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Unsuspected choledocholithiasis first diagnosed at laparoscopic cholecystectomy: treatment by trans-cystic duct stenting and elective stent-guided sphincterotomy.
Despite advances in laparoscopic surgery, management of unsuspected choledocholithiasis diagnosed at laparoscopic cholecystectomy is controversial. We propose a simple maneuver of laparoscopic trans-cystic duct stenting of the papilla during cholecystectomy, followed by elective stent-guided sphincterotomy, as an expedient option. We studied retrospectively 16 patients with choledocholithiasis first diagnosed in the course of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, treated with laparoscopic stenting of the papilla via the cystic duct using a short Cotton-Leung stent before completion of cholecystectomy. Elective stent-guided, needle-knife sphincterotomy and stone clearance was performed 2 to 3 weeks postoperatively. Of 16 patients attempted, the procedure failed in one due to an impacted stone that prevented passage of the guidewire. Stenting time was 13 +/- 5 minutes (n = 15). Two stented patients had no stones at endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. Thirteen patients had successful elective stent-guided sphincterotomy with stone clearance without complications. Laparoscopic biliary stenting combined with stent-guided sphincterotomy is a simple, safe, and cost-effective option for the management of uncomplicated choledocholithiasis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Feasibility of a multidisciplinary caregiving training protocol for young caregivers in families with ALS.
Feasibility of a multidisciplinary caregiving training protocol for young caregivers in families with ALS. To assess the feasibility of a multidisciplinary young caregiver group training protocol for children and youth who provide care to a family member with ALS. Peer group experiential young caregiver model based on theories of self-management and self-efficacy. Training conducted by a multidisciplinary team of therapists in ALS (PT, OT, Speech and social work), as well as assistive device vendors. Demographic data, caregiving tasks and evaluations were collected. The model is feasible for both youth and therapists. Youth found benefit, skill acquisition, and mastery by asking questions, teaching back skills to the group and engaging with peers. This project demonstrates young caregivers will participate in training, and engage with "like" peer group. Future projects will focus on developing a structured survey and observation, testing efficacy in larger groups.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Imidacloprid-induced liver fibrosis in quails via activation of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway.
Imidacloprid (IMI) is one of the most frequently used neonicotinoid insecticide, and its potential toxicity and environmental hazards have gradually attracted people's attention. Liver fibrosis caused by long-term inflammation or oxidative stress can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure, even death. However, the mechanism of liver fibrosis induced by neonicotinoid insecticide remains unclear. This study investigates whether IMI could induce liver fibrosis in quails and a potential mechanism. Our study used a quail 90-day IMI-induced liver fibrosis model. The results showed that IMI induced histopathological lesions, oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and changes in nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), and transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) levels. Furthermore, IMI enhanced the expression of liver fibrosis marker proteins, including collagen I, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and fibronectin 1 (FN-1), by activating the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that IMI exposure induces liver fibrosis via activation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in quails.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The epidemiology of United States high school soccer injuries, 2005-2007.
United States high school soccer participation increased 5 fold over the last 30 years. With increased participation comes increased injury incidence. High school soccer injury patterns will vary by gender and type of exposure. Descriptive epidemiologic study. Soccer-related injury data were collected over the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 school years from 100 nationally representative United States high schools via Reporting Information Online (RIO, an Internet-based sports-related injury surveillance system). Participating certified athletic trainers reported 1524 soccer injuries during 637 446 athlete exposures (AEs), for an injury rate of 2.39 per 1000 AEs, corresponding to a nationally estimated 807 492 soccer-related injuries during the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 seasons. The injury rate per 1000 AEs was greater during competition (4.77) than practice (1.37) (rate ratio [RR] = 3.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.15-3.87). Overall, the most frequent diagnoses were incomplete ligament sprains (26.8%), incomplete muscle strains (17.9%), contusions (13.8%), and concussions (10.8%). The most commonly injured body sites were the ankle (23.4%), knee (18.7%), head/face (13.7%), and thigh/upper leg (13.1%). Similar proportions of boys (57.9%) and girls (53.9%) returned to activity in <1 week. During competition, girls sustained complete knee ligament sprains requiring surgery at a rate of 26.4 per 100 000 AEs, higher than the rate among boys during competition (1.98 per 100 000 AEs) (RR = 13.3; 95% CI, 3.15-56.35) and among girls during practice (2.34 per 100 000 AEs) (RR = 11.3; 95% CI, 4.31-29.58). Player-to-player contact was more common among competition injuries (injury proportion ratio [IPR] = 2.42; 95% CI, 2.01-2.92), while noncontact mechanisms were more common among practice injuries (IPR = 2.39; 95% CI, 1.90-3.01). High school soccer injury patterns vary by gender and type of exposure. Identifying such differences in injury patterns is the important first step in the development of evidence-based, targeted injury prevention efforts.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Pneumococcal pneumonia with a fulminant course].
Four patients admitted with a pneumococcal pneumonia are described. Well-known risk factors such as immunodeficiency or preexisting cardiopulmonary problems were absent. They had been ill for three to five days and had not been treated with antibiotics. Three patients died; upon admission these had extensive pulmonary infiltrates (two or more lobes affected), respiratory insufficiency necessitating mechanical ventilation, and shock at or soon after admission. The prognosis of pneumococcal pneumonia with a fulminant course has not improved in the last few decades despite proper antibiotics and intensive care treatment. Mortality is over fifty percent. Early recognition and treatment can contribute to a better prognosis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Scorecards, dashboards, and KPIs keys to integrated performance measurement.
Many providers are using a balanced scorecard to measure performance. Another tool that can be used with the balanced scorecard is a visual dashboard. Visual dashboards can help managers easily access and analyze their key performance indicators (KPIs), saving time and confusion. The experience of St. Luke's Episcopal Health System shows that successful application of a balanced scorecard requires integrating information and using the visual dashboards to provide immediate organizationwide access to KPIs.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A case of fungal keratitis: a clinical and in vivo confocal microscopy assessment.
A presumed case of fungal keratitis is presented. Confocal images highlight the advantage of using such technology to follow therapeutic progress, particularly when standard laboratory testing is inconclusive. This case also demonstrates the importance of continued patient education regarding overall compliance and lens care.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Release of the serum immunosuppressive factor by monocytes in patients with Crohn's disease.
We investigated the in vitro immunosuppressive effect of the sera and the culture supernatants of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from patients with Crohn's disease. Sera from Crohn's disease markedly suppressed the proliferative response of mouse spleen cells, compared with sera from ulcerative colitis, intestinal tuberculosis and normal controls. The culture supernatants of the adherent mononuclear cells from Crohn's disease showed a remarkable suppressive effect (96 +/- 1%), while the culture supernatants of the non-adherent mononuclear cells had no suppressive activity (-10 +/- 16%). The culture supernatants of the adherent and non-adherent mononuclear cells from normal controls had no suppressive activity. The fractionization of the culture supernatants of the adherent cells from the Crohn's disease patients demonstrated that the fractions with high suppressive activity had similar or identical biochemical properties to the serum immunosuppressive fractions which has been reported previously. These results indicate that monocytes may release the serum immunosuppressive factor in Crohn's disease. This factor may contribute to the depression of the immune reactivity in the mucosal lesion and to the persistence of the stimulation of abnormal immune response in the intestinal wall.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Inhibitory control of somatodendritic interactions underlying action potentials in neocortical pyramidal neurons in vivo: an intracellular and computational study.
The effect of synaptic inputs on somatodendritic interactions during action potentials was investigated, in the cat, using in vivo intracellular recording and computational models of neocortical pyramidal cells. An array of 10 microelectrodes, each ending at a different cortical depth, was used to preferentially evoke synaptic inputs to different somatodendritic regions. Relative to action potentials evoked by current injection, spikes elicited by cortical microstimuli were reduced in amplitude and duration, with stimuli delivered at proximal (somatic) and distal (dendritic) levels evoking the largest and smallest decrements, respectively. When the inhibitory postsynaptic potential reversal was shifted to around -50 mV by recording with KCl pipettes, synaptically-evoked spikes were significantly less reduced than with potassium acetate or cesium acetate pipettes, suggesting that spike decrements are not only due to a shunt, but also to voltage-dependent effects. Computational models of neocortical pyramidal cells were built based on available data on the distribution of active currents and synaptic inputs in the soma and dendrites. The distribution of synapses activated by extracellular stimulation was estimated by matching the model to experimental recordings of postsynaptic potentials evoked at different depths. The model successfully reproduced the progressive spike amplitude reduction as a function of stimulation depth, as well as the effects of chloride and cesium. The model revealed that somatic spikes contain an important contribution from proximal dendritic sodium currents up to approximately 100 microm and approximately 300 microm from the soma under control and cesium conditions, respectively. Proximal inhibitory postsynaptic potentials can present this dendritic participation thus reducing the spike amplitude at the soma. The model suggests that the somatic spike amplitude and shape can be used as a "window" to infer the electrical participation of proximal dendrites. Thus, our results suggest that inhibitory postsynaptic potentials can control the participation of proximal dendrites in somatic sodium spikes.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Measurement and evaluation of middle infrared and long infrared dual-band laser emitting spectrum].
Remote sensing interferometer spectrometer Tensor37 was selected as measuring equipment based on spectrum characteristics of a middle infrared and long infrared dual-band (DF & CO2) laser on account of problems, such as blending of CO2 spectrum and the third level of DF spectrum, existing in grating monochromator and spectrophotometer. Simulating measurement and real measurement of dual-band laser spectrum were explored after validating blackbody radiation response function of Tensor37. Effective data including spectrum composition, peak fluctuation, wavelength accuracy and relative intensity were evaluated for calculating gain media parameters, optimizing operating parameters and infrared application of dual-band laser.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A rare case of atlanto-axial fusion with dysplasia of odontoid peg in a cleft lip and palate patient.
A case of a 19-year-old female with atlanto-axial fusion and dysplasia of odontoid peg in a cleft lip and palate patient is described. Schematic drawings from radiographs were taken to compare six earlier reported cases of anterior atlas arch fusions with epistropheus including dysplasia or aplasia of odontoid peg from literature.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Expression changes of BDNF in lung of rats subjected to brain ischemia].
To investigate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in lung injury induced by brain ischemia in rats. 46 adult SD rats were assigned randomly to sham operation group and brain ischemia lung injury group (BILI, n = 23 in each group). Rats were subjected brain ischemia and allowed to survived 3 d. After performed neurological functional severe deficit evaluation, lung edema was observed (n=5). The BDNF expression for its mRNA and protein in lung tissues was determined by using ELISA (n=5) and RT-PCR technique (n=8). The localization of BDNF was also determined by immunohistochemistry (n=5). After brain ischemia for 3 days, the severe neurological functional deficit and edema in lung were seen. BDNF was located in cytoplasma of smooth muscle and epithial cells in the lung. The level of BDNF mRNA (indicated by RT-PCR) and the protein level (indicated by ELISA) were all upregulated at 3 days after brain ischemia (P<0.05). Lung edema occurred after brain ischemia in rats is concomitant with BDNF expression, which consists of the mechanism involved lung injury induced by brain ischemia.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The use of stable isotopes and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in the identification of steroid metabolites in the equine.
Stable isotope gas chromatography/mass spectrometry has been used successfully in the elucidation of structures of urinary steroid metabolites in the horse and in the identification of metabolites isolated from in vivo perfusion and in vitro incubation studies using equine tissue preparations. Deuterium-labeled steroids, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and 5-androstene-3 beta,17 beta-diol have been synthesized by base-catalyzed isotope exchange methods and the products characterized by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. [16,16(-2)H2]Dehydroepiandrosterone (plus radiolabeled dehydroepiandrosterone) was perfused into a testicular artery of a pony stallion and was shown to be metabolized into 2H2-labeled testosterone, 4-androstenedione, isomers of 5-androstene-3,17-diol, 19-hydroxytestosterone, and 19-hydroxy-4-androstenedione. In further studies, equine testicular minces have been incubated with 2H2-labeled and radiolabeled dehydroepiandrosterone and 5-androstene-3 beta, 17 beta-diol. The metabolites, whose identity was confirmed by stable isotope gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, proved the interconversion of the two substrates, as well as formation of testosterone and 4-androstenedione. The aromatization of dehydroepiandrosterone was also confirmed, together with the formation of an isomer of 5(10)-estrene-3,17-diol from both substrates showing 19-demethylation without concomitant aromatization. In studies of the feto-placental unit, the allantochorion was shown to aromatize [2H5]testosterone to [2H4]estradiol, the loss of one 2H from the substrate being consistent with aromatization of the A ring. The formation of 6-hydroxyestradiol was also confirmed in this study. The same technique has been valuable in determining the structure of two metabolites of nandrolone isolated from horse urine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Economic evaluation of the direct healthcare cost savings resulting from the use of walking interventions to prevent coronary heart disease in Australia.
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in Australia. Direct healthcare costs of CHD exceed those of any other disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the direct healthcare cost savings resulting from walking interventions to prevent CHD in Australia. A meta-analysis was performed to quantify the efficacy of walking interventions in preventing CHD. The etiologic fraction and other mathematical models were applied to quantify the cost savings resulting from walking interventions to prevent CHD. The net direct healthcare cost savings in CHD prevention resulting from 30 min of normal walking a day for 5-7 days a week by the sufficient walking population were estimated at AU$126.73 million in 2004. The cost savings could increase to $419.90 million if all the inactive adult Australians engaged in 1 h of normal walking a day for 5-7 days a week. Given its low injury risk and high adherence, walking should be advocated as a key population-based primary intervention strategy for CHD prevention and healthcare cost reduction.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Three-dimensional analysis of in vivo coronary stent--coronary artery interactions.
Stent implantation results in important three-dimensional (3D) changes in arterial geometry which may be associated with adverse events. Previous attempts to quantify these 3D changes have been limited by two-dimensional techniques. Using a 3D reconstruction technique, vessel curvatures at end-diastole (ED) and end-systole (ES) were measured before and after stent placement of 100 stents (3 stent cell designs, 6 stent types). After stenting, the mean curvature at ED and ES decreased by 22 and 21%, respectively, and represents a straightening effect on the treated vessel. This effect was proportional to the amount of baseline curvature as high vessel curvature predicted more profound vessel straightening. When analyzed by stent cell design, closed-cell stents resulted in more vessel straightening than other designs (open cell or modified slotted tubes). Stent implantation resulted in the transmission of shape changes to stent ends and generated hinge points or buckling. Stent implantation creates 3D changes in arterial geometry which can be quantified using a 3D reconstruction technique.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Obesity prevalence odds ratios in four Puerto Rican towns: a pilot study.
Obesity is a major public health problem associated with major mortality causes. It is the second leading cause of preventable diseases in the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico (PR). The purpose of the study is to estimate the Obesity Prevalence Odds Ratios in Four Puerto Rican Towns. Obesity prevalence in PR has been estimated by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in 2005 (23%) for both sexes. The obesity estimation of the BRFSS was used in order to relate it with our sample and compare results. This is a descriptive-observational cross sectional study, based on a sample of 801 subjects selected from four major Puerto Rican municipalities (Loiza, Rio Grande, Luquillo and Canovanas). A valid questionnaire with main questions to obtain health/nutrition and sociodemographic information were administered. An obesity prevalence odds ratio (OPOR) was calculated. The obesity prevalence of the whole sample under study was higher (mean prevalence rate 42%) than the reported prevalence rate in the 2005 BRFSS. Canóvanas have the highest obesity prevalence (49%) followed by Loiza (41 %), Rio Grande (39 %) and Luquillo (37 %). Luquillo and Canovanas are the areas with higher possibility for obesity taking into consideration waist circumference as a risk factor for obesity (OPOR= 1.49 and 1.36, respectively; 95% CI). The sample under study has a higher OPOR as related to the BRFSS. These individuals may have a higher risk for chronic diseases associate to obesity. Future studies needs to address lifestyle prevention modifications and socioeconomic disparities in addition to evaluate intervention(s) that modify environmental factors in order to prevent obesity.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[The ladder game. An international history].
The book Jeux d'echelles. La microanalyse a l'expérience, which appeard in 1996 under the direction of Jacques Revel, was translated in Italy in 2006 by the Viella editions under the title Giochi di scala. La microstoria alla prova dell'esperienza. This occasion seemed propicious for a historiographic and epistemological return to the microhistorical experience between France and Italy. It had to do with cross reperencing the reflections of a French historian and those of an Italian philosopher to seek to place in evidence, from a distance, the theoretical presuppositions of microhistory, and to measure the displacements undergone.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Effect of horse radish peroxidase immobilization on the kinetics of enzymatic oxidation of guaiacol in frozen solutions].
The kinetics of horse radish peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7) catalyzed oxidation of guaiacol by hydrogen peroxide has been studied within the temperature region of +20--35 degrees C. The covalent attachment of the enzyme to polyacrylamide gel had no significant influence on the activation energy of the reaction in liquid solutions. For frozen solutions it was demonstrated that the temperature dependencies of the reaction rate differ greatly for the soluble and bound forms of the enzyme. The observed phenomenon is probably due to the differences in the molecular mobility, distribution and arrangement of reactants in frozen state.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Changes in medication profile among patients with advanced cancer admitted to an acute palliative care unit.
The decision-making process for medication use in the last weeks of life is complex because of patient frailty and poor prognosis. Limited literature is available on medication use in the palliative care setting, particularly in acute palliative care units (APCUs). We examined the changes in medication profile among hospitalized patients with advanced cancer before their palliative care inpatient consultation team referral, after palliative care consultation, at the time of APCU admission, and at APCU discharge or death. We included consecutive patients with advanced cancer who were first seen by our inpatient palliative care consultation team and subsequently admitted to the APCU. We retrieved data on all scheduled medications at the prespecified time points. Among the 100 patients, the median duration of hospitalization was 10.5 days (interquartile range 8-15 days), and the median APCU stay was 5 days (interquartile range 3-7 days). The average number of medications before palliative care inpatient consultation team referral, after palliative care consultation, at APCU admission and at APCU discharge/death was 9.2 (standard deviation [SD] 4.5), 9.9 (SD 4.2), 10.3 (SD 3.8), and 10.1 (SD 3.8), respectively (P = 0.03). An increasing proportion of patients received medications for symptom control over their course of hospitalization, including systemic corticosteroids, laxatives, neuroleptics, and antiulcer agents (P < 0.05). In contrast, the frequency of several classes of medications such as antihypertensives, antilipemics, and anticonvulsants decreased over time (P < 0.05). Palliative care involvement was associated with an increase in symptom control medications and decrease in medications for comorbid conditions over time.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Frequent promoter hypermethylation associated with human papillomavirus infection in pharyngeal cancer.
Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) incidence has increased dramatically due to human papillomavirus (HPV); however, associated epigenetic alterations are not well studied. We performed genome-wide DNA methylation analysis using an Infinium 450k BeadArray for clinical OPSCC and non-cancerous samples and cancer cell lines with/without 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and/or trichostatin A treatment. Frequent promoter hypermethylation and methylation-associated silencing were detected in 144 genes, which included those involved in cell-cell signaling and neuron differentiation. The methylation of nine genes (GHSR, ITGA4, RXRG, UTF1, CDH8, FAN19A4, CTNNA2, NEFH, and CASR) was quantitatively validated in 70 pharyngeal SCC cases by pyrosequencing. Hypermethylation significantly correlated with HPV-L1 positivity, but not with age or smoking status. p16INK4A was generally activated in HPV-L1(+) tumors, and p16-positive cases significantly associated with better prognosis. RXRG hypermethylation strongly correlated with positivity of HPV-L1 and p16 (P = 3 × 10-5 and P = 5 × 10-4, respectively). RXRG-methylation(+) significantly associated with better prognosis when analyzing all tumor cases (P = 0.04), and when analyzing the p16-negative poorer-outcome group (P = 0.03). Thus, aberrant DNA methylation might be involved in HPV-associated OPSCC; in addition, DNA methylation could serve as a marker to classify subgroups based on outcome.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Current concepts in diagnosis and treatment of venous malformations.
Venous malformations are the most common type of vascular malformation, usually detected at birth or during puberty. By occurring during human growth or through localized trauma, pain, functional impairment and aesthetic disfigurement is often observed. Ultrasonography, Doppler flow Imaging, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging are the most informative techniques which reveal the extent of tissue involvement and differentiate between high and low flow anomalies. Therapeutic options for treatment of venous malformations are sclerotherapy with alcohol, ethoxysclerol and bleomycin, laser therapy (Nd:YAG), surgery and combined therapeutic modalities. The aim of percutaneous sclerotherapy is the successive reduction of the volume of the lesion by aseptic inflammation. This is a review of 51 patients with venous malformation treated by the Interdisciplinary Center for Vascular Anomalies at the University Hospital Tübingen, (Germany), from July, 2002 until January, 2007. The mean age of first consultation in our outpatient department was 26.4 years (median). 12 patients were treated by sclerotherapy with highly concentrated alcohol, 9 by surgery, and 7 by laser therapy. In some cases we combined different treatments. 9 patients had only sclerotherapy, while 3 had a combination of pre-operative sclerotherapy and surgery. We obtained positive results in patients treated with sclerotherapy and combined sclerotherapy and surgery. Sclerotherapy is safe (under fluoroscopic control), efficient, and can be repeated multiple times. Therefore, it should be considered as first-line treatment in venous malformations. A combination of a sclerotherapy with surgery is also useful in many cases.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Comparison of the effects of torasemide and furosemide in nonazotemic cirrhotic patients with ascites: a randomized, double-blind study.
In a randomized double-blind trial we compared the effects of torasemide, a new loop diuretic, and furosemide in nonazotemic cirrhotic patients with ascites during a 3-day period in association with potassium canrenoate (200 mg/day) administration. Doses of loop diuretics administered in this trial (10 and 25 mg/day of torasemide and furosemide, respectively) had been shown to be equipotent in healthy subjects. Torasemide induced significantly greater natriuresis than furosemide (p less than 0.02), with a twofold greater percentage increase in basal values (day 1: 130% vs. 50%; day 2: 104% vs. 42%; and day 3: 65% vs. 26%, respectively). Body weight loss was significantly higher during torasemide (p less than 0.02) administration, and the overall decrease at the end of the treatment was twice as high for furosemide (2.5 +/- 0.6 kg vs. 1.3 +/- 0.4 kg, respectively). Diuresis was also higher during torasemide administration, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.08). The extent of kaliuresis observed during the two treatments was almost identical despite the striking differences in the natriuretic response. The effects of the two treatments on plasma electrolytes, creatinine clearance, blood urea nitrogen, mean arterial pressure, heart rate and plasma arginine vasopressin concentration were similar. Both drugs caused increases in plasma renin activity at the end of the treatment, whereas plasma aldosterone concentration slightly increased only after torasemide administration. Despite the presence of a trend toward a more pronounced effect on these parameters after torasemide administration, no significant difference between the two treatments was observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Organ growth functions in maturing male Sprague-Dawley rats based on a collective database.
Ten different organ weights (liver, spleen, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, adrenals, testes, epididymes, and seminal vesicles) of male Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats of different ages (1-280 d) were extracted based on a thorough literature survey database. A generalized Michaelis-Menten (GMM) model, used to fit organ weights versus age in a previous study (Schoeffner et al., 1999) based on a limited data, was used to find the best fit model for the present expanded data compilation. The GMM model has the functional form: Wt = (Wt(o).K(gamma) + Wt(max).Age(gamma))/(K(gamma) + Age(gamma)) where Wt is organ/tissue weight at a specified age, Wt(o) and Wt(max) are weight at birth and maximal growth, respectively, and K and gamma are constants. Organ weights were significantly correlated with their respective ages for all organs and tissues. GMM-derived organ growth and percent body weight (%BW) fractions of different tissues were plotted against animal age and compared with experimental values as well as previously published models. The GMM-based organ growth and %BW fraction profiles were in general agreement with our empirical data as well as with previous studies. The present model was compared with the GMM model developed previously for six organs--liver, spleen, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain--based on a limited data, and no significant difference was noticed between the two sets of predictions. It was concluded that the GMM models presented herein for different male S-D rats organs (liver, spleen, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, adrenals, testes, epididymes, and seminal vesicles) are capable of predicting organ weights and %BW ratios accurately at different ages.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Collective motion patterns of swarms with delay coupling: Theory and experiment.
The formation of coherent patterns in swarms of interacting self-propelled autonomous agents is a subject of great interest in a wide range of application areas, ranging from engineering and physics to biology. In this paper, we model and experimentally realize a mixed-reality large-scale swarm of delay-coupled agents. The coupling term is modeled as a delayed communication relay of position. Our analyses, assuming agents communicating over an Erdös-Renyi network, demonstrate the existence of stable coherent patterns that can be achieved only with delay coupling and that are robust to decreasing network connectivity and heterogeneity in agent dynamics. We also show how the bifurcation structure for emergence of different patterns changes with heterogeneity in agent acceleration capabilities and limited connectivity in the network as a function of coupling strength and delay. Our results are verified through simulation as well as preliminary experimental results of delay-induced pattern formation in a mixed-reality swarm.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Inhibition of hyperglycolysis in mesothelial cells prevents peritoneal fibrosis.
Progressive peritoneal fibrosis affects patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) and has no reliable treatment. The mechanisms that initiate and sustain peritoneal fibrosis remain incompletely elucidated. To overcome these problems, we developed a strategy that prevents peritoneal fibrosis by suppressing PD-stimulated mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (MMT). We evaluated single-cell transcriptomes of mesothelial cells obtained from normal peritoneal biopsy and effluent from PD-treated patients. In cells undergoing MMT, we found cellular heterogeneity and intermediate transition states associated with up-regulation of enzymes involved in glycolysis. The expression of glycolytic enzymes was correlated with the development of MMT. Using gene expression profiling and metabolomics analyses, we confirmed that PD fluid induces metabolic reprogramming, characterized as hyperglycolysis, in mouse peritoneum. We found that transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) can substitute for PD fluid to stimulate hyperglycolysis, suppressing mitochondrial respiration in mesothelial cells. Blockade of hyperglycolysis with 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) inhibited TGF-β1-induced profibrotic cellular phenotype and peritoneal fibrosis in mice. We developed a triad of adeno-associated viruses that overexpressed microRNA-26a and microRNA-200a while inhibiting microRNA-21a to target hyperglycolysis and fibrotic signaling. Intraperitoneal injection of the viral triad inhibited the development of peritoneal fibrosis induced by PD fluid in mice. We conclude that hyperglycolysis is responsible for MMT and peritoneal fibrogenesis, and this aberrant metabolic state can be corrected by modulating microRNAs in the peritoneum. These results could provide a therapeutic strategy to combat peritoneal fibrosis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Development of human tumor necrosis factor-alpha muteins with improved therapeutic potential.
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) exhibits cytotoxicity towards various tumor cells in vitro and induces apoptotic necrosis in transplanted tumors in vivo. It also shows severe toxicity when used systemically for the treatment of cancer patients, hampering the development of TNF-alpha as a potential anticancer drug. In order to understand the structure-function relation of TNF-alpha with respect to receptor binding, we selected four regions on the bottom of the TNF-alpha trimer that are in close contact with the receptor and carried out mutagenesis studies and computational modeling. From the study, various TNF-alpha muteins with a high therapeutic index were identified. These results will provide a structural basis for the design of highly potent TNF-alpha for therapeutic purposes. By conjugating TNF-alpha muteins with a high therapeutic index to a fusion partner, which targets a marker of angiogenesis, it could be possible to develop TNF-alpha based anticancer drugs.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Beyond growth rate 0.6: Corynebacterium glutamicum cultivated in highly diluted environments.
Fast growth of industrial microorganisms, such as Corynebacterium glutamicum, is a direct amplifier for the productivity of any growth coupled or decoupled production process. Recently, it has been shown that C. glutamicum when grown in a novel picoliter bioreactor (PLBR) exhibits a 50% higher growth rate compared to a 1 L batch cultivation [Grünberger et al. (2012) Lab Chip]. We here compare growth of C. glutamicum with glucose as substrate at different scales covering batch cultivations in the liter range down to single cell cultivations in the picoliter range. The maximum growth rate of standard batch cultures as estimated from different biomass quantification methods is mu = 0.42 ± 0.03 h(-1) even for microtiter scale cultivations. In contrast, growth in a microfluidic perfusion system enabling analysis of single cells reproducibly reveals a higher growth rate of mu = 0.62 ± 0.02 h(-1). When in the same perfusion system cell-free supernatant from exponentially grown shake flask cultures is used the growth rate of single cells is reduced to mu = 0.47 ± 0.02 h(-1). Likewise, when fresh medium is additionally supplied with 5 mM acetate, a growth rate of mu = 0.51 ± 0.01 h(-1) is determined. These results prove that higher growth rates of C. glutamicum than known from typical batch cultivations are possible, and that growth is definitely impaired by very low concentrations of byproducts such as acetate.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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mda-7/IL24 kills pancreatic cancer cells by inhibition of the Wnt/PI3K signaling pathways: identification of IL-20 receptor-mediated bystander activity against pancreatic cancer.
The melanoma differentiation-associated gene (mda-7; approved gene symbol IL24) is a tumor suppressor gene whose protein expression in normal cells is restricted to the immune system and to melanocytes. Recent studies have shown that mda-7 gene transfer inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis in melanoma, lung cancer, breast cancer, and other tumor types through activation of various intracellular signaling pathways. In the current study, we demonstrate that Ad-mda7 transduction of human pancreatic cancer cells results in G2/M cell cycle arrest and cell killing. Cytotoxicity is mediated via apoptosis in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Tumor cell killing correlates with regulation of proteins involved in the Wnt and PI3K pathways: beta-catenin, APC, GSK-3, JNK, and PTEN. Additionally, we identify bystander cell killing activated by exposure of pancreatic tumor cells to secreted human MDA-7 protein. In pancreatic tumor cells, exogenous MDA-7 protein activates STAT3 and kills cells via engagement of IL-20 receptors. The specificity of bystander killing is demonstrated using neutralizing anti-MDA-7 antibodies and anti-receptor antibodies, which inhibit the apoptotic effects. In sum, we show that Ad-mda7 is able to induce growth inhibition and apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells via inhibition of the Wnt/PI3K pathways and identify a novel bystander mechanism of MDA-7 killing in pancreatic cancer that functions via IL-20 receptors.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Sustainable trophy hunting of African lions.
In most species, sport hunting of male trophy animals can only reduce overall population size when the rate of removal of males is so high that females can no longer be impregnated. However, where males provide extensive paternal care, the removal of even a few individuals could harm the population as a whole. In species such as lions, excessive trophy hunting could theoretically cause male replacements (and associated infanticide) to become sufficiently common to prevent cubs reaching adulthood. Here we simulate the population consequences of lion trophy hunting using a spatially explicit, individual-based, stochastic model parameterized with 40 years of demographic data from northern Tanzania. Although our simulations confirm that infanticide increases the risk of population extinction, trophy hunting could be sustained simply by hunting males above a minimum age threshold, and this strategy maximizes both the quantity and the quality of the long-term kill. We present a simple non-invasive technique for estimating lion age in populations lacking long-term records, and suggest that quotas would be unnecessary in any male-only trophy species where age determination could be reliably implemented.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The complete nucleotide sequence of a pathogenic swine vesicular disease virus.
The nucleotide sequence of a swine vesicular disease virus (SVDV) strain that is pathogenic for pigs has been determined and compared with that of a non-pathogenic strain of SVDV, as well as a number of other enteroviruses. It shows only 98 base changes in comparison with a non-pathogenic strain of SVDV (Inoue et al., 1989, J. Gen. Virol. 70, 919-934). Fourteen of these nucleotide differences between the pathogenic and the non-pathogenic SVDV strains occur in the 5' non-coding region which, by analogy with the other picornaviruses, has been implicated in the efficiency with which the RNA is employed as mRNA. Additional differences found throughout the coding regions are largely conservative in nature. A number of residues are discussed as candidates for determinants of pathogenicity. This sequence has been submitted to the PIR database and has accession number A30061.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Avoiding pitfalls in diagnosing basilar artery occlusive disease: clinical and imaging clues - case report.
The aim of this paper was to report on the characteristics that aid in establishing the diagnosis of basilar artery occlusive disease (BAOD) among patients with hemiparesis and few or minor symptoms of vertebrobasilar disease. This report describes two cases in a public university hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. We present clinical and imaging findings from two patients with hemiparesis and severe BAOD, but without clinically relevant carotid artery disease (CAD). One patient presented transient ischemic attacks consisting of spells of right hemiparesis that became progressively more frequent, up to twice a week. The neurological examination revealed slight right hemiparesis and right homonymous hemianopsia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed pontine and occipital infarcts. Magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction angiography revealed severe basilar artery stenosis. The other patient presented sudden left-side hemiparesis and hypoesthesia. One year earlier, she had reported sudden onset of vertigo that, at that time, was attributed to peripheral vestibulopathy and was not further investigated. MRI showed a right-side pontine infarct and an old infarct in the right cerebellar hemisphere. Basilar artery occlusion was diagnosed. Both patients presented their symptoms while receiving aspirin, and became asymptomatic after treatment with warfarin. Misdiagnosing asymptomatic CAD as the cause of symptoms in BAOD can have disastrous consequences, such as unnecessary carotid endarterectomy and exposure to this surgical risk while failing to offer the best available treatment for BAOD. Clinical and imaging features provided important clues for diagnosis in the cases presented.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Selenium-biofortified corn peptides: Attenuating concanavalin A-Induced liver injury and structure characterization.
The relationship between hepatoprotective effects of selenium-biofortified corn (Zea mays Linn) peptides (SeCPs) and its antioxidant ability was evaluated and the structure of SeCPs was identified. SeCPs and corn peptides (CPs) both had good antioxidant ability, and the effect of SeCPs was significantly higher than CPs within a certain concentration range (P < 0.05). Additionally, animal experiments indicated that SeCPs (200 mg/kg) had a significantly protective effect against concanavalin A (Con A) induced hepatic lesions, as it significantly declined glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) activities, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon (IFN)-γ contents in serum, and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in liver (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities in liver were also significantly increased by SeCPs (P < 0.05). The amino acid composition of SeCPs with Mw < 1 kDa was mainly glutamic acid (Glu, 31.18%), leucine (Leu, 21.06%) and alanine (Ala, 13.26%). According to the retention time, the amino acid sequences of 8 selenium-biofortified corn peptides and 29 selenium-free corn peptides were identified. Our results illustrated that the mechanisms of SeCPs against Con A induced hepatic injury in mice may be related to its antioxidant ability and reduction of lipid peroxidation, inhibiting the release of immune factors, such as TNF-α and IFN-γ.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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NMR Tube Degradation Method for Sugar Analysis of Glycosides.
The sugar subunits of natural glycosides can be conveniently determined by acid hydrolysis and (1)H NMR spectroscopy without isolation or derivatization. The chemical shifts, coupling constants, and integral ratios of the anomeric signals allow each monosaccharide to be identified and its molar ratio to other monosaccharides to be quantified. The NMR data for the anomeric signals of 28 monosaccharides and three disaccharides are reported. Application of the method is demonstrated with the flavonoid glycoside naringin (1), the aminoglycoside antibiotics kanamycin (2) and tobramycin (3), and the saponin digitonin (4).
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Traumatic hyphema in a patient with severe hemophilia A: Clinical features and management.
To describe a case of traumatic hyphema in a patient with severe hemophilia A. We present a case of a 16-year-old boy with severe hemophilia A who presented to our ophthalmology department with total hyphema and elevated intraocular pressure 3 days after a history of blunt ocular trauma on his right eye. Due to the persistent intraocular pressure elevation and total hyphema despite medical intervention, an early anterior chamber washout was performed with the replacement of factor VIII preoperatively and postoperatively. Re-bleeding or any other complications were not experienced during surgery or postoperatively. At the first postoperative week, 20/20 visual acuity and a normal intraocular pressure without antiglaucoma medication was retained and remained stable during the 6-month follow-up. In such cases with hemophilia A, traumatic hyphema, and intraocular pressure elevation despite medical intervention, an early surgical clot removal under intense factor VIII replacement could be performed. In the early postoperative period, factor replacement should be resumed in order to avoid re-bleeding.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Use of phosphatidylcholine for the correction of lower lid bulging due to prominent fat pads.
Orbital fat tissue, while important in protecting the eye, can protrude during aging, making a patient look 'tired'. Surgical correction, although traditionally the treatment of choice, can lead to scarring. Phosphatidylcholine (PPT) has been shown to reduce the size of these fat pads after direct injection. The compound, licensed in Europe for intravenous treatment of fat embolism, has recently gained interest for reducing localized fat by subcutaneous injection. However, there is a dearth of clinical data relating to efficacy and side effects. An open-label study was conducted in 21 subjects with the goal of reducing the infraorbital fat pad size. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PPT after injection into infraorbital fat pads. Twenty-one subjects were injected with 0.4 ml of PPT every 6 weeks to reduce prominent infraorbital fat pads. Pre- and post-treatment digital photographs were taken to document efficacy. In addition, side effects were recorded on a follow-up questionnaire. In all, 74% of the subjects showed significant improvement after two to three treatments. Five of the enrolled subjects (23%) were non-responsive after two or more procedures and their treatment was discontinued. None of the patients had adverse side effects other than mild burning, erythema and swelling at the injection site. Nearly every patient maintained the results with no evidence of tissue damage after 6 months. PPT injection into infraorbital fat pads resulted in a satisfactory cosmetic effect in most treated subjects. Most subjects required more than one treatment. This simple, office-based treatment provides a non-surgical alternative to patients with prominent infraorbital fat pads. More clinical data are required to fully assess the long-term safety and efficacy of this procedure.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Observation of a chloride-dependent intermediate during catalysis by angiotensin converting enzyme using radiationless energy transfer.
Stopped-flow radiationless energy-transfer kinetics have been used to examine the effects of chloride on the hydrolysis of Dns-Lys-Phe-Ala-Arg by angiotensin converting enzyme. The kinetic constants for hydrolysis at pH 7.5 and 22 degrees C in the presence of 300 mM sodium chloride were KM = 28 microM and kcat = 110 s-1, and in its absence, KM = 240 microM and kcat = 68 s-1. The apparent binding constant for chloride was 4 mM, and the extent of chloride activation in terms of kcat/KM was 14-fold. The effects of chloride on the pre-steady-state were examined at 2 degrees C. In the presence of chloride, two distinct enzyme-substrate complexes were observed, suggesting multiple steps in substrate binding. The initial complex was formed during the mixing period (kobsd greater than 200 s-1) while the second complex was formed much more slowly (kobsd = 40 s-1 when [S] = 5 microM and [NaCl] = 150 mM). Strikingly, in the absence of chloride, only a single, rapidly formed enzyme-substrate complex was observed. These results are consistent with a nonessential activator kinetic mechanism in which the slow step reflects conversion of an initially formed complex, (E X Cl- X S)1, to a more tightly bound complex, (E X Cl- X S)2.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Availability of multistep light stimulus method for evaluation of visual dysfunctions.
In the field of drug safety research, electroretinography (ERG) is commonly conducted according to the international standard method propounded by the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV) in recent years. However, various ERG methods other than the ISCEV standard method are also utilized depending on the intended purpose of the evaluation. In this study, we investigated the availability of a multistep light stimulus method for evaluation of rod function in Long-Evans rats using sildenafil, which is known to inhibit phosphodiesterase 6 (PDE6) in phototransduction and induce visual dysfunctions in humans. Sildenafil was orally administered to female Long-Evans rats at doses of 15, 50, and 150 mg/kg, and ERG was recorded at 1.5 h after treatment. In addition to a - 2.0 log cd·s/m2 stimulus corresponding to dark-adapted 0.01 ERG in the ISCEV standard method, light stimulus intensities of -4.5, -4.0, -3.0, -1.0, 0.0, and +1.0 log cd·s/m2 were applied for multistep ERG recording. The amplitude and implicit time of the a-wave were decreased and prolonged, respectively, at doses of ≥50 mg/kg. The amplitude and implicit time of the b-wave were decreased and prolonged, respectively, at all doses. However, the b-wave at 15 mg/kg was only diminished or attenuated at ≤ - 3.0 log cd·s/m2, as weaker stimuli than dark-adapted 0.01 ERG in the ISCEV standard protocol. These findings suggest that sildenafil triggers visual dysfunctions through PDE6 inhibition, and indicate that the multistep light stimulus method is highly sensitive for detection of phototransduction abnormalities in retinal rod cells.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Sensitized near-infrared lanthanide luminescence from Nd(III)- and Yb(III)-based cyclen-ruthenium coordination conjugates.
The development of novel mixed lanthanide-transition-metal (f-d) based supramolecular self-assemblies made from neodymium- and ytterbium-based tetraamide-functionalized cyclen complexes bearing a single 1,10-phenanthroline moiety coordinating to a RuII(bipy)2 (bipy = bipyridine) unit is described. Excitation of the Ru(II) metal-to-ligand charge-transfer band in water gave rise to long-wavelength sensitized emission from the Yb(III) or Nd(III) centers, observed in the near-infrared.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The initial stages of photophosphorylation. Studies using excitation by saturating, short flashes of light.
1. Photophosphorylation was studied in spinach chloroplasts on illumination, from the dark state, with saturating short ("single turnover") flashes of light. 2. At rapid flash rates (100 Hz), phosphorylation began within the first five flashes. The ATPase inhibitor protein appeared to be displaced from its inhibitory site on the ATPase also within five flashes, as deduced from the flash-induced ATPase activity. 3. At slower flash rates, or if the rate of electron transfer were reduced with 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethyl urea (DCMU), phosphorylation began only after a larger number (50--60) of flashes. The displacement of the ATPase inhibitior protein was similarly delayed. 4. Partial displacement of the inhibitor protein from its inhibitory site on the ATPase (by pretreatment with dithioerythritol) allowed phosphorylation to proceed without a perceptible lag, even in the presence of DCMU. It was concluded that the ATPase inhibitor protein must be displaced on the ATPase before phosphorylation can begin, and that this process is energy dependent. 5. During the flash regime used, release of inhibitor from its inhibitory site seemed to be governed largely by the membrane potential. The light-induced pH gradient seemed to have little effect under these conditions. Our results are not compatible with a direct conformational interaction between the electron transfer chain and the ATPase causing displacement of the inhibitor. 6. The maximal rate of photophosphorylation induced by less than 200 flashes was 0.12--0.15 mol ATP made/mol ATPase per flash. This rate seemed to be limited not be the supply of energy to the ATPase molecules, nor by the maximal turnover capacity of the ATP synthesising system, but by the number of ATPase molecules which were active in synthesis, i.e., which lacked the inhibitor protein. 7. The bound nucleotides of the coupling ATPase exchanged with added nucleotides during single turnover flashes. At high flash rates, exchange began within 5 flashes. The average amount of nucleotide exchanged per flash over 100 flashes was about one tenth the amount of ATP synthesised in each flash. 8. It is concluded that, during phosphorylation, a steady state level of active coupling ATPases is set up. The energy-dependent displacement of the inhibitor protein, and its (energy-independent) relaxation back on to the inhibitory site are the two opposing factors involved in this steady state.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Evaluation of the recurrence of atrial fibrillation after pulmonary venous ablation.
The mechanism of the recurrence of atrial fibrillation after pulmonary vein ablation was evaluated. Eighty patients with atrial fibrillation underwent pulmonary vein ablation. If extrasystoles or atrial fibrillation initiations were frequent, focal ablation was performed at the site of the earliest activation. If the patient had little or no ectopy, all pulmonary veins with distinct and late pulmonary vein potentials were targeted for pulmonary vein isolation, which was achieved by minimal segmental ablation limited to the ostial site with the earliest pulmonary vein potentials. Focal ablation or pulmonary vein isolation was performed in 42 and 38 patients, respectively. After focal ablation, atrial fibrillation recurred in 23 patients and re-ablation was performed in 10:7 at sites near the previous source, 2 at a different part of the same pulmonary vein, and 1 at a different pulmonary vein. After pulmonary vein isolation, atrial fibrillation recurred in 19 patients and re-ablation was performed in 14:8 due to recovery of atrio-pulmonary vein conduction, 3 at non-pulmonary vein foci, 2 at pulmonary vein ostia proximal to the previous pulmonary vein isolation, and 1 at a different pulmonary vein. After focal ablation, atrial fibrillation recurred from other foci in the same pulmonary vein or other pulmonary veins. Therefore, three or four pulmonary veins should be isolated. However, atrial fibrillation recurred after pulmonary vein isolation due to the recovery of atrio-pulmonary vein conduction or non-pulmonary vein foci. Further development of new mapping and ablation systems to detect the foci and create a complete lesion at the pulmonary vein ostium may be necessary.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[The thyroid volume and methods determination].
to work-out method of the determination the volume of functioning thyroid tissue on the base of experimental investigations and to appreciate its accuracy. To analyze the clinical results of determination of the volume of the thyroid volume for different clinical groups with the use I123. experimental investigations of the phantoms of different sizes were conducted, and also there were conducted the investigations of the phantoms with different diameters spheres which were inside the phantoms. On the base of conducted investigations there was suggested a method of the determination of the volume functioning thyroid tissue paying attention to the organ sizes and the microtexture of the picture. Summary error of this method with taking into consideration different factors was 7.02%. There were examined 36 patients with different kinds of thyroid diseases and patients of conditionally control group. Every patient was made planar method and SPECT with the use I123. the experimental investigations showed that for the determination of the volume of functioning tissue according SPECT data it should use the variable level of cut out of the background during analyzing the data paying attention to the organ sizes. The clinical investigations pointed out that there were trustworthy differences between signs indices among different clinical groups. Some signs are specifically for cancer, adenoma, Graves' disease. The most volume of nonfunctioning thyroid tissue is at cancer patients. there was worked out the method of determination of volume functioning thyroid tissue according to SPECT data. On the base of the received results there were offered integral indices which can be used for differential diagnose of the thyroid diseases.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Coexpression of NKR-P1 and alpha beta-TCR on lymphoid cells in fully xenogeneic (rat-->mouse) chimeras and syngeneically reconstituted (A-->A) rats.
We have identified three populations of cells among rat splenocytes expressing NKR-P1, including cells of NKR-P1bright/alpha beta-TCR-, NKR-P1dim/alpha beta-TCR+, and NKR-P1dim/alpha beta-TCR- phenotypes. To study the phenotypic characteristics and development of these various cell populations, we have made use of transplanting untreated rat bone marrow into recipient rats (syngeneic) or mice (fully xenogeneic) conditioned with total body irradiation. Rat NK cells exhibit normal phenotypic markers (NKR-P1+, CD8+) and are normally functional by 28 days after reconstitution. We have found that the various populations of NKR-P1+ cells are enriched significantly in the spleen and follow a characteristic pattern of development in the first mo after reconstitution. After syngeneic bone marrow reconstitution (rat-->rat), NKR-P1dim and NKR-P1bright cells (3-15%) can be demonstrated among splenocytes as early as day 3 after bone marrow transplantation. By day 7, the NKR-P1+ cells reach peak levels and comprise as much as 80% of splenic lymphoid cells, with 35% being NKR-P1bright and 45% being NKR-P1dim. The percentage of NKR-P1+ cells decreases over the next several wk until they constitute "normal rat" levels with 8 to 20% being NKR-P1bright and only 1 to 5% being NKR-P1dim. These same populations are also present in fully xenogeneic chimeras. In both models, approximately 80 to 90% of the NKR-P1dim cells were found to coexpress alpha beta-TCR at all time points. These NKR-P1dim/alpha beta-TCR+ cells are not large granular lymphocytes and lack NK cell lytic activity against YAC-1 target cells. Additional analyses of cells derived from spleen, bone marrow, and thymus indicated that NKR-P1+ cells develop, for the most part, in a thymic-independent manner in our fully xenogeneic chimeras and syngeneically reconstituted rats. At present the developmental pathway of these NKR-P1dim cells remains speculative.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Could it be Ganser's syndrome?
The term, "Ganser's syndrome," was identified by Sigbert J. Ganser, a German psychiatrist, near the turn of the century. Ganser's syndrome, defined as an hysterical reaction, was often used to describe prisoners who appeared to be trying to escape prosecution. Today, Ganser's syndrome is debated by both psychiatric and judicial systems. This paper addresses these issues by identifying guidelines for assessment and recognition of common malingering behaviors displayed by Ganser's syndrome patients. Psychiatric nurses who practice in both psychiatric and legal systems need an understanding of Ganser's syndrome to adequately assess the patient, plan effective treatment, and complete an evaluation of care. This understanding will enable the nurse to answer the important question, "Could it be Ganser's syndrome?" With the increase of crime and the prison population, the use of "Insufficient Comprehension to Stand Trial" may be a legal option for defendants. If they are exhibiting inappropriate behavior and are a danger to themselves or others, a psychiatric evaluation may be ordered by the court. It is then the responsibility of a psychiatric facility to assess, treat, and evaluate Ganser's syndrome patients in an attempt to return them to competency. The patients may return to court following the psychiatric evaluation if they are found competent to stand trial.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Current treatment modalities in active Crohn's disease.
The aetiology of Crohn's disease is unknown and, therefore, no curative treatments are currently available. Crohn's disease treatment requires knowledge of several variables affecting patient's responsiveness including: characteristics of the disease and of the host, as well as the specific purposes of treatment and the characteristics of the effective drugs. Currently available drugs for active Crohn's disease include: a) old drugs (oral/topical salicylates, conventional steroids); b) old drugs with a new face (immunosuppressives, antibacterial drugs); c) new drugs (budesonide, anti-cytokines/cytokines, probiotics). Among the old drugs, corticosteroids (1 mg/kg) are the most effective, with a 65-85% induction of remission, when compared to high dose sulphasalazine (3-5 g/day) (12%) and 5-aminosalicylic acid (4 g/day) (25%). The following drugs represent current treatment modalities in steroid/refractory active Crohn's disease. Immunosuppressives, including azathioprine (2-2.5 mg/kg) and 6-mercaptopurine (1-1.5 mg/kg) are less effective than steroids (30-40% vs 65-85%), but in chronic active Crohn's disease they show a 76% "steroid-sparing" effect and 63% fistula closure. The reported efficacy of methotrexate (25 mg/kg) and cyclosporine A in fistulous Crohn's disease needs to be confirmed. Antibiotics, such as metronidazole and ciprofloxacin (1 g/day) are effective in perianal or colonic active Crohn's disease. Budesonide, a steroid with low systemic absorption, shows an efficacy comparable to prednisone in active small bowel Crohn's disease. Bowel rest and enteral feeding are effective in active Crohn's disease. To summarize, conventional steroids still represent the most effective drugs in active Crohn's disease. However, refractory disease, steroid-dependence, drug-side effects and/or complications may require two main alternative management strategies: a) surgical resection in localized or primary Crohn's disease; b) alternative drugs in extensive or recurrent Crohn's disease.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A multivariate approach to affected-sib-pair analysis using highly dense molecular maps.
A multivariate approach to affected-sib-pair analyses was performed to localize disease-susceptibility genes with a minimum number of type I errors (false positives). Using 1,155 independent affected sib pairs extracted from Problem 2A of the GAW10 data set, we were able to localize major genes (MG) 1 and 2. Using 30% of the affected-sib-pair sample (N = 337) we were able to localize MG1. False positives were not detected in either of these samples.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Detecting modulated signals in modulated noise: (I) behavioural auditory thresholds in a songbird.
Most signals from the auditory world have temporal patterns of amplitude modulation that either emanate from the signal source or result from environmental interference (e.g. air turbulence). To investigate mechanisms associated with the segregation and processing of amplitude-modulated signals, we trained European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) to detect a signal noise band embedded in several flanking noise bands (FBs). We manipulated the envelope correlation between the signal and FBs, the onset synchrony between signal and FBs (0 or100 ms), signal duration (60 or 400 ms) and the spectrum level of the FBs (15 or 50 dB). The lowest signal-detection thresholds were found when the envelopes of the FBs were correlated with each other but different from the signal envelope (the 'co-uncorrelated' condition). Detection thresholds were on average 7 dB higher when both the signal and the FBs had correlated envelopes (the 'all correlated' condition). Thresholds were even higher when the envelopes of all noise bands were independent (the 'all uncorrelated' condition). The difference in detection thresholds between the co-uncorrelated and the all correlated conditions is termed 'comodulation detection difference' (CDD). Differences in signal duration and masker level had significant effects on detection threshold, but not on CDD magnitudes; differences in onset synchrony had no effects. We compare data from starlings with those from previous psychoacoustic studies of humans, and discuss possible mechanisms on which these perceptual effects may rely. Our behavioural data are the reference for a companion study investigating CDD at the neuronal level of the starling [M.A. Bee et al. (2007) Eur. J. Neurosci., 26, 1979-1994].
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Quantitative low-volume assay for simultaneous determination of fentanyl, norfentanyl, and minor metabolites in human plasma and urine by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
A rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) method for simultaneous quantification of fentanyl (F), norfentanyl (NF), despropionylfentanyl (DPF), and hydroxynorfentanyl (OHNF) in human plasma and urine specimens has been developed and validated according to international guidelines. Analytes were extracted from 250-μL plasma or urine by liquid-liquid extraction. OHNF in urine affords a second extraction step and analysis with a different column. Calibration curves in plasma were linear from 0.05-10 ng/mL for F, 0.07-0.5 ng/mL for NF, 0.02-1.0 ng/ml for DPF, and 0.67-3.0 ng/mL for OHNF; in urine, from 0.09-10.0, 0.17-50, 0.08-1.0, and 1.0-5.0 ng/mL for F, NF, DPF, and OHNF, respectively. Analytical bias and intra- and inter-assay imprecision were within ± 15 % of target, except for OHNF in plasma and DPF in urine at the respective lower quality control level. All analytes were stable in processed samples when stored for 24 h at room temperature. Recoveries and process efficiencies were above 82.9 and 75.1 % for all analytes in plasma and urine. The low level of DPF in plasma indicated with a matrix effect of 71.3 % moderate ion suppression, all other analytes in plasma and urine showed no matrix effects. The lower limit of quantification (LOQ) in plasma was 0.05, 0.07, 0.02 and 0.67 ng/mL for F, NF, DPF, and OHNF, respectively. In urine, the LOQ of F, NF, DPF, and OHNF were 0.09, 0.17, 0.08, and 1.28 ng/mL, respectively. This assay has been applied to human specimens collected during a clinical drug-drug interaction study.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Modeling multicomponent reactive membranes.
Using analytical calculations and computer simulations, we study binary AB and ternary ABC membranes that respond to an external stimulus by interconverting A and B components. The C component is assumed to be nonreactive and is incompatible with both A and B . We also assume that A and B have different spontaneous curvatures. The dynamics of the ternary system is described in terms of three order parameters: two specify the local composition and a third characterizes the local height of the membrane. Our description of the two-component membrane is based on a recent model proposed by Reigada [Phys. Rev. E. 72, 051921 (2005)]; we extend the latter approach by explicitly including the effects of the membrane's surface tension on the phase behavior of the system. By performing a linear stability analysis, we determine the behavior of the reactive AB membrane for a given bending elasticity and surface tension at different values of the reaction rate coefficients. We also numerically integrate the governing dynamic equations, and the results of these simulations are in agreement with the analytical predictions. For the two-component membranes, we calculate two critical values of the reaction rate coefficients, which define the behavior of the system, and plot the phase diagrams in terms of different parameters. We illustrate that the surface tension of the membrane strongly affects these critical values of the reaction rate coefficients and therefore the location of the phase boundaries. We also pinpoint the regions on the phase diagram where the late-time behavior is affected by the initial fluctuations, i.e., where such a reactive system has some "memory" of its prior state. In the case of the three-component system, we show that the presence of the nonreactive C component strongly affects the composition and topology of the membrane, as well as critically altering the propagation of the traveling waves within the system.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Calcium channel blockers and hypertension.
Effective treatment of high blood pressure (BP) represents a key strategy for reducing the burden of hypertension-related cardiovascular and renal diseases. In spite of these well-established concepts, hypertension remains poorly controlled worldwide. In order to improve BP control in patients with hypertension, several interventions have been proposed, among which (1) preferred use of more effective, sustained, and well-tolerated antihypertensive drug aimed to ensure adherence to prescribed medications and (2) extensive use of rational, integrated, and synergistic combination therapies, even as first-line strategy, aimed to achieve the recommended BP targets. Within the possible antihypertensive drug classes currently available for the clinical management of hypertension, both in monotherapy and in combination therapy, drugs inhibiting the renin-angiotensin system and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) have demonstrated to be effective and safe in lowering BP levels and achieving the recommended BP targets with a good tolerability profile. In particular, CCBs have been one of the most widely used classes of antihypertensive agents in the last 20 years, based on their effectiveness in reducing BP levels, good tolerability, and abundant evidence on reducing cardiovascular and renal consequences of hypertension. This article provides an updated overview of the evidence supporting the use of CCBs-based antihypertensive regimen, both in monotherapy and in combination therapies with different classes of antihypertensive drugs.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Influence of chromatin structure, antibiotics, and endogenous histone methylation on phosphorylation of histones H1 and H3 in the presence of protein kinase A in rat liver nuclei in vitro.
In vitro phosphorylation of histones H1 and H3 by cAMP-dependent protein kinase A and endogenous phosphokinases in the presence of [γ-³²P]ATP was studied in isolated rat liver nuclei with different variants of chromatin structural organization: condensed (diameter of fibrils 100-200 nm; N-1) and partly decondensed (diameter of fibrils ~30 nm; N-2). In the N-1 state histone, H1 is phosphorylated approximately twice as much than histone H3. Upon the decondensation of the chromatin in the N-2 state, 1.5-fold decrease of total phosphorylation of H1 is observed, while that of H3 does not change, although the endogenous phosphorylation of both histones is reduced by half. Changes in histone phosphorylation in the presence of low or high concentrations of distamycin and chromomycin differ for H1 and H3 in N-1 and N-2. It was found that distamycin (DM) stimulates the phosphorylation of tightly bound H1 fraction, which is not extractable by polyglutamic acid (PG), especially in N-1. Chromomycin (CM) increases the phosphorylation of both histones in PG extracts and in the nuclear pellets, particularly in N-2. At the same time, in N-1 one can detect phosphorylation of a tightly bound fraction of histones H1 whose N-termini are located on AT-rich sites that become inaccessible for protein kinase in the process of chromatin decondensation in N-2. At the same time, in N-2 the accessibility for protein kinase A of tightly bound H1 fractions, whose N-termini are located on GC-rich sites, increases dramatically. High concentrations of both CM and DM in N-1 and N-2 stimulated phosphorylation of the non-extractable by PG fraction of H1 whose N-termini are located on sites where AT ≈ GC. CM at high concentration stimulated 4-7 times the phosphorylation of a small fraction of H3, which is extracted by PG from both types of nuclei. We detected an effect of endogenous methylation of histones H1 and H3 in the nuclei on their subsequent phosphorylation depending on the chromatin structure, histone-chromatin binding strength, and concentration of DM.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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First luteal tissue in ewe lambs: influence on subsequent ovarian activity and response to hysterectomy.
Two experiments were conducted in peripuberal ewe lambs to determine (a) the influence of the first luteal structure [most frequently a transient (i.e., 1 to 4 d) structure] on subsequent ovarian activity and (b) a role for the uterus in its demise. In Exp. 1, 21 lambs were assigned randomly on the day of the first rise in progesterone in the plasma to (1) sham-operation, (2) removal of the nonluteal ovary, (3) removal of the luteal ovary and (4) removal of the luteal ovary plus progesterone replacement (5 mg given three times 12 h apart, initiated at surgery). No effect of treatment on subsequent ovarian activity was observed. In Exp. 2, four of 14 lambs were assigned randomly to be hysterectomized before their first rise in progesterone. The remaining 10 lambs, (five each) were sham-operated or hysterectomized on the day of the first rise in progesterone. All hysterectomized lambs (N = 9) exhibited a rise in progesterone and maintained elevated concentrations of progesterone, whereas sham-operated lambs initiated estrous cycles. Oviducts and uteri collected from lambs hysterectomized on the day of the first rise in progesterone in Exp. 2 were flushed for presence of oocytes and none were found. Similarly, no retained oocytes were found in histological preparations of first luteal structures obtained from eight lambs ovariectomized in Exp. 1. Concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin were determined in daily samples collected from 19 lambs in Exp. 1. Luteinizing hormone increased and became more variable as lambs matured, whereas prolactin decreased with no detectable change in variability. It is concluded that the transient luteal structure is not required for sexual maturation and that its lifespan is uterine dependent.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[The role of migration in assessing age-specific event probabilities exemplified by the probability of death].
Estimating probabilities of age-specific events both in demography and in epidemiology (force of mortality, force of morbidity) will contain additional errors if the frequency of the respective events is influenced by net migration and if migration is not taken into consideration when estimating these events. The terms used in including migration into estimating the respective rates are refined terms. The influence of migration on age-specific events is demonstrated by age-specific mortality and the life expectancy computed on the basis of age-specific mortality rates for the GDR in 1984. The results demonstrate that the life expectancy of the population of Berlin will be underestimated by 0.28 years if migration processes are not taken into consideration.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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KTP-532 laser ablation of urethral strictures.
In 1988 the KTP-532 laser was used to ablate a series of benign urethral strictures. Rather than using a single incision as in urethrotomy, strictures were treated with 360-degree contact photoradiation. Thirty-one male patients, average age 53.2 years, received thirty-seven treatments; 6 patients underwent a second laser treatment. Stricture etiology was commonly iatrogenic (32%), traumatic (16%), and postgonococcal (10%). Stricture location included mainly bulbar (49%), membranous (20%), and penile (12%) areas. The surgical technique consisted of circumferential ablation, followed by Foley catheter placement (mean, 10 days). Follow-up on 29 of 31 patients ranged from one to sixteen months (mean 9.7). Complete success occurred in 17 patients (59%) who had no further symptoms or instrumentation. Partial success was seen in 6 patients (20.5%) with symptom, but not stricture, recurrence. Six patients (20.5%) failed therapy, requiring additional surgery or regular dilations. No complications were seen. Although longer assessment is required, KTP-532 laser ablation of urethral strictures appears efficacious.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Combining color chart, colorimetric measurement and chemical compounds for postharvest quality of white wine grapes.
This paper provides data for the potential use of a color chart to establish the best quality of white wine grapes destined for postharvest processing. Grechetto, Vermentino and Muscat of Alexandria white wine grape varieties were tested by sampling berries at different dates during their quality attribute evolution. A color chart and reflectance spectrocolorimeter were used in combination with analyses of total carotenoids and chlorophylls in all three varieties and of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Grechetto alone. Total carotenoids decreased from 0.85 to 0.76 µg g-1 in Grechetto berries and from 0.70 to 0.46 µg g-1 in Vermentino berries while increased from 0.70 to 0.80 µg g-1 in Muscat berries during ripening. Total chlorophylls decreased in all varieties, and a strict correlation was found between hue angle (measured by color chart or spectrocolorimeter) and chlorophyll disappearance, with R2 ranging from 0.81 to 0.95 depending on the variety. VOCs were only measured in Grechetto grapes, and a significant increase in glycosylation was found with ripening. The concentration of different classes of VOCs exhibited a clear decrease during ripening, except for terpenoids and esters which showed a peak at the beginning. The benzenoid class reached the highest concentration, which was almost 50% of the total. Cluster analysis using Ward's method enabled the best grape quality to be identified. This experimental work highlights that a color chart is cheap and easy to use to define the right quality stage for white wine grapes. The color chart enabled the enochemical features to be matched with the VOC results for the aromatic maturity of Grechetto. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Effects of dead zones in multiple-quantum-well binary-phase modulators on optical interconnections.
We investigate the effects of inactive regions [dead zones (DZ's)] in multiple-quantum-well binary-phase modulators used for free-space dynamic optical interconnection applications. Results, however, have implications for other types of pixelated spatial light modulators (SLM's). To our knowledge, the effects of DZ's in SLM's have not before been thoroughly studied in a context other than optical correlation. We investigate the DZ's (considered to be either opaque or transmissive) as a feature that may be exploited in system design, calculating light efficiency and fidelity as a function of DZ fractional width. It is shown that in particular cases an appropriate choice of DZ width would lead to an optical interconnection with substantially improved cross-talk performance.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Maintaining functional independence in elderly adults: the roles of health status and financial resources in predicting home modifications and use of mobility equipment.
We investigated whether health status (i.e., need characteristics) and financial resources (i.e., enabling characteristics) were important predictors of two types of functional adaptations among elderly adults: home modifications such as putting nonslip tape on rugs or installing more telephones and use of equipment for mobility or activities of daily living (ADLs) such as canes or walkers. Participants were identified from the National Survey of Self-Care and Aging (n = 3,485), a nationally representative sample of noninstitutionalized U.S. adults aged 65 and older. Need and enabling characteristics were used to predict home modifications and equipment use in multinomial logistic analysis, controlling for predisposing characteristics. Although several health-status (need) variables had significant, direct effects on functional adaptations, the effects of ADL limitations were diminished at higher levels of impairment. Among the financial (enabling) variables, subjective income measures and supplemental insurance had significant, direct effects on functional adaptations. Promotion of functional adaptations among elderly people may benefit from both a proactive approach that targets elders with few limitations and a consideration of financial factors in addition to health status.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Clinical and immunomorphological parallels in posttraumatic uveitis].
Parallels between the clinical diagnosis, immunological parameters of the leukocyte migration inhibition test (LMIT) to eye tissue antigens (uveoretinal, lenticular, and retinal), and morphological picture are studied in patients with posttraumatic uveitis and consequences of grave penetrating injuries to the eye without uveitis symptoms. Cell sensitization to uveoretinal antigen is detected only in posttraumatic uveitis but not in consequences of injuries without uveitis. The authors come to a conclusion that only positive LMIT with uveoretinal or a combination of uveoretinal and lenticular antigens may be considered as an immunological validation of autoimmune posttraumatic uveitis. Further improvement of LMIT with purified fractions of uveoretinal antigens is needed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Small-dose iron tolerance test and body iron content in normal subjects.
The small-dose iron tolerance test (SD-ITT) was performed in 37 healthy subjects (20 females and 17 males). The area under the curve (AUC) of serum iron variations after the test dose (10 mg of iron as iron sulphate) was corrected by the expected plasma iron disappearance rate, the expected subject's plasma volume and the measured spontaneous time-dependent serum iron variations, and was used as a summary measure of the outcome, Q-ITT. Q-ITT correlated strictly with the maximum serum iron increase (SImax). Q-ITT gave positive (greater than zero) values in only 14 out of the 37 subjects (11 females and 3 males). Serum ferritin proved to be the best discriminating parameter between positive and non-positive subjects, and was inversely correlated with Q-ITT in the positive ones. In 2 male subjects, aged 43 and 34 years, SD-ITT proved to be highly sensitive to the progressive decrease of mobilizable body iron content during repeated venesections. In these patients the threshold for a positive test result was obtained at values lower than 1050 and 950 mg of body iron content, respectively. The threshold-dependent sensitivity, simplicity, and repeatability of this method favor its becoming a useful technique for studying the up-regulation of iron absorption in normal subjects and in pathological conditions.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Effects of progesterone on the cardiac electrophysiologic action of bupivacaine and lidocaine.
Pregnancy is accompanied by an increased cardiac and neural sensitivity to some local anesthetic agents such as bupivacaine. The current study was initiated to investigate the relationship between increased progesterone concentrations and the electrophysiologic effects of bupivacaine, and lidocaine in isolated Purkinje fiber (PF)-ventricular muscle (VM) preparations. Twenty-four oophorectomized female white rabbits were killed after receiving 30 mg.kg-1.day-1 of progesterone intramuscularly or peanut oil alone for 4 days. PF and VM action potentials were recorded using standard electrophysiologic procedures. Plasma progesterone concentrations were 5 +/- 2.9 ng/ml in control animals compared to 59.8 +/- 11.0 ng/ml in progesterone-treated animals (P less than 0.05). Bupivacaine (3.5-17.4 microM) depressed the maximal rate of depolarization (Vmax) of PF to a significantly greater extent in tissues from progesterone-treated animals as compared to control animals. For example, at 3.5 microM bupivacaine decreased PF Vmax 52% in progesterone-treated tissues compared to 32% in controls (P less than 0.05); the Vmax of VM was also depressed to a greater extent in tissues from progesterone-treated animals (P less than 0.001). Lidocaine did not demonstrate an enhanced depressant effect in tissues from progesterone-treated animals. These results indicate that progesterone selectively increases the cardiac membrane depressant effects of bupivacaine but not lidocaine. This may contribute to the enhanced toxicity of bupivacaine in pregnant animals.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Prevalence and severity of micronutrient deficiency: a cross-sectional study among adolescents in Sri Lanka.
In order to determine the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies (iron, zinc and folate) in Sri Lankan adolescent school children and the extent to which multiple micronutrient deficiencies exist in this population, a cross-sectional survey (2003) in the Galle district of the micronutrient and anthropometric status of 945 school children of ages 12-16 years was performed. The prevalence of anemia (Hb < 120.0 g/L) was 49.5% in males and 58.1% in females (overall 54.8%, gender difference, P = 0.004). In anemic children 30.2% of males and 47.8% of females were iron deficient (serum ferritin < 30.0 microg/L). Folate deficiency (<6.80 nmol/L) was found in 54.6% and 52.5% of boys and girls respectively whereas zinc deficiency (<9.95 micromol/L) occurred in 51.5% and 58.3%. Anemic boys had a 1.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.9-2.6) and 1.6-fold (CI; 1.1-2.6) greater risk of being stunted and underweight, whereas the risk among anemic girls was 1.7 (CI; 1.1-2.7) and 1.0 (CI; 0.7-1.5) for being stunted and underweight. The relative risks of having at least two deficiencies in iron, zinc and folate among anemic children were 1.6 (CI; 0.6-4.2) among boys and 0.8 (CI; 0.5-1.5) among girls. Iron deficient subjects had a significantly increased risk of 1.8 (CI, 1.1-3.0) of being deficient in folate and 1.7 (CI, 1.2-2.6) of being deficient in zinc. Zinc deficient subjects had a risk of 1.3 (CI, 1.0-1.8) being iron deficient and 1.2 (CI, 0.9-1.7) of being folate deficient. Multiple micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent in Sri Lankan adolescents.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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CD44 isoforms in metastatic cancer.
CD44 designates a large family of proteins generated from one gene by alternative splicing. Variants of CD44 (CD44v) differ from the standard form (CD44s) by usage of ten variant exons in various combinations. Some variants have been causally related to the metastatic spread of rat tumor cells. In human mammary carcinomas and colorectal carcinomas, the expression of CD44v has also been correlated with more progressed tumor stages. Moreover, the expression of CD44v on mammary and colorectal carcinomas correlates with a bad prognosis for patient survival. The biochemical features of these CD44 isoforms that may account for both their normal functions and their roles in tumor progression are discussed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Gay and bisexual male clients' perceptions of counseling: the role of perceived sexual orientation similarity and counselor universal-diverse orientation.
A recurring question in multicultural counseling is whether client-counselor similarity on sociodemographic characteristics benefits counseling. A related issue is how counselor orientation to diversity relates to counseling process and outcome, both as a main effect and in interaction with counselor-client sociodemographic match. This cross-sectional study investigated these questions in relation to gay and bisexual male clients' counseling experiences by examining clients' perceived similarity to their counselor in sexual orientation, as well as counselors' self-reported orientation to diversity (assessed in terms of level of universal-diverse orientation [UDO]). Data were from 83 male-male client-counselor dyads recruited from lesbian/gay/bisexual-affirming counseling practices, where clients identified as gay or bisexual and counselors identified as gay, bisexual, or heterosexual. Counselor UDO was positively and uniquely associated with client ratings of the working alliance, session depth, and session smoothness. Perceived sexual orientation similarity was not directly related to any of the counseling-related criterion variables. Moreover, when counselors reported low levels of UDO, perceived similarity was negatively associated with the client-rated alliance and perceived improvement. Client religious commitment-a control variable in all analyses--was uniquely and negatively associated with client ratings of perceived improvement in counseling.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Predicting outcome of TENS in chronic pain: a prospective, randomized, placebo controlled trial.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is an easy to use non-invasive analgesic intervention applied for diverse pain states. However, effects in man are still inconclusive, especially for chronic pain. Therefore, to explore the factors predicting result of TENS treatment in chronic pain we conducted a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (n=163), comparing high frequency TENS (n=81) with sham TENS (n=82). Patients' satisfaction (willingness to continue treatment; yes or no) and pain intensity (VAS) were used as outcome measures. The origin of pain and cognitive coping strategies were evaluated as possible predictors for result of TENS treatment. Fifty-eight percent of the patients in the TENS group and 42.7% of the sham-TENS group were satisfied with treatment result (chi square=3.8, p=0.05). No differences were found for pain intensity. Patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis and related disorders (especially of the vertebral column) or peripheral neuropathic pain were less satisfied with high frequency TENS (OR=0.12 (95% CI 0.04-0.43) and 0.06 (95% CI 0.006-0.67), respectively). Injury of bone and soft tissue (especially postsurgical pain disorder) provided the best results. Treatment modality or interactions with treatment modality did not predict intensity of pain as a result of treatment. We conclude, that predicting the effect of high frequency TENS in chronic pain depends on the choice of outcome measure. Predicting patients' satisfaction with treatment result is related to the origin of pain. Predicting pain intensity reflects mechanisms of pain behavior and perceived control of pain, independent of treatment modality. Pain catastrophizing did not predict TENS treatment outcome.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Effects of clonidine on bilateral pain behaviors and inflammatory response in rats under the state of neuropathic pain.
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of clonidine on bilateral pain behaviors and inflammatory responses in neuropathic pain induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL), and to better understand whether the antinociception of clonidine was related to α(2)-adrenoceptor mechanisms. Rats were divided randomly into five groups: sham-operation with saline, i.p.; PSNL with clonidine (0.2mg/kg) or saline, i.p.; PSNL with yohimbine (2mg/kg) followed by clonidine (0.2mg/kg), i.p.; and PSNL with naloxone (0.3mg/kg) followed by clonidine (0.2mg/kg), i.p. On post-operative days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21, both ipsilateral and contralateral pain behaviors were measured. In rats receiving antagonists, bilateral behavioral changes were measured on day 14. Bilateral paw pressure threshold and paw withdrawal latencies were measured, and the extent of glial activation was dertermined by measuring macrophage antigen complex-1 (Mac-1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Additionally, the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 were determined. PSNL induced bilateral behavioral hyperalgesia, with the ipsilateral level displaying a higher extent of behavior changes than the contralateral side. In addition, the glial activation markers and cytokine production were augmented bilaterally. Clonidine caused significant attenuation of bilateral mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, accompanied by inhibition of glial activation and the expression of cytokines. The effects of clonidine were blocked by the α(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine and partially reversed by the μ-opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. These data suggest that the bilateral antinoceptive effects of clonidine might mediate through immunomodulation by acting on α(2)-adrenoceptor in rats undergoing neuropathic pain.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Zirconium(IV) chloride catalyzed new and efficient protocol for the selective cleavage of p-methoxybenzyl ethers.
A highly selective and efficient method for the unmasking of p-methoxybenzyl (PMB) ethers and esters has been developed by use of 20 mol % of zirconium(IV) chloride as Lewis acid in acetonitrile. The present method is very fast, and the conditions are tolerable to a variety of acid/base-sensitive protecting groups and substrates such as carbohydrates, terpenes, and amino acids. The products are obtained in good to high yields.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Formation of N-heterocycles by the reaction of thiols with glyoxamides: exploring a connective Pummerer-type cyclisation.
The reaction of thiols with glyoxamides provides a convenient method for the generation of thionium ions and the initiation of Pummerer-type reactions. When the glyoxamides contain tethered aromatic nucleophiles, N-heterocycles are formed by a thionium ion cyclisation. The scope and mechanism of the connective Pummerer-type process has been investigated using a range of thiols, Lewis acids and both mono- and bis-glyoxamides. The utility of the process has been illustrated in a synthesis of the indoloquinoline natural product, neocryptolepine.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Calcium balance and intact PTH variations during haemodiafiltration.
Recent approaches to prevent and treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in dialysis patients include decreasing dialysate Ca content from 1.75 to 1.5 mM or lower. We have recently observed that by decreasing dialysate Ca to 1.25 mM a rise in intact parathormone serum levels occurs despite adequately controlled predialysis Ca and phosphate serum levels. In that study complementary treatment with high-dose 1 alpha(OH) vitamin D3 was required to suppress the parathormone. In the present study we aimed to assess the total Ca balance as well as the modifications in parathormone induced by the dialysis session in order to understand the reasons for which the rise in parathormone was induced. Fourteen HD patients treated with haemodiafiltration three times/week gave their informed consent for the study. They were distributed in two groups with identical treatment but for the dialysate Ca content which was 1.5 and 1.25 mM respectively and for the amount of oral CaCO3 received. Total and ionized Ca, phosphate, pH, and albumin as well as parathormone were measured in serum before and after dialysis and in the spent dialysate during two dialysis sessions. Serum ionized Ca (normalized to pH 7.4) did not change during 1.25 mM dialysate Ca and significantly increased with 1.5 mM (P < 0.001). The end-dialysis values being 1.25 +/- 0.02 and 1.38 +/- 0.02 mM respectively. Total Ca significantly decreased with 1.25 mM dialysate Ca (P < 0.04) and increased with 1.5 mM (P < 0.003), the end-dialysis values being 2.51 +/- 0.03 and 2.75 +/- 0.04 mM respectively. In the dialysate the difference in ionized Ca concentrations, fresh minus spent dialysate was -1.78 +/- 1.12 mmol/l (NS) and 4.26 +/- 1.47 mmol/l (P < 0.02) respectively for 1.25 and 1.5 mM dialysate Ca. The difference in total Ca concentrations, fresh minus spent dialysate was -0.1 +/- 0.01 mmol/l (P < 0.05) and -0.002 +/- 0.01 mmol/l (NS) respectively. Phosphate removal was higher in 1.25 mM dialysate-Ca-treated patients (40.4 +/- 1.75 mmol/session versus 34 +/- 1.3 mmol/session respectively, P < 0.015). The use of 1.25 mM dialysate Ca did not result in a change in serum parathormone, while the use of 1.5 mM resulted in a decrease of 43 +/- 15% (P < 0.02) in patients with marked hyperparathyroidism. Our data remind us of the difficulty in assessing Ca balances and identifies the phosphate content as one of the factors influencing the amount of ionized Ca in the dialysate. Although the long-term parathormone increase we observed using 1.25 mM dialysate Ca may well not be explained only by the acute intradialytic modifications, the negative Ca balance identified here (which was missed with the analysis of ionized Ca alone), and the lack of parathormone inhibition may participate in the relapse of hyperparathyroidism.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Characterization of anthocyanin extracts from maize kernels.
The aim of the present work is to characterize the pigments present in the kernel of four native maize varieties related to the races Arrocillo, Cónico, Peruano, and Purepecha to determine their possible use as natural dyes. Total anthocyanin content is determined by a conventional spectrophotometric method, and anthocyanin analysis is done by high-performance liquid chromatography. The stability of the pigment at pH is also evaluated. The four maize samples contained anthocyanin in both the pericarp and aleurone layer. Total anthocyanin content among samples ranged from 54 mg/100 g of sample to 115 mg/100 g of sample. Anthocyanin profiles are almost the same among the four samples. Differences are observed only in the relative percentage of each anthocyanin. The anthocyanins identified are cyanidin-3-glucoside, pelargonidin- 3-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-(6" malonylglucoside), and cyanidin-3-(3",6"-dimalonylglucoside). Anthocyanin extracts showed similar behavior in solutions with different pH. From pH 1-6 lambdamax values are maintained almost constant; however, above this pH value, a marked increase is observed in the bathochromic shifts, but the bluish color did not continue to change above pH 8.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Possible selves of individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
This study is one of the first to examine self-goals and their relationship to affect among individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Using the construct of possible selves, the authors collected data from 50 participants with mild to moderate AD and 50 demographically similar cognitively intact older adults. Findings suggest a resourcefulness and flexibility of the self-system in response to the presence of dementia-related concerns. Positive affect was associated with family-related self-goals of AD participants, indicating particular importance of this domain. Some of these responses may represent goal modifications that result in a more satisfactory adjustment to the illness; further inquiry may lead to a better understanding of resiliency and quality of life in persons with AD.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A microcomputer-based vision system for area measurement.
A vision system for measuring the area of an arbitrarily shaped object is described. The algorithm consists of a gray-level thresholding technique combined with a region correction procedure based on mathematical morphology. All processing steps are carried out on a microcomputer system equipped with a video digitizer. The algorithm has been successfully applied to a number of images of medical interest including skin wounds and various microscopic-scale objects such as cell cross-sections and multicellular tissues. Excellent agreement between results obtained by the automatic method and by using standard mechanical means has been established experimentally. The approach is demonstrated by a number of experimental examples.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Changes in Serum Lipid Levels During Pregnancy and Association With Neonatal Outcomes: A Large Cohort Study.
This study is aimed to characterize changes in serum lipid levels throughout pregnancy and explore the association between lipid levels and neonatal outcomes. This study included singleton pregnancy women who received regular prenatal care and delivered at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital from January 2014 to December 2014. Baseline information and neonatal outcomes were collected from medical record review. Serum lipid levels in the first trimester (7-13 weeks) and third trimester (>32 weeks) were measured. A multivariate regression model was constructed to examine the association between lipid levels and neonatal outcomes. Covariance structure analysis was conducted to explore the contribution of lipid profiles on birth weight. A total of 10 366 pregnant women were included in the analysis. Triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol levels increased significantly from the first trimester to the third trimester. Triglyceride levels in both early and late pregnancy were significantly associated with an increased risk of macrosomia and preterm birth. Serum lipid levels in the first trimester significantly contributed to the lipid levels in the third trimester, while TG and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the third trimester were associated with birth weight. Elevated TG levels throughout pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery and macrosomia. Serum lipid levels in the third trimester are mainly accounted for by their levels in the first trimester and are also associated with birth weight.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Formation and evolution of the unexpected PbI2 phase at the interface during the growth of evaporated perovskite films.
The interface chemistry and evolution of the evaporated perovskite films on ITO, pedot/ITO, Si and glass substrates are studied. As evidenced by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) results, the PbI2 phase is found to be inevitably formed at the very initial growth stage, even under the conditions of a MAI-rich environment. The extremely low binding energy of adsorbed MAI particles on all the above substrates, as compared to that of PbI2 particles, is responsible for the presence of the PbI2 phase at the interface. The formation of both hole and electron barriers at the interface of PbI2/MAPbI3, as evidenced by XPS measurements, could block carrier transport into the electrode and thus deteriorate solar cell performance. This result reveals the origin of the poor performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) by the vacuum evaporation method, and may help to improve the performance of PSCs made using the vacuum evaporation method.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Increase in oxygen consumption after albuterol inhalation in ventilated infants and children.
To determine if inhaled albuterol (salbutamol) increases oxygen consumption (V'O2) in children and, if so, the duration of this effect. Oxygen consumption was measured by indirect calorimetry using the Argon dilution technique with a respiratory mass spectrometer. After measurement of baseline values, albuterol was administered and subsequent measurements were performed at 10 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, and 4 hours. Multidisciplinary PICU in a university teaching hospital. Eleven intubated infants and children (five girls, six boys) with a mean age of 20 months (range, 1 mo to 8 yr) and a mean weight of 10.7 kg (range, 3.1-23 kg) who required therapeutic albuterol inhalations. Nine hundred micrograms of albuterol (10 puffs) was administered by a metered-dose inhaler into a spacer through the inspiratory arm of the ventilator circuit near to the patient, during 10 mechanically assisted breaths. All children showed an increase in V'O2 within 10 minutes (mean increase 48.6%). The increased V'O2 was still elevated (42.3% above baseline) at 1 hour, but 3 hours after albuterol inhalation, the V'O2 was back to baseline in all patients. Heart rate increased significantly at 10 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hours after inhalation. There is a large increase in V'O2 after albuterol inhalation. This effect lasts up to 3 hours.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Physician behaviors that correlate with patient satisfaction.
The behavior of 15 internal medicine residents, each with 10 patients, was observed through a one-way mirror. Ratings by the patients of satisfaction with their physicians were also obtained. Patient satisfaction correlated strongly with ratings for physician courtesy and information-giving, Nonverbal behaviors such as eye contact, bodily positioning, and physical contact did not correlate with patient satisfaction. The correlations between physician behavior and patient satisfaction did not hold for the four women physicians studied.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Potential pathogenicity of Cladosporium tennuisimum, Phaeoisaria clematidis and Ramichloridium subulatum in a mouse model.
The potential pathogenicity of one isolate each of Cladosporium tennuisimum, Phaeoisaria clematidis and Ramichloridium subulatum for mice was investigated by intravenous, intraperitoneal and subcutaneous routes of inoculation with saline and mucin suspensions of the organisms. No mice died during the experimental period. Dark nodular lesions were formed in the liver, spleen, kidneys, intestine, stomach, omentum and diaphragm after inoculation through the intravenous and intraperitoneal routes. Gross lesions were produced in the lungs of one mouse inoculated intravenously with R. subulatum. Localised nodular lesions were formed in the subcutis following the subcutaneous route. Tissue response was characterised by granulomatous inflammatory reaction. Fungal elements were confined within the granulomata. Though the fungi showed limited pathogenic potential, they may represent a hazard under conditions of compromised host immunity.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The nuts and bolts of the endogenous spliceosome.
The complex life of pre-mRNA from transcription to the production of mRNA that can be exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm to encode for proteins entails intricate coordination and regulation of a network of processing events. Coordination is required between transcription and splicing and between several processing events including 5' and 3' end processing, splicing, alternative splicing and editing that are major contributors to the diversity of the human proteome, and occur within a huge and dynamic macromolecular machine-the endogenous spliceosome. Detailed mechanistic insight of the splicing reaction was gained from studies of the in vitro spliceosome assembled on a single intron. Because most pre-mRNAs are multiintronic that undergo alternative splicing, the in vivo splicing machine requires additional elements to those of the in vitro machine, to account for all these diverse functions. Information about the endogenous spliceosome is emerging from imaging studies in intact and live cells that support the cotranscriptional commitment to splicing model and provide information about splicing kinetics in vivo. Another source comes from studies of the in vivo assembled spliceosome, isolated from cell nuclei under native conditions-the supraspliceosome-that individually package pre-mRNA transcripts of different sizes and number of introns into complexes of a unique structure, indicating their universal nature. Recent years have portrayed new players affecting alternative splicing and novel connections between splicing, transcription and chromatin. The challenge ahead is to elucidate the structure and function of the endogenous spliceosome and decipher the regulation and coordination of its network of processing activities. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1377. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1377 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Diagnosis and management of vaginal mullerian cyst in a virgin patient.
Benign cystic lesions of the vagina are uncommon and may become symptomatic. We describe two symptomatic anterior vaginal wall cysts in a virgin patient and the usefulness of imaging modalities. A 36-year-old virgin woman presented with a complaint of vaginal bulging and pelvic pressure. Pelvic examination revealed a cystic mass protruding from the vagina surrounded by the intact hymen. The initial abdominopelvic ultrasound showed a hypoechoic cystic mass measuring 42 x 20 mm in the vagina. She then had a pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that revealed two anterior vaginal wall cysts with no communication with the urethra or bladder. The cysts were excised and histologic examination with mucicarmine revealed mucin-secreting tall columnar cells consistent with a diagnosis of mullerian cyst. While both ultrasonographic examination and MRI are helpful in localizing vaginal cysts, MRI is superior in showing multiple cystic lesions of the vagina and their communication with the surrounding structures.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Gas production by feces of infants.
Intestinal gas is thought to be the cause abdominal discomfort in infants. Little is known about the type and amount of gas produced by the infant's colonic microflora and whether diet influences gas formation. Fresh stool specimens were collected from 10 breast-fed infants, 5 infants fed a soy-based formula, and 3 infants fed a milk-based formula at approximately 1, 2, and 3 months of age. Feces were incubated anaerobically for 4 hours at 37 degrees C followed by quantitation of hydrogen (H2), methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methanethiol (CH3SH), and dimethyl sulfide (CH3SCH3) in the head-space. H2 was produced in greater amounts by breast-fed infants than by infants in either formula group, presumably the consequence of incomplete absorption of breast milk oligosaccharides. CH4 was produced in greater amounts by infants fed soy formula than by infants on other diets. CO2 was produced in similar amounts by infants in all feeding groups. Production of CH3SH was conspicuously low by feces of breast-fed infants and production of H2S was high by soy-formula-fed infants. CH3SCH3 was not detected. Only modest changes with age were observed and there was no relation between gas production and stool consistency, although stools were more likely to be malodorous when concentrations of H2S and/or CH3SH were high. Gas release by infant feces is strongly influenced by an infant's diet. Of particular interest are differences in production of the highly toxic sulfur gases, H2S and CH3SH, because of the role that these gases may play in certain intestinal disorders of infants.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Improvement of polymorphonuclear leucocyte oxidative and bactericidal functions in chronic granulomatous disease with 4-amino-4'-hydroxylaminodiphenyl sulphone.
In an effort to restore oxidant-dependent capabilities to chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN), we studied a dapsone derivative, 4-amino-4'-hydroxylaminodiphenyl sulphone (DDS-NOH), known to generate H2O2. After incubation of CGD PMN with 0.2 and 1.0 mM DDS-NOH for 30 min, the rate of glucose-1-14C oxidation via hexose monophosphate (HMP) shunt increased 2--4-fold and that of iodination of ingested zymosan particles 1.5--2.7-fold. Both effects could be further enhanced by superoxide dismutase (SOD) but inhibited by catalase. In three patients, 0.2 mM DDS-NOH improved in vitro killing of Staph. aureus. DDS-NOH 0.02 mM induced capping of Concanavalin A (Con A) receptor complexes suggesting interference by the drug with microtubule-associated function. Thus, optimal concentrations of DDS-NOH may be employed as an oxidant to improve metabolic and bactericidal functions of PMN from patients with CGD.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Gene expression profiling of scrapie-infected brain tissue.
The underlying pathomechanisms in prion infections of the central nervous system are still insufficiently understood. The identification of genes with altered expression patterns in the diseased brain may provide insight into the disease development on the molecular level, which ultimately leads to neuronal loss. To provide a detailed analysis of changes in the molecular level in prion disease pathology we used a large-scale gene array based approach, which covers more than 11,000 functionally characterised sequences and expressed sequence tags, for the analysis of gene expression profile alterations in the cortex, medulla, and pons of scrapie-infected mice. The study identified in total 114 genes with altered mRNA levels, the majority of which were previously not known to be affected by the disease. Overall the gene array data demonstrate the presence of a strong inflammatory reaction and stress response, and show similarities to gene expression patterns found in brains affected by Alzheimer's disease and aging, respectively.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Activity coefficients at infinite dilution measurements for organic solutes and water in the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoroacetate.
The activity coefficients at infinite dilution, gamma13(infinity) for 29 solutes, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, cycloalkanes, aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols and water in the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoroacetate ([EMIM][TFA]), were determined by gas-liquid chromatography at temperatures from 298.15-368.15 K. The partial molar excess enthalpies at infinite dilution DeltaH1(E,infinity) values were calculated from the experimental gamma13(infinity) values obtained over the temperature range. The selectivities for the hexane/benzene and cyclohexane/benzene separation were calculated from gamma13(infinity) and compared to the literature values for other ionic liquids, NMP and sulfolane.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The distribution of zinc in the subcellular fractions of the rhesus monkey testis.
The zinc content in the testis of sexually immature, adult, and efferent duct-ligated adult rhesus monkeys was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Zinc content (μg/g wet wt) was found to be high in adult testis (165.9) when compared to immature (68.9) or efferent duct-ligated (104.2) animals. Analysis of subcellular fractions revealed that the concentration of zinc (expressed in relation to protein) was maximum in the microsomal fraction. The possible significance of this trace metal as a constituent of membrane proteins and enzymes, and as an activator of mitochondrial function in testis, is discussed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Extended-field coverage hyperspectral camera based on a single-pixel technique.
A spectral single-pixel imaging system facilitates effective image compression, but the imaging region is limited by its single detector. This paper presents a hyperspectral camera that allows extended-field coverage to be collected by one detector. Compressive data of a large field of view is achieved by our highly sensitive detection camera, which can be extended to near-infrared or infrared spectral monitoring. We acquire a hyperspectral datacube of 256×256 spatial pixels and 3 nm spectral resolution at a sampling rate of 25%. Finally, we apply our camera to monitoring fruit freshness nondestructively by differentiating a banana's ripeness over time.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Renal, endocrine and vascular effects of atrial natriuretic peptide in a novel vasopressin-deficient genetically hypertensive strain of rat.
In the absence of the potentially confounding influence of vasopressin in hypertension, the effects of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on arterial blood pressure and renal handling of water and sodium were assessed from comparison of responses to intravenous ANP infusion in anaesthetized vasopressin-deficient New Zealand genetically hypertensive (DI/H) rats and their normotensive substrain (DI/N). After 320 min of hypotonic saline infusion, plasma ANP concentration was significantly higher in DI/H compared with DI/N rats. ANP administration increased circulating ANP concentration in both groups. Plasma angiotensin II concentration was higher in DI/H than in DI/N rats; infusion of ANP raised circulating angiotensin II in both groups though this achieved statistical significance only in DI/N rats. Plasma aldosterone concentrations were initially similar in normotensive and hypertensive animals and, in both, were reduced markedly by I.V. ANP infusion. Administration of ANP produced sustained hypotension in both groups. However, the hypotensive effect of ANP was more pronounced in DI/H compared with DI/N rats. Heart rate was initially similar in the two groups, and infusion of ANP produced no detectable change. By comparison with animals maintained on hormone-free infusate, urine flow increased markedly over the 80 min period of ANP infusion in both groups, by 142% in DI/H rats and 127% in DI/N rats. ANP administration produced a natriuresis in both groups but the increase in Na+ excretion was much greater in DI/H (342%) than in DI/N (139%) rats. It appears from the current study that vasopressin-deficient hypertensive rats are more sensitive to ANP with regard to effects on blood pressure and renal excretion than their vasopressin-deficient normotensive substrain. These differences may, in part, reflect adjustments to long-term elevation in blood pressure and in plasma ANP concentration in hypertension and, in part, rely on the associated disturbances in related endocrine systems.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Re-Appraisal of Estrogen Receptor Negative/Progesterone Receptor Positive (ER-/PR+) Breast Cancer Phenotype: True Subtype or Technical Artefact?
Expression of the ER and PR receptors is routinely quantified in breast cancer as a predictive marker of response to hormonal therapy. Accurate determination of ER and PR status is critical to the optimal selection of patients for targeted therapy. The existence of an ER-/PR+ subtype is controversial, with debate centred on whether this represents a true phenotype or a technical artefact on immunohistochemistry (IHC). The aim of this study was to investigate the true incidence and clinico-pathological features of ER-/PR+ breast cancers in a tertiary referral symptomatic breast unit. Clinico-pathological data were collected on invasive breast cancers diagnosed between 1995 and 2005. IHC for ER and PR receptors was repeated on all cases which were ER-/PR+, with the same paraffin block used for the initial diagnostic testing. Concordance between the diagnostic and repeat IHC was determined using validated testing. Complete data, including ER and PR status were available for 697 patients diagnosed during the study period. On diagnostic IHC, the immunophenotype of the breast tumours was: ER+/PR+ in 396 (57%), ER-/PR- in 157 (23%), ER+/PR- in 88 (12%) and ER-/PR+ in 56 (8.6%) patients. On repeat IHC of 48/56 ER-/PR+ tumours 45.8% were ER+/PR+, 6% were ER+/PR- and 43.7% were ER-/PR- None of the cases were confirmed to be ER-/PR+. The ER-/PR+ phenotypic breast cancer is likely to be the result of technical artefact. Prompt reassessment of patients originally assigned to this subtype who re-present with symptoms should be considered to ensure appropriate clinical management.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Competitive adsorption of dihydroxy and trihydroxy bile salts with whey protein and casein in oil-in-water emulsions.
The competitive adsorption between whey protein concentrate (WPC) or sodium caseinate (SCN) and four bile salts, sodium cholate (NaC), dexocycholate (NaDC), taurocholate (NaTC), and glycodeoxycholate (NaGDC), has been studied in protein stabilized oil-in-water emulsions. The bile salts that contain a conjugated amino acid (NaTC and NaGDC) were considerably more efficient at displacing both WPC and SCN proteins from the emulsion droplet interface, even though they are known to have a hydrophobicity lower than that of NaC and NaDC. This is explained in terms of a steric resistance to adsorption from the conjugated amino acids in NaTC and NaGDC. This leads to their adopting an adsorbed conformation at the oil-water interface that penetrates less into the oil phase, causing greater disruption of the adsorbed layer, and hence leads to greater displacement of protein from the interface. Complementary computer simulations of the adsorption of the four bile salts at the decane-water interface support the hypothesis that the NaTC and NaGDC adopt flatter conformations that stick out further into the aqueous phase, which arises from a lower free energy of adsorption. The surface coverage as a function of bulk concentration for the four bile salts has also been measured. These have been found to have a form that fits closely the Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm. The results for NaC suggest that it adsorbs as individual molecules and forms a saturated monolayer over much of the concentration range used in the displacement experiments, since it is below its critical micelle concentration in this range. For the other three bile salts, on the other hand, the primary adsorbing species appears to be the micelle form, since the surface coverage is above that of a saturated monolayer for much of the concentration range studied.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[The self system].
Recent findings of infant research suggest that the self may be regarded as a self-regulating system. The "identity self", that is, the totality of self representations, serves as the internal reference system around which all life-historical identity vacillations revolve.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Retinal toxicity of intravitreal 5-fluorouracil in silicone-filled rabbit eyes.
To determine the retinal toxicity of 5-fluorouracil, by means of electroretinography and histopathology, at different doses in vitrectomized rabbit eyes injected with silicone oil. A pre-clinical experimental study. The Louisiana State University Eye Center and the Department of Ophthalmology at the Tulane University Health Sciences Center, between June 1999 and May 2002. Thirty-two New Zealand albino rabbits were used for the study. One eye per animal was used. After vitrectomy, the eyes were injected with 1 ml of silicone oil and then randomly divided into 4 groups. Group 1 was intravitreally injected with 0.2 ml of normal saline; Group 2 was injected with 200 microg of 5-fluorouracil; Group 3 was injected with 400 microg of 5-fluorouracil and Group 4 was injected with 800 microg of 5-fluorouracil. Electroretinography (ERG) was performed before and 14 days after intravitreal injections. Retinal histological examinations were performed after the animals were euthanized at the end of the experiment to document any retinal toxicity. There was less than 15 % ERG decrease in the eyes injected with normal saline and 200 microg of 5-FU. Moderate postoperative ERG decrease (30-50%) was seen in the animals injected with 400 microg of 5-FU. Eyes injected with 800 microg of 5-FU Silicone oil showed severe postoperative ERG decrease (80-100%). Histological examinations of the enucleated eyes were consistent with ERG results. No retinal toxicity was observed in the eyes injected with saline and 200 microg of 5-FU. Moderate retinal damage was seen in the eyes injected with 400 microg of 5-FU. Severe retinal damage was seen in the eyes injected with 800 microg of 5-FU. The results of this study suggest that doses lower than 2.5 mg of 5-FU are required for injection into silicone oil-filled vitrectomized rabbit eyes.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A window to trap-free charge transport in organic semiconducting thin films.
Organic semiconductors, which serve as the active component in devices, such as solar cells, light-emitting diodes and field-effect transistors1, often exhibit highly unipolar charge transport, meaning that they predominantly conduct either electrons or holes. Here, we identify an energy window inside which organic semiconductors do not experience charge trapping for device-relevant thicknesses in the range of 100 to 300 nm, leading to trap-free charge transport of both carriers. When the ionization energy of a material surpasses 6 eV, hole trapping will limit the hole transport, whereas an electron affinity lower than 3.6 eV will give rise to trap-limited electron transport. When both energy levels are within this window, trap-free bipolar charge transport occurs. Based on simulations, water clusters are proposed to be the source of hole trapping. Organic semiconductors with energy levels situated within this energy window may lead to optoelectronic devices with enhanced performance. However, for blue-emitting light-emitting diodes, which require an energy gap of 3 eV, removing or disabling charge traps will remain a challenge.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Influence of the period after ovariectomy on femoral and mandibular bone density and on induced periodontal disease.
This study investigated the influence of the period after ovariectomy on femoral and mandibular bone mineral density (BMD) and on induced periodontal disease. One hundred and twenty-six female Holtzman rats were divided into nine groups: control, sham surgery (SHAM) with and without induction of periodontal disease for 51 and 150 days, and ovariectomy (OVX) with and without induction of periodontal disease for 51 and 150 days. Periodontal disease was induced by placing ligatures on the first lower molars during the last 30 days of each period. BMD was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Vertical bone loss was determined by measuring the distance from the alveolar bone crest to the cemento-enamel junction on the mesial side of the first lower molar. Statistical analyses (Kruskal-Wallis test) revealed a significant difference between the OVX and SHAM groups' global and femoral proximal epiphysis BMD (P <0.001) for 150 days and in the global evaluation for 51 days. For mandibular BMD, no difference was found between the groups of each period. Influence of the period on femoral BMD was found only for the SHAM groups, with lower BMD for the 51-day period compared to the 150-day period (P <0.05). In the global evaluation of the mandible, a lower BMD was found after 51 days. The period was a contributing factor for the vertical bone loss, and it resulted in higher values for the 51-day period (P <0.05). The period influenced the femoral BMD and the vertical bone loss in induced periodontal disease.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Glycoconjugates prevent B. anthracis toxin-induced cell death through binding while activating macrophages.
Bacillus anthracis toxins may be attenuated if macrophages could neutralize toxins upon contact or exposure. Glycoconjugate-bearing polymers, which have been shown to bind to Bacillus spores, were tested for recognition and binding of protective antigen (PA), lethal factor (LF), and edema factor (EF) toxins. We have demonstrated modulation of macrophage activity following exposure to these toxins. Without glycoconjugate (GC) activation, murine macrophages were killed by Bacillus toxins. GCs were shown to have a protective influence, sparing macrophages from toxin-induced cell death, as shown by increased macrophage cell viability based on trypan blue assay. Increased levels of inducible nitric oxide (NO) production by macrophages in presence of GCs suggest that GCs provide an activation signal for macrophages and stimulate their function. Results hint to GCs that promote neutralization of Bacillus toxins, block toxin-induced macrophage death, while increasing macrophage activation. Polymeric GCs may suggest novel approaches to improve existing or develop new vaccines as well as immunotherapeutics.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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HDL-knowledge in the lay public: results of a representative population survey.
The aim of this study was to examine the extent of the general public's knowledge concerning HDL-cholesterol and to identify the role of gender, age, population size of the locality and socio-economic factors. Cross-sectional population-based telephone survey. Austrian general population. Nine hundred and ninety nine subjects aged 16 years or over, randomly selected from the official telephone directory in Austria. 13.9% of the 999 participants were familiar with the term HDL-cholesterol, correctly identified HDL-cholesterol as the favourable cholesterol component and indicated that HDL-cholesterol should be high rather than low. Knowledge of HDL-cholesterol increased with population size of the locality, total net income of the household and educational level. Respondents in bigger localities had their HDL-cholesterol measured more frequently. Older people and males reported making significantly more attempts to positively influence their HDL-cholesterol level. 29.6% of those respondents familiar with the term HDL-cholesterol reported having had their HDL-cholesterol measured at some point. Physicians, newspapers and television were identified as the most important sources of information on HDL-cholesterol by 79.7, 19.9 and 10.3% of the study subjects, respectively. Although measuring HDL-cholesterol plays a major role in the assessment of cardiovascular risk, public knowledge about HDL-cholesterol is scarce.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Characterization of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, vitamins and antioxidant activities of selected Malaysian wild edible plants.
This study was carried out to characterize phenolic compounds, carotenoids, vitamins and the antioxidant activity of selected wild edible plants. Plant extracts were purified, and phenolic compounds comprising 11 phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic acid and hydrocinnamic acid) and 33 flavonoids (including catechin, glycosides and aglycones) were analysed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography - Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD). Furthermore, the contents of ascorbic acid and tocopherol ((α and γ tocopherol) and carotenoids (lutein and β-carotene) were also determined. The major phenolics identified consisted of glycosides of flavones (apigenin and luteolin) and flavonols (kaempferol and quercetin). Among the phenolic acids identified after hydrolysis, coumaric acid was the predominant phenolic acid in all the extracts of wild plants. Ascorbic acid [53.8 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW)] and β-carotene (656.5 mg/100 g FW) showed the highest content in the leaf of Heckeria umbellatum. In conclusion, the leaves of H. umbellatum, Aniseia martinicensis and Gonostegia hirta have excellent potential in the future to emerge as functional ingredients.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Water-based preparation of spider silk films as drug delivery matrices.
The main focus of this work was to obtain a drug delivery matrix characterized by biocompatibility, water insolubility and good mechanical properties. Moreover the preparation process has to be compatible with protein encapsulation and the obtained matrix should be able to sustain release a model protein. Spider silk proteins represent exceptional natural polymers due to their mechanical properties in combination with biocompatibility. As both hydrophobic and slowly biodegrading biopolymers, recombinant spider silk proteins fulfill the required properties for a drug delivery system. In this work, we present the preparation of eADF4(C16) films as drug delivery matrices without the use of any organic solvent. Water-based spider silk films were characterized in terms of protein secondary structure, thermal stability, zeta-potential, solubility, mechanical properties, and water absorption and desorption. Additionally, this study includes an evaluation of their application as a drug delivery system for both small molecular weight drugs and high molecular weight molecules such as proteins. Our investigation focused on possible improvements in the film's mechanical properties including plasticizers in the film matrix. Furthermore, different film designs were prepared, such as: monolayer, coated monolayer, multilayer (sandwich), and coated multilayer. The release of the model protein BSA from these new systems was studied. Results indicated that spider silk films are a promising protein drug delivery matrix, capable of releasing the model protein over 90 days with a release profile close to zero order kinetic. Such films could be used for several pharmaceutical and medical purposes, especially when mechanical strength of a drug eluting matrix is of high importance.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Engineering resistance to PVY in different potato cultivars in a marker-free transformation system using a 'shooter mutant' A. tumefaciens.
In this work, Potato virus Y (PVY) resistant potatoes were generated using an environmentally safe construct. For this purpose, a 'shooter' mutant Agrobacterium-based transformation system was used. The isopentenyl transferase gene (ipt) present on the Ti plasmid of 'shooter' strains enhances shoot regeneration and can be used as a phenotypic selection marker. The introduced marker-free binary vector carried a hairpin construct derived from the coat protein gene of PVY-NTN strain in order to induce gene silencing. Transformation resulted in high regeneration rates (1.4-5.7 shoots per explant). With pre-selection for the ipt (+) phenotype the transformation frequency was 24-53%, while without selection 12-28% of the shoots were PCR positive. The presence of the transgene was verified by Southern hybridization. In 16 of 31 challenged transformant lines PVY could be detected neither by RT-PCR nor by back inoculation. A 62.5% of these resistant lines proved to be also ipt-free. This transformation system was reproducible in four potato cultivars, suggesting that it could easily be adapted for other species.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Does smoke-free Ireland have more smoking inside the home and less in pubs than the United Kingdom? Findings from the international tobacco control policy evaluation project.
In March 2004, Ireland implemented comprehensive smoke-free regulations. Some were concerned this would cause pub patrons to move their smoking and drinking from inside pubs to inside homes. This article aims to assess whether nationwide smoke-free policies are associated with more smoking or drinking inside the home. Participants were 1917 adult smokers (> 18-years old) from Ireland (n = 582), Scotland (n = 507) and the rest of the United Kingdom (n = 828), which did not have smoke-free laws at the time of the interview, who completed a random digit-dialed telephone survey in February to March 2006. The percentage of alcoholic drinks consumed in the home versus pubs was compared by country as well as the percentage of daily cigarette consumption occurring in the home after work. Irish respondents reported a significantly lower percentage of alcoholic drinks consumed in the home compared to Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom, and cigarette consumption in the home was comparable in all three regions. Smoking and drinking in the home was not greater in smoke-free Ireland than in the United Kingdom, where there was not a smoke-free law at the time of the survey. These findings add further support to the enactment of comprehensive smoke-free laws, as called for in the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Metal-mediated transformation of a triazinephenanthridinium ligand leading to a {Pd5} coordination complex observed crystallographically and by cryospray mass spectrometry.
The formation of a pentanuclear palladium(II) complex with a phenanthridinonetriazine-based ligand system, which itself is formed by a metal-mediated rearrangement of a triazinephenanthridinium proligand, is described.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Iron chelators as anti-infectives; malaria as a paradigm.
Malaria is the major life threatening parasitic disease and the cause of a global public health problem. The failure of vector eradication programs and the appearance and spread of drug resistant parasites have posed the urgent challenge of developing effective, safe and affordable anti-malarial drugs. The design of such drugs is largely based on the targeting of agents to the parasite-based machinery for host digestion and to the products of hemoglobin catabolism. Iron chelators, by depriving intracellular parasites from essential iron, lead to selective suppression of parasite growth. However, by acting on parasite-impaired macrophages, chelators can also expedite resumption of phagocytosis and elimination of parasites. In order to be clinically effective, chelators need to be maintained in the blood for extensive time periods. Therapeutic doses can be attained with appropriate drug combinations and formulations or delivery devices and these must be presented in a form well tolerated by the host. The early documentation that chelation therapy has activity against human malaria has paved the road for the design of novel and more efficient remedies based on short-term iron deprivation.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Evaluation of the Risk of Nitrofurantoin Lung Injury and Its Efficacy in Diminished Kidney Function in Older Adults in a Large Integrated Healthcare System: A Matched Cohort Study.
To determine the risk to older adults of lung injury associated with treatment of cystitis using nitrofurantoin and the risk of treatment failure in the presence of diminished creatinine clearance (CrCl). Retrospective, matched cohort. Integrated healthcare system. Individuals aged 65 and older with a diagnosis of cystitis between 2007 and 2012 who were given nitrofurantoin (N = 13,421) were matched 1:3 on age, sex, race and ethnicity, and prescription date with individuals who were given other antibiotics for cystitis. Conditional logistic regression determined the association between nitrofurantoin and lung injury in the matched cohort. In participants exposed to nitrofurantoin, chronic treatment was compared with acute treatment using multivariable logistic regression. Treatment failure was compared in three CrCl groups. Nitrofurantoin exposure was not statistically significantly associated with lung injury (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) = 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.80-1.00), but chronic nitrofurantoin therapy was associated with greater risk of lung injury than acute exposure (aRR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.04, 2.24). Treatment failure rates did not differ according to CrCl. This large, retrospective, matched-cohort study conducted in older adults supports the 2012 American Geriatrics Society Updated Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults recommendations against the use nitrofurantoin for long-term suppressive treatment of cystitis but not the recommendation against its use in poor renal function because of the risk of treatment failure.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Noninvasive localized MR quantification of creatine kinase metabolites in normal and infarcted canine myocardium.
To develop image-guided spatially localized magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy to provide a noninvasive quantitative probe of myocardial creatine kinase (CK) metabolism, and to use it to determine the extent of changes in CK energy metabolism in nonviable infarcted canine myocardium. Water-referenced localized phosphorus and proton MR spectroscopy were combined in a single protocol to noninvasively measure phosphocreatine (PCr), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and total of phosphorylated and unphosphorylated creatine (CR) concentrations and pH in the myocardium in six normal dogs and six dogs with surgically induced myocardial infarction. Unphosphorylated creatine and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) levels were calculated. The results were compared with biochemical measurements at postmortem biopsy. Significant reductions in PCr-to-ATP ratios (1.7 +/- 0.3 [SD] vs 1 +/- 0.4; P <.001), PCr (10.3 +/- 2.1 vs 4.3 +/- 2.0 micromol/g wet weight; P <.0001), ATP (6.4 +/- 1.4 vs 3.7 +/- 1.4 micromol/g wet weight; P <.001), and CR (24.7 +/- 6.1 vs 6.3 +/- 3.7; P <.0001) were measured noninvasively in infarcted, as compared with normal, tissue. Biopsy measurements confirmed infarct-related reductions observed at MR spectroscopy, although high-energy phosphate concentrations were lower at biopsy. ADP calculated from noninvasive MR spectroscopic measurements was 0.11 +/- 0.07 micromol/g wet weight in normal myocardium. This combined phosphorus and proton MR spectroscopic approach provides a near-complete picture of in vivo myocardial CK metabolism in normal and diseased heart and a tool for noninvasively measuring metabolite reductions associated with the loss of viability.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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