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Pediatric Cellulitis: A Red-Hot Concern.
Cellulitis and other skin and soft tissue infections are a common reason for children to seek care, both in the primary care setting and the emergency department. Cellulitis is a common skin and soft-tissue infection that is usually caused by streptococci bacteria or, less commonly, Staphylococcus aureus. Most children recover quickly from cellulitis, but a small subset will require hospitalization. Practitioners need to be skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of cellulitis, including recognition of the need for inpatient treatment. However, diagnosis of cellulitis, and exclusion of complicated or other more serious infections, can be challenging. Management of these infections has also been highly variable, resulting in some difficulty identifying the ideal treatment regimen. The goal is to use the antibiotic with the narrowest spectrum for the shortest duration necessary to provide clinical improvement. Research to identify the best treatment for pediatric cellulitis will be important moving forward. [Pediatr Ann. 2017;46(7):e265-e269.].
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Identification of Insulin-Activated Rab Proteins in Adipose Cells Using Bio-ATB-GTP Photolabeling Technique.
We have recently developed a photolabeling method to identify GTP-loaded Rab proteins. The new biotinylated GTP analogue (Bio-ATB-GTP) binds to GTP-binding proteins and after a UV irradiation a covalent bond is formed between the protein and the photoreactive diazirine group on the photolabel. The tagged protein can then be isolated and detected using the classic biotin-streptavidin interaction. In this chapter, we describe the Bio-ATB-GTP photolabel and discuss the advantages of using this photolabeling approach to detect GTP-loaded Rab proteins compared to other existing methodologies. We also describe a step-by-step procedure for detecting the activated state of a Rab protein in primary rat adipocytes.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Imputation of genotypes with low-density chips and its effect on reliability of direct genomic values in Dutch Holstein cattle.
Genomic selection using 50,000 single nucleotide polymorphism (50k SNP) chips has been implemented in many dairy cattle breeding programs. Cheap, low-density chips make genotyping of a larger number of animals cost effective. A commonly proposed strategy is to impute low-density genotypes up to 50,000 genotypes before predicting direct genomic values (DGV). The objectives of this study were to investigate the accuracy of imputation for animals genotyped with a low-density chip and to investigate the effect of imputation on reliability of DGV. Low-density chips contained 384, 3,000, or 6,000 SNP. The SNP were selected based either on the highest minor allele frequency in a bin or the middle SNP in a bin, and DAGPHASE, CHROMIBD, and multivariate BLUP were used for imputation. Genotypes of 9,378 animals were used, from which approximately 2,350 animals had deregressed proofs. Bayesian stochastic search variable selection was used for estimating SNP effects of the 50k chip. Imputation accuracies and imputation error rates were poor for low-density chips with 384 SNP. Imputation accuracies were higher with 3,000 and 6,000 SNP. Performance of DAGPHASE and CHROMIBD was very similar and much better than that of multivariate BLUP for both imputation accuracy and reliability of DGV. With 3,000 SNP and using CHROMIBD or DAGPHASE for imputation, 84 to 90% of the increase in DGV reliability using the 50k chip, compared with a pedigree index, was obtained. With multivariate BLUP, the increase in reliability was only 40%. With 384 SNP, the reliability of DGV was lower than for a pedigree index, whereas with 6,000 SNP, about 93% of the increase in reliability of DGV based on the 50k chip was obtained when using DAGPHASE for imputation. Using genotype probabilities to predict gene content increased imputation accuracy and the reliability of DGV and is therefore recommended for applications of imputation for genomic prediction. A deterministic equation was derived to predict accuracy of DGV based on imputation accuracy, which fitted closely with the observed relationship. The deterministic equation can be used to evaluate the effect of differences in imputation accuracy on accuracy and reliability of DGV.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Thoracoscopy for diagnosis of diffuse lung disease.
Diffuse lung diseases due to a wide variety of conditions are amenable to diagnosis by means of clinical evaluation, bronchoalveolar lavage, transbronchial biopsy, and lung biopsy. The recently introduced technique of thoracoscopic wedge biopsy provides the potential advantages of greater selection of biopsy sites and reduced postoperative pain compared with that associated with standard open lung biopsy. Its overall accuracy cited in initial reports has exceeded 90%. Although it is supplanting open lung biopsy as the most common operative technique for diagnosing diffuse pulmonary abnormalities, the availability of thoracoscopic lung biopsy should not alter the current indications for the initial use of bronchoscopic techniques in selected patients. In addition, because of the additional risk carried by thoracoscopic lung biopsy, open lung biopsy should still be used preferentially in patients suffering from acute decompensation, pulmonary hypertension, or coagulation disorders.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A discrete multichanneal procedure for the chemical determination of urinary estrogens during pregnancy.
A colorimetric method, based on the Kober reaction, was adapted for the determination of urinary estrogens during pregnancy. The method yields final volumes for direct measurements by a multichannel computer-controlled photometer. The speed of the analysis was increased so that 100 samples can easily be completed by one laboratory technician as triplicate analyses during one working day. A satisfactory accuracy and precision of the method were also achieved. The values were determined using urine samples from 1097 apparently healthy pregnant women.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Screening of patients with idiopathic venous thromboembolism for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria clones.
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an uncommon disorder characterized by hemolysis, thrombosis and marrow failure. Whereas venous and arterial thrombosis is a very common symptom of the disease, the frequency of PNH clones in patients with unexplained venous thromboembolism, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, has not been studied. We conducted a cross sectional study evaluating the presence of PNH clones in patients with prevalent venous thromboembolism using a high sensitivity flow cytometry assay for erythrocytes and neutrophils. Among the 388 patients enrolled in the study one patient had a detectable PNH clone of 0.02% in the neutrophil population (0.26%; 95% CI 0.05 to 1.45) and no detectable erythrocyte clone. We conclude that the presence of PNH clones in patients with idiopathic venous thrombosis is rare. Screening for PNH clones among VTE patients might be better reserved for patients with signs of hemolysis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Anticipation of tennis-shot direction from whole-body movement: the role of movement amplitude and dynamics.
While recent studies indicate that observers are able to use dynamic information to anticipate whole-body actions like tennis shots, it is less clear whether the action's amplitude may also allow for anticipation. We therefore examined the role of movement dynamics and amplitude for the anticipation of tennis-shot direction. In a previous study, movement dynamics and amplitude were separated from the kinematics of tennis players' forehand groundstrokes. In the present study, these were manipulated and tennis shots were simulated. Three conditions were created in which shot-direction differences were either preserved or removed: Dynamics-Present-Amplitude-Present (D(P)A(P)), Dynamics-Present-Amplitude-Absent (D(P)A(A)), and Dynamics-Absent-Amplitude-Present (D(A)A(P)). Nineteen low-skill and 15 intermediate-skill tennis players watched the simulated shots and predicted shot direction from movements prior to ball-racket contact only. Percent of correctly predicted shots per condition was measured. On average, both groups' performance was superior when the dynamics were present (the D(P)A(P) and D(P)A(A) conditions) compared to when it was absent (the D(A)A(P) condition). However, the intermediate-skill players performed above chance independent of amplitude differences in shots (i.e., both the D(P)A(P) and D(P)A(A) conditions), whereas the low-skill group only performed above chance when amplitude differences were absent (the D(P)A(A) condition). These results suggest that the movement's dynamics but not their amplitude provides information from which tennis-shot direction can be anticipated. Furthermore, the successful extraction of dynamical information may be hampered by amplitude differences in a skill-dependent manner.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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BRANCH RETINAL ARTERY WALL RUPTURE AND SUBSEQUENT OCCLUSION DURING PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY WITH MEMBRANE PEEL.
To report a case of branch retinal artery wall rupture and subsequent branch retinal artery occlusion occurring during a routine pars plana vitrectomy with epiretinal membrane and internal limiting membrane peeling. Case report. Multimodal imaging including fluorescein angiography, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), en face OCT, and OCT angiography were performed. An 86-year-old woman presented with a symptomatic epiretinal membrane in the right eye. Pars plana vitrectomy with epiretinal membrane and internal limiting membrane peel was performed. During the peel, spontaneous preretinal and intraretinal hemorrhage emanating from an adjacent branch retinal artery developed. At postoperative Week 1, OCT showed retinal thinning and hyperreflectivity suggestive of vascular accident. At postoperative Year 1, OCT imaging revealed retinal atrophy while fluorescein angiography demonstrated the arterial occlusion, and OCT angiography illustrated reduction in retinal perfusion in the region of the branch retinal artery occlusion. The authors report an unusual case of retinal arterial wall rupture and hemorrhaging during routine pars plana vitrectomy with membrane peel resulting in a branch retinal artery occlusion and subsequent retinal atrophy. Surgeons must limit stress on the underlying retina during membrane peel to avoid this surgical complication.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Engineering the Electronic Structure of 2D WS2 Nanosheets Using Co Incorporation as Cox W(1- x ) S2 for Conspicuously Enhanced Hydrogen Generation.
Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), as one of potential electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), have been extensively studied. Such TMD-based ternary materials are believed to engender optimization of hydrogen adsorption free energy to thermoneutral value. Theoretically, cobalt is predicted to actively promote the catalytic activity of WS2 . However, experimentally it requires systematic approach to form Cox W(1- x ) S2 without any concomitant side phases that are detrimental for the intended purpose. This study reports a rational method to synthesize pure ternary Cox W(1- x ) S2 nanosheets for efficiently catalyzing HER. Benefiting from the modification in the electronic structure, the resultant material requires overpotential of 121 mV versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) to achieve current density of 10 mA cm(-2) and shows Tafel slope of 67 mV dec(-1) . Furthermore, negligible loss of activity is observed over continues electrolysis of up to 2 h demonstrating its fair stability. The finding provides noticeable experimental support for other computational reports and paves the way for further works in the area of HER catalysis based on ternary materials.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Epilepsy with onset at over 50 years of age: clinical and electroencephalographic characteristics.
Epilepsy in older individuals has an elevated incidence. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the clinical, EEG and brain imaging aspects in patients showing late-onset epilepsy. Fifty-five patients with late-onset epilepsy (older than 50 years) were evaluated. They were composed of two groups according to the onset age of the epilepsy seizure (ES): 51-60 (G51-60) and over 60 (G60+) years. Focal ES predominated although they were less frequent in G60+. The occurrence of status epilepticus was high and more frequent in G60+ whereas seizures in series predominated in G51-60. Symptomatic epilepsy was more frequent and the vascular etiology predominated. Epileptiform activity was associated with a greater number of ES, and background activity abnormalities were more frequent in G60+. In conclusion, epilepsy with onset at over 50 was predominantly focal and symptomatic, with a high occurrence of status epilepticus and of seizures in series.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Coarctation of the aorta: are genes relevant?
In a busy clinic, it is easy to overlook genetic aspects of congenital heart disease. The complexity of genetic influence on disease makes it difficult to provide clear, accurate advice about recurrence risks and genetics to individual patients. This is particularly true of coarctation of the aorta, which appears sporadic in the majority of cases. We will see that in fact, genetics can play an important role in coarctation. We will review the current state of knowledge about the genetics of coarctation, encompassing syndromic and non-syndromic presentations, and consider the implications for clinical practice.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The clinical content of preconception care: reproductive history.
A history of previous birth of a low birthweight infant, previous cesarean sections, multiple previous spontaneous abortions, prior stillbirth, or uterine anomaly identifies women at increased risk for recurrent abortion, preterm birth, or stillbirth. We review the evidence for the potential benefit of reproductive history in identifying strategies for evaluation and treatment to prevent recurrent adverse pregnancy outcome. We offer evidence-based recommendations for management of women with these histories.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Learning Interleaved Cascade of Shrinkage Fields for Joint Image Dehazing and Denoising.
Most existing image dehazing methods deteriorate to different extents when processing hazy inputs with noise. The main reason is that the commonly adopted two-step strategy tends to amplify noise in the inverse operation of division by the transmission. To address this problem, we learn an interleaved Cascade of Shrinkage Fields (CSF) to reduce noise in jointly recovering the transmission map and the scene radiance from a single hazy image. Specifically, an auxiliary shrinkage field (SF) model is integrated into each cascade of the proposed scheme to reduce undesirable artifacts during the transmission estimation. Different from conventional CSF, our learned SF models have special visual patterns, which facilitate the specific task of noise reduction in haze removal. Furthermore, a numerical algorithm is proposed to efficiently update the scene radiance and the transmission map in each cascade. Extensive experiments on synthetic and real-world data demonstrate that the proposed algorithm performs favorably against state-of-the-art dehazing methods on hazy and noisy images.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Effect of propofol and ketamine anesthesia on cognitive function and immune function in young rats.
To investigate the effects of propofol and ketamine on the cognitive function and immune function in young rats. A total of 80 young rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control group, ketamine group (experimental group A), propofol group (experimental group B), ketamine and propofol group (experimental group C). All rats had continuous injection for three times, serum IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 and whole brain IL-1β level, hippocampal neuronal apoptosis level were measured. The cognitive ability in rats was tested by water maze. Water maze test showed on the 1st d, the maze test latency of the control group, the experimental group B and the experimental group C water were decreased gradually; Compared with the control group after 3 days, the latency of the experimental group A, experimental group B and experimental group C were all decreased, the crossing circle times were also reduced. Hippocampal neuron apoptosis were (2.3 ± 1.7)%, (14.7 ± 6.9)%, (4.2 ± 3.3)%, (10.2 ± 4.8)% in control group, experimental group A, experimental group B and experimental group C, respectively. The neurons apoptosis of experimental group A was significantly increased. The serum IL-4 and IL-10 of the experimental group A, experimental group B and experimental group C after anesthesia were significantly higher than the control group. The whole brain IL-1β of the experimental group A, experimental group B and experimental group C were significantly lower than the control group. Propofol can reduce anesthesia effect of ketamine on the cognitive function and immune function in the young rats.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Weekly docetaxel in patients with pretreated metastatic breast cancer: a phase II trial.
Docetaxel has consistently demonstrated its high activity as an antineoplastic agent in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. However, 90% of patients receiving the recommended dose of 100 mg/m2 every 3 weeks will develop grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Recent data suggest that the safety profile of a weekly docetaxel regimen compared favorably with the standard 3-week schedule. Thus, we initiated a phase II study to assess the efficacy and toxicity of weekly docetaxel in pretreated patients with metastatic breast cancer. Twenty patients with advanced, anthra-cycline-refractory breast cancer were included in this phase II trial. Docetaxel was administered at a starting dose of 40 mg/m2, repeated once a week for 3 consecutive weeks followed by a 1-week rest period (1 cycle). Patients were evaluated for tumor response every 8 weeks (after every other cycle). Therapy was continued for a maximum of six courses in patients showing tumor response or stable disease. Twenty patients received a total of 204 weekly infusions of docetaxel. The mean number of treatments was 10.2 (range 1-18). Eighteen patients were assessable for response. Five patients achieved a partial response and six patients showed either stable disease or a minor response. Seven patients had disease progression. The median survival was 7.8 months. Grade 3/4 leukopenia occurred in two patients. No other grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicities were observed. The following grade 3/4 non-hematologic toxicities were seen: nausea/vomiting (one patient), infection (one patient), mucositis (two patients) and diarrhea (one patient). Three patients withdrew from the study due to dose-limiting toxicities (one due to severe neutropenia and two due to mucositis). We conclude that administration of docetaxel at a dose of 40 mg/m2 was effective and well tolerated even in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic breast cancer. This regimen is associated with only mild myelosuppression.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Detoxification of dilute acid hydrolysates of lignocellulose with lime.
The hydrolysis of hemicellulose to monomeric sugars by dilute acid hydrolysis is accompanied by the production of inhibitors that retard microbial fermentation. Treatment of hot hydrolysate with Ca(OH)(2) (overliming) is an effective method for detoxification. Using ethanologenic Escherichia coli LY01 as the biocatalyst, our results indicate that the optimal lime addition for detoxification varies and depends on the concentration of mineral acids and organic acids in each hydrolysate. This optimum was shown to be readily predicted on the basis of the titration of hydrolysate with 2 N NaOH at ambient temperature to either pH 7.0 or pH 11.0. The average composition of 15 hydrolysates prior to treatment was as follows (per L): 95.24 +/- 7.29 g sugar, 5.3 +/- 2.99 g acetic acid, 1.305 +/- 0.288 g total furans (furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural), and 2.86 +/- 0.34 g phenolic compounds. Optimal overliming resulted in a 51 +/- 9% reduction of total furans, a 41 +/- 6% reduction in phenolic compounds, and a 8.7 +/- 4.5% decline in sugar. Acetic acid levels were unchanged. Considering the similarity of microorganisms, it is possible that the titration method described here may also prove useful for detoxification and fermentation processes using other microbial biocatalysts.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Sporadic solitary aldosterone- and cortisol-co-secreting adenomas: endocrine, histological and genetic findings in a subtype of primary aldosteronism.
Adrenal adenomas producing both aldosterone and cortisol (A/CPAs) have been described in only a few cases. Correct subtype classification is necessary for making therapeutic decisions in primary aldosteronism (PA). Therefore, we studied in detail the clinical, hormonal and histological features of this entity in two patients with A/CPAs. We describe two patients with A/CPA and present their endocrine evaluations at baseline, after suppression with fludrocortisone and dexamethasone, after therapy with spironolactone and after unilateral adrenalectomy. Moreover, the expression of corticotropin (MC2R) and angiotensin II type 1 (AT1R) receptors and 17alpha-hydroxylase in the tumors of these two patients was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Aldosterone, 18-hydroxycorticosterone (18-OH-B) and 18-hydroxycortisol (18-OH-F) were not suppressible with fludrocortisone in either patient and were partly suppressible with dexamethasone in one of the patients. Adrenal insufficiency developed in both patients after operation and lasted for more than 6 months. Aldosterone and hybrid corticosteroids returned to normal 8 weeks after adrenalectomy. In both cases, immunostaining showed weak expression of AT1R and MC2R but strong expression of 17alpha-hydroxylase. The most common germline mutations in the aldosterone synthase gene and the aldosterone synthase/11beta-hydroxylase hybrid gene were absent. These two cases document the fact that sporadic A/CPA is a subtype of PA. The presence of an A/CPA should be considered if a patient has both PA and hypercortisolism.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Spectroscopic and spin-orbit calculations on the SO+ radical cation.
Highly correlated ab initio methods were used in order to generate the potential-energy curves of the SO+ electronic states correlating to S+(4Su)+O(3Pg) and S+(2Du)+O(3Pg). These curves were used for deducing accurate spectroscopic properties for these electronic states. Our calculations predict the existence of a 2Phi state lying close in energy to the well-characterized b 4Sigma- state and several weakly bound quartet and doublet states located in the 6-9 eV internal energy range not identified yet. The spin-orbit integrals between these electronic states were evaluated using these highly correlated wave functions, allowing the discussion of the metastability and the predissociation processes forming S+ +O in their electronic ground states. Multistep spin-orbit-induced predissociation pathways are suggested. More specifically, the experimentally determined dissociative potential-energy curve [H. Bissantz et al., Z. Phys. D 22, 727 (1992)] proposed to explain the rapid SO+(b 4Sigma-, v> or =13)-->S+(4Su)+O(3Pg) reaction is found to coincide with the 2 4Pi potential-energy curve for short internuclear distances and with the repulsive 1 6Pi state for longer internuclear separations.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Case in which renal function improved following stent-graft placement in the aorta two months after the onset of stanford type B acute aortic dissection].
A 48-year-old man was admitted to the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery in our hospital after developing Stanford type B acute aortic dissection with a patent false lumen in July 2008. Conservative treatment involving rest and antihypertensive therapy was provided following admission. Urine volume decreased from day 9, and serum creatinine increased to 7.7 mg/dL. As it was suspected that the reduced renal blood flow was caused by progression of aortic dissection, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT)was performed. The left kidney showed reduced enhancement and the right kidney was heterogeneously enhanced. The dissection had extended to the left renal artery, and the reduced renal blood flow caused by narrowing of the left renal artery was thought to have caused the renal dysfunction. As elevated urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels and hyperkalemia persisted, hemodialysis was performed a total of four times. Although the patient was subsequently withdrawn from dialysis, he continued to display severe renal dysfunction and was transferred to our department on day 28 for the treatment of renal failure. Conservative treatment was continued, but the maximum diameter of the thoracic aorta gradually increased, and stent placement at the entry of aortic dissection was indicated. On day 86, two stent-grafts were placed for entries at the distal site of the descending aorta and the distal site of the aortic arch. Postoperative abdominal contrast-enhanced CT showed expansion of the true lumen, and blood flow and contrast enhancement improved in both kidneys. Postoperatively, serum creatinine gradually decreased, improving to 1.16 mg/dL on day 96. Renography in the third month after stent-graft placement showed improved renal function in both kidneys. These findings suggest that even at approximately 2 months after the onset of acute renal failure associated with aortic dissection, renal function can be improved by restoring blood flow in the renal arteries.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Particle characteristics and biodistribution of camptothecin-loaded PLA/(PEG-PPG-PEG) nanoparticles.
Poly(DL-lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly (propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer (PEG-PPG-PEG) nanoparticles loaded with camptothecin (CPT), called CPT-NP, were prepared and examined for particle size change and drug release in phosphate-buffered saline, pH 7.4, (PBS), and drug biodistribution profiles in mice bearing sarcoma 180 solid tumor. CPT-NP kept an almost constant mean size and exhibited an initial rapid release of approximately 20%, following by very slow release. As compared with CPT solution, CPT-NP showed higher tissue accumulation and better tumor localization, which were considered essentially associated with the better efficacy of CPT-NP reported in the previous study.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Assessing the agreement between Ostertagia ostertagi ELISA tests performed using the crude adult antigen and the adult and larval stage 4 excretory/secretory antigens.
The objective of this study was to determine the agreement between ELISA tests conducted using three O. ostertagia antigens: crude adult worm, larval stage 4 (L4) excretory/secretory (ES) and adult ES. This study was carried out on 289 Holstein cows from five herds in Prince Edward Island and one herd in Nova Scotia. Composite milk samples of these cows were collected (between May and September 2002) from the respective provincial laboratories and sent to the Atlantic Veterinary College where each sample was tested for antibodies to O. Ostertagi using an indirect microtitre ELISA test. Results were expressed as optical density ratio (ODR) values. Each milk sample was tested with three ELISA tests, with each test using a different O. ostertagi antigen. There was a slight rise in ODR values of both adult antigens, between May and August, with higher values obtained using the adult ES antigen. L4 ES ODR values were generally higher than those for both adult antigens during the study period, except for May. There was a more dramatic rise in L4 ES ODR values between May and August. Rises in ODR in May and end of July coincided with periods of mass maturation of L4 to adult worms. The results of the study showed that the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) between tests performed using both ES and the crude antigens were low (crude adult versus adult ES=0.31, crude adult versus L4 ES=0.30). The highest CCC was observed between tests done using both ES antigens (CCC=0.56). Generally, the study results suggest that the antibody response (detectable by the ELISA) is mainly directed against ES antigens (especially L4) than the crude adult worm antigen.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Use of acid preconditioning for enhanced dewatering of wastewater treatment sludges from the pulp and paper industry.
In municipal and industrial practices, wastewater treatment sludges are generally conditioned with organic polymers before dewatering. The dewatering polymers are expensive and contribute significantly to the overall sludge management cost. This paper discusses a preconditioning strategy that holds great promise for enhancing dewatering properties of wastewater treatment sludges, while reducing the cost. In this approach, the waste activated sludge (WAS) is briefly preconditioned with an acid before flocculating with an organic polymer. Experimental results showed that acid preconditioning significantly enhanced dewatering. Separately acidifying WAS and subsequently combining it with primary sludge produced higher presscake solids than acidifying the combined sludge to the same final pH. Acidification exhibited the added benefit of reducing Escherichia coli counts in sludge, thus improving its biological character. This may provide flexibility in choosing a beneficial use application.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Assessing an adherent silicone foam dressing: a clinical evaluation across five NHS trusts.
The wound contact layer of UrgoTul Absorb Border (Urgo Medical) foam dressing contains a Technology Lipido Colloid (TLC) Healing Matrix, which includes hydrocolloid and lipophilic substances designed to stimulate fibroblast proliferation and thus promote granulation tissue formation. A multicentre, noncomparative, clinical evaluation of UrgoTul Absorb Border investigated whether use of the dressing promoted granulation tissue formation and the management of wound exudate. Other parameters evaluated included: pain-free dressing changes, protection and improvement of surrounding tissue, ease of application, conformability, ability to remain in place, wear time, effect on peri-wound skin, durability, ease of removal, and patient comfort. There were 43 patients recruited into the evaluation. Results show that 8 wounds (19%) achieved full epithelialisation and 34 (81%) improved. All participating clinicians rated the dressing's overall performance, including its ability to manage exudate, as excellent, very good, or good.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Social media in clinical trials.
Social media has potential in clinical trials for pointing out trial issues, addressing barriers, educating, and engaging multiple groups involved in cancer clinical research. Social media is being used in clinical trials to highlight issues such as poor accrual and barriers; educate potential participants and physicians about clinical trial options; and is a potential indirect or direct method to improve accrual. We are moving from a passive "push" of information to patients to a "pull" of patients requesting information. Patients and advocates are often driving an otherwise reluctant health care system into communication. Online patient communities are creating new information repositories. Potential clinical trial participants are using the Twittersphere and other sources to learn about potential clinical trial options. We are seeing more organized patient-centric and patient-engaged forums with the potential to crowd source to improve clinical trial accrual and design. This is an evolving process that will meet many individual, institutional, and regulatory obstacles as we move forward in a changed research landscape.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Induction-maintenance antiretroviral therapy: proof of concept.
To investigate the concept of aggressive initial combination therapy followed by reduction to a less demanding maintenance regimen with respect to its potential for sustaining viral suppression. Durable viral suppression to < 20 HIV RNA copies/ml plasma was achieved with zidovudine-nevirapine-didanosine (ZDV-NVP-ddl) therapy. Potential for sustained antiviral response was explored for patients who began with ZDV-NVP-ddl and subsequently interrupted ddl. Antiretroviral-naive patients were treated with ZDV-NVP, ZDV-ddl, or ZDV-NVP-ddl. Viral load was measured with the Amplicor assay (limit of quantification 400 copies/ml) and by the Ultra Direct assay (limit of quantification 20 copies/ml) when the Amplicor result was < 500 copies/ml. Treatment adherence for each drug was recorded, including all dose adjustments. Five patients who had begun treatment with ZDV-NVP-ddl discontinued ddl for at least 6 weeks after achieving viral load levels below detection. All were documented to have sustained their viral load at < 20 copies/ml during the ddl interruption. Two patients permanently discontinued ddl, both with sustained viral load below detection for more than 1 year while treated with ZDV NVP. In contrast, no patient initially receiving ZDV-NVP was able to maintain viral load below detection for sustained periods; none had viral load below detection after week 12 of treatment. After induction with ZDV-NVP-ddl, patients were able to sustain viral suppression with a regimen (ZDV NVP) that was only transiently effective as initial therapy. There was no evidence of virologic escape, even with the most sensitive measure of plasma viral load.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The model of response to viral haemorrhagic fevers of the National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani".
Viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHF) are severe and life-threatening diseases caused by a range of viruses. However, only four agents of VHF are known to be readily capable of person-to-person spread: Lassa virus, Crimean/Congo haemorrhagic fever virus, Ebola and Marburg viruses. Diseases caused by these viruses are endemic only in few areas in the world, most notably Africa and some rural parts of the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Nonetheless, the increasing volume of international travel presents a greater likelihood for the importation of these infections or of suspected cases in non endemic countries. Four conditions can lead to the importation and to the subsequent recognition of VHF within Europe: 1) patients arriving as a result of a planned medical evacuation; 2) persons who became sick on route to their destination; 3) persons discovered ill when entering a country, for example during routine clinical examination at the airport; 4) persons becoming sick after their arrival. Public health implications and the risk of secondary spread of pathogens in the above reported circumstances are very different. Similarly, preparedness and response should vary. This paper summarizes the present knowledge on the four VHF capable of person-to-person spread, describes the high isolation area constructed at the Italian National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani in Rome to respond to the occurrence of VHF. A brief overview of procedures and equipment adopted is provided.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Host reactivity to a spontaneous tumor: generation of antitumor activity by lymph node cells following incubation in vitro.
A spontaneous fibrosarcoma (SP/T-1) which arose in a syngeneic Balb/c mouse failed to show clear evidence of immunogenicity when examined by the in vivo immunization/challenge technique. However, when the lymph node cells (LNC) of tumor-'immunized' donors were cultured in vitro for approximately 2 days in the absence of tumor cells, they were found to be markedly inhibitory to the tumor in cell transfer assays. A similar effect was also found in the LNC of tumor-bearers but this was less marked. The antitumor activity appeared to be mediated largely by the T cells, since the depletion of Thy 1 positive cells abolished or markedly decreased the LNC inhibitory activity towards the tumor cells. The activated LNC were found to be specifically cytotoxic to the SP/T-1 cells since they did not destroy cells of two other syngeneic cell types tested--a methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcoma, MC677 and a neonatal heart-derived normal cell line NEO/H. Neither of these cell types showed virus particles by electron microscopy and since C type virus-like particles were detected within the SP/T-1 cells by electron microscopy the possibility exists that viral antigenic determinants expressed on the tumor cell surface acted in tumor cell recognition and destruction in this tumor system. However, the possibility cannot be excluded that in vitro-activated natural killer cells also participated in tumor cell killing. These observations clearly indicate the existence of tumor-associated transplantation antigens in certain 'non-immunogenic' tumors as well as antitumor effector mechanisms which remain totally suppressed in vivo.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Oligoclonal measles virus-specific IgG antibodies isolated from sera of patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.
Measles virus-specific antibodies isolated from sera of six patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) were all composed of oligoclonal IgG proteins, in contrast to the polyclonal IgG antibodies isolated from sera of healthy individuals. Periods of disease progression were associated with an increase in number and amount of oligoclonal IgG antibody proteins, and a decrease was observed in disease remission. A correspondence between the oligloclonal measles-specific IgG of serum and the oligoclonal IgG proteins of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) occurred in each case. It is concluded that sera from patients with SSPE may be used instead of CSF as a source for the isolation of measles antibodies of restricted heterogeneity.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Experimental methods of repairing injured menisci.
A longitudinal incision resembling a bucket-handle tear was made in the menisci of 8 rabbits, 6 dogs, 11 pigs and 12 sheep. In some of the animals of each species the cut was repaired by suturing, and in others it was not. Gross inspection, as well as examination by light and electron microscopy, showed that no healing had occurred after six months in the sutured or the unsutured wounds and that the meniscus was incapable of significant intrinsic repair. In a second experiment longitudinal, transverse and T-shaped cuts were made in the menisci of 12 sheep, and a flap of synovium was sutured into the wound. Three months later there was clear evidence of healing by the formation of cartilaginous tissue. Examination by light and electron microscopy showed that the newly formed repair tissue, possibly derived by metaplasia from the synovium, had a morphology intermediate between hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage. Synovial implantation may therefore be considered as an alternative to meniscectomy in the management of the torn meniscus.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A new protocol for separation of acid soluble and insoluble fractions from total glycogen and simultaneous measurements.
The glycogen is extracted routinely from animal tissues with cold perchloric acid (PCA). Acid soluble glycogen (ASG) is extracted, while the insoluble fraction (AIG) is liberated using hot alkaline. The current study was performed to separate and measure ASG, AIG and total glycogen in the same sample simultaneously. The protocol has the four phases of tissue digestion, extraction, separation of fractions and measurement. The liver tissue was weighed and digested with four volumes of 30% KOH and heated in boiling water bath for 10 min. Total glycogen was extracted with ethanol at a final concentration of 55%. The suspension of total glycogen was separated into the two fractions of acid soluble and insoluble by adding of 30 µL PCA (70%) followed by a short and mild centrifugation. Total glycogen, ASG and AIG have derived from the same sample and analyzed for glucose. Analysis of different weights of the liver tissue using the current procedure shows that the fractions of glycogen are measured accurately. The CV% was less than 5% for inter- and intra-assays of total glycogen and ASG. The CV% was more than 5% for inter-assays of AIG, but it lessened in intra-assays. During 24 h starvation, total glycogen depleted completely (71.4 ± 8.3 mg/g wet vs. 4.4 ± 1.2, p ≤ 0.004) and the change occurred entirely in ASG (66.9 ± 7.8 vs. 1.9 ± 1.1, p ≤ 0.004), while AIG did not change significantly (4.4 ± 1.3 vs. 2.2 ± 0.9, p ≤ 0.08). The values of ASG, AIG and total glycogen obtained by the current protocol are the same as the classical homogenization method but the procedure is more easy and precise. ASG is the main and metabolically active portion of glycogen in rat liver.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The role of intensive remission induction and consolidation therapy in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia.
Sixty-one patients with AML, 59 adults and two children, were treated with intensive remission induction and consolidation therapy. The median age was 36 years. Forty-four (72%) patients entered complete remission (CR); 11 patients received a bone marrow transplantation. The median survival of complete remitters was 26.5 months; the probability of remaining in CR at respectively 1 and 2 years was 75% and 62%. The only factor significantly correlated with the outcome of remission induction, survival and duration of CR was age. Patients less than 30 years fared significantly better than those 30 years or older; no difference in outcome was observed between patients aged 30-50 and those over 50 years. In patients less than 30 years the CR rate was 95%; 75% of them were still alive at 2 years and only one (5%) has relapsed. In contrast, in patients 30 years or older the CR rate was 60% and the median survival only 11.5 months, 50% of the complete remitters in this age group have relapsed. Morbidity from intensive consolidation therapy was considerable; more than 50% of consolidation courses were complicated by high fever, needing urgent admission; only four (3%) courses had a fatal event. It is concluded that intensive consolidation therapy may be considered as a major advance in the treatment of younger patients with AML, while its role in older individuals remains questionable. A possible explanation for the completely different outcome in younger and older patients with AML is discussed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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High rates of energy expenditure and water flux in free-ranging Point Reyes mountain beavers Aplodontia rufa phaea.
We measured water flux and energy expenditure in free-ranging Point Reyes mountain beavers Aplodontia rufa phaea by using the doubly labeled water method. Previous laboratory investigations have suggested weak urinary concentrating ability, high rates of water flux, and low basal metabolic rates in this species. However, free-ranging measurements from hygric mammals are rare, and it is not known how these features interact in the environment. Rates of water flux (210+/-32 mL d(-1)) and field metabolic rates (1,488+/-486 kJ d(-1)) were 159% and 265%, respectively, of values predicted by allometric equations for similar-sized herbivores. Mountain beavers can likely meet their water needs through metabolic water production and preformed water in food and thus remain in water balance without access to free water. Arginine-vasopressin levels were strongly correlated with rates of water flux and plasma urea : creatinine ratios, suggesting an important role for this hormone in regulating urinary water loss in mountain beavers. High field metabolic rates may result from cool burrow temperatures that are well below lower critical temperatures measured in previous laboratory studies and suggest that thermoregulation costs may strongly influence field energetics and water flux in semifossorial mammals.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Systemic treatment with high dose of flunixin-meglumine is able to block ovulation in mares by inducing hemorrhage and luteinisation of follicles.
Prostaglandins play an obligatory role during the process of ovulation in mammals. Ovulation can be blocked by intrafollicular administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in several domestic species including the mare as well as by systemic administration of these drugs in women. In the mare, the effect of systemic NSAIDs treatment on ovulation has not been critically studied. The objectives of this study were: a) to determine whether high dose of flunixin-meglumine (FM) administered systemically to mares during the periovulatory period was able to block ovulation; and b) to study the follicular ultrasound characteristics of FM treated mares. Six mares were used in the study during two consecutive estrous cycles. Each mare received 2 mg FM/kg i.v. twice a day starting at the time of treatment with hCG when the follicle reached a diameter of ≥ 32 mm and continuing until ovulation. During the consecutive control cycle (CON) the mares received the same dose of hCG but were not administered FM. During the FM cycles five of six mares failed to ovulate and collapse the preovulatory follicle; but echoic specks were observed within the follicles, which continued to grow until a mean diameter of 55 mm. Eventually, the follicular contents were organised and luteinised. All CON mares ovulated normally. In conclusion, when mares were treated with FM, they had a higher incidence of ovulatory failure and development of luteinised unruptured follicles (83%, P = 0.015) compared with untreated mares.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Open reduction and internal fixation of a displaced transverse fracture of the sacrum with a locking compression plate].
Isolated fractures of the distal sacrum are usually caused by direct trauma. Undisplaced fractures are easily missed on conventional X-ray films. CT scans can disclose the full extent of the fracture. Undisplaced, or minimally displaced fractures can be treated conservatively with analgesics and a restriction to seat for six weeks. In cases of major displacement or neurological symptoms, a digital transanal reduction of the fracture under local or regional anaesthesia can be attempted. If this manoeuvre fails, open reduction and internal fixation are required. Stabilisation is challenging because of the thin bone and the complex shape of the sacrum. In a 15 year old girl with major horizontal displacement and comminution of S4, following a snowboard accident, we achieved sufficient and stable fixation with the new LCP (Locking Compression Plate) system. For six weeks after the operation, the patient was not allowed to sit down. Thereafter, she was free of pain and unrestricted in daily activities and sport. The LCP system has a number of advantages in the fixation of fractures in osteoporotic or thin bone, but clinical experience/skill and careful planning of the operation are crucial.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A Comparison of Reach-to-Grasp and Transport-to-Place Performance in Participants With Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma.
To compare visually guided manual prehension in participants with primarily central field loss (CFL) due to age-related macular degeneration and peripheral visual field loss (PFL) due to glaucoma. This study extends current literature by comparing directly "reach-to-grasp" performance, and presents a new task of "transport-to-place" the object accurately to a new location. Data were compared to age-matched controls. Three-dimensional motion data were collected from 17 glaucoma participants with PFL, 17 participants with age-related macular degeneration CFL and 10 age-matched control participants. Participants reached toward and grasped a cylindrical object (reach-to-grasp), and then transported and placed (transport-to-place) it at a different (predefined) peripheral location. Various kinematic indices were measured. Correlation analyses explored relationships between visual function and kinematic data. In the reach-to-grasp phase, CFL patients exhibited significantly longer movement and reaction times when compared to PFL participants and controls. Central field loss participants also took longer to complete the movement and made more online movements in the latter part of the reach. During the transport-to-place phase, CFL participants showed increased deceleration times, longer movement trajectory, and increased vertical wrist displacement. Central field loss also showed higher errors in placing the object at a predefined location. A number of kinematic indices correlated significantly to central visual function indices (P < 0.05). Significant differences in performance exist between CFL and PFL participants. Various indices correlated significantly with loss in acuity and contrast sensitivity (CS), suggesting that performance is more dependent on central visual function irrespective of underlying pathology.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Dental caries and dietary patterns in low-income African American children.
The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between dietary patterns and dental caries severity in low-income African American children. The participants were 3- to 5-year-old African American children in Detroit, Mich, with household incomes below 250% of the 2000 federal poverty level (N=436). Dietary intakes were obtained using the Block Kids Food Questionnaire. Dental caries in primary teeth were measured by the International Caries Detection and Assessment System criteria. The mean number of decoyed surfaces (noncavitated and cavitated, missing, and filled surfaces [dmfs]) for each child was estimated. Factor analysis was carried out to identify the patterns of solid food consumption. The resulting factor scores and drink variables were then used as covariates in multinomial logistic regression, with 4 levels of dmfs as the outcome. Statistical analyses were conducted using SAS and SUDAAN. Multinomial regression models found that age, soda consumption, and powdered/sport drink consumption were positively associated with dmfs scores. Milk and real juice (not orange) were associated with lower dmfs levels. Children frequently consume sugared drinks, which is associated with the prevalence of dental caries. Intervention programs that promote the adoption of noncariogenic dietary alternatives for children are needed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Surfing injuries.
Compared with other sports, surfing is relatively safe. Contact with the surfboard, rocks, coral, or sand causes most injuries. Environmental factors such as sun exposure and marine animal bites and stings are other causes of injury. Surfing with common sense, sunscreen, and proper equipment can help prevent injury.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Three out of four: a case discussion on ambiguous genitalia.
Disorders of sex development (DSD) include a heterogeneous group of heritable disorders of sex determination and differentiation. This includes chromosomal as well as monogenic disorders, which inhibit or change primarily genetic or endocrine pathways of normal sex development. However, in many patients affected, no definitive cause for the disorder can be found. Therefore, the birth of a child with ambiguous genitalia still represents an enormous challenge. For the structuring of diagnostic procedures, decision making and also therapeutic interventions, a highly specialised team of physicians of different subspecialties and experts for psychosocial care is needed to counsel parents and patients accordingly. This article presents a case with 46,XX DSD and androgen excess. After making the diagnosis on clinical and biochemical grounds, the family refused further genetic testing. The outcome of subsequent pregnancies confirmed the working diagnosis of an autosomal form of 46,XX DSD. However, the family still refused prenatal testing and treatment on religious grounds. The case discussion further illuminates the possible influence of religion in prenatal testing and concludes with the approach to the parents for comprehensive counselling in decision making for their child.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Anatomy of an antibody molecule: structure, kinetics, thermodynamics and mutational studies of the antilysozyme antibody D1.3.
Using site-directed mutagenesis, x-ray crystallography, microcalorimetric, equilibrium sedimentation and surface plasmon resonance detection techniques, we have examined the structure of an antibody-antigen complex and the structural and thermodynamic consequences of removing specific hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions in the antibody-antigen interface. These observations show that the complex is considerably tolerant, both structurally and thermodynamically, to the truncation of antibody and antigen side chains that form contacts. Alterations in interface solvent structure for two of the mutant complexes appear to compensate for the unfavorable enthalpy changes when antibody-antigen interactions are removed. These changes in solvent structure, along with the increased mobility of side chains near the mutation site, probably contribute to the observed entropy compensation. In concert, data from structural studies, reaction rates, calorimetric measurements and site directed mutations are beginning to detail the nature of antibody-protein antigen interactions.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Inhibiting fatty acid synthase for chemoprevention of chemically induced lung tumors.
Fatty acid synthase (FAS) is overexpressed in lung cancer, and we have investigated the potential use of FAS inhibitors for chemoprevention of lung cancer. Expression of FAS was evaluated in preinvasive human lung lesions (bronchial squamous dysplasia and atypical adenomatous hyperplasia) and in murine models of lung tumorigenesis [4-(methylnitrosamino)-I-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone-induced and urethane-induced lung tumors in A/J mice]. Then, the ability of pharmacologic inhibitors of FAS to prevent development of the murine tumors was investigated. Finally, the effect of the FAS inhibitor treatment of levels of phosphorylated Akt in the murine tumors was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemical studies show that human bronchial dysplasia and atypical adenomatous hyperplasia express high levels of FAS compared with normal lung tissues, suggesting that FAS might be a target for intervention in lung carcinogenesis. FAS is also expressed at high levels in chemically induced murine lung tumors, and the numbers and sizes of those murine tumors are significantly reduced by treating carcinogen-exposed mice with pharmacologic inhibitors of FAS, C75 and C93. C93 treatment is associated with reduced levels of phosphorylated Akt in tumor tissues, suggesting that inhibition of this signal transduction pathway might be involved in the chemopreventative activity of this compound. We conclude that increased levels of FAS are common in human preinvasive neoplasia of the lung. Based on studies in mouse models, it seems that inhibiting FAS is an effective strategy in preventing and retarding growth of lung tumors that have high expression of this enzyme.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Potassium adsorption in soil cultivated with sugarcane.
Vinasse is a byproduct of the process of distillation of sugarcane juice for the manufacture of sugar and alcohol. Because it is rich in nutrients, mainly potassium (K), is used as fertilizer and applied via fertigation, without concerning for the fate of this compound in the soil. Thus, the objective of the study was to evaluate the interactions of the potassium ion (K+), applied via vinasse in a soil representative of the sugarcane zone of the State of Pernambuco using adsorption isotherms. The methodology was based on physical, chemical and soil mineralogical characterization, as well as equilibrium batch tests, where the experimental curves were fitted by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The results allowed to infer that the Freundlich model showed better fit of the curve in both forms: linear and non-linear (direct fit); the non-linear model was selected due to the values of coefficient of determination (R²). The interaction between potassium and soil occurred mainly with organic matter and the presence of soil kaolinite, because they showed negative ions on the external surface, thereby promoting potassium adsorption. Soil potassium adsorption capacity was higher for the first layer (0-20 cm) and decreased along the depth profile.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Importance of Messages for a Suicide Prevention Media Campaign.
A suicide prevention media campaign aimed at family members and friends may be one useful population-level suicide prevention strategy for Australia. However, currently there is limited evidence of what messages would be acceptable and appropriate for inclusion. This expert consensus study aimed to identify messages that experts with lived experience of suicide risk and suicide prevention professionals believed were most important to include in such a suicide prevention campaign. Using an online survey method, 127 participants with lived experience (lived experience group) and 33 suicide prevention professionals (suicide prevention professionals group) rated 55 statements, drawn from an earlier Delphi study, from very low priority to very high priority for inclusion in a suicide prevention campaign. There was significant agreement within and between the two participant groups on the most highly rated messages for inclusion. The mostly highly rated messages were that family members or friends should ask directly about suicidal thoughts and intentions, listen to responses without judgment, and tell the person at risk that they care and want to help. We restricted ratings to just one round and may therefore have limited the level of consensus achieved. Use of a predefined set of suicide prevention messages might also have prevented us from identifying other important messages. Lived experience participants were drawn from one source and this might bias their responses through exposure to common suicide prevention messages that influence their points of view. There is substantial agreement between professionals and people with lived experience on the most important messages to include in a suicide prevention campaign. These most highly rated messages could be adopted in a suicide prevention media campaign.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Mutation analyses of a series of TNT-related compounds using the CHO-hprt assay.
Trinitrotoluene (TNT) and related compounds were tested for induction of mutation in the CHO-hprt mutation assay. The parent compound, TNT, was consistently found to be mutagenic at concentrations above 40 microg ml(-1), whether or not S9 activating enzymes were added. Five TNT metabolites gave statistically significant but small increases in mutation frequency over solvent controls: 4-amino-2,6 dinitrotoluene, 2,4',6,6'-tetranitro-2',4-azoxytoluene, 2,2',6,6'-tetranitro-4,4'-azoxytoluene, 2',4,6,6'-tetranitro-2,4'-azoxytoluene and triaminotoluene. Clear dose-response relationships could not be established for the mutagenic response of these compounds. They are considered as very weak mutagens in this mammalian test system. Five compounds did not produce statistically significant mutation frequencies at the levels tested: 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene, 2,4-diamino-6-nitrotoluene, 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene, 2,6-diamino-4-nitrotoluene and 4,4',6,6'-tetranitro-2,2'-azoxytoluene. The results indicate that none of the TNT metabolites tested pose a significant mutational health risk, at least as judged by the CHO-hprt assay.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A study of the role of gene TaMYB2 and an associated SNP in dehydration tolerance in common wheat.
The myeloblastosis oncogenes (MYB) are one of the important transcription factors that facilitate induction of various developmental and stress responsive genes. They are hence, emerging as key players in improving stress tolerance of plants in response to several abiotic stresses. Therefore, isolation and characterization of these genes, development of transgenics and functional molecular markers for useful alleles is central to various crop improvement programs. In this manuscript, we for the first time are reporting the identification of a synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism associated with dehydration tolerance at 458th bp (an A/G transition) in the TaMYB2 gene of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and development of an allele-specific marker (ASM) for dehydration tolerance for the same. Further we validated this TaMYB2-ASM in a core set of 28 wheat cultivars which can be used for marker-assisted selection for dehydration tolerance in plant breeding programs.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Health literacy education for rural health professionals: shifting perspectives.
Health literacy is a major issue for improving health outcomes of clients. In rural Victoria, Australia, the Gippsland Health Literacy Project (GHLP) educated local health services staff about health literacy and provided tools and techniques for health literacy implementation in services. This paper reports the outcomes of this project. Participants' change in knowledge was measured through pre- and post-project surveys and interviews. Descriptive analysis of survey data and analysis of interviews using qualitative description enabled exploration of individual and organisational shifts in health literacy perspectives. Healthcare professionals' knowledge of health literacy has improved as a result of the health literacy education. Health service organisations are also taking greater responsibility for health literacy responsiveness in their services. Systematic changes to policy and procedures that support health literacy are required. Although health literacy education provides more accessible health care for consumers, where projects had executive-level support the changes implemented were more likely to be successful and sustainable.What is known about this topic? Low health literacy is a strong predictor of health status and it is important for health organisations to ensure they provide health care and information in a way that can be understood, interpreted and acted on by all clients, regardless of their health literacy levels.What does this paper add? This paper presents findings on staff training and resources that can effectively support staff to improve health literacy practices.What are the implications for practitioners? Addressing health literacy issues appears to result in more accessible health care for consumers. Executive support and health literacy champions are key requirements to successfully address health literacy issues.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Comparative carcinogenicity of the food pyrolysis product, 2-amino-5-phenylpyridine, and the known human carcinogen, 4-aminobiphenyl, in the neonatal B6C3F1 mouse.
2-Amino-5-phenylpyridine (2-APP) is a mutagenic heterocyclic aromatic amine that is formed by pyrolysis of phenylalanine in proteins. Since this mutagen is structurally similar to the multipotent carcinogen, 4-aminobiphenyl (4-ABP), we compared their relative tumorigenic activity in the neonatal male B6C3F1 mouse. After determinations of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), both aromatic amines were administered i.p. at 2 dose levels (MTD and MTD/2) on days 1, 8, 15 and 22 after birth. Groups were killed at 9 and 12 months and examined for histopathologic changes. No treatment-related neoplastic lesions were observed for 2-APP. In contrast, 4-ABP was strongly carcinogenic and induced a high incidence of multiple hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Utilization of a nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD) fluorophore in the design of a Grb2 SH2 domain-binding peptide mimetic.
Fluorescence labeling has become a general technique for studying the intracellular accumulation and localization of exogenously administered materials. Reported herein is a low nanomolar affinity Grb2 SH2 domain-binding antagonist that utilizes the environmentally-sensitive nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD) fluorophore as a naphthyl replacement. This novel agent should serve as a useful tool to visualize the actions of this class of Grb2 SH2 domain-binding antagonists in whole cell systems.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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How Bad Is the Hedgehog? GLI-Dependent, Hedgehog-Independent Cancers on the Importance of Biomarkers for Proper Patients Selection.
Hedgehog (HH) signaling plays an important role both during embryonic development and adult life. It is involved in the regulation of cell differentiation, cell proliferation and tissue polarity, as well as in the maintenance of stem cells, tissue repair, and regeneration (Briscoe and Therond, 2013; Jiang and Hui, 2008). Three ligands, Indian, Sonic, and Desert HH, can activate this pathway. Binding of HH ligands to their receptor, PTCH1 (Figure 1) lift its inhibition on SMO, resulting in activation and nuclear translocation of GLI transcription factors (Javelaud et al., 2012). The vertebrate GLI gene family is composed of three distinct genes GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3, encoding Krüppel-like transcription factors. GLI proteins exhibit distinct regulations, biochemical properties, and target genes. GLI3 acts as the main repressor of the pathway in the absence of HH ligands, whereas, in their presence, GLI2 is the main HH effector that drives the expression of GLI1 (Briscoe and Therond, 2013).
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Comparative analysis of nutrient content and energy of eggs from different chicken genotypes.
Eggs are important foods in the daily diet of humans and have great biological activity and a high digestibility. Egg yolk is a good source of biologically active substances such as fatty acids, phospholipids, sterols and tocopherols. The eggs of seven chicken genotypes were analyzed for their chemical composition, and a detailed study of the lipids in egg yolk was conducted. Energy composition of the egg yolk and egg albumen was 29.06-30.51 MJ kg-1 and 19.77-20.93 MJ kg-1 respectively. Regarding their chemical composition: water ranged from 471.7 to 515.4 g kg-1 and 878.3-885.9 g kg-1 ; fat content in dry matter ranged from 607 to 647 g kg-1 and 6.7-11.6 g kg-1 ; protein varied from 302 to 331.7 g kg-1 and 823.6-892.5 g kg-1 ; ash ranged from 33.7 to 37.7 g kg-1 and 63.8-74.0 g kg-1 ; and nitrogen-free extracts ranged from 12.7 to 36.5 g kg-1 and 35.0-96.2 g kg-1 . The sterols and phospholipids in the yolk lipids were 16-26 g kg-1 and 59-127 g kg-1 . The main fatty acids in the lipids were oleic (39.1-47.3%) and palmitic (26.0-35.5%) acids. Cholesterol in the yolk lipids ranged from 15.9 to 25.9 g kg-1 . Phosphatidylcholine (389-573 g kg-1 ), phosphatidylethanolamine (219-355 g kg-1 ) and phosphatidylinositol (112-284 g kg-1 ) were the main phospholipids. The content of saturated fatty acids in the phospholipids was significantly higher than that in triacylglycerols. Small variations in the chemical composition of eggs from seven different genotypes were observed. Significant differences in the fatty acid compositions of the main classes of phospholipids and the triacylglycerol fraction were established. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Genomic characteristics comparisons of 12 food-related filamentous fungi in tRNA gene set, codon usage and amino acid composition.
Filamentous fungi are widely exploited in food industry due to their abilities to secrete large amounts of enzymes and metabolites. The recent availability of fungal genome sequences has provided an opportunity to explore the genomic characteristics of these food-related filamentous fungi. In this paper, we selected 12 representative filamentous fungi in the areas of food processing and safety, which were Aspergillus clavatus, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. nidulans, A. niger, A. oryzae, A. terreus, Monascus ruber, Neurospora crassa, Penicillium chrysogenum, Rhizopus oryzae and Trichoderma reesei, and did the comparative studies of their genomic characteristics of tRNA gene distribution, codon usage pattern and amino acid composition. The results showed that the copy numbers greatly differed among isoaccepting tRNA genes and the distribution seemed to be related with translation process. The results also revealed that genome compositional variation probably constrained the base choice at the third codon, and affected the overall amino acid composition but seemed to have little effect on the integrated physicochemical characteristics of overall amino acids. The further analysis suggested that the wobble pairing and base modification were the important mechanisms in codon-anticodon interaction. In the scope of authors' knowledge, it is the first report about the genomic characteristics analysis of food-related filamentous fungi, which would be informative for the analysis of filamentous fungal genome evolution and their practical application in food industry.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Influence of antihistamine (astemizole) and anticholinergic drugs (ipratropium bromide) on bronchoconstriction induced by substance P.
Several studies have demonstrated that neuropeptides are present in bronchial tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo the influence of antihistamine in comparison to an anticholinergic drug on bronchospasm induced by inhalation of substance P (SP). Seven moderate asthmatic patients (mean age = 34.4 +/- 8.9), five being female, were studied. The acetate salt of SP was prepared in 0.9% saline to produce a dose range of 23 to 184 x 10(-6) mol. Patients were studied on three separate days with an interval of 3 weeks between challenges. On the first day the dose of SP producing a 20% change in FEV1 was calculated from the individual semilogarithmic dose-response curve. On subsequent days, in a randomized double-blind manner, the patients were treated either with astemizole (20 mg BID for three days) and placebo ipratropium bromide or with placebo of astemizole (twice a day for three days) and with pressurized aerosol of ipratropium bromide (IB) (40 micrograms 20 minutes before the challenge). Two way analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis. Our results demonstrated that inhaled SP is able to produce a dose-response curve of bronchoconstriction with a geometric mean of PD20 of 50.51 x 10(-6) moles (37.38 to 68.19 x 10(-6) mol). Treatment with astemizole induced a geometric mean PD20 of 65.51 x 10(-6) mol (33.02 to 130.21 x 10(-6) mol) and the premedication with the IB induced a significant (P less than .05) shift of dose-response curve to SP (geometric mean PD20 = 109.1 x 10(-6) mol; 58.67 to 204.05 x 10(-6) mol). Our results demonstrated that bronchoconstriction induced by SP could be attributed to a weak cholinergic activation and not to histamine release.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Cerebral palsy improvement achieved by coordination dynamics therapy.
Low-intensity coordination dynamics therapy, including crawling, treadmill walking, jumping on spring-board and exercising on a special coordination dynamics therapy device, was applied for 3 months (4 hours therapy per week) to 8 cerebral palsy patients (average age 15 years, range 7-27). All patients improved. The organization of the CNS, quantified by the low-load coordination dynamics between arm and leg turning movements, when exercising on the special coordination dynamics therapy device, improved by 46 +/- 17% (range 33-60%) for forward and by 48 +/- 15% (range 22-66%) for backward moving. Also improved the exercised crawling, jumping and walking, although not as much as the CNS organization quantified by coordination dynamics. The motor programs of the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, biceps brachii, and triceps brachii muscles, measured by surface electromyography (sEMG), improved only little. Evidence is provided for sEMG being a very suitable tool for optimizing the movement performance and the therapy since sEMG records show under what exercise conditions the recorded motor programs are best. However coordination dynamics, i.e. the integrative parameter for quantifying CNS organization, is better to show the progress in CNS functioning than movement and EMG improvements. When the patients stopped therapy, the value of their coordination dynamics, worsened 24% after 6 months. In one patient the coordination dynamics therapy was continued intensively for further 3 month, including 20 hours exercise per week. The value of the coordination dynamics even improved altogether by 85% and 82% for forward and backward turning movements respectively, and simultaneously movements, vegetative (sleep) and higher mental functions (aggressivity, learning capacity) showed strong improvements. The improvements of coordination dynamics for low-intensity therapy (46%, for forward movements) and additional high-intensity therapy (85%) lie within the recovery range for stroke (70%) and brain injury (69%) after 3 months of intensive coordination dynamics therapy. There is therefore indication that the CNS functioning in cerebral palsy patients can be improved by learning as much as the CNS functioning can be repaired by re-learning in stroke and brain injury. The improvement of the CNS functioning suggests that cerebral palsy can partly be cured if intensive coordination dynamics therapy is administered for 1 to 2 years. It is further suggested that inabilities, including mental inability, are diseases which can partly be cured rather than inabilities.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Reactive oxygen species: biological stimuli of neuroblastoma cell response.
Reactive oxygen species play a critical role in differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis acting as 'second messengers' able to regulate sulphydryl groups in signaling molecules as protein kinase C, a family of isoenzymes involved in many cellular responses and implicated in cell transformation. Neuroblastoma is characterised by the production of oxygen intermediates and L-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine, a glutathione-depleting agent that has been tested in the clinics, exploits this biological peculiarity to induce cell death. The latter process is mediated by the oxidative activation of PKC delta which might be involved also in the production of reactive oxygen species, thus amplifying the apoptotic cascade.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Religion and Science in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“Science and Orthodox Christianity: An Overview” is an ambitious survey that reminds scholars of science in Islamic societies that the conversation between Islam and science is really a conversation between Islam and science in different contexts and that conversations between Islam and science can be found with less renowned scientific developments such as prophetic medicine. This response points out parallels in how Greek Orthodox and Ottoman Muslim scholars mediated new developments in Western European science and in how both Greek Orthodox and some Ottoman Muslim scholars propounded a mathematical humanism. Finally, it argues that the account of post-1453 scientific exchange is more complex than “Science and Orthodox Christianity” intimates. At the least, if there was no scholarly exchange between Greek Orthodox Christians, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, Muslims and Jews—who, in turn, enjoyed scholarly exchange with the West well after 1453—there are clearly two different Easts.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Electroencephalographic evidence on the strategies of adaptation to the factors of monotony.
In a series of studies, in which 19 apparently healthy male volunteers participated, on the basis of a comparative analysis of the bioelectric brain activity and work performance, it is shown that two strategies of adaptation to the factors of monotony are possible. One of them is based on the maintenance of a high quality of activity even at the price of a considerable reduction in the functional state of the brain; the second is based on the maintenance of the functional status of the brain even at the expense of the short-term loss of control over realizable performance. The factor conditioning the long term inability to support continual high quality of performance under the conditions of monotony is a high lability in nervous processes. The resistance to the effects of the factors of monotony is connected, on the other hand, with the low lability of nervous processes with a certain predominance of excitatory processes over inhibiting processes. The electrographic correlates of the development of the state of monotony represent an increase in the EEG of an alert person of the slow spectra (theta and alpha), and also beta-2 waves, as well as a reduction in the intrahemispheric coherence of alpha-waves. These results can be used for the development of control systems for the state of the operators who work in conditions of monotony (pilots, the operators of electric trains, the operators of power plants, including atomic power plants, and others), as well as in the occupational selection of individuals for jobs involving work under such conditions.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Tingenone, a pentacyclic triterpene, induces peripheral antinociception due to cannabinoid receptors activation in mice.
Several works have shown that triterpenes induce peripheral antinociception by activation of cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids; besides, several research groups have reported activation of cannabinoid receptors in peripheral antinociception. The aim of this study was to assess the involvement of the cannabinoid system in the antinociceptive effect induced by tingenone against hyperalgesia evoked by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) at peripheral level. The paw pressure test was used and the hyperalgesia was induced by intraplantar injection of PGE2 (2 μg/paw). All drugs were injected subcutaneously in the hind paws of male Swiss mice. Tingenone (200 µg/paw) administered into the right hind paw induced a local antinociceptive effect, that was antagonized by AM630, a selective antagonist to CB2 cannabinoid receptor. AM251, a selective antagonist to CB1 cannabinoid receptor, did not alter the peripheral antinociceptive effect of tingenone. MAFP, a fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor; VDM11, an anandamide reuptake inhibitor; and JZL184, monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor did not potentiate the peripheral antinociceptive effect of the lower dose of tingenone (50 µg/paw). The results suggest that tingenone induced a peripheral antinociceptive effect via cannabinoid receptor activation. Therefore, this study suggests a pharmacological potential for a new analgesic drug.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Alterations in body composition in acromegaly.
Acromegaly is a condition characterized by growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) hypersecretion, and is associated with boney overgrowth, and soft tissue abnormalities due to anabolic, lipolytic, and sodium retaining actions of GH. GH and IGF-1 excess is associated with alterations in body composition, including an increase in body water and lean body mass, and a reduction in body fat. Achievement of biochemical control of the disease results in a reduction in body water and fat-free mass, and an increase in body fat. BMD is generally increased in acromegaly, though the anabolic effect of GH excess on bone is reduced, if not negated, by the presence of hypogonadism, particularly with regard to the trabecular compartment. Further studies are necessary to determine the effect of long-term biochemical control on bone density in subjects with acromegaly.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Investigation of DNA complexes with iron ions in solution.
The optical anisotropy and intrinsic viscosity of DNA-Fe3+ complexes have been investigated. It was shown that the binding of iron ions to DNA causes the shrinkage of the macromolecule. The formation of such complexes is accompanied by increasing DNA optical anisotropy. We suggest that the binding of iron ions to widely spaced along the chain DNA groups creates the conditions for initiation of mutually oriented DNA fragments, thus, ensuring a higher molecular optical anisotropy.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Population-based validation of dihydrofolate reductase gene mutations for the prediction of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance in Uganda.
Mutations in the dihydrofolate reductase gene (dhfr) of Plasmodium falciparum have been proposed as molecular markers for the surveillance of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP)-resistant malaria, but such proposals have not been validated. At 7 Ugandan sites in 1999, we determined the population-based prevalence of infections with mutations and the mutant allele frequency of dhfr codons 108, 51, and 59 using a random sample of infected individuals aged 1-45 years. Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine treatment failure was independently estimated by in vivo tests in 327 children aged 6-59 months with clinical malaria. The prevalence of infections with the single point mutations and the dhfr codons 108 and 51 mutant allele frequency were not correlated to SP treatment failure. However, the dhfr codon 59 mutant allele frequency was positively correlated to SP treatment failure (r = 0.72, P = 0.06). The ratio of the infections with the mutant to wild genotype (M/W) and that of the mutant to wild allele (MA/WA) had the same values. Both dhfr codon 59 M/W and MA/WA ratio were significantly and positively correlated to SP treatment failure (r = 0.73, P = 0.05). Moreover, the prevalence of infections with only 2 mutations (Asn-108 plus Ile-51) was significantly and inversely correlated to the prevalence of infections with 3 mutations (Asn-108 plus Ile-51 plus Arg-59) (r = 0.92, P = 0.004), suggesting the stepwise accumulation of the dhfr mutations is Asn-108 Ile-51 Arg-59 and further supporting the idea of using the dhfr codon 59 M/W ratio as a molecular index for the prediction of SP treatment failure. Atthe population level, the dhfr codon 59 M/W ratio is a simple and stable index for the estimation of SP treatment failure.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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An open-label single-arm, phase II trial of zalutumumab, a human monoclonal anti-EGFR antibody, in patients with platinum-refractory squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
Treatment options for patients with platinum-refractory recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN) are limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of zalutumumab in platinum-refractory R/M SCCHN. Patients with platinum-refractory R/M SCCHN were enrolled if they had performance status of 0-2, age ≥18 years and adequate organ function. Patients received weekly infusions of zalutumumab individually titrated to a grade 2 skin rash. Primary objective was overall survival (OS), and secondary objectives were efficacy and safety. A subgroup analysis of OS and progression-free survival (PFS) was conducted for various demographic, disease-related and molecular factors. Ninety patients were enrolled. Twenty-three percent of patients had performance status (PS) 2 and 74 % had distant metastases. Median OS was 5.3 months (95 % CI [4.1, 7.1]), and median PFS was 2.1 months (95 % CI [2.0, 2.6]). Subgroup analysis by ECOG PS revealed median OS of 6.3 months for PS = 0-1 and 2.5 months for PS = 2. Objective response rate was 5.7 %, and disease control rate was 39.8 %. Grade 3-4 adverse events related to zalutumumab were observed in 19 % of patients and included skin rash (5 %), hypomagnesemia (4 %) and pneumonitis (1 %). The frequency of all-cause grade 3-4 AEs was 62 % and included infections (14 %), gastrointestinal disorders (12 %) and hypokalemia (6 %). Two deaths were deemed related to zalutumumab [ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00542308]. Zalutumumab showed reasonable efficacy in platinum-refractory R/M SCCHN patients, and dose titration based on skin rash evaluation was feasible.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Aortic annulus area assessment by multidetector computed tomography for predicting paravalvular regurgitation in patients undergoing balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a comparison with transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a valid alternative to surgery in high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. Aortic annulus (AoA) sizing is crucial for TAVI success. The aim of the study was to compare AoA dimensions measured by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) vs those obtained with transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for predicting paravalvular aortic regurgitation (PVR) after TAVI. Aortic annulus maximum diameter, minimum diameter, and area were assessed using MDCT and compared with TTE and TEE diameter and area for predicting PVR after TAVI in 151 patients (45 men, age 81.2 ± 6.4 years). Aortic annulus maximum, minimum diameter, and area detected by MDCT were 25.04 ± 2.39 mm, 21.27 ± 2.10 mm, and 420.87 ± 76.10 mm(2), respectively. Aortic annulus diameter and area measured by TTE and TEE were 21.14 ± 1.94 mm and 353.82 ± 64.57 mm(2) and 22.04 ± 1.94 mm and 384.33 ± 67.30 mm(2), respectively. A good correlation was found between AoA diameters and area evaluated by MDCT vs TTE and TEE (0.61, 0.65, and 0.69 and 0.61, 0.65, and 0.70, respectively), with a mean difference of 3.90 ± 1.98 mm, 0.13 ± 1.67 mm, and 67.05 ± 55.87 mm(2) and 3.0 ± 2.0 mm, 0.77 ± 1.70 mm, and 36.54 ± 56.43 mm(2), respectively. Grade ≥2 PVR occurred in 46 patients and was related to male gender, higher body mass index, preprocedural aortic regurgitation, and lower mismatch between the nominal area of the implanted prosthesis and AoA area detected by MDCT. Mismatch between prosthesis area and AoA area detected by MDCT is a better predictor of PVR as compared with echocardiography mismatch. Specific MDCT-based sizing recommendations should be developed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Effects of language experience on the discrimination of the Portuguese palatal lateral by nonnative listeners.
The purpose of this study was to investigate (1) whether manner or place takes precedence over the other during a phonological category discrimination task and (2) whether this pattern of precedence persists during the early stages of acquisition of the L2. In doing so, we investigated the Portuguese palatal lateral approximant /ʎ/ since it differs from English /l/ only by the place of articulation, and from English /j/ only by the manner of articulation. Our results indicate that monolinguals' perception of the non-native sound is dominated by manner while Portuguese learners show a different pattern of results. The results are interpreted as being consistent with evidence suggesting that manner may be neurophysiologically dominant over place of articulation. The study adds further details to the literature on the effects of experience on language acquisition, and has significant clinical implications for bilingualism in general, and foreign accent training, in particular.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Clonal analysis of the lac operons from Klebsiella M5al and the Lac plasmid (pRE2) from Klebsiella V9A.
The chromosomal lac region of the coliform bacterium Klebsiella M5al was cloned into the multicopy plasmid pBR322 to give pHE7 and pHE8. pHE8 contains 12.6 kb of M5al DNA, including its complete lac operon, and pHE7 contains 2.5 kb of M5al DNA and includes the complete lac Y gene and a small segment of lacZ. The M5al operon has the same gene order as the Escherichia coli lac operon. The lac genes of the Lac plasmid of Klebsiella V9A were cloned into pBR322 to give pHE1 and pHE2, of approximately 39 and 43 kb. Both plasmids were unstable in an E. coli RecA-strain, in contrast to the stability of pHE8. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis tests suggested that the M5al beta-galactosidase monomer is about 5% longer, i.e. has about 50 more amino acids, than that of the E. coli Z gene. Tests made on the enzymes coded by the lac operons of M5al, another Klebsiella strain (V9A) and its resident Lac plasmid, and several Lac+ Enterobacteria, led to the conclusion that only Escherichia coli among the Enterobacteria contains an active lacA gene.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Aperiodic capillary electrophoresis method using an alternating current electric field for separation of macromolecules.
Switching from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) electric fields has provided substantial improvements in various instrument techniques that use electric fields for manipulating with various liquid-based systems. For example, AC fields are now used in both light scattering and electroacoustic instruments for measuring xi-potential, largely replacing more traditional microelectrophoresis techniques that use DC fields. In this paper, we suggest a novel way to make a similar transition in the area of separation techniques, capillary electrophoresis (CE) in particular. Dielectrophoresis is one well-known separation effect in which a drifting motion of particles is produced in a "spatially nonhomogeneous" AC electric field. However, there is another field effect that also causes a similar drift of particles. Instead of a "spatially nonhomogeneous" field, this method relies on a "temporally nonhomogeneous" field, normally referred to as "aperiodic electrophoresis". Despite a number of recently published experimental and theoretical papers describing this effect, it is less well-known than dielectrophoresis. We present a short overview of some of the relevant papers. We point out for the first time the idea that "aperiodic electrophoresis" might be useful for separation of macromolecules. We suggest several new mechanisms that could induce this effect in a sufficiently strong AC electric field. This effect can be used as a basis for a new separation method having several important advantages over traditional CE. We present a simple scheme as an example illustrating this new method.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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In vitro antiplasmodial activity and toxicity assessment of plant extracts used in traditional malaria therapy in the Lake Victoria Region.
As part of our program screening the flora of the Lake Victoria Region, a total of 54 organic extracts from seven plant families (8 species) were individually tested for antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine-sensitive [Sierra Leone (D-6)] and chloroquine-resistant [Vietnam (W-2)] strains. Only 22% of these extracts exhibited very high in vitro antiplasmodial activity. Six methanol (MeOH) extracts and one chloroform extract showed in vitro antiplasmodial activity against the D-6 Plasmodium falciparum strain, while only three MeOH extracts were active against the W-2 strain. All of the ethyl acetate extracts proved to be inactive against both strains of P. falciparum. A brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay was used to predict the potential toxicity of the extracts. The cytotoxicity to antiplasmodial ratios for the MeOH extracts were found to be greater than 100, which could indicate that the extracts are of low toxicity.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Nursing workload in intensive care units: a study using the Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System-28 (TISS-28).
The Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System-28 (TISS-28) is an instrument that has been used to measure severity of illness and nursing workload in intensive care units (ICUs). To characterize the severity of illness and nursing workload using the TISS-28 in 11 ICUs of a university hospital in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. In a prospective study, data were collected from 271 patients admitted to the ICUs in December 2000 and the patients were followed up for 1 week. Most of the patients were males (60.0%) and their mean age was 51(+20.6) years. Surgical treatment (66.8%) and admissions from the operating room were predominant. The mortality rate was 25.0% and the average length of stay was 7.7 (+10.4) days. The mean TISS-28 score was 23 (range: 14-32 points). The lowest mean score was observed for patients from the Burn ICU and the highest mean score was obtained for patients from the Liver Transplant ICU. A change in TISS-28 scores was observed in the same ICU over the 7-day study period. Units differed in terms of severity of illness and nursing workload. Patients who died received a higher TISS-28 score than patients who survived (p=0.00). As the nursing staff are the largest economic investment in an ICU, so measuring nursing workload in different ICUs from different centres can contribute to the estimation of nursing staff required according to the specific demands of the units.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Application of Overlap method to digestive tract reconstruction of totally laparoscopic left colectomy].
To investigate the application value of the Overlap method in digestive tract reconstruction of totally laparoscopic left colectomy(TLLC) and its potential advantage. The retrospective cohort study was adopted. Clinicopathological data of 16 patients with left colon cancer who underwent TLLC and Overlap anastomosis between August 2016 and August 2017 at Tangdu Hospital were retrospectively collected as Overlap group. Twenty-one patients who underwent laparoscopic assisted left colectomy (LALC) between January 2015 and July 2016 at Tangdu Hospital were used as control (traditional group). The intraoperative and postoperative data were compared between the two groups. During digestive tract reconstruction in the Overlap group, the proximal colon and distal colon were lined up side by side; a side-to-side anastomosis was conducted on colic band with a 60 mm linear stapler; and the common entry hole was closed using running suture. While in traditional group, the bowel was pulled out of abdominal wall through the assisted incision; the sample was resected and a proximal and distal end-to-end anastomosis was performed. In Overlap group, 10 cases were male and 6 cases were female, with a mean age of (66.4±4.8) years and a BMI of (23.6±2.3) kg/m2; the tumor located in distal transverse colon in 1 case, in splenic flexure in 2 cases, in descending colon in 4 cases, in upper sigmoid colon in 9 cases. TLLC was successfully completed in all the cases without conversion to laparotomy. In traditional group, 12 cases were male and 9 cases were female, with mean age of (65.9±5.8) years and BMI of (22.7±2.8) kg/m2; the tumor located in the distal transverse colon in 1 case, in the splenic flexure in 3 cases, in the descending colon in 6 cases, in the upper sigmoid colon in 11 cases. No statistically significant differences in baseline data were found between the two groups (all P>0.05). Compared to the traditional group, the total operation time was shorter [(143.4±11.1) minutes vs. (166.4±16.5) minutes, t=4.792, P=0.000], the anastomosis time was prolonged [(44.3±3.3) minutes vs. (22.4±3.0) minutes, t=-20.948, P=0.000], the amount of bleeding was reduced [(46.6±13.6) ml vs. (70.5±20.0) ml, t=4.106, P=0.000], and the incision length was shorter [(3.9±0.9) cm vs. (6.7±1.3) cm, t=7.056, P=0.000] in the Overlap group. There were no significant differences in lymph nodes harvested (17.3±2.9 vs. 15.5±3.0), time to flatus [(2.8±1.3) days vs. (2.6±1.0)days], postoperative complications [6.2%(1/16) vs. 9.5%(2/21)] and postoperative hospitalization [(4.6±1.4) days vs.(4.7±1.2) days] between the two groups (all P>0.05). The Overlap reconstruction method in totally laparoscopic left colectomy is a safe and feasible procedure, and provides less injury and better cosmetic outcome of abdominal wall.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A comparison of laparoscopic and open repair of subxiphoid incisional hernias.
Incisional hernias to the subxiphoid region are rare and anatomically challenging, with bony and cartilaginous structures attaching, as well as conflating abdominal fascia. The repair of hernias in this region is, therefore, difficult and prone to recurrence. The surgical treatment can be done by open or laparoscopic repair but very little is known about which method is superior. We, therefore, reviewed our data of patients undergoing repair of subxiphoid hernias. Between January 2010 and June 2015 twenty-eight patients were treated by laparoscopic (n = 8) or open (n = 20) hernia repair due to an incisional hernia in the subxiphoid region. Patients with ventral hernias with an origin more distal than the M1-area only extending into the subxiphoid region and those undergoing suture hernia repair were excluded. The hernia sizes, in terms of length, width and EHS classification, did not vary between open and laparoscopic repair. The duration of laparoscopic surgery was significantly shorter than the mean operative time for an open subxiphoid hernia repair (168.1 min vs. 96.1 min, respectively; p = 0.012). The groups did not differ significantly in terms of overall postoperative complications (p = 0.568) but the grade (Clavien-Dindo) of complications was higher following open repair leading to three reoperations. Within the follow-up time, we diagnosed significantly (p = 0.031) more subxiphoid hernia recurrences after laparoscopic repair (37.5%, n = 3) than after open repair (0%). Laparoscopic and open repair of subxiphoid incisional hernias are both technically challenging compared to other midline hernias. Referring to our results laparoscopic repair has shorter operative times, lower postoperative morbidity with a higher recurrence rate compared to open repair but the sample size is too small for an overall conclusion.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Docetaxel-induced photo-recall phenomenon.
Photo-recall phenomenon is a phototoxic eruption occurring on areas of previous ultraviolet-induced solar erythema following a systemic administration of a drug. It has been mostly described with methotrexate but remains rare with other antineoplastic drugs. We describe a case of docetaxel-induced photo-recall skin rash in a woman treated for a non-small-cell lung cancer. Although the patient has refused to receive a second infusion, chemotherapy can be carried on with photoprotection and the use of topical and/or systemic corticosteroids. In contrast, radiation recall is a well-known reaction by oncologists, most of them may not be aware of a similar phenomenon called photo-recall phenomenon. Recognizing this entity may avoid misdiagnosing a drug allergy and should avoid inappropriate decisions of drug discontinuation.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Neuron-specific expression of atp6v0c2 in zebrafish CNS.
Vacuolar ATPase (V-ATPase) is a multi-subunit enzyme that plays an important role in the acidification of a variety of intracellular compartments. ATP6V0C is subunit c of the V(0) domain that forms the proteolipid pore of the enzyme. In the present study, we investigated the neuron-specific expression of atp6v0c2, a novel isoform of the V-ATPase c-subunit, during the development of the zebrafish CNS. Zebrafish atp6v0c2 was isolated from a genome-wide analysis of the zebrafish mib(ta52b) mutant designed to identify genes differentially regulated by Notch signaling. Whole-mount in situ hybridization revealed that atp6v0c2 is expressed in a subset of CNS neurons beginning several hours after the emergence of post-mitotic neurons. The ATP6V0C2 protein is co-localized with the presynaptic vesicle marker, SV2, suggesting that it is involved in neurotransmitter storage and/or secretion in neurons. In addition, the loss-of-function experiment suggests that ATP6V0C2 is involved in the control of neuronal excitability.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Oromaxillofacial cancer. Development of therapeutic approach and results].
We review the various theories, teams and lines of research pursued throughout history for knowledge of cancer, concentrating specifically in the analysis of prognostic variables and the evolution of therapy from major surgery to multifaceted treatment. We conclude with a demonstration of our results in the last few years while illustrating our method employed in the evaluation of patients.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Pandemic planning.
During the previous century, three influenza A pandemics occurred with a variable severity. The two latter were explained by a genetic re-assortment and false alarms without pandemic spread were observed later by the same mechanism or by direct animal infection. The likelihood that such an event occurs again is high and each country has to be prepared for facing what could be a catastrophe. The last event in Hong Kong in 1997 where six persons died, has allowed refining the definitions and phasing a pandemic threat from the moment that a novel virus is discovered. WHO implemented 50 years ago a large network of surveillance with five collaborating centres, including the animal influenza centre of Memphis, and 110 national influenza centres. These centres are encouraged to prepare or improve a national contingency plan that could reduce importantly medical and socio-economic consequences of an influenza A pandemic. Countries or regions are recommended to use these guidelines that provide a framework for preparing an appropriate and proportionate response.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Technical Note: Robust measurement of the slice-sensitivity profile in breast tomosynthesis.
The purpose of this work is to improve the repeatability of the measurement of the slice-sensitivity profile (SSP) in reconstructed breast tomosynthesis volumes. A grid of aluminum ball-bearings (BBs) within a PMMA phantom was imaged on breast tomosynthesis systems from three different manufacturers. The full-width half-maximum (FWHM) values were measured for the SSPs of the BBs in the reconstructed volumes. The effect of transforming the volumes from a Cartesian coordinate system (CCS) to a cone-beam coordinate system (CBCS) on the variability in the FWHM values was assessed. Transforming the volumes from a CCS to a CBCS before measuring the SSPs reduced the coefficient of variation (COV) in the measurements of FWHM in repeated measurements by 56% and reduced the dependence of the FWHM values on the location of the BBs within the reconstructed volume by 76%. Measuring the SSP in the volumes in a CBCS improves the robustness of the measurement.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Childhood enuresis: prevalence, perceived impact, and prescribed treatments.
Childhood enuresis can indicate an underlying problem as benign as developmental immaturity or as serious as urinary tract obstruction. As part of a large population-based study, parents of 1,753 children aged 5 to 13 years were asked about the presence and frequency of enuresis, perceived impact, and physician-prescribed treatments. Enuresis at least once during a 3-month period was reported for 14% of this general population of children. Boys were significantly more likely to experience enuresis than girls (16% v 12%; P less than .01). The prevalence of enuresis at least once a week was similar among boys and girls (7% v 6%). Parents reported that more than half of the children are distressed by their enuresis, and two thirds of parents expressed concern. Thirty-eight percent of bed wetters have seen a physician about their condition. More than one third of these children have been treated with a drug. The most commonly recommended regimen in the literature, the bed alarm, was prescribed to only 3% of bed-wetting children who saw a physician.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Heat- and electron-beam-induced transport of gold particles into silicon oxide and silicon studied by in situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.
In this study, we describe the transport of gold (Au) nanoparticles from the surface into crystalline silicon (Si) covered by silicon oxide (SiO(2)) as revealed by in situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Complete crystalline Au nanoparticles sink through the SiO(2) layer into the Si substrate when high-dose electron irradiation is applied and temperature is raised above 150 degrees C. Above temperatures of 250 degrees C, the Au nanoparticles finally dissolve into fragments accompanied by crystallization of the amorphized Si substrate around these fragments. The transport process is explained by a wetting process followed by Stokes motion. Modelling this process yields boundaries for the interface energies involved.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Psychometric properties of the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters (MESSY) with emotional problems and self concept in deaf children.
In Study One the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters (MESSY) was scored by teachers for 96 deaf children ranging from normal intelligence through mentally retarded. Inter-item and split-half correlations were high, and internal consistency of particular items correlated to the scale as a whole was high. Items that were particularly spurious were looking and smiling at others, an interesting finding since these social behaviors are frequently targeted in treatment research. Therefore, re-evaluating behaviors which should receive priority for treatment may need to be considered at least with deaf children. In Study Two, these children were evaluated on social (MESSY) and emotional behavior (AML), and self-concept (Piers-Harris). Correlations between scales showed the greatest relationship between social and emotional responses. The implications of these data are discussed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[PROSPECTS FOR CLINICAL APPLICATION OF STATINS IN GASTROENTEROLOGY].
We present the analytical review of non-cardial effects of statins used in gastroenterology with the data illustrating their high antibacterial activity as exemplified by combined therapy of conditions associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. Special emphasis is laid on anti-inflammatory and oncoprotective mechanisms of statin action that are successfully made use of for the treatment of liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and biliary system diseases. Prophylactic aspects of statin application to overcome an addiction to fast food are discussed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Ultrastructural study of West Nile virus pathogenesis in Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae).
The ultrastructural features of West Nile virus (WNV) replication and dissemination in orally infected Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus Say were analyzed over a 25-d infection period. To investigate the effects of virus replication on membrane induction, cellular organization, and cell viability in midgut and salivary gland tissues, midguts were dissected on days 3, 7, 14, and 21, and salivary glands were collected on days 7, 14, 21, and 25 postinfection (d.p.i.) for examination by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Whole mosquito heads were embedded for TEM analysis 14 d.p.i. to localize WNV particles and to investigate the effects of replication on nervous tissues of the brain. Membrane proliferation was induced by WNV in the midgut epithelium, midgut muscles, and salivary glands, although extensive endoplasmic reticulum swelling was a unique feature of salivary gland infection. TEM revealed WNV-induced pathology in salivary glands at 14, 21, and 25 d.p.i., and we hypothesize that long-term virus infection of this tissue results in severe cellular degeneration and apoptotic-like cell death. This finding indicates that the efficiency of WNV transmission may decrease with mosquito age postinfection.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A case of recurrent acute pancreatitis in an obese child.
The aim of this report was to elucidate the relation between pancreatitis and obesity in children. We present a case of recurrent acute pancreatitis in an obese girl. A 7-y-old healthy obese girl was admitted with epigastric pain and vomiting. She had prior history of three similar episodes with epigastric pain, and diagnosed as having acute pancreatitis 2 mo ago. At time of admission, her height was 128.5 cm (>95th percentile), weight 35.8 kg (>95th percentile), and body mass index 21.7 kg/m(2) (>95th percentile for age). Serum amylase and lipase levels were elevated, and other laboratory findings including viral markers, autoantibodies, and genetic testing were negative. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography scan revealed acute pancreatitis with no evidence of stone or tumor. Anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union with choledochal cyst was suspected on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. After the surgery, with supportive care and diet, her symptoms were improved and no new episode of pancreatitis was observed. Our experience suggests that obesity is associated with recurrence as well as severity of acute pancreatitis in children.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia susceptibility. 2. Anesthesia for muscle biopsy. Differential diagnosis in negative test results].
At present the in vitro caffeine-halothane contracture test is the only test to predict susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia (MH) with acceptable sensitivity and specificity. Anaesthesia is necessary for the excision of muscle bundles from the vastus lateralis muscle. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Between 1983 and 1991, muscle biopsies were taken from 350 patients, 233 children and 117 adults. In 197 cases, trigger-free general anaesthetics were supplemented by ventilation, via mask in 124 cases and via tracheal intubation in 73 cases. One hundred and fifty-three muscle biopsies were performed under regional or local anaesthesia with or without sedation. Fourteen of the patients with regional anaesthesia needed an additional general anaesthetic to tolerate the operation. For premedication midazolam was administered orally. The general anaesthetics consisted of etomidate or propofol with fentanyl or alfentanil, always with nitrous oxide and oxygen. For local anaesthesia we used procaine or prilocaine. During the first 3 years local infiltration of the thigh was used, but subsequently direct nerve blockade of the femoral nerve and the lateral cutaneous femoral nerve was preferred. RESULTS. In all cases of general anaesthesia and in 91.6% of cases of regional anaesthesia operating conditions were very good. Fourteen (8.4%) of the patients with regional anaesthesia needed an additional general anaesthetic. There were no severe complications noticed. Moderate complications were found in 29 of the 194 paediatric general anaesthesias (15%) and in 5 of the 117 regional anaesthesias in adults (4%); all were easy to treat. The 50 paediatric regional anaesthesias and the three general anaesthesias in adults were without complications. DISCUSSION. For muscle biopsies, trigger-free general anaesthesia can be recommended as well as peripheral nerve blockades. Complete monitoring is necessary, even for this minor procedure: ECG, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, capnometry, measurement of body temperature and blood gas status. Differential diagnosis in negative test results. In patients who suffer an anaesthetic incident, the following disease must be considered: myopathies (especially the congenital myopathies and muscular dystrophies), respiratory problems due to pulmonary infection and obstruction, metabolic disorders of various origins, and the problem of masseter spasm.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Immunosuppression by the JAK3 inhibitor CP-690,550 delays rejection and significantly prolongs kidney allograft survival in nonhuman primates.
Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) mediates signal transduction from cytokine receptors using the common chain (gammac). Because mutations in genes encoding gammac or JAK3 result in immunodeficiency, we investigated the potential of a rationally designed inhibitor of JAK3, CP-690,550, to prevent renal allograft rejection in nonhuman primates. Life-supporting kidney transplantations were performed between mixed leukocyte reaction-mismatched, ABO blood group-matched cynomolgus monkeys. Animals were treated with CP-690,550 (n = 18) or its vehicle (controls, n = 3) and were euthanized at day 90 or earlier if there was allograft rejection. Mean survival time (+/- standard error of mean) in animals treated with CP-690,550 (53 +/- 7 days) was significantly longer than in control animals (7 +/- 1 days, P=0.0003) and was positively correlated with exposure to the drug (r = 0.79, P < 0.01). Four treated animals were euthanized at 90 days with a normal renal function and low-grade rejection at final pathology. Occurrence of rejection was significantly delayed in treated animals (46 +/- 7 days from transplantation vs. 7 +/- 1 days in controls, P = 0.0003). Persistent anemia, polyoma virus-like nephritis (n = 2), and urinary calcium carbonate accretions (n = 3) were seen in animals with high exposure. Natural killer cell and CD4 and CD8 T-cell numbers were significantly reduced in treated animals. Blood glucose, serum lipid levels, and arterial blood pressure were within normal range in treated animals, and no cancers were demonstrated. CP-690,550 is the first reported JAK3 inhibitor combining efficacy and good tolerability in a preclinical model of allotransplantation in nonhuman primates and thus has interesting potential for immunosuppression in humans.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Global left ventricular cardiac function: comparison between magnetic resonance imaging, radionuclide angiography, and contrast angiography.
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to be a robust and noninvasive method to assess left ventricular (LV) cardiac function. This study sought to assess volumes and mass calculated with MRI using fast techniques for acquisition and postprocessing, and to compare results in terms of cost-effectiveness with those of radionuclide angiography (RNA) or contrast angiography (CA). Thirty-five patients and 15 healthy volunteers were studied. All patients underwent an MRI examination during the same period that they underwent ventriculography (26 patients) or radiography (25 patients). From 7 to 11 short-axis slices were acquired with a breath-hold fast-gradient echo-segmented sequence from apex to base. Contours were drawn with an automated border detection software. Ejection fraction (EF) correlated well between modalities (r = 0.77, P<0.001, for MRI and RNA; r = 0.72, P< 0.001, for MRI and CA). Cardiac MRI is a fast and accurate technique for estimation of LV volumes, EF, and mass.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Nucleophilic Aromatic Addition in Ionizing Environments: Observation and Analysis of New C-N Valence Bonds in Complexes between Naphthalene Radical Cation and Pyridine.
Radical organic ions can be stabilized by complexation with neutral organics via interactions that can resemble chemical bonds, but with much diminished bond energies. Those interactions are a key factor in cluster growth and polymerization reactions in ionizing environments such as regions of the interstellar medium and solar nebulae. Such radical cation complexes between naphthalene (Naph) and pyridine (Pyr) are characterized using mass-selected ion mobility experiments. The measured enthalpy of binding of the Naph+•(Pyr) heterodimer (20.9 kcal/mol) exceeds that of the Naph+•(Naph) homodimer (17.8 kcal/mol). The addition of 1-3 more pyridine molecules to the Naph+•(Pyr) heterodimer gives 10-11 kcal/mol increments in binding enthalpy. A rich array of Naph+•(Pyr) isomers are characterized by electronic structure calculations. The calculated Boltzmann distribution at 400 K yields an enthalpy of binding in reasonable agreement with experiment. The global minimum is a distonic cation formed by Pyr attack on Naph+• at the α-carbon, changing its hybridization from sp2 to distorted sp3. The measured collision cross section in helium for the Naph+•(Pyr) heterodimer of 84.9 ± 2.5 Å2 at 302 K agrees well with calculated angle-averaged cross sections (83.9-85.1 Å2 at 302 K) of the lowest energy distonic structures. A remarkable 16 kcal/mol increase in the binding energy between Naph+•(Pyr) and Bz+•(Pyr) (Bz is benzene) is understood by energy decomposition analysis. A similar increase in binding from Naph+•(NH3) to Naph+•(Pyr) (as well as between Bz+•(NH3) and Bz+•(Pyr)) is likewise rationalized.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid injection in carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: short-term results.
Carpometacarpal osteoarthritis (CMC-OA) is a disabling condition, characterized by pain and functional impairment. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of a single ultrasoundguided injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) in patients suffering from CMC-OA. Eighteen patients with CMC-OA, grade 2-3 Kellgren and Lawrence score, attending the Orthopaedic Department of the University Hospital of Chieti, were enrolled. They underwent clinical evaluation at baseline and after one month follow-up, evaluating: grading of pain (VAS at rest and during activities), function (Dreiser Index), grip and pinch strengths Jamar dynamometer), as well as NSAIDs consumption. Each patient received a single ultrasound- guided injection of HA into the articular CMC joint. The results were that pain at rest and during activities decreased from 1.8 +/= 1.07 to 0.5 +/= 0.68 (p < 0.001) and from 8.05 +/= 0.94 to 4.15 +/= 1.42 (p < 0.001), respectively. Dreiser Functional Index showed a significant improvement (+11.59 percent; p < 0.004), as well as pulp pinch strength (24.07 percent; p < 0.001). The consumption of NSAIDs was also clearly reduced, from 16 to 7 patients (-45 percent) and from 2.45 +/= 1.98 to 1.15 +/= 1.30 tablets per week (p < 0.02). Mild local side effects, lasting less than 3 hours, were observed only in 2 cases. A single ultrasound guided injection of HA is a safe and effective procedure in CMC-OA, with a significant improvement in terms of pain and function. However, studies with larger samples and longer term follow-up are warranted.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Aberrant external jugular vein phlebectasia with tongue pain.
We have not encountered any other report of phlebectasia with tongue pain in the literature. The pain disappeared after the anomalous venous communication was excised.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Is nasogastric or nasojejunal decompression necessary after gastrectomy? A prospective randomized trial.
Nasogastric decompression has been routinely used in most major abdominal operations to prevent the consequences of postoperative ileus. The aim of the present study was to assess the necessity for routine prophylactic nasogastric or nasojejunal decompression after gastrectomy. A prospective randomized trial included 84 patients undergoing elective partial or total gastrectomy. The patients were randomized to a group with a postoperative nasogastric or nasojejunal tube (Tube Group, n = 43) or to a group without a tube (No-tube Group, n = 41). Gastrointestinal function, postoperative course, and complications were assessed. No significant differences in postoperative mortality or morbidity, especially fistula or intra-abdominal sepsis, were observed between the groups. Passage of flatus (P < 0.01) and start of oral intake (P < 0.01) were significantly delayed in the Tube Group. Duration of postoperative perfusion (P = 0.02) and length of hospital stay (P = 0.03) were also significantly longer in the Tube Group. Rates of nausea and vomiting were similar in the two groups. Moderate to severe discomfort caused by the tube was observed in 72% of patients in the Tube Group. Insertion of a nasogastric or nasojejunal tube was necessary in 5 patients in the No-tube Group (12%). Routine prophylactic postoperative nasogastric decompression is unnecessary after elective gastrectomy.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Reactive arthritis--clinical aspects and course].
Post-enteritis reactive arthritis-mainly caused by Yersinia enterocolitica-has succeeded rheumatic fever as the most frequent postinfection arthritis in Northern and Central Europe. Aetiologically important are infective diseases-produced by "arthritogenic" bacteria--as a trigger, and genetic predisposition, indicated by a high incidence of HLA-B27 (80%). Over a period of 5 years 51 cases of post-enteritis reactive arthritis were diagnosed in our clinic; the patients--after the first examination--were followed up for several years. The typical clinical findings initially were an asymmetric oligoarthritis, mainly affecting knees, ankles and toes. Transitory low-back pain and heel pain were the most important concomitant findings. Transient liver involvement was indicated by pathological laboratory tests in 12 cases. Acute primary disease was determined at latest within one year (average duration 6.5 months). In the follow-up period 7 patients developed symptoms of a chronic seronegative spondylarthritis. Thus, post-enteritis reactive arthritis may often represent the first manifestation of a chronic disease of the seronegative spondylarthritis group, e.g. Reiter's syndrome.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Synthesis process and photocatalytic properties of BiOBr nanosheets for gaseous benzene.
A series of nano-BiOBr were prepared by an effective hydrothermal method in the presence of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and ethanol at different calcination temperatures. The as-prepared nano-BiOBr samples were characterized by measuring the specific area (S BET), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectrum, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the calcination temperature has an important impact on the morphology and microstructure of BiOBr. The nano-BiOBr calcined at 120 °C showed excellent photocatalytic degradation properties for benzene, with photocatalytic degradation rate of 75 % for benzene under UV irradiation for 90 min, and removal efficiency of benzene was significantly enhanced by using nano-BiOBr catalyst compared to UV irradiation alone. BiOBr catalyst possessed good photocatalytic activity even after three consecutive photocatalytic reaction cycles, illustrating its excellent stability. The photocatalytic degradation of benzene followed the first-order kinetics, and the good catalytic capability of nano-BiOBr catalyst can be attributed to its crystalline, hierarchical nanostructure and nanosheet thickness.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Sex-specific relationships among attachment security, social values, and sensation seeking in early adolescence: implications for adolescents' externalizing problem behaviour.
In early adolescence, attachment security reflects not only the quality of ongoing relationships with parents, but also how adolescents process social relationships with "others" - that is, their "social value orientation" - with possible implications for adolescents' risk-taking. In this study, a sample of Italian early adolescents were administered self-report measures in order to examine the relationships (a) between early adolescents' perceived attachment security to mothers and fathers, social values (related to family and the socio-cultural context), and sensation seeking (as a temperamental predisposition to risk-taking), and (b) between these variables and adolescents' externalizing problem behaviour. Adolescents were more securely attached to the same-sexed parent. Further, attachment security with the opposite-sexed parent predicted more conservative social value orientations, and lower levels of problem behaviour. In contrast, sensation seeking predicted self-enhancement and openness-to-change values to a greater extent, and, in girls, lower levels of attachment security to mothers and fathers.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Obsessive and compulsive symptoms in schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial with fluvoxamine and neuroleptics.
Obsessive-compulsive-related disorders are frequently comorbid with schizophrenia. The existence of obsessive and compulsive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia represents one of the most severe types of psychotic disorders and may predict a poor prognosis in most cases. Previous pilot studies and case reports have shown that the condition of some patients with schizophrenia did not exacerbate and even improved when serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were added to their standard neuroleptic regimen. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a combination treatment of an SSRI (fluvoxamine) and standard neuroleptics for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptomatology in patients with schizophrenia compared with administration of neuroleptics only. Thirty inpatients who met DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia and also had prominent OC symptoms were randomly divided into two groups. Fourteen patients were treated with conventional neuroleptics and fluvoxamine in doses of 100 to 200 mg/day for 8 weeks. Sixteen patients comprised a control group and received only their previous therapeutic neuroleptic therapy. The patients were assessed using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI) at baseline and endpoint. Side effects were assessed weekly. The data were analyzed using an analysis of variance. A considerable reduction in PANSS (34.3%) and Y-BOCS (29.4%) scores was noted, and CGI scores decreased moderately in both groups. None of the patients showed an acute exacerbation at the end of the study. Side effects were mild and easily tolerated in most patients. This open, randomized, controlled study reveals that coadministration of fluvoxamine, an SSRI, and neuroleptics in patients with schizophrenia and OC symptoms was associated with specific improvements of these symptoms. Thus, the use of an SSRI in treating a patient with schizophrenia and OC symptomatology may be warranted and safe. Other implications of the findings, including general safety of the combined pharmacotherapy and the use of new antipsychotic medications, are also discussed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Are influenza surveillance data useful for mapping presentations?
Geographical information system (GIS) based on mappings of influenza data are rare (http://www.b3e.jussieu.fr.80/sentiweb/fr) and influenza data are commonly aggregated for rather large areas (http://www.eiss.org, http://oms2b3e.jussieu.fr/FluNet). The most limiting factors for the use of morbidity-data from practices in GIS-based mappings are differences which are not related to morbidity. These differences may be due to consultation behaviour, interpretation of the case definition, age distribution of patients and other reasons. In order to reduce the impact of these non-morbidity related differences on the interpretation, the data of many practices are usually pooled and consequently rather large areas are presented. Extracting and harmonising the signals for increased morbidity from practices is a presupposition for mapping with a sufficient geographical resolution. The possibility to harmonise by reducing those confounding differences on a practice level is investigated. Different harmonisation methods were applied to data from Germany where acute respiratory infections (ARI) per consultations are registered and from The Netherlands were influenza like illnesses (ILI) per population are registered. The harmonisation of the indices between countries was achieved by scaling them in relation to the level of the index representative for the peak activity during a usual influenza epidemic. The Kriging method is applied as a means of spatial prediction for the influenza data. The preliminary results are discussed with respect to resulting mappings.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Localization of endogenous and recombinant Na(+)-driven anion exchanger protein NDAE1 from Drosophila melanogaster.
Na(+)-dependent Cl(-)/HCO exchange activity helps maintain intracellular pH (pH(i)) homeostasis in many invertebrate and vertebrate cell types. Our laboratory cloned and characterized a Na(+)-dependent Cl(-)/HCO exchanger (NDAE1) from Drosophila melanogaster (Romero MF, Henry D, Nelson S, Harte PJ, and Sciortino CM. J Biol Chem 275: 24552--24559, 2000). In the present study we used immunohistochemical and Western blot techniques to characterize the developmental expression, subcellular localization, and tissue distribution of NDAE1 protein in D. melanogaster. We have shown that a polyclonal antibody raised against the NH(2) terminus of NDAE1 (alpha CWR57) recognizes NDAE1 electrophysiologically characterized in Xenopus oocytes. Moreover, our results begin to delineate the NDAE1 topology, i.e., both the NH(2) and COOH termini are intracellular. NDAE1 is expressed throughout Drosophila development in the central and peripheral nervous systems, sensilla, and the alimentary tract (Malpighian tubules, gut, and salivary glands). Coimmunolabeling of larval tissues with NDAE1 antibody and a monoclonal antibody to the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase alpha-subunit revealed that the majority of NDAE1 is located at the basolateral membranes of Malpighian tubule cells. These results suggest that NDAE1 may be a key pH(i) regulatory protein and may contribute to basolateral ion transport in epithelia and nervous system of Drosophila.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Precision measurement of the refractive index of carbon dioxide with a frequency comb.
We report a higher precision measurement of the refractive index of carbon dioxide using a frequency comb as the light source in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer setup. The experimental sensitivity can reach the level of 8.8x10(-9). Taking into account the measurement accuracy of temperature and pressure, the experimental accuracy has a value of 1.2x10(-8). The measurement result has a deviation from the commonly quoted result [Old , J. Opt. Soc. Am.61, 89 (1971)] by 6.4x10(-7) at 800 nm.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Young adult women and correlates of potential adoption of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): results of a national survey.
We examine potential use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among young adult women, based on nationally representative random-digit dial telephone household survey of 1,453 US African-American and white women. The hypotheses were generated based on Health Belief Model. Our analyses showed that, as compared to women of 30-45 years old, young women of 20-29 years old experienced stronger social influences on PrEP uptake. However, as compared to older women, young women did not report higher potential PrEP uptake or adherence, despite their greater risk of HIV. For PrEP to be an effective method of prevention for young adult women, interventions are needed to increase HIV risk awareness.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The effects of Ca(2+)-free perfusion and the calcium paradox on [125I] endothelin-1 binding to rat cardiac membranes.
The binding characteristics of [125I]endothelin-1 (ET-1) to cardiac membranes isolated from rat hearts subjected to Ca(2+)-free perfusion or the Ca2+ paradox were examined. The effect of treatment with 2, 3 butanedione monoxime (BDM), which inhibits the tissue damage associated with the calcium paradox, was also investigated. Membranes from rat hearts perfused under control conditions bound [125I]ET-1 to a single population of sites with a Bmax of 107.7 +/- 3.7 fmol/mg protein and an affinity (KD) of 153 +/- 12 pM. Ten minutes of Ca(2+)-free perfusion resulted in a significant (P < 0.01) increase in Bmax to 167.5 +/- 8.3 fmol/mg protein without change in KD. Ca2+ repletion following Ca(2+)-free perfusion tended to increase further the Bmax (180.6 +/- 10.4 fmol/mg protein) without change in KD. Treatment with BDM attenuated but did not prevent the rise in Bmax following Ca(2+)-free perfusion. Following Ca2+ repletion, however, Bmax returned to control levels in the BDM treated group. These changes were not associated with changes in the ability of ET-1 and ET-3 to inhibit [125I]ET-1 binding. The results demonstrate that Ca(2+)-free perfusion is associated with an increase in the binding site density of [125I]ET-1 which is maintained or further increased upon Ca2+ repletion. If, however, the tissue damage associated with the Ca2+ paradox is prevented with BDM, Ca2+ repletion is associated with a reversal of the increase due to Ca(2+)-free perfusion.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The impact of weight loss on depression status in obese individuals subjected to intragastric balloon treatment.
Although depression is considered to be significantly related to morbid obesity disorder, no information exists on the evolution of depression status after weight loss, in particular when an intragastric balloon is used. This prospective 6-month study examines both the effect on depression status and the relation of weight loss to depression in morbidly obese patients treated by intragastric balloon. One hundred consecutive females fulfilling criteria for balloon treatment were assessed for depression and divided into two groups (65 depressed, 35 non-depressed). Obesity-related parameters were comparable. During the treatment period, the depression status of the mildly, moderately, and severely depressed patients improved from 40, 32.3, and 27.7 % to 20, 7.7, and 1.5 %, respectively, with 70.8 % finally exhibiting no depression at all. During the same period, body weight, BMI, body fat, and excess weight loss (EWL) were comparable between all groups, the range of BMI affecting neither the depression score nor the reduction of obesity parameters. However, there was a significant [percentage of EWL >30] weight loss difference in favor of those who were less severely depressed initially. The degree of weight loss observed in obese depressed females-being comparable to that achieved by non-depressed females-after intragastric balloon insertion was found to positively affect their depression status.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Chemokine receptor polymorphism and autologous neutralizing antibody response in long-term HIV-1 infection.
We have previously reported that slowly progressing HIV infection (SPI) was associated with the presence of contemporaneous autologous neutralizing antibodies. In contrast, a group of individuals with more rapidly progressing infection (RPI) generally lacked these antibodies. To understand the importance of autologous neutralizing antibodies in SPI more fully, we have now conducted a prospective study taking consecutive blood samples from the individuals with SPI (8 patients) and RPI (10 patients). Blood sampling in the group with SPI was done 110 and 123 months after the estimated seroconversion and at similar time points in the group with RPI. Virus isolation was attempted at both time points in both groups of individuals; crossed neutralization assays were set up with autologous virus. These confirmed our previous finding of significant autologous neutralizing titers in the group with SPI (geometric mean titer [GMT] 8.7 versus 1.6 in SPI and RPI, respectively; p = 0.0048). However, not all individuals with SPI possessed autologous neutralizing antibodies, indicating that other factors may be decisive for SPI. Furthermore, neutralizing antibody titers did not increase from early to late serum samples. Finally, late virus isolates from individuals with SPI generally remained sensitive to neutralization by early serum samples. Virus phenotype (SI/NSI) and CCR5 genotype was determined for all individuals. Neither showed significant correlation with SPI. However, all SPI individuals who were heterozygous for the CCR5 deletion were infected with virus of NSI phenotype. In contrast, all RPI individuals who were heterozygous for the CCR5 deletion were infected with virus of SI phenotype (p = .028). Thus, a beneficial effect of having a partly nonfunctional CCR5 coreceptor may depend on the viral SI/NSI phenotype.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Synthesis of chiral polyazamacrocycles of variable ring size.
Synthesis and structure elucidation of optically active tri-, tetra-, and penta-azamacrocycles having 4-methoxyphenyl pendants are described. Regioselective ring opening of a nosylaziridine with secondary benzyl amines was repeatedly performed to afford the cyclization precursors. Intramolecular N-alkylation of N-(omega-haloalkyl) nosylamide provided tri-, tetra-, and penta-azamacrocycles. On the basis of our study of the tetra-azamacrocycle previously elucidated by X-ray single-crystal analysis and in solution by NMR analysis, we conclude that the tri-azamacrocycle does not mainly have a vase-type conformation because of the steric hindrance of the 4-methoxyphenyl groups but the penta-azamacrocycle has a vase-type conformation in CDCl(3) and in CD(2)Cl(2). The vase-type conformation of the penta-azamacrocycle is, however, not as much stable as that observed in the tetra-azamacrocycle because conformational flexibility of the penta-azamacrocycle was observed in deuterated benzene.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Increased splenic fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in a patient with granulomatous angitis.
Although utility of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) has been rehearsed in large vessel vasculitides, it is not known if small vessel vasculitides are also associated with increased FDG uptake. Hereby described is a 64-year-old female patient with prolonged fever and splenomegaly, which was depicted as a hot area in FDG-PET. Splenectomy disclosed microaneurysms, giant cell granuloma, perivascular leukocytic infiltration with fibrinoid necrosis, consistent with granulomatous angitis. Serum myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody was positive. The present case illustrates that vasculitides affecting small vessels present increased FDG uptake as do those affecting large vessels.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Analytical validation of a homogeneous immunoassay for determination of mycophenolic acid in human plasma.
Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is an immunosuppression agent for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in patients receiving allogeneic transplants. The drug is administered based in 2 formulations, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS). MPA acts by specific, reversible, uncompetitive inhibition of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) and thus blocks the proliferation of both T- and B-activated lymphocytes. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) constitutes an important part of immunosuppressive treatment because of the demonstrated significant intraindividual and interindividual variability of its pharmacokinetic behavior. TDM is required to optimize immunosuppressive efficacy. We present the analytical validation of a homogeneous particle-enhanced turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay (PETINIA) technique for determination of MPA in human plasma, and compare with a homogeneous enzyme immunoassay technique (EMIT; reference method), both methods adapted on a Dimension analyzer (Siemens). We examined 50 human plasma samples from kidney transplant recipients treated with MMF or EC-MPA, which were analyzed simultaneously by both methods. The interassay precision was 5.95% at a concentration of 1.0 μg/mL, 3.47% at 7.5 μg/mL, and 3.75% at 12.0 μg/mL. The bias of PETINIA-MPA for each of the 3 quality control sample was <3.0%. Least squares linear regression yielded an r-value of 0.994 with the following linear regression equation: PETINIA = 0.939 * EMIT - 0.063. Bland-Altman comparison presented a mean negative difference of -0.312 μg/mL (standard deviation [SD], 0.441), namely, -7.6% for PETINIA-MPA. The PETINIA assay for monitoring MPA concentrations is an acceptable method for routine clinical use, with interassay imprecision (% coefficient of variation) ranging from 5.9% to 3.7% below and above the therapeutic concentration range, respectively. In conclusion, MPA-EMIT and PETINIA-MPA methods on Dimension analyzer have a good correlation (r = 0.994), but PETINIA-MPA method demonstrates a negative average difference of -7.6% in comparison with EMIT-MPA method.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
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