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Baduanjin exercise improved premenstrual syndrome symptoms in Macau women.
To investigate the effect of Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese medical exercise, on improving premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms in women. Forty reproductive age women with PMS in Macau practiced standardized Baduanjin exercise for three menstrual cycles. A questionnaire, the daily record of severity of problems (DRSP), was used to measure symptom severity. DRSP was filled out every day starting from the last cycle before exercise (i.e., the first menstrual cycle) to the third cycle after exercise initiation (i.e., the fourth menstrual cycle). The total scores and the scores of each item during the 5 premenstrual days and follicular phase (5-9 postmenstrual days) were calculated. After exercise, the total DRSP scores during the 5 premenstrual days and differences in the total DRSP scores between the 5 premenstrual days and the follicular phase were both significantly reduced. Of note, the physical symptom total scores in the 5 premenstrual days and the differences between its total score in the 5 premenstrual days and in the follicular phase were both significantly reduced. The differences between the total scores of depressed mood, anxious mood, loss of interest, and reduction in social activity during the 5 premenstrual days and the follicular phase were also reduced. Baduanjin exercise was able to improve the mental and especially the physical symptoms of PMS.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Audit of the incidence of persistent perforation of the tympanic membrane following grommet removal or extrusion.
The incidence of persistent perforation following grommet removal or extrusion in 210 ears was assessed, and found to be zero per cent. Collar button grommets were retained longer than Shepard grommets, and the percentage of ears requiring two or more tube insertions was 51.9 per cent.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Aging, energy, and oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases.
The etiology of neurodegenerative diseases remains enigmatic; however, evidence for defects in energy metabolism, excitotoxicity, and for oxidative damage is increasingly compelling. It is likely that there is a complex interplay between these mechanisms. A defect in energy metabolism may lead to neuronal depolarization, activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate excitatory amino acid receptors, and increases in intracellular calcium, which are buffered by mitochondria. Mitochondria are the major intracellular source of free radicals, and increased mitochondrial calcium concentrations enhance free radical generation. Mitochondrial DNA is particularly susceptible to oxidative stress, and there is evidence of age-dependent damage and deterioration of respiratory enzyme activities with normal aging. This may contribute to the delayed onset and age dependence of neurodegenerative diseases. There is evidence for increased oxidative damage to macromolecules in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Potential therapeutic approaches include glutamate release inhibitors, excitatory amino acid antagonists, strategies to improve mitochondrial function, free radical scavengers, and trophic factors. All of these approaches appear promising in experimental studies and are now being applied to human studies.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Tough as he needs to be.
Fred Brown, recently named the AHA's new chairman-elect, balances idealism with pragmatism. He likes to delegate and doesn't micromanage, but Brown is direct and tough when necessary. And having presided over the three-way merger that created BJC Health System in St. Louis, he's no stranger to politics and consensus-building.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Action of GP 47779, the active metabolite of oxcarbazepine, on the corticostriatal system. II. Modulation of high-voltage-activated calcium currents.
GP 47779, the active metabolite of oxcarbazepine (OCBZ) inhibits glutamatergic excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in rat striatum (described in the accompanying article). This effect was presumed to involve the modulation of the calcium (Ca2+) signals at either pre- or postsynaptic level. Therefore, we directly tested whether GP 47779 could modulate Ca2+ conductances in cortical as well as in striatal neurons. GP 47779 produced a reversible dose-dependent decrease in high-voltage-activated (HVA) Ca2+ currents evoked by membrane depolarization in isolated cortical pyramidal cells. GP 47779-mediated reduction in HVA Ca2+ currents, if occurring also at corticostriatal axon terminals, might explain the reduction of glutamate release in the striatum. An inhibitory action of GP 47779 on HVA Ca2+ currents was also observed in isolated striatal neurons. The effect of HVA Ca2+ currents in cortical and striatal neurons persisted in the presence of nifedipine, suggesting that dihydropyridine-sensitive channels were not involved in the GP 47779-mediated responses. We propose that the modulation of HVA Ca2+ channels by this carbamazepine (CBZ) analogue may account for its inhibitory action on transmitter release.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Primary adrenal insufficiency in two patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome associated with disseminated cytomegaloviral infection.
We present two patients with manifest acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) suffering from a generalized cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Over the course of several weeks they had developed a state of increasing lethargy and fatigue and one patient had noticed a darkening of his skin. These and other symptoms (vomiting, diarrhoea, hypotension) were suggestive of adrenal insufficiency. Laboratory findings included an increase of serum potassium levels, a decrease of serum sodium concentrations and elevated levels of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). These findings, as well as the prompt therapeutic response to hydrocortisone established the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency. Although definitive proof is lacking, generalised CMV infection is the most likely cause of our patients' symptoms. For the early initiation of appropriate substitution therapy, persons infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with signs of CMV infection should be carefully and repeatedly monitored for clinical and laboratory signs of adrenal insufficiency.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Elimination rates of breath alcohol.
Legal driving limits are set coequally with 0.5 g/L blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or 0.25 mg/L breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) in Austria as well as in other European countries. As mostly some time elapses between BrAC measurement and driving offence, a back calculation of alcohol concentrations is often required. The calculation of hourly BrAC elimination rates can thereby help to avoid unnecessary variances. A study with 59 participants was performed under social conditions. BrAC was determined with the legally accredited Alcotest 7110 MK III A every 30 min, and concomitantly venous blood samples were drawn. Five hundred and four BrAC/BAC value pairs were evaluated. The overall mean peak BrAC was calculated with 0.456 mg/L (+/-0.119 mg/L standard deviation). The mean hourly BrAC elimination rate was overall determined with 0.082 mg/L per h (0.050-0.114, 95% range). Mean rate of females (0.087 mg/L h(-1)) and the according 95% limits were statistically significantly higher than of males (mean rate 0.078 mg/L h(-1), p<0.04). Our results confirm the possibility to implement hourly BrAC elimination rates, provided that adequate statistical ranges and basic forensic scientific rules that have been set up for alcohol back calculations are observed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The nucleolus is involved in mRNA export from the nucleus in fission yeast.
To elucidate the mechanism of mRNA export from the nucleus, we isolated five novel temperature-sensitive mutants (ptr7 to ptr11) that accumulate poly(A)(+) RNA in the nuclei at the nonpermissive temperature in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Of those, the ptr11 mutation was found in the top2(+) gene encoding DNA topoisomerase II. In addition to the nuclear accumulation of poly(A)(+) RNA, ptr11 exhibited the cut (cell untimely torn) phenotype at the nonpermissive temperature, like the previously isolated mutant, ptr4. In these two mutants, cytokinesis occurred without prior nuclear division, resulting in cleavage of the undivided nuclei by the septum. To investigate the relationship between mRNA export defects and the cut phenotype observed in ptr4 and ptr11, we analyzed 11 other mutants displaying the cut phenotype and found that all these tested mutants accumulate poly(A)(+) mRNA in the aberrantly cleaved nuclei. Interestingly, nuclear accumulation of poly(A)(+) mRNA was observed only in the anucleolate nuclei produced by aberrant cytokinesis. In addition, nuc1, the S. pombe mutant exhibiting a collapsed nucleolus, trapped poly(A)(+) mRNA in the nucleolar region at the nonpermissive temperature. In ptr11 and nuc1, mRNA transcribed from the intron-containing TBP gene showed nuclear accumulation, but not transcripts from the intron-less TBP cDNA, suggesting that the export pathway differs between the spliced and unspliced TBP mRNAs. These findings support the notion that a subset of mRNAs in yeast is exported from the nucleus through transient association with the nucleolus.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A multi-locus molecular phylogeny of the Lepidoziaceae: laying the foundations for a stable classification.
The Lepidoziaceae, with over 700 species in 30 genera, is one of the largest leafy liverwort families. Despite receiving considerable attention, the composition of subfamilies and genera remains unsatisfactorily resolved. In this study, 10 loci (one nuclear 26S, two mitochondrial nad1 and rps3, and seven chloroplast atpB, psbA, psbT-psbH, rbcL, rps4, trnG and trnL-trnF) are used to estimate the phylogeny of 93 species of Lepidoziaceae. These molecular data provide strong evidence against the monophyly of three subfamilies; Lepidozioideae, Lembidioideae and Zoopsidoideae, and seven of the 20 sampled genera; Lepidozia, Telaranea, Kurzia, Zoopsis, Lembidium, Paracromastigum and Chloranthelia. Several robust clades are recognised that might provide the basis for a revised subfamily circumscription including a narrower circumscription of the Lepidozioideae and a more inclusive Lembidioideae. Neogrollea notabilis is returned to the Lepidoziaceae and Megalembidium insulanum is placed in the Lembidioideae.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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CuS nanoagents for photodynamic and photothermal therapies: Phenomena and possible mechanisms.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) have been emerging as attractive and promising methods for tumor treatment in clinical approaches. CuS nanoparticles are effective and cost-effective agents for PTT. Recently, it was observed that CuS nanoparticles are also excellence candidates for PDT. However, the mechanisms for CuS nanoparticles as PDT agents have never been discussed. The goal here is to explore the killing mechanisms of CuS nanoparticles as PTT and PDT agents. CuS nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple wet chemistry method by coating with amphiphilic polymer and examined for their therapeutic potential on lung adenocarcinoma cell line SPC-A-1 in vitro and in vivo using a murine cancer model. The CuS nanoparticles produce heat as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) when excited by 808nm laser and show strong anticancer effects both in vitro and in vivo. The heating effects and release of copper ions from CuS upon heating in the tumor acidic environments are the main mechanisms for the generation of reactive oxygen species which are lethal bullets for cancer destruction. As a dual-function agent for PTT and PDT, CuS nanoparticles are promising phototherapy agents for cancer treatment.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Causes and distribution of facial fractures in a group of South African children and the value of computed tomography in their assessment.
The cases of 107 paediatric patients aged 0-12 years were retrospectively reviewed. The patients presented with facial trauma and both plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans had been ordered. Sixty-five per cent of facial fractures were missed in radiography, but revealed on CT; fractures of the maxilla, the zygoma and the orbit were most frequently missed in radiography. Pedestrian motor vehicle accidents were the most frequent cause of facial fractures (37%), followed by passenger motor vehicle accidents (22%). In contrast with other studies reporting the mandible as the most frequent facial fracture site, the most common fracture sites in this study, in descending order of frequency, were the orbit, the frontal bone and the maxilla.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Isotretinoin effect on the repair of bone defects - a study in rat calvaria.
Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative, indicated for the treatment of patients with severe acne, which shows several side effects on bone metabolism. This study analyzed the process of bone repair in rats receiving 7.5 mg/kg/day of oral isotretinoin. Thirty-three male albino Wistar rats, at approximately 60 days of age, were randomly assigned to control (n = 15) and experimental (n = 18) groups. Only the experimental group underwent oral isotretinoin therapy. In both groups, a 2-mm cavity was established in the calvarium of each animal. The animals were euthanize 21, 28 and 90 days postoperatively. The parietal bone was removed and the surgical specimens underwent histological examination. Computed histomorphometry allowed the measurement of the total area of bone defects and the proportion of newly formed bone at the different observation time points. In the experimental group, the results, expressed as mean percentage of newly formed bone, were: 25.37% (±9.14) at day 21; 41.78% (±7.00) at day 28; and 57.51% (±11.62) at day 90. In the control group, the results were: 17.10% (±9.23) at day 21; 34.42% (±7.70) at day 28; and 48.49% (±16.40) at day 90. These results enabled us to conclude that isotretinoin promoted acceleration in the process of new bone formation in rat calvaria, although this increase was not statistically significant.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Predicting incarceration of clients of a psychiatric probation and parole service.
This study assessed the extent to which clinical characteristics, psychiatric status, and use of mental health services explain incarceration for technical violations of probation or parole rather than incarceration for new offenses. A total of 250 clients of an urban psychiatric probation and parole service were screened for psychiatric diagnoses and monitored with a 12-month data collection protocol. Longitudinal analysis was used to explain incarceration on new charges, incarceration on technical violations of probation and parole, or absence of incarceration. Eighty-five individuals (34 percent) were incarcerated during the follow-up period. Forty-four (18 percent) were incarcerated for a new offense, and 41 (16 percent) were incarcerated for a technical violation. Participation in mental health treatment was associated with a lower risk of incarceration for a technical violation. Intensive monitoring by mental health providers, such as through case management and medication management, were significant risk factors for incarceration for a technical violation. Clients who were incarcerated for a technical violation were more than six times as likely to have received intensive case management services. The role of mental health services in reducing the risk of incarceration remains mixed. Providing services that emphasize monitoring tends to increase the risk of incarceration for technical violations of criminal justice sanctions. However, any participation in treatment and motivation to participate in treatment appears to reduce the risk of incarceration.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Infrared spectra of X-.CO(2).Ar cluster anions (X=Cl,Br,I).
Ion-molecule clusters of the heavier halide anions X-.CO(2) (X=Cl-,Br-,I-) with CO2 have been studied by gas phase infrared photodissociation spectroscopy, using Ar evaporation from the complexes X-.CO2.Ar upon infrared excitation. We observe that the asymmetric stretch vibrational mode of the CO(2) molecule is red-shifted from the frequency of free CO2, with the red-shift increasing toward the lighter halide ions. A similar trend is repeated in the region of the Fermi resonance of the combination bands of the asymmetric stretch vibration with two quanta of the bending vibration and the symmetric stretch vibration. We discuss our findings in the framework of ab initio and density functional theory calculations.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Techniques for modelling population-related roster databases.
"In this paper the refinement and application of a technique for the generation of surface models of population and related information are examined.... The resulting database facilitates a range of improved spatial analyses. Some of these are more flexible means of accomplishing conventional tasks, such as the computation of incidence rates and the estimation of population for nonstandard areal units. Additionally, surface concepts are able to support innovative techniques, such as the identification and characterization of discrete settlements. Applications are described which demonstrate the range of possible analyses." The technique is illustrated using data for the United Kingdom.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Implementation of discharge planning in the care of hospitalized older adults. Focus on involvement of home care providers at hospitals].
The present study was conducted to assess current implementation of discharge planning in the care of hospitalized older adults, and to examine the association between implementation and involvement of home care providers at hospitals. The subjects were 434 hospitals with 100 beds or more for general patients, nationwide. We conducted a questionnaire survey by mail of hospital staff responsible for the discharge planning, and assessed to what extent home care providers were associated with the implementation of discharge planning in the hospitals. The subjects were divided into two groups: an association group (138 hospitals) in which home care providers were associated with implementation in the hospitals, and a not-association group (296 hospitals). We compared the proportions of implementation of discharge planning between the two groups, and calculated odds-ratios. In the analysis, we controlled for affiliated institution and home care services. The association group showed significantly higher proportions of implementation for 13 items in a total 24 items for discharge planning than the not-association group (range of odds-ratio: 2.430-5.497). The three highest odds ratios were observed for "Arrangement and guidance for home care by outreach prior to discharge" [OR= 5.497, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.604-11.602], "Adjusting relationship between patient and family" (OR=4.871, 95%CI: 1.323-17.930) and "Refining medical and nursing care so as to be sustainable at home" (OR = 4.740, 95%CI: 1.825-12.311). The present study showed that hospitals with involvement of home care providers had higher proportions of implementation of discharge planning for hospitalized older adults concerning "Arrangement and guidance for home care by outreach prior to discharge", "Adjusting relationship between patient and family", "Refining medical and nursing care so as to be sustainable at home" and so on. Further study should examine the effect of discharge planning on length of stay, rate of readmission, patient and family member's satisfaction controlling for patient characteristics and hospital's role in the community.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Thyroid function in "yusho" patients exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB).
Thyroid function was investigated in 123 yusho patients who were exposed to toxic levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) 16 years ago. In yusho patients, compared with the patients without evidence of yusho or normal controls, the serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels were significantly higher, while thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels measured by sensitive assay were normal. There was no difference in serum levels of albumin, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol, and thyroxine binding globulin (TBG) between the two groups and the prevalence of positive antithyroid autoantibodies was almost the same, suggesting that hyperthyroxinemia in yusho patients was not due to increased TBG binding or abnormal autoimmune mechanism. Serum free T4 levels, however, were not elevated, although T4/TBG ratio was significantly higher. The thyroid hormone levels were higher than normal value in 4 of 123 yusho patients but only 1 case had clinical symptoms such as excessive perspiration. Despite higher serum PCBs in yusho patients, there was no correlation between PCB levels and levels of T3, T4, or TSH. The present results suggest hyperthyroxinemia without obvious clinical symptoms in yusho patients long after exposure to PCBs.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The EEG as a diagnostic tool in distinguishing between dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer's disease.
Current diagnostic criteria for dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) regard electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities as a supportive feature. It has also been suggested that EEG abnormalities in DLB are more extensive than in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Still, the use of qualitative EEG analysis as a diagnostic tool to distinguish between DLB and AD remains rare in daily clinical practice because of conflicting studies and absence of a reliable scoring method. The Grand Total EEG (GTE) score has been used in one study to differentiate DLB from AD with good sensitivity and specificity (Roks et al., 2008). EEGs from 29 patients with DLB and 54 with AD were visually rated according to the GTE score. Patients with DLB had significantly higher median scores than patients with AD: 9 vs. 4. Patients with DLB could be distinguished from those with AD at a GTE cut-off score of 6.5 with a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 76%. The association between GTE and DLB was independent of age, gender, Mini Mental State Examination and use of medication. Frontal intermittent rhythmic delta activity (FIRDA) was found in 17.2% of patients with DLB compared to 1.8% with AD. Except for the lower cut-off score our results are comparable to the previous study on the GTE score. The GTE score has proven to be a reliable and simple scoring method applicable to daily clinical practice. Qualitative EEG analysis can help to differentiate DLB from AD with good sensitivity and specificity. EEG should play a more prominent role in daily clinical practice as a diagnostic tool in differentiating DLB from AD. Future revisions of the diagnostic criteria for DLB should consider the other EEG abnormalities as mentioned in the GTE score, especially FIRDA.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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GABA release from mouse striatal neurons in primary culture as a test for the functional activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists.
N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced release of [3H]GABA from mouse striatal neurons in primary culture has been evaluated as a screening method for demonstrating the functional activity of potential NMDA antagonists with respect to a cellular response. Antagonists were chosen for their specificity towards each of the three principal binding sites which have been characterised on the NMDA-receptor complex: the glutamate site, the ion-channel and in particular the glycine regulatory site where several novel halogenated derivatives of kynurenic acid have been tested. All the compounds were effective in blocking [3H]GABA release and their activity was related to their potency in displacing the binding of specific ligands for each of the three sites in rat cortex membrane preparations. This was confirmed by a correlation curve for the series of kynurenate derivatives (correlation coefficient r = 0.96). The specificity of these latter compounds for the glycine site was demonstrated by the addition of excess glycine which totally reversed their inhibition but not that of antagonists acting at the glutamate or ion-channel sites. Within the kynurenate series the 5,7-dichloro derivative was shown to be more active than the 7-chloro derivative, the most active glycine antagonist previously described. These results show that this is a simple and reliable system for demonstrating a functional effect of NMDA antagonists.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Re-evaluation of nestin as a marker of oligodendrocyte lineage cells.
Maturation of oligodendrocyte progenitors (O2A) is characterized by morphological changes and the sequential expression of specific antigens leading to the formation of myelin membrane. Monoclonal antibodies A2B5, A007, anti-vimentin, and anti-galactocerebroside, recognize oligodendroglia at different stages of development. The neuroepithelial precursor marker nestin is also expressed by the oligodendroglial lineage; we have used enriched populations of progenitors isolated from neonatal rat brain cultures to further examine the cellular distribution of this intermediate filament protein. The phenotypic distribution of nestin positive cells among the oligodendrocyte lineage showed that 65% reacted with A2B5, whereas only 5% were A007(+), and 4% galactocerebroside(+). The remaining 25% of the cells were not labeled and had small cellular bodies devoid of processes, characteristic of the pre-O2A progenitor. Further analysis of the nestin(+) population showed that the majority of the cells were also vimentin(+). Antibody-dependent complement mediated cytolysis of A2B5(+) (O2A cells) and galactocerebroside(+) (mature oligodendrocytes) cells left a population of nestin(+) cells that were induced to proliferate in the presence of growth factors and to differentiate into A2B5(+) and galactocerebroside(+) cells. Proliferating cells maintained in the presence of platelet-derived growth factor or basic fibroblast growth factor retained nestin expression along with A2B5. By contrast, in serum-free medium nestin expression decreased while postmitotic cells acquired A007 and galactocerebroside. Our results suggest that nestin expression is a marker of pre-O2A cells that is maintained in proliferating glial progenitors, but is quickly down-regulated in postmitotic oligodendrocytes (A007(+)/galacto-cerebroside(+)) along with A2B5 and vimentin. However, other glial cells including type 2 astrocytes and some amoeboid microglia also share nestin expression.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Gamna Gandy bodies: Features mimicking a mycotic disease. Two cases in the spleen].
We report the clinical and histopathological features of 2 cases of Gamna-Gandy bodies located in the spleen. The diagnosis was made by the presence of circumscribed nodules containing dark brown rod-shaped and "bamboo-shaped" fibrotic structures. These structures were positive with Perls and von Kossa staining. Differential diagnosis includes filamentous mycoses such as mucormycosis and phaeohyphomycosis. Gamna-Gandy nodules can be isolated or these bodies can be observed associated with another lesion, particularly, a tumor.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Scaffolding clinical reasoning of medical students with virtual patients: effects on diagnostic accuracy, efficiency, and errors.
Background Understanding clinical reasoning is a major challenge in medical education research. Little is known about the influence of scaffolding and feedback on the clinical reasoning of medical students. The aim of this study was to measure the effects of problem representation (cognitive representation of a clinical case) and structured scaffolding for reflection with or without feedback on the diagnostic efficiency and characterization of diagnostic errors of medical students. Methods One hundred and forty-eight advanced medical students were randomly assigned to one of five groups (2 × 2 design with a control group). They worked on 15 virtual clinical cases (five learning cases, five initial assessment cases, and five delayed assessment cases) in an electronic learning environment. After each case, they stated their presumed diagnosis and explained their diagnostic conclusion. Diagnostic accuracy, efficiency, and error distribution were analyzed. Results The diagnostic accuracy (number of correctly solved cases) and efficiency (solved cases/total time) did not differ significantly between any of the groups in the two different assessment phases [mean = 2.2-3.3 (standard deviation [SD] = 0.79-1.31), p = 0.08/0.27 and mean = 0.07-0.12 (SD = 0.04-0.08), p = 0.16/0.32, respectively]. The most important causes for diagnostic errors were a lack of diagnostic skills (20%), a lack of knowledge (18%), and premature closure (17%). Conclusions Neither structured reflections nor representation scaffolding improved diagnostic accuracy or efficiency of medical students compared to a control group when working with virtual patients.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Incidence, Prevalence, and Survival of Biopsy-Proven Giant Cell Arteritis in Northern Italy During a 26-Year Period.
To investigate the epidemiology and mortality in patients with biopsy-proven giant cell arteritis (GCA) in northern Italy. All patients with incident temporal-artery biopsy-positive GCA, diagnosed between 1986 and 2012 and living in the Reggio Emilia area, were identified by using a pathology register and by reviewing all histopathologic specimens. For each patient, we identified 1 comparison subject from the same geographic area, matched for age and sex. Mortality rates and specific causes of death were reported. There were 285 incident cases of biopsy-proven GCA (210 women) during the 26-year study period. The overall age- and sex-adjusted incidence per 100,000 persons ages ≥50 years was 5.8 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 5.1, 6.5). Incidence was significantly higher in women (7.8 [95% CI 6.7, 8.9]) than in men (3.3 [95% CI 2.6, 4.1]) (P < 0.0001). Annual age- and sex-adjusted incidence rates significantly increased by 15.9% per 3 years from 1986 to 2000, then significantly fell by -4.8% per 3 years from 2001-2012. The prevalence of GCA on December 31, 2012 was 87.9 (95% CI 75.8, 101.4). No significant differences in the mortality rates were observed between GCA patients (4.9 per 100 person-years [95% CI 4.1, 5.8]) and non-GCA subjects (5.6 [95% CI 4.7, 6.6]). No significant differences in causes of death were observed comparing GCA patients to non-GCA subjects. This large population-based study of biopsy-proven GCA confirmed the lower incidence of GCA in Mediterranean countries and did not observe any increased mortality risk.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Constitutive activation and clinical significance of Stat3 in human gastric cancer tissues and cell lines].
To investigate the activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (Stat3) in different types of gastric cancer cell lines and tissues and evaluate the relationship with their clinicopathological parameters. Western blotting and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were used to detected the expression of Stat3 protein and Stat3 DNA-binding activity in normal human gastric epithelial cell line 3T3 and five gastric cancer cell lines with different differentiation: MKN28, SGC7901, MKN45, AGS and NCI-SNU-1, respectively. The localization of phospho-Stat3 was determined by immunocytochemistry. The expressive intensity of phospho-Stat3 protein in 50 cases of gastric cancer tissues and adjacent normal mucosa were measured by immunohistochemistry. Compared with normal gastric epithelial cell line 3T3, elevated activities of Stat3 were found in five different human gastric cancer cell lines. The Stat3 DNA-binding activity in moderately and poorly differentiated stomach adenocarcinoma cell lines (SGC7901, MKN45 and AGS) was higher than that of other cell lines (MKN28 and NCI-SNU-1). Phospho-Stat3 was detected primarily in the nuclei of AGS cells. The expressive intensity of phospho-Stat3 protein was significantly increased in gastric cancer tissues as compared with the adjacent normal gastric mucosa, especially in moderately and poorly differentiated cancers (both P < 0.05). The expressive intensity of phospho-Stat3 protein in stage II and stage III tumors was higher than that in stage I tumors (P < 0.05). No statistic difference of phospho-Stat3 expression was found between stage IV and stage I tumors (P > 0.05). The expression of phospho-Stat3 was closely correlated with the differentiation of gastric cancer. Elevated activity of Stat3 can be found in different types of human gastric cancer cell lines and gastric cancer. JAK/STAT signal transduction pathway may play an important role in the development of human gastric cancer.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Serum biomarkers for diagnosis and monitoring viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Chronic liver disease due to viral hepatitis continues to be a major global health concern. Timely diagnosis and treatment will prevent cirrhosis, risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and requirement for liver transplantation. Numerous serum biomarkers are available for viral hepatitis that are helpful in diagnosis, measuring severity, progression of disease, evaluating the best therapeutic options, and monitoring antiviral treatment response. Determining the clinical use of available diagnostic tests can be challenging for the health care provider. Areas covered: This review article attempts to summarize the established and emerging serological markers for diagnosis and managing viral hepatitis. The literature search was performed in February 2018 and included MEDLINE and Embase databases for recent relevant literature on biomarkers for viral hepatitis. Expert Commentary: Despite the discovery of several candidate biomarkers, translating these to clinical practice in viral hepatitis and HCC remains challenging. While limited availability of the new biomarkers in prevalent geographic areas and significant cost remain major obstacles, there have been exciting developments in this field. Understanding the detection limits and sensitivity of these markers and translating them into clinical use is important in management of viral hepatitis and complications of liver disease such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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High frequency of virulence genes among Escherichia coli with the blaCTX-M genotype from diarrheic piglets in China.
The purpose of this study was to characterize the virulence potential and determine the molecular epidemiology of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) in CTX-M-producing Escherichia coli isolated from piglets with diarrhea in China. A total of 62 E. coli isolates were obtained among which 49 and 13 were collected from diarrheic and healthy piglets, respectively. Cefotaxime resistant strains were screened for the presence of ESBL, adhesin and exotoxin genes as well as for their biofilm-forming ability. Characterization of blaCTX-M plasmids was determined by conjugation along with the determination of genetic relatedness and plasmid replicon type. CTX-M producers were found in 36 isolates with 6 different subtypes: blaCTX-M-14,27,65 from CTX-M-9G (n=27) and blaCTX-M-55, 15,79 from CTX-M-1G (n=22). This also included 13 isolates that carried two different CTX-M genes. Thirty of 36 CTX-M producers and 12 of 13 multiple CTX-M alleles were confirmed from diarrheic piglets. The presence of the iron regulatory gene irp2 as well as EAST1 was found in 83.3% (25/30) of CTX-M-producing isolates from diarrheic piglets and these were significantly better biofilm formers. PFGE profiles of CTX-M-positive isolates indicated the spread of multidrug resistance was primarily horizontal and spread via transferable plasmids. Most blaCTX-M-9G genes (10/17) were located on the IncFIB type plasmid with sizes of 40-145 kb, while the blaCTX-M-1G (11/16) genes were located on the ∼ 100 kb IncN-type plasmid. Together, our findings demonstrate that CTX-M ESBL-producing E. coli from diarrheic piglets were associated with serious multidrug resistance, increased biofilm-forming ability and the irp2 gene of HPI. Our findings highlight the need to urgent control the spread of resistant strains through food chain.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The short chain fatty acids and lipopolysaccharides status in Sprague-Dawley rats fed with high-fat and high-cholesterol diet.
Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are produced by the gut microbiota during the fermentation of non-digestible polysaccharides. Diet is a major factor driving the composition and metabolism of the colonic microbiota. The aim of our study was to examine how a fat-rich and cholesterol-rich diet that, which leads to many metabolic disorders, affects the SCFA profile and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentration. The experiment was carried out on 72 male, 8-weeks-old Sprague-Dawley rats. The study group (n = 30 rats) received high-fat and high cholesterol diet (HFHCh). The control group (n = 30) received standard food for laboratory rats. The rats from study and control groups were sacrificed after 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks after start of dietary exposure. The analysis of SFA in feces was performed using gas chromatography (Agilent Technologies 1260 A GC). The exposure to high-fat and high-cholesterol diet was associated with significant changes in SCFA levels. Relative to the control, each of HFHCh subgroup revealed a statistically significant decrease in butyrate (12.5% ± 5.7% versus 32.8% ± 9.1%) and an increase in propionate level (45.4% ± 6.2% versus 19.14% ± 7.1%). The ratio of acetate: propionate: butyrate was also changed (from 1.1: 0.6: 1 for control groups to 3 : 3,6 : 1 for HFHCh groups). The main SCFA in the HFHCh group was propionate instead of acetate. The dietary exposure resulted in significant differences in LPS concentration. After 12 weeks of HFD exposure, LPS concentration was significantly higher compared to control groups (P < 0.05). Our study showed that HFHCh diet affected butyrate and propionate production associated with an increase in LPS secretion. The hypothesis that observed changes could result in intestinal imbalance secondary to gut barrier dysfunction requires further studies.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Determination of carotenoids in foods by high performance liquid chromatography].
Recent research on the types and contents of carotenoids in food emphasis has been increasingly placed on obtaining more accurate data. The analysis of carotenoids, however, is challenging because of the diversity and the presence of cis-trans isomers, in addition to the characteristic conjugated double bond system of carotenoids causing their particular instability, especially under light, heat, oxygen and acids. The determination of carotenoids and carotenoid ester in foods using high performance liquid chromatographic methods are reviewed. In addition, the sample extraction, treatment and some methods for chromatographic separation and analysis are briefly commented on.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Search for antifungal compounds from the wood of durable tropical trees.
Research on antifungal compounds from the durable wood from French Guiana Amazonian forest trees highlights the correlation between the activity of their extracts against wood-rotting fungi and human pathogens. The fractionation of an ethyl acetate extract of Sextonia rubra wood led to the isolation of rubrenolide (1) and rubrynolide (2). The potential of compounds 1 and 2 is described through the evaluation of their activity against 16 pathogenic fungi and their cytotoxicity toward NIH-3T3 mammalian fibroblast cells.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Relationship between serotonin and the temperament and character inventory.
The unified biosocial theory of personality, proposed by Cloninger, conceptualises personality as a combination of heritable, neurobiologically based traits (temperament dimensions), and traits reflecting sociocultural learning (character dimensions). The temperament dimensions are thought to be related to activity in specific central neurotransmitter systems. The relationship of the dimensions of the Temperament and Character Inventory, particularly harm avoidance (HA), and platelet 5-HT2 receptor sensitivity was investigated in a sample of undergraduate student volunteers (N = 49). Serotonin-receptor binding results in Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. The concentration of serotonin required to produce half maximal Ca2+ response (EC50) is indicative of 5-HT2 receptor sensitivity such that the lower the EC50 serotonin concentration, the greater the 5-HT2 receptor sensitivity. A significant inverse correlation was found between HA and EC50 (r = -0.644, P < 0.001). Self-directedness was also significantly correlated with EC50 (r = 0.391, P = 0.005). Novelty seeking, a personality trait similar to sensation seeking, was not significantly correlated with serotonin.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Realistic possibilities of utilization of a personal computer in the office of a general practitioner].
In May 1990 work on the programme "Computer system of the health community doctor Mic DOKI was" completed which resolves more than 70 basic tasks pertaining to the keeping of health documentation by health community doctors; it resolves automatically the entire administrative work in the health community, makes it possible to evaluate the activity of doctors and nurses it will facilitate the work of control organs of future health insurance companies and contribute to investigations of the health status of the population. Despite some problems ensuing from the contemporary economic situation of the country, the validity of contemporary health regulations and minimal training of our health personnel in the use of personal computers computerization of the health community system can be considered an asset to the reform of the health services which is under way.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Child victims and poly-victims in China: are they more at-risk of family violence?
Multiple forms of violence may co-occur on a child. These may include various forms of child victimization and different types of family violence. However, evidence that child victims are more likely to witness other types of family violence has been lacking in China. Using data of a large and diverse sample of children recruited from 6 regions in China during 2009 and 2010 (N=18,341; 47% girls; mean age=15.9 years), the associations between child victimization and family violence witnessed were examined. Descriptive statistics and the associations between child victimization, demographic characteristics, and family violence witnessed were analyzed. Lifetime and preceding-year rates were 71.7% and 60.0% for any form of child victimization and 14.0% and 9.2% for poly-victimization (having four or more types of victimization), respectively. Family disadvantages (i.e., lower socio-economic status, single parents, and having more than one child in the family) were associated with child victimization and poly-victimization. Witnessing of parental intimate partner violence, elder abuse, and in-law conflict also increased the likelihood of child victimization and poly-victimization, even after the adjustment of demographic factors. Possible mechanisms for the links between family violence and child victimization are discussed. The current findings indicated the need for focusing on the whole family rather than the victim only. For example, screening for different types of family violence when child victims are identified may help early detection of other victims within the family.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Lifestyle intervention for pre-diabetic neuropathy.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) as a sensitive measure of neuropathy change in patients with neuropathy associated with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) receiving lifestyle intervention based on that used in the Diabetes Prevention Program. We performed 3-mm skin biopsies with measurement of IENFD at the distal leg and proximal thigh at baseline and after 1 year in 32 subjects with IGT. Each received individualized diet and exercise counseling as a standard of care. Nerve conduction studies, quantitative sensory testing, quantitative sudomotor axon reflex testing, and the Michigan Diabetic Neuropathy score were performed, and a visual analog pain scale was completed. Two-hour oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) following the American Diabetes Association guidelines were performed, and serum lipid levels were measured at baseline and 1 year later. Baseline distal IENFD was 0.9 +/- 1.2 fibers/mm and proximal IENFD was 4.8 +/- 2.3 fibers/mm. Baseline distal IENFD correlated with fasting glucose (P < 0.001) and OGTT (P < 0.01). After 1 year of treatment, there was a 0.3 +/- 1.1-fiber/mm improvement in distal IENFD and a 1.4 +/- 2.3-fiber/mm improvement in proximal IENFD (P < 0.004). The change in proximal IENFD correlated with decreased neuropathic pain (P < 0.05) and a change in sural sensory amplitude (P < 0.03). These findings indicate that diet and exercise counseling for IGT results in cutaneous reinnervation and improved pain. Skin biopsy was the most sensitive measure of neuropathy change over 1 year. IENFD should be included as an end point in future neuropathy trials.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Do nutrients play a role in delirium?
This study will review the biologic roles of thiamine, niacin, folic acid, cobalamin, antioxidants, lipids, glucose, and water and their implications as contributors or causal agents in the development of delirium, particularly if deficiencies or excesses exist. Knowledge on how overall nutritional status and individual nutrients predispose or directly lead to the development of delirium is currently very limited. Most studies in the area of nutrition and cognition still describe mental status changes using the term dementia and do not specifically address nutrition and delirium. However, as the brain pathophysiology that accompanies delirium has been furthered elucidated, it has become clear that nutritional imbalances can lead to these same physiologic changes in neuronal tissue. Delirium, characterized by an acute change in mental status along with diminished awareness and attention and disturbances in memory, language, or perception, confers high rates of morbidity and mortality and can be difficult to both diagnose and treat. Although the cause of delirium is often multifactorial, nutritional status and nutrients may play a role in predisposing or directly causing this acute cognitive dysfunction. Many nutritional deficiencies or excesses (i.e., B vitamins, antioxidants, glucose, water, lipids) have been shown to alter the way one thinks and restoring the balance in many of these nutrients can lead to resolution of delirium.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The complete mitochondrial genome of Onychostoma barbatum of Youjiang River.
Onychostoma barbatum is an endemic species to China. In the present study, the complete mitochondrial genome of O. barbatum in Youjiang River was cloned and analyzed. The complete mitochondrial genome is 16 589 bp in length, with the base composition: A - 31.5%, T - 24.5%, C - 28.1%, and G - 15.9%. It had the typical vertebrate mitochondrial gene arrangement, including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and a D-loop region. The diversity of sequences and the phylogenetic tree approve that it has high similarity with that in Guijiang River. The mitochondrial genome would contribute to protection of the germplasm resources of O. barbatum and studying its population structure and dynamics in the future.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Synergistic control of CO2 emissions by fish and nutrients in a humic tropical lake.
Using experimental mesocosms, we tested the strength of bottom-up controls by nutrients and top-down controls by an omnivorous fish (Hyphessobrycon bifasciatus; family Characidae), and the interaction between them on the CO(2) partial pressure (pCO(2)) in the surface waters of a tropical humic lake (Lake Cabiúnas, Brazil). The experiment included the addition of nutrients and fish to the mesocosms in a factorial design. Overall, persistent CO(2) emissions to the atmosphere, supported by an intense net heterotrophy, were observed in all treatments and replicates over the 6-week study period. The CO(2) efflux (average ± standard error) integrated over the experiment was similar among the control mesocosms and those receiving only fish or only nutrients (309 ± 2, 303 ± 16, and 297 ± 17 mmol CO(2) m(-2) day(-1), respectively). However, the addition of nutrients in the presence of fish resulted in a high algal biomass and daytime net autotrophy, reducing the CO(2) emissions by 35% (by 193 ± 7 mmol CO(2) m(-2) day(-1)). These results indicate that high CO(2) emissions persist following the eutrophication of humic waters, but that the magnitude of these emissions might depend on the structure of the food web. In conclusion, fish and nutrients may act in a synergistic manner to modulate persistent CO(2) emissions from tropical humic lakes.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Perspectives on resilience for military readiness and preparedness: Report of an international military physiology roundtable.
Modern warfare operations often occur in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments accompanied by physical exertion, cognitive overload, sleep restriction and caloric deprivation. The increasingly fast-paced nature of these operations requires military personnel to demonstrate readiness and resiliency in the face of stressful environments to maintain optimal cognitive and physical performance necessary for success. Resiliency, the capacity to overcome the negative effects of setbacks and associated stress on performance, is a complex process involving not only an individual's physiology and psychology, but the influence of factors such as sex, environment, and training. The purpose of this moderated roundtable was to address five key domains of resiliency in a point/counterpoint format: physiological versus psychological resiliency, sex differences, contributions of aerobic and strength training, thermal tolerance, and the role of nature versus nurture. Each speaker was given three minutes to present and the moderator facilitated questions and discussion following the panel's presentation. The interconnectedness of the five domains highlights the need for an interdisciplinary approach to understand and build resilience to enhance military performance.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Clinical and economic outcomes of nutrition interventions across the continuum of care.
Optimal nutrition across the continuum of care plays a key role in the short- and long-term clinical and economic outcomes of patients. Worldwide, an estimated one-quarter to one-half of patients admitted to hospitals each year are malnourished. Malnutrition can increase healthcare costs by delaying patient recovery and rehabilitation and increasing the risk of medical complications. Nutrition interventions have the potential to provide cost-effective preventive care and treatment measures. However, limited data exist on the economics and impact evaluations of these interventions. In this report, nutrition and health system researchers, clinicians, economists, and policymakers discuss emerging global research on nutrition health economics, the role of nutrition interventions across the continuum of care, and how nutrition can affect healthcare costs in the context of hospital malnutrition.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Histopathologic study following optic keratoprosthesis. A case report].
The authors present the case history of a patient in whom an optical keratoprosthesis was implanted after recurrent corneal ulcers in aphakia at the age of 80. The globe was examined histologically post mortem. A solid retroprosthetic membrane, a hemorrhage in the vitreous and retinal detachment after trauma were found to be the causes of the visual disorder. Wound healing following implantation of a keratoprosthesis is discussed in the light of the histopathological findings.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Effect of polymorphisms in the FASN, OLR1, PPARGC1A, PRL and STAT5A genes on bovine milk-fat composition.
The aim of our study was to estimate effects of polymorphisms in the ATP-binding cassette G2 (ABCG2), fatty acid synthase (FASN), oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (OLR1), peroxysome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha (PPARGC1A), prolactin (PRL) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5A (STAT5A) genes on milk production traits and detailed milk-fat composition. Milk-fat composition phenotypes were available for 1905 Dutch Holstein-Friesian cows. First, the presence of each SNP in the Dutch Holstein-Friesian population was evaluated by direct sequencing of the PCR product surrounding the SNP in 22 proven Dutch Holstein-Friesian bulls. The ABCG2 SNP did not segregate in the bull population. Second, we genotyped the cows for the FASN(g.16024G>A), FASN(g.17924A>G), OLR1(g.8232C>A), PPARGC1A(c.1790+514G>A), PPARGC1A(c.1892+19G>A), PRL(g.8398G>A) and STAT5A(g.9501G>A) polymorphisms, and estimated genotype effects on milk production traits and milk-fat composition. FASN(g.17924A>G) and OLR(g.8232C>A) had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on milk-fat percentage. However, we were not able to confirm results reported in the literature that showed effects of all evaluated polymorphisms on milk-fat percentage or milk-fat yield. All polymorphisms showed significant effects (P < 0.05) on milk-fat composition. The polymorphisms in FASN and STAT5A, which had an effect on C14:0 and were located on chromosome 19, could not fully explain the quantitative trait locus for C14:0 that was previously detected on chromosome 19 in a genome-wide scan using linkage analysis.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Luminescence and energy transfer of color-tunable Li6Gd(BO3)3:Ce(3+), Tb(3+) phosphor.
A series of novel color-tunable phosphors of Ce(3+), Tb(3+)-codoped Li6Gd(BO3)3 was synthesized through a classic solid-state reaction. The color of these phosphors changes from blue to green by adjusting the ratio of Ce(3+) to Tb(3+). The photoluminescence properties of the synthesized phosphors were investigated, and several major emission bands that belong to Ce(3+) and Tb(3+) ions were irradiated with near ultraviolet light. Moreover, the energy transfer mechanism between Ce(3+) and Tb(3+) in Li6Gd(BO3)3 was explored. The photoluminescence decay curves were performed to validate the energy transfer. The analysis demonstrated that the energy transfer from Ce(3+) to Tb(3+) arose from dipole-dipole interaction with a critical distance of approximately 17.6 Å.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Recombinant cathepsin E has no proteolytic activity at neutral pH.
Cathepsin E (CatE) is a major intracellular aspartic protease reported to be involved in cellular protein degradation and several pathological processes. Distinct cleavage specificities of CatE at neutral and acidic pH have been reported previously in studies using CatE purified from human gastric mucosa. Here, in contrast, we have analyzed the proteolytic activity of recombinant CatE at acidic and neutral pH using two separate approaches, RP-HPLC and FRET-based proteinase assays. Our data clearly indicate that recombinant CatE does not possess any proteolytic activity at all at neutral pH and was unable to cleave the peptides glucagon, neurotensin, and dynorphin A that were previously reported to be cleaved by CatE at neutral pH. Even in the presence of ATP, which is known to stabilize CatE, no proteolytic activity was observed. These discrepant results might be due to some contaminating factor present in the enzyme preparations used in previous studies or may reflect differences between recombinant CatE and the native enzyme.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Myringosclerosis after tympanostomy tube insertion: relation with tube retention time and gender.
To determine relationship between myringosclerosis and tube retention time and sex in children with chronic otitis media with effusion who were treated with tympanostomy tube insertion. Also, the relationship between myringosclerosis both sex and initial age of tube insertion were investigated. A total of 101 children (195 ears) were reviewed. Ears were divided into four groups according to retention time of tympanostomy tubes. Group I: Retention time of tympanostomy tube less than 6 months. Group II: Retention time of tympanostomy tube from 6 months to 12 months. Group III: Retention time of tympanostomy tube of 12 months or more. Group IV: Myringotomy group without tympanostomy tube insertion. The order of the myringosclerosis rates were as follows from the highest to lowest one; group III (44.1%), group II (42.4%), group I (14.3%), and group IV (7.7%). Myringosclerosis was more common in group I compared with group IV, but the difference was statistically not significant (p>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in myringosclerosis rates between the group II and group III (p>0.05). On the other hand, statistically significant differences were observed in myringosclerosis rates between group I and group II (p<0.05), and between group I and group III (p<0.05); also similar significant differences were present in myringosclerosis rates between group IV and group II (p<0.05), and between group IV and group III (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between preschool age group and school age group. Myringosclerosis was observed in 40% of boys and in 51.2% of girls. Myringosclerosis is frequent in patients who underwent tympanostomy tube insertion. The frequency of myringosclerosis is much higher in tympanic membranes with tympanostomy tube insertion than tympanic membranes with myringotomy, and the location of sclerotic plaques does not always correspond to the tympanostomy area. The myringosclerosis rate was increased when the tympanostomy tubes stay on tympanic membrane for a long time. Highest myringosclerosis rates were observed if the extrusion time was 12 months or longer. In our analysis, sex and initial age of tube insertion were not significant factors for the development of myringosclerosis after extrusion of tympanostomy tubes.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Low HCV replication levels in end-stage hepatitis C virus-related liver disease.
The relationship between HCV RNA levels and the severity of HCV-related liver disease has been addressed in a few studies, which has led to conflicting results. To clarify this point, we studied serum HCV RNA levels in patients with HCV liver disease at various stages, using a second-generation branched DNA (bDNA) assay. One hundred and forty-eight patients with chronic HCV infection were classified into 3 groups: group A included 92 patients with chronic active hepatitis (CAH) without cirrhosis; group B included 30 patients with CAH and compensated cirrhosis; group C included 26 patients with end-stage cirrhosis. In all patients, serum HCV RNA was sought by qualitative PCR and quantified using second-generation bDNA assay. HCV RNA was also quantified after liver transplantation in 22 patients from group C. HCV genotype was determined in all patients. HCV RNA was detected by PCR in 100%, l00% and 92% of the patients from groups A, B and C, respectively (NS). The proportion of patients with HCV RNA levels higher than the cut-off of bDNA assay was significantly lower in patients from group C than in patients from groups A and B (50% vs 94% and 93% respectively, p<0.0001). The mean HCV viremia was lower in group C than in groups A and B (1.35+/-0.24 MEq/ml vs 5.00+/-6.04 MEq/ml and 5.85+/-7.70 MEq/ml, respectively, p<0.0001). This difference was independent of HCV genotype. In the patients from group C, post-transplant HCV RNA levels were significantly higher than pretransplant HCV RNA levels (14.90+/-26.40 vs 1.35+/-0.24 MEq/ml, p=0.0065). HCV RNA levels do not appear to differ significantly among patients with CAH with or without compensated cirrhosis. In contrast, HCV RNA levels seem to be significantly lower in patients with end-stage HCV-related liver cirrhosis. In these patients, high levels of replication are restored after liver transplantation, suggesting that low pretransplant viral loads are not due to the intrinsic characteristics of the infective viral strains, but rather to the severity of liver disease.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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A planned system of patient education.
A planned system of patient education is now used in more than 70 group clinics, hospitals, and other health care institutions. Essential features of this system are (1) a patient education center, (2) a patient educator, and (3) patient education programs. Structured programs are especially useful in the management of chronically ill patients. Patients have responded enthusiastically to this planned system. The response of physicians has ranged from enthusiastic to resistant.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Preliminary results of nonfluoroscopy-based 3D navigation for neurointerventional procedures.
To investigate the capabilities of a neurovascular navigation prototype in phantom experiments. The proposed navigation system integrates three-dimensional (3D) visualization of the anatomy and real-time electromagnetic localization of the endovascular tools. A 3D model of an endovascular phantom was reconstructed from thresholded preprocedural computed tomographic (CT) data. The vascular model was aligned with the reference frame of an electromagnetic tracker by using paired-point matching based on eight external fiducials. The robustness and accuracy of the registration were evaluated in 29 experiments. A magnetically tracked catheter was inserted into the carotid artery of the phantom, and the navigation system was used to reach five predefined vascular landmarks. The spatial accuracy of the prototype was evaluated during 50 endovascular targeting attempts. The navigation system achieved accurate co-registration of the location of a catheter inside a 3D reconstruction of a phantom vasculature. The experiments demonstrated the robustness of the registration, with a standard deviation for the translation and rotation components of 0.7 mm and 0.3 degrees , respectively. The maximal average error on the fiducials was 3.2 mm. Endovascular navigation by using the 3D real-time display was successfully performed with a mean overall accuracy of 2.7 mm +/- 0.7 and no projection limitation. The authors developed a navigation system that provides real-time 3D visualization of the position of endovascular components in a neurovascular phantom. The preliminary in vitro experiments showed clinically acceptable accuracy.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Cosmic ray effects on the eyes of rats flown on Cosmos No. 782, experimental K-007.
The eyes from six rats were fixed at the recovery site in Russia after they had circled the earth for 19.5 d in a 62.8 degree orbit. The eyes of six more flight rats were fixed 25 d later. These two preparations and eyes exposed to 1000 rad of neon and argon were compared to obtain data on possible radiation effects on the retina. Most of the flight eye tissue was normal; however, necrotic nuclei were found in the outer nuclear layer and channels were located in the outer segment area. Macrophages were seen between the pigment layer and outer segments. Comparison of the Day zero znd 25-d postflight eyes suggested some possible recovery. Light flashes seen by space travelers and damage from cosmic rays appear to arise from two different sites of interaction. The flashes are created by cosmic ray transversal of the outer segments while pathologic change, when it occurs, is quite possibly from interaction with some part of the nucleus. Nevertheless, direct interaction with other cellular components could also occur. Other factors, such as secondaries from spacecraft shielding, may play an important role.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Long-term outcomes for adult craniopharyngioma following radiation therapy.
We report long-term outcomes in adult patients with craniopharyngioma following surgery and radiation therapy (RT). Fifty-three patients treated with RT (median, 50 Gy in 25 fractions) between 1980 and 2009 with pathologically confirmed craniopharyngioma were reviewed (53% solid and 47% cystic/solid). The median age was 53 years (range, 22-76), 53% were female, 83% were sub-totally resected, 6% were gross totally resected and 11% had a biopsy and/or cyst aspiration alone. RT was delivered adjuvantly in 53% of patients as opposed to salvage intent upon progression. Median follow-up was seven years (86 months, range, 8-259). The 5- and 10-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 85% and 69%, overall survival (OS) rates were 76% and 70%, and cause-specific survival (CSS) rates were both 88%, respectively. Both univariable and multivariable analysis identified age (<53 or ≥53) as a prognostic factor for OS (p =0.0003) and CSS (p =0.05). PFS was observed to be worse in patients with >2 surgeries prior to RT (p =0.01). Neither the intent of radiation or tumor type (cystic vs. solid/cystic) were prognostic or predictive. New endocrinopathies and visual dysfunction were observed in 53% and 17% of patients post-surgery, and in 11% and 6% post-RT, respectively. We report long-term favorable PFS, CSS and OS for craniopharyngioma post-RT. We observe age as a significant prognostic factor, however, timing of radiation was not.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Visual and Refractive Outcomes in Manual versus Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Analysis of 1838 Eyes.
Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) has emerged as an alternative to manual cataract surgery (MCS) for corneal incision and capsulorhexis creation, as well as nuclear fragmentation. This study compares postoperative refractive and visual outcomes in eyes receiving MCS or FLACS. Single-center, comparative, retrospective cohort analysis. Consecutive eyes receiving FLACS and MCS from July 1, 2012, to July 31, 2015, at a single tertiary care center. Demographic data, ocular history, preoperative measurements and biometry, and postoperative surgical results were retrospectively obtained and statistically analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model adjusting for differences in baseline characteristics and within-patient correlation. A 2-tailed P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant throughout the study. Percentage of eyes achieving absolute error (AE) ≤0.5 diopters (D). Secondary outcomes included percentage of eyes with AE ≤0.25 D and ≤1.0 D, and percentage of distance-targeted eyes achieving uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 20/20 or better, 20/25 or better, and 20/30 or better. A total of 883 eyes received MCS and 955 received FLACS among 1089 patients. Some 82.6% of FLACS eyes and 78.8% of MCS eyes had ≤0.5 D of AE at 3 weeks, representing an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.28 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98-1.66) of FLACS relative to MCS being within target. Some 97.1% of FLACS and 97.2% of MCS eyes had ≤1.0 D of AE (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.57-1.60) and 49.3% of FLACS and 46.3% of MCS eyes, ≤0.25 D of AE (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 0.91-1.39). Factors predictive of a favorable refractive outcome included axial length between 22 and 24.8 mm, receiving a toric intraocular lens, less preoperative cylinder, and greater preoperative average keratometry. There was no significant difference in the percentage of patients targeted for distance who achieved UDVA of 20/20 or better (P = 0.30), 20/25 or better (P = 0.06), or 20/30 or better (P = 0.66) vision. Postoperatively, there was no statistically significant difference found between eyes undergoing FLACS and eyes undergoing MCS with respect to refractive and visual outcomes.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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FLEA: Fresnel-limited extraction algorithm applied to spectral phase interferometry for direct field reconstruction (SPIDER).
We present an extraction algorithm for spectral phase interferometry for direct field reconstruction (SPIDER) in the so-called X-SPIDER configuration. Our approach largely extends the measurable time windows of pulses without requiring any modification to the experimental X-SPIDER setup.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Functional dysconnection in the prefrontal-amygdala circuitry in unaffected siblings of patients with bipolar I disorder.
Bipolar I disorder (BD) is a highly heritable disorder characterized by mood swings between high-energy and low-energy states. Amygdala hyperactivity and cortical inhibitory hypoactivity [e.g., of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC)] have been found in patients with BD, as evidenced by their abnormal resting-state functional connectivity (FC) and glucose utilization (GU). However, it has not been determined whether functional abnormalities of the dlPFC-amygdala circuit exist in unaffected, healthy siblings of the patients with BD (BDsib). Twenty euthymic patients with BD, 20 unaffected matching BDsib of the patient group, and 20 well-matched healthy control subjects were recruited. We investigated seed-based FC (seeds: dlPFC) with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and GU in the regions of interest (e.g., dlPFC and amygdala) using (18) F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. The FC in the dlPFC (right)-amygdala circuit was statistically abnormal in patients with BD and BDsib, but only the patients with BD demonstrated hypoactive GU bilaterally in the dlPFC and hyperactive GU bilaterally in the amygdala. Facilitating differentiation between the BD groups, the altered FC between dlPFC (right) and amygdala (left) was even more prominent in the patients with BD (p < 0.05). There was a dysfunctional connection with intact GU in the dlPFC-amygdala circuit of the BDsib, which highlights the vulnerability in families with BD. Diminished top-down control from the bilateral dlPFC, which prevents adequate inhibition of limbic hyperactivity, might mediate the development of BD.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Corrigendum to "High glucose concentration-induced expression of pentraxin-3 in a rat model of continuous peritoneal dialysis".
This correct the article DOI: 10.14670/HH-11-756.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Molecular systematics of basal subfamilies of ants using 28S rRNA (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).
For many years, the ant subfamily Ponerinae was hypothesized to contain the basal (early branching) lineages of ants. Recently the Ponerinae were reclassified into six poneromorph subfamilies based on morphological analysis. We evaluate this new poneromorph classification using 1240 base pairs of DNA sequence data obtained from 28S rRNA gene sequences of 68 terminal taxa. The molecular tree supported the monophyly of the ant family Formicidae, with 100% parsimony bootstrap (PB) support and posterior probabilities (PP) of 1.00, with the ant subfamily Leptanillinae as a sister group to all other ants (PB=62, PP=93). However, our analyses strongly support the polyphyly of the Poneromorph subfamilies (sensu Bolton). The Ectatomminae and Heteroponerinae are more closely related to the Formicoid subfamilies than to the rest of the poneromophs (PB=96, PP=100). The Amblyoponinae (PB=52, PP=96), Paraponerinae (PB=100, PP=100), Ponerinae (PB<50, PP=71), and Proceratiinae (PB=98, PP=100) appear as distinct lineages at the base of the tree and are identified as a poneroid grade. Monophyletic origins for the poneroid subfamilies Amblyoponinae, Paraponerinae, Ponerinae and Proceratiinae are supported in our analysis. However, the genus Platythyrea forms a distinct sister group to the Ponerini within the Ponerinae. The Heteroponerinae, based on our sample of Heteroponera, are associated with the subfamily Ectatomminae (PB=98, PP=100). Furthermore, our data indicate the genus Probolomyrmex belongs to the Proceratiinae as suggested by recent morphological analysis (PB=98, PP=100).
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Iron and glucose affecting growth and haemolysin production in human strains of group B streptococci.
Seven strains of group B streptococci aetiologically related to humans were investigated in order to observe the role of glucose and medium iron on their growth and haemolysin production, and the necessity of a 'carrier' molecule to ensure the stability of the haemolysin. Both growth and haemolysin production were significantly influenced by glucose and medium iron concentrations. Iron concentrations between 5 and 7 micrograms/ml and 0.5% to 1% glucose were critical. Maximum haemolysin production (detected by lysis of sheep erythrocytes) was obtained during the late exponential phase of the growth cycle, but declined, producing sigmoidal-like curves as the organism entered the stationary phase. RNA-core, serum and bovine serum albumin, stabilizers of streptolysin S had no stabilizing effect for the haemolysin of group B streptococci. However, bovine serum albumin-starch mixture (0.5% bovine serum albumin and 0.5% starch in phosphate buffered saline or brain-heart infusion) was an effective stabilizer.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Outlining the morphological characteristics of acceptable occlusion.
The aim of this study was to outline the definitions of a morphologically acceptable occlusion in young adults that could be applied to assess the outcome and effectiveness of orthodontic treatment. The opinions of Finnish orthodontists and general practitioners were investigated for this purpose. A semi-structured questionnaire was sent to all health centres where at least one orthodontist was employed (n=37), to health centres without any orthodontist (n=31), to private orthodontists working as consultants (n=12) and to orthodontists working at university dental clinics (n = 13). The criteria for moderate and little orthodontic treatment need in the Need of Orthodontic Treatment Index (NOTI) and the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) were chosen to describe the basic characteristics of occlusal acceptability. The questionnaire was returned by 76 subjects (82%). The respondents' views on an acceptable occlusion in young adults were not totally in line with the chosen definitions. Only 16% of the respondents accepted the definitions of both indices as such; the criteria in NOTI were accepted by 25% and those in IOTN by 21% of the respondents. Functional considerations of the occlusion were the main reasons for the desire for further details in the description of an acceptable occlusion. Crossbites with a discrepancy between retruded contact position and intercuspal position were the least accepted anomalies. The opinions were statistically significantly associated with the level of the respondents' orthodontic education and their type of employment. We conclude that the selected definitions of NOTI and IOTN can serve as a basis for the characteristics of a morphologically acceptable occlusion in young Finnish adults, but measures of the functional aspects of occlusion must be added for studies on the outcome of orthodontic services.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Organizational-epidemiological aspects of prophylaxis of community-acquired pneumonias in Moscow military district].
The article presents broad information, which is the result of longstanding observation (2002-2006) There are also presented adequate financial data. The article unfolds peculiarities of multiyear and annual dynamics of morbidity rate by out-hospital pneumonias in Moscow military circuit, educes and proves the basic risk factors of disease, shows its value. The accent is made on military and study units. Recommendations on lowering morbidity rate by out-hospital pneumonias, existing in the article, are based on the own experience of the authors, their effectiveness is proved by real positive results.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Meningococcal disease at Tygerberg Hospital.
From June 1978 to November 1979, 298 patients with meningococcal disease were seen at Tygerberg Hospital, Parowvallei, CP. The manner of presentation, the diagnosis and some of the clinical features of these patients are reviewed and certain aspects discussed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The impact of bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer with an intact primary tumor: Results from a large prospective cohort study.
Debate continues regarding the benefits versus risks of initial resection of the primary tumor in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients with an asymptomatic primary tumor. Although the benefit of the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agent bevacizumab alongside first-line chemotherapy in mCRC is established, the impact of bevacizumab on the intact primary tumor (IPT) is less well understood. Data from an Australian mCRC registry were used to assess the impact of bevacizumab-based regimens in the presence of an IPT, to see if this differs from effects in resected primary tumor (RPT) patients and to understand the safety profile of bevacizumab in patients with IPT. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety endpoints were analyzed. Of 1204 mCRC patients, 826 (69%) were eligible for inclusion. Bevacizumab use was similar in both arms (IPT (64%) versus RPT (70%)); compared with chemotherapy alone, bevacizumab use was associated with significantly longer PFS (IPT: 8.5 months vs 4.7 months, P = 0.017; RPT: 10.8 months vs 5.8 months, P < 0.001) and OS (IPT: 20 months vs 14.8 months, P = 0.005; RPT: 24.4 months vs 17.3 months, P = 0.004)).1 Bevacizumab use in an IPT was associated with more GI perforations (4.5% vs 1.8%, P = 0.210) but less frequent bleeding (1.5% vs 5.3%, P = 0.050) and thrombosis (1.5% vs 2.7%, P = 0.470), versus chemotherapy alone. Median survival was equivalent between patients that did or did not experience bevacizumab-related adverse events - 20.0 months versus 19.9 months, hazard ratio = 0.98, P = 0.623.1 CONCLUSIONS: The addition of bevacizumab significantly improved survival outcomes in mCRC with an IPT. The occurrence of bevacizumab-related adverse events did not significantly impact survival outcomes.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Bacterial ABC transporters of iron containing compounds.
Iron acquisition is an essential aspect of cell physiology for most bacteria. Although much is known about how bacteria initially recognize the various iron sources they can encounter, whether siderophore, heme, host iron/heme binding proteins, much less is known about how the iron containing compounds (Fe2+, Fe3+, Fe3+-siderophore complex or heme) are transported across the cytoplasmic membrane. This last transport step is powered by specific ABC (ATP-Binding-Cassette) transporters, made up of a substrate binding protein (SBP) that delivers its cargo to the TMD (TransMembrane Domain) of the ABC transporter triggering the entry of the substrate inside the cytoplasm upon catalytic activity of the ABC module. This review focuses on structural aspects of the functioning of such ABC transporters with the most part devoted to the substrate binding proteins.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Hip fracture risk in patients with cirrhosis: does diabetes mellitus matter?
Insurance reimbursement claims data used in this study were available for public access. Patient identification numbers were scrambled to ensure confidentiality. Patient informed consent was not required. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of China Medical University and Hospital in Taiwan (CMUH-104-REC2-115). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Bilateral anterior elevation prosthesis boosts chondrocytes proliferation in mice mandibular condyle.
We aimed to develop a mouse model predominating in a proliferative response in the articular cartilage of the temporomandibular joints. Bilateral anterior elevation of occlusion was developed by installing metal tubes onto the incisors of mice with edge-to-edge relation to prevent tooth wear, leading to an increase in the vertical height of the dental occlusion with time. Morphological changes and expression changes in Cyclin D1, Aggrecan, and type II and type X collagen in the mandibular condylar cartilage were detected. In addition, cells were isolated from the mandibular condylar cartilage and exposed to cyclic tensile strain (CTS). Compared with age-matched controls, the tooth length was longer at 3 weeks, 7 weeks, and 11 weeks in BAE mice (p < 0.05), with increased condylar cartilage thickness, matrix amount, and cell number (p < 0.05). Compared with the deep zone cells, CTS stimulated the superficial zone cells to express a higher level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, Cyclin D1, Aggrecan, and type II collagen but a lower level of type X collagen and alkaline phosphatase. Bilateral anterior elevation stimulated the proliferative response in the mandibular condylar cartilage, offering a new therapeutic strategy for cartilage degeneration.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Epigenetic alteration of the Wnt inhibitory factor-1 promoter is common and occurs in advanced stage of Tunisian nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Activation of the wingless-type (Wnt) signaling pathway is common in cancers. The Wnt inhibitory factor-1 (WIF-1) is a secreted antagonist that acts by binding to Wnt ligands. We examined by methylation-specific PCR (MSP), whether WIF-1 is inactivated in 68 nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC), and 10 normal mucosa. We showed that the WIF-1 promoter was methylated in 89.7% of tumors, whereas all normal mucosa were unmethylated. The WIF-1 methylation was associated with the tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) (p = .003) and the age (p = .014). The Wnt-5a mRNA was higher in tumors and correlated with TNM (p = .012). The methylation of WIF-1 contributes to the activation of the Wnt pathway in NPC.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Late recovery following spinal cord injury. Case report and review of the literature.
The authors of this prospective, single-case study evaluated the potential for functional recovery from chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). The patient was motor complete with minimal and transient sensory perception in the left hemibody. His condition was classified as C-2 American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Grade A and he had experienced no substantial recovery in the first 5 years after traumatic SCI. Clinical experience and evidence from the scientific literature suggest that further recovery would not take place. When the study began in 1999, the patient was tetraplegic and unable to breathe without assisted ventilation; his condition classification persisted as C-2 ASIA Grade A. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed severe injury at the C-2 level that had left a central fluid-filled cyst surrounded by a narrow donutlike rim of white matter. Five years after the injury a program known as "activity-based recovery" was instituted. The hypothesis was that patterned neural activity might stimulate the central nervous system to become more functional, as it does during development. Over a 3-year period (5-8 years after injury), the patient's condition improved from ASIA Grade A to ASIA Grade C, an improvement of two ASIA grades. Motor scores improved from 0/100 to 20/100, and sensory scores rose from 5-7/112 to 58-77/112. Using electromyography, the authors documented voluntary control over important muscle groups, including the right hemidiaphragm (C3-5), extensor carpi radialis (C-6), and vastus medialis (L2-4). Reversal of osteoporosis and an increase in muscle mass was associated with this recovery. Moreover, spasticity decreased, the incidence of medical complications fell dramatically, and the incidence of infections and use of antibiotic medications was reduced by over 90%. These improvements occurred despite the fact that less than 25 mm2 of tissue (approximately 25%) of the outer cord (presumably white matter) had survived at the injury level. The primary novelty of this report is the demonstration that substantial recovery of function (two ASIA grades) is possible in a patient with severe C-2 ASIA Grade A injury, long after the initial SCI. Less severely injured (lower injury level, clinically incomplete lesions) individuals might achieve even more meaningful recovery. The role of patterned neural activity in regeneration and recovery of function after SCI therefore appears a fruitful area for future investigation.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Interaction of protein kinases A and C in their effects on the proenkephalin gene in astroglial cells.
In several cell types, the expression of the proenkephalin (PEnk) gene is enhanced after activation of protein kinase A. In the present study, astroglial cells cultured from rat cortex were used to investigate whether protein kinases A and C can act in a synergistic manner on the endogenous proenkephalin gene. The activator of protein kinase C tetradecanoylphorbolacetate (0.001-1 microM) increased the level of proenkephalin-mRNA in a concentration dependent manner. When used together with the phosphodiesterase inhibitor Rolipram (1 microM), the effect of tetradecanoylphorbolacetate (0.01 microM) was potentiated. 8-Bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (0.01-1 mM) also enhanced the expression of the proenkephalin gene. When used together with tetradecanoylphorbolacetate (0.01 and 0.1 microM), respectively, both agents had additive effects. Inhibition of protein synthesis with cycloheximide (35 microM) significantly changed the effects of both agents. While the effect of 8Br.cAMP (1 mM) on PEnk-mRNA was enhanced, that of tetradecanoylphorbolacetate (0.1 microM) was abolished. The results provide evidence for a synergistic effect of protein kinase A and C on the expression of the proenkephalin gene in astroglial cells. However, the protein kinases seem to act via different transcription factors on the expression of the proenkephalin gene.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Genetics of bipolar disorder: focus on BDNF Val66Met polymorphism.
Bipolar disorder is a chronic severe mood disorder that has been consistently demonstrated to have a strong inherited component. Traditional approaches to gene discovery have produced conflicting results regarding the association between genes and bipolar disorder. Numerous genes have been proposed as associated with bipolar disorder. This paper will focus on one of these, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is an interesting candidate gene for bipolar disorder because of its important role in the neurodevelopment of the CNS. Previous genetic work has identified a potential association between a Val66Met polymorphism in the BDNF gene and bipolar disorder. Meta-analysis based on all original published association studies between the Val66Met polymorphism and bipolar disorder up to May 2007 shows modest but statistically significant evidence for the association between the Val66Met polymorphism and bipolar disorder (random-effects pooled odds ratio [OR] = 1.13, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.04-1.23, Z = 2.85, P = 0.004) from 14 studies consisting of 4248 cases, 7080 control subjects and 858 nuclear families. Further large-scale studies are warranted to elucidate the relevant BDNF gene variation(s) that act as risk factors for bipolar disorder susceptibility.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Impact of tumor stroma on expression of the tumor bed effect in R1H rat rhabdomyosarcoma.
The impact of intratumoral stroma on the expression of the tumor bed effect was studied in R1H rat rhabdomyosarcoma. For this, either R1H tumors growing in subcutaneous tissues (in situ) were irradiated at median volumes of 40 mm3 with a single exposure of 15 Gy (200 kVp X rays), or fresh tumor fragments or cloned tumor cells cultured in vitro were transplanted into subcutaneous tissue 2 days after preirradiation with 15 Gy. The tumor bed effect was evaluated by the time necessary for experimental tumors to grow from 0.1 cm3 to 10 cm3. When irradiated in situ, R1H tumors expressed a clear-cut tumor bed effect. The growth rate was decreased by a factor of 1.8 +/- 0.2 compared to controls. A significant decrease in growth rate by a factor of 1.7 +/- 0.2 was also observed when cultured tumor cells were transplanted into preirradiated tissue. However, when tumor fragments were transplanted into preirradiated sites, no significant decrease in growth rate occurred in two independent experiments (1.0 +/- 0.1; 1.2 +/- 0.2). Our results indicate that vessels originating from the intratumoral stroma can modulate the expression of the tumor bed effect in R1H tumors.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Parameter for assessing parenteral cleanliness based on particle-size distributions.
A new parameter for assessing the particulate matter content of large-volume parenteral solutions was developed and tested. Some problems and shortcomings associated with previously proposed standards are discussed, together with the potential advantages of employing the proposed parameter. Cleanliness factors were compared with another parameter and were less susceptible to changes resulting from the method of measurement utilized and the premeasurement conditions encountered by the solution. The use of these cleanliness factors in conjunction with an automatic particle counter is proposed as a worthwhile supplement to the USP-NF standard for monitoring the quality of large-volume parenteral solutions.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Transcriptomic approach: A promising tool for rapid screening nanomaterial-mediated toxicity in the marine bivalve Mytilus edulis-Application to copper oxide nanoparticles.
The extensive development of nanotechnologies will inevitably lead to the release of nanomaterials (NMs) in the environment. As the aquatic environments represent the ultimate sink for various contaminants, it is highly probable that they also constitute a reservoir for NMs and hence aquatic animals represent potential targets. In a regulatory perspective, it is necessary to develop tools to rapidly screen the impact of NMs on model organisms, given that the number of NMs on the market will be increasing. In this context High Throughput Screening approaches represent relevant tools for the investigation of NM-mediated toxicity. The objective of this work was to study the effects of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) in the marine bivalve Mytilus edulis, using a transcriptomic approach. Mussels were exposed in vivo to CuONPs (10 μg·L-1CuO NPs) for 24 h and analysis of mRNA expression levels of genes implicated in immune response, antioxidant activities, cell metabolism, cell transport and cytoskeleton was investigated by qPCR on hemocytes and gills. Results showed common effects of CuONPs and its ionic counterpart. However, greater effects of CuONPs on GST, SOD, MT, Actin, ATP synthase gene expressions were observed compared to ionic form indicating that toxicity of CuONPs is not solely due to the release of Cu2+. Even though M. edulis genome is not fully characterized, this study provides additional knowledge on the signaling pathways implicated in CuONP-mediated toxicity and demonstrates the reliability of using a qPCR approach to go further in the cellular aspects implicated in response to NPs in marine bivalves.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Role of medial cortical, hippocampal and striatal interactions during cognitive set-shifting.
To date, few studies have examined the functional connectivity of brain regions involved in complex executive function tasks, such as cognitive set-shifting. In this study, eighteen healthy volunteers performed a cognitive set-shifting task modified from the Wisconsin card sort test while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging. These modifications allowed better disambiguation between cognitive processes and revealed several novel findings: 1) peak activation in the caudate nuclei in the first instance of negative feedback signaling a shift in rule, 2) lowest caudate activation once the rule had been identified, 3) peak hippocampal activation once the identity of the rule had been established, and 4) decreased hippocampal activation during the generation of new rule candidates. This pattern of activation across cognitive set-shifting events suggests that the caudate nuclei play a role in response generation when the identity of the new rule is unknown. In contrast, the reciprocal pattern of hippocampal activation suggests that the hippocampi help consolidate knowledge about the correct stimulus-stimulus associations, associations that become inappropriate once the rule has changed. Functional connectivity analysis using Granger Causality Mapping revealed that caudate and hippocampal regions interacted indirectly via a circuit involving the medial orbitofrontal and posterior cingulate regions, which are known to bias attention towards stimuli based on expectations built up from task-related feedback. Taken together, the evidence suggests that these medial regions may mediate striato-hippocampal interactions and hence affect goal-directed attentional transitions from a response strategy based on stimulus-reward heuristics (caudate-dependent) to one based on stimulus-stimulus associations (hippocampus-dependent).
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Validation of eating disorders examination questionnaire in Mexican women.
Efficient assessment of eating disorders (ED) is indispensable for research and clinical practice in Mexico. One of the most commonly used questionnaires, the EDE-Q, has a self-applicable questionnaire format with 28 questions and four subscales drawn from the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE), a semistructured interview developed to evaluate the specific symptomatology of eating disorders. Obtain the factorial structure and construct validity of the EDE-Q questionnaire in Mexican women. The language in the EDE-Q was adapted. It was applied to university students (N = 330) and a sample of patients with ED (N = 165) from two ED outpatient treatment services. The anthropometric data of the participants was obtained. Internal consistency was explored using the Cronbach's Alpha coefficient and a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted by group. Cronbach's alpha was 0.9 for the full scale in all groups, while the reliability of each of the subscales fluctuated between 0.8 and 0.9. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the fit of the seven-item model in three factors was better than that of the original 22-item one and that of the eight-item model for one factor. This study provides information supporting the seven-item and three-factor version, rather than the original or eight-item versions of the EDE-Q. In the future, the adapted version of the EDE-Q will make it possible to draw comparisons between Mexican samples in other socio-cultural contexts. Future research is required to continue refining the instruments to achieve more representative results from the general ED population.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Primary aldosteronism: diagnosis and noninvasive lateralization procedures.
In 72 patients with primary aldosteronism who were classified on the basis of adrenal pathology after adrenalectomy, analysis of routine clinical and laboratory data, of supine and upright plasma aldosterone, and of plasma renin activity were of limited value in differentiating patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma(s) (APA, n = 59) from those with idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia (IAH, n = 13). Normokalemic aldosteronism occurred in 6 patients (3 APA, 3 IAH). A correct classification of the adrenal lesion(s) was obtained in 80% of the patients by computed tomography and only in 69% by adrenal scintiscan. In addition, adrenal scintiscan was hampered by a relatively high rate of incorrect results independent of whether dexamethasone was used or not. Small adenomas (less than 1 cm) and more often adrenal hyperplasia may escape visualization by computed tomography.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Nilotinib reverses ABCB1/P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance but increases cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin in a MDR xenograft model.
The BCR-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), nilotinib, was developed to surmount resistance or intolerance to imatinib in patients with Philadelphia-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia. Recent studies have shown that nilotinib induces potent sensitization to anticancer agents by blocking the functions of ABCB1/P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in multidrug resistance (MDR). However, changes in P-gp expression or function affect the cardiac disposition and prolong the presence of both doxorubicin (DOX) and doxorubicinol (DOXol) in cardiac tissue, thus, enhancing the risk of cardiotoxicity. In this study, we used a MDR xenograft model to evaluate the antitumor activity, tissue distribution and cardiotoxicity of DOX when co-administered with nilotinib. This information will provide more insight into the pharmacological role of nilotinib in MDR reversal and the risk of DOX cardiotoxicity. Our results showed that nilotinib significantly enhanced DOX cytotoxicity and increased intracellular rhodamine 123 accumulation in MG63/DOX cells in vitro and strongly enhanced DOX inhibition of growth of P-gp-overexpressing MG63/DOX cell xenografts in nude mice. Additionally, nilotinib significantly increased DOX and DOXol accumulation in serum, heart, liver and tumor tissues. Importantly, nilotinib induced a disproportionate increase in DOXol in cardiac tissue. In the co-administration group, CBR1 and AKR1A1 protein levels were significantly increased in cardiac tissue, with more severe necrosis and vacuole formation. These results indicate that nilotinib reverses P-gp- mediated MDR by blocking the efflux function and potentiates DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. These findings represent a guide for the design of future clinical trials and studies of pharmacokinetic interactions and may be useful in guiding the use of nilotinib in combination therapy of cancer in clinical practice.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Dual-pump approach to photon-pair generation: demonstration of enhanced characterization and engineering capabilities.
We experimentally study the generation of photon pairs via spontaneous four-wave mixing with two distinct laser pulses. We find that the dual-pump technique enables new capabilities: 1) a new characterization methodology to measure noise contributions, source brightness and photon-collection efficiencies directly from raw photon-count measurements; 2) an enhanced ability to generate heralded single photons in a pure quantum state; and 3) the ability to derive upper and lower bounds on heralded-photon quantum state purity from measurements of photon-number statistics even in the presence of noise. Such features are highly valuable in photon-pair sources for quantum applications.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Crystal Structure of AhpE from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a 1-Cys peroxiredoxin.
All living systems require protection against the damaging effects of reactive oxygen species. The genome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the cause of TB, encodes a number of peroxidases that are thought to be active against organic and inorganic peroxides, and are likely to play a key role in the ability of this organism to survive within the phagosomes of macrophages. The open reading frame Rv2238c in M.tuberculosis encodes a 153-residue protein AhpE, which is a peroxidase of the 1-Cys peroxiredoxin (Prx) family. The crystal structure of AhpE, determined at 1.87 A resolution (R(cryst)=0.179, R(free)=0.210), reveals a compact single-domain protein with a thioredoxin fold. AhpE forms both dimers and octamers; a tightly-associated dimer and a ring-like octamer, generated by crystallographic 4-fold symmetry. In this native structure, the active site Cys45 is in its oxidized, sulfenic acid (S-O-H) state. A second crystal form of AhpE, obtained after soaking in sodium bromide and refined at 1.90 A resolution (R(cryst)=0.242, R(free)=0.286), reveals the reduced structure. In this structure, a conformational change in an external loop, in two of the four molecules in the asymmetric unit, allows Arg116 to stabilise the Cys45 thiolate ion, and concomitantly closes a surface channel. This channel is identified as the likely binding site for a physiological reductant, and the conformational change is inferred to be important for the reaction cycle of AhpE.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The prevalence of marijuana smoking in young adults with sickle cell disease: a longitudinal study.
The active ingredients of marijuana may have beneficial properties in the treatment of chronic pain and inflammation and is being used by sufferers of chronic pain and arthritis in some settings. Anecdotally, marijuana is believed by some sickle cell disease (SCD) patients to improve their health. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of marijuana smoking in the Jamaica Sickle Cell Cohort Study (JSCCS) in the years 2000 and 2004. The perception that marijuana use ameliorated the complications of SCD was also investigated. All patients in the JSCCS were invited to attend an annual review, and during the 2000 and 2004 reviews, participants with homozygous sickle cell (SS) disease and sickle cell haemoglobin-C (SC) disease were asked whether they smoked marijuana, and if they smoked, whether it was used for medicinal purposes related to SCD. The authors compared smoking prevalence by gender, disease, and year of review. The association of smoking with a measure of pain frequency was also examined. The prevalence of marijuana smoking was higher among men and among SC participants. The proportion of either gender reporting smoking of marijuana increased in 2004 compared to 2000, and this use was not related to a simple measure of clinical severity of SCD. Marijuana smoking is common in adults with SCD but its usage is unrelated to clinical severity of the disease.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The Meaning of Giving Birth: Voices of Hmong Women Living in Vietnam.
Increasing knowledge about the sociocultural context of birth is essential to promote culturally sensitive nursing care. This qualitative study provides an ethnographic view of the perspectives on birthing of Hmong mothers living in the highlands of Vietnam. Unique cultural beliefs exist in Hmong culture about the spiritual and physical world as well as ritual practices associated with childbearing. This includes variations of ancestor worship, reincarnation, and healing practices by shamans. Traditionally, Hmong families take an active role in childbirth with birth frequently occurring in the home. Situated within a large collaborative anthropology project, a convenience sample of 8 Hmong women, who had recently given birth, were interviewed regarding the perinatal experience. In addition, ethnic traditional birth attendants (midwives) and other village women contributed perspectives providing richly descriptive data. This ethnographic study was conducted during 6 weeks of immersed participant observation with primary data collection carried out through fieldwork. Data were analyzed to derive cultural themes from interviews and observations. Significant themes included (1) valuing motherhood, (2) laboring and giving birth silently, (3) giving birth within the comfort of home and family, (4) feeling capable of birthing well, (5) feeling anxiety to provide for another child, and (6) embracing cultural traditions. Listening to the voices of Hmong women enhances understanding of the meaning of childbirth. Gaining greater understanding of Hmong cultural beliefs and practices can ensure childbearing women receive respectful, safe, and quality care.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Relationship between the C5 peptides chemotactic for leukocytes and tumor cells.
A reciprocal relationship has been demonstrated between the generation of the leukotactic and the tumor cell chemotactic peptides from C5. Trypsin-produced C5 leukotactic peptides can be converted into tumor cell chemotactic factors by treatment with tumor cell extracts or by incubation with the alpha-globulin chemotactic factor inactivator (CFI) isolated from human serum. A similar CFI isolated from rat serum can, like the alpha-globulin CFI from human serum, generate the tumor cell chemotactic factor from the whole human serum. These results suggest that the tumor cell chemotactic factor derives from the same portion of the C5 molecule as the leukotactic peptide. Furthermore, it appears that the critical change may be cleavage of the amino-terminal portion of the leukotactic peptide. In addition, it has been shown that most normal tissues contain an enzyme-like material that is able to generate in normal human serum a factor chemotactic for tumor cells. The implications of these findings are discussed.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Emerging noninvasive biomarkers for early detection of Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis still depends on the triad of clinical, imaging and neuropsychological testing. The development of accurate, easy to use and inexpensive biological markers for AD is a long-standing aspiration for researchers and the medical community. Here we describe some of the recent advances in the field of biomarkers, both in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and in peripheral blood.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Development of heparin-conjugated nanofibers and a novel biological signal by immobilized growth factors for peripheral nerve regeneration.
Aligned fibers have been used as a scaffold of nerve guidance conduit owing to their guiding function of neural cells for peripheral nerve regeneration. However, the recovery performance of nerve guidance conduits using aligned fibrous scaffold is insufficient, and further improvements in scaffold function is required for promoting regeneration. In this study, we developed aligned heparin-conjugated fibers and supplied a biological signal to neural cells by the growth factors immobilized through heparin. Results indicated that neural model cells (PC12 cells) were cultured well on the scaffold without inhibiting cell adhesion by heparin conjugation and exhibited more vigorous cell proliferation than in a heparin-free condition. The cells extended their neurites along the fiber direction. Furthermore, PC12 cells on the heparin-conjugated fibrous scaffold pre-exposed to a nerve growth factor solution sprouted more neurites compared to those of heparin-free condition. These results verified that our scaffold exhibited high biocompatibility to neural cells and could maintain an effective local concentration of growth factors on the scaffold surface. Therefore, aligned heparin-conjugated fibers are promising scaffolds of nerve guidance conduits for promoting peripheral nerve regeneration by the combinatorial effect of topological and biological signals.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Characterisation and cooperative antimicrobial properties of chitosan/nano-ZnO composite nanofibrous membranes.
Chitosan was combined with nano-ZnO to increase its antimicrobial activity, using polyvinyl alcohol as a support, and then were electronspun to form composite nanofibres. Through SEM, EDX and XRD observations, chitosan was seen to be able to incorporate nano-ZnO in the composite nanofibres. Escherichia coli, expressing recombinant enhanced green fluorescent protein, and Candida albicans were used to test the antimicrobial efficacy of the newly synthesised chitosan/nano-ZnO antimicrobial composite. The CdTe quantum dots were used to rapidly detect the residual changes of C. albicans and determine the end point of using antimicrobial agents. Minimal minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), post-antibiotic effect and continuous agent effect of the composite were determined. The MIC of chitosan/nano-ZnO against C. albicans was 160μg/ml, close to the concentration of the treated composite with the lowest fluorescence intensity. The cell damage was observed by SEM, which indicated that nano-ZnO in the nanofibrous membranes played a cooperative role in the antimicrobial process of chitosan.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Submaximal primary angioplasty for symptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis: peri-procedural complications and long-term outcomes.
The aim of our study is to report the peri-procedural complications and long-term stroke recurrent rate of symptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) patients who underwent submaximal primary angioplasty. This is a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients in a single center who underwent submaximal primary angioplasty between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2015. The peri-procedural complications and long-term outcomes are reported. Primary angioplasty was successfully performed in 129 patients (97.0%). The mean degree of pre-procedural stenosis was 81.9 ± 10.2%, and the degree of residual stenosis was 40.7 ± 19.1%. There were nine (6.8%) peri-procedural complications within 30 days, including seven ischemic strokes, one subarachnoid hemorrhage, and one asymptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. None of them resulted in death. One-year follow-up was available in 122 patients (91.7%). Three more ischemic strokes (2.3%) which were in the territory of the treated artery occurred between 30 days and 1 year. The 1-year stroke and death rate was 9.0%, including peri-procedural stroke. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a 3-year stroke-free survival of 87.2%. Submaximal primary angioplasty can be performed with a low peri-procedural complication rate and relatively good clinical outcome at long-term follow-up for symptomatic ICAS patients.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Case-control study on therapeutic effects of elastic stable intramedullary nails in the treatment of stable and unstable fractures of femoral shaft in children].
To investigate curative effects of elastic stable intramedullary nails in the treatment of stable and unstable fractures of femoral shaft in children and to guide its clinical application. From January 2008 to October 2010,44 children with femoral shaft fractures were treated,including 24 boys and 20 girls,ranging in age from 5 to 12 years, with an average of 7.4 years. Based on the fractures stable or not, the patients were divided into stable fractures group(group S) and unstable fractures group (group U). All the children received the same operation to fix broken femoral with elastic stable intramedullary nails and some children received traction or small splint protection after operation when reduction and fixation were considered unsatisfied or his/her weight beyond 30 kg. During the followed-up, the healing time, irritation of the soft tissue (ache, cyst, t al), malunion (angulation above 5 degree in X-ray), limb shortening or lengthening and excellent and good rate were observed. All the patients were followed up,and the duration ranged from 5 to 19 months, with an average of 13 months. All the fractures were healed at the latest follow-up. The average healing time was 10.2 weeks (ranges, 8 to 14 weeks). The incidence rate of malunion was 23.8% in group U and the average angulation was 9 degree (6 to 12 degree), which was higher than those of patients in the group S (0%). The average healing time, limb shortening or lengthening, irritation of the soft tissue and the excellent and good rate between two groups had no significance differences, which were (10.6 +/- 1.3) vs. (9.9 +/- 1.2) weeks, 0 vs. 3 cases, 3 vs. 1 case and 2 vs. 4 cases respectively. In the group U, among 5 patients had malunion, 4 patients were not treated with traction or small splint protection,and the incidence was higher than those who were given traction or small splint protection. Both the stable and unstable femoral shaft fractures in children treated with elastic stable intramedullary nails can receive well short-term curative effects. If given certain postoperative protection like as traction or small splint, the malunion incidence can be reduced.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Effect of solvation-related interaction on the low-temperature dynamics of proteins.
The effect of solvation-related interaction on the low-temperature dynamics of proteins is studied by taking into account the desolvation barriers in the interactions of native contacts. It is found out that about the folding transition temperature, the protein folds in a cooperative manner, and the water molecules are expelled from the hydrophobic core at the final stage in the folding process. At low temperature, however, the protein would generally be trapped in many metastable conformations with some water molecules frozen inside the protein. The desolvation takes an important role in these processes. The number of frozen water molecules and that of frozen states of proteins are further analyzed with the methods based on principal component analysis (PCA) and the clustering of conformations. It is found out that both the numbers of frozen water molecules and the frozen states of the protein increase quickly below a certain temperature. Especially, the number of frozen states of the protein increases exponentially following the decrease in the temperature, which resembles the basic features of glassy dynamics. Interestingly, it is observed that the freezing of water molecules and that of protein conformations happen at almost the same temperature. This suggests that the solvation-related interaction performs an important role for the low-temperature dynamics of the model protein.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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The effect of platform switching on stress distribution in implants and periimplant bone studied by nonlinear finite element analysis.
It is unknown whether dental implant systems with a platform-switched configuration have better periimplant bone stress distribution and lead to less periimplant bone level changes. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively investigate interfacial stress and stress distribution in implant bone in 2 implant abutment designs (platform-switched design and conventional diameter matching) by using a nonlinear finite element analysis method. A finite element simulation study was applied to 2 commercially available dental implant systems: the Ankylos implant system with a reduced-diameter abutment (platform-switched implant) and the Anthogyr implant system with an abutment of the same diameter (regular platform implant). These 2 dental implant systems were positioned in a bone block, which was constructed based on a cross-sectional image of a human mandible in the molar region. In simulation, a single vertical load of 50 N, 100 N, or 150 N and horizontal loads of 50 N and 100 N were applied to the occlusal surface of the abutment. The finite element analysis found that the Ankylos implant system has a higher maximum von Mises stress in the implant abutment connection section and a lower maximum von Mises stress in the periimplant bone. The opposite results were found in the Anthogyr implant system. Lower stress levels in the periimplant bone with a more uniform stress distribution were found for the Ankylos implant system with a platform-switched configuration. Although relatively higher stress was found in the abutment, premature implant failure is not anticipated because of the high strength of titanium alloy.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Pre-operative starvation in children. The role of alanine in blood glucose homeostasis.
Ninety-two children aged between 8 months and 8 years were fasted overnight prior to surgery. Plasma glucose and alanine concentrations were measured after the induction of anaesthesia. Of 30 children under four years, 23% had plasma glucose concentrations less than 3.3 mmol/litre. Underweight children were particularly at risk. The mean plasma alanine was low (0.17 mmol/litre) indicative of a shortfall in this essential substrate for gluconeogenesis. This probably reflects the greater obligatory glucose need of young children relative to their body protein mass.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Elastostatics of a spherical inclusion in homogeneous biological media.
A three-dimensional spherical inclusion model that approximates a lesion bonded to a tissue matrix is proposed for biomedical elastography. Analytical formulae describing spatial strain and stress distributions generated in infinite media by uniform loading are given under a linear, homogeneous, isotropic elasticity assumption. Strain and stress distributions are also calculated using finite-element analysis (FEA) for a variety of cases to determine the effects of shear modulus distribution, external loading conditions (uniform stress versus uniform displacement), compressor size and matrix dimensions on the elastostatics of the tissue. Analytical strain and stress predictions are shown to agree with the FEA results to within 10% accuracy provided that the matrix dimensions are at least ten times that of the inclusion. Also for these cases, uniform-stress boundary conditions can be equivalently represented by uniform displacement of the boundary. Spherical inclusions exhibit a lower efficiency for transferring elastic shear modulus contrast into strain contrast than cylindrical or planar inclusions. Additional compression will increase the strain contrast. However, large compressions also lead to increases in ultrasonic signal decorrelation and strain and stress concentrations in the homogeneous matrix around the inclusion. Although strain concentrations may help describe the boundaries of the inclusion more clearly, they also increase the risk of damaging the tissue. Understanding the strain and stress distributions in a biological tissue containing a lesion is necessary for optimizing the experimental configurations and consequently improving the diagnostic values of elasticity imaging.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Control of protein synthesis in eukaryote cells].
In the present report, the following aspects of the control of gene expression in eukaryote cells has been reviewed: 1) the mechanism of mRNA formation in relation to recent findings on introns in genes; 2) the correlation between the concentration of mRNAs in cells and the rate of synthesis of the related proteins; 3) the control of specific transcription; 4) the stabilization of specific mRNAs; 5) the involvement of genome rearrangement as a possible mode of controlling gene expression; 6) the mechanism of hormonal control of specific gene expression.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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[Distribution pattern of neutral sugar in forest soils along an altitude gradient in Changbai Mountains, Northeast China].
In July 2010, soil samples were collected from five typical forests (Pinus koraiensis and broadleaved mixed forest, Picea and Abies forest, Larix and Abies forest, Betula ermanii forest, and alpine tundra) along an altitude gradient on the northern slope of Changbai Mountains to investigate the distribution and quantity of neutral sugar in the soils and related affecting factors. The origins of the neutral sugar were differentiated to probe into the biochemical accumulation mechanisms of soil organic matter. There was a significant difference in the neutral sugar content among the forest soils. The relative content of soil neutral sugar' s carbon to soil organic carbon ranged in 80.55-170.63 mg C x g(-1), and tended to be increased with elevated altitude. The multiple regression analysis showed that the mean temperature in growth season was the main factor affecting the relative content of soil neutral sugar, and low temperature was conducive to the accumulation of neutral sugar. The ratio of (galactose + mannose) / (arabinose + xylose) in the five soils was around 1.62-2.28, and had an increasing trend with elevated altitude, illustrating that the contribution of soil microbial neutral sugar to soil organic matter increased with elevated altitude. Soil microbial metabolic quotient declined significantly along elevated altitude, suggesting that in low temperature environment, soil microbial activity decreased but the carbon utilization efficiency enhanced. As a result, a significant portion of decomposed plant residues was transformed into microbial neutral sugar and accumulated stably in soil, and thus, increased the proportion of soil microbial neutral sugar.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Nutrition in Renal Supportive Care: Patient-driven and flexible.
Renal Supportive Care is an alternative treatment pathway in advanced chronic kidney disease that is being increasingly adopted, particularly in the elderly. Renal Supportive Care uses principles of palliative care and has been developed to enhance the care for dialysis patients with a high symptom burden and those being managed on a non-dialysis pathway. Nutrition management is often an under-recognized component of care and can play an important role in improving patients' quality of life to reduce symptom burden, support physical function and independence and provide appropriate counselling to patients and their families to ensure the goals of Renal Supportive Care are met. Nutrition interventions need to target patient and treatment goals, with frequent monitoring to ensure patient needs are being met. This review outlines available literature on this topic and suggests some practical ways in which nutrition can be enhanced for these patients.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Safety profile of sparfloxacin, a new fluoroquinolone antibiotic.
The safety profile of sparfloxacin, a newer fluoroquinolone antibiotic, was examined through an integrated analysis of safety data from 6 multicenter phase III trials. These consisted of 5 double-masked, randomized, comparative trials of sparfloxacin (a 400-mg oral loading dose followed by 200 mg/d for 10 days) versus standard therapies (erythromycin, cefaclor, ofloxacin, clarithromycin, and ciprofloxacin) and I open-label trial (noncomparative) in patients with: community-acquired pneumonia (2 trials); acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (1 trial); acute maxillary sinusitis (2 trials, one of which was the noncomparative trial); and complicated skin and skin-structure infections (1 trial). Overall, 401 (25.3%) of 1585 patients treated with sparfloxacin and 374 (28.1%) of 1331 receiving a comparator regimen experienced at least 1 adverse event considered to be related to the study medication. Photosensitivity reactions, usually of mild-to-moderate severity, were seen more frequently with sparfloxacin (7.4%) than with comparator agents (0.5%), whereas gastrointestinal reactions (diarrhea, nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, vomiting, and flatulence), insomnia, and taste perversion were more common in patients taking comparator drugs (22.3% vs 12.1%, 4.3% vs 1.5%, and 2.9% vs 1.2%, respectively). Analysis of electrocardiographic findings showed that the mean change from baseline in QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc) was significantly greater in sparfloxacin-treated patients (10 msec) than in patients given comparator drugs (3 msec), but no associated ventricular arrhythmias were detected. Adverse events led to discontinuation of study medication in 104 (6.6%) patients receiving sparfloxacin and 118 (8.9%) given com parator drugs. Sparfloxacin may be considered an appropriate choice for the treatment of certain community-acquired infections for patients who are not at risk for photosensitivity reactions or adverse events associated with prolongation of the QTc interval.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Assessment of microbial viability in municipal sludge following ultrasound and microwave pretreatments and resulting impacts on the efficiency of anaerobic sludge digestion.
A range of ultrasonication (US) and microwave irradiation (MW) sludge pretreatments were compared to determine the extent of cellular destruction in micro-organisms within secondary sludge and how this cellular destruction translated to anaerobic digestion (AD). Cellular lysis/inactivation was measured using two microbial viability assays, (1) Syto 16® Green and Sytox® Orange counter-assay to discern the integrity of cellular membranes and (2) a fluorescein diacetate assay to understand relative enzymatic activity. A range of MW intensities (2.17-6.48 kJ/g total solids or TS, coinciding temperatures of 60-160 °C) were selected for comparison via viability assays; a range of corresponding US intensities (2.37-27.71 kJ/g TS, coinciding sonication times of 10-60 min at different amplitudes) were also compared to this MW range. The MW pretreatment of thickened waste activated sludge (tWAS) caused fourfold to fivefold greater cell death than non-pretreated and US-pretreated tWAS. The greatest microbial destruction occurred at MW intensities greater than 2.62 kJ/g TS of sludge, after which increased energy input via MW did not appear to cause greater microbial death. In addition, the optimal MW pretreatment (80 °C, 2.62 kJ/g TS) and corresponding US pretreatment (10 min, 60 % amplitude, 2.37 kJ/g TS) were administered to the tWAS of a mixed sludge and fed to anaerobic digesters over sludge retention times (SRTs) of 20, 14, and 7 days to compare effects of feed pretreatment on AD efficiency. The digester utilizing MW-pretreated tWAS (80 °C, 2.62 kJ/g TS) had the greatest fecal coliform removal (73.4 and 69.8 % reduction, respectively), greatest solids removal (44.2 % TS reduction), and highest overall methane production (248.2 L CH4/kg volatile solids) at 14- and 7-day SRTs. However, despite the fourfold to fivefold increases in cell death upon pretreatment, improvements from the digester fed MW-pretreated sludge were marginal (i.e., increases in efficiency of less than 3-10 %) and likely due to a smaller proportion of cells (10-20 %) in the polymeric network and mixed sludge fed to digesters.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Autonomic response in depersonalization disorder.
Emotional-processing inhibition has been suggested as a mechanism underlying some of the clinical features of depersonalization and/or derealization. In this study, we tested the prediction that autonomic response to emotional stimuli would be reduced in patients with depersonalization disorder. The skin conductance responses of 15 patients with chronic depersonalization disorder according to DSM-IV, 15 controls, and 11 individuals with anxiety disorders according to DSM-IV, were recorded in response to nonspecific elicitors (an unexpected clap and taking a sigh) and in response to 15 randomized pictures with different emotional valences: 5 unpleasant, 5 pleasant, and 5 neutral. The skin conductance response to unpleasant pictures was significantly reduced in patients with depersonalization disorder (magnitude of 0.017 micro siemens in controls and 0.103 micro siemens in patients with anxiety disorders; P =.01). Also, the latency of response to these stimuli was significantly prolonged in the group with depersonalization disorder (3.01 seconds compared with 2.5 and 2.1 seconds in the control and anxiety groups, respectively; P =.02). In contrast, latency to nonspecific stimuli (clap and sigh) was significantly shorter in the depersonalization and anxiety groups (1.6 seconds) than in controls (2.3 seconds) (P =.03). In depersonalization disorder, autonomic response to unpleasant stimuli is reduced. The fact that patients with depersonalization disorder respond earlier to a startling noise suggests that they are in a heightened state of alertness and that the reduced response to unpleasant stimuli is caused by a selective inhibitory mechanism on emotional processing.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
EGFR T790M resistance mutation in non small-cell lung carcinoma.
Lung cancer patients carrying sensitive epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations show dramatic responses to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, the majority of patients whose disease responds to drugs eventually develop resistance to these EGFR-TKIs. The T790M gatekeeper mutation in the EGFR tyrosine kinase domain accounts for half of resistance to these drugs. In some patients, this mutation is also detected as a primary event before drug exposure, at a frequency that is highly dependent on the technique used. This review will focus on the methods that have been used to detect the T790M mutation, and its potential clinical applications both in TKI naïve patients and in patients with an acquired resistance.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Increased ethanol intake and preference in cyclin D2 knockout mice.
Inhibitory effects of passive ethanol exposure on brain neurogenesis have been extensively documented in animal models. In contrast, a role of brain neurogenesis in ethanol self-administration has not been addressed, as yet. The aim of this study was to assess intake of, and preference for, ethanol solutions [2-16% (v/v)] in a mouse model of adult neurogenesis deficiency based on permanent knockout (KO) of cyclin D2 (Ccnd2). Wild type (WT) and Ccnd2 KO mice did not differ in 2% and 4% ethanol intake. The KO group consumed significantly more ethanol in g/kg when offered with 8% or 16% ethanol as compared with the WT controls. The WT and KO mice did not differ in 2% ethanol preference, but the KO group showed a significantly higher preference for 4-16% ethanol. Animal and human studies have suggested that the low level of response to the sedative/hypnotic effects of alcohol is genetically associated with enhanced alcohol consumption. However, in this study, there were no between-genotype differences in ethanol-induced loss of righting reflex. Previous reports have also suggested that high ethanol intake is genetically associated with the avidity for sweets and better acceptance of bitter solutions. However, the KO and WT mice consumed similar amounts of saccharin solutions and the KOs consumed less quinine (i.e. bitter) solutions as compared with the WTs. In conclusion, these results may indicate that Ccnd2 and, possibly, brain neurogenesis are involved in central regulation of ethanol intake in mice.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Dentin regeneration using deciduous pulp stem/progenitor cells.
Reparative dentin formation is essential for maintaining the integrity of dentin structure during disease or trauma. In this study, we investigated stem/progenitor cell-based tissue engineering for dentin regeneration in a large animal model. Porcine deciduous pulp stem/progenitor cells (PDPSCs) were mixed with a beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffold for dentin regeneration. Different concentrations of PDPSCs were tested to determine the optimal density for dentin regeneration. Aliquots of 5×10(5) PDPSCs in 1 mL resulted in the highest number of cells attached to the scaffold and the greatest alkaline phosphatase activity. We labeled PDPSCs with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and used the optimal cell numbers mixed with β-TCP to repair pulp chamber roof defects in the premolars of swine. Four weeks after transplantation, GFP-positive PDPSCs were observed in PDPSC-embedded scaffold constructs. At 16 weeks after transplantation, the PDPSCs mixed with β-TCP significantly regenerated the dentin-like structures and nearly completely restored the pulp chamber roof defects. This study demonstrated that the PDPSC/scaffold construct was useful in direct pulp-capping and provides pre-clinical evidence for stem/progenitor cell-based dentin regeneration.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Pure dysgraphia with relative sparing of lower-case writing.
We describe the cognitive analysis of a patient with acquired pure dysgraphia. She presented a peculiar dissociation between lower- and upper-case handwriting: lower-case writing was relatively spared and showed a significant superiority of words versus nonwords. Upper-case writing and oral spelling did not show lexical effects, but were affected by item length. In all modalities errors consisted mainly of single graphemic substitutions, deletions, insertions and transpositions, resulting in legal or illegal nonwords, and showed a similar distribution across letter positions. These findings were suggestive of an impairment of the graphemic output buffer, which however revealed itself to different degrees in the two handwriting styles.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Association of Serum Interleukin-28B with Clinical Features, Laboratory Values and Radiographic Score in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.
Interleukin-28B (IL-28B) is a member of the interferon lambda family (also known as type III interferons), it has already been studied in many diseases, but it has almost never been studied in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). With this background, we determined the serum levels of IL-28B in RA patients and investigated its clinical significances. IL-28B levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 80 RA patients and 80 healthy controls. Radiographs were scored for total Sharp score (TSS). Serum IL-28B levels were significantly lower in the RA than in the control (p = 0.02). Anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies and rheumatoid factor (RF) were negatively correlated with serum IL-28B levels. There was no association between serum IL-28B levels and TSS at baseline, but there was a significant difference in change of IL-28B during 6 months follow up between progressors and non-progressors. The disease activity of RA patients decreased, but no difference was observed in serum IL-28B levels between before and after disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) therapy. These findings indicated a role of IL-28B in RA and it may contribute to avoiding osteoclasia in RA patients.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Human monocytic ehrlichiosis.
A 56-year-old man with a history of Wegener granulomatosis presented with 6 days of sinus congestion, fever, malaise, myalgias, episcleritis, and a morbilliform rash. An exacerbation of Wegener granulomatosis was the principal concern because of the frequency of flares in that disease. The patient developed acute renal failure, thrombocytopenia, transaminitis, and, finally, severe myocarditis that led to congestive heart failure. Additional history-taking and the evolution of his clinical features led to empirical treatment with doxycycline for human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME). The diagnosis of HME was confirmed by both a polymerase chain reaction assay for Ehrlichia chaffeensis and by the demonstration of morulae within peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The patient improved promptly following institution of doxycycline, and his cardiac function returned to normal over a period of 4 months.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
Establishment of a lipid accumulation model in an insect cell line.
The study of adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation in insects has been limited by the lack of a system suitable for analysis of molecular mechanisms. Here, we describe the establishment of a model system of lipid accumulation in BmN4 cells, which are derived from silkworm ovary. In BmN4 cells, dexamethasone treatment induced accumulation of lipid, suppressed cellular proliferation, and caused the cells to form aggregates. We isolated the Bombyx mori fatty acid binding protein 1 gene (BmFABP1), which is the silkworm homologue of mouse Fabp4 (aP2), a marker of adipocyte differentiation in mammals. BmFABP1 expression was increased by dexamethasone treatment. We also isolated the BmFABP1 promoter, and found that it was activated by a combination of drugs that included dexamethasone. The demonstration of dexamethasone-stimulated lipid accumulation and BmFABP1 expression in BmN4 cells provides a useful model of inducible adipogenesis. This system should be valuable for investigation of the molecular mechanisms of fat body formation, adipocyte differentiation, and lipid accumulation in the silkworm and other Lepidopteran insects.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
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Structure of two adenovirus type 12 transforming polypeptides and their evolutionary implications.
The human adenoviruses are classified according to their nucleotide sequence homology and their oncogenic potential in rodents. The left-hand end of the genome of the adenovirus types 5 (ad5), 7 (ad7) and 12 (ad12), which are respectively, non-oncogenic (subgroup C), weakly oncogenic (subgroup B) and highly oncogenic (subgroup A), contains all the genetic information needed to induce and maintain the transformed phenotype. This part of the genome contains the early transcription unit designated E1 which is subdivided in two transcription units E1A and E1B. Two spliced mRNAs are transcribed from the E1A region which codes for several phosphorylated polypeptides. These polypeptides play a key role by controlling the expression of the other early transcription units. The major role of region E1A in adenovirus cell transformation might not be activate the true transforming genes of the region E1B. An additional role probably consists of the activation of some cellular genes as a restriction fragment containing this region can immortalize rodent cells in vitro. An important question is why some adenoviruses are oncogenic and others are not. We report here differences in the structures of the E1A polypeptides from ad7 and ad12, compared to ad5, which may partially account for their differing oncogenicity.
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{
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
}
|
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