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Prognostic Value of Serial Echocardiography in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) carries a high mortality. The prognostic value of echocardiographic variables at presentation and the importance of serial data are poorly explored. We retrospectively analyzed longitudinal clinical and echocardiographic parameters of children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The primary outcome was time to death or transplant after stage-1 surgery, right censored at stage 3 surgery, accounting for sequential surgical procedures. Univariable and multivariable analysis identified risk factors for transplant or mortality. Time-dependent trends in echo parameters stratified by patient survival were explored using nonparametric methods. In total 67 children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome were included. The 10-week, 20-week, and 1-year survival proportions were 77.6% (66-86), 68.7% (56-78), and 54.1% (41-65), respectively. At presentation, multivariable analysis identified a thicker interventricular septum (hazard ratio [HR], 1.64; P=0.007) to be associated with increased risk for transplant/death, whereas higher tricuspid valve annular planar systolic excursion z score (HR, 0.61; P=0.003) was associated with reduced risk of mortality/transplant. After stage-1, higher body surface area-indexed right ventricular end-systolic area (HR, 1.52; P=0.02), lower fractional area change (HR, 1.18; P=0.01), and qualitatively decreased right ventricular function (HR, 2.55; P=0.08) were associated with increased risk of transplant-free mortality, censored at stage 3. Higher body surface area-indexed right ventricular end-diastolic area (HR, 0.76; P=0.04) and better tricuspid valve annular planar systolic excursion z score (HR, 0.49; P=0.01) were associated with lower mortality/transplant. During follow-up, right ventricular dilation, dysfunction, and tricuspid regurgitation improved in transplant-free survivors and worsened in those transplanted or who died. Conventional echocardiographic parameters at presentation and during follow-up are potential markers for transplant-free survival in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Tubulosquamous polyps in the vagina. Immunohistochemical comparison with ectopic prostatic tissue and Skene glands.
Two tubulosquamous polyps arising in the vagina are reported. Both were diffusely positive for GATA3 in the squamous component and focally positive for NKX3.1 in the glandular component, prostate acid phosphatase was focally positive in only 1 case in the glandular component. Both cases were negative for PAX2, PAX8, SALL4, and prostate-specific antigen. In addition, we included 3 cases of cervical squamous-lined cysts most likely representing ectopic prostatic tissue in the cervix and 1 case of paraurethral Skene-type glands to compare the immunophenotype. We analyze this immunoprofile, not previously reported. We also suggest unifying the nomenclature because vaginal Brenner tumors are most likely synonymous with tubulosquamous polyp (TSP) of the vagina. Our findings add support to the postulated origin of TSPs and cervical ectopic prostatic tissue from eutopic or misplaced Skene glands, equivalent of the prostate in the female. NKX3.1 seems a better marker to study and diagnose ectopic prostatic tissue in the cervix as well as TSPs.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Special problems for the elderly psychoanalyst in the psychoanalytic process.
The psychoanalytic process takes on a special ambience when the analyst is clearly elderly. The effects of this ambience on the the aging analyst's patients are discussed, and the sparse literature on the subject is reviewed. Clinical vignettes illustrate a number of these effects on the analytic process. Dealing with these special problems requires not only the analyst's awareness of their existence but a continual monitoring of the transference-countertransference in order to avoid a silent collusion of patient and analyst to pretend these problems do not exist. The dangerous consequences of being unaware of the situation, for both patient and analyst, are discussed. If the influence of the patient's perception of the analyst's aging is ignored, it may lead to destruction of the treatment either through massive acting out or by a hopeless stalemate with or without the development of an endless psychoanalysis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[A Case of Undifferentiated Carcinoma of the Gallbladder].
In this paper, we present a case of undifferentiated carcinoma of the gallbladder, which is a rare disease with poor prognosis. A 77-year-old woman presented with right hypochondralgia. An abdominal CT scan showed a tumor more than 80 mm in diameter invading the liver parenchyma and transverse colon, and showed liver and lymph node metastases. We diagnosed the patient with stage Ⅳ carcinoma of the gallbladder. We resected the gallbladder, S4a plus S5 of the liver, part of the transverse colon, the lymph nodes, the greater omentum, and the extra hepatic bile duct; biliary reconstruction was then performed. Histological examination showed that most areas consisted of undifferentiated cells. The diagnosis of undifferentiated carcinoma was made according to the WHO classification of tumors of the digestive system. No recurrence has been detected for 1 year.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Reversible binding of dioxygen by the copper(I) complex with tris(2-dimethylaminoethyl)amine (Me6tren) ligand.
At low temperatures, the mononuclear copper(I) complex of the tetradentate tripodal aliphatic amine Me(6)tren (Me(6)tren = tris(2-dimethylaminoethyl)amine) [Cu(I)(Me(6)tren)(RCN)](+) first reversibly binds dioxygen to form a 1:1 Cu-O(2) species which further reacts reversibly with a second [Cu(I)(Me(6)tren)(RCN)](+) ion to form the dinuclear 2:1 Cu(2)O(2) adduct. The reaction can be observed using low temperature stopped-flow techniques. The copper superoxo complex as well as the peroxo complex were characterized by resonance Raman spectroscopy. The spectral characteristics and full kinetic and thermodynamic results for the reaction of [Cu(I)(Me(6)tren)(RCN)](+) with dioxygen are reported.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Transcriptional properties of Ptx1 and Ptx2 isoforms.
The Ptx (Pitx) family of homeobox transcription factors comprises Ptx1, Ptx2 and Ptx3. Ptx1 and Ptx2 are expressed in the stomodeum and its derivatives including the pituitary, as well as in mesodermal derivatives, whereas Ptx3 is expressed in one neuronal lineage of the brain and in the eyes. A large set of downstream target genes have been identified for Ptx1 in the pituitary gland where it acts as a pan-pituitary regulator of transcription. In particular, Ptx1 contributes to promoter- and lineage-specific transcription by interaction with cell-restricted factors such as SF-1, Egr-1, Pit1, and the basic helix-loop-helix heterodimer NeuroD1/Pan1. We describe the cloning from pituitary cells and the characterization of a Ptx1 isoform, named Ptx1b, generated by alternative promoter usage. The two Ptx1 and two Ptx2 isoforms have similar in vitro DNA binding specificities and they all activate transcription driven by a panel of pituitary promoters, including those for proopiomelanocortin, alphaGSU, LHbeta, FSHbeta, GnRH-R, TSHbeta, PRL, and GH. Also like Ptx1, the Ptx1b, Ptx2a, and Ptx2b transcription factors synergize with the structurally unrelated factors SF-1, Egr-1, Pit1, and NeuroD1/Pan1 to activate promoter-specific transcription. In conclusion, the pituitary transcriptional activities of the four Ptx isoforms do not appear to be dependent on the variant N-termini of these factors.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Scintigraphic control of pulmonary embolism.
Pulmonary embolism was diagnosed by combined perfusion and ventilation scintigraphy in 30 patients. A control examination 6 months later revealed pulmonary embolism or infarction in 8, in spite of conventional treatment. Therefore, patients treated for pulmonary embolism should be reexamined 3 to 6 months after diagnosis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Errors by surgical pathologists in India: results of a questionnaire survey.
Data from the United Kingdom show that most surgical pathologists are aware of about one serious mistake in their reports every year. There are no corresponding data from India or the developing world. I made an attempt to determine the rate of error made by Indian pathologists. A postal questionnaire was sent to 96 pathologists and 71 clinicians in different cities. The questions included some related to their experience with error in histopathology, as well as a few on the respondents' views on the legal and ethical aspects in the case of medical error. Fifty pathologists and 47 clinicians responded. Of the evaluable responses, 32 pathologists were aware of 86 errors in the past 5 years, while 30 clinicians recalled 162 errors. Most mistakes that pathologists remembered were cases related to lymphoid disease (n = 15) while for clinicians, gastrointestinal tract (n = 12) and lymphoid tissue (n = 9) were common sites of error. Benign-malignant errors were the most common type of error. The discrepancy between the rates of error between the two groups suggests that better pathologist-clinician communication is required. Medical councils and related governing bodies should consider introducing a quality control programme for anatomic pathology.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A swallow induction avoidance procedure to establish eating.
Swallow induction has been used to shape swallowing behavior in dysphagic children and to accelerate swallowing in nondysphagic children with profound mental retardation who display primitive swallows. Swallow induction may be considered a type of prompt. This project coupled swallow induction with a modified delayed prompting paradigm to establish eating in a 3.5-year-old girl. Coupling these procedures produced prompt swallowing and established oral consumption. Follow-ups at 1, 2, 6 and 12 months demonstrated maintenance and further improvement of the newly acquired feeding skills. Implications for treatment and further research are discussed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Separation of phytic acid and other related inositol phosphates by high-performance ion chromatography and its applications.
A high-performance anion-exchange chromatographic method was developed for the separation of phytic acid and other inositol phosphates (myo-inositol bis-, tris-, tetrakis-, and pentakisphosphates) with gradient elution and ultraviolet absorbance detection after post-column derivatization. With the acidic eluents, the combination of anion-exchange and ion suppression retention mechanisms led to the separation of 35 inositol phosphates (excluding enantiomers) into 27 peaks for the first time, and the retention behaviors of all myo-inositol bis- to hexakisphosphate isomers were studied. The whole separation procedure was completed within 65 min. Based on the investigations of nonenzymatic hydrolysis of phytic acid under different conditions by using this method, an in-house reference standard solution was produced, which can be used for method development. In addition, by applying this method to in vitro kinetic studies, at least one new enzymatic hydrolysis pathway of phytic acid was found, and one rule of enzymatic dephosphorylation of inositol phosphates (position effect) was proposed and another one (neighboring effect) was confirmed. The principle of the proposed identification approach for several inositol phosphate isomers based on hydrolysis products study will be applicable to other natural products analysis, for which standards are very expensive or not available.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Monte Carlo evaluation of a treatment planning system for helical tomotherapy in an anthropomorphic heterogeneous phantom and for clinical treatment plans.
Helical tomotherapy is an increasingly common form of intensity modulated radiation therapy that allows for image guided adaptive radiotherapy. Its treatment planning system (TPS) uses a convolution superposition algorithm for dose distribution calculations. The accuracy of this algorithm in the presence of heterogeneities was evaluated against Monte Carlo (MC) calculations and measurements. This work performed BEAMnrc-and DOSXYZnrc-based MC dose calculations of tomotherapy deliveries to a CIRS anthropomorphic heterogeneous phantom with typical clinical inverse planning and delivery settings. Point measurements with A1SL ion chambers and relative measurements with Kodak EDR2 film were carried out in the phantom. The experimental results were used to evaluate both the TPS and MC dose calculations. Furthermore, the dose distribution for a clinical head-and-neck cancer plan was calculated on the TPS and MC systems. The results support this MC system as a viable option for the accurate simulation of the tomotherapy process in the presence of heterogeneities where direct measurement may not be practical. Ion chamber measurements in the CIRS phantom suggested the TPS has an average relative difference of 2.3%, with the largest difference being -4.1% in one of the organs at risk. The MC system accurately predicted the dose to these measurement points within statistical uncertainty. The film measurements in the CIRS phantom demonstrated 90.7% (of pixels) agreed with the MC system using a +/-3%/3 mm acceptance criteria, where only 50.3% agreed with the TPS. In the clinical head-and-neck cancer plan evaluation where MC served as a reference against which to compare the TPS result, an average of 92.7% of the voxels within volumes of interest passed a 3%/3 mm criteria. The PTV54 showed the worst agreement with 85.4% of the volume passing the 3% /3 mm criteria. In general, the +/-3%/3 mm criterion was found to be a challenge for the TPS in the presence of lung inhomogeneity.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Effects of endothelin-1 and nitric oxide on glucokinase activity in isolated rat hepatocytes.
To test the hypothesis that endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) influence glucokinase (GK) activity in an opposite manner, we evaluated the effects of ET-1, L-NAME, an inhibitor of NO synthase, and L-arginine, a substrate for NO synthase, on GK activity and glycogen content in isolated rat hepatocytes. Moreover, to understand the receptor involved in the process, the effects of BQ 788, a specific antagonist of ETB receptor, and PD 142893, an antagonist of ETA-ETB receptors, were also evaluated. GK activity, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and glycogen intracellular content were measured on isolated hepatocytes, while glucose levels and NO as NO2-/NO3- were determined in the medium. High ET-1 levels induced a 20% decrease of NO2-/NO3- levels and cGMP intracellular content, followed by a 49% reduction of GK activity and a 15% decrease of glycogen. In parallel, a 10% increase of glucose in the medium was observed. In the presence of L-NAME, GK activity and glycogen levels showed analogous decrements as observed with ET-1. Also in this case, a significant decrease of the intracellular content of cGMP was observed. No synergistic effects of ET-1 and L-NAME were observed. L-Arginine was able to counteract the inhibitory effect of ET-1 on cGMP and GK activity. Glycogen content was slightly but not significantly reduced, and under those conditions, a significant decrease of glucose in the medium was observed. When hepatocytes were incubated with ET-1 plus BQ 788 or ET-1 plus PD 142893, GK activity was unchanged. Interestingly, no changes were observed in NO2-/NO3- levels and the intracellular content of cGMP was not modified when the antagonists of ET-1 receptors were added to the medium. In conclusion, the present study shows that the NO pathway seems to be an important regulator of GK activity and glycogen content through cGMP activity. In addition, ET-1 seems to be not active per se, but its activity seems mediated by a simultaneous decrease of NO levels.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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UV-C photolysis of endocrine disruptors. The influence of inorganic peroxides.
Norfloxacin, doxycycline and mefenamic acid have been photolysed with UV-C radiation (254 nm) in the presence and absence of inorganic peroxides (hydrogen peroxide or sodium monopersulfate). Quantum yields in the range (1.1-4.5)x10(-3) mol Einstein(-1) indicate the low photo-reactivity of these pharmaceuticals. Inorganic peroxides considerably enhanced the contaminants conversion, although no appreciable mineralization could be obtained. A simplistic reaction mechanism for the hydrogen peroxide promoted experiments allowed for a rough estimation of the rate constant between hydroxyl radicals and norfloxacin (k>1 x 10(9)M(-1)s(-1)), doxycycline (k>1.5 x 10(9)M(-1)s(-1)) and mefenamic acid (k>11.0 x 10(9)M(-1)s(-1)).
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Differences in the developmental patterns of depression with and without additional somatic symptoms.
Depression accompanied by somatic symptoms ("somatic" depression) has been found to differ from depression without the additional symptoms ("pure" depression) in their gender ratio, their association with measures of perceived gender inequality taken from both respondents and their parents, and in their response to pharmacological treatment. Further evidence of the distinction between the two syndromes might come from differential patterns of development. Data on the annual incidence of new cases of depression exhibited by a representative sample of respondents aged 12-19 came from the National household survey on drug use and health. Between early adolescence (ages 12-14) and late adolescence (ages 15-19), female respondents exhibited a much larger increase in somatic depression than in pure depression. Males did not exhibit the same pattern. These results further support the hypothesis that somatic and pure depressions are two distinct disorders.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A functional identification of cardiac junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) has been identified in microsomes from canine ventricular muscle by the presence of calsequestrin and ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ release channels. These properties, however, are not common to cardiac cells from all species. Seiler et al (1) have recently described a high Mr polypeptide in canine junctional SR similar to the spanning protein subunits of skeletal muscle triads. We now report the existence of a polypeptide with the same mobility in SR from rabbit ventricular muscle and show that those cardiac membranes can associate with transverse (T-) tubules from rabbit skeletal muscle in K cacodylate medium. We propose that this polypeptide and the reaction with T-tubules be considered as criteria for the identification of cardiac junctional SR.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Higher PDCD4 expression is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, lipid metabolism disorders, and granulosa cell apoptosis in polycystic ovary syndrome.
To investigate the expression and clinical significance of programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4), a novel metabolism-associated gene, during polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) pathogenesis. Case-control study. University hospital. A total of 77 PCOS patients and 67 healthy women as matched controls. PDCD4 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs) detected by flow cytometry, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and small-interfering RNA. PDCD4 expression, body mass index (BMI), insulin 0, insulin 120, glucose 120, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), homeostasis model assessment for β-cell function (HOMA-β), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and GC apoptosis. The PCOS patients had higher PDCD4 expression, but BMI was similar as matched with the obese group, which positively correlated with BMI, insulin 0, insulin 120, glucose 120, HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, triglycerides and negatively correlated with HDL (P<.05). After metformin treatment, PDCD4 expression was distinctly down-regulated for the obese women with PCOS with insulin resistance. Compared with the healthy controls, the apoptosis percentage of GCs was higher in the PCOS group and was decreased by knocking down PDCD4. Furthermore, expression of proapotosis factor Bax and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were lower, whereas the expression of antiapoptosis factor Bcl-2 was increased. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, the level of PDCD4 expression independently related to the odds of PCOS risk after controlling for estradiol and insulin 120 (odds ratio 1.318). Our study suggests for the first time that higher PDCD4 expression might play an important role in PCOS pathogenesis by affecting obesity, insulin resistance, lipid metabolism disorders, and GC apoptosis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Plasmid profiles of Shigella and Salmonella spp. isolated from diarrhoeic humans in Ibadan, Nigeria.
Clinical isolates of Shigella flexneri, S. dysentariae, S. boydii and Salmonella spp. were screened for the presence of plasmids. Most of the isolates harboured more than one plasmid ranging in molecular size from 1.3 to 36.1 x 10(6) daltons. Very large plasmids were not encountered.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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N-Oxide reduction by hemoglobin, cytochrome C and ferrous ions.
Indicine N-oxide is reduced to indicine by Fe(II) ions, by enzymatically reduced cytochrome c, and by ascorbic acid in conjunction with hemin or cytochrome c. Indicine N-oxide is not reduced by native hemoglobin, but is reduced by denatured hemoglobin. Oxygen competes with indicine N-oxide for reduction by denatured hemoglobin.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Plasma interleukin-18 levels in hemodialysis patients: increased by dialysis process and association with interleukin-6 and tumor necrotic factor-alpha.
This study investigated changes of interleukin-18 (IL-18) levels before and after dialysis, and the possible association with other pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Plasma IL-18 of healthy controls, and pre- and post-dialysis of uremic patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) were evaluated by ELISA methodology. Plasma IL-18 levels were significantly increased in patients with maintenance HD (p <0.001) compared to its level in normal subjects. When compared to pre-dialysis levels, a significant increase in plasma IL-18 was measured at the end of HD (p = 0.032). There was a significant correlation among plasma IL-18, IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels in HD patients. Plasma IL-18 concentration was significantly higher in HD patients and was significantly elevated by cellulose-based HD processes. Pre-activation of immunologically active cells may contribute to the association between pre-dialysis IL-18 and post-dialysis IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Improved serotonergic neurotransmission by genistein pretreatment regulates symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.
Background Initial evidences have shown that diabetes mellitus occurs concomitantly with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptomatology. Serotonergic psychiatric therapy posits that serotonin is a central character in the management of OCD. Hence, it is worth investigating novel chemical entities affecting the serotonergic system for targeting OCD. An isoflavonoid phytoestrogen, genistein, has been recognized as of great pharmacological value especially for protecting neurodegeneration, depression (serotonin regulation), and diabetes. The effectiveness of genistein pretreatment on the symptoms of OCD in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice is investigated in this study. We also evaluate the probable involvement of the serotonergic system. Methods Groups of diabetic mice were treated with genistein at the dose of 5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg (intraperitoneal, twice daily, 14 days), and symptoms of OCD were assessed by the marble-burying behavior, in comparison with the standard drug fluoxetine. Neurochemical assessment of the serotonergic ratio 5-hydroxyindole-3-methoxyphenylacetic acid/5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HIAA/5-HT) in the cortical region of the brain was performed using HPLC (high-pressure liquid chromatography). Results Chronic treatment with genistein significantly recovered [F(6, 35)=53.00, p<0.0001, R2=0.9008] the symptoms of OCD as assessed by marble burying behavior in normal and diabetic mice. Locomotor performance was not influenced by the diabetic condition or any associated treatment. The turnover of serotonin neurotransmission (5-HIAA/5-HT) was significantly boosted in the diabetic condition; genistein treatment dragged it [F(6, 35)=35.75, p<0.0001, R2=0.8597] toward the respective control. Conclusions Genistein supplementation might be a potential therapeutic line for the management and/or prevention of diabetes-associated OCD symptomatology.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A comparison of the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of fluticasone propionate ointment, 0.005%, and betamethasone-17,21-dipropionate ointment, 0.05%, in the treatment of eczema.
A randomized, double-blind, parallel group study involving thirteen centers compared the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of twice-daily applications of fluticasone propionate ointment, 0.005%, and betamethasone-17, 21-dipropionate ointment, 0.05%, in ninety-two patients with moderate-to-severe eczema. Safety assessments included routine clinical laboratory evaluations, morning plasma cortisol levels, and reporting of adverse events. Efficacy assessments included (1) physician's gross assessment of clinical response of the target lesion, (2) severity of signs and symptoms of eczema, and (3) patients' assessment of treatment effects. Both treatments were well tolerated and showed minimal suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as evidenced by morning plasma cortisol concentration determinations. Statistically significant improvement in the severity of each sign/symptom was found as early as two weeks following treatment initiation in both groups. The two treatments were found to be similar following two and four weeks of therapy with regard to almost all efficacy variables.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Standardization: a progress report.
The introduction of nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT) assays for the detection of viral contamination of blood and blood products requires the availability of well-characterized reference reagents. Working reagents for hepatitis C virus RNA, hepatitis B virus DNA, HIV-1 RNA and human parvovirus B19 DNA have been established at NIBSC and at many other laboratories (both official medicinal control laboratories and commercial laboratories). However, as these reagents have been characterised independently, it is difficult to compare results from assays using different working reagents. Recently, a WHO International Standard was established for HCV RNA NAT assays. This standard has been calibrated in International Units (IU) and provides a common standard against which all working reagents can be calibrated. Collaborative studies to characterise two further candidate International Standards for HBV DNA and HIV-1 RNA NAT assays have been completed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Ethylene glycol poisoning treated by intravenous 4-methylpyrazole.
A 19-year-old woman was admitted 45 min after ethylene glycol (EG) ingestion. The initial serum EG concentration was 1.34 g/l (21.6 mmol/l), the anion gap 14.5, and the osmolal gap 24. Renal function was preserved (serum creatinine 75.1 micromol/l). As the patient was seen soon after poisoning, before the development of metabolic acidosis, therapy with 4-methylpyrazole (4-MP) was proposed as an antidote. 4-MP was administered via the intravenous route (7 mg/kg as loading dose, followed by 3.6, 1.2, 0.6, and 0.6 mg/kg at intervals of 12 h). 4-MP alone was effective in preventing EG biotransformation to toxic metabolites (absence of metabolic acidosis and renal injury). Ethanol therapy, hemodialysis, and sodium bicarbonate administration were not required. The half-life of EG during 4-MP therapy was 11 h, with a mean EG renal clearance of 26.9 ml/min, and a total of 65.3 g EG was eliminated unchanged in the urine. 4-MP therapy was also well tolerated.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[The application and development of computer vision technology in radiotherapy].
In this paper, the principle of computer vision was introduced and several typical radiotherapy devices based on computer vision were described, including their principle and applications.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Pharmacological profile of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the rat prefrontal cortex: an electrophysiological study in a slice preparation.
The specificity of nicotinic receptors in the neocortex has been questioned previously because: (i) electrophysiological responses to nicotine could not be blocked by nicotinic antagonists, and (ii) the effect of nicotine was not mimicked by acetylcholine. In the present study, the presence of functional nicotinic receptors in rat neocortex has been assessed in a slice preparation of prefrontal cortex, using evoked field potential and unit recordings. Nicotine and the nicotinic agonists, dimethylphenylpiperazinium, cytisine, acetylthiocholine, applied by iontophoresis, produced an increase in the negative wave of field potentials, reflecting an increased excitability of cortical neurons. This effect was blocked by the selective probe for neuronal nicotinic receptors Toxin F (1.4 microM in the perfusion medium) and by dihydro-beta-erythroidine (100 microM). Alpha-bungarotoxin, the blocker of skeletal muscle acetylcholine receptor had no effect. Iontophoretically applied acetylcholine, muscarine and pilocarpine, on the other hand, produced a decrease in the field potential amplitude, which was blocked by atropine and scopolamine (1-10 microM). In the presence of eserine (10 microM), the muscarinic effect of acetylcholine was dramatically altered, leading to the development of a nicotinic response sensitive to Toxin F. Thus, the physiological activation of nicotinic receptors in rat prefrontal cortex appears to require higher concentrations of acetylcholine than do muscarinic receptors. Our results show that: (i) the rat prefrontal cortex possesses functional nicotinic receptors with a pharmacological profile clearly distinct from muscle receptors, and (ii) a nicotinic effect of acetylcholine can be revealed when its degradation by acetylcholinesterase is inhibited.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The influence of insulin hypoglycemia on central dopaminergic structures of the rat.
Daily administration of insulin, 2 U/kg/day for 9 days, leads to a marked increase in the activity of central dopaminergic structures, reflected by an increase in the apomorphine or amphetamine-induced stereotypy and a decrease in fluphenazine-induced catalepsy. These changes are accompanied by a depression of cerebral dopamine and noradrenaline levels and a depression of noradrenaline utilization in the brain.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A controlled study of peripheral neuropathy after bariatric surgery.
Although peripheral neuropathy (PN) occurs after bariatric surgery (BS), a causal association has not been established. To ascertain whether PN occurs more frequently following BS vs another abdominal surgery, to characterize the clinical patterns of PN, to identify risk factors for PN, and to assess if nerve biopsy provides pathophysiologic insight. Retrospective review identified patients with PN after BS. The frequency of PN was compared with that of an age- and gender-matched, retrospectively evaluated cohort of obese patients undergoing cholecystectomy. Of 435 patients who had BS, 71 (16%) developed PN. Patients developed PN more often after BS than after cholecystectomy (4/126; 3%) (p < 0.001). The clinical patterns of PN were polyneuropathy (n = 27), mononeuropathy (n = 39), and radiculoplexus neuropathy (n = 5). Risk factors included rate and absolute amount of weight loss, prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms, not attending a nutritional clinic after BS, reduced serum albumin and transferrin after BS, postoperative surgical complications requiring hospitalization, and having jejunoileal bypass. Most risk factors were associated with the polyneuropathy group. Sural nerve biopsies showed prominent axonal degeneration and perivascular inflammation. Peripheral neuropathy (PN) occurs more frequently after bariatric surgery (BS) than after another abdominal surgery. The three clinical patterns of PN after BS are sensory-predominant polyneuropathy, mononeuropathy, and radiculoplexus neuropathy. Malnutrition may be the most important risk factor, and patients should attend nutritional clinics. Inflammation and altered immunity may play a role in the pathogenesis, but further study is needed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Survival and fertility of patients with malignant ovarian germ cell tumours.
Disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS) and fertility of patients treated for malignant ovarian germ cell tumours at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana from 1990-2000 were assessed. Twenty-three patients with a median age of 25 (15-67) years were treated. Five had pure dysgerminoma, three endodermal sinus tumour, ten immature teratoma and five had mixed germ cell tumours. Eleven patients had FIGO Stage I and the others advanced stage disease. All patients underwent initial surgery; in 13 of 15 patients under 35 years unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. Twenty-one patients received adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy. At the median follow-up of 68 (11-140) months DFS was 74% and OS 87%. Six patients (two did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy) relapsed at a median of 16 (3-63) months after surgery. At relapse four were treated with surgery and chemotherapy, one with chemotherapy only and one with palliative radiotherapy only: two are still in complete remission, one has residual disease and three died of disease. Ten of 13 patients with fertility-preserving surgery regained menstrual cycles and one gave birth to a normal child. DFS and OS in our group of patients (over 15 years of age) are comparable to other institution's experience. Fertility in young patients can be preserved without compromising outcome.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Fever of unknown origin: Most frequent causes in adults patients.
The differential diagnosis of fever of unknown origin (FUO) includes more than 200 different diseases and conditions. The aim of this study was to identify the most frequent causes of FUO among adult patients according to gender and age. The study included 74 patients examined from June 2010 to June 2013 at the Infectious Disease Clinic, Clinical Center Kragujevac in Serbia, according to the defined criteria for FUO. The patients were divided according to the diagnosis into four groups: infectious, malignant, rheumatic and "other diseases". A cause of febricity could not be estabilshed in a portion of subjects, and they comprised the group of undiagnosed cases. Infectious diseases were dominant in the study, followed by rheumatic diseases, which were most frequently found in women and the elderly. The diseases recognised as the most common causes of febricity were subacute thyroiditis, subacute endocarditis, Still's disease, rheumatic polymyalgia with or without temporal arteritis, and cytomegalovirus infection. In 44% of the patients, the final diagnosis was composed of only six clinical entities. The importance of establishing the diagnosis of rheumatic disease is especially emphasised, in line with other authors' research indicating the number of these diseases is on the rise. The diagnostic approach to FUO should always be directed to the known frequency of diseases.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Healthcare users' experiences of communicating with healthcare professionals about children who have life-limiting conditions: a qualitative systematic review protocol.
The objective of this review is to identify and synthesize the best international qualitative evidence on healthcare users' experiences of communication with healthcare professionals about children who have life-limiting conditions. For the purposes of this review, "healthcare users" will be taken to include children who have life-limiting conditions and their families. The question to be addressed is:What are healthcare users' experiences of communicating with healthcare professionals about children who have life-limiting conditions? The prospect of the death of a child from an incurable medical condition is harrowing, yet finding a way to discuss this prospect is crucial to maximize the quality of life for such children and their families. High-quality communication is well recognized as a core skill health care professionals need to maximize the quality of care they provide. This skill is valued by service users, who consistently rate it as one of the highest priorities for the care they receive. Evidence suggests, however, that healthcare professionals can feel ill-equipped or uncomfortable communicating with and about such children. Therefore, it is important to understand what represents high-quality communication and what is involved in accomplishing this within pediatric palliative care.In recent decades there has been an increased focus on providing palliative care for children who have life-limiting conditions. These are conditions for which no cure is available and for which the probable outcome is premature death. Palliative care may also be appropriate for children who have life-threatening conditions; these are conditions where there is not only a high probability of premature death but also a chance of long-term survival into adulthood Although pediatric palliative care is underpinned by the same philosophy as adult palliative care, children who have life-limiting conditions and their families have particular needs that distinguish them from users of adult palliative care. For example, at a physical level children are more likely than adults to have non-malignant conditions that follow trajectories in which children oscillate between feeling relatively well and acutely unwell. The social dynamic of their care is also radically different, particularly given the role of parents or guardians in making surrogate decisions about their child's care. Such factors warrant considering pediatric palliative care as distinct from palliative care more generally.Although the particular circumstances of children who have life-limiting conditions have led to development of pediatric palliative care, the particular provisions of this care differs among countries. One aspect of variation is the age range of patients. Pediatric palliative care is usually provided to neonates, infants, children, adolescents and young adults, but international variations in the definitions of these age ranges, particularly for adolescents and young adults, means pediatric palliative care is provided to different age groups in different countries. This review therefore adopts a pragmatic rather than an age-based definition of a pediatric palliative care, considering all studies relating to service users who are being cared for by pediatric rather than adult healthcare services.In catering for the unique needs of children who have life-limiting conditions and their families, pediatric palliative care aims to achieve pain and symptom management, enhanced dignity and quality of life, and psychosocial and spiritual care. It also seeks to incorporate care for patients' broader families and facilitating access to appropriate services and support. High-quality communication is crucial for achieving these aims. It enables healthcare users and providers to make decisions that underpin the care that is provided and the quality of the life that is possible for patients and their families.Although both users and providers recognize the value of high-quality communication with and about children who have life-limiting conditions, this does not mean that these stakeholders necessarily share the same perspective of what constitutes high-quality communication and the best way of accomplishing this. Focusing on healthcare users' experiences of communication with healthcare professionals about children who have life-limiting conditions, the present review will explore the subjective impact of professionals' communication on the people for whom they provide care.It may be necessary to consider a range of contextual factors to understand healthcare users' experiences of communicating with healthcare professionals about children who have life-limiting conditions. For instance, age, developmental stage, cognitive capacity, emotional and social strengths, and family dynamics can influence a child's level of involvement in discussions about their condition and care. Although there are factors that appear more consistent across the range of pediatric palliative care users, such as parents' preferences for being treated by healthcare professionals as partners in making decisions about the care of their child, there is not always such consistency. Nor is it clear whether such findings can be generalized across different cultural contexts. In appraising existing research, this systematic review will therefore consider the relationship between the context of individual studies and their reported findings.The primary aim of this review is to identify, appraise and synthesize existing qualitative evidence of healthcare users' experiences of communicating with healthcare professionals about children who have life-limiting conditions. The review will consider relevant details of these findings, particularly whether factors like age are relevant for understanding particular experiences of communication. An outcome of this review will be the identification of best available qualitative evidence that can be used to inform professional practice, as well as an identification of priorities for future research in pediatric palliative care.A preliminary search in MEDLINE and CINAHL found primary studies exploring healthcare users' experiences of aspects of communicating with healthcare professionals about children who have life-limiting conditions. A search was also conducted for existing systematic reviews in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports, and PROSPERO. No systematic reviews on this topic were found.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Development of a highly sensitive enzyme immunoassay for human calcitonin using solid phase coupled with multiple antibodies.
We have developed a highly sensitive chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay for human calcitonin using three different mouse monoclonal antibodies that recognize the N-terminal, C-terminal and central portions of a human calcitonin molecule. The assay signal in a two-step sandwich enzyme immunoassay for human calcitonin using a solid phase coupled with a mixture of monoclonal antibodies. CT08 and OCT1, was 3.7-fold higher than when using either or both solid phases coupled with CT08 or OCT1, respectively. This enhancement is the result of improved avidity of immobilized antibodies and greater stability of the complex of immobilized antibodies and calcitonin in the first reaction, which resulted in greater reactivity of the immunocomplex with alkaline phosphatase-conjugate in the second reaction. The present assay showed a linear response up to 2.5 micrograms/L of human calcitonin and a high specificity for human calcitonin, but not for rat calcitonin, human calcitonin gene-related peptide and rat calcitonin gene-related peptide. The detection limit of human calcitonin was estimated to be 0.29 ng/L at zero (assay blank) + 3 SD. Interbatch coefficients of variation ranged from 2.2-26.7%.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Immunolocalisation of leukaemia inhibitory factor in the cornea.
Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleotrophic cytokine expressed in a variety of cell types, and have shown to regulate stem cell proliferation, vascular genesis, inflammation, and immunity in various locations. Expression of LIF and its role in the cornea have not been studied previously. In this study, we examined the expression of LIF in the cornea. Immunohistochemistry was performed using polyclonal LIF antibodies, and Avidin-Biotin ABC complex on cultured human corneal epithelium corneal fibroblasts and wild-type murine corneal epithelium. LIF was detected in the cytoplasm of murine corneal epithelium, cultured human corneal epithelium, and fibroblasts. The expression of LIF was mainly cytoplasmic. LIF is expressed in the corneal epithelium and fibroblasts. It may have an important role in the maintenance of homeostasis of the corneal epithelium and cornea stroma. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the role of LIF in the cornea.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A phase II study of tasisulam sodium (LY573636 sodium) as second-line or third-line treatment for patients with unresectable or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma.
Tasisulam sodium (hereafter tasisulam), a novel anticancer agent, is being studied in a broad range of tumors. The primary objective of this phase II study was to determine progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with 1 or 2 prior chemotherapy regimens for unresectable/metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Secondary objectives included objective response rate (ORR), clinical benefit rate (CBR), overall survival (OS), pharmacokinetics, and safety. Tasisulam was administered intravenously on day 1 of 21-day cycles according to a lean body weight-based dosing algorithm targeting a peak plasma concentration (C(max)) of 420 μg/mL; a 360-μg/mL dose level was also explored. The median age of patients treated at 420 μg/mL was 58.3 years (range, 18.6-80.4; n = 63). Median PFS was 2.64 months (90 % CI, 1.41-3.38), with a 6-month PFS rate of 11 % (90 % CI, 4-17). Median OS was 8.71 months (90 % CI, 7.39-16.23); ORR, 3.2 %; and CBR, 46.0 % (stable disease, n = 27; partial response/confirmed, n = 2 [angiosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma]; partial response/unconfirmed, n = 1 [desmoplastic small round cell tumor]). The most frequent drug-related grade 3/4 toxicities in patients treated at 420 μg/mL were thrombocytopenia (27.0 %) and neutropenia (22.2 %). Incidences of grade 4 thrombocytopenia and/or neutropenia were 20.6 % in patients treated at 420 μg/mL and 15.8 % in those treated at 360 μg/mL (n = 38). Tasisulam at a target C(max) of 420 μg/mL on day 1 of 21-day cycles demonstrated modest activity as second-/third-line treatment in patients with STS. Grade 4 hematologic toxicity posed some challenges in these heavily pre-treated patients. Tasisulam dosing continues to be refined.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) feeding attenuates dimethylhydrazine-induced rat colon carcinogenesis.
This study investigated the protective effect of spray-dried açaí powder (AP) intake on colon carcinogenesis induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) in male Wistar rats. After 4 weeks of DMH administrations, the groups were fed with standard diet, a diet containing 2.5% or 5.0% AP or a diet containing 0.2% N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for 10 weeks, using aberrant crypt foci (ACF) as the endpoint. Additionally, two groups were fed with standard diet or a diet containing 5.0% AP for 20 weeks, using colon tumors as the endpoint. In ACF assay, a reduction in the number of aberrant crypts (ACs) and ACF (1-3 AC) were observed in the groups fed with 5.0% AP (37% AC and 47% ACF inhibition, p=0.036) and 0.2% NAC (39% AC and 41% ACF inhibition, p=0.042). In tumor assay, a reduction in the number of invasive tumors (p<0.005) and tumor multiplicity (p=0.001) was observed in the group fed with 5.0% AP. Also, a reduction in tumor Ki-67 cell proliferation (p=0.003) and net growth index (p=0.001) was observed in the group fed with 5.0% AP. Therefore the findings of this study indicate that AP feeding may reduce the development of chemically-induced rat colon carcinogenesis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Is the clinical expression of late-life depression influenced by brain changes? MRI subcortical neuroanatomical correlates of depressive symptoms.
"Vascular depression" has recently been proposed. It is characterized by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2-weighted subcortical lesions, a late onset of first episode of depression, and reduced heritability; a cerebrovascular etiology is suggested. The validity of "vascular depression" might be strengthened if an association was found between the subcortical lesions used to define it and particular depressive symptoms. A blinded cross-sectional examination of DSM-III-R depressive symptoms (American Psychiatric Association, 1987) and MRI T2-weighted subcortical lesions in 44 patients with late-life depression. Many associations were found; however, because of multiple comparisons, their significance is viewed with caution. The most robust finding was that psychomotor retardation was independently related to total white-matter score. The odds of showing psychomotor retardation was increased 1.9 times for every point increase in severity of white-matter change. In late-life depression the clinical expression of the depression is influenced by the pattern of MRI T2-weighted subcortical lesions. This gives some validity to the concept of an MRI-defined "vascular" subtype of late-life depression and strengthens the argument for including neuroimaging in the classification of late-life depression.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Endothelial dysfunction in normal and prediabetic rats with metabolic syndrome exposed by oral gavage to carbon black nanoparticles.
Exposure to nanosized particles may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases by endothelial dysfunction, particularly in susceptible subjects with metabolic syndrome. We investigated vasomotor dysfunction in aorta from obese and lean Zucker rats after oral exposure to nanosized carbon black (CB). Rats were exposed to 1 or 10 weekly doses of 0, 0.064, 0.64 or 6.4 mg/kg bodyweight and sacrificed 24 h or 13 weeks later. The exposure to 10 doses of 0.064 or 0.64 mg/kg reduced the acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation in the lean and obese rats. The half maximal effect concentration values increased by twofold (95% CI: 1.1-3.5-fold) and fourfold (95% CI: 2.3-6.9-fold) in the rats exposed to 0.064 and 0.64 mg/kg compared with the controls, respectively. The rats exposed to 10 doses of 0.64 mg/kg had also 20% (95% CI: 10-29%) lower maximal effect value compared with the controls. However, the nitroglycerin-induced vasorelaxation and phenylephrine-induced vasocontraction was not affected in rats exposed to CB. The endothelial dysfunction was not observed in rats sacrificed 13 weeks after the last CB exposure. There was unaltered expression of Chrm3, Nos3, Nos2, Ccl2, and Hmox1 in aorta tissue of CB-exposed rats. In conclusion, repeated oral exposure to CB was associated with endothelial dysfunction in rats, further aggravating the effect of metabolic syndrome.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Sensitivity and performance of azole-based energetic materials.
Imidazole, pyrazole, 1,2,3-triazole-, 1,2,4-triazole-, and tetrazole-based energetic materials are theoretically investigated by employing density functional theory (DFT). Heats of formation (ΔfH(0)'s) for the studied compounds (298 K) in the gas phase are determined at the B3P86/6-311G (d, p) theory level through isodesmic reactions. The bond dissociation energies (BDEs) corresponding to NO2, NH2, CH3, and Cl removal from carbon or nitrogen positions of the azole ring are also calculated at the B3P86/6-311G (d, p) theory level. The substituent effect of electron-withdrawing (NO2, Cl) and electron-donating (NH2, CH3) groups on the ΔfH(0)s and BDEs is discussed. Both electron-withdrawing groups and electron-donating groups (except the CH3 group) dramatically increase the ΔfH(0)s of these energetic materials when the substituent is at an N position on the azole ring. For substitution at a C atom on the azole ring, electron-withdrawing and electron-donating groups have different effects on the ΔfH(0)s for different azole compounds. A correlation is developed for this series of energetics between impact sensitivity h50% and the defined sensitivity index (SI): based on this empirical relationship and its extrapolation, the impact sensitivities of compounds for which experiments are not available are provided. The promising energetic compounds in each groups, which have potentially good energetic performance and low sensitivity, are 1-amino-2,4,5-trinitroimidazole, 1-amino-3,4,5-trinitropyrazole, 1,4-dinitro-1,2,3-triazole, 1,3-dinitro-1,2,4-triazole, and 1-nitrotetrazole.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Mental health care financing in Italy: current situation and perspectives.
Through a review of the studies conducted on the analysis of the costs of the Italian mental health provision of care, this study aimed at describing the current financing system for mental health care in Italy. From the deinstitutionalization to the present days, Italian mental health care financing has evolved in line with both national plans and the actual European directives. The description of the current situation of mental health care financing in Italy can be useful to inform service planning and resource allocation, and to offer a wider European perspective.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Meconium is a potent activator of complement in human serum and in piglets.
Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a clinical condition in the newborn infant with a significant morbidity and mortality. The complex pathophysiology of MAS, leading to both pulmonary and systemic complications, is characterized by an incompletely understood inflammatory reaction. Treatment is symptomatic, mainly limited to airway cleaning and ventilatory support. In this study, we show for the first time that meconium is a potent activator of complement, a key mediator of inflammation. In vitro, meconium activated the alternative complement pathway in human umbilical cord serum as judged by a substantial increase in the alternative pathway convertase C3bBbP. The activation proceeded through C3 (C3bc) and the terminal C5-9 pathway (terminal SC5b-9 complement complex), whereas the classical and lectin pathways were not activated (C1rs-C1-inhibitor complexes and C4bc). The lipid fraction, containing, e.g. free fatty acids, and the water fraction, containing, e.g. bile acids, contributed equally to the complement activation. A blocking antibody to factor D (alternative pathway) completely inhibited the meconium-induced complement activation, whereas blocking antibodies to mannose-binding lectin (lectin pathway) and C2 (classical and lectin pathway) had no effect. In vivo, meconium induced systemic complement activation in a piglet model of MAS, paralleling the increase in lung dysfunction. In conclusion, meconium is a potent activator of the complement system both in vitro and in vivo. Complement may be important in the pathogenesis of MAS, and specific complement inhibition might be a possible treatment approach in MAS.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Epilepsy surgery in children: why, when and how?
Epilepsy surgery is safe and effective treatment in children who fail to respond to antiepileptic medications. After failure of two appropriate antiepileptic medications, chances that the child will become seizure free with more or different medications is <5%, and she should be diagnosed with "refractory epilepsy". A consideration for surgical candidacy should be given to all children who fulfill the definition of refractory epilepsy. In appropriately selected children, epilepsy surgery offers a high chance of seizure freedom without incurring any new post-operative neurological deficits. No age is bar to epilepsy surgery. Even infants can safely have epilepsy surgery if they are surgical candidates. For most children, who are surgical candidates, a good history and physical examination, video EEG evaluation, and a high quality brain MRI are sufficient to make surgical decision. These tools are increasingly available all over the world. Better education of families, Pediatricians, Pediatric Neurologists and community care-givers is necessary to salvage children early from mortality and morbidity of untreated, sometimes life long, epilepsy.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Parental perspective of the benefits of genetic testing in children with congenital deafness.
The aim of the study was to assess the perceived value of genetic testing for congenital deafness in families attending a clinical genetic outpatients department at a children's hospital. The major testing objective was to provide information regarding deafness etiology, although families were advised that changes in treatment as a result of the test were unlikely. Using a 'willingness-to-pay' approach in the form of a questionnaire developed by Ryan et al. [J Med Genet 2003;40:1-5], parents were surveyed for their attitudes and willingness to pay for genetic testing. Forty-nine families provided data for analysis, representing 56% of clinic attendances throughout the period. Most of the parents were themselves unaffected by hearing loss (93%) and none were deaf, although almost a quarter (22%) reported a family member born deaf. Parents considered the major benefit gained from testing was to better achieve clarity of understanding arising from discussion and the possible ascertainment of etiology. The average sum parents were willing to pay for genetic testing was 200 Australian dollars (AUD, 2007) or approximately 123 euros (EUR), ranging from 150 to 295 AUD according to ability to pay (as measured by gross income). However, the amount that even the highest income level were willing to pay underestimated the full economic cost of genetic testing. Genetic testing for deafness is highly valued by affected families despite the current limited overall expectation of definitive genetic diagnosis or changes in treatment. Parents considered the major benefits to be a better understanding of congenital deafness and the potential for assignment of causality.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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NMR characterization of intramolecular interaction of osteopontin, an intrinsically disordered protein with cryptic integrin-binding motifs.
Osteopontin (OPN) is an integrin-binding protein found in a variety of tissues and physiological fluids and is involved in divergent biological processes such as migration, adhesion and signaling in integrin-independent as well as dependent manners. The adhesive activity of this protein is modulated upon cleavage by thrombin at the central part of the molecule, in the vicinity of the integrin-binding sequences. Although detailed structural characterization is crucial for further understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of the OPN functions, its intrinsically disordered property hampers in-depth conformational analyses. Here we report an NMR study of mouse OPN and its N-terminal thrombin-cleavage product to characterize intramolecular interaction of this molecule. Paramagnetic relaxation enhancement experiment revealed that OPN exhibits a long-range intramolecular interaction between the N- and C-terminal regions. Furthermore, our NMR data showed that anti-OPN antibody OPN1.2, whose reactivity is impaired by deletion or amino acid substitutions of the arginine-aspartate-glycine integrin-binding motif, binds the N-terminal side of the integrin-binding motifs suggesting the existence of intramolecular interaction. These data suggest that functional interactions of OPN with integrins and the other binding partners can be modulated by the intramolecular interactions.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Deceased organ donor screening for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C viruses: a survey of organ procurement organization practices.
Although Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) policy requires that all potential deceased organ donors are screened for human immunodeficiency (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses by serology, no current policy requires the use of nucleic acid testing (NAT) for organ donor screening. An electronic survey was sent to 58 organ procurement organizations (OPO) in the United States to assess current screening practices of potential deceased organ donors. Fifty-seven responses were collected for data analysis; not all respondents answered all questions. All OPOs performed required HIV, HBV and HCV serology screening and 48 (84%) performed confirmatory testing for seropositive donors. Ninety-eight percent, 75% and 97% of OPOs performed prospective HIV, HBV and HCV NAT, respectively. Fifty-two percent and 47% used a transcription-mediated amplification assay for HIV and HCV NAT, respectively. Of the 56 respondents that performed HIV NAT and 55 respondents that performed HCV NAT, 39 tested all donors. Seventeen (32%) OPOs performed confirmatory testing for all HIV-positive NAT results, and 15 (27%) OPOs performed confirmatory testing for all HCV-positive NAT results. Since 2008, the number of OPOs performing NAT has increased and more OPOs are testing all donors.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Heterosis and recombination effects in Hampshire and Landrace swine: I. Maternal traits.
Hampshire and Landrace sows and crossbreds of the two breeds were used to determine heterosis and recombination effects for milk production, milk composition, and litter traits at birth and d 21. Twelve mating types were represented in this study: two purebred, two F1, two F2, two F3, and four backcross. Information was gathered on a total of 358 litters over four farrowing seasons. Milk production was measured at d 10 and 20 of litter age according to the weigh-suckle-weigh procedure. Milk samples were collected at d 10 and 20 of litter age and evaluated for percentages of fat (PCFA), protein (PCPR), lactose (PCLA), and solids-not-fat (PCSN). The model used to evaluate litter traits at birth included main effects of mating type, parity, and farrowing season. The model used for milk production and milk composition traits included these main effects and number of pigs nursed as a covariate. Estimates of maternal genetic effects showed that Landrace females were superior to Hampshire females for number born (NB), number born alive (NBA), litter birth weight (LBW), adjusted 21-d litter weight (ALW), and milk production at d 10 of litter age (WT10). Hampshires were superior to Landrace for PCPR at d 10 of litter age and PCSN at d 10 and 20 of litter age. Heterosis effects were significant (P less than .05) for NBA (.97) and LBW (1.46 kg). Maternal heterosis effects were significant for LBW (3.94 kg; P less than .01). Epistatic recombination losses in the offspring were significant for LBW (6.80 kg; P less than .05). Differences in maternal performance of reciprocal F1 dams were generally not significant. Heterosis and recombination effects were not significant for milk production or milk composition.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Regional brain metabolism and treatment response in panic disorder patients: an [18F]FDG-PET study.
Panic disorder (PD) is a common and often chronic psychiatric condition that can lead to considerable disability in daily life. Using [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose-PET, we examined brain baseline glucose metabolism in PD patients in comparison with normal controls and the changes in glucose metabolism after 12 weeks of escitalopram treatment. Fifteen patients with PD were compared to 20 normal controls using [(18)F]FDG-PET at baseline and brain metabolism after 12 weeks of escitalopram treatment was compared to pretreatment in the patient group using voxel-based statistical analysis and post hoc region-of-interest analysis. Patients with PD showed decreased metabolism in both the frontal, right temporal, and left posterior cingulate gyruses. After 12 weeks of escitalopram treatment, treatment responders showed metabolic increases in global neocortical areas as well as limbic areas whereas nonresponders did not. Abnormal neocortical function appears to be associated with the pathophysiology of PD and escitalopram exerts its therapeutic action by modulating brain activity at the level of the neocortex and limbic system, notably the amygdala and parahippocampal gyrus.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Spatial distributions of natural radionuclides in soils of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil: Influence of bedrocks, soils types and climates.
To investigate whether and in which extension the levels of natural radionuclides in soils vary with parent rock, soil type, and climatic condition factors, a large-scale survey was carried out to cover the semiarid and tropical wet climate regions of the territory of Pernambuco state (Brazil). The radionuclide concentrations were analyzed by gamma spectrometry. The median values of the activity concentrations of 226Ra (20), 228Ra (38) and 40K (458) (Bq kg-1) in the soils agreed with the values reported worldwide. The concentrations of 40K in the soils from the semiarid region were higher than those in the soils from the tropical region, whereas the radium isotope levels were higher in soils from the tropical region. The less-developed soils from the semiarid region, such as Leptosols and Neosols, had the highest 40K levels, unlike the more developed soils (Acrisols and Ferrosols) from the tropical wet area, which showed the lowest contents of 40K and the highest content of radium isotopes. The low 40K contents in well-developed soils may be attributed to the leaching of 40K by the high rainfall rates of the tropical area. In contrast, the rainfall scarcity and high potential evaporation rates of the semiarid environment may be responsible for 40K accumulation in soils. The highest Ra isotope concentrations in the well-drained soils from the tropical climate may be ascribed to the presence of heavy minerals and adsorption on Fe oxyhydroxides, which are very common in those soils. The more developed the soil the lower the K concentration, regardless of the climate. For Ra, the differences are more significant for well-drained soils, and in this case, the tropical climate, with its high rainfall rate, makes the difference. As a conclusion, climate and soil formation time showed high and contrasting influence on the 40K and radium isotope contents in soils. Less developed soils from semiarid had the highest content of 40K, whereas the more developed soils from tropical areas had the highest content of radium.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Dip-pen nanolithography of reactive alkoxysilanes on glass.
The use of organofunctional silane chemistry is a flexible and general method for immobilizing biomolecules on silicon oxide surfaces, including fabricating DNA, small-molecule, and protein microarrays. The biggest hurdle in employing dip-pen nanolithography (DPN) for extending this general approach to the nanoscopic domain is the tendency of trialkoxy- and trichlorosilanes to rapidly polymerize due to hydrolysis reactions. The control of the local water concentration between the substrate surface and the scanning AFM tip is critical, both to the physical and chemical processes involved in DPN writing and to the ability to form well-defined thin layers of reactive silanes without extensive polymerization induced disorder. We found that we could control the degree of polymerization through careful choice of the alkoxysilane used as the "ink" for DPN and through control of the relative humidity during inking and writing with the coated AFM tip. As a proof-of-principle, we demonstrate that areas patterned with an alkoxysilane on glass with DPN are functional for subsequent immobilization of fluorescently labeled streptavidin via covalent attachment of biotin. This preliminary result sets the stage for the ability to capture proteins in their fully hydrated state from buffered solution, by molecular recognition onto previously written reactive nanoscopic regions on oxidized silicon and glass.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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An object-based image analysis of pinyon and juniper woodlands treated to reduce fuels.
Mechanical and prescribed fire treatments are commonly used to reduce fuel loads and maintain or restore sagebrush steppe rangelands across the Great Basin where pinyon (Pinus) and juniper (Juniperus) trees are encroaching and infilling. Geospatial technologies, particularly remote sensing, could potentially be used in these ecosystems to (1) evaluate the longevity of fuel reduction treatments, (2) provide data for planning and designing future fuel-reduction treatments, and (3) assess the spatial distribution of horizontal fuel structure following fuel-reduction treatments. High-spatial resolution color-infrared imagery (0.06-m pixels) was acquired for pinyon and juniper woodland plots where fuels were reduced by either prescribed fire, tree cutting, or mastication at five sites in Oregon, California, Nevada, and Utah. Imagery was taken with a Vexcel UltraCam X digital camera in June 2009. Within each treatment plot, ground cover was measured as part of the Sagebrush Steppe Treatment Evaluation Project. Trimble eCognition Developer was used to classify land cover classes using object-based image analysis (OBIA) techniques. Differences between cover estimates using OBIA and ground-measurements were not consistently higher or lower for any land cover class and when evaluated for individual sites, were within ±5 % of each other. The overall accuracy and the K hat statistic for classified thematic maps for each treatment were: prescribed burn 85 % and 0.81; cut and fell 82 % and 0.77, and mastication 84 % and 0.80. Although cover assessments from OBIA differed somewhat from ground measurements, they are sufficiently accurate to evaluate treatment success and for supporting a broad range of management concerns.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Histopathological characteristics of malignant melanoma affecting mucous membranes: a unifying concept of histogenesis.
To investigate histopathological characteristics of melanocytic lesions affecting mucous membranes in various anatomical sites. Particular attention was paid to elucidation of morphological characteristics of early phases of mucosal melanoma in order to contribute to effective detection of this highly malignant neoplasm in the curable stages. A total of 87 melanocytic lesions of mucous membranes were investigated histopathologically. There were 55 malignant melanomas including eight lesions of melanoma in situ, three in the radial growth phase (RGP) and 44 in the vertical growth phase (VGP), and 28 benign melanocytic lesions including four melanotic macules, 19 melanocytic naevi and five blue naevi. In addition, this series also included four equivocal lesions for which diagnoses were not definitely determined. With regard to malignant melanoma, histopathological patterns of in situ phase and RGP were intensely evaluated. Histopathological features of benign melanocytic lesions were essentially the same as those of the corresponding lesions of the skin. In the vast majority of mucosal melanomas, irrespective of anatomical sites, the main histopathological pattern seen in melanoma in situ and in RGP was the lentiginous pattern, which shows proliferation of atypical melanocytes in the lower layer of more or less acanthotic epithelium, though subtle variations of the pattern were detected. No association of melanocytic naevus was detected in any cases of melanoma. Based on these findings, we have proposed a unifying concept of de novo histogenesis of mucosal malignant melanoma. Our concept of histogenesis of mucosal melanoma assists in the identification of this highly malignant neoplasm in the early curable stages.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Memantine exerts functional recovery by improving BDNF and GDNF expression in 3-nitropropionic acid intoxicated mice.
Memantine (MN), a NMDA blocker is well known for its protective effect against various neurodegenerative diseases. However, its role in improving motor function and regulation of neurotrophic factors in Huntington's disease (HD) has not been studied yet. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of MN against 3-nitropropionic acid (3NP), induced motor impairment, and alterations in the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in mice brain. Further, its role in mitochondrial function was assessed by measuring succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neuronal nuclei (NeuN) immunoreactivity were studied to evaluate the role of MN on glial and neuronal function. Its effect on apoptosis was adjudged by studying the expression of apoptotic markers. MN restored motor functions with an associated up-regulation in neurotrophin expression. MN also enhanced brain SDH activity and decreased glutamate content. MN ameliorated striatal neuronal loss, reduced GFAP immunoreactivity, and exhibited protective effect against neuronal apoptosis. Data from the current study demonstrated that MN exerted neuroprotective effect against 3NP induced neuropathology. Restoration of motor function by MN might be through regulation of neurotrophin expression. MN can therefore be a useful therapeutic choice in the symptomatic management of HD.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Different mechanisms may underlie the performance in relative localization tasks.
Two different groups of subjects had to adjust two-dimensional stimuli, differing in size, shape and type (dot patterns or irregular contour figures), within a reference circle. The two groups performed under two different instructions. The first instruction stressed matching the centres of the stimulus and the circle, while the second required simply positioning the test stimulus in the middle of the reference circle. In two control experiments the subjects had to determine the position of the centres of each stimulus and of the reference circle. Under the first instruction the accuracy of performance, estimated by the variance of the responses, depended on the stimulus size, shape and type in agreement with previous results and models of relative localization. Under the second instruction, however, accuracy remained invariant. Possible mechanisms of relative localization that might differ at their first stages of localization of the separate stimuli are considered.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Cerebral malformation associated with metabolic disorder. A report of 2 cases.
A clinical and neuropathological study is presented of two cases each of which showed neuronal heterotopia. Microgyria was also present in one case. One patient was suffering from a degenerative disorder affecting the white matter. The other was a case of Menkes' disease. It is suggested that the antenatal damage may have been caused by an imbalance of the maternal metabolism, the predisposing factor being the mother's carrier state for a metabolic defect. This is the first report of teratogenesis in a case of Menkes' disease. It is also noted that in this case there is interference with the postnatal as well as the antenatal development of the brain.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Cerebral peak time mapping uniformity of the value of peak time.
By studying patients with clinically suspected cerebrovascular occlusive disease using dynamic CT technique, we have shown that contrast peak attenuation of the whole normal cerebral tissue was uniformly reached at the same time within a given individual. On the other hand, the delay of peak time was shown to correlate with some vascular occlusive mechanism. The main implications of delayed contrast peak time can be summarized as follows: Reduced regional blood flow due to stenosis or occlusion of main vessel without tissue damage. Delayed contrast arrival time due to occlusion of main vessel, but with sufficient circulation. Tissue organically injured by cerebrovascular occlusion.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Tritiated thymidine autoradiographic study on histogenesis and spreading of intestinal metaplasia in human stomach.
The non-diseased portions of the antral mucosa of patients suffering from gastric cancer or ulcer were biopsied. The biopsy specimens were then labelled with 3H-thymidine in vitro, and distribution of the labelled epithelial cells in the normal pyloric and in the intestinalized mucosa was studied with autoradiography, and modes of histogenesis and spreading of the intestinal metaplasia were studied, and kinetic characteristics of the intestinalized mucosa were discussed. In the normal pyloric mucosa, the labelled cells were confined to the isthmus region (the middle one-third level of the mucosa), indicating that the surface epithelial and the pyloric glandular cells are normally replaced from the isthmus region. On the other hand, a zone of the labelled cells was found at the lower one-third level in the intestinalized mucosa. The absorptive and the goblet cells in the intestinalized mucosa appear to be renewed by about 70 hours in a fashion similar to that of the small intestine. Microscopic and autoradiographic analysis of the antral mucosa in the course of intestinalization indicates that the intestinal metaplasia begins in the isthmus region of the pyloric glandular tubules of an intact mucosa unaffected by gross injury through transformation of the generative cells from a pyloric to an intestinal pattern. This permits the pyloric lining cells to be replaced with intestinal villous cells and also permits the generative cell zone of the intestinal tubules to shift from the isthmus to the base of the gland until the process is complete. The downward shift of the intestinal tubules occurs in a framework of one of the branched pyloric glands and other glands disappear, resulting in a change of mucosal architectures of the antrum from a branched to a simple tubular gland. The intestinal metaplasia spreads in the mucosa through multi-focal (and sporadical) transformation of the neck generative cells in individual glandular tubules.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Antioxidant levels in the pig urinary bladder: distribution within the bladder wall and in the urothelium derived from different bladder regions.
This study was designed to determine the antioxidant levels in the urinary bladder wall layers as well as urothelium derived from different bladder regions. Samples of the urothelium, lamina propria, muscularis, and serosa were prepared from the pig's urinary bladder body, while samples used for regional mapping of the urothelium were prepared from trigone, ventral and dorsal middle bladder body, and apex region. Activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and catalase were determined. Concentrations of ascorbic acid and glutathione were also measured. Antioxidant activities, i.e. concentrations of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione, were shown to be highest in the urothelium and progressively lower towards the serosa. Regional mapping of the urothelium singled out apex as the region with the lowest antioxidant activities, i.e. concentrations of glutathione peroxidase, ascorbic acid, and glutathione. The fact that antioxidants are concentrated in the urothelium implies that urothelium functions as a barrier against reactive species. The urothelium derived from the apex is the region with the lowest antioxidant levels and is therefore probably the region most liable to development of oxidative damage.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Circumcision using the Mogen clamp.
The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of 313 circumcisions using the Mogen clamp. This procedure was done between 1 day and 2 years of age in all but four patients. The complication rate was low (1.6%). Two patients had local infection, one mild hemorrhage, one concealed penis, and one postcircumcision phimosis. Circumcision using the Mogen clamp is a simple, quick, and safe procedure.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Aircrew laser eye protection: visual consequences and mission performance.
Battlefield laser proliferation poses a mounting risk to aircrew and ground personnel. Laser eye protection (LEP) based on current mature, mass-producible technologies absorbs visible light and can impact visual performance and color identification. These visual consequences account for many of the mission incompatibilities associated with LEP. Laboratory experiments and field investigations that examined the effects of LEP on visual performance and mission compatibility are reviewed. Laboratory experiments assessed the ability of subjects to correctly read and identify the color of head-down display symbology and tactical pilotage charts (TPC's) with three prototype LEP visors. Field investigations included Weapons Systems Trainer (WST), ground, and flight tests of the LEP visors. Recommendations for modifying aviation lighting systems to improve LEP compatibility are proposed. Issues concerning flight safety when using LEP during air operation are discussed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Imaging and clinical spectrum of rhabdomyosarcoma in children.
We retrospectively analyzed the MRI findings of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMSA) in 23 patients to evaluate its role in staging and management. Heterogeneous signal abnormalities were noted in the sarcoma lesions with significant contrast enhancement. Seven head and neck cases showed direct bone invasion and destruction; only one had distant bony metastasis. Metastasis was noted in the lymph nodes, lung, bone, abdominoperitoneum, and head and neck soft tissue. MRI findings of RMSA are most helpful in staging and assessing therapeutic response.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Therapeutic assessment with children: intervening with parents "behind the mirror".
All the steps in the model of therapeutic assessment used with children (TA-C) are designed to involve and impact the child's parents. However, a distinctive process that parallels and accompanies the testing sessions with the child might be the most significant in helping parents shift their story of their child and family. In this process, parents are invited to observe their child's testing sessions (in an adjacent room through a live video feed, through a 1-way mirror, or in the corner of the testing room) and process the experience with the assessor (either simultaneously in the case of the 2-assessor model or after the fact in the 1-assessor model). We discuss the development and evolution of what we have come to call the "behind the mirror" method. We describe the therapeutic intent of the method and delineate 13 techniques utilized to enlist parents as active collaborators. We illustrate each technique using the case study of a 10-year-old boy where the 2-assessor model and live video feed method were used. We also provide research findings from the case study that address the parents' experience of the assessment and their changed view of their child.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Pharmacological assessment of the onset of action of aclidinium and glycopyrronium versus tiotropium in COPD patients and human isolated bronchi.
Preclinical studies suggested that aclidinium and glycopyrronium might have a faster onset of action than tiotropium. In this study we assessed the onset of action of aclidinium and glycopyrronium versus tiotropium, all administered at the approved clinical doses, in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in human isolated bronchi by using different concentrations. Sixteen COPD patients inhaled single doses of aclidinium 400µg, glycopyrronium 50μg and tiotropium 18µg and FEV1 was measured to assess their onset of action. In human isolated bronchi the time to evoke half maximal relaxation of transmural stimulation was tested from 10nM to 1µM for each drug. Nine, eight and twelve patients did not achieve 15% increase of FEV1 after inhalation of aclidinium, glycopyrronium and tiotropium, respectively. Aclidinium (15.6±7.5min) and glycopyrronium (17.9±10.4min) enhanced 15% FEV1 more rapidly than tiotropium (42.5±19.4min), with no significant difference (P>0.05). In isolated airways, glycopyrronium elicited a dose-dependent onset of action (10nM: 8.2±1.3min, 100nM: 7.1±2.1min, 1μM: 3.4±0.4min) that was faster compared to that induced by aclidinium (1μM: 6.4±0.5min) and tiotropium (1μM: 8.4±1.1min) (P<0.05), that halved the contractile tone only at the highest concentration. Bronchodilation induced by aclidinium and glycopyrronium was faster than that induced by tiotropium, but since our analysis was restricted to the acute effect of these LAMAs and the inhaled doses were not isoeffective, the real differences in their impact on the onset of bronchodilation will be definitely determined after a long-term challenge of these treatments at isoeffective doses in COPD patients.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Increased expression of CD11b and functional changes in eosinophils after migration across endothelial cell monolayers.
Eosinophils from sputum, nasal polyps, and bronchoalveolar lavages of asthmatics demonstrated a considerably increased CD11b expression, compared with blood eosinophils. Furthermore, the tissue eosinophils expressed ICAM-1 (CD54) and HLA-DR, whereas peripheral blood eosinophils did not. In vitro migration of peripheral blood eosinophils across IL-1-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cell monolayers caused a considerable up-regulation of CD11b and CD35 expression, no induction of ICAM-1 or HLA-DR, and a small but significant decrease in CD11a, CD29, and CD32 expression. These changes were only partially inducible with supernatants from nonactivated or IL-1-activated endothelial cells, platelet-activating factor, or a variety of recombinant cytokines. Thus, cell-cell interactions mediated by receptor-ligand binding or endothelial cell membrane-bound mediators, rather than soluble factors, are responsible for the altered eosinophil surface marker expression. Indeed, preparations of membrane fragments from IL-1-stimulated endothelial cells were able to induce up-regulation of CD11b, which was not inhibitable with the platelet-activating factor antagonist WEB 2086 or antibodies against ELAM-1, VCAM-1, or ICAM-1. Investigation of the functional significance of the increased CD11b expression on eosinophils revealed only minimal changes in the adherence or transmigration capacity. Nevertheless, increased CD11b expression was related to an increased capacity to generate superoxide after stimulation with opsonized zymosan. Thus, cell-cell interactions between eosinophils and endothelial cells induce a considerable up-regulation of CD11b and CD35 on eosinophils and an increased capacity to generate an oxidative burst.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Development and initial testing of a novel slime mould biosensor.
A plurality of whole cell biosensors have been developed using many different cell types. Biosensors incorporate biomolecular components or whole cells to facilitate specific analyte interaction; research documented here presents a novel whole cell biosensor based on the slime mould Physarum polycephalum (PP). The electrical response of PP when exposed to multiple chemicals are measured and quantified in terms of amplitude and frequency response. The PP biosensor is capable of detecting the tested chemicals and individually identifying a large number in terms of a specific shift in either oscillation frequency or amplitude. However, it does exhibit a sensitivity to environmental changes such as light level and temperature which may interfere with the detection of the target analyte but could also be used for wider sensing applications. It is proposed that this novel biosensor is capable of detecting many organic chemicals beyond those presented in this work and that the biosensor may be used for environmental monitoring and toxicity evaluation.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Functional and structural proteomics: a critical appraisal.
The notion of functional proteomics (description of changes in protein expression during differentiation of cells) and structural proteomics (elucidation of the primary structure of the components in the proteomic pattern) is reviewed. Quantitative and qualitative aspects of the proteome analysis are discussed and evaluated. A list of projects is given that are of high priority for the elucidation of the proteome. This includes, e.g., the study of the repertoire of the proteome and the description of molecular pathways during the clonal cell replication. The paper re-evaluates a number of methodological issues, such as the comparison of the use of Ampholines and Immobilines, various staining procedures and labeling procedures.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Caput succedaneum and facial petechiae--birth-associated injuries in healthy newborns under forensic aspects.
In cases of suspected neonaticide, the results of a forensic autopsy might be important for conviction or acquittal. But autopsy findings in dead newborns are often unspecific and can rarely provide corroborative evidence of inflicted injury, as they are known to occur during normal birth as well. In our study, we examined 59 vaginally delivered, healthy newborns within the first 30 min after birth to know more about the prevalence and possible correlations of a caput succedaneum and facial petechiae. Caput succedaneum occurred in 33.9%, facial petechiae in 20.3%. As for the occurrence of caput succedaneum, statistically significant differences could be shown for the duration of delivery and the mother's parity. These correlations could not be shown for the occurrence of facial petechiae. Within the scope of our study, we could demonstrate that neither caput succedaneum nor facial petechiae are rare findings in healthy newborns. In the forensic investigation of suspected neonaticide, their potential significance can only be ascertained together with further investigations of the circumstances of death and a thorough forensic pathological autopsy.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The local lymph node assay and skin sensitization testing.
The mouse local lymph node assay (LLNA) is a method for the identification and characterization of skin sensitization hazards. In this context the method can be used both to identify contact allergens, and also determine the relative skin sensitizing potency as a basis for derivation of effective risk assessments.The assay is based on measurement of proliferative responses by draining lymph node cells induced following topical exposure of mice to test chemicals. Such responses are known to be causally and quantitatively associated with the acquisition of skin sensitization and therefore provide a relevant marker for characterization of contact allergic potential.The LLNA has been the subject of exhaustive evaluation and validation exercises and has been assigned Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) test guideline 429. Herein we describe the conduct and interpretation of the LLNA.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Thermal pain thresholds are decreased in the migraine preattack phase.
Migraine patients may have cutaneous allodynia during attacks. In order to investigate if pain physiology changes in the preattack phase we estimated heat pain and cold pain detection threshold (HPT and CPT) on three different days in 41 migraine patients and 28 controls. A thermode was applied at four sites bilaterally: forehead, face, neck, and hand. A subgroup of 11 migraine patients had been tested within 24 h before their next attack and in the interictal phase. In the preattack phase, HPT was lower compared with the paired interictal recording for the hand (44.8 degrees C vs. 45.9 degrees C, P = 0.009), neck (46.8 degrees C vs. 48.2 degrees C, P = 0.02), and forehead (45.1 degrees C vs. 46.3 degrees C, P = 0.02). Neck and hand CPT were higher in the preattack phase than interictally (10 degrees C vs. 7.3 degrees C, P = 0.01 and 11.6 degrees C vs. 9.4 degrees C, P = 0.06, respectively). Preattack forehead changes were most apparent on the headache side of the subsequent attack. Subclinical preattack thermal pain hypersensitivity seems to be a feature of the process that leads to a migraine attack.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Perineal template interstitial brachytherapy salvage for recurrent endometrial adenocarcinoma metastatic to the vagina.
To evaluate the use of interstitial brachytherapy salvage of recurrent endometrial adenocarcinoma metastatic to the vagina. From September 1989 to February 1995, 15 patients with locally recurrent endometrial adenocarcinoma were treated with perineal template interstitial irradiation with low-dose-rate brachytherapy 192Ir/137Cs. Five of the 7 previously unirradiated patients received pelvic external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) of 45-50 Gy, with standard fractionation followed by an interstitial brachytherapy boost dose of 30 Gy (range 25 to 35 Gy). The other 2 patients received only brachytherapy of 40 Gy (palliative) and 50 Gy. Eight previously irradiated patients received only brachytherapy of 50 to 55 Gy. After a median follow-up of 47 months (range 14-81), the actuarial local control rate was 66.6%. The local control rate for patients treated with interstitial irradiation only was 64.3% and the local control rate for patients treated with interstitial irradiation + EBRT was 100%. Distant metastases occurred in 30.7% of the patients. Actuarial overall and disease-specific 5-year survival were 42.3 and 67.5%, respectively. Toxicity has been minimal, with 6 patients complaining of vaginal/rectal (RTOG) grade 1-3 complications (5 patients grade 1-2, 1 patient grade 3). These results suggest that perineal template interstitial irradiation (if possible with supplementary EBRT) is an effective alternative to radical or exenterative pelvic surgery for locally recurrent endometrial cancer. Excellent survival and local control rates can be achieved with low morbidity, especially if EBRT is added.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The Utility of Skeletal and Surgical Features for the Personal Identification Process: A Pilot Study.
This pilot study provides a conceptual framework for the application of the anthropological analysis of skeletal features and surgical interventions for the purpose of identification in cases of unknown deceased individuals with unavailable fingerprint, genetic or odontological antemortem data. The study sample includes 276 individuals with known demographic and clinical information from the Italian CAL Milano Cemetery Skeletal Collection. In the sample, 124 (45%) individuals showed one or more skeletal features that may be potentially individualizing. Of these, 79% showed two and more features, which occurred in a multitude of different combinations. Skeletal findings may provide useful postmortem information that can be compared with antemortem witness statements and clinical imaging. However, more research into the utility of dry bone findings and the availability of comparative material, including imaging, and epidemiological data needs to be undertaken before skeletal features can be implemented into identification protocols and databases.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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An interconnected duplicated femoral vein and its clinical significance.
Anatomical variations in the femoral vein are of great clinical importance especially in cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Knowledge of the variable anatomy of the femoral vein is important to minimise false-negative findings on ultrasound examination in patients with DVT and help to explain the 'silent' DVT. Furthermore, the presence of a duplicated femoral vein itself is associated with higher incidence of DVT. These venous anomalies are usually due to the truncular venous malformation. In the present study, while dissecting the right lower limb, we found a case of variation of the femoral vein. In this case, besides a duplicated femoral vein, we also noticed a 3rd interconnecting channel near the apex of the femoral triangle joining the two veins. This variation has not been reported previously by other authors. Considering its uniqueness and clinical importance, we decided to report this case.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Solution structure and dynamics of the chimeric SH3 domains, SHH- and SHA-"Bergeracs".
Two chimeric proteins, SHcapital EN, Cyrillic and SHA of the "SH3-Bergerac" family (where the beta-turn N47D48 in spectrin SH3 domain was substituted for KITVNGKTYE or KATANGKTYE sequences, respectively), were analyzed by high-resolution NMR to resolve their spatial structures and to analyze their dynamics. Although the presence of a stable beta-hairpin in the region of the insertion was confirmed, the introduced extension of the polypeptide chain in SHcapital EN, Cyrillic (approximately 17%) practically did not affect the total molecule topology. Interestingly, the introduced beta-hairpin had higher mobility in comparison with other protein regions. Finally, we performed a disorder prediction with the PONDR VSL2 algorithm and discovered that the inserted beta-hairpin in both SHH and SHA proteins exhibited significant propensity for intrinsic disorder and therefore for high mobility. In agreement with the experimental data, the predisposition for the increased intramolecular mobility was noticeably higher in SHA.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Protective effects of polyphenolic extracts from longan seeds promote healing of deep second-degree burn in mice.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of a polyphenolic extract from longan seeds as a wound-healing material for deep second-degree burn wounds. The total phenol content of the extract reached 45.28 ± 1.22 mg GAE per g DW when 70% ethanol was used as the extraction solvent, and then AB-8 resin was used for purification. Results from the antioxidant assay in vitro (DPPH˙ and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity) and antimicrobial activity assay (ZOI, MIC and MBC) showed that the fractions eluted by 30% ethanol tend to have greater antioxidant ability, as well as higher bactericidal and antibacterial activities, than the other elution fractions. Low-, middle-, and high-doses of the polyphenolic extract were applied for wound-healing of mice, and were compared with 30% ethanol solution (negative control) and 'Jing Wan Hong®' (positive control). The results showed that on the 11th day, the wound-healing rate and levels of hydroxyproline and protein indicated that wound healing in the high-dose polyphenolic group was similar to that of the positive control, which was higher than that in the other groups (p < 0.01). The histological results indicated that high-dose polyphenolic extracts are capable of leading to the formation of new blood vessels and capillaries, regenerating new dermal tissue and remodeling the newly formed tissue during the proliferative period. Our results provided first-hand information on the would-healing potential of the polyphenolic extract from longan seeds.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Structure and polymorphism of human telomere-associated DNA.
We have analyzed the DNA sequences associated with four different human telomeres. Two are members of distinct repeated sequence families which are located mainly but not exclusively at telomeres. Two are unique in the genome, one deriving from the long arm telomere of chromosome 7 and the other from the pseudoautosomal telomere. One telomere-associated repeated sequence has a polymorphic distribution among the chromosome ends, being present at a different combination of ends in different individuals. These data thus identify a new source of human genetic variation and indicate that the canonical features of the organization of telomere-associated DNA are widely conserved in evolution.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A tool for the qualitative comparison of membrane-embedded and detergent-solubilized membrane protein structures in projection.
The calculation of projection structures (PSs) from Protein Data Bank (PDB)-coordinate files of membrane proteins is not well-established. Reports on such attempts exist but are rare. In addition, the different procedures are barely described and thus difficult if not impossible to reproduce. Here we present a simple, fast and well-documented method for the calculation and visualization of PSs from PDB-coordinate files of membrane proteins: the projection structure visualization (PSV)-method. The PSV-method was successfully validated using the PS of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) from 2D crystals and cryo-transmission electron microscopy, and the PDB-coordinate file of AQP1 determined from 3D crystals and X-ray crystallography. Besides AQP1, which is a relatively rigid protein, we also studied a flexible membrane transport protein, i.e. the L-arginine/agmatine antiporter AdiC. Comparison of PSs calculated from the existing PDB-coordinate files of substrate-free and L-arginine-bound AdiC indicated that conformational changes are detected in projection. Importantly, structural differences were found between the PSV-method calculated PSs of the detergent-solubilized AdiC proteins and the PS from cryo-TEM of membrane-embedded AdiC. These differences are particularly exciting since they may reflect a different conformation of AdiC induced by the lateral pressure in the lipid bilayer.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Previous prolonged clonic seizures diminish antiepileptic activity of valproate against pentetrazol-evoked convulsions.
Prolonged seizures may alter the brain function in numerous ways. It is conceivable that they might lead to modifications of seizure susceptibility or anticonvulsive drug efficacy, however, only limited data address this issue. Therefore, we have decided to estimate the antiepileptic activity of drugs interfering with GABA-ergic neurotransmission in mice subjected to prolonged clonic seizures 2 weeks before, using pentetrazol test. The activity of valproate, but not diazepam or phenobarbital, was diminished in animals following repetitive clonic seizures. It might be hypothesized that in humans suffering from epilepsy, prolonged seizures in the past might contribute to the lowered efficacy of valproic acid later on.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Restoring normal eating behaviour in adolescents with anorexia nervosa: A video analysis of nursing interventions.
An important part of inpatient treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa is to restore normal eating behaviour. Health-care professionals play a significant role in this process, but little is known about their interventions during patients' meals. The purpose of the present study was to describe nursing interventions aimed at restoring normal eating behaviour in patients with anorexia nervosa. The main research question was: 'Which interventions aimed at restoring normal eating behaviour do health-care professionals in a specialist eating disorder centre use during meal times for adolescents diagnosed with anorexia nervosa? The present study was a qualitative, descriptive study that used video recordings made during mealtimes. Thematic data analysis was applied. Four categories of interventions emerged from the data: (i) monitoring and instructing; (ii) encouraging and motivating; (iii) supporting and understanding; and (iv) educating. The data revealed a directive attitude aimed at promoting behavioural change, but always in combination with empathy and understanding. In the first stage of clinical treatment, health-care professionals focus primarily on changing patients' eating behaviour. However, they also address the psychosocial needs that become visible in patients as they struggle to restore normal eating behaviour. The findings of the present study can be used to assist health-care professionals, and improve multidisciplinary guidelines and health-care professionals' training programmes.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Treatment of syphilis in pregnancy and prevention of congenital syphilis.
Studies about the management of syphilis during pregnancy were reviewed. They lacked uniformity in diagnostic criteria and study design. Currently recommended doses of benzathine penicillin G are effective in preventing congenital syphilis in most settings, although studies are needed regarding increased dosing regimens. Azithromycin and ceftriaxone offer potential alternatives for penicillin-allergic women, but insufficient data on efficacy limit their use in pregnancy. Ultrasonography provides a noninvasive means to examine pregnant women for signs of fetal syphilis, and abnormal findings indicate a risk for obstetric complications and fetal treatment failure. Ultrasonography should precede antepartum treatment during the latter half of pregnancy to gauge severity of fetal infection. However, optimal management of the affected fetus has not been established; collaborative management with a specialist is recommended. Antepartum screening remains a critical component of congenital syphilis prevention, even in the era of syphilis elimination.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Single and multiple bonds in (strept)avidin-biotin interactions.
Thanks to Dynamic Force Spectroscopy (DFS) and developments of massive data analysis tools, such as YieldFinder, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) becomes a powerful method for analyzing long lifetime ligand-receptor interactions. We have chosen the well-known system, (strept)avidin-biotin complex, as an experimental model due to the lack of consensus on interpretations of the rupture force spectrum (Walton et al., 2008). We present new measurements of force-displacement curves for the (strept)avidin-biotin complex. These data were analyzed using the YieldFinder software based on the Bell-Evans formalism. In addition, the Williams model was adopted to interpret the bonding state of the system. Our results indicate the presence of at least two energy barriers in two loading rate regimes. Combining with structural analysis, the energy barriers can be interpreted in a novel physico-chemical context as one inner barrier for H-bond ruptures ( <1 Å), and one outer barrier for escaping from the binding pocket which is blocked by the side chain of a symmetry-related Trp120 in the streptavidin tetramer. In each loading rate regime, the presence of multiple parallel bonds was implied by the Williams model. Interestingly, we found that in literature different terms created for addressing the apparent discrepancies in the results of avidin-biotin interactions can be reconciled by taking into account multiple parallel bonds.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Pharmacist's role in managing anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease: potential clinical and economic benefits.
Barriers to the treatment of anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the role of pharmacists in screening patients for anemia and developing guidelines for the use of anemia therapies in patients with CKD, the goals of and considerations in developing pharmacist-managed anemia management clinics, and the potential benefits of these clinics are described. The complexity of patients with CKD, patient nonadherence to the treatment regimen, a shortage of nephrologists, and a lack of familiarity with clinical practice guidelines and recommendations for treating anemia in these patients are possible barriers to the treatment of anemia. Pharmacists can play a role in improving the treatment of anemia in patients with CKD by screening for anemia, developing guidelines for the use of anemia therapies, and providing patient education to promote adherence to the treatment regimen. The optimal upper limit for hemoglobin concentration during treatment with erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESA) in patients with CKD remains to be determined, but it should not routinely exceed 13.0 g/dL. Extended dosing of darbepoetin alfa and the new agent continuous erythropoiesis receptor activator appears effective. Iron status often is not assessed in patients with CKD because of difficulty interpreting iron laboratory values and identifying iron deficiency. The usefulness of iron supplementation is not limited to patients with iron deficiency. The intravenous (i.v.) or oral route of administration may be used for iron supplementation in predialysis patients and peritoneal dialysis patients, but the i.v. route is recommended for hemodialysis patients. Adverse effects and drug interactions limit the use of oral iron supplements. Administration of parenteral iron is time consuming and accompanied by concerns about iron accumulation and uncertainty about the optimal maximum serum ferritin concentration. Improved access to care and clinical outcomes and reduced costs have been documented in pharmacist-managed anemia management clinics. Pharmacists can help overcome barriers to treating anemia in patients with CKD. Clinical and economic benefits are associated with pharmacist-managed anemia management clinics.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Muscle stiffness and continuous electromyographic activity in old rats; an animal model for spasticity?
A mechanomyographic response of the hind foot to passive straightening and bending, as well as an electromyographic activity of the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles were recorded in old (35-44-month-old) and young female rats. In old rats, spontaneous, tonic electromyographic activity patterns were concurrently observed in both antagonistic muscles; they were low-amplitude, dense tonic activity and continuous, high-amplitude, sparse electromyographic activity. The tonic electromyographic activity was correlated with a decline in the strength and mass of muscles, as well as with motor disturbances, including paresis of the rigidly straightened backward hind legs, dragged behind by an animal. In muscles of old rats, morphological features of a chronic denervation atrophy were found. Baclofen (10 and 15 mg/kg, i.p.) diminished the spontaneous tonic electromyographic activity and potently decreased the whole body muscle tone, whereas Madopar (50 mg/kg of L-DOPA+12.5 mg/kg of benerazide) was ineffective. It is suggested that old rats in which the above-described pathologic alterations are observed might be a useful animal model in the search for basic etiopathological mechanisms of spasticity and similar disturbances found in humans.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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(4,2)D Projection--reconstruction experiments for protein backbone assignment: application to human carbonic anhydrase II and calbindin D(28K).
Projection-reconstruction NMR experiments have been shown to significantly reduce the acquisition time required to obtain protein backbone assignment data. To date, this concept has only been applied to smaller (15)N/(13)C-labeled proteins. Here, we show that projection-reconstruction NMR techniques can be extended to larger protonated and perdeuterated proteins. We present a suite of (4,2)D triple-resonance experiments for protein backbone assignment and a Hybrid Backprojection/Lower-Value algorithm for reconstructing data with relatively weak signal-to-noise ratios. In addition, we propose a sampling theorem and discuss its implication on the choice of projection angles. We demonstrate the efficacy of this approach using the 29 kDa protein, human carbonic anhydrase II and the 30 kDa protein, calbindin D(28K).
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A practical guide to meta-analysis.
The wealth of medical research published on a yearly basis demands methods to summarize the literature. Narrative or expert reviews were the traditional method to provide this summary; however, biases associated with narrative reviews raise questions regarding whether this process provides sufficient evidence to guide practice. Meta-analysis is becoming increasingly popular because it can combine results from similar studies to calculate an overall estimate of a treatment effect. Although meta-analysis has its limitations, a thoughtful and well-planned analysis is a valuable tool in providing a high level of evidence. We discuss the steps needed to perform a meta-analysis as a guideline for those interested in pursuing this type of research.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Pathophysiology of cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity in humans: a role for nitric oxide?
The causes for the nephrotoxicity of cyclosporine A (CsA) have not been fully elucidated. Intrarenal vasoconstriction induced by several different mediators, both in humans and experimental animals, have been proposed. We studied prostaglandin metabolites, endothelin and nitric oxide in kidney transplant patients receiving their first CsA dose. Prostaglandin metabolites in the urine and endothelin and nitric oxide (NO2/NO3 in urine and plasma were measured in 14 patients before and 3 and 6 h after oral ingestion of CsA (10 mg/kg b.w.). Clearances for inulin and p-aminohippuric acid (PAH) were measured before and in two separate 3-hour periods after CsA. Blood pressure, heart rate, and CsA blood levels were also determined. Clearances of inulin and PAH decreased progressively after CsA dosage while renal vascular resistance increased. Nitric oxide plasma levels decreased in nearly all patients from 21.0 +/- 2.8 to 19.1 +/- 2.6 (p = 0.003) and then rose slightly to 19.5 +/- 2.5 micromol/l (p = 0.1) 3 and 6 h after CsA ingestion, respectively. Urinary excretion of NO2/NO3 decreased nonsignificantly from 269 +/- 38.8 to 259 +/- 27.7 and 254 +/- 41.6 micromol/min (p = 0.5 and 0.5). At the same time, urinary prostaglandin E2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1 alpha) excretion rate declined significantly [from 1,187 +/- 254 to 1,186 +/- 351 and 730 +/- 148 pg/min (p = 0.27 and 0.02) and from 697 +/- 115 to 645 +/- 134 and 508 +/- 58.2 pg/min (p = 0.34 and 0.05)]. Urinary thromboxane B2 and plasma and urinary endothelin first increased and then decreased nonsignificantly. Mean arterial pressure rose from 107 +/- 2.5 to 110 +/- 2.6 and 114 +/- 3.4 mm Hg (p = 0.1 and 0.05). The pathophysiology of CsA-induced acute renal vasoconstriction involves several different mechanisms including a decrease of the vasodilating prostaglandins E2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1 alpha) and possibly nitric oxide.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Test measurements of the photothermal deflection method to determine the thermal diffusivity of solids.
The photothermal deflection spectroscopy method is employed in thermal diffusivity measurements of solids. Thermal diffusivity at room temperature in standard materials such as Poco-graphite and S.S. 1.4970 stabilized austenltlc steel Is measured and compared with the tabulated values.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Assessment of venous thromboembolism treatment in patients with cancer on low molecular weight heparin, warfarin, and the direct oral anticoagulants.
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are not recommended for venous thromboembolism (VTE) treatment in patients with cancer because their safety and efficacy have not been compared to low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in large trials. Routine anti-Xa monitoring in cancer patients on LMWH is also not recommended due to limited data correlating anti-Xa levels and outcomes. Compare the safety and efficacy of DOACs to LMWH and warfarin and assess the relationship of anti-Xa monitoring and outcomes in patients with cancer taking LMWH in an urban university setting. This retrospective, cohort study analyzed the recurrence of VTE and number of bleeding events in patients with cancer. There were 131 patients included in the analysis. There was no difference seen in the rate of recurrent VTEs between the LMWH, warfarin and DOAC groups (9.3%, 5.9%, 9.1%, p = 0.89). There was also no difference in the rate of bleeding between groups (10.5%, 14.7%, 9.1%, p = 0.576). There was an increased rate of mortality seen in the LMWH group (26.7% vs. 2.9% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.006). There was no difference seen in recurrent VTE (10.3% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.53) or bleeding (10.3% vs. 10.7%, p = 0.661) between the monitored and unmonitored LMWH patients. Results of this analysis suggest DOACs may be as safe and effective as LMWH and warfarin for the treatment of VTE in patients with cancer, and there may be no clinical benefit to routine anti-Xa monitoring in patients on LMWH treatment. However, larger studies are needed to confirm these observations.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The design and applications of multifunctional ligands.
The properties of a metal coordination complex are determined as much by the ligand set--the molecules and ions coordinated to the metal centre--as by the nature of the metal itself. The design and use of new ligands is consequently a major part of chemical research. This review considers the role of multifunctional ligands in three separate and distinct areas of chemistry. In homogeneous catalysis, the role of hybrid and hemilabile ligands is considered, and the introduction of functionalities designed to overcome problems of separation, either by tethering or solubilising, is discussed. In supramolecular chemistry, functionalities enabling the recognition and sensing of cations and anions are examined. In addition, ligands containing two or more faces are discussed for their role in metallodendrimer formation and self-assembly reactions, and the use of bifunctional ligands in crystal engineering is addressed. The application of metal complexes in medicine is examined by consideration of cis-platin and its derivatives as anti-tumour agents. Imaging agents are also discussed with the uses of gadolinium MRI contrast agents and gamma-emitting technetium complexes highlighted.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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An approach to enhance communication about screening mammography in primary care.
Informed decision making for preventive and screening services in primary care is receiving increased emphasis, yet the actual practice of informed decision making in clinical settings is limited. Lack of training, time, and standardized approaches to engage patients in decision making have been cited as barriers. In initiating screening mammography for women in their 40s, most organizations advise clinicians to educate women about the benefits and potential harms of screening, yet provide no practical guidelines on how to do so in clinical practice. We describe an ethically sound, practical model dialogue that may be used to communicate with women in their 40s about initiating screening mammography and include a discussion of the potential benefits and harms. The dialogue is based on a previously described informed decision-making framework, synthesis of evidence from the breast cancer screening and patient-physician communication literature, field testing with practicing academic and community-based general internists and recommendations by health communication experts. The dialogue may be used in office and in academic clinical settings to engage women in decision making about initiating screening mammography, to educate them about the potential benefits and harms, and may also serve as a foundation for teaching medical students and residents about patient-centered communication.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The surgical treatment of the carpal-tunnel syndrome correlated with preoperative nerve-conduction studies.
The diagnosis of carpal-tunnel syndrome was made clinically in 124 cases (101 patients) and in each instance it was confirmed by nerve-conduction studies. Surgery was carried out with a uniform technique. Retrospective analysis of the series suggests that nerve-conduction studies can be used as a prognostic factor. Those patients with motor abnormalities appeared to have a more favorable result than those with only sensory abnormalities. Neurolysis was found to be a valuable adjunct to the release of the volar carpal ligament. Preoperative duration of symptoms did not appear to significantly influence the results of the operation.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Isolated maxillary sinus Ewing's sarcoma.
Extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma is rarely found arising in the head and neck region. Only six cases of extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma invading the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses have been reported in the literature. The first described case of that Ewing's sarcoma located in isolated maxillary sinus extending into the orbita without involving the nose is presented. A 16-year-old woman presented with swelling in her right cheek. The nasal examination was normal. A computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sinuses revealed a large mass in the right maxillary sinus with extension to the orbita. Under general anesthesia biopsies were taken. Based on histopathological analysis, a diagnosis of extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma was made. The patient did not accept the surgical therapy. The patient was treated with combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The patient has done without evidence of recurrence or metastasis for one year.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Oral midazolam for sedation in minor oral operations in children: a retrospective study.
Our aim was to find out the optimal dose of oral midazolam to sedate children according to age. Thirty-five patients aged 10 or under who had minor oral operations under sedation with midazolam were enrolled. Correlations between age (X) and dose of midazolam (mg/kg; Y) were analysed by Pearson's correlation coefficient, and relations were fitted by simple regression. Doses of midazolam were significantly reduced as age increased (Y=0.969-0.04X; R=0.48) in the satisfactory group (n=25), whereas those in the overdose group (n=10) (patients who vomited, became agitated, or took some time to come round) were significantly higher, decreased with age, and showed a better correlation coefficient (Y=1.375-0.65X; R=0.78). These findings suggest that both the requirement and threshold of midazolam decreases with age.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Chromogenic in situ hybridisation (CISH) is a powerful method to detect ALK-positive non-small cell lung carcinomas.
We assessed the potential of a chromogenic in situ hybridisation (CISH) assay in comparison with quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR (qPCR) to detect anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) break apart-positive lung carcinomas. Dual-colour CISH using a break apart probe for the ALK gene on 2p23 was performed with 181 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue and agar block sections from 175 cases of non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC). Stained slides were analysed with a standard bright-field microscope at 1000× magnification by counting signals from 60 non-overlapping nuclei from three different tumour areas. Samples with ≥15% of positive nuclei were judged as ALK break apart-positive. All samples were simultaneously analysed by qPCR for EML4-ALK to validate CISH results, and positive samples were subject to Sanger sequencing. CISH was successful with 173 of 181 hybridised samples (96%), and seven ALK break apart-positive cases were detected. CISH signals were specific and distinct for both colours. All positive cases were confirmed by qPCR and Sanger sequencing, and concordance between CISH and qPCR was 100%. Nearly all samples (9/10) which failed by qPCR were accessible to CISH analysis. CISH is a very reliable, convenient and inexpensive method to detect ALK-positive NSCLC. CISH success rate is comparably high as with qPCR, and it detects all ALK break apart events in a single assay. It is of special value when RNA quality is poor, or when small biopsies with a very limited amount of tumour cells have to be analysed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Eating rate and preference of different concentrate components for cattle.
Different feeds or combination of feeds were studied in 11 short-term experiments with the objective to identify concentrates that were especially desirable for cattle. Eating rate of different feeds was studied in 6 experiments using 10 heifers in a Latin square design with 2 blocks of 5 animals, 5 treatments (feeds), and 5 periods (days). Preference as shown by feed choice was studied in 5 experiments with 12 heifers. Paired comparisons of 4 different feeds (1 through 4) in the 6 possible combinations of 1 and 2, 1 and 3, 1 and 4, 2 and 3, 2 and 4, and 3 and 4 were performed. A control feed of ground barley was included in all experiments. In the eating rate and preference experiments, a total of 25 and 16 feeds, respectively, were studied. The categories of feeds studied were basic feeds, such as cereals, soybean meal, and rapeseed products, and feed mixtures based on ground barley with sweet additives or additives based on fat products. Pelleted concentrate mixtures were also evaluated. From the results obtained, the following feeds were identified as being among the most preferred feeds: pelleted feeds, heat-treated rapeseed meal, barley with 10% rapeseed fatty acid, barley with 10% palm oil, and barley with 10% glycerol, whereas ground palm kernel expeller was undesirable. A clear preference for pellets over ground barley was demonstrated, but no difference in preference was observed for the 3 different pellets that were compared.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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n-3 Fatty acids consumed from fish and risk of atrial fibrillation or flutter: the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Study.
Experimental studies have shown that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in fish may have antiarrhythmic properties. We examined the association between consumption of n-3 fatty acids from fish and risk of atrial fibrillation or flutter. In a prospective cohort study of 47 949 participants (mean age: 56 y) in the Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health Study, we investigated the relation between the consumption of n-3 fatty acids from fish estimated from a detailed semiquantitative food questionnaire and risk of atrial fibrillation or flutter. The subjects were followed up in the Danish National Registry of Patients for the occurrence of atrial fibrillation or flutter and in the Danish Civil Registration System (vital status and emigration). The consumption of n-3 fatty acids from fish was analyzed as sex-specific quintiles with the use of Cox proportional hazards models. During follow-up (x: 5.7 y), atrial fibrillation or flutter had developed in 556 subjects (374 men and 182 women). When the lowest quintile of n-3 fatty acids consumed from fish was used as a reference, the unadjusted hazard rate ratios in quintiles 2, 3, 4, and 5 were 0.93, 1.11, 1.10, and 1.44, respectively (P for trend = 0.001). The corresponding adjusted hazard rate ratios were 0.86, 1.08, 1.01, and 1.34 (P for trend = 0.006). Inclusion of information on the frequency of fatty fish consumption did not alter these associations. Consumption of n-3 fatty acids from fish was not associated with a reduction in risk of atrial fibrillation or flutter. We cannot exclude the possibility of residual confounding caused by a lack of information on intake of fish-oil tablets.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Sleeping problems and attachment quality in toddlers].
The study presented addresses the association between 18-months-olds' attachment quality and subsequent sleeping problems at 30 months. The sample consisted in 62 healthy, firstborn children and their primary caregivers. Attachment quality was assessed using Ainsworths' Strange Situation Procedure. Sleeping disorders were diagnosed conducting a standardized psychiatric interview with the mothers. Securely attached toddlers showed sleeping problems more often than insecurely-avoidant attached ones. Attachment disorganization was not related to sleeping problems. Analyzing the impact of self-stimulation behavior (i.e. thumb or pacifier sucking) it could be demonstrated that all 30-months-olds who showed self-stimulating behavior were insecurely-avoidant attached to their primary caregiver. Thus, insecure-avoidant toddlers might incline to suppress attachment behavior and negative emotions when being separated from parent in the evening and night hours.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Freezing tolerance of ectomycorrhizal fungi in pure culture.
The ability to survive freezing and thawing is a key factor for the existence of life forms in large parts of the world. However, little is known about the freezing tolerance of mycorrhizal fungi and their role in the freezing tolerance of mycorrhizas. Threshold temperatures for the survival of these fungi have not been assessed experimentally. We grew isolates of Suillus luteus, Suillus variegatus, Laccaria laccata, and Hebeloma sp. in liquid culture at room temperature. Subsequently, we exposed samples to a series of temperatures between +5 degrees C and -48 degrees C. Relative electrolyte leakage (REL) and re-growth measurements were used to assess the damage. The REL test indicated that the lethal temperature for 50% of samples (LT(50)) was between -8.3 degrees C and -13.5 degrees C. However, in the re-growth experiment, all isolates resumed growth after exposure to -8 degrees C and higher temperatures. As many as 64% of L. laccata samples but only 11% in S. variegatus survived -48 degrees C. There was no growth of Hebeloma and S. luteus after exposure to -48 degrees C, but part of their samples survived -30 degrees C. The fungi tolerated lower temperatures than was expected on the basis of earlier studies on fine roots of ectomycorrhizal trees. The most likely freezing tolerance mechanism here is tolerance to apoplastic freezing and the concomitant intracellular dehydration with consequent concentrating of cryoprotectant substances in cells. Studying the properties of fungi in isolation promotes the understanding of the role of the different partners of the mycorrhizal symbiosis in the freezing tolerance.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The disappearance of human chorionic gonadotropin from plasma and urine following induced abortion. Disappearance of HCG after induced abortion.
In 28 females, daily measurement of the HCG concentration in urine and in 15 of them daily measurement of the beta-HCG concentration in plasma was carried out during the first 2 weeks following first-trimester induced abortion by vacuum aspiration. Plasma beta-HCG concentration fell according to a multi-exponential curve with a half-life of 0.63 days in the first 2 days following induced abortion, and of 3.85 days in the subsequent 14 days. The disappearance of HCG from urine is exponential, with a half-life value of 1.3 days. A urine pregnancy test with a sensitivity of 1 IU/ml wil nearly always be negative in the course of 2 weeks after abortion. A positive test 4 weeks after abortion indicates an incomplete abortion or persistent trophoblast.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Anti-rheumatoid arthritis effects of traditional Chinese herb couple in adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.
Clematis chinensis Osbeck / Notopterygium incisum Ting ex H, T-Chang (CN) is a traditional Chinese herb couple with prominent efficacy. The herb couple has been commonly used for clinical treatment of arthralgia syndrome ("Bi Zheng" in Chinese) for centuries in China, including rheumatic arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout in modern medicine. To evaluate the anti-arthritic effect of CN herb couple in a rat model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Rats were divided randomly into six groups with eight each. Adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) model was established by intradermal injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Rats were treated orally with different dosages of CN (0.7g/kg, 2.1g/kg, 6.3g/kg) from day 16 till day 40. Ibuprofen (50.4mg/kg) served as a positive control. Spontaneous activity, body weight, paw swelling, and arthritis index (AI) were monitored throughout drug treatment. Then serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. In addition, histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the severity of arthritis. Three dosage of CN significantly ameliorated symptoms of RA via increasing body weight as well as reducing paw swelling (at dose of 6.3g/kg, p<0.01) in AIA rats. An extremely significant reduction of AI (p<0.001) was also observed with treatment of CN (6.3g/kg) compared with model group. In parallel, treatment of CN significantly down-regulated levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and VEGF both in serum (p<0.01) and in joint synovial compared with model rats. And histopathology revealed noticeable reduction in synovial hyperplasia, cartilage damage, and inflammatory infiltration by CN treatment, especially at dose of 6.3g/kg. To conclude, all results suggest that CN possesses evident anti-arthritic effects in AIA rats.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Problems with the immunoassay of digoxin.
Factors that affect the standardization and reliability of the radioimmunoassay of digoxin are reviewed. Some new data are presented on standardization and suggestions are made for dealing with problems in the design and techniques of assays.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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N-Modified Carbon-Based Materials: Nanoscience for Catalysis.
Carbon-based materials constitute a large family of materials characterized by some peculiarities such as resistance to both acidic and basic environments, flexibility of structure, and surface chemical groups. Moreover, they can be deeply modified by simple organic reactions (acid-base or redox) to acquire different properties. In particular, the introduction of N-containing groups, achieved by post-treatments or during preparation of the material, enhances the basic properties. Moreover, it has been revealed that the position and chemical nature of the N-containing groups is important in determining the interaction with metal nanoparticles, and thus, their reactivity. The modified activity was addressed to a different metal dispersion. Moreover, experiments on catalysts, showing the same metal dispersion, demonstrated that the best results were obtained when N was embedded into the carbon structure and not very close to the metal active site.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Involvement of phosphoinositide 3-kinase in regulation of adhesive activity of highly metastatic hepatoma cells.
We have established hepatoma clones from benzopyrene-treated liver cells, one of which (G-5) shows extensive metastasis to the lung when injected subcutaneously into mice [Tanigaki, Y. et al. (1995) Invasion Metastasis 15, 70-80]. In the present study, we performed in vitro assays suitable for examination of the adhesive and invasive properties of the highly metastatic cells. G-5 cells efficiently entered the pores of fibronectin-coated filters. Treatment of the cells with an inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), wortmannin, significantly impaired the invasive activity. A structurally unrelated inhibitor, 2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (LY294002) also prevented invasion. Both inhibitors suppressed cell adhesion to fibronectin-coated dishes. G-5 cells were next transfected with a mutant regulatory subunit (Deltap85) of PI 3-kinase, which was expected to impair the function of PI 3-kinase. The transfectants showed suppressed adhesion to the dishes and did not efficiently migrate into the filters. The lower adhesive ability of the transfected cells was not further affected by inhibitors of PI 3-kinase. Thus, PI 3-kinase activity contributes significantly to the adhesive and invasive properties of G-5 cells.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Structural investigations and biological activity of inositol sphingophospholipids from Phytophthora capsici.
Inositol sphingophospholipids that protect pepper (Capsicum annuum c.v. Yolo Wonder) against pathogen have been isolated by chromatographic methods from the mycelium of Phytophthora capsici. The structure of the major compound was determined by chemical methods and mass spectrometry. Phosphodiester bond cleavage of the phospholipid by mild alkaline hydrolysis liberated a ceramide which contained a C16-sphingosine. This long-chain base was identified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry of its trimethylsilyl derivative. One of the amide-linked fatty acids was found to be 4-hydroxy-2 docosenoic acid. Fast-atom-bombardment mass spectrometry and fast-atom-bombardment collison-induced tandem mass spectrometry were used to characterize the ceramide as N(4-hydroxy-2-docosenoyl)C16-sphingosine. These sphingolipids have a protective effect on cotyledons of young peppers against necrotic lesions induced by the pathogen P. capsici.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
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