health care personnel can try to assist spouses in their efforts to reappraise their situation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Prognostic value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT volumetric parameters in recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer.
Metabolic tumour volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) from (18)F-FDG PET/CT are emerging prognostic biomarkers in various solid neoplasms. These volumetric parameters and the SUVmax have shown to be useful criteria for disease prognostication in preoperative and post-treatment epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of (18)F-FDG PET/CT measurements to predict survival in patients with recurrent EOC. Twenty-six patients with EOC who underwent a total of 31 (18)F-FDG PET/CT studies for suspected recurrence were retrospectively included. SUVmax and volumetric parameters whole-body MTV (wbMTV) and whole-body TLG (wbTLG) with a threshold of 40% and 50% of the SUVmax were obtained. Correlation between PET parameters and progression-free survival (PFS) and the survival analysis of prognostic factors were calculated. Serous cancer was the most common histological subtype (76.9%). The median PFS was 12.5 months (range 10.7-20.6 months). Volumetric parameters showed moderate inverse correlation with PFS but there was no significant correlation in the case of SUVmax. The correlation was stronger for first recurrences. By Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test, wbMTV 40%, wbMTV 50% and wbTLG 50% correlated with PFS. However, SUVmax and wbTLG 40% were not statistically significant predictors for PFS. Volumetric parameters wbMTV and wbTLG 50% measured by (18)F-FDG PET/CT appear to be useful prognostic predictors of outcome and may provide valuable information to individualize treatment strategies in patients with recurrent EOC. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Effects of chlordimeform on cardiovascular functional parameters: Part 2. Acute and delayed effects following intravenous administration in the postweanling rat.
The effects of intravenous (iv) administration of chlordimeform (CDM) were investigated in 22- to 30-d-old pentobarbital-anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals (n = 25) were given sequential iv injections of 5, 10, 30, 60, and 120 mg CDM/kg, or normal saline vehicle followed by a single injection of 60 mg CDM/kg. Heart rate (HR), arterial blood pressure (BP), and electrocardiogram (ECG) were monitored for all animals, while body temperature was maintained at control levels (37 degrees C). CDM produced profound acute effects on all cardiovascular parameters monitored and persistent delayed effects on HR and BP. These effects were similar to but less severe than those observed in a previous study using geriatric animals. Younger animals also appeared to be more resistant to the lethal actions of CDM. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The influence of intraocular pressure and systemic oxygen tension on the intravascular pO2 of the pig retina as measured with phosphorescence imaging.
The intravascular oxygen tension (pO2) of the pig retina was determined by measuring the phosphorescence lifetime of an intravenously injected dye. Pseudocolor images of the intravascular retinal pO2 were obtained. The method is noninvasive except for the application of the dye. The measurement system was adapted to a fundus camera. The systemic arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) as well as the intraocular pressure (IOP) were altered. In the measurements the pO2 of the choriocapillaris was close to the systemic PaO2. Under normoxia, the retinal veins showed a lower pO2 of about 40 mm Hg. We found evidence of an autoregulation of the retinochoroidal pO2. The retina and the optic nerve head showed an autoregulation of the intravascular pO2 at low IOP, but were more sensitive to a moderate elevation of the IOP of about 40 mm Hg, as compared to the choroidal pO2. The pO2 of the choriocapillaris seemed to change little until the considerably high IOP value of about 50 mm Hg was attained. This behavior is due to either the high perfusion reserve capacity of the choroid or to autoregulation. Although our experiments refer to the perfusion of the pig eye, the results provide indirect evidence that even during a glaucoma attack the human choroid might be able to maintain a reasonable oxygen supply to the retina, whereas the intravascular pO2 of the retinal vessels and of the optic nerve head decrease strongly. The adaptation to a fundus camera facilitates a future clinical application if a nontoxic dye can be developed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Association of weight change with ethnicity and life course socioeconomic position among Brazilian civil servants.
Adult weight gain is generally associated with ethnicity of African descent, in addition to low socioeconomic position (SEP), but little information is available from the African diaspora in less-developed countries. We evaluated ethnic differences in adult weight change and the role of life course SEP in those differences. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data (1999-2001) from 2594 non-faculty civil servants working at university campuses in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and participating in the longitudinal Pró-Saúde Study. Weight and height were measured at study entry whereas ethnicity, markers of SEP, and weight at age 20 were assessed through self-administered questionnaire. Black and mulatto women gained, respectively, an excess of 1.6 kg and 1.2 kg per 10 years of adult life, compared with whites. After adjustment for markers of participants' early and later-life SEP, the estimates of excess weight gain for black and mulatto women decreased by about one-third, but a statistically significant estimate was still observed for black women. Among men, neither unadjusted nor adjusted ethnic gradients in weight gain were relevant. Only among women, black and mulatto ethnicity was associated with increased weight gain, which was partially explained through the association with their lower SEP. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Use of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides as immune adjuvants.
Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) containing unmethylated CpG motifs directly stimulate human B cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), thereby promoting the production of T helper 1 (Th1) and pro-inflammatory cytokines and the maturation/activation of professional antigen-presenting cells. These activities enable CpG ODNs to act as immune adjuvants, accelerating and boosting antigen-specific immune responses by 5-500-fold. These effects are optimized by maintaining close physical contact between the CpG DNA and the immunogen. Animal challenge models establish that protective immunity can be accelerated and magnified by coadministering CpG DNA with vaccines. Ongoing clinical studies indicate that CpG ODNs are safe and well tolerated when administered as adjuvants to humans, and in some cases, they increase vaccine-induced immune responses. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hematemesis due to fistula between aorta and esophagus and later to fistula between left common carotid artery and esophagus. Case report.
A case of massive hematemesis due to an aortoesophageal fistula is presented. The diagnosis was made intraoperatively. The patient died 39 days postoperatively of an additional, previously unidentified fistula between the left common carotid artery and the esophagus. This fistula combination does not seem to have been reported previously. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Simulation of recent southern hemisphere climate change.
Recent observations indicate that climate change over the high latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere is dominated by a strengthening of the circumpolar westerly flow that extends from the surface to the stratosphere. Here we demonstrate that the seasonality, structure, and amplitude of the observed climate trends are simulated in a state-of-the-art atmospheric model run with high vertical resolution that is forced solely by prescribed stratospheric ozone depletion. The results provide evidence that anthropogenic emissions of ozonedepleting gases have had a distinct impact on climate not only at stratospheric levels but at Earth's surface as well. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Perinatal outcome of vaginally delivered twin gestations with a larger twin B.
To study the perinatal outcome of vaginally delivered twins when twin B is more than 250 g larger than twin A. Maternal and neonatal charts of live-born, nonanomalous twins, >25 weeks' gestation and vaginally delivered over a period of 17 years were reviewed. The results of this review were distributed among two groups: (1). those with twin B more than 250 g larger than twin A (DeltaBW>250) and (2). those where the difference was <250 g (DeltaBW<250). For vaginally delivered twin gestations, the perinatal outcome of twin B in the group DeltaBW>250 was compared to that of its co-twin, and to that of twin B in the group DeltaBW<250. Of the 679 twin gestations reviewed, 138 (20.6%) were in the group DeltaBW>250, of whom 73 (52.9%) delivered vaginally despite malpresentation in 39.7%. The vaginally delivered twin pregnancies in the groups DeltaBW>250 (n=73) and DeltaBW<250 (n=303) had similar demographics, parity, presentation, gestational age at delivery, and duration of the first stage of labor. Discordant twins were more frequent in the group DeltaBW>250 (26.0 versus 9.5%, p=0.001). Twin B in the group DeltaBW<250 was smaller, with higher incidence of growth restriction, low 5 min Apgar score, and hyperbilirubinemia compared to twin B in the group DeltaBW>250. There was no difference in the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage, seizures, sepsis, neonatal death, and median nursery stay. Except for a lower median Apgar score at 1 min in twin B and a longer median nursery stay in twin A, twins A and B in the group DeltaBW>250 were similar regarding all other neonatal outcome variables. When twin B is more than 250 g larger than A, and both are delivered vaginally, the perinatal outcome is similar to its co-twin as well as to that of twin B of all other vaginally delivered twins. That twin B is larger than A is not itself a contraindication to attempted vaginal delivery. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Benefits of Digital Smile Design (DSD) in the conception of a complex orthodontic treatment plan: A case report-proof of concept.
Digital Smile Design (DSD) is a systematic protocol based on specific photographs and software analysis that is used worldwide. DSD aims to assist the practitioner in creating and planning a course of treatment, especially in a multidisciplinary approach, and provides a virtual simulation of the final result. Additionally, it is a tool that enables communication and discussion between all the dental team, including the dental laboratory, and also with the patient. Although widely described and used in prosthetic rehabilitation, this tool remains only anecdotally used in the world of orthodontics. The objective of this proof of concept was to describe the application of the Digital Smile Design protocol in the diagnosis of orthodontic treatment. A teenage patient was referred to our university clinic by a private orthodontic practitioner for a second opinion on the treatment at that time. The patient had a self-ligating orthodontic appliance. According to the history of the case and the oral situation at that moment, the patient required an accurately calculated plan for orthodontic tooth movement that would permit the achievement of future rehabilitation. Therefore, the decision was taken to use a DSD protocol to potentially complete the classic orthodontic examination. From the classic orthodontic examination, the patient presented a molar class I, midline deviations, the #21 and #23 were missing, #12 was conoid (microdontic) and, finally, #22 was in the position of #21. From the DSD results, three different views simulated the final results and therefore provided additional and relevant information, such as the correct position of the upper midline and the correct position of #12, #13, #22 and #23. This proof of concept showed the clinical relevance of the Digital Smile Design protocol as a new tool for complex orthodontic treatment planning, especially in a multidisciplinary approach. Further publications will be necessary in order to define a specific DSD protocol for orthodontic treatment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Turning gap acceptance decision-making: the impact of driver distraction.
A number of studies have found that use of in-car phones by drivers can interfere with the cognitive processing necessary for making appropriate and timely vehicle control decisions. However, the specific linkage between communication-based distraction and unsafe decision-making has not been sufficiently explored. In a closed-course driving experiment, 39 subjects were exposed to approximately 100 gaps each in a circulating traffic stream of eight vehicles on an instrumented test track that was wet about half the time. The subjects were at the controls of an instrumented car, which was oriented in a typical left-turn configuration (traffic-crossing situation in North America) and with parking brake on and the transmission in neutral. The subjects were instructed to press on the accelerator pedal when they felt that a gap was safe to accept. Their performances were monitored and incentives were provided for balancing safe decision-making with expeditious completion of the task. For half of the gap exposures (randomly assigned), each subject was required to listen and respond to a complex verbal message. When not distracted, the subjects' gap acceptance judgment was found to be significantly influenced by their age, the gap size, the speed of the trailing vehicle, the level of "indecision," and the condition of the track surface. However, when distracted, the subjects did not factor pavement surface condition into the decision process. On wet pavement, the subjects were judged to have initiated twice the level of potential collisions when distracted by the messages that they did when not distracted. Listening/responding to verbal messages may reduce the capacity of drivers to process adequately all the important information necessary for safe decision-making. The effects of the messages in our study seemed to cause the subjects to misjudge gap size and speed information when operating under the additional disadvantage of adverse pavement condition. Attention to complex messages while making decisions about turning through gaps in an on-coming vehicle stream was associated with significantly increased unsafe decision making by subjects in our experiment when the additional complexity of wet surface condition was introduced. While the results reflected a somewhat artificial situation where the measure was signaled intention to act rather than the act itself, nevertheless, they do strongly suggest a scenario in which mental distraction could contribute to crash risk. With the rapid proliferation of telematics in the vehicle market, even with the laudable objectives represented by the Intelligent Transportation Systems initiative, there is a danger of the primary task of the driver being subordinated to a perceived need to enhance information flow to/from the external "world." Industry and governments need to work together to ensure that apparently desirable in-vehicle communication improvements do not compromise safety. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Intensive practical lifestyle intervention improves endothelial function in metabolic syndrome independent of weight loss: a randomized controlled trial.
The objective was to evaluate the metabolic and vascular effects of lifestyle interventions involving a healthy diet and either a moderate- or a high-intensity exercise regimen in nondiabetic subjects with metabolic syndrome. The effects of these interventions on flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) and risk profiles were compared with a standard low-fat diet and engaging in daily walking (standard of care). Seventy-five healthy adults with metabolic syndrome (30-55 years old) were randomized to a 10,000-steps-a-day exercise program, a 3-times-a-week fitness (>75% peak VO(2)) program, or a 1-hour-walking-a-day program for 12 weeks. The first 2 interventions were combined with an accessible healthy, no-sugar diet; and the third was combined with a tailored low-fat diet. The outcomes, including FMD and risk factors, were examined at 12 weeks and at 1-year reassessment. Significant increase in FMD (mean difference = 1.51%, 95% confidence interval = 1.05%-3.017%, P = .0007) and decrease in arterial pressure (mean difference = 19.3 ± 2.3/-12.6 ± 1.8 mm Hg, P = .0001) were observed in all groups. However, the FMD changed most favorably in the high-intensity, low-sugar group (mean difference = 1.56%, 95% confidence interval = 0.1%-3.02%, P = .036). Significant improvements in body mass index, waist, insulin-like growth factor-1, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, insulin, glucose, urinary albumin excretion, and lipid profiles occurred in all groups. Metabolic syndrome was resolved in 64%. One year later, weight loss (-9.1 ± 2.3 kg, P = .0001) and arterial pressure decrease (-18.5 ± 2.3/-12.3 ± 2.1 mm Hg, P = .0001) were maintained. Practical, health-centered diet combined with high-intensity exercise is associated with enhanced vascular protection. These data suggest that more intense exercise combined with a low-sugar diet modulates endothelium-dependent vasodilation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Combined tipranavir and enfuvirtide use associated with higher plasma tipranavir concentrations but not with increased hepatotoxicity: sub-analysis from RESIST.
In RESIST, enfuvirtide co-administered with ritonavir-boosted tipranavir was associated with higher plasma tipranavir concentrations, which seldom rose above those associated with an increased risk of grade 3/4 transaminase elevations. Transaminase elevation rates (6.5%) and clinical hepatic event rates (5.9 events/100 person exposure years) were lower in the tipranavir/ritonavir with enfuvirtide group than in the tipranavir/ritonavir without enfuvirtide group. Observed increases in plasma tipranavir concentrations thus had no apparent effect on the risk of hepatotoxicity. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Association of glucose homeostasis and metabolic syndrome with knee cartilage defects and cartilage volume in young adults.
To describe the associations of glucose homeostasis and metabolic syndrome (MetS) measures with knee cartilage defects and cartilage volume in young adults. Fasting blood biochemistry, waist circumference and blood pressure measures were collected 4-5 years prior to knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Blood measures included levels of glucose, insulin, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Homeostatic model assessment 2-insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR), HOMA2-beta cell function (HOMA2-β), HOMA2-insulin sensitivity (HOMA-S) and MetS were calculated or defined. Knee cartilage defects and cartilage volume were measured from MRI scans. Data were analysed using log binomial or linear regressions. Among 328 participants (47.3% were females, aged 26-36 years at baseline), 40 (12.7%) had hyperglycaemia and 21 (6.7%) had MetS. Glucose homeostasis measures (except fasting glucose) were associated with tibiofemoral cartilage defects (fasting insulin: relative risk (RR) 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01 to 1.08; HOMA2-IR: 1.44, 1.08 to 1.92; HOMA2-β: 2.59, 1.33 to 5.07; HOMA2-S: 0.36, 0.18 to 0.72), but not patellar cartilage defects. There were no associations between glucose homeostasis measures and knee cartilage volume. High waist circumference (RR 2.32, 95% CI 1.18 to 4.54) and low HDL-C (RR 1.99, 95% CI 1.08 to 3.69) were associated with tibiofemoral cartilage defects, but no other associations were observed between MetS or its components and cartilage defects or volume. Insulin resistance, high waist circumference and low HDL-C were associated with higher risk of tibiofemoral cartilage defects, suggesting glucose homeostasis and some MetS components may affect early cartilage damage in young adults. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Factors relating to the perceived management of emergency situations: a survey of former Advanced Life Support course participants' clinical experiences.
This study explored individual, team, and setting factors associated with the quality of management of in-hospital emergency situations experienced by former Advanced Life Support (ALS) course participants. This study was a survey of former ALS course participants' long-term experience of management of in-hospital, emergency situations. The survey was carried out in 2012 in Denmark and Norway. A questionnaire was send to 526 potential responders and (281/479 × 100) 58.7% responded. The results demonstrated that 75% of the emergency situations were perceived as "managed well". In general, the responders' confidence in being ALS providers was high, mean 4.3 (SD 0.8), scale 1-5. Significant differences between the perceived "well" and "not well" managed situations were found for all questions, p<0.001. The largest differences related to perception of co-workers' ability to apply ALS principles, the team atmosphere and communication. Responders' ratings of quality of management of emergency situations increased with intensity of setting. However, the 'clinical setting' was rated significantly lower as attributor to ability to apply ALS principles compared to 'co-workers familiarity with ALS principles', 'own confidence as ALS-provider' and 'own social/inter-personal skills'. The results of this survey emphasise that ALS providers' perceived ability to apply ALS skills were substantially affected by teamwork skills and co-workers' skills. Team related factors associated with successful outcome were related to clear role distribution, clear inter-personal communication and attentive listening, as well as respectful behaviour and positive team atmosphere. Although intensity of setting was attributed to ability to apply ALS principles, this did not affect management of emergency situations to the same extent as individual and team factors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Factors underlying anxiety in HIV testing: risk perceptions, stigma, and the patient-provider power dynamic.
Client anxiety is often associated with diagnostic testing. In this study, the authors used a grounded theory approach to examine the situational and social factors underlying anxiety associated with HIV testing, analyzing transcripts from semistructured interviews with 39 HIV test recipients in Ontario, Canada (selected based on HIV serostatus, risk experience, geographic region, gender, and number of HIV tests), then integrating emergent themes with existing research literature. Analysis revealed four themes: perceptions of risk and responsibility for health, stigma associated with HIV, the patient-provider power dynamic, and techniques used by test recipients to enhance control in their interactions with providers. Service implications include modifications to information provision during the test session, attention to privacy and anonymity, and sensitivity to patient-provider interactions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Immunohistochemical study of the cells infiltrating human renal allografts by the ABC and the IGSS method using monoclonal antibodies.
Sixty renal allograft tissues obtained from 29 patients were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. These tissues were histologically classified into 4 patterns according to the distribution pattern of the infiltrating cells: normal, focal, focal-diffuse, and diffuse types. Clinical signs of acute rejection were observed in 88% of the patients with the diffuse type infiltration, and 83% of those with the focal-diffuse type infiltration but in only 13% of those with the focal type infiltration. Twenty-four renal allografts were analyzed by the ABC and the IGSS methods using monoclonal antibodies. The number of T cells (Leu 1) accounted for about 80% of the total number of infiltrating cells; 2-8% of the cells were B cells (Leu 12); about 10% were NK/K cells (Leu 7); and 4-6% were monocytes/macrophages (Leu M3). As to helper/inducer T cell (Leu3a) and killer/suppressor T cell (Leu2a), which are T lymphocyte subsets, there were more Leu3a- than Leu2a-positive cells in focal type tissue, but there were more Leu2a- than Leu3a-positive cells in focal-diffuse and diffuse type tissue. In most cases that developed clinical signs of acute rejection, there were more Leu2a- than Leu3a-positive cells. The Leu3a/Leu2a ratio in most of the AZA-administered cases dropped immediately after the transplantation and maintained a low value, but in the CSA-administered cases it decreased gradually post-transplant. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
FBN1 mutation screening of patients with Marfan syndrome and related disorders: detection of 46 novel FBN1 mutations.
Fibrillin-1 gene (FBN1) mutations cause Marfan syndrome (MFS), an inherited connective tissue disorder with autosomal dominant transmission. Major clinical manifestations affect cardiovascular and skeletal apparatuses and ocular and central nervous systems. We analyzed FBN1 gene in 99 patients referred to our Center for Marfan Syndrome and Related Disorders (University of Florence, Florence, Italy): 85 were affected by MFS and 14 by other fibrillinopathies type I. We identified mutations in 80 patients. Among the 77 different mutational events, 46 had not been previously reported. They are represented by 49 missense (61%), 1 silent (1%), 13 nonsense (16%), 6 donor splice site mutations (8%), 8 small deletions (10%), and 3 small duplications (4%). The majority of missense mutations were within the calcium-binding epidermal growth factor-like domains. We found preferential associations between The Cys-missense mutations and ectopia lentis and premature termination codon mutations and skeletal manifestations. In contrast to what reported in literature, the cardiovascular system is severely affected also in patients carrying mutations in exons 1-10 and 59-65. In conclusion, we were able to detect FBN1 mutations in 88% of patients with MFS and in 36% of patients with other fibrillinopathies type I, confirming that FBN1 mutations are good predictors of classic MFS. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Early versus late acute renal allograft rejection: impact on chronic rejection.
We studied the effect of acute renal allograft rejection and its timing on the development of chronic rejection and subsequent graft loss. Between January 1, 1987 and April 30, 1991, 424 patients at the University of Minnesota received a primary kidney transplant (minimum follow-up, 1 year). Patients were subdivided by donor source, presence or absence of acute rejection, and the timing of acute rejection onset (early, < or = 60 days vs. late, > 60 days post-transplant). For living donor (LD) transplant recipients (n = 219), the incidence of chronic rejection is 0.8% in those who had no acute rejection (n = 130), 20% in those with acute rejection < or = 60 days (n = 59) (P < 0.001 vs. no acute rejection), and 43% in those with acute rejection > 60 days (n = 30) (P < 0.001 vs. no acute rejection, P = 0.04 vs. early acute rejection). For cadaver (CAD) transplant recipients (n = 205), the incidence of chronic rejection is 0% in those who had no acute rejection (n = 109), 36% in those with acute rejection < or = 60 days (n = 69) (P < 0.001 vs. no acute rejection), and 63% in those with acute rejection > 60 days (n = 27) (P < 0.001 vs. no acute rejection, P = 0.03 vs. early acute rejection). For both LD and CAD recipients, no grafts have been lost to chronic rejection among those who did not first have at least 1 acute rejection episode. In contrast, 23 patients with acute rejection have had graft loss to chronic rejection. For both LD and CAD recipients, those with > 1 acute rejection episode had significantly more chronic rejection than those with only 1 rejection (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of chronic rejection based on whether the first acute rejection episode was steroid resistant or steroid responsive. We conclude that acute rejection is strongly related to the development of biopsy-proven chronic rejection and subsequent graft loss. Patients undergoing their first acute rejection episode > 60 days (vs. < or = 60 days) have an increased incidence of chronic rejection. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Somatomedin-C levels in healthy young and old men: relationship to peak and 24-hour integrated levels of growth hormone.
We investigated the relationship between growth hormone secretion and somatomedin levels as a function of age in normal healthy men. There was a substantial decrease with age in somatomedin levels from 0.95 +/- 0.06 (M +/- SEM) units/ml in young (23 to 27 years) men to 0.68 +/- 0.07 in old (58 to 82 years) men. The blood samples were taken throughout a 24-hour period, so it was possible to analyze the data for correlations between average somatomedin levels and various aspects of growth hormone secretion. There was a significant correlation of somatomedin level with the 24-hour integrated growth hormone level, and a nearly significant correlation with the sum of the highest three peaks, but no correlation with the highest nighttime peak or the basal level of growth hormone. These lower blood levels of somatomedin in the aged may be responsible, at least in part, for the catabolic effects on muscle and bone frequently associated with aging. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
3D Gabor wavelet based vessel filtering of photoacoustic images.
Filtering and segmentation of vasculature is an important issue in medical imaging. The visualization of vasculature is crucial for the early diagnosis and therapy in numerous medical applications. This paper investigates the use of Gabor wavelet to enhance the effect of vasculature while eliminating the noise due to size, sensitivity and aperture of the detector in 3D Optical Resolution Photoacoustic Microscopy (OR-PAM). A detailed multi-scale analysis of wavelet filtering and Hessian based method is analyzed for extracting vessels of different sizes since the blood vessels usually vary with in a range of radii. The proposed algorithm first enhances the vasculature in the image and then tubular structures are classified by eigenvalue decomposition of the local Hessian matrix at each voxel in the image. The algorithm is tested on non-invasive experiments, which shows appreciable results to enhance vasculature in photo-acoustic images. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Vitrification of mosses: a useful method for the cryopreservation of Splachnum ampullaceum Hedw.
The source of germplasm as well as the technique used for storage of mosses can enhance survival after cryopreservation. Samples of gametophores, protonemata and protonemal brood cells from in vitro cultures of Splachnum ampullaceum were cryopreserved following exposure to a plant vitrification solution (PVS2) for two different times (5 and 10 min) at 0 degree C. Half of the samples were pretreated with a loading solution containing 2 M glycerol and 0.4 M sucrose before exposure to PVS2. After one week storage in liquid nitrogen, S. ampullaceum samples were regenerated on Gamborg's B5 mineral medium with B5 vitamins. Exposure to a loading solution was a prerequisite for high survival in all samples. Four weeks after cryopreservation, 92.3 percent brood cells, 60.0 percent gametophores and 46.0 percent protonemata pretreated with a loading solution had regenerated, displaying normal growth and development, thus demonstrating that vitrification is a useful method for moss cryopreservation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Regulatory effect of calcium on 3H-dopamine binding to guinea-pig heart membrane preparations.
The effects of various cations on the specific binding of dopamine to its recognition sites are described using guinea-pig heart membranes as a substrate. Only CaCl2 provoked a dose-dependent facilitatory effect, while KCl, NaCl and MgCl2 acted in the opposite sense. Moreover, Na2EDTA also had an inhibitory effect on dopamine binding and completely prevented the facilitatory action of CaCl2 on 3H-dopamine binding. This effect is partially counteracted by trifluoperazine but unaffected by verapamil. We can conclude from this that calcium seems to be essential to optimizing 3H-dopamine binding to cardiac membrane preparations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Comparison of the effects of the dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors captopril, ramipril, and enalapril on water intake and sodium appetite of Sprague-Dawley rats.
Two experiments were performed with Sprague-Dawley rats to study the effects of different inhibitors of angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) on water intake and sodium appetite. Subcutaneous administration of low doses of either enalapril (MK421) or ramipril (Hoe498), like captopril, was dipsogenic. Acute administration of ramipril also enhanced the drinking response to peripherally administered angiotensin I (Ang I). Higher doses inhibited the drinking response to Ang I, administered acutely either peripherally or centrally. These data provide behavioral evidence that the nonsulfhydryl inhibitors enalapril and ramipril inhibit brain converting enzyme activity and that they are considerably more potent than captopril. All three of these compounds, administered chronically in food, induced an appetite for sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. Enalapril and ramipril were more potent than captopril. Plasma renin activity was increased by each of these inhibitors, but the magnitude of the increase was not clearly related to the amount of NaCl consumed. The water intake in response to acute administration of either Ang I or isoproterenol was not reliably increased in rats treated chronically with these inhibitors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Novel fluoro- and hydroxyl-containing jasmonate derivatives as highly efficient elicitors in suspension cultures of Taxus chinensis.
To develop more effective abiotic elicitors for cell suspension cultures of T. chinensis to meet the needs for paclitaxel as anti-tumor drug, some fluoro- or hydroxyl-containing groups are introduced to the ester moiety of jasmonic acid by the esterification or acylation with bis(trichloromethyl) carbonate and corresponding alcohol. Some of them are found to be novel and effective elicitors, which can enhance the production of taxuyunnanine C (Tc) up to 60% more than that by methyl jasmonate (MJA) in T. chinensis cell cultures. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Ser608Leu polymorphisms in the nitric oxide synthase-2 gene may influence urinary bladder cancer pathogenesis.
The aim of this study was to analyse whether the exonic Ser608Leu (rs2297518) polymorphism in nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS2) influences urinarybladder cancer risk and pathogenesis. Genotyping of 359 bladder cancer patients from a population-based cohort and 164 population controls was carried out by allelic discrimination and sequencing. Genotypes were combined with information on tumour stage, grade, stage progression and cancer-specific death, from a 5-year clinical follow-up. For the Ser608Leu polymorphism, TT homozygotes had three-fold higher odds for bladder cancer (p = 0.081), but once ill, a lower risk for stage progression (p = 0.031) and a better prognosis. The data indicate that the Tallele of the NOS2 Ser608Leu polymorphism is an initial risk factor for developing urinary bladder cancer. Among bladder cancer patients, however, individuals who are TT homozygous have a lower risk of developing muscle-invasive disease and a higher cancer-specific survival. Depending on the cellular context, nitric oxide can induce proliferation as well as apoptosis. The results from this and previous studies suggest that NOS2 polymorphisms may influence both the risk of contracting bladder cancer and the aggressiveness of the disease. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Contradictions in British vaccine policy on hepatitis B.
A vaccine for hepatitis B became available in the UK from 1982, but it did not solve the public health dilemmas presented by the disease. In the decade that followed, epidemiologically important groups such as intravenous drug users and gay men were not targetted, while the groups of health workers at the centre of policy concern received little vaccine. This paper draws on models of diffusion, the pattern of the disease, and previous policies on screening, to explain the restricted vaccine policy which was a field for contention through the 1980s and into the 1990s. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Solid-Phase Speciation and Solubility of Phosphorus in an Acid Sulfate Paddy Soil during Soil Reduction and Reoxidation as Affected by Oil Palm Ash and Biochar.
Understanding phosphorus (P) speciation and how redox conditions control P solubility in acid sulfate paddy soils with limited P availability is crucial for improving soil P availability. We examined P speciation and extractability in an acid sulfate paddy soil incorporated with oil palm ash (OPA) and biochar (OPB) during soil reduction and subsequent oxidation. Phosphorus K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra of the soil samples revealed that P in the soil mainly occurred as P adsorbed to ferrihydrite and P adsorbed to gibbsite. During soil reduction, gibbsite-bound P was transformed into variscite, which was back-transformed to gibbsite-bound P during soil reoxidation. Sequential extraction results confirmed the dominance of Fe/Al (hydr)oxides-bound P (average 72%) in the soils. The OPA incorporation increased the exchangeable P pool concurring with the decrease in gibbsite-bound P. The OPB incorporation enhanced the dissolved P from the residual pool presumably due to electron shuttling of biochar with Fe(III) minerals during soil reduction. Our results highlight P dynamics in paddy soils, which are of immense importance for effective P-management strategies in rice cultivation. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Finite element model of antibody penetration in a prevascular tumor nodule embedded in normal tissue.
We have developed a pharmacokinetic model for monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to aid in investigating protocols for targeting small primary tumors or sites of metastatic disease. The model describes the uptake of systemically-administered antibody by a prevascular spherical tumor nodule embedded in normal tissue. The model incorporates plasma kinetics, transcapillary transport, interstitial diffusion, binding reactions, and lymphatic clearance. Antigen internalization can easily be incorporated. Simulations obtained from a three-dimensional finite element analysis are used to assess errors in predictions from earlier models in which the influence of the normal tissue was collapsed into a boundary condition at the tumor surface. The model employing a Dirichlet boundary condition substantially overpredicted the mean total tumor mAb concentration at all times. Although the model with a concentration-dependent flux (composite) boundary condition underpredicted mAb concentration, the discrepancy with finite element results is only notable at early times. Sensitivity analyses were performed on mAb dose and on the coefficients for mAb diffusion in the tissue regions, since reported antibody diffusivity values have varied over 30-fold. The results of the study suggest that mAb diffusivity and mAb binding site density in tumors should have major influences on optimizing doses and scheduling of mAb administration in tumor targeting protocols. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Long-lasting effects of neonatal bisphenol A exposure on the implantation process.
Successful implantation is the result of complex molecular interactions between the hormonally primed uterus and a mature blastocyst. This very carefully synchronized interplay of hormonal signals and feedback loops is potentially vulnerable to chemicals such as endocrine disruptors that may disrupt endocrine signaling. Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the highest-volume chemicals produced worldwide. This chapter describes the effects of brief postnatal exposure to BPA on female reproductive performance and specifically on the uterine adaptations during the preimplantation period. We propose that an early alteration in Hoxa10 gene expression affects the functional differentiation of the preimplantation uterus as part of an altered endocrine signal transduction pathway. These molecular alterations could explain, at least in part, the adverse effects of BPA on uterine implantation. Exposure to endocrine disruptors, such as BPA, could contribute to the impaired female fertility noted over the past decades. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
The regulation of IGF-I receptor gene expression.
The insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) receptor mediates most of the biological effects of IGF-I and -II. Despite its structural similarity to the insulin receptor, the IGF-I receptor is mainly involved in the transduction of growth and differentiation types of signals. The IGF-I receptor gene is constitutively expressed by most cells in the organism as well as in culture, consistent with the role of the IGFs as survival factors. In addition, the expression of the IGF-I receptor gene is modulated by a number of physiological and pathological factors, including developmental stage, nutritional status, hormones, growth disorders and malignancy. The regulatory region of the IGF-I receptor gene has been characterized and shown to display a high level of basal promoter activity. Transcription factor Sp1 is a strong activator of IGF-I receptor gene expression, whereas tumor suppressor WT1 represses its activity. The biological implications of these findings in both normal development and disease are described in this review. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
High yield recovery of equine mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord matrix/Wharton's jelly using a semi-automated process.
Umbilical cord is an abundant source of perinatal, plastic adherent mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs). UC-MSCs exhibit robust stemness and strong immunosuppressive and regenerative effects in vivo. This protocol describes enzymatic and mechanical dissociation of umbilical cord matrix (Wharton's jelly) that results in efficient isolation of large numbers of fresh nucleated umbilical cord regenerative cells (UC-RCs) that, when cultured on plastic, exhibit similar characteristics of UC-MSCs. This protocol potentially alleviates the need for culture expansion to obtain large numbers of cells required for clinical application. Dissociation is achieved with a blend of collagenase and neutral proteases with agitation at 37 °C in a semi-automatic system. Average expected yield is 1.65 × 10(6) cells/g tissue with 93 % viability. This protocol has been successfully used to isolate an uncultured nucleated regenerative cell population (also referred to as stromal vascular fraction or SVF) from surgically debrided skin and from human, equine, and canine adipose tissue. The procedure requires less than 30 min for tissue dissection and less than 100 min for cell extraction. Quickly obtaining a large number of UC-RCs that have pluripotent differentiation capacity without the complexity and risks of culture expansion could simplify and expand the use of UC-RCs in clinical as well as research applications. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Möbius and twisted graphene nanoribbons: stability, geometry, and electronic properties.
Results of classical force field geometry optimizations for twisted graphene nanoribbons with a number of twists N(t) varying from 0 to 7 (the case N(t)=1 corresponds to a half-twist Möbius nanoribbon) are presented in this work. Their structural stability was investigated using the Brenner reactive force field. The best classical molecular geometries were used as input for semiempirical calculations, from which the electronic properties (energy levels, HOMO, LUMO orbitals) were computed for each structure. CI wavefunctions were also calculated in the complete active space framework taking into account eigenstates from HOMO-4 to LUMO+4, as well as the oscillator strengths corresponding to the first optical transitions in the UV-VIS range. The lowest energy molecules were found less symmetric than initial configurations, and the HOMO-LUMO energy gaps are larger than the value found for the nanographene used to build them due to electronic localization effects created by the twisting. A high number of twists leads to a sharp increase of the HOMO-->LUMO transition energy. We suggest that some twisted nanoribbons could form crystals stabilized by dipolar interactions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Analytical study on the kinematic and dynamic behaviors of a knee joint.
A knee model in the sagittal plane is established in this study. Specifically, the model is used to study the effects of inertia, articular surfaces of the knee joint, and patella on the behaviors of a knee joint. These behaviors include the joint surface contact point, ligament forces, instantaneous center and slide/roll ratio between the femur and tibia. Model results are compared to experimental cadaver studies available in the literature, as well as between the quasistatic and dynamic models. We found that inertia increases the sliding tendency in the latter part of flexion, and lengthens the cruciate ligaments. Decreasing the curvature of the femur surface geometry tends to reduce the ligament forces and moves the contact points towards the anterior positions. The introduction of the patellar ligament in the model seems to stabilize the behaviors of the knee joint as reflected by the behavior of the instant centers and the contact point pattern on the tibia surface. Furthermore, we found that different magnitudes of the external load applied to the tibia do not alter the qualitative behaviors of the knee joint. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Hepatic Artery Infusional Chemotherapy.
Hepatic artery infusion (HAI) therapy is a well-studied and viable regional therapy for patients with hepatic metastases. Implantable pump devices may be safely placed intraarterially with minimal morbidity and HAI treatments can be used as an adjunct to systemic therapy. Future trials may address sequencing of regional and systemic therapies. However, HAI is not without complications and requires close monitoring and attention to detail but can offer reasonable control of liver tumor burden when managed jointly between medical and surgical oncologists. Herein we describe the technical aspects of HAI pump placement and review pertinent studies in primary and secondary liver tumors. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Update on the role of topotecan in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is an aggressive disease that is generally resistant to chemotherapy. As a result, the prognosis for patients with NSCLC is poor. Currently, platinum-based regimens are the standard of care for patients with advanced NSCLC. However, these regimens are associated with severe and often cumulative hematologic and nonhematologic toxicities, limiting dose intensity. Therefore, novel chemotherapeutic agents and combination regimens may improve the outcome for these patients. A variety of new agents and combinations have been investigated in the treatment of NSCLC. However, to date, no clearly superior single-agent or combination regimen has emerged. Topotecan (Hycamtin; GlaxoSmithKline; Philadelphia, PA), a topoisomerase I inhibitor, is currently approved for the treatment of patients with relapsed small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and is associated with manageable, noncumulative, hematologic toxicities. In addition, topotecan demonstrates a favorable nonhematologic tolerability profile compared with agents currently used in the treatment of patients with NSCLC. The success of topotecan in patients with SCLC has made it an attractive option in the NSCLC setting. Topotecan-based combination regimens in the first-line treatment of NSCLC have demonstrated promising antitumor activities with favorable toxicity profiles. Many topotecan combination regimens have induced stable disease, a response that may offer meaningful clinical benefit in the palliative treatment of patients with advanced disease. Topotecan plus gemcitabine (Gemzar; Eli Lilly and Company; Indianapolis, IN) and single-agent topotecan may be particularly appropriate for patients in the second-line setting, in which palliation of symptoms is an important outcome of chemotherapy. Herein, the future role of topotecan in the first- and second-line treatment of NSCLC and the potential role of resistance mechanisms obtained from in vivo dose-response studies in designing future combination regimens are discussed. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
[Depleted uranium a cancer risk that disappeared. Leukemia alarm regarding Balkan veterans came to nothing].
After alarming reports in the international press in January 2001, about leukemia in war veterans returning from the Balkans after possible exposure to depleted uranium, a follow-up was conducted of the Swedish personnel that had served in the Balkans. Questionnaires, analysis of uranium in urine, and coordination with The National Board of Health and Welfare's cancer register showed no correlation between service in the Balkans and cancer or other illnesses. Several did however experience anxiety, insomnia and fatigue that may have been caused by the stressful environment and/or the anxiety arising from the depleted uranium-debate. To lower the risk for unjustified anxiety and to be better prepared for the physical environment, the Swedish Armed Forces are working on better risk analysis before mission as well as increased health examinations both before and after mission. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Amino acids interference on the quantification of reducing sugars by the 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid assay mislead carbohydrase activity measurements.
This study evaluated the interference of the amino acids tryptophan, cysteine, histidine, tyrosine, hydroxyproline, leucine, proline, serine, glycine, valine, glutamic acid, phenylalanine, and methionine on the measurement of reducing sugars using a phenol-free 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) reagent. It was found that in reaction mixtures containing 20mM of either tryptophan, cysteine, histidine, tyrosine, or hydroxyproline the measurement of 3.7 mM glucose was overestimated by 76%, 50%, 35%, 18%, and 10%, respectively. The amino acids valine, glutamic acid, and phenylalanine did not affect the DNS reaction, while methionine decreased the color development by 5%. The measurement of glucose, xylose, arabinose, and cellobiose at the 3.7-12.4 mM range in the presence of 20 mM cysteine resulted in an overestimated concentration of 34.8-50%. Enzymatic assays for measuring xylanolytic and filter paper activity (FPAse) were conducted in the presence of 20-60 mM cysteine, and compared to cysteine-free assays. In the presence of cysteine, the measured xylanase activity increased threefold and the FPAse activity increased twofold due to the overestimation of the reducing sugar concentrations in the assays. The interference from cysteine was reduced to a maximum of 8.6% when a DNS reagent containing phenol was used. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Fecal fat microscopy. Acceptable predictive value in screening for steatorrhea.
Fecal fat droplet count was compared with Van de Kamer chemical determination of fecal fat in 41 adults (24 excreting fat in excess of 6 gm./24 hr.) in an aliquot of a 36-hour fecal collection. Predictability of the droplet count was confirmed by a positive correlation (P less than 0.01) between chemical fat and droplets when serially diluting stool containing high fat. The droplet count separated normal and abnormal fat excretors with a probability similar to the chemical analysis (P less than 0.001). The droplet count correlated with the chemical analysis (P less than 0.01) and using a calibration curve it predicted the amount of fat in the microscopic counting space (P less than 0.01). Improved standardization (dilution of stool 1:1 with Sudan-acetic acid, counting in a hemacytometer, microscopy of heated specimen) can easily be adopted by a bedside laboratory. Microscopy in an aliquot of stool homogenate collected over 24 hours is preferable over microscopy from a random stool specimen. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
A Human-Humanoid Interaction Through the Use of BCI for Locked-In ALS Patients Using Neuro-Biological Feedback Fusion.
This paper illustrates a new architecture for a human-humanoid interaction based on EEG-brain computer interface (EEG-BCI) for patients affected by locked-in syndrome caused by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The proposed architecture is able to recognise users' mental state accordingly to the biofeedback factor , based on users' attention, intention, and focus, that is used to elicit a robot to perform customised behaviours. Experiments have been conducted with a population of eight subjects: four ALS patients in a near locked-in status with normal ocular movement and four healthy control subjects enrolled for age, education, and computer expertise. The results showed as three ALS patients have completed the task with 96.67% success; the healthy controls with 100% success; the fourth ALS has been excluded from the results for his low general attention during the task; the analysis of factor highlights as ALS subjects have shown stronger (81.20%) than healthy controls (76.77%). Finally, a post-hoc analysis is provided to show how robotic feedback helps in maintaining focus on expected task. These preliminary data suggest that ALS patients could successfully control a humanoid robot through a BCI architecture, potentially enabling them to conduct some everyday tasks and extend their presence in the environment. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Flutamide suppressed prostate hypertrophy in rats and mice.
To study the suppressive effect of flutamide (Flu) on benign prostate hypertrophy. The effect of Flu 10, 25, and 50 mg.kg-1 i.g. on the prostate was tested in orchiectomized rats with s.c. testosterone daily for 30 d and in mice implanted with homologous strain fetal mouse urogenital sinus for 14 d. 1) Flu dose-dependently suppressed the weight and volume of each lobe of the prostate to about 10%-50% of control. Also, the acini and height of epithelial cells atrophied. The effect was more powerful than that of estradiol (Est). 2) The weight and volume of the mouse prostate diminished in Flu-treated groups, but the dose-response relationship was seen only in volume. In this model, Est was better than Flu. Flu possesses the suppressive action on benign prostate hypertrophy. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Promoter analysis and functional implications of the selenium binding protein (SBP) gene family in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Selenium Βinding Protein (SBP, originally termed SBP56) was identified in mouse liver as a cytosolic protein that could bind radioactive selenium. SBPs are highly conserved proteins present in a wide array of species across all kingdoms and are likely to be involved in selenium metabolism. In Arabidopsis, the selenium binding protein (SBP) gene family comprises three genes (AtSBP1, AtSBP2 and AtSBP3). AtSBP1 and AtSBP2 are clustered in a head-to-tail arrangement on chromosome IV, while AtSBP3 is located on chromosome III. In this work, we studied the promoter activity of the Arabidopsis SBP genes, determined their tissue specificity and showed that they are differentially regulated by sodium selenite and sodium selenate. All three SBP genes are upregulated in response to externally applied selenium compounds and the antioxidant NAC selectively downregulates SBP2. Although the effect on SBP2 levels was the most prominent, in all cases, the concurrent exposure of plants to selenite and the antioxidant supressed the expression of the SBP genes. We provide evidence that (at least) SBP1 expression is tightly linked to detoxification processes related to oxidative stress, since it is downregulated in the presence of NAC in selenium-treated plants. Furthermore, our results suggest that SBP genes may participate in the mechanisms that sense redox imbalance. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Behçet's disease. An insight from a vascular surgeon's point of view.
Behçet's syndrome is a multisystem inflammatory disease with unknown aetiology, vasculitis being its major pathological feature. It runs an undulating course of exacerbations and remissions with a frequency that usually abates with the passage of time. Following its first description in the medical literature in 1937, many clinical manifestations, including recurrent ulcerations, eye and urogenital lesions, pulmonary and vascular involvement with thrombus and aneurysm formation, arthritis and neurological features were reported. Various studies undertaken in two Medical Faculties of Istanbul University showed that more than 5000 patients have fulfilled three or more International Behçet's Disease Study Group Criteria and thus can be diagnosed as Behçet's Disease. A total of 142 cases with pulmonary, 30 cases with arterial (non-pulmonary) and 10 cases with cardiac involvement were demonstrated since 1978. A group of 174 neuro-Behçet's Disease patients (cerebral venous and vena caval thrombosis as the cause of intracranial hypertension, extracranial vertebral artery dissection) was evaluated. Our collected data showed that surgery with special techniques and in highly selected cases may be useful if used with adjuvant medical therapy, but might be fatal or unsuccessful in the majority. No means of aggressive surgical or interventional therapy has a role in altering the course of the pathology itself when used alone and thus medical treatment is crucial to suppress the exacerbations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Copper-induced oxidative stress and responses of antioxidants and phytochelatins in Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle.
Copper, though essential, is potentially toxic heavy metal at supraoptimal level and has widespread contamination. The present investigation was carried out to study the responses induced by lower as well as higher doses of copper (0.1-25 microM) in an aquatic macrophyte, Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle for a period of 1-7 days. The plants accumulated copper in high amount with a maximum of 770 microg g(-1) dw on day 7 at 25 microM. Biomass and photosynthetic pigments showed less alteration up to 1 microM while at higher concentrations, significant decline occurred. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content and electrical conductivity (EC) also showed sharp increase at higher concentrations indicating oxidative stress. In response to copper exposure, plants showed significant induction of proteins and enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR), however, only up to moderate exposures. Total non-protein thiols (NP-SH) and cysteine levels increased significantly up to 5 microM copper exposure while at 25 microM, their level declined drastically. Reduced glutathione (GSH) showed decrease at all concentrations while oxidized glutathione (GSSG) simultaneously increased. Phytochelatins (PCs) were also induced significantly at studied concentrations of 1 and 5 microM on day 4 in comparison to control. However, copper chelation depicted by PC-SH to copper ratio was found to be low (6.5% at 1 microM and 2.4% at 5 microM) suggesting that PCs play only a part in integrated mechanisms of copper homeostasis and detoxification. Tolerant response of plants to moderate copper exposures and high accumulation potential warrants their suitability for remediation of moderately copper polluted water bodies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Oxidative stress mediated by nitrogen at elevated pressure inhibits non-small cell lung cancer growth.
Purpose/Aim: High pressures of gases such as nitrogen enhance production of singlet oxygen. Therefore, we hypothesized that growth of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells and a human-derived NSCLC explant could be inhibited by an oxidative stress mechanism using high-pressure nitrogen. Growth of human NSCLC explants and A549 cells in Matrigel were assessed after implantation into nude mice who were exposed to elevated pressures. Subcutaneous implant growth of NSCLC in nude mice was inhibited by a daily 78-minute protocol using nitrogen/oxygen breathing mixture such that at the maximum pressure of 2.78 atmospheres over ambient, mice breathed oxygen at normal atmospheric pressure. In vivo growth inhibition of A549 cells by high-pressure nitrogen could be abrogated in subcutaneous Matrigel implants when supplemented with 10-mM N-acetylcysteine as an antioxidant. Ex vivo A549 cell exposures exhibited elevated singlet oxygen production, and reactive oxygen species were produced for up to 4 hours after short-term high-pressure nitrogen exposure. This pilot study demonstrates that elevated normoxic nitrogen pressure can exacerbate oxidative stress in NSCLC to inhibit growth. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
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